Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-10)
Q1. On 23 February 2026, India strongly condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes on which two Afghan provinces that resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, during the holy month of Ramadan?
A) Kandahar and Herat
B) Nangarhar and Paktika
C) Kabul and Jalalabad
D) Kunduz and Balkh
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal termed the strikes an attempt by Pakistan to deflect from its internal challenges and reaffirmed India’s support for Afghan sovereignty.
Q2. The Ministry of Home Affairs unveiled India’s first-ever comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy on 23 February 2026. What does the acronym PRAHAAR stand for in its core pillars?
A) Prevention, Response, Aggregation, Holistic Action, Adaptive Resilience
B) Proactive Raid Against Hostile Actors And Radicalisation
C) Police, Rangers, Army, Home, Aviation, Artillery Response
D) Prevention of terror attacks, Responses that are swift and proportionate, Aggregating internal capacities for synergy, Human rights and ‘Rule of Law’-based processes, Attenuating the conditions enabling terrorism, Aligning and shaping international efforts, Recovery and resilience through a whole-of-society approach.
Correct Answer: D.
Q3. Mexican security forces, backed by U.S. intelligence, killed which notorious cartel leader (head of CJNG) in a clash in Tapalpa, Jalisco on/around 23 February 2026, triggering violence in at least a dozen Mexican states?
A) El Chapo
B) El Mencho (Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes)
C) Ismael Zambada
D) Rafael Caro Quintero
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The killing led to road blockades, arson and flight cancellations; the U.S. Embassy advised American citizens (including tourists) in multiple states to shelter in place. Experts warn of possible increased migration pressure toward the U.S. border.
Q4. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s global tariff agenda on 21-22 February 2026. In response, what tariff rate did Trump announce he would raise to on 23 February?
A) 10%
B) 25%
C) 15%
D) 60% on China only
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Trump threatened even higher tariffs if needed, highlighting ongoing U.S. trade-policy uncertainty with major geopolitical implications for India and global supply chains.
Q5. Amid escalating U.S.-Iran tensions and reports of possible limited U.S. military strikes, what advisory did the Indian Embassy in Tehran issue to Indian nationals on 23 February 2026?
A) Leave Iran immediately by any available means of transport
B) Register with the embassy
C) Avoid only Tehran
D) Stockpile essentials for 30 days
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The advisory came after Trump issued an ultimatum on a new nuclear deal and ordered military build-up in the Persian Gulf.
Q6. 24 February 2026 marks the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. On 23 February, which UN official highlighted the conflict in his address to the Human Rights Council?
A) Volker Turk
B) Antonio Guterres
C) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
D) Amina Mohammed
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Secretary-General Guterres called on states to resist geopolitical pressures and uphold international law.
Q7. Indian protesters on 23 February 2026 demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Israel (25 February) be called off, citing concerns over India’s traditional stance on which issue?
A) Palestine
B) Kashmir
C) Nuclear non-proliferation
D) Climate change
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Activists argued the visit goes against values of anti-colonial solidarity.
Q8. Russia and Iran moved closer on 23 February 2026 toward implementing a major energy project involving supplies of Russian natural gas to Iran. This development is significant in the context of:
A) OPEC+ production cuts
B) SCO energy corridor
C) Caspian Sea delimitation
D) Western sanctions bypassing
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: It reflects deepening Russia-Iran ties amid U.S. sanctions on both.
Q9. A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck near which U.S. state on 23 February 2026, as reported in global headlines?
A) California
B) Alaska
C) Hawaii
D) Texas
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Part of broader seismic activity monitored amid geopolitical focus on critical minerals in the Arctic region.
Q10. Which country’s Foreign Minister stated on 22-23 February 2026 that Iran would defend itself and strike back at U.S. interests if attacked but preferred a diplomatic solution on the nuclear issue?
A) Abbas Araghchi (Iran)
B) S. Jaishankar (India)
C) Sergey Lavrov (Russia)
D) Wang Yi (China)
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Amid U.S. redeployments in West Asia.
Indian Polity & Governance (Questions 11-20)
Q11. A medical charter plane flying from Delhi to Ranchi crashed on 23 February 2026 near Simaria in which Jharkhand district, with 7 people (including air ambulance personnel) on board?
A) Ranchi
B) Chatra
C) Dhanbad
D) Bokaro
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The incident has raised questions on air ambulance safety regulations under DGCA oversight.
Q12. Security forces neutralised 7 Jaish-e-Mohammed infiltrators (including key operative Saifullah) from Pakistan in Kishtwar, J&K on 23 February 2026 under which operation name that ended a 2-year pursuit?
A) Operation Trashi-I
B) Operation All Out
C) Operation Raksha
D) Operation Vijay
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Joint operation by Army, J&K Police, CRPF using drones and sniffer dogs.
Q13. On 23 February 2026, President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the bust of which freedom fighter and former Governor-General at Rashtrapati Bhavan, describing it as an example of “mental decolonisation”?
A) Sardar Patel
B) C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji)
C) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
D) Maulana Azad
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Part of ongoing efforts to remove colonial symbols (e.g., Rajpath ? Kartavya Path).
Q14. Tamil Nadu released its final electoral roll under Special Intensive Revision (SIR) on 23 February 2026 with nearly how many deletions?
A) 30 lakh
B) 50 lakh
C) 70 lakh
D) 1 crore
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Eligible 18-year-olds (by 1 Jan 2026) not listed can still apply.
Q15. In the upcoming Bihar Rajya Sabha polls (16 March), how many of the 5 seats is the NDA projected to win comfortably on 23 February 2026 reports?
A) 3
B) 4
C) 5
D) 2
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Short of a clean sweep; AIMIM and BSP MLAs are kingmakers.
Q16. India aims to raise how much through IPOs of state-run firms (including seven railway PSUs) by FY 2029-30, as announced on 23 February 2026?
A) $10 billion
B) $15 billion
C) $19.7 billion
D) $15 billion
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Part of disinvestment strategy; railway listings alone could fetch ?83,700 crore.
Q17. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 23 February 2026 urged banks to focus on core business and stop mis-selling of which products?
A) Mutual funds only
B) Insurance and other financial products
C) Gold loans
D) Home loans
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Strong rebuke against practices harming consumer trust.
Q18. Controversy erupted in Kerala on 23 February 2026 over the arrest of the Sabarimala tantri; which two parties launched offensives against the Pinarayi Vijayan government?
A) BJP and Congress
B) CPI(M) and IUML
C) BJP and IUML
D) Congress and IUML
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Allegations of political vendetta and lack of evidence.
Q19. The Punjab government withdrew security of which religious figure on 23 February 2026, drawing criticism from Sukhbir Badal and Akal Takht?
A) Dera Sacha Sauda head
B) Baba Ghalla Singh
C) Radha Soami Satsang head
D) Namdhari sect head
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Timing linked to Nanaksar sect’s support for Akali Dal.
Q20. A viral video of a candidate collapsing during a physical test (carrying 25-kg sack in 100-m dash) for a ?5,000/month job in Himachal Pradesh led the state government on 23 February 2026 to:
A) Increase salary
B) Change the test criteria
C) Halt the entire recruitment process
D) File FIR against officials
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The Pashu Mitra recruitment test drew widespread criticism.
Sports (Questions 21-24)
Q21. In the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 stage on 23 February 2026, India suffered a 76-run defeat to South Africa in Ahmedabad. What was the impact on India’s qualification scenario?
A) Eliminated
B) Road to semi-finals became significantly tougher (3rd in group, poor NRR)
C) Still topped the group
D) Advanced directly to final
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: South Africa exploited India’s predictable batting and spin vulnerability.
Q22. In the FIH Pro League on 23 February 2026, India lost 5-4 in a shootout to Australia after a 2-2 draw in regulation. Where was the match played?
A) Bhubaneswar
B) Antwerp
C) Hobart
D) London
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: India faced Spain the next day in the same leg.
Q23. In ISL 2025-26 on 23 February 2026, which team defeated Kerala Blasters 1-0?
A) Mohun Bagan
B) Mumbai City
C) Bengaluru FC
D) Odisha FC
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Bengaluru FC drew 1-1 with NorthEast United; Mohun Bagan hosted Chennaiyin.
Q24. Ashwini Ponnappa and Shikha Gautam were in action on 23 February 2026 in which international badminton tournament?
A) All England
B) Swiss Open
C) BWF German Open
D) Indonesia Masters
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Part of India’s campaign in European circuit.
Arts & Culture (Questions 25-27)
Q25. Which Manipuri-language film, directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani and others, won the BAFTA 2026 award for Best Children’s & Family Film on 22-23 February reports, beating Zootopia 2 and Lilo & Stitch?
A) Laapataa Ladies
B) Boong
C) Kantara
D) 12th Fail
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: First Indian film to win in this category; director highlighted the Manipur situation in her acceptance speech.
Q26. In her BAFTA acceptance speech for Boong, director Lakshmipriya Devi drew global attention to the ongoing conflict in which Indian state?
A) Nagaland
B) Assam
C) Mizoram
D) Manipur
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Historic recognition for Northeast Indian cinema.
Q27. President Murmu’s unveiling of Rajaji’s bust on 23 February 2026 is linked to which broader cultural policy theme?
A) Promotion of regional languages
B) Mental decolonisation and removal of colonial symbols
C) Classical language status
D) Intangible cultural heritage
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Rajagopalachari (last Governor-General) symbolises indigenous leadership.
Other Current Affairs (Questions 28-30)
Q28. On 23 February 2026, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) opened the annual Tulip Festival on Shanti Path in which Delhi locality?
A) India Gate lawns
B) Chanakyapuri diplomatic enclave
C) Lodhi Gardens
D) Nehru Park
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Featuring colourful tulip carpets inspired by Holland.
Q29. Gautam Adani reviewed power projects worth over ?43,000 crore across Jharkhand and Bihar on/around 23 February 2026. This reflects continued private-sector push in which sector?
A) Renewables only
B) Road projects
C) Thermal + renewable power infrastructure
D) Ports
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Part of eastern India energy corridor development.
Q30. The Koregaon Bhima Commission of Inquiry received its 21st extension till 31 May 2026 on 23 February 2026 while examining retired IAS officer Vishwas Patil over his novel on which historical figure?
A) Shivaji Maharaj
B) Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
C) Peshwa Bajirao
D) Rani Lakshmibai
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Ongoing probe into 2018 Bhima Koregaon violence-related matters.
