Q.1) The MoU signed between ONGC and NSTFDC aims to support tribal students studying in which residential school system?
[a] Navodaya Vidyalayas
[b] Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas
[c] Eklavya Model Residential Schools
[d] Ashram Schools
View Answer
Answer: [c] Eklavya Model Residential Schools
Explanation:
In a significant step towards tribal youth empowerment, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC), an autonomous body of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The MoU focuses on empowering tribal students enrolled in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) through career mentorship, digital education initiatives, and infrastructure augmentation.
Q.2) The first flight of India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas took place on which date?
[a] 26 January 2001
[b] 15 August 2000
[c] 4 January 2001
[d] 1 February 2002
View Answer
Answer: [c] 4 January 2001
Explanation:
Indian Air Force (IAF) commemorated 25 years of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas on 4 January 2026. On 4 January 2001, the Technology Demonstrator (TD-1) of LCA Tejas undertook its historic first flight, piloted by Rajiv Kothiyal, from the HAL Airport, Bengaluru. The milestone marks a significant chapter in India’s pursuit of defence self-reliance.
Q.3) Which company has become the first payments company to receive the ISO/IEC 42001 certification for responsible use of Artificial Intelligence?
[a] NPCI
[b] Paytm
[c] Financial Software and Systems
[d] Razorpay
View Answer
Answer: [c] Financial Software and Systems (FSS)
Explanation:
Financial Software and Systems (FSS) has become the first payments company across India, the Middle East, APAC, and South Africa to achieve the ISO/IEC 42001 certification. The certification underscores FSS’s commitment to the responsible, ethical, and trustworthy use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in payments and banking technology.
Q.4) The Live Events Development Cell (LEDC) has been established by which ministry to boost India’s concert economy?
[a] Ministry of Culture
[b] Ministry of Tourism
[c] Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
[d] Ministry of Commerce & Industry
View Answer
Answer: [c] Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Explanation:
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has established the Live Events Development Cell (LEDC) to boost the national concert economy and enable the structured expansion of India’s live entertainment sector. The LEDC will function as a single-window facilitation mechanism, aimed at streamlining industry processes and positioning India as a leading global entertainment destination by 2030.
Q.5) The BIS Standardization Portal was launched on the occasion of which milestone of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)?
[a] 75th Foundation Day
[b] 77th Foundation Day
[c] 79th Foundation Day
[d] 80th Foundation Day
View Answer
Answer: [c] 79th Foundation Day
Explanation:
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) celebrated its 79th Foundation Day on 6 January 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. On this occasion, BIS launched several new initiatives, including the BIS Standardization Portal, aimed at strengthening standard-setting, access to standards, and quality assurance. The event highlighted BIS’s nearly eight decades of contribution to India’s industrial development and economic sovereignty.
Q.6) The First Advance Estimates of GDP for FY 2025–26 have been released by which organisation?
[a] Reserve Bank of India
[b] NITI Aayog
[c] National Statistics Office
[d] Central Statistical Commission
View Answer
Answer: [c] National Statistics Office
Explanation:
National Statistics Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), has released the First Advance Estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for FY 2025–26. The estimates include GDP and its expenditure components at both Constant Prices (2011–12 base year) and Current Prices, providing an early assessment of India’s economic performance.
Q.7) Earth’s Rotations Day is observed every year on which date to highlight the Earth’s axial rotation?
[a] 6 January
[b] 7 January
[c] 8 January
[d] 10 January
View Answer
Answer: [c] 8 January
Explanation:
Earth’s Rotations Day 2026 is celebrated on 8 January to raise awareness about the continuous rotation of the Earth on its axis. The day commemorates the Foucault Pendulum experiment (1851), which provided the first direct experimental proof of Earth’s rotation. Earth’s rotation is responsible for the day–night cycle and significantly influences global wind systems and climate patterns.
Q.8) The United Nations has declared 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) to highlight the importance of which of the following?
[a] Urban farming systems
[b] Plantation agriculture
[c] Rangelands and pastoralist communities
[d] Coastal aquaculture
View Answer
Answer: [c] Rangelands and pastoralist communities
Explanation:
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), at its 76th session, declared 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP 2026). The global campaign aims to raise awareness about the critical role of rangelands and pastoralists in sustainable agrifood systems, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has been designated as the lead agency for coordinating the observance of the Year in collaboration with other stakeholders.
Q.9) In January 2026, the United States announced its withdrawal from how many international organisations through a presidential memorandum?
[a] 45
[b] 52
[c] 66
[d] 75
View Answer
Answer: [c] 66
Explanation:
In January 2026, Donald Trump, the President of the United States, signed a presidential memorandum directing the country’s withdrawal from 66 international organisations. This includes 31 United Nations–related entities and 35 non-UN bodies, marking a significant shift away from multilateral engagement and reshaping the U.S. role in global governance. Stated Rationale by the US Administration is protect american sovereignty, reduce international expenditure and oppose perceived “globalist agendas” conflicting with national interests.