Important Days & Themes Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
On 19 February 2026, PM Modi paid tribute to which historical figure on his Jayanti, calling him a 'champion of Swarajya'?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
The PM paid homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his Jayanti, calling him a champion of Swarajya.
Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur, to whom the Vice President paid tributes on his death anniversary on 17 February 2026, is popularly known as:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Jan Nayak
The Vice President described Karpoori Thakur as a true 'Jan Nayak'.
Sant Sevalal Maharaj, whose birth anniversary is observed on 15 February, is revered as a spiritual leader of which community?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Banjara
Sant Sevalal Maharaj is revered as a spiritual leader of the Banjara community.
Which birth anniversary of Sant Sevalal Maharaj was observed on 15 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 287th
15 February 2026 marked the 287th birth anniversary of Sant Sevalal Maharaj.
On Sevalal Jayanti 2026, the Telangana Chief Minister announced a grand shrine for Sant Sevalal Maharaj in which forest area?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Nallamala forest
CM Revanth Reddy announced the shrine in the Nallamala forest, Achampet area, where 20 acres have been allocated.
In which city were the Unani Day 2026 celebrations held on 14 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Mumbai
Unani Day 2026 was celebrated in Mumbai, with a national conference at the Yashwantrao Chavan Centre.
Unani Day is observed every year on 11 February to commemorate the birth anniversary of:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Hakim Ajmal Khan
Unani Day marks the birth anniversary of Hakim Ajmal Khan, a pioneering Unani physician, educationist and freedom fighter.
Consider the following statements: 1. Unani Day is observed on 11 February each year. 2. The 2026 national conference on Unani medicine in Mumbai was organised by the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM). Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Unani Day falls on 11 February; the 2026 conference 'Innovation and Evidence in Unani Practice' was organised by CCRUM on 14–15 February.
How many CRPF personnel were killed in the Pulwama terror attack of 14 February 2019?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 40
40 CRPF personnel were killed when a suicide bomber attacked their convoy at Lethpora, Pulwama.
At which place in Pulwama district did the CRPF hold its memorial ceremony on the seventh anniversary of the 2019 attack?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Lethpora
The ceremony was held at the Martyrs Memorial of the 185 Battalion, CRPF, at Lethpora — the site of the 2019 attack.
Who was the CRPF Director General who led the tribute at Lethpora on 14 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Gyanendra Pratap Singh
CRPF DG Gyanendra Pratap Singh led the wreath-laying; Rajesh Kumar was ADG, J&K Zone.
The Coimbatore serial bomb blasts, whose victims the Vice-President remembered on 14 February 2026, took place in which year?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1998
The Coimbatore serial bomb blasts occurred on 14 February 1998, while L. K. Advani was visiting the city.
What was the theme of World Radio Day 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Radio and Artificial Intelligence
UNESCO's theme for World Radio Day 2026 was 'Radio and Artificial Intelligence'.
World Radio Day is observed on 13 February because on that date in 1946:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — United Nations Radio was established
13 February is the anniversary of the creation of United Nations Radio in 1946.
Consider the following statements about World Radio Day: 1. It was proclaimed by UNESCO's General Conference at its 36th session in 2011. 2. It was adopted as a UN international day by the UN General Assembly in 2012. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. UNESCO proclaimed it in 2011 at its 36th General Conference, and the 67th session of the UN General Assembly adopted it in 2012.
What was the theme of National Productivity Week 2026, which began on NPC's 68th Foundation Day?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Clusters as Growth Engine: Maximizing Productivity in MSMEs
The theme was 'Clusters as Growth Engine: Maximizing Productivity in MSMEs'.
Who is the Chairman of the National Productivity Council, as stated at its 68th Foundation Day?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — The Secretary, DPIIT
DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia is the Chairman of NPC.
The UN theme for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026 brings together AI, social science, STEM and which other field?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Finance
The 2026 theme is 'Synergizing AI, Social Science, STEM and Finance: Building Inclusive Futures for Women and Girls'.
The theme of MeitY's Safer Internet Day 2026 campaign, 'Smart Tech, Safe Choices', focused on the safe and responsible use of:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Artificial Intelligence
The theme was 'Smart Tech, Safe Choices – Exploring the Safe and Responsible Use of AI'.
Under which MeitY initiative was the Safer Internet Day 2026 campaign organised?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA)
The campaign was organised under the Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) initiative and reached 9.78 crore citizens.
What was the theme of World Wetlands Day 2026, as marked by the Environment Ministry?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage
The 2026 theme was 'Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage'.
Where did the Environment Ministry hold its World Wetlands Day event on 2 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary
The event was organised at Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary in Delhi.
Which Raising Day of the Indian Coast Guard was celebrated on 1 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 50th
Rajnath Singh attended the ICG's 50th Raising Day celebrations in New Delhi.
At the ICG's 50th Raising Day, Rajnath Singh asked the Coast Guard to prepare a roadmap for how many years as part of the Viksit Bharat @2047 goal?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 25 years
He asked the ICG to prepare a clear, well-targeted roadmap for the next 25 years.
On 30 January 2026, Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary, PM Modi attended a prayer meeting at which place in New Delhi, besides paying tributes at Rajghat?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Gandhi Smriti
PIB: The PM paid tributes at Rajghat and attended a prayer meeting at Gandhi Smriti.
On which date is National Leprosy Day observed in India, as marked by the Health Ministry in 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 30 January
PIB: The Central Leprosy Division observed National Leprosy Day on 30 January 2026 with an outreach at Dilli Haat.
Which freedom fighter, popularly called 'Punjab Kesari', was remembered on his birth anniversary on 28 January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Lala Lajpat Rai
PIB (PMO): the PM paid tributes to Punjab Kesari Lala Lajpat Rai on his birth anniversary on 28 January 2026.
Who commanded the 77th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path on 26 January 2026?
Show answer
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)?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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.
What was the theme of the 16th National Voters' Day (2026)?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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.
Which new scheme was launched at the Uttar Pradesh Statehood Day ceremony in Lucknow on 24 January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — One District One Cuisine
PIB (MHA): Amit Shah launched the 'One District One Cuisine' scheme and inaugurated the Sardar Patel Industrial Area Scheme; ODOP is an older scheme.
Who among the following was conferred the Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman 2025–26?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Shubhanshu Shukla
PIB (MHA): the UP Gaurav Samman 2025–26 was conferred on Shubhanshu Shukla, Alakh Pandey, Rashmi Arya and Sudhanshu Singh.
Under Uttar Pradesh's CM YUVA programme, youth can get interest-free and collateral-free loans of up to:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — ₹5 lakh
PIB (MHA): arrangements have been made to provide interest-free and collateral-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh to one lakh youths every year.
National Girl Child Day is observed in India on:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 24 January
PIB (WCD and PMO): National Girl Child Day was observed on 24 January 2026.
Which school won the Brass Band Girls category at the National School Band Competition 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Providence Girls Higher Secondary School, Kozhikode
PIB (Defence): Providence Girls HSS, Kozhikode (Kerala) won Brass Band Girls; KGBV Kanke won Pipe Band Girls and Kairali School won Pipe Band Boys.
The Grand Finale of the National School Band Competition 2026 was held at:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi
PIB (Defence): the Grand Finale was held at the National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi, on 24 January 2026.
Where was the main celebration of Parakram Diwas 2026 held?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Andaman & Nicobar Islands
PIB (PMO): the PM noted that in 2026 the main celebration of Parakram Diwas was held in Andaman and Nicobar, which he addressed via video conferencing.
23 January 2026 marked which birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 129th
PIB (Culture): PM Sangrahalaya celebrated the 129th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on 23 January 2026.
Which three states celebrate their Statehood Day on 21 January?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Dr Manik Saha
PIB (MHA): Amit Shah wished Tripura CM Dr Manik Saha in his Statehood Day message.
The Raising Day of which force is observed on 19 January?
Show answer
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.
According to the PM's address on National Startup Day 2026, where does India rank among the world's startup ecosystems?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Third
PIB (PMO): the PM said India is today the world's third-largest startup ecosystem.
How many startups does India have now, according to the PM at the Startup India decade programme?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — More than 2 lakh
PIB (PMO): fewer than 500 startups ten years ago have grown to more than 2 lakh today.
According to the PM, India had only four unicorns in 2014. About how many active unicorns does it have now?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 125
PIB (PMO): India had only four unicorns in 2014; today there are nearly 125 active unicorns.
Where was the programme marking a decade of Startup India held on 16 January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Bharat Mandapam
PIB (PMO): the programme was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
On Thiruvalluvar Day 2026, the PM urged everyone to read which work, saying it gives a glimpse of Thiruvalluvar's outstanding intellect?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Tirukkural
PIB (PMO): the PM urged all to read the Tirukkural, which gives a glimpse of the outstanding intellect of Thiruvalluvar.
In which city was the 78th Army Day parade held on 15 January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Jaipur
PIB (Defence): the Indian Army celebrated its 78th Army Day at Jaipur, Rajasthan. Bengaluru, Lucknow and Pune hosted earlier editions.
Which Army command hosted the Army Day Parade for the first time in 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — South Western Command
PIB (Defence): South Western Command hosted the parade for the first time.
Consider the following statements about the 78th Army Day Parade (2026): 1. It was the first time the parade was held outside an army cantonment. 2. It was the first time the parade was held outside Delhi. 3. Bhairav Battalion contingents took part for the first time. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
PIB (Defence): statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong: it was the fourth time the parade was held outside Delhi.
Which edition of Defence Forces Veterans' Day was observed on 14 January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 10th
PIB (Defence): the 10th Defence Forces Veterans' Day was observed on 14 January 2026.
On Veterans' Day 2026, the Raksha Mantri paid tribute to IPKF veterans of which operation, conducted in Sri Lanka 40 years ago?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Operation Pawan
PIB (Defence): the RM paid tribute to ex-servicemen who were part of the IPKF during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka 40 years ago.
National Youth Day, observed on 12 January, marks the birth anniversary of which personality?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Swami Vivekananda
PIB (PMO): the PM said National Youth Day is celebrated every year on 12 January in memory of Swami Vivekananda, on his birth anniversary.
At the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, PM Modi described the 'Orange Economy' as one rooted in what?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Culture, content and creativity
PIB (PMO): the PM said India is seeing remarkable growth in the Orange Economy, rooted in culture, content and creativity.
World Braille Day is observed every year on which date?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 4 January
PIB backgrounder: World Braille Day is observed annually on 4 January.
In which year was Bharati Braille adopted as a single national Braille standard with common codes for Indian languages?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1951
PIB backgrounder: Braille was introduced in India in 1887, and in 1951 Bharati Braille was adopted as a single national standard.
Consider the following statements about Braille as described in PIB's World Braille Day 2026 backgrounder: 1. Braille is a tactile code, not a language. 2. It is named after its 19th-century French inventor, Louis Braille. 3. India's Braille policy ecosystem is anchored in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB backgrounder: Braille is a code, not a language, named after Louis Braille of 19th-century France. The ecosystem is anchored in the RPwD Act, 2016, not a 1995 Act, so statement 3 is wrong.
Veer Baal Diwas, observed on 26 December, honours which two Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh Ji?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh
PIB backgrounder: Veer Baal Diwas honours Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji, the two youngest sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
The two youngest Sahibzadas were martyred on 26 December 1704 at:
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Sirhind (Fatehgarh Sahib)
PIB backgrounder: they were bricked alive and martyred at Sirhind (present-day Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab) on 26 December 1704.
In his Veer Baal Diwas 2025 address, the Prime Minister said the colonial mindset was seeded by Macaulay in which year?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1835
PIB 2208811: the PM said the mentality was seeded by British politician Macaulay in 1835, and that 2035 will mark 200 years.