Q.1) Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) recently raised an External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) worth approximately how much from Japanese lenders?
[a] $200 million
[b] $300 million
[c] $400 million
[d] $700 million
View Answer
Answer: [c] $400 million
Explanation:
State-owned Indian Railway Finance Corporation Ltd (IRFC) signed a loan agreement on February 25, 2026, with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (GIFT City Branch) and MUFG Bank Ltd (GIFT City Branch) to raise an External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) equivalent to $400 million (JPY equivalent). This marks IRFC’s second ECB in FY26, following a $300 million (JPY equivalent) borrowing in December 2025. The move strengthens IRFC’s global funding base and supports railway infrastructure financing.
Q.2) The newly launched ‘Global Access’ platform enabling Indian retail investors to trade in international markets has been introduced by which exchange?
[a] Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)
[b] Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX)
[c] NSE International Exchange (NSE IX)
[d] India International Bullion Exchange
View Answer
Answer: [c] NSE International Exchange (NSE IX)
Explanation:
The NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) has soft-launched the ‘Global Access’ platform, marking a major step in integrating Indian retail investors with global capital markets. The platform enables direct trading in international equities, debt instruments, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). It will initially provide access to the United States markets, with plans to expand to around 30 international markets within the next three to six months, particularly focusing on G-7 nations, which account for nearly 50–60% of global GDP.
Q.3) Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) recently signed an MoU with which European airport to strengthen air cargo connectivity?
[a] Heathrow Airport
[b] Charles de Gaulle Airport
[c] Frankfurt Airport
[d] Schiphol Airport
View Answer
Answer: [c] Frankfurt Airport
Explanation:
Kempegowda International Airport, operated by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Frankfurt Airport to strengthen air cargo connectivity between South India and Europe. The partnership connects two major cargo hubs- Bengaluru, serving one of India’s fastest-growing manufacturing and export regions, and Frankfurt, one of Europe’s most connected cargo gateways—thereby enhancing trade flows and logistics efficiency.
Q.4) Mangaluru International Airport was named the winner of the 2025 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award in which category by Airports Council International (ACI) World?
[a] Best Airport Overall – Asia Pacific
[b] Best Airport at Arrivals – Globally
[c] Best Cargo Airport – Emerging Markets
[d] Most Sustainable Airport – Globally
View Answer
Answer: [b] Best Airport at Arrivals – Globally
Explanation:
Mangaluru International Airport has been awarded the 2025 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award for ‘Best Airport at Arrivals – Globally’ by Airports Council International World. The airport is managed by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. This marks the second consecutive year that Mangaluru Airport has secured this global distinction, having also won the award in 2024. In 2025, only six airports worldwide were selected in this category. The recognition reflects sustained investments in process optimisation, digital initiatives, service training, and close coordination with government agencies and ecosystem partners to enhance passenger experience at arrival.
Q.5) The first State Innovation Mission (SIM) under Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has been launched in which State?
[a] Assam
[b] Tripura
[c] Gujarat
[d] Karnataka
View Answer
Answer: [b] Tripura
Explanation:
The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog has launched the first State Innovation Mission (SIM) in Tripura. The initiative aims to embed innovation and entrepreneurship into the State’s long-term development framework. Launched as part of the AIM 2.0 programme under the aegis of NITI Aayog’s State Support Mission (SSM), SIM is designed as a long-term institutional mechanism to help States/UTs build robust, inclusive, and context-specific innovation ecosystems aligned with national priorities and local strengths.
Q.6) The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to rename the State of Kerala as what?
[a] Keraladesh
[b] Keralam
[c] Malayala Nadu
[d] Travancore
View Answer
Answer: [b] Keralam
Explanation:
Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to rename the State of Kerala as “Keralam.” This approval initiates the constitutional process under Article 3 of the Constitution of India, which empowers Parliament to alter the name, area, or boundaries of a State. As per the constitutional provisions, a Bill for altering a State’s name can be introduced in Parliament only on the recommendation of the President. The move reflects the State’s linguistic and cultural identity, as “Keralam” is the name of the State in the Malayalam language.
Q.7) India recently signed a cooperation arrangement granting access to the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) to which country’s patent office?
[a] Germany
[b] Brazil
[c] South Africa
[d] Japan
View Answer
Answer: [b] Brazil
Explanation:
National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), Brazil, and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India, have signed a cooperation arrangement granting INPI access to the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL). This agreement strengthens global efforts to prevent biopiracy and misappropriation of traditional knowledge, while also supporting Brazil in improving the quality and accuracy of its patent examination process. By providing access to documented Indian traditional knowledge, the arrangement helps patent examiners identify prior art and avoid wrongful patent grants on traditional medicinal and cultural knowledge.
Q.8) The revamped RAJMARG PRAVESH portal, recently launched by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, is primarily aimed at simplifying which process?
[a] Toll collection on National Highways
[b] Vehicle registration services
[c] Obtaining NOCs for access and facilities along National Highways
[d] Highway traffic violation monitoring
View Answer
Answer: [c] Obtaining NOCs for access and facilities along National Highways
Explanation:
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has launched the upgraded RAJMARG PRAVESH web portal to streamline the process of obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for facilities along National Highways. The portal facilitates permissions for fuel stations, wayside amenities, private properties, rest area complexes, connecting roads, and industrial access points. The revamped portal aims to make the permission process simpler, faster, and more transparent, in line with the Government’s focus on improving the ease of doing business. Citizens, businesses, and organisations can now apply online for access-related approvals through a user-friendly digital interface.
Q.9) The Government of India will launch a CBDC-based Food Subsidy Distribution Pilot under PMGKAY in which Union Territory?
[a] Lakshadweep
[b] Chandigarh
[c] Puducherry
[d] Andaman & Nicobar Islands
View Answer
Answer: [c] Puducherry
Explanation:
The Government of India will launch a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Food Subsidy Distribution Pilot under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) in the Union Territory of Puducherry. The initiative aims to strengthen India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), enhance transparency and accountability in subsidy delivery, and improve the efficiency of the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) ecosystem. By leveraging CBDC, the government seeks to ensure more secure, traceable, and targeted subsidy transfers to beneficiaries.
Q.10) The PAIMANA portal, recently operationalised by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), is primarily used for monitoring which type of projects?
[a] State-sponsored welfare schemes
[b] Central Sector Infrastructure Projects worth ₹150 crore and above
[c] Rural employment programmes
[d] Private sector PPP projects only
View Answer
Answer: [b] Central Sector Infrastructure Projects worth ₹150 crore and above
Explanation:
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has operationalised a new web-based portal named PAIMANA (Project Assessment, Infrastructure Monitoring & Analytics for Nation-building) for mandated monitoring of Central Sector Infrastructure Projects costing ₹150 crore and above. PAIMANA replaces the earlier Online Computerized Monitoring System (OCMS-2006). It functions as a centralised national repository of infrastructure projects, enabling web-generated analytical reports, improving data accuracy, and enhancing operational efficiency. The portal has been operationalised in coordination with over 20 Ministries/Departments, along with the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) and Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
Q.11) Ministry of Railways recently launched the Rail Tech Policy primarily to promote what within Indian Railways?
[a] Privatization of railway stations
[b] Foreign direct investment in railways
[c] Innovation through engagement with startups and industry
[d] Increase in passenger fares
View Answer
Answer: [c] Innovation through engagement with startups and industry
Explanation:
Ministry of Railways has launched the Rail Tech Policy under its “52 Reforms in 52 Weeks” initiative to promote innovation within Indian Railways. The policy aims to actively engage innovators, startups, industry, and academic institutions to introduce new technologies and solutions in railway operations. As part of the reform, a dedicated Rail Tech Portal has been introduced to simplify the selection process of innovators and provide a structured platform for collaboration. Additionally, the Ministry launched the e-RCT System (Electronic Railway Claims Tribunal System) to ensure end-to-end digitisation of Railway Claims Tribunal processes, improving efficiency and transparency in grievance redressal.
Q.12) The Government has constituted a committee under whose chairmanship to review and strengthen the regulatory framework for DigiLocker?
[a] Ajay Sawhney
[b] Amitabh Kant
[c] Nandan Nilekani
[d] Rajeev Chandrasekhar
View Answer
Answer: [a] Ajay Sawhney
Explanation:
Government has constituted a committee under the chairmanship of Ajay Sawhney to review and strengthen the regulatory framework for DigiLocker. The Committee will examine the existing Digital Locker Rules and align them with the evolving technological and legal landscape. It will also prepare a future roadmap for the development and strengthening of the DigiLocker ecosystem, ensuring better compliance with emerging technology standards and data protection frameworks.
Q.13) During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s February 2026 visit to Israel, the India–Israel relationship was elevated to which status?
[a] Comprehensive Economic Partnership
[b] Global Strategic Alliance
[c] Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity
[d] Defence Cooperation Framework Agreement
View Answer
Answer: [c] Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity
Explanation:
During his two-day state visit to Israel in February 2026, Narendra Modi oversaw the unveiling of 27 outcomes, including 17 agreements/MoUs and 10 key announcements, aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation. A major highlight was the elevation of the India–Israel relationship to a “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity.” Other key announcements included: Elevation of the Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) on Science & Technology to the Ministerial level; Launch of collaboration in Critical and Emerging Technologies, led by National Security Advisors; Establishment of a Financial Dialogue; Introduction of the Tech-Gateway Initiative
Q.14) SUJVIKA, recently launched by the Ministry of Science & Technology, is primarily related to which sector?
[a] Space Technology
[b] Biotechnology Trade Data
[c] Renewable Energy
[d] Defence Manufacturing
View Answer
Answer: [b] Biotechnology Trade Data
Explanation:
On the occasion of the 40th Foundation Day of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, the government launched SUJVIKA, an AI-driven Biotech Product Data Portal. Developed in collaboration with the industry body Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE), SUJVIKA functions as a Trade Statistics Digital Intelligence Platform. It provides authenticated biotechnology product import data in a structured, user-friendly format, enabling data-driven decision-making and strengthening India’s biotech ecosystem
Q.15) The Udyami Bharat Portal (UBP), launched during the 5th National MSME Council Meeting, is primarily designed to function as what?
[a] Export financing platform for MSMEs
[b] Credit rating portal for startups
[c] One Stop Shop for MSME services
[d] International trade facilitation portal
View Answer
Answer: [c] One Stop Shop for MSME services
Explanation:
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) organised the 5th National MSME Council Meeting in New Delhi, during which two major digital initiatives were launched — the Udyami Bharat Portal (UBP) and the MSME Technology Transfer Platform (MTTP). The Udyami Bharat Portal (UBP) has been developed as an integrated digital platform and a One Stop Shop for MSME services, aligned with the Digital India Mission. It integrates: All MoMSME portals; Portals of other Central Ministries/Departments; State Government portals.
Q.16) The Blockchain India Challenge, recently launched by the Government of India, aims to promote blockchain solutions primarily in which area?
[a] Cryptocurrency trading
[b] Gaming and entertainment
[c] Digital governance
[d] Defence procurement
View Answer
Answer: [c] Digital governance
Explanation:
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched the Blockchain India Challenge to promote blockchain-based digital governance solutions. The initiative is being implemented by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) with support from MeitY. The challenge is a national initiative aimed at encouraging Indian startups to develop innovative blockchain-based solutions for governance and promoting the adoption of permissioned blockchain systems for government use, ensuring security, transparency, and efficiency in public service delivery.
Q.17) India has formally launched negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with which regional bloc in February 2026?
[a] European Union (EU)
[b] ASEAN
[c] Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
[d] African Union
View Answer
Answer: [c] Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Explanation:
India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have formally launched negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the signing of a Joint Statement in New Delhi. The Joint Statement, along with the Terms of Reference (ToR) signed in February 2026, marks a major milestone in strengthening India–GCC economic ties. The GCC is India’s largest trading partner bloc. In FY 2024–25, bilateral trade between India and GCC stood at US$ 178.56 billion, including: Exports: US$ 56.87 billion AND Imports: US$ 121.68 billion.
Q.18) India recently signed a Protocol amending the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC) with which country?
[a] Germany
[b] United Kingdom
[c] France
[d] Japan
View Answer
Answer: [c] France
Explanation:
During the recent visit of the President of France to India, the two countries signed a Protocol amending the India–France Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC), which was originally signed in 1992. The amended Protocol introduces key changes including: Capital Gains Taxation provisions; Deletion of the Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) Clause; Revised Dividend Taxation Structure.
Q.19) World NGO Day is observed annually on which date?
[a] 21 February
[b] 25 February
[c] 27 February
[d] 1 March
View Answer
Answer: [c] 27 February
Explanation:
World NGO Day is celebrated every year on 27 February in recognition of the valuable contributions of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the individuals working behind them. The day acknowledges their achievements, raises awareness about social and developmental causes, and promotes cooperation among organisations, governments, and civil society. Beyond celebration, the day highlights the critical role NGOs play in areas such as human rights, education, healthcare, environment protection, disaster relief, and community development, reinforcing the importance of collaborative governance.
Q.20) The Bharat RanBhoomi Darshan Expedition, recently flagged in at the National War Memorial, was led by which arm of the Indian Army?
[a] Corps of Engineers
[b] Infantry Regiment
[c] Regiment of Artillery
[d] Army Air Defence
View Answer
Answer: [c] Regiment of Artillery
Explanation:
The Bharat RanBhoomi Darshan Expedition was flagged in by Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), at the National War Memorial, New Delhi. The expedition was led by the Regiment of Artillery of the Indian Army. The initiative holds national significance and strategic outreach value, as it promotes the RanBhoomi Darshan concept — bringing attention to historically significant battlefields and border regions that form a vital part of India’s security narrative. Such efforts help preserve India’s military heritage and inspire present and future generations to uphold ideals of service and sacrifice.