Daily Current Affairs 2 February 2026

Daily Current Affairs for 2 February 2026 – Union Budget 2026, Australian Open & World Wetlands Day

Welcome to your top source for daily current affairs and exam preparation. If you are targeting UPSC, SSC, Banking, or State PSC exams, staying updated with general knowledge (GK) is crucial. Today’s update covers the historic Union Budget 2026-27, the Australian Open 2026 finals, and key global events.

In this post, you will find:

• Top 10 Headlines for quick revision.
• Deep-Dive Explanations of the Budget and Sports news.
• Current Affairs MCQ section (20 Questions) to test your knowledge.
• Current Affairs PDF download info for your notes.
• Quiz questions to reinforce your learning.

Let’s dive into today’s most important GK updates.

In Short Summary Table – Today’s Key Events for GK

Category	Key Event / Headline	Important Fact for Exams
Economy	Union Budget 2026-27 Presented	Fiscal Deficit target set at 4.3% of GDP.
Sports	Australian Open 2026 (Men’s Singles)	Carlos Alcaraz wins his first Aus Open title.
National	President Murmu Visits Odisha	Will unveil the statue of Bhanjbir Sunaram Soren.
Environment	World Wetlands Day 2026	Observed globally today (Feb 2).
Defence	Indian Coast Guard Day	Celebrated yesterday (Feb 1); 50th Raising Day.
Taxes	New Income Tax Act 2025	To be implemented from April 1, 2026.

Major Headlines – Daily Current Affairs

National (India)

1. Union Budget 2026-27: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents her 9th consecutive budget; focuses on 3 ‘Kartavyas’ and Infrastructure.
2. President Droupadi Murmu begins a 5-day visit to Odisha and Chhattisgarh starting today.
3. FASTag KYC Norms Simplified: NHAI scraps mandatory KYC verification at toll plazas starting Feb 1, 2026.
4. Guru Ravidas Jayanti celebrated across the nation yesterday with PM Modi paying tributes.

International

5. Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Deadly drone strikes reported in Dnipro; Ukraine intensifies calls for air defence.
6. Costa Rica Elections: Voting concludes for the 2026 General Elections to elect a new President.

Economy & Banking

7. Fiscal Deficit Target: Government sets Fiscal Deficit target at 4.3% for FY 2026-27.
8. Capex Boost: Capital Expenditure outlay increased to ₹12.2 Lakh Crore to drive economic growth.

Sports

9. Australian Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz defeats Novak Djokovic to complete a Career Grand Slam.

Important Days

10. World Wetlands Day is observed today (Feb 2) to raise awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and the planet.

Deep-Dive Explanations (Top 5 Most Important News)

1. Union Budget 2026-27: Key Highlights & Fiscal Deficit

• News: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27 in Parliament yesterday. This is the first budget prepared in the new ‘Kartavyas Bhawan’.
• Key Stats: The Fiscal Deficit target for FY 2026-27 is pegged at 4.3% of GDP, continuing the path of fiscal consolidation. The Capital Expenditure (Capex) has been raised to ₹12.2 lakh crore, an increase of over 9% from the previous year.
• Exam Relevance: Budget figures (Deficit %, Capex amount) are 100% asked in Banking (IBPS/SBI) and RBI Grade B exams.

For complete details, check our Union Budget 2026 Highlights and Economic Survey 2025–26.

2. Carlos Alcaraz Wins Australian Open 2026

• News: Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz defeated defending champion Novak Djokovic in the Men’s Singles final at Melbourne Park.
• Significance: With this victory, Alcaraz has become the youngest male player to complete a Career Grand Slam (winning all four majors: Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open). The scoreline was 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5.
• Exam Relevance: Sports winners, especially Grand Slams, are a staple in SSC CGL and Railways GK sections.

3. New Income Tax Act to Apply from April 1, 2026

• News: During the Budget speech, the FM announced that the simplified New Income Tax Act, 2025 will officially come into effect from April 1, 2026.
• Details: The new code aims to reduce litigation and simplify compliance for ordinary citizens. It also introduces a one-time foreign asset disclosure scheme for students and professionals.
• Exam Relevance: Policy implementation dates are frequently asked in UPSC Prelims and State PSCs.

4. President Murmu’s Visit to Odisha & Chhattisgarh

• News: President Droupadi Murmu starts her official tour of Odisha and Chhattisgarh today (Feb 2).
• Key Event: She will unveil the statue of Bhanjbir Sunaram Soren and grace the convocation of Fakir Mohan University in Balasore.
• Exam Relevance: Questions on statues, inaugurations by the President, and university convocations often appear in State GK exams (OPSC/CGPSC).

5. World Wetlands Day 2026

• News: Today, February 2, is observed globally as World Wetlands Day.
• Background: It marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
• Static GK Linkage: India currently has over 80 Ramsar sites. The day highlights the need to conserve marshes and mangroves.
• Exam Relevance: Days and themes are mandatory for all competitive exams.

Today’s Notable Days

World Wetlands Day

• Date: February 2
• Significance: Raises global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for the planet.
• Exam Fact: The convention was signed in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar.

Indian Coast Guard Day (Observed Yesterday)

• Date: February 1
• Significance: The ICG was established on this day in 1977 to protect India’s maritime interests.

This Day in History (February 2)

• 1971: The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was signed in Iran.
• 2006: The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) (later MGNREGA) was launched in 200 districts in India.
• 1835: Thomas Babington Macaulay’s “Minute on Indian Education” was circulated, shaping English education in India.

Famous Birthdays

• Khushwant Singh (1915): Renowned Indian author and journalist, known for his book Train to Pakistan.
• Shakira (1977): Colombian singer and “Queen of Latin Music” (Often asked in Misc. GK).
• Rajkumari Amrit Kaur (1889): First Health Minister of independent India and a freedom fighter.

Exam-Oriented Current Affairs MCQs (Exactly 20 Questions)

Q1. What is the Fiscal Deficit target for FY 2026-27 as announced in the Union Budget?

A. 5.9%

B. 4.5%

C. 4.3%

D. 3.5%

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: FM Nirmala Sitharaman announced the fiscal deficit target for 2026-27 is estimated at 4.3% of GDP, adhering to the fiscal consolidation path.

Q2. Who won the Men’s Singles title at the Australian Open 2026?

A. Jannik Sinner

B. Novak Djokovic

C. Carlos Alcaraz

D. Daniil Medvedev

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic in the final to win his first Australian Open and complete his Career Grand Slam.

Q3. The Capital Expenditure (Capex) outlay in Budget 2026-27 has been increased to approximately:

A. ₹10 Lakh Crore

B. ₹11.1 Lakh Crore

C. ₹12.2 Lakh Crore

D. ₹15 Lakh Crore

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The government raised the Capex outlay by over 9% to ₹12.2 Lakh Crore to boost infrastructure and employment.

Q4. From which date will the ‘New Income Tax Act, 2025’ come into effect?

A. April 1, 2026

B. January 1, 2027

C. July 1, 2026

D. April 1, 2027

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: The Finance Minister stated that the new, simplified Income Tax Act will be implemented starting April 1, 2026.

Q5. World Wetlands Day is observed annually on February 2 to mark the signing of which convention?

A. Kyoto Protocol

B. Ramsar Convention

C. Montreal Protocol

D. Paris Agreement

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: It marks the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran.

Q6. President Droupadi Murmu is visiting which state from Feb 2-7, 2026, to unveil the statue of Bhanjbir Sunaram Soren?

A. Jharkhand

B. Odisha

C. Bihar

D. West Bengal

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The President is on a visit to Odisha (and Chhattisgarh) where she will unveil the statue in Rairangpur.

Q7. Which major tennis record did Carlos Alcaraz achieve by winning the Australian Open 2026?

A. Most Grand Slams in a single year

B. Youngest man to complete a Career Grand Slam

C. Oldest Australian Open winner

D. Most aces in a tournament

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: At age 22, Alcaraz became the youngest man to win all four major Grand Slam titles (Career Grand Slam).

Q8. The Indian Coast Guard celebrated its Raising Day on which date?

A. January 30

B. January 31

C. February 1

D. February 2

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Raising Day is celebrated annually on February 1.

Q9. Which city in Ukraine was recently targeted by a severe Russian drone strike involving a minibus?

A. Kyiv

B. Kharkiv

C. Dnipro

D. Odesa

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Reports confirmed a drone strike in Dnipro, Ukraine, which hit a minibus and caused multiple casualties.

Q10. The Budget 2026-27 is inspired by how many ‘Kartavyas’ (duties) as mentioned by the FM?

A. Three

B. Five

C. Seven

D. Ten

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: The Budget is inspired by 3 Kartavyas: accelerating economic growth, fulfilling aspirations, and ensuring access to resources for all.

Q11. According to the Budget 2026, the Debt-to-GDP ratio for FY 2026-27 is estimated at:

A. 60.5%

B. 55.6%

C. 58.2%

D. 50.0%

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The estimated Debt-to-GDP ratio for FY 2026-27 is 55.6%, showing a decline from the previous year.

Q12. Who is the current Finance Minister of India who presented the Budget 2026?

A. Piyush Goyal

B. Amit Shah

C. Nirmala Sitharaman

D. Rajnath Singh

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Nirmala Sitharaman presented her 9th consecutive Union Budget.

Q13. Which Central American country held its General Elections on February 1, 2026?

A. Panama

B. Costa Rica

C. Honduras

D. Nicaragua

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Voters in Costa Rica went to the polls to elect a new President and Legislative Assembly members.

Q14. The ‘One-time foreign asset disclosure scheme’ introduced in Budget 2026 is primarily targeted at:

A. Large Corporate Houses

B. Students and Young Professionals

C. Farmers

D. MSMEs

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The scheme allows students, young professionals, and relocated NRIs to disclose foreign assets/income below a certain size to regularize their status.

Q15. Guru Ravidas Jayanti, celebrated on Feb 1, marks the birth anniversary of a saint from the:

A. Bhakti Movement

B. Sufi Movement

C. Arya Samaj

D. Brahmo Samaj

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: Guru Ravidas was a prominent saint-poet of the Bhakti Movement in North India.

Q16. What change regarding FASTag was implemented by NHAI starting Feb 1, 2026?

A. Double toll for all

B. Mandatory KYC scrapped/simplified

C. GPS tolling only

D. FASTag valid for 1 year only

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: NHAI scrapped the mandatory FASTag KYC verification at toll activation to simplify the process for users.

Q17. The total expenditure estimated in the Union Budget 2026-27 is approximately:

A. ₹35 Lakh Crore

B. ₹45 Lakh Crore

C. ₹49.6 Lakh Crore

D. ₹55 Lakh Crore

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The Budget estimate for total expenditure in 2026-27 is placed at ₹49.6 Lakh Crore.

Q18. Who was the runner-up in the Australian Open 2026 Men’s Singles Final?

A. Rafael Nadal

B. Alexander Zverev

C. Novak Djokovic

D. Stefanos Tsitsipas

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Novak Djokovic was the runner-up, losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the final.

Q19. Which state is hosting the President for the convocation of Fakir Mohan University?

A. West Bengal

B. Odisha

C. Jharkhand

D. Bihar

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The convocation is at Fakir Mohan University, Balasore, Odisha.

Q20. In the context of the Budget, what is the ‘New Tax Act’ primarily aimed at?

A. Increasing tax rates

B. Reducing litigation and simplifying rules

C. Introducing Wealth Tax

D. Taxing agricultural income

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The new Act aims to simplify Income Tax rules, reduce multiplicity of proceedings, and minimize litigation.

Today’s Top 3 Most Important News for Competitive Exams

• Union Budget 2026: Fiscal Deficit 4.3%; Capex ₹12.2 Lakh Cr; New Tax Act from April 1, 2026.
• Sports: Carlos Alcaraz wins Australian Open 2026 (Youngest Career Grand Slam).
• Days: World Wetlands Day (Feb 2) highlights the Ramsar Convention.

Download Section – Current Affairs PDF

📝 Download the Daily Current Affairs PDF:

To revise these topics offline, download our exclusive Current Affairs PDF for 2 February 2026. It includes detailed notes, the full Budget summary, and extra practice MCQs.

Click here to download: Current Affairs PDF for 2 February 2026

Quiz Questions Based on Daily Current Affairs

Test your retention! We have uploaded a set of quiz questions based on today’s news. Taking a quiz immediately after reading increases memory retention by 60%.

Attempt Today’s Quiz Now: Current Affairs Quiz Questions 2 February 2026

General Knowledge & GK Linkage

Today’s news directly strengthens your General Knowledge (GK):

• Static GK: The mention of World Wetlands Day connects to the Ramsar Convention (1971), a frequent topic in Geography.
• Polity: The Budget process (Article 112 of the Constitution) is a core Polity topic revitalized by today’s news.
• Sports GK: The term “Career Grand Slam” is a specific sports terminology important for static GK sections.

Conclusion

Staying consistent with daily current affairs is the secret to cracking competitive exams. Today’s update covered the pivotal Union Budget 2026 and the Australian Open results, providing you with high-yield current affairs mcq material. Don’t forget to download the current affairs pdf and attempt the quiz questions to solidify your general knowledge and gk base. Keep revising!

Final Thought of the Day

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.”

Motivation for Exam Aspirants

The Budget may change every year, but your dedication should remain constant. Master today’s current affairs, and you are one step closer to your dream job. Keep pushing!

FAQs Section

Q1. Where can I find daily current affairs for competitive exams?

You can find comprehensive daily current affairs updates, including news summaries and MCQs, right here on our blog every morning.

Q2. Are these current affairs mcq suitable for UPSC?

Yes, our current affairs mcq are designed to cover factual and analytical aspects useful for UPSC Prelims, SSC, and Banking exams.

Q3. How can I download the current affairs pdf?

Check the “Download Section” in this post to get the free current affairs pdf for offline revision.

Q4. Why are quiz questions important for preparation?

Solving quiz questions helps in active recall, ensuring you remember the news details longer for the exam.

Q5. What is the main focus of General Knowledge (GK) today?

Today’s gk focus is on the Union Budget stats (Economy) and the Australian Open records (Sports).

Q6. Is World Wetlands Day important for GK?

Yes, general knowledge regarding environment days like World Wetlands Day is frequently asked in State PSC and Railway exams.

Q7. What was the fiscal deficit target in Budget 2026?

The fiscal deficit target announced in the daily current affairs is 4.3% of GDP.

Q8. Who won the Australian Open 2026?

Carlos Alcaraz won the title, a key fact for your current affairs mcq practice.

Q9. Do you cover static GK in daily updates?

Yes, we link daily news to static gk (e.g., Ramsar Convention, Constitutional Articles) for holistic learning.

Q10. How often is the Current Affairs PDF updated?

We provide a fresh current affairs pdf download link every single day with the latest news.