Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
From which place did the second range-wide estimation of riverine and estuarine dolphins in India begin in January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh
PIB (Environment): the estimation started from Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh.
Which institution is coordinating the second range-wide dolphin estimation under Project Dolphin?
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Correct answer: A — Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun
PIB (Environment): the estimation is coordinated by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun.
About how many riverine dolphins were estimated in India's previous range-wide survey (2021–23)?
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Correct answer: C — 6,327
PIB (Environment): the previous estimation (2021–23) recorded about 6,327 riverine dolphins.
What total financial penalty did DGCA impose on IndiGo over its December 2025 flight disruptions?
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Correct answer: A — ₹22.20 crore
PIB (Civil Aviation): ₹1.80 crore in one-time penalties plus ₹20.40 crore for 68 days of continued non-compliance, a total of ₹22.20 crore. The ₹50 crore is a bank guarantee, not a penalty.
Under which scheme must IndiGo furnish a ₹50 crore bank guarantee, released in phases as reforms are verified?
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Correct answer: A — IndiGo Systemic Reform Assurance Scheme (ISRAS)
PIB (Civil Aviation): the ₹50 crore bank guarantee is under the IndiGo Systemic Reform Assurance Scheme (ISRAS).
How many IndiGo flights were cancelled during the disruptions of 3–5 December 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 2,507
PIB (Civil Aviation): 2,507 flights were cancelled and 1,852 delayed.
Consider the following statements about DGCA's action on IndiGo (January 2026): 1. DGCA formed a four-member committee to inquire into the disruptions. 2. The penalties were imposed under Rule 133A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937. 3. Over 30 lakh passengers were affected by the disruptions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Civil Aviation): statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: over 3 lakh (not 30 lakh) passengers were affected.
Which IndiGo official is to be relieved of operational duties following DGCA's findings on the December 2025 disruptions?
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Correct answer: D — The SVP (OCC)
PIB (Civil Aviation): the CEO was cautioned and the COO warned, while the SVP (OCC) is to be relieved of operational duties.
India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, flagged off on 17 January 2026, runs between which two stations?
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Correct answer: A — Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya)
PIB (PMO): the PM flagged off India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) at Malda Town Railway Station.
At which railway station did the PM flag off India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train?
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Correct answer: D — Malda Town
PIB (PMO): the PM visited Malda Town Railway Station, where he flagged off the train.
What was the total value of the rail and road projects the PM inaugurated and laid foundation stones for at Malda on 17 January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹3,250 crore
PIB (PMO): the projects at Malda were worth ₹3,250 crore.
Which of the following was NOT among the four Amrit Bharat Express trains flagged off at Malda on 17 January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Alipurduar–Chennai
PIB (PMO): the four trains were New Jalpaiguri–Nagercoil, New Jalpaiguri–Tiruchchirappalli, Alipurduar–Bengaluru and Alipurduar–Mumbai. There was no Alipurduar–Chennai train.
GRAP Stage IV, invoked across Delhi-NCR on 17 January 2026, corresponds to which AQI category?
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Correct answer: D — 'Severe+' (AQI above 450)
PIB (Environment): Stage IV of GRAP is 'Severe+', AQI above 450.
To which meteorological factors did CAQM attribute the rise in Delhi's AQI on 17 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — A Western Disturbance and calm winds
PIB (Environment): CAQM cited a Western Disturbance and calm winds.
Which of the following trucks remained allowed to enter Delhi under the GRAP Stage IV measures invoked on 17 January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — BS-VI trucks
PIB (Environment): entry of BS-IV trucks was stopped, while LNG, CNG, electric and BS-VI trucks were allowed.
When was the Amrit Bharat Express train service launched?
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Correct answer: B — December 2023
PIB Backgrounder: Amrit Bharat Express trains have been operational since December 2023.
Consider the following statements about the Amrit Bharat Express (PIB backgrounder, January 2026): 1. It is a non-AC long-distance sleeper train service. 2. Its non-AC sleeper fare is about ₹500 per 1,000 km. 3. Its fares follow dynamic pricing. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB Backgrounder: it is a modern non-AC long-distance sleeper service priced at about ₹500 per 1,000 km with no dynamic pricing, so statement 3 is wrong.
Indian Coast Guard Ship Sankalp made a port call at Port Louis on 17 January 2026. Port Louis is the capital of which country?
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Correct answer: B — Mauritius
PIB (Defence): ICGS Sankalp made a port call at Port Louis, Mauritius.
ICGS Sankalp, which visited Mauritius in January 2026, belongs to which class of vessel?
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Correct answer: C — Offshore Patrol Vessel
PIB (Defence): ICGS Sankalp is an Offshore Patrol Vessel.
Bagurumba Dwhou, attended by the PM in Guwahati on 17 January 2026, is a traditional cultural programme of which community?
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Correct answer: C — Bodo
PIB (PMO): Bagurumba Dwhou is a traditional Bodo cultural programme.
At which venue in Guwahati was Bagurumba Dwhou 2026 held?
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Correct answer: B — Sarusajai Stadium
PIB (PMO): the programme was held at Sarusajai Stadium, Guwahati.
In which year was the Bodo Peace Accord, recalled by the PM at Bagurumba Dwhou 2026, signed?
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Correct answer: C — 2020
PIB (PMO): the PM referred to the Bodo Peace Accord of 2020.
Which of the following ships in the Indian Navy's First Training Squadron that visited Singapore in January 2026 belongs to the Indian Coast Guard?
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Correct answer: D — Sarathi
PIB (Defence): 1TS comprised INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi.
The year 2026 is being celebrated as the ASEAN–India Year of what?
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Correct answer: B — Maritime Cooperation
PIB (Defence): 2026 is being celebrated as the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation 2026.
Bharat Ratna Dr M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), to whom the PM paid tribute on his Jayanti on 17 January 2026, was a former Chief Minister of which state?
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Correct answer: C — Tamil Nadu
PIB (PMO): the PM paid tributes to the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Bharat Ratna Dr M.G. Ramachandran.
The 3rd India–Kenya Defence Exhibition and Seminar in Nairobi (January 2026) was organised under which scheme of the Department of Defence Production?
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Correct answer: B — Brand India scheme
PIB (Defence): the exhibition was organised under the Brand India scheme of the Department of Defence Production.
How many Indian defence companies were to take part in the 3rd India–Kenya Defence Exhibition and Seminar?
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Correct answer: C — 20
PIB (Defence): 20 Indian defence companies from the public and private sectors were to participate.
Under the proposed Seed Act 2026, what will every seed packet carry so that farmers can trace the seed's origin?
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Correct answer: D — A QR code
PIB (Agriculture): every seed packet will carry a QR code which, when scanned, shows complete information about its origin.
What maximum penalty has been proposed under the new Seed Act for selling substandard seeds?
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Correct answer: A — ₹30 lakh
PIB (Agriculture): a penalty of up to ₹30 lakh and stringent punishment have been proposed for selling substandard seeds.
Consider the following statements about the proposed Seed Act 2026, as explained by the Agriculture Minister: 1. Registration of seed companies will be mandatory. 2. Farmers will be barred from sharing their own seeds with other farmers. 3. A nationwide seed traceability system will be set up. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
PIB (Agriculture): statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong: farmers can sow their own seeds and share them with other farmers.
According to the PM's address on National Startup Day 2026, where does India rank among the world's startup ecosystems?
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Correct answer: D — Third
PIB (PMO): the PM said India is today the world's third-largest startup ecosystem.
How many startups does India have now, according to the PM at the Startup India decade programme?
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Correct answer: D — More than 2 lakh
PIB (PMO): fewer than 500 startups ten years ago have grown to more than 2 lakh today.
According to the PM, India had only four unicorns in 2014. About how many active unicorns does it have now?
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Correct answer: C — 125
PIB (PMO): India had only four unicorns in 2014; today there are nearly 125 active unicorns.
Where was the programme marking a decade of Startup India held on 16 January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Bharat Mandapam
PIB (PMO): the programme was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Ponduru Khadi, which received a GI tag in January 2026, comes from which district of Andhra Pradesh?
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Correct answer: A — Srikakulam
PIB (MSME): Ponduru Khadi is produced in Ponduru village of Srikakulam district.
By what local name is Ponduru Khadi known?
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Correct answer: A — Patnulu
PIB (MSME): Ponduru Khadi is locally known as Patnulu.
In whose favour was the GI registration for Ponduru Khadi awarded?
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Correct answer: D — Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
PIB (MSME): the registration was awarded by the GI Registry in favour of KVIC.
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).
How many eligible Village Councils of Mizoram will benefit from the XV Finance Commission grants released in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 808
PIB (Panchayati Raj): the ₹15.20 crore will benefit all 808 eligible Village Councils of the state.
XV Finance Commission untied grants to rural local bodies can be used for location-specific needs under the subjects listed in which Schedule of the Constitution?
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Correct answer: C — Eleventh Schedule
PIB (Panchayati Raj): untied grants are used under the twenty-nine subjects in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution, except salaries and other establishment costs.
GRAP Stage III, invoked across Delhi-NCR on 16 January 2026, corresponds to which AQI range?
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Correct answer: C — 401–450
PIB (Environment): Stage III of GRAP is 'Severe' air quality, AQI range 401–450.
In which AQI category was Delhi's AQI of 354, recorded at 4 PM on 16 January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Very Poor
PIB (Environment): an AQI of 354 falls in the 'Very Poor' category (301–400).
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.
On Thiruvalluvar Day 2026, the PM urged everyone to read which work, saying it gives a glimpse of Thiruvalluvar's outstanding intellect?
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Correct answer: B — Tirukkural
PIB (PMO): the PM urged all to read the Tirukkural, which gives a glimpse of the outstanding intellect of Thiruvalluvar.
In which city was the 78th Army Day parade held on 15 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Jaipur
PIB (Defence): the Indian Army celebrated its 78th Army Day at Jaipur, Rajasthan. Bengaluru, Lucknow and Pune hosted earlier editions.
Which Army command hosted the Army Day Parade for the first time in 2026?
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Correct answer: D — South Western Command
PIB (Defence): South Western Command hosted the parade for the first time.
Consider the following statements about the 78th Army Day Parade (2026): 1. It was the first time the parade was held outside an army cantonment. 2. It was the first time the parade was held outside Delhi. 3. Bhairav Battalion contingents took part for the first time. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
PIB (Defence): statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong: it was the fourth time the parade was held outside Delhi.
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.
Under the MoU signed at the Madhya Pradesh Regional AI Impact Conference 2026, how many Data and AI Labs will the IndiaAI Mission support in Madhya Pradesh?
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Correct answer: B — 30
PIB (MeitY): IndiaAI Mission will support 30 Data and AI Labs in Madhya Pradesh as part of a national initiative for 570 such labs.
Which state policy was launched at the Madhya Pradesh Regional AI Impact Conference in Bhopal in January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Madhya Pradesh SpaceTech Policy 2026
PIB (MeitY): Chief Minister Mohan Yadav launched the Madhya Pradesh SpaceTech Policy 2026.
The regional AI Impact Conferences, including the one in Bhopal, are precursors to the India AI Impact Summit 2026. When is that summit scheduled?
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Correct answer: B — 16–20 February 2026
PIB (MeitY): the India AI Impact Summit 2026 is set for 16–20 February 2026 in New Delhi.
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.
Kondagai Lake, from which a 4,500-year climate record was reconstructed in a study released in January 2026, lies near which archaeological site?
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Correct answer: A — Keeladi
PIB (Science & Technology): Kondagai Lake lies close to Keeladi, near Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu.
Which institute carried out the Kondagai Lake palaeoclimate study?
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Correct answer: D — Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow
PIB (Science & Technology): researchers from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), Lucknow, an autonomous institution of DST, carried out the study.
Which of the following climatic phases was identified in the Kondagai Lake study published in the journal Holocene?
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Correct answer: C — Roman Warm Period
PIB (Science & Technology): the study documented the 4.2 ka arid event, the 3.2 ka dry phase and the Roman Warm Period.
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.