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.
According to the PLFS Monthly Bulletin for December 2025, what was the female labour force participation rate (age 15+)?
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Correct answer: C — 35.3%
PIB (MoSPI): female LFPR (15+) stood at 35.3% in December 2025, the highest of the year. 38.6% is rural female WPR.
What was India's overall unemployment rate (age 15+) in December 2025 as per the PLFS Monthly Bulletin?
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Correct answer: B — 4.8%
PIB (MoSPI): the unemployment rate was 4.8% in December 2025, compared with 4.7% in November 2025. 9.1% is urban female unemployment.
PLFS monthly estimates of LFPR, WPR and unemployment rate at the all-India level are based on which approach?
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Correct answer: A — Current Weekly Status (CWS)
PIB (MoSPI): the Monthly Bulletins present LFPR, WPR and UR following the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach.
With which organisation did the Ministry of Coal sign CMDPAs for the Dhulia North, Mandakini B and Pirpainti Barahat blocks in January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Damodar Valley Corporation
PIB (Coal): the agreements were executed with Damodar Valley Corporation.
What is the combined Peak Rated Capacity of the three coal blocks allotted to DVC in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 49 MTPA
PIB (Coal): the three blocks together have a cumulative Peak Rated Capacity of 49 MTPA.
Which of the following cities is NOT among the four metros where IMD will install 50 Automatic Weather Stations each in 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Kolkata
PIB (Earth Sciences): the four cities are Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Pune. Kolkata is not among them.
Which Foundation Day did the India Meteorological Department celebrate on 15 January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 151st
PIB (Earth Sciences): IMD celebrated its 151st Foundation Day.
Which body released the report 'Achieving Efficiencies in MSME Sector through Convergence of Schemes' in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — NITI Aayog
PIB (NITI Aayog): NITI Aayog released the report on 15 January 2026.
According to NITI Aayog's MSME convergence report, how many schemes does the Ministry of MSME currently administer?
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Correct answer: C — 18
PIB (NITI Aayog): the Ministry of MSME currently administers 18 schemes.
What were India's estimated total exports (merchandise and services) for April–December 2025?
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Correct answer: A — US$634.26 billion
PIB (Commerce): total exports for April–December 2025 are estimated at US$634.26 billion, against US$607.93 billion in April–December 2024. US$330.29 billion is merchandise alone.
By how much did India's merchandise exports grow in April–December 2025 compared with April–December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 2.44%
PIB (Commerce): merchandise exports grew 2.44% to US$330.29 billion. 4.33% is total exports and 5.51% is non-petroleum exports.
Which merchandise export category grew by 16.78% in December 2025, to US$4.17 billion?
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Correct answer: C — Electronic goods
PIB (Commerce): electronic goods exports rose 16.78% from US$3.57 billion in December 2024 to US$4.17 billion in December 2025.
The Export Preparedness Index 2024, released in January 2026, is which edition of the index?
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Correct answer: D — Fourth
PIB (NITI Aayog): the first edition of the EPI was published in August 2020 and EPI 2024 is the 4th edition.
Which of the following is NOT one of the four pillars of the Export Preparedness Index 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Research & Innovation
PIB (NITI Aayog): the four pillars are Export Infrastructure, Business Ecosystem, Policy & Governance and Export Performance.
Which of the following was NOT listed among the leading performers in the 'Large States' category of the Export Preparedness Index 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Karnataka
PIB (NITI Aayog): the leading large states were Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. Karnataka was not in the list.
From which Indian port did INSV Kaundinya begin the maiden voyage that ended in Muscat in January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Porbandar
PIB (Ports, Shipping and Waterways): INSV Kaundinya arrived in Muscat after completing its maiden voyage from Porbandar.
The design of INSV Kaundinya is inspired by a fifth-century CE vessel depicted in which artwork?
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Correct answer: A — Ajanta Cave paintings
PIB (Ports, Shipping and Waterways): INSV Kaundinya is inspired by a fifth-century CE vessel depicted in the Ajanta Cave paintings.
INSV Kaundinya's arrival in Muscat came as India and Oman commemorate how many years of diplomatic relations?
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Correct answer: C — 70 years
PIB (Ports, Shipping and Waterways): both countries are commemorating 70 years of diplomatic relations.
Paripoorna Mediclaim Ayush Bima, launched by the Department of Financial Services in January 2026, is available exclusively to which group?
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Correct answer: B — CGHS beneficiaries
PIB (Finance): the policy is exclusively available to CGHS beneficiaries, with up to six members per policy.
Under Paripoorna Mediclaim Ayush Bima, up to what share of the sum insured is covered for AYUSH in-patient treatment?
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Correct answer: D — 100%
PIB (Finance): AYUSH treatments are covered up to 100% of the sum insured; modern treatment is covered up to 25%.
Which edition of Defence Forces Veterans' Day was observed on 14 January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 10th
PIB (Defence): the 10th Defence Forces Veterans' Day was observed on 14 January 2026.
On Veterans' Day 2026, the Raksha Mantri paid tribute to IPKF veterans of which operation, conducted in Sri Lanka 40 years ago?
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Correct answer: A — Operation Pawan
PIB (Defence): the RM paid tribute to ex-servicemen who were part of the IPKF during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka 40 years ago.
Who presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu as Ambassador of the United States on 14 January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Sergio Gor
PIB (President's Secretariat): Sergio Gor, Ambassador of the United States of America, presented his credentials on 14 January 2026.
Envoys of which three countries presented credentials to the President of India on 14 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — USA, Austria, Trinidad and Tobago
PIB (President's Secretariat): the envoys were from Trinidad and Tobago, Austria and the United States of America.
What was India's annual WPI-based inflation rate (provisional) for December 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 0.83%
PIB (Commerce): WPI inflation was 0.83% (provisional) in December 2025. −0.32% was November; 1.82% is manufactured products.
Which major group carries the highest weight (64.23%) in India's Wholesale Price Index (base 2011-12)?
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Correct answer: C — Manufactured Products
PIB (Commerce): Manufactured Products have a weight of 64.23%, Primary Articles 22.62% and Fuel & Power 13.15%.
Who co-chaired the 22nd ICG–JCG High-Level Meeting in January 2026 on behalf of the Japan Coast Guard?
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Correct answer: A — Admiral Yoshio Saguchi
PIB (Defence): the meeting was co-chaired by ICG DG Paramesh Sivamani and Admiral Yoshio Saguchi, Commandant, Japan Coast Guard.
Which multilateral forum's Presidency does India currently hold, as noted at the 22nd ICG–JCG meeting?
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Correct answer: D — Coast Guard Global Summit
PIB (Defence): India's current Presidency of the Coast Guard Global Summit (CGGS) and its upcoming hosting of the 5th CGGS featured in the talks.
What record number of interchange trains did the Dedicated Freight Corridor network handle in a single day in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 892
PIB (Railways): 892 interchange trains were handled on 5 January 2026; the previous record was 865 on 4 January 2026.
What is the minimum initial and annual contribution under NPS Vatsalya, as per the guidelines issued in January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — ₹250
PIB (Finance): the minimum initial and annual contribution is ₹250, with no maximum limit.
Consider the following statements about NPS Vatsalya: 1. It is open to NRIs and OCIs below 18 years of age. 2. Partial withdrawal is allowed after three years, up to 25% of own contributions. 3. There is a maximum annual contribution limit of ₹1.5 lakh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Finance): statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: there is no maximum limit on contribution.
On which date was NPS Vatsalya launched by the Union Finance Minister?
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Correct answer: C — 18 September 2024
PIB (Finance): NPS Vatsalya was announced in the Union Budget 2024-25 and launched on 18 September 2024.
In which year was PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) launched?
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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?
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Correct answer: C — ₹85 lakh crore
PIB Backgrounder: PRAGATI has fast-tracked projects worth more than ₹85 lakh crore.
Who chairs the PFRDA committee constituted in January 2026 to develop a framework for assured payouts under NPS?
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Correct answer: A — Dr M.S. Sahoo
PIB (Finance): the committee is chaired by Dr M.S. Sahoo, former Chairperson of the IBBI.
How many members are on the PFRDA committee on assured payouts under NPS, constituted in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 15
PIB (Finance): it is a 15-member panel of experts.
Which framework has traditionally been used to compile India's Index of Industrial Production (IIP)?
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Correct answer: D — Fixed-base Laspeyres framework
PIB (MoSPI): the IIP has traditionally been compiled using a fixed-base Laspeyres framework.
What is the main advantage of the chain-based IIP proposed in MoSPI's Discussion Paper 2.0 (January 2026)?
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Correct answer: B — It updates weights annually to reflect the current production structure
PIB (MoSPI): the chain-based method allows weights to change annually, correctly reflecting a more recent production structure.
Who led the Task Force on a Unified Framework for Development of the Coaching Ecosystem in India, which submitted its report in January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Pullela Gopichand
PIB (Sports): the task force was led by Indian badminton national head coach Pullela Gopichand.
Which apex body did the Gopichand-led task force recommend for coach education, accreditation and governance?
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Correct answer: D — National Coach Accreditation Board
PIB (Sports): the task force called for a National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB) as the apex national body.
In the Tiered National Coaching Pathway proposed by the Gopichand-led task force, what is the universal entry stage?
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Correct answer: A — Level 0
PIB (Sports): the pathway has Grassroots, Intermediate, Elite and National Team Coach levels, with Level 0 as the universal entry stage.
Which country co-chairs the 16th ADMM-Plus Experts' Working Group on Counter Terrorism with India?
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Correct answer: C — Malaysia
PIB (Defence): India and Malaysia co-chair the 16th EWG on CT.
Under the current ADMM-Plus EWG on Counter Terrorism cycle, which country will hold the Field Training Exercise in 2027?
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Correct answer: D — India
PIB (Defence): Malaysia will host the Table Top Exercise in 2026 and India will hold the Field Training Exercise in 2027.
How many dialogue partners of ASEAN take part in the ADMM-Plus EWG on Counter Terrorism meeting held in New Delhi in January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Seven
PIB (Defence): seven dialogue partners — Australia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Japan, China, USA and Russia — participate along with 11 ASEAN members.
How many Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminals had Indian Railways approved, as per the PIB backgrounder of January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 306
PIB Backgrounder: 306 GCTs have been approved, with a combined capacity of 192 MTPA; 118 are commissioned.
According to the PIB backgrounder on Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (January 2026), India's logistics costs have been reduced to what share of GDP?
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Correct answer: B — 7.97%
PIB Backgrounder: logistics costs have been reduced to 7.97% of GDP.
The skilling initiative 'Inspiring Innovators – Naye Bharat Ki Nayi Pehchaan', concluded in January 2026, was developed by the I&B Ministry and the Office of the PSA in collaboration with which fund?
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Correct answer: B — Netflix Fund for Creative Equity
PIB (I&B): the initiative was developed in collaboration with the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity.
In which city did PM Narendra Modi hold talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on 12 January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Ahmedabad
PIB (PMO): PM Modi welcomed Chancellor Merz in Ahmedabad, and the two held restricted and delegation-level talks there on 12 January 2026.
Consider the following statements about German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to India in January 2026: 1. It was his first visit to Asia as Federal Chancellor. 2. 2026 marks 75 years of India–Germany diplomatic relations. 3. The visit followed the 7th India–Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations held in Berlin. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (PMO Joint Statement): statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: the 7th IGC was held in New Delhi on 25 October 2024.
Which travel facility for Indian passport holders was announced during German Chancellor Merz's visit to India in January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Visa-free transit through Germany
PIB (PMO List of Outcomes): the announcements included visa-free transit for Indian passport holders transiting through Germany.
What was India's year-on-year CPI (headline) inflation for December 2025, as released by MoSPI on 12 January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 1.33%
PIB (MoSPI): headline CPI inflation for December 2025 was 1.33% (provisional), 62 basis points higher than November 2025.
What was the all-India food inflation (CFPI) for December 2025?
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Correct answer: B — −2.71%
PIB (MoSPI): CFPI inflation for December 2025 was −2.71% (provisional); rural −3.08% and urban −2.09%.
Consider the following statements about CPI data for December 2025: 1. Headline inflation stayed below the RBI's lower tolerance limit for the fourth consecutive month. 2. Food inflation was negative for the seventh consecutive month. 3. Headline inflation fell compared with November 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (MoSPI): statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: headline inflation rose by 62 basis points over November 2025.
Consider the following statements about India's inflation target, relevant to the December 2025 CPI data: 1. The Central Government, in consultation with the RBI, determines the inflation target under Section 45ZA of the RBI Act, 1934. 2. The target is 4% CPI inflation with a lower tolerance limit of 2% and an upper tolerance limit of 6%. 3. The six-member Monetary Policy Committee is constituted under Section 45ZA. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
RBI (Monetary Policy overview): the target is set under Section 45ZA, at 4% CPI with 2% and 6% tolerance limits, retained for April 2021 to March 2026. Statement 3 is wrong: the MPC is constituted under Section 45ZB.
Under which Act were the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026 notified?
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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?
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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?
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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.
What was India's fish production in FY 2024-25, as per the Fisheries Ministry release of January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 197.75 lakh tonnes
PIB (Fisheries): fish production rose to 197.75 lakh tonnes in FY 2024-25 from 95.79 lakh tonnes in FY 2013-14.
What is India's share of global fish output, according to the Fisheries Ministry release of January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 8%
PIB (Fisheries): India is the world's second-largest fish producer, contributing 8% to global output.
National Youth Day, observed on 12 January, marks the birth anniversary of which personality?
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Correct answer: D — Swami Vivekananda
PIB (PMO): the PM said National Youth Day is celebrated every year on 12 January in memory of Swami Vivekananda, on his birth anniversary.
At the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, PM Modi described the 'Orange Economy' as one rooted in what?
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Correct answer: A — Culture, content and creativity
PIB (PMO): the PM said India is seeing remarkable growth in the Orange Economy, rooted in culture, content and creativity.
With which body did ICAR sign an MoU in January 2026 to strengthen research and extension across the dairy sector?
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Correct answer: C — National Dairy Development Board
PIB (Agriculture): ICAR entered into an MoU with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
Where was the 16th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) held in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Abu Dhabi
PIB (MNRE): Pralhad Joshi addressed the 16th IRENA Assembly in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
According to India's statement at the 16th IRENA Assembly, in which year did India reach 50% of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources?
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Correct answer: C — 2025
PIB (MNRE): India achieved 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources in 2025, five years ahead of its NDC target.
Which country assumed the Presidency of IRENA at its 16th Assembly in January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Dominican Republic
PIB (MNRE): Joshi congratulated the Dominican Republic on assuming the IRENA Presidency; Kenya, Solomon Islands, Spain and Antigua and Barbuda are Vice Presidents.
Consider the following statements about the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), as stated in January 2026: 1. IRENA has 170 members, including the European Union. 2. India is one of the founder members of IRENA. 3. India's target is 500 GW of non-fossil installed capacity by 2030. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (MNRE): all three are correct — IRENA has 170 members (169 states and the EU), India is a founder member, and India's target is 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030.
Which two ISRO astronauts interacted with participants on Day 3 of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Shubhanshu Shukla and Prasanth Nair
PIB (Youth Affairs): Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Nair addressed the young leaders on Day 3.
In January 2026, MeitY said structured stakeholder consultations were under way to develop a regulatory framework for what?
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Correct answer: B — Mobile security
PIB (MeitY): stakeholder consultations are going on to develop an appropriate and robust regulatory framework for mobile security.