KVS / NVS Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
At India Energy Week 2026 in Goa, India and Canada launched which renewed mechanism?
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Correct answer: B — India–Canada Ministerial Energy Dialogue
PIB (Petroleum): the two Ministers launched the renewed India-Canada Ministerial Energy Dialogue.
Consider the following statements about the India–Canada energy meeting at IEW 2026: 1. Canada was represented by Energy Minister Timothy Hodgson. 2. It was the first high-level participation of a Canadian Cabinet Minister at IEW. 3. It followed up on the Prime Ministers' interaction at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Petroleum): Hodgson attended, marking the first high-level participation of a Canadian Cabinet Minister at IEW; it followed the PMs' interaction at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis (June 2025), not the G20.
According to the Health Ministry's statement of 27 January 2026, how many confirmed Nipah Virus Disease cases had been reported in West Bengal since December 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Two
PIB (Health): as per NCDC, only two confirmed cases of Nipah Virus Disease have been reported from West Bengal since December.
In the January 2026 Nipah clarification, which body's reports did the Health Ministry cite for the confirmed case count?
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Correct answer: C — National Centre for Disease Control
PIB (Health): the figures are 'as per reports received from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)'.
In January 2026 the Madhya Pradesh cabinet approved ₹390 crore over five years for buffer-zone development in how many tiger reserves of the state?
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Correct answer: D — Nine
ANI (via LatestLY) and NDTV: ₹390 crore for buffer zones of the state's nine tiger reserves from 2026-27 to 2030-31.
The Madhya Pradesh cabinet on 27 January 2026 excluded about 396 hectares of town land from which protected area, declaring it Revenue Nazul?
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Correct answer: B — Pachmarhi Sanctuary
ANI and NDTV: 395.939 ha of Pachmarhi town's Nazul land under SADA was excluded from the Pachmarhi Sanctuary and declared Revenue Nazul.
Under the next phase of the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme, the government aims to enable at least how many fabless semiconductor companies?
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Correct answer: C — 50
PIB (MeitY): target of enabling at least 50 fabless semiconductor companies in the next phase.
Which of the following is NOT among the six key semiconductor design domains identified for the next phase of the DLI Scheme?
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Correct answer: C — Display Panels
PIB (MeitY): the six domains are Compute Systems, RF, Networking, Power Management, Sensors and Memory.
Bharat Rang Mahotsav, whose 25th edition opened on 27 January 2026, is organised by which institution?
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Correct answer: A — National School of Drama
PIB (Culture): BRM is organised by the National School of Drama under the Ministry of Culture; the 25th edition opened at NSD, Mandi House.
Consider the following statements about Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2026: 1. It is the festival's 25th edition. 2. It features 277 Indian and 12 international productions. 3. Its 'Rang Doot' is actor Mita Vashisht. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Culture): 25th edition; 277 Indian and 12 international productions; Rang Doot Ms. Mita Vashisht.
Mumbai Metro Line 8, approved by the Maharashtra government on 27 January 2026, will connect:
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Correct answer: B — Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport
Deccan Chronicle: the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure approved Metro Line 8 connecting the Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports.
The Nashik City Ring Road approved by Maharashtra in January 2026 has a length of about 66 km. In view of which upcoming event was it planned?
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Correct answer: B — Kumbh Mela
Deccan Chronicle and Free Press Journal: the 66.15-km, ₹3,954-crore ring road was approved in view of the upcoming Kumbh Mela.
The MoU signed by the RBI with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) in January 2026 primarily aims to:
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Correct answer: A — Enable ESMA's formal recognition of CCIL and other RBI-regulated central counterparties
PIB (Finance): the primary objective is to enable formal recognition of CCIL and other RBI-regulated CCPs by ESMA.
In financial market terminology, what is CCIL, which was covered by the RBI–ESMA MoU of January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — A central counterparty regulated by the RBI
PIB (Finance): the MoU covers the Clearing Corporation of India Ltd. (CCIL) and other RBI-regulated Central Counterparties.
Who commanded the 77th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path on 26 January 2026?
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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)?
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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?
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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?
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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.
In which capacity did India participate in Gulfood 2026, the world's largest annual food and beverage trade exhibition?
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Correct answer: A — Country Partner
PIB (Commerce): India marked its presence at Gulfood 2026 as the Country Partner.
Under which APEDA initiative did eight Indian agri-food startups showcase innovations at Gulfood 2026?
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Correct answer: A — BHARATI
PIB (Commerce): eight Indian startups showcased agri-food innovation under APEDA's BHARATI initiative.
Which party claimed victory in Myanmar's 2025-26 election, the first since the 2021 military coup?
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Correct answer: B — Union Solidarity and Development Party
AP and DVB: the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) claimed victory.
Myanmar's 2025-26 election was held in how many phases?
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Correct answer: C — Three
DVB: rounds on 28 December and 11 January, and the third and final round on 25 January; AP also describes three phases.
On which date was the third and final round of voting held in Myanmar's 2025-26 election?
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Correct answer: C — 25 January 2026
DVB: the third and final round of voting was on 25 January; AP reported the USDP's victory claim the next day.
Which team did the Indian Army beat 3-2 to retain the men's ice hockey gold at the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 in Leh?
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Correct answer: B — Chandigarh
Ladakh Administration and Sportstar: the Army beat Chandigarh 3-2 in the final at the NDS Stadium, Leh.
Which State/UT emerged as the overall team champion of the Ladakh phase of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Haryana
Ladakh Administration and Sportstar: Haryana topped the team standings with four golds; hosts Ladakh finished second.
The LR-AShM showcased by DRDO at the 2026 Republic Day parade is best described as:
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Correct answer: D — A hypersonic glide missile for the Indian Navy's coastal batteries
PIB (Defence): LR-AShM is a hypersonic glide missile designed to meet the coastal battery requirements of the Indian Navy.
According to DRDO, the LR-AShM begins at about Mach 10. What average speed does it maintain with multiple skips?
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Correct answer: C — Mach 5
PIB (Defence): hypersonic speeds starting at Mach 10 and maintaining average Mach 5.0 with multiple skips.
Which team won the Men's Hockey India League 2026 title on 26 January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Vedanta Kalinga Lancers
TOI, ESPN and Khel Now: Vedanta Kalinga Lancers beat Ranchi Royals 3-2 in the final at Bhubaneswar.
Which drag-flicker scored twice for Kalinga Lancers in the Men's HIL 2026 final?
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Correct answer: B — Alexander Hendrickx
TOI and ESPN: Belgian drag-flicker Alexander Hendrickx struck twice with drag-flicks.
Who finished as the top scorer of the Men's Hockey India League 2026 with 19 goals?
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Correct answer: B — Tom Boon
TOI and ESPN: Ranchi Royals' Tom Boon finished with 19 goals, the highest in the tournament.
Who was awarded the Ashoka Chakra on the eve of Republic Day 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
PIB (Defence): the lone Ashoka Chakra went to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the IAF; the other three received the Kirti Chakra.
How many Kirti Chakras were approved on the eve of Republic Day 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Three
PIB: the 70 gallantry awards include one Ashoka Chakra, three Kirti Chakras and 13 Shaurya Chakras.
Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A of the Indian Navy were among the Republic Day 2026 recipients of which award?
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Correct answer: C — Shaurya Chakra
PIB (Defence): Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A (Navy) are listed under the Shaurya Chakra.
How many Padma Vibhushan awards were announced for 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 5
PIB (MHA): the 131 Padma Awards for 2026 comprise 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri.
Which of the following received the Padma Vibhushan 2026 posthumously?
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Correct answer: A — V S Achuthanandan
PIB: V S Achuthanandan (Public Affairs, Kerala) and Dharmendra Singh Deol received Padma Vibhushan posthumously; Shibu Soren, Piyush Pandey and V K Malhotra received Padma Bhushan posthumously.
Consider the following about the Padma Awards 2026: 1. 19 of the awardees are women. 2. 16 awards are posthumous. 3. Cricketer Rohit Sharma received the Padma Bhushan. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB: 19 awardees are women and 16 are posthumous. Rohit Sharma (Sports, Maharashtra) is in the Padma Shri list, not Padma Bhushan.
Sir Mark Tully, who died in January 2026, was widely known as the 'voice of India' of which broadcaster?
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Correct answer: C — BBC
AP, The Hindu and BBC: Mark Tully, long-time BBC correspondent and New Delhi bureau chief, was known as the BBC's 'voice of India'.
In which city was journalist Mark Tully born?
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Correct answer: A — Kolkata
AP and The Hindu: Tully was born in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1935.
Of the 125 Medals for Gallantry announced for Republic Day 2026, the largest number were for actions in which region?
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Correct answer: C — Jammu & Kashmir
PIB (MHA): 45 gallantry medals were for Jammu & Kashmir, 35 for LWE-affected areas, 5 for the North-East and 40 for other regions.
How many personnel of Police, Fire, Home Guard & Civil Defence and Correctional Services were awarded medals on Republic Day 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 982
PIB (MHA): 982 personnel were awarded — 125 Medals for Gallantry, 101 President's Medals for Distinguished Service and 756 Medals for Meritorious Service.
The SAARG committee constituted by PFRDA in January 2026 is chaired by:
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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?
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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).
The Matabari Tourism Circuit, whose foundation stone was laid in January 2026, will integrate which of the following?
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Correct answer: A — Tripura Sundari Temple, Chabimura and Dumbur Lake
PIB (DoNER): the ₹450 crore circuit will integrate the Tripura Sundari Temple, Chabimura and Dumbur Lake.
What is the Ministry of DoNER's contribution to the ₹450 crore Matabari Tourism Circuit?
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Correct answer: C — ₹276 crore
PIB (DoNER): of the ₹450 crore outlay, ₹276 crore is being contributed by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
According to the ECI, what was the voter turnout in the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, the highest since 1951?
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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?
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Correct answer: B — 16th National Voters' Day
PIB (ECI): the publication was released at the 16th National Voters' Day celebration on 25 January 2026.
Assam's 'Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat' scheme, launched in January 2026, provides one-time assistance of how much to each tea garden worker?
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Correct answer: D — ₹5,000
Assam Tribune, Economic Times and TOI: the scheme gives ₹5,000 to every tea garden worker, permanent or casual.
The Eti Koli Duti Paat scheme was launched to mark which milestone, and where was it launched?
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Correct answer: B — 200 years of Assam's tea industry; Doomdooma (Tinsukia)
Assam Tribune, ET and TOI: launched at Doomdooma in Tinsukia district as part of the celebration of 200 years of Assam's tea industry.
What was the theme of the 16th National Voters' Day (2026)?
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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?
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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.
In the 130th Mann Ki Baat (January 2026), the PM praised the people-led revival of the Tamsa river. The river flows through which district?
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Correct answer: D — Azamgarh
PIB (PMO): the PM said the revival of the Tamsa river passing through Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, is a remarkable example of public participation.
Which slogan did the PM use in the 130th Mann Ki Baat while calling for 2026 to be about quality?
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Correct answer: B — Zero Defect, Zero Effect
PIB (PMO): 'Let us make 2026 about quality. Let us focus on Zero Defect, Zero Effect. Let us ensure, Made in India = Excellence.'
CSIR-CRRI signed an MoA with which steel plant in January 2026 for the first Steel Slag Road implementation in Tamil Nadu?
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Correct answer: D — JSW Steel, Salem Works
PIB (S&T): CSIR-CRRI and JSW Steel Limited, Salem Works, entered into the partnership on 24 January 2026.
The 'Steel Slag Road' technology mentioned in the January 2026 CSIR–JSW agreement was developed by:
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Correct answer: A — CSIR-Central Road Research Institute
PIB: the DG, CSIR highlighted CSIR-CRRI's Steel Slag Road technology, already implemented in several states under CSIR-CRRI's guidance.
Consider the following about the CSIR-CRRI–JSW Steel project of January 2026: 1. It covers EOF and LRF steel slag. 2. The processed slag is meant for bituminous road construction. 3. A demonstration road section will be built near Chennai. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB: the project converts EOF and LRF steel slag into aggregates for bituminous roads; the demonstration road section will be near Salem, not Chennai.
The first full rake of rice to reach the Kashmir Valley by rail in January 2026 was unloaded at which goods shed?
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Correct answer: C — Anantnag
PIB (Railways): the first full rake of 42 wagons carrying 2,768 tonnes of rice reached the Anantnag goods shed on 22 January 2026.
From which rail terminal was the first full rake of rice for the Kashmir Valley loaded in January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Sangrur, Punjab
PIB (Railways): the full rake was loaded at the Sangrur rail terminal in Punjab on 21 January and reached Anantnag within 24 hours.
Under the Vizhinjam port capacity augmentation, the container berth will be extended to a continuous length of about:
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Correct answer: C — 2 km
PIB (Shipping): the existing berth will become a continuous 2-km container berth, the longest in India; the breakwater will be extended to 3.88 km.
Vizhinjam International Seaport, whose Phase II–IV works began in January 2026, is located in which state?
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Correct answer: C — Kerala
PIB: the port is at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Consider the following about Vizhinjam International Seaport: 1. Phase I began commercial operations on 3 December 2024. 2. Phase I has a design capacity of 1 million TEUs. 3. Completion of the expansion is targeted by December 2030. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB: Phase I started on 3 December 2024 with a design capacity of 1 million TEUs; the expansion's completion is targeted by December 2028, not 2030.
Which new scheme was launched at the Uttar Pradesh Statehood Day ceremony in Lucknow on 24 January 2026?
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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?
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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:
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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.
Under the ₹80 crore Agarwood Value Chain Development Scheme (January 2026), Central Processing Centres will be set up in:
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Correct answer: A — Golaghat (Assam) and Tripura
PIB (DoNER): two CPCs will be established, one in Golaghat (Assam) and the other in the North Fulkabari region of Tripura.
The foundation stone of the Agarwood Value Chain Development Scheme was laid in January 2026 in which state?
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Correct answer: A — Tripura
PIB (DoNER): Scindia laid the foundation stone at North Fulkabari, Tripura.
Consider the following about agarwood as stated by the DoNER Minister in January 2026: 1. India has about 150 million agarwood trees. 2. Nearly 90% of them are in the North-Eastern states. 3. Agarwood has already received a GI tag. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (DoNER): India has around 150 million agarwood trees, nearly 90% in the North-East; the GI tag process is still under way.
Approximately how many appointment letters were distributed at the 18th Rozgar Mela on 24 January 2026?
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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?
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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.
The Second Global Buddhist Summit (January 2026) was held at:
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Correct answer: B — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
PIB (Culture): Shekhawat addressed the inaugural session of the Second Global Buddhist Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 24 January 2026.
According to the Culture Minister, the Piprahwa relics were repatriated to India after how many years?
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Correct answer: C — 127
PIB (Culture): Shekhawat recalled the Piprahwa relics, repatriated to India after 127 years.
The exhibition 'The Light & The Lotus: Relics of The Awakened One' is on display at which venue in New Delhi?
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Correct answer: B — Rai Pithora Cultural Centre
PIB (Culture): the international exhibition is on display at the Rai Pithora Cultural Centre, New Delhi.