Daily Current Affairs Quiz29 & 30 January, 2026 International Affairs 1. 2nd India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting 2026 Source: News on Air Why in News? Ministers and delegates of the 22-member Arab League (League of Arab States – LAS) are meeting in New Delhi for the 2nd India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, marking a major diplomatic outreach by India amid heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia and the global order. Background: Arab League (LAS) Objectives of India–LAS MoU (2002) Institutional Frameworks of Engagement Key Pillars of India–Arab League Engagement National Affairs 1. Centre Notifies New Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 Source: The Indian Express Why in News? The Central Government has notified the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026, replacing the 2016 rules and placing greater responsibility on bulk waste generators to improve waste segregation, processing, and accountability. Key Features of SWM Rules, 2026 Mandatory Source Segregation Waste must be segregated into four streams: Objective: Improve recycling efficiency and reduce landfill burden. Higher Responsibility for Bulk Waste Generators Shifts burden away from urban local bodies towards waste producers. Polluter Pays Principle Digital Monitoring & Transparency Circular Economy Orientation 2. UGC Anti-Discrimination (Equity) Regulations, 2026 Source: IE Why in News? The University Grants Commission (UGC) notified the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, triggering nationwide debate and protests over whether the rules promote inclusion or risk bias and administrative overreach. What Are the UGC Equity Regulations, 2026? Objectives Key Provisions Institutional Mechanisms Complaint Redressal Enforcement Powers Marks a shift from moral persuasion to regulatory enforcement. Why the Controversy? Concerns Raised Supportive Arguments Judicial Intervention 3. World Bank Report: A Breath of Change (2025) Source: The Telegraph Why in News? The World Bank report A Breath of Change highlights that nearly one billion people in the Indo-Gangetic Plains and Himalayan Foothills (IGP-HF) are exposed to the most polluted air globally, calling for urgent transboundary cooperation. About A Breath of Change Key Data & Trends Health & Economic Impact Pollution Severity Why Pollution is Transboundary in IGP-HF Geography & Topography Wind Patterns Secondary Particle Formation Agricultural Residue Burning Industrial Clusters Existing Regional & National Initiatives Key Challenges Identified Institutional Financial Enforcement Data Gaps Economic Barriers World Bank’s Recommended Solutions: The 4Is Framework Information Incentives Institutions Infrastructure Market Instruments 4. Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 Source: News on Air Why in News? NITI Aayog CEO Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam launched Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0, a 3-month mission-mode campaign to achieve 100% saturation of critical development indicators in India’s most underserved regions. About Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) KPIs for Aspirational Blocks (6) KPIs for Aspirational Districts (5) 5. PANCHAM Digital Chatbot Why in News? The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched PANCHAM (Panchayat Assistance and Messaging Chatbot) on the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day, creating a first-of-its-kind two-way digital bridge between the Central Government and over 30 lakh elected Panchayat representatives. What is PANCHAM? Ministry & Collaboration Aim & Objectives 6. Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary Source: The Times of India Why in News? The Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha has been officially declared Maoist-free, enabling systematic wildlife monitoring. Recent camera trap surveys indicate a thriving leopard population (over 70 individuals), positioning Sunabeda as a potential Leopard Haven in Central India. About Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary Location & Extent 7. Power Gap Index Source: Business Standard Why in News? For the first time, the Economic Survey 2025–26 has cited the Power Gap Index, highlighting a strategic paradox: although India has entered the Major Power category globally, it still records a negative Power Gap score (-4.0), indicating unrealised strategic potential. What is the Power Gap Index? Interpretation It challenges the assumption that economic size or military strength automatically equals influence. Developed By Methodology & Criteria How is the Power Gap Calculated? Eight Thematic Measures (131 Indicators) A. Resource-Based Measures (What a country HAS) B. Influence-Based Measures (What a country DOES) India’s Ranking: 2025–26 Scorecard Indicator India’s Status Rank Asia Power Index Rank Top 3 3rd Comprehensive Power Score 40.0 / 100 3rd (after US & China) Category Major Power First time Power Gap Score –4.0 Lowest in Asia (excluding Russia & N. Korea) 8. Digital Food Currency (CBDC for Food Subsidy) Source: The Times of India Why in News? The Government of India is set to launch a pilot programme for a Digital Food Currency, a programmable form of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), to modernise the Public Distribution System (PDS) and streamline the world’s largest food security programme. What is Digital Food Currency? Implementing Institutions Aim & Objectives 9. Paathara (Khoni) Practice Source: The Hindu Why in News? The Paathara (or Khoni) traditional grain storage practice in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, is facing imminent extinction, raising concerns over the loss of indigenous agricultural knowledge systems. What is the Paathara (Khoni) Practice? 10. Living Root Bridges Submitted to UNESCO World Heritage List Source: News on Air Why in News? India has officially submitted the nomination dossier for Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges to UNESCO for evaluation under the 2026–27 World Heritage cycle.The nomination is titled “Jingkieng Jri / Lyu Chrai Cultural Landscape.” What are the Living Root Bridges? Location Banking/Finance 1. Economic Survey 2025–26 Source: The Hindu Why in News? The Economic Survey 2025–26, tabled in Parliament, projects a strong medium-term growth outlook for India while warning of a grim and fragile global economic scenario that could pose risks to the Indian economy. Key Highlights of Economic Survey 2025–26 India’s Growth Outlook Drivers of Higher Medium-Term Growth Reform Momentum Cited These factors collectively raise India’s potential growth to ~7% in the medium term. Global Economic Outlook: Key Risks 2. Indian Banks to Face No Cap on Branch Openings in EU Source: BS Why in News? Under the proposed India–European Union (EU) trade agreement, Indian banks will face no cap on branch openings in the EU, while EU banks will be allowed to open up to 15 branches in India over four years once the pact comes into force. Key Provisions Related to Banking & Services Branch Opening Norms Existing