Current Affairs Quiz — January 2026
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
With which organisation did MSDE sign an MoU in January 2026 to launch a Skills Accelerator in India?
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Correct answer: A — World Economic Forum
PIB (MSDE): MSDE signed an MoU with the World Economic Forum to launch and implement a Skills Accelerator in India.
Between which stations does Indian Railways' Trucks-on-Trains service currently operate on the Western DFC?
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Correct answer: B — New Rewari and New Palanpur
PIB (Railways): the ToT service operates between New Rewari and New Palanpur on the Western DFC, about 636 km.
On the New Rewari–New Palanpur route, Trucks-on-Trains cuts transit time from about 30 hours by road to about:
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Correct answer: B — 12 hours
PIB (Railways): end-to-end transit falls from nearly 30 hours by road to around 12 hours via ToT.
On 22 January 2026, PM Modi received a telephone call from the President of which country, with both reaffirming their Strategic Partnership?
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Correct answer: B — Brazil
PIB (PMO): PM Modi received a call from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva; both reaffirmed the India–Brazil Strategic Partnership.
Under which plan did CAQM revoke Stage III restrictions across Delhi-NCR on 22 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Graded Response Action Plan
PIB (MoEFCC): the CAQM Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) revoked all Stage III actions.
What was Delhi's average AQI on 22 January 2026, when GRAP Stage III was revoked?
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Correct answer: B — 322
PIB (MoEFCC): Delhi's AQI was recorded as 322 on 22 January 2026, down from 378 on 20 January.
The Draft National Electricity Policy 2026, once finalised, will replace the National Electricity Policy notified in which year?
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Correct answer: C — 2005
PIB (Power): the draft will replace the existing NEP, which was notified in February 2005.
What per capita electricity consumption target for 2030 is set in the Draft National Electricity Policy 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 2,000 kWh
PIB (Power): the draft targets 2,000 kWh per capita by 2030 and over 4,000 kWh by 2047; consumption was 1,460 kWh in 2024-25.
Consider the following milestones cited in the Draft National Electricity Policy 2026: 1. A unified national grid became operational in December 2013. 2. Universal electrification was achieved by March 2021. 3. Per capita consumption crossed 2,000 kWh in 2024-25. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Power): the national grid became unified in December 2013 and universal electrification came by March 2021; per capita consumption in 2024-25 was 1,460 kWh, so statement 3 is wrong.
How much equity support to SIDBI did the Union Cabinet approve on 21 January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹5,000 crore
PIB (Cabinet): the Cabinet approved equity support of ₹5,000 crore to SIDBI.
Consider the following statements about the SIDBI equity infusion approved in January 2026: 1. ₹3,000 crore will be infused in FY 2025-26. 2. The infusion will be made by the Department of Financial Services. 3. The number of MSMEs assisted is expected to reach 102 lakh by the end of FY 2028. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Cabinet): DFS will infuse ₹3,000 crore in FY 2025-26 and ₹1,000 crore each in the next two years; MSMEs assisted are expected to rise from 76.26 lakh to 102 lakh by end-FY 2028. All three are correct.
The SIDBI capital infusion is primarily meant to help the bank maintain a healthy level of which ratio as its risk-weighted assets grow?
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Correct answer: A — Capital to Risk-weighted Assets Ratio
PIB (Cabinet): rising risk-weighted assets from directed credit, collateral-free digital products and venture debt require more capital to sustain a healthy CRAR.
Up to which financial year did the Cabinet approve the continuation of the Atal Pension Yojana in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 2030-31
PIB (Cabinet): APY will continue up to FY 2030-31.
As of 19 January 2026, roughly how many subscribers had enrolled in the Atal Pension Yojana?
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Correct answer: C — 8.66 crore
PIB (Cabinet): over 8.66 crore subscribers had enrolled as of 19 January 2026.
Consider the following statements about the Atal Pension Yojana: 1. It was launched on 9 May 2015. 2. It offers a guaranteed minimum pension of ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 per month starting at age 60. 3. It is meant mainly for organised-sector employees. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Cabinet): APY was launched on 9 May 2015 for workers in the unorganised sector, with a guaranteed minimum pension of ₹1,000–₹5,000 per month from age 60. Statement 3 is wrong.
Where was the 9th meeting of the India–Myanmar Joint Trade Committee held on 21 January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Nay Pyi Taw
PIB (Commerce): the 9th JTC was held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
What bilateral trade target by 2030 did India and Myanmar set at the 9th Joint Trade Committee?
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Correct answer: A — USD 5 billion
PIB (Commerce): trade stands at USD 2.15 billion and both sides aim for USD 5 billion by 2030.
Which city became the first in Uttar Pradesh to achieve 100% scientific processing of municipal solid waste, as announced in January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Lucknow
PIB (MoHUA): Lucknow became UP's first 'zero fresh waste dump' city.
What is the processing capacity of Lucknow's newly commissioned Shivari Solid Waste Management Plant?
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Correct answer: C — 700 TPD
PIB (MoHUA): the Shivari plant can process 700 metric tonnes per day.
NITI Aayog's January 2026 decarbonisation reports covered which three sectors?
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Correct answer: B — Cement, aluminium and MSMEs
PIB (NITI Aayog): the three reports are decarbonisation roadmaps for the cement, aluminium and MSME sectors.
According to NITI Aayog's cement roadmap, India's cement production in 2070 is projected to be roughly how many times its 2023 level of 391 million tonnes?
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Correct answer: C — Sevenfold
PIB (NITI Aayog): production is likely to rise sevenfold to about 2,100 million tonnes in 2070 from 391 million tonnes in 2023.
Where did the International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 begin on 21 January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
PIB (ECI): IICDEM-2026 began at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Delegates from how many Election Management Bodies attended the inaugural session of IICDEM-2026?
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Correct answer: C — 42
PIB (ECI): delegates from 42 EMBs attended, along with envoys of 27 countries, experts from over 70 institutions and 36 CEOs.
Through which mobile application can DGCA's Electronic Personnel Licence be accessed?
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Correct answer: B — eGCA
PIB (Civil Aviation): the EPL can be accessed through the eGCA mobile application.
With which licences did DGCA begin rolling out the Electronic Personnel Licence in February 2025?
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Correct answer: B — CPL and FRTOL
PIB (Civil Aviation): the EPL roll-out began in February 2025 with the Commercial Pilot's Licence and the Flight Radio Telephone Operator's (Restricted) Licence; ATPL was added on 21 January 2026.
Kaladi, a GI-tagged traditional dairy product, belongs to which district?
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Correct answer: D — Udhampur
PIB (Science & Technology): Kaladi is the GI-tagged traditional dairy product of Udhampur district, Jammu & Kashmir.
Technologies of which CSIR laboratory are to be applied to upscale Kaladi?
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Correct answer: A — CSIR-CFTRI, Mysuru
PIB (Science & Technology): following the success of millet-based foods, CSIR-CFTRI Mysuru technologies will be applied for Kaladi upscaling.
How many scientific projects did the Geological Survey of India place before the 65th CGPB meeting for Field Season 2026-27?
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Correct answer: C — 1,068
PIB (Mines): GSI's Annual Programme for Field Season 2026-27 comprises 1,068 scientific projects.
Consider the following statements about GSI's Field Season 2026-27 programme: 1. It includes 236 projects on critical mineral exploration. 2. G3-stage exploration projects have increased by about 46%. 3. The CGPB meeting that reviewed it was chaired by the Director General of GSI. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Mines): there are 236 critical-mineral projects and G3-stage projects rise about 46%; the meeting was chaired by Mines Secretary Piyush Goyal as CGPB Chairman, not by the GSI DG.
Which three states celebrate their Statehood Day on 21 January?
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Correct answer: B — Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura
PIB (MHA, PMO): greetings were extended to Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura on their Statehood Day, 21 January 2026.
In his Statehood Day greetings of January 2026, the Union Home Minister named whom as the Chief Minister of Tripura?
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Correct answer: C — Dr Manik Saha
PIB (MHA): Amit Shah wished Tripura CM Dr Manik Saha in his Statehood Day message.
How much Fifteenth Finance Commission grant was released to rural local bodies in Gujarat, as announced on 21 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — ₹512.27 crore
PIB (Panchayati Raj): ₹512.27 crore was released for Gujarat's rural local bodies for FY 2025-26.
Untied Grants to Panchayati Raj Institutions may be used for location-specific needs under the subjects listed in which Schedule of the Constitution?
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Correct answer: D — Eleventh Schedule
PIB (Panchayati Raj): Untied Grants are used under the 29 subjects in the Eleventh Schedule, except salaries and establishment costs.
Consider the following statements about XV Finance Commission grants to rural local bodies: 1. They are released in two instalments in a financial year. 2. Untied Grants can be used to pay salaries of panchayat staff. 3. The Ministry of Finance releases the grants on the recommendation of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
PIB (Panchayati Raj): grants are released in two instalments a year by the Finance Ministry on MoPR/DDWS recommendation; Untied Grants cannot be used for salaries and establishment costs.
By how much did the combined Index of Eight Core Industries grow in December 2025 (provisional)?
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Correct answer: C — 3.7%
PIB (Commerce): the ICI increased by 3.7% (provisional) in December 2025 over December 2024.
The eight core industries together account for what share of the weight of items in the Index of Industrial Production?
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Correct answer: C — 40.27%
PIB (Commerce): the Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27% of the weight of items in the IIP.
Which of the following core industries recorded a decline in production in December 2025 compared with December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Crude oil
PIB (Commerce): crude oil fell 5.6% (and natural gas 4.4%), while cement, steel, electricity, fertilizers and coal grew.
When had the CAQM sub-committee invoked GRAP Stage IV in Delhi-NCR before revoking it on 20 January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 17 January 2026
PIB (MoEFCC): Stage IV was invoked on 17 January 2026 and revoked on 20 January 2026.
After CAQM revoked GRAP Stage IV on 20 January 2026, which stages remained in force across NCR?
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Correct answer: D — Stages I, II and III
PIB (MoEFCC): all actions under GRAP Stages I, II and III remained in force.
Which Indian Navy sail training ship set off on the Lokayan 26 expedition on 20 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — INS Sudarshini
PIB (Defence): INS Sudarshini was flagged off from Kochi for Lokayan 26.
During Lokayan 26, INS Sudarshini is scheduled to visit how many ports in how many countries?
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Correct answer: C — 18 ports in 13 countries
PIB (Defence): the ship will traverse about 22,000 nautical miles, visiting 18 ports in 13 countries.
The Central Motor Vehicles (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026 amend which set of rules?
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Correct answer: A — Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989
PIB (MoRTH): the Second Amendment Rules, 2026 introduce changes to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
Under the January 2026 amendment to the motor vehicle rules, which of the following is NOT stated to be withheld for a vehicle with unpaid National Highway user fee?
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Correct answer: D — Renewal of the owner's driving licence
PIB (MoRTH): the rules bar the transfer NOC, fitness certificate renewal/generation and National Permit while user fee is unpaid; driving licence renewal is not mentioned.
Under the amended rules, an 'unpaid user fee' refers to a fee for a National Highway section where:
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Correct answer: B — The ETC system recorded the vehicle's passage but the fee was not received
PIB (MoRTH): 'unpaid user fee' is the fee for an NH section where the ETC system recorded the vehicle's passage but the fee was not received in accordance with the National Highways Act, 1956.
Which edition of the Khelo India Winter Games opened in Leh on 20 January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Sixth
PIB (Sports): the curtains went up on the sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games at NDS Stadium, Leh.
Which event was added to the ice skating programme of the Khelo India Winter Games for the first time in 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Figure skating
PIB (Sports): figure skating has been added to the ice skating programme for the first time.
Consider the following statements about the Khelo India Winter Games 2026: 1. This is the third time Ladakh is hosting the Games. 2. The Ladakh leg was declared open by the Union Sports Minister. 3. The snow leg is to be held in Gulmarg. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
PIB (Sports): Ladakh is hosting KIWG for the third time and the snow leg will be in Gulmarg; the Games were declared open by Ladakh LG Kavinder Gupta, while Dr Mansukh Mandaviya sent a message.
In January 2026, the CCI approved the acquisition of a stake in which Indian bank by Emirates NBD?
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Correct answer: C — RBL Bank
PIB (CCI): the Commission approved Emirates NBD Bank's proposed acquisition of shareholding in RBL Bank Limited.
What range of shareholding in RBL Bank does Emirates NBD propose to acquire, as approved by the CCI?
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Correct answer: B — Not less than 51%, up to 74%
PIB (CCI): the combination envisages acquisition of up to 74% (and not less than 51%) of RBL Bank.
The 233-year-old Valmiki Ramayana manuscript gifted in January 2026 was given to which museum?
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Correct answer: A — International Ram Katha Museum, Ayodhya
PIB (Culture): the manuscript has been permanently gifted to the Antarrashtriya Ram Katha Sangrahalaya, Ayodhya.
The Valmiki Ramayana manuscript gifted to the Ram Katha Museum carries which classical commentary?
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Correct answer: A — Tattvadīpikā by Maheshvara Tīrtha
PIB (Culture): the manuscript is the Vālmīkirāmāyaṇam with the Tattvadīpikā ṭīkā by Maheshvara Tīrtha.
Consider the following statements about the Valmiki Ramayana manuscript gifted in January 2026: 1. It dates to Vikrama Samvat 1849 (1792 CE). 2. It contains all seven kandas, including the Uttarakanda. 3. It was earlier on loan to Rashtrapati Bhavan. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
PIB (Culture): the manuscript dates to VS 1849 (1792 CE) and was earlier loaned to Rashtrapati Bhavan; it comprises five kandas — Bāla, Araṇya, Kiṣkindhā, Sundara and Yuddha — so statement 2 is wrong.
Under which section of the Dam Safety Act, 2021 is the National Committee on Dam Safety constituted?
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Correct answer: D — Section 5
PIB (Jal Shakti): the NCDS is constituted under Section 5 of the Dam Safety Act, 2021; its functions are in the First Schedule.
Who chaired the 11th meeting of the National Committee on Dam Safety in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Chairman, Central Water Commission
PIB (Jal Shakti): the meeting was chaired by Anupam Prasad, Chairman of the Central Water Commission and Chairman of the NCDS.
ECOFIX, for which the Technology Development Board signed a commercialisation pact in January 2026, is:
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Correct answer: B — A ready-to-use pothole repair mix made from steel slag
PIB (Science & Technology): ECOFIX is a ready-to-use pothole repair mix capable of turning steel slag into a durable, instant repair option.
The industry partner that signed the ECOFIX agreement with the Technology Development Board is based in which city?
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Correct answer: B — Visakhapatnam
PIB (Science & Technology): the agreement was with Visakhapatnam-based Ramuka Global Eco Work Private Limited.
At which Indonesian port did the Indian Navy's First Training Squadron make a port call on 20 January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Belawan
PIB (Defence): the First Training Squadron made a port call at Belawan, Indonesia, on 20 January 2026.
Which of the following was NOT among the ships of the First Training Squadron at Belawan in January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — INS Vikrant
PIB (Defence): the ships were INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata and ICGS Sarathi.
How many ATMs did the Department of Posts activate at post offices across India, as announced in January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 887
PIB (Communications): the Department of Posts revamped its ATM infrastructure with the activation of 887 ATMs across India.
Where did APEDA organise an Organic Conclave-cum-Buyer Seller Meet with the Assam government in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Guwahati
PIB (Commerce): APEDA organised the Organic Conclave-cum-Buyer Seller Meet at Guwahati.
A session at APEDA's Guwahati organic conclave covered which edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)?
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Correct answer: D — 8th
PIB (Commerce): the conclave featured a sensitisation session on NPOP 8th Edition, including the regulatory framework and labelling requirements.
During the UAE President's visit in January 2026, India and the UAE set what bilateral trade target for 2032?
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Correct answer: D — US$200 billion
PIB (PMO): bilateral trade reached US$100 billion in FY 2024-25, and the leaders decided to double it to US$200 billion by 2032.
Under the agreement signed during the UAE President's January 2026 visit, HPCL will buy LNG from ADNOC Gas on what terms?
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Correct answer: A — 0.5 MMTPA for 10 years from 2028
PIB (PMO, list of outcomes): the long-term agreement provides for purchase of 0.5 MMTPA LNG by HPCL from ADNOC Gas over 10 years starting 2028.
A Letter of Intent signed during the UAE President's January 2026 visit covers UAE partnership in developing which Special Investment Region?
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Correct answer: A — Dholera, Gujarat
PIB (PMO): the LoI between the Government of Gujarat and the UAE Ministry of Investment is for development of the Dholera Special Investment Region.
Consider the following statements about the UAE President's visit to India on 19 January 2026: 1. It was his fifth visit to India in the last ten years. 2. C-DAC and the UAE's G42 agreed in principle to set up a supercomputing cluster in India. 3. India and the UAE signed their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement during this visit. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (PMO): it was his fifth visit in ten years, and C-DAC–G42 agreed in principle on a supercomputing cluster; the CEPA was signed in 2022, not during this visit.
Which Indian agency signed a Letter of Intent with the UAE Space Agency during the UAE President's January 2026 visit?
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Correct answer: D — IN-SPACe
PIB (PMO, list of outcomes): the LoI on space industry development and commercial collaboration was between IN-SPACe and the UAE Space Agency.
Where was the 86th All India Presiding Officers' Conference inaugurated on 19 January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Lucknow
PIB (Lok Sabha Secretariat): the 86th AIPOC commenced in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh.
Who inaugurated the 86th All India Presiding Officers' Conference?
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Correct answer: A — UP Governor Anandiben Patel
PIB (Lok Sabha Secretariat): the conference was inaugurated by UP Governor Anandiben Patel; Om Birla gave the keynote and Satish Mahana read the PM's message.