Daily Current Affairs Quiz 16th 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: 16 January, 2026

Q1. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released in December 2025, India’s Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) reached a record level. Which of the following correctly states this value?

(a) 55.4 per cent
(b) 55.8 per cent
(c) 56.1 per cent
(d) 56.7 per cent
(e) 57.0 per cent

Answer: c

Solution:

• India’s Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) rose to a record high of 56.1% in December 2025, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• The rise in LFPR was accompanied by a slight increase in the Unemployment Rate (UR) to 8%, up from 4.7% in November 2025.
• This is the highest LFPR recorded since April 2025, when MoSPI began releasing monthly labour market data after revamping the PLFS methodology.
• LFPR measures the proportion of the population that is either working or actively seeking work.
• MoSPI cautioned that monthly fluctuations do not indicate long-term (“secular”) trends, as the data is influenced by seasonal, academic, and labour market factors.
• The PLFS monthly estimates are based on the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach, which assesses a person’s activity status over the seven days preceding the survey date.

Rural vs Urban Trends:

• Rural LFPR increased by 40 basis points (bps) to 0%, driven mainly by a rise in male participation, which rose 60 bps to 79.3%.
• Rural female LFPR also increased by 40 bps to 40.1%.
• Urban LFPR declined by 20 bps to 2%, with participation either falling or remaining unchanged among males, females, and youth (15–29 years).

Unemployment Trends:

• Rural Unemployment Rate (15+ years) remained unchanged at 3.9%.
• Rural youth unemployment increased by 20 bps to 12.6%.
• Urban Unemployment Rate rose to 7% from 6.5%, despite a decline in LFPR.

Q2. The Bharat Electricity Summit 2026, organised as a global conference-cum-exhibition to highlight sustainable growth and international collaboration in the power sector, will be held in New Delhi in March 2026. What is the official theme of the Summit?

(a) Powering Innovation. Enabling Sustainability. Connecting Nations
(b) Electrifying Growth. Empowering Sustainability. Connecting Globally
(c) Driving Energy Transition. Strengthening Partnerships. Expanding Markets
(d) Sustainable Power. Global Networks. Inclusive Development
(e) Transforming Electricity. Accelerating Growth. Integrating Markets

Answer: b

Solution:

• The Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 is a global conference-cum-exhibition focused on the power and electricity sector.
• The Summit will be held from 19 to 22 March 2026 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.
• The formal announcement was made on 15 January 2026 by Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs.
• On the occasion, the Minister also unveiled the official Brochure and Teaser Film of the Summit.
• The event will span four days, bringing together global stakeholders, policymakers, industry leaders, and technology providers.
• Theme of the Summit: “Electrifying Growth. Empowering Sustainability. Connecting Globally.”

Q3. Nominations for the Sukhatme National Award in Statistics 2026 edition have been invited online through the National Awards Portal. The Sukhatme National Award in Statistics has been conferred in alternate years since the year ________.

(a) 1995
(b) 1998
(c) 2010
(d) 2005
(e) 2000

The correct answer is: (e)

• The Sukhatme National Award in Statistics is instituted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• The award recognises exceptional and outstanding contributions in high-quality statistical research aimed at strengthening the system of official statistics in India.
• It is conferred once every two years (biennially) since 2000.
• The award is given to eminent Indian statisticians aged 45 years and above for their lifetime contributions and achievements in the field of Statistics.
• Nominations for the 2026 edition have been invited online through the National Awards Portal.
• The last date for submission of applications/nominations is 31 January 2026.
• Self-nomination is allowed, and institutions can also propose candidates.
• The award will be presented on 29 June 2026 during the Statistics Day समारोह (function).
• The award comprises a citation, shawl, and memento.
• The awardee is requested to deliver a session highlighting the significance of their work during the ceremony.

Q4. January 16 was officially designated as National Startup Day in the year ________ to provide national recognition to entrepreneurs and innovators.

(a) 2018
(b) 2019
(c) 2016
(d) 2022
(e) 2023

The correct answer is: (d)

• National Startup Day 2026 is observed on 16 January.
• The 2026 observance marks a decade of the Startup India Initiative, which was launched in 2016.
• The day celebrates India’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem, which has crossed 2,00,000 DPIIT-recognised startups.
• These startups span sectors such as technology, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, education, clean energy, and digital services.
• The Startup India Initiative was launched on 16 January 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The initiative was introduced under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
• Its objective was to address challenges such as regulatory complexity, limited access to funding, and weak institutional support for early-stage entrepreneurs.
• 16 January was officially declared as National Startup Day in 2022.
• The 2026 milestone reflects sustained policy continuity and growing maturity of India’s startup ecosystem.

Q5. The International Cricket Council (ICC) named ________ as the Men’s Player of the Month and ________ as the Women’s Player of the Month for December 2025 in recognition of their outstanding performances in international cricket.

(b) Mitchell Starc – Laura Wolvaardt

(b) Pat Cummins – Laura Wolvaardt
(c) Mitchell Starc – Marizanne Kapp
(d) Josh Hazlewood – Laura Wolvaardt
(e) Steve Smith – Ayabonga Khaka

Answer: a

Solution:

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) named Mitchell Starc of Australia as the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December 2025.
• Starc received the award for leading Australia’s pace attack during their Ashes series victory at home.
• This marked Starc’s first-ever ICC Player of the Month award.
• He ended a two-year gap for Australian players, with Pat Cummins being the last Australian to win the men’s award in December 2023.
• In the women’s category, Laura Wolvaardt of South Africa was named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for December 2025.
• Wolvaardt earned the honour for her outstanding performances against Ireland in both T20I and ODI series victories.
• This was her second ICC Player of the Month award, having previously won it in October 2025.