Asia 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 India's year-on-year CPI (headline) inflation for December 2025, as released by MoSPI on 12 January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 1.33%
PIB (MoSPI): headline CPI inflation for December 2025 was 1.33% (provisional), 62 basis points higher than November 2025.
What was the all-India food inflation (CFPI) for December 2025?
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Correct answer: B — −2.71%
PIB (MoSPI): CFPI inflation for December 2025 was −2.71% (provisional); rural −3.08% and urban −2.09%.
Consider the following statements about CPI data for December 2025: 1. Headline inflation stayed below the RBI's lower tolerance limit for the fourth consecutive month. 2. Food inflation was negative for the seventh consecutive month. 3. Headline inflation fell compared with November 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (MoSPI): statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: headline inflation rose by 62 basis points over November 2025.
Consider the following statements about India's inflation target, relevant to the December 2025 CPI data: 1. The Central Government, in consultation with the RBI, determines the inflation target under Section 45ZA of the RBI Act, 1934. 2. The target is 4% CPI inflation with a lower tolerance limit of 2% and an upper tolerance limit of 6%. 3. The six-member Monetary Policy Committee is constituted under Section 45ZA. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
RBI (Monetary Policy overview): the target is set under Section 45ZA, at 4% CPI with 2% and 6% tolerance limits, retained for April 2021 to March 2026. Statement 3 is wrong: the MPC is constituted under Section 45ZB.
Under which Act were the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026 notified?
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Correct answer: A — National Sports Governance Act, 2025
PIB (Sports): the Rules were notified under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.
Under the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026, what share of the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit in a General Body must be women?
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Correct answer: C — Fifty per cent
PIB (Sports): the Rules provide for at least four SOMs in General Bodies and specifically provide for fifty per cent women SOMs.
What is the minimum age for a sportsperson applying to be designated a Sportsperson of Outstanding Merit (SOM) under the 2026 Rules?
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Correct answer: B — 25 years
PIB (Sports): SOM applicants must be at least 25, retired from active sport, and must not have played selection-linked competition for at least one year.
What was India's fish production in FY 2024-25, as per the Fisheries Ministry release of January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 197.75 lakh tonnes
PIB (Fisheries): fish production rose to 197.75 lakh tonnes in FY 2024-25 from 95.79 lakh tonnes in FY 2013-14.
What is India's share of global fish output, according to the Fisheries Ministry release of January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 8%
PIB (Fisheries): India is the world's second-largest fish producer, contributing 8% to global output.
National Youth Day, observed on 12 January, marks the birth anniversary of which personality?
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Correct answer: D — Swami Vivekananda
PIB (PMO): the PM said National Youth Day is celebrated every year on 12 January in memory of Swami Vivekananda, on his birth anniversary.
At the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, PM Modi described the 'Orange Economy' as one rooted in what?
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Correct answer: A — Culture, content and creativity
PIB (PMO): the PM said India is seeing remarkable growth in the Orange Economy, rooted in culture, content and creativity.
Raja Rani Lake, where BSIP scientists found pollen evidence of a stronger past monsoon (January 2026), is in which district?
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Correct answer: C — Korba, Chhattisgarh
PIB (Science & Technology): the lake is in Korba district, Chhattisgarh, in India's Core Monsoon Zone.
The BSIP study of Raja Rani Lake (January 2026) linked a strong Indian Summer Monsoon to which global warm phase?
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Correct answer: D — Medieval Climate Anomaly
PIB (Science & Technology): the scientists traced the strong monsoon to the Medieval Climate Anomaly, roughly 1,060–1,725 CE.
With which body did ICAR sign an MoU in January 2026 to strengthen research and extension across the dairy sector?
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Correct answer: C — National Dairy Development Board
PIB (Agriculture): ICAR entered into an MoU with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
At which Integrated Check Post was the ICEGATE–LPMS integration inaugurated by CBIC on 12 January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — ICP Agartala
PIB (Finance): the ICEGATE–LPMS integration was inaugurated at ICP Agartala, Tripura.
In ICEGATE–LPMS, launched at ICP Agartala in January 2026, what does 'LPMS' stand for?
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Correct answer: A — Land Port Management System
PIB (Finance): ICEGATE–LPMS is the Indian Customs Electronic Gateway–Land Port Management System integration.
Which city hosted the Uttar Pradesh Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 on 12 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Lucknow
PIB (MeitY): Lucknow hosted the Uttar Pradesh Regional AI Impact Conference 2026.
Which global working group held its fourth meeting alongside the UP Regional AI Impact Conference in Lucknow in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — AI for Economic Growth and Social Good Working Group
PIB (MeitY): the conference was held alongside the Fourth Meeting of the AI for Economic Growth and Social Good Working Group.
During which event was APEDA's Regional Office in Raipur inaugurated in January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 2nd India International Rice Summit
PIB (Commerce): the APEDA Regional Office was inaugurated at Raipur during the 2nd India International Rice Summit held in Chhattisgarh.
Jeeraphool Rice and Nagri Dubraj Rice, cited by APEDA as GI-tagged export products in January 2026, belong to which state?
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Correct answer: D — Chhattisgarh
PIB (Commerce): the release lists Jeeraphool Rice and Nagri Dubraj Rice among Chhattisgarh's GI-tagged products.
Where was the 16th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) held in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Abu Dhabi
PIB (MNRE): Pralhad Joshi addressed the 16th IRENA Assembly in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
According to India's statement at the 16th IRENA Assembly, in which year did India reach 50% of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources?
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Correct answer: C — 2025
PIB (MNRE): India achieved 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources in 2025, five years ahead of its NDC target.
Which country assumed the Presidency of IRENA at its 16th Assembly in January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Dominican Republic
PIB (MNRE): Joshi congratulated the Dominican Republic on assuming the IRENA Presidency; Kenya, Solomon Islands, Spain and Antigua and Barbuda are Vice Presidents.
Consider the following statements about the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), as stated in January 2026: 1. IRENA has 170 members, including the European Union. 2. India is one of the founder members of IRENA. 3. India's target is 500 GW of non-fossil installed capacity by 2030. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (MNRE): all three are correct — IRENA has 170 members (169 states and the EU), India is a founder member, and India's target is 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030.
The Somnath Swabhiman Parv held in January 2026 marked a thousand years since the first attack on the Somnath temple by whom?
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Correct answer: A — Mahmud of Ghazni
PIB (PMO): PM Modi recalled that in 1026 AD Mahmud of Ghazni first attacked and destroyed the Somnath temple.
In which year was the Somnath temple reconstructed, an event that completed 75 years in 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 1951
PIB (PMO): the thousand-year Swabhiman journey coincides with seventy-five years since the temple's reconstruction in 1951.
According to PM Modi's address at the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, who established a new temple at Somnath after its desecration by Aurangzeb?
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Correct answer: A — Ahilyabai Holkar
PIB (PMO): after Aurangzeb desecrated Somnath, Ahilyabai Holkar established a new temple, bringing Somnath back to life.
Consider the following statements about the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, 2026: 1. It was held at Somnath from 8 to 11 January 2026. 2. PM Modi addressed it in his capacity as Chairman of the Somnath Temple Trust. 3. A 'Shourya Yatra' with 1,000 horses reached the temple. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (PMO): statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: the Shourya Yatra had 108 horses; it was the drone show that used a thousand drones.
At which stadium did India beat New Zealand in the first ODI on 11 January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara
ESPNcricinfo and NDTV Sports: the first ODI was played at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, and India won by four wickets.
Who was named Player of the Match in the India vs New Zealand first ODI at Vadodara on 11 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Virat Kohli
ESPNcricinfo and NDTV Sports: Virat Kohli, who scored 93, was Player of the Match.
In January 2026, CJI Surya Kant laid the foundation stone of an Integrated Judicial Court Complex at Rangmahal. Which High Court is to be relocated there?
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Correct answer: A — Gauhati High Court
Indian Express and Assam Tribune: the complex at Rangmahal, North Guwahati is meant for the proposed relocation of the Gauhati High Court.
Rangmahal, the site of the Integrated Judicial Court Complex whose foundation was laid in January 2026, is located in which part of Guwahati?
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Correct answer: C — North Guwahati, across the Brahmaputra
Indian Express: the relocation site is Rangmahal in North Guwahati, across the Brahmaputra; Assam Tribune also places it in North Guwahati.
On which highway corridor did NHAI set four Guinness World Records for bituminous concrete laying in January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Bengaluru–Kadapa–Vijayawada Economic Corridor
PIB (MoRTH): the records were set on the Bengaluru–Kadapa–Vijayawada Economic Corridor of NH-544G.
Near which town in Andhra Pradesh did NHAI set its first two Guinness World Records on 6 January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Puttaparthi
PIB (MoRTH): on 6 January 2026, NHAI made two Guinness World Records near Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh.
NHAI's January 2026 record for continuous paving covered 156 lane km. What was the previous world record it surpassed?
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Correct answer: B — 84.4 lane km
PIB (MoRTH): the 156 lane km continuous paving surpassed the previous world record of 84.4 lane km.
The 1169 CE Bhadrakali Temple inscription at Prabhas Patan is a eulogy of Bhavabrihaspati, spiritual preceptor of which ruler?
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Correct answer: D — Kumarapala
PIB (Culture): it is a eulogistic inscription of Bhavabrihaspati, the spiritual preceptor of Maharajadhiraj Kumarapala of Anhilwad Patan.
According to the Bhadrakali inscription, which builder–material pair for the Somnath temple is correctly matched?
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Correct answer: A — Shri Krishna – wood
PIB (Culture): the inscription says Chandra built it of gold, Ravana of silver, Shri Krishna of wood, and King Bhimdev Solanki of stone.
Where will the seventh National Postal Training Centre, announced in January 2026 at an estimated cost of ₹111 crore, be set up?
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Correct answer: D — Shivpuri
PIB (Communications): Jyotiraditya Scindia announced the seventh National Postal Training Centre at Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh.
Which of the following is NOT among the six existing Postal Training Centres of the Department of Posts, as listed in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Nagpur
PIB (Communications): the six existing centres are Saharanpur, Vadodara, Mysuru, Guwahati, Madurai and Darbhanga; Nagpur is not one of them.
In which city did PM Modi inaugurate the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for the Kutch and Saurashtra region on 11 January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Rajkot
PIB (PMO): the PM inaugurated the conference in Rajkot, Gujarat.
In which year was the first Vibrant Gujarat Summit held, as recalled at the Rajkot regional conference in January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 2003
PIB (PMO): Welspun Chairman B.K. Goenka recalled the first Vibrant Gujarat Summit in 2003.
How many editions of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit had been held, according to PM Modi's address in Rajkot in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Ten
PIB (PMO): the PM said ten editions have been held so far in two decades.
Which two ISRO astronauts interacted with participants on Day 3 of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Shubhanshu Shukla and Prasanth Nair
PIB (Youth Affairs): Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Nair addressed the young leaders on Day 3.
In January 2026, MeitY said structured stakeholder consultations were under way to develop a regulatory framework for what?
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Correct answer: B — Mobile security
PIB (MeitY): stakeholder consultations are going on to develop an appropriate and robust regulatory framework for mobile security.
In January 2026, PM Modi released the 500th book of which spiritual leader through a video message?
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Correct answer: B — Shrimad Vijayaratna Sunder Surishwarji Maharaj
PIB (PMO): the PM released the 500th book of Shrimad Vijayaratna Sunder Surishwarji Maharaj via video message.
How much new non-fossil capacity did India add in 2025, according to MNRE (January 2026)?
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Correct answer: C — 49.12 GW
PIB (MNRE): 49.12 GW of new non-fossil capacity was added in 2025.
What was India's installed solar capacity at the end of 2025, as reported by MNRE?
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Correct answer: C — 135.81 GW
PIB (MNRE): solar capacity rose from 97.86 GW in 2024 to 135.81 GW in 2025.
Consider the following statements based on MNRE data released in January 2026: 1. India's non-fossil installed capacity grew by 22.6% in 2025 to 266.78 GW. 2. Wind capacity grew faster than solar capacity in 2025. 3. India's national target is 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
PIB (MNRE): statements 1 and 3 are correct; solar grew 38.8% while wind grew only 13.2%, so statement 2 is wrong.
With whom did Piyush Goyal hold India–EU FTA talks in Brussels on 8–9 January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Maroš Šefčovič
PIB (Commerce): Goyal held talks with Maroš Šefčovič, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security.
Consider the following statements about the India–EU FTA engagement in January 2026: 1. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal met the European Commission's Director-General for Trade, Sabine Weyand, on 6–7 January. 2. The talks were held in Geneva. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB (Commerce): Rajesh Agrawal and Sabine Weyand met on 6–7 January; the talks were held in Brussels, not Geneva.
Against how many restaurants did the CCPA take suo motu cognizance in January 2026 for levying mandatory service charge?
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Correct answer: B — 27
PIB (Consumer Affairs): the CCPA took suo motu cognizance against 27 restaurants across the country.
Under which provision of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 did the CCPA treat default service charge as an unfair trade practice in January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Section 2(47)
PIB (Consumer Affairs): the action was for unfair trade practices under Section 2(47) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Consider the following statements about the CCPA's guidelines on service charge, as cited in January 2026: 1. The guidelines were issued on 4 July 2022. 2. They allow service charge if it is collected under a different name. 3. The Delhi High Court upheld them in a judgment dated 28 March 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
PIB (Consumer Affairs): the guidelines were issued on 4 July 2022 and were upheld by the Delhi High Court on 28 March 2025; they say no service charge shall be collected by any other name, so statement 2 is wrong.
Which state won the overall title at the Khelo India Beach Games 2026 in Diu?
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Correct answer: C — Karnataka
Olympics.com and The Tribune: Karnataka won the overall title with 3 gold, 2 silver and 6 bronze.
Consider the following statements about the Khelo India Beach Games 2026: 1. It was the second edition of the Games. 2. Manipur, the 2025 champion, finished second. 3. The top three were separated by bronze medals after each won 3 gold and 2 silver. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
Olympics.com and The Tribune: statements 1 and 3 are correct; Tamil Nadu finished second and Manipur third.
Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 crossed how many registrations as of 8 January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 4 crore
PIB (Education): registrations crossed 4 crore as of 8 January 2026.
Consider the following statements about Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026: 1. It surpassed a previous Guinness World Record of 3.56 crore registrations. 2. Online registrations opened on the MyGov portal on 1 December 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (Education): both are correct — PPC 2026 beat last year's Guinness record of 3.56 crore, and registrations opened on MyGov on 1 December 2025.
What is the theme of the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Indian Military History: Valour and Wisdom @ 75
PIB (Education): the theme of NDWBF 2026 is 'Indian Military History: Valour and Wisdom @ 75'.
Consider the following statements about the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026: 1. It is organised by the National Book Trust under the Ministry of Culture. 2. Entry to the fair was made free for the first time. 3. It is being held at Bharat Mandapam from 10 to 18 January 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 and 3 only
PIB (Education): NBT organises the fair under the Ministry of Education (not Culture); entry is free for the first time; it runs 10–18 January 2026 at Bharat Mandapam.
'The Saga of Kudopali: The Unsung Story of 1857', released at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026, honours which freedom fighter and region?
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Correct answer: D — Veer Surendra Sai — Sambalpur
PIB (Education): the book honours Veer Surendra Sai and the martyrs of Sambalpur and was released in 9 Indian languages and Spanish.
Which boxer won a record 10th national title at the National Boxing Championships in Greater Noida in January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Pooja Rani
The Hindu and Sportstar: Pooja Rani won a record 10th national title in the 80kg category.
Consider the following results from the National Boxing Championships finals on 10 January 2026: 1. Nikhat Zareen won the 51kg gold by beating Nitu Ghanghas. 2. Lovlina Borgohain won gold in the 60kg category. 3. The finals were held at Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
The Hindu and Sportstar: statements 1 and 3 are correct; Lovlina won the 75kg title, not 60kg.
Where was the Rashtriya Khanij Chintan Shivir 2026 of the Ministry of Mines held?
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Correct answer: A — Gandhinagar
PIB (Mines): the two-day Rashtriya Khanij Chintan Shivir 2026 was held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
At the Rashtriya Khanij Chintan Shivir 2026, the Indian Bureau of Mines made a presentation on recovering critical minerals from which source?
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Correct answer: B — Waste dumps and tailings
PIB (Mines): IBM Controller General Pankaj Kulshrestha presented on recovery of critical minerals from waste dumps and tailings.
At the pre-Budget consultation with States on 10 January 2026, many participants asked for the continuation of which scheme?
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Correct answer: A — Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)
PIB (Finance): many participants highlighted that SASCI be continued.
Under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), the Centre gives states which kind of support, as stated in January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 50-year interest-free loans
PIB (Finance): since 2020-21 the Union Government has released more than ₹4.25 lakh crore to states as 50-year interest-free loans under SASCI.
Which city hosted the Indian Lighthouse Festival 3.0, which concluded on 10 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Visakhapatnam
PIB (Ports, Shipping and Waterways): the two-day Indian Lighthouse Festival 3.0 concluded in Visakhapatnam.
The MoU for Andhra Pradesh's first Lighthouse Museum, exchanged in January 2026, was between the Visakhapatnam Port Authority and which body?
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Correct answer: D — Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships
PIB (Ports, Shipping and Waterways): the MoU was exchanged between VPA and the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL).
Consider the following statements made at the Indian Lighthouse Festival 3.0 (January 2026): 1. 75 lighthouses have been developed as tourism destinations and 25 more are proposed. 2. Port projects worth ₹230 crore were launched at Visakhapatnam Port. 3. A light and sound show was inaugurated at Aguada Lighthouse in Kerala. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Ports, Shipping and Waterways): statements 1 and 2 are correct; Aguada Lighthouse is in Goa, not Kerala.