Category: Current Affairs

Geopolitics & International Relations (Questions 1-10) Q1. On 22 February 2026, India strongly condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghan territory that caused civilian casualties, including women and children, during Ramadan. The Ministry of External Affairs described the action as Pakistan attempting to: A) Strengthen bilateral ties with Afghanistan B) Externalise its internal failures C) Support counter-terrorism efforts in the region D) Fulfil UN Security Council resolutions Correct Answer: B. Explanation: MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the strikes were “another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures” while reiterating India’s support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Q2. Which of ... Read more

Geopolitics & World News (Questions 1-12) Q1. On 21 February 2026, the Indian government stated it is studying the implications of a new U.S. global tariff measure. What is the temporary import surcharge rate now applicable to Indian goods entering the U.S.? A) 18% B) 15% C) 10% D) 5% Correct Answer: C. Explanation: Following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down earlier country-specific tariffs, President Trump imposed a temporary 10% ad valorem surcharge effective 24 February 2026 for 150 days. India’s rate dropped from the previous 18% level under the interim trade agreement. Q2. Which U.S.-led initiative for resilient ... Read more

Geopolitics & World News Involving India (Questions 1–10) Q1. On 20 February 2026, India signed an agreement to join which U.S.-led coalition aimed at building resilient supply chains for critical minerals, electronics and AI? A) Quad Critical Minerals Forum B) Pax Silica C) Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) Supply Chain Pillar D) Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) Correct Answer: B. Explanation: Pax Silica (signed by Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw with U.S. Under Secretary Jacob Helberg at the AI Impact Summit) counters China’s dominance in rare earth refining and economic coercion. Members include US, Canada, Japan, South Korea and EU. Q2. What is the ... Read more

Indian Polity (Questions 1-5) 1. The Election Commission of India on 18 February 2026 announced biennial elections to fill how many Rajya Sabha seats falling vacant in April 2026 across 10 states? (A) 27 (B) 37 (C) 47 (D) 57 Correct Answer: B. Explanation: The vacancies arise as terms of 37 members end in April 2026; polling is scheduled for 16 March 2026 with notification on 26 February. 2. Polling for the 37 Rajya Sabha seats announced on 18 February 2026 is scheduled on: (A) 5 March (B) 10 March (C) 16 March (D) 26 February Correct Answer: C. Explanation: ... Read more

Geopolitics & World News (Q1–10) Q1. On 17 February 2026, who led the US delegation for the second round of indirect nuclear talks with Iranian officials in Geneva? A) Mike Pompeo and John Bolton B) Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff C) Antony Blinken and Jake Sullivan D) Marco Rubio and Mike Waltz Correct Answer: B. Explanation: President Trump’s trusted envoys—son-in-law Jared Kushner and real-estate developer Steve Witkoff—held the talks focusing on Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes. Iran’s Foreign Minister termed the discussions as making “good progress”. Q2. On the same day in Geneva, the US delegation also engaged which two ... Read more

Indian Polity & Judiciary (1–9) Q1. On 16 February 2026, the Supreme Court referred a batch of petitions to a Constitution Bench concerning which provision of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023? A) Section 8(1)(j) of RTI Act (original) B) Section 44(3) of DPDP Act (amending RTI) C) Section 23 of DPDP Act D) Section 12 of RTI Act Correct Answer: B. Explanation: Section 44(3) imposes a blanket exemption on disclosure of “personal information” under RTI, even in larger public interest, which petitioners argue dismantles the right to know and transparency. Q2. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on ... Read more

Geopolitics (Questions 1-10) Q1. According to the Geopolitics Markets Brief on February 15, 2026, what is the probability of US strikes on Iran by June 30? A) 30% B) 44% C) 50% D) 68% Correct Answer: B. Explanation: The brief highlighted US-Iran tensions with a 44% probability and high trading volume. Q2. Which Venezuelan leader's capture influenced leadership markets, boosting Delcy Rodríguez to 68% as per February 15 reports? A) Hugo Chavez B) Diosdado Cabello C) Juan Guaido D) Nicolas Maduro Correct Answer: D. Explanation: Post-Maduro capture, markets shifted toward Rodríguez amid oil discussions. Q3. At the Munich Security Conference ... Read more

Geopolitics (Questions 1-10) Q1 On February 14, 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the Munich Security Conference. What was the key message he conveyed regarding U.S.-Europe relations? A) The end of the transatlantic alliance B) The U.S. and Europe belong together despite tensions C) Withdrawal from NATO D) Increased tariffs on European goods Answer: B. The U.S. and Europe belong together despite tensions Explanation: Rubio reassured European allies that the Trump administration supports the transatlantic partnership, countering recent frictions like the Greenland dispute. Q2 Which country deployed a second aircraft carrier to West Asia amid tensions with Iran ... Read more

Geopolitics (Questions 1-5) 1. At the Munich Security Conference on February 13, 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron urged Europe to become what? A) A military superpower B) A geopolitical power C) An economic union D) A cultural hub Correct Answer: B. Explanation: Macron emphasized Europe's need to assert itself as a geopolitical power, including reassessing its nuclear deterrent against Russia. 2. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, en route to the Munich Security Conference, described the current global situation as entering a what? A) Time of alliances B) Period of economic recovery C) New era in geopolitics D) Phase of ... Read more

Geopolitics (Questions 1-8) Q1. Which U.S. President met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 12, 2026, to discuss potential strikes on Iran's nuclear and missile facilities? A) Joe Biden B) Donald Trump C) Barack Obama D) George W. Bush Correct Answer: B. Donald Trump Explanation: The meeting focused on Iran's ballistic missile program, with Netanyahu pushing for U.S. action amid threats of regional war. Q2. On February 12, 2026, NATO announced the launch of which mission to counter Russian and Chinese ambitions in the Arctic? A) Arctic Shield B) Northern Guard C) Arctic Sentry D) Polar Defense Correct ... Read more