Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of 06th 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.

 

Start Quiz

1) The government accepted the key recommendation of the 16th Finance Commission to retain the states’ share in central taxes at 41% for the period 2026–31. Who chaired the 16th FC, whose report was tabled in Parliament alongside the Union Budget 2026–27?

(a) Nirmala Sitharaman

(b) Arvind Panagariya

(c) Raghuram Rajan

(d) C. Rangarajan

(e) Urjit Patel

2) By how much did Goldman Sachs upgrade India’s CY26 real GDP growth forecast following the USA–India trade deal?

(a) From 6.7% to 6.9%

(b) From 6.5% to 6.7%

(c) From 6.8% to 7.0%

(d) From 6.6% to 6.8%

(e) From 6.9% to 7.1%


3) Under which Act did the RBI impose a compounding fee of ₹18.76 lakh on One 97 Communications Limited (Paytm’s parent company)?

(a) Companies Act, 2013

(b) Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934

(c) Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999

(d) Banking Regulation Act, 1949

(e) Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992


4) Which life insurance company did Equitas Small Finance Bank partner with to expand life insurance reach in India?

(a) HDFC Life Insurance

(b) ICICI Prudential Life Insurance

(c) Max Life Insurance

(d) SBI Life Insurance

(e) Bharti AXA Life Insurance


5) How much security assistance did the US Congress approve for the Baltic nations under the Fiscal Year 2026 Defence Appropriations Act which is included in the $838.7 billion US defence budget?

(a) $100 million

(b) $150 million

(c) $250 million

(d) $200 million

(e) $300 million


6) What is the name of the upgraded web portal launched by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs to expand the Youth Parliament Programme in India?

(a) National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) 1.0

(b) National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) 2.0

(c) e-Youth Parliament

(d) Parliamentary Connect

(e) Youth Parliament Online

7) What new name was given to Adampur Airport in Punjab during PM Narendra Modi’s visit?

(a) Sant Ravidas Airport, Jalandhar

(b) Sant Kabir Airport, Adampur

(c) Guru Nanak Dev Airport, Punjab

(d) Shri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Airport, Adampur

(e) Punjab International Airport, Adampur


8) In which year was the Strategic Partnership Council (SPC), under which the India–Saudi Arabia Security Working Group Meeting functions, established?

(a) 2017

(b) 2018

(c) 2019

(d) 2020

(e) 2021

9) Which two wetlands were recently added to India’s Ramsar List, raising the total number of Ramsar sites to 98?

(a) Keoladeo National Park and Chilika Lake

(b) Sundarbans and Wular Lake

(c) Vembanad Lake and Kolleru Lake

(d) Harike Wetland and Loktak Lake

(e) Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari Dhand Wetland Reserve

10) From 1 February 2026, what is the Central Excise Duty on unmanufactured tobacco cleared without a brand name and not packed for retail sale in India?

(a) 5%

(b) 12%

(c) 18%

(d) 0%

(e) 25%


11) Which organization announced plans to conduct India’s first-ever National Household Income Survey (NHIS) starting April 2026?

(a) Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

(b) National Statistical Office (NSO)

(c) NITI Aayog

(d) Ministry of Finance

(e) Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)

 

12) Which portal hosts the newly launched Survey Module and Waqf Property Lease Management Module for transparent management of Waqf properties?

(a) UMEED Central Portal

(b) e-Waqf Portal

(c) Digital India Waqf Portal

(d) Minority Affairs Portal

(e) Waqf Management System

 

13) What is the total corpus of the RDI Fund launched under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to support the commercialization of indigenous technologies?

(a) ₹50,000 crore

(b) ₹75,000 crore

(c) ₹1 lakh crore

(d) ₹1.5 lakh crore

(e) ₹2 lakh crore

14) Which retail company became the first in the world to achieve a market capitalization of USD 1 trillion?

(a) Amazon

(b) Alibaba

(c) Costco

(d) Walmart

(e) Target

15) Which Indian natural stone company became the first in its industry to simultaneously achieve ISO 9001:2015 and 5S Gold Grade certifications?

(a) HMG Stone LLP

(b) Rajasthan Marble Co.

(c) Bharat Stone Industries

(d) India Granite Ltd.

(e) JK Natural Stones


16) Where is the 13th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR (KHANJAR-XIII) being conducted in 2026?

(a) Leh, Ladakh

(b) Missamari, Assam

(c) Pune, Maharashtra

(d) Jaipur, Rajasthan

(e) Dehradun, Uttarakhand

17) Which port did the Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini first visit on its transoceanic voyage, Lokayan 26?

(a) Muscat, Oman

(b) Doha, Qatar

(c) Dubai, UAE

(d) Karachi, Pakistan

(e) Salalah, Oman

 

18) As of 23 January 2026, what is the total value of sales facilitated through the North Eastern Region Agri-Commodity E-Connect (NE-RACE) portal?

(a) ₹895.56 lakh

(b) ₹750.40 lakh

(c) ₹500.25 lakh

(d) ₹1,000.75 lakh

(e) ₹1,200.50 lakh

19) As of 2026, Prominent travel writer Hugh Gantzer, who passed away in February 2026, was a recipient of which civilian award?

(a) Bharat Ratna

(b) Padma Vibhushan

(c) Padma Bhushan

(d) Padma Shri

(e) Arjuna Award


20)  Where was renowned sociologist Andre Beteille, who passed away in 2026, born?

(a) Delhi

(b) West Bengal

(c) Maharashtra

(d) Tamil Nadu

(e) Kerala


21) On which date is the International Day Against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) observed annually?

(a) 4 February

(b) 5 February

(c) 6 February

(d) 7 February

(e) 8 February


22) When is the United Nations International Day of Human Fraternity observed annually?

(a) 2 February

(b) 3 February

(c) 1 February

(d) 4 February

(e) 6 February


23) Where is the headquarters of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) located?

(a) Geneva, Switzerland

(b) Vienna, Austria

(c) London, UK

(d) Paris, France

(e) New York, USA

24) By how much is India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) expected to narrow in CY26 due to lower tariffs?

(a) 0.10% of GDP

(b) 0.25% of GDP

(c) 0.50% of GDP

(d) 0.75% of GDP

(e) 1.00% of GDP

25) What is the official tagline of Equitas Small Finance Bank?

(a) “Banking for All”

(b) “Your Money, Your Way”

(c) “It’s Fun Banking”

(d) “Smart Banking, Smart Life”

(e) “Banking Made Simple”


Answers:

1) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the 16th Finance Commission (16th FC) report in Parliament alongside the Union Budget 2026–27.

The government accepted the key recommendation of the 16th FC to retain the states’ share in central taxes at 41% for the period 2026–31.

The 16th Finance Commission was chaired by Arvind Panagariya and covers the award period 2026–31.

Detailed Explanation:

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the 16th Finance Commission (16th FC) report in Parliament alongside the Union Budget 2026–27.

The government accepted the key recommendation of the 16th FC to retain the states’ share in central taxes at 41% for the period 2026–31.

The 16th Finance Commission was chaired by Arvind Panagariya and covers the award period 2026–31.

The recommendations signal a shift from “entitlement-based” transfers to “compliance-driven” fiscal federalism.

The 16th FC retains states’ tax share at 41% and moves fiscal transfers toward performance- and compliance-based criteria, including a new weight for contribution to GDP.

It emphasises fiscal discipline by capping state deficits at 3% of GSDP, ending off-budget borrowings, rationalising subsidies, and warning against unconditional cash transfers.

Vertical Devolution under the 16th FC remains at 41% of the Central Government’s divisible pool of taxes, unchanged from the 15th FC, excluding cesses, surcharges, and cost of collection.

Horizontal Devolution decides the exact allocation to each state from the 41% share, with a revised formula rewarding economic performance.


2) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Goldman Sachs upgraded India’s CY26 (Calendar Year 2026) real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast by 20 basis points (bps) from 6.7% to 6.9%.

The upgrade follows the conclusion of the United States of America (USA)–India trade deal, which reduced reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%.

Detailed Explanation:

Goldman Sachs upgraded India’s CY26 (Calendar Year 2026) real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast by 20 basis points (bps) from 6.7% to 6.9%.

The upgrade follows the conclusion of the United States of America (USA)–India trade deal, which reduced reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%.

The forecast is based on goods export exposure of about 4% of GDP to USA final demand and an export demand elasticity of around 0.7.

The trade agreement is expected to reduce trade-policy uncertainty and improve private investment intentions in India.

A capex (capital expenditure) recovery is likely in the second half of CY26 due to improved business confidence.

Lower tariffs are projected to narrow India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) by about 0.25% of GDP to nearly 0.8% in CY26.

Easing trade tensions may support higher capital inflows and reduce pressure on the Indian Rupee (INR).

3)  Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a compounding fee of ₹18.76 lakh on One 97 Communications Limited (OCL), the parent company of Paytm Payments Services Limited (PPSL).

The penalty was issued under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 for contraventions related to foreign investment transactions in its subsidiary.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a compounding fee of ₹18.76 lakh on One 97 Communications Limited (OCL), the parent company of Paytm Payments Services Limited (PPSL).

The penalty was issued under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 for contraventions related to foreign investment transactions in its subsidiary.

The transaction involved investments worth approximately ₹33 crore made by Little Internet Singapore Private Limited into Little Internet Private Limited (LIPL).

The investments were carried out during the period March 2016 to June 2017.

The violation pertained to contravention of Regulation 5(1) read with Regulation 13 of FEMA Notification No. 120/RB-2004.


4)  Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Equitas Small Finance Bank (Equitas SFB) signed a strategic bancassurance partnership with Bharti AXA Life Insurance, backed by Bharti Enterprises and France’s AXA, to expand life insurance reach across India.

The partnership aims to boost life insurance penetration and help customers secure their long-term financial future.

Detailed Explanation:

Equitas Small Finance Bank (Equitas SFB) signed a strategic bancassurance partnership with Bharti AXA Life Insurance, backed by Bharti Enterprises and France’s AXA, to expand life insurance reach across India.

The partnership aims to boost life insurance penetration and help customers secure their long-term financial future.

Under the partnership, Bharti AXA Life Insurance will offer its life insurance products, including protection, savings, and retirement plans, to Equitas SFB customers.

The collaboration will use both physical and digital channels to provide wider access to customers.

The partnership focuses on deepening life insurance adoption in semi-urban and rural areas, where insurance penetration has been limited.

5) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The United States Congress approved a $200 million security assistance package for the Baltic nations amid intensified Russian military activity along NATO’s eastern flank.

The funding is part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Defence Appropriations Act, which is included in the $838.7 billion US defence budget.

The Baltic Security Initiative under this act ensures continued support for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Detailed Explanation:

The United States Congress approved a $200 million security assistance package for the Baltic nations amid intensified Russian military activity along NATO’s eastern flank.

The funding is part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Defence Appropriations Act, which is included in the $838.7 billion US defence budget.

The Baltic Security Initiative under this act ensures continued support for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

The bill was signed into law by US President Donald Trump on February 3, 2026, despite earlier Pentagon proposals to discontinue the programme.

An additional $10 million was allocated to Estonia through the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme for procurement of US-made defence equipment, including HIMARS ammunition, Javelin anti-tank missiles, and large-calibre artillery shells.

6) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA) launched an upgraded version of the National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) web portal, known as NYPS 2.0, to expand the reach, inclusivity and participation of the Youth Parliament Programme across India.

The upgraded portal builds on the original NYPS, which was launched on 11 September 2024, and has shown strong nationwide engagement.

As of 27 January 2026, the scheme recorded 95,319 participants who took part in 660 Youth Parliament Sittings.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA) launched an upgraded version of the National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) web portal, known as NYPS 2.0, to expand the reach, inclusivity and participation of the Youth Parliament Programme across India.

The upgraded portal builds on the original NYPS, which was launched on 11 September 2024, and has shown strong nationwide engagement.

As of 27 January 2026, the scheme recorded 95,319 participants who took part in 660 Youth Parliament Sittings.

NYPS 2.0 focuses on inclusive access, particularly aiming to increase participation from remote and rural areas by removing limitations present in the earlier version of the portal.

The upgrade has expanded eligibility criteria.

Earlier, participation was limited to students from recognised educational institutions only.


7) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Punjab to take part in commemorative, developmental and infrastructure-related programmes.

During the visit, the Prime Minister unveiled the new name of Adampur Airport as ‘Shri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Airport, Adampur’, in honour of Sant Guru Ravidas and his lasting spiritual and social legacy.

Detailed Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Punjab to take part in commemorative, developmental and infrastructure-related programmes.

The visit coincided with the 649th birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas, a 15th-century saint, poet and social reformer, known for his teachings on equality, social justice and human dignity.

PM Narendra Modi arrived at Adampur Airport in Jalandhar, Punjab as part of his visit.

During the visit, the Prime Minister unveiled the new name of Adampur Airport as ‘Shri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Airport, Adampur’, in honour of Sant Guru Ravidas and his lasting spiritual and social legacy.

8) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a delegation of Arab Foreign Ministers, the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, and heads of Arab delegations in New Delhi during the 2nd India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

The 3rd India–Saudi Arabia Security Working Group Meeting was held in Riyadh, agreeing to enhance cooperation against terror financing, cyber-terrorism, and the crime–terror nexus.

This mechanism functions under the Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) established in 2019, within the Political, Consular and Security Cooperation Committee.

Detailed Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a delegation of Arab Foreign Ministers, the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, and heads of Arab delegations in New Delhi during the 2nd India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

The meeting underlined India’s growing strategic engagement with the Arab world, focusing on economic collaboration, regional stability, and shared security concerns.

In parallel, India demonstrated a nuanced diplomatic balancing act in West Asia amid preparations for the Prime Minister’s visit to Israel.

The 3rd India–Saudi Arabia Security Working Group Meeting was held in Riyadh, agreeing to enhance cooperation against terror financing, cyber-terrorism, and the crime–terror nexus.

This mechanism functions under the Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) established in 2019, within the Political, Consular and Security Cooperation Committee.

9) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Ahead of World Wetlands Day 2026, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced the inclusion of two new wetlands in India’s Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.

The newly added sites are Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari Dhand Wetland Reserve (Gujarat).

Detailed Explanation:

Ahead of World Wetlands Day 2026, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced the inclusion of two new wetlands in India’s Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.

The newly added sites are Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari Dhand Wetland Reserve (Gujarat).

With this addition, India’s total Ramsar sites have increased to 98, marking a 276% expansion since 2014, reflecting India’s growing commitment to wetland conservation, biodiversity protection, and climate resilience.

The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty signed in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran, aimed at the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

India became a Contracting Party on 1 February 1982.


10) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Government of India (GoI) withdrew the 18% Central Excise Duty on unmanufactured tobacco or tobacco refuse.

Under the new amendment, unbranded and non-retail packed unmanufactured tobacco will now attract nil excise duty.

Detailed Explanation:

The Government of India (GoI) withdrew the 18% Central Excise Duty on unmanufactured tobacco or tobacco refuse.

The withdrawal applies to unmanufactured tobacco cleared without a brand name and not packed for retail sale.

The decision is effective from 1 February 2026.

Earlier, all unmanufactured tobacco cleared from factories or warehouses was subject to 18% excise duty.

Under the new amendment, unbranded and non-retail packed unmanufactured tobacco will now attract nil excise duty.

The move provides major relief to tobacco farmers, small suppliers and businesses, especially those operating in the unorganised sector.

Other forms of unmanufactured tobacco that are branded or packaged for retail sale will continue to attract 18% Central Excise Duty.

11) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The National Statistical Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), announced plans to conduct India’s first-ever National Household Income Survey (NHIS) and the Annual Survey of Incorporated Service Sector Enterprises (ASISSE).

Both NHIS and ASISSE will be conducted for a one-year period starting from April 2026.

Detailed Explanation:

The National Statistical Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), announced plans to conduct India’s first-ever National Household Income Survey (NHIS) and the Annual Survey of Incorporated Service Sector Enterprises (ASISSE).

Both NHIS and ASISSE will be conducted for a one-year period starting from April 2026.

The announcement was made during the two-day All-India Workshop of Trainers (AIWOT) for NHIS and ASISSE, held from 28 to 29 January 2026 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

National Household Income Survey (NHIS) aims to collect detailed data on household income, living conditions and income distribution.
It will enable comparisons across regions and households and support policy formulation and assessment of household well-being.

12) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Government of India has launched the Survey Module and the Waqf Property Lease Management Module on the UMEED Central Portal to ensure transparent, people-friendly, and accountable management of Waqf properties.

Detailed Explanation:

The Government of India has launched the Survey Module and the Waqf Property Lease Management Module on the UMEED Central Portal to ensure transparent, people-friendly, and accountable management of Waqf properties.

According to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the Survey Module provides a comprehensive digital framework for capturing, managing, and updating information related to the survey of Waqf properties on the portal.

The Waqf Property Lease Management Module has been designed to facilitate end-to-end management of leasing-related information of Waqf properties.

This lease module enables systematic recording and monitoring of key details such as lease information, lease period, lease amount, and other relevant particulars in a structured and transparent manner.


13) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the first Open Call of the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the RDI Fund of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem.

The RDI Fund has a total corpus of ₹1 lakh crore, offering financing at concessional interest rates of 2–4% with tenures of up to 15 years, including moratorium provisions.

Detailed Explanation:

Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the first Open Call of the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the RDI Fund of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem.

The initiative aims to support the commercialisation of indigenous technologies through structured, long-term financing.

Dr. Singh highlighted that the RDI Fund represents a shift from conventional government funding models, providing direct financial support to private sector innovation, which was previously limited.

The RDI Fund facilitates private sector participation in sectors like space and nuclear technology by reducing financial risk and ensuring accountability.

The RDI Fund has a total corpus of ₹1 lakh crore, offering financing at concessional interest rates of 2–4% with tenures of up to 15 years, including moratorium provisions.

14) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Walmart Inc., an American multinational retail corporation, became the first retail company globally to achieve a market capitalisation of USD 1 trillion.

The milestone followed a strong rally in Walmart’s share price over the past year.

Walmart’s stock rose by nearly 26% in the last 12 months and about 468% over the past decade.

Detailed Explanation:

Walmart Inc., an American multinational retail corporation, became the first retail company globally to achieve a market capitalisation of USD 1 trillion.

The milestone followed a strong rally in Walmart’s share price over the past year.

Walmart’s stock rose by nearly 26% in the last 12 months and about 468% over the past decade.

This performance outpaced the S&P 500 Index, which gained around 264% during the same decade.

In December 2025, Walmart was added to the Nasdaq-100 Index, a tech-focused index comprising the world’s most valuable non-financial companies.

Walmart has invested billions of dollars in Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled supply chains to enhance operational efficiency.

 

15) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

HMG Stone LLP (HMG Stones), a premium natural stone importer, exporter, manufacturer, and supplier, achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification for its Quality Management System (QMS) and 5S Gold Grade certification for workplace excellence.

With this achievement, HMG Stones became the first company in India’s natural stone industry to simultaneously secure both ISO 9001:2015 and 5S Gold Grade certifications.

Detailed Explanation:

HMG Stone LLP (HMG Stones), a premium natural stone importer, exporter, manufacturer, and supplier, achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification for its Quality Management System (QMS) and 5S Gold Grade certification for workplace excellence.

With this achievement, HMG Stones became the first company in India’s natural stone industry to simultaneously secure both ISO 9001:2015 and 5S Gold Grade certifications.

The ISO 9001:2015 certification was awarded by TÜV India Private Limited, accredited by the German accreditation body DAkkS, recognising a robust quality management system ensuring consistent quality and customer satisfaction.

The company received the 5S Gold Grade (Basic Level Category) from Asia Bunka Kaikan – Association for Overseas Technical Scholarship (ABK-AOTS) DOSOKAI, Japan, for excellence in workplace organisation and operational discipline.

 

16) Answer: B

The 13th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR (KHANJAR-XIII) is being conducted from 4 to 17 February 2026 at Missamari, Assam.

Exercise KHANJAR is an annual joint military exercise conducted alternately between India and Kyrgyzstan since 2011.

The Indian Army contingent comprises 20 personnel from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while the Kyrgyzstan contingent comprises 20 personnel from the ILBRIS/Scorpion Special Forces Brigade.

17) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini arrived at the port of Salalah, Oman, marking the first international port call of her transoceanic voyage – Lokayan 26.

The arrival at Oman represents a key milestone in the ten-month-long deployment, aimed at showcasing India’s maritime heritage and fostering international maritime cooperation.

INS Sudarshini sailed from her home port, Kochi, on 20 January 2026, navigating the seasonal winds of the Arabian Sea, completing the first leg of her voyage.

Detailed Explanation:

Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini arrived at the port of Salalah, Oman, marking the first international port call of her transoceanic voyage – Lokayan 26.

The arrival at Oman represents a key milestone in the ten-month long deployment, aimed at showcasing India’s maritime heritage and fostering international maritime cooperation.

INS Sudarshini sailed from her home port, Kochi, on 20 January 2026, navigating the seasonal winds of the Arabian Sea, completing the first leg of her voyage.

The port call strengthens maritime ties and strategic partnership between India and Oman.

During the three-day visit, professional interactions and training engagements with the Royal Navy of Oman are planned.


18) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The North Eastern Region Agri-Commodity E-Connect (NE-RACE) portal is fully operational and facilitates market linkages between farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), cooperatives in the North Eastern Region (NER) and buyers across India.

As of 23 January 2026, 6807 sellers/farmers/FPOs and 735 buyers have been onboarded on the NE-RACE platform, with 1797 agri-commodities listed.

The total value of sales facilitated through the portal stands at ₹895.56 lakh.

Detailed Explanation:

The North Eastern Region Agri-Commodity E-Connect (NE-RACE) portal is fully operational and facilitates market linkages between farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), cooperatives in the North Eastern Region (NER) and buyers across India.

As of 23 January 2026, 6807 sellers/farmers/FPOs and 735 buyers have been onboarded on the NE-RACE platform, with 1797 agri-commodities listed.

The total value of sales facilitated through the portal stands at ₹895.56 lakh.

The NE-RACE platform has strengthened farmers’ access to national markets, enabling direct buyer–seller linkages in North Eastern States, including Sikkim.

Buyers from Sikkim have procured 130 metric tons of agri-produce valued at ₹54.40 lakh through the portal.

The platform provides multi-lingual helpdesk and helpline services for farmer onboarding and operational support in Sikkim.


19) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Prominent travel writer and Padma Shri awardee Hugh Gantzer passed away at the age of 95 on February 2, 2026, in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand.

Hugh Gantzer was born on January 9, 1931, in Patna, Bihar.

Detailed Explanation:

Prominent travel writer and Padma Shri awardee Hugh Gantzer passed away at the age of 95 on February 2, 2026, in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand.

Hugh Gantzer was born on January 9, 1931, in Patna, Bihar.

He was honoured with the Padma Shri (India’s fourth highest civilian award) in 2025 in the field of Literature and Education.

Hugh Gantzer was widely known for his travel writing, showcasing India’s diverse landscapes and cultures through books, articles, and documentaries.

20) Answer: B

Renowned sociologist and public intellectual Andre Beteille passed away in Delhi at the age of 91 due to age-related illness, marking the end of an era in Indian sociology.

Andre Beteille served as Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the University of Delhi from 2003 onwards.

Born in West Bengal to a French father and an Indian mother, he pursued higher education at the University of Calcutta before moving to Delhi.


21) Answer: C

International Day Against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is observed annually on 6 February to spread awareness and education about the serious physical, psychological and social problems faced by females due to genital mutilation.

The Joint Programme on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting was launched in 2007 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to support countries and communities in abandoning the practice of FGM.

22) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The United Nations International Day of Human Fraternity is observed annually on 4 February across the world to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, mutual understanding and solidarity among people of different faiths and cultures.

Detailed Explanation:

The United Nations International Day of Human Fraternity is observed annually on 4 February across the world to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, mutual understanding and solidarity among people of different faiths and cultures.

4 February 2026 marks the 6th observance of the International Day of Human Fraternity.

The observance coincides with World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW), which is celebrated every year during the first week of February and has been observed since 2010.

On 21 December 2020, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/75/200, officially declaring 4 February as the International Day of Human Fraternity

23) Answer: E

About United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC):

The UNAOC works to improve understanding and cooperation among nations and peoples across cultures and religions.

Secretariat: Miguel Ángel Moratinos

Headquarters: New York, United States of America (USA)

Established: 2005

24) Answer: B

A capex (capital expenditure) recovery is likely in the second half of CY26 due to improved business confidence.

Lower tariffs are projected to narrow India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) by about 0.25% of GDP to nearly 0.8% in CY26.

25) Answer: C

About Equitas Small Finance Bank:

Founded: 2007

Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India ​

Managing Director & CEO: P. N. Vasudevan

Tagline: "It's Fun Banking"