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Daily Current Affairs Quiz 21st January, 2026, Attempt Important GK Questions |

By solving daily current affairs quizzes, candidates can track their preparation progress and identify areas that need improvement. This consistent practice enhances accuracy, builds confidence, and improves overall performance in time-bound competitive exams.

Daily Current Affairs: 21 January, 2026

Q1. The Union Cabinet’s decision to infuse ₹5,000 crore into SIDBI in January 2026 primarily aims to strengthen its capital base in order to sustain a healthy Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) while expanding directed and digital credit to the MSME sector. Which institution is responsible for implementing this equity infusion?

(a) Ministry of Corporate Affairs
(b) Department of Financial Services
(c) Reserve Bank of India
(d) Ministry of MSME
(e) NITI Aayog

Answer: b

Solution:

In January 2026, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved an equity support of ₹5,000 crore to the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
The equity infusion will be carried out by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) in three tranches:
- ₹3,000 crore in Financial Year 2025–26 at a book value of ₹568.65 per share as on 31 March 2025
- ₹1,000 crore in Financial Year 2026–27 at the book value as on 31 March 2026
- ₹1,000 crore in Financial Year 2027–28 at the book value as on 31 March 2027

Impact

After the equity infusion, the number of MSMEs receiving financial assistance is expected to increase from 26 lakh (FY 2025) to approximately 102 lakh by FY 2028.
This implies the addition of around 74 lakh new MSME beneficiaries.
As per the Ministry of MSME data (30 September 2025), 90 crore MSMEs generate employment for about 30.16 crore people, averaging 4.37 persons per MSME.
Based on this average, the expected employment generation from the new beneficiaries is estimated at around 12 crore jobs by the end of FY 2027–28.

Q2. With reference to the Union Cabinet’s approval for the continuation of the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) in January 2026, consider the following statements:

The extension includes the provision of gap funding to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of the scheme.
The continuation of APY up to FY 2027-28 aligns with India’s vision of strengthening sustainable social security systems.
The Government will continue to support promotional and developmental activities, including awareness generation and capacity-building initiatives, to expand outreach among unorganised sector workers.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
(e) 2 only

Answer: c

Solution:

On 21 January 2026, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved the continuation of the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) up to Financial Year 2030–31. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
The decision also includes the extension of government funding support for:
- Promotional and developmental activities to expand outreach among unorganised sector workers through awareness programs and capacity-building initiatives.
- Gap funding to meet viability requirements and ensure the long-term sustainability of the scheme. Hence statement 1 and 3 are correct.

Implementation Strategy

The scheme will remain operational until FY 2030–31 with continued government backing for:
- Strengthening awareness and financial literacy among low-income and unorganised workers.
- Supporting institutional capacity for effective scheme implementation.
- Providing financial support to bridge operational and viability gaps.

Major Impact

Ensures old-age income security for millions of workers in the unorganised and low-income segments.
Promotes financial inclusion and supports India’s transition towards a pensioned society.
Reinforces the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 by strengthening sustainable social security mechanisms.

Background

Launch Date: APY was launched on 9 May 2015 with the objective of providing pension coverage to workers in the unorganised sector.
Scheme Features: Offers a guaranteed minimum monthly pension ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000, starting at the age of 60 years, based on subscriber contributions.
Progress: As of 19 January 2026, more than 8.66 crore subscribers have been enrolled under APY.

Q3. The final growth rate of the Index of Eight Core Industries for November 2025 was revised to ________, while the cumulative growth for the April-December 2025-26 period is ________.

(a) 1.8%; 2.4%

(b) 2.1%; 2.6%

(d) 2.5%; 2.7%

(e) 3.7%; 2.6%

Answer: b

Solution:

The Combined Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) recorded a provisional growth of 3.7% in December 2025 compared to December 2024.
In December 2025, Cement, Steel, Electricity, Fertilizers, and Coal registered positive growth in production.
The ICI measures the combined and individual performance of eight core industries, namely: Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Refinery Products, Fertilizers, Steel, Cement and Electricity
The Eight Core Industries together account for 27% of the total weight in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
The final growth rate of the Index of Eight Core Industries for November 2025 was 1%.
The cumulative growth rate of the ICI for the period April to December 2025–26 stood at 6% (provisional) compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

Q3. With reference to Punjab’s first Dog Sanctuary launched as a pilot project to reduce dog bite cases and strengthen urban animal management, where was the sanctuary inaugurated?

(a) Amritsar
(b) Jalandhar
(c) Patiala
(d) Ludhiana
(e) Bathinda

Answer: d

Solution:

Punjab has inaugurated its first Dog Sanctuary in Ludhiana as a pilot project, which will later be replicated across the state.
The sanctuary was inaugurated by the Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Shri Sanjeev Arora.
The primary objective of the initiative is to reduce incidents of dog bite cases in urban areas.
The sanctuary will function in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court of India.

Q5. According to the data shared by Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in 2025, which specific category accounted for approximately $30 billion of the total $47 billion in electronics exports?

(a) Consumer Durables

(b) Semiconductor Components

(d) Industrial Electronic Equipment

(e) PLI-driven Smartphone Exports

Answer: e

Solution:

India achieved a record electronics export value of USD 47 billion in 2025, marking a major milestone in the country’s manufacturing and trade performance.
Of the total electronics exports, approximately USD 30 billion was contributed by smartphone exports driven by the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme.
Electronics has emerged as the third-largest export category of India.
The electronics exports have increased nearly eleven-fold since 2015, reflecting rapid sectoral growth.
The expansion of the electronics sector has resulted in the creation of approximately 25 lakh new jobs, with strong participation of women, enhanced opportunities for MSMEs, and a focus on long-term skill development for youth.