Current Affairs Questions and Answers 2026 - Current Affairs Quiz - January 2026
Welcome to our Monthly Current Affairs 2026 Questions and Answers section. This article provides important Current Affairs Questions and Answers with detailed Explanations for January 2026 carefully compiled from trusted government sources such as PIB (Press Information Bureau), News On Air, DD News and leading national publications such as The Hindu, The Indian Express, The Times of India and Hindustan Times. The Question and Answer format is especially helpful for students preparing for competitive exams as it promotes active recall, boosts retention, and improves accuracy and speed.
Each Monthly Current Affairs Quiz 2026 includes MCQs based on the latest national and international events. These questions are carefully selected from key topics such as economics, politics, government schemes, awards, appointments, summits, sports, environment, and more. Practicing in Current Affairs Questions and Answers format not only helps in quick revision but also simulates the real exam environment, making you more comfortable with the pattern of competitive exams. With consistent practice, you can strengthen your grasp on current affairs and improve your overall score in the General Awareness section.
Also Read: Daily Current Affairs 2026
Current Affairs 2026 Questions and Answers - January 2026
1. The Apex-Level Meeting of Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) is related to which of the following areas?
- Cyber security coordination
- Counter-terrorism intelligence sharing
- Drug abuse and narcotics trafficking
- Border infrastructure development
Answer: C) Drug abuse and narcotics trafficking
Explanation: The Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) is a mechanism created by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of India to combat drug abuse and narcotics trafficking. NCORD was established in 2016 to ensure better coordination among various central and state government agencies involved in controlling narcotics. The Apex-Level Meeting of NCORD is chaired by the Union Home Secretary and reviews the national strategy to fight drug trafficking. NCORD works to improve information sharing and coordination between agencies such as the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), police forces, and intelligence agencies. The platform helps in monitoring drug trafficking networks, identifying hotspots of drug abuse, and strengthening enforcement actions.
Explanation: The Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) is a mechanism created by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of India to combat drug abuse and narcotics trafficking. NCORD was established in 2016 to ensure better coordination among various central and state government agencies involved in controlling narcotics. The Apex-Level Meeting of NCORD is chaired by the Union Home Secretary and reviews the national strategy to fight drug trafficking. NCORD works to improve information sharing and coordination between agencies such as the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), police forces, and intelligence agencies. The platform helps in monitoring drug trafficking networks, identifying hotspots of drug abuse, and strengthening enforcement actions.
2. India and Fiji agreed to extend cooperation in which sector by renewing an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)?
- Defence
- Agriculture
- Health
- Renewable Energy
Answer: B) Agriculture
Explanation: India and Fiji decided to extend their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on agricultural cooperation for another five years to strengthen bilateral ties in this sector. A Joint Working Group (JWG) will be established to strengthen collaboration between the two countries in agriculture. The decision was taken during a meeting between India’s Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Fiji’s Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna in New Delhi. The cooperation will focus on agricultural research, technology sharing, and capacity building. Both countries will promote training programs, student exchanges, and knowledge sharing in agriculture. The partnership also aims to improve food security and reduce food loss and waste.
Explanation: India and Fiji decided to extend their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on agricultural cooperation for another five years to strengthen bilateral ties in this sector. A Joint Working Group (JWG) will be established to strengthen collaboration between the two countries in agriculture. The decision was taken during a meeting between India’s Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Fiji’s Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna in New Delhi. The cooperation will focus on agricultural research, technology sharing, and capacity building. Both countries will promote training programs, student exchanges, and knowledge sharing in agriculture. The partnership also aims to improve food security and reduce food loss and waste.
3. PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation), often seen in current affairs, is primarily related to which of the following?
- Scholarship scheme for women in technical education
- Agricultural subsidy programme for farmers
- Defence technology collaboration platform
- Digital governance platform for monitoring government projects and grievances
Answer: D) Digital governance platform for monitoring government projects and grievances
Explanation: PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) is a technology-enabled governance platform launched by the Government of India in 2015 to ensure faster implementation of government projects and effective grievance redressal. It allows the Prime Minister to directly review major projects and programmes with central and state officials through digital technology. The platform uses video conferencing, digital data management, and geospatial technology to track progress and resolve bottlenecks in infrastructure projects and government schemes. In 2026, the platform completed around a decade of operation and its 50th meeting was conducted, highlighting its role in improving governance and project delivery.
Explanation: PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) is a technology-enabled governance platform launched by the Government of India in 2015 to ensure faster implementation of government projects and effective grievance redressal. It allows the Prime Minister to directly review major projects and programmes with central and state officials through digital technology. The platform uses video conferencing, digital data management, and geospatial technology to track progress and resolve bottlenecks in infrastructure projects and government schemes. In 2026, the platform completed around a decade of operation and its 50th meeting was conducted, highlighting its role in improving governance and project delivery.
4. The proposed “Zangezur Corridor,” often seen in international news, aims to connect which two regions?
- Armenia with Georgia
- Mainland Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic
- Turkey with Iran through Armenia
- Russia with Central Asia through Georgia
Answer: B) Mainland Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic
Explanation: The Zangezur Corridor is a proposed transport route that would connect mainland Azerbaijan with its exclave Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic through Armenia’s Syunik Province. The corridor is strategically important because it would provide Azerbaijan with a direct land route to Turkey and Europe, improving regional trade and connectivity. The project is geopolitically sensitive because Armenia wants full control over its borders, while Azerbaijan prefers a corridor with minimal Armenian control. The corridor could significantly enhance trade, energy transport, and connectivity between Europe and Asia through the South Caucasus region. Several countries such as Turkey, Iran, Russia, and India are closely watching developments because the corridor may affect regional trade routes and strategic balance.
Explanation: The Zangezur Corridor is a proposed transport route that would connect mainland Azerbaijan with its exclave Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic through Armenia’s Syunik Province. The corridor is strategically important because it would provide Azerbaijan with a direct land route to Turkey and Europe, improving regional trade and connectivity. The project is geopolitically sensitive because Armenia wants full control over its borders, while Azerbaijan prefers a corridor with minimal Armenian control. The corridor could significantly enhance trade, energy transport, and connectivity between Europe and Asia through the South Caucasus region. Several countries such as Turkey, Iran, Russia, and India are closely watching developments because the corridor may affect regional trade routes and strategic balance.
5. The “World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP)” report, often seen in current affairs, is published by which organisation?
- United Nations
- World Bank
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
Answer: A) United Nations
Explanation: The World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) is the flagship global economic report of the United Nations. It is prepared by the Economic Analysis and Policy Division of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). The report provides global and regional economic forecasts, policy recommendations, and analysis of economic trends. According to WESP 2026, global economic growth is projected to be around 2.7% in 2026, slightly lower than 2.8% in 2025 and below the pre-pandemic average of about 3.2%. The report highlights challenges such as trade tensions, geopolitical uncertainty, high debt levels, and climate-related risks affecting the global economy. It also gives regional forecasts, for example South Asia’s growth is expected to be around 5.6% in 2026, led by India’s growth.
Explanation: The World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) is the flagship global economic report of the United Nations. It is prepared by the Economic Analysis and Policy Division of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). The report provides global and regional economic forecasts, policy recommendations, and analysis of economic trends. According to WESP 2026, global economic growth is projected to be around 2.7% in 2026, slightly lower than 2.8% in 2025 and below the pre-pandemic average of about 3.2%. The report highlights challenges such as trade tensions, geopolitical uncertainty, high debt levels, and climate-related risks affecting the global economy. It also gives regional forecasts, for example South Asia’s growth is expected to be around 5.6% in 2026, led by India’s growth.
6. Recently, the Indian Skimmer Conservation Project was launched in the Ganga Basin. Which organisation is implementing this project?
- Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
- World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
- Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)
- Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
Answer: C) Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)
Explanation: The Indian Skimmer Conservation Project was launched in January 2026 under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG). The project is implemented by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) to protect the endangered Indian Skimmer, a rare riverine bird species found mainly in the Indian subcontinent. The initiative focuses on protecting river sandbars, which are important nesting and breeding habitats for Indian Skimmers and other river birds. The project aims to address major threats such as sand mining, changes in river flow, and human disturbance that damage the nesting habitats of these birds. The conservation model is based on successful work done in the National Chambal Sanctuary, where community participation improved bird nesting success.
Explanation: The Indian Skimmer Conservation Project was launched in January 2026 under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG). The project is implemented by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) to protect the endangered Indian Skimmer, a rare riverine bird species found mainly in the Indian subcontinent. The initiative focuses on protecting river sandbars, which are important nesting and breeding habitats for Indian Skimmers and other river birds. The project aims to address major threats such as sand mining, changes in river flow, and human disturbance that damage the nesting habitats of these birds. The conservation model is based on successful work done in the National Chambal Sanctuary, where community participation improved bird nesting success.
7. What is the role of the Election Commission of India in the SIR (Special Intensive Revision) exercise?
- To conduct only national elections
- To provide constitutional authority to revise and maintain accurate electoral rolls
- To select political candidates
- To organize state government meetings
Answer: B) To provide constitutional authority to revise and maintain accurate electoral rolls
Explanation: The SIR (Special Intensive Revision) is a process carried out by the Election Commission of India to update and verify the electoral rolls. The Election Commission ensures that the voter list is accurate, updated, and free from errors such as duplicate or ineligible entries. The exercise helps remove duplicate, fake, or ineligible voters and include newly eligible voters. The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Constitution of India. It is responsible for conducting elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President.
Explanation: The SIR (Special Intensive Revision) is a process carried out by the Election Commission of India to update and verify the electoral rolls. The Election Commission ensures that the voter list is accurate, updated, and free from errors such as duplicate or ineligible entries. The exercise helps remove duplicate, fake, or ineligible voters and include newly eligible voters. The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Constitution of India. It is responsible for conducting elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President.
8. Which two Indian wetlands were recently added to the Ramsar Sites list?
- Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand
- Keoladeo Ghana and Chilika
- Sunderbans and Loktak
- Pong Dam and Wular Lake
Answer: A) Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand
Explanation: The two Indian wetlands recently added to the Ramsar Sites list are Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district of Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch district of Gujarat. Both wetlands were designated as Ramsar Sites under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. India is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, which was adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. Important habitat for Migratory birds and Resident waterbirds. Plays a major role in maintaining regional biodiversity and groundwater recharge.
Explanation: The two Indian wetlands recently added to the Ramsar Sites list are Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district of Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch district of Gujarat. Both wetlands were designated as Ramsar Sites under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. India is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, which was adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. Important habitat for Migratory birds and Resident waterbirds. Plays a major role in maintaining regional biodiversity and groundwater recharge.
9. Which country has become the world’s largest producer of rice according to recent agricultural data?
- China
- Vietnam
- Thailand
- India
Answer: D) India
Explanation: India has overtaken China to become the world’s largest producer of rice in recent agricultural data (2025–26). India produced around 150–152 million tonnes of rice, which is the highest rice production in the world. India accounts for about 28% of global rice production and is also the largest exporter of rice in the world, supplying a large share of global rice trade. Major rice-producing states in India include West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
Explanation: India has overtaken China to become the world’s largest producer of rice in recent agricultural data (2025–26). India produced around 150–152 million tonnes of rice, which is the highest rice production in the world. India accounts for about 28% of global rice production and is also the largest exporter of rice in the world, supplying a large share of global rice trade. Major rice-producing states in India include West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
10. What major directive has the Centre recently issued regarding the Aravalli Range?
- States should increase mining leases.
- States should completely ban granting any new mining leases.
- States should ban all existing mining activities.
- States should promote mining to boost economy.
Answer: B) States should completely ban granting any new mining leases.
Explanation: The Central Government has directed all States to completely stop granting new mining leases in the Aravalli Range to protect the fragile ecosystem from illegal and unregulated mining. The ban applies to the entire Aravalli stretch from Delhi to Gujarat and was issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The aim is to preserve the Aravallis as a continuous geological ridge, while existing mines must follow strict environmental norms
Explanation: The Central Government has directed all States to completely stop granting new mining leases in the Aravalli Range to protect the fragile ecosystem from illegal and unregulated mining. The ban applies to the entire Aravalli stretch from Delhi to Gujarat and was issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The aim is to preserve the Aravallis as a continuous geological ridge, while existing mines must follow strict environmental norms
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