Current Affairs Quiz - January 2026

Notes:
Renowned Indian ecologist Madhav Dhananjaya Gadgil passed away on 7 January 2026 in Pune at the age of 82. He was the founder of the Centre for Ecological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. He chaired the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) in 2010, known as the Gadgil Commission. He played a key role in establishing India’s first biosphere reserve, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (1986). He significantly contributed to the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and People’s Biodiversity Registers. He received major honours including Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and United Nations Champions of the Earth Award (2024).

Notes:
Somnath Swabhiman Parv is observed at Somnath, Gujarat from 8–11 January. The event marks 1,000 years since the first recorded attack on the Somnath Temple. It aims to convey the message of continuity, resilience and revival of Sanatan culture to future generations. The Somnath Mahadev Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, represents India’s spiritual and cultural legacy. Despite repeated attacks, the temple was rebuilt every time, symbolising endurance and civilisational strength. The observance highlights the unbroken spirit and renewal of Sanatan tradition.

Notes:
The Tamil Nadu government has launched India’s first dedicated Deep Tech Policy called the Tamil Nadu Deep Tech Startup Policy 2025-2026 (TNDTSP). Chief Minister M.K. Stalin unveiled the policy at UmagineTN 2026 to strengthen innovation-led growth and position Tamil Nadu as a premier deep tech hub. The policy aims to foster advanced innovation, drive industrial growth, empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and accelerate Tamil Nadu’s journey towards a $1 trillion economy. The iTNT Hub will act as the nodal implementing agency, coordinating initiatives, managing funds, and serving as a single point of contact for stakeholders.

Notes:
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) released the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 report. India’s GDP growth for 2025-26 is projected at 7.2%, slightly below the 7.4% forecast by the Indian government. India is now the fourth largest economy in the world. Growth is expected to be supported by resilient consumption, strong public investment, recent tax reforms, and monetary easing, which largely offset the impact of higher U.S. tariffs. On a fiscal year basis, India’s GDP is projected to grow 6.6% in 2026-27 and 6.8% in 2027-28.

Notes:
Mumbai hosted the fifth Tri-Services Veterans Day parade at Marine Drive ahead of Veterans Day. The event was held from 8 AM to 11 AM with participation of over 500 veterans, including gallantry award winners and octogenarians. Mumbai is the only city in India to host a city-level Veterans Day parade. The event was organised by the Navy Foundation Mumbai Chapter with support from Headquarters Western Naval Command. Tri-Services Veterans Day marks the retirement of Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa, first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, on 14 January 1953.

Notes:
The Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy delivered India’s national statement at the 16th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The International Renewable Energy Agency is an intergovernmental organisation founded in 2009 to support countries in transitioning to a sustainable energy future. It serves as a global platform for cooperation and as a knowledge hub for renewable energy policy, technology, resources, and finance. Its headquarters is located in Abu Dhabi.

Notes:
The 3rd Indian Lighthouse Festival 3.0 was held from 9–10 January 2026 at MGM Park, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It was organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and the Director General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL). A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged between Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) and DGLL to develop a Lighthouse Museum in Visakhapatnam.

Notes:
In Punjab, ‘Dhiyan Di Lohri’ (Lohri of Daughters) was celebrated in a Jalandhar village, honouring 5,100 newborn girls. Similar celebrations are being organized in various villages across the state. The celebrations aim to strengthen the national ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ movement. Celebrating the birth of daughters as a festival reflects progressive social change and promotes saving, educating, and empowering the girl child in society.

Notes:
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party President K Pawan Kalyan received rare international recognition in Japanese martial arts. He became the first person from Andhra Pradesh to be honoured as a “Samurai.” He was awarded the prestigious Fifth Dan (5th Dan) by Sogo Budo Kanri Kai, a global Japanese martial arts body. He became the first Telugu-speaking person inducted into the historic Takeda Shingen Clan outside Japan. The Golden Dragons organisation honoured him with the title “Tiger of Martial Arts.” He trained in karate in Chennai and later studied Samurai traditions for over three decades.

Notes:
CSIR–National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) marked its 5th Foundation Day, highlighting science communication and policy research. On this occasion, the SVASTIK portal (Scientifically Validated Societal Traditional Knowledge) was launched. SVASTIK is a national initiative to communicate India’s scientifically validated traditional knowledge to society. It provides content in English, 19 Indian languages, and 5 foreign languages, ensuring wide outreach. The portal brings all SVASTIK content to a single digital platform, improving accessibility and engagement. It strengthens public awareness, policy relevance, and global visibility of India’s traditional knowledge systems.