January 2026 Current Affairs Quiz – 80 questions

Answer: (b) Uttar Pradesh

• Key Details
• State: Uttar Pradesh
• Effective Date: January 21, 2026
• Reason for Name: While the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) suggested the name ‘Lok Bhavan’ to remove colonial associations, Uttar Pradesh already has a building named Lok Bhavan (the Chief Minister’s office). To avoid confusion, the state chose ‘Jan Bhavan’.
• Objective: To promote people-centric governance and move away from nomenclature perceived as having a colonial mindset.

Answer: (b) Tata Group

• According to the Brand Finance Global 500 2026 report, Tata Group is India’s most valuable brand, maintaining its top position with a brand value of over $30 billion and ranking 61st globally. It is the only Indian brand consistently ranked near the top 50 in the global, with other notable performers including Infosys (150th globally).

Answer: (b) Punjab

• In January 2026, the state of Punjab launched its first-ever Dog Sanctuary to address the stray dog menace.
• Key Details
• State: Punjab
• Location: Ludhiana (specifically at the Haibowal Dairy Complex).
• Capacity: The facility can accommodate approximately 500 dogs.
• Inauguration: It was inaugurated by Sanjeev Arora, the Punjab Cabinet Minister for Local Government, on January 18, 2026.
• Objective: To provide a humane and systematic solution to the rising number of dog bite incidents (Ludhiana recorded over 13,000 cases in 2025). The sanctuary focuses on medical care, sterilization, and shelter following Supreme Court guidelines.
• Future Plan: This is a pilot project that the state government intends to replicate in other districts across Punjab.

Answer: (b) Punjab

• Key Details of Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana (Punjab, 2026)
• Launched By: Punjab Government
• Date of Launch: January 22, 2026
• Coverage: All residents of Punjab (around 3 crore people from 65 lakh families)
• Benefit: Free, cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh per family per year
• Hospitals Covered: Over 900 government and private hospitals in Punjab and Chandigarh
• Treatment Packages: More than 2,356 medical procedures including cardiac care, cancer treatment, kidney dialysis, neurosurgery, orthopaedics, maternity, neonatal care, and emergency services
• Health Card: Families will receive a card ensuring cashless treatment without upfront payment
• Objective: Move towards Universal Health Coverage in Punjab, expanding earlier limited schemes to include all residents without income caps

Answer: (b) Jharkhand, Saranda

• Key Details of Operation Mega Buru
• State: Jharkhand
• Location: Saranda forests, West Singhbhum district
• Forces Involved: CRPF and Jharkhand Police (joint operation)
• Outcome:
• Around 16–19 Maoists killed, including senior leaders.
• Patiram Manjhi alias Anal Da, a top CPI (Maoist) leader with a bounty of ₹2.35 crore, was neutralized.
• Several other Maoists carrying cumulative bounties worth over ₹4 crore were also eliminated.
• Significance:
• Marked the biggest anti-Naxal strike in Jharkhand’s history.
• Considered a major breakthrough in the Centre’s campaign to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism.
• Security forces dismantled Maoist supply chains before the final assault.

Answer: (a) France

• Key Details
• Country: France
• Legislative Action: The National Assembly (lower house) approved the bill on January 26, 2026, with a vote of 130 to 21.
• Age Limit: The ban applies to children under 15.
• Primary Goal: To protect minors from mental health risks, cyberbullying, and the addictive nature of algorithms. President Emmanuel Macron championed the move, stating that children's emotions are "not for sale."
• Implementation: The government aims to enforce the law by September 2026 (the start of the new school year). It also includes a ban on mobile phones in high schools.
• Global Context: France is the second country to take such a strict step, following Australia, which implemented a ban for children under 16 in late 2025.

Answer: (a) Uttar Pradesh

• The initiative was officially launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on January 24, 2026, during the Uttar Pradesh Diwas (UP Day) celebrations in Lucknow.
• Objective: Following the success of the 'One District One Product' (ODOP) model, ODOC aims to give a global identity to the traditional food and beverage specialties of each of the state's 75 districts.
• Featured Delicacies: The scheme promotes iconic items like Agra's Petha, Mathura's Peda, Lucknow's Malai Makhan, and Varanasi's Malaiyo.
• Support: It focuses on GI-tag recognition, improving food safety standards, and providing a platform for local halwais and small food entrepreneurs through e-commerce and branding.

Answer: (b) European Union

• In January 2026, India announced a historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU).
• Key Highlights of the Deal
• Official Name: India–European Union Free Trade Agreement.
• Announcement Date: January 27, 2026, during the India-EU Summit in New Delhi.
• The "Mother of All Deals": This phrase was used by both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to describe the agreement, which took nearly 20 years to negotiate (starting in 2007).
• Economic Impact: It creates one of the world's largest free trade zones, encompassing nearly 2 billion people and representing roughly 25% of global GDP.
• Tariff Reductions: * The EU will remove tariffs on 99.5% of Indian export items.
• India will reduce tariffs on 97.5% of the traded value, significantly lowering duties on European products like cars, wines, and olive oil.
• Strategic Importance: The deal also includes a Security and Defence Partnership, focusing on maritime security and cyber defense, and a mobility framework to ease the movement of skilled professionals and students.

Answer: (a) Maharashtra

• On 28 January 2026, a Learjet 45XR operated by VSR Ventures crashed during a charter flight from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai to Baramati Airport in Maharashtra, India, killing the Deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar (NCP Party), as well as all four other occupants.

Answer: (c) China

• In January 2026, China officially launched the world’s largest compressed-air energy storage (CAES) plant.
• Key Details
• Country: China
• Location: Huai'an, Jiangsu Province (specifically the Guoxin Suyan Salt Cavern Project).
• Capacity: 2.4 GWh (Gigawatt-hours) with an installed power output of 600 MW.
• Launch Date: Full commercial operations were confirmed on January 27, 2026.
• Efficiency: The plant achieves a world-leading 71% conversion efficiency, using advanced molten salt and pressurized thermal water for heat management.

Answer: (a) Dr. Parwinder Kaur

• Key Details
• Name: Dr. Parwinder Kaur
• Political Party: Labor Party (WA Labor)
• House: Legislative Council (Upper House) of Western Australia.
• Election Date: Elected during the Western Australian State Election held in March 2025; she was officially sworn in on May 22, 2025.
• Historic Swearing-in: She became the first politician in Australia to take the oath of office on the Gutka Sahib (a Sikh prayer book/scripture) while standing barefoot as a mark of respect.

Answer: (d) Maharashtra

• In the Republic Day 2026 Parade, Maharashtra won the first prize for the best tableau among States and Union Territories.
• Best Tableau Winners (Judges' Choice)
• First Prize: Maharashtra (Theme: “Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta”)
• Second Prize: Jammu & Kashmir (Theme: “Handicrafts and Folk Dances of J&K”)
• Third Prize: Kerala (Theme: “Water Metro & 100% Digital Literacy”)
• Important Details of Republic Day 2026
• Anniversary: India celebrated its 77th Republic Day.
• Chief Guests: For the first time, two top leaders of the European Union attended together: António Costa (President of the European Council) and Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission).
• Main Theme: “150 Years of Vande Mataram”, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the national song written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
• Secondary Themes: “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) and “Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka” (India – Mother of Democracy).
• Best Marching Contingents:
• Three Services: Indian Navy
• CAPF/Auxiliary Forces: Delhi Police
• Popular Choice Awards (MyGov voting):
• Best State Tableau: Gujarat (Theme: “Mantra of Swadeshi – Self-Reliance – Freedom”)
• Best Marching Contingent (Services): Assam Regiment
• Special Highlight: A European naval contingent participated in the parade for the first time, reflecting deepening India-EU strategic ties.

Answer: (c) Rajasthan

• The Rajasthan government launched the ‘e-Swasthya Samvad’ digital platform to enhance governance, transparency, and coordination in medical education.
• Key Details
• Leadership: Launched under the direction of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Medical Education Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar.
• Purpose: To create a direct digital interface between the government and stakeholders in the medical education department, including medical colleges and hospitals.
• Operational Schedule: Interactive sessions are held twice a week (every Tuesday and Thursday) via video conferencing.
• Accountability: Decisions are recorded as "Instant Minutes," and concerned officials must submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within 72 hours.

Answer: (c) Article 21

• Correct Answer: c अनुच्छेद 21 / Article 21
• 👉 Recently, the Supreme Court declared that the right to obtain and hold a passport is part of the Fundamental Right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.
• Quick Solution:
• Article 19: Freedom of speech, movement, association, etc.
• Article 20: Protection in respect of conviction for offences.
• Article 21: Right to life and personal liberty → includes right to travel abroad, hence passport.
• Article 22: Protection of rights in case of arrest and detention.
• ➡️ Therefore, the right to passport = Fundamental Right under Article 21.

Answer: (a) Bulgaria

• On January 1, 2026, Bulgaria became the 21st nation to officially adopt the Euro currency.
• This move marks Bulgaria's deepest integration into the European Union since joining the bloc in 2007.
• Economic Stability: Adopting the Euro is expected to lower transaction costs, boost tourism, and provide a "shield" for the economy through the backing of the European Central Bank.
• Last Entrant: Before Bulgaria, Croatia was the 20th country to join the Eurozone (in 2023).

Answer: (c) France

• Key Details
• Host Country: France
• Venue: Évian-les-Bains, Haute-Savoie (the same location that hosted the 29th G8 summit in 2003).
• Dates: June 15–17, 2026.
• Presidency: France took over the rotating G7 presidency from Canada on January 1, 2026.
• Major Agenda: The summit is expected to focus on global economic stability, environmental transition, and international security.
• Historical Significance: This will be the last G7 summit for French President Emmanuel Macron before his term ends in 2027.

Answer: (b) Guwahati – Howrah

• Indian Railways officially launched the first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on the Howrah–Kamakhya (Guwahati) route.
• Key Details
• Inauguration Date: January 17, 2026 (flagged off by PM Narendra Modi).
• Commercial Launch: January 22, 2026.
• Primary Termini: Howrah Junction (West Bengal) and Kamakhya Junction (Assam).
• Launch Station: The inaugural special train was flagged off from Malda Town station in West Bengal.
• Journey Time: Approximately 14 hours to cover the 972 km distance, making it the fastest overnight train on this route.
• Coach Composition: 16 coaches in total (11 AC 3-Tier, 4 AC 2-Tier, and 1 AC 1st Class).
• Design Speed: Capable of reaching 180 kmph, though it operates at a maximum service speed of 160 kmph.
• Major Stoppages
• The train halts at 13 intermediate stations, including Bandel, Katwa, Azimganj, Malda Town, New Jalpaiguri, New Cooch Behar, and New Bongaigaon.

Answer: (c) Stingless Bees, Peru

• In January 2026, Amazonian stingless bees (specifically the tribe Meliponini) became the first insect species in the world to be granted legal rights.
• Key Details
• Country: Peru
• Location: The provinces of Satipo and Nauta in the Peruvian Amazon.
• Legal Action: Municipalities passed a historic ordinance (Ordinance No. 33-2025-CM/MPS) recognizing the bees as rights-bearing subjects rather than just biological resources.
• Rights Granted: They now have the inherent right to exist, flourish, maintain healthy populations, and live in a pollution-free environment.
• Legal Representation: Since insects cannot speak in court, the law allows for human guardians (such as Indigenous leaders or experts) to represent them and file lawsuits on their behalf in cases of habitat destruction or pollution.

Answer: (b) Israel

• In January 2026, the Indian Army signed an agreement with Israel (specifically the defense major Elbit Systems) to manufacture and supply the Suryastra long-range rocket launcher system.
• The contract, valued at ₹293 crore, was signed with the Pune-based private firm NIBE Limited, which is producing the system in India through a Technology Collaboration Agreement (TCA) with Israel.
• Key Features of Suryastra
• Type: It is India's first "Made in India" universal multi-calibre rocket launcher system.
• Strike Range: It can hit targets at two primary ranges—150 km and 300 km.
• Precision: The system boasts a very high accuracy with a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than 5 meters.
• Versatility: Based on Israel's PULS (Precise & Universal Launching System) technology, it can fire various types of rockets and even loitering munitions (kamikaze drones) up to 100 km.
• Strategic Role: It bridges the gap between traditional artillery (like Pinaka) and tactical ballistic missiles, providing the Army with deep-strike capabilities.

Answer: (d) Both A & C

• In January 2026, five countries officially began their two-year terms as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
• New Non-Permanent Members (2026–2027)
• The newly elected members who took their seats on January 1, 2026, are:
• Bahrain
• Colombia
• Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
• Latvia (making its debut on the Council for the first time)
• Liberia
• Key Details
• Term Duration: These countries will serve a two-year term ending on December 31, 2027.
• Outgoing Members: They replaced Algeria, Guyana, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia, whose terms concluded at the end of 2025.
• Current Council Composition: They join the other five non-permanent members—Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia—who are serving through the end of 2026.
• January 2026 Presidency: The Presidency of the Security Council for January 2026 was held by Somalia.

Answer: (a) Greater Noida

• India’s first government AI clinic was inaugurated at the Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) in Greater Noida in January 2026. This marks a major milestone in public healthcare, integrating artificial intelligence into clinical practice for improved patient safety and efficiency.
• Correct Answer: Greater Noida

Answer: (a) Andaman & Nicobar

• In January 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated an Integrated Command and Control Centre (Integrated Security Hub) in Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This ₹229 crore facility is part of a larger ₹373 crore development package aimed at strengthening regional security and infrastructure.
• Correct Answer: Andaman & Nicobar

Answer: (b) Operation Absolute Resolve

• The United States launched Operation Absolute Resolve in January 2026 to arrest Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This military intervention involved multiple branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and resulted in Maduro’s capture in Caracas.
• Correct Answer: Operation Absolute Resolve

Answer: (b) Portable Water Purification System

• Recently, DRDO has developed a technology called SWaDeS, which stands for Soldier Water Defence System. This technology is directly related to providing safe and clean drinking water to soldiers deployed in remote, high-altitude, and hostile areas such as deserts, mountains, and border regions.
• SWaDeS is a portable water purification system that can purify water from various natural and contaminated sources like rivers, ponds, or melted snow. The main aim of this system is to reduce soldiers’ dependence on external water supply lines, which are often difficult to maintain during operations. It helps improve operational efficiency, health safety, and self-sufficiency of troops in extreme conditions.
• Correct Answer: Portable Water Purification System

Answer: (d) XPoSat / XPoSat

• The indigenous dual-detector experiment ‘DEX’ has been developed by ISRO and is associated with the XPoSat mission. DEX (Dual-Energy X-ray Detector Experiment) is designed to study cosmic X-ray sources by detecting X-rays in two different energy bands simultaneously. This capability helps scientists analyse intensity variation, energy distribution, and behaviour of high-energy celestial objects such as neutron stars and black holes.
• XPoSat (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite) is India’s first dedicated mission to study X-ray polarisation of cosmic sources. The DEX payload complements the main polarimeter instrument by providing supporting spectral and timing data, which improves the scientific accuracy of X-ray polarisation studies.
• Correct Answer: d XPoSat

Answer: (a) Drone Technology

• The ‘Bhairav Battalion’ refers to a new-generation, technology-driven combat formation of the Indian Army created to handle modern, hybrid warfare scenarios. These battalions are trained and equipped to operate with drones and other advanced battlefield technologies for rapid strikes, surveillance, reconnaissance, and tactical operations. They focus heavily on drone-based operations and tech integration to respond quickly in contested environments.
• Correct Answer: a Drone Technology

Answer: (a) Lucknow

• Recently, Rajnath Singh, the Defence Minister of India, inaugurated Ashok Leyland’s Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing facility in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. This factory has been set up as part of India’s broader push towards clean mobility, electric vehicles, and indigenous manufacturing under initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• The Ashok Leyland EV plant in Lucknow focuses mainly on the manufacturing of electric buses and EV components, which will be used for public transport and defence-related mobility needs. The choice of Lucknow is significant because it helps strengthen industrial development in Uttar Pradesh, creates local employment opportunities, and boosts the EV ecosystem in North India.
• Correct Answer: Lucknow

Answer: (c) A. K. Balasubramanyam

• A. K. Balasubrahmanian, a distinguished scientist, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) with effect from 1 January 2026. He took over the position from Dr. D. K. Shukla, whose tenure ended on 31 December 2025.

Answer: (d) Rajasthan

• On January 8, 2026, the Government of India officially granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Nagori Ashwagandha (also known as Nagauri Ashwagandha). This medicinal herb is primarily grown in the Nagaur district of Rajasthan’s Marwar region.
• Nagori Ashwagandha is the 22nd product from Rajasthan to receive a GI tag and the second agricultural product from the state after Sojat Mehndi. The recognition was granted to the Nagauri Welfare Society, ensuring that only Ashwagandha grown in this specific region can use the "Nagori" brand name.

Answer: (d) Tamil Nadu

• On January 8, 2026, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched the Tamil Nadu Deep-Tech Startup Policy 2025-26 at the flagship technology summit, UmagineTN 2026, held in Chennai. This makes Tamil Nadu the first state in India to have a dedicated policy specifically for deep-tech ventures.
• What is Deep-Tech?
• Unlike traditional startups that might focus on business model innovation (like an e-commerce app), Deep-Tech (Deep Technology) startups are based on substantial scientific or engineering breakthroughs. They involve high-risk, long-term research and development (R&D).
• Examples: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Computing, Semiconductors, Biotechnology, and Space Tech.=

Answer: (a) IIT Madras

• On January 3, 2026, the Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY), S. Krishnan, officially inaugurated the new and enhanced 'Param Shakti' supercomputing facility at IIT Madras.
• While a 1.66 Petaflop version of "Param Shakti" was originally installed at IIT Kharagpur in 2022, the 2026 launch at IIT Madras represents a massive upgrade under Phase 3 of the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM).
• The new system at IIT Madras has a peak performance of 3.1 Petaflops (3.1 quadrillion calculations per second), nearly double the capacity of the older version.
• It is powered by the PARAM RUDRA supercomputing cluster, which uses India's own 'Rudra' server nodes developed by C-DAC.

Answer: (c) West Bengal

• The Indian Navy is set to make its new naval airbase, INS Haldia, fully operational in the state of West Bengal. This is a strategic move to strengthen India's maritime security and surveillance capabilities in the northern part of the Bay of Bengal.
• The development of INS Haldia is linked to the National Maritime Domain Awareness (NMDA) project. By strengthening the eastern coastline, India aims to secure its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and support the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.

Answer: (b) Virat Kohli

• On January 11, 2026, during the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara (at the Kotambi Stadium), Virat Kohli became the fastest batsman in the history of cricket to reach the 28,000-run milestone in international cricket across all formats.
• The Record-Breaking Moment
• The Match: India vs. New Zealand, 1st ODI.
• The Milestone: Kohli reached 28,000 runs in his 624th innings.
• The Previous Record: He broke the record previously held by Sachin Tendulkar, who reached the landmark in 644 innings.
• Elite Club: Kohli is only the third player in history to cross 28,000 runs, joining:
• Sachin Tendulkar (India): 34,357 runs
• Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka): 28,016 runs (Kohli overtook Sangakkara in the same match to become the 2nd highest run-getter of all time).

Answer: (b) Swati Shanta Kumar

• On January 11, 2026, UN Secretary-General António Guterres honored Major Swathi Shantha Kumar, an officer of the Indian Army, with the prestigious UN Secretary-General Award 2025 in the Gender Category.
• Major Swathi is currently deployed with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). She leads the Indian Engagement Team, which is a specialized unit focusing on community outreach and women’s empowerment in conflict zones. Her project, titled “Equal Partners, Lasting Peace,” was selected as the winner after a global voting process among UN personnel from various missions worldwide.

Answer: (b) Kerala

• In January 2026, the Kerala government officially notified the renaming of the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary to the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary. This makes it the first dedicated butterfly sanctuary in the state and a pioneering insect-centric conservation site in India.
• The decision was formally notified under Section 18(1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. While the area was originally declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1984, the state government approved the new identity following a recommendation by the State Board for Wildlife to highlight its unique ecological significance.

Answer: (b) Meghalaya

• On January 10, 2026, Justice Revati Mohite Dere was sworn in as the first woman Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court. The oath of office was administered by the Governor of Meghalaya, C.H. Vijayashankar, at the Lok Bhavan in Shillong.
• The appointment of a High Court Chief Justice is governed by Article 217 of the Indian Constitution.
• Process: The President appoints the Chief Justice of a High Court after consulting the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and the Governor of the respective state.
• Tenure: A High Court judge serves until the age of 62.

Answer: (a) South Africa

• The "Will for Peace 2026" naval exercise was conducted in South African waters from January 9 to 16, 2026. This exercise is a rebranded and expanded version of the "Mosi" series (previously Mosi I and II) typically held between South Africa, Russia, and China.
• The exercise was hosted by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and conducted primarily near the Simon’s Town Naval Base in Cape Town. While originally scheduled for late 2025, it was moved to January 2026 to avoid a scheduling conflict with the G20 Summit hosted by South Africa.

Answer: (d) Karnataka

• The Khelo India Beach Games 2026 (the 2nd edition of the tournament) concluded on January 10, 2026, at Ghoghla Beach in Diu. Karnataka emerged as the overall champions, narrowly edging out Tamil Nadu and Manipur in a thrilling finish.
• 1. The Medal Tally Tie-Breaker
• In a rare occurrence, the top three states finished with the same number of Gold (3) and Silver (2) medals. According to the tournament rules, the ranking was decided by the number of Bronze medals.
• Karnataka: 11 Medals (3 Gold, 2 Silver, 6 Bronze)
• Tamil Nadu: 8 Medals (3 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze)
• Manipur: 7 Medals (3 Gold, 2 Silver, 2 Bronze)
• 2. Key Performance: Open Water Swimming
• Karnataka’s victory was largely driven by its dominance in Open Water Swimming, where the state swept all three gold medals on offer:
• Ashmita Chandra won gold in both the Women's 5km and 10km events.
• Dhrupad Ramakrishna clinched the gold in the Men's 5km event.
• 3. About the Games
• Host: Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (DNHDD).
• Venue: Ghoghla Beach, Diu.
• Mascot: 'Pearl', a lively dolphin.
• Sports Included: Beach Volleyball, Beach Soccer, Sepaktakraw, Beach Kabaddi, Pencak Silat, and Open Water Swimming.
• Madhya Pradesh (MP): Although MP finished 4th overall, they dominated Pencak Silat (an Indonesian martial art), which had the highest number of medals (16) available.

Answer: (c) Madhya Pradesh

• On January 9, 2026, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav officially announced that the newly notified Ratapani Tiger Reserve would be renamed as the Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar Tiger Reserve.
• The reserve, formerly known as the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary, was officially notified as Madhya Pradesh's 8th tiger reserve and India's 57th tiger reserve in December 2024. The renaming in January 2026 serves as a tribute to the legendary archaeologist Dr. V.S. Wakankar, who discovered the world-famous Bhimbetka rock shelters in 1957.

Answer: (d) Praveen Vashistha

• On January 16, 2026, former IPS officer Praveen Vashistha was sworn in as a Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). His appointment restored the commission to its full three-member strength.
• Praveen Vashistha, a 1991-batch IPS officer of the Bihar cadre, was appointed by the President of India through a warrant dated December 12, 2025. Before this role, he served as the Special Secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry of Home Affairs. To take up this statutory post, he opted for voluntary retirement from the IPS on January 15, 2026.

Answer: (a) USA

• On January 18, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump officially invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to join the "Board of Peace" for Gaza. The invitation was extended via a formal letter shared publicly by the U.S. Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor.
• The "Board of Peace" is a newly proposed international body chaired by President Trump. It is part of a 20-point comprehensive roadmap aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza and overseeing the region's post-war transition.

Answer: (b) Punjab Agricultural University

• On January 14, 2026, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, achieved a significant global milestone by becoming the only state agricultural university from India to be formally included in the BRICS Network University (BRICS-NU).
• The expansion of the BRICS Network University was approved by the BRICS International Governing Board in May 2025. Following this, new "thematic clusters" were created. PAU was selected under the critical thematic area of "Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security."

Answer: (c) Assam

• On January 17, 2026, a historic cultural event titled "Bagurumba Dwhou 2026" was held at the Sarusajai Stadium (Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex) in Guwahati, Assam. The event featured more than 10,000 Bodo dancers and musicians performing the traditional Bagurumba dance in a single, synchronized presentation.
• The event was organized by the Government of Assam and was graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was modeled after the successful mega-performances of Bihu and Jhumoir held in previous years. The term "Dwhou" in the title is a Bodo word meaning "Wave," symbolizing a wave of unity and cultural pride.

Answer: (b) Zambia

• On January 16, 2026, the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), through its wholly-owned subsidiary IGGEFIL (IREDA Global Green Energy Finance IFSC Limited), sanctioned its first international green loan. This landmark deal is for a solar project in the African nation of Zambia.
• The loan was issued through IREDA’s international arm based in GIFT City, Gujarat, leveraging competitive international capital for global clean energy development.

Answer: (a) Punjab

• On January 20, 2026, the Punjab Police launched a massive state-wide crackdown titled 'Operation Prahar' (also referred to as Operation Parhar) as part of their campaign "Gangstran Te Vaar" (War on Gangsters). The primary objective of this mission is to dismantle the entire ecosystem of organized crime and make the state completely gangster-free. The operation was initiated under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and led by Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav.

Answer: (c) Sixth

• In the Asia Manufacturing Index (AMI) 2026, India has achieved the 6th rank among 11 major Asian economies.
• The index, recently released by the pan-Asian advisory firm Dezan Shira & Associates, evaluates countries based on their manufacturing competitiveness across eight key pillars. India's position has remained stable at 6th place, the same rank it held in the 2025 edition.

Answer: (c) 608 days

• As of January 2026, Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has officially retired from the space agency after a distinguished 27-year career. Her retirement was effective as of December 27, 2025.
• Over her three historic missions, Sunita Williams logged a total of 608 days and 19 minutes in space. This makes her the second-highest among all NASA astronauts for cumulative time spent in orbit, trailing only Peggy Whitson (who holds the U.S. record with 675 days).
• Her final mission (the Boeing Starliner test flight) was originally meant to last only 8 days in June 2024 but was extended to 286 days due to technical issues, eventually concluding in March 2025 via a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule.

Answer: (b) Telangana

• The Sammakka-Sarakka Jatara (also known as the Medaram Jatara) is a biennial tribal festival held in the state of Telangana. In 2026, the four-day mega-event began on January 28 and concluded on January 31.
• The festival is celebrated in Medaram, a remote village in the Tadvai Mandal of the Mulugu district. It is recognized as Asia's largest tribal congregation and often referred to as the "Kumbh Mela of the South." Estimates suggest that over 1.5 crore (15 million) devotees from various states like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra visit the forest shrine.

Answer: (b) Rajasthan

• On January 15, 2026, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) issued the final notification declaring the area around the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in the Aravalli Range as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ).
• The sanctuary is located in the Aravalli Range, which is one of the oldest mountain systems in the world. It serves as a vital ecological barrier preventing the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert.

Answer: (b) Chandigarh

• On January 19, 2026, the State Board of Wildlife (SBWL) of Chandigarh, chaired by the Governor of Punjab and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, officially declared the Striped Tiger Butterfly (Danaus genutia) as the State Butterfly of the Union Territory.
• The declaration was the result of a year-long initiative by the Department of Forest and Wildlife to choose a natural emblem for the "City Beautiful."
• Public Participation: The Striped Tiger was chosen through an online public voting process where it secured approximately 54% of the total votes.
• Other Contenders: It outcompeted three other shortlisted species: the Blue Tiger, the Plain Tiger, and the Jezebel.

Answer: (b) 80th

• The correct answer is: b
• According to the Henley Passport Index 2026 (released in January 2026), India's passport has climbed five positions to rank 80th globally.
• The index reveals a continued dominance by Asian and European nations:
• Rank 1: Singapore (Retains the top spot with access to 192 destinations).
• Rank 2: Japan and South Korea (Tied with 188 destinations).
• Rank 3: Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland (Tied with 186 destinations).

Answer: (d) Kerala

• The correct answer is: d
• The Makaravilakku festival was recently celebrated on January 14, 2026, at the sacred Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. This event marks the culmination of the annual two-month-long Sabarimala pilgrimage season.
• The festival is observed annually on the day of Makara Sankranti. In 2026, the highlight of the event, the witnessing of the Makara Jyothi (a celestial star) and the Makaravilakku (a ritualistic light), took place in the evening on January 14.

Answer: (a) POCSO Act

• The correct answer is: a
• On January 9, 2026, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh urged the Central Government to introduce a "Romeo-Juliet" clause into the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
• 1. What is the "Romeo-Juliet" Clause?
• The term refers to a legal exemption found in many international jurisdictions (like several U.S. states and European countries). It is a "close-in-age" exception designed to protect consensual, non-exploitative romantic relationships between adolescents from being treated as statutory rape or serious sexual offenses.

Answer: (a) Assam

• The correct answer is: a
• On January 8, 2026, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav met with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati to finalize a historic inter-state wildlife exchange agreement. This pact aims to restore locally extinct species and enhance the biodiversity of both states.
• Significance: This is one of India's most challenging animal reintroduction projects after the Cheetah project in Kuno.
• Conservation Status: The Wild Water Buffalo is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Trophy State: Madhya Pradesh already holds the titles of "Tiger State" and "Leopard State"; this move aims to diversify its wildlife profile further.

Answer: (b) Maharashtra

• The correct answer is: b
• In the fourth edition of the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024 (released by NITI Aayog in January 2026), Maharashtra emerged as the top-performing state in the "Large States" category. It overtook Tamil Nadu, which had held the top spot in the previous (third) edition.
• Detailed Analysis of the 4th Edition (2024)
• The Export Preparedness Index (EPI) is a comprehensive tool to measure the export readiness and performance of Indian states and Union Territories. It is based on four core pillars: Policy, Business Ecosystem, Export Ecosystem, and Export Performance.
• 1. Top Performers (Large States)
• Rank 1: Maharashtra (Score: 68.01) – Reclaimed the top position by excelling in the Business Ecosystem and Policy pillars.
• Rank 2: Tamil Nadu (Score: 64.41) – Slipped to second place but remains a powerhouse in manufacturing and electronics.
• Rank 3: Gujarat (Score: 64.02) – Ranked third, largely driven by its massive share in petroleum and gems/jewelry exports.
• Rank 4: Uttar Pradesh (Score: 62.09) – Achieved a major milestone by becoming the top landlocked state, moving up from 7th place in the previous edition.
• Rank 5: Andhra Pradesh (Score: 60.65) – Rounded out the top five, showing significant improvement in export facilitation.

Answer: (c) Toby Kiers

• The correct answer is: c
• In January 2026, American evolutionary biologist Dr. Toby Kiers was announced as the winner of the 2026 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement. Often referred to as the "Nobel Prize for the Environment," this prestigious award recognizes her groundbreaking work in uncovering the secrets of underground ecosystems.
• Dr. Kiers is a world-renowned expert on mycorrhizal fungi—vast underground networks that connect with plant roots. Her research revealed that these fungi do not just sit passively; they act like strategic traders in a "biological marketplace," exchanging essential nutrients (like phosphorus and nitrogen) with plants in return for carbon-rich sugars.

Answer: (b) Donald Trump

• The correct answer is: b
• On January 15, 2026, during a historic meeting in the Oval Office at the White House, Venezuelan opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado presented her Nobel medal to US President Donald Trump.
• Machado stated that she presented the medal to President Trump as a "personal symbol of gratitude" on behalf of the Venezuelan people. She described the gesture as recognition for his "principled and decisive action" and commitment to the freedom of Venezuela, specifically following recent regional interventions and the capture of Nicolás Maduro.

Answer: (b) Mercosur

• On January 17, 2026, the European Union (EU) and Mercosur (the South American trade bloc comprising Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay) officially signed a historic Partnership Agreement and an Interim Trade Agreement in Asunción, Paraguay.
• The agreement includes binding commitments on sustainable development, including adherence to the Paris Climate Agreement and specific safeguards against deforestation.
• For the EU, the pact is a strategic move to diversify supply chains, especially for critical raw materials like lithium and aluminum, and to counter growing Chinese economic influence in South America.

Answer: (b) Australia

• The correct answer is: b
• The Finke River has been recently recognised as the world’s oldest continuously flowing river, and it is located in Australia. Geological studies indicate that the Finke River has been flowing for over 300 million years, making it far older than most of the world’s well-known rivers.
• The river flows through the central desert region of Australia, particularly across the MacDonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory. Unlike many ancient rivers that were disrupted by tectonic movements or glaciation, the Finke River continued its course because Australia has remained geologically stable for hundreds of millions of years. Although it appears dry in parts today, it still flows underground, which qualifies it as a continuously flowing river.

Answer: (d) Kakinada

• The correct answer is: d
• The world’s largest Green Ammonia project is set to begin at Kakinada, located in Andhra Pradesh, India. Kakinada has been chosen because of its strategic coastal location, port infrastructure, and proximity to renewable energy resources, especially solar and wind power, which are essential for producing green hydrogen and green ammonia.
• Green ammonia is produced using green hydrogen, which is generated by electrolysis of water using renewable energy, making the entire process carbon-free. This project is a major step towards India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and positions India as a global hub for green fuel production and export, particularly to countries looking to decarbonise fertiliser production and shipping fuel.
• The project will mainly focus on export-oriented green ammonia, leveraging Kakinada Port for international shipping, while also supporting India’s clean energy transition, energy security, and climate commitments.