Practice questions
-
Which ministry announced that Jaipur would host a regional AI Impact Conference?
- Ministry of Education
- NITI Aayog
- Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY)
- Ministry of Science and Technology
Show answer
Answer: C. Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) — MeitY announced the regional conference before the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
-
The AI Impact Conference is based on which three themes?
- Peace, Prosperity, Progress
- People, Planet, Progress
- Policy, Power, People
- Planning, Production, Profit
Show answer
Answer: B. People, Planet, Progress — The three themes are People, Planet and Progress, with the seven pillars of the IndiaAI Mission.
-
Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary's eco-sensitive zone covers about how many square kilometres?
- 143
- 243
- 343
- 443
Show answer
Answer: B. 243 — The ESZ covers about 243 sq km and around 94 villages.
-
The Kumbhalgarh eco-sensitive zone spreads over which three districts?
- Jodhpur, Pali, Sirohi
- Chittorgarh, Bhilwara, Ajmer
- Udaipur, Pali, Rajsamand
- Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jalore
Show answer
Answer: C. Udaipur, Pali, Rajsamand — Kumbhalgarh lies in the Aravalli range across Udaipur, Pali and Rajsamand.
-
The ESZ around Kumbhalgarh was notified under which Act?
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
- Forest Conservation Act, 1980
- Air Act, 1981
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
Show answer
Answer: D. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 — The notification was issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
-
NITI Aayog's three circular economy reports were released at which event in Jaipur?
- IMRC 2026
- Rising Rajasthan
- Jaipur Literature Festival
- Global Investors Meet
Show answer
Answer: A. IMRC 2026 — They were released at IMRC 2026, the International Material Recycling Conference organised by MRAI.
-
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was set up under which Act?
- Air Act, 1981
- CAQM Act, 2021
- NGT Act, 2010
- EP Act, 1986
Show answer
Answer: B. CAQM Act, 2021 — CAQM is a statutory body formed under the CAQM Act, 2021.
-
India's BRICS chairship in 2026 is the country's how many-th time to lead the group?
- Second
- Third
- Fourth
- Fifth
Show answer
Answer: C. Fourth — India chaired BRICS in 2012, 2016 and 2021, so 2026 is the fourth time.
-
Which country became the 21st member of the eurozone on 1 January 2026?
- Romania
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Poland
Show answer
Answer: B. Bulgaria — Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026 and became the 21st eurozone member.
-
The EOS-N1 satellite mission failed because of a fault in which stage of PSLV-C62?
- First stage (PS1)
- Second stage (PS2)
- Fourth stage (PS4)
- Third stage (PS3)
Show answer
Answer: D. Third stage (PS3) — A technical fault near the end of the third stage (PS3) stopped the satellite from reaching orbit.
-
In which city did the USA carry out its military action to detain Venezuela's President Maduro?
- Maracaibo
- Valencia
- Caracas
- Bogotá
Show answer
Answer: C. Caracas — The US operation took place in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, on 3 January 2026.
-
How many agreements and joint declarations were signed during German Chancellor Merz's first India visit?
- 5
- 9
- 12
- 15
Show answer
Answer: B. 9 — Nine agreements and joint declarations were signed during the 2–3 January 2026 visit.
-
The BBNJ Agreement, which came into force on 7 January 2026, protects biodiversity of which area?
- Polar ice caps
- Tropical rainforests
- The high seas
- Coral islands
Show answer
Answer: C. The high seas — BBNJ is the first legally binding treaty for biodiversity in the high seas, beyond national jurisdiction.
-
How many international organisations did the USA decide to leave through Trump's memorandum of 7 January 2026?
- 44
- 55
- 66
- 78
Show answer
Answer: C. 66 — The memorandum covered 66 organisations: 31 UN bodies and 35 non-UN groups.
-
Where was the 16th Assembly of IRENA held in January 2026?
- Abu Dhabi
- Dubai
- Riyadh
- Doha
Show answer
Answer: A. Abu Dhabi — The IRENA assembly was held in Abu Dhabi on 10–12 January 2026.
-
The theme of the 56th World Economic Forum at Davos in 2026 was:
- Rebuilding Trust
- Cooperation in a Fragmented World
- Spirit of Dialogue
- Collaboration for Growth
Show answer
Answer: C. Spirit of Dialogue — The 56th WEF meeting on 19–23 January 2026 had the theme 'Spirit of Dialogue'.
-
Which Indian shuttler won her 500th singles match on 22 January 2026?
- Saina Nehwal
- P. V. Sindhu
- Aakarshi Kashyap
- Treesa Jolly
Show answer
Answer: B. P. V. Sindhu — P. V. Sindhu became the first Indian and the sixth player in the world to reach 500 singles wins.
-
Who is the lifetime chair of the Board of Peace for Gaza?
- Tony Blair
- Marco Rubio
- Jared Kushner
- Donald Trump
Show answer
Answer: D. Donald Trump — US President Donald Trump is the lifetime chair of the Board of Peace.
-
Who released the Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework in January 2026?
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
- General Anil Chauhan
- Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi
- NSA Ajit Doval
Show answer
Answer: B. General Anil Chauhan — Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan released the framework on 22 January 2026.
-
Shubhanshu Shukla received the Ashok Chakra for his role in which space mission?
- Gaganyaan
- Chandrayaan-3
- Aditya-L1
- Axiom-4
Show answer
Answer: D. Axiom-4 — Shukla flew to the International Space Station on NASA's Axiom-4 mission.
-
Who became the first foreign coach to receive a Padma Shri (posthumously) in 2026?
- Vladimir Mestvirishvili
- Gary Kirsten
- Craig Fulton
- Peter Gaston
Show answer
Answer: A. Vladimir Mestvirishvili — Georgian wrestling coach Vladimir Mestvirishvili received the honour posthumously.
-
The LR-AShM displayed at the 2026 Republic Day parade is what type of missile?
- Ballistic missile defence interceptor
- Long-range hypersonic anti-ship glide missile
- Surface-to-air cruise missile
- Air-to-air missile
Show answer
Answer: B. Long-range hypersonic anti-ship glide missile — LR-AShM is a DRDO-made long-range anti-ship hypersonic glide missile with a range of about 500 km.
-
The India–EU Free Trade Agreement made the EU India's which-number FTA partner?
- 20th
- 21st
- 22nd
- 25th
Show answer
Answer: C. 22nd — The EU became India's 22nd FTA partner on the announcement of 27 January 2026.
-
How many Arab League members attended the second India–Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting?
- 15
- 18
- 20
- 22
Show answer
Answer: D. 22 — All 22 Arab League members took part in the meeting held in New Delhi on 31 January 2026.
-
Chandrayaan-4's landing site 'MM-4' lies in which area near the Moon's south pole?
- Shackleton crater
- Mare Imbrium
- Mons Mouton
- Tycho crater
Show answer
Answer: C. Mons Mouton — ISRO picked the MM-4 area of Mons Mouton for its gentle slope and long sunlight.
One-liner questions: fill in the blank
The Ministry of Electronics and IT (_____) announced that Jaipur will host a regional AI Impact Conference in January 2026, as a preparatory forum before the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
Show answer
Answer: MeitY
The Union Environment Ministry (_____) declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, covering about 243 sq km and around 94 villages in Udaipur, Pali and Rajsamand districts of the Aravalli range.
Show answer
Answer: MoEFCC
_____ released three reports on the circular economy, covering end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), used tyres, and e-waste with lithium-ion batteries, at the IMRC 2026 (International Material Recycling Conference) in Jaipur.
Show answer
Answer: NITI Aayog
India formally took over the _____ from Brazil on 1 January 2026. It is the fourth time India holds the chair, after 2012, 2016 and 2021.
Show answer
Answer: BRICS chair
In _____, the USA carried out a military action in Caracas and detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro with his wife. About 50 US fighter aircraft struck several sites in Venezuela.
Show answer
Answer: Operation Absolute Resolve
The _____ (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction), the first legally binding treaty for the high seas, came into force on 7 January 2026. It was adopted under UNCLOS 1982 and covers waters outside any country's EEZ.
Show answer
Answer: BBNJ Agreement
The charter of the US-led _____ was signed at Davos on 22 January 2026. The body was set up under UNSC Resolution 2803 (2025) and is not directly controlled by the UN.
Show answer
Answer: Board of Peace for Gaza
Group Captain _____, who flew to the ISS on NASA's Axiom-4 mission, received the Ashok Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award. He is the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma and will be part of Gaganyaan.
Show answer
Answer: Shubhanshu Shukla
India and the _____ announced a Free Trade Agreement on 27 January 2026 at the 6th India–EU Summit in New Delhi. The EU became India's 22nd FTA partner, with a market of about 2 billion people.
Show answer
Answer: European Union
The AI Impact Conference in Jaipur is built on three themes, _____, and on the seven pillars of the IndiaAI Mission. Its aim is to encourage the adoption of AI and new ideas.
Show answer
Answer: People, Planet and Progress
The Jaipur AI conference will focus on AI in government services, ethical rules for AI use, and _____ technology in city planning. It also aims to make Rajasthan a regional hub of AI innovation.
Show answer
Answer: digital twin
The Kumbhalgarh ESZ notification was issued under the _____. It creates a buffer between the forest and people living around it, to protect biodiversity and wildlife habitat.
Show answer
Answer: Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary is home to wildlife such as _____ and jungle cat, which adds to the importance of the eco-sensitive zone.
Show answer
Answer: nilgai, chinkara, Indian pangolin
IMRC 2026 was organised by the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI), India's largest recycling industry body. The reports stress stronger _____ rules and better use of resources in large waste sectors.
Show answer
Answer: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
The reports note that rising sales of electric vehicles are increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries, so proper disposal at end of life is vital. This links to the _____ goal of low-waste, low-carbon growth.
Show answer
Answer: Viksit Bharat 2047
The CAQM review aims to reduce _____ (particles up to 2.5 micrometres) and PM10 (up to 10 micrometres). It looks at vehicle smoke, industry, construction and road dust, and burning of crop residue or waste.
Show answer
Answer: PM2.5
The United Nations declared _____ the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, to be led by the FAO on a proposal from Mongolia. The same year is also marked for women farmers and for volunteers for sustainable development.
Show answer
Answer: 2026
UAE President _____ made his third official visit to India. The two sides agreed to cooperate on large and small modular nuclear reactors, investment in Dholera SIR in Gujarat, space, and a strategic defence partnership.
Show answer
Answer: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
_____ and the UAE's G42 reached an early understanding to build a supercomputing cluster in India. Both countries set a target of taking bilateral trade above $200 billion by 2032.
Show answer
Answer: C-DAC
First Abu Dhabi Bank and _____ will open offices in GIFT City, Gujarat, and a digital/data embassy will be set up. A 'House of India' will be built in Abu Dhabi to showcase Indian culture and heritage.
Show answer
Answer: DP World
Tennis great _____, who played for India at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, was honoured with a Padma Bhushan in the Padma Awards 2026.
Show answer
Answer: Vijay Amritraj
_____, Harmanpreet Kaur (captain of India's first women's ODI World Cup win) and hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia received the Padma Shri in sports.
Show answer
Answer: Rohit Sharma
Georgian wrestling coach _____ received a posthumous Padma Shri and became the first foreign coach to get this honour.
Show answer
Answer: Vladimir Mestvirishvili
ISRO chose the _____ area of Mons Mouton, near the Moon's south pole, as the landing site for Chandrayaan-4. The spot has gentle slopes, flat ground and long sunlight, and was picked using old Chandrayaan-2 orbiter camera data.
Show answer
Answer: 'MM-4'
Home Minister _____ inaugurated the National IED Data Management System (NIDMS) of the NSG. It joins scattered explosive and terror-incident data in one place for the NIA, state police and central forces.
Show answer
Answer: Amit Shah
China's _____ province started the world's largest compressed-air energy storage (CAES) plant in a salt cavern. It can produce 600 MW and store 2,400 MWh, with about 70% efficiency and zero emissions.
Show answer
Answer: Jiangsu
_____ adopted the euro on 1 January 2026 and became the 21st member of the eurozone (a monetary union under the Maastricht Treaty, 1992). Euro users now exceed 350 million, and Bulgaria joins the ECB Governing Council.
Show answer
Answer: Bulgaria
The earth-observation satellite _____ was launched on PSLV-C62 from Sriharikota but failed to reach orbit because of a fault in the end of the third stage (PS3). It was the 64th PSLV mission, and ISRO is probing the cause.
Show answer
Answer: EOS-N1
_____ joined Pax Silica on 2 January 2026. This US-led alliance secures supply chains of critical minerals, silicon and AI; members include Australia, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the UK, the Netherlands and the UAE.
Show answer
Answer: Qatar
German Chancellor _____ made his first official visit to India on 2–3 January 2026. He joined Prime Minister Modi at the International Kite Festival on the Sabarmati Riverfront, and 9 agreements and joint declarations were signed.
Show answer
Answer: Friedrich Merz
India and Germany also announced _____ through Germany for Indian passport holders, a new Track 1.5 foreign and security policy dialogue, and an action plan for the India–Germany Digital Dialogue (2025–2027).
Show answer
Answer: visa-free transit
External Affairs Minister _____ launched the logo and website of India's BRICS Chairship 2026. The logo is based on a lotus with a Namaste gesture, designed by Sudeep Subhash Gandhi, and uses the colours of all members.
Show answer
Answer: S. Jaishankar
Maduro was taken to _____ to face charges of drug trafficking, narco-terrorism, illegal weapons and corruption. The USA aims to restore its dominance in the Western Hemisphere, limit Chinese and Russian influence, and gain control of Venezuelan oil.
Show answer
Answer: New York
Venezuela lies on the northern edge of South America, with _____ as its capital. It has the largest proven oil reserves in the world, mostly in the Orinoco Belt.
Show answer
Answer: Caracas
The world's first _____ opened in a cave under the ice at the Concordia Research Station (Dome C), Antarctica. Run by the Ice Memory Foundation, it stores glacier ice cores that preserve climate data.
Show answer
Answer: Mountain Ice Core Repository
_____ took the oath as the interim President of Venezuela on 5 January 2026, after Maduro was detained.
Show answer
Answer: Delcy Rodríguez
US President _____ signed a memorandum on 7 January 2026 to withdraw the USA from 66 international organisations (31 UN bodies and 35 non-UN groups), saying they work against American interests and sovereignty.
Show answer
Answer: Donald Trump
BBNJ talks began in _____, ended in March 2023, and the treaty took effect after 60 ratifications in September 2025. India signed it on 25 September 2024 but has not yet ratified; the Ministry of Earth Sciences is the nodal body.
Show answer
Answer: 2008
BBNJ has four pillars: fair sharing of _____, marine protected areas, mandatory environmental impact assessments for high-seas activities, and capacity building with technology transfer for developing countries. It supports SDG 14 (life below water).
Show answer
Answer: marine genetic resources
The _____ (International Renewable Energy Agency) met in Abu Dhabi on 10–12 January 2026 on the theme 'Empowering Humanity: Renewable Energy for Shared Prosperity'. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi represented India.
Show answer
Answer: 16th Assembly of IRENA
Frequently asked questions
How is this page arranged?
The mind map has one branch for each exam topic: government and states, international and agreements, economy and banking, science, defence and environment, sports, days and culture, and awards, appointments and books. Tap a branch to open its one-liners. The same news is also written out as plain text below the map.
What kind of current affairs does Defence Exams (NDA, CDS, CAPF) ask?
Defence Exams (NDA, CDS, CAPF) papers (NDA, CDS, CAPF (AC), AFCAT and Agniveer) lean on defence deals, exercises, weapons and missiles, space and science, international relations, sports, awards and appointments of service chiefs. This page orders the news the same way.
How many months of current affairs should I study?
For most exams the last 6 months matter most; state PCS and UPSC add the previous 6 months. Read month by month using the month filter, then practise the MCQs.
Are there MCQs on these current affairs?
Yes, 25 questions with answers and explanations are on the questions and answers page of this section.
Is this free?
Yes. Every mind map, one-liner, question and answer on the current affairs pages is free to read.