January 2026 Monthly Current Affairs MCQs

Answer: C – Siddha for Global Health
The 9th Siddha Day was celebrated on January 6, 2026 in Chennai under the Ministry of Ayush. Theme: "Siddha for Global Health."

Answer: B – International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists
The United Nations designated 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists to highlight the importance of these ecosystems and communities.

Answer: C – Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. Army Day on January 15 marks the day in 1949 when General KM Cariappa took command of the Indian Army from the last British Commander-in-Chief, General Sir Francis Robert Roy Bucher. It has been celebrated as Army Day every year since 1949.

Answer: D – 2021
Parakram Divas was officially announced in 2021 by the Government of India to be observed every year on January 23, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's birth anniversary.

Answer: D – Commitment to Peaceful Coexistence and a Safe, Inclusive World
The International Day of Peaceful Coexistence was observed for the first time on January 28, 2026 with the theme "Commitment to Peaceful Coexistence and a Safe, Inclusive World."

Answer: C – Surendra Kumar Pachouri; released by VP Radhakrishnan
"Challis of Ambrosia: Ram Janmabhoomi Challenge and Response" was authored by Surendra Kumar Pachouri and was released by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Radhakrishnan.

Answer: B – G. Chandramouli
The book about the Akash missile system was authored by G. Chandramouli who received Padma Shri 2026 in Science & Engineering. It was released by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Answer: C – Pramod Sawant (Goa CM)
"History That India Ignored" was authored by Prem Prakash Ramchandra Guha, Chairman of ANI, and was released by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.

Answer: B – Abhay K
"Nalanda: How It Changed the World" was authored by Abhay K, an Indian diplomat and poet, tracing the global impact of the ancient Nalanda university.

Answer: C – Vice President; leadership can be joyful and participative
"Sing, Dance and Lead" by Hindol Sengupta was released by the Vice President. Its core theme is that leadership can be joyful and participative, drawing from the life of ISKCON founder Srila Prabhupada.

Answer: C – Dharmendra Pradhan
"Khutbate Modi" compiling PM Modi's Independence Day speeches from Red Fort (2014-2025) was released by Dharmendra Pradhan of the Ministry of Education.

Answer: B – DB Venkatesha Varma
DB Venkatesha Varma became the first Indian to chair the UN Secretary General's Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters for 2026-27. The board was established in 1978 and is based in New York.

Answer: B – Justice Revati Mohite Dere
Justice Revati Mohite Dere was appointed as the first woman Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court, succeeding Justice Somen Sen (who was later appointed CJ of Kerala HC). Appointment under Article 217.

Answer: B – 29th
Lt. Gen Harpal Singh was appointed as the 29th Director General of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

Answer: C – Rakesh Agarwal
Rakesh Agarwal was appointed as the Director General of NIA with tenure till August 31, 2028.

Answer: B – Shatrujit Singh Kapoor
Shatrujit Singh Kapoor was appointed as Director General of ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police).

Answer: B – Sri Kumar Pillai
Sri Kumar Pillai was appointed as the new Director of IGCAR (Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research), a premier nuclear research centre.

Answer: B – Air Marshal Narmadeshwar Tiwari
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor was appointed as Vice Chief of Air Staff, IAF, succeeding Air Marshal Narmadeshwar Tiwari.

Answer: D – All four
All four pairs are correct: Jharkhand HC–Justice Sharad Chandra Sonak; Uttarakhand HC–Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta; Kerala HC–Justice Somen Sen; Calcutta HC–Justice Sujoy Paul.

Answer: C – Ajit Pawar
Sunetra Pawar became the first woman Deputy CM of Maharashtra following the death of her husband Ajit Pawar (who was Deputy CM) in Baramati.

Answer: B – India's first International Cycling Road Race
MS Dhoni was named Goodwill Ambassador of India's first International Cycling Road Race, leveraging his sporting celebrity to promote the event.

Answer: B – Hockey
Davinder Singh Garcha was a member of India's legendary Hockey team that won the Gold Medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics – India's last Olympic gold in hockey.

Answer: D – All of the above
Madhav Gadgil received UNEP Champions of Earth 2024 award; he chaired the Gadgil Committee (2010) on Western Ghats ecology; and India's first Biosphere Reserve, the Nilgiri BR, was established in 1986. His book "A Walk Up the Hill: Living with People and Nature" is also noted.

Answer: C – BCCI
Indrajit Singh Bindra was President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from 1993 to 1996. He was a very influential figure in Indian cricket administration.

Answer: C – National Open School (NOS)
Father Kunnel served as CBSE Chairman (1980-87), received Padma Shri 1974 for Education, and is credited with conceptualising the National Open School (now NIOS – National Institute of Open Schooling).

Answer: A – Only 1
Statement 1 is correct – her first launch was Space Shuttle Discovery STS-116. Statement 2 is WRONG – she performed 9 spacewalks totalling 62 hours 6 minutes. She retired after 27 years with 68 days in space.

Answer: D – All of the above
All four are correct: Ashoka Chakra to Gp Capt Shubhanshu Shukla; 3 Kirti Chakras (Maj Arshdeep Singh, Nb Sub Doleshwar Subba, Gp Capt Prashant Balakrishan Nair); 13 Shaurya Chakras; 70 total; 6 posthumous.

Answer: D – All are correct
All three pairs are correct. Dharmendra received Padma Vibhushan (NOT Padma Bhushan – a common confusion); Alka Yagnik and Garilamalla Balakrishna both received Padma Bhushan. Total 2026 Padma awards: 131 (5 PV + 13 PB + 113 PS); Maharashtra had most (15).

Answer: B – Assam Regiment
In Popular Choice awards: Best Marching (Services) = Assam Regiment; CAPF = CRPF; State/UT = Gujarat; Judges' Choice: Services = Indian Navy; CAPF = Delhi Police; State/UT = Maharashtra (Ganeshotsav theme); Ministry = Ministry of Culture.

Answer: B – 2 and 3
The Tyler Prize is NOT given by UNEP – it is administered by the University of Southern California (Statement 1 wrong). Statement 2 (prize $250,000) and Statement 3 (Toby Kiers, mycorrhizal research) are correct.

Answer: B – Ilaiyaraaja
Ilaiyaraaja received the Padma Pani Award at the Ajanta Ellora International Film Festival held in Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Nagar (Aurangabad). Prize money: ₹2 lakh.

Answer: C – Graca Machel
Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2025 was awarded to Graca Machel of Mozambique, a renowned human rights activist. Prize money: ₹1 crore. The prize was established in 1986.

Answer: A – Only 1
Statement 1 is correct: Individual award = ₹5 lakh. Statement 2 is WRONG: Institution award = ₹51 lakh (not ₹5 lakh). The award is announced on January 23 (Parakram Divas). 2026 winners: Sikkim SDMA (institution) + Lt Col Sita Ashok Shelke (individual).

Answer: C – Vinod Chaudhary
Vinod Chaudhary received the International Living Legend Award; Indian Literary Award went to Achutananda Pati (Odia writer); International Literary Award to Daisy Rockwell who translated "Ret Samadhi" (Tomb of Sand) by Geetanjali Shree.

Answer: D – All three
All three are correct. The Ahmedabad International Flower Show set records for Largest Flower Mandal and Largest Flower Portrait (of Sardar Vallabhai Patel), 3rd year making records, with theme "Bharat Ek Gatha."

Answer: B – A-Hamnet; B-One Battle After Another; C-KPop Demon Hunters; D-The Secret Agent
Golden Globe 2026 (83rd edition): Best Drama = Hamnet; Best Musical/Comedy = One Battle After Another (also most nominated with 9); Best Animated = KPop Demon Hunters; Best Non-English = The Secret Agent (Brazil).

Answer: C – AnnaCha (Dept of Food & PDS initiative)
The Franz Edelman Award was won by the AnnaCha initiative of India's Department of Food & Public Distribution System, a collaboration with WFP India + IIT Delhi.

Answer: C – India, Maldives and Sri Lanka
Exercise Dosti 17 is a trilateral Coast Guard exercise between India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. It is biennial and was held in Male, Maldives. Started in 1991 (India-Maldives); Sri Lanka joined in 2012.

Answer: C – South Africa; India did not participate (observer only)
Official name: "Will for Peace 2026" (Afrikaans: "Vol voor Vrede"). It is a BRICS+ naval exercise hosted by South Africa (Simon's Town, Cape Town), China-led. Participants: China, Russia, Iran, South Africa. India did NOT participate as a full member (observer only). Memory: "Will for Peace = Want Peace without India."

Answer: C – A fully electric solar-powered unmanned UAV for surveillance
MAPSS is India's first solar-powered surveillance UAV, fully electric, developed by New Space Research and Technologies (Bengaluru startup). It was fielded by the Indian Army.

Answer: A – Solid propellant surface-to-surface quasi-ballistic missile with 150-500 km range
Pralaya is a solid propellant surface-to-surface quasi-ballistic missile developed by DRDO with a range of 150-500 km and payload of 500-1000 kg. Two tests were conducted from Odisha coast.

Answer: B – Goa Shipyard Limited; pollution control vessel
ICG (Indian Coast Guard) Ship Samudra Pratap is a pollution control vessel designed and constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited. It was commissioned at Panjim, Goa by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Answer: B – 300 km; first universal multi-caliber long-range rocket launcher
The Suryastra Rocket System has a range of 300 km. It is India's first universal multi-caliber long-range rocket launcher. Contract involves Naibe Ltd + Elbit Systems.

Answer: C – Networking and Data Centricity
Indian Army declared 2026 as the "Year of Networking and Data Centricity." 2024-25 was declared "Year of Technology Absorption."

Answer: A – A portable seawater desalination system for soldiers
SWADESH is a portable seawater desalination system for soldiers, developed by Defence Lab Jodhpur, providing portable drinking water purification in field conditions.

Answer: B – DRDO-developed; hypersonic glide missile; 1500 km range; Mach 10
The Long Range Anti-Ship Missile developed by DRDO was displayed at the Republic Day Parade. It is a hypersonic glide missile with 1500 km range and Mach 10 speed.

Answer: C – A compact high-tech combat unit serving as bridge between regular infantry and special forces
Bhairav Battalion is a compact high-tech combat unit of rapid response that serves as a bridge between regular infantry and special forces. It debuted at the 77th Republic Day Parade.

Answer: B – Jharkhand
Operation Mega Buru was an anti-Maoist offensive in West Singhbhum district, Saranda Forest, Jharkhand. It involved CRPF's COBRA unit and Jharkhand Police, resulting in elimination of several Maoist leaders.

Answer: B – Simran Bala
Simran Bala (CRPF, Jammu & Kashmir) was the first woman officer to command 140+ male CRPF personnel at the Republic Day Parade, marking a milestone in women's leadership in paramilitary forces.

Answer: B – Antonio Luis Santos de Costa (EU Council President) and Ursula von der Leyen (EU Commission President)
Chief Guests at India's 77th Republic Day 2026 were Antonio Luis Santos de Costa (European Council President) and Ursula von der Leyen (European Commission President), who co-chaired the 16th India-EU Summit on January 27.

Answer: B – Kasni village, Haryana
Flight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankar was the first female IAF officer to unfurl the national flag alongside the President at the Republic Day ceremony. She hails from Kasni village, Haryana.

Answer: A – 1, 2 and 3
The Republic Day 2026 animal contingent included Bactrian Camels (Ladakh), Zanskari Ponies, Raptors, and Indian Army Dogs. There were NO elephants. It was the first time an animal contingent marched at Republic Day.

Answer: B – Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
Sankhyiki is the mascot introduced by MoSPI (Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation) to promote data literacy and statistical awareness.

Answer: C – Both
Both are correct. BBBP was launched on January 2, 2015 with 100 districts initially. The nodal ministry is the Ministry of Women & Child Development (NOT Education Ministry as sometimes confused). The scheme involves multi-ministry coordination.

Answer: B – Only 2
Statement 1 is WRONG – UGC Equity Regulations 2026 apply to ALL Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) – public, private, and deemed – not just Central Universities. Statement 2 is correct (Equal Opportunity Centers required). The Supreme Court stayed it.

Answer: C – Yes, both are correct
Both statements are correct. BPAN (Battery Pack Aadhar Number) is a 21-character unique identification system with a linked QR code to track battery packs, especially for EVs.

Answer: B – Rashtrapati Bhavan
Grantha Kutir is at Rashtrapati Bhavan. It houses manuscripts and books in 11 classical languages: Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Odia, Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali.

Answer: A – 1971, 1986, and 2010
India hosted the 28th CSPOC in New Delhi presided by Om Birla. Previous Indian hosting years: 1971, 1986, and 2010.

Answer: B – Ministry of Women & Child Development
Pankhudi Portal is a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) portal under the Ministry of Women & Child Development to facilitate CSR contributions towards women and child development initiatives.

Answer: D – 2030-31
Atal Pension Yojana (launched May 9, 2015) has been extended till 2030-31. It provides ₹1,000-₹5,000/month pension at age 60 to subscribers aged 18-40 years.

Answer: D – All three
All three statements are correct. PM Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a CSS with DBT; first child = ₹5,000 (₹3,000 registration + ₹2,000 after birth); second child = ₹6,000 only if girl child.

Answer: C – ICF, Chennai | Route: Jind–Sonipat, Haryana
India's first Hydrogen-powered train was built by ICF (Integral Coach Factory), Chennai. Design & specs approved by RDSO (Lucknow). Inaugurated: July 17, 2026. Operating route: Jind–Sonipat section of Northern Railway, Haryana. Technology: PEMFC (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell) — generates electricity onboard; only byproduct is water vapor. Memory: "ICF Chennai → Jind–Sonipat → only steam comes out."

Answer: B – Biobitumen (bio-based asphalt from agricultural residue)
India became the first country in the world to commercially produce Biobitumen – bio-based asphalt derived from agricultural residue – for road construction, replacing petroleum-based bitumen.

Answer: B – Udai
UIDAI's (Unique Identification Authority of India) mascot is named "Udai" (UDAI).

Answer: B – 1, 3 and 4
PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana is merging with Krisonnati Yojana, National Mission on Natural Farming, and National Bee & Honey Mission (Options 1, 3, and 4). PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (Option 2) is a separate scheme.

Answer: B – India and Malaysia; New Delhi
The 16th ADMM Plus (ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus) Expert Working Group on Counter Terrorism was co-chaired by India and Malaysia, held in New Delhi.

Answer: B – ₹25,000 + certificate of appreciation
Rahaveer Scheme under Section 134A of Motor Vehicles Amendment Act 2019 provides ₹25,000 + a certificate of appreciation to Good Samaritans who help accident victims. Can be claimed up to 5 times/year. Under Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.

Answer: C – 2019
Womaniya Initiative was launched in 2019 (NOT 2020 as sometimes confused) on the GeM (Government e-Marketplace) portal to promote women-led Micro & Small Enterprises in government public procurement.

Answer: C – UNICEF
Pancham Chatbot was developed in collaboration with UNICEF. It serves as a digital companion at the Panchayat level, enabling grassroots functionaries to seek guidance and information through digital means.

Answer: C – Both are correct
Both statements are correct. Meghalaya's Living Root Bridges are made from roots of Ficus elastica (Rubber Fig tree), locally called Jing Kieng Jri. India has submitted their nomination for UNESCO World Heritage Site tentative list.

Answer: B – A centralised ICT-enabled platform for real-time project monitoring
PRAGATI (Proactive Governance and Timely Implementation) is a centralised ICT-enabled platform for real-time monitoring of infrastructure development projects. Launched in 2015 by PMO.

Answer: C – IIT Madras
PARAM Shakti supercomputer with 3.1 Petaflops speed was launched at IIT Madras under the National Supercomputing Mission (2015). Implementation by C-DAC Pune and IISc Bengaluru. Note: First India supercomputer = PARAM 8000; Largest = PARAM Pravega; First fully indigenous = PARAM Shivay (IIT BHU); PARAM Rudra installed at IIT Patna (Bihar's first).

Answer: B – Hyperspectral Earth Observation satellite for strategic/military applications
EOS-N1 Anwesh was the primary satellite of the failed PSLV C62 mission (ISRO's first space launch of 2026). It was a Hyperspectral Earth Observation satellite developed by DRDO for strategic/military use, capable of imaging in hundreds of wavelengths.

Answer: C – ISRO
DEX (Dust Experiment) was developed by Physical Research Lab, Ahmedabad (under ISRO) and sent on the POEM (PSLV Orbital Experimental Module) mission with PSLV C58 XPoSAT in 2024. It confirmed interplanetary dust particles enter Earth's atmosphere approximately every 1000 seconds.

Answer: B – Hubble Space Telescope
Cloud Nine is a starless, gas-rich dark matter cloud discovered using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. It is 14 million light years away and acts like a fossil of the early universe when star formation had not yet begun.

Answer: A – Only 1
Statement 1 is correct – Artemis 2 will be the first crewed mission to Moon vicinity since Apollo 17 in 1972. Statement 2 is WRONG – Artemis 2 is a NASA mission (not EU). It will carry 4 astronauts (3 NASA + 1 Canadian Space Agency) for a 10-day mission on SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft.

Answer: C – Extera Robotics; IIT Kanpur
SCORP (India's first legged mobile manipulator) was developed by Extera Robotics, incubated at IIT Kanpur. It combines legs for mobility with arms (manipulators) for tasks.

Answer: B – BSNL
BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) launched VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) services nationwide, allowing subscribers to make voice calls and send SMS using Wi-Fi networks instead of mobile towers.

Answer: B – Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O
The chemical formula of Borax is Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O (Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate). It is a white powdery mineral made of boron, sodium, and oxygen, used in detergents, water softeners, and industries.

Answer: C – Thalassemia anemia
MetaPivat is the first-ever oral pill approved by US FDA for Thalassemia anemia. Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder where normal hemoglobin production is impaired, causing anemia.

Answer: B – Hot water freezes faster than cold water under certain conditions; named after Tanzanian student Erasto Mpemba (1969)
The Mpemba Effect states that hot water can freeze faster than cold water under certain conditions. Named after Erasto Mpemba of Tanzania who scientifically reported it in 1969, though Aristotle also mentioned it earlier.

Answer: C – Thar Parkar and Holstein Friesian bulls
Karan Fry is a cross between Thar Parkar (Indian indigenous breed) and Holstein Friesian bulls. It was developed by NDRI (National Dairy Research Institute), Karnal, Haryana. Another new breed: Vrindavani (by IVRI Bareilly, cross of Holstein Friesian, Brown Swiss, Jersey, and Haryana cattle).

Answer: C – Dr. VS Wakankar (Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar)
Rathapani Tiger Reserve (in Raisen and Sehore districts, Vindhyan Range, MP) will be renamed after Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar. Bhimbetka caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site) are also in this area.

Answer: D – Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest tiger deaths in 2025 with 55 out of India's total 166 tiger deaths. Having the most tigers, MP also saw the most deaths – a 40+ increase from the previous year.

Answer: B – Kukrail Forest area, Uttar Pradesh
India's first Urban Night Safari is proposed at Kukrail Forest area, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Night safaris allow viewing of nocturnal animals in urban forest settings, already common internationally.

Answer: B – CSIR National Physical Laboratory (NPL), New Delhi
India established the world's second National Environmental Standard Laboratory at CSIR National Physical Laboratory (NPL), New Delhi. The world's first is in the UK. It will monitor environmental pollution and air quality.

Answer: C – Kannur
Aralam (RLM Butterfly Sanctuary) in Kannur district, Kerala, was established in 1984 and declared India's first butterfly wildlife sanctuary. Slender Loris primates are also found here.

Answer: C – Chandigarh
The Striped Tiger Butterfly has been designated as the State Butterfly of Chandigarh.

Answer: C – Both are correct
Both are correct. Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is in Rajsamand district, Rajasthan, and was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1971. It has been recently declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone. Kumbhalgarh Fort is also located here.

Answer: C – Amazonian Stingless Bees; Peru
Amazonian Stingless Bees (which are among the oldest bee species and responsible for 80% of Amazonian flora pollination) received the world's first legal recognition of insect rights from Peru's Satipo Municipality.

Answer: B – Protect 30% of global ocean area by 2030; came into force 120 days after 60th ratification (Sept 2025)
The BBNJ Treaty's 30/30 target is to protect 30% of global ocean area by 2030. It came into force 120 days after the 60th nation ratified it (September 2025). It is the first legally binding treaty governing resources of high seas (beyond 200 nautical miles) under UNCLOS.

Answer: D – Telangana
Telangana's legislative assembly passed a bill removing the two-child norm for contesting local body (panchayat) elections, eliminating a provision that critics argued led to female infanticide.

Answer: B – Hill areas adjoining Imphal Valley in Manipur
Thadou tribe lives in the hill areas adjoining the Imphal Valley in Manipur. They are the second largest tribe of Manipur after the Meitei. Broadcasts were halted due to Kuki-Meitei conflict and are now being restored by Prasar Bharati.

Answer: B – Punjab
Punjab launched Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana providing ₹10 lakh per family per year cashless medical treatment irrespective of income group – a universal health care scheme.

Answer: C – Narmada
Bargi Dam is built on the Narmada river in Madhya Pradesh. It was completed in 1990 as a multipurpose dam for irrigation, water supply, and power generation. NDSA (National Dam Safety Authority) flagged safety concerns to Narmada Valley Development Authority.

Answer: C – Baramulla district, J&K
Zehanpora Buddhist site is in Baramulla district, J&K. The 2000-year-old Buddhist stupas and monastic complexes from the Kushan period (1st-3rd century CE) were excavated here. The site lies on the ancient Silk Route corridor connecting Kashmir with Gandhara.

Answer: C – January 21, 1971
Himachal Pradesh was officially declared a full state on January 21, 1971. Also on January 21: Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura observe their Statehood Day.

Answer: C – Ladakh
Spituk Gustor Festival is held at Spituk Monastery in Ladakh over two days. It is the year's first major festival there, celebrating the end of the harshest winter months.

Answer: B – Odisha
Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary is in Nuapada district, Odisha. It was established in 1983. The Jono river's catchment area is here, and it's a tributary of the Mahanadi.

Answer: C – Human Rabies
Delhi Government is set to declare Human Rabies as a Notifiable Disease under the Epidemic Disease Act, requiring immediate reporting to authorities. Rabies spreads through bites/scratches from infected animals (mainly dogs) and is fatal once symptoms appear.

Answer: C – Andhra Pradesh; Guntur
SARAS Mela 2026 was hosted by Andhra Pradesh in Guntur. First time a Lakhpati Didi Pavilion was also set up. SARAS Mela aims to empower rural artisans especially women through self-help groups.

Answer: B – A river flowing through Southern Goa
Kushavati is named after the Kushavati river flowing through Southern Goa. The district's headquarters will be at Quepem. Currently Goa has North Goa and South Goa as its two districts. Announced by CM Pramod Sawant.

Answer: B – Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Bhagirathpura locality in Indore, Madhya Pradesh saw a water-borne disease outbreak declared as epidemic. E. coli bacterial contamination caused deaths – ironic as Indore is often ranked as India's cleanest city.

Answer: C – Mumbai-Ahmedabad; Japan
India's first bullet train corridor is being developed between Mumbai and Ahmedabad with Japan's technical support (Shinkansen technology). Launch expected: August 15, 2027. Speed: 320 km/h. 81% funding by JICA. Travel time: ~2 hours 7 minutes with 12 stations.

Answer: D – Arunachal Pradesh
India's first Sunrise Festival "Alo Prabhat – Dance of the Dawn" was organised in Arunachal Pradesh (Dong village, Anjaw district) – where India sees its first sunrise. Sun rises at 4-4:15 AM there.

Answer: C – Arunachal Pradesh; MS Swaminathan
Kei Panyur, a newly formed district of Arunachal Pradesh, was declared India's first Bio-Happy District. The concept of Bio-happiness (sustainable development + livelihood + environment + happiness) was given by Father of Green Revolution MS Swaminathan.

Answer: B – Subhash Das
Assam became the first state to constitute the 8th Pay Commission for state employees. It will be chaired by Subhash Das. The 7th Commission expired in January 2026. Recommendations to be given in 18 months, implemented from 2027-28. Central 8th Pay Commission is chaired by Ranjana Prakash Desai.

Answer: C – Virat Ramayana Temple, Motihari
The world's largest Shivalinga (Sahasralinga), made of black granite crafted in Pattikadu village Tamil Nadu, was installed at the Virat Ramayana Temple in Motihari, Bihar (under construction, to be completed 2030).

Answer: D – Rajasthan
Nagauri Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), locally called Indian Ginseng, grows in Nagaur district, Rajasthan. Dry climate and sandy soil give it unique characteristics. GI tag issued by CGPDTM. It is a Kharif crop.

Answer: C – Hyderabad, Telangana
India's first commercial-scale Tropical RAS-based Rainbow Trout Farm and Research Institute was inaugurated in Hyderabad, Telangana (Kandukur Mandal). Developed by Smart Green Aquaculture Ltd. Allows year-round cold-water trout farming.

Answer: C – Odisha
Odisha Government launched "A Padhi Ba Ama Bhasha Re" (meaning "We will study in our own language") – a 5-year educational initiative to teach children aged 3-6 years in their local/mother tongue at Anganwadi level.

Answer: B – Kapila, Hiran (Hiranya), Saraswati
Somnath Temple is located at the Triveni Sangam of Kapila, Hiranya (Hiran), and Saraswati rivers in Prabhas Patan, Veraval, Gujarat. Built in Chalukya style. Post-independence revival credited to Sardar Vallabhai Patel; inaugurated by President Rajendra Prasad. Recently in news: 1000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni's attack (1026).

Answer: C – Lok Nete DB (Dinkar Balu) Patil
Navi Mumbai International Airport will be renamed "Lok Nete DB Patil Navi Mumbai International Airport" in honour of Dinkar Balu Patil, a prominent political figure from Maharashtra.

Answer: C – Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana became the only state-level agricultural university to join the BRICS Network University in the thematic area of Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security. (IARI Delhi, a central institution, was also added.)

Answer: C – Kotputli Bahrod
Bamnavas Kankar Gram Panchayat in Kotputli Bahrod district became Rajasthan's first fully organic gram panchayat (no chemical fertilizers or pesticides used). Memory tip: "Kankar" = pebbles = no chemicals thrown at the land!

Answer: D – Argentina
Argentina was the focal theme country for the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair 2026. Argentina's culture, literature, and heritage were highlighted at the event.

Answer: C – Kerala; Kalpetta, Wayanad
India's first fully paperless District Judiciary was established in Kalpetta, Wayanad, Kerala. It was virtually inaugurated by CJI Sanjiv Khanna. All court proceedings will now be conducted digitally.

Answer: D – All three
All three received the UP Gaurav Samman Award on January 24 (UP Foundation Day, established 1950 when United Provinces was renamed Uttar Pradesh). Others also awarded: Sudhanshu Singh (Agriculture), Hari Om Pawar (Literature).

Answer: C – Lucknow
Both the 86th All India Presiding Officers Conference and 62nd Conference of Secretaries of Legislative Assemblies/Councils were held in Lucknow. Presiding Officers (Speakers, Deputy Speakers) of all state assemblies participate.

Answer: C – Both
Both are correct. The Buddhist Diamond Triangle of Odisha – Lalitgiri, Udayagiri, Ratnagiri – has been included in India's UNESCO World Heritage tentative list. These sites are in Jajpur and Cuttack districts.

Answer: C – Uttar Pradesh
The One District One Cuisine initiative was launched in Uttar Pradesh to promote culinary diversity across the state's different districts, similar to the One District One Product scheme.

Answer: B – Goa; Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
India Energy Week 2026 was held from January 27-30 in Goa, organised by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

Answer: C – Both
Both are correct. Piprahwa Relics were excavated from a Buddhist stupa in UP (1898) by William Caxton Peppe. PM Modi inaugurated an exhibition "The Light and the Lotus – Relics of the Awakened One." Godrej Group purchased them from Sotheby's HK auction and loaned to National Museum for 5 years.

Answer: A – Only 1
Only Statement 1 is correct. Bagurumba Dance movements imitate nature (butterflies, flowers, etc.). Statement 2 is WRONG – traditionally only women from the Bodo community perform it; men play the musical instruments.

Answer: B – Uttarayan (kite festival/Makar Sankranti); protects birds and animals from kite strings
Karuna Abhiyan was launched by Gujarat before the Uttarayan (International Kite Festival during Makar Sankranti) to protect birds and animals from injuries caused by kite strings. Trained vets and volunteers were deployed.

Answer: C – Visakhapatnam Railway Station
ASC Arjun Humanoid Robot was introduced at Visakhapatnam Railway Station by Indian Railways. It supports RPF (Railway Protection Force) and helps passengers with information about trains, platforms, and directions.

Answer: C – Both
Both are correct. Ponduru Khadi (locally called Patanulu) from Punduru village, Srikakulam, AP, is handspun handwoven cotton fabric. Mahatma Gandhi praised it in Young India (pre-independence). It received GI tag in favour of KVIC. Notably, a fish jawbone (Valuga fish) is used in cleaning the cotton, unique in the world.

Answer: C – Spice 360° Getting Future Ready; Kochi
The 9th International Spice Conference was held in Kochi, Kerala with the theme "Spice 360° Getting Future Ready."

Answer: B – Bacillus subtilis; Lactobacillus bulgaricus
Kerala's State Microbe = Bacillus subtilis (a probiotic, used in agriculture as biofertilizer). India's National Microbe = Lactobacillus bulgaricus (declared 2012), used in curd fermentation.

Answer: C – Gujarat
India's first Integrated Private Satellite Plant (Pamnaro Plant) was inaugurated in Khraj Sanand, Gujarat. Developed by Agista Space company to build indigenous satellites and advanced payloads. Promotes private sector participation in space.

Answer: B – An economic security and technology partnership (silicon, semiconductors, AI, critical minerals, advanced manufacturing)
PAXSICA is a US-led Economic Security and Technology Partnership for cooperation in silicon, semiconductors, AI, critical minerals, and advanced manufacturing. India was invited to join. First summit: December 2025.

Answer: C – A Spirit of Dialogue
The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 (56th meeting) was held in Davos, Switzerland with the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue."

Answer: C – Inclusivity, Dialogue, Shared Growth; "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability"
BRICS India 2026 logo symbolises Inclusivity, Dialogue, and Shared Growth. BRICS 2026 theme: "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability." Brazil handed over presidency. Indonesia recently joined BRICS.

Answer: C – Capture Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and his wife
Operation Absolute Resolve was a US military mission to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The US cited narco-terrorism and drug trafficking as justifications.

Answer: C – France, Germany, Poland
Weimar Triangle is a regional political grouping of France, Germany, and Poland (established 1991). India's External Affairs Minister participated for the first time, discussing India-EU partnership.

Answer: C – Spain
Spain recently acceded to the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), a non-treaty voluntary cooperative framework launched by India in 2019. IPOI is based on India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative for Indian Ocean cooperation.

Answer: C – Bulgaria; 1992 (Maastricht Treaty)
Bulgaria joined the Eurozone as its 21st member. The Eurozone was created under the Maastricht Treaty 1992. Bulgaria is a Balkan country and member of both EU and NATO.

Answer: D – Japan
Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, the world's largest nuclear power plant by installed capacity, is located near Tokyo, Japan. It was restarted after ~15 years closure following the 2011 Fukushima disaster (second worst nuclear accident after Chernobyl).

Answer: D – 90%
According to the India-EU FTA (Free Trade Agreement) negotiations concluded in 2026, the EU will remove or reduce duties on over 90% of goods from India. Negotiations concluded at 16th India-EU Summit (New Delhi). 99% of Indian exports to get preferential EU access. Called "Mother of All Deals." Sectors: textiles, leather, marine, gems, jewellery (~33 billion export boost). Full agreement signing pending.

Answer: C – 32nd
India ranked 32nd in the Global Soft Power Index 2026 released by Brand Finance. India slipped 2 positions from the previous year. Top 3: USA (#1), China (#2), Japan (#3). 193 UN member states evaluated on 55 metrics.

Answer: B – Uttarakhand Police
Uttarakhand Police topped the ICJS 2.0 National Ranking released by NCRB. The ranking evaluates how well digital tools are used to share data between police, courts, prisons, and forensics. Followed by Haryana (#2) and Assam (#3).

Answer: C – Both
Both are correct. India is ranked 80th in Henley Passport Index 2026, improving 5 places from the previous year. India's passport gives visa-free access to 55 countries. Singapore is #1 (192 countries visa-free).

Answer: C – 16th
India ranked 16th out of 154 countries in the Responsible Nations Index 2026. Developed by 'Develop India' with World Intellectual Foundation, JNU, and IIM Mumbai. Singapore topped; India topped in Asia. Three pillars: Internal Responsibility, Environmental, and External Responsibility.

Answer: B – 8th
India achieved 8th position globally in the WHO Pharmacovigilance Database – monitoring adverse effects of medicines and vaccines. A decade ago, India was at 123rd position. India's passport gives visa-free access to 55 countries.

Answer: C – World Economic Forum; Geoeconomic Confrontation
The Global Risk Report 2026 (21st annual assessment) was released by the World Economic Forum (WEF). It evaluated 33 global risks. #1 short-term risk: Geoeconomic Confrontation (tariffs, trade sanctions, investment restrictions, financial restrictions between countries).

Answer: A – Only 1
Statement 1 is correct (India is ranked 70th). Statement 2 is WRONG – Qinhuangdao (China) is the safest city globally (not Qatar/Doha). Abu Dhabi (#2) and Doha (#3) follow. India's safest city = Bengaluru; India's least safe = New Delhi. 304 cities covered.

Answer: C – Telangana
Telangana is the largest rice producer in India per Economic Survey Statistical Appendix 2023-24, followed by UP and West Bengal. Note: India itself became the world's largest rice producer (surpassing China) with 150.18 million tons in FY 24-25.

Answer: B – IISc Bangalore
IISc (Indian Institute of Science), Bangalore was the only Indian institution to rank in the global top 100 band for Computer Science in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026 by Subject. Harvard topped globally.

Answer: C – Both
Both are correct. Khelo India Beach Games 2026 (January 5-10, Dadra Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu): Karnataka finished 1st; followed by Tamil Nadu and Manipur. Slogan: "Khel Ke Sitare Diu Ke Kinare." Mascot: Pearl (dolphin). Malkhamb and Tug of War as demonstration sports.

Answer: B – Silver
Indian Women's Hockey Team won the Silver medal at the Women's Asia Cup 2026. They lost to China (the host country) in the final.

Answer: B – IAME UAE Karting Championship
Atika Mir secured a top-5 finish on her debut at the IAME UAE Karting Championship, becoming the first Indian and first female to achieve this feat.

Answer: C – Athletics (1500m); Asian Games bronze 2023 and national record holder
Jinson Johnson is an Indian long-distance runner (1500m). He won Bronze at 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou and is India's national record holder in 1500m.

Answer: C – FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona won the 16th Spanish Super Cup 2026, defeating Real Madrid in the final.

Answer: C – Vidarbha, defeating Saurashtra
Vidarbha won the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 by defeating Saurashtra. It is a List A (50-over) cricket tournament.

Answer: B – Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara
Virat Kohli scored his 28,000th international run (across all formats), joining an exclusive club with Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara. He is also the fastest to this milestone (624 innings). Achieved during ODI vs New Zealand in Vadodara.

Answer: C – ISO/IEC 42001 (AI Management System)
Financial Software and Systems (FSS) – a payment technology company – became the first payment company in India, Middle East, APAC, and South Africa to receive ISO/IEC 42001 certification, which recognises structured and quality-oriented AI governance frameworks.

Answer: B – Anyonya Sahakari Mandali, Baroda (1889)
Anyonya Sahakari Mandali, established in Baroda (Vadodara) in 1889, was the first Urban Cooperative Credit Society in India. Urban Cooperative Banks provide credit to small borrowers, traders, and small-scale industries in urban/semi-urban areas, regulated by RBI.

Answer: D – All three
All three are correct. Economic Survey 2025-26: FY27 GDP projection = 6.8-7.2%; FY26 real GDP = 7.4%. CEA = V. Anand Nageswaran. India = world's largest remittance recipient (FY25) at $135.4 billion (14% increase; 3.5% of GDP). Fiscal deficit target FY26 = 4.4% of GDP. Services sector = 9.1% GVA growth. Total exports = record $825.3 billion (FY25).