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Daily Current Affairs: 08th January, 2026
Q1. To simplify public communication and improve awareness about Aadhaar-related services, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) launched a resident-facing mascot in January 2026. What is the name of this Aadhaar mascot?
(a) Aarav
(b) Aditya
(c) Udai
(d) Aakash
(e) Ujjwal
Answer: c
Solution:
- On 8 January 2026, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) launched a new Aadhaar mascot to enhance citizen-facing communication.
- The mascot has been named Udai (उदय) and is designed to make Aadhaar-related information simple, relatable and people-friendly.
- Udai will act as a communication companion to help residents better understand Aadhaar services and responsible usage.
- The mascot will assist in explaining topics such as Aadhaar updates, authentication, offline verification, selective data sharing, adoption of new technologies, and best practices.
- This initiative aims to improve awareness, trust, and ease of access to Aadhaar services among citizens.
Q2. Recently, the Ministry of Women and Child Development launched a digital initiative to strengthen coordination of CSR and voluntary contributions for women and child welfare through a transparent, technology-enabled framework. What is the name of this newly launched portal?
(a) SAMBAL
(b) PANKHUDI
(c) SHAKTISETU
(d) POSHANMARG
(e) SEVANARI
Answer: b
Solution:
- On 8 January 2026, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) launched PANKHUDI, an integrated CSR and partnership facilitation digital portal to strengthen welfare initiatives for women and children.
- The portal was launched by Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi, in the presence of MoS Smt. Savitri Thakur and Secretary Shri Anil Malik.
- PANKHUDI is designed as a single-window digital platform to enable transparent, structured, and coordinated participation by individuals, NRIs, NGOs, CSR contributors, corporates, and government agencies.
- It facilitates collaboration across key thematic areas such as nutrition, health, Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), child protection and rehabilitation, and women’s safety and empowerment.
- The portal supports flagship missions including Mission Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0, Mission Vatsalya, and Mission Shakti.
- Contributions through the portal are accepted only via non-cash modes, ensuring transparency, traceability, and accountability.
- PANKHUDI reflects the Prime Minister’s vision of Jan Bhagidari by leveraging technology to build trust, participation, and effective governance.
- The initiative is expected to enhance infrastructure and services across 14 lakh Anganwadi Centres, Child Care Institutions, One Stop Centres (OSCs), Shakhi Niwas, and Shakti Sadan, improving ease of living for beneficiaries nationwide.
Q3. Recently, the Vice-President of India launched a book that draws leadership lessons from the life of Srila Prabhupada, highlighting values such as purpose-driven leadership and moral influence. Who is the author of the book “Sing, Dance and Lead: Leadership Lessons from the Life of Srila Prabhupada”?
(a) Ramachandra Guha
(b) Sanjeev Sanyal
(c) Shashi Tharoor
(d) Amish Tripathi
(e) Hindol Sengupta
Answer: e
Solution:
- On 7 January 2026, the Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, launched a new book titled “Sing, Dance and Lead: Leadership Lessons from the Life of Srila Prabhupada”.
- The book has been authored by Hindol Sengupta.
- The launch event was held at the Vice-President’s Enclave, New Delhi.
- The book draws leadership lessons from the life and philosophy of Srila Prabhupada, presenting them in a contemporary context.
Q4. The Centre granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Nagauri Ashwagandha, marking a significant milestone for farmers of the Marwar region. The GI-tagged Nagauri Ashwagandha belongs to which of the following states?
(a) Madhya Pradesh
(b) Gujarat
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Maharashtra
(e) Uttar Pradesh
Answer: c
Solution:
- The Government of India has granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Nagauri Ashwagandha, giving a significant boost to farmers of the Marwar region, especially Nagaur district of Rajasthan.
- The GI recognition places Nagaur on the global agricultural map as a distinct producer of high-quality Ashwagandha.
- Nagauri Ashwagandha thrives in the region’s dry climate and sandy soil, which are ideal for its cultivation.
- It is known for its longer and thicker roots, rich in medicinal compounds, particularly alkaloids.
- The berries of Nagauri Ashwagandha have a dark, bright red colour, considered a marker of superior quality.
- Its roots are brittle and starchy, and it is regarded as the best Ashwagandha variety in arid regions.
Q5. The Union Minister launched the SHINE scheme on the 79th Foundation Day of the Bureau of Indian Standards. What is the primary focus of this scheme?
(a) To provide financial subsidies for women-led startups in the tech sector.
(b) To integrate women at the grassroots level as champions of quality and standards.
(c) To mandate 50% reservation for women in the BIS administrative cadre.
(d) To offer free BIS certification for products manufactured by rural artisans.
(e) To create a digital repository of all ISI-certified woman-owned factories.
Answer: b
Solution:
- Recently, during the 79th Foundation Day of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), a Union Minister launched the SHINE Scheme in New Delhi.
- SHINE (Standards Help Inform & Nurture Empowered Women) is a new initiative of BIS aimed at placing women at the centre of India’s quality and standards ecosystem.
- The scheme focuses on empowering women through structured training, partnerships with NGOs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and locally delivered programmes.
- SHINE seeks to spread awareness about standards, safety and quality within households and communities, thereby protecting families and strengthening livelihoods.
- The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India’s National Standards Body, established under the BIS Act, 2016, and functions under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, with headquarters in New Delhi.


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