15 February 2026, Questions & Answers

8 current affairs questions with answers for UPSC, MPSC, SSC, Banking & Teaching exams.

8 questions  ·  0 topics covered  ·  5 min revision

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This page contains 8 current affairs questions with answers from 15 February 2026, covering multiple important topics and more. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the concept behind it.

These questions are curated specifically for UPSC, MPSC, SSC, Banking & Teaching exams, focusing on conceptual clarity, factual accuracy, and exam relevance. All questions are derived from important news published in The Hindu and Indian Express.

Use this page for:

  • Daily revision
  • Prelims preparation
  • Quick self-assessment
  • Mains answer enrichment

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15 February 2026, Questions with Answers

8 Qs
Q1.

Which government think tank released the 'trade watch' quarterly report analyzing the electronics export opportunity mentioned in the news?

EasyUPSC, SSC
  • A.Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
  • B.NITI Aayog✓ Correct Answer
  • C.Finance Commission
  • D.Planning Commission
▶ Show Explanation

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the report analyzing the $1 trillion electronics export opportunity was released by NITI Aayog. NITI Aayog is the premier policy think tank of the Government of India, replacing the Planning Commission.

Source: India-EU-US FTAs Open $1 Trillion Electronics Export Market, Highlight $336 Bn EU Gap, $18 Bn China Import Dependence →
Q2.

Consider the following statements regarding India's electronics sector as per the article:

1. India's exports to the European Union across six key electronic product categories total $8.88 billion against a potential opportunity of nearly $336 billion.

2. In the financial year 2023-24, India imported electronic components worth over $12 billion from Vietnam and $6 billion from Hong Kong.

3. The India Semiconductor Mission, with an outlay of Rs 76,000 crore, aims to boost domestic chip fabrication and packaging.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

HardUPSC, SSC
  • A.(A) Only 1
  • B.(B) Only 2
  • C.(C) Both 1 and 3✓ Correct Answer
  • D.(D) All three
▶ Show Explanation

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the NITI Aayog report cited. Statement 2 is incorrect because the imports worth over $12 billion were from China, not Vietnam. The $6 billion import was from Hong Kong. Statement 3 is correct, as the article mentions the Rs 76,000 crore India Semiconductor Mission for chip fabrication and packaging.

Source: India-EU-US FTAs Open $1 Trillion Electronics Export Market, Highlight $336 Bn EU Gap, $18 Bn China Import Dependence →
Q3.

According to the Economic Survey 2025-26 cited in the article, what is India's Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP)?

MediumUPSC, SSC
  • A.0.64%✓ Correct Answer
  • B.1.2%
  • C.2.4%
  • D.3.1%
▶ Show Explanation

Explanation

The article concludes by stating that the Economic Survey 2025-26 reported India's GERD as 0.64% of GDP. This is a key data point highlighting India's low R&D intensity compared to competitors like China (2.4%) and Japan (2-4%).

Source: India-EU-US FTAs Open $1 Trillion Electronics Export Market, Highlight $336 Bn EU Gap, $18 Bn China Import Dependence →
Q4.

What is a primary strategic objective behind the 'rules of origin' clauses in the recently concluded India-US trade agreement, as inferred from the article?

MediumUPSC, SSC
  • A.To simplify customs procedures for all member countries of the WTO.
  • B.To ensure the benefits of the agreement accrue predominantly to the US and India by ringfencing China.✓ Correct Answer
  • C.To establish common quality standards for electronic goods traded between the two nations.
  • D.To mandate a specific percentage of female workforce in the manufacturing units benefiting from the FTA.
▶ Show Explanation

Explanation

The article quotes the India-US joint statement and experts saying that US trade deals often aim to ringfence China, its largest strategic rival. The 'rules of origin' are designed to prevent goods from third countries (like China) from gaining easy access through either partner, thereby protecting and promoting bilateral trade.

Source: India-EU-US FTAs Open $1 Trillion Electronics Export Market, Highlight $336 Bn EU Gap, $18 Bn China Import Dependence →
Q5.

Which statutory body is responsible for regulating the National Pension System (NPS) in India?

EasyUPSC, SSC
  • A.Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
  • B.Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
  • C.Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)✓ Correct Answer
  • D.Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
▶ Show Explanation

Explanation

The PFRDA was established by the PFRDA Act, 2013, to promote, develop, and regulate the pension sector, including the NPS. SEBI regulates securities markets, RBI regulates banking, and IRDAI regulates insurance.

Source: PFRDA: NPS AUM at ₹17 Lakh Cr, OPS Unsustainable; 8 States Adopt Unified Pension Scheme →
Q6.

Consider the following statements regarding pension schemes in India:

1. The Old Pension Scheme (OPS) is a defined-contribution, funded pension model.

2. The National Pension System (NPS) had an Assets Under Management (AUM) of approximately ₹17 lakh crore as of February 2026.

3. The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) has a larger number of subscribers compared to the NPS.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

MediumUPSC, Banking
  • A.(A) Only 1
  • B.(B) Only 2
  • C.(C) Both 2 and 3✓ Correct Answer
  • D.(D) All three
▶ Show Explanation

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: OPS is a defined-benefit, unfunded (pay-as-you-go) model, not defined-contribution. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is correct: the article states out of 9 crore subscribers, 7 crore belong to APY and 2 crore to NPS.

Source: PFRDA: NPS AUM at ₹17 Lakh Cr, OPS Unsustainable; 8 States Adopt Unified Pension Scheme →
Q7.

As per the news, how many states have adopted the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) as mentioned by the PFRDA Chairperson?

EasyUPSC, SSC
  • A.5 states
  • B.8 states✓ Correct Answer
  • C.10 states
  • D.12 states
▶ Show Explanation

Explanation

The article explicitly states that eight states, including Maharashtra and Odisha, have introduced the Unified Pension Scheme. This is a factual data point from the interview.

Source: PFRDA: NPS AUM at ₹17 Lakh Cr, OPS Unsustainable; 8 States Adopt Unified Pension Scheme →
Q8.

What is the primary argument made by the PFRDA Chairperson against states reverting to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS)?

MediumUPSC, State PSC
  • A.It requires complex technological infrastructure which states lack.
  • B.It is fiscally unsustainable as it creates an unfunded liability for future budgets.✓ Correct Answer
  • C.It violates the directives of the Finance Commission.
  • D.It is not permissible under the PFRDA Act, 2013.
▶ Show Explanation

Explanation

The core argument is fiscal sustainability. OPS is a defined-benefit scheme paid from current revenues, creating a long-term, unfunded liability that burdens future state finances. The Chairperson emphasized 'there is no concept of a free lunch' and that OPS has an annual cost.

Source: PFRDA: NPS AUM at ₹17 Lakh Cr, OPS Unsustainable; 8 States Adopt Unified Pension Scheme →

Why Practice Current Affairs Questions Daily?

For UPSC, MPSC, SSC, Banking & Teaching exams, reading current affairs is only half the work. Practising questions immediately after reading triggers active recall, which is scientifically proven to improve long-term retention compared to passive reading.

  • Identify Knowledge Gaps: MCQs reveal what you missed, specific percentages, committee names, constitutional articles, or ministry affiliations.
  • Build Elimination Skills: Exam-style distractors train you to eliminate wrong options confidently, especially in UPSC statement-based questions.
  • Reinforce Static GK Links: Each question links back to a source article, helping you connect current events to static textbook concepts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important current affairs questions for 15 February 2026?▼

This page contains 8 current affairs questions from 15 February 2026, covering multiple topics. All questions are sourced from The Hindu and Indian Express with detailed explanations.

How to use 15 February 2026 current affairs questions for UPSC preparation?▼

Read each question carefully, attempt an answer mentally, then check the correct option and read the explanation. Focus on statement-based questions for Prelims practice and link each topic to your static GK notes. Use the interactive quiz for timed practice.

How many current affairs questions should I practice daily?▼

Ideally 20-40 questions daily. Practicing daily current affairs MCQs from The Hindu and Indian Express improves both speed and conceptual clarity for UPSC, SSC and Banking exams.

Are these questions based on The Hindu and Indian Express?▼

Yes. All daily current affairs questions on this platform are sourced from important news articles published in The Hindu and Indian Express, filtered for exam relevance.

What is the best way to use these question pages for revision?▼

Read the question and attempt an answer mentally, then reveal the explanation. Use the Table of Contents to jump to topics you are weak in. Finish by taking the linked interactive quiz for timed practice.