Daily Current Affairs 1 February 2026: Best For Competitive Exams

Welcome to your Daily Current Affairs update for 1 February 2026. Today is a significant day for India as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Union Budget 2026, a historic event occurring on a Sunday. This post provides the latest current affairs mcq, comprehensive quiz questions, and essential general knowledge updates to boost your preparation for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, and other competitive exams.

We have curated the most relevant news from the last 24 hours, covering National, International, Sports, and Economic developments. At the end of this post, you can find a current affairs pdf download reminder and a dedicated gk section to strengthen your static knowledge. Let’s dive into today’s top stories.

Short Summary Table – Today’s Key Events for GK

Category	News Headline	Key Fact for Exam
National	Union Budget 2026 Presentation	Nirmala Sitharaman’s 9th consecutive Budget; presented on a Sunday.
State News	Sunetra Pawar becomes Maha Dy CM	First woman Deputy CM of Maharashtra; succeeds late Ajit Pawar.
Sports	Australian Open 2026 Women’s Winner	Elena Rybakina defeats Aryna Sabalenka to win the title.
Defence	Indian Coast Guard Day	Celebrated on Feb 1; 50th Raising Day of ICG.
Governance	UP Property Registration Rule	Aadhaar authentication made mandatory for property registration in UP from today.
Economy	Special Stock Market Session	NSE & BSE open for trading on Sunday (Feb 1) for the first time in decades.

Daily Current Affairs & GK Questions – 1 February 2026 | Important for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways and Competitive Exams

Major Headlines – Daily Current Affairs

National (India)

1. Union Budget 2026: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present her historic 9th consecutive Union Budget in Parliament today.
2. Maharashtra Politics: Sunetra Pawar sworn in as the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra following the demise of Ajit Pawar.
3. Governance: Uttar Pradesh makes Aadhaar-based authentication mandatory for all property registrations starting today to curb fraud.
4. Stock Market: BSE and NSE remain open today (Sunday) for a special live trading session to align with the Budget presentation.

International

5. IMF Report: IMF data projects India to surpass the US in contribution to global real GDP growth in 2026, signaling a major economic shift.
6. Global Tech: Elon Musk praises India’s economic trajectory as new data highlights India and China driving over 40% of global growth.

Sports

7. Tennis: Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan) clinches the Australian Open 2026 Women’s Singles title, defeating World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
8. Tennis: Novak Djokovic sets up a blockbuster Men’s Singles Final clash against Carlos Alcaraz (scheduled for today).
9. Cricket: Australia suffers a shock defeat against Pakistan in the 2nd T20I; all-rounder Cameron Green involved in a “chucking” controversy.

Important Days

10. Indian Coast Guard Day is observed today (Feb 1), marking the force’s contribution to maritime safety and security. you can also read important days in 2026 month-wise List here.

Deep-Dive Explanations (Top 5 Most Important News)

1. Union Budget 2026 Presentation by Nirmala Sitharaman

• News: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget 2026-27 today, February 1. This marks her 9th consecutive budget, a record in Indian history.
• Why it Matters: This is a rare instance of the Budget being presented on a Sunday. The budget is expected to focus on fiscal consolidation, infrastructure (capex), and tax reforms under the new regime.
• Static GK: The Budget is referred to as the “Annual Financial Statement” in Article 112 of the Indian Constitution.

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

2. Elena Rybakina Wins Australian Open 2026

• News: Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina won her second Grand Slam title by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open 2026 Women’s Singles final.
• Why it Matters: Rybakina’s victory cements her status as a “Big Three” player in women’s tennis alongside Swiatek and Sabalenka. This is a potential question for “Sports Terms/Winners” in SSC and Banking exams.
• Static GK: The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam of the year, played on Hard Courts in Melbourne.

3. Sunetra Pawar Sworn in as Maharashtra’s First Woman Deputy CM

• News: Sunetra Pawar took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, filling the vacancy left by her husband, the late Ajit Pawar.
• Why it Matters: She becomes the first woman to hold this post in the state’s history. This political development is crucial for state PSC and national polity questions.
• Static GK: The Deputy CM post is not a constitutional post; it is a political appointment.

4. Uttar Pradesh Mandates Aadhaar for Property Registration

• News: The Uttar Pradesh government has enforced mandatory Aadhaar-based biometric authentication for buyers, sellers, and witnesses in property registrations from February 1, 2026.
• Why it Matters: This move aims to eliminate “Benami” transactions and property fraud. Governance initiatives by large states are frequent topics in UPSC and State Exams.
• Static GK: Article 300A deals with the Right to Property (now a legal right, not a fundamental one).

5. India to Surpass US in Global GDP Growth Contribution (IMF)

• News: New International Monetary Fund (IMF) data projects that India will overtake the US in 2026 regarding its contribution to global real GDP growth.
• Why it Matters: It highlights India’s rising dominance in the global economy. Questions on IMF projections are common in Banking/RBI Grade B exams.
• Static GK: IMF Headquarters: Washington, D.C. | Managing Director: Kristalina Georgieva.

Today’s Notable Days

Indian Coast Guard Day (1 February)

• Significance: celebrated annually to mark the Raising Day of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), which was established on 1 Feb 1977.
• Exam Relevance: The ICG operates under the Ministry of Defence. Its motto is “Vayam Rakshamah” (We Protect).
• Current Context: This year marks the 50th Raising Day (Golden Jubilee year celebrations often start/conclude around major milestones).

Kalpana Chawla Death Anniversary

• Significance: On 1 Feb 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon re-entry, killing all 7 crew members, including Indian-American astronaut Kalpana Chawla.
• Exam Relevance: Often asked in “Science & Tech” history sections. She was the first woman of Indian origin in space.

This Day in History

• 1884: The first volume (A to Ant) of the Oxford English Dictionary was published.
• 2003: Space Shuttle Columbia disaster occurred, resulting in the death of Kalpana Chawla and six others.
• 1881: St. Stephen’s College, one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges in Delhi, was founded.

Famous Birthdays

• Jackie Shroff (Born 1957): Veteran Indian actor known as “Jaggu Dada”. He has received multiple Filmfare Awards.
• Brahmanandam (Born 1956): Legendary Indian comedian and actor, holding the Guinness World Record for the most screen credits for a living actor.
• Harry Styles (Born 1994): Globally renowned British singer and songwriter, formerly of One Direction.

Exam-Oriented Current Affairs MCQs

Q1. Who is presenting the Union Budget 2026-27 for the 9th consecutive time on 1 February 2026?

A) Amit Shah

B) Nirmala Sitharaman

C) Piyush Goyal

D) S. Jaishankar

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents her 9th straight budget, surpassing the previous records. It is also a rare “Sunday Budget”.

Q2. Which state has mandated Aadhaar-based biometric authentication for property registration starting 1 February 2026?

A) Madhya Pradesh

B) Gujarat

C) Uttar Pradesh

D) Maharashtra

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Uttar Pradesh implemented this rule to ensure transparency and curb Benami property transactions.

Q3. Who won the Women’s Singles title at the Australian Open 2026?

A) Aryna Sabalenka

B) Iga Swiatek

C) Elena Rybakina

D) Coco Gauff

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the final to win the 2026 title.

Q4. Sunetra Pawar has been sworn in as the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of which state?

A) Goa

B) Maharashtra

C) Karnataka

D) Haryana

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: She took oath as the Dy CM of Maharashtra, succeeding her late husband Ajit Pawar.

Q5. According to recent IMF data, which country will India surpass in 2026 regarding contribution to global real GDP growth?

A) China

B) Germany

C) USA

D) Japan

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The IMF projects India will overtake the USA in its share of contributing to global economic growth in 2026.

Q6. When is Indian Coast Guard Day celebrated annually?

A) 31 January

B) 1 February

C) 2 February

D) 4 February

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: It is celebrated on 1 February to mark the establishment of the ICG in 1977.

Q7. Which major Indian stock exchanges remained open on Sunday, 1 February 2026, for a special session?

A) NSE only

B) BSE only

C) Both NSE and BSE

D) None

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Both NSE and BSE conducted a special live trading session to coincide with the Union Budget presentation.

Q8. The “Vayam Rakshamah” is the motto of which Indian organisation celebrating its raising day today?

A) Indian Navy

B) Indian Army

C) Indian Air Force

D) Indian Coast Guard

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: It is the motto of the Indian Coast Guard, meaning “We Protect”.

Q9. Who is the opponent of Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open 2026 Men’s Singles Final?

A) Jannik Sinner

B) Alexander Zverev

C) Carlos Alcaraz

D) Daniil Medvedev

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Carlos Alcaraz is set to face Novak Djokovic in the final after winning his semi-final match.

Q10. Kalpana Chawla, the first woman of Indian origin in space, died in which space disaster on this day in 2003?

A) Challenger

B) Columbia

C) Discovery

D) Atlantis

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: She died in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster on 1 February 2003.

Q11. Which Indian actor holds the Guinness World Record for the most screen credits for a living actor (Birthday today)?

A) Amitabh Bachchan

B) Brahmanandam

C) Jackie Shroff

D) Mohanlal

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The legendary comedian Brahmanandam holds this record and celebrates his birthday on Feb 1.

Q12. What kind of majority is required to pass the Union Budget in the Parliament?

A) Special Majority

B) Simple Majority

C) Absolute Majority

D) Effective Majority

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The Budget (Money Bill) requires a Simple Majority in the Lok Sabha to be passed.

Q13. The Union Budget is mentioned in which Article of the Indian Constitution as the “Annual Financial Statement”?

A) Article 110

B) Article 112

C) Article 280

D) Article 360

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Article 112 deals with the Annual Financial Statement (Budget).

Q14. In the context of the Australian Open, on which surface is the tournament played?

A) Grass

B) Clay

C) Hard Court

D) Carpet

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The Australian Open is a Hard Court tournament.

Q15. Elon Musk recently highlighted India’s growth alongside which other nation as driving 40%+ of global growth?

A) Russia

B) Brazil

C) China

D) UK

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Musk referred to data showing India and China combined are driving a massive chunk of global growth.

Q16. Who was the first woman to present the Union Budget of India?

A) Sushma Swaraj

B) Nirmala Sitharaman

C) Indira Gandhi

D) Sarojini Naidu

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Indira Gandhi was the first woman to present the budget (as PM holding the Finance portfolio) in 1970-71. Nirmala Sitharaman is the first full-time female Finance Minister to do so.

Q17. Which cricket team recently defeated Australia in the 2nd T20I, causing an upset?

A) India

B) Pakistan

C) West Indies

D) New Zealand

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Pakistan defeated Australia in the 2nd T20I match.

Q18. The “Economic Survey” is usually presented on which day relative to the Budget?

A) The same day

B) One day before

C) Two days after

D) One week before

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Conventionally, the Economic Survey is tabled one day before the Budget (though this year it was tabled on Jan 30/31 due to the weekend).

Q19. Which document is NOT a part of the Budget documents presented to the Parliament?

A) Finance Bill

B) Appropriation Bill

C) Annual Financial Statement

D) Five Year Plan

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: Five Year Plans are no longer in use (replaced by NITI Aayog’s framework). The other three are constitutional requirements for the Budget.

Q20. Sunetra Pawar, the new Dy CM of Maharashtra, belongs to which political faction/party?

A) BJP

B) Shiv Sena (UBT)

C) NCP (Ajit Pawar faction)

D) Congress

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: She belongs to the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) and took over the leadership role after her husband’s death.

Today’s Top 3 Most Important News for Competitive Exams

• Union Budget 2026: Focus on Fiscal Deficit targets, Tax Slabs (Old vs New Regime), and Capex allocation.
• Elena Rybakina Wins Aus Open: Key sports current affair; remember the winner and the runner-up (Aryna Sabalenka).
• Sunetra Pawar as Maha Dy CM: First woman to hold the post in Maharashtra; significant for State Polity and Women in News.

Download – Current Affairs PDF

📝 Download Current Affairs PDF: To revise these updates offline, you can download the Daily Current Affairs PDF for 1 February 2026 from our download section. This current affairs pdf is designed for quick revision before exams like UPSC, SSC CGL, and IBPS PO.

Click Here: Download Daily Current Affairs PDF 1 February 2026

Quiz Questions Based on Daily Current Affairs

💡 Test Your Knowledge: Ready to test what you just read? Attempt our daily quiz questions based on today’s news. Solving these quizzes helps in active recall, ensuring you retain the general knowledge and current affairs mcq data longer. Click the “Start Quiz” button on our main page to begin!

Attempt Today’s Quiz Now: Current Affairs Quiz Questions 1 February 2026

General Knowledge & GK Linkage

Today’s news connects directly to several Static GK topics:

• Polity: With the Union Budget, revise Article 112 (Budget), Article 110 (Money Bill), and the difference between the Appropriation Bill and Finance Bill.
• Geography/Defence: With Indian Coast Guard Day, map the Coastal States of India (9 states) and revise the Maritime Zones of India (Territorial Waters, Contiguous Zone, EEZ).
• Economy: With IMF news, revise the Bretton Woods Twins (IMF & World Bank) and their headquarters (Washington D.C.).

Conclusion

Staying consistent with daily current affairs is the secret to cracking competitive exams. Today’s update on the Union Budget, Australian Open, and State Politics covers essential general knowledge topics. Make sure to solve the current affairs mcq provided above and download the current affairs pdf for your notes. Keep practicing quiz questions to stay ahead in the race!

Final Thought of the Day

“The budget is not just a collection of numbers, but an expression of our values and aspirations.” – Jacob Lew

Motivation for Exam Aspirants

Success is not owned, it is rented. And the rent is due every day. Treat today’s study session as your payment towards your dream job. Stay consistent, stay hungry!

FAQs

Q1. Where can I find the daily current affairs for 1 February 2026?

You can find the comprehensive daily current affairs for 1 February 2026 on this page, covering National, International, and Sports news.

Q2. Who presented the Union Budget 2026?

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026 on 1 February 2026.

Q3. Is the current affairs pdf available for download?

Yes, we provide a downloadable current affairs pdf at the end of our daily posts for easy revision.

Q4. What are the key topics for today’s current affairs mcq?

Today’s current affairs mcq covers the Union Budget, Australian Open Winner (Elena Rybakina), and Maharashtra’s new Dy CM.

Q5. How is general knowledge (GK) linked to today’s news?

Today’s news links to Static GK topics like Article 112 (Budget), Indian Coast Guard motto, and IMF headquarters.

Q6. Who won the Australian Open 2026 Women’s title?

Elena Rybakina won the Australian Open 2026 Women’s Singles title.

Q7. Are there quiz questions available for practice?

Yes, we have a dedicated section for quiz questions based on the latest news to test your retention.

Q8. Why was the stock market open on Sunday, 1 February?

The stock market held a special session on Sunday to align with the live presentation of the Union Budget 2026.

Q9. What is the significance of 1 February in history?

1 February is Indian Coast Guard Day and marks the anniversary of the Kalpana Chawla Columbia Shuttle disaster.

Q10. Is this content useful for UPSC and SSC exams?

Absolutely. This content is curated specifically for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other competitive exams.

Useful Links:

• Daily Current Affairs 31 January 2026: Best For Competitive Exams
• Budget 2026 in Hindi Summary