UKPSC Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
What was the theme of the 6th ASEAN–India Digital Ministers' (ADGMIN) Meeting held in January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Adaptive ASEAN: From Connectivity to Connected Intelligence
PIB (Communications): the theme was 'Adaptive ASEAN: From Connectivity to Connected Intelligence'.
India co-chaired the 6th ADGMIN Meeting (January 2026) with a minister from which ASEAN country?
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Correct answer: D — Viet Nam
PIB (Communications): the meeting was co-chaired by Telecom Secretary Amit Agrawal and Nguyen Manh Hung, Minister of Science and Technology of Viet Nam.
With effect from 15 January 2026, CBIC extended which export benefits to exports made through the postal mode in electronic form?
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Correct answer: A — Duty Drawback, RoDTEP and RoSCTL
PIB (Finance): CBIC extended Duty Drawback, RoDTEP and RoSCTL benefits to postal exports in electronic form from 15 January 2026.
To let postal exporters claim Drawback, RoDTEP and RoSCTL benefits, CBIC amended which regulations in January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Postal Export (Electronic Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2022
PIB (Finance): CBIC approved amendments to the Postal Export (Electronic Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2022 via Notification No. 07/2026–Customs (N.T.).
During whose visit to India in January 2026 did India and Germany sign a Joint Declaration of Intent on Telecommunications Cooperation?
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Correct answer: C — Friedrich Merz
PIB (Communications): the JDI was signed during the official visit of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz to India on 12–13 January 2026.
The India–Germany JDI on Telecommunications Cooperation (January 2026) was concluded between India's Department of Telecommunications and which German ministry?
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Correct answer: B — Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation
PIB (Communications): the JDI was concluded between DoT and Germany's Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation (BMDS).
Praveen Vashista, who took oath as Vigilance Commissioner in the CVC on 16 January 2026, belongs to which service and cadre?
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Correct answer: A — IPS, Bihar cadre
PIB (DoPT): Praveen Vashista is an IPS officer of the Bihar cadre, 1991 batch.
Under which section of the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003 does the President appoint a Vigilance Commissioner?
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Correct answer: B — Section 4(1)
PIB (DoPT): the President appointed Praveen Vashista under Section 4(1) of the CVC Act, 2003. Section 5(3) relates to the oath before the Central Vigilance Commissioner.
Consider the following statements about the Central Vigilance Commission under the CVC Act, 2003: 1. It consists of a Central Vigilance Commissioner and two Vigilance Commissioners. 2. A Vigilance Commissioner holds office for four years or until the age of 65 years. 3. A Vigilance Commissioner takes oath before the Chief Justice of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (DoPT): statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: Praveen Vashista took oath before the Central Vigilance Commissioner, authorised by the President under Section 5(3).
On which occasion will the Sukhatme National Award in Statistics 2026 be presented?
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Correct answer: A — National Statistics Day, 29 June 2026
PIB (MoSPI): the award will be presented during the Statistics Day function on 29 June 2026.
The Sukhatme National Award in Statistics is given in alternate years to eminent Indian statisticians of what minimum age?
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Correct answer: C — 45 years
PIB (MoSPI): the award is given in alternate years since 2000 to eminent Indian statisticians aged 45 years and above.
Where was the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) inaugurated in January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Central Hall, Samvidhan Sadan, New Delhi
PIB (PMO): the PM inaugurated the 28th CSPOC in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, Parliament House Complex, New Delhi.
What is the main theme of the 28th CSPOC hosted by India in January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Effective Delivery of Parliamentary Democracy
PIB (PMO): the PM said the main theme of the conference is 'Effective Delivery of Parliamentary Democracy'.
According to the PM, how many times has India hosted the CSPOC, counting the 2026 edition?
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Correct answer: D — Fourth time
PIB (PMO): the PM said this is the fourth occasion when the conference is being held in India.
In which Israeli city was the Second Global Summit on 'Blue Food Security: Sea the Future 2026' held, attended by an Indian delegation in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Eilat
PIB (Fisheries): the summit was held in Eilat, Israel.
Who led the Indian delegation that signed the India–Israel Joint Ministerial Declaration of Intent on fisheries and aquaculture in January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Rajiv Ranjan Singh
PIB (Fisheries): the delegation was led by Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh.
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%.
Where was the 'Aqua Life Conservation Monitoring Centre for Ganga and Other Rivers' inaugurated in January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun
PIB (Jal Shakti): the centre was inaugurated at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun.
Which rescue vehicle did the Jal Shakti Minister launch under the Namami Gange Mission at WII Dehradun on 14 January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Dolphin Rescue Ambulance
PIB (Jal Shakti): a Dolphin Rescue Ambulance was launched along with the monitoring centre and conservation projects.
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.