SF Prep

India Current Affairs Quiz — All time

Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.

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8011 news · 18757 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 73 questions
DoT's SAMPANN pension system makes pension documents available on DigiLocker
Q1

SAMPANN, whose pension documents were made available on DigiLocker in January 2026, is the pension management system of which department?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Department of Telecommunications

PIB (Ministry of Communications): SAMPANN is an integrated online pension management system for Department of Telecommunications pensioners.

Q2 Advanced

In the pension context, what does the acronym SAMPANN stand for?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — System for Accounting and Management of Pension

PIB (Ministry of Communications): SAMPANN stands for System for Accounting and Management of Pension.

CSIR-NPL marks 80th Foundation Day with new environmental standard and solar cell calibration facilities
Q3 Advanced

Which CSIR laboratory, which celebrated its 80th Foundation Day on 5 January 2026, is associated with maintaining India's atomic-clock time standard?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — CSIR-National Physical Laboratory

PIB (Science & Technology): at NPL's 80th Foundation Day the Minister recalled the atomic clock housed at NPL and its role in establishing Indian Standard Time.

Q4 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the CSIR-NPL Foundation Day event of 5 January 2026: 1. A National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration was inaugurated. 2. Phytochemical Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravyas developed jointly with CSIR-CIMAP were released. 3. It marked the 50th Foundation Day of CSIR-NPL. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only

PIB: the solar cell calibration facility was inaugurated and 14 phytochemical BNDs with CSIR-CIMAP were released, but it was NPL's 80th Foundation Day, so statement 3 is wrong.

PM Modi inaugurates 72nd National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi
Q5

Which city hosted the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament, inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on 4 January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Varanasi

PIB (PMO): the PM inaugurated the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, via video conferencing.

Q6 Advanced

At the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament inauguration (January 2026), PM Modi said India is set to host which multi-sport event in 2030?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Commonwealth Games

PIB (PMO): the PM said the 2030 Commonwealth Games are set to be held in India and efforts are on to host the 2036 Olympics.

AYUSHEXCIL marks 4th anniversary; AYUSH exports rise 6.11% to USD 688.89 million in 2024-25
Q7

What was the value of India's AYUSH and herbal product exports in 2024-25, as reported at AYUSHEXCIL's 4th anniversary in January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — USD 688.89 million

PIB (Commerce): AYUSH and herbal exports grew 6.11% from USD 649.2 million in 2023-24 to USD 688.89 million in 2024-25.

Q8 Advanced

AYUSHEXCIL has been entrusted with anchoring which programme of the Ministry of Ayush?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Ayush Quality Mark

PIB (Commerce): AYUSHEXCIL has been entrusted with anchoring the Ayush Quality Mark programme of the Ministry of Ayush.

Q9 Advanced

Consider the following statements regarding AYUSH in trade, as reported in January 2026: 1. AYUSH exports grew by 6.11% in 2024-25. 2. Traditional medicine has a dedicated annex in the India–Oman CEPA. 3. The India–New Zealand FTA also recognises AYUSH with a dedicated annex. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1, 2 and 3

PIB (Commerce): exports grew 6.11%, and both the India–Oman CEPA and the India–New Zealand FTA have dedicated annexes on health services and traditional medicine. All three are correct.

Design Linked Incentive Scheme: 24 chip design projects, 16 tape-outs so far
Q10

The Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme for semiconductor chip design is implemented by which ministry?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

PIB backgrounder: the DLI Scheme is implemented by MeitY under the Semicon India Programme.

Q11 Advanced

As per PIB's January 2026 backgrounder, how many chip design projects are supported under the DLI Scheme?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 24

PIB backgrounder: 24 DLI-supported chip design projects target strategic sectors; 16 tape-outs, 6 ASICs and 10 patents have been achieved.

Q12 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Design Linked Incentive Scheme as reported in January 2026: 1. It is part of the Semicon India Programme. 2. DLI-supported projects have achieved 16 tape-outs. 3. The scheme mainly funds the construction of semiconductor fabrication plants. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only

PIB backgrounder: DLI is under the Semicon India Programme and its projects have achieved 16 tape-outs. It supports fabless chip design, not fab construction, so statement 3 is wrong.

DSIR relaxes three-year existence norm for deep-tech startups on its 42nd Foundation Day
Q13 Advanced

On DSIR's 42nd Foundation Day (January 2026), which condition was relaxed for deep-tech startups seeking DSIR recognition?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Mandatory three-year existence

PIB (Science & Technology): Jitendra Singh announced relaxation of the mandatory three-year existence condition for deep-tech startups under DSIR's Industrial R&D Promotion Programme.

Q14

Which foundation day did the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) celebrate on 4 January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 42nd

PIB (Science & Technology): the event marked the 42nd Foundation Day of DSIR.

Q15 Advanced

Consider the following statements about announcements at DSIR's 42nd Foundation Day (January 2026): 1. 'Creative India 2025' was launched under DSIR's PRISM scheme. 2. Over 55 women-led self-help groups get support from DSIR schemes. 3. The relaxation of the existence norm applies to all startups regardless of sector. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only

PIB: Creative India 2025 was launched under PRISM and DSIR supports over 55 women-led SHGs. The relaxation is specifically for deep-tech startups, so statement 3 is wrong.

World Braille Day: Braille, rights and inclusion in India
Q16

World Braille Day is observed every year on which date?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 4 January

PIB backgrounder: World Braille Day is observed annually on 4 January.

Q17 Advanced

In which year was Bharati Braille adopted as a single national Braille standard with common codes for Indian languages?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1951

PIB backgrounder: Braille was introduced in India in 1887, and in 1951 Bharati Braille was adopted as a single national standard.

Q18 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Braille as described in PIB's World Braille Day 2026 backgrounder: 1. Braille is a tactile code, not a language. 2. It is named after its 19th-century French inventor, Louis Braille. 3. India's Braille policy ecosystem is anchored in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only

PIB backgrounder: Braille is a code, not a language, named after Louis Braille of 19th-century France. The ecosystem is anchored in the RPwD Act, 2016, not a 1995 Act, so statement 3 is wrong.

First validation flight lands at Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, Bhogapuram
Q19 Advanced

The Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram, which received its first validation flight in January 2026, is in which district?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Vizianagaram

New Indian Express: the Alluri Sitarama Raju (Bhogapuram) Greenfield International Airport is in Vizianagaram district; Deccan Chronicle also reports the validation landing.

Q20

Which Union Minister was aboard the first validation flight that landed at Bhogapuram airport, Andhra Pradesh, on 4 January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — K. Ram Mohan Naidu

Deccan Chronicle and New Indian Express: Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu was on the flight and addressed the gathering after landing.

ADA's 'Aeronautics 2047' seminar opens in Bengaluru, marking 25 years of LCA Tejas flight
Q21

Which organisation organised the national seminar 'Aeronautics 2047' in Bengaluru in January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Aeronautical Development Agency

PIB (Ministry of Defence): the two-day seminar 'Aeronautics 2047' was organised by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).

Q22 Advanced

At the 'Aeronautics 2047' seminar in January 2026, the Chief of the Air Staff congratulated ADA for completing how many years of LCA Tejas flight?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 25 years

PIB (Ministry of Defence): Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh congratulated ADA for completing 25 years of LCA Tejas flight.

Q23 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the 'Aeronautics 2047' seminar held in January 2026: 1. It was held at the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), Bengaluru. 2. It was inaugurated by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh. 3. According to ADA, LCA Tejas has completed more than 5,600 successful flight trials. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3

PIB (Ministry of Defence): the seminar was at CABS, Bengaluru, inaugurated by ACM A. P. Singh, and ADA says Tejas has completed more than 5,600 successful flight trials. All three are correct.

Sarbananda Sonowal attends Mridangiya Gayan-Bayan Sanstha state convention in Dibrugarh
Q24 Advanced

The Mridangiya Gayan-Bayan tradition, whose state convention Sarbananda Sonowal attended in January 2026, belongs to which state's cultural life?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Assam

PIB (MoPSW): Sonowal called the Mridangiya Gayan-Bayan tradition an inseparable part of Assam's cultural life at the convention in Dibrugarh.

Q25

The ceremonial programme of which satra was held along with the Mridangiya Gayan-Bayan convention at Rajgarh, Dibrugarh, in January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Sri Sri Auniati Satra

PIB (MoPSW): the convention was held along with an Akhanda Bhagavat Path and a ceremonial programme of Sri Sri Auniati Satra.

MoRTH explains Rah-Veer protections under the Good Samaritan Rules
Q26 Advanced

The Good Samaritan Rules, which protect 'Rah-Veers' who help road accident victims, were notified in 2020 under which section of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Section 134A

PIB (MoRTH): the Good Samaritan Rules were notified in 2020 under Section 134A of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019.

Q27

In the context of road accidents, the 'Golden Hour' referred to in MoRTH's Rah-Veer explainer (January 2026) means:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — The first hour after a serious injury

PIB (MoRTH): the law defines the Golden Hour as the first hour after a serious injury, the most critical time for medical intervention.

PM Modi inaugurates 'The Light & the Lotus' exposition of the sacred Piprahwa relics
Q28

The Grand International Exposition of the sacred Piprahwa relics, inaugurated by PM Modi on 3 January 2026, was held at which venue?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Rai Pithora Cultural Complex, New Delhi

PIB (PMO and Ministry of Culture): the exposition was inaugurated at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex, New Delhi.

Q29 Advanced

The Piprahwa relics of the Buddha were first unearthed in 1898 by whom, at a stupa site identified with ancient Kapilavastu?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — William Claxton Peppé

PIB (Ministry of Culture): the Piprahwa relics were unearthed in 1898 by William Claxton Peppé at the stupa site identified with Kapilavastu.

Q30 Advanced

What is the title of the Piprahwa relics exposition inaugurated in New Delhi in January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One

PIB (Ministry of Culture): the exposition is titled 'The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One'.

Q31 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Piprahwa relics exposition of January 2026: 1. It includes the Peppé family collection repatriated to India in July 2025 after its auction abroad was halted. 2. It includes relics preserved at the Indian Museum, Kolkata. 3. It was organised by the Archaeological Survey of India under the Ministry of External Affairs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only

PIB (Ministry of Culture): the exposition brings together the Peppé collection repatriated in July 2025 and treasures from the Indian Museum, Kolkata. It was organised by the Ministry of Culture, so statement 3 is wrong.

Savitribai Phule's 195th birth anniversary: Fadnavis lays foundation of ₹143 crore memorial at Naigaon
Q32

Where is the birthplace of Savitribai Phule, at which a ₹143 crore memorial's foundation was laid on 3 January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Naigaon, Satara

Times of India and PTI: Fadnavis laid the foundation of the memorial at Savitribai Phule's birthplace, Naigaon in Satara district.

Q33 Advanced

Which birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule was observed on 3 January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 195th

Times of India and PTI: Saturday (3 January 2026) was the 195th birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule.

Q34 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Savitribai Phule memorial project announced on 3 January 2026: 1. It includes a women's training centre. 2. Its estimated cost is ₹143 crore. 3. It is being built at Phulewada in Pune. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only

Times of India and PTI: the memorial with a women's training centre is at Naigaon, Satara, at a cost of ₹143 crore. It is not in Pune, so statement 3 is wrong.

Amit Shah opens ₹373 crore projects and new criminal laws exhibition in Sri Vijaya Puram
Q35

In which city did Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurate an exhibition on the three new criminal laws on 3 January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Sri Vijaya Puram

PIB (MHA): Amit Shah inaugurated an exhibition based on the three new laws in Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Q36 Advanced

What was the total value of the development projects inaugurated or whose foundation stones were laid by Amit Shah in Andaman and Nicobar on 3 January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — ₹373 crore

PIB (MHA): nine projects were inaugurated and two foundation stones laid, worth ₹373 crore.

Q37 Advanced

Consider the following statements based on Amit Shah's visit to Andaman and Nicobar on 3 January 2026: 1. Nine projects were inaugurated and foundation stones were laid for two. 2. The Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council collects waste from 98% of houses. 3. Amit Shah said the islands named Shaheed and Swaraj honour Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3

PIB (MHA): nine projects inaugurated and two foundation stones laid; 98% household waste collection; and Shah said PM Modi named the islands Shaheed and Swaraj in honour of Netaji. All three are correct.

Ashwini Vaishnaw inspects India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, to run Guwahati–Howrah
Q38

Between which two places will India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train run, as announced during its inspection in January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Guwahati – Howrah

PIB (Railways): the first Vande Bharat Sleeper will operate between Guwahati in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal.

Q39 Advanced

Which indigenous automatic train protection system is fitted on the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train inspected in January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — KAVACH

PIB (Railways): the train is equipped with the KAVACH safety system, automatic doors, improved fire safety and CCTV in all coaches.

Q40 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, as described by the Railways Ministry on 3 January 2026: 1. Its full cycle of trials, testing and certification has been completed. 2. The train starting from Guwahati will serve Assamese cuisine. 3. It was flagged off by the Prime Minister on 3 January 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only

PIB (Railways): trials, testing and certification are complete, and the Guwahati-origin train will serve authentic Assamese cuisine. The PM was to flag it off later in January; on 3 January the train was only inspected, so statement 3 is wrong.

Vice-President inaugurates 9th Siddha Day in Chennai on the theme 'Siddha for Global Health'
Q41

What was the theme of the 9th Siddha Day celebrated in January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Siddha for Global Health

PIB (Ayush): the event was themed 'Siddha for Global Health'.

Q42 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the 9th Siddha Day celebrations (January 2026): 1. They were inaugurated by Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan. 2. They were held at Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai. 3. They were the 10th edition of Siddha Day. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only

PIB (Ayush): the Vice-President inaugurated the 9th Siddha Day at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai. It was the 9th edition, not the 10th, so statement 3 is wrong.

Department of Fertilizers holds Chintan Shivir on balanced fertilizer use
Q43 Advanced

The Department of Fertilizers' Chintan Shivir held in New Delhi on 3 January 2026 focused mainly on:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Balanced fertilizer use and sustainable agriculture

PIB (Department of Fertilizers): the Chintan Shivir focused on balanced fertilizer use and sustainable agriculture, along with timely availability and soil health.

Q44 Advanced

Where was the Department of Fertilizers' one-day Chintan Shivir held on 3 January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — National Agricultural Science Complex, New Delhi

PIB (Department of Fertilizers): the one-day camp was held at the National Agricultural Science Complex, New Delhi, where 15 groups deliberated on 15 key topics.

Paradip Port Authority marks 65th Port Foundation Day
Q45 Advanced

As stated on its 65th Foundation Day in January 2026, Paradip Port is India's largest major port in terms of:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Rated capacity

PIB (MoPSW): the PPA Chairman said Paradip is currently the largest major port in terms of rated capacity.

Q46

In which year was the foundation stone of Paradip Port laid, the anniversary marked on 3 January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1962

PIB (MoPSW): Paradip Port Authority's foundation stone was laid on 3 January 1962.

Army's Ajay Kumar wins 10m air pistol title at 68th National Shooting Championship
Q47

Who won the men's 10m air pistol gold at the 68th National Shooting Championship in January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Ajay Kumar

Hindustan Times and PTI: Army's Ajay Kumar won gold with 241.1; Shubham Bisla took silver and Anmol Jain bronze.

Q48 Advanced

At which venue was the 68th National Shooting Championship's men's 10m air pistol final held in January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, New Delhi

Hindustan Times and PTI: the final was held at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi.

Nation pays tribute to Rani Velu Nachiyar, queen of Sivaganga, on her birth anniversary
Q49 Advanced

Rani Velu Nachiyar, remembered on her birth anniversary on 3 January 2026, was the queen of which kingdom?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Sivaganga

PIB (MHA): Amit Shah called her 'the queen of Sivaganga' who defeated the colonial rulers with her military prowess.

NTPC signs ₹23.16 crore CSR agreement with GCRI for radiotherapy upgrade at Siddhpur
Q50 Advanced

Under its January 2026 CSR agreement with the Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute, NTPC sanctioned funds mainly for which equipment?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — High-energy Linear Accelerator (LINAC)

PIB (Ministry of Power): NTPC sanctioned ₹23.16 crore for the procurement and installation of a high-energy LINAC at GCRI's Siddhpur Satellite Centre.

Q51

How much CSR funding did NTPC sanction in January 2026 for upgrading radiotherapy services at GCRI's Siddhpur Satellite Centre?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — ₹23.16 crore

PIB (Ministry of Power): NTPC sanctioned ₹23.16 crore for the upgradation of radiotherapy services at the Siddhpur Satellite Centre of GCRI, Ahmedabad.

ECI invites citizens' suggestions on the ECINet app till 10 January
Q52 Advanced

According to ECI (January 2026), within how much time after the close of polls does the ECINet app enable publication of Index Cards?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 72 hours

PIB (ECI): the trial versions of ECINet enable publication of Index Cards within 72 hours of the close of polls.

Q53 Advanced

Consider the following statements about ECINet as described by the Election Commission in January 2026: 1. It was tried out during the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025. 2. Citizens could submit suggestions through the app until 10 January 2026. 3. It had already been officially launched in 2024. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only

PIB (ECI): ECINet was tried in the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 and suggestions were invited till 10 January 2026; the official launch was planned for January 2026, so statement 3 is wrong.

Government approves 22 proposals worth ₹41,863 crore in third tranche of ECMS
Q54

How many proposals were approved in the third tranche of the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) on 2 January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 22

PIB (MeitY): 22 proposals were approved in the third tranche; 24 had been approved earlier, taking the total to 46.

Q55 Advanced

What is the projected investment of the 22 ECMS proposals approved in January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — ₹41,863 crore

PIB (MeitY): projected investment is ₹41,863 crore; ₹2,58,152 crore is projected production and ₹12,704 crore was the earlier tranche.

Q56 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the third tranche of ECMS approvals (January 2026): 1. The approved products include anode material, a critical item for lithium-ion cells. 2. The approved units are spread across eight states. 3. The approvals cover only bare components and no sub-assemblies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only

PIB (MeitY): anode material is among the supply-chain items, and the units are in eight states. Three sub-assemblies (camera module, display module, optical transceiver) were also approved, so statement 3 is wrong.

Export Promotion Mission rolls out interest subvention and collateral guarantee for MSME exporters
Q57 Advanced

Under the NIRYAT PROTSAHAN intervention launched in January 2026, what is the base interest subvention on pre- and post-shipment rupee export credit?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 2.75%

PIB (Commerce): a base interest subvention of 2.75% is provided, with additional incentive for exports to notified under-represented or emerging markets.

Q58 Advanced

With which institution is the collateral guarantee support for MSME export credit under the Export Promotion Mission being introduced?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — CGTMSE

PIB (Commerce): the collateral guarantee support is being introduced in partnership with the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE).

Q59 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Export Promotion Mission: 1. It was approved by the Union Cabinet on 12 November 2025 with an outlay of ₹25,060 crore. 2. Its two sub-schemes are NIRYAT PROTSAHAN and NIRYAT DISHA. 3. It is implemented by the Department of Commerce alone. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only

PIB (Commerce): the Mission was approved on 12 November 2025 with ₹25,060 crore and has two sub-schemes, NIRYAT PROTSAHAN and NIRYAT DISHA. It is jointly implemented by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of MSME and Ministry of Finance, so statement 3 is wrong.

Bullet train project achieves first mountain tunnel breakthrough in Palghar, Maharashtra
Q60

In which district of Maharashtra did the bullet train project achieve its first mountain tunnel breakthrough (MT-5) in January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Palghar

PIB (Railways): the breakthrough of the ~1.5 km MT-5 mountain tunnel was achieved in Palghar, Maharashtra.

Q61 Advanced

According to the Railways Ministry (January 2026), what will be the travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad once the bullet train project is complete?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1 hour 58 minutes

PIB (Railways): the project will reduce Mumbai–Ahmedabad travel time to just 1 hour and 58 minutes.

Q62 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail corridor, as given by the Railways Ministry in January 2026: 1. The corridor is about 508 km long, of which 156 km lies in Maharashtra. 2. The project has eight mountain tunnels. 3. The first underground tunnel, between Thane and BKC, was completed in September 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3

PIB (Railways): the 508 km corridor has 156 km in Maharashtra and 352 km in Gujarat and DNH; it has eight mountain tunnels; and the ~5 km Thane–BKC underground tunnel was completed in September 2025. All three are correct.

PRAGATI has reviewed 3,300+ projects worth ₹85 lakh crore, says Cabinet Secretary
Q63 Advanced

According to the Cabinet Secretary's briefing on 2 January 2026, which was the single biggest cause of issues raised under PRAGATI?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Land acquisition

Indian Express and The Hindu: land acquisition accounted for 35% of issues, forest/wildlife/environment 20% and right of use/way 18%.

Q64

What does the acronym PRAGATI, the project-review mechanism chaired by the Prime Minister, stand for?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation

PIB (Cabinet Secretariat): PRAGATI stands for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, chaired by the Prime Minister.

Q65 Advanced

Consider the following statements based on the Cabinet Secretary's PRAGATI briefing of 2 January 2026: 1. PRAGATI has reviewed over 3,300 projects worth more than ₹85 lakh crore. 2. Of 7,735 issues raised, 7,156 have been resolved. 3. The government announced plans to amend the land acquisition law. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only

Indian Express and The Hindu: over 3,300 projects worth ₹85 lakh crore reviewed; 7,156 of 7,735 issues resolved. The Cabinet Secretary said there was no plan to change the land acquisition law, so statement 3 is wrong.

J. P. Nadda releases Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026, the 10th edition
Q66

Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026, released on 2 January 2026, is which edition of India's official book of drug standards?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 10th

PIB (Health): IP 2026 is the 10th edition of India's official book of drug standards.

Q67 Advanced

Which new category of monographs has been included for the first time in Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Blood component monographs for transfusion medicine

PIB (Health): IP 2026 includes, for the first time, 20 blood component monographs pertaining to transfusion medicine.

Q68 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP): 1. IP is published by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission to fulfil the requirements of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. 2. IP is recognised in 19 countries of the Global South. 3. India ranked 8th in 2025 in contributions to the WHO pharmacovigilance database, up from 123rd in 2009–2014. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1, 2 and 3

PIB (Health): IP is published by the IPC under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940; it is recognised in 19 Global South countries; and India rose from 123rd (2009–2014) to 8th (2025). All three are correct.

CAQM flying squads inspect 105 units and sites in Nuh, Haryana
Q69 Advanced

In which Haryana district did CAQM flying squads carry out 105 inspections on 2 January 2026, mostly of stone crushers?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Nuh

PIB (CAQM): the major inspection operation was conducted in Nuh, Haryana, on 02.01.2026; 86 of the units inspected were stone crushers.

Q70 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the CAQM inspection drive in Nuh, Haryana on 2 January 2026: 1. Ten flying squad teams of the Commission were deployed. 2. All 105 inspections were of industrial units; no construction sites were checked. 3. The inspections took place while GRAP Stage-III actions were in force in NCR. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1 and 3 only

PIB (CAQM): 10 flying squads were deployed and GRAP Stage-III was in force. The 105 inspections included five construction and demolition sites, so statement 2 is wrong.

Sarbananda Sonowal visits Assam Book Fair at Khanapara, Guwahati
Q71

The Assam Book Fair visited by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on 2 January 2026 was held at which place in Guwahati?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Khanapara

PIB (MoPSW): Sonowal visited the Assam Book Fair at Khanapara in Guwahati.

National Biodiversity Authority releases ₹45 lakh to Andhra Pradesh red sanders farmers under ABS
Q72 Advanced

The Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) payments made by the National Biodiversity Authority to red sanders farmers are mandated under which law?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Biological Diversity Act, 2002

PIB (MoEFCC): the monetary benefits come under the ABS mechanism mandated under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

Q73

India's cumulative Access and Benefit Sharing releases crossed which figure after the NBA's January 2026 disbursement to Andhra Pradesh red sanders farmers?

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Correct answer: B — ₹143.5 crore

PIB (MoEFCC): with this disbursement, India's cumulative ABS releases now exceed ₹143.5 crore (USD 16 million); ₹104 crore is the amount released to Andhra Pradesh.