MCQs on Current Affairs 17.01.2026

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Q1. Which of the following best describes the primary focus of Wings India 2026?

  1. Promoting domestic air travel exclusively for Indian citizens
  2. Showcasing India’s civil aviation growth, fostering global partnerships, innovation, and sustainable solutions
  3. Conducting military aviation exercises and defense aircraft displays
  4. Restricting participation to Indian airlines and airport operators

Correct Option: 2. Showcasing India’s civil aviation growth, fostering global partnerships, innovation, and sustainable solutions
Explanation:
• Wings India 2026 is Asia’s largest civil aviation event, designed to highlight India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector, its global footprint, and innovations in aviation manufacturing, services, and sustainability.
• It includes international exhibitions, conferences, air shows, CEO forums, and student innovation challenges, making it a global platform for collaboration and industry networking.
• Options 1, 3, and 4 are incorrect because the event is not limited to domestic travel, military exercises, or Indian-only participation. Its scope is inclusive, international, and industry-wide, covering airlines, MROs, airport developers, OEMs, and technology providers.

Q2. What is the central theme of the 2nd Global Buddhist Summit (GBS) 2026, and what does it aim to emphasize?

  1. “Buddhism for Modern Technology” – emphasizing AI and digital adoption in Buddhist practice
  2. “Collective Wisdom, United Voice, and Mutual Coexistence” – emphasizing societal harmony, ethical leadership, and sustainable living
  3. “Global Peace and Meditation” – emphasizing meditation as a tool for international conflict resolution
  4. “Buddhist Entrepreneurship and Trade” – emphasizing economic development through Buddhist values

Correct Option: 2. “Collective Wisdom, United Voice, and Mutual Coexistence” – emphasizing societal harmony, ethical leadership, and sustainable living.
Explanation:
The summit’s official theme is “Collective Wisdom, United Voice, and Mutual Coexistence.”
It is designed to highlight the relevance of Buddhist philosophy in modern global challenges, including:
• Promoting social harmony
• Encouraging ethical leadership
• Supporting sustainable living in the face of rapid technological and environmental change

Q3. Which technological innovation is being showcased at the 2nd Global Buddhist Summit to engage tech-savvy youth with Buddhist teachings?

  1. DharmaNet – A blockchain platform for Buddhist community donations
  2. ZenBot – A robotic monk performing rituals
  3. KAVACH – An AI for meditation guidance
  4. NORBU – A ChatGPT-based language learning model trained on Buddhist texts

Correct Option: 4. NORBU – A ChatGPT-based language learning model trained on Buddhist texts
Explanation:
• NORBU (Neural Operator for Responsible Buddhist Understanding) is an AI-based language model, developed using ChatGPT algorithms, trained extensively on Buddhist texts.
• It generates contextually relevant responses based on Buddhist teachings in multiple languages.
• Adopted by IBC as a global patron named “Kalyan Mitra” (Spiritual Friend), NORBU aims to connect younger generations with Buddhist wisdom using technology.

Q4. The visit of ICGS Sankalp to Mauritius in January 2026 aligns with which Indian maritime policy framework aimed at promoting regional safety, security, and growth?

  1. SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)
  2. SAGARMALA (Port-led Development Initiative)
  3. Blue Economy Initiative
  4. Mission Shakti

Correct Option: 1. SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)
Explanation:
• SAGAR is India’s vision for maritime security and cooperative growth in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• The deployment of ICGS Sankalp supports regional maritime safety, security, and environmental protection, key pillars of SAGAR.
• Options 2 and 3 are related to infrastructure development and economic utilization of oceans, not operational maritime cooperation.
• Option 4, Mission Shakti, is India’s anti-satellite defence mission, unrelated to maritime policy.

Q5. During its port visit to Mauritius, ICGS Sankalp engaged in professional training activities. Which of the following exercises was specifically aimed at enhancing India-Mauritius joint operational coordination?

  1. Oil pollution response drills
  2. Firefighting exercises
  3. Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) joint training
  4. Damage control (NBCD) exercises

Correct Option: 3. Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) joint training
Explanation:
• VBSS training is a maritime interdiction operation exercise, aimed at enhancing coordination, trust, and interoperability between two countries’ coast guards.
• Other exercises (1, 2, 4) are important for technical preparedness, but do not specifically emphasize bilateral operational coordination.
• The article mentions VBSS as a key joint activity designed to strengthen operational collaboration with Mauritius.

Q6. What is the primary purpose of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) visit to Singapore in January 2026?

  1. To conduct combat operations in Southeast Asia
  2. To strengthen maritime cooperation and enhance training between India and Singapore
  3. To launch new Indian naval vessels in the Indian Ocean
  4. To participate in joint exercises with the Indian Coast Guard only

Correct Option: 2. To strengthen maritime cooperation and enhance training between India and Singapore
Explanation:
• The article clearly states that 1TS is on a training deployment to the South East Indian Ocean Region.
• During the visit, the Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) personnel engage in structured training exchanges, professional interactions, joint yoga, and sports fixtures.
• Activities such as cultural performances, school visits, and outreach programs indicate a focus on cooperation, capacity building, and people-to-people connections, rather than combat operations.
• Options 1 and 3 are incorrect because the visit is not combat-oriented nor for launching new ships.
• Option 4 is too narrow; while the Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi is part of 1TS, the visit involves multi-dimensional engagement with RSN, not just the Coast Guard.

Q7. Which of the following statements correctly describes the Amrit Bharat Express initiative?

  1. It is a fully air-conditioned premium train service primarily targeting metropolitan passengers.
  2. It is a non-AC long-distance sleeper train aimed at affordable and inclusive travel for everyday passengers.
  3. It operates only in the northern region of India and connects Delhi with nearby cities.
  4. It uses dynamic pricing to adjust fares based on demand.

Correct Option: 2. It is a non-AC long-distance sleeper train aimed at affordable and inclusive travel for everyday passengers.
Explanation:
• The Amrit Bharat Express is designed to provide affordable, reliable, and comfortable travel for everyday passengers, especially in the non-AC segment.
• It supports long-distance travel across multiple regions, not limited to northern India.
• Fares are fixed and transparent (~₹500 per 1,000 km), with no dynamic pricing.
• Option 1 is incorrect because the service is non-AC, targeting general and sleeper-class passengers rather than premium travelers.
• Option 3 is incorrect because the network spans eastern, northern, southern, and central India, not just the north.
• Option 4 is incorrect because the fare structure is fixed and simple, not dynamic.

Q8. The Kamakhya-Rohtak Amrit Bharat Express primarily contributes to which of the following objectives?

  1. Enhancing tourism, regional connectivity, and linking pilgrimage centres across North-East and northern India.
  2. Providing high-speed metro-like services for short-distance travel within Assam.
  3. Operating exclusively as a freight and cargo train connecting Assam to Haryana.
  4. Introducing premium AC travel options along the North-East corridor.

Correct Option: 1. Enhancing tourism, regional connectivity, and linking pilgrimage centres across North-East and northern India.
Explanation:
• The Kamakhya-Rohtak Express connects Assam (Kamakhya Temple) with Rohtak, Haryana, and passes through multiple states like West Bengal, Bihar, UP, and Delhi.
• It supports tourism (Kamakhya Temple, Varanasi ghats), trade, and mobility between eastern and northern India.
• Option 2 is incorrect because the train is long-distance, not short-distance metro-like travel.
• Option 3 is incorrect because the train is passenger-focused, not freight-focused.
• Option 4 is incorrect because the service is non-AC, focusing on affordable travel for the general public.

Q9. The primary objective of the SPREE scheme launched by the Union Labour Ministry is to:

  1. Increase employer contribution rates under ESIC
  2. Provide retrospective ESI coverage to unregistered workers
  3. Encourage voluntary registration of employers and employees without penalties
  4. Replace existing EPFO and ESIC frameworks

Correct Option: 3. Encourage voluntary registration of employers and employees without penalties
Explanation:
The SPREE (Scheme to Promote Registration of Employers/Employees) is designed as a one-time opportunity for employers and employees who were previously left out of the ESI scheme to register without fear of retrospective liabilities or punitive action.
There is no retrospective coverage involved (eliminates option 2).
The scheme does not alter contribution rates (eliminates 1).
It complements existing EPFO–ESIC systems rather than replacing them (eliminates 4). Hence, the correct answer is 3.

Q10. Which of the following statements regarding recent EPFO reforms is/are correct?

  1. EPFO members can withdraw up to 75% of their provident fund balance.
  2. Auto-settlement now accounts for over 70% of advance claims.
  3. The entire provident fund balance can be withdrawn under simplified provisions.

Select the correct answer:

  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:
EPFO reforms allow members to withdraw up to 75% of their balance.
• Statement 2 is correct:
72.09% of advance claims are now settled through auto mode, reflecting improved efficiency.
• Statement 3 is incorrect:
Only 75% withdrawal is allowed; the remaining 25% is retained to strengthen the retirement corpus.

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