CDS Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Under the proposed Seed Act 2026, what will every seed packet carry so that farmers can trace the seed's origin?
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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?
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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?
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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.
According to the PM's address on National Startup Day 2026, where does India rank among the world's startup ecosystems?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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Correct answer: D — Bharat Mandapam
PIB (PMO): the programme was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
What was the theme of the 6th ASEAN–India Digital Ministers' (ADGMIN) Meeting held in January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Adaptive ASEAN: From Connectivity to Connected Intelligence
PIB (Communications): the theme was 'Adaptive ASEAN: From Connectivity to Connected Intelligence'.
India co-chaired the 6th ADGMIN Meeting (January 2026) with a minister from which ASEAN country?
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Correct answer: D — Viet Nam
PIB (Communications): the meeting was co-chaired by Telecom Secretary Amit Agrawal and Nguyen Manh Hung, Minister of Science and Technology of Viet Nam.
With effect from 15 January 2026, CBIC extended which export benefits to exports made through the postal mode in electronic form?
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Correct answer: A — Duty Drawback, RoDTEP and RoSCTL
PIB (Finance): CBIC extended Duty Drawback, RoDTEP and RoSCTL benefits to postal exports in electronic form from 15 January 2026.
To let postal exporters claim Drawback, RoDTEP and RoSCTL benefits, CBIC amended which regulations in January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Postal Export (Electronic Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2022
PIB (Finance): CBIC approved amendments to the Postal Export (Electronic Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2022 via Notification No. 07/2026–Customs (N.T.).
During whose visit to India in January 2026 did India and Germany sign a Joint Declaration of Intent on Telecommunications Cooperation?
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Correct answer: C — Friedrich Merz
PIB (Communications): the JDI was signed during the official visit of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz to India on 12–13 January 2026.
The India–Germany JDI on Telecommunications Cooperation (January 2026) was concluded between India's Department of Telecommunications and which German ministry?
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Correct answer: B — Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation
PIB (Communications): the JDI was concluded between DoT and Germany's Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation (BMDS).
Praveen Vashista, who took oath as Vigilance Commissioner in the CVC on 16 January 2026, belongs to which service and cadre?
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Correct answer: A — IPS, Bihar cadre
PIB (DoPT): Praveen Vashista is an IPS officer of the Bihar cadre, 1991 batch.
Under which section of the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003 does the President appoint a Vigilance Commissioner?
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Correct answer: B — Section 4(1)
PIB (DoPT): the President appointed Praveen Vashista under Section 4(1) of the CVC Act, 2003. Section 5(3) relates to the oath before the Central Vigilance Commissioner.
Consider the following statements about the Central Vigilance Commission under the CVC Act, 2003: 1. It consists of a Central Vigilance Commissioner and two Vigilance Commissioners. 2. A Vigilance Commissioner holds office for four years or until the age of 65 years. 3. A Vigilance Commissioner takes oath before the Chief Justice of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (DoPT): statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: Praveen Vashista took oath before the Central Vigilance Commissioner, authorised by the President under Section 5(3).
Where was the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) inaugurated in January 2026?
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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?
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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?
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Correct answer: D — Fourth time
PIB (PMO): the PM said this is the fourth occasion when the conference is being held in India.
In which Israeli city was the Second Global Summit on 'Blue Food Security: Sea the Future 2026' held, attended by an Indian delegation in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Eilat
PIB (Fisheries): the summit was held in Eilat, Israel.
Who led the Indian delegation that signed the India–Israel Joint Ministerial Declaration of Intent on fisheries and aquaculture in January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Rajiv Ranjan Singh
PIB (Fisheries): the delegation was led by Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh.