January and February 2026 Current Affairs MCQ
20 exam-oriented MCQ questions based on January and February 2026 current affairs (covering Republic Day, Padma/Gallantry Awards, Economic Survey, Union Budget 2026-27, India AI Impact Summit, schemes, and key bilateral developments). These are designed for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, State PCS, etc.
- Who was the Chief Guest(s) at India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations on 26 January 2026?
A) French President Emmanuel Macron
B) Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa (European Commission and Council Presidents)
C) UAE President
D) US President
Answer: B
Explanation: The theme was “150 Years of Vande Mataram,” and EU leaders attended, symbolizing - strengthened India-EU ties and FTA progress.
How many Padma Awards were announced for 2026 on the eve of Republic Day?
A) 100
B) 131
C) 150
D) 200
Answer: B
Explanation: Total 131 awards (5 Vibhushan, 13 Bhushan, 113 Shri), including 19 women and 16 posthumous. - Who received the Ashok Chakra among the Gallantry Awards announced on 25 January 2026?
A) Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla
B) A civilian from J&K
C) An Army personnel
D) A Navy officer
Answer: A
Explanation: Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla was awarded the highest peacetime gallantry honor. - ‘Coking Coal’ was notified as a critical mineral in January 2026 primarily to:
A) Boost exports
B) Reduce import dependence
C) Support renewable energy
D) Aid steel industry pollution control
Answer: B
Explanation: To cut reliance on imports and strengthen domestic supply chains. - The theme of Republic Day 2026 parade was:
A) Viksit Bharat
B) 150 Years of Vande Mataram
C) Atmanirbhar Bharat
D) Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
Answer: B
Explanation: Highlighted India’s cultural and historical pride. - The Economic Survey 2025-26 (presented in late January 2026) primarily focused on:
A) Inflation control only
B) Productivity, high-value services, reforms, and scale advantages
C) Defense spending
D) Tourism revival
Answer: B
Explanation: It assessed economic priorities ahead of the Union Budget.
7. The Union Budget 2026-27 was presented on:
A) 1 February 2026
B) 15 February 2026
C) 26 January 2026
D) 10 February 2026
Answer: A
Explanation: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented it, themed around Yuva Shakti-driven growth and Viksit Bharat.
8. What is the capital expenditure allocation in Union Budget 2026-27?
A) ₹10 lakh crore
B) ₹12.2 lakh crore (3.1% of GDP)
C) ₹15 lakh crore
D) ₹8 lakh crore
Answer: B
Explanation: Focused on capex-led reforms and infrastructure push.
9. The fiscal deficit target for FY 2026-27 in the Budget is:
A) 3.5% of GDP
B) 4.3% of GDP
C) 5.0% of GDP
D) 4.0% of GDP
Answer: B
Explanation: Reduced from previous revised estimates, aiming for fiscal consolidation.
10. During the India AI Impact Summit 2026, India and France elevated their bilateral ties to:
A) Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
B) Special Global Strategic Partnership till 2047
C) Defense Partnership
D) Trade Alliance
Answer: B
Explanation: Announced during French President Macron’s visit and participation in the summit.
11. Which two AI initiatives for healthcare (SAHI and BODH) were launched by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda at the India AI Impact Summit 2026?
A) Education-focused
B) Healthcare sector AI push
C) Agriculture tools
D) Banking reforms
Answer: B
Explanation: To strengthen AI in India’s healthcare ecosystem.
12. The PM RAHAT Scheme (approved in February 2026) provides:
A) Immediate life-saving care to road accident victims
B) Free electricity to farmers
C) Scholarships for youth
D) Housing for urban poor
Answer: A
Explanation: Pradhan Mantri Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment scheme.
13. The Urban Challenge Fund announced in Budget 2026-27 has a corpus of:
A) ₹50,000 crore
B) ₹1 lakh crore
C) ₹2 lakh crore
D) ₹10,000 crore
Answer: B
Explanation: For urban infrastructure and development.
14. The Great Nicobar Project (cleared by NGT in February 2026) is valued at approximately:
A) ₹50,000 crore
B) ₹92,000 crore
C) ₹1 lakh crore
D) ₹20,000 crore
Answer: B
Explanation: Mega-infrastructure project with strategic importance and environmental safeguards.
15. Under Budget 2026-27, the allocation for renewable energy saw an increase of:
A) 10%
B) 30% (₹32,914.7 crore)
C) 50%
D) No change
Answer: B
Explanation: Boost to support green energy and net-zero goals.
16. The India-EU FTA was near-finalized and highlighted during:
A) Republic Day 2026
B) Budget presentation
C) AI Summit
D) Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Answer: A
Explanation: Progress noted amid EU leaders’ visit on Republic Day.
17. Yuva AI for All is associated with:
A) MeitY’s National AI Literacy programme
B) Budget education allocation
C) Defense AI
D) Healthcare only
Answer: A
Explanation: Launched to promote AI awareness.
18. The allocation for IndiaAI Mission in Budget 2026-27 was:
A) Increased to ₹2,000 crore
B) Reduced concerns over compute access
C) Doubled
D) Eliminated
Answer: B
Explanation: Halved from previous year, raising debates on AI push.
19. Which scheme’s additional corpus was announced in Budget 2026-27 for startups?
A) Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 (₹10,000 crore)
B) PM Surya Ghar
C) Self-Reliant India Fund
D) Both A and C
Answer: A
Explanation: To support innovation and entrepreneurship.
20. The National Sports Governance Rules were notified in:
A) January 2026
B) February 2026
C) December 2025
D) March 2026
Answer: A
Explanation: Part of January policy updates.