35 Important Questions for UPSC, SSC, Banking & All Competitive Exams

Q1. Who was elected as the new National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in January 2026?

A) Amit Shah
B) Nitin Gadkari
C) Nitin Nabin
D) Rajnath Singh

✅ Answer: C) Nitin Nabin

📝 Explanation: Nitin Nabin, a five-time MLA from Bihar’s Bankipur constituency, was elected as the new BJP National President on January 20, 2026. He succeeded JP Nadda and became the youngest-ever BJP national president at the age of 45. He is also the first BJP president from Bihar.

Q2. Nitin Nabin, elected BJP National President in January 2026, represents which constituency in the Bihar Legislative Assembly?

A) Patna Sahib
B) Bankipur
C) Danapur
D) Phulwari

✅ Answer: B) Bankipur

📝 Explanation: Nitin Nabin is a five-time MLA from the Bankipur constituency in Patna district, Bihar. He succeeded JP Nadda as the BJP National President in an unopposed election on January 20, 2026.

Q3. India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train was launched in January 2026 on which route?

A) Delhi – Mumbai
B) Chennai – Bengaluru
C) Kolkata (Howrah) – Guwahati
D) Mumbai – Ahmedabad

✅ Answer: C) Kolkata (Howrah) – Guwahati

📝 Explanation: India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train was launched in January 2026 on the Kolkata (Howrah) – Guwahati route. This marks a major step in upgrading India’s overnight rail travel experience with modern amenities.

Q4. Indian Railways completed how many years of rail electrification in January 2026?

A) 75 years
B) 90 years
C) 100 years
D) 50 years

✅ Answer: C) 100 years

📝 Explanation: On January 9, 2026, Indian Railways marked 100 years of rail electrification. Over 68,700 route kilometres have been electrified to date. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled the “52 weeks, 52 reforms” roadmap for 2026 on the occasion.

Q5. Which state approved the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI-ML) Policy in January 2026?

A) Gujarat
B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Rajasthan
D) Madhya Pradesh

✅ Answer: C) Rajasthan

📝 Explanation: The Rajasthan Cabinet approved the Rajasthan AI-ML Policy-2026 to position the state as a technology hub. The policy aims to make public services faster, transparent, and citizen-centric through responsible and ethical use of AI and Machine Learning.

Q6. The Union Minister of Civil Aviation inaugurated India’s indigenous Dhruv-NG helicopter at which location?

A) HAL, Nashik
B) HAL, Bengaluru
C) DRDO, Hyderabad
D) IAF Station, Pune

✅ Answer: B) HAL, Bengaluru

📝 Explanation: Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurated and flagged off the inaugural flight of the indigenous Dhruv-NG (Next Generation) helicopter at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru in Karnataka in late December 2025/early January 2026.

Q7. As per the World Bank’s projection released in early 2026, what is India’s GDP growth rate forecast for 2026?

A) 5.5%
B) 6.0%
C) 6.5%
D) 7.2%

✅ Answer: C) 6.5%

📝 Explanation: The World Bank projected India’s growth at 6.5% for 2026. Other institutions like IMF (6.2%), OECD (6.2%), and Moody’s (6.4%) also released optimistic forecasts, underlining India’s strong medium-term economic outlook.

Q8. Which public sector telecom company launched nationwide Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) services across all telecom circles on New Year’s Day 2026?

A) MTNL
B) BSNL
C) Airtel
D) RailTel

✅ Answer: B) BSNL

📝 Explanation: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) launched VoWiFi (Wi-Fi Calling) across all telecom circles on January 1, 2026. This service allows voice calls over Wi-Fi using the same mobile number, benefits areas with weak mobile signal, and is free of cost.

Q9. In January 2026, which bank received RBI’s in-principle approval to convert its Primary Dealer business into a wholly-owned subsidiary?

A) State Bank of India
B) Punjab National Bank
C) Bank of Baroda
D) Canara Bank

✅ Answer: C) Bank of Baroda

📝 Explanation: Bank of Baroda (BOB) secured in-principle approval from RBI in January 2026 to switch its Bank Primary Dealer (PD) authorization to a Standalone Primary Dealer (SPD) subsidiary, marking a significant step in PSB’s strategic restructuring.

Q10. The RBI released the “Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2024-25”. At the end of FY25, how many Public Sector Banks (PSBs) were operating in India’s commercial banking system?

A) 10
B) 12
C) 14
D) 16

✅ Answer: B) 12

📝 Explanation: According to the RBI’s report released in early January 2026, India’s commercial banking system at the end of FY25 comprised 12 Public Sector Banks (PSBs), 21 Private Banks, 44 Foreign Banks, 11 Small Finance Banks, 6 Payments Banks, and 43 Regional Rural Banks.

Q11. India’s largest integrated inland Rainbow Trout farm was inaugurated in January 2026 in which state?

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

✅ Answer: C) Telangana

📝 Explanation: On January 5, 2026, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh inaugurated India’s largest integrated inland Rainbow Trout farm in Ranga Reddy district, Telangana. This marks a milestone in India’s aquaculture sector under the PMMSY scheme.

Q12. Which country set a new world record by accelerating a superconducting electric maglev train to 700 km/h in just 2 seconds in early 2026?

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

✅ Answer: D) China

📝 Explanation: China set a new world record by accelerating a superconducting electric maglev train to 700 km/h in just 2 seconds, marking the fastest maglev acceleration test ever conducted, showcasing its leadership in high-speed rail technology.

Q13. Indian scientists began developing indigenously manufactured Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) using which technology, as part of Mission Mausam?

A) Nanotechnology
B) 3D-Printing
C) Blockchain
D) Robotics

✅ Answer: B) 3D-Printing

📝 Explanation: Under Mission Mausam (a ₹2,000 crore Ministry of Earth Sciences programme), Indian scientists began developing AWS using 3D-printing technology. The project is led by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, with the first batch planned for Delhi.

Q14. Mission Mausam, under which Automatic Weather Stations are being indigenously developed, is run by which Ministry?

A) Ministry of Science & Technology
B) Ministry of Agriculture
C) Ministry of Earth Sciences
D) Ministry of Environment

✅ Answer: C) Ministry of Earth Sciences

📝 Explanation: Mission Mausam is a ₹2,000 crore programme under the Ministry of Earth Sciences to strengthen weather observation and forecasting infrastructure across India. It involves installing Automatic Weather Stations in major cities starting with Delhi.

Q15. Which institute was inaugurated as India’s first indigenous quantum computing centre in January 2026 under the National Quantum Mission?

A) IIT Delhi
B) IISc Bengaluru
C) IIT Madras
D) TIFR Mumbai

✅ Answer: B) IISc Bengaluru

📝 Explanation: Under the National Quantum Mission, India demonstrated a 1,000-kilometre quantum communication network — a major breakthrough in quantum technology. The initiative is part of India’s broader plan for quantum supremacy in secure communications.

Q16. India’s Army signed a ₹293-crore emergency procurement contract for the “Suryastra” rocket system in January 2026. What is the maximum strike range of Suryastra?

A) 100 km
B) 200 km
C) 250 km
D) 300 km

✅ Answer: D) 300 km

📝 Explanation: The Suryastra is India’s first indigenous universal multi-calibre long-range rocket launcher system, developed in collaboration with Elbit Systems. It can conduct precision surface-to-surface strikes at 150 km and 300 km ranges, boosting India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Q17. DESERT CYCLONE–II is a joint military exercise between India and which country?

A) UAE
B) Saudi Arabia
C) Oman
D) Egypt

✅ Answer: A) UAE

📝 Explanation: DESERT CYCLONE–II is a bilateral joint military exercise between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Such exercises enhance interoperability, share best practices in counter-terrorism, and strengthen defence cooperation between the two nations.

Q18. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) signed a contract with the Indian Army in January 2026 to overhaul and upgrade which rocket system?

A) BrahMos MLRS
B) Pinaka MLRS
C) Akash Missile System
D) Prahaar Missile System

✅ Answer: B) Pinaka MLRS

📝 Explanation: On January 8, 2026, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) signed a contract with the Indian Army to overhaul, upgrade, and provide long-term support for the Pinaka Multiple Launcher Rocket Systems (MLRS). This supports India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence manufacturing.

Q19. Who was appointed as the Interim Director General (DG) of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in January 2026?

A) S. K. Mishra
B) Rakesh Agarwal
C) Dinesh Kumar
D) Vineet Goyal

✅ Answer: B) Rakesh Agarwal

📝 Explanation: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Rakesh Agarwal (IPS) as the Interim Director General (DG) of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in January 2026.

Q20. Exercise “CYCLONE” is a joint special forces drill between India and which country?

A) France
B) Egypt
C) Jordan
D) USA

✅ Answer: B) Egypt

📝 Explanation: Exercise CYCLONE is a joint special forces exercise between India and Egypt. In early 2026, the Indian Army dispatched a contingent to Egypt to participate in the fourth edition of this exercise, aimed at enhancing bilateral defence cooperation.

Q21. Which state won the overall championship at the 2nd edition of Khelo India Beach Games 2026?

A) Goa
B) Maharashtra
C) Karnataka
D) Kerala

✅ Answer: C) Karnataka

📝 Explanation: The 2nd edition of Khelo India Beach Games 2026 was organised at Ghoghla Beach in Diu, with a dolphin mascot named “Pearl”. Karnataka clinched the overall championship, showcasing the state’s dominance in beach sports.

Q22. The 2nd Khelo India Beach Games 2026 was held at which location?

A) Goa Beach
B) Ghoghla Beach, Diu
C) Marina Beach, Chennai
D) Juhu Beach, Mumbai

✅ Answer: B) Ghoghla Beach, Diu

📝 Explanation: The second edition of the Khelo India Beach Games was organised at Ghoghla Beach in Diu (Union Territory). The mascot for the event was a dolphin named “Pearl”, and Karnataka emerged as the overall champions.

Q23. Which team won its first-ever Vijay Hazare Trophy in the 33rd edition (2025–26)?

A) Mumbai
B) Karnataka
C) Vidarbha
D) Tamil Nadu

✅ Answer: C) Vidarbha

📝 Explanation: Vidarbha won its first-ever Vijay Hazare Trophy title in the 33rd edition (2025–26) of the tournament. This historic win marked a significant achievement for the team in List A cricket in India.

Q24. Which legendary athlete was named as the President of the National Olympic Academy (NOA) reactivated by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in January 2026?

A) Mary Kom
B) P.T. Usha
C) Sania Mirza
D) Saina Nehwal

✅ Answer: B) P.T. Usha

📝 Explanation: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) reactivated the National Olympic Academy (NOA) and named P.T. Usha as its President in January 2026. The NOA aims to spread the Olympic movement and educate athletes and coaches about Olympic values.

Q25. The National Sports Governance Act, 2025 partially came into effect on which date?

A) December 1, 2025
B) January 1, 2026
C) January 26, 2026
D) February 1, 2026

✅ Answer: B) January 1, 2026

📝 Explanation: The National Sports Governance Act, 2025 partially came into effect on January 1, 2026. It paves the way for the establishment of a three-member National Sports Board (NSB) and a Tribunal to handle sporting disputes in India.

Q26. The Australian Open 2026 announced a record prize money pool of how much?

A) AUD 90 million
B) AUD 100 million
C) AUD 111.5 million
D) AUD 125 million

✅ Answer: C) AUD 111.5 million

📝 Explanation: Organisers of the Australian Open 2026 announced a record prize money pool of AUD 111.5 million, with the men’s and women’s singles winners each set to receive AUD 2.79 million — the highest prize money in the tournament’s history.

Q27. Who was elected as the President of Guinea in January 2026 with approximately 86.72% of votes?

A) Alpha Condé
B) Cellou Diallo
C) Mamady Doumbouya
D) Ousmane Sonko

✅ Answer: C) Mamady Doumbouya

📝 Explanation: General Mamady Doumbouya was elected President of Guinea with approximately 86.72% of votes. He had earlier seized power in a coup in 2021, ousting President Alpha Condé. His presidential election victory grants him a seven-year mandate.

Q28. In January 2026, U.S. forces captured the president of which Latin American country, which U.S. President Trump described as a modern update of the Monroe Doctrine?

A) Cuba
B) Venezuela
C) Bolivia
D) Nicaragua

✅ Answer: B) Venezuela

📝 Explanation: In January 2026, U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. President Trump described the operation as a modern update of the Monroe Doctrine. Critics labelled it neo-imperialism, while Washington argued it was necessary due to instability and rival powers’ presence.

Q29. The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed a major currency swap agreement in early 2026. What was the value of this agreement?

A) AED 10 billion
B) AED 15 billion
C) AED 20 billion
D) AED 25 billion

✅ Answer: C) AED 20 billion

📝 Explanation: The UAE and Bahrain entered into a major currency swap agreement valued at AED 20 billion (BHD 2 billion), reinforcing financial cooperation and regional economic integration between the two Gulf nations.

Q30. World Hindi Day (Vishwa Hindi Diwas) is observed every year on which date?

A) January 5
B) January 10
C) January 14
D) January 26

✅ Answer: B) January 10

📝 Explanation: World Hindi Day (Vishwa Hindi Diwas) is observed globally on January 10 every year to promote awareness of the Hindi language and honour the contributions of Hindi speakers worldwide. The 2026 observance highlighted India’s linguistic heritage.

Q31. An outbreak of which virus was reported in West Bengal’s Barasat area in January 2026?

A) Zika Virus
B) Nipah Virus
C) Ebola Virus
D) Hanta Virus

✅ Answer: B) Nipah Virus

📝 Explanation: In January 2026, an outbreak of Nipah Virus was reported in West Bengal’s Barasat area, with at least two cases recorded. Nipah is a zoonotic virus (spreading from animals to humans) that causes severe respiratory illness and encephalitis.

Q32. A magnitude 5.1 earthquake hit which Indian state on January 5, 2026, injuring three people?

A) Manipur
B) Meghalaya
C) Assam
D) Mizoram

✅ Answer: C) Assam

📝 Explanation: A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck Assam on January 5, 2026, injuring three people. The Northeast region of India is highly seismically active, falling within seismic Zone IV and Zone V, making it prone to frequent earthquakes.

Q33. At least 14 people died after drinking contaminated water in which city of Madhya Pradesh in January 2026?

A) Bhopal
B) Jabalpur
C) Indore
D) Gwalior

✅ Answer: C) Indore

📝 Explanation: On January 2, 2026, at least 14 people died and several were hospitalised after drinking contaminated water in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The tragic incident highlighted ongoing challenges in water safety and sanitation infrastructure across urban India.

Q34. Global Family Day 2026 was observed on which date?

A) January 1
B) January 5
C) January 10
D) January 26

✅ Answer: A) January 1

📝 Explanation: Global Family Day (also known as World Peace Day) is observed on January 1 every year to promote the idea of peace and unity. The United Nations General Assembly declared the International Decade for the Culture of Peace in 1997, with January 1 being recognised globally.

Q35. Which institute was the only public sector hospital in India to perform 500 kidney transplants in a single year (2025)?

A) AIIMS Delhi
B) PGI Chandigarh
C) IKDRC-ITS, Ahmedabad
D) JIPMER Puducherry

✅ Answer: C) IKDRC-ITS, Ahmedabad

📝 Explanation: The Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC-ITS) at Ahmedabad Civil Medical College completed 500 kidney transplants in 2025, setting a national record for a public hospital. The institute operates under Gujarat government’s Health Department and provides care to economically weaker patients.