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Current affairs

January 2026 in current affairs: eight stories for CUET

The month in eight primary documents: the India–EU free trade agreement, a Republic Day built around Vande Mataram, the Economic Survey, a PSLV setback, two new Ramsar sites, new rules for national sports bodies and ten years of Startup India. The questions rotate out after twelve months; this page stays.

8
stories
28
questions from them still in practice
8
chapters covered

National

National

The 77th Republic Day: Vande Mataram and a battle array

The 77th Republic Day, 26 January 2026, had EU leaders Costa and von der Leyen as chief guests and the theme '150 Years of Vande Mataram'.

India celebrated its 77th Republic Day on 26 January 2026. The chief guests were the two leaders of the European Union: António Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. An EU contingent marched on Kartavya Path.

The central theme was '150 Years of Vande Mataram'. For the first time the Indian Army presented a phased battle-array format, with an aerial component, in place of only marching columns.

Test yourself

Question 1

EasyOriginal question

Who were the chief guests at the Republic Day parade of 2026?

  1. AThe President of Indonesia
  2. BThe leaders of the five Central Asian countries
  3. CThe President of France
  4. DAntónio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen of the European Union
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D

Explanation

  1. The President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission were the chief guests.

  2. Indonesia's President was the chief guest in 2025, and France's in 2024.

Concept
Republic Day 2026 chief guests
Typical time
40 seconds
Written from
pib.gov.in

Question 2

EasyOriginal question

What was the central theme of the Republic Day celebrations of 2026?

  1. AViksit Bharat and Virasat
  2. B75 Years of the Constitution
  3. C150 Years of Vande Mataram
  4. DNari Shakti
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

  1. The 77th Republic Day was built around 150 years of the national song.

  2. Vande Mataram was first published on 7 November 1875.

Concept
Republic Day 2026 theme
Typical time
40 seconds
Written from
pib.gov.in

Question 3

MediumOriginal question

Which Republic Day did India celebrate on 26 January 2026?

  1. AThe 76th
  2. BThe 77th
  3. CThe 75th
  4. DThe 78th
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

  1. The first Republic Day was 26 January 1950, so 2026 is the 77th.

  2. Count 1950 as the first: 2026 − 1950 + 1 = 77.

Worth noting

Anniversaries and editions differ by one. 2026 is 76 years after 1950, but the 77th celebration.

Concept
Numbering Republic Days
Typical time
50 seconds
Written from
pib.gov.in

Question 4

HardOriginal question

What did the Indian Army present at the Republic Day parade for the first time in 2026?

  1. AAn all-women marching contingent
  2. BA flypast of the Rafale
  3. CIts tableau on the Constitution
  4. DA phased battle-array format with an aerial component
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D

Explanation

  1. The 2026 parade showed, for the first time, the Army's phased battle-array format, including helicopters in support.

  2. All-women contingents and the Rafale had appeared in earlier years.

Concept
Republic Day 2026 firsts
Typical time
65 seconds
Written from
pib.gov.in
Read the releasePractise this: National

Week →

Government Schemes & Policy

Government Schemes & Policy

Ten years of Startup India

Startup India turned ten on 16 January 2026, with over 2 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups against about 400 in 2016.

National Startup Day, 16 January 2026, marked ten years of the Startup India initiative, launched in 2016. By December 2025 more than 2 lakh startups had been recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), against about 400 when the initiative began.

About half the recognised startups come from Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Alongside it run the Atal Innovation Mission, now in its second phase (AIM 2.0), and grassroots programmes for micro-enterprises such as SVEP, ASPIRE and PMEGP.

Test yourself

Question 1

EasyOriginal question

National Startup Day, observed on 16 January, marked how many years of Startup India in 2026?

  1. A5
  2. B8
  3. C10
  4. D12
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

  1. Startup India was launched in 2016, so 2026 marked a decade.

  2. 16 January is observed as National Startup Day.

Concept
A decade of Startup India
Typical time
40 seconds
Written from
pib.gov.in

Question 2

MediumOriginal question

Roughly how many startups had DPIIT recognised by December 2025?

  1. AAbout 400
  2. BMore than 2 lakh
  3. CAbout 50,000
  4. DAbout 10 lakh
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

  1. More than 2 lakh startups had been recognised by DPIIT by December 2025.

  2. About 400 was the number of startups when the initiative began in 2016.

Concept
DPIIT-recognised startups
Typical time
50 seconds
Written from
pib.gov.in

Question 3

MediumOriginal question

Which department recognises startups under the Startup India initiative?

  1. AThe Department of Commerce
  2. BThe Ministry of MSME
  3. CThe Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
  4. DNITI Aayog
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

  1. Startups are recognised by DPIIT, in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

  2. NITI Aayog runs the Atal Innovation Mission, a separate programme.

Concept
Who recognises startups
Typical time
50 seconds
Written from
pib.gov.in

Question 4

HardOriginal question

What share of DPIIT-recognised startups come from Tier-II and Tier-III cities, according to the Startup India decade backgrounder?

  1. AAbout a tenth
  2. BAbout half
  3. CAbout a quarter
  4. DAlmost all
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

  1. Around 50 per cent of recognised startups originate outside the big metros, in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

  2. The backgrounder presents this as the spread of entrepreneurship beyond the metros.

Concept
Where India's startups are
Typical time
65 seconds
Written from
pib.gov.in
Read the releasePractise this: Government Schemes & Policy

Week →

Economy & Business

Economy & Business

Economic Survey 2025-26: 7.4 per cent this year, 6.8–7.2 next

The Economic Survey 2025-26, tabled 29 January 2026, put growth at 7.4% for 2025-26 and 6.8–7.2% for 2026-27.

The Economic Survey 2025-26, tabled on 29 January 2026, put real GDP growth for 2025-26 at 7.4 per cent and GVA growth at 7.3 per cent, following the first advance estimates. It projected 6.8 to 7.2 per cent for 2026-27 and estimated India's potential growth at around 7 per cent.

Other numbers in it: inflation averaged 1.7 per cent in April–December 2025; banks' gross NPAs fell to a multi-decade low of 2.2 per cent in September 2025; foreign exchange reserves were USD 701.4 billion on 16 January 2026, enough for 11 months of imports; India remained the world's largest recipient of remittances, at USD 135.4 billion in 2024-25; and services exports reached a record USD 387.6 billion.

Test yourself

Question 1

EasyOriginal question

What real GDP growth for 2025-26 did the Economic Survey 2025-26 report?

  1. A6.8 per cent
  2. B7.0 per cent
  3. C7.4 per cent
  4. D8.2 per cent
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

  1. The Survey, following the first advance estimates, put 2025-26 growth at 7.4 per cent.

  2. About 7 per cent is its estimate of potential growth, and 8.2 per cent was a single quarter.

Concept
GDP growth in the Economic Survey 2025-26
Typical time
40 seconds
Written from
pib.gov.in

Question 2

MediumOriginal question

What growth range did the Economic Survey 2025-26 project for 2026-27?

  1. A6.3 to 6.8 per cent
  2. B7.4 to 7.8 per cent
  3. C6.8 to 7.2 per cent
  4. D6.0 to 6.5 per cent
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

  1. The Survey projected real GDP growth of 6.8 to 7.2 per cent for 2026-27.

  2. 6.3 to 6.8 per cent was the previous year's Survey's projection for 2025-26.

Concept
Economic Survey projection for 2026-27
Typical time
50 seconds
Written from
pib.gov.in

Question 3

MediumOriginal question

According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, what did India's foreign exchange reserves stand at on 16 January 2026?

  1. AUSD 701.4 billion
  2. BUSD 387.6 billion
  3. CUSD 135.4 billion
  4. DUSD 550.0 billion
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

  1. Reserves were USD 701.4 billion, covering 11 months of imports.

  2. USD 387.6 billion is services exports and USD 135.4 billion remittances.

Concept
Forex reserves, January 2026
Typical time
50 seconds
Written from
pib.gov.in

Question 4

HardOriginal question

To what level did banks' gross non-performing assets fall by September 2025, according to the Economic Survey 2025-26?

  1. A1.7 per cent, a record low
  2. B4.0 per cent, the RBI's comfort level
  3. C9.2 per cent, down from 11 per cent
  4. D2.2 per cent, a multi-decade low
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D

Explanation

  1. Gross NPAs reached a multi-decade low of 2.2 per cent in September 2025.

  2. 1.7 per cent is average inflation for April–December 2025, and 9.2 per cent the Centre's revenue receipts as a share of GDP.

Concept
Bank asset quality, 2025
Typical time
65 seconds
Written from
pib.gov.in

Question 5

MediumOriginal question

The Economic Survey 2025-26 noted that India remained the world's largest recipient of what?

  1. AForeign direct investment
  2. BRemittances
  3. CDevelopment aid
  4. DCrude oil imports from Russia
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

  1. Remittance inflows reached USD 135.4 billion in 2024-25, the largest in the world.

  2. Remittances are money sent home by Indians working abroad.

Concept
India and remittances
Typical time
50 seconds
Written from
pib.gov.in
Read the releasePractise this: Economy & Business

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International

International

India and the EU conclude their free trade agreement

India and the EU announced the conclusion of their free trade agreement at the 16th India–EU Summit, New Delhi, 27 January 2026.

On 27 January 2026, at the 16th India–EU Summit in New Delhi, the Prime Minister and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the conclusion of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement. Negotiations had been relaunched in 2022.

The agreement gives more than 99 per cent of India's exports, by value, preferential entry into the EU, with labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, marine products and gems and jewellery expected to gain most. India kept sensitive farm products and dairy out of it entirely. The two sides are the world's 4th and 2nd largest economies, together about a quarter of global GDP; India's goods trade with the EU was USD 136.54 billion in 2024-25.

The EU leaders — António Costa, President of the European Council, and von der Leyen — were also the chief guests at Republic Day the day before.

Test yourself

Question 1

EasyOriginal question

At which summit was the conclusion of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement announced in January 2026?

  1. AThe 10th India–EU Summit
  2. BThe G20 Summit
  3. CThe 16th India–EU Summit
  4. DThe 23rd India–EU Summit
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

  1. The conclusion was announced at the 16th India–EU Summit in New Delhi on 27 January 2026.

  2. 23rd was the India–Russia summit of December 2025.

Concept
India–EU FTA announcement
Typical time
40 seconds
Written from
pib.gov.in

Question 2

MediumOriginal question

Under the India–EU FTA, what share of India's exports by value gains preferential entry into the EU?

  1. AAbout 25 per cent
  2. BMore than 99 per cent
  3. CAbout 75 per cent
  4. DAbout 50 per cent
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

  1. Over 99 per cent of Indian exports by trade value gain preferential access.

  2. 25 per cent is the two economies' combined share of global GDP.

Concept
Market access under the India–EU FTA
Typical time
50 seconds
Written from
pib.gov.in

Question 3

MediumOriginal question

Which sector did India keep entirely outside market access in the India–EU FTA?

  1. ADairy
  2. BTextiles
  3. CAutomobiles
  4. DServices
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

  1. Sensitive agricultural products and dairy were given no market access.

  2. Autos were liberalised in a calibrated way, and textiles are among the biggest gainers.

Concept
Safeguards in the India–EU FTA
Typical time
50 seconds
Written from
pib.gov.in

Question 4

HardOriginal question

In which year were India–EU free trade negotiations relaunched before their conclusion in 2026?

  1. A2007
  2. B2013
  3. C2019
  4. D2022
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D

Explanation

  1. Negotiations were relaunched in 2022.

  2. They had first begun in 2007 and stalled in 2013, which is why both years appear here.

Concept
History of India–EU trade talks
Typical time
65 seconds
Written from
pib.gov.in
Read the releasePractise this: International

Week →

Science & Space

Science & Space

PSLV-C62 fails at the end of its third stage

PSLV-C62, carrying EOS-N1 and 15 co-passengers, failed at the end of its third stage on 12 January 2026.

PSLV-C62 lifted off from the First Launch Pad at Sriharikota on 12 January 2026 with the EOS-N1 earth-observation satellite and 15 co-passengers, among them KID, a small re-entry capsule from a Spanish startup. It was the 64th flight of the PSLV and the ninth dedicated commercial mission of NewSpace India Limited.

The mission encountered an anomaly at the end of the third stage (PS3), and the satellites were not placed in orbit. ISRO began a detailed analysis.

Test yourself

Question 1

EasyOriginal question

What was the main satellite on PSLV-C62, launched on 12 January 2026?

  1. AEOS-09
  2. BCMS-03
  3. CEOS-N1
  4. DBlueBird Block-2
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

  1. PSLV-C62 carried the EOS-N1 earth-observation satellite and 15 co-passengers.

  2. EOS-09 was lost on PSLV-C61 in May 2025.

Concept
PSLV-C62 payload
Typical time
40 seconds
Written from
isro.gov.in

Question 2

MediumOriginal question

Where in the flight did PSLV-C62 encounter its anomaly?

  1. AAt the end of the third stage (PS3)
  2. BAt lift-off, in the strap-on motors
  3. CIn the first stage (PS1)
  4. DAfter satellite separation
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

  1. ISRO reported an anomaly at the end of the PS3 stage.

  2. PS3 is a solid-fuel stage; the PSLV has four stages in all.

Concept
PSLV-C62 anomaly
Typical time
50 seconds
Written from
isro.gov.in

Question 3

HardOriginal question

PSLV-C62 was which flight of the PSLV?

  1. AThe 62nd
  2. BThe 60th
  3. CThe 101st
  4. DThe 64th
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D

Explanation

  1. ISRO describes PSLV-C62 as the 64th flight of the PSLV.

  2. The 'C' numbers are not flight counts, so C62 is not the 62nd flight; 101st was ISRO's launch count at PSLV-C61.

Worth noting

A rocket's serial number and its flight count are different things. Only the source says which flight it was.

Concept
Counting PSLV flights
Typical time
65 seconds
Written from
isro.gov.in
Read the releasePractise this: Science & Space

Week →

Environment & Climate

Environment & Climate

Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand take India to 98 Ramsar sites

Patna Bird Sanctuary (UP) and Chhari-Dhand (Gujarat) became Ramsar sites on 31 January 2026, taking India to 98.

Ahead of World Wetlands Day on 2 February 2026, the Environment Minister announced two new Ramsar sites: Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch district, Gujarat. That took India to 98 Ramsar sites, from 26 in 2014 — a rise of over 276 per cent.

Both wetlands support hundreds of migratory and resident bird species. Chhari-Dhand, on the edge of the Banni grasslands, is also home to wildlife such as chinkara and wolves.

Test yourself

Question 1

EasyOriginal question

Chhari-Dhand, designated a Ramsar site in January 2026, is in which state?

  1. ARajasthan
  2. BUttar Pradesh
  3. CMadhya Pradesh
  4. DGujarat
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D

Explanation

  1. Chhari-Dhand is in Kutch district, Gujarat.

  2. The other January 2026 site, Patna Bird Sanctuary, is in Uttar Pradesh.

Concept
Chhari-Dhand Ramsar site
Typical time
40 seconds
Written from
pib.gov.in

Question 2

MediumOriginal question

Patna Bird Sanctuary, a Ramsar site from January 2026, is in which state — despite its name?

  1. ABihar
  2. BUttar Pradesh
  3. CJharkhand
  4. DWest Bengal
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

  1. Patna Bird Sanctuary is in Etah district of Uttar Pradesh.

  2. It takes its name from Patna village in Etah, not from the capital of Bihar.

Worth noting

A place name that matches a famous city is the trap. Read the district.

Concept
Patna Bird Sanctuary
Typical time
50 seconds
Written from
pib.gov.in

Question 3

MediumOriginal question

With the two sites added in January 2026, how many Ramsar sites did India have?

  1. A85
  2. B91
  3. C98
  4. D101
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

  1. The two additions took India to 98 Ramsar sites, from 26 in 2014.

  2. The count kept rising through 2026, so the total depends on the date asked about.

Concept
Ramsar sites, January 2026
Typical time
50 seconds
Written from
pib.gov.in
Read the releasePractise this: Environment & Climate

Week →

Sports

Sports

Rules for national sports bodies under the new governance Act

Rules under the National Sports Governance Act were notified on 12 January 2026: every general body needs four outstanding sportspersons, half women.

On 12 January 2026 the Sports Ministry notified the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026, framed under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. They set out how national sports bodies compose their general bodies and executive committees, hold elections and disqualify members, and how affiliates register with the National Sports Board.

Every general body must include at least four sportspersons of outstanding merit, half of them women. The Act's requirement of at least four women on each executive committee may be met by reserving posts in the body's bye-laws. Elections run under a National Sports Election Panel.

Test yourself

Question 1

MediumOriginal question

The National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026 were framed under which law?

  1. AThe National Sports Code, 2011
  2. BThe National Sports Governance Act, 2025
  3. CThe Khelo India Act, 2018
  4. DThe National Anti-Doping Act, 2022
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

  1. The Rules were notified under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.

  2. The National Sports Code of 2011 was a set of guidelines, not an Act, and there is no Khelo India Act.

Concept
Basis of the 2026 sports-body rules
Typical time
50 seconds
Written from
pib.gov.in

Question 2

MediumOriginal question

Under the 2026 Rules, how many sportspersons of outstanding merit must a national sports body's general body include, at the least?

  1. A2
  2. B4
  3. C8
  4. D10
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

  1. The Rules require at least four sportspersons of outstanding merit in the general body.

  2. Half of those sportspersons must be women.

Concept
Athletes in sports-body general bodies
Typical time
50 seconds
Written from
pib.gov.in

Question 3

HardOriginal question

How does the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 require women to be represented on a national sports body's executive committee?

  1. AAt least half the members
  2. BOne woman vice-president
  3. CAt least four women
  4. DNo requirement; it is left to each body
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

  1. The Act mandates at least four women on each executive committee; the Rules let bodies reserve posts in their bye-laws to meet it.

  2. The half-women rule applies to the sportspersons of outstanding merit in the general body, not to the executive committee.

Concept
Women in sports-body executive committees
Typical time
65 seconds
Written from
pib.gov.in
Read the releasePractise this: Sports

Week →

Awards & Appointments

Awards & Appointments

Padma Awards 2026: 131 in all

The Padma Awards 2026, announced 25 January: 131 in all, 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri.

The Padma Awards for 2026 were announced on 25 January 2026. The President approved 131 awards, counting each of two duo cases as one: 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri. The list carries 19 women, 16 posthumous awards and 6 from the foreigner, NRI, PIO or OCI category.

The Padma Vibhushan went to Dharmendra Singh Deol (posthumous, art), K T Thomas (public affairs), N Rajam (art), P Narayanan (literature and education) and V S Achuthanandhan (posthumous, public affairs).

The announcement and the conferment are months apart — the names come out on Republic Day, and the investiture ceremonies are held at Rashtrapati Bhavan around March or April. A question that asks when someone received an award is asking about a different date from the one on which it was announced.

Test yourself

Question 1

MediumOriginal question

How many Padma Awards were announced for 2026, and how did they divide across the three categories?

  1. A139 in all — 6 Padma Vibhushan, 9 Padma Bhushan, 124 Padma Shri
  2. B128 in all — 2 Padma Vibhushan, 10 Padma Bhushan, 116 Padma Shri
  3. C110 in all — 4 Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan, 89 Padma Shri
  4. D131 in all — 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, 113 Padma Shri
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D

Explanation

  1. The President approved 131 awards, counting two duo cases as one each, made up of 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri

  2. The list included 19 women, 16 posthumous awards and 6 from the foreigner, NRI, PIO or OCI category

Concept
Padma Awards 2026
Typical time
50 seconds
Written from
pib.gov.in

Question 2

EasyOriginal question

When are the Padma Awards announced, and when are they actually conferred?

  1. AAnnounced on Republic Day and conferred at Rashtrapati Bhavan around March or April
  2. BAnnounced on Independence Day and conferred on Republic Day
  3. CAnnounced and conferred together on Republic Day
  4. DAnnounced in March and conferred on Independence Day
Your answer
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

  1. The names come out on Republic Day, and the investiture ceremonies are held at Rashtrapati Bhavan around March or April

  2. Months separate the two, so a question that asks when someone received an award is asking about a different date from the one on which the award was announced

Concept
The Padma calendar
Typical time
40 seconds
Written from
pib.gov.in
Read the releasePractise this: Awards & Appointments

Week →

Every item on this page, and the document it came from

Sources on this page · Last verified:

  1. 77th Republic Day Parade: Kartavya Path set to unveil unique mix of 150 years of 'Vande Mataram' and the nation's progress & military might — Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Defence
  2. A Decade of Startup India: Scaling Innovation, Shaping India's Growth Story — Press Information Bureau (backgrounder)
  3. Highlights: Economic Survey 2025-26 — Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Finance
  4. India–EU Free Trade Agreement Concluded: A Strategic Breakthrough in India's Global Trade Engagement — Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
  5. PSLV-C62 / EOS-N1 Mission — Indian Space Research Organisation
  6. Union Environment Minister announces Addition of 2 New Wetlands to India's Ramsar List, ahead of World Wetlands Day 2026 — Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
  7. Notification of National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026 — Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
  8. Padma Awards 2026 announced — Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs