Current Affairs 22nd January 2026 : Daily GK Update in English
1. What is the revised GDP growth projection for India in FY26 as per the IMF's World Economic Outlook update released in January 2026?
A) 6.5%
B) 7.3%
C) 6.8%
D) 7.0%
Answer: B) 7.3%
Explanation: The IMF upgraded India's FY26 growth forecast to 7.3% from its earlier October 2025 estimate of 6%, citing steady economic performance amid global divergent forces.
2. Which train was flagged off by PM Narendra Modi as India's first sleeper Vande Bharat train on January 22, 2026?
A) Mumbai-Ahmedabad
B) Howrah-Guwhati
C) Delhi-Chennai
D) Bengaluru-Hyderabad
Answer: B) Howrah-Guwhati
Explanation: PM Modi virtually flagged off the first sleeper version of Vande Bharat connecting Kolkata (Howrah) to Guwahati (Kamakhya), enhancing overnight high-speed travel in the Northeast.
3. What major infrastructure project did PM Narendra Modi lay the foundation stone for in Assam around January 22, 2026?
A) Mumbai Trans Harbour Link
B) Kaziranga Elevated Corridor
C) Chenab Bridge
D) Atal Setu Extension
Answer: B) Kaziranga Elevated Corridor
Explanation: The ₹6,957 crore Kaziranga Elevated Corridor aims to improve wildlife protection, tourism, road/rail connectivity, and employment in Assam.
4. Which organization along with NMCG launched a project in January 2026 to protect the Endangered Indian Skimmer in the Ganga Basin?
A) WWF-India
B) Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)
C) Wildlife Institute of India
D) IUCN
Answer: B) Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)
Explanation: The BNHS-NMCG joint project focuses on safeguarding breeding habitats of the Indian Skimmer and other birds through monitoring and community participation.
5. Who addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2026?
A) Joe Biden
B) Donald Trump
C) Xi Jinping
D) Emmanuel Macron
Answer: B) Donald Trump
Explanation: US President Donald Trump delivered a key address at Davos, discussing global economic issues, trade, and US policies.
6. By what margin did India defeat New Zealand in the first T20I match reported around January 22, 2026?
A) 25 runs
B) 48 runs
C) 6 wickets
D) 10 wickets
Answer: B) 48 runs
Explanation: India won the opening T20I against New Zealand by 48 runs in Nagpur, showcasing strong batting and bowling performance.
7. Which state's cricket team won its maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy title in the 2025–26 season, defeating Saurashtra?
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Vidarbha
C) Karnataka
D) Mumbai
Answer: B) Vidarbha
Explanation: Vidarbha secured its first Vijay Hazare Trophy by defeating Saurashtra by 38 runs in the final.
8. Which city was ranked the world's safest city for the tenth consecutive year in the 2026 Numbeo Global Safety Index?
A) Tokyo
B) Abu Dhabi
C) Singapore
D) Copenhagen
Answer: B) Abu Dhabi (based on reported rankings; exact city may vary in sources but highlighted in quizzes)
Explanation: Abu Dhabi maintained its top position due to low crime rates and strong security measures.
9. In which state is the Souparnika River, recently in news, located?
A) Karnataka
B) Kerala
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Maharashtra
Answer: A) Karnataka
Explanation: The Souparnika River gained attention due to environmental or developmental news in Karnataka.
10. What rank did India achieve in the Asia Manufacturing Index (AMI) 2026?
A) 3rd
B) 6th
C) 4th
D) 8th
Answer: B) 6th
Explanation: India improved its standing in manufacturing competitiveness across Asia.
11. What voyage or mission began with INS Sudarshini (context from Jan 2026)?
A) Lokayan-26 global voyage
B) Antarctic expedition
C) Chandrayaan follow-up
D) Naval drill
Answer: A) Lokayan-26 global voyage
Explanation: A 10-month global training and goodwill mission.
12. What was the title of the IMF’s World Economic Outlook report released in January 2026?
A) Global Recovery
B) Steady amid Divergent Forces
C) Economic Resilience
D) Post-Pandemic Growth
Answer: B) Steady amid Divergent Forces
Explanation: The report highlighted global economic stability despite varying regional performances.
13. Which two MSME Technology Centres were approved in Himachal Pradesh in January 2026?
A) Shimla and Mandi
B) Pandoga and Parwanoo
C) Solan and Una
D) Kangra and Bilaspur
Answer: B) Pandoga and Parwanoo
Explanation: The Ministry of MSME approved centres in Pandoga (Una) and Parwanoo (Solan) for nationwide expansion.
14. What project was launched to monitor and protect birds like the Indian Skimmer in the Ganga Basin?
A) Ganga Avian Project
B) Safeguarding breeding habitats project
C) Clean Ganga Bird Initiative
D) Riverine Species Protection
Answer: B) Safeguarding breeding habitats project
Explanation: Joint BNHS-NMCG effort emphasizes community involvement for conservation.
15. Which Union Minister began a two-day visit to Uttarakhand around January 21-22, 2026?
A) Rajnath Singh
B) Amit Shah
C) Nitin Gadkari
D) S Jaishankar
Answer: B) Amit Shah
Explanation: Home Minister Amit Shah's visit focused on security and development issues.
16. What caused global skies to light up with auroras in January 2026?
A) Solar eclipse
B) Severe geomagnetic storm
C) Meteor shower
D) Volcanic eruption
Answer: B) Severe geomagnetic storm
Explanation: A powerful geomagnetic storm led to widespread auroral displays.
17. In which sector did India launch its first open-sea marine fish farming pilot (reported in early Jan but relevant)?
A) Arabian Sea
B) Andaman Sea
C) Bay of Bengal
D) Indian Ocean
Answer: B) Andaman Sea
Explanation: Focused on finfish and seaweed using advanced techniques.
18. Who launched the Responsible Nations Index in New Delhi?
A) PM Narendra Modi
B) Former President Ram Nath Kovind
C) President Droupadi Murmu
D) Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar
Answer: B) Former President Ram Nath Kovind
Explanation: The index measures ethical and inclusive governance.
19. Which river's pollution or conservation was highlighted in Karnataka news?
A) Cauvery
B) Souparnika
C) Tungabhadra
D) Krishna
Answer: B) Souparnika
Explanation: Environmental concerns linked to the river in recent reports.
20. What is the scientific name of the Indian Skimmer bird classified as Endangered?
A) Rynchops flavirostris
B) Rynchops albicollis
C) Rynchops niger
D) Rynchops cinerascens
Answer: B) Rynchops albicollis
Explanation: The species faces habitat threats in river basins.
21. Which country faced protests and crackdowns reported in January 2026?
A) Iran
B) Venezuela
C) Ukraine
D) Haiti
Answer: A) Iran
Explanation: Demonstrations continued against the theocracy amid crackdowns.
22. What major geopolitical issue involved US threats regarding Greenland in January 2026?
A) Annexation threats by Trump
B) Trade disputes
C) Climate talks
D) Military base
Answer: A) Annexation threats by Trump
Explanation: President Trump reiterated interest in Greenland control.
23. Which act's Section 17A was under Supreme Court scrutiny with a split verdict?
A) Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
B) RTI Act
C) Lokpal Act
D) CrPC
Answer: A) Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
Explanation: Debate on prior approval for investigating public servants.
24. What demand did Punjab farmers raise regarding the border fence?
A) Complete removal
B) Shift closer to Pakistan border
C) Height increase
D) Electrification
Answer: B) Shift closer to Pakistan border
Explanation: To restore access to farmland beyond the current fence.
25. Which scheme or initiative was linked to MSME expansion in Himachal Pradesh?
A) Atmanirbhar Bharat
B) Nationwide MSME Technology Centres
C) Make in India
D) Startup India
Answer: B) Nationwide MSME Technology Centres
Explanation: Part of broader initiative for technology upgradation.