Quiz: Monthly Current Affairs: January 2026 Important Current Affairs
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Quiz: Monthly Current Affairs: January 2026 Important Current Affairs
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Who has been appointed as the Chairperson of the BWF Athletes' Commission for the period 2026-2029?
Explanation
India's star shuttler PV Sindhu will hold this international position from 2026 to 2029.
Key Points
- > PV Sindhu is the only Indian woman to win two Olympic medals
- > BWF is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur
- > She will represent Indian players at the international level
Additional Information
- PV Sindhu received the Padma Bhushan in 2018.
- She is the first Indian shuttler to win gold at the World Championships.
| Organization | BWF |
|---|---|
| Established | 1934 |
| Headquarters | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
Who has been sworn in as the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra?
Explanation
Sunetra Pawar has earned the distinction of becoming the first woman Deputy Chief Minister in the political history of Maharashtra.
Key Points
- > Maharashtra currently has multiple Deputy Chief Ministers
- > Sunetra Pawar is a member of the NCP (Nationalist Congress Party)
- > This is a major step towards gender equality in the state
Additional Information
- The number of assembly seats in Maharashtra is 288.
- The current Governor is Ramesh Bais.
| Position | Personality |
|---|---|
| Chief Minister | Eknath Shinde |
| Capital | Mumbai |
According to the IMF report, what rank has India achieved as the world's largest economy in terms of nominal GDP in 2025?
Explanation
Leaving Japan behind, India is now the fourth largest economy in the world.
Key Points
- > India has overtaken Japan
- > IMF released this data
- > The USA holds the first position
Additional Information
- India is preceded by the USA, China, and Germany.
- India aims to reach the third position by 2030.
| Index | India's Rank |
|---|---|
| Nominal GDP | 4th |
| Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) | 3rd |
How many total Ramsar sites are currently there in India?
Explanation
The total number became 98 after the addition of Patna Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh and Chhari Dhand in Gujarat in January 2026.
Key Points
- > New sites from Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat have been added
- > Ramsar sites are designated for the conservation of wetlands
- > Tamil Nadu has the highest number of Ramsar sites
Additional Information
- The Ramsar Convention was signed in 1971.
- World Wetlands Day is observed on February 2.
| Site | State |
|---|---|
| Patna Bird Sanctuary | Uttar Pradesh |
| Chhari Dhand | Gujarat |
Which country has become the first in the world to grant legal rights to bees?
Explanation
Peru has ensured legal protection for bees as part of the efforts to protect the Amazon rainforest.
Key Points
- > Peru is part of the Amazon forest region
- > This was done to maintain ecological balance
- > Bees are essential for pollination
Additional Information
- The capital of Peru is Lima.
- Beekeeping is called Apiculture.
| Country | Peru |
|---|---|
| Continent | South America |
| Currency | Sol |
What is India's rank in the Henley Passport Index 2026?
Explanation
In the 2026 list, India's position is 80th based on its passport strength.
Key Points
- > Singapore tops this list
- > It is prepared based on data from IATA
- > India's position has changed compared to last year
Additional Information
- This reflects a country's access to visa-free travel.
- It is published by Henley & Partners, London.
| Rank | Country |
|---|---|
| 1st | Singapore |
| 80th | India |
Which wildlife sanctuary has been made the new Tiger Reserve of Bihar?
Explanation
Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary has been recognized as the second Tiger Reserve of Bihar.
Key Points
- > Bihar's first tiger project is Valmiki
- > Kaimur will help in tiger conservation
- > It is rich in wildlife diversity
Additional Information
- Currently, the total number of Tiger Reserves in India is over 55.
- NTCA approves Tiger Reserve projects.
| Tiger Reserve | State |
|---|---|
| Kaimur | Bihar |
| Bandhavgarh | Madhya Pradesh |
Who won the Australian Open 2026 Men's Singles title?
Explanation
Spain's young player Carlos Alcaraz won the first Grand Slam title of 2026.
Key Points
- > Alcaraz is a player from Spain
- > This is the first Grand Slam of the year
- > This tournament is played on hard courts
Additional Information
- Carlos Alcaraz became the youngest to reach the world number one ranking.
- There are a total of four Grand Slams in tennis.
| Competition | Winner |
|---|---|
| Men's Singles | Carlos Alcaraz |
| Women's Singles | Elena Rybakina |
Who won the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26?
Explanation
The Vidarbha team won this domestic tournament by defeating Saurashtra in the final.
Key Points
- > It is a famous List-A cricket tournament in India
- > Saurashtra was the runner-up
- > Vidarbha maintained their dominance in cricket
Additional Information
- Vijay Hazare was a legendary Indian cricketer.
- This tournament is conducted by the BCCI.
| Trophy | Vijay Hazare 2025-26 |
|---|---|
| Champion | Vidarbha |
| Runner-up | Saurashtra |
Who has been awarded the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2025?
Explanation
Social activist Graça Machel from Mozambique has been given this prestigious peace award.
Key Points
- > Graça Machel was the wife of Nelson Mandela
- > She has worked for education and children's rights
- > The award is given by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust
Additional Information
- This award was instituted in 1986.
- It is awarded for peace, disarmament, and development.
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Graça Machel |
| Prize Money | ₹2.5 Crore |
Who has become the 92nd Chess Grandmaster of India?
Explanation
Young chess player Aryan Varshney has achieved the title of India's 92nd Grandmaster.
Key Points
- > India's progress in chess continues
- > The Grandmaster title is awarded by FIDE
- > India is now a major power on the world chess map
Additional Information
- India's first Grandmaster was Viswanathan Anand (1988).
- India is considered the birthplace of the chessboard or chess.
| Title | Player |
|---|---|
| 92nd Grandmaster | Aryan Varshney |
| Highest Rating | Magnus Carlsen |
Who has been appointed as the new Director General (DG) of ITBP?
Explanation
Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor has been appointed as the new chief of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police.
Key Points
- > ITBP protects the Indo-China border
- > It is one of India's Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)
- > Headquarters is in New Delhi
Additional Information
- ITBP was established during the 1962 Indo-China War.
- The motto of this force is 'Shaurya-Dridhata-Karmanishtha'.
| Force | ITBP |
|---|---|
| Established | 24 October 1962 |
| New DG | Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor |
Which has become the first paperless district court in India?
Explanation
The Kalpetta District Court in Kerala is India's first completely paperless or digital district court.
Key Points
- > This reflects the modernization of the judicial system
- > Kerala is leading in e-governance
- > Digital filing and hearing facilities are available here
Additional Information
- The first paperless High Court in India is the Kerala High Court.
- It will help protect the environment by reducing paper usage.
| Record | Paperless Court |
|---|---|
| District Court | Kalpetta (Kerala) |
| High Court | Kerala High Court |
The oceanic island 'Hope Island' is part of which wildlife sanctuary?
Explanation
Hope Island is part of the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh, where satellite launch facilities will be built.
Key Points
- > It is a natural mangrove region
- > Located off the coast of Andhra Pradesh
- > A new satellite launch facility will be established here
Additional Information
- India's primary launch center is Sriharikota.
- Coringa is the second largest mangrove forest in India.
| Island | Hope Island |
|---|---|
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| Sanctuary | Coringa |
Who won the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2026 in the Institutional Category?
Explanation
Sikkim SDMA has been given this award for its outstanding contribution to disaster management.
Key Points
- > This award is announced on Netaji's birthday
- > In the individual category, Lt. Col. Sita Ashok Shelke received it
- > Winners are given a medal and cash prize
Additional Information
- This award is announced every year on January 23.
- In the case of institutions, the prize money is ₹51 Lakh.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Institution | Sikkim SDMA |
| Individual | Lt. Col. Sita Ashok Shelke |
Which country was the first to recognize Somaliland as an independent state?
Explanation
Israel has become the first country in the world to provide formal recognition to Somaliland as an independent state.
Key Points
- > Somaliland claims separation from Somalia
- > Israel has taken this bold step
- > This could lead to changes in African geopolitics
Additional Information
- The capital of Somaliland is Hargeisa.
- It is located near the Gulf of Aden.
| State | Somaliland |
|---|---|
| Capital | Hargeisa |
| Recognizer | Israel |
From January 1, 2026, which country has become the 21st member of the Eurozone?
Explanation
Bulgaria became part of the Eurozone by adopting the Euro as its currency from the first day of 2026.
Key Points
- > Bulgaria will now use the Euro
- > It is a part of the European Union
- > The total members of the Eurozone are now 21
Additional Information
- The Euro currency was introduced in 1999.
- The European Central Bank is located in Frankfurt.
| Country | Bulgaria |
|---|---|
| Capital | Sofia |
| Currency | Euro |
When is World Hindi Day observed every year?
Explanation
World Hindi Day is observed on January 10, which started in 2006.
Key Points
- > Theme for 2026: Traditional Knowledge and AI
- > National Hindi Day is September 14
- > Hindi is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world
Additional Information
- The first World Hindi Conference was held in Nagpur in 1975.
- Hindi is mentioned in Article 343 of the Constitution.
| Day | Date |
|---|---|
| World Hindi Day | January 10 |
| Pravasi Bharatiya Divas | January 9 |
On which river is the hydroelectric project 'Vishnugad Pipalkoti' being built?
Explanation
This massive hydroelectric project is located on the Alaknanda River in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
Key Points
- > It is a 444 MW project
- > It is important for the development of Uttarakhand
- > The project was in discussion while under construction
Additional Information
- The Alaknanda River originates near Badrinath.
- It joins the Bhagirathi at Devprayag to take the name Ganga.
| Project | Vishnugad Pipalkoti |
|---|---|
| River | Alaknanda |
| State | Uttarakhand |
Which year has the United Nations declared 2026 to be?
Explanation
The United Nations has declared 2026 as the 'International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists'.
Key Points
- > This initiative is to recognize the contribution of pastoralists
- > The importance of rangelands in environmental protection is immense
- > It is part of sustainable development
Additional Information
- 2023 was the International Year of Millets.
- 2024 was the International Year of Camelids.
| Year | Special Year (UN) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Millets |
| 2026 | Rangelands and Pastoralists |
Which butterfly has Chandigarh declared as its 'State Butterfly'?
Explanation
To increase environmental awareness, the Chandigarh administration has chosen the 'Striped Tiger' butterfly as a state symbol.
Key Points
- > Chandigarh is a Union Territory
- > It is a planned city in India
- > Declaring a state butterfly is a rare step
Additional Information
- The state butterfly of Maharashtra is the Blue Mormon.
- Karnataka's is the Southern Birdwing.
| Region | Chandigarh |
|---|---|
| Architect | Le Corbusier |
| Butterfly | Striped Tiger |
Which Union Ministry has launched the 'Pankhudi' portal?
Explanation
This digital portal has been launched for the empowerment and benefit of women and children.
Key Points
- > It is a central government scheme portal
- > It will help in the safety and progress of women
- > It offers easy application facilities
Additional Information
- The current Minister of Women and Child Development is Annapurna Devi (post-2024 context).
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao is a major project of this ministry.
| Portal | Pankhudi |
|---|---|
| Objective | Women and Child Development |
Who has been appointed as the head coach of the Indian women's hockey team in the Arabian Sea?
Explanation
Sjoerd Marijne has again taken over as the head coach of the Indian women's hockey team.
Key Points
- > He has been the coach of the Indian team before
- > He will work for the improvement of Indian hockey
- > He is a resident of the Netherlands
Additional Information
- The head coach of the Indian men's hockey team is Craig Fulton.
- The current captain of the Indian hockey team is Salima Tete (Women).
| Team | Indian Women's Hockey |
|---|---|
| Coach | Sjoerd Marijne |
| Country | Netherlands |
Where did the cyclone 'Nock-ten' impact in 2026?
Explanation
This first cyclone of 2026 hit the Philippines and its surrounding Pacific region.
Key Points
- > It is a powerful tropical cyclone
- > The Philippines is often hit by storms
- > The name Nock-ten was given by Laos
Additional Information
- Cyclones are called Hurricanes in the Atlantic region.
- They are called Typhoons in the China Sea.
| Storm | Nock-ten |
|---|---|
| Region | Philippines |
| Year | 2026 |
In which Indian state has 'Nagauri Ashwagandha' received the GI Tag?
Explanation
Nagauri Ashwagandha from Rajasthan has achieved the Geographical Indication or GI Tag for its medicinal properties.
Key Points
- > It is widely used in herbal medicine
- > The Nagaur region of Rajasthan is famous for it
- > A GI Tag increases the market value of a product
Additional Information
- India's first GI Tag product was Darjeeling Tea (2004).
- A GI Tag is valid for 10 years.
| Product | Nagauri Ashwagandha |
|---|---|
| State | Rajasthan |
| Tag | GI Tag |
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