Current Affairs Quiz — January 2026
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Between 1 April and 31 December 2025, public sector banks sanctioned MSME loans worth more than how much under their digital Credit Assessment Model?
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Correct answer: C — ₹52,300 crore
PIB (Finance): over 3.96 lakh MSME loan applications amounting to more than ₹52,300 crore were sanctioned.
The public sector banks' Credit Assessment Model for MSMEs is primarily based on:
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Correct answer: D — Digital footprints such as GST, bank statement and ITR data
PIB (Finance): the CAM uses digital footprints — KYC, GST data, account aggregator bank statements, ITR verification and CIC data — for automated appraisal.
How many proposals did the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife consider at its 88th meeting in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 70
PIB (MoEFCC): the Standing Committee considered 70 proposals, including 17 defence-related ones.
The 17 defence-related proposals considered at the 88th NBWL Standing Committee meeting were located mainly in:
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Correct answer: D — Ladakh and Sikkim
PIB (MoEFCC): the 17 defence proposals were primarily located in the UT of Ladakh and the State of Sikkim.
Proposals in and around protected areas are considered by the NBWL Standing Committee under which Act?
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Correct answer: C — Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
PIB (MoEFCC): the proposals were considered in accordance with the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Which two bodies were approved as the first Second-Level Fund Managers under the RDI Fund?
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Correct answer: A — TDB and BIRAC
PIB (Science & Technology): the Technology Development Board and BIRAC were approved as the first Second-Level Fund Managers under the RDI Fund.
What is the size of the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund meant to catalyse private sector-led research?
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Correct answer: C — ₹1 lakh crore
PIB (Science & Technology): the RDI Fund is a ₹1 lakh crore initiative to catalyse private sector-led research and innovation.
Consider the following statements about the RDI Fund scheme: 1. It was approved by the Union Cabinet on 1 July 2025. 2. It was formally rolled out by the Prime Minister on 3 November 2025. 3. Funding of industry-backed projects had begun before the end of 2025. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Science & Technology): the Cabinet approved the scheme on 1 July 2025 and the PM rolled it out on 3 November 2025; funding of industry-backed projects was to start by the end of January 2026.
The Centre of Excellence for Regulatory Affairs in the Power Sector, launched in January 2026, was set up at which institution?
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Correct answer: A — IIT Delhi
PIB (Power): Power Minister Manohar Lal inaugurated the Centre at IIT Delhi.
Which of the following jointly established the Centre of Excellence for Regulatory Affairs in the Power Sector?
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Correct answer: A — IIT Delhi, CERC and Grid India
PIB (Power): the Centre is jointly established by IIT Delhi, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission and Grid Controller of India Ltd.
The Raising Day of which force is observed on 19 January?
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Correct answer: B — National Disaster Response Force
PIB (MHA, PMO): greetings were extended to NDRF personnel on the force's Raising Day, 19 January 2026.
In January 2026 the Indian Navy contracted an MSME shipyard in Thane to build what?
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Correct answer: B — Three 200-tonne Bottom Opening Non-Propelled Barges
PIB (Defence): the contract with Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane, is for 3 × 200T Bottom Opening Non-Propelled Barges.
What overhead traction power system will the OHE masts on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train corridor support?
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Correct answer: B — 2×25 kV
PIB (Railways): the masts will support the complete 2×25 kV overhead traction power system.
Roughly how many OHE masts will be installed along the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train corridor?
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Correct answer: C — More than 20,000
PIB (Railways): in total, more than 20,000 masts ranging from 9.5 to 14.5 metres will be installed.
Approximately how many special guests were invited to witness the 77th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path?
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Correct answer: C — 10,000
PIB (Defence): approximately 10,000 special guests (including spouses) were invited to the 77th Republic Day Parade.
Companies receiving incentives under the SIGHT programme were among the special guests at the 2026 Republic Day Parade. SIGHT is part of which mission?
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Correct answer: B — National Green Hydrogen Mission
PIB (Defence): the list includes heads of companies incentivised for hydrogen production and electrolyser manufacturing under the SIGHT programme in the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
How many special trains did Indian Railways run for the Mauni Amavasya period from 3 January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 244
PIB (Railways): 244 special trains were operated since 3 January 2026, serving about 4.5 lakh passengers.
Which railway zone ran the largest number of the 244 Mauni Amavasya special trains in January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — North Central Railway
PIB (Railways): North Central Railway ran 158 trains, Northern Railway 31 and North Eastern Railway 55.
C-DOT received the SKOCH Award 2025 for which solution?
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Correct answer: B — Cell Broadcast Solution
PIB (Communications): C-DOT was conferred the SKOCH Award 2025 for its Cell Broadcast Solution, a disaster and emergency alerting platform.
The Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project, whose Bhoomi Pujan was performed in January 2026, involves 4-laning of a section of which National Highway?
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Correct answer: A — NH-715
PIB (PMO): the project is the 4-laning of the Kaliabor–Numaligarh section of NH-715.
What is the approximate cost of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project?
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Correct answer: A — Over ₹6,950 crore
PIB (PMO): the project is worth over ₹6,950 crore.
At the Kaziranga corridor event, the PM recalled that which warrior strategised from Kaliabor to drive out the Mughal army?
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Correct answer: A — Lachit Borphukan
PIB (Ports, Shipping and Waterways): the PM recalled that it was from Kaliabor that Lachit Borphukan strategised to drive out the Mughal invaders.
To which country did India flag off the first tranche of Guided Pinaka rockets on 18 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Armenia
PIB (Defence): Rajnath Singh flagged off the first tranche of Guided Pinaka rockets to Armenia from Nagpur.
The Medium Caliber Ammunition Manufacturing Facility inaugurated at Solar Defence & Aerospace Ltd, Nagpur, manufactures which ammunition?
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Correct answer: B — 30mm
PIB (Defence): the fully automated plant manufactures 30mm ammunition used extensively by the Indian Army and Navy.
At Nagpur in January 2026, the Defence Minister said the government aims to raise the private sector's share in defence manufacturing to what level soon?
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Correct answer: C — 50% or more
PIB (Defence): Rajnath Singh said the aim is to increase the private sector's role in defence manufacturing to 50% or more soon.
In which district of West Bengal is Singur, where the PM launched projects worth over ₹830 crore on 18 January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Hooghly
PIB (PMO): the projects were launched at Singur in Hooghly district, West Bengal.
How many hybrid electric catamarans did the PM launch for passenger transport on Kolkata's waterways in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Six
PIB (Ports, Shipping and Waterways): PM Modi launched six hybrid electric catamarans to boost green passenger transport on Kolkata waterways.
At Singur, the PM said an Extended Port Gate System being built at which place would open new opportunities for Hooghly?
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Correct answer: A — Balagarh
PIB (PMO): the PM said the Extended Port Gate System being built in Balagarh will open new opportunities for Hooghly and surrounding areas.
Which vessel was flagged off from Kochi in January 2026 for the fifth edition of the Sagar Maitri initiative?
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Correct answer: B — INS Sagardhwani
PIB (Defence): INS Sagardhwani, NPOL's oceanographic research vessel, was flagged off for Sagar Maitri V on 17 January 2026.
INS Sagardhwani operates under which DRDO laboratory?
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Correct answer: B — Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory
PIB (Defence): INS Sagardhwani is India's oceanographic research vessel under the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) of DRDO.
In the context of the Sagar Maitri programme, MAITRI stands for:
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Correct answer: B — Marine & Allied Interdisciplinary Training and Research Initiative
PIB (Defence): DRDO initiated a scientific component titled MAITRI — Marine & Allied Interdisciplinary Training and Research Initiative — under Sagar Maitri.
Where was India's first open-sea marine fish farming project launched in January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — North Bay, Sri Vijaya Puram
PIB (Earth Sciences): the project was launched on site at North Bay, Sri Vijaya Puram, in the Andaman Sea.
Which institute brought the open-sea cage technology used in India's first open-sea marine fish farming project?
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Correct answer: A — NIOT
PIB (Earth Sciences): NIOT brought advanced open-sea cage technology for cage-based marine fish farming in the Andaman Sea.
What combined Profit After Tax did India's power distribution utilities record in FY 2024-25?
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Correct answer: D — Profit of ₹2,701 crore
PIB (Power): distribution utilities recorded a positive PAT of ₹2,701 crore in FY 2024-25.
What was the combined loss of India's power distribution utilities in FY 2013-14, as cited by the Power Ministry in January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹67,962 crore
PIB (Power): the utilities lost ₹67,962 crore in FY 2013-14 and ₹25,553 crore in FY 2023-24.
Consider the following statements about power distribution utilities' finances as reported in January 2026: 1. They returned a positive PAT in FY 2024-25 after several years of losses. 2. Their loss in FY 2023-24 was ₹25,553 crore. 3. The Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme was cited as one of the reforms behind the turnaround. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Power): PAT turned positive at ₹2,701 crore in FY 2024-25 after years of losses, the FY 2023-24 loss was ₹25,553 crore, and RDSS is listed among the transformative initiatives.
Where was PM Vishwakarma Haat 2026 inaugurated in January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi
PIB (MSME): Jitan Ram Manjhi inaugurated PM Vishwakarma Haat 2026 at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi.
Which ministry organised PM Vishwakarma Haat 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Ministry of MSME
PIB (MSME): PM Vishwakarma Haat 2026 was organised by the Ministry of MSME.
The first dedicated IndiaSkills regional competition for the North Eastern Region (IndiaSkills 2025-26) was scheduled to be held at:
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Correct answer: B — Gauhati University
PIB (MSDE): the North East Regional Competition of IndiaSkills 2025-26 was to be organised at Gauhati University from 19 to 22 January 2026.
In how many skill categories were youth to compete at the IndiaSkills 2025-26 North East Regional Competition?
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Correct answer: C — 26
PIB (MSDE): youth from all eight North Eastern states were to compete across 26 skill categories.
How many patients availed consultations at the Joint Services Multi-Speciality Medical Camp in Lakshadweep in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 4,719
PIB (Defence): 4,719 patients availed specialist and super-specialist consultations.
Which of the following islands was NOT among the venues of the Joint Services medical camp in Lakshadweep in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Bangaram
PIB (Defence): the camp was held at Kavaratti, Agatti, Amini, Androth and Minicoy.
According to Indian Railways in January 2026, the length of track capable of 110 km/h or more has grown from 31,445 km in 2014 to:
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Correct answer: C — 84,244 km
PIB (Railways): high-speed-capable track length grew from 31,445 km in 2014 to 84,244 km, about 80% of the network.
How many track kilometres of track renewal did Indian Railways complete in 2024-25?
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Correct answer: B — 6,851
PIB (Railways): track renewal was carried out over 6,851 track km in 2024-25; 7,900 track km is planned for 2026-27.
From which place did the second range-wide estimation of riverine and estuarine dolphins in India begin in January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh
PIB (Environment): the estimation started from Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh.
Which institution is coordinating the second range-wide dolphin estimation under Project Dolphin?
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Correct answer: A — Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun
PIB (Environment): the estimation is coordinated by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun.
About how many riverine dolphins were estimated in India's previous range-wide survey (2021–23)?
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Correct answer: C — 6,327
PIB (Environment): the previous estimation (2021–23) recorded about 6,327 riverine dolphins.
What total financial penalty did DGCA impose on IndiGo over its December 2025 flight disruptions?
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Correct answer: A — ₹22.20 crore
PIB (Civil Aviation): ₹1.80 crore in one-time penalties plus ₹20.40 crore for 68 days of continued non-compliance, a total of ₹22.20 crore. The ₹50 crore is a bank guarantee, not a penalty.
Under which scheme must IndiGo furnish a ₹50 crore bank guarantee, released in phases as reforms are verified?
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Correct answer: A — IndiGo Systemic Reform Assurance Scheme (ISRAS)
PIB (Civil Aviation): the ₹50 crore bank guarantee is under the IndiGo Systemic Reform Assurance Scheme (ISRAS).
How many IndiGo flights were cancelled during the disruptions of 3–5 December 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 2,507
PIB (Civil Aviation): 2,507 flights were cancelled and 1,852 delayed.
Consider the following statements about DGCA's action on IndiGo (January 2026): 1. DGCA formed a four-member committee to inquire into the disruptions. 2. The penalties were imposed under Rule 133A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937. 3. Over 30 lakh passengers were affected by the disruptions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Civil Aviation): statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: over 3 lakh (not 30 lakh) passengers were affected.
Which IndiGo official is to be relieved of operational duties following DGCA's findings on the December 2025 disruptions?
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Correct answer: D — The SVP (OCC)
PIB (Civil Aviation): the CEO was cautioned and the COO warned, while the SVP (OCC) is to be relieved of operational duties.
India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, flagged off on 17 January 2026, runs between which two stations?
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Correct answer: A — Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya)
PIB (PMO): the PM flagged off India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) at Malda Town Railway Station.
At which railway station did the PM flag off India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train?
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Correct answer: D — Malda Town
PIB (PMO): the PM visited Malda Town Railway Station, where he flagged off the train.
What was the total value of the rail and road projects the PM inaugurated and laid foundation stones for at Malda on 17 January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹3,250 crore
PIB (PMO): the projects at Malda were worth ₹3,250 crore.
Which of the following was NOT among the four Amrit Bharat Express trains flagged off at Malda on 17 January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Alipurduar–Chennai
PIB (PMO): the four trains were New Jalpaiguri–Nagercoil, New Jalpaiguri–Tiruchchirappalli, Alipurduar–Bengaluru and Alipurduar–Mumbai. There was no Alipurduar–Chennai train.
GRAP Stage IV, invoked across Delhi-NCR on 17 January 2026, corresponds to which AQI category?
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Correct answer: D — 'Severe+' (AQI above 450)
PIB (Environment): Stage IV of GRAP is 'Severe+', AQI above 450.
To which meteorological factors did CAQM attribute the rise in Delhi's AQI on 17 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — A Western Disturbance and calm winds
PIB (Environment): CAQM cited a Western Disturbance and calm winds.
Which of the following trucks remained allowed to enter Delhi under the GRAP Stage IV measures invoked on 17 January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — BS-VI trucks
PIB (Environment): entry of BS-IV trucks was stopped, while LNG, CNG, electric and BS-VI trucks were allowed.
When was the Amrit Bharat Express train service launched?
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Correct answer: B — December 2023
PIB Backgrounder: Amrit Bharat Express trains have been operational since December 2023.
Consider the following statements about the Amrit Bharat Express (PIB backgrounder, January 2026): 1. It is a non-AC long-distance sleeper train service. 2. Its non-AC sleeper fare is about ₹500 per 1,000 km. 3. Its fares follow dynamic pricing. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB Backgrounder: it is a modern non-AC long-distance sleeper service priced at about ₹500 per 1,000 km with no dynamic pricing, so statement 3 is wrong.
Indian Coast Guard Ship Sankalp made a port call at Port Louis on 17 January 2026. Port Louis is the capital of which country?
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Correct answer: B — Mauritius
PIB (Defence): ICGS Sankalp made a port call at Port Louis, Mauritius.
ICGS Sankalp, which visited Mauritius in January 2026, belongs to which class of vessel?
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Correct answer: C — Offshore Patrol Vessel
PIB (Defence): ICGS Sankalp is an Offshore Patrol Vessel.
Bagurumba Dwhou, attended by the PM in Guwahati on 17 January 2026, is a traditional cultural programme of which community?
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Correct answer: C — Bodo
PIB (PMO): Bagurumba Dwhou is a traditional Bodo cultural programme.
At which venue in Guwahati was Bagurumba Dwhou 2026 held?
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Correct answer: B — Sarusajai Stadium
PIB (PMO): the programme was held at Sarusajai Stadium, Guwahati.
In which year was the Bodo Peace Accord, recalled by the PM at Bagurumba Dwhou 2026, signed?
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Correct answer: C — 2020
PIB (PMO): the PM referred to the Bodo Peace Accord of 2020.
Which of the following ships in the Indian Navy's First Training Squadron that visited Singapore in January 2026 belongs to the Indian Coast Guard?
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Correct answer: D — Sarathi
PIB (Defence): 1TS comprised INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi.
The year 2026 is being celebrated as the ASEAN–India Year of what?
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Correct answer: B — Maritime Cooperation
PIB (Defence): 2026 is being celebrated as the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation 2026.
Bharat Ratna Dr M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), to whom the PM paid tribute on his Jayanti on 17 January 2026, was a former Chief Minister of which state?
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Correct answer: C — Tamil Nadu
PIB (PMO): the PM paid tributes to the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Bharat Ratna Dr M.G. Ramachandran.
The 3rd India–Kenya Defence Exhibition and Seminar in Nairobi (January 2026) was organised under which scheme of the Department of Defence Production?
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Correct answer: B — Brand India scheme
PIB (Defence): the exhibition was organised under the Brand India scheme of the Department of Defence Production.
How many Indian defence companies were to take part in the 3rd India–Kenya Defence Exhibition and Seminar?
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Correct answer: C — 20
PIB (Defence): 20 Indian defence companies from the public and private sectors were to participate.