Current Affairs Quiz — January 2026
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Bharat Rang Mahotsav, whose 25th edition opened on 27 January 2026, is organised by which institution?
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Correct answer: A — National School of Drama
PIB (Culture): BRM is organised by the National School of Drama under the Ministry of Culture; the 25th edition opened at NSD, Mandi House.
Consider the following statements about Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2026: 1. It is the festival's 25th edition. 2. It features 277 Indian and 12 international productions. 3. Its 'Rang Doot' is actor Mita Vashisht. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Culture): 25th edition; 277 Indian and 12 international productions; Rang Doot Ms. Mita Vashisht.
Mumbai Metro Line 8, approved by the Maharashtra government on 27 January 2026, will connect:
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Correct answer: B — Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport
Deccan Chronicle: the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure approved Metro Line 8 connecting the Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports.
The Nashik City Ring Road approved by Maharashtra in January 2026 has a length of about 66 km. In view of which upcoming event was it planned?
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Correct answer: B — Kumbh Mela
Deccan Chronicle and Free Press Journal: the 66.15-km, ₹3,954-crore ring road was approved in view of the upcoming Kumbh Mela.
The MoU signed by the RBI with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) in January 2026 primarily aims to:
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Correct answer: A — Enable ESMA's formal recognition of CCIL and other RBI-regulated central counterparties
PIB (Finance): the primary objective is to enable formal recognition of CCIL and other RBI-regulated CCPs by ESMA.
In financial market terminology, what is CCIL, which was covered by the RBI–ESMA MoU of January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — A central counterparty regulated by the RBI
PIB (Finance): the MoU covers the Clearing Corporation of India Ltd. (CCIL) and other RBI-regulated Central Counterparties.
In January 2026, the Department of Posts signed an agreement with which entity to promote citizens' access to regulated capital market services?
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Correct answer: B — Stock Holding Services Limited
PIB (Communications): DoP signed an agreement with Stock Holding Services Limited (SSL) on 27 January 2026.
The Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour approved in January 2026 at Mayabunder is located in which State/UT, and under which scheme?
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Correct answer: D — Andaman & Nicobar Islands; PMMSY
PIB (Fisheries): Mayabunder, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, with 100% central assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
The Mayabunder fishing harbour will provide safe landing and berthing facilities for how many fishing vessels?
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Correct answer: C — 430
PIB (Fisheries): safe landing and berthing for 430 fishing vessels and annual fish landing of 9,900 tonnes.
The Halwa ceremony held on 27 January 2026 marks which stage of the Union Budget process?
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Correct answer: D — Final stage of Budget preparation, before the lock-in of officials
PIB (Finance): the Halwa ceremony marks the final stage of Budget preparation and precedes the lock-in of officials.
SIAT 2026, inaugurated in Pune on 27 January 2026, is organised by which body during its Diamond Jubilee year?
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Correct answer: B — Automotive Research Association of India
PIB (Heavy Industries): SIAT 2026 is organised by ARAI with SAE International and SAEINDIA during ARAI's Diamond Jubilee Year.
Who commanded the 77th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path on 26 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar
PIB (Defence): the parade was commanded by Parade Commander Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, GOC Delhi Area; Maj Gen Navraj Dhillon was Second-in-Command.
What was showcased for the first time at the 77th Republic Day Parade (2026)?
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Correct answer: D — A phased Battle Array Format of the Indian Army including an aerial component
PIB (Defence): 'For the first time, the parade will showcase a phased Battle Array Format of the Indian Army, including the aerial component.'
Consider the following about the 77th Republic Day Parade: 1. The Indian Coast Guard contingent was all-women. 2. The animal contingent included Bactrian camels and black kites. 3. Its celebrations were themed around 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Defence): all-women ICG contingent led by Asst Comdt Nishi Sharma; animal contingent with Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, black kites and dogs; parade blends 150 years of Vande Mataram.
Which organisation's contingent marched in India's Republic Day Parade for the first time in 2026, carrying four flags including those of EU Naval Force Atalanta and Aspides?
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Correct answer: D — European Union
PIB (Defence): the EU contingent carried the flags of the EU, EU Military Staff, EU Naval Force Atalanta and EU Naval Force Aspides; the President's Secretariat called it the first EU participation in Republic Day.
In which capacity did India participate in Gulfood 2026, the world's largest annual food and beverage trade exhibition?
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Correct answer: A — Country Partner
PIB (Commerce): India marked its presence at Gulfood 2026 as the Country Partner.
Under which APEDA initiative did eight Indian agri-food startups showcase innovations at Gulfood 2026?
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Correct answer: A — BHARATI
PIB (Commerce): eight Indian startups showcased agri-food innovation under APEDA's BHARATI initiative.
Which party claimed victory in Myanmar's 2025-26 election, the first since the 2021 military coup?
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Correct answer: B — Union Solidarity and Development Party
AP and DVB: the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) claimed victory.
Myanmar's 2025-26 election was held in how many phases?
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Correct answer: C — Three
DVB: rounds on 28 December and 11 January, and the third and final round on 25 January; AP also describes three phases.
On which date was the third and final round of voting held in Myanmar's 2025-26 election?
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Correct answer: C — 25 January 2026
DVB: the third and final round of voting was on 25 January; AP reported the USDP's victory claim the next day.
Which team did the Indian Army beat 3-2 to retain the men's ice hockey gold at the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 in Leh?
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Correct answer: B — Chandigarh
Ladakh Administration and Sportstar: the Army beat Chandigarh 3-2 in the final at the NDS Stadium, Leh.
Which State/UT emerged as the overall team champion of the Ladakh phase of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Haryana
Ladakh Administration and Sportstar: Haryana topped the team standings with four golds; hosts Ladakh finished second.
The LR-AShM showcased by DRDO at the 2026 Republic Day parade is best described as:
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Correct answer: D — A hypersonic glide missile for the Indian Navy's coastal batteries
PIB (Defence): LR-AShM is a hypersonic glide missile designed to meet the coastal battery requirements of the Indian Navy.
According to DRDO, the LR-AShM begins at about Mach 10. What average speed does it maintain with multiple skips?
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Correct answer: C — Mach 5
PIB (Defence): hypersonic speeds starting at Mach 10 and maintaining average Mach 5.0 with multiple skips.
Which team won the Men's Hockey India League 2026 title on 26 January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Vedanta Kalinga Lancers
TOI, ESPN and Khel Now: Vedanta Kalinga Lancers beat Ranchi Royals 3-2 in the final at Bhubaneswar.
Which drag-flicker scored twice for Kalinga Lancers in the Men's HIL 2026 final?
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Correct answer: B — Alexander Hendrickx
TOI and ESPN: Belgian drag-flicker Alexander Hendrickx struck twice with drag-flicks.
Who finished as the top scorer of the Men's Hockey India League 2026 with 19 goals?
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Correct answer: B — Tom Boon
TOI and ESPN: Ranchi Royals' Tom Boon finished with 19 goals, the highest in the tournament.
Tamil scholar D. Gnanasundaram, who died in January 2026, was praised by the Prime Minister for his exceptional understanding of which work?
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Correct answer: A — Kamba Ramayanam
PIB (PMO): the PM said Gnanasundaram's understanding of the Kamba Ramayanam was exceptional.
The Prime Minister recalled meeting D. Gnanasundaram in January 2024 at which temple?
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Correct answer: B — Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tiruchirappalli
PIB (PMO): the PM recalled interacting with him during his visit to Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tiruchirappalli, in January 2024.
Which of the following systems was NOT listed among those displayed on the MHA tableau on new criminal laws at Republic Day 2026?
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Correct answer: C — CCTNS 3.0
PIB (MHA): the tableau displayed e-Sakshya, e-Summons, Nyaya Shruti, NAFIS and ICJS.
In the context of India's criminal justice technology shown on the MHA tableau, NAFIS stands for:
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Correct answer: A — National Automated Fingerprint Identification System
NAFIS is the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System, displayed on the MHA tableau along with e-Sakshya, e-Summons, Nyaya Shruti and ICJS (PIB, MHA).
Chatergala Pass, where BRO carried out a snow rescue in January 2026, lies on which axis in Jammu region?
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Correct answer: D — Bhaderwah–Chatergala
PIB (Defence): Chatergala Pass at 10,500 ft on the Bhaderwah–Chatergala axis in Jammu region.
Under which BRO project was the Chatergala Pass rescue and road restoration carried out?
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Correct answer: C — Project Sampark
PIB (Defence): the operation was carried out under Project Sampark.
Nagaland's first Drone School and Drone Centre of Excellence, inaugurated on 26 January 2026, is located in which city?
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Correct answer: B — Kohima
Morung Express and India Today NE: inaugurated at the Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre in Kohima.
'Naga Bazaar', launched in Nagaland on Republic Day 2026, is:
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Correct answer: B — An e-commerce platform of MARCOFED
DIPR Nagaland: MARCOFED formally launched its e-commerce portal 'Naga Bazaar' (nagabazaar.com), a hyper-local quick delivery platform.
The first batch of 50 trainees at Nagaland's new Drone School (January 2026) is sponsored by:
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Correct answer: A — Nagaland Skill & Entrepreneurship Development Mission
Morung Express and India Today NE: the first batch of 50 trainees is sponsored by the Nagaland Skill & Entrepreneurship Development Mission (NSEDM).
Who was awarded the Ashoka Chakra on the eve of Republic Day 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
PIB (Defence): the lone Ashoka Chakra went to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the IAF; the other three received the Kirti Chakra.
How many Kirti Chakras were approved on the eve of Republic Day 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Three
PIB: the 70 gallantry awards include one Ashoka Chakra, three Kirti Chakras and 13 Shaurya Chakras.
Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A of the Indian Navy were among the Republic Day 2026 recipients of which award?
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Correct answer: C — Shaurya Chakra
PIB (Defence): Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A (Navy) are listed under the Shaurya Chakra.
How many Padma Vibhushan awards were announced for 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 5
PIB (MHA): the 131 Padma Awards for 2026 comprise 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri.
Which of the following received the Padma Vibhushan 2026 posthumously?
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Correct answer: A — V S Achuthanandan
PIB: V S Achuthanandan (Public Affairs, Kerala) and Dharmendra Singh Deol received Padma Vibhushan posthumously; Shibu Soren, Piyush Pandey and V K Malhotra received Padma Bhushan posthumously.
Consider the following about the Padma Awards 2026: 1. 19 of the awardees are women. 2. 16 awards are posthumous. 3. Cricketer Rohit Sharma received the Padma Bhushan. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB: 19 awardees are women and 16 are posthumous. Rohit Sharma (Sports, Maharashtra) is in the Padma Shri list, not Padma Bhushan.
Sir Mark Tully, who died in January 2026, was widely known as the 'voice of India' of which broadcaster?
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Correct answer: C — BBC
AP, The Hindu and BBC: Mark Tully, long-time BBC correspondent and New Delhi bureau chief, was known as the BBC's 'voice of India'.
In which city was journalist Mark Tully born?
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Correct answer: A — Kolkata
AP and The Hindu: Tully was born in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1935.
Of the 125 Medals for Gallantry announced for Republic Day 2026, the largest number were for actions in which region?
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Correct answer: C — Jammu & Kashmir
PIB (MHA): 45 gallantry medals were for Jammu & Kashmir, 35 for LWE-affected areas, 5 for the North-East and 40 for other regions.
How many personnel of Police, Fire, Home Guard & Civil Defence and Correctional Services were awarded medals on Republic Day 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 982
PIB (MHA): 982 personnel were awarded — 125 Medals for Gallantry, 101 President's Medals for Distinguished Service and 756 Medals for Meritorious Service.
The SAARG committee constituted by PFRDA in January 2026 is chaired by:
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Correct answer: A — Narayan Ramachandran
PIB (Finance): SAARG is chaired by Narayan Ramachandran, former Country Head and CEO of Morgan Stanley India.
In PFRDA's SAARG committee, what does 'SAARG' stand for?
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Correct answer: D — Strategic Asset Allocation and Risk Governance
PIB: PFRDA constituted a committee of investment experts for Strategic Asset Allocation and Risk Governance (SAARG).
The Matabari Tourism Circuit, whose foundation stone was laid in January 2026, will integrate which of the following?
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Correct answer: A — Tripura Sundari Temple, Chabimura and Dumbur Lake
PIB (DoNER): the ₹450 crore circuit will integrate the Tripura Sundari Temple, Chabimura and Dumbur Lake.
What is the Ministry of DoNER's contribution to the ₹450 crore Matabari Tourism Circuit?
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Correct answer: C — ₹276 crore
PIB (DoNER): of the ₹450 crore outlay, ₹276 crore is being contributed by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
According to the ECI, what was the voter turnout in the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, the highest since 1951?
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Correct answer: C — 67.3%
PIB (ECI): the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 recorded the highest turnout since 1951 at 67.3%; women's participation was 71.8%.
The ECI publication 'Chunav Ka Parv, Bihar Ka Garv' was released on which occasion?
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Correct answer: B — 16th National Voters' Day
PIB (ECI): the publication was released at the 16th National Voters' Day celebration on 25 January 2026.
Assam's 'Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat' scheme, launched in January 2026, provides one-time assistance of how much to each tea garden worker?
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Correct answer: D — ₹5,000
Assam Tribune, Economic Times and TOI: the scheme gives ₹5,000 to every tea garden worker, permanent or casual.
The Eti Koli Duti Paat scheme was launched to mark which milestone, and where was it launched?
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Correct answer: B — 200 years of Assam's tea industry; Doomdooma (Tinsukia)
Assam Tribune, ET and TOI: launched at Doomdooma in Tinsukia district as part of the celebration of 200 years of Assam's tea industry.
What was the theme of the 16th National Voters' Day (2026)?
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Correct answer: D — My India, My Vote
PIB (ECI): NVD-2026 was celebrated with the theme "My India, My Vote" and the tagline "Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy".
Who was the Guest of Honour at the 16th National Voters' Day celebration in New Delhi?
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Correct answer: A — Arjun Ram Meghwal
PIB (ECI): Union MoS (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal was Guest of Honour; President Droupadi Murmu was Chief Guest; CEC Gyanesh Kumar led the event.
The Indian Navy's First Training Squadron made a three-day port call in January 2026 at which Indonesian port?
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Correct answer: B — Belawan
PIB (Defence): 1TS departed Belawan on 23 January 2026 after a three-day port call; the reception was co-hosted with the Consulate General of India, Medan.
Which of the following was NOT part of the First Training Squadron during its January 2026 Indonesia visit?
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Correct answer: D — INS Vikrant
PIB (Defence): the 1TS ships were INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata and ICGS Sarathi; INS Vikrant was not part of it.
Bharat Parv 2026, held at the Red Fort from 26 to 31 January, is organised by which ministry?
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Correct answer: A — Ministry of Tourism
PIB: the Ministry of Tourism organises Bharat Parv, its flagship annual event, as part of the Republic Day celebrations.
How many Republic Day tableaux are on display at Bharat Parv 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 41
PIB (Tourism): attractions include 41 Republic Day tableaux, 48 cultural performances and a food court with 60 stalls.
In the 130th Mann Ki Baat (January 2026), the PM praised the people-led revival of the Tamsa river. The river flows through which district?
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Correct answer: D — Azamgarh
PIB (PMO): the PM said the revival of the Tamsa river passing through Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, is a remarkable example of public participation.
Which slogan did the PM use in the 130th Mann Ki Baat while calling for 2026 to be about quality?
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Correct answer: B — Zero Defect, Zero Effect
PIB (PMO): 'Let us make 2026 about quality. Let us focus on Zero Defect, Zero Effect. Let us ensure, Made in India = Excellence.'
CSIR-CRRI signed an MoA with which steel plant in January 2026 for the first Steel Slag Road implementation in Tamil Nadu?
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Correct answer: D — JSW Steel, Salem Works
PIB (S&T): CSIR-CRRI and JSW Steel Limited, Salem Works, entered into the partnership on 24 January 2026.
The 'Steel Slag Road' technology mentioned in the January 2026 CSIR–JSW agreement was developed by:
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Correct answer: A — CSIR-Central Road Research Institute
PIB: the DG, CSIR highlighted CSIR-CRRI's Steel Slag Road technology, already implemented in several states under CSIR-CRRI's guidance.
Consider the following about the CSIR-CRRI–JSW Steel project of January 2026: 1. It covers EOF and LRF steel slag. 2. The processed slag is meant for bituminous road construction. 3. A demonstration road section will be built near Chennai. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB: the project converts EOF and LRF steel slag into aggregates for bituminous roads; the demonstration road section will be near Salem, not Chennai.