Current Affairs Quiz - January 2026

Notes:
Indian Army Day is celebrated annually on 15 January to honour 1949, when Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa became India’s first Commander-in-Chief. The Indian Army originated from the East India Company armies, later became the British Indian Army and the Princely States Army, and merged into the National Army of India after independence in 1947. Its units have fought many battles, earning honor for the nation through bravery. The Indian Army’s primary role is to protect India from foreign aggression and ensure national security. It also addresses internal threats and maintains peace within the country.

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On the 10th Armed Forces Veterans Day, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka. Operation Pawan was conducted by the IPKF after the Indo–Sri Lanka Accord on 29 July 1987. The IPKF was deployed in Sri Lanka until March 1990, when it withdrew following a change in the Sri Lankan government’s policy. The operation involved significant bravery and sacrifice by Indian soldiers, now formally recognised and honoured by the government.

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The International Labour Organization (ILO) released its Employment and Social Trends 2026 report in Geneva on 14 January 2026. The report warns that global unemployment will remain at 4.9% in 2026, affecting 186 million people. Employment quality progress has stalled; extreme working poverty declined only 3.1% between 2015–2025. Informal employment is rising, with 2.1 billion workers globally projected to be informally employed by 2026. India accounts for 3% of global manufacturing. India, along with Japan and Korea, is expanding jobs in the renewable energy sector. There is a gap between demand and supply of green-skilled workers in India.

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.

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Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 will be held from 19-22 March 2026 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. The four-day Summit will focus on sustainable energy systems and India’s role in the global energy transition. The theme of summit is “Electrifying Growth. Empowering Sustainability. Connecting Globally”. It aims to bring together government, industry, academia, and civil society to discuss challenges and opportunities in the power sector. The event features 50+ high-level sessions, expert panels, thematic pavilions, and technology showcases.

Notes:
Recently, the 5th LG Cup Ice Hockey Championship concluded at Biamathang Ice Hockey Ground in Kargil, Ladakh. Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) won the men’s title by defeating the Ladakh Scouts of the Indian Army. The final was decided in five minutes of extra time with a decisive winning goal. The tournament also featured speed skating competitions. An exhibition curling match between Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh teams added attraction.

Notes:
Recently, India launched its first open-sea marine fish farming project in the Andaman Sea near North Bay, Sri Vijaya Puram. The initiative marks a major step in India’s Blue Economy journey, aiming to harness ocean resources for economic growth and livelihoods. The project is a collaboration between the Ministry of Earth Sciences, National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), and Andaman & Nicobar Islands administration. It focuses on open-sea cultivation of marine finfish and seaweed under natural ocean conditions.

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The 151-year-old Umbilo Shree Ambalavaanar Alayam temple in Durban, South Africa, may face discontinuation of civic services due to a pending bill amid fraud allegations. It was built in 1875 by Indian indentured labourers. It is the oldest Hindu temple in Africa. Also called the Cato Manor Second River Temple, it is located on a hill in Cato Manor amidst lush vegetation. The temple complex houses three deities: Ambalavaanar (Lord Shiva), Sri Draupadi Alayam (Mother Goddess), and Phutu/Phutuvan Temple. Its architecture reflects traditional South Indian style with intricate carvings and vibrant colors.

Notes:
The Unmanned Systems Exhibition (UMEX) and Simulation and Training Exhibition (SimTEX) held at ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi. The events bring together international participants to showcase advances in unmanned systems, robotics, simulation, and training technologies. The seventh edition is the largest since 2015, with 375 companies from 38 countries; 10 are first-time participants. International firms make up 55% of exhibitors; UAE pavilion is the largest.

Notes:
The All India Football Federation appointed Amelia Valverde as head coach of the senior Indian women’s football team. Amelia Valverde is 39 years old and hails from Costa Rica. She has joined the Indian team camp in Antalya, Türkiye. The team is preparing for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026. The tournament is scheduled to be held in March 2026. Her appointment aims to strengthen the performance of the Indian women’s team, also known as the Blue Tigresses.