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

Daily Current Affairs Quiz27 & 28 January, 2026 International Affairs 1. First SCO Council of National Coordinators Meeting 2026 Held in Beijing Why in News? The first meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of National Coordinators (CNC) for 2026 was held in Beijing, under the chairmanship of the Kyrgyz Republic, to finalize the agenda for upcoming high-level SCO summits later this year. Council of National Coordinators (CNC) What is it? Core Functions About Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Key Facts Member States (10) Permanent Bodies National Affairs 1. Enhancing Circular Economy of ELVs in India: NITI Aayog Report Source: TH Context: A NITI Aayog report has warned that End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) in India could double to nearly 50 million by 2030, posing serious risks related to road safety, pollution, and waste management, while also highlighting the untapped resource potential of vehicle scrapping. What are End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs)? Key Trends & Data Regulatory Framework for ELVs Key Challenges Identified 1. Informal vs Formal Price Gap 2. Regional Infrastructure Imbalance 3. De-registration Bottlenecks 4. Poor Financial Viability of RVSFs 5. Compromised Fitness Testing NITI Aayog Recommendations 1. Infrastructure Expansion 2. Formalisation of Informal Sector 3. Strengthening EPR 4. Digital Reforms 5. Financial Innovation 2. Tap Water Coverage in Urban India Source: IE Context: Urban tap water coverage in India has increased significantly from 49% in 2011 to about 77% in 2025–26, largely due to the implementation of AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0 under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). What is Tap Water Coverage? AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) AMRUT 1.0 (2015–) AMRUT 2.0 (2021–) Jal Hi Amrit Initiative 3. The 16th India–European Union (EU) Summit Source: TOI Context: The 16th India–European Union (EU) Summit begins today, with both sides set to upgrade their strategic partnership by signing a Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) and advancing talks on trade, climate, and global security. Key Participants Key Outcomes Expected 1. Security & Defence Cooperation 2. Trade & Economy 3. Strategic Agenda 4. MoPR Facilitates Panchayat Leaders & Launches Key Initiatives Source: PIB Why in News? The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) honoured elected Panchayat representatives and launched multiple governance-related initiatives during a special event held ahead of Republic Day 2026. Initiatives & Publications Launched About PANCHAM PESA State Rankings 2024–25 About PESA Top Performing States 5. Rajasthan Launches RAJ-UNNATI Digital Governance Platform Source: IE Why in News? Rajasthan launched RAJ-UNNATI, becoming the first Indian state to replicate the PRAGATI model at the state level. About RAJ-UNNATI About PRAGATI 6. Wings India 2026 – Asia’s Largest Civil Aviation Event Source: News on Air Context: Wings India 2026, Asia’s largest civil aviation exhibition and conference, will be held from 28–31 January 2026 at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad, highlighting India’s emergence as a global aviation hub. What is Wings India? Organisers & Venue 7. Humanoid Robot ‘ASC ARJUN’ Deployed by Indian Railways Source: IE Context: Indian Railways has deployed an AI-powered humanoid robot named ‘ASC ARJUN’ at Visakhapatnam Railway Station, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative across the railway network. What is ‘ASC ARJUN’? Developed By Aim Key Functions Function Area Key Features / Description Security & Surveillance Face Recognition System (FRS) for intrusion detection; AI-based crowd monitoring Real-Time Alerts Sends instant alerts to RPF control rooms during suspicious activities and emergencies Emergency Response Fire and smoke detection system for early warning Passenger Assistance Automated announcements in English, Hindi, and Telugu Autonomous Patrolling Semi-autonomous navigation; obstacle avoidance; 24×7 platform patrols Human Interaction Friendly gestures such as Namaste for passengers and salutes for RPF personnel 8. Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary Source: The Hindu Context: The Kerala government has officially renamed Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, making it the first butterfly sanctuary in Kerala. What is Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary? Location Ecological Significance 9. Buddhist Diamond Triangle Added to UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List Source: The Times of India Why in News? The UNESCO World Heritage Centre has added Odisha’s Buddhist Diamond Triangle—Lalitgiri, Udayagiri, and Ratnagiri—to India’s Tentative List for World Heritage Sites. About Buddhist Diamond Triangle Key Sites Lalitgiri – The Ancient Spiritual Hub Udayagiri – The Sunrise Hill of Monasteries Ratnagiri – Epicentre of Vajrayana Buddhism Banking/Finance 1. RBI Proposes Reopening Licensing Window for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) Source: IE Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed reopening the licensing window for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) after a gap of over 20 years, and has invited stakeholder feedback on the proposal. About Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) Origin & Evolution Reform Phase Key Functions of UCBs 2. Economic Survey of India 2026 Source: PIB Why in News? The Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran will present the Economic Survey of India 2026 on January 29, 2026, ahead of the Union Budget 2026–27 scheduled for February 1, 2026. About the Economic Survey of India Origin & History Who Prepares the Survey? Aim & Objectives Structure of the Economic Survey Part A Part B 3. ESMA–RBI Renew Information-Sharing Pact Source: ET Context: The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have signed a new information-sharing agreement, ending a three-year impasse over the recognition of Indian central counterparties (CCPs) by the European Union. Background Key Developments Indian Clearing Houses Affected Earlier Agriculture 1. New Plant Species Discovered: Hoya nagaensis Source: The Hindu (TH) Why in News? Researchers from Nagaland University have recorded a new plant species, Hoya nagaensis, from a community-managed forest in Nagaland. About Hoya nagaensis Region Found Key Features Conservation Status 2. Smart & Integrated Fishing Harbour Sanctioned at Mayabunder Source: News on Air Why in News? The Union Department of Fisheries has sanctioned the development of a Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour at Mayabunder, giving a major boost to maritime and fisheries infrastructure in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Smart Fishing Harbour at Mayabunder Key Features Facts To Remember 1. Indian Railways deploys humanoid robot ‘ASC ARJUN’ Indian Railways introduced its first AI-powered humanoid robot at Visakhapatnam station to enhance passenger safety, surveillance, and