Current Affairs Quiz - January 2026

Notes:
As per recent report by Indian government, India surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of USD 4.18 trillion. India is expected to overtake Germany to become the third-largest economy by 2030 with projected GDP of USD 7.3 trillion. India remains the world’s fastest-growing major economy despite global trade uncertainties. Real GDP grew 8.2% in Quarter 2 of 2025–26, rising steadily from previous quarters. Growth is driven mainly by strong private consumption and domestic demand. The United States (US) ranks first and China second in global economy size.

Notes:
Bihar government approved a revised proposal to notify Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary as a Tiger Reserve. The proposal will be sent to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for final clearance. Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest sanctuary in Bihar with rich biodiversity and dense forests. It is located in Kaimur and Rohtas districts within the Kaimur Range. The area covers parts of the Kaimur Plateau and Rohtas Plateau.

Notes:
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a salvo launch of two Pralay missiles from the same launcher off Odisha coast. The test was part of user evaluation trials by Indian Air Force and Indian Army. Both missiles followed the planned trajectory and met all flight objectives. Tracking was done by Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur and onboard telemetry systems. Pralay is an indigenously developed solid-propellant quasi-ballistic missile with high-precision guidance. It can carry different warheads for multiple target types. The missile was developed by Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad with other DRDO labs.

Notes:
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, released the National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025 (NFAP-2025). NFAP-2025 is a key policy governing the management and allocation of radio-frequency spectrum in India. It allocates spectrum to various radio-communication services in the frequency range 8.3 kHz to 3000 GHz. The plan serves as a reference for spectrum managers, wireless operators, and telecom equipment manufacturers. National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025 (NFAP-2025) identifies the 6425–7125 MHz band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), boosting mid-band spectrum for 5G, 5G Advanced, and future 6G networks.

Notes:
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the Financial Assistance Scheme for Udasin Bhakats, providing ₹1,500 monthly to celibate Vaishnavite monks in Satras. Satras are monastic institutions serving as religious and cultural centres; Udasin Satras are where bhakats lead celibate lives. A total of 620 Udasin Bhakats will benefit across districts, including 474 from Majuli, 54 from Jorhat, and others from Barpeta, Dhubri, Goalpara, Golaghat, Kamrup, Lakhimpur, Nagaon, Nalbari, Sivasagar, Sonitpur, and Udalguri. Majuli, the world’s largest river island, is the core centre of Assamese Neo-Vaishnavism and Satras.

Notes:
Indian Railways will introduce its first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, upgrading overnight rail travel in India. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that testing and certification are fully completed. The inaugural route will run between Guwahati (Assam) and Howrah (West Bengal). The train will have 16 fully air-conditioned coaches with AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier, and AC First Class, carrying about 823 passengers. It features ergonomic berths, new suspension, and modern safety systems for comfortable overnight journeys. The service will boost regional connectivity and offer Assamese and Bengali cuisine on board.

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:
The Indian Army has declared 2026 as the ‘Year of Networking & Data Centricity’ to build a future-ready force. The focus is on stronger connectivity, real-time decision-making, and higher combat effectiveness. Jointness, self-reliance, and innovation are the core pillars of military power. Data centricity treats data as a key combat asset shared across platforms instantly. This enables faster targeting, efficient troop movement, and better resource use. It shifts the Army from platform-centric to network-centric warfare. The initiative supports indigenisation, defence modernisation, and seamless Army–Navy–Air Force operations.

Notes:
Rajasthan is hosting the Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 on 6th January in Jaipur. The event is held in collaboration with Rajasthan DigiFest and TiE Global Summit 2026, leading up to the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in February. The conference explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can drive governance reform, economic growth, innovation, and inclusive development. Sessions include AI for Public Service Delivery, Ethical AI, AI and Future of Employment & Skills, and Rajasthan’s AI startup ecosystem.

Notes:
At the 79th Foundation Day of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the Union Minister launched the SHINE scheme in New Delhi. SHINE stands for Standards Help Inform and Nurture Empowered Women. It is a new initiative of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The scheme places women at the centre of India’s quality and standards journey. It provides structured training through partnerships with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). It empowers women with knowledge to ensure safety, quality, and family protection. The scheme also helps strengthen livelihoods and community awareness.