Current Affairs 31 January, 2026 Quiz
Geopolitics (Questions 1-10)
Q1. Which militant group was responsible for coordinated attacks across Balochistan, Pakistan, on 31 January 2026, killing 33 people?
A) Taliban
B) Balochistan Liberation Army
C) Lashkar-e-Taiba
D) Al-Qaeda
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The Balochistan Liberation Army carried out attacks, highlighting ongoing separatist tensions in the region.
Q2. On 31 January 2026, multiple explosions attributed to gas leaks occurred in which Iranian cities?
A) Tehran and Isfahan
B) Mashhad and Shiraz
C) Ahvaz, Bandar Abbas, Karaj, and Parand
D) Tabriz and Qom
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: These incidents left at least six dead, raising concerns about infrastructure safety in Iran.
Q3. What was the primary reason for protests in U.S. cities like Minneapolis on 31 January 2026?
A) Climate change policies
B) Gun control reforms
C) Economic inequality
D) Demands for withdrawal of federal immigration agencies
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Protests followed fatal shootings by ICE agents, leading to calls for their removal from states like Minnesota.
Q4. President Trump announced which individual as the next Federal Reserve Chair nominee on 31 January 2026?
A) Jerome Powell
B) Kevin Warsh
C) Janet Yellen
D) Ben Bernanke
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Warsh, a former Fed governor, requires Senate confirmation; current Chair Powell’s term ends in May.
Q5. On 31 January 2026, explosions struck which southern Iranian port city, damaging an eight-story building?
A) Bandar Abbas
B) Bushehr
C) Khorramshahr
D) Chabahar
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The incident was part of multiple explosions across Iran, amid regional tensions.
Q6. What was the focus of U.S. Senate Democrats’ deal with President Trump on 31 January 2026 to avert a government shutdown?
A) Full-year funding for all agencies
B) Increased military spending
C) Funding through September for most, but short-term for DHS
D) Tax reforms
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The deal addressed funding disputes tied to border security.
Q7. Which country held general elections on 31 January 2026, electing the president and legislative assembly?
A) Costa Rica
B) Panama
C) Nicaragua
D) Honduras
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Costa Ricans voted for 57 seats in the Legislative Assembly amid regional political shifts.
Q8. President Trump’s order on 31 January 2026 restricted DHS involvement in protests unless what condition was met?
A) State governors approve
B) Federal property is threatened or help is requested
C) Protests exceed 1,000 people
D) National emergency declared
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: This policy aimed to limit federal overreach in Democratic-led cities.
Q9. What was the reported snow accumulation in eastern North Carolina from a winter storm on 31 January 2026?
A) 5 inches
B) 8 inches
C) 10 inches
D) 11 inches
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: The storm, potentially a bomb cyclone, affected the Carolinas and parts of the East Coast.
World News India (Questions 10-18)
Q10. What new SPV was established by the Government of India on 31 January 2026 for shipbuilding in Tamil Nadu?
A) NSHIP
B) DSHIP
C) ISHIP
D) MSHIP
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park in Thoothukudi aims to develop a mega cluster.
Q11. Which mineral was notified as critical and strategic by GoI on 31 January 2026 to reduce import dependence?
A) Lithium
B) Coking Coal
C) Graphite
D) Cobalt
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Under MMDR Act, 1957, to boost domestic production.
Q12. What milestone did Indian Railways achieve on 31 January 2026 regarding Kavach 4.0?
A) 100 km commissioned
B) Export to neighboring countries
C) Full national coverage
D) 472.3 km commissioned in one day
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Across Western, Northern, and East Central Railways, enhancing rail safety.
Q13. Supreme Court of India ruled menstrual health as integral to which right on 31 January 2026?
A) Article 14
B) Article 19
C) Article 21
D) Article 15
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Right to life and dignity, mandating school infrastructure reforms.
Q14. What was the primary objective of PM Krishi Sahajya Yojana announced on 31 January 2026?
A) Subsidized machinery loans
B) Organic farming promotion
C) Income support for farmers
D) Cold storage network
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Direct aid during crop failures for small farmers.
Q15. Which exercise was conducted by Indian Army and ITBP in Arunachal Pradesh on 31 January 2026?
A) Agni Pariksha
B) Vajra Prahar
C) Yudh Abhyas
D) Mitra Shakti
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: To enhance joint combat capabilities.
Q16. Supreme Court stayed which UGC regulations on 31 January 2026?
A) Equity Regulations 2026
B) Admission Reforms 2026
C) Faculty Hiring 2026
D) Curriculum Updates 2026
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Alleged reverse discrimination and constitutional issues.
Indian Polity (Questions 19-24)
Q17. What did Supreme Court rule regarding stem cell therapy for Autism on 31 January 2026?
A) Fully approved
B) Cannot be offered as clinical service
C) Limited to adults
D) Mandatory in schools
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Due to lack of proven safety and efficacy.
Q18. Economic Survey 2025-26 suggested India shift to what state model on 31 January 2026?
A) Welfare State
B) Regulatory State
C) Minimalist State
D) Entrepreneurial State
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: To foster innovation and growth.
Q19.What was stayed by Supreme Court on 31 January 2026 regarding higher education?
A) Fee hikes
B) UGC Equity Regulations
C) Online degrees
D) Reservation policies
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Called “too sweeping” and potentially unconstitutional.
Q20. NCW marked its 34th Foundation Day on 31 January 2026 at which venue?
A) Bharat Mandapam
B) Vigyan Bhawan
C) India Gate
D) Red Fort
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Reaffirming commitment to women’s rights.
Q21. Solid Waste Management Rules 2026 were notified under which Act?
A) Environment Protection Act
B) Water Act
C) Air Act
D) None
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Effective from April 1, 2026.
Q22. What was the context of Supreme Court’s ruling on menstrual health in schools?
A) Article 14 equality
B) Article 21 life and dignity
C) Article 15 non-discrimination
D) Article 19 freedom
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Integral to fundamental rights.
Sports (Questions 25-26)
Q23. Which team won against the Cavaliers with a 126-113 score on 31 January 2026 in NBA?
A) Suns
B) Lakers
C) Warriors
D) Celtics
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Phoenix’s third consecutive win.
Q24. In NHL, which team shut out the Detroit Red Wings 5-0 on 31 January 2026?
A) Vegas Golden Knights
B) Toronto Maple Leafs
C) Colorado Avalanche
D) Boston Bruins
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Mackenzie Blackwood’s shutout performance.
Arts (Questions 27-28)
Q25. What exhibition opened at Upcountry History Museum on 31 January 2026?
A) The Art of Warner Bros. Cartoons
B) Modern Art Masters
C) Renaissance Paintings
D) Abstract Expressions
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Featuring 160 objects and film clips.
Q26. Which museum laid off staff on 31 January 2026, sparking credibility crisis?
A) Smithsonian
B) Louvre
C) British Museum
D) MFA Boston
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Amid DEI targeting and protests.
Education (Question 29)
Q27. What did Trump administration push for amid declining test scores on 31 January 2026?
A) Increased federal funding
B) School choice expansion
C) Standardized testing ban
D) Teacher salary cuts
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Overhaul of Department of Education.
Literature (Question 30)
Q28. Which book by George Saunders was a most anticipated release discussed on 31 January 2026?
A) Vigil
B) Lincoln in the Bardo
C) Tenth of December
D) CivilWarLand
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Spiritual companion to Lincoln in the Bardo, released recently.