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Daily-mcqs 02 Feb 2026

Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams 02 Feb 2026

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Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams

Q1:

With reference to the notification declaring Coking Coal as a Critical and Strategic Mineral, consider the following statements:

1.   The notification was issued under Section 11C of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

2.   Coking coal has been added to Part D of the First Schedule of the MMDR Act.

3.   The declaration implies that royalties and auction premiums will now accrue exclusively to the Central Government.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A: 1 and 2 only

B: 2 only

C: 2 and 3 only

D: 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Section 11C of the MMDR Act empowers the Central Government to amend the First Schedule to notify critical and strategic minerals.


Statement 2 is correct: Coking Coal has been added to Part D of the First Schedule, which lists Critical & Strategic Minerals.


Statement 3 is incorrect: Even after notification, royalties, auction premiums, and statutory payments continue to accrue to State Governments, preserving the federal fiscal structure.


 


                            

Q2:

With reference to India’s Critical Minerals framework, consider the following statements:

1.   India has identified 30 critical minerals essential for clean energy transition and national security.

2.   Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel, and Graphite are included due to their role in EVs and defense technologies.

3.   Coking coal’s inclusion marks a shift from a purely energy-transition focus to industrial security concerns.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A: 1 and 2 only

B: 1 and 3 only

C: 2 and 3 only

D: 1, 2, and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: India has officially identified 30 critical minerals.


Statement 2 is correct: These minerals underpin EVs, renewables, electronics, aerospace, and defense.


Statement 3 is correct: Including coking coal expands the framework beyond clean energy to industrial and strategic resilience, especially for steel.


                            

Q3:

With reference to India’s external sector in FY25–26, consider the following statements:

1.   India’s services exports exceeded merchandise exports in growth momentum.

2.   India emerged as the world’s largest recipient of remittances.

3.   Foreign exchange reserves provided import cover of less than six months.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A: 1 and 2 only

B: 2 only

C: 2 and 3 only

D: 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 – Correct:
Services exports reached USD 387.6 billion, growing 13.6%, driving total exports to a record USD 825.3 billion.


Statement 2 – Correct:
India received USD 135.4 billion in remittances, making it the largest recipient globally.


Statement 3 – Incorrect:
Forex reserves stood at USD 701.4 billion, providing ~11 months of import cover, not less than six.


                            

Q4:

Which of the following sectoral trends highlighted in the Economic Survey 2025–26 reflects India’s structural transformation?

1.   Horticulture production surpassing foodgrain production

2.   Manufacturing growth supported by PLI schemes and semiconductor initiatives

3.   Services sector accounting for over half of GDP and majority of FDI inflows

Select the correct answer using the code below:

A: 1 and 2 only

B: 1 and 3 only

C: 2 and 3 only

D: 1, 2, and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

Agriculture:
Horticulture production reached 362 million tonnes, exceeding foodgrains.


Industry:
PLI schemes attracted ₹2 lakh crore investment and created 12 lakh jobs.


Services:
Contribute 53% of GDP, 56% of GVA, and 80%+ of FDI inflows.


                            

Q5:

With reference to the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026, consider the following statements:

1.   The Rules have been notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

2.   They replace the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.

3.   The Rules will come into effect from April 1, 2026.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A: 1 and 2 only

B: 1 and 3 only

C: 2 and 3 only

D: 1, 2, and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

Statement 1 – Correct:
The SWM Rules, 2026 are notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which empowers the Union government to frame environmental rules.


Statement 2 – Correct:
They supersede the SWM Rules, 2016, addressing gaps in enforcement, segregation, and accountability.


Statement 3 – Correct:
The Rules will be fully operational from April 1, 2026.


                            

Q6:

Under the SWM Rules, 2026, which of the following entities qualifies as a Bulk Waste Generator (BWG)?

1.   An establishment generating more than 100 kg of solid waste per day

2.   A facility with built-up area of at least 20,000 sq.m

3.   A residential complex consuming more than 40,000 litres of water per day

Select the correct answer using the code below:

A: 1 and 2 only

B: 2 only

C: 2 and 3 only

D: 1, 2, and 3

Answer: D

Explanation:

·         SWM Rules, 2026 define Bulk Waste Generators using multiple criteria:


o    Waste ≥ 100 kg/day


o    Built-up area ≥ 20,000 sq.m


o    Water consumption ≥ 40,000 litres/day


BWGs account for ~30% of India’s municipal solid waste and are made directly accountable.