Current Affairs Quiz — January 2026
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The Grand International Exposition of the sacred Piprahwa relics, inaugurated by PM Modi on 3 January 2026, was held at which venue?
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Correct answer: A — Rai Pithora Cultural Complex, New Delhi
PIB (PMO and Ministry of Culture): the exposition was inaugurated at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex, New Delhi.
The Piprahwa relics of the Buddha were first unearthed in 1898 by whom, at a stupa site identified with ancient Kapilavastu?
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Correct answer: C — William Claxton Peppé
PIB (Ministry of Culture): the Piprahwa relics were unearthed in 1898 by William Claxton Peppé at the stupa site identified with Kapilavastu.
What is the title of the Piprahwa relics exposition inaugurated in New Delhi in January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One
PIB (Ministry of Culture): the exposition is titled 'The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One'.
Consider the following statements about the Piprahwa relics exposition of January 2026: 1. It includes the Peppé family collection repatriated to India in July 2025 after its auction abroad was halted. 2. It includes relics preserved at the Indian Museum, Kolkata. 3. It was organised by the Archaeological Survey of India under the Ministry of External Affairs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Ministry of Culture): the exposition brings together the Peppé collection repatriated in July 2025 and treasures from the Indian Museum, Kolkata. It was organised by the Ministry of Culture, so statement 3 is wrong.
Where is the birthplace of Savitribai Phule, at which a ₹143 crore memorial's foundation was laid on 3 January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Naigaon, Satara
Times of India and PTI: Fadnavis laid the foundation of the memorial at Savitribai Phule's birthplace, Naigaon in Satara district.
Which birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule was observed on 3 January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 195th
Times of India and PTI: Saturday (3 January 2026) was the 195th birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule.
Consider the following statements about the Savitribai Phule memorial project announced on 3 January 2026: 1. It includes a women's training centre. 2. Its estimated cost is ₹143 crore. 3. It is being built at Phulewada in Pune. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
Times of India and PTI: the memorial with a women's training centre is at Naigaon, Satara, at a cost of ₹143 crore. It is not in Pune, so statement 3 is wrong.
In which city did Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurate an exhibition on the three new criminal laws on 3 January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Sri Vijaya Puram
PIB (MHA): Amit Shah inaugurated an exhibition based on the three new laws in Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
What was the total value of the development projects inaugurated or whose foundation stones were laid by Amit Shah in Andaman and Nicobar on 3 January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — ₹373 crore
PIB (MHA): nine projects were inaugurated and two foundation stones laid, worth ₹373 crore.
Consider the following statements based on Amit Shah's visit to Andaman and Nicobar on 3 January 2026: 1. Nine projects were inaugurated and foundation stones were laid for two. 2. The Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council collects waste from 98% of houses. 3. Amit Shah said the islands named Shaheed and Swaraj honour Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (MHA): nine projects inaugurated and two foundation stones laid; 98% household waste collection; and Shah said PM Modi named the islands Shaheed and Swaraj in honour of Netaji. All three are correct.
Between which two places will India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train run, as announced during its inspection in January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Guwahati – Howrah
PIB (Railways): the first Vande Bharat Sleeper will operate between Guwahati in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal.
Which indigenous automatic train protection system is fitted on the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train inspected in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — KAVACH
PIB (Railways): the train is equipped with the KAVACH safety system, automatic doors, improved fire safety and CCTV in all coaches.
Consider the following statements about the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, as described by the Railways Ministry on 3 January 2026: 1. Its full cycle of trials, testing and certification has been completed. 2. The train starting from Guwahati will serve Assamese cuisine. 3. It was flagged off by the Prime Minister on 3 January 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Railways): trials, testing and certification are complete, and the Guwahati-origin train will serve authentic Assamese cuisine. The PM was to flag it off later in January; on 3 January the train was only inspected, so statement 3 is wrong.
What was the theme of the 9th Siddha Day celebrated in January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Siddha for Global Health
PIB (Ayush): the event was themed 'Siddha for Global Health'.
Consider the following statements about the 9th Siddha Day celebrations (January 2026): 1. They were inaugurated by Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan. 2. They were held at Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai. 3. They were the 10th edition of Siddha Day. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Ayush): the Vice-President inaugurated the 9th Siddha Day at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai. It was the 9th edition, not the 10th, so statement 3 is wrong.
The Department of Fertilizers' Chintan Shivir held in New Delhi on 3 January 2026 focused mainly on:
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Correct answer: B — Balanced fertilizer use and sustainable agriculture
PIB (Department of Fertilizers): the Chintan Shivir focused on balanced fertilizer use and sustainable agriculture, along with timely availability and soil health.
Where was the Department of Fertilizers' one-day Chintan Shivir held on 3 January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — National Agricultural Science Complex, New Delhi
PIB (Department of Fertilizers): the one-day camp was held at the National Agricultural Science Complex, New Delhi, where 15 groups deliberated on 15 key topics.
As stated on its 65th Foundation Day in January 2026, Paradip Port is India's largest major port in terms of:
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Correct answer: A — Rated capacity
PIB (MoPSW): the PPA Chairman said Paradip is currently the largest major port in terms of rated capacity.
In which year was the foundation stone of Paradip Port laid, the anniversary marked on 3 January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 1962
PIB (MoPSW): Paradip Port Authority's foundation stone was laid on 3 January 1962.
Who won the men's 10m air pistol gold at the 68th National Shooting Championship in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Ajay Kumar
Hindustan Times and PTI: Army's Ajay Kumar won gold with 241.1; Shubham Bisla took silver and Anmol Jain bronze.
At which venue was the 68th National Shooting Championship's men's 10m air pistol final held in January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, New Delhi
Hindustan Times and PTI: the final was held at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi.
Rani Velu Nachiyar, remembered on her birth anniversary on 3 January 2026, was the queen of which kingdom?
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Correct answer: D — Sivaganga
PIB (MHA): Amit Shah called her 'the queen of Sivaganga' who defeated the colonial rulers with her military prowess.
Under its January 2026 CSR agreement with the Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute, NTPC sanctioned funds mainly for which equipment?
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Correct answer: D — High-energy Linear Accelerator (LINAC)
PIB (Ministry of Power): NTPC sanctioned ₹23.16 crore for the procurement and installation of a high-energy LINAC at GCRI's Siddhpur Satellite Centre.
How much CSR funding did NTPC sanction in January 2026 for upgrading radiotherapy services at GCRI's Siddhpur Satellite Centre?
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Correct answer: D — ₹23.16 crore
PIB (Ministry of Power): NTPC sanctioned ₹23.16 crore for the upgradation of radiotherapy services at the Siddhpur Satellite Centre of GCRI, Ahmedabad.
According to ECI (January 2026), within how much time after the close of polls does the ECINet app enable publication of Index Cards?
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Correct answer: D — 72 hours
PIB (ECI): the trial versions of ECINet enable publication of Index Cards within 72 hours of the close of polls.
Consider the following statements about ECINet as described by the Election Commission in January 2026: 1. It was tried out during the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025. 2. Citizens could submit suggestions through the app until 10 January 2026. 3. It had already been officially launched in 2024. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB (ECI): ECINet was tried in the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 and suggestions were invited till 10 January 2026; the official launch was planned for January 2026, so statement 3 is wrong.
How many proposals were approved in the third tranche of the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) on 2 January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 22
PIB (MeitY): 22 proposals were approved in the third tranche; 24 had been approved earlier, taking the total to 46.
What is the projected investment of the 22 ECMS proposals approved in January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ₹41,863 crore
PIB (MeitY): projected investment is ₹41,863 crore; ₹2,58,152 crore is projected production and ₹12,704 crore was the earlier tranche.
Consider the following statements about the third tranche of ECMS approvals (January 2026): 1. The approved products include anode material, a critical item for lithium-ion cells. 2. The approved units are spread across eight states. 3. The approvals cover only bare components and no sub-assemblies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB (MeitY): anode material is among the supply-chain items, and the units are in eight states. Three sub-assemblies (camera module, display module, optical transceiver) were also approved, so statement 3 is wrong.
Under the NIRYAT PROTSAHAN intervention launched in January 2026, what is the base interest subvention on pre- and post-shipment rupee export credit?
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Correct answer: A — 2.75%
PIB (Commerce): a base interest subvention of 2.75% is provided, with additional incentive for exports to notified under-represented or emerging markets.
With which institution is the collateral guarantee support for MSME export credit under the Export Promotion Mission being introduced?
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Correct answer: A — CGTMSE
PIB (Commerce): the collateral guarantee support is being introduced in partnership with the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE).
Consider the following statements about the Export Promotion Mission: 1. It was approved by the Union Cabinet on 12 November 2025 with an outlay of ₹25,060 crore. 2. Its two sub-schemes are NIRYAT PROTSAHAN and NIRYAT DISHA. 3. It is implemented by the Department of Commerce alone. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Commerce): the Mission was approved on 12 November 2025 with ₹25,060 crore and has two sub-schemes, NIRYAT PROTSAHAN and NIRYAT DISHA. It is jointly implemented by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of MSME and Ministry of Finance, so statement 3 is wrong.
In which district of Maharashtra did the bullet train project achieve its first mountain tunnel breakthrough (MT-5) in January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Palghar
PIB (Railways): the breakthrough of the ~1.5 km MT-5 mountain tunnel was achieved in Palghar, Maharashtra.
According to the Railways Ministry (January 2026), what will be the travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad once the bullet train project is complete?
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Correct answer: B — 1 hour 58 minutes
PIB (Railways): the project will reduce Mumbai–Ahmedabad travel time to just 1 hour and 58 minutes.
Consider the following statements about the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail corridor, as given by the Railways Ministry in January 2026: 1. The corridor is about 508 km long, of which 156 km lies in Maharashtra. 2. The project has eight mountain tunnels. 3. The first underground tunnel, between Thane and BKC, was completed in September 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Railways): the 508 km corridor has 156 km in Maharashtra and 352 km in Gujarat and DNH; it has eight mountain tunnels; and the ~5 km Thane–BKC underground tunnel was completed in September 2025. All three are correct.
According to the Cabinet Secretary's briefing on 2 January 2026, which was the single biggest cause of issues raised under PRAGATI?
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Correct answer: D — Land acquisition
Indian Express and The Hindu: land acquisition accounted for 35% of issues, forest/wildlife/environment 20% and right of use/way 18%.
What does the acronym PRAGATI, the project-review mechanism chaired by the Prime Minister, stand for?
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Correct answer: A — Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation
PIB (Cabinet Secretariat): PRAGATI stands for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, chaired by the Prime Minister.
Consider the following statements based on the Cabinet Secretary's PRAGATI briefing of 2 January 2026: 1. PRAGATI has reviewed over 3,300 projects worth more than ₹85 lakh crore. 2. Of 7,735 issues raised, 7,156 have been resolved. 3. The government announced plans to amend the land acquisition law. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
Indian Express and The Hindu: over 3,300 projects worth ₹85 lakh crore reviewed; 7,156 of 7,735 issues resolved. The Cabinet Secretary said there was no plan to change the land acquisition law, so statement 3 is wrong.
Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026, released on 2 January 2026, is which edition of India's official book of drug standards?
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Correct answer: D — 10th
PIB (Health): IP 2026 is the 10th edition of India's official book of drug standards.
Which new category of monographs has been included for the first time in Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Blood component monographs for transfusion medicine
PIB (Health): IP 2026 includes, for the first time, 20 blood component monographs pertaining to transfusion medicine.
Consider the following statements about the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP): 1. IP is published by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission to fulfil the requirements of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. 2. IP is recognised in 19 countries of the Global South. 3. India ranked 8th in 2025 in contributions to the WHO pharmacovigilance database, up from 123rd in 2009–2014. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Health): IP is published by the IPC under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940; it is recognised in 19 Global South countries; and India rose from 123rd (2009–2014) to 8th (2025). All three are correct.
In which Haryana district did CAQM flying squads carry out 105 inspections on 2 January 2026, mostly of stone crushers?
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Correct answer: C — Nuh
PIB (CAQM): the major inspection operation was conducted in Nuh, Haryana, on 02.01.2026; 86 of the units inspected were stone crushers.
Consider the following statements about the CAQM inspection drive in Nuh, Haryana on 2 January 2026: 1. Ten flying squad teams of the Commission were deployed. 2. All 105 inspections were of industrial units; no construction sites were checked. 3. The inspections took place while GRAP Stage-III actions were in force in NCR. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 3 only
PIB (CAQM): 10 flying squads were deployed and GRAP Stage-III was in force. The 105 inspections included five construction and demolition sites, so statement 2 is wrong.
The Assam Book Fair visited by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on 2 January 2026 was held at which place in Guwahati?
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Correct answer: A — Khanapara
PIB (MoPSW): Sonowal visited the Assam Book Fair at Khanapara in Guwahati.
The Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) payments made by the National Biodiversity Authority to red sanders farmers are mandated under which law?
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Correct answer: D — Biological Diversity Act, 2002
PIB (MoEFCC): the monetary benefits come under the ABS mechanism mandated under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
India's cumulative Access and Benefit Sharing releases crossed which figure after the NBA's January 2026 disbursement to Andhra Pradesh red sanders farmers?
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Correct answer: B — ₹143.5 crore
PIB (MoEFCC): with this disbursement, India's cumulative ABS releases now exceed ₹143.5 crore (USD 16 million); ₹104 crore is the amount released to Andhra Pradesh.
After CAQM revoked GRAP Stage-III on 2 January 2026, which stages of GRAP remained in force across NCR?
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Correct answer: B — Stages I and II
PIB (CAQM): all actions under Stages I and II of the extant GRAP schedule (November 2025) remained invoked across NCR.
What was Delhi's average AQI at 4 PM on 2 January 2026, when CAQM revoked GRAP Stage-III?
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Correct answer: C — 236
PIB (CAQM): Delhi's daily average AQI clocked 236 at 4:00 PM, as per the CPCB bulletin.
Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT), which received a AAA (Stable) rating from CARE Ratings in January 2026, is sponsored by:
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Correct answer: A — NHAI
PIB (MoRTH): RIIT is an NHAI-sponsored Infrastructure Investment Trust.
According to the Road Transport Ministry (January 2026), NHAI has so far monetised road assets worth about:
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Correct answer: B — ₹1.43 lakh crore
PIB (MoRTH): to date, NHAI has successfully monetised road assets of around ₹1.43 lakh crore.
What was the coal production from captive and commercial mines in December 2025, as reported by the Ministry of Coal?
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Correct answer: C — 19.48 million tonnes
PIB (Coal): production stood at 19.48 MT in December 2025; 18.02 MT was the dispatch and 54.14 MT the Q3 production.
Which segments are the focus of the PLI Scheme for Textiles, whose application deadline was extended to 31 March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — MMF apparel, MMF fabrics and technical textiles
PIB (Textiles): proposals have been submitted in priority areas including MMF apparel, MMF fabrics and technical textiles.
'Sweekruti', launched by a state government on 1 January 2026, is an umbrella welfare scheme for which group?
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Correct answer: B — Transgender persons
New Indian Express and Kalinga TV: Odisha's Sweekruti is a rights-based umbrella scheme for the welfare and empowerment of transgender persons.
Under Odisha's Sweekruti scheme, how much monthly assistance do parents or guardians of transgender children receive until the child turns 18?
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Correct answer: D — ₹1,500
Sambad English and Kalinga TV: parents or guardians of transgender children receive ₹1,500 a month until the child attains 18 years.
From which date has NHAI discontinued the Know Your Vehicle (KYV) process for new car FASTags?
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Correct answer: C — 1 February 2026
PIB (MoRTH): NHAI discontinued KYV for cars for all new FASTag issuances with effect from 1 February 2026.
Under NHAI's revised FASTag norms announced in January 2026, vehicle details must be validated against which database before activation?
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Correct answer: B — VAHAN
PIB (MoRTH): FASTag activation is permitted only after validation of vehicle details from the VAHAN database.
Who has been designated Chairperson of the NPS Trust Board by PFRDA, as announced in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Dinesh Kumar Khara
PIB (Finance): Dinesh Kumar Khara, former Chairman of SBI, has been appointed a trustee and designated Chairperson of the NPS Trust Board.
Consider the following statements about the PFRDA reforms announced in January 2026: 1. Scheduled Commercial Banks may independently set up pension funds to manage NPS, under an in-principle framework. 2. The revised Investment Management Fee for pension funds applies from 1 April 2026. 3. Three new trustees were appointed to the NPS Trust Board. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Finance): the board approved in principle a framework for banks to set up pension funds; the revised IMF applies from 1 April 2026; and three new trustees were appointed. All three are correct.
The #SkillTheNation Challenge launched by President Droupadi Murmu on 1 January 2026 is part of which initiative?
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Correct answer: A — SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness)
PIB (President's Secretariat): the President launched the #SkilltheNation challenge under the SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) initiative of MSDE.
Where is the IGNOU Regional Centre and Skill Centre that President Murmu inaugurated virtually on 1 January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Rairangpur, Odisha
PIB (President's Secretariat): the President virtually inaugurated the IGNOU Regional Centre and Skill Centre at Rairangpur, Odisha.
Consider the following statements about the SOAR initiative: 1. It is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. 2. It was launched in July 2025. 3. Its courses are offered on the Skill India Digital Hub. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (MSDE): SOAR – Skilling for AI Readiness is MSDE's flagship programme launched in July 2025, and the President urged citizens to enrol in the SOAR course on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). All three are correct.
According to DRDO on its 68th Foundation Day, what was the approximate value of Acceptances of Necessity accorded in 2025 for DRDO-developed systems?
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Correct answer: D — ₹1.30 lakh crore
PIB (MoD): 22 AoNs worth approximately ₹1.30 lakh crore were accorded in 2025, the highest in any single year; ₹26,000 crore was the value of 11 contracts signed.
'Anant Shastra', mentioned by DRDO in January 2026 among systems accorded AoN, is the name of which system?
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Correct answer: A — Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile System
PIB (MoD): the AoNs include the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile System 'Anant Shastra'.
Who is the Chairman of DRDO and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, who addressed DRDO staff on its 68th Foundation Day?
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Correct answer: A — Dr Samir V. Kamat
PIB (MoD): Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V. Kamat addressed DRDO staff.
How many days of employment does the Viksit Bharat – G RAM G Act, 2025 legally guarantee, as explained by Shivraj Singh Chouhan in January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 125 days
PIB (Rural Development): the Act provides a legal guarantee not for 100 but 125 days of employment.
At which village in Maharashtra did Shivraj Singh Chouhan address a special Gram Sabha on the VB-G RAM G Act on 1 January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Loni Budruk
PIB (Rural Development): the special Gram Sabha was held in Loni Budruk village, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra.
Consider the following statements about the provisions of the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, as outlined by the Union Minister: 1. One-third of the work must go to women. 2. Administrative expenses have been raised from 6% to 9%. 3. States may notify up to 60 days during peak sowing and harvesting seasons for deploying workers on agricultural tasks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Rural Development): one-third of work goes to women; administrative expenses raised from 6% to 9%; states can notify up to 60 days in peak seasons for agricultural tasks. All three are correct.
Who took charge as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Indian Air Force, on 1 January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor
PIB (MoD): Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor took charge as Vice Chief of the Air Staff on 1 January 2026.
Which IAF command did Air Marshal Seethepalli Shrinivas take over as AOC-in-C on 1 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Training Command
PIB (MoD): Air Marshal Seethepalli Shrinivas took over as AOC-in-C, Training Command; Air Marshal Tejinder Singh took over South Western Air Command.
Consider the following statements about Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, who became Vice Chief of the Air Staff in January 2026: 1. He served as Defence Attaché to Pakistan. 2. Immediately before this, he was AOC-in-C, South Western Air Command. 3. He was commissioned in the transport stream of the IAF. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (MoD): Kapoor was Defence Attaché to Pakistan and served as AOC-in-C Training Command and thereafter South Western Air Command before becoming VCAS. He was commissioned in the fighter stream, so statement 3 is wrong.