MCQs on Current Affairs 16.01.2026

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Q1. Which of the following is a key feature of the proposed Seed Act 2026 aimed at ensuring transparency for farmers?

  1. Complete ban on the use of farmer-saved seeds
  2. Introduction of QR codes on seed packets for traceability
  3. Centralisation of seed distribution under the Union Government
  4. Removal of private seed companies from the market

Correct Option: 2. Introduction of QR codes on seed packets for traceability
Explanation:
The Seed Act 2026 introduces a nationwide seed traceability system, where every seed packet will carry a QR code. When scanned, this code provides farmers with complete information about the seed’s origin, production, supplier, and seller. This system is designed to prevent the sale of fake or substandard seeds and ensure accountability. The Act does not ban farmer-saved seeds, centralise seed distribution, or eliminate private companies.

Q2. Which of the following areas of cooperation was specifically highlighted in the ASEAN–India Joint Statement on Advancing Digital Transformation adopted in October 2024?

  1. Digital Public Infrastructure, FinTech, and Cybersecurity
  2. Climate change mitigation and renewable energy
  3. Maritime security and blue economy
  4. Defence technology and space cooperation

Correct Option: 1. Digital Public Infrastructure, FinTech, and Cybersecurity
Explanation:
The ASEAN–India Joint Statement on Advancing Digital Transformation, adopted at the 21st ASEAN–India Summit in Vientiane (October 2024), focuses on strengthening cooperation in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), Financial Technology (FinTech), Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Capacity Building, Knowledge Sharing, and Sustainable Financing. Defence, climate change, and maritime security were not part of this digital-focused statement.

Q3. Which initiative was highlighted by India at the ADGMIN Meeting as a model for telecom user protection and fraud prevention?

  1. DigiLocker
  2. BharatNet
  3. Sanchar Saathi
  4. IndiaAI Mission

Correct Option: 3. Sanchar Saathi
Explanation:
At the meeting, India showcased Sanchar Saathi, a telecom user protection initiative aimed at preventing fraud, safeguarding users, and enhancing transparency in telecom services. India offered to share best practices from this initiative with ASEAN partners. DigiLocker relates to digital document storage, BharatNet focuses on rural broadband connectivity, and the IndiaAI Mission addresses safe and trusted artificial intelligence development.

Q4. The Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on Telecommunications Cooperation between India and Germany was signed between which two institutions?

  1. Ministry of Electronics and IT (India) and Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs (Germany)
  2. Department of Telecommunications (India) and Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation (Germany)
  3. NITI Aayog (India) and German Federal Chancellery
  4. D. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and Bundesnetzagentur (Germany)

Correct Option: 2. Department of Telecommunications (India) and Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation (Germany)
Explanation:
The JDI was concluded between the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation (BMDS). This institutional partnership forms the foundation for structured cooperation in telecommunications and ICTs. The other institutions listed were not parties to the Declaration.

Q5. Which initiative facilitates the booking, aggregation, and processing of postal export parcels across India, particularly benefiting MSMEs?

  1. India Post Payment Bank (IPPB)
  2. Postal Import Regulations, 2025
  3. BharatNet
  4. Dak Niryat Kendra (DNK) ‘Hub and Spoke’ model

Correct Option: 4. Dak Niryat Kendra (DNK) ‘Hub and Spoke’ model
Explanation:
The Dak Niryat Kendra (DNK) initiative, launched in December 2022 in collaboration with CBIC and the Department of Posts, uses a ‘Hub and Spoke’ model leveraging India Post’s nationwide network. Over 1,000 DNKs have been designated across the country to facilitate booking, aggregation, and processing of postal export parcels, especially for MSMEs and small exporters. BharatNet is for rural broadband connectivity, IPPB is a banking initiative, and Postal Import Regulations, 2025, relate to imports rather than exports.

Q6. Which of the following statements best describes the scope and impact of the CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative during Phase III?

  1. It focused exclusively on rural skill training and agriculture-related sectors
  2. It trained more than 14,000 individuals through over 425 programmes across 37 CSIR laboratories in its first year
  3. It replaced earlier phases and reduced the number of skill sectors covered
  4. It limited participation only to students and young researchers

Correct Option: 2. It trained more than 14,000 individuals through over 425 programmes across 37 CSIR laboratories in its first year
Explanation:
Phase III of the CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative, launched in June 2025, introduced a renewed emphasis on advanced skilling and strengthening academia–industry linkages. In its first year alone, the programme successfully trained more than 14,000 individuals through over 425 training programmes conducted across 37 CSIR laboratories nationwide. This highlights both the scale and reach of the initiative. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because Phase III expanded its focus, maintained broad sectoral coverage, and continued to serve a diverse range of beneficiaries.

Q7. Which of the following best describes the purpose of the Sukhatme National Award in Statistics?

  1. To encourage students to pursue higher education in Statistics
  2. To recognize outstanding lifetime contributions aimed at improving official statistics systems
  3. To promote international collaboration in statistical research
  4. To reward innovative software development in data analytics

Correct Option: 2. To recognize outstanding lifetime contributions aimed at improving official statistics systems
Explanation:
The Sukhatme National Award in Statistics is instituted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to honor eminent Indian statisticians for their exceptional lifetime contributions and high-quality research work that improve the system of official statistics in India. The award specifically acknowledges long-term impact rather than student achievements, international collaborations, or software development, making option 2 the correct choice.

Q8. Which of the following statements regarding the Sukhatme National Award in Statistics – 2026 is correct?

  1. The award is given annually to statisticians below 45 years of age
  2. Only institutional nominations are allowed for the award
  3. The award will be presented on Statistics Day, 29th June 2026
  4. The award includes a cash prize along with a citation and memento

Correct Option: 3. The award will be presented on Statistics Day, 29th June 2026
Explanation:
The Sukhatme National Award in Statistics is presented on Statistics Day, which falls on 29th June every year. For the 2026 cycle, the award ceremony will take place on 29th June 2026. The award is conferred in alternate years, is open to statisticians aged 45 years and above, allows both self-nominations and institutional nominations, and consists of a citation, shawl, and memento, not a cash prize. Therefore, option 3 is correct.

Q9. With reference to the evolution of the Vande Bharat platform, consider the following statements:

  1. Vande Bharat 2.0 is lighter and more energy-efficient than the original trainset.
  2. Vande Bharat 3.0 can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in about 52 seconds on existing rail infrastructure.
  3. Vande Bharat 4.0 is designed only for current routes and has no export potential.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Correct Option: 1. 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: Vande Bharat 2.0 is lighter (about 392 tonnes compared to 430 tonnes earlier) and features air-conditioning and regenerative braking systems that are around 15% more energy-efficient.
• Statement 2 is correct: Vande Bharat 3.0 demonstrates high performance, accelerating from 0 to 100 kmph in about 52 seconds, comparable to global semi-high-speed trains, while running on existing infrastructure.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Vande Bharat 4.0 is being positioned with export potential and future high-speed corridor compatibility, aiming to set global benchmarks.

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