Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of 11th & 12th January 2026. Daily GK quiz online for bank & competitive exam. Here we have given the Daily Current Affairs Quiz based on the previous days Daily Current Affairs updates. Candidates preparing for IBPS, SBI, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 & other competitive exams can make use of these Current Affairs Quiz.

 

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1) With the revision of the Ways and Means Advances (WMA) limit for the Government of NCT of Delhi, what is the new aggregate WMA limit for all State Governments and Union Territories?

(a) ₹60,118 crore

(b) ₹60,500 crore

(c) ₹60,890 crore

(d) ₹61,008 crore

(e) ₹62,000 crore

2) Under the RBI’s AIFIs – Prudential Norms on Capital Adequacy (Amendment) Directions, 2026, what is the prescribed risk weight for IFSC-origin non-resident corporate exposures rated “A” by CareEdge Global IFSC Limited?

(a) 20%

(b) 30%

(c) 50%

(d) 100%

(e) 150%

3) The Primary Dealer (PD) system in India, under which Bank of Baroda has received in-principle approval to shift PD operations to a wholly owned subsidiary, was introduced by the RBI in which year?

(a) 1991

(b) 1995

(c) 1993

(d) 1998

(e) 2000

4) As per RBI norms, what is the minimum net worth requirement for non-bank entities at the time of application to obtain a Payment Aggregator–Cross Border (PA-CB) licence, such as the one granted to Skydo?

(a) ₹15 crore

(b) ₹10 crore

(c) ₹20 crore

(d) ₹25 crore

(e) ₹50 crore

5) Under the “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Ports” programme in Tamil Nadu, what is the total project cost rolled out by the Central Government to strengthen port infrastructure and digital maritime governance?

(a) ₹129.36 crore

(b) ₹105.64 crore

(c) ₹200 crore

(d) ₹235 crore

(e) ₹250 crore

6) The Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (RSDI) 2026, launched to strengthen the interface between science, technology, and diplomacy, is a joint initiative of which two institutions?

(a) Ministry of External Affairs and NITI Aayog

(b) Department of Science & Technology and CSIR

(c) ISRO and Ministry of External Affairs

(d) Indian Council of Medical Research and ORF

(e) Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) and Observer Research Foundation (ORF)

7) During the first phase of All-India Tiger Estimation 2026 (AITE-26) launched in Tamil Nadu, which scientific method was used in the initial days of the survey for recording tiger signs and wildlife presence?

(a) Camera Trap Method

(b) Radio Telemetry Method

(c) Quadrat Sampling Method

(d) Line Transect Method

(e) Aerial Survey Method

8) The Kamala Hydroelectric Project, recently approved by the Public Investment Board (PIB), was earlier known by which name?

(a) Subansiri Middle Hydroelectric Project

(b) Dibang Multipurpose Project

(c) Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project 

(d) Kameng Hydroelectric Project

(e) Siang Upper Hydroelectric Project

9) The National Improvised Explosive Device Data Management System (NIDMS), inaugurated by the Union Home Minister, is managed by which organisation?

(a) National Investigation Agency (NIA)

(b) Intelligence Bureau (IB)

(c) Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)

(d) National Security Guard (NSG)

(e) Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D)

10) With Akasa Air joining the International Air Transport Association (IATA), how many Indian airlines are now IATA members?

(a) Three

(b) Four

(c) Five

(d) Six

(e) Seven

11) Which of the following Indian films included in the Best Picture eligibility list of the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026) is a multilingual animated feature?

(a) Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1

(b) Tanvi The Great

(c) Tourist Family

(d) Sister Midnight

(e) Mahavatar Narsimha

12) In 2026, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) received which MoU performance rating from the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) for FY 2024–25?

(a) Very Good

(b) Good

(c) Outstanding

(d) Excellent

(e) Satisfactory

13) The City Inclusion Index 2025, which ranked Bengaluru as the best city for women in India, was released by which organisation?

(a) NITI Aayog

(b) Ministry of Women and Child Development

(c) Avtar

(d) UN Women India

(e) Centre for Policy Research

14) Under the renewed MoU between the Indian Army and HDFC Bank, what is the Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) cover provided to Army personnel for accidental death or permanent disability?

(a) ₹50 lakh

(b) ₹75 lakh

(c) ₹2 crore

(d) ₹1.5 crore

(e) ₹1 crore

15) Who has been appointed as the new Chief Justice of Uttarakhand High Court, following the retirement of Justice Guhanathan (G.) Narendra?

(a) Justice D.Y. Chandrachud

(b) Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta

(c) Justice Rishabh Shetty

(d) Justice Ajay Kumar Sood

(e) Justice Samir Saran

16) After selling a 2.15% stake in Ola Electric Mobility Limited, what is SoftBank’s new shareholding in the company?

(a) 13.53%

(b) 12.53%

(c) 14.53%

(d) 15.00%

(e) 15.68%

17) Who launched the ‘PANKHUDI’ portal for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and partnership facilitation in New Delhi?

(a) Nirmala Sitharaman

(b) Smriti Irani

(c) Annapurna Devi

(d) Maneka Gandhi

(e) S. Jaishankar

18) Which apex national facility inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh at CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) is Asia’s first and the world’s second pollution monitoring facility?

(a) National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration

(b) National Environmental Standard Laboratory (NSEL)

(c) Central Pollution Control Laboratory

(d) National Air Quality Monitoring Centre

(e) National Renewable Energy Laboratory

19) The Param Shakti supercomputing facility at IIT Madras, inaugurated by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), is powered by which supercomputing system?

(a) PARAM PRATYUSH

(b) PARAM SIDDHI

(c) PARAM ANANTA

(d) PARAM YUVA

(e) PARAM RUDRA

20) Which asteroid has been identified as the fastest-spinning known asteroid larger than 500 metres, according to observations from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory?

(a) 2025 AB12

(b) 2025 MN45

(c) 2024 XY21

(d) 2026 QZ33

(e) 2025 KL78

21) In 2026, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is observed on________

(a) 10th January

(b) 11th January

(c) 12th January

(d) 15th January

(e) 18th January

22) In 2026, Lal Bahadur Shastri, whose death anniversary is observed on 11th January, served as which number Prime Minister of independent India?

(a) 2nd

(b) 1^st

(c) 3rd

(d) 4th

(e) 5th

23) The Government of India declared 12th January as National Youth Day on 12th January 1984.The National Youth Day in India marks the birth anniversary of which personality?

(a) Mahatma Gandhi

(b)Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel 

(c) Jawaharlal Nehru

(d) Rabindranath Tagore

(e) Swami Vivekananda

24) Which state has the highest Ways and Means Advances (WMA) limit among Indian states, as per the latest RBI data?

(a) Maharashtra

(b) Tamil Nadu

(c) Karnataka

(d) Uttar Pradesh

(e) Gujarat

25) The Standalone Primary Dealers (SPDs) are allowed to diversify into non-core business activities, subject to RBI-specified conditions. As of now, how many SPDs are operating in India?

(a) 5

(b) 6

(c) 7

(d) 10

(e) 14

Answers :

1) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has fixed the Ways and Means Advances (WMA) limit for the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) at ₹890 crore.

The revised WMA limit for Delhi is effective from January 09, 2026, to manage temporary mismatches in receipts and payments.

With this revision, the aggregate WMA limit for all State Governments and Union Territories has increased to ₹61,008 crore, from the earlier ₹60,118 crore.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has fixed the Ways and Means Advances (WMA) limit for the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) at ₹890 crore.

The revised WMA limit for Delhi is effective from January 09, 2026, to manage temporary mismatches in receipts and payments.

With this revision, the aggregate WMA limit for all State Governments and Union Territories has increased to ₹61,008 crore, from the earlier ₹60,118 crore.

Ways and Means Advances (WMA) are short-term credit facilities provided by the RBI to the Central Government, State Governments, and Union Territories.

The objective of WMA is to bridge temporary cash flow mismatches, not to provide long-term financing.

The highest WMA limits among states are Uttar Pradesh (₹6,519 crore), Maharashtra (₹6,139 crore), and Tamil Nadu (₹4,582 crore).

2) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the All India Financial Institutions (AIFIs) – Prudential Norms on Capital Adequacy (Amendment) Directions, 2026, which are effective immediately.

For IFSC-origin non-resident corporate exposures, RBI has prescribed the following risk weights: 20% for AAA, 30% for AA, 50% for A, 100% for BBB, and 150% for BB & below.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the All India Financial Institutions (AIFIs) – Prudential Norms on Capital Adequacy (Amendment) Directions, 2026, which are effective immediately.

The amendment revises the risk-weighting of non-resident corporate exposures, aligning them with international credit rating standards.

Risk weights for non-resident corporate exposures will now be based on ratings from S&P, Fitch, and Moody’s, improving global alignment.

A separate risk-weight mapping has been introduced for IFSC-origin exposures rated by CareEdge Global IFSC Limited.

For IFSC-origin non-resident corporate exposures, RBI has prescribed the following risk weights: 20% for AAA, 30% for AA, 50% for A, 100% for BBB, and 150% for BB & below.

3) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Bank of Baroda (BoB) has received in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to transfer its existing Primary Dealer (PD) authorisation to a wholly owned subsidiary.

The Primary Dealer (PD) system was introduced by the RBI in 1995 to strengthen the Government Securities (G-Sec) market in India.

Detailed Explanation:

Bank of Baroda (BoB) has received in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to transfer its existing Primary Dealer (PD) authorisation to a wholly owned subsidiary.

The proposed subsidiary will operate as a Standalone Primary Dealer (SPD), subject to additional regulatory approvals.

The move will enable Bank of Baroda to conduct SPD business independently, separating it from banking operations.

The Primary Dealer (PD) system was introduced by the RBI in 1995 to strengthen the Government Securities (G-Sec) market in India.

The PD framework aims to improve underwriting, market-making, and liquidity in the G-Sec market.

4) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Skydo, a Bengaluru-based payments firm, has received final authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payment Aggregator–Cross Border (PA-CB).

For non-bank entities, the minimum net worth requirement for a PA-CB licence is ₹15 crore at the time of application, which must be increased to ₹25 crore within the RBI-specified timeframe.

Detailed Explanation:

Skydo, a Bengaluru-based payments firm, has received final authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payment Aggregator–Cross Border (PA-CB).

The PA-CB licence allows Skydo to legally aggregate and process cross-border payments for Indian exporters under a formal regulatory framework.

This approval marks a major milestone, positioning Skydo among the first fintech firms to receive this specific license in India’s evolving digital payments ecosystem.

For non-bank entities, the minimum net worth requirement for a PA-CB licence is ₹15 crore at the time of application, which must be increased to ₹25 crore within the RBI-specified timeframe.

5) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Central Government rolled out projects worth ₹235 crore in Tamil Nadu to strengthen port infrastructure and enhance digital maritime governance.

The projects were launched by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, during the “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Ports” programme in Chennai.

Detailed Explanation:

The Central Government rolled out projects worth ₹235 crore in Tamil Nadu to strengthen port infrastructure and enhance digital maritime governance.

The projects were launched by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, during the “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Ports” programme in Chennai.

The initiative focuses on developing climate-resilient, digitally enabled and globally competitive ports, improving port safety, operational efficiency, and ease of doing business.

The reforms align with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi under Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat, with emphasis on port modernisation, coastal resilience, and trade facilitation.

Out of the total allocation, ₹129.36 crore is for Chennai Port Authority, and ₹105.64 crore for Kamarajar Port Limited.

6) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

India launched the Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (RSDI) 2026 to strengthen the link between science, technology, and diplomacy.

The initiative is jointly launched by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF).

Announcement made by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood (PSA) and Dr. Samir Saran (President, ORF) at the PSA Office.

Detailed Explanation:

India launched the Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (RSDI) 2026 to strengthen the link between science, technology, and diplomacy.

The initiative is jointly launched by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF).

Announcement made by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood (PSA) and Dr. Samir Saran (President, ORF) at the PSA Office.

The initiative will operate alongside the Raisina Dialogue 2026, scheduled from 5th to 7th March 2026 in New Delhi.

The initiative reflects growing importance of science and technology in global diplomacy.

Major reasons: maintaining strategic autonomy, strengthening India’s role as an emerging global power, ensuring technology governance, promoting equitable participation in global standards, and addressing research security and technology control.

7) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The first phase of All-India Tiger Estimation 2026 (AITE-26) began at ThanthaiPeriyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Erode Forest Division, Tamil Nadu.

Field operations launched across 4 forest ranges – Anthiyur, Bargur, Chennampatti and Thattakarai.

For the first 3 days, survey conducted using the Line Transect Method which includes recording pugmarks, droppings, direct sightings, and surveying predefined forest paths.

Detailed Explanation:

The first phase of All-India Tiger Estimation 2026 (AITE-26) began at ThanthaiPeriyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Erode Forest Division, Tamil Nadu.

It is a national wildlife census to estimate tiger population, assess prey density, habitat quality, and ecosystem health using standard scientific methods.

Forest staff underwent structured training before field deployment to ensure accuracy and uniformity in data collection.

Field operations launched across 4 forest ranges – Anthiyur, Bargur, Chennampatti and Thattakarai.

More than 150 trained personnel were deployed covering 52 forest patrol beats for systematic data coverage.

For the first 3 days, survey conducted using the Line Transect Method which includes recording pugmarks, droppings, direct sightings, and surveying predefined forest paths.

Along with tigers, documentation includes co-predators like leopards and large mammals like elephants, gaur and bears.

8) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Kamala Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh has been approved by the Public Investment Board (PIB).

It will support clean energy generation, flood control, and employment creation, contributing to India’s Net-Zero target by 2070.

The project was earlier known as Subansiri Middle Hydroelectric Project.

Location: On Kamala River in Kamle, Kra Daadi and KurungKumey districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

Detailed Explanation:

The Kamala Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh has been approved by the Public Investment Board (PIB).

It will support clean energy generation, flood control, and employment creation, contributing to India’s Net-Zero target by 2070.

The project was earlier known as Subansiri Middle Hydroelectric Project.

Location: On Kamala River in Kamle, Kra Daadi and KurungKumey districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

It is a storage-based hydropower project with an integrated flood moderation component.

Expected annual electricity generation: 6,870 million units, strengthening regional and national power grids.

Major technical features include a 216-metre-high concrete gravity dam and an underground powerhouse.

Project completion period: 96 months (8 years).

9) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated National Improvised Explosive Device Data Management System (NIDMS).

NIDMS is India’s first platform to record details of all bomb blasts and IED incidents from 1999 to present.

The platform will help police and security agencies investigate terrorism-related incidents more effectively and strengthen national security.

NIDMS is an online database managed by the National Security Guard (NSG), Manesar, Haryana.

Detailed Explanation:

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated National Improvised Explosive Device Data Management System (NIDMS).

NIDMS is India’s first platform to record details of all bomb blasts and IED incidents from 1999 to present.

The platform will help police and security agencies investigate terrorism-related incidents more effectively and strengthen national security.

NIDMS is an online database managed by the National Security Guard (NSG), Manesar, Haryana.

It provides access to police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and investigative agencies to retrieve blast-related data.

The platform uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to connect scattered data, analyse patterns, identify links and help predict future threats.

10) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Akasa Air has become a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a global body representing over 360 airlines accounting for 80% of global air traffic.

With Akasa Air’s inclusion, India now has five IATA member airlines: Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet.

Detailed Explanation:

Akasa Air has become a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a global body representing over 360 airlines accounting for 80% of global air traffic.

With Akasa Air’s inclusion, India now has five IATA member airlines: Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet.

Akasa Air was founded in 2020 by Vinay Dube and was backed by the late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala with a $35 million investment.

The airline has served over 23 million passengers, operating across 26 domestic and 6 international destinations.

Akasa Air aims to build a 226-aircraft Boeing 737 MAX fleet by the end of this decade, positioning itself among the world’s top 30 airlines.

11) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026) has recognized five Indian films as eligible for the Best Picture category.

Indian Films in Best Picture Reminder List:

Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 (Kannada) – Directed by Rishabh Shetty

Tanvi The Great (Hindi) – Directed by Anupam Kher

Mahavatar Narsimha – Multilingual Animated Feature

Tourist Family (Tamil) – Directed by debut filmmaker Abishan Jeevinth

Sister Midnight (Hindi–UK co-production) – Starring Radhika Apte

Detailed Explanation:

98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026) has recognized five Indian films as eligible for the Best Picture category.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) released a list of 201 feature films qualifying for Best Picture and 317 films across all categories.

This recognition reflects the growing global presence of Indian cinema and is a proud moment for India.

Indian Films in Best Picture Reminder List:

Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 (Kannada) – Directed by Rishabh Shetty

Tanvi The Great (Hindi) – Directed by Anupam Kher

Mahavatar Narsimha – Multilingual Animated Feature

Tourist Family (Tamil) – Directed by debut filmmaker Abishan Jeevinth

Sister Midnight (Hindi–UK co-production) – Starring Radhika Apte

12) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) received an ‘Excellent’ rating in the MoU evaluation with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) for FY 2024–25.

Detailed Explanation:

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) received an ‘Excellent’ rating in the MoU evaluation with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) for FY 2024–25.

IREDA scored 96.42 out of 100, reflecting top-level performance, efficiency, and financial discipline.

The MoU rating is an annual evaluation mechanism through which government enterprises are assessed on their work performance, financial management, and governance standards.

An ‘Excellent’ rating signifies strong management, high operational standards, and outstanding performance.

13) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Bengaluru has been ranked the best city for women in India (2025), emerging as the top performer in a national study on urban inclusion for women.

The study was released by Avtar, a Chennai-based workplace inclusion firm, which assessed 125 cities across India under the City Inclusion Index.

Detailed Explanation:

Bengaluru has been ranked the best city for women in India (2025), emerging as the top performer in a national study on urban inclusion for women.

The ranking highlights Bengaluru’s strong social infrastructure, robust industrial opportunities, better safety environment, and career growth ecosystem for women.

The study was released by Avtar, a Chennai-based workplace inclusion firm, which assessed 125 cities across India under the City Inclusion Index.

Top 5 Cities (2025 Ranking):

1st – Bengaluru: 53.29

2nd – Chennai: 49.86

3rd – Pune: 46.27

4th – Hyderabad

5th – Mumbai

14) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The Indian Army and HDFC Bank have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) till 2029 to continue providing banking services and insurance cover to Army personnel.

As part of the agreement, Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) of ₹1 crore is provided for accidental death or permanent disability.

An additional ₹1 crore Air Accident Insurance cover is included to protect against air travel-related accidents.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Army and HDFC Bank have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) till 2029 to continue providing banking services and insurance cover to Army personnel.

The MoU covers serving and retired Army personnel, including Agniveers and pensioners.

As part of the agreement, Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) of ₹1 crore is provided for accidental death or permanent disability.

An additional ₹1 crore Air Accident Insurance cover is included to protect against air travel-related accidents.

The MoU provides ₹5 lakh child education cover to support families in case of a casualty.

A ₹5 lakh girl child marriage cover is also included as part of the welfare benefits for Army families.

15) Answer: B

The Department of Justice (DoJ) under the Ministry of Law and Justice (MoL&J) announced the appointment of Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta as the new Chief Justice (CJ) of Uttarakhand High Court (HC).

The appointment was made by the President of India under Article 217(1) of the Indian Constitution.

Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta will assume office following the retirement of incumbent CJ Justice Guhanathan (G.) Narendra on January 09, 2026.

16) Answer: A

SoftBank, through its investment arm SVF II Ostrich (DE) LLC, sold a 2.15% stake in Ola Electric Mobility Limited.

The January 5, 2026 transaction crossed the 2% disclosure threshold under SEBI rules, requiring regulatory reporting.

After this sale, SoftBank’s holding in Ola Electric declined from 15.68% to 13.53%.

17) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Union Minister Annapurna Devi, Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), launched the ‘PANKHUDI’ portal in New Delhi, Delhi, an integrated CSR and partnership facilitation digital platform.

Detailed Explanation:

Union Minister Annapurna Devi, Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), launched the ‘PANKHUDI’ portal in New Delhi, Delhi, an integrated CSR and partnership facilitation digital platform.

The PANKHUDI portal is a single-window digital platform designed to facilitate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and partnerships, unifying voluntary and institutional contributions for women and child welfare.

The portal brings together individuals, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), corporates, and Central and State Government agencies on a common digital platform.

Key features include real-time tracking, a unified digital workflow, and complete transparency through non-cash contributions with a full digital audit trail.

The portal covers thematic areas such as nutrition, health, Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), child welfare, protection, rehabilitation, and women’s safety and empowerment.

18) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Dr. Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science and Technology, inaugurated two apex national facilities at CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) during its 80th Foundation Day.

The facilities include the National Environmental Standard Laboratory (NSEL), the world’s second such facility, and the National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration, the world’s fifth of its kind.

Detailed Explanation:

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Dr. Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science and Technology, inaugurated two apex national facilities at CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) during its 80th Foundation Day.

The facilities include the National Environmental Standard Laboratory (NSEL), the world’s second such facility, and the National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration, the world’s fifth of its kind.

The National Environmental Standard Laboratory (NSEL) is Asia’s first and the world’s second pollution monitoring facility, after the United Kingdom (UK), designed to test, calibrate, and certify air pollution monitoring devices.

NSEL will strengthen domestic capabilities, reduce dependence on foreign certification agencies, and ensure accurate environmental data for programmes like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

19) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) inaugurated Param Shakti, a state-of-the-art supercomputing facility, at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

The Param Shakti facility was inaugurated on 3rd January 2026 by Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY.

Param Shakti is powered by the PARAM RUDRA supercomputing system, offering a peak performance of 3.1 petaflops, capable of performing over 3.1 quadrillion (3.1 × 10¹⁵) calculations per second.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) inaugurated Param Shakti, a state-of-the-art supercomputing facility, at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

The Param Shakti facility was inaugurated on 3rd January 2026 by Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY.

Param Shakti is powered by the PARAM RUDRA supercomputing system, offering a peak performance of 3.1 petaflops, capable of performing over 3.1 quadrillion (3.1 × 10¹⁵) calculations per second.

The supercomputer is expected to accelerate research in high-impact domains, including Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Climate and Weather Modelling, Drug Discovery and Molecular Dynamics, Advanced Manufacturing, Combustion Studies, Nuclear Sciences, and Computational Fluid Dynamics.

20) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Scientists analysing the first images from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory have identified the fastest-spinning asteroid ever observed in its size category, designated 2025 MN45.

Asteroid 2025 MN45 measures about 2,300 feet (≈710 metres) in diameter, larger than most skyscrapers on Earth.

Detailed Explanation:

Scientists analysing the first images from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory have identified the fastest-spinning asteroid ever observed in its size category, designated 2025 MN45.

Asteroid 2025 MN45 measures about 2,300 feet (≈710 metres) in diameter, larger than most skyscrapers on Earth.

Despite its size, the asteroid completes one full rotation in just 113 seconds, making it the fastest-spinning known asteroid larger than 500 metres.

The extreme rotation challenges assumptions about the structural limits of large asteroids, suggesting it has internal strength comparable to solid rock rather than being a typical “rubble pile” asteroid.

The asteroid is located in the main belt between Mars and Jupiter, where fast rotators are rare.

21) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day 2026 is observed on 11th January to highlight and combat the issue of human trafficking.

January is also designated as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, but this day specifically focuses on raising awareness and stopping illicit trafficking practices.

Detailed Explanation:

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day 2026 is observed on 11th January to highlight and combat the issue of human trafficking.

January is also designated as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, but this day specifically focuses on raising awareness and stopping illicit trafficking practices.

Significant milestones in the fight against human trafficking include:

Trafficking Victims Protection Act (2000, USA) – first federal statute addressing modern slavery.

Free The Slaves – American nonprofit organization founded by Anti-Slavery International.

US Senate Resolution (2007) – officially designated 11th January as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

January 2010 – President Obama devoted the entire month to raising awareness and preventing human trafficking.

22) Answer: A

The Death Anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri 2026 is observed on 11th January 2026.

Lal Bahadur Shastri passed away on 11th January 1966 in Tashkent.

He served as the 2nd Prime Minister of Independent India and was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress.

23) Answer: E

National Youth Day 2026 is observed on 12th January to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

Also called Rashtriya Yuva Diwas 2025 in India.

The Government of India declared 12th January as National Youth Day on 12th January 1984.

24) Answer: D

Ways and Means Advances (WMA) are short-term credit facilities provided by the RBI to the Central Government, State Governments, and Union Territories.

The objective of WMA is to bridge temporary cash flow mismatches, not to provide long-term financing.

The highest WMA limits among states are Uttar Pradesh (₹6,519 crore), Maharashtra (₹6,139 crore), and Tamil Nadu (₹4,582 crore).

The WMA limits are reviewed on a semi-annual basis, usually for the first and second halves of the financial year.

25) Answer: C

Standalone Primary Dealers (SPDs) are allowed to diversify into non-core business activities, subject to RBI-specified conditions.

At present, there are 7 Standalone Primary Dealers (SPDs) operating in India.

Major SPDs include SBI DFHI, ICICI Securities Primary Dealership, PNB Gilts, and STCI Primary Dealer.

Currently, there are 14 Bank Primary Dealers, including Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Union Bank of India, and IDBI Bank.