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Current Affairs 21st January 2026 : Daily GK Update in English

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Current Affairs 21st January 2026 : Daily GK Update in English

1. Who launched the inaugural edition of the Responsible Nations Index (RNI) in January 2026?  

A) Prime Minister Narendra Modi  
B) Former President Ram Nath Kovind  
C) President Droupadi Murmu  
D) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar  

Answer: B  

Explanation:
Former President of India Ram Nath Kovind launched the first Responsible Nations Index (RNI) at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, a new global framework assessing responsible nationhood.

2. Which country topped the Responsible Nations Index 2026?  

A) Switzerland  
B) Singapore  
C) Denmark  
D) Norway  

Answer: B  

Explanation:
Singapore led the inaugural Responsible Nations Index 2026, with India securing the 16th position.

3. In which city was the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) held from January 14-16, 2026?  

A) London  
B) New Delhi  
C) Canberra  
D) Ottawa  

Answer: B  

Explanation:
India hosted the 28th CSPOC at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan in New Delhi's Parliament House Complex.

4. Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on which date in 2026?  

A) January 19  
B) January 20  
C) January 21  
D) January 26  

Answer: B  

Explanation:
Trump was inaugurated on January 20, 2026, in Washington, D.C., marking the start of his second term with implications for India-US relations in trade, defense, and Indo-Pacific strategy.

5. What is the rank of India in the Asia Manufacturing Index 2026 as per recent reports?  

A) 3rd  
B) 6th  
C) 8th  
D) 10th  

Answer: B  

Explanation:
India ranked 6th among 11 Asian countries in the Asia Manufacturing Index 2026, reflecting growth in the sector.

6. India's electronics exports crossed which milestone figure in 2025 (reported in early 2026)?  

A) $30 billion  
B) $47 billion  
C) $60 billion  
D) $75 billion  

Answer: B  

Explanation:
India's electronics exports surpassed $47 billion in 2025, highlighting the sector's expansion and export potential.

7. Which state is associated with the recently discussed Vadhavan Port project in current affairs?  

A) Gujarat  
B) Maharashtra  
C) Andhra Pradesh  
D) Odisha  

Answer: B  

Explanation:
Vadhavan Port, frequently in news for development updates, is located in Maharashtra.

8. A new species of ginger named Parakaempferia alba was discovered in which Indian state?  

A) Arunachal Pradesh  
B) Sikkim  
C) Tripura  
D) Maharashtra  

Answer: A 

Explanation:
The discovery of Parakaempferia alba highlights ongoing biodiversity research in northeastern India, specifically Arunachal Pradesh.

9. Under the India-New Zealand FTA, India recently reduced import duty on New Zealand apples to what rate under a quota system?  

A) 10%  
B) 25%  
C) 35%  
D) 50%  

Answer: B  

Explanation:
Duty was cut from 50% to 25% for New Zealand apples, though this sparked concerns from Himachal Pradesh farmers over local protection.

10. Which country recently visited India for a 3-day visit by its Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi from January 15-17, 2026?  

A) China  
B) Japan  
C) South Korea  
D) Australia  

Answer: B  

Explanation:
Japan's FM Toshimitsu Motegi visited India to strengthen bilateral ties.

11. The World Bank approved USD 286 million for which Indian state's health system reform program?  

A) Uttar Pradesh  
B) West Bengal  
C) Tamil Nadu  
D) Maharashtra  

Answer: B  

Explanation:
The funding aims to enhance healthcare access and life expectancy in West Bengal.

12. State Bank of India signed an MoU with which state government for enhanced corporate salary package benefits to PSU employees?  

A) Kerala  
B) Tamil Nadu  
C) Karnataka  
D) Gujarat  

Answer: B  

Explanation:
The agreement with Tamil Nadu focuses on better banking benefits for public sector employees.

13. Which port or infrastructure project in Maharashtra saw recent inauguration of a Medium Calibre Ammunition Manufacturing Facility by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh?  

A) Related to Ordnance Factory Board initiatives  
B) Vadhavan (contextual link)  
C) Mumbai Port  
D) JNPT  

Answer: A 

Explanation:
Rajnath Singh inaugurated the facility to strengthen domestic defence production.

14. India launched its second nationwide dolphin population survey under Project Dolphin from which location?  

A) Kolkata  
B) Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh  
C) Guwahati  
D) Patna  

Answer: B  

Explanation:
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav initiated the survey for riverine and estuarine dolphins starting from Bijnor.

15. The 17th edition of the biennial “Dosti” trilateral coast guard exercise involves India, Sri Lanka, and which country?  

A) Maldives  
B) Bangladesh  
C) Myanmar  
D) Indonesia  

Answer: A  

Explanation:
Inaugurated in January 2026, it strengthens maritime cooperation among India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.

16. Where will the 23rd National Space Science Symposium (NSSS-2026) be hosted by NESAC from February 23-27, 2026?  

A) Shillong, Meghalaya  
B) Bengaluru  
C) Hyderabad  
D) Thiruvananthapuram  

Answer: A  

Explanation:
ISRO's North Eastern Space Applications Centre will host it in Meghalaya.

17. Preparations for India's 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, are intensifying at which location in New Delhi?  

A) India Gate  
B) Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath)  
C) Red Fort  
D) Rashtrapati Bhavan  

Answer: B  

Explanation:
Security and rehearsals are underway at Kartavya Path.

18. Which global event saw thousands protesting against US immigration policies on January 20, 2026?  

A) Anniversary of Trump's second term  
B) UN Climate Summit  
C) Davos Forum  
D) G20 Meeting  

Answer: A  

Explanation:
Protests marked one year of Trump's second term, focusing on deportation raids and related incidents.

19. A commuter train derailment in Gelida, Catalonia, Spain, on January 20, 2026, resulted in how many injuries (besides the driver's death)?  

A) 20  
B) 37  
C) 50  
D) 100  

Answer: B  

Explanation:
The incident killed the driver and injured 37 others.

20. Which Indian state Chief Minister urged raising import duty on foreign apples to protect local farmers?  

A) Uttarakhand  
B) Himachal Pradesh  
C) Jammu & Kashmir  
D) Arunachal Pradesh  

Answer: B  

Explanation:
Himachal CM sought higher duty (50% to 100%) and seasonal bans to safeguard apple growers.

21. The BRICS Plus naval exercise was recently highlighted in current affairs; which edition or focus was noted?  

A) Maritime security cooperation  
B) Recent holding location  
C) Both  
D) None  

Answer: C  

Explanation:
It emphasized deepening ties among BRICS nations in naval domains.

22. What award is associated with recognizing excellence in railway services (Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar)?  

A) Sports award  
B) Railway service honor  
C) Environmental prize  
D) Literary award  

Answer: B  

Explanation:
It recognizes outstanding contributions in Indian Railways.

23. Which country threatened to seize Greenland around January 20, 2026, sparking international debate?  

A) Russia  
B) China  
C) USA (under Trump)  
D) Canada  

Answer: C  

Explanation:
President Trump reiterated interest in Greenland, outraging allies.

24. The Padmapani Award is related to which field?  

A) Art/Buddhist heritage  
B) Sports  
C) Literature  
D) Science  

Answer: A  

Explanation:
It recognizes contributions in relevant cultural or artistic domains.

25. India and which country agreed to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in recent updates?  

A) USA  
B) UAE  
C) France  
D) UK  

Answer: B  

Explanation:
India-UAE ties were further strengthened.

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