PPSC (Punjab) Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
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.
Veer Gatha 5.0 made its international debut with participation of how many students from CBSE schools abroad?
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Correct answer: B — 28,005
PIB (Defence): for the first time, 28,005 international students studying in CBSE schools abroad took part in Veer Gatha 5.0.
How many of the Veer Gatha 5.0 Super-100 winners are girls?
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Correct answer: C — 64
PIB (Defence): among the 100 winners, 64 are girls from different parts of the country.
Each Super-100 winner of Veer Gatha 5.0 received a cash prize of:
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Correct answer: A — ₹10,000
PIB (Defence): each winner was presented with a cash prize of ₹10,000, a medal and a certificate.
National Girl Child Day is observed in India on:
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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?
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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:
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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.
Which institution was selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2026 in the institutional category?
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Correct answer: D — Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority
PIB (MHA): the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (institutional) and Lt Col Seeta Ashok Shelke (individual) were selected for 2026.
Lt Col Seeta Ashok Shelke, winner of the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2026, supervised construction of a 190-foot Bailey bridge at which place?
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Correct answer: A — Chooralmala, Wayanad
PIB (MHA): during the 2024 Wayanad floods and landslides, she supervised the swift construction of a 190-foot Bailey bridge at Chooralmala.
Consider the following about the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar: 1. It is announced every year on 23 January. 2. 271 nominations were received for the 2026 award. 3. It is given only to individuals. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (MHA): the award is announced every year on 23 January and 271 nominations were received for 2026; it has both institutional and individual categories.
The PLI Scheme for White Goods covers which two product categories?
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Correct answer: A — Air conditioners and LED lights
PIB (Commerce): the PLI Scheme for White Goods covers Air Conditioners and LED Lights.
What is the total outlay of the PLI Scheme for White Goods?
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Correct answer: D — ₹6,238 crore
PIB: the Cabinet approved the scheme on 7 April 2021 with an outlay of ₹6,238 crore; ₹11,198 crore is the expected investment by 85 companies.
What was the title of the tri-services tableau at the 77th Republic Day Parade?
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Correct answer: A — Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness
PIB (Defence): the tri-service tableau was titled 'Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness'.
Which loitering munition is depicted in the strike segment of the Operation Sindoor tri-services tableau?
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Correct answer: B — HAROP
PIB (Defence): at the heart of the tableau, a HAROP loitering munition is shown eliminating the adversary's targets.
IICDEM 2026, hosted by the Election Commission of India, concluded with the adoption of which document?
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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?
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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?
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Correct answer: B — 42
PIB (ECI): heads of 42 EMBs, experts from over 70 national institutions and 36 CEOs of States/UTs were present.
The third meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC 3.0) was held in January 2026 at:
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Correct answer: C — Kochi
PIB (Shipping): IWDC 3.0 concluded in Kochi, Kerala, on 23 January 2026.
Among the new projects presented at IWDC 3.0, how many jetties are planned in the North-East?
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Correct answer: C — 85
PIB (Shipping): the projects include 110 jetties — 25 in Odisha and 85 in the North-East.
Granth Kutir, inaugurated at Rashtrapati Bhavan in January 2026, has books in how many classical languages of India?
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Correct answer: C — 11
PIB (President's Secretariat): Granth Kutir has about 2,300 books in 11 classical languages of India.
Which of the following languages was NOT among those granted classical language status on 3 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Odia
PIB: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali got classical status on 3 October 2024; Odia was among the six that already had it.
Which institution is providing professional expertise for managing and conserving manuscripts at Granth Kutir?
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Correct answer: A — Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts
PIB: the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) provides expertise in management, conservation, documentation and display of manuscripts.
According to Nitin Gadkari (January 2026), which radio frequency has DoT allocated for developing vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems?
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Correct answer: C — 30 GHz
PIB (MoRTH): Gadkari informed the Consultative Committee that 30 GHz radio frequency has been allocated by DoT for vehicle-to-vehicle communication.
Who released the Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework on 22 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — CDS General Anil Chauhan
PIB (Defence): Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan released the framework on 22 January 2026.
Which of the following is NOT one of the four pillars of quantum technology in the Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework?
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Correct answer: D — Quantum Cryptocurrency
PIB (Defence): the four pillars are Quantum Communication, Quantum Computing, Quantum Sensing & Metrology, and Quantum Materials & Devices.
The Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework is aligned with which national programme?
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Correct answer: A — National Quantum Mission
PIB (Defence): the document aligns with the National Quantum Mission, of which the defence forces are an integral part.
After the January 2026 notification, how many obligated entities are covered under the compliance mechanism of the Indian Carbon Market?
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Correct answer: C — 490
PIB (MoEFCC): with 208 new entities added to the 282 notified in October 2025, the compliance mechanism now covers 490 obligated entities.
Which of the following sectors was brought under GHG emission intensity targets by the January 2026 notification?
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Correct answer: C — Petroleum Refineries
PIB: the January 2026 notification covers Petroleum Refineries, Petrochemicals, Textiles and Secondary Aluminium; Cement, Chlor-Alkali and Pulp & Paper were covered in October 2025.
Consider the following about India's Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS): 1. It was notified in 2023. 2. It operates through a Compliance Mechanism and an Offset Mechanism. 3. Entities that outperform their targets receive Carbon Credit Certificates. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB: the CCTS was notified in 2023, works through Compliance and Offset Mechanisms, and entities beating their GEI targets get tradable Carbon Credit Certificates.
The commissioning of which transmission line took India's network past 5 lakh circuit km in January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 765 kV Bhadla II–Sikar II line
PIB (Power): the milestone came on 14 January 2026 with the commissioning of the 628 ckm, 765 kV Bhadla II–Sikar II line in Rajasthan.
By what percentage has India's transmission network (220 kV and above) grown since April 2014?
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Correct answer: C — 71.6%
PIB (Power): since April 2014 the network has grown by 71.6% with the addition of 2.09 lakh ckm.
India's inter-regional power transfer capacity, as stated by the Power Ministry in January 2026, is:
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Correct answer: C — 1,20,340 MW
PIB (Power): inter-regional power transfer capacity now stands at 1,20,340 MW, realising 'One Nation – One Grid – One Frequency'.
PMGSY-IV aims to provide connectivity to how many unconnected habitations?
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Correct answer: B — 25,000
PIB (Rural Development): under PMGSY-IV, 25,000 unconnected habitations (as per Census 2011 norms) are to be connected.
Under PMGSY-IV, what is the minimum population size for an unconnected habitation in LWE-affected districts to be eligible?
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Correct answer: A — 100+
PIB: eligibility is 500+ in plains, 250+ in North-East and hill States/UTs and special category areas, and 100+ in LWE-affected districts.
ECINET, launched at IICDEM 2026, is:
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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?
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Correct answer: C — 22 scheduled languages and English
PIB (ECI): CEC Gyanesh Kumar said ECINET is available in 22 scheduled languages and English.
With which organisation did MSDE sign an MoU in January 2026 to launch a Skills Accelerator in India?
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Correct answer: A — World Economic Forum
PIB (MSDE): MSDE signed an MoU with the World Economic Forum to launch and implement a Skills Accelerator in India.
Between which stations does Indian Railways' Trucks-on-Trains service currently operate on the Western DFC?
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Correct answer: B — New Rewari and New Palanpur
PIB (Railways): the ToT service operates between New Rewari and New Palanpur on the Western DFC, about 636 km.
On the New Rewari–New Palanpur route, Trucks-on-Trains cuts transit time from about 30 hours by road to about:
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Correct answer: B — 12 hours
PIB (Railways): end-to-end transit falls from nearly 30 hours by road to around 12 hours via ToT.
On 22 January 2026, PM Modi received a telephone call from the President of which country, with both reaffirming their Strategic Partnership?
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Correct answer: B — Brazil
PIB (PMO): PM Modi received a call from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva; both reaffirmed the India–Brazil Strategic Partnership.
The Draft National Electricity Policy 2026, once finalised, will replace the National Electricity Policy notified in which year?
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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?
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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?
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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.
How much equity support to SIDBI did the Union Cabinet approve on 21 January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹5,000 crore
PIB (Cabinet): the Cabinet approved equity support of ₹5,000 crore to SIDBI.
Consider the following statements about the SIDBI equity infusion approved in January 2026: 1. ₹3,000 crore will be infused in FY 2025-26. 2. The infusion will be made by the Department of Financial Services. 3. The number of MSMEs assisted is expected to reach 102 lakh by the end of FY 2028. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Cabinet): DFS will infuse ₹3,000 crore in FY 2025-26 and ₹1,000 crore each in the next two years; MSMEs assisted are expected to rise from 76.26 lakh to 102 lakh by end-FY 2028. All three are correct.
The SIDBI capital infusion is primarily meant to help the bank maintain a healthy level of which ratio as its risk-weighted assets grow?
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Correct answer: A — Capital to Risk-weighted Assets Ratio
PIB (Cabinet): rising risk-weighted assets from directed credit, collateral-free digital products and venture debt require more capital to sustain a healthy CRAR.
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.
Through which mobile application can DGCA's Electronic Personnel Licence be accessed?
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Correct answer: B — eGCA
PIB (Civil Aviation): the EPL can be accessed through the eGCA mobile application.
With which licences did DGCA begin rolling out the Electronic Personnel Licence in February 2025?
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Correct answer: B — CPL and FRTOL
PIB (Civil Aviation): the EPL roll-out began in February 2025 with the Commercial Pilot's Licence and the Flight Radio Telephone Operator's (Restricted) Licence; ATPL was added on 21 January 2026.
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.