State Staff Selection Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Which organisation organised the national seminar 'Aeronautics 2047' in Bengaluru in January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Aeronautical Development Agency
PIB (Ministry of Defence): the two-day seminar 'Aeronautics 2047' was organised by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).
At the 'Aeronautics 2047' seminar in January 2026, the Chief of the Air Staff congratulated ADA for completing how many years of LCA Tejas flight?
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Correct answer: D — 25 years
PIB (Ministry of Defence): Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh congratulated ADA for completing 25 years of LCA Tejas flight.
Consider the following statements about the 'Aeronautics 2047' seminar held in January 2026: 1. It was held at the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), Bengaluru. 2. It was inaugurated by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh. 3. According to ADA, LCA Tejas has completed more than 5,600 successful flight trials. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Ministry of Defence): the seminar was at CABS, Bengaluru, inaugurated by ACM A. P. Singh, and ADA says Tejas has completed more than 5,600 successful flight trials. All three are correct.
The Grand International Exposition of the sacred Piprahwa relics, inaugurated by PM Modi on 3 January 2026, was held at which venue?
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Correct answer: A — Rai Pithora Cultural Complex, New Delhi
PIB (PMO and Ministry of Culture): the exposition was inaugurated at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex, New Delhi.
The Piprahwa relics of the Buddha were first unearthed in 1898 by whom, at a stupa site identified with ancient Kapilavastu?
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Correct answer: C — William Claxton Peppé
PIB (Ministry of Culture): the Piprahwa relics were unearthed in 1898 by William Claxton Peppé at the stupa site identified with Kapilavastu.
What is the title of the Piprahwa relics exposition inaugurated in New Delhi in January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One
PIB (Ministry of Culture): the exposition is titled 'The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One'.
Consider the following statements about the Piprahwa relics exposition of January 2026: 1. It includes the Peppé family collection repatriated to India in July 2025 after its auction abroad was halted. 2. It includes relics preserved at the Indian Museum, Kolkata. 3. It was organised by the Archaeological Survey of India under the Ministry of External Affairs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Ministry of Culture): the exposition brings together the Peppé collection repatriated in July 2025 and treasures from the Indian Museum, Kolkata. It was organised by the Ministry of Culture, so statement 3 is wrong.
Where is the birthplace of Savitribai Phule, at which a ₹143 crore memorial's foundation was laid on 3 January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Naigaon, Satara
Times of India and PTI: Fadnavis laid the foundation of the memorial at Savitribai Phule's birthplace, Naigaon in Satara district.
Which birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule was observed on 3 January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 195th
Times of India and PTI: Saturday (3 January 2026) was the 195th birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule.
Consider the following statements about the Savitribai Phule memorial project announced on 3 January 2026: 1. It includes a women's training centre. 2. Its estimated cost is ₹143 crore. 3. It is being built at Phulewada in Pune. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
Times of India and PTI: the memorial with a women's training centre is at Naigaon, Satara, at a cost of ₹143 crore. It is not in Pune, so statement 3 is wrong.
In which city did Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurate an exhibition on the three new criminal laws on 3 January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Sri Vijaya Puram
PIB (MHA): Amit Shah inaugurated an exhibition based on the three new laws in Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
What was the total value of the development projects inaugurated or whose foundation stones were laid by Amit Shah in Andaman and Nicobar on 3 January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — ₹373 crore
PIB (MHA): nine projects were inaugurated and two foundation stones laid, worth ₹373 crore.
Consider the following statements based on Amit Shah's visit to Andaman and Nicobar on 3 January 2026: 1. Nine projects were inaugurated and foundation stones were laid for two. 2. The Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council collects waste from 98% of houses. 3. Amit Shah said the islands named Shaheed and Swaraj honour Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (MHA): nine projects inaugurated and two foundation stones laid; 98% household waste collection; and Shah said PM Modi named the islands Shaheed and Swaraj in honour of Netaji. All three are correct.
Between which two places will India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train run, as announced during its inspection in January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Guwahati – Howrah
PIB (Railways): the first Vande Bharat Sleeper will operate between Guwahati in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal.
Which indigenous automatic train protection system is fitted on the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train inspected in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — KAVACH
PIB (Railways): the train is equipped with the KAVACH safety system, automatic doors, improved fire safety and CCTV in all coaches.
Consider the following statements about the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, as described by the Railways Ministry on 3 January 2026: 1. Its full cycle of trials, testing and certification has been completed. 2. The train starting from Guwahati will serve Assamese cuisine. 3. It was flagged off by the Prime Minister on 3 January 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Railways): trials, testing and certification are complete, and the Guwahati-origin train will serve authentic Assamese cuisine. The PM was to flag it off later in January; on 3 January the train was only inspected, so statement 3 is wrong.
What was the theme of the 9th Siddha Day celebrated in January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Siddha for Global Health
PIB (Ayush): the event was themed 'Siddha for Global Health'.
Consider the following statements about the 9th Siddha Day celebrations (January 2026): 1. They were inaugurated by Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan. 2. They were held at Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai. 3. They were the 10th edition of Siddha Day. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Ayush): the Vice-President inaugurated the 9th Siddha Day at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai. It was the 9th edition, not the 10th, so statement 3 is wrong.
How many proposals were approved in the third tranche of the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) on 2 January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 22
PIB (MeitY): 22 proposals were approved in the third tranche; 24 had been approved earlier, taking the total to 46.
What is the projected investment of the 22 ECMS proposals approved in January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ₹41,863 crore
PIB (MeitY): projected investment is ₹41,863 crore; ₹2,58,152 crore is projected production and ₹12,704 crore was the earlier tranche.
Consider the following statements about the third tranche of ECMS approvals (January 2026): 1. The approved products include anode material, a critical item for lithium-ion cells. 2. The approved units are spread across eight states. 3. The approvals cover only bare components and no sub-assemblies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB (MeitY): anode material is among the supply-chain items, and the units are in eight states. Three sub-assemblies (camera module, display module, optical transceiver) were also approved, so statement 3 is wrong.
Under the NIRYAT PROTSAHAN intervention launched in January 2026, what is the base interest subvention on pre- and post-shipment rupee export credit?
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Correct answer: A — 2.75%
PIB (Commerce): a base interest subvention of 2.75% is provided, with additional incentive for exports to notified under-represented or emerging markets.
With which institution is the collateral guarantee support for MSME export credit under the Export Promotion Mission being introduced?
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Correct answer: A — CGTMSE
PIB (Commerce): the collateral guarantee support is being introduced in partnership with the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE).
Consider the following statements about the Export Promotion Mission: 1. It was approved by the Union Cabinet on 12 November 2025 with an outlay of ₹25,060 crore. 2. Its two sub-schemes are NIRYAT PROTSAHAN and NIRYAT DISHA. 3. It is implemented by the Department of Commerce alone. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Commerce): the Mission was approved on 12 November 2025 with ₹25,060 crore and has two sub-schemes, NIRYAT PROTSAHAN and NIRYAT DISHA. It is jointly implemented by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of MSME and Ministry of Finance, so statement 3 is wrong.
In which district of Maharashtra did the bullet train project achieve its first mountain tunnel breakthrough (MT-5) in January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Palghar
PIB (Railways): the breakthrough of the ~1.5 km MT-5 mountain tunnel was achieved in Palghar, Maharashtra.
According to the Railways Ministry (January 2026), what will be the travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad once the bullet train project is complete?
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Correct answer: B — 1 hour 58 minutes
PIB (Railways): the project will reduce Mumbai–Ahmedabad travel time to just 1 hour and 58 minutes.
Consider the following statements about the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail corridor, as given by the Railways Ministry in January 2026: 1. The corridor is about 508 km long, of which 156 km lies in Maharashtra. 2. The project has eight mountain tunnels. 3. The first underground tunnel, between Thane and BKC, was completed in September 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Railways): the 508 km corridor has 156 km in Maharashtra and 352 km in Gujarat and DNH; it has eight mountain tunnels; and the ~5 km Thane–BKC underground tunnel was completed in September 2025. All three are correct.
According to the Cabinet Secretary's briefing on 2 January 2026, which was the single biggest cause of issues raised under PRAGATI?
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Correct answer: D — Land acquisition
Indian Express and The Hindu: land acquisition accounted for 35% of issues, forest/wildlife/environment 20% and right of use/way 18%.
What does the acronym PRAGATI, the project-review mechanism chaired by the Prime Minister, stand for?
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Correct answer: A — Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation
PIB (Cabinet Secretariat): PRAGATI stands for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, chaired by the Prime Minister.
Consider the following statements based on the Cabinet Secretary's PRAGATI briefing of 2 January 2026: 1. PRAGATI has reviewed over 3,300 projects worth more than ₹85 lakh crore. 2. Of 7,735 issues raised, 7,156 have been resolved. 3. The government announced plans to amend the land acquisition law. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
Indian Express and The Hindu: over 3,300 projects worth ₹85 lakh crore reviewed; 7,156 of 7,735 issues resolved. The Cabinet Secretary said there was no plan to change the land acquisition law, so statement 3 is wrong.
Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026, released on 2 January 2026, is which edition of India's official book of drug standards?
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Correct answer: D — 10th
PIB (Health): IP 2026 is the 10th edition of India's official book of drug standards.
Which new category of monographs has been included for the first time in Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Blood component monographs for transfusion medicine
PIB (Health): IP 2026 includes, for the first time, 20 blood component monographs pertaining to transfusion medicine.
Consider the following statements about the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP): 1. IP is published by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission to fulfil the requirements of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. 2. IP is recognised in 19 countries of the Global South. 3. India ranked 8th in 2025 in contributions to the WHO pharmacovigilance database, up from 123rd in 2009–2014. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Health): IP is published by the IPC under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940; it is recognised in 19 Global South countries; and India rose from 123rd (2009–2014) to 8th (2025). All three are correct.
'Sweekruti', launched by a state government on 1 January 2026, is an umbrella welfare scheme for which group?
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Correct answer: B — Transgender persons
New Indian Express and Kalinga TV: Odisha's Sweekruti is a rights-based umbrella scheme for the welfare and empowerment of transgender persons.
Under Odisha's Sweekruti scheme, how much monthly assistance do parents or guardians of transgender children receive until the child turns 18?
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Correct answer: D — ₹1,500
Sambad English and Kalinga TV: parents or guardians of transgender children receive ₹1,500 a month until the child attains 18 years.
From which date has NHAI discontinued the Know Your Vehicle (KYV) process for new car FASTags?
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Correct answer: C — 1 February 2026
PIB (MoRTH): NHAI discontinued KYV for cars for all new FASTag issuances with effect from 1 February 2026.
Under NHAI's revised FASTag norms announced in January 2026, vehicle details must be validated against which database before activation?
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Correct answer: B — VAHAN
PIB (MoRTH): FASTag activation is permitted only after validation of vehicle details from the VAHAN database.
Who has been designated Chairperson of the NPS Trust Board by PFRDA, as announced in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Dinesh Kumar Khara
PIB (Finance): Dinesh Kumar Khara, former Chairman of SBI, has been appointed a trustee and designated Chairperson of the NPS Trust Board.
Consider the following statements about the PFRDA reforms announced in January 2026: 1. Scheduled Commercial Banks may independently set up pension funds to manage NPS, under an in-principle framework. 2. The revised Investment Management Fee for pension funds applies from 1 April 2026. 3. Three new trustees were appointed to the NPS Trust Board. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Finance): the board approved in principle a framework for banks to set up pension funds; the revised IMF applies from 1 April 2026; and three new trustees were appointed. All three are correct.
The #SkillTheNation Challenge launched by President Droupadi Murmu on 1 January 2026 is part of which initiative?
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Correct answer: A — SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness)
PIB (President's Secretariat): the President launched the #SkilltheNation challenge under the SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) initiative of MSDE.
Where is the IGNOU Regional Centre and Skill Centre that President Murmu inaugurated virtually on 1 January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Rairangpur, Odisha
PIB (President's Secretariat): the President virtually inaugurated the IGNOU Regional Centre and Skill Centre at Rairangpur, Odisha.
Consider the following statements about the SOAR initiative: 1. It is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. 2. It was launched in July 2025. 3. Its courses are offered on the Skill India Digital Hub. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (MSDE): SOAR – Skilling for AI Readiness is MSDE's flagship programme launched in July 2025, and the President urged citizens to enrol in the SOAR course on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). All three are correct.
According to DRDO on its 68th Foundation Day, what was the approximate value of Acceptances of Necessity accorded in 2025 for DRDO-developed systems?
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Correct answer: D — ₹1.30 lakh crore
PIB (MoD): 22 AoNs worth approximately ₹1.30 lakh crore were accorded in 2025, the highest in any single year; ₹26,000 crore was the value of 11 contracts signed.
'Anant Shastra', mentioned by DRDO in January 2026 among systems accorded AoN, is the name of which system?
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Correct answer: A — Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile System
PIB (MoD): the AoNs include the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile System 'Anant Shastra'.
Who is the Chairman of DRDO and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, who addressed DRDO staff on its 68th Foundation Day?
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Correct answer: A — Dr Samir V. Kamat
PIB (MoD): Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V. Kamat addressed DRDO staff.
How many days of employment does the Viksit Bharat – G RAM G Act, 2025 legally guarantee, as explained by Shivraj Singh Chouhan in January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 125 days
PIB (Rural Development): the Act provides a legal guarantee not for 100 but 125 days of employment.
At which village in Maharashtra did Shivraj Singh Chouhan address a special Gram Sabha on the VB-G RAM G Act on 1 January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Loni Budruk
PIB (Rural Development): the special Gram Sabha was held in Loni Budruk village, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra.
Consider the following statements about the provisions of the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, as outlined by the Union Minister: 1. One-third of the work must go to women. 2. Administrative expenses have been raised from 6% to 9%. 3. States may notify up to 60 days during peak sowing and harvesting seasons for deploying workers on agricultural tasks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Rural Development): one-third of work goes to women; administrative expenses raised from 6% to 9%; states can notify up to 60 days in peak seasons for agricultural tasks. All three are correct.
Who took charge as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Indian Air Force, on 1 January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor
PIB (MoD): Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor took charge as Vice Chief of the Air Staff on 1 January 2026.
Which IAF command did Air Marshal Seethepalli Shrinivas take over as AOC-in-C on 1 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Training Command
PIB (MoD): Air Marshal Seethepalli Shrinivas took over as AOC-in-C, Training Command; Air Marshal Tejinder Singh took over South Western Air Command.
Consider the following statements about Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, who became Vice Chief of the Air Staff in January 2026: 1. He served as Defence Attaché to Pakistan. 2. Immediately before this, he was AOC-in-C, South Western Air Command. 3. He was commissioned in the transport stream of the IAF. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (MoD): Kapoor was Defence Attaché to Pakistan and served as AOC-in-C Training Command and thereafter South Western Air Command before becoming VCAS. He was commissioned in the fighter stream, so statement 3 is wrong.
What is the length of the Nashik–Solapur–Akkalkot greenfield corridor approved by the Cabinet on 31 December 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 374 km
PIB (CCEA): the six-lane greenfield corridor has a project length of 374 km and a capital cost of ₹19,142 crore.
Under which mode will the Nashik–Solapur–Akkalkot corridor be built?
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Correct answer: C — BOT (Toll)
PIB (CCEA): the corridor will be built on BOT (Toll) mode.
Consider the following statements about the Nashik–Solapur–Akkalkot corridor approved in December 2025: 1. It will connect with the Samruddhi Mahamarg at Pangri near Nashik. 2. It will reduce overall travel time from 31 hours to about 17 hours. 3. It has a design speed of 120 km/h. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB (CCEA): the corridor links the Samruddhi Mahamarg at Pangri and cuts travel time from 31 hours to about 17 hours. Its design speed is 100 km/h, so statement 3 is wrong.
India's broadband subscriber base crossed which milestone in November 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 1 billion
PIB (Communications): the broadband subscriber base crossed the 1 billion (100 crore) mark in November 2025, reaching 100.37 crore.
By how much has India's broadband subscriber base grown between November 2015 and November 2025?
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Correct answer: C — More than six times
PIB (Communications): the base grew from 13.15 crore in November 2015 to 100.37 crore in November 2025 — more than six times.
The NH-326 upgrade approved by the Cabinet in December 2025 will mainly benefit which districts of southern Odisha?
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Correct answer: A — Gajapati, Rayagada and Koraput
PIB (Cabinet): the upgrade of NH-326 will particularly benefit the districts of Gajapati, Rayagada and Koraput.
What is the total capital cost of the NH-326 Mohana–Koraput upgrade approved by the Cabinet on 31 December 2025?
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Correct answer: B — ₹1,526.21 crore
PIB (Cabinet): total capital cost is ₹1,526.21 crore, including civil construction cost of ₹966.79 crore.
Pralay, of which DRDO conducted a salvo launch on 31 December 2025, is best described as a:
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Correct answer: B — Solid-propellant quasi-ballistic missile
PIB (MoD): Pralay is an indigenously developed solid propellant quasi-ballistic missile capable of carrying multiple types of warheads.
Which DRDO laboratory led the development of the Pralay missile?
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Correct answer: A — Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad
PIB (MoD): Pralay has been developed by Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad, in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories such as DRDL, ASL and ARDE.
Consider the following statements about the Pralay salvo test of 31 December 2025: 1. Two missiles were launched in quick succession from the same launcher. 2. The test was part of user evaluation trials. 3. Tracking was done by the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (MoD): two Pralay missiles were launched in quick succession from the same launcher as part of user evaluation trials, and their trajectories were confirmed by sensors of ITR Chandipur. All three are correct.
PRAGATI, whose 50th meeting PM Modi chaired on 31 December 2025, was built on the experience of which platform he launched as Gujarat Chief Minister?
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Correct answer: C — SWAGAT
PIB (PMO): the PM recalled that as Gujarat Chief Minister he launched the SWAGAT platform (State Wide Attention on Grievances by Application of Technology), which he later expanded nationally through PRAGATI.
In the 50th PRAGATI meeting on 31 December 2025, the PM reviewed five infrastructure projects with a cumulative cost of more than:
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Correct answer: A — ₹40,000 crore
PIB (PMO): the PM reviewed five critical infrastructure projects spanning five states with a cumulative cost of more than ₹40,000 crore.
Consider the following statements about the 50th PRAGATI meeting (31 December 2025): 1. The PM's mantra for the next phase was 'Reform to Simplify, Perform to Deliver, Transform to Impact'. 2. Around 94% of issues identified in projects reviewed under PRAGATI since 2014 have been resolved. 3. The PM asked states to set up PRAGATI-like mechanisms, especially for the social sector, at the Chief Secretary level. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (PMO): the mantra was 'Reform to Simplify, Perform to Deliver, Transform to Impact'; 2,958 of 3,162 issues (about 94%) were resolved; and the PM encouraged states to institutionalise PRAGATI-like mechanisms for the social sector at Chief Secretary level. All three are correct.
From which date did select provisions of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 come into force, as notified on 31 December 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 1 January 2026
PIB (Sports): the Central Government appointed 1 January 2026 as the date for select provisions; the Act itself was notified in the Gazette on 18 August 2025.
Consider the following statements about the National Sports Governance Act, 2025: 1. It was notified in the Official Gazette on 18 August 2025. 2. Its section 1(2) allows different dates to be appointed for different provisions. 3. The provisions brought into force from 1 January 2026 include the constitution of the National Sports Board. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Sports): the Act was gazetted on 18 August 2025; section 1(2) permits different dates for different provisions; and the provisions in force from 1 January 2026 include the constitution of the National Sports Board. All three are correct.
In his video-conference with MGNREGA functionaries on 30 December 2025 about the VB-G RAM G Act, Shivraj Singh Chouhan interacted with roughly how many functionaries?
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Correct answer: D — Over 2 lakh
PIB (Rural Development): more than 2 lakh MGNREGA functionaries joined from about 45,000 locations.
The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025 replaces which law?
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Correct answer: B — Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005
PIB (assent release, 21 December 2025): the Act replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005.
Consider the following statements about the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025: 1. It guarantees not less than 125 days of wage employment per rural household in each financial year. 2. States may notify a pause period aggregating sixty days in a financial year to free labour for peak sowing and harvesting. 3. Its cost is shared 75:25 between the Centre and all States. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB (assent release): Section 5(1) guarantees at least 125 days and Section 6 allows a 60-day aggregate pause. Cost-sharing is 60:40, 90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan States and 100% central for UTs without legislatures, so statement 3 is wrong.
Under the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, what is the Centre–State cost-sharing ratio for North Eastern and Himalayan States?
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Correct answer: C — 90:10
PIB (assent release): the cost-sharing pattern is 60:40 between Centre and States, 90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan States, and 100% central funding for UTs without legislatures.
Kavach, the indigenous automatic train protection system commissioned on Gujarat's Bajwa (Vadodara)–Ahmedabad section, is certified to which Safety Integrity Level?
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Correct answer: C — SIL-4
PIB (Railways): Kavach is certified to Safety Integrity Level-4 (SIL-4), one of the highest safety standards in signalling.
Kavach 4.0's first commissioning in Gujarat, announced on 30 December 2025, was on which section?
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Correct answer: B — Bajwa (Vadodara)–Ahmedabad
PIB (Railways): Kavach 4.0 was commissioned on Gujarat's first section, the 96-km Bajwa (Vadodara)–Ahmedabad stretch.
Bhagirathpura, where a contaminated-water outbreak was reported in December 2025, is a locality in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Indore
The Hindu, The Indian Express and ETV Bharat: the outbreak was in the Bhagirathpura area of Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
Consider the following statements about the Madhya Pradesh government's response to the Bhagirathpura (Indore) water contamination: 1. The Chief Minister announced ₹2 lakh each for the families of the deceased. 2. The state said it would bear the full cost of the patients' treatment. 3. The probe committee is headed by a retired High Court judge. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
The Hindu, The Indian Express and ETV Bharat: CM Mohan Yadav announced ₹2 lakh per bereaved family and free treatment. The three-member probe committee is headed by an IAS officer, not a judge.
According to the Indore Municipal Commissioner, what was the likely source of contamination in Bhagirathpura's drinking water in December 2025?
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Correct answer: A — A leak in the main supply line at a point where a toilet had been built over it
The Hindu and ETV Bharat: the municipal commissioner said a leakage was found in the main water supply line in Bhagirathpura at a point over which a toilet had been constructed.
Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) began lending at its 51st Board Meeting on 30 December 2025 by sanctioning loans of about:
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Correct answer: C — ₹4,300 crore
PIB (Ports, Shipping and Waterways): SMFCL approved loan sanctions of about ₹4,300 crore at its 51st Board Meeting on 30 December 2025. ₹8,000 crore is its FY26 lending target and ₹25,000 crore its borrowing limit.
Consider the following statements about Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL): 1. SMFCL is India's first maritime-focused Non-Banking Financial Company. 2. SMFCL is targeting a loan book of ₹8,000 crore in 2025-26. 3. The largest share of its first tranche of sanctions went to Goa Shipyard. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB: SMFCL is India's first maritime-focused NBFC and targets an ₹8,000 crore loan book in FY26. About ₹4,000 crore of the ₹4,300 crore went to a greenfield port project; Goa Shipyard got ₹110 crore, so statement 3 is wrong.
The Sivagiri Mutt, where the 93rd Sivagiri Pilgrimage was inaugurated on 30 December 2025, is located at:
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Correct answer: D — Varkala
PIB (Vice President's Secretariat): the Vice-President inaugurated the 93rd Sivagiri Pilgrimage at the Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala, Kerala.
The message 'One caste, one religion, one God for humankind', recalled by the Vice-President at the 93rd Sivagiri Pilgrimage, is associated with:
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Correct answer: A — Sree Narayana Guru
PIB: the Vice-President said Sree Narayana Guru answered caste injustice with the words 'One caste, one religion, one God for humankind'.
Where was the valedictory function of Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 held on 30 December 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Rameswaram
PIB (Vice President's Secretariat): the Vice-President addressed the valedictory function of Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 at Rameswaram.
At the Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 valedictory, the Vice-President said the initiative reflects the vision of which poet of a united, integrated India?
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Correct answer: B — Subramania Bharati
PIB: quoting Mahakavi Subramania Bharati, the Vice-President said the Sangamam reflects the poet's vision of a united, integrated and confident India.