Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of 17th 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) The Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme (RB-IOS) 2026, introduced by the RBI, will come into effect from which date and primarily aims to implement which approach?

(a) 1 April 2026 – One Bank, One Regulator

(b) 1 July 2026 – One Nation, One Ombudsman

(c) 1 January 2027 – Digital India Ombudsman

(d) 1 July 2025 – Unified Financial Consumer Protection

(e) 1 October 2026 – Single Window Grievance System

2) Under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) for 2025–26, what is the effective interest rate for farmers on short-term crop loans up to ₹3 lakh if repayment is made on time?

(a) 7% per annum

(b) 6% per annum

(c) 5% per annum

(d) 4% per annum

(e) 3% per annum

3) As per the RBI’s draft amendment directions on Owned Fund / Tier-1 Capital for NBFCs and ARCs, which of the following is now permitted to be included in Owned Fund, subject to conditions?

(a) Revaluation reserves without audit

(b) Preference share capital

(c) Quarterly profits reviewed by statutory auditors

(d) Deferred tax liabilities

(e) Intangible assets

4) As of 2026, Piramal Finance Limited (PFL) recently secured its first multilateral funding from Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) amounting to USD 350 million. Which two institutions provided this funding?

(a) World Bank and IMF

(b) New Development Bank and AIIB

(c) International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Asian Development Bank (ADB)

(d) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and ADB

(e) European Investment Bank and IFC

5) What percentage of newly licensed Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) failed, leading the RBI to close the licensing window in 2004?

(a) 25%

(b) 31%

(c) 32%

(d) 35%

(e) 40%

6) In January 2026, the Government of India blocked 242 illegal betting and gambling website links. With this action, the total number of such platforms blocked nationwide crossed which figure?

(a) 5,000

(b) 6,500

(c) 7,200

(d) 7,800

(e) 8,500

7) At the inaugural NAMO Book Fest held in New Delhi, which two books were released by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh?

(a) Mann Ki Baat and Leadership Lessons

(b) India First and Gen Next India

(c) Vision 2047 and Mahatma

(d) Gen V Bano and New India@75

(e) Gen V Bano and Mahatma

8) The Karnataka Land Revenue (Second Amendment) Act, 2025, notified in January 2026, primarily addresses documentation issues related to which type of land in Kodagu district?

(a) Inam lands

(b) Forest rights lands

(c) Ryotwari lands

(d) Bhoodan lands

(e) Jamma Bane lands

9) According to the recent Supreme Court ruling on public recruitment, which candidates must be counted against unreserved (general) category seats?

(a) Only candidates belonging to the general category

(b) SC/ST/OBC candidates only if reserved seats are filled

(c) SC/ST/OBC candidates availing any form of relaxation

(d) SC/ST/OBC candidates who qualify purely on merit without availing any relaxation

(e) Candidates recommended by selection committees

10) The Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, whose foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is being constructed along which National Highway to facilitate safe wildlife movement during floods?

(a) NH-37

(b) NH-27

(c) NH-702

(d) NH-15

(e) NH-715

11) As of 2026,  India’s first Sleeper Vande Bharat train, flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, connects which two cities?

(a) Howrah – Kamakhya

(b) Howrah – Siliguri

(c) Malda – Kamakhya

(d) Kolkata – Dibrugarh

(e) New Delhi – Guwahati

12) The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprisesapproved two new MSME Technology Centres in Himachal Pradesh at which locations?

(a) Shimla and Solan

(b) Dharamshala and Una

(c) Pandoga (Una district) and Parwanoo (Solan district)

(d) Mandi and Bilaspur

(e) Kullu and Hamirpur

13) In how many districts of Jharkhand are the PESA Rules being fully implemented as per the recently notified rules?

(a) 8

(b) 13

(c) 11

(d) 12

(e) 15

14) The Spituk Gustor Festival, which marks the first monastic festival of the year in Ladakh, is primarily associated with which Buddhist tradition?

(a) Nyingma-pa

(b) Kagyu-pa

(c) Sakya-pa

(d) Theravada

(e) Geluk-pa (Yellow Hat order)

15) During the Indian visit to Israel in January 2026, India and Israel signed a Joint Ministerial Declaration of Intent to strengthen cooperation in which sector?

(a) Information Technology

(b) Renewable Energy

(c) Defense Manufacturing

(d) Fisheries and Aquaculture

(e) Space Research

16) The 6th ASEAN–India Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN) in 2026 approved which key initiative to enhance regional digital cooperation?

(a) ASEAN–India Digital Work Plan 2026

(b) ASEAN–India Renewable Energy Roadmap

(c) ASEAN–India Defense Collaboration Framework

(d) ASEAN–India Trade Facilitation Agreement

(e) ASEAN–India Space Cooperation Programme

17) The INS Sagardhwani, flagged off for the 5th edition of Sagar Maitri (SM-5), operates under which organization of India?

(a) Indian Coast Guard

(b) Indian Navy – Hydrographic Department

(c) Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), DRDO

(d) Ministry of Earth Sciences

(e) National Institute of Ocean Technology

18) As of 2026, India and which country are co-chairing the 16th ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter Terrorism held in New Delhi in January 2026?

(a) Indonesia

(b) Singapore

(c) Thailand

(d) Malaysia

(e) Philippines

19) Who has been appointed as Whole-Time Director on the board of Kotak Mahindra Bank, subject to RBI approval, for a three-year term?

(a) Uday Kotak

(b) Anup Kumar Saha

(c) Aditya Puri

(d) Rajiv Lall

(e) Shikha Sharma

20) The Integrated Road Safety Dashboard, developed to reduce road accidents in India, was created by which group at IIT Madras?

(a) Centre for Automotive Research

(b) Smart Cities Lab

(c) Transport Analytics Group

(d) Rehabilitation Bioengineering Group (RBG Labs)

(e) Road Safety Innovation Cell

21) In 2026, India’s first open-sea Marine Fish Farming project, launched in January 2026 at North Bay, Andaman Sea, is implemented by which organization in collaboration with the Ministry of Earth Sciences?

(a) National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT)

(b) Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

(c) National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)

(d) Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI)

(e) Indian Oceanographic Institute

 

22) During the official visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to India in January 2026, India and Germany signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) in which sector?

(a) Renewable Energy

(b) Defense Manufacturing

(c) Space Cooperation

(d) Telecommunications and ICT

(e) Infrastructure Development

23) In which year were Vande Bharat trains first introduced in India?

(a) 2017

(b) 2019

(c) 2022

(d) 2020

(e) 2021

 

24) Who is the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh?

(a) Radha Krishna Mathur

(b) Girish Chandra Murmu

(c) P. S. Sreedharan Pillai

(d) Kavinder Gupta

(e) Manoj Sinha

25) Which institute developed the Integrated Road Safety Dashboard to strengthen road safety governance in India?

(a) IIT Delhi

(b) NIT Trichy

(c) IIT Madras

(d) AIIMS Delhi

(e) IIIT Hyderabad

 

Answers :

1) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme (RB-IOS) 2026 to simplify and strengthen grievance redressal for customers of banks and financial institutions.

RB-IOS 2026 will replace RB-IOS 2021 and will come into effect from 1 July 2026.

The scheme follows a “One Nation, One Ombudsman” approach by integrating multiple legacy ombudsman schemes into a single unified framework.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme (RB-IOS) 2026 to simplify and strengthen grievance redressal for customers of banks and financial institutions.

RB-IOS 2026 will replace RB-IOS 2021 and will come into effect from 1 July 2026.

The scheme follows a “One Nation, One Ombudsman” approach by integrating multiple legacy ombudsman schemes into a single unified framework.

Applicable Regulated Entities (REs) under RB-IOS 2026 include:

All Commercial Banks (CBs), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), State Co-operative Banks (StCBs), Central Co-operative Banks (CCBs), Scheduled UCBs, and Non-Scheduled UCBs with deposits of ₹50 crore or more.

All Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC) (excluding Housing Finance Companies(HFCs), Core Investment Company (CIC), Infrastructure Debt Fund-NBFC, NBFC – Infrastructure Finance Company (IFC), Non-Operative Financial Holding Company (NOFHC), Primary Dealers (PDs), Mortgage Guarantee Companies (MGC)) that accept deposits or have customer interfaces with asset size of ₹100 crore or more.

Non-bank Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) Issuers.

Credit Information Companies.

2) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Government of India has continued the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) for 2025-26 to provide short-term crop loans and allied activity loans to farmers through Kisan Credit Cards (KCC).

Farmers can avail loans up to ₹3 lakh at a concessional interest rate of 7%, while banks will receive 1.5% interest subvention from the Government.

Detailed Explanation:

The Government of India has continued the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) for 2025-26 to provide short-term crop loans and allied activity loans to farmers through Kisan Credit Cards (KCC).

Farmers can avail loans up to ₹3 lakh at a concessional interest rate of 7%, while banks will receive 1.5% interest subvention from the Government.

Farmers repaying on time will get an additional 3% incentive, reducing the effective interest rate to 4% per annum.

Interest benefits are available for crop loans and allied activities such as animal husbandry, dairy, fisheries, and beekeeping, with a maximum cap of ₹2 lakh for allied activities.

Small and marginal farmers storing produce in WDRA-accredited warehouses can avail interest benefits for up to six months after harvest.

Farmers affected by natural calamities will receive interest subvention for one year on restructured loans, while those affected by severe calamities can receive benefits for up to five years, including the 3% prompt repayment incentive.

3) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued draft amendment directions to clarify the calculation of Owned Fund / Tier-1 Capital for NBFCs and Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) to comply with credit and investment concentration limits and invited public comments till 28 January 2026.

Quarterly profits must be reviewed by statutory auditors through a limited review before being treated as capital.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued draft amendment directions to clarify the calculation of Owned Fund / Tier-1 Capital for NBFCs and Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) to comply with credit and investment concentration limits and invited public comments till 28 January 2026.

Currently, NBFCs (other than NBFC-UL) and ARCs reckon Tier-1 Capital as on 31 March of the previous year for compliance with credit/investment concentration norms.

RBI received requests from NBFCs for review and clarification on aspects of Owned Fund / Tier-1 Capital, as the existing method created ambiguity, especially regarding the inclusion of quarterly profits.

Under the new draft, free reserves, including quarterly profits, can now be included in the Owned Fund, subject to specified conditions.

Quarterly profits must be reviewed by statutory auditors through a limited review before being treated as capital.

4) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Piramal Finance Limited (PFL) secured USD 350 million multilateral funding, marking its first borrowing from Development Finance Institutions (DFIs).

The funding includes USD 200 million from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and USD 150 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Sustainable Finance Framework (SFF).

Detailed Explanation:

Piramal Finance Limited (PFL) secured USD 350 million multilateral funding, marking its first borrowing from Development Finance Institutions (DFIs).

The funding includes USD 200 million from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and USD 150 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Sustainable Finance Framework (SFF).

The facilities have a five-year maturity, with funds to be drawn in tranches between January 2026 and March 2026.

PFL is in advanced discussions to raise an additional USD 150 million from DFIs, targeting USD 500 million total multilateral funding in FY26.

5) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed reopening the licensing window for new Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) after 22 years, as the previous window was closed in 2004 due to widespread failures of newly licensed banks.

In 2004, RBI stopped issuing new UCB licences because 31% of newly licensed UCBs failed; now, after sector reforms, RBI is reconsidering the restart of licensing.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed reopening the licensing window for new Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) after 22 years, as the previous window was closed in 2004 due to widespread failures of newly licensed banks.

RBI plans to prefer large and well-run co-operative credit societies for new UCB licences, as most past failures occurred in small UCBs.

Co-operative credit societies, unlike banks, are regulated by the Registrar of Co-operative Societies, deal only with their members, and cannot offer full banking services like cheques or online fund transfers.

In 2004, RBI stopped issuing new UCB licences because 31% of newly licensed UCBs failed; now, after sector reforms, RBI is reconsidering the restart of licensing.

Following the Banking Regulation Amendment Act, 2020, RBI obtained strong powers over UCBs, similar to commercial banks, and UCBs are now classified into 4 tiers based on deposits.

6) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Government of India blocked 242 illegal betting and gambling website links in January 2026 as part of an intensified enforcement drive.

With this action, the total number of illegal betting and gambling platforms blocked has crossed 7,800 nationwide.

Detailed Explanation:

The Government of India blocked 242 illegal betting and gambling website links in January 2026 as part of an intensified enforcement drive.

With this action, the total number of illegal betting and gambling platforms blocked has crossed 7,800 nationwide.

Illegal online betting and gambling platforms have become a major concern in India’s digital ecosystem.

These platforms often operate through offshore servers, mirror websites, and encrypted domains, allowing them to bypass Indian laws and taxation.

Users face risks such as financial fraud, data theft, addiction, and lack of grievance redressal mechanisms.

The crackdown has gained momentum after the enactment of the Online Gaming Act.

7) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

India witnessed a new literary initiative with the launch of the first-ever NAMO Book Fest in New Delhi.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh released two books at the event, marking the debut of a national-level literary festival focused on ideas and leadership.

At the inaugural NAMO Book Fest, the books ‘Gen V Bano’ and ‘Mahatma’ were released.

Detailed Explanation:

India witnessed a new literary initiative with the launch of the first-ever NAMO Book Fest in New Delhi.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh released two books at the event, marking the debut of a national-level literary festival focused on ideas and leadership.

At the inaugural NAMO Book Fest, the books ‘Gen V Bano’ and ‘Mahatma’ were released.

The books focus on inspiration, leadership, vision, values, and ethical living in contemporary India.

The releases highlighted the role of literature in shaping national character and a forward-looking mindset among youth.

The NAMO Book Fest is being organised as a two-day event.

It features a curated exhibition of books centred on the life, ideas, and leadership of Narendra Modi.

8) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The Karnataka government amended the land revenue law to address long-pending documentation issues related to Jamma Bane lands in Kodagu district.

The Karnataka Land Revenue (Second Amendment) Act, 2025 received the Governor’s assent on January 7, 2026, and has been officially notified.

Detailed Explanation:

The Karnataka government amended the land revenue law to address long-pending documentation issues related to Jamma Bane lands in Kodagu district.

The Karnataka Land Revenue (Second Amendment) Act, 2025 received the Governor’s assent on January 7, 2026, and has been officially notified.

The amendment aims to modernise land governance, ensure clear ownership records, and benefit indigenous communities in the region.

It seeks to align Kodagu’s unique land record system with the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964.

The reform also supports land record digitisation under the Bhoomi Project, providing a statutory basis to correct outdated and inconsistent entries.

Jamma Bane lands are hereditary land holdings unique to Kodagu, granted between the 17th and 19th centuries by Coorg kings and later by the British, mainly for military service.

9) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Supreme Court of India ruled that unreserved (general) category seats in public recruitment are open to all candidates purely on merit, irrespective of social category.

SC, ST, and OBC candidates who qualify without availing any relaxation such as lower cut-off marks, age relaxation, or fee concession must be counted against unreserved seats, not reserved quotas.

Detailed Explanation:

The Supreme Court of India ruled that unreserved (general) category seats in public recruitment are open to all candidates purely on merit, irrespective of social category.

The Court clarified that unreserved seats are not meant exclusively for general category candidates.

SC, ST, and OBC candidates who qualify without availing any relaxation such as lower cut-off marks, age relaxation, or fee concession must be counted against unreserved seats, not reserved quotas.

The Bench comprising Justice M. M. Sundresh and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma held that the unreserved category functions as an open competition pool based strictly on merit.

The ruling arose from a 2013 Airports Authority of India (AAI) recruitment for Junior Assistant (Fire Service) posts.

A 2020 Kerala High Court verdict that ruled against AAI was set aside by the Supreme Court.

10) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the ₹6,957 crore Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, in Assam.

He also virtually flagged off two Amrit Bharat Express trains to enhance long-distance rail connectivity.

The Kaziranga Elevated Corridor is a 34.5-kilometre-long elevated road being constructed as part of the widening of National Highway–715 (NH-715).

Detailed Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the ₹6,957 crore Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, in Assam.

He also virtually flagged off two Amrit Bharat Express trains to enhance long-distance rail connectivity.

The Kaziranga Elevated Corridor is a 34.5-kilometre-long elevated road being constructed as part of the widening of National Highway–715 (NH-715).

NH-715 runs along the southern boundary of Kaziranga National Park, separating it from the Karbi Anglong hills.

During monsoon floods, wildlife migrates southwards to higher ground, but heavy traffic on the highway blocks animal movement.

11) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched India’s first Sleeper Vande Bharat train, flagging it off from Malda, West Bengal.

The train connects Howrah (Kolkata) with Kamakhya (Guwahati), strengthening rail connectivity between eastern and northeastern India.

Detailed Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched India’s first Sleeper Vande Bharat train, flagging it off from Malda, West Bengal.

The train connects Howrah (Kolkata) with Kamakhya (Guwahati), strengthening rail connectivity between eastern and northeastern India.

This is the first-ever Vande Bharat sleeper version, designed specifically for overnight long-distance travel.

The Sleeper Vande Bharat is an upgraded version of the Vande Bharat Express, offering sleeping berths, modern interiors and Rajdhani-class comfort with faster travel.

It is fully Made in India, reflecting Indian Railways’ focus on self-reliance, modernization and passenger comfort.

12) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises approved two new MSME Technology Centres in Himachal Pradesh at Pandoga (Una district) and Parwanoo (Solan district).

Each Technology Centre will be developed at an estimated cost of ₹10 crore, aimed at strengthening industrial growth, skill development and employment generation in the state.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises approved two new MSME Technology Centres in Himachal Pradesh at Pandoga (Una district) and Parwanoo (Solan district).

Each Technology Centre will be developed at an estimated cost of ₹10 crore, aimed at strengthening industrial growth, skill development and employment generation in the state.

Pandoga and Parwanoo are part of 13 new MSME Technology Centre Extension Centres approved nationwide, reflecting the government’s focus on expanding technical infrastructure for MSMEs.

Parwanoo, located near Chandigarh, is an established industrial hub, while Pandoga’s selection is expected to promote balanced regional industrial development in Himachal Pradesh.

The centres will provide advanced manufacturing support, design assistance, quality improvement services and technical training to local MSMEs.

A key objective is skill development of youth, through hands-on technical training, entrepreneurship support and employability enhancement.

13) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Jharkhand has notified rules under the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) nearly 25 years after its enactment, marking a significant step towards tribal self-governance in Fifth Schedule areas.

In Jharkhand, the rules apply fully in 13 districts including Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla, Simdega, West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum, Dumka and Pakur, with partial implementation in Palamu, Godda and Garhwa.

Detailed Explanation:

Jharkhand has notified rules under the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) nearly 25 years after its enactment, marking a significant step towards tribal self-governance in Fifth Schedule areas.

The move has triggered debate and concern among tribal leaders and activists, who fear that the new rules may dilute the constitutional authority of Gram Sabhas and weaken customary governance systems.

PESA Act, 1996 aims to extend self-rule to Scheduled Areas, empower Gram Sabhas, protect customary laws, and ensure community control over land, forests and natural resources.

In Jharkhand, the rules apply fully in 13 districts including Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla, Simdega, West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum, Dumka and Pakur, with partial implementation in Palamu, Godda and Garhwa.

14) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The two-day Spituk Gustor Festival has commenced at Spituk Monastery in Ladakh, marking the first monastic festival of the year in the region.

The festival is held after seven days of prayers and rituals seeking world peace, prosperity and victory over evil forces.

The festival is celebrated at Spituk Monastery, one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh, and follows the traditions of the Geluk-pa (Yellow Hat) order of Tibetan Buddhism.

Detailed Explanation:

The two-day Spituk Gustor Festival has commenced at Spituk Monastery in Ladakh, marking the first monastic festival of the year in the region.

The festival is held after seven days of prayers and rituals seeking world peace, prosperity and victory over evil forces.

Spituk Gustor symbolically marks the end of the first and coldest phase of Ladakh’s harsh winter, indicating a seasonal transition.

A major attraction of the festival is the Cham (sacred masked dance) performed by monks in elaborate costumes, representing the destruction of negative energies and triumph of good over evil.

The festival is celebrated at Spituk Monastery, one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh, and follows the traditions of the Geluk-pa (Yellow Hat) order of Tibetan Buddhism.

15) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

India and Israel signed a Joint Ministerial Declaration of Intent to deepen bilateral cooperation in Fisheries and Aquaculture.

The Declaration was signed during a high-level Indian visit to Israel (13–15 January 2026).

The Indian delegation was led by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D).

The signing took place on the sidelines of the Second Global Summit on “Blue Food Security: Sea the Future 2026” held in Eilat, Israel.

Detailed Explanation:

India and Israel signed a Joint Ministerial Declaration of Intent to deepen bilateral cooperation in Fisheries and Aquaculture.

The Declaration was signed during a high-level Indian visit to Israel (13–15 January 2026).

The Indian delegation was led by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D).

The signing took place on the sidelines of the Second Global Summit on “Blue Food Security: Sea the Future 2026” held in Eilat, Israel.

A major focus of the agreement is the establishment of a new Indo–Israel Centres of Excellence (CoE) for Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Both countries will undertake joint Research & Development (R&D) in advanced aquaculture technologies.

Key technologies include Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), biofloc, cage culture, aquaponics, and aquarium systems including oceanariums.

Cooperation will cover high-yield species breeding, pathogen-free seed production, and broodstock development.

16) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The 6th ASEAN–India Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN) was hosted virtually by Vietnam under the theme “Adaptive ASEAN: From Connectivity to Connected Intelligence.”

The meeting approved the ASEAN–India Digital Work Plan 2026, focusing on ICT training, capacity-building programmes, the India–ASEAN Regulators’ Conference, and the deployment of telecom ICT solutions.

Detailed Explanation:

The 6th ASEAN–India Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN) was hosted virtually by Vietnam under the theme “Adaptive ASEAN: From Connectivity to Connected Intelligence.”

The meeting was co-chaired by Amit Agrawal, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), India, and Nguyen Manh Hung, Minister of Science and Technology, Vietnam.

ADGMIN is an annual dialogue platform bringing together telecom and digital ministers of 11 ASEAN Member States along with ASEAN Dialogue Partners to enhance regional and global digital cooperation.

The meeting approved the ASEAN–India Digital Work Plan 2026, focusing on ICT training, capacity-building programmes, the India–ASEAN Regulators’ Conference, and the deployment of telecom ICT solutions.

17) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

INS Sagardhwani, India’s oceanographic research vessel under the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) of DRDO, was flagged off for the 5th edition of Sagar Maitri (SM-5) from Southern Naval Command, Kochi on 17 January 2026.

The vessel was flagged off by Radha Mohan Singh, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, in the presence of senior officials from the Indian Navy and DRDO.

Detailed Explanation:

INS Sagardhwani, India’s oceanographic research vessel under the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) of DRDO, was flagged off for the 5th edition of Sagar Maitri (SM-5) from Southern Naval Command, Kochi on 17 January 2026.

The vessel was flagged off by Radha Mohan Singh, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, in the presence of senior officials from the Indian Navy and DRDO.

Sagar Maitri is a flagship collaborative initiative of the Indian Navy and DRDO, aligned with India’s MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), aimed at enhancing scientific and socio-economic cooperation among Indian Ocean Rim (IOR) countries.

Under the programme, INS Sagardhwani will retrace the historic routes of INS Kistna, which participated in the International Indian Ocean Expedition (1962–65).

18) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The 16th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Experts Working Group (EWG) on Counter Terrorism (CT) will be held in New Delhi from 14–16 January 2026.

India and Malaysia will co-chair the 16th ADMM-Plus EWG on Counter Terrorism.

Detailed Explanation:

The 16th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Experts Working Group (EWG) on Counter Terrorism (CT) will be held in New Delhi from 14–16 January 2026.

India and Malaysia will co-chair the 16th ADMM-Plus EWG on Counter Terrorism.

The meeting will be attended by 11 ASEAN member countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor Leste.

Seven Dialogue Partners—Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Republic of Korea (South Korea), China, the United States, and Russia—along with ASEAN Secretariat representatives, will participate.

This will be the third meeting of the 2024–2027 three-year cooperation cycle under the ADMM-Plus Counter Terrorism framework.

The meeting aims to review progress, deliberate on ongoing initiatives, and plan future activities under the three-year Counter Terrorism work plan.

A Final Planning Conference (FPC) for the Table-Top Exercise (TTX) will be conducted on 14 January 2026.

Malaysia will host the Table-Top Exercise (TTX) later in 2026.

19) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Anup Kumar Saha, former Managing Director (MD) of Bajaj Finance, has been appointed as Whole-Time Director on the board of Kotak Mahindra Bank, subject to RBI approval, for a three-year term.

Detailed Explanation:

Anup Kumar Saha, former Managing Director (MD) of Bajaj Finance, has been appointed as Whole-Time Director on the board of Kotak Mahindra Bank, subject to RBI approval, for a three-year term.

The appointment is part of leadership rebuilding at Kotak Mahindra Bank following multiple senior exits and the earlier fragmentation of the consumer banking business.

Anup Kumar Saha played a pivotal role over eight years at Bajaj Finance, transforming it into one of India’s largest and most profitable consumer finance NBFCs.

20) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has developed an Integrated Road Safety Dashboard to strengthen road safety governance and help reduce road accidents across India.

The platform has already been successfully adopted by the Government of Odisha during Road Safety Month 2026, demonstrating its practical governance value.

The dashboard was developed by the Rehabilitation Bioengineering Group (RBG Labs) at IIT Madras, showcasing how academic research and technology can directly support e-governance and public service delivery.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has developed an Integrated Road Safety Dashboard to strengthen road safety governance and help reduce road accidents across India.

The dashboard is designed as a scalable and replicable digital public infrastructure, enabling States and Union Territories to adopt it according to their road safety strategies.

The platform has already been successfully adopted by the Government of Odisha during Road Safety Month 2026, demonstrating its practical governance value.

The dashboard was developed by the Rehabilitation Bioengineering Group (RBG Labs) at IIT Madras, showcasing how academic research and technology can directly support e-governance and public service delivery.

The platform was conceptualised and designed by RBG Labs and implemented by National Informatics Centre Services Inc (NICSI), integrating data from multiple departments and presenting it through real-time analytics and actionable insights.

21) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (IC) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, launched India’s first-ever open-sea Marine Fish Farming project from the Andaman Sea at North Bay, Sri Vijaya Puram on January 18, 2026.

The project is implemented through collaboration between the Ministry of Earth Sciences, its technical arm National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands UT Administration.

Detailed Explanation:

Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (IC) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, launched India’s first-ever open-sea Marine Fish Farming project from the Andaman Sea at North Bay, Sri Vijaya Puram on January 18, 2026.

The initiative is a key step towards achieving India’s Blue Economy vision, emphasised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, by leveraging the untapped economic potential of ocean resources.

The project is implemented through collaboration between the Ministry of Earth Sciences, its technical arm National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands UT Administration.

The project focuses on open-sea cultivation of marine finfish (such as seabass and cobia) and seaweed in natural ocean conditions using NIOT-developed open-sea cages, integrating advanced marine science with livelihood generation.

22) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

India and Germany signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on Telecommunications Cooperation during the official visit of German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz to India in January 2026.

The agreement was concluded between India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation (BMDS).

The declaration aims to deepen bilateral cooperation in telecommunications and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).

Detailed Explanation:

India and Germany signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on Telecommunications Cooperation during the official visit of German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz to India in January 2026.

The JDI was signed by Amit Agrawal, Secretary (Telecom), Government of India, and Philipp Ackermann on behalf of the Government of Germany.

The agreement was concluded between India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation (BMDS).

The declaration aims to deepen bilateral cooperation in telecommunications and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).

It reflects the growing momentum in India–Germany strategic relations supported by sustained high-level political engagement.

23) Answer: B

Vande Bharat trains, introduced in 2019, are semi-high-speed trains manufactured under Make in India, with around 150 trains operational nationwide, and the sleeper variant expanding services to long inter-state routes.

24) Answer: D

About Ladakh (Union Territory):

• Lieutenant Governor: Kavinder Gupta
• Capital: Leh (summer), Kargil (winter)
• Districts: Leh and Kargil
• National Parks: Hemis National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary

25) Answer: C

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has developed an Integrated Road Safety Dashboard to strengthen road safety governance and help reduce road accidents across India.

The dashboard was developed by the Rehabilitation Bioengineering Group (RBG Labs) at IIT Madras, showcasing how academic research and technology can directly support e-governance and public service delivery.