Harivansh Poised for Unopposed Third Term as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Amid Opposition Boycott
Harivansh Narayan Singh Set for Historic Third Term as Deputy Chairman
Section 1: Why in News
In a rare display of parliamentary continuity, Harivansh Narayan Singh is slated to be elected unopposed as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha for a third consecutive term on April 17, 2026. This development follows the strategic decision by the Opposition parties to boycott the election process, clearing the path for an uncontested victory for the incumbent.
The election to this high constitutional office is a pivotal moment for the Upper House. Harivansh, a veteran journalist and a member of the Janata Dal (United), first took the chair in 2018 and was re-elected in 2020. His third term highlights his standing within the House as a seasoned presiding officer, even as the political climate remains deeply polarized.
The position of Deputy Chairman is mandated under Article 89 of the Indian Constitution. It is a unique office because, unlike the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (who is the Vice President of India and holds the post ex-officio), the Deputy Chairman must be a sitting Member of Parliament (MP) elected directly by the members of the Rajya Sabha. This makes the Deputy Chairman the highest-ranking official chosen purely from within the House to represent its collective legislative will.
Current Affairs & GK 2026
Comprehensive MCQ Repository for Competitive Exams
📅 January 2026: Awards & National Pride
Q1. Who among the following was conferred the Padma Bhushan in the sports category in 2026?
- A) Rohit Sharma
- B) Harmanpreet Kaur
- C) Vijay Amritraj
- D) Savita Punia
Correct Answer: C) Vijay Amritraj
Note: While Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur received Padma Shri, tennis legend Vijay Amritraj was honored with the Padma Bhushan.
Q2. The 'Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics' was recently inaugurated by the Prime Minister in which city?
- A) Kushinagar
- B) New Delhi
- C) Varanasi
- D) Gaya
Correct Answer: B) New Delhi
📅 January 2026: Extended Coverage
Q3. The "Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana," launched in January 2026, aims to install rooftop solar systems in how many households?
- A) 50 Lakh
- B) 1 Crore
- C) 2 Crore
- D) 5 Crore
Correct Answer: B) 1 Crore
CUET Tip: Questions about flagship government schemes often focus on target numbers and the implementing ministry (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy).
Q4. Which country officially took over the BRICS Chairmanship on January 1, 2026?
- A) India
- B) South Africa
- C) Brazil
- D) Russia
Correct Answer: C) Brazil
Note: Following the 2025 cycle, Brazil assumed the leadership, focusing on "Sustainable Development and Global Governance Reform."
Q5. The Supreme Court of India recently introduced an AI-powered portal for regional language translation of judgments. What is the name of this initiative?
- A) SUVAS
- B) NYAYA-AI
- C) SAMARTH
- D) VIDHI-TRANS
Correct Answer: A) SUVAS (Supreme Court Vidhik Anuvaad Software)
Q6. Who was the Chief Guest for India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2026?
- A) Emmanuel Macron (France)
- B) Anthony Albanese (Australia)
- C) Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Brazil)
- D) Fumio Kishida (Japan)
Correct Answer: C) Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Brazil)
Context: This aligned with Brazil’s G20/BRICS leadership roles in the 2025-26 cycle.
Q7. India’s first "Dark Sky Park" was recently inaugurated in which Tiger Reserve?
- A) Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve
- B) Pench Tiger Reserve
- C) Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
- D) Kanha Tiger Reserve
Correct Answer: B) Pench Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra/MP)
Q8. Who was the Chief Guest for India’s 77th Republic Day parade on January 26, 2026?
- A) Emmanuel Macron (France)
- B) Antonio Costa & Ursula von der Leyen (EU)
- C) Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Brazil)
- D) Anthony Albanese (Australia)
Correct Answer: B) Antonio Costa (President of the European Council) & Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission)
CUET Strategy: This marks a rare occasion where the leadership of a major international organization/bloc (the EU) was invited as the collective Chief Guest.
Q9. Which Indian state became the first in the country to declare an official 'State Microbe' (Bacillus subtilis) in January 2026?
- A) Tamil Nadu
- B) Kerala
- C) Maharashtra
- D) Uttarakhand
Correct Answer: B) Kerala
Note: This was done to recognize the microbe's role in health and sustainable agriculture through the Centre of Excellence in Microbiome (CoEM).
Q10. What is the name of India's first fully indigenous 64-bit microprocessor launched by C-DAC in early 2026?
- A) Shakti-64
- B) Param-Chip
- C) Dhruv64
- D) Bharat-A1
Correct Answer: C) Dhruv64
CUET Strategy: Science and Tech questions often focus on "First in India" innovations. Mention that it uses the open-source RISC-V architecture.
Q11. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was conferred with which gallantry award on Republic Day 2026?
- A) Param Vir Chakra
- B) Kirti Chakra
- C) Ashok Chakra
- D) Shaurya Chakra
Correct Answer: C) Ashok Chakra
Context: Capt. Shukla is also recognized as the first Indian designated to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Indo-US space collaboration.
Q12. Which country officially became the 21st member of the Eurozone on January 1, 2026?
- A) Croatia
- B) Bulgaria
- C) Romania
- D) Czech Republic
Correct Answer: B) Bulgaria
CUET Tip: International economy shifts are a favorite for the General Test. Mention that Bulgaria replaced its long-standing currency, the 'lev'.
📅 February 2026: Economy & Governance
Q13. As per the RBI Payment Vision 2028, what is the primary focus of the central bank's digital roadmap?
- A) Complete elimination of physical currency
- B) Expanding UPI to 100 countries
- C) Integrity, Inclusion, Innovation, and Institutionalization
- D) Launch of a private cryptocurrency
Correct Answer: C) Integrity, Inclusion, Innovation, and Institutionalization
Q14. The PM-KUSUM 2.0 scheme, discussed in early 2026, primarily aims at:
- A) Promoting organic farming
- B) Solarization of agricultural pumps and rural electrification
- C) Providing free seeds to small farmers
- D) Building grain silos in every village
Correct Answer: B) Solarization of agricultural pumps and rural electrification
📅 February 2026: Summits, Science & Governance
Q15. The "India AI Impact Summit 2026" was held in February at which venue?
- A) HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad
- B) Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
- C) Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai
- D) Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, Kolkata
Correct Answer: B) Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
CUET Strategy: Note the theme "Shaping AI for Humanity, Inclusive Growth & a Sustainable Future." Mentioning the "IndiaAI Mission" under MeitY adds depth.
Q16. Which state recently became the first in India to introduce a separate 'Elderly Budget' for the fiscal year 2026-27?
- A) Tamil Nadu
- B) Kerala
- C) Rajasthan
- D) Himachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: B) Kerala
Context: This budget focuses on social security, healthcare, and specialized infrastructure for the state's aging population.
Q17. "Sky Sting" is a 6th-generation Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) developed by which country?
- A) Russia
- B) Israel
- C) France
- D) USA
Correct Answer: B) Israel
Note: India is looking to integrate this missile into its Tejas Mk1A and Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets.
Q18. The "Biopharma SHAKTI" initiative, announced in February 2026, aims to:
- A) Increase the export of traditional generic medicines
- B) Develop a domestic ecosystem for biologics and biosimilars
- C) Provide free vaccines to all children under 5
- D) Digitize all pharmacies in rural India
Correct Answer: B) Develop a domestic ecosystem for biologics and biosimilars
CUET Tip: This marks a strategic shift from chemical-based "generics" to high-value biological drugs.
Q19. In February 2026, the "e-Railway Claims Tribunal (e-RCT)" system was launched under which initiative?
- A) Digital Rail Mission
- B) Mission Raftaar
- C) 52 Reforms in 52 Weeks
- D) Operation Rail Madad
Correct Answer: C) 52 Reforms in 52 Weeks
Note: This reform ensures full digitization of the claim filing process.
📅 February 2026: Budget Special & Global Honors
Q20. Who became the first Indian leader to be conferred with the "Speaker of the Knesset Medal" of Israel in February 2026?
- A) S. Jaishankar
- B) Narendra Modi
- C) Droupadi Murmu
- D) Jagdeep Dhankhar
Correct Answer: B) Narendra Modi
Note: This was awarded during the PM's second state visit to Israel.
Q21. In the Union Budget 2026, what is the allocated amount per "City Economic Region" (CER)?
- A) ₹1,000 Crore
- B) ₹2,500 Crore
- C) ₹5,000 Crore
- D) ₹10,000 Crore
Correct Answer: C) ₹5,000 Crore
Context: These regions target Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to act as growth hubs.
Q22. The "Vikko Sat-1," a mini satellite developed by students to detect fungal spores, was from which state?
- A) Karnataka
- B) Maharashtra
- C) Tamil Nadu
- D) Odisha
Correct Answer: C) Tamil Nadu
CUET Strategy: Students from a government high school in Sivagangai district developed this.
Q23. According to the Union Budget 2026, how many new "National Waterways" are proposed to be operationalized?
- A) 10
- B) 20
- C) 50
- D) 100
Correct Answer: B) 20
Q24. The "NIMHANS-2" institute was announced in the 2026 Budget to be established in which city?
- A) Hyderabad
- B) Ranchi
- C) Bengaluru (North)
- D) Pune
Correct Answer: C) Bengaluru (North)
📅 March 2026: Defense, Science & Environment
Q25. What is the primary objective of the Indian Navy's "Operation Urja Suraksha"?
- A) Humanitarian aid to Southeast Asia
- B) Safeguard energy shipments in the Strait of Hormuz
- C) Deep-sea mining exploration
- D) Neutralize pirate mother-ships
Correct Answer: B) To safeguard India-bound energy shipments in the Strait of Hormuz.
Q26. The "ASMITA League" is an initiative under which flagship government program?
- A) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
- B) Khelo India Mission
- C) Digital India 2.0
- D) Startup India
Correct Answer: B) Khelo India Mission
Note: ASMITA stands for 'Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action'.
Q27. Researchers recently discovered 'Neoloboptera peninsularis' in Pune. What type of organism is it?
- A) Medicinal plant
- B) Deep-sea fish
- C) Cockroach
- D) Butterfly
Correct Answer: C) A newly identified species of Cockroach
Q28. Which tiger reserve is being developed as India's third habitat for Cheetahs?
- A) Kuno National Park
- B) Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary
- C) Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve
- D) Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve
Correct Answer: C) Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh)
Q29. The "Industrial Park Promotion Policy-2026" was launched by which state government in March?
- A) Gujarat
- B) Rajasthan
- C) Uttar Pradesh
- D) Maharashtra
Correct Answer: B) Rajasthan
📅 March 2026: Biodiversity, Defense & Tribes
Q30. A new species of butterfly 'Euthalia zubeengargi' was recorded in which state?
- A) Assam
- B) Meghalaya
- C) Arunachal Pradesh
- D) Sikkim
Correct Answer: C) Arunachal Pradesh
Q31. The Indian Army's "Shaurya Squadrons" are primarily dedicated to:
- A) Mountain warfare
- B) Drone and counter-drone operations
- C) Cyber-security
- D) Underwater sabotage
Correct Answer: B) Drone and counter-drone operations within Armoured Regiments
Q32. What is the unique ecological role of the newly discovered Lichen Moths?
- A) Apple pollinators
- B) Indicator species for air pollution
- C) Glacial silt decomposition
- D) Predator of locusts
Correct Answer: B) They act as indicator species for air pollution.
Q33. The Sonowal Kachari community is primarily found in which state?
- A) Tripura
- B) Manipur
- C) Assam
- D) Nagaland
Correct Answer: C) Assam
Q34. Which state launched the "Samarth Panchayat Portal" in March 2026?
- A) Uttar Pradesh
- B) Gujarat
- C) Karnataka
- D) Bihar
Correct Answer: A) Uttar Pradesh
📅 March 2026: General Awareness & Geography
Q35. Scientists discovered a massive freshwater system hidden beneath which feature?
- A) Sahara Desert
- B) Great Salt Lake
- C) Thar Desert
- D) Antarctica Ice Sheet
Correct Answer: B) Great Salt Lake
Q36. Which state recently passed a 'Parental Support Bill' for government employees?
- A) Kerala
- B) Telangana
- C) Assam
- D) Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: B) Telangana
📅 April 2026: International Relations
Q37. The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea to which water body?
- A) Persian Gulf
- B) Gulf of Aden
- C) Mediterranean Sea
- D) Black Sea
Correct Answer: B) Gulf of Aden
Q38. Which organization launched the 'Artemis II' mission in 2026?
- A) ISRO
- B) ESA
- C) NASA
- D) Roscosmos
Correct Answer: C) NASA
📅 April 2026: Infrastructure, Governance & Health
Q39. What does the "Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0" evaluate?
- A) Digital literacy of sarpanches
- B) Performance across 150 indicators aligned with SDGs
- C) Central funding utilization
- D) Mid-Day Meal implementation
Correct Answer: B) The performance of Gram Panchayats across 150 indicators aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Q40. In April 2026, MeitY launched "Project Akshara" to:
- A) Provide free laptops
- B) Build open-source Indian language database for AI
- C) Digitize land records
- D) Track cybercrimes
Correct Answer: B) To build a massive open-source database of Indian languages for AI training.
Q41. Which actor was honored with the "Ambassador of Indian Cinema" award at Cannes 2026?
- A) Amitabh Bachchan
- B) Shah Rukh Khan
- C) Deepika Padukone
- D) Ram Charan
Correct Answer: D) Ram Charan
Q42. Which state showed the highest increase in "Very Dense Forest" (VDF) cover in 2026?
- A) Andhra Pradesh
- B) Arunachal Pradesh
- C) Odisha
- D) Madhya Pradesh
Correct Answer: A) Andhra Pradesh
Q43. What is the name of the NASA mission that returned samples from asteroid 'Apophis'?
- A) OSIRIS-REx
- B) OSIRIS-APEX
- C) Lucy Mission
- D) Psyche Mission
Correct Answer: B) OSIRIS-APEX
Q44. India’s first "Green Hydrogen Powered" passenger ferry was commissioned in:
- A) Kochi
- B) Varanasi
- C) Mumbai
- D) Kolkata
Correct Answer: B) Varanasi
Q45. Who has been appointed as the Vice Chief of the Indian Army in April 2026?
- A) Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi
- B) Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth
- C) Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi
- D) Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh
Correct Answer: B) Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth
Q46. Which legendary actor was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan in Art for 2026?
- A) Shri Mithun Chakraborty
- B) Shri Dharmendra Singh Deol
- C) Shri Vijayakanth
- D) Shri Chiranjeevi
Correct Answer: B) Shri Dharmendra Singh Deol
Q47. Who is the first-ever woman Commissioner of the BMC appointed in April 2026?
- A) Ashwini Bhide
- B) Sheetal Taneja
- C) Rashmi Shukla
- D) Nina Singh
Correct Answer: A) Ashwini Bhide
Q48. The "State Microbe" initiative by Kerala aims to promote the role of which organism?
- A) Lactobacillus
- B) Bacillus subtilis
- C) Yeast
- D) Amoeba
Correct Answer: B) Bacillus subtilis
Q49. The "Vikko Sat-1" specifically targets the detection of what in the stratosphere?
- A) Plastic particles
- B) Fungal spores
- C) Carbon levels
- D) Ozone thickness
Correct Answer: B) Fungal spores
Q50. Which ministry oversees "Project Akshara"?
- A) Ministry of Education
- B) Ministry of Culture
- C) MeitY
- D) Ministry of Science & Tech
Correct Answer: C) MeitY
Q51. What does the term "Bhashini" relate to in Indian AI context?
- A) Defense Robotics
- B) Language Translation/Tech
- C) Space Exploration
- D) Medical Research
Correct Answer: B) Language Translation/Tech
Section 3: Background & Static Information
The Rajya Sabha, or the Council of States, is the upper house of India's bicameral Parliament. Understanding the roles of its presiding officers is fundamental to Indian Polity.
The Presiding Officers of Rajya Sabha
The Chairman (Article 89): The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. S/he is not a member of the House. When the Vice-President acts as President, s/he does not perform the duties of the Chairman.
The Deputy Chairman (Article 89): Elected by the Rajya Sabha from among its members. S/he performs the duties of the Chairman when the office is vacant or during the Chairman's absence.
| Feature | Rajya Sabha (Upper House) | Lok Sabha (Lower House) |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Article | Article 80 | Article 81 |
| Nature of House | Permanent Body (Not subject to dissolution) | Temporary (Normal term of 5 years) |
| Presiding Officer | Chairman & Deputy Chairman | Speaker & Deputy Speaker |
| Membership Election | Indirect (by State Legislative Assemblies) | Direct (by the People) |
| Minimum Age | 30 Years | 25 Years |
Key Facts for Competitive Exams
- Resignation: The Deputy Chairman addresses his/her resignation letter to the Chairman.
- Removal: S/he can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Rajya Sabha.
- Casting Vote: Like the Chairman, the Deputy Chairman does not vote in the first instance but can exercise a casting vote in the case of a tie.
- Salaries: Salaries and allowances are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India and are not subject to the annual vote of Parliament.
Current Affairs 2026
51 Essential MCQs for Competitive Exams