Current Affairs Quiz - January 2026

Notes:
Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen spreading globally and becoming more deadly. Indian researchers from Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, in collaboration with the US National Institutes of Health, led the study. The fungus can grow and persist on human skin, inside the body (e.g., gut), or in the environment. Invasive infections caused by C. auris affect about 6.5 million people annually. It can cause serious infections including bloodstream infections, meningitis, bone infections, burn/wound infections, and urinary tract infections. The pathogen is gaining virulence and poses a significant global health threat.

Notes:
SPREE 2025 (Scheme for Promotion of Registration of Employers and Employees) extended from 1 January 2026 to 31 January 2026. SPREE 2025 was launched by Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). The scheme, approved during the 196th meeting of the ESI Corporation chaired by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, aims to enhance social security coverage under the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Act. SPREE 2025 allows unregistered employers and employees to join the ESI framework without undergoing inspections, providing past contribution demands, or submitting prior records.

Notes:
Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi lost the semifinal to Uzbek player Nodirbek Abdusattorov at the World Blitz Championship in Doha. He secured the bronze medal in the tournament. Defending champion Magnus Carlsen reached the final after defeating Fabiano Caruana 3-1 in the other semifinal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Arjun Erigaisi for his bronze medal in the Blitz Championship and his recent FIDE Rapid Chess Championship bronze.

Notes:
Rajasthan Cabinet approved the Rajasthan Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI-ML) Policy-2026 to position the state as a hub for technology-driven investment and innovation. The policy aims to make public services faster, transparent, citizen-centric, and enhance administrative efficiency through responsible, ethical, and secure AI and ML use. The policy focuses on transparent, accountable, fair, and privacy-protected AI systems, reducing bias, ensuring data security, making AI decisions explainable and auditable, and addressing AI-related cybercrimes. An Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence will be created to support research, innovation, and capacity building.

Notes:
International Mind Body Wellness Day is observed annually on January 3 to highlight the link between mental and physical health. The day encourages self-care, mindfulness, movement, and healthy lifestyle practices for overall well-being. It draws on both ancient holistic healing traditions and modern scientific research confirming mind-body interconnection.

Notes:
National Bird Day is observed every year on 5th January to promote bird conservation and ecological awareness. Birds are vital environmental indicators and support pollination, pest control, and ecosystem balance. The day was established in 2002 by the Avian Welfare Coalition. It encourages habitat protection, ethical treatment of birds, and community participation. In India, it highlights the Indian Peafowl (Peacock), protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Notes:
Atiqa Mir, 11-year-old Indian racing prodigy, debuted in the junior S125 category (age 12–14) after moving up from the mini category (age 8–12). She became the first Indian to secure a top-five finish globally on debut in round seven of the International Association of Karting Manufacturers (IAME) UAE Karting Championship at Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi. Atiqa finished 5th out of 35 drivers in a male-dominated grid, missing the podium by only 0.4 seconds. She is also the first female in IAME UAE Championship history to register a top-five finish.

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh government inaugurated the first Braille library in the state exclusively for visually impaired students at Dr Shakuntala Mishra National Rehabilitation University (DSMNRU), Lucknow. The library is located on the first floor of Swami Vivekananda Central Library and aligns with CM Yogi Adityanath’s vision of “education for all.” The library has over 4,000 Braille books covering 54 undergraduate and postgraduate courses, all printed by the university’s own Braille press.

Notes:
OPEC+ has agreed in principle to maintain steady oil output despite political tensions among key members and growing geopolitical uncertainty. OPEC+ is an alliance of major oil-exporting countries formed in 2016 as an extension of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). OPEC+ works together to adjust crude oil production and ensure stability in the global oil market. The headquarters of OPEC is located in Vienna, Austria.

Notes:
The Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) celebrated its 125th Foundation Day at Dhanbad, Jharkhand. It is a regulatory agency under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. It ensures occupational safety, health, and welfare of workers employed in mines. It is headed by the Director-General of Mines Safety and headquartered at Dhanbad.