Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
How many Padma Vibhushan awards were announced for 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 5
PIB (MHA): the 131 Padma Awards for 2026 comprise 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri.
Which of the following received the Padma Vibhushan 2026 posthumously?
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Correct answer: A — V S Achuthanandan
PIB: V S Achuthanandan (Public Affairs, Kerala) and Dharmendra Singh Deol received Padma Vibhushan posthumously; Shibu Soren, Piyush Pandey and V K Malhotra received Padma Bhushan posthumously.
Consider the following about the Padma Awards 2026: 1. 19 of the awardees are women. 2. 16 awards are posthumous. 3. Cricketer Rohit Sharma received the Padma Bhushan. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB: 19 awardees are women and 16 are posthumous. Rohit Sharma (Sports, Maharashtra) is in the Padma Shri list, not Padma Bhushan.
Sir Mark Tully, who died in January 2026, was widely known as the 'voice of India' of which broadcaster?
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Correct answer: C — BBC
AP, The Hindu and BBC: Mark Tully, long-time BBC correspondent and New Delhi bureau chief, was known as the BBC's 'voice of India'.
In which city was journalist Mark Tully born?
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Correct answer: A — Kolkata
AP and The Hindu: Tully was born in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1935.
Of the 125 Medals for Gallantry announced for Republic Day 2026, the largest number were for actions in which region?
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Correct answer: C — Jammu & Kashmir
PIB (MHA): 45 gallantry medals were for Jammu & Kashmir, 35 for LWE-affected areas, 5 for the North-East and 40 for other regions.
How many personnel of Police, Fire, Home Guard & Civil Defence and Correctional Services were awarded medals on Republic Day 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 982
PIB (MHA): 982 personnel were awarded — 125 Medals for Gallantry, 101 President's Medals for Distinguished Service and 756 Medals for Meritorious Service.
The SAARG committee constituted by PFRDA in January 2026 is chaired by:
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Correct answer: A — Narayan Ramachandran
PIB (Finance): SAARG is chaired by Narayan Ramachandran, former Country Head and CEO of Morgan Stanley India.
In PFRDA's SAARG committee, what does 'SAARG' stand for?
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Correct answer: D — Strategic Asset Allocation and Risk Governance
PIB: PFRDA constituted a committee of investment experts for Strategic Asset Allocation and Risk Governance (SAARG).
The Matabari Tourism Circuit, whose foundation stone was laid in January 2026, will integrate which of the following?
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Correct answer: A — Tripura Sundari Temple, Chabimura and Dumbur Lake
PIB (DoNER): the ₹450 crore circuit will integrate the Tripura Sundari Temple, Chabimura and Dumbur Lake.
What is the Ministry of DoNER's contribution to the ₹450 crore Matabari Tourism Circuit?
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Correct answer: C — ₹276 crore
PIB (DoNER): of the ₹450 crore outlay, ₹276 crore is being contributed by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
According to the ECI, what was the voter turnout in the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, the highest since 1951?
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Correct answer: C — 67.3%
PIB (ECI): the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 recorded the highest turnout since 1951 at 67.3%; women's participation was 71.8%.
The ECI publication 'Chunav Ka Parv, Bihar Ka Garv' was released on which occasion?
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Correct answer: B — 16th National Voters' Day
PIB (ECI): the publication was released at the 16th National Voters' Day celebration on 25 January 2026.
Assam's 'Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat' scheme, launched in January 2026, provides one-time assistance of how much to each tea garden worker?
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Correct answer: D — ₹5,000
Assam Tribune, Economic Times and TOI: the scheme gives ₹5,000 to every tea garden worker, permanent or casual.
The Eti Koli Duti Paat scheme was launched to mark which milestone, and where was it launched?
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Correct answer: B — 200 years of Assam's tea industry; Doomdooma (Tinsukia)
Assam Tribune, ET and TOI: launched at Doomdooma in Tinsukia district as part of the celebration of 200 years of Assam's tea industry.
What was the theme of the 16th National Voters' Day (2026)?
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Correct answer: D — My India, My Vote
PIB (ECI): NVD-2026 was celebrated with the theme "My India, My Vote" and the tagline "Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy".
Who was the Guest of Honour at the 16th National Voters' Day celebration in New Delhi?
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Correct answer: A — Arjun Ram Meghwal
PIB (ECI): Union MoS (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal was Guest of Honour; President Droupadi Murmu was Chief Guest; CEC Gyanesh Kumar led the event.
The Indian Navy's First Training Squadron made a three-day port call in January 2026 at which Indonesian port?
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Correct answer: B — Belawan
PIB (Defence): 1TS departed Belawan on 23 January 2026 after a three-day port call; the reception was co-hosted with the Consulate General of India, Medan.
Which of the following was NOT part of the First Training Squadron during its January 2026 Indonesia visit?
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Correct answer: D — INS Vikrant
PIB (Defence): the 1TS ships were INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata and ICGS Sarathi; INS Vikrant was not part of it.
Bharat Parv 2026, held at the Red Fort from 26 to 31 January, is organised by which ministry?
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Correct answer: A — Ministry of Tourism
PIB: the Ministry of Tourism organises Bharat Parv, its flagship annual event, as part of the Republic Day celebrations.
How many Republic Day tableaux are on display at Bharat Parv 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 41
PIB (Tourism): attractions include 41 Republic Day tableaux, 48 cultural performances and a food court with 60 stalls.
In the 130th Mann Ki Baat (January 2026), the PM praised the people-led revival of the Tamsa river. The river flows through which district?
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Correct answer: D — Azamgarh
PIB (PMO): the PM said the revival of the Tamsa river passing through Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, is a remarkable example of public participation.
Which slogan did the PM use in the 130th Mann Ki Baat while calling for 2026 to be about quality?
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Correct answer: B — Zero Defect, Zero Effect
PIB (PMO): 'Let us make 2026 about quality. Let us focus on Zero Defect, Zero Effect. Let us ensure, Made in India = Excellence.'
CSIR-CRRI signed an MoA with which steel plant in January 2026 for the first Steel Slag Road implementation in Tamil Nadu?
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Correct answer: D — JSW Steel, Salem Works
PIB (S&T): CSIR-CRRI and JSW Steel Limited, Salem Works, entered into the partnership on 24 January 2026.
The 'Steel Slag Road' technology mentioned in the January 2026 CSIR–JSW agreement was developed by:
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Correct answer: A — CSIR-Central Road Research Institute
PIB: the DG, CSIR highlighted CSIR-CRRI's Steel Slag Road technology, already implemented in several states under CSIR-CRRI's guidance.
Consider the following about the CSIR-CRRI–JSW Steel project of January 2026: 1. It covers EOF and LRF steel slag. 2. The processed slag is meant for bituminous road construction. 3. A demonstration road section will be built near Chennai. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB: the project converts EOF and LRF steel slag into aggregates for bituminous roads; the demonstration road section will be near Salem, not Chennai.
The first full rake of rice to reach the Kashmir Valley by rail in January 2026 was unloaded at which goods shed?
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Correct answer: C — Anantnag
PIB (Railways): the first full rake of 42 wagons carrying 2,768 tonnes of rice reached the Anantnag goods shed on 22 January 2026.
From which rail terminal was the first full rake of rice for the Kashmir Valley loaded in January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Sangrur, Punjab
PIB (Railways): the full rake was loaded at the Sangrur rail terminal in Punjab on 21 January and reached Anantnag within 24 hours.
Under the Vizhinjam port capacity augmentation, the container berth will be extended to a continuous length of about:
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Correct answer: C — 2 km
PIB (Shipping): the existing berth will become a continuous 2-km container berth, the longest in India; the breakwater will be extended to 3.88 km.
Vizhinjam International Seaport, whose Phase II–IV works began in January 2026, is located in which state?
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Correct answer: C — Kerala
PIB: the port is at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Consider the following about Vizhinjam International Seaport: 1. Phase I began commercial operations on 3 December 2024. 2. Phase I has a design capacity of 1 million TEUs. 3. Completion of the expansion is targeted by December 2030. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB: Phase I started on 3 December 2024 with a design capacity of 1 million TEUs; the expansion's completion is targeted by December 2028, not 2030.
Which new scheme was launched at the Uttar Pradesh Statehood Day ceremony in Lucknow on 24 January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — One District One Cuisine
PIB (MHA): Amit Shah launched the 'One District One Cuisine' scheme and inaugurated the Sardar Patel Industrial Area Scheme; ODOP is an older scheme.
Who among the following was conferred the Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman 2025–26?
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Correct answer: A — Shubhanshu Shukla
PIB (MHA): the UP Gaurav Samman 2025–26 was conferred on Shubhanshu Shukla, Alakh Pandey, Rashmi Arya and Sudhanshu Singh.
Under Uttar Pradesh's CM YUVA programme, youth can get interest-free and collateral-free loans of up to:
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Correct answer: D — ₹5 lakh
PIB (MHA): arrangements have been made to provide interest-free and collateral-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh to one lakh youths every year.
Under the ₹80 crore Agarwood Value Chain Development Scheme (January 2026), Central Processing Centres will be set up in:
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Correct answer: A — Golaghat (Assam) and Tripura
PIB (DoNER): two CPCs will be established, one in Golaghat (Assam) and the other in the North Fulkabari region of Tripura.
The foundation stone of the Agarwood Value Chain Development Scheme was laid in January 2026 in which state?
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Correct answer: A — Tripura
PIB (DoNER): Scindia laid the foundation stone at North Fulkabari, Tripura.
Consider the following about agarwood as stated by the DoNER Minister in January 2026: 1. India has about 150 million agarwood trees. 2. Nearly 90% of them are in the North-Eastern states. 3. Agarwood has already received a GI tag. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (DoNER): India has around 150 million agarwood trees, nearly 90% in the North-East; the GI tag process is still under way.
Approximately how many appointment letters were distributed at the 18th Rozgar Mela on 24 January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Over 61,000
PIB (PMO): more than sixty-one thousand young people received appointment letters for government services at the 18th Rozgar Mela.
At the 18th Rozgar Mela, the PM recalled that 24 January marks the adoption of which of the following?
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Correct answer: D — Jana Gana Mana as National Anthem and Vande Mataram as National Song
PIB (PMO): the PM said that on this day the Constitution adopted 'Jana Gana Mana' as the National Anthem and 'Vande Mataram' as the National Song.
The Second Global Buddhist Summit (January 2026) was held at:
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Correct answer: B — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
PIB (Culture): Shekhawat addressed the inaugural session of the Second Global Buddhist Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 24 January 2026.
According to the Culture Minister, the Piprahwa relics were repatriated to India after how many years?
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Correct answer: C — 127
PIB (Culture): Shekhawat recalled the Piprahwa relics, repatriated to India after 127 years.
The exhibition 'The Light & The Lotus: Relics of The Awakened One' is on display at which venue in New Delhi?
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Correct answer: B — Rai Pithora Cultural Centre
PIB (Culture): the international exhibition is on display at the Rai Pithora Cultural Centre, New Delhi.
Veer Gatha 5.0 made its international debut with participation of how many students from CBSE schools abroad?
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Correct answer: B — 28,005
PIB (Defence): for the first time, 28,005 international students studying in CBSE schools abroad took part in Veer Gatha 5.0.
How many of the Veer Gatha 5.0 Super-100 winners are girls?
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Correct answer: C — 64
PIB (Defence): among the 100 winners, 64 are girls from different parts of the country.
Each Super-100 winner of Veer Gatha 5.0 received a cash prize of:
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Correct answer: A — ₹10,000
PIB (Defence): each winner was presented with a cash prize of ₹10,000, a medal and a certificate.
National Girl Child Day is observed in India on:
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Correct answer: B — 24 January
PIB (WCD and PMO): National Girl Child Day was observed on 24 January 2026.
Which school won the Brass Band Girls category at the National School Band Competition 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Providence Girls Higher Secondary School, Kozhikode
PIB (Defence): Providence Girls HSS, Kozhikode (Kerala) won Brass Band Girls; KGBV Kanke won Pipe Band Girls and Kairali School won Pipe Band Boys.
The Grand Finale of the National School Band Competition 2026 was held at:
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Correct answer: D — National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi
PIB (Defence): the Grand Finale was held at the National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi, on 24 January 2026.
The PM SVANidhi Credit Card, launched in January 2026, is meant for:
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Correct answer: A — Street vendors
PIB (PMO): the PM SVANidhi Credit Card, a UPI-linked interest-free revolving credit facility, was launched for street vendors.
Which of the following was NOT among the Amrit Bharat Express trains flagged off from Thiruvananthapuram on 23 January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Thrissur–Guruvayur
PIB (PMO): the three Amrit Bharat Express trains were Nagercoil–Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram–Tambaram and Thiruvananthapuram–Charlapalli; Thrissur–Guruvayur is a passenger train.
The CSIR innovation hub whose foundation stone was laid in Thiruvananthapuram in January 2026 belongs to which laboratory?
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Correct answer: A — CSIR-NIIST
PIB (PMO): the PM laid the foundation stone of the CSIR-NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub in Thiruvananthapuram.
Which institution was selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2026 in the institutional category?
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Correct answer: D — Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority
PIB (MHA): the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (institutional) and Lt Col Seeta Ashok Shelke (individual) were selected for 2026.
Lt Col Seeta Ashok Shelke, winner of the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2026, supervised construction of a 190-foot Bailey bridge at which place?
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Correct answer: A — Chooralmala, Wayanad
PIB (MHA): during the 2024 Wayanad floods and landslides, she supervised the swift construction of a 190-foot Bailey bridge at Chooralmala.
Consider the following about the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar: 1. It is announced every year on 23 January. 2. 271 nominations were received for the 2026 award. 3. It is given only to individuals. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (MHA): the award is announced every year on 23 January and 271 nominations were received for 2026; it has both institutional and individual categories.
Who won the overall title (yellow jersey) at the inaugural Bajaj Pune Grand Tour in January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Luke Mudgway
The Hindu and Khel Now: Luke Mudgway of New Zealand (Li Ning Star) won the overall title in 9:33:04; Bettles and Lauryssen were second and third, and Shnyrko won the final stage.
The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026, held in Maharashtra, is an international event in which sport?
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Correct answer: B — Road cycling
PIB (Sports): the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour is India's premier international cycling event, run over a 437 km route.
The PLI Scheme for White Goods covers which two product categories?
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Correct answer: A — Air conditioners and LED lights
PIB (Commerce): the PLI Scheme for White Goods covers Air Conditioners and LED Lights.
What is the total outlay of the PLI Scheme for White Goods?
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Correct answer: D — ₹6,238 crore
PIB: the Cabinet approved the scheme on 7 April 2021 with an outlay of ₹6,238 crore; ₹11,198 crore is the expected investment by 85 companies.
Where was the main celebration of Parakram Diwas 2026 held?
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Correct answer: D — Andaman & Nicobar Islands
PIB (PMO): the PM noted that in 2026 the main celebration of Parakram Diwas was held in Andaman and Nicobar, which he addressed via video conferencing.
23 January 2026 marked which birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose?
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Correct answer: C — 129th
PIB (Culture): PM Sangrahalaya celebrated the 129th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on 23 January 2026.
What was the title of the tri-services tableau at the 77th Republic Day Parade?
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Correct answer: A — Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness
PIB (Defence): the tri-service tableau was titled 'Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness'.
Which loitering munition is depicted in the strike segment of the Operation Sindoor tri-services tableau?
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Correct answer: B — HAROP
PIB (Defence): at the heart of the tableau, a HAROP loitering munition is shown eliminating the adversary's targets.
IICDEM 2026, hosted by the Election Commission of India, concluded with the adoption of which document?
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Correct answer: D — Delhi Declaration 2026
PIB (ECI): IICDEM 2026 concluded at Bharat Mandapam with the unanimous adoption of the Delhi Declaration 2026.
Which of the following is NOT one of the five pillars of the Delhi Declaration 2026 adopted at IICDEM?
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Correct answer: C — Campaign Finance Regulation
PIB (ECI): the five pillars are Purity of Electoral Rolls, Conduct of Elections, Research and Publications, Use of Technology, and Training and Capacity Building.
Heads of how many Election Management Bodies attended the closing session of IICDEM 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 42
PIB (ECI): heads of 42 EMBs, experts from over 70 national institutions and 36 CEOs of States/UTs were present.
NMDC formally entered coal mining in January 2026 with which mine?
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Correct answer: A — Tokisud North, Hazaribagh
PIB (Steel): NMDC commenced coal mining operations at the Tokisud North Coal Mine in Hazaribagh district, Jharkhand, on 23 January 2026.
The Tokisud North Coal Mine, where NMDC began operations in January 2026, is in which state?
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Correct answer: C — Jharkhand
PIB (Steel): the mine is in Hazaribagh district, Jharkhand.
'ASC ARJUN', the humanoid robot deployed by Indian Railways in January 2026, is stationed at which railway station?
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Correct answer: B — Visakhapatnam
PIB (Railways): ASC ARJUN was introduced at Visakhapatnam Railway Station, a first on the Indian Railways network.
The humanoid robot ASC ARJUN primarily supports which force at the railway station?
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Correct answer: B — Railway Protection Force
PIB (Railways): the robot works alongside RPF personnel and sends real-time alerts to RPF control rooms.