Daily Current Affairs Quiz
Daily Quiz — January 9, 2026
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10 questions based on today’s current affairs & editorials
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Question 1 of 10
HPCL commissioned the world's first LC-Max Residue Upgradation Facility at Visakhapatnam. What percentage of low-value residue does it convert into high-value fuels?
The world’s first LC-Max Residue Upgradation Facility (RUF), commissioned at HPCL’s Visakh Refinery in Visakhapatnam, converts approximately 93% of low-value heavy vacuum residue (bottom-of-the-barrel oil) into high-value fuels including petrol, diesel, LPG, and aviation turbine fuel (ATF). The 3.55 MMTPA capacity facility includes India’s first Residue Hydrocracking Unit and raises distillate yields at the refinery by up to 10%.
💡 Concept Note
India imports approximately 88% of its crude oil. Residue upgradation technology maximises the value extracted from each barrel, directly reducing the crude oil import bill.
The Vizag Refinery Modernisation Project (VRMP) expands refinery capacity from 8.3 MMTPA to 15 MMTPA. HPCL (Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited) is a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The LC-MAX technology was developed by Chevron Lummus Global (CLG) — making the Vizag installation the world’s first commercial deployment of this technology.
The Vizag Refinery Modernisation Project (VRMP) expands refinery capacity from 8.3 MMTPA to 15 MMTPA. HPCL (Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited) is a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The LC-MAX technology was developed by Chevron Lummus Global (CLG) — making the Vizag installation the world’s first commercial deployment of this technology.
Question 2 of 10
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention was held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Who was the Chief Guest at this event?
Christine Kangaloo, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, was the Chief Guest at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha from January 8-10, 2025 (reported as recent news in early January 2026). The theme was “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat.” PM Modi inaugurated the event on January 9; President Droupadi Murmu presided at the valedictory session and presented Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards.
💡 Concept Note
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated on January 9 to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915. The first PBD was held in 2003; it became biennial from 2015.
PBD conventions are held every two years. India has approximately 3.2 crore overseas Indians — the world’s largest diaspora — and received approximately $129 billion in remittances in 2024, making it the world’s largest recipient of remittances.
Trinidad and Tobago has one of the largest Indo-Trinidadian communities in the Caribbean.
PBD conventions are held every two years. India has approximately 3.2 crore overseas Indians — the world’s largest diaspora — and received approximately $129 billion in remittances in 2024, making it the world’s largest recipient of remittances.
Trinidad and Tobago has one of the largest Indo-Trinidadian communities in the Caribbean.
Question 3 of 10
Nagauri Ashwagandha received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. In which district of Rajasthan is it primarily grown?
Nagauri Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is grown primarily in Nagaur district of Rajasthan. It is distinguished by its longer, thicker roots rich in withanolides (the active pharmacological compounds) and dark red berries indicating superior quality.
Nagaur’s semi-arid climate and alkaline soil conditions contribute to the distinctive quality of this variety compared to Ashwagandha grown elsewhere.
Nagaur’s semi-arid climate and alkaline soil conditions contribute to the distinctive quality of this variety compared to Ashwagandha grown elsewhere.
💡 Concept Note
GI tags in India are governed under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, administered by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. India is a signatory to the TRIPS Agreement (WTO) which mandates GI protection.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a key Ayurvedic adaptogen used to reduce stress, boost immunity, and enhance stamina. It is listed under Schedule E(1) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
Rajasthan is among India’s top producers of Ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a key Ayurvedic adaptogen used to reduce stress, boost immunity, and enhance stamina. It is listed under Schedule E(1) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
Rajasthan is among India’s top producers of Ashwagandha.
Question 4 of 10
Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which district of Tamil Nadu?
Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Bargur Hills of Erode district, Tamil Nadu. It lies between Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (TN) and Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary (Karnataka).
💡 Concept Note
The sanctuary is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve landscape — one of India’s most important tiger and elephant corridors. It is named after E.V. Ramasamy Periyar (Thanthai Periyar), the Tamil social reformer and founder of the Dravidar Kazhagam.
Question 5 of 10
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) was established in 1984. Under which Ministry does it function?
SAI (Sports Authority of India) was established in 1984 to continue the legacy of the 9th Asian Games held in New Delhi in 1982. It functions under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
💡 Concept Note
SAI is India’s apex national sports body. Key SAI schemes: National Sports Development Fund (NSDF), Khelo India, Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), National Centres of Excellence (NCES).
The 1982 Asian Games (9th edition) in New Delhi were India’s first time hosting the event.
The 1982 Asian Games (9th edition) in New Delhi were India’s first time hosting the event.
Question 6 of 10
BSNL launched VoWiFi services nationwide in January 2026. What does VoWiFi stand for?
VoWiFi stands for Voice over WiFi. It allows users to make voice calls and send SMS using their existing mobile number over a Wi-Fi network, without needing cellular network coverage.
BSNL’s nationwide VoWiFi launch in January 2026 makes it particularly useful for users in areas with poor mobile signal but available Wi-Fi connectivity.
BSNL’s nationwide VoWiFi launch in January 2026 makes it particularly useful for users in areas with poor mobile signal but available Wi-Fi connectivity.
💡 Concept Note
BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) is a government-owned telecommunications company under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications. BSNL’s revival plan includes a government investment of over Rs 1.64 lakh crore for 4G/5G rollout using indigenous technology developed by TCS and C-DOT (Centre for Development of Telematics), under the Atmanirbhar Bharat programme.
VoWiFi is especially valuable in remote, rural, and indoor areas with poor cellular reception. It uses IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) technology to route calls over internet protocol.
VoWiFi is especially valuable in remote, rural, and indoor areas with poor cellular reception. It uses IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) technology to route calls over internet protocol.
Question 7 of 10
The National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) framework was created by which ministry?
NQAS (National Quality Assurance Standards) was created by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to improve safety, quality, and patient-focused care in public healthcare facilities.
💡 Concept Note
NQAS is part of the Ayushman Bharat framework. Related quality schemes under NHM: Kayakalp (hospital cleanliness awards), LaQshya (labour room quality), Mera Aspataal (patient satisfaction).
Facilities scoring above threshold receive NQAS certification valid for 3 years.
Facilities scoring above threshold receive NQAS certification valid for 3 years.
Question 8 of 10
Which city is home to UP's first Braille library, established at Dr Shakuntala Mishra National Rehabilitation University?
UP’s first Braille library was established at Dr Shakuntala Mishra National Rehabilitation University in Lucknow, with over 4,000 Braille books. This university is India’s first state university exclusively for persons with disabilities.
💡 Concept Note
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act) replaced the PWD Act 1995 and expanded categories from 7 to 21 disabilities. It mandates 5% reservation in government jobs and 5% seats in government educational institutions.
NIEPVD (National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities) is in Dehradun.
NIEPVD (National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities) is in Dehradun.
Question 9 of 10
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train began its inaugural run on which route?
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train began its inaugural run on the Guwahati–Howrah (Kamakhya–Howrah) route. It was officially inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on January 17, 2026, at Malda Town, West Bengal.
The train covers the approximately 966-km route in about 14 hours 30 minutes. It carries passengers in AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier, and first-class coaches.
The train covers the approximately 966-km route in about 14 hours 30 minutes. It carries passengers in AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier, and first-class coaches.
💡 Concept Note
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is an extension of the Vande Bharat Express (introduced February 2019 on the New Delhi–Varanasi route) designed for overnight long-distance routes. These are indigenously designed semi-high-speed trainsets (Atmanirbhar Bharat) with a maximum design speed of 160 km/h.
Unlike conventional sleeper trains with separate locomotives, Vande Bharat uses self-propulsion (EMU trainsets) for faster acceleration and deceleration. The manufacturing is carried out by ICF (Integral Coach Factory), Chennai.
Unlike conventional sleeper trains with separate locomotives, Vande Bharat uses self-propulsion (EMU trainsets) for faster acceleration and deceleration. The manufacturing is carried out by ICF (Integral Coach Factory), Chennai.
Question 10 of 10
International Year for Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026 was declared by which body?
The International Year for Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026 was declared by the United Nations. Rangelands cover approximately half of Earth’s land surface, including grasslands, savannas, shrublands, and tundra.
💡 Concept Note
India has a large pastoralist community (Gujjars, Bakkarwals, Rebaris, Dhangars, etc.) whose traditional grazing rights are governed by Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) — Community Forest Rights (CFR) provisions. Declining rangelands threaten food security and biodiversity in dryland ecosystems.
UNCCD (UN Convention to Combat Desertification) is the relevant UN body for dryland/grassland governance.
UNCCD (UN Convention to Combat Desertification) is the relevant UN body for dryland/grassland governance.
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