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Current Affairs January 2026: Monthly Round-up

Rajasthan and national news for RAS, Patwari, VDO and other exams37 itemseach with its sourcepublished 6 October 2026

Rajasthan

First Hadoti Travel Mart held in Kota, 2–4 January, to promote tourism of the Hadoti region

The first edition of the Hadoti Travel Mart was held in Kota from 2 to 4 January 2026. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla opened it at Shaurya Ghat on the Chambal river; Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari inaugurated the B2B sessions. It was organised by the Hotel Federation of Rajasthan (Kota Division) with the state Tourism Department, and hosted over 450 tour operators, travel professionals and media persons.

Exam angleVenue and organiser of the first Hadoti Travel Mart

Source:Travel Trade Journal (opens in a new tab)

Rajasthan AI-ML Policy 2026 launched at the Regional AI Impact Conference in Jaipur

On 6 January 2026, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma launched the Rajasthan Artificial Intelligence–Machine Learning (AI-ML) Policy 2026 and the National AI Literacy Programme at the Rajasthan Regional AI Impact Conference at JECC, Jaipur. The iStart Learning Management System, the Rajasthan AVGC-XR Portal and the Rajasthan AI Portal were also unveiled. The conference was held alongside the Rajasthan DigiFest X TiE Global Summit 2026.

Exam angleName of policy and portals launched; venue JECC Jaipur

Sources:ETV Bharat (opens in a new tab)The Pioneer (opens in a new tab)

On National Youth Day, CM releases Rajasthan Youth Policy-2026 and a calendar for 1 lakh govt recruitments

On 12 January 2026 (National Youth Day), Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma released the new Youth Policy-2026, an Employment Policy and a recruitment calendar for one lakh government posts at a state-level festival at SMS Stadium, Jaipur. He also launched the Mukhyamantri Yuva Swarozgar Yojana and presented Youth Icon Awards. The day marks Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary.

Exam anglePolicies launched on 12 Jan; size of the recruitment calendar

Source:AIR / newsonair (Rajasthani) (opens in a new tab)

78th Army Day parade held on Mahal Road, Jaipur — first held outside a cantonment area

The Indian Army's 78th Army Day parade was held on Mahal Road, Jagatpura, in Jaipur on 15 January 2026, watched by Governor Haribhau Bagde and Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. BrahMos missile systems, tanks, drones and robotic dogs were displayed and the Nepal Army Band took part; Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the evening 'Shaurya Sandhya' at SMS Stadium.

Exam angleHost city of Army Day parade 2026; first outside a cantonment

Sources:AIR / newsonair (opens in a new tab)Aviation & Defence Universe (opens in a new tab)

Centre notifies 0–1 km Eco-Sensitive Zone of about 243 sq km around Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

The Union Environment Ministry notified an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in the Aravalli range, reported on 20 January 2026. The ESZ extends from zero to one kilometre from the sanctuary boundary, covers about 243 sq km and 94 villages in Udaipur, Pali and Rajsamand districts. The sanctuary's wildlife includes leopard, striped hyena, Indian pangolin and chinkara.

Exam angleESZ extent (0–1 km) and area (about 243 sq km)

Sources:AIR / newsonair (opens in a new tab)Outlook Traveller (opens in a new tab)

Rajasthan Cabinet clears Aerospace & Defence Policy and the state's first Semiconductor Policy

On 21 January 2026, the Rajasthan Cabinet approved the Rajasthan Aerospace and Defence Policy and the state's first Rajasthan Semiconductor Policy–2025. The aerospace policy offers reimbursement of up to 75% of state taxes for seven years. Under the semiconductor policy, projects approved under the India Semiconductor Mission get a 100% electricity duty exemption for seven years.

Exam angleState's first semiconductor policy; 100% electricity duty waiver for 7 years

Source:Swarajya (opens in a new tab)

Padma Shri 2026 for three from Rajasthan: Gafruddin Mewati Jogi, Taga Ram Bheel, Swami Brahmdev

Among the Padma Awards announced on 25 January 2026, three persons from Rajasthan received the Padma Shri. Gafruddin Mewati Jogi of village Kaithwara, Deeg district (Art) is a bhapang player of the Mewati Jogi community; Taga Ram Bheel of Moolsagar, Jaisalmer (Art) is an algoza maestro. Swami Brahmdev Ji Maharaj of Sri Ganganagar (Social Work) leads the Shri Jagdamba Sanstha, whose Shri Jagdamba Andh Vidyalaya for visually impaired children dates from 1980.

Exam angleRajasthan's Padma Shri 2026 awardees, their fields and districts

Sources:Padma Awards (citation) (opens in a new tab)Padma Awards (citation) (opens in a new tab)Padma Awards (citation) (opens in a new tab)IANS (opens in a new tab)

Rajasthan's Bikaner Usta Art tableau places third in Republic Day 2026 Popular Choice poll

Rajasthan's Republic Day 2026 tableau, 'Golden Touch of the Desert: Bikaner Gold Art (Usta Art)', came third among States/UTs in the Popular Choice category, announced on 29 January 2026. The MyGov online poll ran on 26–27 January; Gujarat was first and Uttar Pradesh second.

Exam angleTheme of Rajasthan's R-Day 2026 tableau; its Popular Choice rank

Sources:MyGov (opens in a new tab)AIR / newsonair (opens in a new tab)

National

MHA notifies Census 2027 house-listing phase, with a self-enumeration option

On 7 January 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs notified that the House-listing Operations of Census 2027 will be held between 1 April and 30 September 2026, in a 30-day window chosen by each State/UT. A 15-day self-enumeration option will precede house-to-house listing. It will be India's first digital Census, using mobile apps, with about 30 lakh field functionaries.

Exam angleFirst digital Census; 15-day self-enumeration window

Sources:AIR / newsonair (opens in a new tab)ETV Bharat (opens in a new tab)

Somnath Swabhiman Parv marks 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni's first attack on Somnath (1026)

The Somnath Swabhiman Parv was held at Somnath, Gujarat, from 8 to 11 January 2026 to mark 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni's first attack on the temple in January 1026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited on 10–11 January and led the 'Shaurya Yatra' on 11 January. The year also marks 75 years since the restored temple was reopened in 1951; a 72-hour Omkar chant was part of the Parv.

Exam angleInvader and year commemorated; 1951 reopening

Sources:AIR News (opens in a new tab)ETV Bharat (opens in a new tab)

Jaishankar launches logo, theme and website of India's BRICS chairship 2026

On 13 January 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar launched the logo, theme and website (brics2026.gov.in) for India's BRICS chairship in 2026. The theme is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'. India holds the chair as BRICS completes 20 years, with a 'humanity first' and 'people-centric' approach.

Exam angleTheme of India's BRICS 2026 chairship

Source:AIR / newsonair (opens in a new tab)

77th Republic Day: EU leaders Costa and von der Leyen chief guests; theme 150 years of Vande Mataram

India's 77th Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path on 26 January 2026 had two chief guests: European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The parade was themed on '150 years of Vande Mataram', with tableaux under 'Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram' and 'Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. Thirty tableaux (17 States/UTs, 13 Ministries/Services) took part and an EU contingent marched.

Exam angleR-Day 2026 chief guests (EU leaders) and parade theme

Sources:AIR / newsonair (opens in a new tab)Aviation & Defence Universe (opens in a new tab)WION (opens in a new tab)

Parliament's Budget Session opens with President Murmu's address to a joint sitting

The Budget Session of Parliament began on 28 January 2026 with President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint sitting of both Houses. The first phase ran from 28 January to 13 February and the second from 9 March to 2 April. The Economic Survey and the Union Budget 2026-27 were presented in this session.

Exam angleStart date of Budget Session; President's address

Source:AIR / newsonair (opens in a new tab)

Economic Survey 2025-26 tabled: GDP growth for 2025-26 estimated at 7.4%

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey 2025-26 in Parliament on 29 January 2026. It estimates real GDP growth of 7.4% in 2025-26 (6.5% in 2024-25) and projects 6.8–7.2% for 2026-27. Retail inflation fell to 1.7% in April–December 2025, and forex reserves covered about 11 months of imports; the Survey also discussed the effect of AI on jobs.

Exam angleSurvey's growth estimate for 2025-26; inflation figure

Source:PRS India (opens in a new tab)

Maharashtra's 'Ganeshotsav' tableau judged best at Republic Day 2026; Navy best marching contingent

Results for the Republic Day Parade 2026, reported on 29 January, named Maharashtra's 'Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta' the best State/UT tableau, followed by Jammu & Kashmir and Kerala. The Ministry of Culture's 'Vande Mataram – The Soul Cry of a Nation' was the best central tableau. The Indian Navy was the best marching contingent among the Services, and Delhi Police among CAPFs and auxiliary forces.

Exam angleBest tableau (Maharashtra) and best marching contingents

Source:AIR / newsonair (opens in a new tab)

International

Bulgaria adopts the euro and becomes the 21st member of the euro area

On 1 January 2026, Bulgaria adopted the euro, becoming the 21st member of the euro area. The lev was converted at a fixed rate of 1 euro = 1.95583 lev and circulated alongside the euro during January. The EU Council had formally approved Bulgaria's entry on 8 July 2025.

Exam angle21st eurozone member; currency replaced (lev)

Sources:European Commission (opens in a new tab)BTA (opens in a new tab)

US forces capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in 'Operation Absolute Resolve'

On 3 January 2026, United States forces carried out strikes in and around Caracas and captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who were taken to the US to face charges in New York. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the developments constituted 'a dangerous precedent'. On 4 January, India's Ministry of External Affairs called the developments 'a matter of deep concern' and urged all sides to resolve issues peacefully through dialogue.

Exam angleCountry and leader involved; operation name

Sources:UN News (opens in a new tab)AIR / newsonair (opens in a new tab)Onmanorama (opens in a new tab)

WEF's 56th Annual Meeting held at Davos, 19–23 January, on the theme 'A Spirit of Dialogue'

The World Economic Forum's 56th Annual Meeting was held in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, from 19 to 23 January 2026 under the theme 'A Spirit of Dialogue'. Close to 3,000 leaders from 130 countries took part, including about 65 heads of state and government. Ahead of it, on 14 January, the WEF's Global Risks Report 2026 was released.

Exam angleTheme and edition number of Davos 2026

Sources:World Economic Forum (opens in a new tab)Business Today (opens in a new tab)

United States formally exits the World Health Organization on 22 January 2026

The United States' withdrawal from the World Health Organization took effect on 22 January 2026, one year after it gave notice on 22 January 2025. President Donald Trump had signed the executive order on 20 January 2025. The US was WHO's largest single donor, providing about 18% of its budget.

Exam angleDate the US exit from WHO took effect

Sources:Al Jazeera (opens in a new tab)Polskie Radio (opens in a new tab)

16th India–EU Summit in New Delhi; Security and Defence Partnership signed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held the 16th India–EU Summit in New Delhi on 27 January 2026. Besides the free trade agreement, the two sides exchanged agreements including a Security and Defence Partnership covering counter-terrorism, maritime and cyber security, and documents on mobility, disaster risk management and green hydrogen.

Exam angleSummit number (16th) and the defence pact signed

Sources:AIR / newsonair (opens in a new tab)AIR / newsonair (opens in a new tab)

Economy & schemes

NSO's First Advance Estimates put India's real GDP growth for 2025-26 at 7.4%

On 7 January 2026, the National Statistics Office (MoSPI) released the First Advance Estimates of GDP for 2025-26. Real GDP is estimated to grow by 7.4%, against 6.5% in 2024-25, and nominal GDP by 8.0%. Real GVA is estimated to grow by 7.3%, led by services.

Exam angleFAE real GDP growth 2025-26; releasing body (NSO, MoSPI)

Sources:DD News (opens in a new tab)Governance Now (opens in a new tab)

Startup India completes 10 years on National Startup Day; over 2 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups

On 16 January 2026, National Startup Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a programme at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking ten years of Startup India, launched on 16 January 2016. More than 2 lakh startups have been recognised by DPIIT, and the Prime Minister described India as the world's third-largest startup ecosystem.

Exam angleLaunch date of Startup India; National Startup Day (16 Jan)

Sources:AIR / newsonair (opens in a new tab)AIR News (opens in a new tab)

Cabinet extends Atal Pension Yojana to 2030-31 and approves ₹5,000 crore equity for SIDBI

On 21 January 2026, the Union Cabinet approved continuing the Atal Pension Yojana up to 2030-31, with support for promotion and gap funding; it had over 8.66 crore subscribers, and gives a guaranteed pension of ₹1,000–5,000 a month from age 60. The Cabinet also approved ₹5,000 crore equity support to SIDBI, to be released in three tranches (₹3,000 crore in 2025-26 and ₹1,000 crore each in 2026-27 and 2027-28).

Exam angleAPY extended up to 2030-31; SIDBI equity ₹5,000 crore

Sources:AIR / newsonair (opens in a new tab)The Hitavada (opens in a new tab)

India and the EU announce conclusion of their free trade agreement, India's biggest FTA

At the India–EU Summit in New Delhi on 27 January 2026, India and the European Union announced the conclusion of negotiations on their free trade agreement, dubbed the 'mother of all deals'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it India's biggest free trade deal.

Exam anglePartner of India's biggest FTA; date announced

Sources:AIR / newsonair (opens in a new tab)The Statesman (opens in a new tab)

Science & environment

Kerala renames Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, India's first

In January 2026, Kerala renamed the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kannur district as the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, making it India's first sanctuary dedicated to butterflies. The 55 sq km sanctuary, set up in 1984 in the Western Ghats, records 266 of Kerala's 327 butterfly species, 27 of them endemic to the Western Ghats.

Exam angleIndia's first butterfly sanctuary: name, district and state

Source:ETV Bharat (opens in a new tab)

PSLV-C62 carrying EOS-N1 fails after an anomaly near the end of its third stage

ISRO's PSLV-C62 lifted off from the First Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, on 12 January 2026 carrying the EOS-N1 earth observation satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites; it was NewSpace India Limited's 9th dedicated commercial mission. Close to the end of the third (PS3) stage, a higher disturbance in roll rates and a deviation in the flight path were observed, and the mission failed to place its satellites in orbit.

Exam angleMain satellite of PSLV-C62; stage where the anomaly occurred

Sources:ISRO (opens in a new tab)AIR / newsonair (opens in a new tab)Business Today (opens in a new tab)

Bhairav Battalion and 'Suryastra' rocket launcher make their Republic Day parade debut

At the 77th Republic Day parade on 26 January 2026, the Army's 4 Bhairav Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry, raised in October 2025 to bridge the gap between conventional infantry and special forces, made its Republic Day debut. The 'Suryastra' universal rocket launcher, able to strike at ranges of 150 km and 300 km, was also shown at the parade for the first time, along with a phased battle array formation.

Exam angleSuryastra strike ranges; Bhairav Battalion's role

Source:DD News (opens in a new tab)

Sports

India Open 2026: An Se-young and Lin Chun-yi win the singles titles in New Delhi

At the India Open 2026, a BWF World Tour Super 750 event held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi, the finals were played on 18 January. Korea's An Se-young won the women's singles, beating China's Wang Zhi Yi 21-13, 21-11. Chinese Taipei's Lin Chun-yi won the men's singles, defeating Indonesia's Jonatan Christie 21-10, 21-18, for his first Super 750 title.

Exam angleIndia Open 2026 singles winners; venue

Source:Morung Express (IANS) (opens in a new tab)

Costa Rica's Amelia Valverde appointed head coach of India's senior women's football team

On 20 January 2026, the All India Football Federation appointed Amelia Valverde of Costa Rica as head coach of the Indian senior women's national team. She coached Costa Rica's women's team from 2015 to 2023, taking it to the 2015 and 2023 FIFA Women's World Cups. India were preparing for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 in Australia.

Exam angleNew coach of India women's football team and her country

Sources:AIR / newsonair (opens in a new tab)AIFF (opens in a new tab)

Elena Rybakina beats Aryna Sabalenka to win the Australian Open 2026 women's title

Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina won the Australian Open 2026 women's singles title in Melbourne on 31 January, beating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. It was her first Australian Open title and second Grand Slam title; Sabalenka had beaten her in the 2023 Australian Open final.

Exam angleAO 2026 women's champion, her country and the runner-up

Source:Australian Open (opens in a new tab)

Awards & appointments

Justice Revati Mohite Dere takes oath as Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court

Justice Revati Mohite Dere, a judge of the Bombay High Court, was sworn in as Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court on 10 January 2026 at Lok Bhavan, Shillong; Governor C.H. Vijayashankar administered the oath. Her appointment was notified on 1 January after Chief Justice Soumen Sen was transferred to the Kerala High Court. She is the 15th Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court.

Exam angleNew Chief Justice of Meghalaya HC; parent High Court

Sources:Meghalaya Governor (press release) (opens in a new tab)Northeast Now (opens in a new tab)

Sikkim SDMA and Lt Col Seeta Ashok Shelke get Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2026

On 23 January 2026 (Parakram Diwas), the Government selected the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (institutional category) and Lt Col Seeta Ashok Shelke of the Indian Army (individual category) for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2026. Lt Col Shelke led relief operations during the 2024 Wayanad (Kerala) landslides. The award carries ₹51 lakh for an institution and ₹5 lakh for an individual.

Exam angle2026 winners in institutional and individual categories

Sources:AIR / newsonair (opens in a new tab)The Week (PTI) (opens in a new tab)NDMA (opens in a new tab)

131 Padma Awards for 2026: 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri

On the eve of Republic Day, 25 January 2026, the Government announced 131 Padma Awards: 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri. The Padma Vibhushan went to Dharmendra (posthumous), K.T. Thomas, N. Rajam, P. Narayanan and V.S. Achuthanandan (posthumous). Nineteen awardees are women, six are foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI and 16 awards are posthumous.

Exam angleNumber of Padma awards 2026 by category

Sources:AIR / newsonair (opens in a new tab)AIR / newsonair (opens in a new tab)IANS (opens in a new tab)

Ashoka Chakra for astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla among 70 gallantry awards

On the eve of Republic Day 2026, President Droupadi Murmu approved 70 gallantry awards to armed forces personnel, six of them posthumous. IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (Axiom-4, 2025), received the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award. The three Kirti Chakras went to Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Major Arshdeep Singh and Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba; 13 Shaurya Chakras were also awarded.

Exam angleAshoka Chakra 2026 awardee; number of Kirti Chakras

Sources:ETV Bharat (opens in a new tab)Business Today (opens in a new tab)

Days, reports & indices

National Youth Day: 2nd Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue concludes at Bharat Mandapam

National Youth Day on 12 January marks Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary. The second Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 9 to 12 January 2026 with about 3,000 young participants. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in its concluding session on 12 January.

Exam angleVBYLD edition and venue; whose birth anniversary is 12 Jan

Sources:AIR News (opens in a new tab)AIR News (opens in a new tab)

WEF Global Risks Report 2026 names geoeconomic confrontation the top risk for 2026

The World Economic Forum released its Global Risks Report 2026 on 14 January 2026. Geoeconomic confrontation was ranked the top risk most likely to trigger a global crisis in 2026, chosen by 18% of respondents, followed by interstate conflict, extreme weather, societal polarisation and misinformation. Half of the experts expected a turbulent or stormy outlook.

Exam angleTop risk for 2026 in WEF Global Risks Report

Sources:World Economic Forum (opens in a new tab)World Economic Forum (opens in a new tab)

16th National Voters' Day theme: 'My India, My Vote'; President Murmu chief guest

The Election Commission of India celebrated the 16th National Voters' Day on 25 January 2026 in New Delhi with the theme 'My India, My Vote', and the tagline 'Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy'. President Droupadi Murmu was chief guest and presented the Best Electoral Practices Awards. The day marks the ECI's foundation on 25 January 1950 and has been observed since 2011.

Exam angleNVD 2026 theme and edition

Sources:AIR News (opens in a new tab)AIR / newsonair (opens in a new tab)

This month's quiz

15 questions on this news. Think of your answer, then press “Show answer”.

Q1

On 12 January 2026, along with the Youth Policy-2026, the Rajasthan Chief Minister released a recruitment calendar for how many government posts?

  1. (1)50,000
  2. (2)75,000
  3. (3)1 lakh
  4. (4)1.25 lakh

Answer: (3) 1 lakh

Explanation

The CM released the Youth Policy-2026, an Employment Policy and a calendar for one lakh government recruitments at SMS Stadium, Jaipur.

Q2

The Indian Army's 78th Army Day parade, held on 15 January 2026 outside a cantonment area for the first time, took place in which city?

  1. (1)Jaipur
  2. (2)Jodhpur
  3. (3)Bikaner
  4. (4)Udaipur

Answer: (1) Jaipur

Explanation

The parade was held on Mahal Road, Jagatpura, Jaipur, and displayed BrahMos missile systems, drones and robotic dogs.

Q3

The Eco-Sensitive Zone around Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, notified in January 2026, extends how far from the sanctuary boundary?

  1. (1)0 to 500 metres
  2. (2)0 to 1 km
  3. (3)0 to 5 km
  4. (4)0 to 10 km

Answer: (2) 0 to 1 km

Explanation

The ESZ extends from zero to one kilometre around the sanctuary and covers about 243 sq km.

Q4

Under the Rajasthan Semiconductor Policy approved by the State Cabinet on 21 January 2026, approved projects get which electricity-duty benefit?

  1. (1)50% exemption for 5 years
  2. (2)75% exemption for 10 years
  3. (3)100% exemption for 5 years
  4. (4)100% exemption for 7 years

Answer: (4) 100% exemption for 7 years

Explanation

The state's first semiconductor policy gives projects approved under the India Semiconductor Mission a 100% electricity duty exemption for seven years. The Aerospace and Defence Policy was approved at the same meeting.

Q5

Rajasthan's tableau at the Republic Day Parade 2026, which came third in the Popular Choice poll, showcased which art?

  1. (1)Blue pottery of Jaipur
  2. (2)Usta (gold) art of Bikaner
  3. (3)Thewa art of Pratapgarh
  4. (4)Molela terracotta of Rajsamand

Answer: (2) Usta (gold) art of Bikaner

Explanation

The tableau was titled 'Golden Touch of the Desert: Bikaner Gold Art (Usta Art)'. Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh were first and second.

Q6

Swami Brahmdev Ji Maharaj, awarded the Padma Shri 2026 for social work, is known for institutions for the visually and hearing impaired in which district of Rajasthan?

  1. (1)Bikaner
  2. (2)Hanumangarh
  3. (3)Sri Ganganagar
  4. (4)Churu

Answer: (3) Sri Ganganagar

Explanation

He leads the Shri Jagdamba Sanstha in Sri Ganganagar, whose Shri Jagdamba Andh Vidyalaya for visually impaired students dates from 1980. The other Rajasthan Padma Shri awardees were Gafruddin Mewati Jogi and Taga Ram Bheel.

Q7

Consider the following statements about the 77th Republic Day celebrations held in January 2026: 1. The President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission were the chief guests. 2. The parade was themed on 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. (1)Both 1 and 2
  2. (2)1 only
  3. (3)2 only
  4. (4)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (1) Both 1 and 2

Explanation

António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen were the chief guests, and the parade marked 150 years of Vande Mataram.

Q8

Which State's tableau, on the theme 'Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta', was judged the best State/UT tableau at the Republic Day Parade in January 2026?

  1. (1)Gujarat
  2. (2)Karnataka
  3. (3)Goa
  4. (4)Maharashtra

Answer: (4) Maharashtra

Explanation

Maharashtra came first, Jammu & Kashmir second and Kerala third. The Indian Navy was the best marching contingent among the Services.

Q9

The Somnath Swabhiman Parv, held in January 2026, marked 1,000 years since the first attack on the Somnath Temple by:

  1. (1)Muhammad Ghori
  2. (2)Mahmud of Ghazni
  3. (3)Alauddin Khalji
  4. (4)Muhammad bin Qasim

Answer: (2) Mahmud of Ghazni

Explanation

Mahmud of Ghazni first attacked Somnath in January 1026. The Parv was held from 8 to 11 January 2026.

Q10

What was the theme of the World Economic Forum's 56th Annual Meeting held at Davos in January 2026?

  1. (1)Rebuilding Trust
  2. (2)Collaboration for the Intelligent Age
  3. (3)A Spirit of Dialogue
  4. (4)Cooperation in a Fragmented World

Answer: (3) A Spirit of Dialogue

Explanation

The meeting was held on 19–23 January 2026 in Davos-Klosters under the theme 'A Spirit of Dialogue'.

Q11

According to the World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report 2026, released in January 2026, which risk was ranked the top risk most likely to trigger a global crisis in 2026?

  1. (1)Geoeconomic confrontation
  2. (2)Extreme weather events
  3. (3)Misinformation and disinformation
  4. (4)Societal polarisation

Answer: (1) Geoeconomic confrontation

Explanation

Geoeconomic confrontation was chosen by 18% of respondents as the top risk for 2026, followed by interstate conflict and extreme weather.

Q12

In January 2026, which State renamed one of its wildlife sanctuaries to create India's first butterfly sanctuary?

  1. (1)Karnataka
  2. (2)Goa
  3. (3)Tamil Nadu
  4. (4)Kerala

Answer: (4) Kerala

Explanation

Kerala renamed the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kannur district as the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary. It records 266 butterfly species.

Q13

In January 2026, the Union Cabinet approved continuing the Atal Pension Yojana up to which financial year?

  1. (1)2027-28
  2. (2)2030-31
  3. (3)2029-30
  4. (4)2035-36

Answer: (2) 2030-31

Explanation

On 21 January 2026 the Cabinet extended APY up to 2030-31. It also approved ₹5,000 crore equity support for SIDBI.

Q14

Who won the Australian Open 2026 women's singles title on 31 January 2026, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final?

  1. (1)Iga Swiatek
  2. (2)Coco Gauff
  3. (3)Elena Rybakina
  4. (4)Madison Keys

Answer: (3) Elena Rybakina

Explanation

Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina won 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. It was her second Grand Slam title.

Q15

Which institution was selected in the institutional category for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2026, announced on 23 January 2026?

  1. (1)Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority
  2. (2)Odisha State Disaster Management Authority
  3. (3)Kerala State Disaster Management Authority
  4. (4)Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority

Answer: (1) Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority

Explanation

Sikkim SDMA won in the institutional category and Lt Col Seeta Ashok Shelke in the individual category.