Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of 01st February 2026. Daily GK quiz online for bank & competitive exam. Here we have given the Daily Current Affairs Quiz based on the previous days Daily Current Affairs updates. Candidates preparing for IBPS, SBI, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 & other competitive exams can make use of these Current Affairs Quiz.

 

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1) Which regulatory lapse led the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to impose a monetary penalty of ₹2.70 lakh on Northern Arc Capital Limited?

(a) Violation of capital adequacy norms

(b) Failure to implement IT system for reporting suspicious transactions

(c) Non-payment of statutory liquidity ratio (SLR)

(d) Irregularities in loan disbursement to MSMEs

(e) Breach of foreign exchange management guidelines

2) Which former Finance Minister of India presented the Union Budget the maximum number of times overall, though not consecutively?

(a) Nirmala Sitharaman

(b) P. Chidambaram

(c) C. D. Deshmukh

(d) Morarji Desai

(e) Yashwant Sinha

3) Under the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) between India and the World Bank Group, which of the following is the annual financing commitment for the next five years?

(a) $8–10 billion

(b) $4–6 billion

(c) $6–8 billion

(d) $2–4 billion

(e) $12–15 billion

4) Who has been appointed as the Chairman of the Reinsurance Advisory Committee (RAC) reconstituted by Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)?

(a) Ajay Banga

(b) T. V. Narendran

(c) A. V. Girija Kumar

(d) Subhash Chandra Khuntia

(e) Debasish Panda

5) According to SBI estimates, what is the lendable opportunity from the sunrise sectors targeted by CHAKRA(Centre of Excellence)  over the next five years?

(a) ₹5–7 trillion

(b) ₹10–12 trillion

(c) ₹15–17 trillion

(d) ₹20–22 trillion

(e) ₹30–35 trillion

6) What is the key unique feature of Slice Small Finance Bank’s new Digital Savings Account?

(a) It offers zero-balance accounts with no KYC

(b) It is linked to 100% of RBI’s Repo rate

(c) It is linked to 50% of RBI’s Repo rate

(d) It provides interest only on minimum balance

(e) It is exclusively for senior citizens

7) What is the name of the first USD-backed stablecoin approved by the UAE Central Bank?

(a) USDC

(b) Tether (USDT)

(c) DirhamCoin

(d) PayUSD

(e) USDU

8) Which fintech startup received the Payment Aggregator–Physical (PA-P) licence from the RBI to operate as an offline payment aggregator?

(a) Paysharp

(b) PhonePe

(c) Razorpay

(d) Paytm

(e) BharatPe

9) What is the theme of the 6th National Crop Nutrition Summit 2026 to be held in Mumbai?

(a) Sustainable Agriculture for Future India

(b) Precision Farming and Digital Agriculture

(c) Converge, Collaborate and Co-create

(d) Soil Health and Organic Inputs

(e) Innovation in Fertilizer Manufacturing

10) Which of the following wetlands were recently added to India’s Ramsar List, increasing the total number of Ramsar sites to 98?

(a) Keoladeo National Park and Chilika Lake

(b) Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand

(c) Loktak Lake and Wular Lake

(d) Deepor Beel and Bhoj Wetland

(e) Sultanpur and Harike Wetland

11) How many route kilometres of Kavach Version 4.0 were commissioned by Indian Railways in a single day, setting a new national record?

(a) 324 km

(b) 350 km

(c) 400 km

(d) 450 km

(e) 472.3 km

12) Under which Article of the Indian Constitution did the Supreme Court declare menstrual health and hygiene as a fundamental right?

(a) Article 14

(b) Article 19

(c) Article 20

(d) Article 21

(e) Article 32

13) Where was the 100-metre-long steel bridge for the Bullet Train Project constructed?

(a) Surat–Vadodara

(b) Mumbai–Ahmedabad

(c) Mumbai–Pune

(d) Delhi–Agra

(e) Chennai–Bangalore

14) Which of the following statements about Assam’s Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme is incorrect?

(a) The scheme provides one-time financial assistance to tea garden workers.

(b) It was launched by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

(c) Each beneficiary will receive ₹10,000 under the scheme.

(d) The scheme covers over six lakh tea garden workers across 836 tea gardens.

(e) Both permanent and casual labourers are eligible for the benefit.

15) Which of the following statements about the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards 2016–2022 is incorrect?

(a) Vikram Prabhu won Best Actor for Sirai (2021).

(b) Dhanush won Best Actor for Vada Chennai (2018).

(c) Sai Pallavi won Best Actress for the film Gargi.

(d) The awards ceremony will be held on 13 February 2026 at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai.

(e) Tamil Nadu State Film Awards are among the oldest state-level cinema honours in India.

16) Which state was awarded Best State for Promotion of Aviation Ecosystem at Wings India 2026?

(a) Himachal Pradesh

(b) Maharashtra

(c) Karnataka

(d) Telangana

(e) Uttarakhand

17) Who became the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra in 66 years?

(a) Supriya Sule

(b) Sunetra Pawar

(c) Amruta Fadnavis

(d) Pankaja Munde

(e) Rohini Khadse

18) Who became the first woman Archbishop of Canterbury in the 1,400-year history of the Church of England?

(a) Sarah Mullally

(b) Angela Tilby

(c) Libby Lane

(d) Rachel Treweek

(e) Joanna Penberthy

19) Who has been appointed as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)?

(a) D.K. Sunil

(b) R. Madhavan

(c) Kota Ravi

(d) T. Suvarna

(e) V. Narayanan

20) Which VTOL Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) has the Indian Army signed an agreement to procure from Shield AI for manufacture in India?

(a) MQ-9 Reaper

(b) Rustom-II

(c) Heron TP

(d) V-BAT

(e) Predator C Avenger

21) Which Indian company completed a major upgrade of the Indian Air Force’s Pechora surface-to-air missile (SAM) system?

(a) Alpha Design Technologies Limited (ADTL)

(b) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

(c) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)

(d) DRDO

(e) Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)

22) Which city topped the Cost-of-Living Index by City 2026 released by Numbeo as the most expensive city in the world?

(a) New York City

(b) Geneva

(c) Zurich

(d) London

(e) Tokyo

23) Who became the oldest man in the Open Era to reach the Australian Open final in 2026?

(a) Roger Federer

(b) Rafael Nadal

(c) Novak Djokovic

(d) Andy Murray

(e) Ken Rosewall

24) On which date is Indian Coast Guard Day (ICG Day) celebrated every year?

(a) 26 January

(b) 15 August

(c) 01 February

(d) 04 December

(e) 05 October

25) On which date are World Wetlands Day and Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day observed every year?

(a) 1st February

(b) 2nd February

(c) 3rd February

(d) 4th February

(e) 5th February

Answers :

1) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a monetary penalty of ₹2.70 lakh on Northern Arc Capital Limited.

The penalty was imposed for non-compliance with RBI’s Know Your Customer (KYC) Directions.

RBI exercised its powers under Section 58G(1)(b) read with Section 58B(5)(aa) of the RBI Act, 1934.

RBI found that the company failed to implement an IT system/software for effective identification and reporting of suspicious transactions, a key KYC/AML requirement.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a monetary penalty of ₹2.70 lakh on Northern Arc Capital Limited.

The penalty was imposed for non-compliance with RBI’s Know Your Customer (KYC) Directions.

RBI exercised its powers under Section 58G(1)(b) read with Section 58B(5)(aa) of the RBI Act, 1934.

RBI found that the company failed to implement an IT system/software for effective identification and reporting of suspicious transactions, a key KYC/AML requirement.

The statutory inspection referred to the company’s financial position as on 31 March 2024.

Northern Arc Capital Limited, founded in 2009, offers retail loans to underserved households and businesses in India.

The penalty is based on regulatory compliance deficiencies and does not question the validity of any customer transactions.

2) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Nirmala Sitharaman is the longest-serving Finance Minister in continuous office, set to present her ninth consecutive Union Budget on 1 February 2026.

She took charge of the Finance Ministry on 31 May 2019 and completed 6 years and 8 months in office by 31 January 2026.

Former Prime Minister Morarji Desai presented the Union Budget 10 times, while P Chidambaram presented the Budget 9 times, but not for consecutive years.

Detailed Explanation:

Nirmala Sitharaman is the longest-serving Finance Minister in continuous office, set to present her ninth consecutive Union Budget on 1 February 2026.

She took charge of the Finance Ministry on 31 May 2019 and completed 6 years and 8 months in office by 31 January 2026.

Former Prime Minister Morarji Desai presented the Union Budget 10 times, while P Chidambaram presented the Budget 9 times, but not for consecutive years.

The longest earlier continuous tenure was by C D Deshmukh (1950–56), lasting about 6 years and 2 months.

P Chidambaram served as Finance Minister for about 8 years, but in four separate stints.

3) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

India and the World Bank Group (WBG) announced a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) to support India’s next phase of growth and its Viksit Bharat vision.

The CPF was announced after a meeting between Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and World Bank President Ajay Banga.

The partnership will provide $8–10 billion in annual financing over the next five years, leveraging public funds, private capital, and global expertise.

Detailed Explanation:

India and the World Bank Group (WBG) announced a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) to support India’s next phase of growth and its Viksit Bharat vision.

The CPF was announced after a meeting between Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and World Bank President Ajay Banga.

The partnership will provide $8–10 billion in annual financing over the next five years, leveraging public funds, private capital, and global expertise.

The CPF targets five job-generating sectors: infrastructure & energy, agribusiness, healthcare, tourism, and value-added manufacturing.

Implementation of the CPF will begin immediately through ongoing projects, including:

An $830 million loan to support Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation, upgrading ITIs to skill over one million youth, especially women.

A $490 million Maharashtra project to enhance climate-resilient agriculture using digital and precision farming.

The Kerala Health Systems Improvement Program with $280 million to strengthen digital health systems.

Credila Financial Services initiative with $750 million to support higher education financing for up to 190,000 students.

Programs to scale electric mobility, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and create jobs in clean transport.

4) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), reconstituted its Reinsurance Advisory Committee (RAC) with immediate effect for a three-year tenure.

A.V. Girija Kumar, former Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Oriental Insurance Company Limited (OICL), was appointed as Chairman of the RAC.

Detailed Explanation:

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), reconstituted its Reinsurance Advisory Committee (RAC) with immediate effect for a three-year tenure.

A.V. Girija Kumar, former Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Oriental Insurance Company Limited (OICL), was appointed as Chairman of the RAC.

The Reinsurance Advisory Committee (RAC) has been reconstituted under Section 101B of the Insurance Act, 1938.

The reconstitution aims to strengthen IRDAI’s advisory support on reinsurance-related matters by bringing together senior experts from the insurance and reinsurance ecosystem.

5) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

State Bank of India (SBI) launched CHAKRA (Centre of Excellence) to finance sunrise sectors vital for India’s economic transformation and sustainable growth.

CHAKRA will focus on renewable energy, EVs, green hydrogen, advanced cell chemistry, battery storage, semiconductors, decarbonisation, data centres, and smart infrastructure.

These sectors have a combined investment potential of ~₹100 trillion over the next five years, with SBI estimating a lendable opportunity of ₹20–22 trillion.

Detailed Explanation:

State Bank of India (SBI) launched CHAKRA (Centre of Excellence) to finance sunrise sectors vital for India’s economic transformation and sustainable growth.

CHAKRA will focus on renewable energy, EVs, green hydrogen, advanced cell chemistry, battery storage, semiconductors, decarbonisation, data centres, and smart infrastructure.

These sectors have a combined investment potential of ~₹100 trillion over the next five years, with SBI estimating a lendable opportunity of ₹20–22 trillion.

SBI signed MoUs with 21 financial institutions, enabling co-financing and capacity building through joint project finance teams stationed at CHAKRA.

Global participation includes Japanese banks SMBC and MUFG, along with Indian DFIs such as PFC, REC, and NaBFID, with discussions ongoing with European and US banks.

6) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Slice Small Finance Bank (Slice SFB) introduced three financial products: Digital Savings Account linked to the Repo rate, UPI-integrated credit card, and digital Fixed Deposits (FDs).

Slice launched India’s first savings account linked to 100% of the Repo rate of RBI.

Detailed Explanation:

Slice Small Finance Bank (Slice SFB) introduced three financial products: Digital Savings Account linked to the Repo rate, UPI-integrated credit card, and digital Fixed Deposits (FDs).

Digital Savings Bank Account

Slice launched India’s first savings account linked to 100% of the Repo rate of RBI.

Interest is calculated and credited daily, allowing money to grow in real time.

The account offers transparent returns, no minimum balance requirements, instant liquidity, and full digital access, including UPI for everyday payments.

UPI Credit Card

Enables customers to scan and pay at any UPI-enabled merchant using an approved credit limit instead of traditional card rails.

Offers up to 3% cashback, “Slice in 3” no-cost EMI conversion on purchases above Rs.2,000, and weekly rewards through Slice Sparks.

Has no joining, renewal, or annual fees and provides fully digital onboarding.

Digital Fixed Deposits (FDs)

Can be opened and managed entirely through the app.

Offers interest rates up to 7.25% per annum and is insured up to Rs.5 lakh by DICGC, Ministry of Finance (MoF)

7) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) approved the country’s first USD-backed stablecoin, marking a major step in regulating digital assets and payment tokens.

The stablecoin, named USDU, is approved under the Payment Token Services Regulation framework of the UAE Central Bank.

USDU is issued and managed by Universal Digital Intl Limited, which is regulated by Abu Dhabi Global Market’s (ADGM) Financial Services Regulatory Authority.

Detailed Explanation:

The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) approved the country’s first USD-backed stablecoin, marking a major step in regulating digital assets and payment tokens.

The stablecoin, named USDU, is approved under the Payment Token Services Regulation framework of the UAE Central Bank.

USDU is issued and managed by Universal Digital Intl Limited, which is regulated by Abu Dhabi Global Market’s (ADGM) Financial Services Regulatory Authority.

Universal Digital has become the first foreign payment token issuer registered with the UAE Central Bank.

The approval places the UAE among the first major financial jurisdictions to implement a fully regulated framework for USD-denominated digital settlements.

Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to reserve assets such as the US dollar, designed to minimise price volatility and are suitable for payments, settlements, and cross-border transfers on blockchain systems.

8) Answer: A

Fintech startup Paysharp received the Payment Aggregator–Physical (PA-P) licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), enabling it to operate as a physical (offline) payment aggregator and enhance its payment service offerings.

In August 2024, Paysharp had received the Payment Aggregator–Online (PA-O) licence.

9) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Mumbai will host the 6th National Crop Nutrition Summit on 5–6 February 2026 at the National Stock Exchange Complex, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai.

The two-day summit is being organised by the Indian Micro-Fertilizers Manufacturers Association.

The theme of the summit is “Converge, Collaborate and Co-create”.

Detailed Explanation:

Mumbai will host the 6th National Crop Nutrition Summit on 5–6 February 2026 at the National Stock Exchange Complex, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai.

The two-day summit is being organised by the Indian Micro-Fertilizers Manufacturers Association.

The theme of the summit is “Converge, Collaborate and Co-create”.

The summit will focus on micronutrients, specialty fertilizers, and biological inputs, reflecting the changing priorities in Indian agriculture due to soil nutrient depletion and sustainability concerns.

Key discussions will cover precision crop nutrition, sustainable input usage, regulatory and policy reforms, and expansion of domestic manufacturing capacity.

10) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

India has added two new wetlands to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance, strengthening its global commitment to wetland and biodiversity conservation.

The newly designated sites are Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch district, Gujarat.

Detailed Explanation:

India has added two new wetlands to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance, strengthening its global commitment to wetland and biodiversity conservation.

The newly designated sites are Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch district, Gujarat.

With this addition, India’s total Ramsar sites have increased to 98.

The recognition has been granted under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty adopted in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran, for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

11) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Indian Railways commissioned Kavach Version 4.0 over 472.3 route kilometres in a single day, the highest-ever Kavach rollout in India.

Kavach 4.0 became operational on Western Railway, Northern Railway and East Central Railway sections.

Detailed Explanation:

Indian Railways commissioned Kavach Version 4.0 over 472.3 route kilometres in a single day, the highest-ever Kavach rollout in India.

Kavach 4.0 became operational on Western Railway, Northern Railway and East Central Railway sections.

This achievement surpassed the previous single-day record of 324 km on the Kota–Mathura section.

The rollout reflects faster execution, better coordination and growing trust in indigenous safety systems.

With this commissioning, Kavach 4.0 is operational across five Indian Railways zones.

Route-wise coverage includes:

Vadodara–Virar (344 km) on Western Railway.

Tuglakabad Junction Cabin–Palwal (35 km) on Northern Railway.

Manpur–Sarmatanr (93.3 km) on East Central Railway.

On Northern Railway, Kavach has been commissioned on the Tuglakabad–Palwal section, part of the four-line Delhi–Mumbai corridor.

12) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Supreme Court of India has declared menstrual health and hygiene as an integral part of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The Court directed all States and Union Territories to ensure free sanitary pads, separate toilets, water supply and safe disposal facilities in all government and private schools.

Detailed Explanation:

The Supreme Court of India has declared menstrual health and hygiene as an integral part of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The Court directed all States and Union Territories to ensure free sanitary pads, separate toilets, water supply and safe disposal facilities in all government and private schools.

A three-month deadline has been given for compliance.

The judgment was delivered by a Bench of Justice J B Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan.

The Court held that Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) is inseparable from the right to live with dignity.

It observed that dignity must reflect in everyday living conditions, and denial of basic menstrual facilities leads to humiliation, exclusion and avoidable suffering, violating Article 21.

13) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

India successfully completed a 100-metre-long steel bridge for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project at Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

The bridge has been built entirely under the Make in India initiative and is a rare structure constructed over an underground metro tunnel without transferring any load to it.

This achievement highlights India’s growing capability in high-speed rail infrastructure and complex urban engineering.

Detailed Explanation:

India successfully completed a 100-metre-long steel bridge for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project at Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

The bridge has been built entirely under the Make in India initiative and is a rare structure constructed over an underground metro tunnel without transferring any load to it.

This achievement highlights India’s growing capability in high-speed rail infrastructure and complex urban engineering.

The special bridge was required because the bullet train alignment passes above the underground metro tunnel between Kalupur and Shahpur stations in Ahmedabad.

Usual bullet train viaducts use 30–50 metre concrete spans, but constructing foundations close to the metro tunnel posed serious structural risks.

Engineers redesigned the alignment and increased the span to around 100 metres, ensuring the metro tunnel remains completely unaffected.

Due to safety concerns, the design was changed from a standard concrete viaduct to a steel truss bridge.

14) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Government of Assam has launched the Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme to provide one-time financial assistance to tea garden workers across the state.

Under the scheme, more than ₹300 crore will be disbursed as one-time assistance of ₹5,000 each.

Detailed Explanation:

The Government of Assam has launched the Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme to provide one-time financial assistance to tea garden workers across the state.

The scheme recognises the historic contribution of tea garden communities to Assam’s economy and focuses on social security, dignity, and inclusive growth in tea-growing regions.

The scheme was launched by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at Doomdooma in Tinsukia district.

Under the scheme, more than ₹300 crore will be disbursed as one-time assistance of ₹5,000 each.

The benefit will reach over six lakh tea garden workers.

Beneficiaries include both permanent and casual labourers.

The scheme covers 836 tea gardens spread across 27 districts and 73 Assembly constituencies of Assam.

15) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Major Standout Films

Gargi (2022) – Best Film (First Prize); Sai Pallavi won Best Actress.

Jai Bhim (2021) – Best Film (First Prize); strong focus on social justice and constitutional rights.

Other impactful films include Pariyerum Perumal, Asuran, Koozhangal, Maanagaram.

Notable Acting Achievements

Dhanush – Best Actor for Vada Chennai (2018).

Vikram Prabhu – Best Actor for Taanakkaran (2022).

Detailed Explanation:

Government of Tamil Nadu announced the long-pending State Film Awards for 2016 to 2022.

Awards recognise a socially conscious and artistically significant phase of Tamil cinema.

Films addressing justice, caste realities, marginalisation, women empowerment and constitutional values dominated the honours.

Awards Ceremony scheduled on 13 February 2026 at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai.

Awards will be presented by the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu State Film Awards are among the oldest and most prestigious state-level cinema honours in India.

Major Standout Films

Gargi (2022) – Best Film (First Prize); Sai Pallavi won Best Actress.

Jai Bhim (2021) – Best Film (First Prize); strong focus on social justice and constitutional rights.

Other impactful films include Pariyerum Perumal, Asuran, Koozhangal, Maanagaram.

Notable Acting Achievements

Dhanush – Best Actor for Vada Chennai (2018).

Vikram Prabhu – Best Actor for Taanakkaran (2022).

Direction and Music Recognition

Lokesh Kanagaraj – Best Director for Maanagaram (2016).

Gautham Ramachandran – Best Director for Gargi (2022).

AR Rahman – Best Music Director for Ponniyin Selvan: I.

Santhosh Narayanan – Best Music Director for Vada Chennai.

16) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Uttarakhand has been awarded Best State for Promotion of Aviation Ecosystem at Wings India 2026, India’s flagship civil aviation conference and exhibition.

The award was announced on 30 January 2026 and recognises the state’s policy support, infrastructure development, regional air connectivity, heli services, tourism growth, and disaster management benefits.

Detailed Explanation:

Uttarakhand has been awarded Best State for Promotion of Aviation Ecosystem at Wings India 2026, India’s flagship civil aviation conference and exhibition.

The award was announced on 30 January 2026 and recognises the state’s policy support, infrastructure development, regional air connectivity, heli services, tourism growth, and disaster management benefits.

This recognition is significant as Uttarakhand has challenging mountainous and remote terrain, yet has achieved notable progress in civil aviation.

Wings India 2026 is India’s largest civil aviation event, bringing together policymakers, aviation companies, investors, and global stakeholders.

Awards at Wings India are considered highly credible, as they reflect actual improvements in aviation policy and infrastructure.

Uttarakhand’s selection places it alongside major aviation hubs despite geographical constraints.

17) Answer: B

Sunetra Pawar, wife of late NCP leader Ajit Pawar, was appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, becoming the first woman DyCM since the state’s formation 66 years ago.

The appointment followed the sudden death of Ajit Pawar (66) in an air crash at Baramati, triggering swift political developments in the state.

18) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Sarah Mullally was confirmed as the Archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the first woman to lead the Church of England in its 1,400-year history and the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury.

Her confirmation took place in a centuries-old ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral, London, formally recognised by ecclesiastical judges.

She succeeds Justin Welby, who resigned in November 2024 following allegations related to failure to act adequately on information about a child abuse case.

Detailed Explanation:

Sarah Mullally was confirmed as the Archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the first woman to lead the Church of England in its 1,400-year history and the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury.

Her confirmation took place in a centuries-old ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral, London, formally recognised by ecclesiastical judges.

She succeeds Justin Welby, who resigned in November 2024 following allegations related to failure to act adequately on information about a child abuse case.

Sarah Mullally (63 years) is a former Chief Nursing Officer of England and has served as the Bishop of London since 2018; she is also a former cancer nurse.

As Archbishop, she will lead around 85 million Anglicans worldwide, making her one of the most influential figures in global Christianity.

19) Answer: C

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a premier Schedule A Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Finance (and administratively under the Ministry of Defence), appointed Kota Ravi as its new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD).

He will succeed Dr. D.K. Sunil, who is set to retire in April 2026.

20) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Indian Army (IA) signed an agreement with USA defence technology firm Shield AI for the procurement of V-BAT VTOL Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) to be manufactured in India.

Under the agreement, Shield AI will supply V-BAT drones and licenses for Hivemind autonomy software, enabling the armed forces to develop and test mission-specific autonomy applications.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Army (IA) signed an agreement with USA defence technology firm Shield AI for the procurement of V-BAT VTOL Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) to be manufactured in India.

Under the agreement, Shield AI will supply V-BAT drones and licenses for Hivemind autonomy software, enabling the armed forces to develop and test mission-specific autonomy applications.

V-BAT is classified as a ‘Group-3’ VTOL UAS and features a ducted-fan design, allowing vertical take-off and landing without runways.

Key features of V-BAT include a heavy-fuel engine, long-endurance surveillance of over 12 hours, capability to operate in difficult terrain and high-threat environments, and a lower logistical footprint.

21) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Bengaluru-based defence manufacturer Alpha Design Technologies Limited (ADTL) completed a major upgrade of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF)Pechora surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, supporting India’s push to modernise ageing military platforms through indigenous capability.

The fully digitised upgrade is expected to enhance operational effectiveness and strengthen India’s layered air defence architecture.

Detailed Explanation:

Bengaluru-based defence manufacturer Alpha Design Technologies Limited (ADTL) completed a major upgrade of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF)Pechora surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, supporting India’s push to modernise ageing military platforms through indigenous capability.

The fully digitised upgrade is expected to enhance operational effectiveness and strengthen India’s layered air defence architecture.

The Pechora system, inducted in the 1970s, has been a critical part of India’s air defence network for nearly five decades and faced obsolescence challenges due to rapid technological advances.

The IAF initiated a comprehensive upgrade programme to extend service life and improve combat performance, with ADTL signing a Rs 591.3 crore contract on 25 September 2020.

22) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Cost-of-Living Index by City 2026 has been released by Numbeo, analysing global urban living expenses amid inflation, currency fluctuations, and rising demand for premium lifestyles.

New York City is used as the base city with an index score of 100.

Cities scoring above 100 are more expensive than New York, while those below 100 are cheaper, allowing direct global cost comparisons.

Zurich, Switzerland, topped the global rankings in 2026 with a cost-of-living index of 118.5, retaining its position as the most expensive city in the world.

Detailed Explanation:

The Cost-of-Living Index by City 2026 has been released by Numbeo, analysing global urban living expenses amid inflation, currency fluctuations, and rising demand for premium lifestyles.

The index highlights a clear global pattern where Swiss cities dominate the list of the world’s most expensive cities, while Indian cities continue to remain among the most affordable globally.

The rankings provide important insights into global urban economics, affordability, and purchasing power, making it relevant for competitive examinations.

The Cost of Living Index measures average expenses for a family of four, covering food, transportation, utilities, and rent.

New York City is used as the base city with an index score of 100.

Cities scoring above 100 are more expensive than New York, while those below 100 are cheaper, allowing direct global cost comparisons.

Zurich, Switzerland, topped the global rankings in 2026 with a cost-of-living index of 118.5, retaining its position as the most expensive city in the world.

23) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Novak Djokovic created history at the Australian Open 2026 by becoming the oldest man in the Open Era to reach the final, breaking a 53-year-old record.

Detailed Explanation:

Novak Djokovic created history at the Australian Open 2026 by becoming the oldest man in the Open Era to reach the final, breaking a 53-year-old record.

He achieved the feat at the age of 38 years after defeating Jannik Sinner in the semifinal on 30 January 2026.

Djokovic broke the record held by Ken Rosewall, who was 37 years, 2 months, and 1 day old when he won the Australian Open in 1972.

24) Answer: C

The ICG Day or Indian Coast Guard Day is celebrated on 01st February every year.

The Indian Coast Guard was initially established on 1 February 1977 due to an emergency.

25) Answer: B

World Wetlands Day is celebrated on 2nd February every year. 

On this day, The Convention on Wetlands was adopted in 1971.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day is observed on 2nd February.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (R.A.) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect our joints. R.A. is an auto-immune condition, meaning the body’s immune system attacks its tissues.