Daily Current Affairs Quiz: 29 January 2026

Answer: [c] Friedrich Merz

Explanation:

Narendra Modi inaugurated the International Kite Festival 2026 at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, with Friedrich Merz, the German Chancellor, attending as the chief guest. Both leaders jointly launched the festival by flying kites. Chancellor Merz was on a two-day official visit to India, marking his first visit to Asia as German Chancellor. Both leaders visited Hriday Kunj, the residence of Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi during the freedom struggle

Answer: [d] 14 January

Explanation:

Makar Sankranti 2026 is celebrated on 14 January, marking an important astronomical and seasonal transition when the Sun enters the zodiac sign Makara (Capricorn). It is one of the few Indian festivals based on the solar calendar, which is why its date remains almost constant each year. As a pan-India harvest festival, it holds deep significance for the agrarian community, symbolising gratitude for crops, the end of the winter solstice, and the beginning of longer days. Across different regions, the festival is celebrated under various names such as Pongal, Lohri, Magh Bihu, and Khichdi, reflecting India’s cultural diversity while sharing a common agricultural and seasonal theme.

Answer: [c] Third stage

Explanation:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s PSLV-C62 mission failed after encountering an anomaly in the critical third stage of the launch vehicle. Although the 44.4-metre tall, four-stage rocket lifted off successfully from Sriharikota and the initial phases of flight progressed as planned, the malfunction prevented the rocket from placing 16 satellites into their intended orbit, resulting in mission failure. The mission’s objective was to deploy a primary Earth Observation satellite, carry multiple co-passenger satellites. Target Orbit was 512 km Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) with Mission Duration: ~17 minutes.

Answer: [c] Internet banking

Explanation:

Karnataka Bank has enabled the facility for payment of the Government of Karnataka’s Khajane-2 e-receipts through its Internet banking platform. This step strengthens digital public service delivery by offering a convenient, secure, and value-added payment option to citizens and businesses, and reflects the bank’s commitment to meeting evolving customer needs in coordination with the state’s treasury digitisation initiatives. Khajane (K1) was launched in 2001 by the Government of Karnataka, with the objective of computerisation of state treasuries.

Answer: [c] Ministry of Information & Broadcasting

Explanation:

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in collaboration with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, marked the culmination of “Inspiring Innovators – Naye Bharat Ki Nayi Pehchaan”, a skilling and innovation initiative supported by the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity. The programme integrates innovation, creativity, and storytelling to promote socially relevant innovation across India.

Answer: [d] Brazil

Explanation:

India has officially launched the logo, theme, and website for BRICS 2026, marking the beginning of its fourth BRICS Chairship, which it assumed from Brazil on 1 January 2026. As Chair, India has outlined a “humanity first” and “people-centric” approach, aiming to harness the collective potential of BRICS member countries to promote greater global welfare. The expanded BRICS grouping now represents nearly half of the world’s population and about 40% of global GDP, underlining its growing geopolitical and economic significance.

Answer: [b] April 1, 2026

Explanation:

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has notified a comprehensive overhaul of Mutual Fund Regulations, the first major revamp in over three decades. Approved at SEBI’s December Board Meeting, the new framework will be effective from April 1, 2026. The reforms introduce a restructured expense framework, enhanced disclosure requirements, and stronger governance norms, with a sharp focus on investor protection, transparency, and accountability across mutual fund houses.

Answer: [c] Yashobhoomi, New Delhi

Explanation:

India will host the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 from 19–22 March 2026 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Power, Government of India. The four-day global conference-cum-exhibition reflects India’s determination to lead the transformation of global electricity systems and will focus on advancing sustainable, resilient, and globally connected power infrastructure. The theme of the Summit is “Electrifying Growth. Empowering Sustainability. Connecting Globally”.

Answer: [c] Andranik Margaryan Memorial Tournament

Explanation:

Aaryan Varshney, a 21-year-old chess player from Delhi, became India’s 92nd Chess Grandmaster after clinching his third and final GM norm at the Andranik Margaryan Memorial Tournament held in Armenia. He sealed the title with a round to spare by drawing his eighth-round game against FM Tigran Ambartsumian. Aaryan is now the eighth Grandmaster from Delhi, and his rise is noted for its discipline, consistency, and strong father–son support system, reflecting India’s deepening chess ecosystem.

Answer: [c] Telecommunications and ICT

Explanation:

India and Germany signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on Telecommunications Cooperation during the visit of the German Chancellor to India. According to Ministry of Communications, the agreement aims to deepen bilateral collaboration in digital technologies and the IT sector. Both sides agreed to promote regular exchange of information and best practices, encourage cooperation in emerging and future technologies, and work jointly on policy and regulatory frameworks, manufacturing, and ease of doing business in the telecommunications and ICT ecosystem. Telecom & ICT Cooperation Matters is backbone of Digital India and Industry 4.0. It enables 5G/6G, IoT, AI-driven services, and smart infrastructure.