Current Affairs

9 Feb 2026's MCQs

18 questions · one per article

  • 14 linked PYQs · Can you solve them?
    Polity and GovernanceGS2
    High Priority

    India Malaysia Strategic Pivot and Counter Terrorism Cooperation

    Why It Matters

    The strategic elevation of India-Malaysia ties reflects India's deepening engagement with ASEAN under its Act East Policy. It holds significant implications for GS2 (International Relations) regarding Indo-Pacific stability and GS3 (Economy & Security) concerning resilient semiconductor supply chains, de-dollarisation efforts, and global counter-terrorism frameworks.

  • 6 revision-ready facts
    Polity and GovernanceGS2
    High Priority

    Political Critique of Indo-US Interim Trade Agreement

    Why It Matters

    Demonstrates the intersection of foreign policy, international trade deals, and domestic economic security. It highlights the challenges of balancing bilateral strategic partnerships with the need to protect vulnerable domestic sectors like agriculture from foreign competition.

  • Science and TechnologyGS3
    High Priority

    Andhra Pradesh Launches Quantum Valley Project for Deep Tech

    Why It Matters

    With quantum computing emerging as a transformative technology globally, state-level initiatives like 'Quantum Valley' complement the central government's National Quantum Mission. It highlights the growing trend of states competing to build localized deep-tech ecosystems to drive economic growth, foster research, and generate future-ready employment.

  • EconomyGS3
    High Priority

    Gender Budgeting and Social Sector Outlays in Union Budget

    Why It Matters

    It demonstrates the difference between mere budget allocation and actual welfare outcomes, making it a critical case study for GS Paper 2 topics like 'Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections' and 'Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.'

  • 6 linked PYQs · Can you solve them?
    Polity and GovernanceGS2
    High Priority

    Supreme Court Seeks Response On CBI Probe For Ponzi Scheme

    Why It Matters

    This case illustrates the practical challenges in India's federal structure regarding law enforcement jurisdictions. The requirement for state consent for a CBI probe under the DSPE Act often leads to fragmented investigations in multi-state crimes, which can impact the efficiency of justice delivery and investor protection frameworks.

  • 5 revision-ready facts
    Polity and GovernanceGS2
    High Priority

    Japan LDP secures landslide victory under PM Sanae Takaichi

    Why It Matters

    Japan's shift towards active rearmament and a hawkish stance on China alters the Indo-Pacific security calculus, directly impacting India's strategic environment and its role in groupings like the Quad. Additionally, Takaichi's historic rise as Japan's first female prime minister provides a salient international case study on women's political empowerment.

  • Polity and GovernanceGS2
    High Priority

    Himachal Pradesh Revenue Deficit Grant Loss Threatens Fiscal Crisis

    Why It Matters

    The article brings focus to a central tension in Indian fiscal federalism: the balance between tax devolution and grants-in-aid, and how Finance Commission formulas impact geographically vulnerable states. It serves as a strong case study for GS2 (Finance Commission, Centre-State relations) and GS3 (State fiscal health, FRBM).

  • HistoryGS1
    High Priority

    Prehistoric Skeletons Unearthed at Tekkalakota in Karnataka

    Why It Matters

    Recent archaeological findings are a staple for UPSC Prelims matching questions (Site vs. Era/State). The continuous habitation at Tekkalakota underscores the importance of geographical factors in the sustained development of ancient cultures, a prominent theme in GS1 Mains.

  • 19 linked PYQs · Can you solve them?
    Science and TechnologyGS2
    High Priority

    Metabolic Factors and Rising Prevalence of Fatty Liver in India

    Why It Matters

    The high prevalence of NAFLD reflects India's shifting disease burden toward non-communicable and lifestyle-induced conditions. This necessitates an evolved public healthcare response, emphasizing preventive healthcare, nutritional awareness, and policy-level interventions under the NPCDCS.

  • 5 revision-ready facts
    Polity and GovernanceGS2
    High Priority

    Kabul Beijing ties deepen amid rising Pakistan Afghanistan tensions

    Why It Matters

    Understanding the evolving Kabul-Beijing-Islamabad geopolitical triangle is crucial for UPSC aspirants, as it directly influences regional stability, border security, and India's strategic maneuvers to counter a growing Chinese presence in the extended neighborhood.

  • Polity and GovernanceGS2
    High Priority

    US and China Diplomatic Engagement and Non-Proliferation Concerns

    Why It Matters

    US-China relations fundamentally shape the global geopolitical landscape. Understanding the duality of their diplomatic engagements and security disputes—especially regarding nuclear testing and non-proliferation—is critical for analyzing international relations, global security architecture, and India's strategic positioning.

  • Polity and GovernanceGS2
    High Priority

    Himachal CM to meet PM Modi over revenue deficit grant halt

    Why It Matters

    The tapering and discontinuation of Post-Devolution Revenue Deficit Grants (PDRDG) pose a severe fiscal shock to structurally dependent states. This article is highly relevant for GS2 and GS3 as it illustrates the real-world frictions of fiscal federalism, the role of the Finance Commission, and the increasing likelihood of states using Article 131 to litigate against the Centre's financial policies.

  • 11 linked PYQs · Can you solve them?
    Polity and GovernanceGS2
    High Priority

    Postal Voting Reforms for Expatriates in Bangladesh Polls

    Why It Matters

    The implementation of postal voting for 15 million expatriates offers a vital comparative model for India's ongoing debates regarding NRI voting rights (proxy voting or Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System). Furthermore, political stability in post-uprising Bangladesh via peaceful elections directly impacts India's internal security, cross-border trade, and the 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

  • 6 revision-ready facts
    EconomyGS3

    Ahmedabad University Sets Up Manufacturing and Economy Institute

    Why It Matters

    This development is a prime example for UPSC aspirants to cite when discussing industry-academia linkages, the challenges of the manufacturing sector, and strategies for employment generation (labor-intensive vs. technology-driven). It underscores institutional steps taken to achieve the National Manufacturing Policy's goal of a 25% GDP share.

  • Polity and GovernanceGS2

    Iran sentences Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi to prison term

    Why It Matters

    This event serves as a critical contemporary case study for UPSC aspirants regarding the tension between the State and Civil Society Organizations/Human Rights defenders. It illustrates how authoritarian states view dissent, which is directly relevant to GS Paper II topics on fundamental rights (comparative perspective), the role of civil society, and international affairs.

  • EconomyGS3

    CBDT Clarifies Continuation of Old Income Tax Regime

    Why It Matters

    Income tax policies directly influence citizen savings, investments, and domestic consumption. The coexistence of the dual tax regime provides flexibility, while improved refund timelines and strict STT/TCS tracking highlight the government's dual focus on taxpayer facilitation and robust resource mobilization.

  • 12 linked PYQs · Can you solve them?
    GeographyGS3

    Mumbai Corporators Push for Congestion Tax to Curb Air Pollution

    Why It Matters

    It demonstrates the practical application of economic tools (like a congestion tax) to manage environmental crises and urban traffic. It is highly relevant for GS3 (Environment) regarding pollution mitigation strategies, GS1 regarding urban mass transport, and GS2 (Polity) concerning the empowerment and proactive measures of local governments in urban management.

  • 6 revision-ready facts
    Science and TechnologyGS3

    Operation Sindoor Validates Indian Army Multi Domain Combat Readiness

    Why It Matters

    Multi-domain operations and jointness are key areas of ongoing defence reforms in India. Understanding exercises like Operation Sindoor helps aspirants grasp how the Indian Army is practically implementing its 'Decade of Transformation' and modernizing to face future hybrid threats.