Current Affairs › January 2026 › All MCQ Questions

January 2026 Current Affairs MCQ — All Questions & Answers

Q: As of January 2026, which country has taken over the formal presidency of the G20 from South Africa?

A) United States. The United States has taken over the G20 presidency for 2026 from South Africa, with the leaders' summit set to be held in Miami. South Africa held the rotating presidency through 2025.

Q: The Union government recently expanded the 'PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana'. What is the primary objective of this scheme?

C) Promoting rooftop solar installations for households. This scheme is all about empowering households to generate their own power. By providing subsidies for rooftop solar, the government wants to cut down electricity bills and make us more energy-independent.

Q: India''s first open-sea marine fish farming pilot project, aimed at boosting the Blue Economy, was launched in January 2026 in which Union Territory?

B) Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched India''s first open-sea marine fish farming project at North Bay, Sri Vijaya Puram, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The pilot promotes sustainable use of ocean resources under the Blue Economy push.

Q: In January 2026, the PANKHUDI portal was launched to facilitate CSR partnerships for women and child welfare projects. Which ministry launched it?

A) Ministry of Women and Child Development. The Ministry of Women and Child Development launched the PANKHUDI portal on 9 January 2026 as a digital platform to channel Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds transparently into women and child welfare projects.

Q: As we observe National Voters' Day today, January 25, 2026, can you recall which constitutional body is responsible for conducting the elections in India?

A) Election Commission of India. It's the Election Commission of India, a permanent constitutional body established way back in 1950. National Voters' Day is celebrated every year on this date to mark its foundation and encourage more young voters to take part in our democracy.

Complete collection of January 2026 current affairs MCQ questions with answers — 31 daily quizzes, 620 questions total, with detailed explanations for every answer. Ideal for UPSC Prelims, SSC CGL, RRB NTPC 2026 revision.

📅

31 daily quizzes

January 2026

❓

620 questions

with explanations

🆓

Free — no login

no signup needed

✅

Full answer key

every question

UPSC PrelimsSSC CGLSSC CHSLRRB NTPCRRB Group DIBPS POIBPS ClerkSBI POState PSC

💡

How to use this page: Click any date to expand that day's questions. Try answering before revealing the answer — then check if you were right. For the full interactive quiz with live scoring, use the link in each date header.

Jump to a Date

January 2026 Current Affairs Questions — Day by Day

1 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.As of January 2026, which country has taken over the formal presidency of the G20 from South Africa?

A) United States ✓

B) India

C) Saudi Arabia

D) Brazil

Explanation: The United States has taken over the G20 presidency for 2026 from South Africa, with the leaders' summit set to be held in Miami. South Africa held the rotating presidency through 2025.

Q2.The government recently launched the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' portal to gather citizen feedback. Which ministry is the primary nodal agency for this?

A) Ministry of Home Affairs

B) NITI Aayog ✓

C) Ministry of Electronics and IT

D) Ministry of Finance

Explanation: NITI Aayog is running the show here. They're the ones aggregating all that massive input from across the country to draft our long-term development roadmap.

Q3.On 12 January 2026, ISRO launched the EOS-N1 earth observation satellite along with 15 co-passenger satellites from Sriharikota. Which rocket was used?

A) PSLV-C62 ✓

B) GSLV Mk III

C) SSLV-D3

D) RLV-TD

Explanation: ISRO's trusty workhorse the PSLV-C62 carried the EOS-N1 earth observation satellite plus 15 smaller co-passengers into orbit from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Q4.What green hydrogen production capacity does India's National Green Hydrogen Mission aim to achieve per annum by 2030?

A) 5 MMT per annum ✓

B) 10 MMT per annum

C) 1 MMT per annum

D) 25 MMT per annum

Explanation: The National Green Hydrogen Mission targets at least 5 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen production per annum by 2030, backed by about 125 GW of new renewable energy capacity.

Q5.Who won the 2025 Global Teacher Prize, the USD 1 million award presented by the Varkey Foundation?

A) Mansour Al Mansour ✓

B) Ranjitsinh Disale

C) Peter Tabichi

D) Andria Zafirakou

Explanation: Mansour Al Mansour of Saudi Arabia won the 2025 Global Teacher Prize, chosen from over 5,000 nominations across 89 countries. Ranjitsinh Disale of India won it back in 2020.

Q6.Fill in the blank: The RBI's December 2025 monetary policy cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to ______.

A) 5.25% ✓

B) 5.50%

C) 6.00%

D) 6.50%

Explanation: In its December 2025 review the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee trimmed the repo rate by 25 bps to 5.25%, capping the most aggressive easing cycle since 2019 as inflation cooled.

Q7.On 17 January 2026, PM Modi flagged off India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train. Which two cities does it connect?

A) Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) ✓

B) Delhi and Mumbai

C) Chennai and Bengaluru

D) Howrah and Patna

Explanation: India's first long-distance Vande Bharat Sleeper train runs between Howrah in West Bengal and Kamakhya (Guwahati) in Assam, with fully air-conditioned overnight coaches and a top speed of 180 km/h.

Q8.Which Indian state has become the first to achieve 100% 'Digital Literacy' in all its panchayats?

A) Karnataka

B) Goa

C) Kerala ✓

D) Telangana

Explanation: Kerala has done it again! They've been very consistent with their digital infrastructure projects, and now every rural panchayat is fully digitally literate.

Q9.The 2026 Winter Olympics host city is gearing up. Where will the games be held?

A) Sapporo

B) Oslo

C) Milan-Cortina ✓

D) Beijing

Explanation: Italy is the place to be! Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are co-hosting, and the preparations are already in full swing as we enter the start of the year.

Q10.The PM Vishwakarma Scheme provides collateral-free loans, skill training and toolkit support to traditional artisans across how many trades?

A) 18 trades ✓

B) 10 trades

C) 24 trades

D) 30 trades

Explanation: Launched in September 2023, PM Vishwakarma covers 18 traditional family-based trades such as carpenter, blacksmith, goldsmith, potter, cobbler and tailor, offering a toolkit incentive and concessional loans up to Rs 3 lakh.

Q11.The IndiaAI Mission, the government's flagship programme for AI compute and sovereign models, was approved with an outlay of about:

A) Rs 10,371 crore ✓

B) Rs 2,000 crore

C) Rs 50,000 crore

D) Rs 500 crore

Explanation: The Union Cabinet approved the IndiaAI Mission with an outlay of Rs 10,371.92 crore, funding pillars like AI compute (over 10,000 GPUs), an Innovation Centre, datasets platform and FutureSkills.

Q12.India observes National Startup Day, marking the anniversary of the Startup India initiative, on which date?

A) 16 January ✓

B) 1 January

C) 26 January

D) 15 August

Explanation: National Startup Day is observed on 16 January, the date the Startup India initiative was launched in 2016. In January 2026 the government marked a decade of Startup India.

Q13.Who is the newly appointed Chairperson of the Competition Commission of India (CCI)?

A) Amitabh Kant

B) T.V. Somanathan

C) Ravneet Kaur ✓

D) Sanjay Verma

Explanation: Ravneet Kaur continues to lead the way at the CCI. Ensuring fair competition in our rapidly growing digital market is a tough job, but she's been a steady hand.

Q14.Which wildlife sanctuary was recently declared a 'National Tiger Reserve' in Central India?

A) Panna

B) Nauradehi ✓

C) Satpura

D) Pench

Explanation: Nauradehi in Madhya Pradesh finally got the upgrade. This is huge for protecting our big cats and ensuring they have a safer corridor to roam.

Q15.Which is India's first space-based observatory dedicated to studying the Sun?

A) Aditya-L1 ✓

B) Chandrayaan-3

C) Mangalyaan

D) Gaganyaan

Explanation: Aditya-L1 is India's first solar mission. Launched in September 2023, it studies the Sun from a halo orbit around the Sun-Earth Lagrange point 1 (L1), about 1.5 million km from Earth.

Q16.The 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by India and which other country?

A) Sri Lanka ✓

B) Bangladesh

C) Pakistan

D) Australia

Explanation: India and Sri Lanka are the joint hosts of the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. (The 2025 Champions Trophy was hosted by Pakistan, with India winning a record third title.)

Q17.Which international organization released the '2026 World Economic Outlook' report highlighting a global slowdown?

A) WTO

B) OECD

C) IMF ✓

D) World Bank

Explanation: The IMF is always the one to watch for these macro reports. They’ve signaled that we need to keep a close watch on global trade dynamics this year.

Q18.The 'Agni-P' missile, which underwent a successful user trial recently, is a:

A) Anti-tank guided missile

B) Surface-to-air missile

C) Ballistic missile ✓

D) Cruise missile

Explanation: It's our nuclear-capable, short-range ballistic missile. It’s all about strengthening our deterrence and keeping our defense systems top-tier.

Q19.What is the focus of the newly enacted 'Digital Personal Data Protection Rules' that took effect today?

A) Online gaming taxation

B) AI-generated content regulation

C) Data fiduciary compliance ✓

D) Cross-border data flow

Explanation: The rules are all about holding entities (fiduciaries) accountable for how they handle our personal info. It's a massive step forward for our privacy rights.

Q20.Which city is hosting the 2026 World Urban Forum (WUF13) on sustainable urban development?

A) Baku, Azerbaijan ✓

B) New Delhi

C) Berlin

D) Tokyo

Explanation: The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) is being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in May 2026 under the theme 'Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities.'

20 questions — 1 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

2 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), India's flagship short-term skill-training scheme, is implemented by which Union Ministry?

A) Ministry of Commerce and Industry

B) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship ✓

C) Ministry of Labour and Employment

D) Ministry of Education

Explanation: PMKVY is run by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. It offers free short-term training and certification to young people across the country, helping them pick up job-ready skills in sectors like manufacturing, IT and services.

Q2.India's foreign exchange reserves hit a fresh record high today. Which organization is responsible for managing these reserves to ensure monetary stability?

A) State Bank of India

B) Reserve Bank of India ✓

C) NITI Aayog

D) Ministry of Finance

Explanation: That would be our central bank, the RBI! They act as the custodian of our forex reserves, carefully managing them to keep the Rupee stable and maintain investor confidence.

Q3.In a major international development, which nation officially assumed the G20 Presidency for the year 2026 on January 1st?

A) South Africa

B) Brazil

C) India

D) United States ✓

Explanation: The United States took over the G20 Presidency for 2026, receiving the baton from South Africa, which held it through 2025. The presidency rotates among member nations each year, and the US is set to host the G20 Leaders' Summit later in 2026.

Q4.ISRO began its 2026 launch campaign on 12 January with the PSLV-C62 mission. Which Earth observation satellite was its main payload?

A) Gaganyaan-3

B) EOS-N1 (Anvesha) ✓

C) XPoSat-2

D) Aditya-L2

Explanation: PSLV-C62 placed the EOS-N1 satellite, nicknamed Anvesha, into orbit along with several smaller payloads. It is a next-generation Earth observation satellite built with inputs from the DRDO, and it marked ISRO's very first launch of the year.

Q5.Who was awarded the 2025 Men's Ballon d'Or, football's most prestigious individual prize?

A) Lamine Yamal

B) Ousmane Dembélé ✓

C) Erling Haaland

D) Vitinha

Explanation: Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint-Germain and France took the trophy home. After a stunning season that helped PSG win their first Champions League title, he edged out young star Lamine Yamal to claim the 2025 Ballon d'Or.

Q6.The government announced a new subsidy scheme for 'Green Hydrogen' manufacturing. What is the primary objective of this move?

A) Reducing fuel prices for consumers

B) Replacing petrol with hydrogen in bikes

C) Exporting hydrogen to Europe

D) Decarbonizing industrial sectors ✓

Explanation: Think about our heavy industries like steel and cement—they produce a lot of carbon. The subsidy is there to help them switch to green hydrogen, which is a cleaner energy source, helping us meet our net-zero targets.

Q7.Who has been appointed as the new Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) of India as of January 2026?

A) Amitabh Kant

B) Praveen Kumar Srivastava ✓

C) A new appointment has not been made

D) Tuhin Kanta Pandey

Explanation: As of January 2026, Praveen Kumar Srivastava is the Central Vigilance Commissioner. He was sworn in back in May 2023 for a four-year term. The CVC heads the country's top integrity watchdog, which keeps an eye on corruption across central government bodies.

Q8.India concluded a landmark Free Trade Agreement in late January 2026 with which partner, after nearly two decades of on-and-off negotiations?

A) United States

B) European Union ✓

C) United Kingdom

D) ASEAN

Explanation: India and the European Union finally sealed their Free Trade Agreement, announced at a summit in New Delhi on 27 January 2026. The deal removes or cuts tariffs on the bulk of goods traded between the two sides and is one of the biggest trade pacts either has ever signed.

Q9.Which Indian state holds the distinction of being the country's first fully organic farming state?

A) Maharashtra

B) Gujarat

C) Karnataka

D) Sikkim ✓

Explanation: Sikkim earned this title in 2016 after converting all of its farmland to organic practices and completely phasing out chemical fertilisers and pesticides. The achievement even won it a UN-backed award and made it a model for sustainable farming.

Q10.What is the primary scientific focus of the 'Deep Ocean Mission' phase that kicked off this January?

A) Installing underwater internet cables

B) Mapping volcanic activity

C) Mining for rare earth minerals ✓

D) Studying deep-sea biodiversity

Explanation: The focus is definitely on rare earth minerals. India is keen on securing its supply chain for electronics and batteries, and the ocean floor has a treasure trove of polymetallic nodules waiting to be explored.

Q11.Which global organization recently released a report warning about the impact of 'El Niño' on food prices in the first half of 2026?

A) World Bank

B) WTO

C) FAO ✓

D) IMF

Explanation: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is the one tracking this. They've warned that shifting weather patterns are going to hurt crop yields, which naturally puts upward pressure on food inflation globally.

Q12.India started their 2026 home international season with a five-match T20I series in January. Against which team did they win that series 4-1?

A) England

B) Australia

C) New Zealand ✓

D) South Africa

Explanation: India kicked off 2026 by beating New Zealand 4-1 in a five-match T20I series played across several Indian cities in January. It was a confident start to a packed year of cricket for the home side.

Q13.Which flagship government scheme is aimed at providing affordable 'Housing for All' to eligible families across India?

A) Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana

B) Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

C) Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana

D) Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana ✓

Explanation: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) is the government's 'Housing for All' mission. It offers financial help to build or buy affordable homes and runs in two streams, covering both urban (PMAY-U) and rural (PMAY-G) families who don't yet own a pucca house.

Q14.Which environmental treaty is India observing the 10th anniversary of its signature this week?

A) Kyoto Protocol

B) Stockholm Convention

C) Montreal Protocol

D) Paris Agreement ✓

Explanation: Yes, it’s the Paris Agreement. Even though it feels like just yesterday, we’ve hit the 10-year mark of our commitment to keeping global temperatures in check. It's been a busy decade for our climate policy!

Q15.In January 2026, DRDO successfully carried out a long-duration ground test of a full-scale scramjet engine. This technology is key to developing which type of weapon?

A) Hypersonic missiles ✓

B) Nuclear submarines

C) Anti-tank guided missiles

D) Stealth fighter jets

Explanation: On 9 January 2026, DRDO's Hyderabad lab ran an actively-cooled scramjet engine for over 12 minutes in a ground test. Scramjets let a missile cruise at very high speeds within the atmosphere, so this was a big step forward for India's hypersonic missile programme.

Q16.What is the primary aim of the 'Sagar-Setu' integration announced by the Ministry of Ports and Shipping?

A) Connecting major ports via rail

B) Promoting maritime tourism

C) Streamlining port operations with digital customs clearance ✓

D) Building new deep-sea ports

Explanation: It’s all about efficiency. By integrating digital customs clearance, they’re cutting down the time it takes for goods to leave the port, which is huge for our export competitiveness.

Q17.The 'Global Peace Index' update released by the Institute for Economics and Peace this week identified which region as the most volatile in 2026?

A) Middle East ✓

B) Sub-Saharan Africa

C) Southeast Asia

D) Eastern Europe

Explanation: The Middle East remains the most volatile region, unfortunately. The index highlights how ongoing geopolitical tensions continue to affect stability and displacement rates in that part of the world.

Q18.The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), India's hugely popular real-time digital payment system, is developed and operated by which organization?

A) Reserve Bank of India

B) State Bank of India

C) National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) ✓

D) Securities and Exchange Board of India

Explanation: UPI is built and run by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the umbrella body for retail payments in the country. It lets people instantly move money between bank accounts using a phone, and it now handles billions of transactions every month.

Q19.The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), India's largest citizen-led survey on the state of rural schooling, is published every year by which organization?

A) NITI Aayog

B) NCERT

C) Pratham (NGO) ✓

D) University Grants Commission

Explanation: ASER is brought out by the NGO Pratham. Its volunteers visit lakhs of children in rural households to test basic reading and arithmetic skills, and the report is one of the most widely cited sources on actual learning levels in India.

Q20.Which folk dance of Gujarat was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2023?

A) Bharatanatyam

B) Kathak

C) Garba ✓

D) Odissi

Explanation: Garba, the rhythmic devotional dance performed during Navaratri, was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in December 2023. It became the 15th element from India on the list, celebrating the dance's deep cultural and spiritual roots in Gujarat.

20 questions — 2 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

3 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.The Union government's PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, the world's largest rooftop solar scheme, is implemented by which ministry?

A) Ministry of Rural Development

B) Ministry of Power

C) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy ✓

D) Ministry of Panchayati Raj

Explanation: PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, launched in February 2024, is run by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). It offers up to 300 units of free power a month and a subsidy of up to 40% for rooftop solar—a favourite topic in exams!

Q2.India's foreign exchange reserves hit a new record high in the first week of 2026. Which of the following is NOT typically considered a component of these reserves?

A) Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)

B) Gold holdings

C) Foreign Currency Assets (FCA)

D) External commercial borrowings ✓

Explanation: Remember, forex reserves are assets held by the RBI, not liabilities. External commercial borrowings are loans that need to be paid back, so they don't count as our reserve assets.

Q3.Who has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) as of January 2026?

A) Ravneet Kaur ✓

B) Ajay Seth

C) Sangeeta Verma

D) Amitabh Kant

Explanation: Ravneet Kaur continues to steer the ship at the CCI. It's important to track these regulatory bodies because they play a huge role in keeping our market fair and competitive.

Q4.In January 2026, ISRO launched the EOS-N1 strategic Earth-observation satellite from Sriharikota. Which launch vehicle carried it?

A) GSLV-F15

B) PSLV-C62 ✓

C) LVM-3

D) SSLV-D3

Explanation: ISRO opened its 2026 launch calendar with the PSLV-C62 mission on 12 January 2026, placing the DRDO-built EOS-N1 hyperspectral satellite in orbit for border surveillance and resource mapping. PSLV remains ISRO's reliable workhorse!

Q5.India's first green hydrogen plant in the port sector was commissioned in 2025 at which Gujarat port?

A) Kandla (Deendayal Port) ✓

B) Mundra Port

C) Paradip Port

D) Jawaharlal Nehru Port

Explanation: The country's first Make-in-India green hydrogen plant in the port sector came up at the Deendayal Port Authority in Kandla, Gujarat. It's a big step for the National Green Hydrogen Mission and our Net Zero goals.

Q6.Which international organisation publishes the 'World Economic Outlook' (WEO), which periodically revises global and emerging-market growth projections?

A) World Bank

B) OECD

C) WTO

D) IMF ✓

Explanation: The IMF publishes the World Economic Outlook (WEO), updating growth forecasts through the year. Don't confuse it with the World Bank's 'Global Economic Prospects'! Markets watch every revision closely.

Q7.India's first 'Vande Metro' service, since renamed Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, runs between which two cities?

A) Mumbai and Navi Mumbai

B) Delhi and Meerut

C) Ahmedabad and Bhuj ✓

D) Bengaluru and Mysuru

Explanation: The first Vande Metro, later renamed Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, was flagged off in September 2024 on the Ahmedabad–Bhuj route in Gujarat. It's built for fast, comfortable short-distance intercity travel.

Q8.The Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), led by India, was launched on the sidelines of which 2023 international summit?

A) G20 Summit in New Delhi ✓

B) BRICS Summit in Johannesburg

C) SCO Summit in Samarkand

D) G7 Summit in Hiroshima

Explanation: India, the US and Brazil launched the Global Biofuels Alliance during the G20 Summit hosted by India in New Delhi in September 2023. Its membership keeps growing as more nations push cleaner fuels.

Q9.India's highest sporting honour, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, was renamed in 2021. What was it called earlier?

A) Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award ✓

B) Arjuna Award

C) Dronacharya Award

D) Dhyan Chand Award

Explanation: It was earlier the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, renamed the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in August 2021 after the hockey legend. Don't mix it up with the Arjuna or Dronacharya Awards!

Q10.Which ocean trench contains the deepest known point on Earth, the Challenger Deep?

A) Mariana Trench ✓

B) Java (Sunda) Trench

C) Puerto Rico Trench

D) Tonga Trench

Explanation: The Challenger Deep, in the Pacific Ocean's Mariana Trench, is the deepest point on Earth—about 11,000 metres down. A classic geography fact that exam-setters love to slip in!

Q11.In the landmark K.S. Puttaswamy judgment (2017), the Supreme Court held that the Right to Privacy is a fundamental right under which Article of the Constitution?

A) Article 14

B) Article 19

C) Article 21 ✓

D) Article 32

Explanation: A nine-judge bench in the 2017 Puttaswamy case ruled the Right to Privacy is protected under Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty). It's the bedrock of India's data-protection debates today.

Q12.Who were the Chief Guests at India's 77th Republic Day celebrations in January 2026?

A) Heads of the European Commission and European Council ✓

B) The President of France

C) The Prime Minister of Japan

D) The President of Brazil

Explanation: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa were the Chief Guests at the 2026 Republic Day parade, held on the theme '150 Years of Vande Mataram'.

Q13.Exercise 'Cyber Suraksha' was conducted by which agency to bolster India's military cyber-defence preparedness?

A) Defence Cyber Agency ✓

B) National Security Council Secretariat

C) DRDO

D) CERT-In

Explanation: Exercise Cyber Suraksha was led by the Defence Cyber Agency (DCA) under the Integrated Defence Staff, with CERT-In, NCIIPC and others taking part. It simulates real-time cyberattacks to test inter-agency coordination.

Q14.What is the primary objective of the 'Bharat-Stack' digital initiative being rolled out in Africa, according to the MEA?

A) Exporting military tech

B) Cultural heritage mapping

C) Scaling digital public infrastructure ✓

D) Renewable energy financing

Explanation: We are basically helping other nations build their 'Aadhaar-like' systems. It’s part of India’s growing influence in the Global South through tech diplomacy.

Q15.India recently signed a defence contract to procure Heavy Weight Torpedoes for which of its armed forces?

A) Indian Navy ✓

B) Indian Army

C) Indian Air Force

D) Indian Coast Guard

Explanation: The Ministry of Defence inked contracts worth about Rs 4,666 crore for Heavy Weight Torpedoes for the Indian Navy and Close Quarter Battle carbines for the Indian Army—boosting indigenous defence manufacturing.

Q16.The 'World Hindi Secretariat' is headquartered in which country, where a major Hindi literary festival concluded this week?

A) Nepal

B) Fiji

C) India

D) Mauritius ✓

Explanation: It’s a common point of confusion, but the Secretariat is actually based in Mauritius. They do great work keeping the language connected to its global diaspora.

Q17.In the context of wildlife conservation, what is the 'Great Indian Bustard' protection project focusing on for 2026?

A) Reducing overhead power lines ✓

B) Translocation to Africa

C) Strict poaching surveillance

D) Artificial breeding centers

Explanation: Collisions with power lines are the biggest killer of these birds. The project is now heavily focused on undergrounding lines in the Thar desert area.

Q18.Which country hosted the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, held in February 2026?

A) Switzerland

B) Italy ✓

C) Canada

D) South Korea

Explanation: The 2026 Winter Olympics were co-hosted by the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo from 6 to 22 February 2026—the first Winter Games officially shared by two host cities.

Q19.The 'PM-PRANAM' scheme, which has seen a significant budget allocation increase in January 2026, aims to improve what?

A) Primary education

B) Soil health ✓

C) Coastal security

D) Handloom exports

Explanation: The scheme stands for 'Promotion of Alternate Nutrients for Agriculture Management Yojana'. It's all about reducing chemical fertilizers and saving our soil health.

Q20.Which Indian state has officially declared the 'Gangetic Dolphin' as its state aquatic animal to boost river conservation efforts?

A) Uttar Pradesh

B) West Bengal

C) Assam ✓

D) Bihar

Explanation: Assam declared the Gangetic (Ganges) river dolphin its State Aquatic Animal back in 2008, and the Centre named it India's National Aquatic Animal in 2009. As an indicator species, healthy dolphin numbers mean a healthy river!

20 questions — 3 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

4 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.The Government of India launched the ₹4,531-crore 'Market Access Support (MAS) Scheme' in late December 2025. Who are its main intended beneficiaries?

A) Large public-sector banks

B) First-time exporters and MSMEs ✓

C) Foreign multinational companies

D) Retail stock-market investors

Explanation: This six-year scheme (FY26–FY31) is all about helping smaller players go global. It funds buyer-seller meets, trade fairs and delegations so that first-time exporters and MSMEs can showcase their products abroad, with the government picking up 60–80% of the cost.

Q2.Who currently serves as the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)?

A) Ajay Tyagi

B) Anil K. Sinha

C) Tuhin Kanta Pandey ✓

D) Madhabi Puri Buch

Explanation: Tuhin Kanta Pandey, a former Finance Secretary, took charge as SEBI’s 11th Chairman in March 2025 for a three-year term, succeeding Madhabi Puri Buch. Everyone’s watching how he steers the market regulator through new tech-driven trading shifts.

Q3.In January 2026, which Dutch coach was reappointed as the Chief Coach of the Indian women's hockey team?

A) Sjoerd Marijne ✓

B) Graham Reid

C) Craig Fulton

D) Janneke Schopman

Explanation: It’s a happy reunion! Sjoerd Marijne, who guided the team to a memorable fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, is back for a second stint, with the FIH Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad as his first big target.

Q4.ISRO's first uncrewed Gaganyaan test flight, planned for 2026, will carry which humanoid robot to test life-support systems?

A) Vyommitra ✓

B) Pragyan

C) Vikram

D) Mitra

Explanation: We’re getting closer to our human spaceflight dreams! The uncrewed G1 mission will send the half-humanoid robot Vyommitra into low-Earth orbit to test the crew module and life-support systems, paving the way for India’s first crewed flight.

Q5.In early January 2026, the Indian Army launched 'Radio Sangam' (88.8 FM), a community radio station near the Line of Control, in which region?

A) Ladakh

B) Rajouri, Jammu & Kashmir ✓

C) Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

D) Kutch, Gujarat

Explanation: This little station in the Keri area of Rajouri is a big deal for border communities. It gives local youth a platform and spreads awareness about government schemes and social issues right along the LoC.

Q6.Which country's COSMO-SkyMed satellite (CSG-FM3) was the world's first orbital launch of 2026, carried by a SpaceX Falcon 9?

A) France

B) Japan

C) Italy ✓

D) Germany

Explanation: SpaceX kicked off 2026 on January 2 by launching Italy’s CSG-FM3 radar satellite from Vandenberg. Its synthetic-aperture radar can capture sharp images through clouds and even in complete darkness.

Q7.The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a ₹4,100-crore loan in January 2026 for the riverfront development of which river?

A) Sabarmati

B) Musi ✓

C) Gomti

D) Mithi

Explanation: This is a big step for Hyderabad. The loan will help rejuvenate the Musi river in Telangana — cleaning it up, restoring heritage sites along its banks and turning the riverfront into a vibrant socio-economic corridor.

Q8.World Braille Day is observed every year on 4 January to mark the birth anniversary of which inventor?

A) Louis Braille ✓

B) Thomas Edison

C) Alexander Graham Bell

D) Helen Keller

Explanation: Louis Braille, born on this day in 1809, created the tactile reading-and-writing system that bears his name. World Braille Day celebrates how his invention opened up literacy and independence for visually impaired people everywhere.

Q9.The Indian Army declared 2026 as its 'Year of ____', focusing on real-time connectivity and treating data as a key operational asset.

A) Technology Absorption

B) Networking & Data Centricity ✓

C) Indigenisation

D) Jointness

Explanation: Building on 2024–25’s ‘Year of Technology Absorption’, the Army (under Gen Upendra Dwivedi) is now operationalising those tools. ‘Networking & Data Centricity’ means sensors and units share data instantly so the best-placed weapon can respond in real time.

Q10.Which company became the first Indian company to cross ₹20 lakh crore in market capitalisation?

A) Reliance Industries ✓

B) HDFC Bank

C) Adani Enterprises

D) Tata Consultancy Services

Explanation: It's a massive milestone! Reliance Industries became the first Indian firm to touch ₹20 lakh crore (around US$240 billion) in market value, powered by its energy, retail and digital (Jio) businesses.

Q11.In January 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar launched the 'IITM Global Research Foundation', an international initiative of which institution?

A) IIT Bombay

B) IIT Delhi

C) IIT Madras ✓

D) IISc Bengaluru

Explanation: This is a bold move by IIT Madras to become the world’s first multinational university. Through campuses and MoUs in the US, Germany, Dubai, Malaysia and more, it aims to take its research and innovation strengths onto the global stage.

Q12.Which nation currently holds the presidency of the G20 for the year 2026?

A) United States ✓

B) Saudi Arabia

C) Brazil

D) India

Explanation: The United States took over the G20 presidency from South Africa on 1 December 2025 and will host the leaders’ summit in Miami in December 2026, with a focus on economic growth, energy and new technologies.

Q13.The Ministry of Electronics & IT approved 22 proposals worth about ₹41,863 crore in early January 2026 under which scheme?

A) Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme ✓

B) PM Gati Shakti

C) Digital India Mission

D) Smart Cities Mission

Explanation: This push is all about making India self-reliant in electronics. By backing the manufacture of components — the building blocks inside every gadget — the government wants to cut import dependence and deepen the country’s electronics supply chain.

Q14.The Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 in the English language was awarded to which author for the novel 'Crimson Spring'?

A) Navtej Sarna ✓

B) Jhumpa Lahiri

C) Amish Tripathi

D) Vikram Seth

Explanation: Veteran diplomat-turned-author Navtej Sarna won the 2025 Sahitya Akademi Award for English for his novel ‘Crimson Spring’, set against the backdrop of the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy — a well-deserved nod to a powerful piece of historical fiction.

Q15.Which state has recently banned single-use plastic in all its major pilgrimage sites?

A) Rajasthan

B) Uttarakhand ✓

C) Odisha

D) Madhya Pradesh

Explanation: It was long overdue for places like Haridwar and Rishikesh. The local government is really pushing for 'Zero Waste' pilgrimages, and it’s heartening to see such a strong stand on environmental cleanliness.

Q16.Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda released the 10th edition of which official book of drug standards in early January 2026?

A) Indian Pharmacopoeia ✓

B) National Formulary of India

C) Indian Medical Register

D) National List of Essential Medicines

Explanation: The Indian Pharmacopoeia is the official rulebook for medicine quality in India. Its 10th edition adds 121 new monographs (taking the total to 3,340) and fresh standards for blood components used in transfusion medicine.

Q17.Which European country recently signed a historic 'Free Trade Agreement' with India?

A) Italy

B) Belgium

C) Germany

D) Switzerland ✓

Explanation: This Switzerland deal is a huge win for our pharmaceutical and watch industries. It cuts down a lot of red tape and makes it much easier for our businesses to tap into European markets.

Q18.Fill in the blank: The 'World Inequality Report 2026' suggests that the bottom 50% of the global population owns only ____ of total wealth.

A) 2% ✓

B) 5%

C) 15%

D) 10%

Explanation: It’s a sobering statistic, isn't it? Only 2%—it really highlights why so many global summits are now focusing on inclusive growth rather than just GDP numbers.

Q19.Who was appointed as the Chairman of ESAF Small Finance Bank, effective January 2026?

A) Karthikeyan Manickam ✓

B) Sanjay Agarwal

C) Ittira Davis

D) Govind Singh

Explanation: Karthikeyan Manickam, a former Executive Director of Bank of India with over three decades in public-sector banking, takes the chair at ESAF Small Finance Bank, bringing deep experience to the lender’s board.

Q20.The 'National Skill Development Mission' is now prioritizing training in which emerging field?

A) Drone piloting and maintenance ✓

B) Quantum Computing repair

C) Renewable energy grid management

D) Genomic data sequencing

Explanation: Drones are everywhere now—from agriculture to logistics. The government is smart to focus here because the job market for drone pilots is going to explode in the next few years.

20 questions — 4 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

5 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.The Government of India recently launched the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' initiative for infrastructure. Which ministry is the primary nodal agency for this?

A) Ministry of Commerce and Industry

B) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways

C) NITI Aayog ✓

D) Ministry of Finance

Explanation: Think of NITI Aayog as the government's central think tank. Since this initiative is about long-term strategic planning, they're the ones leading the charge on roadmap implementation.

Q2.Which country assumed the Presidency of the G20 on 1 December 2025, taking over from South Africa?

A) South Africa

B) Brazil

C) United States ✓

D) India

Explanation: South Africa handed the year-long G20 presidency to the United States on 1 December 2025. The US hosts the 2026 G20 Leaders' Summit.

Q3.In January 2026, PM Narendra Modi flagged off India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train. Which two cities does it connect?

A) New Delhi and Mumbai

B) Howrah and Guwahati ✓

C) Chennai and Bengaluru

D) Ahmedabad and Mumbai

Explanation: On 17 January 2026, PM Modi flagged off India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train from Malda Town, running between Howrah (West Bengal) and Guwahati/Kamakhya (Assam).

Q4.The 6th Khelo India Winter Games 2026 were inaugurated in January 2026 in which Union Territory?

A) Jammu and Kashmir

B) Ladakh ✓

C) Himachal Pradesh

D) Uttarakhand

Explanation: The 6th Khelo India Winter Games 2026 opened in Leh, Ladakh, on 20 January 2026 with the ice sports phase (ice hockey and ice skating); the snow sports phase was later held in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir.

Q5.The RBI recently adjusted the Repo Rate in its first bi-monthly policy of 2026. What is the primary reason usually cited for a 'neutral' stance?

A) Foreign currency shortage

B) Rising inflation

C) Balancing liquidity and price stability ✓

D) High GDP growth

Explanation: When the RBI goes neutral, it's basically them saying they're keeping an eye on both inflation and the economy's health without tilting the scales too much in either direction.

Q6.What is the core mission objective of ISRO's upcoming lunar mission, Chandrayaan-4?

A) Sample return ✓

B) Human landing

C) Permanent base setup

D) Asteroid deflection

Explanation: Chandrayaan-4 is India's first lunar sample-return mission, designed to collect and bring back regolith from the Moon's south polar region. Its launch is planned for around 2027-2028.

Q7.The 16th India-EU Summit was held on 27 January 2026 in which city?

A) Brussels

B) New Delhi ✓

C) Mumbai

D) Paris

Explanation: EU Council President Antonio Costa and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi for the 16th India-EU Summit on 27 January 2026; the EU leaders were also chief guests at the 77th Republic Day parade.

Q8.In early 2026, the Global CyberPeace Summit on digital trust and safety was hosted by which city?

A) Mumbai

B) Hyderabad

C) New Delhi ✓

D) Bengaluru

Explanation: The Global CyberPeace Summit 2026 was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, convening global stakeholders on cyber diplomacy, AI governance and digital trust and safety.

Q9.The 'PM-PRANAM' scheme, which gained traction this month, aims to support which sector?

A) Micro-irrigation

B) Chemical fertilizer reduction ✓

C) Digital education

D) Solar pump distribution

Explanation: PRANAM stands for Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother-Earth. It's all about reducing the chemical load on our soil.

Q10.Which space agency collaborated with ISRO for the 'NISAR' satellite mission update released this week?

A) JAXA

B) Roscosmos

C) ESA

D) NASA ✓

Explanation: NISAR is a joint effort between NASA and ISRO. It's essentially a giant radar meant to track changes in the Earth's surface and ice sheets with incredible precision.

Q11.After its 2025 edition, the Bharat Mobility Global Expo moved to a biennial format. In which year is its next edition scheduled?

A) 2026

B) 2027 ✓

C) 2028

D) 2025

Explanation: Following the January 2025 show, organisers reverted to a two-year cycle; the next Bharat Mobility Global Expo is scheduled for February 2027 in the Delhi-NCR region.

Q12.Which international organization recently updated its 'Global Economic Outlook' for 2026?

A) World Bank

B) OECD

C) IMF ✓

D) WTO

Explanation: The IMF's reports are the 'gold standard' for economic forecasts. When they adjust their outlook, the markets usually sit up and take notice.

Q13.The 'E-Shram' portal has now integrated with which other national platform to improve welfare distribution?

A) DigiLocker

B) Aadhaar

C) UMANG ✓

D) Jeevan Pramaan

Explanation: Integrating with UMANG makes it way easier for informal workers to access government services directly from their phones. It's all about ease of access!

Q14.In early 2026, which Gujarat wetland in the Banni grasslands of Kutch was added to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance?

A) Nalsarovar

B) Chhari-Dhand ✓

C) Khijadia

D) Thol Lake

Explanation: Chhari-Dhand, a seasonal desert wetland and Conservation Reserve in Kutch, was added to India's Ramsar list in early 2026, a major congregation site for flamingos, pelicans and cranes.

Q15.The 2026 FIH Men's Hockey World Cup is being co-hosted by the Netherlands and which other country, for the first time?

A) Germany

B) Belgium ✓

C) Spain

D) England

Explanation: For the first time the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup (14-30 August 2026) is jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands, with matches in Wavre (Belgium) and Amstelveen (Netherlands).

Q16.What is the primary focus of the newly launched 'Digital Bharat Nidhi'?

A) AI development grants

B) Universal rural internet access ✓

C) Cyber-security awareness

D) Financial literacy for seniors

Explanation: It's the evolution of the old USOF (Universal Service Obligation Fund). The goal is to make sure every last village in India is connected to high-speed internet.

Q17.Which naval exercise involving India, Japan, and the USA took place in the Indian Ocean this week?

A) SIMBEX

B) Ausindex

C) Varuna

D) Malabar ✓

Explanation: Malabar has become one of the most significant maritime exercises in our region. It's all about naval interoperability and keeping the Indo-Pacific open.

Q18.In a social reform move, which state government passed a bill to implement a 'Uniform Marriage Registration' policy?

A) Uttarakhand ✓

B) Uttar Pradesh

C) Assam

D) Goa

Explanation: Uttarakhand has been quite proactive with its legislative agenda. This move is aimed at creating a standardized database for all marital unions in the state.

Q19.The Economic Survey 2025-26, tabled in Parliament in January 2026, estimated India's real GDP growth for FY26 (2025-26) at what rate?

A) 6.4%

B) 7.4% ✓

C) 8.2%

D) 5.8%

Explanation: The Economic Survey 2025-26, tabled on 29 January 2026, estimated India's real GDP growth for 2025-26 at 7.4%, up from 6.5% in 2024-25, driven largely by domestic demand.

Q20.Who won the Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 for English literature?

A) Amitav Ghosh

B) Jhumpa Lahiri

C) Vikram Seth

D) Navtej Sarna ✓

Explanation: Novelist and former diplomat Navtej Sarna won the Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 in English for his novel 'Crimson Spring', set against the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

20 questions — 5 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

6 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.The Government of India recently launched the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' portal for public consultation. Which ministry is the nodal agency for this initiative?

A) Ministry of Commerce

B) Ministry of Finance

C) Ministry of Electronics and IT

D) NITI Aayog ✓

Explanation: Think of NITI Aayog as the government's think tank—they're spearheading this. It's essentially their way of crowdsourcing ideas from us to build a roadmap for India's centenary of independence.

Q2.Which country recently assumed the chair of the G20 for the 2026 term, taking over from South Africa?

A) Brazil

B) India

C) Canada

D) United States ✓

Explanation: The United States assumed the G20 presidency on 1 December 2025, taking over from South Africa. The 2026 G20 leaders' summit is scheduled to be held in Miami.

Q3.What is the targeted annual green hydrogen production under India's National Green Hydrogen Mission by the year 2030?

A) 5 Million Tonnes ✓

B) 1 Million Tonnes

C) 10 Million Tonnes

D) 500,000 Tonnes

Explanation: The National Green Hydrogen Mission, approved in 2023, targets production of at least 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen per annum by 2030 to make India a global hub.

Q4.Who was recently appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner of India following the retirement of the previous incumbent?

A) Sushil Chandra

B) Anup Chandra Pandey

C) Rajeev Kumar

D) Gyanesh Kumar ✓

Explanation: Gyanesh Kumar, a 1988-batch IAS officer, became the 26th Chief Election Commissioner of India in February 2025, succeeding Rajiv Kumar.

Q5.The 'Indra 2025' joint military exercise was conducted between India and which nation?

A) United Arab Emirates

B) Japan

C) Russia ✓

D) France

Explanation: Exercise Indra is the biennial joint military exercise between India and Russia. Indra 2025 was held in October 2025 at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.

Q6.ISRO's first mission of 2026, the PSLV-C62 flight, carried which Earth observation satellite into orbit?

A) EOS-N1 (Anvesha) ✓

B) Cartosat-3

C) RISAT-2B

D) EOS-08

Explanation: ISRO's PSLV-C62, its first mission of 2026, launched the hyperspectral Earth observation satellite EOS-N1, codenamed 'Anvesha', along with co-passenger payloads.

Q7.In January 2026, PM Narendra Modi flagged off India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train between Howrah and which city?

A) Guwahati ✓

B) New Jalpaiguri

C) Patna

D) Ranchi

Explanation: On 17 January 2026, PM Modi flagged off India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train on the Howrah-Guwahati route during his visit to Malda, West Bengal.

Q8.Who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2025?

A) Maria Corina Machado ✓

B) Nadia Murad

C) Narges Mohammadi

D) Ales Bialiatski

Explanation: Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her work promoting democratic rights and a peaceful transition to democracy in Venezuela.

Q9.In December 2025, the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee cut the Repo Rate by 25 basis points. What is the Repo Rate as of early January 2026?

A) 5.25% ✓

B) 5.50%

C) 6.00%

D) 6.50%

Explanation: On 5 December 2025, the RBI's MPC under Governor Sanjay Malhotra cut the repo rate by 25 bps from 5.50% to 5.25% to support growth.

Q10.In the world of tennis, which player just won the season-opening Grand Slam warmup tournament in Brisbane?

A) Carlos Alcaraz

B) Novak Djokovic

C) Jannik Sinner

D) Daniil Medvedev ✓

Explanation: Daniil Medvedev won the 2026 Brisbane International men's singles title, defeating Brandon Nakashima in the final.

Q11.The World Economic Forum's 56th Annual Meeting held at Davos in January 2026 was convened under which theme?

A) A Spirit of Dialogue ✓

B) Rebuilding Trust

C) Collaboration for the Intelligent Age

D) Cooperation in a Fragmented World

Explanation: The WEF Annual Meeting 2026 was held in Davos from 19 to 23 January 2026 under the theme 'A Spirit of Dialogue'.

Q12.Which company topped the Corporate Knights' 2026 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations ranking?

A) ERG SpA ✓

B) Schneider Electric

C) Infosys

D) Tata Power

Explanation: Italian renewable energy producer ERG SpA was named the world's most sustainable corporation in Corporate Knights' 2026 Global 100 ranking.

Q13.The Indian Army celebrated its 78th Army Day on 15 January 2026 with the main parade held in which city?

A) Jaipur ✓

B) Pune

C) Lucknow

D) Bengaluru

Explanation: The 78th Army Day parade was held at Mahal Road in Jaipur, Rajasthan - the fourth time the event was held outside New Delhi.

Q14.In the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 rankings, which city retained the title of India's Cleanest City?

A) Indore ✓

B) Surat

C) Navi Mumbai

D) Mysuru

Explanation: Indore was named India's cleanest city for the eighth consecutive time in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25, with Surat second and Navi Mumbai third.

Q15.What is the primary objective of the 'PM-Surya Ghar' scheme, which saw a major expansion this week?

A) Electric vehicle subsidies

B) Rural electrification

C) Rooftop solar installation ✓

D) Water harvesting

Explanation: It's all about rooftops, my friend. The government is pushing hard to get more households to generate their own electricity through solar panels to reduce grid dependence.

Q16.Who among the following agricultural scientists was conferred the Bharat Ratna in 2024?

A) M.S. Swaminathan ✓

B) Verghese Kurien

C) Norman Borlaug

D) G. Nammalvar

Explanation: Agricultural scientist M.S. Swaminathan, regarded as the father of India's Green Revolution, was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2024.

Q17.In January 2026, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor project in which state?

A) Assam ✓

B) Arunachal Pradesh

C) Meghalaya

D) Nagaland

Explanation: On 18 January 2026, PM Modi performed the groundbreaking for the 86-km Kaziranga Elevated Corridor in Assam, a project worth over Rs 6,950 crore.

Q18.Which fintech platform recently received final approval from the RBI to operate as a Payment Aggregator?

A) Razorpay

B) PhonePe

C) CRED

D) BharatPe ✓

Explanation: BharatPe finally crossed the finish line with the regulator. This gives them a lot more flexibility in how they handle merchant transactions.

Q19.Who were the Chief Guests at India's 77th Republic Day celebrations on 26 January 2026?

A) Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa ✓

B) Emmanuel Macron

C) Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

D) Cyril Ramaphosa

Explanation: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa were the Chief Guests at India's 77th Republic Day in 2026.

Q20.The Padma Awards 2026 were announced by the Government of India on the eve of which national day?

A) Republic Day ✓

B) Independence Day

C) Gandhi Jayanti

D) Constitution Day

Explanation: The Padma Awards 2026 - Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri - were announced on the eve of the 77th Republic Day in January 2026.

20 questions — 6 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

7 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.The Union government recently expanded the 'PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana'. What is the primary objective of this scheme?

A) Providing free smart meters for rural areas

B) Expanding wind energy in coastal regions

C) Promoting rooftop solar installations for households ✓

D) Subsidizing electric vehicle charging stations

Explanation: This scheme is all about empowering households to generate their own power. By providing subsidies for rooftop solar, the government wants to cut down electricity bills and make us more energy-independent.

Q2.Which nation assumed the Presidency of the G20 for the year 2026?

A) Saudi Arabia

B) Brazil

C) India

D) United States ✓

Explanation: South Africa held the G20 presidency in 2025 (Johannesburg summit). For 2026, the United States has assumed the G20 presidency and will host the leaders' summit in Miami.

Q3.The ISRO-NASA joint mission, NISAR, recently hit a milestone. What does the 'I' in NISAR stand for?

A) Imaging

B) ISRO ✓

C) Interplanetary

D) International

Explanation: NISAR stands for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, so the 'I' refers to ISRO. The joint Earth-observation satellite was launched on 30 July 2025 and declared fully operational in early 2026.

Q4.Who currently serves as the Chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)?

A) Ananth Narayan

B) S. Ramesh

C) Tuhin Kanta Pandey ✓

D) Kamlesh Varshney

Explanation: Tuhin Kanta Pandey, a 1987-batch IAS officer and former Finance Secretary, took charge as SEBI Chairman on 1 March 2025, succeeding Madhabi Puri Buch.

Q5.Which country was the official host nation of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy?

A) Pakistan ✓

B) India

C) England

D) Australia

Explanation: Pakistan hosted the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy (with some matches in the UAE). India won the title, beating New Zealand in the final to claim a record third Champions Trophy.

Q6.Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the government is developing a major green hydrogen hub at which Gujarat port?

A) Kandla (Deendayal Port) ✓

B) Mundra

C) Hazira

D) Okha

Explanation: Kandla, run by the Deendayal Port Authority, is being developed as a green hydrogen hub under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, including India's first port-based green hydrogen plant agreement signed in January 2026.

Q7.Which global organization released its 'World Economic Outlook Update' in January 2026, titled 'Global Economy: Steady amid Divergent Forces'?

A) World Economic Forum

B) World Bank

C) OECD

D) IMF ✓

Explanation: The IMF's January 2026 WEO Update, 'Global Economy: Steady amid Divergent Forces', projected global growth at 3.3% for 2026, a slight upward revision from its October 2025 forecast.

Q8.The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics, awarded to John Clarke, Michel Devoret and John Martinis, recognised the discovery of which phenomenon in an electric circuit?

A) Macroscopic quantum mechanical tunnelling ✓

B) Dark matter detection

C) Room-temperature superconductivity

D) Fusion ignition

Explanation: The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics (announced 7 October 2025) honoured Clarke, Devoret and Martinis for the discovery of macroscopic quantum mechanical tunnelling and energy quantisation in an electric circuit.

Q9.In January 2026, PM Narendra Modi flagged off India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train between which two cities?

A) Howrah and Guwahati ✓

B) Delhi and Varanasi

C) Mumbai and Pune

D) Chennai and Madurai

Explanation: On 17 January 2026, PM Modi flagged off India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, connecting Howrah (West Bengal) and Guwahati (Assam), from Malda Town station.

Q10.Who were the Chief Guests at India's 77th Republic Day celebrations on 26 January 2026?

A) Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa ✓

B) Emmanuel Macron

C) Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

D) Joko Widodo

Explanation: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa were the Chief Guests at India's 77th Republic Day on 26 January 2026, the first time both top EU leaders attended together.

Q11.Which tech giant assembles its Pixel smartphones in India through partners such as Foxconn and Dixon Technologies?

A) Xiaomi

B) Google ✓

C) Samsung

D) Apple

Explanation: Google has manufactured its Pixel phones in India since 2024 via partners Foxconn and Dixon Technologies, and has been expanding output to also serve export markets.

Q12.In early 2026, India dispatched medical aid and disaster relief material aboard an IAF C-17 to which cyclone-hit island nation?

A) Madagascar ✓

B) Maldives

C) Sri Lanka

D) Seychelles

Explanation: After Tropical Cyclone Fytia struck Madagascar in early 2026, India sent humanitarian assistance, including medicines and relief material, aboard an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft.

Q13.Which film won the Best Feature Film honour at the 71st National Film Awards?

A) 12th Fail ✓

B) Animal

C) Kalki 2898 AD

D) Jawan

Explanation: The Hindi biographical drama '12th Fail', directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, won Best Feature Film at the 71st National Film Awards.

Q14.What is the primary goal of the 'Mission Antyodaya' survey conducted by the Ministry of Rural Development?

A) Mapping poverty clusters

B) Assessing rural infrastructure gaps ✓

C) Tracking migration patterns

D) Counting livestock

Explanation: It's all about data-driven development. This survey helps the ministry identify exactly which villages need better roads, schools, or water supply to improve quality of life.

Q15.Which African country was among the first six to adopt India's Digital Public Infrastructure framework through the 'India Stack Global' portal?

A) Nigeria

B) Kenya ✓

C) Egypt

D) Ghana

Explanation: Kenya is among the first six African nations (along with Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Ethiopia, The Gambia and Lesotho) to access India's Digital Public Infrastructure via the India Stack Global portal.

Q16.India's first Vande Bharat Metro (now branded Namo Bharat Rapid Rail) service connects which two cities?

A) Lucknow and Kanpur

B) Delhi and Jaipur

C) Hyderabad and Warangal

D) Ahmedabad and Bhuj ✓

Explanation: India's first Vande Metro, now called Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, began commercial service in September 2024 on the Ahmedabad-Bhuj route in Gujarat.

Q17.Which UN organization confirmed in early 2026 that 2025 was among the three warmest years on record?

A) UNEP

B) WWF

C) WMO ✓

D) IPCC

Explanation: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirmed 2025 was one of the three warmest years on record, about 1.44C above pre-industrial levels, extending an 11-year streak of record warmth.

Q18.India celebrated its 78th Army Day in January 2026, holding the main parade for the first time on a public city route in which city?

A) Jaipur ✓

B) New Delhi

C) Pune

D) Lucknow

Explanation: The 78th Army Day parade was held on 15 January 2026 along Mahal Road in Jaipur, the fourth Army Day held outside Delhi and the first staged on a public route outside a cantonment.

Q19.Who is the newly elected President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as of early 2026?

A) Kirsty Coventry ✓

B) Sebastian Coe

C) Nita Ambani

D) Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr.

Explanation: Kirsty Coventry, a former Olympic swimming champion from Zimbabwe, was elected IOC President in March 2025 and took office in June 2025, becoming the first woman and first African to lead the IOC.

Q20.Which Indian space mission made India the first country to land near the Moon's south pole?

A) Chandrayaan-3 ✓

B) Chandrayaan-2

C) Aditya-L1

D) Gaganyaan

Explanation: ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 soft-landed near the lunar south pole on 23 August 2023, making India the first country to land in that region and the fourth to soft-land on the Moon.

20 questions — 7 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

8 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.Which train did Prime Minister Narendra Modi flag off in January 2026 as India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper service?

A) Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express ✓

B) Delhi-Mumbai Rajdhani Express

C) Chennai-Bengaluru Vande Metro

D) Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train

Explanation: On 17 January 2026, PM Modi flagged off India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train between Howrah (West Bengal) and Kamakhya (Guwahati, Assam), built for overnight travel at speeds up to 180 km/h.

Q2.Who took charge as the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in 2025?

A) Tuhin Kanta Pandey ✓

B) Ajay Tyagi

C) Ravi Shankar Prasad

D) Madhabi Puri Buch

Explanation: Tuhin Kanta Pandey, a 1987-batch IAS officer and former Finance Secretary, took charge as SEBI Chairman on 1 March 2025, succeeding Madhabi Puri Buch.

Q3.In August 2023, India's Chandrayaan-3 mission made a historic soft landing near which region of the Moon?

A) Lunar South Pole region ✓

B) Lunar North Pole

C) Sea of Tranquility

D) Far-side highlands

Explanation: Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander touched down near the Moon's South Pole in August 2023, making India the first country to land in that region and the fourth to achieve a soft lunar landing.

Q4.The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) uses the Repo Rate as a key monetary policy tool. What is the primary reason cited when the RBI hikes the Repo Rate?

A) To support the rupee against the yen

B) To curb inflationary pressures ✓

C) To increase export competitiveness

D) To boost private consumption

Explanation: Whenever the RBI hikes the repo rate, it is essentially trying to cool down the economy to stop prices from rising too fast. It is the central bank's main tool for managing inflation.

Q5.Which country has been confirmed to host the COP31 UN Climate Change Conference in 2026?

A) Singapore

B) Turkiye ✓

C) Brazil

D) United Arab Emirates

Explanation: COP31 will be hosted by Turkiye in the city of Antalya in late 2026, with Australia leading the negotiations under a dual-leadership arrangement. COP30 was held in Belem, Brazil.

Q6.Who won the women's singles title at the 2026 Australian Open?

A) Aryna Sabalenka

B) Iga Swiatek

C) Elena Rybakina ✓

D) Coco Gauff

Explanation: Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in the 2026 Australian Open women's singles final to claim her second Grand Slam title.

Q7.What is the primary focus of the newly introduced 'Green Hydrogen Hubs' policy in India?

A) Banning electric vehicle imports

B) Decarbonizing heavy industries ✓

C) Promoting coal-fired power

D) Subsidizing diesel transport

Explanation: Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, India is creating dedicated hubs where green hydrogen can replace fossil fuels in hard-to-abate, heavy industries such as steel, refining and fertilizers.

Q8.Which tech giant set up a 6G research lab in Bengaluru in partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc)?

A) Nokia ✓

B) Intel

C) Microsoft

D) Google

Explanation: Nokia partnered with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to jointly research 6G radio, architecture and AI/ML technologies, working out of Nokia's 6G Lab in Bengaluru.

Q9.Who are the Chief Guests invited for India's 77th Republic Day celebrations on 26 January 2026?

A) The President of France

B) The President of Brazil

C) EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa ✓

D) The Prime Minister of Japan

Explanation: For the first time, the top EU leadership - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa - are the Chief Guests at India's 77th Republic Day parade, reflecting deepening India-EU ties.

Q10.Which international organization recently updated its global growth forecast, citing geopolitical tensions?

A) World Bank

B) WTO

C) IMF ✓

D) UNCTAD

Explanation: The IMF tracks global economic performance and regularly revises its World Economic Outlook growth projections, with recent updates flagging geopolitical tensions as a key downside risk.

Q11.Fill in the blank: The proposed 'Digital India Act' is intended to replace the outdated __________.

A) Copyright Act

B) Information Technology Act, 2000 ✓

C) Indian Penal Code

D) Telecom Regulatory Act

Explanation: The Information Technology Act of 2000 is showing its age. The proposed Digital India Act aims to replace it to address cyber-crime, data protection, deepfakes and AI regulation in the modern internet era.

Q12.The 78th Indian Army Day on 15 January 2026 was celebrated in which city, hosted for the first time by the South Western Command?

A) Pune

B) Jaipur ✓

C) Lucknow

D) Bengaluru

Explanation: The 78th Army Day parade was held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, hosted for the first time by the South Western Command, continuing the practice of celebrating the day outside New Delhi.

Q13.What is the name of the deep-sea exploration submersible being developed by NIOT India under the Samudrayaan mission?

A) Varuna

B) Samudra Yaan

C) Matsya 6000 ✓

D) DeepReach

Explanation: Matsya 6000 is India's crewed deep-ocean submersible developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT). Designed to reach 6,000 metres, it will help India explore deep-sea biodiversity and mineral resources.

Q14.The UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award 2025 named the NGO Proliska as its regional winner for Europe. In which country does Proliska work?

A) Myanmar

B) Ukraine ✓

C) Iraq

D) Sudan

Explanation: The Humanitarian Mission Proliska, a Ukrainian NGO supporting people affected by the war, was the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award's 2025 regional winner for Europe. The Global Laureate was Martin Azia Sodea of Cameroon.

Q15.Which player won the men's singles title at the 2026 Australian Open, completing his career Grand Slam?

A) Carlos Alcaraz ✓

B) Novak Djokovic

C) Iga Swiatek

D) Aryna Sabalenka

Explanation: Carlos Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic in the 2026 Australian Open final to win his first AO title and seventh major, becoming the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam in singles.

Q16.Under Project Cheetah, which wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is being developed as a second home for cheetahs to ease density at Kuno?

A) Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary

B) Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary ✓

C) Panna Tiger Reserve

D) Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve

Explanation: Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is being prepared as the second home for cheetahs under Project Cheetah, helping build a self-sustaining metapopulation across the Kuno-Gandhi Sagar landscape.

Q17.In January 2026, Indian Railways marked the completion of 100 years of which milestone?

A) Rail electrification ✓

B) The first passenger train

C) Introduction of the metre gauge

D) Computerised ticketing

Explanation: On 9 January 2026, Indian Railways marked 100 years of rail electrification, having electrified over 68,700 route kilometres. India's first electric train ran in February 1925 between Bombay VT and Kurla.

Q18.Who was appointed Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in January 2026?

A) Rakesh Aggarwal ✓

B) Praveen Kumar

C) Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor

D) Sadanand Vasant Date

Explanation: In January 2026, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved 1994-batch IPS officer Rakesh Aggarwal as Director General of the NIA, with a tenure up to August 2028.

Q19.The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) supports startups in their earliest stage. What does it mainly provide?

A) Tax exemptions

B) Foreign market access

C) Seed funding for early-stage startups ✓

D) Office space in SEZs

Explanation: The SISFS provides seed funding to early-stage startups - grants up to Rs 20 lakh for proof of concept or prototype development, and up to Rs 50 lakh through convertible debentures or debt for market entry and scaling.

Q20.Aditya-L1, India's first dedicated solar observatory, is stationed at which point in space?

A) Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1 (L1) ✓

B) Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 2 (L2)

C) Geostationary orbit

D) Lunar orbit

Explanation: ISRO's Aditya-L1, launched in September 2023, was placed in a halo orbit around the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1 (L1) in January 2024, giving it an uninterrupted view of the Sun.

20 questions — 8 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

9 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.From 9 January 2026, the Reserve Bank of India took over the general banking operations and rupee public debt management of which government?

A) Government of NCT of Delhi ✓

B) Government of Punjab

C) Government of Maharashtra

D) Government of West Bengal

Explanation: Under Section 21A of the RBI Act, 1934, the RBI began acting as banker and debt manager for the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi from 9 January 2026, handling its accounts, cash balances and rupee-denominated public debt.

Q2.The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is historically significant as the first global AI summit hosted in which region?

A) The Global South ✓

B) The European Union

C) North America

D) East Asia

Explanation: Held in New Delhi in February 2026 under the IndiaAI Mission, the India AI Impact Summit was the first in the global AI summit series (after Bletchley, Seoul and Paris) to be hosted by a Global South nation.

Q3.The 2026 Army Day Parade, held for the first time outside a military cantonment, took place in which city?

A) Jaipur ✓

B) Pune

C) Lucknow

D) Bengaluru

Explanation: The 78th Army Day Parade on 15 January 2026 was held in Jaipur, Rajasthan — the first time the parade was conducted outside a cantonment area. It featured the new drone-enabled Bhairav Light Commando Battalions.

Q4.The newly raised 'Bhairav' Light Commando Battalions of the Indian Army are designed primarily for which capability?

A) Drone-enabled offensive operations ✓

B) Submarine warfare

C) Space-based surveillance

D) Cyber defence

Explanation: Named after a fierce form of Lord Shiva, the Bhairav Light Commando Battalions are fast, agile units trained for drone-enabled offensive and surveillance missions. They debuted at the 2026 Army Day Parade in Jaipur.

Q5.Which Indian spinner was the country's highest wicket-taker across all formats of international cricket in the 2025 calendar year?

A) Kuldeep Yadav ✓

B) Yuzvendra Chahal

C) Ravichandran Ashwin

D) Axar Patel

Explanation: Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav led India's wicket-takers in 2025 with around 60 international wickets across Tests, ODIs and T20Is, finishing as the only Indian among the world's top five for the year.

Q6.India’s 'Gaganyaan' mission is back in the news. What is the latest update regarding the planned crewed launch?

A) Postponed to 2028

B) Cancelled due to budget

C) Set for early 2027 ✓

D) Scheduled for late 2026

Explanation: ISRO is targeting the first quarter of 2027 for India's first crewed Gaganyaan flight, with uncrewed test flights (including G1) planned through 2026 beforehand.

Q7.ISRO's first launch of 2026, the PSLV-C62 mission, carried which primary earth observation satellite into orbit?

A) EOS-N1 ✓

B) RISAT-2B

C) Cartosat-3

D) GSAT-30

Explanation: On 12 January 2026, ISRO's PSLV-C62 — the agency's first launch of the year — placed the EOS-N1 earth observation satellite, along with 15 co-passenger satellites, into orbit.

Q8.In January 2026, PM Narendra Modi flagged off a Vande Bharat Sleeper train connecting Howrah with which city?

A) Guwahati ✓

B) Patna

C) Ranchi

D) Bhubaneswar

Explanation: On 17 January 2026, the Prime Minister flagged off a Vande Bharat Sleeper train between Howrah and Guwahati from Malda Town railway station, alongside projects worth about Rs 3,250 crore.

Q9.From the 2026-27 academic session, India is making which subject mandatory in schools from Class 3 onwards?

A) Artificial Intelligence ✓

B) Sanskrit

C) Astronomy

D) Agriculture

Explanation: The Ministry of Education has decided to introduce Artificial Intelligence and Computational Thinking as mandatory subjects from Class 3, beginning in 2026-27, with curriculum support developed by IIT Madras.

Q10.The 'Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat' campaign run by the Government of India aims to free the country of which social evil?

A) Child marriage ✓

B) Child labour

C) Open defecation

D) Manual scavenging

Explanation: The Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat (Child Marriage Free India) campaign targets a sharp reduction in child marriage prevalence, with the stated goal of making India free of child marriage by 2030.

Q11.Which Indian city was declared the 'Cleanest City' for the eighth consecutive time in the latest Swachh Survekshan rankings?

A) Indore ✓

B) Navi Mumbai

C) Surat

D) Chandigarh

Explanation: Indore retained the title of India's cleanest city for the eighth straight time in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 awards, with Surat placed second and Navi Mumbai third.

Q12.What is the primary objective of the newly launched 'PM-Suryodaya' expansion plan?

A) Solar-powered public transport

B) Solar electrification of villages

C) Promoting rooftop solar for households ✓

D) Providing free battery backups

Explanation: PM-Suryodaya, implemented as the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, promotes rooftop solar for households — offering subsidies and up to 300 units of free electricity a month to cut power bills.

Q13.In international trade news, which currency has India started using more frequently for settling oil imports?

A) Chinese Yuan

B) UAE Dirham ✓

C) Russian Ruble

D) Euro

Explanation: We're trying to de-dollarize a bit to avoid exchange rate shocks. The Dirham has become a very convenient middle ground for our oil deals.

Q14.The 'World Economic Forum' meeting in Davos begins next week. What is the central theme for 2026?

A) AI and Humanity

B) A Spirit of Dialogue ✓

C) Climate Resilience

D) Fragmented World

Explanation: The 56th WEF Annual Meeting at Davos (19-23 January 2026) convened under the theme 'A Spirit of Dialogue', centred on cooperation, growth and responsible innovation in a contested world.

Q15.Similipal, which was declared India's 107th National Park in 2025, is located in which state?

A) Odisha ✓

B) Jharkhand

C) Chhattisgarh

D) West Bengal

Explanation: Similipal, long known as a tiger reserve and biosphere reserve, was upgraded to become India's 107th National Park in 2025. It lies in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha.

Q16.The India AI Impact Summit 2026 was organised under the IndiaAI Mission by which Union ministry?

A) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology ✓

B) Ministry of Education

C) Ministry of External Affairs

D) Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Explanation: The India AI Impact Summit 2026, held in New Delhi, was organised under the IndiaAI Mission by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Q17.In January 2026, which company launched an 'AI Classroom Program' for school students and teachers in Haryana?

A) Reliance Jio ✓

B) Bharti Airtel

C) Tata Group

D) Infosys

Explanation: Reliance Jio initiated an AI Classroom Program in January 2026 for schools in Haryana, providing AI-based digital tools to enhance teaching and learning for students and teachers.

Q18.Who among the following is one of the four astronaut-designates selected for India's Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission?

A) Shubhanshu Shukla ✓

B) Rakesh Sharma

C) Ravish Malhotra

D) Kalpana Chawla

Explanation: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is one of the four Indian Air Force pilots selected for Gaganyaan, alongside Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Ajit Krishnan and Angad Pratap. Shukla also flew to the ISS on the Axiom-4 mission in 2025.

Q19.The International Solar Alliance (ISA), co-founded by India and France, has its headquarters in which country?

A) India ✓

B) France

C) United Arab Emirates

D) Kenya

Explanation: The International Solar Alliance is headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, India. It is a treaty-based intergovernmental organisation that promotes the deployment of solar energy among its member nations.

Q20.Which country recently became the first to legally mandate 'Right to Disconnect' for all remote employees?

A) Portugal

B) New Zealand

C) Canada

D) France ✓

Explanation: France was the first country in the world to enshrine the 'right to disconnect' in law (effective 1 January 2017), giving employees the right to ignore work-related digital communications outside their working hours.

20 questions — 9 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

10 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.The Union government recently launched the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' outreach portal. What is the primary objective of this platform?

A) To track the progress of bullet train projects

B) To collect citizen suggestions for national policy ✓

C) To provide direct subsidies to MSMEs

D) To recruit candidates for the civil services

Explanation: Think of this as a digital suggestion box on a massive scale! The government wants direct feedback from us, the citizens, to shape the roadmap for the next two decades. It's all about making sure our voices are heard in the policy-making process.

Q2.Which nation recently held the presidency of the G20 for the year 2026?

A) South Africa

B) United States ✓

C) India

D) Brazil

Explanation: The United States assumed the G20 presidency on 1 December 2025, taking over from South Africa, and will host the Leaders' Summit in Miami in December 2026. South Africa held the 2025 presidency, while Brazil chaired the grouping in 2024 and India in 2023.

Q3.India's first commercial green hydrogen refueling station was inaugurated in which city this week?

A) Pune

B) Kochi

C) Bhubaneswar

D) Vadodara ✓

Explanation: Vadodara is leading the charge here! This station is a major milestone because it shows we aren't just talking about green energy, we're actually building the infrastructure to run hydrogen-powered vehicles on our roads.

Q4.Who is the Chief Election Commissioner of India as of January 2026?

A) Gyanesh Kumar ✓

B) Sanjeev Sanyal

C) Vikram Misri

D) Rajiv Kumar

Explanation: Gyanesh Kumar, a 1988-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, is the Chief Election Commissioner of India. He took charge on 19 February 2025, succeeding Rajiv Kumar, and his term runs until 26 January 2029.

Q5.The 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, scheduled for February-March 2026, is co-hosted by India and which other country?

A) Sri Lanka ✓

B) Bangladesh

C) Australia

D) United Arab Emirates

Explanation: The 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, the tenth edition of the tournament, is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March 2026. Twenty teams compete across venues in both countries, with India the defending champions from 2024.

Q6.The 'Green Credit Programme' was recently expanded to include which of the following initiatives?

A) Digital literacy

B) Water conservation ✓

C) Space debris removal

D) Organic farming

Explanation: The government is trying to encourage us to save water by giving out 'credits' for it. It's essentially an incentive-based system to make sustainability a personal habit rather than just a government target.

Q7.What is the name of the deep-space mission launched by ISRO to study the L1 point of the Sun, which hit a milestone in January 2026?

A) Chandrayaan-4

B) Aditya-L1 ✓

C) Mangalyaan-2

D) Gaganyaan-3

Explanation: Aditya-L1 has been doing a fantastic job. It's our very own solar observatory, and by hanging out at the L1 Lagrange point, it gives us a front-row seat to the Sun's activity without any interference.

Q8.The 'Sagar Samriddhi' initiative, which recently gained national attention, is related to which sector?

A) Deep sea mining

B) Coastal tourism

C) Fisheries development

D) Waste-to-wealth in ports ✓

Explanation: This is a clever initiative! It's all about taking the silt dredged from our ports and repurposing it for infrastructure projects. It’s a perfect example of the circular economy in action right at our coastlines.

Q9.Which global organization recently released the 'World Economic Outlook' report projecting India's growth rate for FY26?

A) IMF ✓

B) OECD

C) ADB

D) World Bank

Explanation: The IMF is usually the go-to source for these projections. Their recent report was quite optimistic about India, largely due to our resilient domestic demand despite the global economic headwinds.

Q10.What is the primary focus of the 'PRERANA' program launched for school students in India?

A) Coding skills

B) Financial literacy

C) Sports training

D) Experiential learning ✓

Explanation: PRERANA is all about getting kids out of the traditional classroom and into real-world environments. It’s meant to spark curiosity and leadership through practical experiences, which is a big shift from the usual rote learning.

Q11.Which Indian state hosted the 'National Youth Festival' on January 12, 2026?

A) Delhi ✓

B) West Bengal

C) Maharashtra

D) Karnataka

Explanation: The National Youth Festival 2026 was held from 9 to 12 January 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The festival coincides with National Youth Day on 12 January, marking the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

Q12.The 'Global South Summit' held in early 2026 emphasized the need for reforms in which international body?

A) World Health Organization

B) United Nations Security Council ✓

C) International Court of Justice

D) World Trade Organization

Explanation: There’s a growing consensus that the UN Security Council is still stuck in the post-WWII era. Countries from the Global South are pushing hard for better representation, arguing that global peace can't be managed without the voice of the majority.

Q13.The 'Anusandhan National Research Foundation' (ANRF) recently received its first major tranche of funding. What is its main purpose?

A) Developing nuclear energy

B) AI for agriculture

C) Space exploration

D) Boosting R&D in universities ✓

Explanation: ANRF is a game-changer! We've often lagged in research output, but this foundation is designed to pump money into high-quality research happening in our universities, bridging the gap between academia and industry.

Q14.Which company became the first in India to receive a license for commercial drone delivery of medicines in hilly terrain?

A) SkyLimit Tech

B) Zen Technologies

C) Throttle Aerospace

D) Garuda Aerospace ✓

Explanation: Garuda Aerospace has been doing some amazing work. Delivering medicine in places like the Himalayas isn't easy, but drones are making it possible to save precious time when every second counts for a patient.

Q15.The 'Bharat 6G Alliance' is currently working on which specific area of technology deployment?

A) Satellite phone services

B) Fiber optics manufacturing

C) Undersea cable laying

D) Standardization and spectrum allocation ✓

Explanation: Before we can even launch 6G, we need to agree on how it works. That's what the alliance is doing—making sure India has a seat at the global table so we aren't just consumers of 6G, but also creators.

Q16.Which environmental accord celebrated its 10th anniversary in January 2026?

A) Paris Agreement ✓

B) Stockholm Convention

C) Kyoto Protocol

D) Montreal Protocol

Explanation: It feels like yesterday, doesn't it? The Paris Agreement marked a massive turning point in how countries talk about climate change. Ten years on, we're seeing how difficult—but necessary—those commitments actually are.

Q17.What is the significance of the 'PM-JANMAN' scheme in the current social welfare context?

A) Supporting urban homeless

B) Skill training for senior citizens

C) Empowering vulnerable tribal groups ✓

D) Scholarships for girl child

Explanation: This scheme is specifically for our PVTGs—Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. It's a focused effort to make sure they get basic amenities like housing and health without getting lost in the bureaucracy.

Q18.Who won the 'Golden Globe' for Best Actor in a Drama category at the 2026 awards ceremony?

A) Paul Mescal

B) Wagner Moura ✓

C) Cillian Murphy

D) Austin Butler

Explanation: Brazilian actor Wagner Moura won the 2026 Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama for his role in 'The Secret Agent'. Moura first gained global fame playing Pablo Escobar in Netflix's 'Narcos'.

Q19.The Reserve Bank of India recently issued guidelines on 'Digital Lending Apps'. What is the core mandate?

A) Direct link to UPI

B) Transparent disclosure of APR ✓

C) Cap on interest rates

D) Compulsory physical office

Explanation: The RBI wants to make sure we don't get trapped by hidden costs. The mandate is that these apps must clearly show you the actual cost of borrowing, which is the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), before you hit 'accept'.

Q20.Which Indian city is set to host the country's first 'Metro Neo' (rubber-tyred metro) transit system?

A) Surat

B) Nashik ✓

C) Nagpur

D) Indore

Explanation: Nashik in Maharashtra is being developed as the site of India's first Metro Neo, a rubber-tyred metro that runs on tyres on an elevated or at-grade track. It is much cheaper to build than a conventional heavy metro, making it ideal for mid-sized cities.

20 questions — 10 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

11 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.NIPUN Bharat, the national mission to ensure every child attains Foundational Literacy and Numeracy by Grade 3, is implemented by which Ministry?

A) Ministry of Education ✓

B) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

C) Ministry of Women and Child Development

D) Ministry of Labour and Employment

Explanation: NIPUN Bharat (National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy) was launched in 2021 by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education, with a goal of universal foundational literacy and numeracy by 2026-27.

Q2.India's bilateral maritime exercise 'Samudra Shakti', the latest edition of which was held at Visakhapatnam in 2025, is conducted with which partner nation?

A) Indonesia ✓

B) Australia

C) Japan

D) France

Explanation: Samudra Shakti is a bilateral naval exercise between India and Indonesia, started in 2018 under India's Act East Policy. The 5th edition was hosted by the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam in October 2025 to boost interoperability in the Indo-Pacific.

Q3.The Reserve Bank of India has introduced a new framework for 'Digital Rupee usage in rural sectors'. What is the primary objective of this move?

A) To eliminate cash completely

B) To replace UPI

C) To increase tax collection

D) To provide offline CBDC access ✓

Explanation: The RBI is trying to solve the connectivity issue. By allowing offline CBDC access, they're ensuring people in remote areas can transact even when the internet is spotty or unavailable.

Q4.Which player won the men's singles title at the 2026 Brisbane International, kicking off his season ahead of the Australian Open?

A) Alexander Zverev

B) Jannik Sinner

C) Daniil Medvedev ✓

D) Carlos Alcaraz

Explanation: Daniil Medvedev beat Brandon Nakashima 6-2, 7-6(1) in the final to win the 2026 Brisbane International, a perfect start to his season ahead of the Australian Open.

Q5.The 'Green Hydrogen Mission' recently hit a milestone by commissioning its first large-scale electrolysis plant in which Indian state?

A) Kerala

B) Gujarat ✓

C) Maharashtra

D) Tamil Nadu

Explanation: Gujarat is quickly becoming a hub for green energy. This plant is a big win for our net-zero goals, proving we're serious about shifting away from traditional fossil fuels.

Q6.Who has been appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner of India as of January 2026?

A) Rajiv Kumar

B) Gyanesh Kumar ✓

C) Sukhbir Singh Sandhu

D) Anup Chandra Pandey

Explanation: Gyanesh Kumar stepped into this crucial role recently. It's a high-pressure job, especially with the state assembly elections coming up later this year.

Q7.On 11 January 2026, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the final stretch of Phase-2 of which metro rail project?

A) Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar Metro ✓

B) Nagpur Metro

C) Kochi Metro

D) Pune Metro

Explanation: On 11 January 2026, PM Modi flagged off metro services from Mahatma Mandir station, inaugurating the final stretch of Phase-2 of the Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar Metro Rail Project in Gujarat.

Q8.Which space agency leads the 'Lunar Gateway', the planned space station intended to orbit the Moon under the Artemis programme?

A) Roscosmos

B) NASA ✓

C) ESA

D) ISRO

Explanation: The Lunar Gateway is led by NASA, with partners ESA, JAXA and CSA. It is designed as a small space station orbiting the Moon to support future lunar surface missions under the Artemis programme.

Q9.Which city was ranked first among cities with over 10 lakh population in the Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2024 air-quality rankings under the National Clean Air Programme?

A) Surat ✓

B) Indore

C) Delhi

D) Chandigarh

Explanation: In the Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2024 awards (announced in Jaipur), Surat in Gujarat topped the category of cities with population above 10 lakh, with Jabalpur second, for its air-quality improvements under the NCAP.

Q10.The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026 concluded on 12 January, observed as National Youth Day to mark the birth anniversary of which leader?

A) Swami Vivekananda ✓

B) Subhas Chandra Bose

C) Bhagat Singh

D) B.R. Ambedkar

Explanation: The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026 was held 9-12 January 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. It concluded on 12 January, National Youth Day, which marks the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

Q11.Which country successfully hosted the 'International Solar Alliance' meeting focused on 'Grid Interconnection'?

A) South Africa

B) UAE

C) Brazil

D) India ✓

Explanation: It happened right here in India! We're pushing the 'One Sun, One World, One Grid' concept hard, trying to get countries to share renewable energy across borders.

Q12.The 'Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana' hit a new milestone in January 2026. Roughly how many accounts are currently active?

A) 60 crore

B) 45 crore

C) 30 crore

D) 55 crore ✓

Explanation: We've crossed the 55 crore mark. It's incredible to see how many people have been brought into the formal banking system over the last decade.

Q13.Which international organization recently updated its 'World Economic Outlook', warning about slow global growth?

A) IMF ✓

B) World Bank

C) WTO

D) OECD

Explanation: The IMF is the one keeping an eye on the global pulse. Their report is always a bit of a reality check for the global economy, reminding us that recovery is still pretty fragile.

Q14.National Voters' Day, marking the foundation of the Election Commission of India in 1950, is observed every year on which date?

A) January 25 ✓

B) January 26

C) January 15

D) January 12

Explanation: National Voters' Day is observed on 25 January every year since 2011 to commemorate the foundation day of the Election Commission of India (25 January 1950) and to encourage greater voter enrolment and participation.

Q15.Which company became the first to successfully test a 'Hydrogen-powered regional train' in India?

A) Tata Motors

B) BHEL ✓

C) Reliance Industries

D) Larsen & Toubro

Explanation: BHEL has been doing some great engineering work lately. This test is a massive step forward for the Indian Railways to eventually decarbonize those heritage and regional routes.

Q16.The 'Sahitya Akademi Awards' for 2025 were announced. Who won in the English category for the novel 'Crimson Spring'?

A) Navtej Sarna ✓

B) Anita Nair

C) Vikram Seth

D) Jhumpa Lahiri

Explanation: Navtej Sarna, a former diplomat and author, won the Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 in the English language for his novel 'Crimson Spring'.

Q17.Under MeitY's 2026 amendments to the IT Rules, 2021, within what time must social media platforms remove flagged AI-generated/deepfake content once notified?

A) 3 hours ✓

B) 24 hours

C) 72 hours

D) 7 days

Explanation: MeitY notified amendments to the IT Rules, 2021 requiring social media intermediaries to take down flagged synthetic or AI-generated (deepfake) content within a strict 3-hour window, with the provisions taking effect from 20 February 2026.

Q18.Which neighboring nation has signed a 'Currency Swap Agreement' with India to stabilize its forex reserves?

A) Sri Lanka

B) Bangladesh

C) Maldives ✓

D) Nepal

Explanation: The Maldives needed a bit of a cushion, and India stepped in with this swap agreement to help them manage their short-term liquidity needs. It's a classic part of our 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

Q19.The 'Great Indian Bustard' conservation project has seen a boost in which state's protected reserves?

A) Madhya Pradesh

B) Karnataka

C) Rajasthan ✓

D) Odisha

Explanation: Rajasthan is the primary home for these beautiful birds. Conservationists have been working hard to create 'power-line free' zones to protect them, and it seems to be working.

Q20.The 'World Hindi Day' is observed on which date every year?

A) January 10 ✓

B) January 11

C) January 15

D) January 12

Explanation: It's always January 10th! It commemorates the first World Hindi Conference held back in 1975, and we celebrate it to promote the language on the global stage.

20 questions — 11 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

12 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, where PM Modi engaged with thousands of young people at Bharat Mandapam on 12 January, was organised by which ministry?

A) Ministry of Finance

B) Ministry of Electronics and IT

C) Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports ✓

D) Ministry of Education

Explanation: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports organised the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, held on National Youth Day, to involve youth in the roadmap for a developed India by 2047.

Q2.Who is the Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force as of January 2026?

A) Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh ✓

B) Air Marshal Vikram Dev

C) Air Marshal Sanjay Singh

D) Air Chief Marshal R.K. Sharma

Explanation: Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh (AP Singh) heads the Indian Air Force, having taken over as Chief of the Air Staff on 30 September 2024.

Q3.India's first green hydrogen-powered bus service was recently inaugurated in which city?

A) Leh ✓

B) Bengaluru

C) Pune

D) Indore

Explanation: Think about where the terrain is tough and emission-free energy is needed most. It's Leh! Launching these buses there is a big win for our sustainability goals in high-altitude regions.

Q4.Who were the Chief Guests at India's 77th Republic Day celebrations on 26 January 2026?

A) Presidents of the European Commission and European Council ✓

B) President of France

C) President of Brazil

D) Prime Minister of Japan

Explanation: India hosted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa as Chief Guests for the 2026 Republic Day, reflecting deepening India-EU ties.

Q5.ISRO opened its 2026 launch calendar on 12 January 2026 with a PSLV-C62 mission. Which earth observation satellite did it primarily carry?

A) EOS-N1 ✓

B) RISAT-3

C) Cartosat-4

D) GSAT-24

Explanation: On 12 January 2026, ISRO's PSLV-C62 lifted off from Sriharikota carrying the EOS-N1 earth observation satellite along with 14 co-passenger payloads.

Q6.Who won the men's singles title at the 2026 Australian Open?

A) Novak Djokovic

B) Jannik Sinner

C) Carlos Alcaraz ✓

D) Daniil Medvedev

Explanation: Carlos Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic in the 2026 Australian Open final to win his first title there and complete the career Grand Slam at the age of 22.

Q7.The first chapter of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 (ice sports) began on 20 January 2026 in which city?

A) Shimla

B) Gulmarg

C) Leh ✓

D) Gangtok

Explanation: The ice sports leg of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026, featuring ice hockey and ice skating, was held at Leh in Ladakh from 20 January 2026.

Q8.Who won the prestigious 'Global Teacher Prize 2026'?

A) A primary school headmaster from Canada

B) A social activist from Brazil

C) A chemistry teacher from Finland

D) An artist and educator from India ✓

Explanation: India's Rouble Nagi won the 2026 Global Teacher Prize for transforming neglected walls into hundreds of open-air mural learning centres across disadvantaged communities.

Q9.NASA's Artemis II mission, the next step in its lunar programme, will be the first crewed mission to fly around the Moon since which earlier programme?

A) Apollo ✓

B) Gemini

C) Skylab

D) Mercury

Explanation: Artemis II is NASA's first crewed mission to fly around the Moon since the Apollo programme, which ended with Apollo 17 in 1972.

Q10.The 'Namo Bharat' rapid rail corridor was extended to which major city in January 2026?

A) Meerut ✓

B) Rohtak

C) Mathura

D) Aligarh

Explanation: The Regional Rapid Transit System is expanding fast! Reaching Meerut connects the heart of Western UP to Delhi much faster than before.

Q11.Where is the headquarters of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) located?

A) Abu Dhabi

B) Gurugram, India ✓

C) Paris, France

D) Nairobi, Kenya

Explanation: The International Solar Alliance, co-founded by India and France, has its headquarters at Gurugram in Haryana, India.

Q12.Who took charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force on 1 January 2026?

A) Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor ✓

B) Air Marshal Sanjay Singh

C) Air Marshal Vikram Dev

D) Air Marshal R.K. Sharma

Explanation: Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor took over as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, the second-highest post in the Indian Air Force, with effect from 1 January 2026.

Q13.Which Indian athlete was named Best Male Athlete at the inaugural Indian Athletics Awards 2026?

A) Kishore Jena

B) DP Manu

C) Neeraj Chopra ✓

D) Shivpal Singh

Explanation: Javelin star Neeraj Chopra was honoured as Best Male Athlete at the inaugural Indian Athletics Awards 2026, organised by the Athletics Federation of India.

Q14.In January 2026, India announced plans to overhaul which framework to attract more foreign investment?

A) Model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) ✓

B) Foreign Contribution Regulation Act

C) Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code

D) Goods and Services Tax

Explanation: In January 2026, India announced it would revise its Model Bilateral Investment Treaty to create a more investor-friendly framework and boost foreign direct investment.

Q15.What is the theme of this year's National Youth Day, celebrated on January 12th?

A) Empowering Minds, Shaping Futures

B) Digital Literacy for All

C) Youth for a Greener Planet

D) Ignite the Self, Impact the World ✓

Explanation: The theme of National Youth Day 2026 (12 January, Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary) was 'Ignite the Self, Impact the World', highlighting youth potential in building Viksit Bharat.

Q16.Which international organization recently released the 'World Economic Outlook 2026' forecast?

A) WTO

B) World Bank

C) OECD

D) IMF ✓

Explanation: The IMF always drops these big reports. Their January update is what economists and policy-makers watch closely to see how the global economy is shifting.

Q17.Under India's Deep Ocean Mission, what is the name of the manned submersible being developed to carry scientists to a depth of 6,000 metres?

A) Matsya-6000 ✓

B) Varuna-6000

C) Samudra-6000

D) Gaganyaan

Explanation: Matsya-6000 is the indigenous manned submersible being developed by NIOT under the Samudrayaan project of India's Deep Ocean Mission to carry three people to 6,000 metres depth.

Q18.Which national park in Madhya Pradesh was declared India's 58th Tiger Reserve?

A) Madhav National Park ✓

B) Kuno National Park

C) Panna National Park

D) Satpura National Park

Explanation: Madhav National Park in Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh, was notified as India's 58th tiger reserve, strengthening the state's status as the country's 'Tiger State'.

Q19.Who serves as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), having begun her second term in 2025?

A) Pascal Lamy

B) Roberto Azevêdo

C) Arunima Singh

D) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala ✓

Explanation: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African to lead the WTO, began her second four-year term as Director-General on 1 September 2025.

Q20.The 'PM-PRANAM' scheme, which gained renewed focus this January, deals with which sector?

A) Primary education

B) Soil health and fertilizer management ✓

C) Renewable energy

D) Rural housing

Explanation: PRANAM is all about soil health. We're trying to reduce chemical fertilizer usage, and the government is pushing states to adopt more sustainable practices.

20 questions — 12 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

13 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.India''s first open-sea marine fish farming pilot project, aimed at boosting the Blue Economy, was launched in January 2026 in which Union Territory?

A) Lakshadweep

B) Andaman and Nicobar Islands ✓

C) Puducherry

D) Daman and Diu

Explanation: Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched India''s first open-sea marine fish farming project at North Bay, Sri Vijaya Puram, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The pilot promotes sustainable use of ocean resources under the Blue Economy push.

Q2.Justice Soumen Sen was sworn in as the 40th Chief Justice of which High Court in January 2026?

A) Calcutta High Court

B) Madras High Court

C) Kerala High Court ✓

D) Bombay High Court

Explanation: Justice Soumen Sen took oath as the 40th Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court at Raj Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram.

Q3.ISRO''s first launch of 2026, which ended in failure after a third-stage anomaly causing the loss of 16 satellites, used which launch vehicle?

A) GSLV-F15

B) PSLV-C62 ✓

C) SSLV-D3

D) LVM3-M5

Explanation: The PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 mission lifted off from Sriharikota on 12 January 2026 but failed after an anomaly in the third stage, losing all 16 satellites. It was the second consecutive failure of the PSLV.

Q4.Which film won Best Motion Picture – Drama at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards held in January 2026?

A) One Battle After Another

B) Hamnet ✓

C) The Secret Agent

D) Adolescence

Explanation: ''Hamnet'' won Best Motion Picture – Drama, while ''One Battle After Another'' took the top prize in the Comedy or Musical category at the 83rd Golden Globes.

Q5.Wagner Moura became the first Brazilian to win Best Actor in a Drama at the 2026 Golden Globes for his role in which film?

A) The Secret Agent ✓

B) City of God

C) Narcos

D) Elite Squad

Explanation: Wagner Moura won Best Male Actor in a Drama for the Brazilian film ''The Secret Agent'', becoming the first Brazilian actor to win a Golden Globe.

Q6.DRDO successfully test-fired which indigenous third-generation man-portable missile in January 2026?

A) Nag

B) Helina

C) MPATGM ✓

D) Amogha

Explanation: The DRDO successfully tested the third-generation Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM), confirming its fire-and-forget guidance and top-attack capability against moving targets at KK Ranges, Maharashtra.

Q7.India Post''s new expedited services ''Speed Post 24'' and ''Speed Post 48'' were announced by which Union Minister?

A) Ashwini Vaishnaw

B) Jyotiraditya Scindia ✓

C) Piyush Goyal

D) Anurag Thakur

Explanation: Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced Speed Post 24 and Speed Post 48, which guarantee delivery within 24 and 48 hours respectively.

Q8.Which state/UT won the overall championship at the Khelo India Beach Games 2026 held in Diu?

A) Tamil Nadu

B) Manipur

C) Karnataka ✓

D) Maharashtra

Explanation: Karnataka topped the medal tally to win the overall championship at the Khelo India Beach Games 2026 in Diu, with Tamil Nadu second and Manipur third.

Q9.The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) created four Guinness World Records during the construction of which economic corridor?

A) Delhi–Mumbai Expressway

B) Amritsar–Jamnagar Corridor

C) Bengaluru–Kadapa–Vijayawada Economic Corridor ✓

D) Hyderabad–Nagpur Corridor

Explanation: NHAI set four Guinness World Records while building the Bengaluru–Kadapa–Vijayawada Economic Corridor, including the longest continuous laying of bituminous concrete (9.63 km).

Q10.India''s installed non-fossil fuel energy capacity reached approximately what figure by the end of 2025?

A) 150 GW

B) 200 GW

C) 266 GW ✓

D) 320 GW

Explanation: India''s non-fossil fuel energy capacity reached 266.78 GW in 2025, a 22.6% increase over 2024, as the country moves toward its 500 GW target by 2030.

Q11.Justice Revati Mohite-Dere was sworn in as the first woman Chief Justice of which High Court in January 2026?

A) Tripura High Court

B) Meghalaya High Court ✓

C) Sikkim High Court

D) Manipur High Court

Explanation: Justice Revati Mohite-Dere became the first woman Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court.

Q12.National Youth Day, observed on 12 January, marks the birth anniversary of which leader?

A) Subhas Chandra Bose

B) Bhagat Singh

C) Swami Vivekananda ✓

D) Lala Lajpat Rai

Explanation: National Youth Day is celebrated on 12 January to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda (born 1863).

Q13.What was the name of the Indian Army''s inaugural Military-Civil Fusion exercise conducted in Pune in January 2026?

A) Sanjha Shakti ✓

B) Gagan Shakti

C) Yudh Abhyas

D) Vijay Prahar

Explanation: The Indian Army conducted its first Military-Civil Fusion (MCF) exercise ''Sanjha Shakti'' in Pune, involving 16 civilian agencies to enhance civil-military coordination during emergencies.

Q14.India''s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that came into force in early 2026, granting near-total duty-free access for Indian exports, was signed with which country?

A) Qatar

B) Oman ✓

C) Saudi Arabia

D) Kuwait

Explanation: The India–Oman CEPA, signed in December 2025, came into force giving India zero-duty market access to 99.38% of its exports by value. It is India''s second CEPA in the GCC after the UAE.

Q15.Davinder Singh Garcha, who passed away in January 2026, was a gold medallist in India''s hockey team at which Olympics?

A) 1968 Mexico City

B) 1972 Munich

C) 1976 Montreal

D) 1980 Moscow ✓

Explanation: Davinder Singh Garcha was part of the Indian hockey team that won gold at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, scoring eight goals during the campaign. He later received the Major Dhyan Chand Award (2021).

Q16.The 2nd Viksit Bharat Young Leaders'' Dialogue (VBYLD 2026), attended by PM Modi, was held at which venue in New Delhi?

A) Vigyan Bhawan

B) Bharat Mandapam ✓

C) Talkatora Stadium

D) Pragati Maidan

Explanation: The 2nd Viksit Bharat Young Leaders'' Dialogue was held from 9–12 January 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, coinciding with National Youth Day.

Q17.Indusfood 2026, India''s flagship food and beverage trade show, was inaugurated in Greater Noida by which Union Minister?

A) Piyush Goyal

B) Nitin Gadkari

C) Chirag Paswan ✓

D) Pralhad Joshi

Explanation: Union Minister Chirag Paswan inaugurated the 9th edition of Indusfood 2026 in Greater Noida, featuring over 2,200 exhibitors from 30+ countries.

Q18.Which country hosted the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth in January 2026?

A) United Kingdom

B) India ✓

C) Australia

D) Canada

Explanation: India hosted the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (14–16 January 2026), with delegates from over 60 Commonwealth nations.

Q19.The Andhra Pradesh cabinet approved a new greenfield airport at Dagadarthi in which district in January 2026?

A) Guntur

B) Kurnool

C) Nellore ✓

D) Anantapur

Explanation: The AP cabinet approved the Dagadarthi Greenfield Airport in Nellore district, set to be the state''s 8th airport, with a Phase-I capacity of 1.4 million passengers annually.

Q20.The Indian Lighthouse Festival 3.0 was held in January 2026 in which city?

A) Chennai

B) Kochi

C) Mumbai

D) Visakhapatnam ✓

Explanation: The Indian Lighthouse Festival 3.0 was held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, where an MoU was signed for the development of a Lighthouse Museum.

20 questions — 13 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

14 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.The PM VIKAS (Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan) scheme, run by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, primarily focuses on which area?

A) Skill development and economic empowerment of minority communities ✓

B) Last-mile road connectivity in the North-East

C) Crop insurance for small and marginal farmers

D) Subsidies for small-scale EV manufacturers

Explanation: PM VIKAS converges earlier schemes like Seekho Aur Kamao and Nai Roshni to deliver skill training, entrepreneurship support, women's leadership training and educational help to six notified minority communities.

Q2.In late 2025, which Nordic country decided to pause/postpone its plans for commercial deep-sea mining until 2029?

A) Norway ✓

B) Sweden

C) Finland

D) Denmark

Explanation: Norway's government agreed to halt deep-sea mining licensing rounds as part of a budget deal, postponing the controversial practice until 2029 amid environmental concerns.

Q3.The 'Sahitya Ratna' award, announced this week, is given in which field?

A) Theoretical Physics

B) Social Work

C) Classical Music

D) Literature ✓

Explanation: It's all about celebrating the written word! This award specifically honors authors who have significantly contributed to regional Indian languages, keeping our literary heritage alive.

Q4.India's foreign exchange reserves touched a record high this month. Which financial body is primarily responsible for managing these reserves?

A) State Bank of India

B) Ministry of Finance

C) NITI Aayog

D) Reserve Bank of India ✓

Explanation: Our central bank, the RBI, handles the heavy lifting here. They act as the custodian of our forex, ensuring the rupee stays stable and we can pay for our imports without a hitch.

Q5.Who is the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India as of January 2026?

A) Justice V. Ramasubramanian ✓

B) Justice Vikram Nath

C) Justice Sanjay Karol

D) Justice A.M. Khanwilkar

Explanation: Former Supreme Court judge Justice V. Ramasubramanian took charge as NHRC Chairperson in December 2024 and continued to head the commission through early 2026.

Q6.On 15 January 2026, the Indian Army celebrated its 78th Army Day with the main parade held in which city?

A) New Delhi

B) Jaipur ✓

C) Pune

D) Lucknow

Explanation: The 78th Army Day parade was held at Mahal Road, Jaipur, Rajasthan, the first time the parade was conducted outside an army cantonment, in the heart of the city.

Q7.In January 2026, PM Narendra Modi flagged off India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train. It connects Howrah with which city?

A) Guwahati ✓

B) New Jalpaiguri

C) Patna

D) Ranchi

Explanation: India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train was flagged off on 17 January 2026 on the Howrah (Kolkata)–Kamakhya (Guwahati) route, covering the roughly 968 km stretch with overnight travel features.

Q8.The 'Agni-P' missile test conducted on January 13, 2026, is a ____ type of missile system.

A) Ballistic ✓

B) Cruise

C) Surface-to-Air

D) Anti-Tank

Explanation: Agni-P is our advanced ballistic missile. Think of it as a strategic deterrent that's more compact and accurate than its predecessors, keeping our defense posture strong.

Q9.National Youth Day is observed in India on 12 January to mark the birth anniversary of which leader?

A) Swami Vivekananda ✓

B) Mahatma Gandhi

C) Subhas Chandra Bose

D) B.R. Ambedkar

Explanation: National Youth Day is celebrated every year on 12 January to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, honouring his ideals and message to the youth.

Q10.The World Economic Forum's 56th Annual Meeting in Davos (19-23 January 2026) was held under which theme?

A) Sustainable Food Systems

B) The Future of Globalization

C) A Spirit of Dialogue ✓

D) Energy Security in a Fragmented World

Explanation: The Davos 2026 Annual Meeting convened under the theme 'A Spirit of Dialogue', focusing on cooperation, new sources of growth, investing in people and responsible innovation.

Q11.Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which celebrates the contribution of the overseas Indian community, is observed every year on which date?

A) 9 January ✓

B) 26 January

C) 15 August

D) 1 January

Explanation: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is observed on 9 January, marking the day in 1915 when Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa, to honour the role of the Indian diaspora.

Q12.The term 'Blue Economy', which was discussed in the G20 working group meeting this week, refers to:

A) Sustainable ocean-based industries ✓

B) Renewable wind energy

C) Export of dairy products

D) Space exploration revenue

Explanation: Think of the 'Blue Economy' as everything we get from the ocean—fishing, shipping, and tourism—done in a way that doesn't hurt the marine environment. It's about finding that balance.

Q13.Who is the newly elected President of the International Solar Alliance as of January 2026?

A) UAE

B) Brazil

C) India ✓

D) France

Explanation: India continues to lead the Solar Alliance. It's a proud moment because we are proving that developing nations can set the agenda for global green energy transitions.

Q14.The 'E-Shram' portal, which saw a major update in interface design this month, is managed by which Ministry?

A) Ministry of Labour and Employment ✓

B) Ministry of Home Affairs

C) Ministry of MSME

D) Ministry of Rural Development

Explanation: The Labour Ministry runs E-Shram. It's meant to keep track of our unorganized sector workers so they don't miss out on government welfare benefits. The new update makes it much easier to use!

Q15.Which Indian athlete won the men's 10,000m gold medal at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, South Korea?

A) Gulveer Singh ✓

B) Murli Kumar

C) Servin Sebastian

D) Avinash Sable

Explanation: Gulveer Singh clocked 28:38.63 to win the 10,000m gold on day one, India's first gold in this event at the Asian level in eight years, with Servin Sebastian taking bronze.

Q16.Under Project Cheetah, cheetahs were translocated to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh from Namibia and which other country?

A) South Africa ✓

B) Kenya

C) Tanzania

D) Botswana

Explanation: Project Cheetah brought cheetahs to Kuno National Park from Namibia (2022) and South Africa (2023), reintroducing the species to India decades after it was declared extinct here.

Q17.Which international organization recently released the 'Global Risks Report 2026'?

A) World Bank

B) IMF

C) UNICEF

D) World Economic Forum ✓

Explanation: The WEF always drops this report right before Davos. It’s basically a roadmap of what experts are worried about—like cybersecurity, climate change, and inflation—so world leaders can prepare.

Q18.What is the primary objective of the 'PM-Surya Ghar' scheme regarding residential energy usage?

A) Installing rooftop solar panels ✓

B) Smart meter installations

C) Providing LPG connections

D) Subsidizing electric two-wheelers

Explanation: This scheme is all about making households self-sufficient in power. By getting rooftop solar, families not only save on bills but also help the country shift towards clean energy.

Q19.The 'Indus Water Treaty' remains a point of diplomatic discussion between India and which country?

A) China

B) Bangladesh

C) Pakistan ✓

D) Nepal

Explanation: This treaty has been around for decades. It manages how we share the water of the Indus river system, and it’s a constant subject of diplomatic talks between us and Pakistan.

Q20.Which space agency is collaborating with India for the 'NISAR' satellite mission, which is ready for launch?

A) ESA

B) NASA ✓

C) JAXA

D) Roscosmos

Explanation: NASA and ISRO are the partners here. It's a huge mission to map the Earth's surface with incredible detail, which will help us monitor things like volcanic activity and ice sheets.

20 questions — 14 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

15 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.The Indian Army celebrated its 78th Army Day on January 15, 2026. Which of the following commands hosted the main parade this year?

A) Western Command

B) Eastern Command

C) Northern Command

D) South Western Command ✓

Explanation: The 78th Army Day parade was held on 15 January 2026 at Mahal Road in Jaipur, hosted by the South Western Command. It was the fourth time the parade was held outside Delhi and the first time outside a military cantonment.

Q2.On 15 January 2026, which organisation celebrated its 151st Foundation Day, during which the government announced the deployment of 200 Automatic Weather Stations across major cities?

A) India Meteorological Department (IMD) ✓

B) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

C) Central Water Commission

D) National Disaster Management Authority

Explanation: The India Meteorological Department marked its 151st Foundation Day on 15 January 2026 at Mausam Bhawan, New Delhi. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced the rollout of 200 Automatic Weather Stations to strengthen urban weather observation.

Q3.India assumed the Chairship of which grouping for 2026, with its presidency logo unveiled by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in January 2026?

A) BRICS ✓

B) G20

C) SCO

D) QUAD

Explanation: India took over the BRICS Chairship for 2026. The official logo was launched by EAM S. Jaishankar, with India's theme focused on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.

Q4.Who were the chief guests at India's 77th Republic Day celebrations on 26 January 2026?

A) Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission ✓

B) The President of France

C) The Prime Minister of Japan

D) The President of Brazil

Explanation: India hosted António Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, as chief guests for the 77th Republic Day in 2026.

Q5.India and __________ signed a 'Strategic Space Partnership' this week to collaborate on deep-space exploration and lunar landing technologies.

A) USA

B) France

C) Russia

D) Japan ✓

Explanation: India's ISRO and Japan's JAXA are collaborating on the LUPEX (Chandrayaan-5) mission to explore the Moon's south polar region and study water in its permanently shadowed craters.

Q6.In January 2026, the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train launched two new heritage circuits from Delhi covering which two states?

A) Gujarat and Rajasthan ✓

B) Kerala and Tamil Nadu

C) Punjab and Haryana

D) Bihar and Jharkhand

Explanation: The 'Garvi Gujarat' and 'Padharo Rajasthan' circuits of the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train began from Delhi in January 2026, covering heritage sites across Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Q7.NITI Aayog, through the Atal Innovation Mission, launched India's first State Innovation Mission (SIM) in which state in 2026?

A) Himachal Pradesh

B) Maharashtra

C) Kerala

D) Tripura ✓

Explanation: India's first State Innovation Mission under AIM 2.0 was launched in Tripura, at Agartala, to build a state-led innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Q8.The 2026 Men's FIH Hockey World Cup will be co-hosted by which two countries?

A) Belgium and the Netherlands ✓

B) India and Malaysia

C) Spain and England

D) Germany and Australia

Explanation: The 2026 Men's FIH Hockey World Cup is co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands in August 2026 — the first time the men's event is jointly hosted. India qualified by winning the Asia Cup.

Q9.How many Padma Awards did President Droupadi Murmu approve for conferment in 2026 (announced on the eve of Republic Day)?

A) 85

B) 106

C) 131 ✓

D) 150

Explanation: A total of 131 Padma Awards were approved for 2026, comprising 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri awards.

Q10.Who was selected for the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2025, announced in January 2026?

A) Graça Machel ✓

B) Greta Thunberg

C) António Guterres

D) Malala Yousafzai

Explanation: Graça Machel, former Education Minister of Mozambique and a noted humanitarian, was named the 2025 recipient of the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development, announced in January 2026.

Q11.The second edition of the Global Buddhist Summit 2026 was held at which venue in New Delhi?

A) Vigyan Bhawan

B) Bharat Mandapam ✓

C) Pragati Maidan Hall 7

D) Talkatora Stadium

Explanation: The second Global Buddhist Summit was organised by the International Buddhist Confederation with the Ministry of Culture on 24-25 January 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Q12.In 2026, India concluded a landmark Free Trade Agreement with which partner, expected to apply provisionally later in the year?

A) The European Union ✓

B) The United States

C) ASEAN

D) The Gulf Cooperation Council

Explanation: The India-European Union Free Trade Agreement creates a free-trade zone spanning a combined market of about 2 billion people and roughly 25% of global GDP, expected to apply provisionally by late 2026.

Q13.Who is the newly appointed Chairperson of the Competition Commission of India (CCI)?

A) Vineet Joshi

B) Anil Kumar Jha

C) Sanjay Aggarwal

D) Ravneet Kaur ✓

Explanation: Ravneet Kaur brings a wealth of experience to the CCI. In a time where big tech and market monopolies are such hot topics, having a steady hand at the CCI is crucial for keeping the market fair for everyone.

Q14.Which country's Foreign Minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, made an official visit to India in January 2026?

A) Japan ✓

B) South Korea

C) China

D) Vietnam

Explanation: Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi undertook a three-day official visit to India from 15 to 17 January 2026, reflecting the strong India-Japan strategic partnership.

Q15.In January 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the third International Kite Festival at Baansera Park in which city?

A) New Delhi ✓

B) Ahmedabad

C) Jaipur

D) Lucknow

Explanation: Amit Shah inaugurated the third International Kite Festival at Baansera Park in New Delhi on 16 January 2026, calling for Delhi to be developed as a national hub for kite celebrations.

Q16.Who is the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India?

A) General Anil Chauhan ✓

B) General Upendra Dwivedi

C) General Manoj Pande

D) General Bipin Rawat

Explanation: General Anil Chauhan is India's second and current Chief of Defence Staff. General Bipin Rawat was the first CDS, while General Upendra Dwivedi serves as the Chief of the Army Staff.

Q17.Which Indian state has launched the 'Mukhya Mantri Khel Protsahan Yojana' to provide scholarships to budding athletes?

A) Haryana

B) Uttar Pradesh

C) Delhi ✓

D) Rajasthan

Explanation: The Delhi government launched the Mukhyamantri Khel Protsahan Yojana to support sportspersons, offering up to Rs 5 lakh a year to school-level athletes and up to Rs 20 lakh to elite athletes for coaching, equipment, travel and nutrition.

Q18.In the context of India's development plans, what does the term 'Blue Economy' primarily refer to?

A) Expansion of international cruise lines

B) Deep sea mineral extraction

C) Protection of coral reefs

D) Sustainable use of ocean resources for growth ✓

Explanation: A 'Blue Economy' isn't just about fishing; it's about making sure our ocean resources boost our economy without destroying the marine environment. It's a balancing act we're trying to master.

Q19.The Market Access Support (MAS) Scheme, with an outlay of about Rs 4,531 crore, was launched by the Government of India in 2026 primarily to support what?

A) Participation of exporters in international trade fairs and exhibitions ✓

B) Construction of rural feeder roads

C) Free smartphones for students

D) Subsidised LPG connections

Explanation: The Market Access Support Scheme supports Indian exporters' participation in international trade fairs, exhibitions and trade delegations, with a strong focus on MSME participation, to boost exports.

Q20.Which wildlife sanctuary in India reported a record increase in the population of 'Barasingha' (Swamp Deer) this season?

A) Manas National Park

B) Kaziranga National Park

C) Dudhwa National Park ✓

D) Kanha National Park

Explanation: Dudhwa is the pride of Uttar Pradesh! Seeing the Barasingha population climb is a massive success story for our conservation efforts. It shows that when you protect the habitat, the wildlife really does flourish.

20 questions — 15 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

16 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.Viksit Bharat@2047 is the Government of India's vision to make the country a developed nation by which year, marking 100 years of independence?

A) 2030

B) 2040

C) 2047 ✓

D) 2050

Explanation: Viksit Bharat@2047 is the government's roadmap to transform India into a fully developed nation by 2047, the centenary of independence. Citizens can contribute ideas through the MyGov portal.

Q2.India recently signed a major maritime security agreement with which Southeast Asian nation to counter piracy in the Malacca Strait?

A) Indonesia ✓

B) Vietnam

C) Malaysia

D) Philippines

Explanation: We've strengthened our ties with Indonesia. Given how busy that trade route is, this pact is a big deal for keeping our cargo ships safe from regional threats.

Q3.Who won the men's singles title at the 2026 Australian Open, completing his career Grand Slam in the process?

A) Novak Djokovic

B) Jannik Sinner

C) Carlos Alcaraz ✓

D) Daniil Medvedev

Explanation: Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic in the final to win his first Australian Open title, becoming the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam in singles.

Q4.In which year did the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launch the pilot for the Digital Rupee (e-Rupee / CBDC)?

A) 2020

B) 2021

C) 2022 ✓

D) 2023

Explanation: The RBI launched its wholesale Digital Rupee (e-Rupee/CBDC) pilot on 1 November 2022 and the retail pilot on 1 December 2022, making 2022 the launch year for both segments.

Q5.ISRO's Venus Orbiter Mission (also called Shukrayaan) is scheduled to be launched in which year?

A) 2026

B) 2027

C) 2028 ✓

D) 2030

Explanation: ISRO's Venus Orbiter Mission (Shukrayaan), approved by the Union Cabinet, is targeted for launch on 29 March 2028 to study the surface and atmosphere of Venus.

Q6.The V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port, being developed as India's first Green Hydrogen Hub Port, is located in which state?

A) Telangana

B) Gujarat

C) Tamil Nadu ✓

D) Maharashtra

Explanation: The V.O. Chidambaranar Port at Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu is being developed as India's first Green Hydrogen Hub Port and was recognised as a green hydrogen hub under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Q7.Who is the current chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India?

A) Justice S. Abdul Nazeer

B) Justice B.V. Nagarathna

C) Justice V. Ramasubramanian ✓

D) Justice A.M. Khanwilkar

Explanation: Former Supreme Court judge Justice V. Ramasubramanian was appointed NHRC Chairperson and took charge in December 2024, filling the post that heads India's apex human rights body.

Q8.Global inflation concerns resurfaced this month after the World Bank released its latest report. What is the predicted growth rate for the Indian economy for FY 2026-27?

A) 7.4%

B) 6.8%

C) 6.5% ✓

D) 7.1%

Explanation: In its January 2026 Global Economic Prospects report, the World Bank projected India's growth to slow to 6.5% in FY 2026-27, while still remaining the fastest-growing major economy.

Q9.The Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2025 was announced for young writers in how many Indian languages?

A) 21

B) 22

C) 23 ✓

D) 24

Explanation: The Sahitya Akademi announced its Yuva Puraskar 2025 in 23 languages (there was no award in Dogri that year). The award honours writers aged 35 or below with a cash prize of Rs 50,000.

Q10.The United Nations has declared 2026 as the International Year of which of the following?

A) Urban Resilience

B) Rangelands and Pastoralists ✓

C) Digital Health

D) Sustainable Tourism

Explanation: The UN General Assembly declared 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (and also of Volunteers for Sustainable Development and of the Woman Farmer) to highlight healthy rangelands and sustainable pastoralism.

Q11.What is the primary focus of the newly launched 'Bharat 6G Alliance'?

A) Hardware manufacturing

B) Satellite integration

C) Rural connectivity infrastructure

D) Standardization and research ✓

Explanation: Before we can roll out 6G, we need to agree on standards. This alliance is basically bringing all our researchers and industry experts under one roof to decide how India's 6G should actually work.

Q12.Which national park in Madhya Pradesh was notified as India's 58th Tiger Reserve?

A) Madhav National Park ✓

B) Kuno National Park

C) Panna National Park

D) Kanha National Park

Explanation: Madhav National Park in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, was notified as India's 58th Tiger Reserve in 2025, helping reconnect the tiger corridor between Ranthambore and central India.

Q13.In which year was the Smart Cities Mission launched by the Government of India?

A) 2014

B) 2015 ✓

C) 2016

D) 2017

Explanation: The Smart Cities Mission was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in June 2015 to promote sustainable and citizen-friendly cities through area-based development.

Q14.Which country hosted and conceptualised the Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS) series, including the first edition in January 2023?

A) Nigeria

B) South Africa

C) India ✓

D) Brazil

Explanation: India hosted the first Voice of Global South Summit in January 2023 and has held all three editions so far, using the platform to amplify the concerns of developing nations.

Q15.The PM Vishwakarma Yojana covers 18 traditional trades. Which of the following is NOT one of them?

A) Doll and Toy Maker

B) Potter

C) Goldsmith

D) Street Vendor ✓

Explanation: PM Vishwakarma, launched in September 2023, supports 18 trades including Doll & Toy Maker, Potter and Goldsmith with toolkit grants and collateral-free loans. Street vendors are covered under the separate PM SVANidhi scheme.

Q16.The recent 'Exercise Desert Knight' was held between India and which two countries?

A) Qatar and UK

B) Saudi Arabia and USA

C) Oman and Israel

D) UAE and France ✓

Explanation: This is a really high-profile joint exercise. By bringing the UAE and France together with us, we're really boosting our tactical cooperation in the Middle East region.

Q17.Which Indian state has become the first to achieve 100% saturation in the 'Jal Jeevan Mission' for all rural households?

A) Kerala

B) Goa ✓

C) Himachal Pradesh

D) Sikkim

Explanation: Goa became the first state in India to provide 100% tap water connections to all rural households under the Jal Jeevan Mission (Har Ghar Jal), achieving the milestone in 2020.

Q18.The Saraswati Samman 2025 was awarded to Ramkumar Mukhopadhyay for his novel 'Hara Parbati Katha'. The work is written in which language?

A) Bengali ✓

B) Hindi

C) Marathi

D) Odia

Explanation: Bengali author Ramkumar Mukhopadhyay was chosen for the Saraswati Samman 2025 for his novel 'Hara Parbati Katha'. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh.

Q19.Which tech giant announced a US$17.5 billion investment in India's cloud and AI infrastructure for 2026-2029, its largest in Asia?

A) Amazon

B) Google

C) Microsoft ✓

D) Meta

Explanation: In December 2025, Microsoft announced a US$17.5 billion investment over four years (2026-2029) to expand cloud and AI infrastructure, skilling and innovation in India - its largest investment in Asia.

Q20.Which joint operation by India's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Indian Navy targets maritime drug trafficking in the Indian Ocean Region?

A) Operation Sagar Manthan ✓

B) Operation Samudra Setu

C) Operation Trident

D) Operation Cactus

Explanation: Operation Sagar Manthan is a coordinated anti-narcotics effort by the NCB and the Indian Navy to counter maritime drug trafficking in the Indian Ocean, leading to several record offshore drug seizures.

20 questions — 16 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

17 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train in January 2026. Which two cities does this train connect?

A) Howrah and Guwahati ✓

B) Delhi and Mumbai

C) Chennai and Bengaluru

D) Mumbai and Ahmedabad

Explanation: On 17 January 2026, PM Modi flagged off India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, the Howrah-Guwahati service, from Malda Town in West Bengal. It brings overnight long-distance travel into the Vande Bharat family and is fitted with the indigenous Kavach safety system.

Q2.The Padma Awards 2026 were announced in January. Which Indian cricket captain was conferred the Padma Shri for leading India to the T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy titles?

A) Virat Kohli

B) Rohit Sharma ✓

C) MS Dhoni

D) Jasprit Bumrah

Explanation: Rohit Sharma received the Padma Shri in 2026 after captaining India to the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy titles. Women's captain Harmanpreet Kaur was also honoured with the Padma Shri the same year.

Q3.India’s latest deep-sea mission, 'Samudrayaan', is set to deploy its manned submersible 'Matsya 6000'. Who is the nodal agency handling this project?

A) CSIR

B) DRDO

C) Ministry of Earth Sciences ✓

D) ISRO

Explanation: While ISRO helps with the tech, it's actually the Ministry of Earth Sciences leading the charge here. They're trying to explore the deep ocean for precious minerals, which is quite the ambitious frontier for us.

Q4.In the latest IMF report released this January, what is India’s projected GDP growth rate for the financial year 2026-27?

A) 6.5% ✓

B) 6.8%

C) 7.5%

D) 7.2%

Explanation: In its January 2026 World Economic Outlook update, the IMF projected India's GDP growth for 2026-27 (FY27) at 6.5%, having raised the figure on the back of strong domestic demand, while keeping India the fastest-growing major economy.

Q5.At the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2026, India announced green hydrogen cooperation agreements with several nations. Which Gulf country was among them?

A) Qatar

B) Oman ✓

C) Bahrain

D) United Arab Emirates

Explanation: At Davos 2026, India announced green hydrogen cooperation agreements with countries including Oman, Belgium, Kuwait, Jordan, Paraguay and Zimbabwe, building on frameworks such as the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to advance electrolyser technology and hydrogen hubs.

Q6.The RBI has introduced a new framework for 'Digital Lending Transparency'. What is the primary requirement for lenders under these new norms?

A) Approval from local panchayats

B) Mandatory physical documentation

C) Mandatory Key Fact Statement disclosing the APR ✓

D) Prohibition of pre-approved loans

Explanation: Under the RBI (Digital Lending) Directions, 2025, lenders must give borrowers a Key Fact Statement that clearly discloses the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and all charges upfront, so borrowers are not misled by hidden costs from lending apps.

Q7.Who was recently appointed as the new chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)?

A) Justice Hima Kohli

B) Justice U.U. Lalit

C) Justice Ranjan Gogoi

D) Justice V. Ramasubramanian ✓

Explanation: Justice V. Ramasubramanian, a former Supreme Court judge, was appointed Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission in December 2024, filling a post that had been vacant since Justice Arun Mishra's term ended in June 2024.

Q8.The 'Indra 2025' joint military exercise was held in Rajasthan in October 2025 between India and which country?

A) Russia ✓

B) France

C) USA

D) Vietnam

Explanation: Exercise Indra is a biennial India-Russia drill that resumed in October 2025 at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Bikaner, Rajasthan, focusing on counter-terrorism operations and interoperability between the two armies.

Q9.The 'PM-VANI' scheme, which has seen renewed emphasis this month, is aimed at what?

A) Rural electrification

B) Public Wi-Fi access ✓

C) Vocational training

D) Venture capital for women

Explanation: If you've noticed more public Wi-Fi hotspots popping up in your neighborhood lately, that's PM-VANI in action. The goal is simple: affordable internet access for every corner of the country.

Q10.ISRO's Venus Orbiter Mission, popularly called Shukrayaan, was approved by the government. In which year is it scheduled to launch?

A) 2025

B) 2026

C) 2028 ✓

D) 2030

Explanation: The Venus Orbiter Mission (Shukrayaan) was approved in September 2024 with a planned launch in March 2028. It will study Venus's surface and atmosphere, carrying international instruments including a payload contributed by Sweden.

Q11.The second edition of the Global Buddhist Summit was held in January 2026. At which New Delhi venue did it take place?

A) Bharat Mandapam ✓

B) Vigyan Bhawan

C) Talkatora Stadium

D) Siri Fort Auditorium

Explanation: The International Buddhist Confederation, with the Ministry of Culture, organised the second Global Buddhist Summit on 24-25 January 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

Q12.India's first Vande Bharat Metro (later renamed Namo Bharat Rapid Rail) service runs on which route?

A) Bengaluru-Mysuru

B) Mumbai-Pune

C) Ahmedabad-Bhuj ✓

D) Delhi-Jaipur

Explanation: India's first Vande Metro, later renamed Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, was launched on the Ahmedabad-Bhuj route in Gujarat, covering about 359 km as a semi-high-speed intercity service.

Q13.The 2026 G20 Summit is being hosted by which country?

A) Canada

B) Brazil

C) South Korea

D) United States ✓

Explanation: The United States assumed the G20 presidency on 1 December 2025 and is hosting the 2026 G20 Summit, planned in Miami (Doral, Florida) in December 2026. South Africa had hosted the 2025 edition.

Q14.What is the primary objective of the government's newly launched 'Mission Pashudhan'?

A) Digital tracking of cattle health ✓

B) Export of dairy products

C) Artificial insemination subsidy

D) Vaccination of livestock

Explanation: Think of it like an Aadhar card for cattle. It's essentially a database to keep track of health records and vaccination history to boost our dairy industry's productivity.

Q15.The Indian Army celebrated its 78th Army Day on 15 January 2026 with a historic parade. In which city was it held, marking the first time the parade was staged outside a military cantonment?

A) Lucknow

B) Pune

C) Jaipur ✓

D) Bengaluru

Explanation: The 78th Army Day parade was held on Mahal Road in Jaipur, Rajasthan, the first time the parade was taken out of a military cantonment onto a public urban route. The 2026 theme was 'Year of Networking and Data Centricity'.

Q16.India's first 'Green Port' project was recently completed at which location?

A) Visakhapatnam

B) Kochi

C) Kandla ✓

D) Paradip

Explanation: Kandla is taking the lead here by integrating renewable energy to power all port operations. It's a huge step toward making our logistics chain more environmentally friendly.

Q17.Which state recently passed a bill to implement a 'Uniform Civil Code' at the state level?

A) Goa

B) Himachal Pradesh

C) Uttarakhand ✓

D) Assam

Explanation: Uttarakhand became the first state in independent India to implement a Uniform Civil Code, which came into force on 27 January 2025, standardising laws on marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships.

Q18.The sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 was held in January 2026. At which two locations were the events staged?

A) Leh and Gulmarg ✓

B) Shimla and Manali

C) Auli and Shillong

D) Srinagar and Darjeeling

Explanation: The 6th Khelo India Winter Games 2026 were held at Leh in Ladakh and Gulmarg in Jammu & Kashmir, with the ice sports leg in Leh beginning on 20 January 2026.

Q19.Under the 'Bharat 6G Vision', by which year does India aim to roll out 6G communication services?

A) 2027

B) 2028

C) 2030 ✓

D) 2035

Explanation: The Bharat 6G Vision targets the rollout of 6G services by 2030. The project runs in two phases (2023-2025 and 2025-2030) and is supported by the Bharat 6G Alliance of industry, academia and research bodies.

Q20.The 'Kavach' system, which is in the news again, is related to which domain?

A) Railway safety ✓

B) Financial fraud prevention

C) Cybersecurity

D) Border surveillance

Explanation: Oh, Kavach is crucial! It's our indigenous automatic train protection system. We're seeing it being rolled out much faster now on all major high-density routes to prevent collisions.

20 questions — 17 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

18 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.The Union Government has recently expanded the scope of the 'PM-Surya Ghar' scheme. Which primary goal does this expansion focus on?

A) Offshore wind energy projects

B) Residential rooftop solar adoption ✓

C) Electric public transport charging

D) Industrial solar heating

Explanation: Think of this as the government's push to make every household energy-independent. By expanding the scheme, they're helping more families install rooftop solar panels to cut down electricity bills and go green.

Q2.Which nation officially took over the Chairmanship (Presidency) of the G20 for the 2026 cycle?

A) United States ✓

B) Brazil

C) India

D) Saudi Arabia

Explanation: The United States assumed the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2025, taking over from South Africa (which held the 2025 cycle). The US will host the G20 Leaders' Summit in Miami in December 2026.

Q3.The Earth-observation satellite NISAR, which entered its science operations phase in early January 2026 and can map coastal erosion and land deformation, was jointly developed by ISRO and which agency?

A) NASA ✓

B) ESA

C) JAXA

D) Roscosmos

Explanation: NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a joint mission of ISRO and NASA. Launched on 30 July 2025, it began its science operations in early January 2026, mapping subtle land shifts, landslides and coastal erosion.

Q4.Who won the men's singles title at the 2026 Australian Open, completing his career Grand Slam in the process?

A) Carlos Alcaraz ✓

B) Novak Djokovic

C) Jannik Sinner

D) Daniil Medvedev

Explanation: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain won the 2026 Australian Open men's singles, beating Novak Djokovic in the final. It was his first Australian Open title and completed his career Grand Slam.

Q5.The RBI has tightened norms for 'Digital Lending Apps' to protect consumer privacy. What is the main mandate for these companies?

A) Removing offline office requirements

B) Local data storage within India ✓

C) Limiting interest rates to 5%

D) Banning all credit-based loans

Explanation: Data security is the priority now. The RBI wants to make sure that if these apps are dealing with Indian customers, the data must stay right here on our own servers to prevent misuse.

Q6.The 10th edition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP 2026), released in January 2026, lays down official quality standards for what?

A) Drugs and medicines ✓

B) Food products

C) Air quality

D) Drinking water

Explanation: The Indian Pharmacopoeia is the official book of standards for drugs and medicines manufactured and sold in India. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda released its 10th edition (IP 2026) on 2 January 2026.

Q7.Under what theme did the World Economic Forum's 56th Annual Meeting take place at Davos in January 2026?

A) A Spirit of Dialogue ✓

B) Rebuilding Trust

C) Cooperation in a Fragmented World

D) The Great Reset

Explanation: The 56th WEF Annual Meeting (19-23 January 2026) was held under the theme 'A Spirit of Dialogue'. 'Rebuilding Trust' (2024), 'Cooperation in a Fragmented World' (2023) and 'The Great Reset' (2021) were earlier WEF themes.

Q8.In 2024, the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology was subsumed into which newly established national science award scheme?

A) Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar ✓

B) Rashtriya Khel Puraskar

C) Jnanpith Award

D) Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna

Explanation: In 2024 the Government of India merged the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize into the new Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) scheme, where it became the 'Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar' category. The others are sports and literature awards.

Q9.Which country recently became the first to successfully test a hydrogen-powered cargo ship for international trade?

A) Singapore

B) Norway ✓

C) Germany

D) Japan

Explanation: Norway is leading the way in marine decarbonization. It's tough to power huge cargo ships with clean fuel, but they've managed to prove that hydrogen is a viable future.

Q10.The 'Right to Disconnect' Bill, which lets employees ignore work communication outside office hours, was introduced in the Lok Sabha in December 2025 by which MP?

A) Supriya Sule ✓

B) Mahua Moitra

C) Shashi Tharoor

D) Kanimozhi

Explanation: NCP MP Supriya Sule introduced the Right to Disconnect Bill in the Lok Sabha on 6 December 2025. It seeks to protect employees' work-life balance by letting them disconnect from work calls and emails after working hours.

Q11.India's first Vande Metro service, since renamed the 'Namo Bharat Rapid Rail', connects which two cities?

A) Ahmedabad and Bhuj ✓

B) Surat and Bharuch

C) Pune and Nashik

D) Chennai and Vellore

Explanation: India's first Vande Metro runs between Ahmedabad and Bhuj in Gujarat, covering about 360 km. On its inauguration in September 2024 it was renamed the 'Namo Bharat Rapid Rail'.

Q12.Which international organization recently released the 'World Employment and Social Outlook' report for 2026?

A) ILO ✓

B) IMF

C) UNDP

D) World Bank

Explanation: The International Labour Organization (ILO) is the go-to source for job market data. Their latest report gives us a sobering look at how global job trends are shifting right now.

Q13.The 'Indra' military exercise is conducted between India and which partner nation?

A) France

B) USA

C) Vietnam

D) Russia ✓

Explanation: Indra is a long-standing tradition between India and Russia. They train together to make sure both navies are on the same page when it comes to maritime security.

Q14.Palli, recognised as India's first 'carbon-neutral panchayat', is located in which Union Territory?

A) Jammu and Kashmir ✓

B) Ladakh

C) Puducherry

D) Delhi

Explanation: Palli, in the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, became India's first carbon-neutral panchayat in 2022 after a solar power plant was dedicated to it, meeting its energy needs through renewables.

Q15.Who has been appointed as the new chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)?

A) Justice V. Ramasubramanian ✓

B) Justice M.M. Sundresh

C) Justice Arun Kumar Mishra

D) Justice H.L. Dattu

Explanation: Former Supreme Court judge Justice V. Ramasubramanian was appointed the 9th Chairperson of the NHRC, taking charge on 23 December 2024. The NHRC is the primary watchdog for protecting citizens' human rights.

Q16.The first 'Voice of Global South Summit', which gives a platform to the concerns of developing nations, was hosted in January 2023 by which country?

A) India ✓

B) China

C) Brazil

D) Indonesia

Explanation: India hosted the first Voice of Global South Summit on 12-13 January 2023 under the theme 'Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose', aiming to amplify the priorities of developing countries on the world stage.

Q17.Which company is building India's first semiconductor wafer fabrication (fab) plant at Dholera, Gujarat?

A) Tata Electronics ✓

B) NVIDIA

C) Samsung

D) Apple

Explanation: Tata Electronics, in partnership with Taiwan's PSMC, is setting up India's first semiconductor fab at Dholera, Gujarat, with an investment of around Rs 91,000 crore. It is a flagship of the India Semiconductor Mission.

Q18.The 'Kavach' system, India's anti-collision technology, is being fast-tracked for installation on which type of routes?

A) Mountainous regions

B) Rural low-traffic lines

C) High-speed dedicated freight corridors

D) High-density passenger corridors ✓

Explanation: Safety first! The railways are focusing on the busiest routes where thousands of people travel daily to make sure the anti-collision tech is active everywhere it's needed most.

Q19.What is the primary objective of the 'Mission Antyodaya' survey conducted this year?

A) Tracking forest cover loss

B) Mapping rural infrastructure ✓

C) Calculating national inflation

D) Counting migratory birds

Explanation: Think of it as a report card for our villages. The survey helps the government see which areas need better roads, water, or health centers so they can send help where it's needed.

Q20.Which film won Best Motion Picture - Drama at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards held in January 2026?

A) Hamnet ✓

B) One Battle After Another

C) Frankenstein

D) Sinners

Explanation: At the 83rd Golden Globe Awards (11 January 2026), 'Hamnet' won Best Motion Picture - Drama, while 'One Battle After Another' took the Musical or Comedy category and won Best Director.

20 questions — 18 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

19 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.In January 2026, the PANKHUDI portal was launched to facilitate CSR partnerships for women and child welfare projects. Which ministry launched it?

A) Ministry of Women and Child Development ✓

B) Ministry of Finance

C) Ministry of Rural Development

D) Ministry of Electronics and IT

Explanation: The Ministry of Women and Child Development launched the PANKHUDI portal on 9 January 2026 as a digital platform to channel Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds transparently into women and child welfare projects.

Q2.India's first commercial deep-sea mining mission, 'Samudrayaan-II', is set to deploy the MATSYA 6000 vessel. Which organization is leading this mission?

A) DRDO

B) HAL

C) ISRO

D) NIOT ✓

Explanation: You might think it's ISRO because they do the space missions, but this is the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT). They're focusing on our 'Blue Economy' by exploring the ocean floor!

Q3.Who is the chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) as of January 2026?

A) Madhabi Puri Buch

B) Tuhin Kanta Pandey ✓

C) Suresh N. Patel

D) Ajay Tyagi

Explanation: Tuhin Kanta Pandey, a 1987-batch IAS officer, took charge as the 11th SEBI Chairman on 1 March 2025, succeeding Madhabi Puri Buch, and continues in the role through January 2026.

Q4.PM Narendra Modi performed the Bhoomi Pujan of the Rs 6,950 crore Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project in January 2026. In which state is it located?

A) Assam ✓

B) West Bengal

C) Odisha

D) Bihar

Explanation: The 86-km Kaziranga Elevated Corridor (Kaliabor-Numaligarh section of NH-715) is in Assam. It includes an elevated wildlife corridor allowing rhinos, elephants and tigers to move freely beneath the roadway.

Q5.The trilateral coast guard exercise 'Dosti-17' held in early 2026 involved India, Sri Lanka and which third country?

A) Maldives ✓

B) Bangladesh

C) Mauritius

D) Seychelles

Explanation: Dosti is a long-running trilateral coast guard exercise between India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean Region.

Q6.Which state emerged as the overall champion of the 2nd Khelo India Beach Games 2026 held at Diu?

A) Karnataka ✓

B) Maharashtra

C) Tamil Nadu

D) Gujarat

Explanation: Karnataka topped the medal tally at the 2nd Khelo India Beach Games 2026 at Ghoghla Beach, Diu, which featured the dolphin mascot 'Pearl' and events like beach volleyball, beach kabaddi and sepak takraw.

Q7.In January 2026, NITI Aayog released a report recommending the convergence of centrally administered schemes for which sector?

A) MSMEs ✓

B) Renewable energy

C) Higher education

D) Public health

Explanation: NITI Aayog analysed 18 centrally administered MSME schemes and recommended their convergence to cut duplication, improve coordination and enhance last-mile delivery for micro, small and medium enterprises.

Q8.India and Israel signed a Joint Declaration of Intent in January 2026 to deepen cooperation in which sector?

A) Fisheries and aquaculture ✓

B) Space technology

C) Cyber security

D) Civil aviation

Explanation: At the Global Summit on Blue Food Security 2026 in Eilat, India and Israel signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to strengthen cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture through technology transfer, joint research and capacity building.

Q9.Who became the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS)?

A) Rakesh Sharma

B) Shubhanshu Shukla ✓

C) Prashanth Nair

D) Ravish Malhotra

Explanation: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla flew on the Axiom-4 mission in 2025 to become the first Indian to visit the ISS and only the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma. He was conferred the Ashok Chakra on Republic Day 2026.

Q10.The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, which came into effect on 1 January 2026, provides for the creation of which body?

A) National Sports Board ✓

B) National Games Authority

C) Sports Regulatory Commission

D) National Olympic Council

Explanation: The National Sports Governance Act, 2025 came into force on 1 January 2026, providing for a National Sports Board and a National Sports Tribunal to regulate national sports bodies and resolve sporting disputes.

Q11.The Pinaka system, successfully test-fired from Chandipur, Odisha in January 2026, is which type of weapon system?

A) Multi-barrel rocket launcher ✓

B) Submarine-launched ballistic missile

C) Surface-to-air missile

D) Anti-tank guided missile

Explanation: Pinaka is an indigenously developed multi-barrel rocket launcher system. Its long-range guided variant was test-fired from Chandipur in January 2026, extending its reach to around 120 km.

Q12.In January 2026, the government announced the deployment of 200 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) across how many major metropolitan cities?

A) Two

B) Four ✓

C) Eight

D) Ten

Explanation: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced the expansion of India's urban weather observation network with 200 Automatic Weather Stations spread across four major metropolitan cities to improve localised forecasting.

Q13.The K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile, test-fired around January 2026, was launched from which platform?

A) INS Arighat ✓

B) INS Vikrant

C) INS Vagir

D) INS Kalvari

Explanation: The nuclear-capable K-4 SLBM was launched from the submarine INS Arighat, reinforcing India's underwater nuclear deterrent and strengthening its nuclear triad of land, air and sea-based launch capabilities.

Q14.Which country announced its withdrawal from the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in January 2026?

A) United States ✓

B) Argentina

C) Norway

D) Brazil

Explanation: On 7 January 2026, the United States announced its withdrawal from the International Solar Alliance as part of a broader exit from several international organisations.

Q15.The 78th Army Day parade was held in which city on 15 January 2026?

A) Pune

B) Jaipur ✓

C) Bengaluru

D) New Delhi

Explanation: The Indian Army celebrated its 78th Army Day with the main parade held at Mahal Road in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on 15 January 2026, continuing the practice of hosting the parade outside Delhi.

Q16.A new Vande Bharat Sleeper train announced in January 2026 connects Guwahati with which city?

A) Mumbai

B) New Delhi

C) Chennai

D) Kolkata ✓

Explanation: During his January 2026 Assam visit, PM Modi announced a Vande Bharat Sleeper service connecting Guwahati with Kolkata, making long-distance overnight travel in the northeast more comfortable.

Q17.Who is the President of the UN General Assembly during the January 2026 (80th) session?

A) Antonio Guterres

B) Linda Thomas-Greenfield

C) Annalena Baerbock ✓

D) Dennis Francis

Explanation: Germany's Annalena Baerbock was elected President of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, which runs from September 2025 to September 2026, making her the presiding officer during January 2026.

Q18.Which environmental policy was recently adopted by the government to tackle the 'Urban Heat Island' effect in metro cities?

A) Compulsory vertical gardens

B) Mandatory rainwater harvesting

C) Cool Roof Policy ✓

D) Ban on diesel vehicles

Explanation: The 'Cool Roof Policy' is becoming a necessity. By using reflective materials on rooftops, we can drop indoor temperatures by several degrees without even touching the AC.

Q19.In January 2026, which ministry amended guidelines under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980 to allow non-government participation in restoring degraded forest land?

A) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change ✓

B) Ministry of Tribal Affairs

C) Ministry of Agriculture

D) Ministry of Rural Development

Explanation: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change amended guidelines under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980 in January 2026 to permit non-government entities to participate in restoring degraded forest land.

Q20.Which organization released the 'Global Economic Outlook 2026' report predicting moderate growth for India?

A) World Bank

B) OECD

C) IMF ✓

D) World Economic Forum

Explanation: The IMF is the one that releases these forecasts. They’ve projected a steady growth rate for India, citing our strong domestic consumption despite global uncertainties.

20 questions — 19 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

20 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.ISRO opened its 2026 launch calendar on January 12 with the PSLV-C62 mission from Sriharikota. What was the primary payload?

A) A navigation satellite

B) An earth observation satellite ✓

C) A communication satellite

D) A crewed Gaganyaan capsule

Explanation: The PSLV-C62 mission lifted off on 12 January 2026 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, placing an earth observation satellite (EOS) along with 14 co-passenger payloads into a sun-synchronous orbit. It marked ISRO's first launch of the year.

Q2.Who were invited as the Chief Guests for India's Republic Day 2026 celebrations?

A) The President of France

B) The leaders of the European Union ✓

C) The President of Brazil

D) The Prime Minister of Japan

Explanation: For Republic Day 2026, India hosted the top leaders of the European Union, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who also attended the 16th India-EU Summit in New Delhi.

Q3.On the eve of Republic Day 2026, how many Padma Awards did the President of India approve?

A) 106

B) 119

C) 131 ✓

D) 140

Explanation: President Droupadi Murmu approved 131 Padma Awards for 2026, comprising 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri awards, including 19 women and several posthumous awardees.

Q4.ISRO's upcoming Chandrayaan-4 mission, approved by the Union Cabinet, is primarily designed to demonstrate which capability?

A) Lunar night survival technology

B) Sample return from the Moon to Earth ✓

C) In-situ resource utilization

D) Deep space optical communication

Explanation: Chandrayaan-4 is planned as India's first lunar sample-return mission. Its goal is to land on the Moon, collect regolith samples and bring them safely back to Earth, using multiple LVM-3 launches and in-orbit docking.

Q5.The Indian Army celebrated its 78th Army Day in January 2026. In which city was the main parade held?

A) New Delhi

B) Jaipur ✓

C) Lucknow

D) Pune

Explanation: The 78th Army Day on 15 January 2026 was marked by a grand parade at Mahal Road in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Holding the parade outside Delhi reflects the Army's practice of rotating the celebration among regional commands.

Q6.In the world of sports, which country recently won the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026?

A) South Africa

B) India ✓

C) England

D) Australia

Explanation: India defeated England by 100 runs in the final held in Zimbabwe to lift the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026, claiming a record sixth title. Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed 175 in the summit clash.

Q7.The 16th India-EU Summit was held in January 2026. In which city did it take place?

A) Brussels

B) New Delhi ✓

C) Mumbai

D) Lisbon

Explanation: The 16th India-EU Summit took place in New Delhi on 27 January 2026, where PM Narendra Modi met European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to advance cooperation on trade, security and clean transition.

Q8.Praveen Vashista was appointed in January 2026 as a Vigilance Commissioner in which body?

A) Central Bureau of Investigation

B) Central Vigilance Commission ✓

C) Comptroller and Auditor General

D) Election Commission of India

Explanation: President Droupadi Murmu appointed Praveen Vashista, a 1991-batch IPS officer of the Bihar cadre, as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission on 16 January 2026 for a fixed tenure.

Q9.In January 2026, PM Narendra Modi performed the Bhoomi Pujan of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor. In which state is this project located?

A) West Bengal

B) Assam ✓

C) Arunachal Pradesh

D) Meghalaya

Explanation: On 18 January 2026, PM Modi laid the foundation for the 86-km Kaziranga Elevated Corridor in Assam, a project worth over Rs 6,950 crore intended to ease traffic and protect wildlife movement around Kaziranga National Park.

Q10.Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, observed on January 9, commemorates which historical event?

A) India's attainment of independence

B) Mahatma Gandhi's return to India from South Africa ✓

C) The launch of India's first satellite

D) The founding of the Indian National Congress

Explanation: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is observed on 9 January to mark the day in 1915 when Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa. The day honours the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the nation's development.

Q11.The theme of India's Republic Day 2026 parade marked 150 years of which composition?

A) Jana Gana Mana

B) Vande Mataram ✓

C) Sare Jahan Se Achha

D) Ekla Cholo Re

Explanation: The Republic Day 2026 celebrations were themed around 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875, honouring its role in India's freedom struggle.

Q12.The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference 2026 for the Kutch and Saurashtra region was held in which city?

A) Ahmedabad

B) Surat

C) Rajkot ✓

D) Vadodara

Explanation: PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference 2026 for the Kutch and Saurashtra region at Marwadi University in Rajkot, held from 11 to 15 January 2026 to promote regional investment.

Q13.Which Haryana site is recognised as the largest known settlement of the Indus Valley (Harappan) Civilisation?

A) Kalibangan

B) Rakhigarhi ✓

C) Dholavira

D) Lothal

Explanation: Rakhigarhi in Haryana's Hisar district, spread over roughly 350 hectares, is regarded as the largest known Harappan site. It has also yielded the only ancient DNA evidence recovered from the Indus Valley Civilisation.

Q14.Which global bank recently upgraded India's 'Growth Forecast' for the fiscal year 2026-27?

A) World Bank ✓

B) ADB

C) Goldman Sachs

D) IMF

Explanation: In January 2026, the World Bank raised India's growth forecast for FY 2026-27 to 6.6%, citing strong domestic demand, export resilience and gains from recent free trade agreements.

Q15.What is the primary function of the 'Agni-Prime' missile that underwent a successful user-trial recently?

A) High-speed reconnaissance

B) Tactical nuclear delivery ✓

C) Anti-satellite capability

D) Deep-sea submarine hunting

Explanation: Agni-Prime is our go-to for tactical deterrence. It’s more compact and easier to move around than the older heavy missiles, making it a key part of our strategic defense.

Q16.In January 2026, the 'IITM Global Research Foundation' was launched by which institute aiming to become the world's first multinational university?

A) IIT Bombay

B) IIT Madras ✓

C) IIT Delhi

D) IISc Bangalore

Explanation: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar launched the IITM Global Research Foundation at IIT Madras, reflecting the institute's ambition to run international campuses and emerge as the world's first multinational university.

Q17.India launched its first open-sea Marine Fish Farming project in January 2026 to boost the Blue Economy. In which sea was it set up?

A) Arabian Sea

B) Bay of Bengal

C) Andaman Sea ✓

D) Lakshadweep Sea

Explanation: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched India's first open-sea Marine Fish Farming project in the Andaman Sea on 13 January 2026, a pilot to promote sustainable use of ocean resources and livelihoods under the Blue Economy.

Q18.Who is the current Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW)?

A) Rekha Sharma

B) Vijaya Rahatkar ✓

C) Smriti Irani

D) Annapurna Devi

Explanation: Vijaya Rahatkar serves as the 9th Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, having taken charge in October 2024, succeeding Rekha Sharma. She earlier headed the Maharashtra State Commission for Women.

Q19.Which organization released the 'Global Risks Report 2026' emphasizing AI misinformation as a top threat?

A) World Economic Forum ✓

B) United Nations

C) G20 Secretariat

D) OECD

Explanation: The WEF report is always an eye-opener. This year, they've highlighted how AI can be used to spread false info faster than ever, which is a major concern for global stability.

Q20.The Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide functional tap water connections to all rural households, is popularly known by which tagline?

A) Har Ghar Bijli

B) Har Ghar Jal ✓

C) Nal Se Jal Andolan

D) Har Ghar Tiranga

Explanation: Launched in 2019, the Jal Jeevan Mission carries the tagline 'Har Ghar Jal'. It targets functional tap water connections for every rural household and had reached over 80% rural coverage by early 2026.

20 questions — 20 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

21 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.The Union Cabinet in January 2026 approved a Rs 5,000 crore equity infusion into which institution to expand credit for MSMEs?

A) SIDBI ✓

B) NABARD

C) RBI

D) SEBI

Explanation: This one is all about helping small businesses grow. The Cabinet pumped Rs 5,000 crore of fresh equity into SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India) so it can lend more to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and support job creation.

Q2.In January 2026 the Department of Telecommunications de-licensed the lower 6 GHz band (5925-6425 MHz) mainly to boost which service?

A) Wi-Fi services ✓

B) Satellite TV broadcasting

C) FM radio

D) 5G voice calls

Explanation: Good news for faster internet at home! The DoT opened up the lower 6 GHz band for licence-free use, which clears the way for next-generation Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, meaning smoother streaming, gaming and video calls.

Q3.In January 2026 PM Modi flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train. Which two cities did it connect?

A) Howrah and Guwahati ✓

B) Delhi and Mumbai

C) Chennai and Bengaluru

D) Howrah and Patna

Explanation: India’s first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper made its debut between Howrah in West Bengal and Guwahati in Assam, flagged off from Malda Town. It’s a big step for comfortable overnight long-distance rail travel.

Q4.The Reserve Bank of India has introduced 'Digital Rupee-Retail' for a new class of transactions. What does this specifically allow?

A) Direct purchase of government bonds

B) Offline peer-to-peer payments ✓

C) Automated stock market trading

D) Tax-free international remittances

Explanation: Yes, that's the big news! The RBI wants to make sure that even if you don't have internet connectivity in a remote area, you can still use the E-Rupee. It uses NFC technology to bridge that gap.

Q5.In January 2026 PM Modi performed the Bhoomi Pujan for an 86-km elevated corridor passing alongside which famous national park in Assam?

A) Kaziranga ✓

B) Manas

C) Jim Corbett

D) Gir

Explanation: The project is the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, worth over Rs 6,950 crore. The raised road is designed to ease traffic while keeping the wildlife of Kaziranga safe, so animals can move freely without being hit on the highway.

Q6.NITI Aayog released three roadmap reports in January 2026 for a green transition in cement, aluminium and MSME sectors, aligned with India’s target to reach net zero by which year?

A) 2070 ✓

B) 2050

C) 2047

D) 2040

Explanation: India has committed to becoming net zero by 2070, a pledge first made at COP26. These NITI Aayog reports lay out how heavy industries like cement and aluminium can cut their emissions to help reach that long-term goal.

Q7.The Election Commission of India hosted the inaugural India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 at which venue in New Delhi?

A) Bharat Mandapam ✓

B) Talkatora Stadium

C) Rashtrapati Bhavan

D) Major Dhyan Chand Stadium

Explanation: The three-day conference began on 21 January 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. It brought together election bodies from around the world to share ideas on running free and fair elections.

Q8.Which global body recently released the 'World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2026' report?

A) World Bank

B) UNDP

C) IMF

D) ILO ✓

Explanation: It's the International Labour Organization (ILO). Their reports are essentially the gold standard for understanding how global job markets are shifting, and this year's edition focuses heavily on the impact of AI on entry-level clerical jobs.

Q9.What is the primary function of the 'Agni-P' missile system that was successfully test-fired by the DRDO on Jan 20?

A) Surface-to-air drone defense

B) High-altitude weather monitoring

C) Anti-ship interceptor

D) Ballistic missile with nuclear capability ✓

Explanation: It’s a next-gen ballistic missile. The 'P' stands for Prime, and it's basically a much more compact and accurate version of our existing Agni series, making it much easier to move around and deploy quickly.

Q10.Which country currently holds the presidency of the G20 for the year 2026?

A) South Africa

B) India

C) Brazil

D) United States ✓

Explanation: The United States holds the G20 presidency for 2026, taking over from South Africa on 1 December 2025. The leaders’ summit is set to be hosted in Miami later in the year, with a focus on economic growth and energy.

Q11.Where was the main parade of the 78th Army Day held on 15 January 2026?

A) Jaipur ✓

B) New Delhi

C) Pune

D) Lucknow

Explanation: The Army Day parade was held at Mahal Road in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Holding it outside Delhi has become a way to take the celebrations closer to people in different parts of the country.

Q12.The first leg of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 (ice sports) began in January 2026 in which Union Territory?

A) Ladakh ✓

B) Jammu and Kashmir

C) Lakshadweep

D) Puducherry

Explanation: The ice events, such as ice hockey and ice skating, kicked off in Leh, Ladakh from 20 January 2026. Ladakh’s freezing winters make it a natural home for these snow and ice sports.

Q13.Which technology company developed the core algorithms (CRYSTALS-Kyber and CRYSTALS-Dilithium) adopted by NIST as the first post-quantum cryptography standards?

A) IBM ✓

B) TCS

C) Google

D) Microsoft

Explanation: IBM researchers, with partners, designed these algorithms that NIST published as the world’s first post-quantum cryptography standards. They’re built to resist future quantum computers that could otherwise crack today’s encryption.

Q14.The India Meteorological Department (IMD), which marked its 151st Foundation Day in January 2026, functions under which Union Ministry?

A) Ministry of Earth Sciences ✓

B) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

C) Ministry of Science and Technology

D) Ministry of Agriculture

Explanation: The IMD comes under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. On its 151st Foundation Day, the government also announced 200 new Automatic Weather Stations for four big metros to sharpen city weather forecasts.

Q15.The 56th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting was held at Davos in January 2026 under which official theme?

A) Energy transition costs

B) Post-inflationary recovery

C) A Spirit of Dialogue ✓

D) Space debris management

Explanation: The Davos 2026 meeting (19-23 January) gathered world leaders under the theme ‘A Spirit of Dialogue’, focusing on cooperation, growth, investing in people and the responsible use of new technology like AI.

Q16.In January 2026 the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet named Praveen Kumar as the Director General of which force?

A) Border Security Force (BSF) ✓

B) Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)

C) Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)

D) National Security Guard (NSG)

Explanation: The ACC cleared Praveen Kumar to head the Border Security Force, which guards India’s frontiers with Pakistan and Bangladesh. The same set of appointments also named new chiefs for the NIA and the ITBP.

Q17.Which Indian state is known as the ‘Tiger State of India’ and has the highest number of tiger reserves?

A) Madhya Pradesh ✓

B) Karnataka

C) Uttarakhand

D) Maharashtra

Explanation: Madhya Pradesh proudly carries the ‘Tiger State’ tag, thanks to its large tiger population and the most tiger reserves of any state. Famous parks like Kanha and Bandhavgarh are part of why it leads the country.

Q18.Who is the winner of the 2026 'Abel Prize' for significant contributions to mathematics?

A) Terence Tao

B) Manjul Bhargava

C) Gerd Faltings ✓

D) Sun-Yung Alice Chang

Explanation: German mathematician Gerd Faltings won the 2026 Abel Prize. He is celebrated for his work in arithmetic geometry, especially for proving the Mordell conjecture, now called Faltings’ Theorem. He is the first German to receive the award.

Q19.The 'Panchamrit' strategy, often cited in India's climate policy, was originally unveiled at which event?

A) G20 Summit 2023

B) UN General Assembly

C) Paris Agreement

D) COP26 ✓

Explanation: It was at COP26 in Glasgow. Our Prime Minister laid out these five goals, and we're currently reviewing the progress on the 2026 targets. It’s essentially our roadmap for reaching net-zero emissions.

Q20.Which country will host the 2026 Winter Olympic Games?

A) Italy ✓

B) France

C) China

D) United States

Explanation: Italy is the host! The 2026 Winter Olympics are being held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo in February 2026. It’s the first time Italy hosts the Winter Games since Turin back in 2006.

20 questions — 21 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

22 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.During the UAE President''s January 2026 visit to India, the two nations set a target to expand bilateral trade to which figure by 2032?

A) Over USD 200 billion ✓

B) Over USD 100 billion

C) Over USD 500 billion

D) Over USD 50 billion

Explanation: India and the UAE are already close trade partners, and during Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan''s visit they agreed to push bilateral trade past USD 200 billion by 2032 — backed by fresh deals in energy, defence and space.

Q2.In January 2026, who released the ''Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework'', a roadmap for adopting quantum technologies across the Indian Armed Forces?

A) Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan ✓

B) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

C) Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi

D) National Security Adviser Ajit Doval

Explanation: Quantum tech is the next frontier in defence. CDS General Anil Chauhan unveiled this framework to guide how the armed forces adopt quantum computing, sensing and secure communications in the years ahead.

Q3.The BNHS and the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) launched a January 2026 project to conserve which Endangered bird in the Ganga Basin?

A) Indian Skimmer ✓

B) Great Indian Bustard

C) Siberian Crane

D) Indian Vulture

Explanation: India is home to roughly 90% of the world''s Indian Skimmers, so protecting the river sandbars they nest on along the Ganga and Chambal is a really big deal for this Endangered species.

Q4.Which team won its maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy title in January 2026, beating Saurashtra by 38 runs in the final at Bengaluru?

A) Vidarbha ✓

B) Mumbai

C) Karnataka

D) Tamil Nadu

Explanation: Vidarbha finally got their hands on the title after years of knocking on the door. Opener Atharva Taide''s blazing 128 set up a total of 317 that proved too much for Saurashtra to chase down.

Q5.Which Indian sporting icon announced her retirement in January 2026, having won an Olympic bronze medal at London 2012?

A) Saina Nehwal ✓

B) P.V. Sindhu

C) Mary Kom

D) Mirabai Chanu

Explanation: Saina Nehwal called time on a glittering 20-year career, citing chronic knee problems. She was the trailblazer who put Indian badminton on the world map, peaking as World No. 1 in 2015.

Q6.The Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement 2026 was awarded to biologist Dr. Toby Kiers for pioneering research on which subject?

A) Mycorrhizal fungal networks ✓

B) Coral reef restoration

C) Antarctic ice cores

D) Migratory bird patterns

Explanation: Often called the ''Nobel Prize for the environment'', the Tyler Prize honoured Toby Kiers for mapping the underground fungal networks that connect plants and store carbon — a hidden world that''s vital to healthy ecosystems.

Q7.The 2026 Winter Olympic Games are being co-hosted by which two Italian cities?

A) Milan and Cortina d''Ampezzo ✓

B) Turin and Cortina d''Ampezzo

C) Rome and Milan

D) Venice and Turin

Explanation: Milano Cortina 2026 runs from 6 to 22 February, spreading events across northern Italy. Cortina has a long winter-sports history, while Milan brings the big-city stage to the Games.

Q8.Which Karnataka city was ranked the safest Indian city in the Numbeo Safety Index 2026?

A) Mangaluru ✓

B) Bengaluru

C) Mysuru

D) Hubballi

Explanation: Mangaluru topped the list of Indian cities and sat 46th globally with a score of 74.4. It edged out the likes of Ahmedabad and Jaipur to claim the ''safest Indian city'' tag.

Q9.Moody''s Ratings, in its January 2026 update, projected India''s GDP growth for FY26 at approximately what rate?

A) 7.3% ✓

B) 6.0%

C) 8.5%

D) 5.2%

Explanation: Moody''s raised its forecast to 7.3% for FY26, up from 6.5% the previous year. Strong domestic demand and steady investment kept India among the fastest-growing major economies.

Q10.The 17th edition of the ''DOSTI'' Coast Guard exercise, whose harbour phase was underway in January 2026, was hosted by which country?

A) Maldives ✓

B) Sri Lanka

C) Bangladesh

D) Mauritius

Explanation: DOSTI is a long-running trilateral coast guard exercise between India, the Maldives and Sri Lanka. This edition''s harbour phase took place in Male, strengthening maritime cooperation in the region.

Q11.In the Brand Finance Global 500 2026 report, which Indian company retained its rank as the world''s second most valuable IT services brand?

A) TCS ✓

B) Infosys

C) Wipro

D) HCLTech

Explanation: TCS held on to the No. 2 spot among IT services brands for the fifth year running, valued at about USD 21.2 billion — trailing only Accenture, with Infosys close behind in third.

Q12.Scientists in January 2026 described two new species of ''ant flies'' (genus Metadon) from India — including one from the Western Ghats. In which journal was the discovery published?

A) Zootaxa ✓

B) Nature

C) Current Science

D) The Lancet

Explanation: The find appeared in the taxonomy journal Zootaxa. Metadon ghorpadei was spotted on the Delhi Ridge and Metadon reemeri in the Western Ghats — the first new Indian species of this genus in over a century.

Q13.What is the primary theme of the 'World Economic Forum 2026' meeting in Davos?

A) Climate Resilience in Crisis

B) The Future of Global Trade

C) Inclusive AI Governance

D) A Spirit of Dialogue ✓

Explanation: The 56th Annual Meeting at Davos (19–23 January 2026) gathered under the theme ''A Spirit of Dialogue'', urging cooperation in a contested world. Nearly 65 heads of state and government attended.

Q14.The ILO''s January 2026 World Employment and Social Outlook report projected the global unemployment rate for 2026 at about what level?

A) 4.9% ✓

B) 3.2%

C) 6.5%

D) 8.0%

Explanation: The ILO pegged global unemployment at around 4.9% for 2026, affecting roughly 186 million workers. It also flagged a far larger ''jobs gap'' once discouraged and underemployed workers are counted.

Q15.Who currently holds the top position in the ICC Men's Test Batting Rankings as of January 2026?

A) Joe Root ✓

B) Kane Williamson

C) Steve Smith

D) Yashasvi Jaiswal

Explanation: England''s Joe Root sat at the top of the ICC Men''s Test batting rankings in January 2026. The prolific run-machine has long been one of the most consistent batters in the format.

Q16.In January 2026, the buffer area around which Rajasthan wildlife sanctuary was declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone covering 94 villages?

A) Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary ✓

B) Ranthambore National Park

C) Sariska Tiger Reserve

D) Keoladeo National Park

Explanation: The zero-to-one-kilometre belt around Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, spread across Rajsamand, Pali and Udaipur districts, was notified as an Eco-Sensitive Zone — curbing mining, brick kilns and new resorts to protect the habitat.

Q17.Which NASA astronaut, known for her record-setting spaceflight career, retired in late December 2025 after 27 years with the agency?

A) Sunita Williams ✓

B) Christina Koch

C) Peggy Whitson

D) Jessica Meir

Explanation: Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams hung up her boots effective 27 December 2025. Across three missions she logged 608 days in space and holds the most spacewalk time of any female astronaut.

Q18.Which country recently became the first to implement a nationwide 'Right to Disconnect' law for all private sector workers?

A) Portugal

B) Germany

C) France ✓

D) Canada

Explanation: France was the trailblazer here, legislating a formal ''right to disconnect'' back in 2017. The idea is that work-life balance should be protected by law, so employees aren''t expected to be ''on'' around the clock.

Q19.In January 2026, a Centre of Excellence for power-sector regulatory research was inaugurated at which institution, in partnership with CERC and Grid India?

A) IIT Delhi ✓

B) IIT Bombay

C) IISc Bengaluru

D) IIT Madras

Explanation: Union Minister Manohar Lal opened the Centre at IIT Delhi. Working with the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission and Grid India, it focuses on regulatory research and building capacity for the power sector.

Q20.The 'Saraswati Samman 2025' was awarded in January 2026 to which notable literary figure?

A) Shashi Tharoor

B) Prabhu Chawla

C) Amitav Ghosh

D) Ramkumar Mukhopadhyay ✓

Explanation: Bengali author Ramkumar Mukhopadhyay won the Saraswati Samman 2025 for his novel ''Hara Parbati Katha''. Instituted by the K.K. Birla Foundation, it''s one of India''s top literary honours.

20 questions — 22 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

23 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.As India celebrates Parakram Diwas today, which iconic freedom fighter's birth anniversary is being commemorated?

A) Subhas Chandra Bose ✓

B) Chandrashekhar Azad

C) Bhagat Singh

D) Sardar Patel

Explanation: Every year on January 23rd, we honor Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. It's a day to remember his incredible courage and the role of the Azad Hind Fauj in our struggle for independence.

Q2.The Reserve Bank of India recently launched a new digital lending framework. What is the primary focus of this initiative?

A) Automating rural land registries

B) Boosting MSME credit flow ✓

C) Regulating stock market influencers

D) Increasing crypto adoption

Explanation: The RBI is really pushing to make credit more accessible for our MSME sector. By streamlining these digital processes, they're trying to help small businesses get funding without the usual mountain of paperwork.

Q3.Which Chinese lunar mission, slated for launch in 2026, aims to explore the Moon's south pole in search of water ice?

A) Chang'e-7 ✓

B) Chang'e-3

C) Tianwen-1

D) Shenzhou-17

Explanation: Chang'e-7 is China's ambitious 2026 mission targeting the lunar south pole. With an orbiter, lander, rover and a hopping probe, it will hunt for water ice near Shackleton crater, a region everyone is racing to explore.

Q4.Who were the Chief Guests at India's 77th Republic Day celebrations on 26 January 2026?

A) Presidents of the European Commission and European Council ✓

B) President of France

C) President of Brazil

D) Prime Minister of Japan

Explanation: For the 77th Republic Day, India hosted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, marking a big step in India-EU ties. A European naval contingent even joined the parade for the first time.

Q5.Who has been appointed as the new chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW) this week?

A) Rekha Sharma

B) Smriti Irani

C) Vasundhara Raje

D) Vijaya Rahatkar ✓

Explanation: Vijaya Rahatkar has taken up this mantle. It's a high-pressure role that involves safeguarding women's rights, and she brings a lot of administrative experience to the table.

Q6.India's 'Project Cheetah' in Kuno National Park saw a new addition of cubs recently. From which country were the parent cheetahs originally sourced?

A) Kenya

B) Namibia ✓

C) South Africa

D) Botswana

Explanation: Remember the big news a while back? The very first batch of cheetahs arrived from Namibia. Seeing the population grow in Kuno is a really positive sign for our conservation efforts.

Q7.India's National Green Hydrogen Mission is implemented by which central ministry?

A) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy ✓

B) Ministry of Power

C) Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

D) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Explanation: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the nodal ministry for the National Green Hydrogen Mission. It's central to India's plan of becoming a global green hydrogen hub and cutting carbon emissions.

Q8.The 'Global Hunger Index' is often criticized for its methodology. Which international body is primarily responsible for calculating this index?

A) Concern Worldwide & Welthungerhilfe ✓

B) UNICEF

C) WHO

D) World Bank

Explanation: It's a joint effort by these two NGOs. They use a specific formula to track hunger, which is why you'll often see heated debates in the news regarding how India's ranking is calculated.

Q9.In the world of cricket, which nation recently won the U-19 Men's World Cup trophy?

A) India ✓

B) South Africa

C) England

D) Australia

Explanation: India lifted the U-19 Men's Cricket World Cup in 2026, beating England by 100 runs in the final at Harare, Zimbabwe. It was India's record sixth U-19 title, powered by a stunning 175 from 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi.

Q10.Fill in the blank: The _________ Amendment Act of the Indian Constitution is related to the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

A) 102nd

B) 101st ✓

C) 105th

D) 99th

Explanation: The 101st Amendment was the game-changer that unified the indirect tax structure in India. It's a foundational fact you should definitely keep in mind for your exams.

Q11.India's first commercial semiconductor fabrication plant is being built in Dholera by Tata Electronics in partnership with which Taiwanese company?

A) TSMC

B) Powerchip (PSMC) ✓

C) UMC

D) Foxconn

Explanation: Tata Electronics teamed up with Taiwan's Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) to build India's first commercial chip fab in Dholera, Gujarat, a roughly US$11 billion project that's a big leap for Indian manufacturing.

Q12.The 'Operation Samudra Setu II' was launched by the Indian Navy primarily for what purpose?

A) Deep sea mining exploration

B) Oxygen shipment during crisis ✓

C) Search and rescue

D) Anti-piracy patrols

Explanation: This was a massive humanitarian effort during the difficult times of the second wave, where our Navy ships were deployed to bring in essential medical supplies, including liquid oxygen.

Q13.Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, eligible households get free electricity up to how many units per month?

A) 100 units

B) 200 units

C) 300 units ✓

D) 500 units

Explanation: The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana offers up to 300 units of free electricity a month through subsidised rooftop solar. By early 2026 it had already benefited over 28 lakh households across India.

Q14.Who is the current Secretary-General of the United Nations as of early 2026?

A) Kofi Annan

B) Ban Ki-moon

C) Antonio Guterres ✓

D) Tedros Adhanom

Explanation: Antonio Guterres is still at the helm. It’s a tough job given the global geopolitical tensions we're seeing right now, but he remains the face of the UN's diplomatic efforts.

Q15.The 'Vande Bharat' sleeper trains are set to be introduced on which long-distance route first?

A) Bangalore-Chennai

B) Mumbai-Ahmedabad

C) Delhi-Kolkata

D) Howrah-Guwahati ✓

Explanation: India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express was flagged off on 17 January 2026 on the Howrah-Guwahati (Kamakhya) route. It's a huge upgrade for passengers who want speed and comfort on overnight long-distance journeys.

Q16.The COP30 UN Climate Change Conference, held in November 2025, took place in which country?

A) United Arab Emirates

B) Azerbaijan

C) Brazil ✓

D) Egypt

Explanation: COP30 was hosted in Belem, Brazil, in November 2025, putting the Amazon at the heart of global climate talks. It followed COP28 in the UAE and COP29 in Azerbaijan.

Q17.In the context of banking, what does the 'NEFT' acronym stand for?

A) New Electronic Finance Transaction

B) National Exchange For Trading

C) National Electronic Funds Transfer ✓

D) Net Essential Financial Transfer

Explanation: It's the bread and butter of our banking system! NEFT is the system we use for those one-to-one fund transfers between bank accounts across India.

Q18.Which organization recently released the 'World Employment and Social Outlook' report for 2026?

A) UNDP

B) ILO ✓

C) World Bank

D) IMF

Explanation: The International Labour Organization (ILO) is the one that tracks these trends. Their reports are the go-to source for understanding global unemployment patterns and labor market shifts.

Q19.India's e-passport, featuring an embedded electronic chip, is issued by which ministry?

A) Ministry of Home Affairs

B) Ministry of External Affairs ✓

C) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

D) Ministry of Communications

Explanation: The Ministry of External Affairs issues India's passports, including the new chip-enabled e-passports rolled out under the upgraded Passport Seva Programme. The chip securely stores the holder's personal and biometric details.

Q20.The 'Saraswati Samman' is a prestigious award given annually for outstanding contribution to:

A) Literature ✓

B) Journalism

C) Science

D) Sports

Explanation: This award, instituted by the K.K. Birla Foundation, is one of the most respected honors in the literary world. It’s given for prose or poetry in any of the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule.

20 questions — 23 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

24 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.National Girl Child Day is observed in India every year on January 24. Which flagship scheme, launched in 2015 from Panipat in Haryana, focuses on saving the girl child and promoting her education?

A) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao ✓

B) Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

C) Balika Samriddhi Yojana

D) Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

Explanation: It's Beti Bachao Beti Padhao. PM Modi launched it on 22 January 2015 from Panipat, Haryana, to tackle the declining child sex ratio and make sure girls actually get to stay in school and thrive. National Girl Child Day on January 24 is the perfect occasion to remember it.

Q2.The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently tweaked the guidelines for 'Green Deposits'. What is the primary objective of this change?

A) Replacing cash with digital tokens

B) Lowering interest rates for farmers

C) Encouraging retail investment in gold

D) Standardizing the deployment of green funds ✓

Explanation: The RBI is really pushing for sustainable finance. By standardizing how these 'green deposits' are deployed, they're making sure the money you put into these schemes actually goes toward eco-friendly projects, rather than just being a label.

Q3.The World Economic Forum held its 56th Annual Meeting at Davos in January 2026. What was the theme of this edition?

A) Cooperation in a Fragmented World

B) A Spirit of Dialogue ✓

C) Rebuilding Trust

D) Collaboration for the Future

Explanation: The 2026 Davos meeting ran from 19 to 23 January under the theme 'A Spirit of Dialogue'. With the world looking pretty divided, the forum leaned hard on the idea that talking things through is how we solve the big global problems.

Q4.India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, flagged off by PM Modi in January 2026, began commercial service between which two stations?

A) Howrah-Kamakhya ✓

B) Delhi-Mumbai

C) Varanasi-Kolkata

D) Bengaluru-Chennai

Explanation: It runs between Howrah in West Bengal and Kamakhya near Guwahati in Assam, covering about 968 km. Commercial operations started on 22 January 2026, marking India's first AC sleeper semi-high-speed train, a big leap for long-distance rail travel in the East.

Q5.In a major scientific breakthrough, researchers have successfully mapped the genome of the 'Himalayan Snow Leopard' to understand its adaptation to climate change. Which institution led this study?

A) Wildlife Institute of India ✓

B) IIT Delhi

C) Indian Institute of Science

D) National Centre for Biological Sciences

Explanation: It's the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). They were the national coordinator for India's snow leopard population assessment and have led the genetic research on the species, so this work is going to be vital for our conservation efforts up in the mountains.

Q6.The Padma Awards 2026 were announced on the eve of Republic Day. How many recipients were conferred the Padma Vibhushan, the highest of the three Padma categories?

A) 3

B) 5 ✓

C) 7

D) 9

Explanation: Five people received the Padma Vibhushan in 2026, out of a total of 131 awardees (which also included 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri). Veteran actor Dharmendra was among the Padma Vibhushan honourees, awarded posthumously.

Q7.Who has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) as of January 2026?

A) Ravneet Kaur ✓

B) Sanjay Kumar

C) Ajay Tyagi

D) Meenakshi Varma

Explanation: Ravneet Kaur heads the CCI as its first-ever woman Chairperson. It's a high-stakes position because the CCI is basically the watchdog ensuring big tech and major corporations don't create unfair monopolies in the Indian market.

Q8.The Saraswati Samman 2025 was awarded to which author for the Bengali novel 'Hara Parbati Katha'?

A) Ramkumar Mukhopadhyay ✓

B) Amitav Ghosh

C) Mamang Dai

D) Vikram Seth

Explanation: Bengali author Ramkumar Mukhopadhyay won the 35th Saraswati Samman for his novel 'Hara Parbati Katha'. The award, instituted by the K. K. Birla Foundation in 1991, honours outstanding literary work in any of the 22 scheduled languages of India.

Q9.Who were invited as the Chief Guests for India's 77th Republic Day celebrations on 26 January 2026?

A) Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa of the European Union ✓

B) Emmanuel Macron of France

C) Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia

D) Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa

Explanation: For the first time, the EU's top leadership were the Chief Guests, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa. It was a landmark moment for India-EU ties, the theme that year being 150 Years of Vande Mataram.

Q10.National Voters' Day is observed in India on January 25. This date was chosen to mark the foundation day of which institution?

A) Election Commission of India ✓

B) Reserve Bank of India

C) NITI Aayog

D) Supreme Court of India

Explanation: National Voters' Day, first held in 2011, marks the foundation of the Election Commission of India, which was set up on 25 January 1950. The 2026 edition carried the theme 'My India, My Vote' to encourage young, first-time voters to enrol.

Q11.Who won the men's singles title at the 2026 Australian Open, completing his career Grand Slam in the process?

A) Carlos Alcaraz ✓

B) Novak Djokovic

C) Jannik Sinner

D) Daniil Medvedev

Explanation: Carlos Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic in the final to lift his first Australian Open trophy. It was his seventh major overall and made him the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam, winning all four major titles.

Q12.The Union Budget 2026-27 is expected to focus heavily on 'PM-Vikas'. What does this scheme aim to do?

A) Agricultural irrigation

B) Rural electrification

C) Skill development for traditional artisans ✓

D) Urban housing

Explanation: Think of PM-Vikas as a way to support our craftspeople. It’s all about training artisans in modern skills while keeping their traditional crafts alive and marketable.

Q13.What is the name of the joint naval exercise conducted by India and France in the Arabian Sea earlier this month?

A) Varuna ✓

B) Malabar

C) Garuda-Shakti

D) Indra

Explanation: It's Varuna! This exercise is a regular fixture in our naval calendar, and it’s basically just our way of showing how well our navies can work together in the Indian Ocean region.

Q14.The 'Green Hydrogen Mission' target has been revised. By which year does India aim to achieve its production capacity of 5 MMT?

A) 2032

B) 2028

C) 2035

D) 2030 ✓

Explanation: 2030 is the magic number. It's an ambitious goal, but the government is pouring a lot of investment into green hydrogen to hit that target and reduce our carbon footprint.

Q15.Parakram Diwas is observed every year on January 23. Whose birth anniversary does it commemorate?

A) Bhagat Singh

B) Subhas Chandra Bose ✓

C) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

D) Lala Lajpat Rai

Explanation: Parakram Diwas, or 'Day of Valour', marks the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, born on 23 January 1897 in Cuttack. In 2026 the nation observed his 129th birth anniversary, with main celebrations held at Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Q16.ISRO's first launch of 2026, the PSLV-C62 mission carrying the EOS-N1 satellite, ended in failure on 12 January 2026. Which stage of the rocket developed the anomaly?

A) First stage

B) Second stage

C) Third stage ✓

D) Fourth stage

Explanation: The PSLV-C62 lost control during the third-stage burn, the same stage that had failed in the earlier PSLV-C61 mission of May 2025. It was the first time the reliable PSLV 'workhorse' suffered two consecutive failures, with 16 satellites lost.

Q17.In the context of space technology, what is 'ISRO’s Gaganyaan-1' mission primarily tasked with?

A) Landing on the Moon

B) Deploying a new communication satellite

C) Uncrewed test flight for human spaceflight ✓

D) Mapping Mars' surface

Explanation: Gaganyaan-1 (G1) is the first uncrewed test flight of the programme. It carries the humanoid robot Vyommitra and is meant to make sure all the safety and life-support systems work perfectly before we actually send our astronauts up there.

Q18.Who won the women's singles title at the 2026 Australian Open?

A) Aryna Sabalenka

B) Elena Rybakina ✓

C) Iga Swiatek

D) Coco Gauff

Explanation: Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan beat Aryna Sabalenka in the final to claim her first Australian Open crown. It was the second Grand Slam singles title of her career, the first being Wimbledon in 2022.

Q19.The 'Digital Personal Data Protection Act' (DPDPA) rules were finally notified this month. Which authority is now the primary regulator for data breaches?

A) CERT-In

B) NITI Aayog

C) Data Protection Board of India ✓

D) TRAI

Explanation: The Data Protection Board of India is the body you need to know. They’re the ones who will handle complaints and investigations if a company mishandles your personal data.

Q20.Which Indian city has once again been named India's 'Cleanest City' in the latest Swachh Survekshan rankings, retaining the top spot for the eighth consecutive time?

A) Surat

B) Mysore

C) Indore ✓

D) Navi Mumbai

Explanation: Indore just won't give up the top spot! It has been ranked India's cleanest city for the eighth consecutive time, setting such a high standard for waste management that it's become the gold standard for other cities across the country.

20 questions — 24 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

25 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.As we observe National Voters' Day today, January 25, 2026, can you recall which constitutional body is responsible for conducting the elections in India?

A) Election Commission of India ✓

B) Ministry of Law and Justice

C) Supreme Court of India

D) Parliamentary Committee

Explanation: It's the Election Commission of India, a permanent constitutional body established way back in 1950. National Voters' Day is celebrated every year on this date to mark its foundation and encourage more young voters to take part in our democracy.

Q2.What is India's targeted annual green hydrogen production capacity by 2030 under the National Green Hydrogen Mission?

A) 5 million tonnes ✓

B) 1 million tonnes

C) 10 million tonnes

D) 25 million tonnes

Explanation: Launched in 2023, the National Green Hydrogen Mission targets at least 5 million tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen production per year by 2030, alongside about 125 GW of new renewable energy capacity, to make India a global hub for green hydrogen.

Q3.Which country currently holds the rotating Presidency of the G20 for the year 2026?

A) United States ✓

B) Brazil

C) Saudi Arabia

D) India

Explanation: The United States assumed the G20 Presidency for 2026 (effective 1 December 2025), taking over from South Africa, which held the 2025 presidency. The 2026 G20 Leaders' Summit is scheduled to be hosted in Miami, Florida.

Q4.In the world of space exploration, the 'Lunar Gateway' project is a collaborative effort led by NASA. Which other agency is a key partner in this station orbiting the Moon?

A) Roscosmos

B) ISRO

C) ESA (European Space Agency) ✓

D) CNSA

Explanation: ESA is playing a huge role alongside NASA. Think of the Lunar Gateway as a sort of space station base camp near the Moon, which will help astronauts head down to the lunar surface more efficiently.

Q5.Under its flexible inflation targeting framework, the RBI is mandated to keep retail (CPI) inflation at what level?

A) 4% with a tolerance band of +/- 2% ✓

B) 2% with a tolerance band of +/- 1%

C) 6% with a tolerance band of +/- 2%

D) 5% with a tolerance band of +/- 1%

Explanation: Since 2016, the RBI follows a flexible inflation targeting framework under which it must keep Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation at 4%, within a tolerance band of +/- 2% (i.e., between 2% and 6%). The Monetary Policy Committee sets the repo rate to meet this target.

Q6.The Padma Awards 2026 were announced on 25 January 2026. Who among the following was named for the Padma Vibhushan, the country's second-highest civilian award?

A) Dharmendra (posthumous) ✓

B) AR Rahman

C) Zakir Hussain

D) Lata Mangeshkar

Explanation: Veteran actor Dharmendra was among the five Padma Vibhushan awardees announced for 2026, conferred posthumously. The 2026 list comprised 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri awards.

Q7.The 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' has been in the news for its implementation status. What does this landmark Act primarily guarantee?

A) Equal property rights

B) Free education for girls

C) Reservation of seats for women in Lok Sabha and Assemblies ✓

D) Mandatory female recruitment in armed forces

Explanation: This act is a game-changer for our legislative process. It's all about ensuring that women have a stronger voice in policy-making by reserving one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

Q8.Which technology giant recently announced new partnerships with Indian state governments and a grant to Wadhwani AI to expand AI literacy among India's students and teachers?

A) Amazon

B) Nvidia

C) Google ✓

D) Microsoft

Explanation: Google announced AI-education partnerships with several Indian states and a Google.org grant to Wadhwani AI, aiming to reach tens of millions of students and educators across India. It's great to see a global tech leader investing in students' digital literacy.

Q9.What is the primary theme of the 2026 Republic Day parade in New Delhi?

A) Vikshit Bharat

B) Aatmanirbhar Bharat

C) 150 Years of Vande Mataram ✓

D) Amrit Kaal

Explanation: The theme of Republic Day 2026 was '150 Years of Vande Mataram', marking 150 years since Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay composed the national song in 1876. Tableaux and performances along Kartavya Path were built around this theme.

Q10.The 'Extended Producer Responsibility' (EPR) principle, central to India's Plastic Waste Management Rules, places the responsibility for managing post-consumer plastic waste primarily on whom?

A) Producers, importers and brand owners ✓

B) Individual consumers

C) Municipal corporations alone

D) The central government

Explanation: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) makes producers, importers and brand owners responsible for the environmentally sound management of plastic packaging through its end of life — for instance by collecting back and recycling an amount equivalent to what they place on the market.

Q11.The 'Abraham Accords' involve the normalization of relations between Israel and which group of countries?

A) South American states

B) European Union members

C) South Asian countries

D) Several Arab nations ✓

Explanation: These accords changed the diplomatic landscape in the Middle East significantly. By normalizing ties with countries like the UAE and Bahrain, it opened up new channels for trade and security cooperation.

Q12.Which institution released the 'World Economic Outlook' report projecting India's growth rate for the fiscal year 2026-27?

A) World Bank

B) OECD

C) WTO

D) IMF ✓

Explanation: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) puts out these projections. It's always a vital read for anyone interested in economics, as it tells us how India is holding up against the rest of the global economy.

Q13.What is the primary function of the 'PM-PRANAM' scheme introduced by the government?

A) To boost solar energy adoption

B) To reduce the use of chemical fertilizers ✓

C) To support small-scale artisans

D) To promote organic farming

Explanation: The PM-PRANAM scheme is really clever—it incentivizes states to shift away from chemical fertilizers toward more sustainable, soil-friendly alternatives. It's a win-win for both farmers and the land.

Q14.Who is the current Chairperson of the 16th Finance Commission of India?

A) Shaktikanta Das

B) Arvind Panagariya ✓

C) N.K. Singh

D) Ajay Narayan Jha

Explanation: Dr. Arvind Panagariya is leading the 16th Finance Commission. They have a big job ahead—deciding how tax revenues should be shared between the Centre and the States for the coming years.

Q15.Which global environmental treaty aims to phase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)?

A) Kyoto Protocol

B) Basel Convention

C) Montreal Protocol ✓

D) Paris Agreement

Explanation: The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol is the one you're looking for. By phasing out HFCs, we're trying to prevent further damage to the ozone layer and curb global warming.

Q16.Who are the Chief Guests for India's 77th Republic Day celebrations on 26 January 2026?

A) Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa (EU leaders) ✓

B) Emmanuel Macron, President of France

C) Donald Trump, President of the USA

D) Shigeru Ishiba, Prime Minister of Japan

Explanation: For the first time, the top leadership of the European Union — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa — were the Chief Guests, visiting India from 25–27 January 2026 to co-chair the India–EU Summit.

Q17.The 'Operation Samudra Setu II' was primarily launched for what purpose?

A) Mapping the Indian Ocean seabed

B) Delivering medical aid during a crisis ✓

C) Anti-piracy patrols

D) Evacuating Indian citizens from conflict zones

Explanation: The Indian Navy is always quick to help. Samudra Setu II was all about moving oxygen and essential medical supplies when our healthcare system was under extreme pressure. It's a great example of 'service before self'.

Q18.Which player won the Australian Open Men’s Singles title this January?

A) Carlos Alcaraz ✓

B) Daniil Medvedev

C) Jannik Sinner

D) Novak Djokovic

Explanation: Carlos Alcaraz took home the trophy! His athleticism and shot-making are truly something else. He's proving to be the dominant force in the new generation of tennis stars.

Q19.Which article of the Indian Constitution grants the President the power to grant pardons?

A) Article 61

B) Article 123

C) Article 72 ✓

D) Article 356

Explanation: Article 72 is the one. It gives the President the authority to grant pardons, reprieves, or remissions of punishment. It's a crucial part of our judicial checks and balances.

Q20.What is the core focus of the 'Project 17A' frigates currently being commissioned by the Indian Navy?

A) Deep-sea submarine rescue

B) Long-range ballistic missile defense

C) Stealth technology ✓

D) Nuclear propulsion

Explanation: These frigates are all about being stealthy—they're designed to be hard to detect by enemy radar. It's a major boost for our maritime security and naval capabilities.

20 questions — 25 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

26 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.Who were the Chief Guests at India's 77th Republic Day parade held at Kartavya Path on 26 January 2026?

A) Brazil

B) European Union leaders (Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen) ✓

C) Australia

D) France

Explanation: India's 77th Republic Day welcomed two European Union leaders as Chief Guests - Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission - reflecting the deepening India-EU strategic partnership.

Q2.Who is serving as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India as of January 2026?

A) Shaktikanta Das

B) Sanjay Malhotra ✓

C) Urjit Patel

D) Raghuram Rajan

Explanation: Sanjay Malhotra took charge as the 26th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India in December 2024 and continues to head the central bank, having succeeded Shaktikanta Das.

Q3.Which veteran film actor was conferred the Padma Vibhushan (posthumously) in the Padma Awards 2026 announced on the eve of Republic Day?

A) Mammootty

B) Dharmendra ✓

C) Rajinikanth

D) Amitabh Bachchan

Explanation: The Padma Awards 2026, announced on 25 January, honoured veteran actor Dharmendra (Dharmendra Singh Deol) with the Padma Vibhushan posthumously, among 131 awardees comprising 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri.

Q4.What was the theme of the World Economic Forum's 56th Annual Meeting held in Davos in January 2026?

A) Rebuilding Trust

B) A Spirit of Dialogue ✓

C) Cooperation in a Fragmented World

D) Collaboration for the Intelligent Age

Explanation: The World Economic Forum's 56th Annual Meeting was held in Davos from 19-23 January 2026 under the theme 'A Spirit of Dialogue', convening nearly 3,000 leaders from government, business and civil society.

Q5.The 6th Khelo India Winter Games 2026 ice-sports leg, held in January 2026, was hosted in which Union Territory?

A) Jammu and Kashmir

B) Ladakh ✓

C) Chandigarh

D) Puducherry

Explanation: The 6th Khelo India Winter Games 2026 opened in Leh, Ladakh, with the ice-sports leg (ice hockey and ice skating) running up to 26 January; the snow-sports leg was later held in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir.

Q6.Who won the men's singles title at the 2026 Australian Open, completing his career Grand Slam?

A) Novak Djokovic

B) Carlos Alcaraz ✓

C) Jannik Sinner

D) Daniil Medvedev

Explanation: Carlos Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic in the 2026 Australian Open men's singles final to claim his first Australian Open title and complete the career Grand Slam, becoming the youngest man to achieve the feat.

Q7.The 77th Republic Day 2026 celebrations marked 150 years of which national song?

A) Jana Gana Mana

B) Vande Mataram ✓

C) Sare Jahan Se Achha

D) Saraswati Vandana

Explanation: The 77th Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path commemorated 150 years of 'Vande Mataram', the national song composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875.

Q8.Which launch vehicle did ISRO use for India's first space mission of 2026, placing the Anvesha (EOS-N1) satellite into orbit?

A) GSLV-F15

B) PSLV-C62 ✓

C) LVM3-M5

D) SSLV-D4

Explanation: ISRO opened its 2026 launch campaign in January with the PSLV-C62 mission, which placed the Anvesha (EOS-N1) hyperspectral satellite, developed with the DRDO, into orbit.

Q9.Who is serving as the Chief Election Commissioner of India as of January 2026?

A) Rajiv Kumar

B) Gyanesh Kumar ✓

C) Sunil Arora

D) Sushil Chandra

Explanation: Gyanesh Kumar is the 26th Chief Election Commissioner of India, having taken charge in 2025 following the retirement of Rajiv Kumar.

Q10.Who has been appointed as the new Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India as of January 2026?

A) Kaushik Basu

B) V. Anantha Nageswaran ✓

C) Dr. Meera Iyer

D) Arvind Subramanian

Explanation: Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran continues as the Chief Economic Advisor, with his tenure extended up to March 2027. He has been the architect of recent Economic Surveys and Union Budget growth projections.

Q11.Who holds the office of Foreign Secretary of India as of January 2026?

A) Harsh Vardhan Shringla

B) Vikram Misri ✓

C) Vinay Mohan Kwatra

D) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar

Explanation: Vikram Misri is the Foreign Secretary of India, having assumed charge in July 2024 as the senior-most career diplomat in the Ministry of External Affairs.

Q12.Which global body, in its January 2026 World Economic Outlook update, projected global growth at 3.3% for 2026?

A) OECD

B) WTO

C) IMF ✓

D) World Bank

Explanation: In its January 2026 World Economic Outlook update, titled 'Steady amid Divergent Forces', the IMF projected global growth at 3.3% for 2026 - a slight upward revision from its October 2025 estimate.

Q13.The Central Sector 'Namo Drone Didi' scheme, which provides drones to women self-help groups, is designed to help farmers primarily with:

A) Soil moisture monitoring

B) Crop insurance claims

C) Selling produce online

D) Precision spraying of fertilizers and pesticides ✓

Explanation: The Namo Drone Didi scheme equips women self-help groups with agricultural drones to provide rental services to farmers, primarily for the precision aerial spraying of liquid fertilizers and pesticides.

Q14.Which Indian site was inscribed as India's 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site, its most recent addition to the list?

A) The Sanchi Stupa restoration area

B) The Maratha Military Landscapes ✓

C) The Konark Sun Temple ruins

D) The Hampi Complex extension

Explanation: The 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India' - a network of 12 forts across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu - was inscribed at the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in 2025 as India's 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Q15.The Government of India's 'Viksit Bharat @2047' vision aims to make India a developed nation by 2047, coinciding with which milestone?

A) 100 years of Independence ✓

B) 75 years of the Constitution

C) 100 years of the Republic

D) 150 years of the freedom struggle

Explanation: Viksit Bharat @2047 is the government's vision to transform India into a developed nation by 2047, the centenary year of its Independence (1947-2047), targeting an economy of USD 30-40 trillion.

Q16.The 'Bharat Parv 2026' cultural festival, held from 26 to 31 January 2026, took place at which iconic monument in New Delhi?

A) India Gate

B) Red Fort ✓

C) Qutub Minar

D) Rashtrapati Bhavan

Explanation: Bharat Parv 2026 was organised at the Red Fort in New Delhi from 26 to 31 January 2026, showcasing India's cultural diversity, cuisine, handicrafts and government initiatives as part of the Republic Day celebrations.

Q17.The 'Net Zero Steel' initiative, signed by major Indian industrial players, aims to decarbonize the steel sector by which year?

A) 2070 ✓

B) 2050

C) 2060

D) 2040

Explanation: India's steel-sector decarbonisation is aligned with the country's overall net-zero target of 2070, announced by India at COP26 in Glasgow. The National Green Steel Mission supports this transition toward low-carbon steel.

Q18.Who was chosen for the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2026?

A) Antonio Guterres

B) Graca Machel ✓

C) Malala Yousafzai

D) Greta Thunberg

Explanation: Graca Machel, a renowned humanitarian and women's rights champion from Mozambique who served as the country's first Minister of Education, was selected for the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development 2026.

Q19.Which state has launched a pilot project to digitise urban land records, aimed at reducing property disputes?

A) Uttar Pradesh

B) Maharashtra ✓

C) Punjab

D) Karnataka

Explanation: Maharashtra has identified ten cities for a pilot project under the Centre's urban land records digitisation initiative, creating spatially enabled records to resolve overlapping ownership claims and boundary disputes.

Q20.The European Union's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), applying from August 2026, has prompted trade discussions with India over which category of exports?

A) Textile exports

B) Automotive components

C) Agricultural seeds

D) Packaging materials ✓

Explanation: The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR, EU 2025/40) applies from 12 August 2026, requiring all packaging on the EU market to be recyclable; Indian exporters must align their packaging materials to retain access to the European market.

20 questions — 26 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

27 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.Which scheme completed 11 years of implementation on January 22, 2026?

A) NAVYA

B) Samagra Shiksha

C) Mission Shakti

D) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao ✓

Explanation: The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme was launched on January 22, 2015, and marked its 11th anniversary on January 22, 2026.

Q2.What is the primary funding structure of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme?

A) Centrally Sponsored Scheme (100% Central funding) ✓

B) State-funded project

C) 50% Central, 50% State

D) Public-Private Partnership

Explanation: BBBP is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with 100% funding by the Central Government under the 'Sambal' vertical of Mission Shakti.

Q3.Which of the following is NOT one of the ministry partners originally involved in the BBBP scheme?

A) Ministry of Women and Child Development

B) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

C) Ministry of Finance ✓

D) Ministry of Education

Explanation: Originally, the scheme was a joint initiative of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Ministry of Education.

Q4.What is the primary objective of the newly launched PM SVANidhi Credit Card?

A) Interest-free revolving credit for street vendors ✓

B) Subsidies for small-scale industries

C) Educational grants for girl children

D) Housing loans for urban poor

Explanation: The PM SVANidhi Credit Card is a UPI-linked, interest-free revolving credit facility designed to provide easier financial access to street vendors and the urban informal sector.

Q5.Which declaration was unanimously adopted at the conclusion of the IICDEM 2026?

A) Global Election Charter

B) Delhi Declaration 2026 ✓

C) New Delhi Electoral Pact

D) Democracy Management Accord

Explanation: On January 23, 2026, the Election Commission of India concluded the IICDEM 2026 with the adoption of the 'Delhi Declaration 2026', focusing on five pillars of election management.

Q6.What is the primary function of the newly launched ECINET platform?

A) Managing government financial budgets

B) Monitoring international diplomatic relations

C) Tracking global election results

D) Providing voter registration and e-EPIC download services ✓

Explanation: ECINET provides services such as voter registration, Know Your Candidate (KYC), e-Voter ID download, and book-a-call facilities with BLOs for citizens.

Q7.In the 4th round of the PLI scheme for white goods, which companies were among the five selected for investment?

A) Reliance and Adani

B) Tata Motors and Mahindra

C) Kirloskar Pneumatic and Godrej & Boyce ✓

D) Infosys and Wipro

Explanation: The Ministry of Commerce & Industry selected 5 companies, including Kirloskar Pneumatic and Godrej & Boyce, for the 4th round of the PLI scheme for white goods.

Q8.What is the purpose of the newly deployed humanoid robot 'ASC ARJUN' at Visakhapatnam Railway Station?

A) Selling train tickets

B) Operating the train engine

C) Enhancing passenger safety and station security ✓

D) Cleaning railway tracks

Explanation: ASC ARJUN is a humanoid robot developed to assist the Railway Protection Force with crowd management, intruder detection via facial recognition, and patrolling.

Q9.The 'Granth Kutir' inaugurated at Rashtrapati Bhavan focuses on preserving:

A) Modern scientific research papers

B) Diplomatic archives

C) Rare manuscripts and literary heritage ✓

D) Historical war weapons

Explanation: Granth Kutir houses about 2,300 books and 50 rare manuscripts, including handwritten works on palm leaves and bark, to preserve India's intellectual heritage.

Q10.What was the theme of the 56th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting held in 2026?

A) Cooperation in a Fragmented World

B) The Great Reset

C) Global Economic Recovery

D) A Spirit of Dialogue ✓

Explanation: The 2026 annual meeting of the WEF in Davos-Klosters was held under the theme 'A Spirit of Dialogue'.

Q11.According to the WEF white paper, where did India rank in AI investment as a share of GDP between 2010 and 2024?

A) 5th

B) 8th ✓

C) 1st

D) 11th

Explanation: India ranked 8th out of 11 countries in AI investments as a share of GDP, with investments estimated at 1.2%–1.8% of its 2024 GDP.

Q12.Which country officially withdrew from the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 22, 2026?

A) Germany

B) USA ✓

C) United Kingdom

D) Canada

Explanation: The United States of America formally withdrew from the WHO on January 22, 2026, ending its 78-year membership.

Q13.What is the significance of the Buyforex approval at GIFT IFSC?

A) It is the first bank in GIFT City

B) It provides the only currency exchange in India

C) It is the primary regulator of IFSC

D) It is the first AD-II licensed group entity to receive PSP authorization ✓

Explanation: Buyforex became the first Authorised Dealer Category-II (AD-II) licensed group entity to receive in-principle approval for Payment Service Provider (PSP) authorization at GIFT-IFSC.

Q14.According to the UNCTAD report, FDI inflows to India in 2025 increased by:

A) 14%

B) 47%

C) 73% ✓

D) 56%

Explanation: UNCTAD reported that FDI inflows to India surged by 73% to USD 47 billion in 2025, driven by investments in services and manufacturing.

Q15.Who is the first Indian to receive the Wiley Research Heroes Prize?

A) Dr. A.K. Dubey

B) Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya ✓

C) Prof. Ashwini Vaishnaw

D) Dr. Bipin Bakshi

Explanation: Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya, a former WHO staff member, is the first Indian to receive the Wiley Research Heroes Prize for his contributions to public policy.

Q16.Sikkim Police recently received the President’s Police Colour Award. What is its status among North East Indian states?

A) 3rd ✓

B) 5th

C) 1st

D) 2nd

Explanation: Sikkim is the 15th state overall and the 3rd state in the North East region to be conferred with the President’s Police Colour Award.

Q17.Who has been appointed as the Part-time Chairman of IndusInd Bank starting January 31, 2026?

A) Ashwini Vaishnaw

B) Gyanesh Kumar

C) Sunil Mehta

D) Arijit Basu ✓

Explanation: Arijit Basu, a veteran banker formerly with SBI, has been appointed as the Part-time Chairman of IndusInd Bank, succeeding Sunil Mehta.

Q18.The book 'Red Lines Redrawn' provides a detailed account of which military operation?

A) Operation Sindoor ✓

B) Operation Vijay

C) Operation Rakshak

D) Operation Shakti

Explanation: The book details 'Operation Sindoor', an 88-hour campaign launched in May 2025 as a response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

Q19.What is the theme for the 2026 International Day of Education?

A) Sustainable Education 2030

B) The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education ✓

C) Digital Learning for the Future

D) Education for All

Explanation: The theme for the 2026 International Day of Education is 'The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education', emphasizing the role of youth in shaping education systems.

Q20.Which initiative, launched on June 24, 2025, aims to train young adolescent girls in non-traditional sectors?

A) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

B) Samagra Shiksha

C) Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya

D) NAVYA ✓

Explanation: NAVYA (Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls) is a joint initiative training girls in non-traditional sectors to promote independence.

20 questions — 27 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

28 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.What was the theme for India's 77th Republic Day celebrations held in 2026?

A) Viksit Bharat

B) 150 Years of Vande Mataram ✓

C) Unity in Diversity

D) Atmanirbhar Bharat

Explanation: The 77th Republic Day celebrations were held under the theme titled '150 Years of Vande Mataram', which was also reflected in the special musical piece composed by M.M. Keeravani.

Q2.Who were the Chief Guests at the 77th Republic Day parade in 2026?

A) The Secretary-General of the United Nations

B) Presidents of the European Council and European Commission ✓

C) The Prime Minister of the UK

D) The President of France

Explanation: Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, attended as Chief Guests, marking the first instance of top EU leaders being invited together.

Q3.Which organization showcased the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) during the 2026 Republic Day parade?

A) HAL

B) BrahMos Aerospace

C) DRDO ✓

D) ISRO

Explanation: The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) unveiled its first indigenous Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile, designed specifically for coastal defence.

Q4.The newly launched 'PANCHAM' chatbot, developed by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, was created in collaboration with which international organization?

A) World Bank

B) UNICEF ✓

C) WHO

D) UNESCO

Explanation: PANCHAM (Panchayat Assistance & Messaging Chatbot) was developed in collaboration with UNICEF to provide guidance and digital support to over 30 lakh elected representatives.

Q5.Which Indian state ranked first in the implementation of the PESA Act for the year 2024-25?

A) Jharkhand

B) Madhya Pradesh

C) Maharashtra ✓

D) Himachal Pradesh

Explanation: According to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj rankings, Maharashtra secured the first position, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh respectively.

Q6.The 'Raj-UNNATI' platform, launched by the Rajasthan government, is inspired by which Central Government governance model?

A) Make in India

B) PM Gati Shakti

C) Digital India

D) PRAGATI ✓

Explanation: Raj-UNNATI is designed to monitor fast-track projects and is directly inspired by the Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) model of the Government of India.

Q7.The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) signed an MoU with which state to conserve critically endangered vulture species?

A) Odisha

B) Uttarakhand

C) Jharkhand ✓

D) Assam

Explanation: The BNHS signed a five-year MoU with the Chief Wildlife Warden of Jharkhand to support scientific breeding and monitoring of vulture species like the Oriental White-backed and Long-billed Vulture.

Q8.According to the UNEP report 'State of Finance for Nature 2026', for every $1 invested in protecting nature, how much is spent on harmful activities?

A) $30 ✓

B) $10

C) $40

D) $20

Explanation: The report highlights a significant disparity, noting that for every $1 invested in nature-based solutions, approximately $30 is spent on activities that harm nature.

Q9.The World Bank has approved a financing package for the 1,125 MW Dorjilung Hydropower Project located in which country?

A) India

B) Sri Lanka

C) Nepal

D) Bhutan ✓

Explanation: The World Bank approved $815 million for the Dorjilung Hydropower Project, a public-private partnership project situated in Bhutan.

Q10.Who among the following was conferred the Padma Vibhushan (posthumously) in 2026?

A) Dharmendra ✓

B) Hema Malini

C) Amitabh Bachchan

D) Rekha

Explanation: Veteran film actor Dharmendra (Dharmendra Singh Deol), who passed away in November 2025, was conferred the Padma Vibhushan posthumously in 2026 for his contribution to art. The Padma Vibhushan is India's second-highest civilian award.

Q11.Who succeeded Randhir Singh as the President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA)?

A) Thomas Bach

B) Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah

C) Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani ✓

D) Narinder Batra

Explanation: Following Randhir Singh's resignation due to health issues, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, was elected as the new OCA President.

Q12.Veteran journalist Sir Mark Tully, who passed away in 2026, was famously associated with which media organization?

A) CNN

B) BBC ✓

C) Reuters

D) Al Jazeera

Explanation: Sir William Mark Tully was a legendary broadcaster and long-serving Bureau Chief for the BBC in New Delhi, often referred to as the 'voice of India'.

Q13.What is the significance of the 16th National Voters’ Day (NVD) celebrated in 2026?

A) Marks the adoption of the Constitution

B) Celebrates the first general election

C) Commemorates the establishment of the Election Commission of India ✓

D) Commemorates the formation of the UN

Explanation: National Voters' Day is observed annually on January 25 to mark the founding of the Election Commission of India in 1950.

Q14.The Matabari Tourism Circuit project, inaugurated by Jyotiraditya Scindia, is located in which state?

A) Tripura ✓

B) Assam

C) Meghalaya

D) Manipur

Explanation: The Matabari Tourism Circuit is a major development project situated in Tripura, integrating landmarks like the Tripura Sundari Temple and Dumbur Lake.

Q15.Which state declared 2026 as the 'Year of Agriculture' to focus on farmer welfare?

A) Punjab

B) Madhya Pradesh ✓

C) Rajasthan

D) Haryana

Explanation: During the Republic Day celebrations in Bhopal, the Governor of Madhya Pradesh declared 2026 as the 'Year of Agriculture' with the theme 'Prosperous Farmers, Prosperous State'.

Q16.Which player, honored with a Padma Shri in 2026, is the captain of the Indian Women's cricket team?

A) Savita Punia

B) Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar ✓

C) Smriti Mandhana

D) Mithali Raj

Explanation: Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar, the captain of the Indian women's cricket team, was among the sports personalities conferred with the Padma Shri award in 2026.

Q17.What was the specific aim of the Agarwood Value Chain Development Scheme (AVCDS) launched in Tripura?

A) Building processing centers ✓

B) Improving irrigation

C) Exporting raw timber

D) Promoting ecotourism

Explanation: The AVCDS involves the establishment of Central Processing Centres (CPCs) to create a sustainable value chain for agarwood, with centers planned in Assam and Tripura.

Q18.Which former BCCI president was known for modernizing cricket commercial strategy and bringing ESPN to India?

A) Inderjit Singh Bindra ✓

B) Shashank Manohar

C) Raj Singh Dungarpur

D) Jagmohan Dalmiya

Explanation: Inderjit Singh Bindra was a key administrator who broke Doordarshan's cricket monopoly in 1994, ushering in the era of global sports broadcasting in India.

Q19.Under the 'Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Project', how much financial support has the World Bank approved?

A) Rs. 4,500 crore

B) Rs. 5,700 crore ✓

C) Rs. 2,700 crore

D) Rs. 900 crore

Explanation: The World Bank has approved Rs. 5,700 crore to assist Haryana in achieving self-reliance in water resources, covering canal restoration and micro-irrigation.

Q20.The 'Nature Transition X-Curve' introduced in the UNEP report is a framework for:

A) Biodiversity tagging

B) Reforming capital flows for nature ✓

C) Tracking carbon taxes

D) Monitoring glacial melt

Explanation: The Nature Transition X-Curve is a framework designed to help policymakers and businesses sequence policy actions and scale up high-integrity nature-based solutions.

20 questions — 28 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

29 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.The newly approved Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour in Mayabunder is funded under which scheme?

A) Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) ✓

B) Coastal Area Development Fund

C) Blue Revolution 2.0

D) Sagarmala Programme

Explanation: The Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour at Mayabunder, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, received 100% Central Financial Assistance specifically under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

Q2.What is a primary technological goal of the IoT-enabled systems planned at the Mayabunder Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour?

A) To enhance efficiency and combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing ✓

B) To increase the number of fishing vessels by 50%

C) To establish a cold storage facility in mainland India

D) To privatize the Exclusive Economic Zone

Explanation: The Mayabunder harbour integrates IoT-enabled systems and digital traceability to improve operational efficiency, safety, and sustainable fisheries management, and is expected to help combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Q3.According to the NITI Aayog report on End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs), why are older Bharat Stage (BS-I) vehicles considered a significant environmental concern?

A) They lack GPS tracking

B) They are not eligible for scrap incentives

C) They emit up to 8 times more pollutants than BS-VI vehicles ✓

D) They consume twice as much fuel as modern vehicles

Explanation: The NITI Aayog report highlights that older BS-I vehicles are far more polluting, emitting up to 8 times more pollutants compared to the current BS-VI emission standards.

Q4.Which institution collaborated with NITI Aayog to develop the report on the circular economy of E-waste and Lithium-ion batteries?

A) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi

B) The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) ✓

C) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

D) Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

Explanation: The report titled 'Advancing Circular Economy of Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (E-waste) and Lithium-ion Batteries in India' was a joint effort between NITI Aayog and TERI.

Q5.Who chairs the newly constituted SAARG Committee by the PFRDA?

A) Ananth Narayan

B) Raamdeo Agrawal

C) Sivasubramanian Ramann

D) Narayan Ramachandran ✓

Explanation: The Strategic Asset Allocation and Risk Governance (SAARG) Committee, tasked with reviewing NPS investment frameworks, is chaired by Narayan Ramachandran, a former CEO of Morgan Stanley India.

Q6.What is the primary purpose of the partnership between the Department of Posts and Stock Holding Services Limited (SSL)?

A) To sell government gold bonds

B) To provide postal insurance to urban residents

C) To convert post offices into ATM-only branches

D) To expand capital market access through India Post's network ✓

Explanation: The partnership aims to allow citizens to participate in capital markets by accessing digital investment services, such as Demat account opening and IPO participation, via India Post outlets.

Q7.What is the key objective of the Statement of Intent (SoI) signed between NITI Aayog and the NIIT Foundation?

A) To provide scholarships for engineering students

B) To outsource government administrative work to private entities

C) To boost digital literacy and skill development in Aspirational Blocks ✓

D) To build new digital infrastructure in major cities

Explanation: The SoI aims to enhance digital and financial literacy, as well as vocational skills, for 1.2 lakh beneficiaries within Aspirational Blocks, with a specific focus on women's participation.

Q8.Adani Defence's MoU with Embraer primarily focuses on which aspect of the aviation industry?

A) Manufacturing of drone swarms for border surveillance

B) Training airline pilots for international routes

C) Developing a Final Assembly Line and MRO services in India ✓

D) Creating a new airline for the UDAN scheme

Explanation: The MoU explores the creation of an aviation ecosystem in India, specifically focusing on a Final Assembly Line for aircraft, maintenance services, and supply chain development.

Q9.GAIL's equity participation in a ship-owning company involves a vessel that will be used for which purpose?

A) Transporting crude oil from the Middle East

B) Carrying Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) ✓

C) Researching climate change in the Indian Ocean

D) Exporting Indian-made automobiles

Explanation: The equity deal pertains to an LNG carrier currently under construction in South Korea, which will operate under a long-term charter agreement with GAIL.

Q10.Which of the following is India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, recently awarded to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla?

A) Ashoka Chakra ✓

B) Shaurya Chakra

C) Param Vishisht Seva Medal

D) Kirti Chakra

Explanation: The Ashoka Chakra is India's highest peacetime gallantry award. It was conferred upon Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for his historic mission to the International Space Station.

Q11.How many categories of the Jeevan Raksha Padak series are there?

A) Five

B) Four

C) Three ✓

D) Two

Explanation: The Jeevan Raksha Padak series is comprised of three categories: Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak, Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak, and Jeevan Raksha Padak.

Q12.What is the key feature of the Microsoft 'Maia 200' AI chip?

A) It is the first AI chip to use solar power

B) It is the first chip designed for gaming consoles

C) It is manufactured using 3nm process technology by TSMC ✓

D) It is exclusively for mobile devices

Explanation: The Maia 200 is Microsoft's second-generation in-house AI processor, manufactured by TSMC using advanced 3-nanometer technology to improve AI workload efficiency.

Q13.Which organization was established on January 26, 2009, and is associated with the International Day of Clean Energy?

A) International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) ✓

B) International Energy Agency (IEA)

C) International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

D) World Customs Organization (WCO)

Explanation: The International Day of Clean Energy coincides with the establishment of IRENA, which promotes renewable energy transitions worldwide.

Q14.Where is the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the body associated with the International Day of Clean Energy?

A) Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates ✓

B) Geneva, Switzerland

C) Vienna, Austria

D) Paris, France

Explanation: The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), established on 26 January 2009, is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (Masdar City). Its founding date is commemorated as the International Day of Clean Energy.

Q15.What is the primary function of the World Customs Organization (WCO)?

A) Ensuring security and facilitating compliant trade ✓

B) Regulating international currency exchange rates

C) Setting global fishing quotas

D) Managing international postal rates

Explanation: The WCO works to ensure the security of international borders and facilitates trade compliance, recognizing the role of customs administrations globally.

Q16.The 'Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat' scheme was launched by the government of which state?

A) Tripura

B) West Bengal

C) Assam ✓

D) Kerala

Explanation: The Government of Assam launched this scheme to provide financial assistance to tea garden workers in commemoration of the 200th year of the Assam tea industry.

Q17.Approximately how many tea garden workers are set to benefit from the one-time financial assistance in Assam?

A) 3 lakh

B) 6 lakh ✓

C) 10 lakh

D) 1 lakh

Explanation: The scheme aims to provide one-time financial assistance of Rs 5,000 to more than six lakh tea garden workers across the state of Assam.

Q18.What is the significance of the 200th year of Assam's tea industry in the context of the recent state government scheme?

A) It marks the shift to organic farming

B) It commemorates the invention of the first tea machine

C) It signals the total privatization of tea estates

D) It prompted the launch of welfare initiatives for tea garden workers ✓

Explanation: The Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme was launched specifically to honor the contributions of workers on the occasion of the bicentenary of the Assam tea industry.

Q19.Which of the following describes the role of the SAARG Committee regarding the NPS?

A) To handle daily customer service complaints

B) To audit the payroll of pension fund employees

C) To monitor the sale of insurance policies

D) To review and recommend investment framework modernization ✓

Explanation: The committee's mandate is to review, benchmark, and modernize the investment framework of the National Pension System (NPS) to improve risk governance and portfolio performance.

Q20.What percentage of India's annual E-waste economic value is currently recovered, according to the NITI Aayog report?

A) 60%

B) 18% ✓

C) 80%

D) 40%

Explanation: While 60% of the Rs 51,000 crore economic value of India's E-waste is extractable, current recovery systems only capture 18% of this potential.

20 questions — 29 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

30 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.Who were the Chief Guests for India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations in 2026?

A) Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and Kaja Kallas

B) Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Luis Santos da Costa ✓

C) Kaja Kallas and Narendra Modi

D) Ursula von der Leyen and Kaja Kallas

Explanation: Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EU Commission, and Antonio Luis Santos da Costa, President of the EU Council, were the Chief Guests for the 77th Republic Day of India.

Q2.What is the primary aim of the 'NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme' launched by PFRDA?

A) To offer higher interest rates on pension contributions for senior citizens

B) To replace the existing NPS with a new insurance-based model

C) To integrate health-related benefits within the National Pension System ✓

D) To provide mandatory health insurance to all citizens

Explanation: The NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme is a health-linked pension offering launched under the Regulatory Sandbox framework to integrate medical benefits directly into the NPS structure.

Q3.Under the 'NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme', what condition must be met before a subscriber can make partial withdrawals for medical expenses?

A) Completion of 5 years of service

B) Attainment of the age of 60

C) Approval from the Central Government

D) Accumulation of a minimum corpus of Rs 50,000 ✓

Explanation: Eligible subscribers are permitted to make partial withdrawals for medical expenses up to 25% of their own contributions only after reaching a minimum corpus threshold of Rs 50,000.

Q4.What is the primary objective of NITI Aayog's 'Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0'?

A) To reduce carbon emissions across all Union Territories

B) To increase foreign direct investment in manufacturing sectors

C) To promote digital literacy in rural schools

D) To ensure 100% saturation of key development indicators in Aspirational Districts and Blocks ✓

Explanation: Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 aims to fast-track development and achieve 100% saturation of essential development indicators across the identified Aspirational Districts and Blocks within a three-month period.

Q5.Which institution acts as the host for the high-level committee formed to strengthen FPOs in Tamil Nadu?

A) Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC)

B) Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

C) NABARD

D) ICAR–National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB) ✓

Explanation: The ICAR–National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB) in Tiruchirappalli, TN, serves as the host institution providing logistical and secretarial support to the committee.

Q6.The newly signed MoU between AIIA and CAYEIT primarily focuses on which technological field?

A) Development of traditional maritime defense systems

B) Space exploration and satellite tracking

C) Mass production of organic fertilizers

D) AI and Machine Learning-enabled analysis of Ayurvedic data ✓

Explanation: The MoU aims to integrate advanced technology into Ayurveda, specifically focusing on AI and Machine Learning to analyze data and improve innovation in Ayurvedic education.

Q7.Where is India's first AI-enabled state university pilot project being implemented?

A) Jawaharlal Nehru University

B) Banaras Hindu University

C) Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut ✓

D) University of Delhi

Explanation: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship announced the pilot project at Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU) in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, in collaboration with Google Cloud.

Q8.Under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, what is the mandatory segregation requirement?

A) Three-stream (wet, dry, and plastic)

B) No mandatory segregation, only bulk processing

C) Two-stream (wet and dry)

D) Four-stream (wet, dry, sanitary, and special care) ✓

Explanation: The 2026 rules mandate a four-stream source segregation policy consisting of wet, dry, sanitary, and special care waste.

Q9.What is the primary purpose of the new Aadhaar App launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology?

A) To provide a secure and privacy-focused digital identity management tool ✓

B) To facilitate international bank transfers

C) To replace the physical Aadhaar card entirely

D) To allow users to vote in national elections

Explanation: The new Aadhaar App allows users to securely carry, display, verify, and share their digital identity, including features like offline QR code scanning for hotel check-ins and face verification.

Q10.What is the goal of the MoU between BISAG-N and QNu Labs?

A) To develop AI-based crop monitoring systems

B) To map the country's geographical resources using satellites

C) To improve internet connectivity in remote villages

D) To build India-centric, quantum-resilient cybersecurity solutions ✓

Explanation: The MoU focuses on developing and deploying quantum-resilient cybersecurity solutions to protect critical infrastructure against future threats from quantum computing.

Q11.Which state announced the establishment of India's first 'Innovation City' near its upcoming international airport?

A) Gujarat

B) Uttar Pradesh

C) Maharashtra ✓

D) Assam

Explanation: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis announced the Innovation City project near the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport with a significant investment from Tata Sons.

Q12.Which state participated in the WEF Annual Meeting for the first time in 2026?

A) Assam ✓

B) Jharkhand

C) Madhya Pradesh

D) Kerala

Explanation: The government of Assam participated in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos for the first time, securing investment commitments worth Rs 1 lakh crores.

Q13.What is the primary purpose of the resource-sharing agreement between RIL and ONGC?

A) To merge both companies into a single entity

B) To divide the Indian energy market equally between them

C) To jointly conduct nuclear energy research

D) To optimize offshore operational efficiency and energy security ✓

Explanation: The agreement allows RIL and ONGC to share offshore assets and services in the KG Basin and Andaman blocks, reducing duplication and costs while strengthening national energy security.

Q14.Who was awarded the 'Ati Vishisht Seva Medal' (AVSM) among the ICG personnel in 2026?

A) Additional Director General Donny Michael ✓

B) Commandant Rakesh Kumar Rana

C) Inspector General Iqbal Singh Chauhan

D) Deputy Inspector General K. S. Sitaram

Explanation: Additional Director General Donny Michael was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) for his distinguished service in the Indian Coast Guard.

Q15.Which tableau was adjudged the Best in the state/Union Territories category during the 77th Republic Day parade?

A) Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta ✓

B) National Education Policy 2020

C) Vande Mataram - The Soul Cry of a Nation

D) The Himalayan Legacy

Explanation: Maharashtra's tableau titled 'Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta' won the top spot in the state/UT category.

Q16.Which ministry's tableau won the Best Tableau Award in the Central Ministries/Departments category?

A) Ministry of Culture ✓

B) Ministry of Education

C) Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

D) Ministry of Defence

Explanation: The Ministry of Culture won the Best Tableau Award for its presentation, 'Vande Mataram – The Soul Cry of a Nation'.

Q17.Which state emerged as the overall champion in the ice sports phase of the 6th Khelo India Winter Games 2026?

A) Haryana ✓

B) Maharashtra

C) Ladakh

D) Jammu and Kashmir

Explanation: Haryana topped the medal tally in the first phase (ice sports) of the 6th Khelo India Winter Games held in Leh, Ladakh.

Q18.What is the mascot of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026?

A) The Golden Eagle

B) The Royal Bengal Tiger

C) The Himalayan Bear

D) The Snow Leopard (Sheen-E-She) ✓

Explanation: The mascot for the 2026 games is 'Sheen-E-She' (Shan), the Snow Leopard, representing the resilience and agility of the Himalayan legacy.

Q19.What is the theme for the 2026 International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust?

A) Never Again: A Global Pledge

B) Holocaust Remembrance for Dignity and Human Rights ✓

C) Legacy of the Survivors

D) Lessons from History for a Peaceful Future

Explanation: The 2026 theme for Holocaust Remembrance Day is 'Holocaust Remembrance for Dignity and Human Rights', emphasizing the protection of universal human rights.

Q20.The 27th of January marks the anniversary of the liberation of which Nazi concentration camp?

A) Dachau

B) Treblinka

C) Sobibor

D) Auschwitz-Birkenau ✓

Explanation: January 27 commemorates the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi German concentration and extermination camp by Soviet troops in 1945.

20 questions — 30 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

31 January 2026 — Current Affairs MCQ

20 questions · with answers

Take quiz →

Q1.Which two entities formed the Joint Venture (SPV) for the National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park (NSHIP) in Thoothukudi?

A) JSW Defence and VOC Port Authority

B) Ministry of Ports and Indian Maritime University

C) SIPCOT and Ministry of Defence

D) VOC Port Authority and SIPCOT ✓

Explanation: The NSHIP SPV is a 50:50 joint venture between the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port) and the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT).

Q2.What is the primary objective of classifying 'Coking Coal' as a critical mineral under the MMDR Act, 1957?

A) To increase export revenue from coal sales

B) To replace petroleum products in blast furnaces

C) To mandate private ownership of all coal mines

D) To reduce dependence on imports for the steel supply chain ✓

Explanation: Classifying coking coal as a critical and strategic mineral aims to strengthen India's domestic steel supply chain and reduce the country's heavy dependence on imported coking coal, which currently accounts for 95% of the requirement.

Q3.The PAIMANA portal, operationalised by MoSPI, is designed to monitor which category of projects?

A) Private sector startups worth over Rs 50 crore

B) International shipping routes between India and Singapore

C) State-level welfare schemes in rural areas

D) Central Sector Infrastructure Projects worth Rs 150 crore and above ✓

Explanation: PAIMANA (Project Assessment, Infrastructure Monitoring & Analytics for Nation-building) is a web-based portal dedicated to monitoring Central Sector Infrastructure Projects with a cost of Rs 150 crore and above.

Q4.What is the primary function of the e-Methanol plant to be established at Kandla Port by Assam Petro-Chemicals Limited?

A) To refine crude oil into gasoline

B) To produce clean marine and industrial fuel using green hydrogen and CO2 ✓

C) To manufacture plastic pellets for export

D) To provide electricity for local residential areas in Gujarat

Explanation: The e-Methanol plant will use green hydrogen and captured CO2 to produce e-Methanol, serving as a clean marine fuel for the shipping industry and helping to decarbonise sectors where electrification is challenging.

Q5.The V-BAT drone system, being procured by the Indian Army from Shield AI, is classified as which type of aircraft system?

A) Group-3 VTOL Unmanned Aircraft System ✓

B) Group-5 High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) bomber

C) Fixed-wing fighter jet

D) Group-1 Surveillance Micro-drone

Explanation: The V-BAT is classified as a 'Group-3' Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft System that features a ducted-fan design, allowing it to operate without runways.

Q6.Where was the 100-metre steel bridge for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project fabricated?

A) Surat, Gujarat

B) Nagpur, Maharashtra

C) Wardha, Maharashtra ✓

D) Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Explanation: The 100-metre-long steel bridge, which weighs 1,098 Metric tons, was fabricated in a specialised workshop located in Wardha, Maharashtra, before being transported to Ahmedabad for assembly.

Q7.Who was appointed as the chairman of the reconstituted Reinsurance Advisory Committee (RAC) by IRDAI?

A) Aruna Bowrampet

B) Ajay Seth

C) A.V. Girija Kumar ✓

D) Rajan Bajaj

Explanation: A.V. Girija Kumar, the former Chairman and Managing Director of Oriental Insurance Company Limited (OICL), has been appointed to head the reconstituted RAC for a three-year term.

Q8.Which financial product launched by Slice SFB is linked to the RBI Repo rate?

A) Small Business Loans

B) Digital Savings Account ✓

C) UPI Credit Card

D) Digital Fixed Deposits

Explanation: Slice Small Finance Bank launched India's first digital savings account linked to 100% of the RBI Repo rate, allowing for real-time interest calculation and credit.

Q9.What new capability does the PA-P license provide to the fintech startup Paysharp?

A) The ability to issue credit cards to retail customers

B) Permission to trade international currencies

C) Authorization to operate as an offline/physical payment aggregator ✓

D) Approval to establish a full-fledged commercial bank

Explanation: The Payment Aggregator–Physical (PA-P) license from the RBI allows Paysharp to process payments in offline/physical store environments, effectively creating an omnichannel payment solution.

Q10.Why did Punjab & Sind Bank receive RBI approval to open a branch in GIFT City?

A) To offer domestic gold trading services

B) To increase its retail customer base in Gandhinagar

C) To provide microfinance loans to local farmers

D) To facilitate cross-border financial services and international banking ✓

Explanation: GIFT City operates under an IFSC framework specifically designed for international banking and cross-border transactions, which is the primary operational focus for the bank's new branch.

Q11.Which major aerospace program was Kota Ravi associated with prior to his appointment as CMD of HAL?

A) The Mangalyaan satellite project

B) The BrahMos missile project

C) The Arjun Main Battle Tank development

D) The LCA Tejas fighter aircraft programme ✓

Explanation: Kota Ravi served as the Executive Director and General Manager of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Division, playing a key role in the production and delivery of India's indigenous fighter aircraft.

Q12.Martyrs' Day (Shaheed Divas) is observed on January 30 to commemorate the death anniversary of which historical figure?

A) Subhash Chandra Bose

B) Mahatma Gandhi ✓

C) Bhagat Singh

D) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Explanation: January 30 marks the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who was assassinated in 1948, and the day is observed as Martyrs' Day to honour his legacy and sacrifices.

Q13.What is the theme for the 2026 World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day (WNTDD)?

A) Health for All

B) Science against Parasites

C) End the Neglect

D) Unite. Act. Eliminate ✓

Explanation: The 2026 theme for the World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day is 'Unite. Act. Eliminate,' which emphasises global collaboration to eradicate these diseases.

Q14.What is the primary focus of Kerala's 'Sthree Suraksha Scheme' announced in the FY27 budget?

A) Subsidies for female-owned startups

B) Monthly financial assistance for women aged 35 to 60 ✓

C) Free healthcare for all elderly citizens

D) Employment guarantees for rural women

Explanation: The Sthree Suraksha Scheme provides monthly financial assistance of Rs 1000 to women (including trans-women) between the ages of 35 and 60 who are not covered under other social security schemes.

Q15.Which organisation partnered with APEDB to mobilise and mentor women entrepreneurs for the new industrial park in Andhra Pradesh?

A) NABARD

B) SEBI

C) NASSCOM

D) FICCI-FLO ✓

Explanation: FICCI-FLO (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry Ladies Organisation) is the partner responsible for mobilizing, mentoring, and capacity building for women entrepreneurs in the park.

Q16.What percentage stake does SIPCOT hold in the NSHIP Special Purpose Vehicle?

A) 25%

B) 75%

C) 100%

D) 50% ✓

Explanation: The NSHIP SPV is a joint venture between the VOC Port Authority and SIPCOT, with each partner holding a 50% equity stake.

Q17.Under which Act was the notification to include 'Coking Coal' as a critical mineral issued?

A) Companies Act, 2013

B) Industrial Disputes Act, 1947

C) Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 ✓

D) Environmental Protection Act, 1986

Explanation: The government amended the First Schedule of the MMDR Act, 1957, to include coking coal as a critical and strategic mineral.

Q18.What is the primary function of the 'Slice in 3' feature in the newly launched Slice UPI credit card?

A) To provide 3% cashback on all transactions

B) To allow no-cost EMI conversion for purchases above Rs 2,000 ✓

C) To provide 3-year term loans for students

D) To limit daily spending to Rs 3,000

Explanation: The 'Slice in 3' feature allows customers to convert their purchases into no-cost Equated Monthly Investments (EMI) for transactions valued at Rs 2,000 or more.

Q19.What is the significance of the 2030 vision mentioned regarding Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)?

A) To develop vaccines for all parasite-based diseases by 2030

B) To increase funding for research by 2030

C) To eliminate at least one NTD in 100 countries by 2030 ✓

D) To eradicate all 21 types of NTDs globally

Explanation: Under the WHO's NTD Roadmap (2021–2030), the goal is to successfully eliminate at least one neglected tropical disease in at least 100 countries by the year 2030.

Q20.Which commission was announced in the Kerala FY27 budget for government employees?

A) The 10th Pay Commission

B) The 12th Pay Revision Commission ✓

C) The Social Welfare Reform Commission

D) The 7th Central Pay Commission

Explanation: As part of the FY27 budget, the Kerala government announced the formation of the 12th Pay Revision Commission to review salaries for state government employees.

20 questions — 31 January 2026 Take interactive quiz →

About January 2026 Current Affairs for Competitive Exams

This page compiles all January 2026 current affairs MCQ questions with answers published on DailyGK — 31 quizzes and 620+ questions in total. Each question is drawn from that day's most important national and international news, verified for accuracy, and paired with a detailed explanation.

January 2026 current affairs is directly relevant for exams scheduled later in 2026, including UPSC Prelims GS-1, SSC CGL and CHSL General Awareness, RRB NTPC General Knowledge, IBPS PO, and most state PSC examinations. Most exams test current affairs from the preceding 6–12 months, making January high-priority revision material.

For topic-wise revision alongside these current affairs questions, explore the static GK sets: Indian Polity, Indian Economy, Science & Technology, Indian History, and Indian Geography. Combining daily current affairs with static topic revision gives you the strongest preparation base.

Browse the Full Archive

All Months → January 2026 Quiz Archive →

Frequently Asked Questions

How many current affairs questions are there for January 2026?

DailyGK published 31 daily quizzes for January 2026, totalling 620+ MCQ questions — each with a full answer key and explanation. A new quiz was published every day throughout the month.

Is January 2026 current affairs important for UPSC Prelims?

Yes. UPSC Prelims tests current affairs from the past 12 months. January 2026 is directly within the revision window for most upcoming UPSC Prelims exams. Focus on government policy decisions, appointments, international summits, and science & technology events from the month.

Can I download January 2026 current affairs as a PDF?

Each individual daily quiz on DailyGK has a "Download as PDF" button after you complete it — generating a clean PDF of all questions, answers, and explanations from that day. For the full month, bookmark this page and use your browser's print/save-as-PDF function.

How do I practice January 2026 current affairs MCQ for SSC CGL?

Attempt each daily quiz from the list above interactively by clicking "Take interactive quiz →". This gives you a live scoring experience matching SSC CGL difficulty. After completing a quiz, review the explanations for every question — including ones you answered correctly — to deepen retention.

Take Today's Quiz Live

Real-time scoring, explanations after each answer, streak tracking — a better way to practice than reading a list.

All Current Affairs → Static GK Sets →