State Staff Selection Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Granth Kutir, inaugurated at Rashtrapati Bhavan in January 2026, has books in how many classical languages of India?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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.
Who released the Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework on 22 January 2026?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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.
According to ICMR, India is which country globally to report successful integration of a Mobile Stroke Unit with emergency medical services for treating rural acute ischaemic stroke patients?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Second
PIB (Health): ICMR DG Rajiv Bahl said India is the second country globally to report such integration.
ICMR's Mobile Stroke Unit model in North-East India reduced stroke treatment time from nearly 24 hours to about:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 hours
PIB (Health): the model reduced treatment time from nearly 24 hours to about 2 hours, cut deaths by one-third and disability eightfold.
After the January 2026 notification, how many obligated entities are covered under the compliance mechanism of the Indian Carbon Market?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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.
In January 2026, Naxal Central Committee member 'Anal alias Patiram Manjhi' was killed in an operation in which district?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — West Singhbhum, Jharkhand
PIB (MHA): the joint CRPF–Jharkhand Police operation in West Singhbhum, Jharkhand, killed Anal alias Patiram Manjhi and 15 other Naxalites.
By what date has the Union Home Minister committed to eradicate Naxalism?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 31 March 2026
PIB (MHA): Amit Shah reiterated the commitment to eradicate Naxalism before 31 March 2026.
The commissioning of which transmission line took India's network past 5 lakh circuit km in January 2026?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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:
Show answer
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'.
The Army vehicle accident of 22 January 2026 in Doda district occurred at Khanni Top on which road?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Bhaderwah–Chamba interstate road
The Hindu, ET and Indian Express: the vehicle skidded off the Bhaderwah–Chamba interstate road at Khanni Top and fell into a gorge.
How many soldiers were killed in the Army vehicle accident in Doda on 22 January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 10
The Hindu, ET and Indian Express: 10 soldiers were killed and 11 injured.
PMGSY-IV aims to provide connectivity to how many unconnected habitations?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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:
Show answer
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?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 22 scheduled languages and English
PIB (ECI): CEC Gyanesh Kumar said ECINET is available in 22 scheduled languages and English.
The Draft National Electricity Policy 2026, once finalised, will replace the National Electricity Policy notified in which year?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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.
Which city became the first in Uttar Pradesh to achieve 100% scientific processing of municipal solid waste, as announced in January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Lucknow
PIB (MoHUA): Lucknow became UP's first 'zero fresh waste dump' city.
What is the processing capacity of Lucknow's newly commissioned Shivari Solid Waste Management Plant?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 700 TPD
PIB (MoHUA): the Shivari plant can process 700 metric tonnes per day.
NITI Aayog's January 2026 decarbonisation reports covered which three sectors?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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.
By how much did the combined Index of Eight Core Industries grow in December 2025 (provisional)?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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.
When had the CAQM sub-committee invoked GRAP Stage IV in Delhi-NCR before revoking it on 20 January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 17 January 2026
PIB (MoEFCC): Stage IV was invoked on 17 January 2026 and revoked on 20 January 2026.
After CAQM revoked GRAP Stage IV on 20 January 2026, which stages remained in force across NCR?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Stages I, II and III
PIB (MoEFCC): all actions under GRAP Stages I, II and III remained in force.
Which Indian Navy sail training ship set off on the Lokayan 26 expedition on 20 January 2026?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 18 ports in 13 countries
PIB (Defence): the ship will traverse about 22,000 nautical miles, visiting 18 ports in 13 countries.
The Central Motor Vehicles (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026 amend which set of rules?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989
PIB (MoRTH): the Second Amendment Rules, 2026 introduce changes to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
Under the January 2026 amendment to the motor vehicle rules, which of the following is NOT stated to be withheld for a vehicle with unpaid National Highway user fee?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Renewal of the owner's driving licence
PIB (MoRTH): the rules bar the transfer NOC, fitness certificate renewal/generation and National Permit while user fee is unpaid; driving licence renewal is not mentioned.
Under the amended rules, an 'unpaid user fee' refers to a fee for a National Highway section where:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — The ETC system recorded the vehicle's passage but the fee was not received
PIB (MoRTH): 'unpaid user fee' is the fee for an NH section where the ETC system recorded the vehicle's passage but the fee was not received in accordance with the National Highways Act, 1956.
Which edition of the Khelo India Winter Games opened in Leh on 20 January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Sixth
PIB (Sports): the curtains went up on the sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games at NDS Stadium, Leh.
Which event was added to the ice skating programme of the Khelo India Winter Games for the first time in 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Figure skating
PIB (Sports): figure skating has been added to the ice skating programme for the first time.
Consider the following statements about the Khelo India Winter Games 2026: 1. This is the third time Ladakh is hosting the Games. 2. The Ladakh leg was declared open by the Union Sports Minister. 3. The snow leg is to be held in Gulmarg. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
PIB (Sports): Ladakh is hosting KIWG for the third time and the snow leg will be in Gulmarg; the Games were declared open by Ladakh LG Kavinder Gupta, while Dr Mansukh Mandaviya sent a message.
In January 2026, the CCI approved the acquisition of a stake in which Indian bank by Emirates NBD?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — RBL Bank
PIB (CCI): the Commission approved Emirates NBD Bank's proposed acquisition of shareholding in RBL Bank Limited.
What range of shareholding in RBL Bank does Emirates NBD propose to acquire, as approved by the CCI?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Not less than 51%, up to 74%
PIB (CCI): the combination envisages acquisition of up to 74% (and not less than 51%) of RBL Bank.
The 233-year-old Valmiki Ramayana manuscript gifted in January 2026 was given to which museum?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — International Ram Katha Museum, Ayodhya
PIB (Culture): the manuscript has been permanently gifted to the Antarrashtriya Ram Katha Sangrahalaya, Ayodhya.
The Valmiki Ramayana manuscript gifted to the Ram Katha Museum carries which classical commentary?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Tattvadīpikā by Maheshvara Tīrtha
PIB (Culture): the manuscript is the Vālmīkirāmāyaṇam with the Tattvadīpikā ṭīkā by Maheshvara Tīrtha.
Consider the following statements about the Valmiki Ramayana manuscript gifted in January 2026: 1. It dates to Vikrama Samvat 1849 (1792 CE). 2. It contains all seven kandas, including the Uttarakanda. 3. It was earlier on loan to Rashtrapati Bhavan. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
PIB (Culture): the manuscript dates to VS 1849 (1792 CE) and was earlier loaned to Rashtrapati Bhavan; it comprises five kandas — Bāla, Araṇya, Kiṣkindhā, Sundara and Yuddha — so statement 2 is wrong.
During the UAE President's visit in January 2026, India and the UAE set what bilateral trade target for 2032?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — US$200 billion
PIB (PMO): bilateral trade reached US$100 billion in FY 2024-25, and the leaders decided to double it to US$200 billion by 2032.
Under the agreement signed during the UAE President's January 2026 visit, HPCL will buy LNG from ADNOC Gas on what terms?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 0.5 MMTPA for 10 years from 2028
PIB (PMO, list of outcomes): the long-term agreement provides for purchase of 0.5 MMTPA LNG by HPCL from ADNOC Gas over 10 years starting 2028.
A Letter of Intent signed during the UAE President's January 2026 visit covers UAE partnership in developing which Special Investment Region?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Dholera, Gujarat
PIB (PMO): the LoI between the Government of Gujarat and the UAE Ministry of Investment is for development of the Dholera Special Investment Region.
Consider the following statements about the UAE President's visit to India on 19 January 2026: 1. It was his fifth visit to India in the last ten years. 2. C-DAC and the UAE's G42 agreed in principle to set up a supercomputing cluster in India. 3. India and the UAE signed their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement during this visit. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (PMO): it was his fifth visit in ten years, and C-DAC–G42 agreed in principle on a supercomputing cluster; the CEPA was signed in 2022, not during this visit.
Which Indian agency signed a Letter of Intent with the UAE Space Agency during the UAE President's January 2026 visit?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — IN-SPACe
PIB (PMO, list of outcomes): the LoI on space industry development and commercial collaboration was between IN-SPACe and the UAE Space Agency.
Where was the 86th All India Presiding Officers' Conference inaugurated on 19 January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Lucknow
PIB (Lok Sabha Secretariat): the 86th AIPOC commenced in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh.
Who inaugurated the 86th All India Presiding Officers' Conference?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — UP Governor Anandiben Patel
PIB (Lok Sabha Secretariat): the conference was inaugurated by UP Governor Anandiben Patel; Om Birla gave the keynote and Satish Mahana read the PM's message.
Between 1 April and 31 December 2025, public sector banks sanctioned MSME loans worth more than how much under their digital Credit Assessment Model?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — ₹52,300 crore
PIB (Finance): over 3.96 lakh MSME loan applications amounting to more than ₹52,300 crore were sanctioned.
The public sector banks' Credit Assessment Model for MSMEs is primarily based on:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Digital footprints such as GST, bank statement and ITR data
PIB (Finance): the CAM uses digital footprints — KYC, GST data, account aggregator bank statements, ITR verification and CIC data — for automated appraisal.
How many proposals did the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife consider at its 88th meeting in January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 70
PIB (MoEFCC): the Standing Committee considered 70 proposals, including 17 defence-related ones.
The 17 defence-related proposals considered at the 88th NBWL Standing Committee meeting were located mainly in:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Ladakh and Sikkim
PIB (MoEFCC): the 17 defence proposals were primarily located in the UT of Ladakh and the State of Sikkim.
Proposals in and around protected areas are considered by the NBWL Standing Committee under which Act?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
PIB (MoEFCC): the proposals were considered in accordance with the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Which two bodies were approved as the first Second-Level Fund Managers under the RDI Fund?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — TDB and BIRAC
PIB (Science & Technology): the Technology Development Board and BIRAC were approved as the first Second-Level Fund Managers under the RDI Fund.
What is the size of the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund meant to catalyse private sector-led research?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — ₹1 lakh crore
PIB (Science & Technology): the RDI Fund is a ₹1 lakh crore initiative to catalyse private sector-led research and innovation.
Consider the following statements about the RDI Fund scheme: 1. It was approved by the Union Cabinet on 1 July 2025. 2. It was formally rolled out by the Prime Minister on 3 November 2025. 3. Funding of industry-backed projects had begun before the end of 2025. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Science & Technology): the Cabinet approved the scheme on 1 July 2025 and the PM rolled it out on 3 November 2025; funding of industry-backed projects was to start by the end of January 2026.
The Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project, whose Bhoomi Pujan was performed in January 2026, involves 4-laning of a section of which National Highway?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — NH-715
PIB (PMO): the project is the 4-laning of the Kaliabor–Numaligarh section of NH-715.
What is the approximate cost of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Over ₹6,950 crore
PIB (PMO): the project is worth over ₹6,950 crore.
At the Kaziranga corridor event, the PM recalled that which warrior strategised from Kaliabor to drive out the Mughal army?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Lachit Borphukan
PIB (Ports, Shipping and Waterways): the PM recalled that it was from Kaliabor that Lachit Borphukan strategised to drive out the Mughal invaders.
To which country did India flag off the first tranche of Guided Pinaka rockets on 18 January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Armenia
PIB (Defence): Rajnath Singh flagged off the first tranche of Guided Pinaka rockets to Armenia from Nagpur.
The Medium Caliber Ammunition Manufacturing Facility inaugurated at Solar Defence & Aerospace Ltd, Nagpur, manufactures which ammunition?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 30mm
PIB (Defence): the fully automated plant manufactures 30mm ammunition used extensively by the Indian Army and Navy.
At Nagpur in January 2026, the Defence Minister said the government aims to raise the private sector's share in defence manufacturing to what level soon?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 50% or more
PIB (Defence): Rajnath Singh said the aim is to increase the private sector's role in defence manufacturing to 50% or more soon.