Daily Current Affairs January 19

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January 19 | Daily Current Affairs 2025

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs January 19

1. Kokborok Day, observed annually on January 19, marks the official recognition of which indigenous language of Tripura in 1979?
A) Garo
B) Bodo
C) Mizo
D) Kokborok
E) Khasi
Answer: D) Kokborok

Event and Location:

• Event: Annual celebration of Kokborok Day marking linguistic recognition
• Location: Tripura, India
• Date: January 19, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Observance of Kokborok Day to commemorate the language’s official recognition by the Tripura government in 1979.
• Objectives: To promote and preserve the Kokborok language, support tribal cultural identity, encourage mother-tongue-based education, and revive traditional linguistic scripts.

Important Terms Explained:

• Kokborok: The native language of the Tripuri people, belonging to the Tibeto-Burman language family, officially recognized in 1979 as a state language in Tripura alongside Bengali and English.
• Kokborok tei Hukumu Mission: A dedicated initiative aimed at promoting Kokborok literature, music, films, and language education, especially in tribal-dominated regions of Tripura.
• Koloma Script: The historical script used for writing Kokborok, now under revival efforts, although Latin script remains the most commonly used form today.

Tabular Summary:

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2. What is the official theme of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 held in Davos?
A) Inclusive Growth for All
B) Building Trust in Crisis
C) A Spirit of Dialogue
D) Innovation and Cooperation
E) Peace and Prosperity
Answer: C) A Spirit of Dialogue

Event and Location:

• Event: Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum 2026
• Location: Davos, Switzerland
• Date: January 19–23, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Convening of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 to bring together political, business, and civil society leaders to address global challenges.
• Objectives: To promote dialogue and cooperation across countries and sectors to manage economic, geopolitical, technological, and environmental uncertainties, and foster inclusive and sustainable global development.

Important Terms Explained:

• World Economic Forum (WEF): An international organization established in 1971, renamed in 1987, focused on public–private cooperation to improve the state of the world, headquartered in Cologny, Switzerland.
• A Spirit of Dialogue: The official theme of Davos 2026 emphasizing the urgent need for collaboration and rebuilding trust in a fragmented and conflict-prone global environment.
• Stakeholder Capitalism: A concept introduced by Klaus Schwab, the WEF founder, promoting value creation for all stakeholders—governments, businesses, civil society, and the environment—rather than only shareholders.

Tabular Summary:

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3. The Spituk Gustor Festival, celebrated annually at a Ladakh monastery, is known for which of the following cultural features?
A) Camel races in the Nubra Valley
B) Burning of rice effigies in monsoon prayers
C) Sacred masked Cham dances symbolizing good over evil
D) Bonfire lighting in celebration of Losar
E) Planting rituals for the barley harvest
Answer: C) Sacred masked Cham dances symbolizing good over evil

Event and Location:

• Event: Celebration of the Spituk Gustor Festival 2026
• Location: Spituk Monastery, near Leh, Ladakh
• Date: January 16–17, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Spituk Gustor Festival, celebrated by the Geluk-pa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, is a traditional two-day monastic festival marking the end of Ladakh’s harsh winter phase and the triumph of good over evil through symbolic rituals and sacred dances.
• Objectives: To offer prayers for world peace and prosperity, preserve Buddhist cultural heritage, engage community participation, and promote spiritual tourism in Ladakh.

Important Terms Explained:

• Spituk Gustor Festival: An annual winter monastic festival held at Spituk Monastery in Ladakh. The word ‘Gustor’ means “sacrifice of the 29th day” in the Tibetan lunar calendar.
• Cham Dance: A sacred masked ritual dance performed by monks during Tibetan Buddhist festivals to symbolize the destruction of evil forces and convey spiritual teachings to devotees.
• Geluk-pa Order: Also known as the Yellow Hat sect, it is one of the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Spituk Monastery belongs to this order and conducts the Gustor Festival annually.

Tabular Summary:

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Sports – Daily Current Affairs January 19

4. Which Indian Olympic medallist has been appointed as a member of the Asian Boxing Council in 2026, marking his entry into international sports governance?
A) Shiva Thapa
B) Mary Kom
C) Gagan Narang
D) Vijender Singh
E) Lovlina Borgohain
Answer: D) Vijender Singh

Event and Location:

• Event: Vijender Singh appointed as member of Asian Boxing Council
• Location: Asia (Council headquarters and governance region)
• Date: January 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Asian Boxing Council (ABCO) has inducted Vijender Singh, India’s first Olympic boxing medallist, as a member, transitioning him from elite athlete to international sports administrator.
• Objectives: To strengthen India’s voice in Asian boxing governance, bring athlete-centric insights to policy-making, and promote structured development of boxing across emerging and established nations in Asia.

Important Terms Explained:

• Asian Boxing Council (ABCO): A professional boxing organization established in 1985 at the WBC Convention in Bangkok, affiliated with the World Boxing Council (WBC), responsible for sanctioning title fights, ensuring safe competition, and promoting boxing development across Asia.
• Vijender Singh: Beijing 2008 Olympic bronze medallist, India’s first Olympic medal winner in boxing. With nearly two decades of global experience, he brings deep knowledge of athlete welfare, competition structure, and training ecosystems.
• World Boxing Council (WBC): One of the four major global professional boxing organizations. ABCO operates as its regional affiliate in Asia, supervising boxing governance in more than 20 member nations.

Tabular Summary:

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs January 19

5. What was the record-high Credit-to-Deposit (CD) ratio in the Indian banking system as of December 31, 2025, according to RBI data?
A) 75.00%
B) 80.10%
C) 81.75%
D) 83.50%
E) 78.25%
Answer: C) 81.75%

Event and Location:

• Event: Credit-to-Deposit ratio in Indian banks hits record 81.75%
• Location: Nationwide (India)
• Date: December 31, 2025 (RBI Data Cut-off)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Banks across India are witnessing a surge in credit disbursal outpacing deposit mobilisation, resulting in the CD ratio touching a historic 81.75%.
• Objectives: The trend reflects increased demand for loans across sectors, but also indicates liquidity pressures, a shift in savings patterns, and the need for banks to balance credit growth with stable funding sources.

Important Terms Explained:

• Credit-to-Deposit (CD) Ratio:
  • A key banking metric that shows the proportion of a bank’s total deposits used for lending.
  • A CD ratio of 81.75% means banks lent ₹81.75 for every ₹100 of deposits.
  • It reflects loan demand, liquidity position, and banking system efficiency.
• CRR (Cash Reserve Ratio):
  • The mandatory reserve banks must maintain with the RBI in cash form.
  • It reduces the amount available for lending, thus influencing the CD ratio.
• SLR (Statutory Liquidity Ratio):
  • The percentage of net demand and time liabilities banks must maintain in the form of government securities or other approved instruments.
  • It ensures financial stability and solvency of banks.

Tabular Summary:

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6. What was the total value of India’s electronics exports in 2025, as per Department of Commerce data?
A) $34.93 billion
B) $42.75 billion
C) $47 billion
D) $51.25 billion
E) $55 billion
Answer: C) $47 billion

Event and Location:

• Event: India’s electronics exports crossed $47 billion in 2025
• Location: Nationwide (India)
• Date: Calendar Year 2025 (data released in January 2026)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: India recorded $47 billion in electronics exports during 2025, with strong contributions from PLI-backed smartphone exports, especially iPhones.
• Objectives: To boost electronics manufacturing, integrate India into global value chains, and enhance exports of high-tech goods through production incentives and ecosystem strengthening.

Important Terms Explained:

• PLI Scheme (Production-Linked Incentive Scheme):
  • A flagship initiative by the Government of India offering financial incentives to manufacturers for increasing production.
  • In electronics, it aims to attract global brands, boost domestic value addition, and make India an export hub.
• Electronics Exports:
  • Refers to the outbound shipment of finished and intermediate electronic goods, including smartphones, chargers, PCBAs, solar modules, and networking equipment.
  • A fast-growing segment in India’s export basket due to increasing manufacturing capabilities.
• iPhone Manufacturing in India:
  • Driven by Apple’s suppliers like Foxconn, Pegatron, and Wistron, India has emerged as a key hub for iPhone assembly and export, supported by the PLI scheme and improving infrastructure.

Tabular Summary:

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7. Where is Maruti Suzuki setting up its ₹35,000 crore vehicle manufacturing plant, as per the 2026 investment agreement?
A) Sanand, Gujarat
B) Aurangabad, Maharashtra
C) Khoraj, Gujarat
D) Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu
E) Manesar, Haryana
Answer: C) Khoraj, Gujarat

Event and Location:

• Event: Maruti Suzuki signs investment agreement for new car manufacturing plant
• Location: Khoraj, Gujarat
• Date: January 2026 (Letter exchanged)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Maruti Suzuki and the Government of Gujarat have exchanged an investment letter for setting up a ₹35,000 crore vehicle manufacturing plant at Khoraj.
• Objectives: To enhance Maruti Suzuki’s production capacity, generate mass employment, boost automotive exports, and strengthen Gujarat’s position as a top industrial and automobile hub.

Important Terms Explained:

• Maruti Suzuki India Limited:
  • India’s largest automobile manufacturer, majority-owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation (Japan).
  • Known for producing affordable and fuel-efficient vehicles, it plays a pivotal role in India’s automobile sector.
• Vehicle Manufacturing Capacity:
  • The proposed Khoraj plant will produce 10 lakh cars annually once all four phases are complete.
  • The first unit (2.5 lakh capacity) is expected to start production by FY 2029.
• Ancillary Industries & MSMEs:
  • Small and medium-sized auto-component manufacturers that supply to large OEMs like Maruti Suzuki.
  • The project will stimulate MSME growth and create a supportive industrial ecosystem in Gujarat.

Tabular Summary:

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs January 19

8. Who has been reappointed as the MD & CEO of ICICI Bank for a fresh term till October 2028?
A) Aditya Puri
B) Amitabh Chaudhry
C) Sandeep Bakhshi
D) Chanda Kochhar
E) Shaktikanta Das
Answer: C) Sandeep Bakhshi

Event and Location:

• Event: Reappointment of Sandeep Bakhshi as MD & CEO of ICICI Bank
• Location: ICICI Bank Headquarters, Mumbai
• Date: January 17, 2026 (board approval); new term from October 4, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Board of ICICI Bank has approved the reappointment of Sandeep Bakhshi as Managing Director and CEO for a two-year term starting October 4, 2026, subject to RBI and shareholder approvals.
• Objectives: To ensure leadership continuity, uphold governance standards, maintain risk control, and guide the bank through sustained financial stability and regulatory alignment.

Important Terms Explained:

• MD & CEO (Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer): The chief executive position in a bank, responsible for overall strategic leadership, financial health, governance, and compliance under RBI guidelines.
• ICICI Bank: One of India’s largest private sector banks, offering services in retail, corporate, investment, and digital banking. Headquartered in Mumbai.
• RBI Governance Directions, 2025: Regulatory framework issued by the Reserve Bank of India guiding appointments, tenures, and oversight mechanisms in Indian commercial banks to ensure transparency and accountability.

Tabular Summary:

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9. Who won the 2026 presidential election in Uganda, securing a seventh term with over 71% of the vote?
A) Paul Kagame
B) William Ruto
C) Cyril Ramaphosa
D) Yoweri Museveni
E) Bobi Wine
Answer: D) Yoweri Museveni

Event and Location:

• Event: Yoweri Museveni re-elected for seventh term as Uganda’s President
• Location: Uganda
• Date: January 2026 (result declaration)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Uganda Electoral Commission announced President Yoweri Museveni as the winner of the 2026 elections with 71.65% vote share, marking the start of his seventh term in office.
• Objectives: To conduct nationwide presidential elections under constitutional provisions; the process aimed to elect Uganda’s head of state, though it drew scrutiny over transparency, fairness, and democratic space.

Important Terms Explained:

• Yoweri Museveni: Uganda’s President since 1986, one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, re-elected in 2026 for a seventh term after constitutional amendments removed term and age limits.
• Bobi Wine (Kyagulanyi Ssentamu): Ugandan opposition leader, singer-turned-politician, who contested the 2026 election, receiving 24.72% of votes; rejected results citing electoral fraud and internet shutdowns.
• Electoral Commission (Uganda): The constitutional body responsible for overseeing elections in Uganda, including vote counting and result declaration; its impartiality has been questioned by critics.

Tabular Summary:

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Awards – Daily Current Affairs January 19

10. Which Railway Protection Force (RPF) officer was awarded Indian Railways’ highest honour in 2026 for her outstanding work in preventing child trafficking?
A) Anjali Sharma
B) Chandana Sinha
C) Poonam Yadav
D) Kavita Joshi
E) Rekha Singh
Answer: B) Chandana Sinha

Event and Location:

• Event: Indian Railways conferred its highest award for child trafficking prevention work
• Location: Nationwide RPF network (recognition announced by Ministry of Railways)
• Date: January 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Indian Railways honoured RPF officer Chandana Sinha with its highest institutional award for her exceptional service in preventing child trafficking at railway stations and trains.
• Objectives: To recognize humanitarian contributions, enhance child safety protocols, promote social accountability, and showcase the Railways’ evolving role in crime prevention and child protection.

Important Terms Explained:

• Railway Protection Force (RPF): A central armed force under the Ministry of Railways, mandated to protect railway property and passengers and play a vital role in rescuing trafficked children in coordination with law enforcement and child welfare bodies.
• Child Trafficking: The illegal movement and exploitation of minors, often for labour, begging, or sexual exploitation; trains and stations are common transit points exploited by traffickers due to high volume and anonymity.
• Indian Railways’ Highest Honour: A prestigious institutional award presented for extraordinary service, not limited to technical or operational excellence, but also recognising social and humanitarian efforts by railway personnel.

Tabular Summary:

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Defence – Daily Current Affairs January 19

11. Which two nations recently conducted a joint Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) response drill onboard ICGS Samudra Prahari in Mumbai?
A) India and USA
B) India and South Korea
C) India and Japan
D) India and Australia
E) India and France
Answer: C) India and Japan

Event and Location:

• Event: India-Japan Joint Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) Response Drill
• Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Date: January 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Japan Coast Guard (JCG) conducted a joint HNS response drill aboard ICGS Samudra Prahari to improve operational coordination, pollution response, and maritime disaster preparedness.
• Objectives: To strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation, promote interoperability, enhance pollution control capabilities, and affirm commitment to Indo-Pacific maritime safety and security.

Important Terms Explained:

• Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS): Refers to chemical spills at sea involving substances that can harm marine ecosystems, human health, and coastal economies. Effective containment requires specialised equipment, trained personnel, and international cooperation.
• ICGS Samudra Prahari: A dedicated Pollution Control Vessel of the Indian Coast Guard, equipped with modern systems for handling maritime pollution, particularly chemical and oil spills.
• Indo-Pacific: A strategic maritime region stretching from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, where India and Japan collaborate on maintaining a free, open, and rules-based maritime order.

Tabular Summary:

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 19

12. What is the primary objective of the High Seas Treaty that came into force in January 2026?
A) Promote maritime trade and exports
B) Enable deep-sea mining in international waters
C) Conserve marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions
D) Establish naval bases in disputed waters
E) Regulate national fisheries in coastal regions
Answer: C) Conserve marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions

Event and Location:

• Event: High Seas Treaty comes into force as a binding global agreement
• Location: International waters beyond national control (high seas)
• Date: January 17, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The High Seas Treaty, officially adopted under the United Nations, creates a legally binding framework to regulate and conserve marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
• Objectives: To establish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), enforce environmental impact assessments, promote fair sharing of marine genetic resources, and help achieve the 30% ocean protection by 2030 global target.

Important Terms Explained:

• High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Treaty): Officially named the Agreement on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, it is the first international treaty focused on conserving marine biodiversity in the high seas—areas outside national control.
• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Legally designated zones in oceans where human activity is regulated or restricted to conserve marine ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and support sustainable ocean use.
• UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea): An international legal framework that governs ocean usage; the High Seas Treaty was developed under this broader legal regime.

Tabular Summary:

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13. Which two countries significantly contributed to India’s pharmaceutical export growth in FY 2025-26, as per data till November 2025?
A) China and Germany
B) Nigeria and Brazil
C) USA and UK
D) France and Japan
E) Canada and South Korea
Answer: B) Nigeria and Brazil

Event and Location:

• Event: Nigeria and Brazil emerge as key markets for Indian pharmaceutical exports
• Location: India (exports to Brazil and Nigeria)
• Date: April to November FY 2025-26 (data period), report updated January 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry shows that Nigeria and Brazil significantly boosted India’s pharmaceutical exports in FY 2025-26.
• Objectives: To highlight the growing global footprint of Indian pharma products, tap into emerging markets, support affordable medicine access, and enhance export resilience amid global economic uncertainty.

Important Terms Explained:

• Pharmaceutical Exports: Refers to the international trade of medicines, especially generic drugs produced by Indian pharma companies, exported to over 200 countries globally.
• Generic Medicines: Drugs that are equivalent to brand-name versions in dosage, strength, route, quality, and performance, but are sold under non-proprietary names and usually at lower prices.
• Ministry of Commerce and Industry: A key Indian government ministry responsible for regulating foreign trade, export promotion, and enhancing India’s position in global commerce.

Tabular Summary:

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14. Which volcano in the Philippines is at risk of deadly lahars due to heavy rainfall from tropical storm Nokaen in January 2026?
A) Taal Volcano
B) Mount Pinatubo
C) Mount Apo
D) Mayon Volcano
E) Kanlaon Volcano
Answer: D) Mayon Volcano

Event and Location:

• Event: Tropical storm Nokaen raises lahar threat near Mayon Volcano
• Location: Southern Luzon, Albay province, Philippines
• Date: January 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • Tropical storm Nokaen is bringing heavy rainfall to southern Luzon, posing a high risk of lahars (volcanic mudflows) near the restive Mayon Volcano.
  • Phivolcs has issued alerts and advisories to safeguard residents near river channels downstream of the volcano.
• Objectives:
  • To warn communities about the potential for lahar-triggered disasters.
  • To ensure preparedness and evacuation in high-risk areas as rainfall mobilizes loose volcanic materials.

Important Terms Explained:

• Tropical Storm Nokaen (Ada):
  • The first tropical cyclone of 2026 to affect the Philippines, bringing winds of 65 kmph and heavy rain (100–200 mm).
  • Locally known as “Ada”, it is slowly moving near the eastern coast of southern Luzon.
• Mayon Volcano:
  • An active stratovolcano in Albay province, known for its perfect cone shape and frequent eruptions.
  • Volcanic activity since January 1, 2026, has deposited pyroclastic materials, increasing lahar susceptibility.
• Lahar:
  • A volcanic mudflow composed of ash, rocks, and water, often triggered by heavy rainfall.
  • Lahars can travel at high speeds down river valleys, causing inundation, burial, and infrastructure damage.
  • They are deadly and can occur even without a current eruption.

Tabular Summary:

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Schemes – Daily Current Affairs January 19

15. The Second Range-wide Dolphin Survey launched in January 2026 under Project Dolphin was flagged off from which location?
A) Patna, Bihar
B) Haridwar, Uttarakhand
C) Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh
D) Sundarbans, West Bengal
E) Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Answer: C) Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of Second Range-wide Dolphin Survey under Project Dolphin
• Location: Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh
• Date: January 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has launched a nationwide two-phase dolphin survey to assess the population, habitat, and threats faced by riverine and estuarine dolphins in India.
• Objectives: To update dolphin population data, evaluate habitat health, identify ecological threats, and guide science-based conservation planning for freshwater biodiversity under Project Dolphin.

Important Terms Explained:

• Project Dolphin: A national conservation programme launched by the Government of India in 2020 to protect and conserve riverine and marine dolphins, focusing on the Gangetic River Dolphin, India’s National Aquatic Animal.
• Gangetic River Dolphin (Susu): An endangered freshwater dolphin found in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna river systems, listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and recognized as an indicator species for healthy river ecosystems.
• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Legally designated regions in water bodies to conserve marine biodiversity; in river systems, similar conservation zones like sanctuaries are critical for dolphin protection.

Tabular Summary:

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 19

16. What is the main objective of the ₹6,957 crore Kaziranga Elevated Corridor project launched by PM Modi in Assam?
A) Construct new rail lines for freight transport
B) Build a bridge over the Brahmaputra River
C) Facilitate wildlife movement and improve highway connectivity
D) Set up a defence corridor near the border
E) Develop a hydropower project in Kaziranga
Answer: C) Facilitate wildlife movement and improve highway connectivity

Event and Location:

• Event: Foundation stone laid for Kaziranga Elevated Corridor
• Location: Assam, India
• Date: January 18, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, a ₹6,957 crore project spanning 34.5 km along NH-715 and flagged off two Amrit Bharat Express trains.
• Objectives: To ensure safe wildlife crossings, reduce road accidents, prevent animal deaths, boost ecotourism, and improve connectivity between Guwahati and eastern Assam.

Important Terms Explained:

• Kaziranga Elevated Corridor: A 34.5-km elevated road on NH-715, constructed to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and facilitate safer migration during floods in Kaziranga National Park, Assam.
• Amrit Bharat Express: A new category of long-distance semi-high-speed trains launched to provide enhanced connectivity across states, especially on underserved routes.
• NH-715: A National Highway in Assam that passes near Kaziranga National Park, currently considered hazardous for wildlife due to traffic and poor visibility during monsoon migration.

Tabular Summary:

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17. What is the route of India’s first sleeper Vande Bharat train launched by PM Modi in January 2026?
A) New Delhi – Mumbai
B) Bengaluru – Hyderabad
C) Howrah – Kamakhya
D) Chennai – Guwahati
E) Patna – Kolkata
Answer: C) Howrah – Kamakhya

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of India’s first Sleeper Vande Bharat Express
• Location: Howrah (Kolkata) – Kamakhya (Guwahati) route
• Date: January 17, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train from Malda, connecting Howrah and Kamakhya over an overnight 14-hour journey.
• Objectives: To modernize long-distance train travel, provide comfortable overnight rail connectivity, promote tourism, and strengthen economic ties between eastern and northeastern India.

Important Terms Explained:

• Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: A new version of Vande Bharat Express designed for overnight travel with sleeper berths, combining Rajdhani-level comfort and semi-high-speed performance, fully Made in India.
• Amrit Bharat Express: A category of affordable long-distance express trains aimed at enhancing national connectivity, especially connecting regions like West Bengal with the south and west of India.
• Make in India: A flagship initiative of the Government of India promoting indigenous manufacturing, under which Vande Bharat trains are designed and produced domestically.

Tabular Summary:

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18. In January 2026, where has the MSME Ministry approved new Technology Centres in Himachal Pradesh?
A) Shimla and Kullu
B) Parwanoo and Pandoga
C) Mandi and Dharamshala
D) Una and Hamirpur
E) Solan and Kangra
Answer: B) Parwanoo and Pandoga

Event and Location:

• Event: Approval of two new MSME Technology Centres
• Location: Pandoga (Una district) and Parwanoo (Solan district), Himachal Pradesh
• Date: January 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has approved the establishment of two new Technology Centres in Himachal Pradesh, as part of a broader national expansion strategy.
• Objectives: To promote industrial development, provide technical support to MSMEs, enhance skill training, generate employment, and reduce dependence on external technology in less-industrialized regions.

Important Terms Explained:

• MSME Technology Centres: Specialized infrastructure facilities established by the MSME Ministry to support manufacturing units, offer technical training, and promote entrepreneurship and innovation in the MSME sector.
• Pandoga (Una): A developing industrial zone in Una district, Himachal Pradesh, where the Technology Centre is expected to catalyze new industrial activity and employment.
• Parwanoo (Solan): An existing industrial town near Chandigarh, Parwanoo will benefit from enhanced infrastructure and technology support to upgrade local industries and attract investment.

Tabular Summary:

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19. In January 2026, which Indian state implemented the PESA Act after a 25-year delay, aiming to empower tribal Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas?
A) Odisha
B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Jharkhand
D) Chhattisgarh
E) Gujarat
Answer: C) Jharkhand

Event and Location:

• Event: Implementation of PESA Act rules in Jharkhand after 25 years
• Location: Scheduled Areas of Jharkhand (13 districts fully, 3 partially)
• Date: January 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Government of Jharkhand has officially notified rules for implementing the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA), bringing self-governance to tribal areas through empowered Gram Sabhas.
• Objectives: To restore tribal autonomy, ensure decentralised governance, protect customary laws, and allow Gram Sabhas to manage natural resources, settle local disputes, and oversee development projects in tribal regions.

Important Terms Explained:

• PESA Act (1996): The Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, enacted to apply 73rd Amendment Panchayati Raj provisions to Fifth Schedule tribal areas, allowing self-governance, resource control, and protection of cultural identity.
• Gram Sabha: The core institution under PESA, consisting of all adult villagers, empowered to make decisions about development, land use, forest rights, and social justice in tribal regions.
• Manki-Munda / Majhi-Pargana: Traditional tribal governance systems in Jharkhand, whose leaders fear that bureaucratic interference in the new PESA rules could erode customary authority and weaken tribal self-rule.

Tabular Summary:

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20. Which state has approved the ₹4,775 crore Bembla River Irrigation Project along with the creation of MAHIMA for overseas employment support?
A) Gujarat
B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Maharashtra
D) Karnataka
E) Rajasthan
Answer: C) Maharashtra

Event and Location:

• Event: Maharashtra Cabinet approved Bembla River Irrigation Project and MAHIMA
• Location: Yavatmal district, Maharashtra
• Date: January 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • The Maharashtra Cabinet approved the ₹4,775 crore Bembla River Irrigation Project in Yavatmal to irrigate over 52,423 hectares of farmland.
  • The Cabinet also cleared the establishment of MAHIMA (Maharashtra Agency for Holistic International Mobility and Advancements) to support overseas employment for skilled youth.
• Objectives:
  • To improve agricultural productivity and reduce agrarian distress in drought-prone Vidarbha through assured irrigation.
  • To facilitate international job placements, increase remittance inflows, and reduce unemployment through a structured overseas employment strategy.

Important Terms Explained:

• Bembla River Irrigation Project:
  • A major irrigation initiative approved for Yavatmal district to cover five talukas and over 52,000 hectares of farmland.
  • Aims to ensure water security, boost crop yields, and support crop diversification in eastern Maharashtra.
• MAHIMA (Maharashtra Agency for Holistic International Mobility and Advancements):
  • A newly approved state agency dedicated to promoting overseas employment for Maharashtra’s youth.
  • Will focus on skill mapping, coordination with global job markets, and facilitating training-to-placement pipelines abroad.
• Irrigation in Vidarbha:
  • A historically drought-prone and agrarian crisis-prone region of Maharashtra, especially Yavatmal.
  • The new project aims to reduce dependency on rain-fed farming and improve farmers’ incomes.

Tabular Summary:

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Over All Review

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