Polity & Governance Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The SAARG committee constituted by PFRDA in January 2026 is chaired by:
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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).
According to the ECI, what was the voter turnout in the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, the highest since 1951?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 16th National Voters' Day
PIB (ECI): the publication was released at the 16th National Voters' Day celebration on 25 January 2026.
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.
Approximately how many appointment letters were distributed at the 18th Rozgar Mela on 24 January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Over 61,000
PIB (PMO): more than sixty-one thousand young people received appointment letters for government services at the 18th Rozgar Mela.
At the 18th Rozgar Mela, the PM recalled that 24 January marks the adoption of which of the following?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Jana Gana Mana as National Anthem and Vande Mataram as National Song
PIB (PMO): the PM said that on this day the Constitution adopted 'Jana Gana Mana' as the National Anthem and 'Vande Mataram' as the National Song.
IICDEM 2026, hosted by the Election Commission of India, concluded with the adoption of which document?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Delhi Declaration 2026
PIB (ECI): IICDEM 2026 concluded at Bharat Mandapam with the unanimous adoption of the Delhi Declaration 2026.
Which of the following is NOT one of the five pillars of the Delhi Declaration 2026 adopted at IICDEM?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Campaign Finance Regulation
PIB (ECI): the five pillars are Purity of Electoral Rolls, Conduct of Elections, Research and Publications, Use of Technology, and Training and Capacity Building.
Heads of how many Election Management Bodies attended the closing session of IICDEM 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 42
PIB (ECI): heads of 42 EMBs, experts from over 70 national institutions and 36 CEOs of States/UTs were present.
ECINET, launched at IICDEM 2026, is:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — ECI's one-stop digital platform for election information and services
PIB (ECI): ECINET is ECI's one-stop digital platform for all election-related information and services, launched on 22 January 2026.
In how many languages is ECINET available?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 22 scheduled languages and English
PIB (ECI): CEC Gyanesh Kumar said ECINET is available in 22 scheduled languages and English.
The Draft National Electricity Policy 2026, once finalised, will replace the National Electricity Policy notified in which year?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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.
Where did the International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 begin on 21 January 2026?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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.
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.
How much Fifteenth Finance Commission grant was released to rural local bodies in Gujarat, as announced on 21 January 2026?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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.
The Central Motor Vehicles (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026 amend which set of rules?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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:
Show answer
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.
Under which section of the Dam Safety Act, 2021 is the National Committee on Dam Safety constituted?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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.
Where was the 86th All India Presiding Officers' Conference inaugurated on 19 January 2026?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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.
Approximately how many special guests were invited to witness the 77th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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.
Under the proposed Seed Act 2026, what will every seed packet carry so that farmers can trace the seed's origin?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — A QR code
PIB (Agriculture): every seed packet will carry a QR code which, when scanned, shows complete information about its origin.
What maximum penalty has been proposed under the new Seed Act for selling substandard seeds?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — ₹30 lakh
PIB (Agriculture): a penalty of up to ₹30 lakh and stringent punishment have been proposed for selling substandard seeds.
Consider the following statements about the proposed Seed Act 2026, as explained by the Agriculture Minister: 1. Registration of seed companies will be mandatory. 2. Farmers will be barred from sharing their own seeds with other farmers. 3. A nationwide seed traceability system will be set up. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
PIB (Agriculture): statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong: farmers can sow their own seeds and share them with other farmers.
How many eligible Village Councils of Mizoram will benefit from the XV Finance Commission grants released in January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 808
PIB (Panchayati Raj): the ₹15.20 crore will benefit all 808 eligible Village Councils of the state.
XV Finance Commission untied grants to rural local bodies can be used for location-specific needs under the subjects listed in which Schedule of the Constitution?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Eleventh Schedule
PIB (Panchayati Raj): untied grants are used under the twenty-nine subjects in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution, except salaries and other establishment costs.
Where was the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) inaugurated in January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Central Hall, Samvidhan Sadan, New Delhi
PIB (PMO): the PM inaugurated the 28th CSPOC in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, Parliament House Complex, New Delhi.
What is the main theme of the 28th CSPOC hosted by India in January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Effective Delivery of Parliamentary Democracy
PIB (PMO): the PM said the main theme of the conference is 'Effective Delivery of Parliamentary Democracy'.
According to the PM, how many times has India hosted the CSPOC, counting the 2026 edition?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Fourth time
PIB (PMO): the PM said this is the fourth occasion when the conference is being held in India.
How many Gram Panchayats in Sikkim are to benefit from the first instalment of XV Finance Commission untied grants for 2025-26, released in January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 199
PIB (Panchayati Raj): the funds are for 5 eligible District Panchayats and all 199 eligible Gram Panchayats.
What amount was released as the first instalment of XV Finance Commission untied grants for 2025-26 to Sikkim's rural local bodies?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — ₹643.50 lakh
PIB (Panchayati Raj): ₹643.50 lakh was released as the first instalment; ₹17.50 lakh was a separate withheld 2024-25 portion.
How many labour laws have been codified into the four Labour Codes, as noted at the Jaipur regional conference in January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 29
PIB (Labour): the MoS highlighted the codification of 29 labour laws into four Labour Codes.
The regional conference on Labour Code implementation held in Jaipur in January 2026 was which in the Labour Ministry's planned series of five?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Second
PIB (Labour): the Jaipur conference was the second in a series of five regional conferences.
In which year was PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) launched?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2015
PIB Backgrounder: PRAGATI was launched in 2015 under PM Narendra Modi.
According to the PIB backgrounder of January 2026, projects worth more than how much have been fast-tracked through PRAGATI?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — ₹85 lakh crore
PIB Backgrounder: PRAGATI has fast-tracked projects worth more than ₹85 lakh crore.
Under which Act were the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026 notified?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — National Sports Governance Act, 2025
PIB (Sports): the Rules were notified under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.
Under the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026, what share of the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit in a General Body must be women?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Fifty per cent
PIB (Sports): the Rules provide for at least four SOMs in General Bodies and specifically provide for fifty per cent women SOMs.
What is the minimum age for a sportsperson applying to be designated a Sportsperson of Outstanding Merit (SOM) under the 2026 Rules?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 25 years
PIB (Sports): SOM applicants must be at least 25, retired from active sport, and must not have played selection-linked competition for at least one year.
In January 2026, CJI Surya Kant laid the foundation stone of an Integrated Judicial Court Complex at Rangmahal. Which High Court is to be relocated there?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Gauhati High Court
Indian Express and Assam Tribune: the complex at Rangmahal, North Guwahati is meant for the proposed relocation of the Gauhati High Court.
Rangmahal, the site of the Integrated Judicial Court Complex whose foundation was laid in January 2026, is located in which part of Guwahati?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — North Guwahati, across the Brahmaputra
Indian Express: the relocation site is Rangmahal in North Guwahati, across the Brahmaputra; Assam Tribune also places it in North Guwahati.
Against how many restaurants did the CCPA take suo motu cognizance in January 2026 for levying mandatory service charge?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 27
PIB (Consumer Affairs): the CCPA took suo motu cognizance against 27 restaurants across the country.
Under which provision of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 did the CCPA treat default service charge as an unfair trade practice in January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Section 2(47)
PIB (Consumer Affairs): the action was for unfair trade practices under Section 2(47) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Consider the following statements about the CCPA's guidelines on service charge, as cited in January 2026: 1. The guidelines were issued on 4 July 2022. 2. They allow service charge if it is collected under a different name. 3. The Delhi High Court upheld them in a judgment dated 28 March 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
PIB (Consumer Affairs): the guidelines were issued on 4 July 2022 and were upheld by the Delhi High Court on 28 March 2025; they say no service charge shall be collected by any other name, so statement 2 is wrong.
Where was the Rashtriya Khanij Chintan Shivir 2026 of the Ministry of Mines held?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Gandhinagar
PIB (Mines): the two-day Rashtriya Khanij Chintan Shivir 2026 was held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
At the Rashtriya Khanij Chintan Shivir 2026, the Indian Bureau of Mines made a presentation on recovering critical minerals from which source?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Waste dumps and tailings
PIB (Mines): IBM Controller General Pankaj Kulshrestha presented on recovery of critical minerals from waste dumps and tailings.
At the pre-Budget consultation with States on 10 January 2026, many participants asked for the continuation of which scheme?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)
PIB (Finance): many participants highlighted that SASCI be continued.
Under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), the Centre gives states which kind of support, as stated in January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 50-year interest-free loans
PIB (Finance): since 2020-21 the Union Government has released more than ₹4.25 lakh crore to states as 50-year interest-free loans under SASCI.
Where did NITI Aayog hold its national workshop 'Sustaining Innovation: Embedding R&D in State Institutions' on 8–9 January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore
PIB (NITI Aayog): the workshop was hosted at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore, with the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology.
From which date will the three-year nationwide anti-drug campaign announced at the 9th NCORD apex meeting begin?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 31 March 2026
PIB (Home Affairs): a collective campaign against drugs will be carried out for three years from 31 March 2026.
Where did Amit Shah inaugurate a new Narcotics Control Bureau office on 9 January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Amritsar
PIB (Home Affairs): the Home Minister inaugurated the NCB office at Amritsar at the NCORD meeting.
Consider the following statements about the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD), as stated in January 2026: 1. The NCORD mechanism was established in 2016. 2. It aims to improve coordination between the States, the Ministry of Home Affairs and other stakeholders on drugs. 3. Its 9th Apex-Level meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Home Affairs): statements 1 and 2 are correct; the 9th Apex-Level meeting was chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah, not the PM.
Where was the Sports Governance Conclave addressed by Mansukh Mandaviya on 9 January 2026 held?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Ahmedabad
PIB (Youth Affairs and Sports): the conclave was held at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad.
Consider the following statements about the Sports Governance Conclave of January 2026: 1. It was organised with the Government of Gujarat and the Indian Olympic Association. 2. The Sports Minister called a top-10 finish in the Olympic medal tally a non-negotiable goal. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (Youth Affairs and Sports): both are correct.
Who chairs the Search-cum-Selection Committee for the National Sports Board under the rules notified in January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Cabinet Secretary
PIB (Youth Affairs and Sports): the committee is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary.
Under which law were the National Sports Board (Search-cum-Selection Committee) Rules, 2026 notified?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — National Sports Governance Act, 2025
PIB (Youth Affairs and Sports): the rules were notified under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.
Consider the following statements about the National Sports Board, as described in January 2026: 1. Its Search-cum-Selection Committee includes two recipients of national sports awards. 2. The committee recommends names for the Board's Chairperson and two Members. 3. The Board will grant recognition to National Sports Bodies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Youth Affairs and Sports): all three are correct.
What is the name of the Aadhaar mascot launched by UIDAI in January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Udai
PIB (MeitY): UIDAI launched the Aadhaar mascot named Udai (उदय).
In which city did UIDAI Chairman Neelkanth Mishra unveil the Aadhaar mascot 'Udai' on 8 January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Thiruvananthapuram
PIB (MeitY): the mascot was unveiled at a UIDAI function in Thiruvananthapuram.
Consider the following statements about the Aadhaar mascot 'Udai': 1. It was selected through national design and name competitions on the MyGov platform. 2. The competitions received 875 entries. 3. The design competition was won by a participant from Bhopal. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (MeitY): statements 1 and 2 are correct; the design contest was won by Arun Gokul of Thrissur, Kerala — Riya Jain of Bhopal won the name contest.