Current Affairs MCQ – 9 January 2026 | Top 10 Questions (English)
Top 10 Current Affairs MCQs of 9 January 2026 with four options and very detailed explanations.
Each explanation includes background concepts, exam relevance, and related static GK facts.
Highly useful for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway and State-level competitive examinations.
Current Affairs MCQ – 9 January 2026
Q1. In January 2026, India started UPI-based digital payment linkage with which country?
A. Nepal
B. Bhutan
C. Sri Lanka ✅
D. Malaysia
Answer: Sri Lanka
Detailed Explanation:
The expansion of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) beyond national borders is a major step in strengthening digital financial diplomacy. In January 2026, India officially enabled UPI-based digital payment linkage with Sri Lanka. This initiative allows users from both countries to make seamless, real-time digital transactions using QR codes and mobile applications without the need for complex currency conversion processes.
UPI, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has transformed India into one of the world’s most advanced digital payment ecosystems. Linking UPI with other countries supports India’s vision of becoming a global fintech leader and enhances people-to-people connectivity, tourism, and cross-border trade.
Sri Lanka is a strategically important neighbour of India in the Indian Ocean region. Strengthening financial connectivity with Sri Lanka also aligns with India’s "Neighbourhood First" policy and promotes economic stability in South Asia. Digital payment interoperability helps small businesses, tourists, and migrant workers by reducing dependency on cash and traditional banking systems.
About Sri Lanka:
• Independence: 4 February 1948
• Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
• Current Prime Minister: Dinesh Gunawardena
From an exam perspective, questions related to UPI internationalisation are important for economics, current affairs, and governance sections. Aspirants should also remember other countries linked with UPI and the role of NPCI in digital payment reforms.
Q2. Which hypersonic technology was successfully tested by DRDO in January 2026?
A. Agni-HSTDV
B. Scramjet Engine ✅
C. BrahMos-II
D. Prithvi-X
Answer: Scramjet Engine
Detailed Explanation:
In January 2026, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a significant milestone by successfully testing an advanced scramjet engine. Scramjet (Supersonic Combustion Ramjet) engines are crucial for hypersonic flight, which refers to speeds greater than Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound).
Unlike conventional jet engines, scramjet engines do not have moving parts such as turbines. They rely on the high-speed airflow entering the engine to compress air, mix it with fuel, and produce combustion at supersonic speeds. This technology is vital for the development of next-generation missiles, space launch systems, and reusable hypersonic vehicles.
The successful test highlights India’s growing self-reliance in defence technology under the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative. Hypersonic capability enhances strategic deterrence, rapid response, and advanced surveillance capabilities.
About DRDO:
• Established: 1958
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Current Chairman: Dr. Samir V. Kamat
For competitive exams, DRDO-related developments are extremely important in science and technology sections. Aspirants should understand the difference between ramjet, scramjet, and conventional propulsion systems.
Q3. Which Indian state launched the ‘Green Energy Mission 2030’ in January 2026?
A. Gujarat
B. Rajasthan ✅
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Maharashtra
Answer: Rajasthan
Detailed Explanation:
Rajasthan launched the ambitious ‘Green Energy Mission 2030’ in January 2026 with the objective of becoming India’s leading renewable energy hub. Due to its vast desert land and high solar radiation, Rajasthan has enormous potential for solar and wind power generation.
The mission focuses on large-scale solar parks, wind energy projects, hybrid renewable systems, and green hydrogen production. It also aims to attract domestic and foreign investment, generate employment, and support India’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions under global climate agreements.
Energy security and sustainability are major national priorities. Rajasthan’s initiative complements India’s national targets of achieving net-zero emissions in the long term and increasing the share of renewable energy in the overall power mix.
About Rajasthan:
• Formation: 30 March 1949
• Capital: Jaipur
• Current Chief Minister: Bhajan Lal Sharma
For exams, state government schemes related to renewable energy are frequently asked in state PCS, SSC, and banking exams.
Q4. Where was the main national event of World Hindi Day 2026 organised?
A. New Delhi
B. Bhopal
C. Varanasi
D. Jaipur ✅
Answer: Jaipur
Detailed Explanation:
World Hindi Day is celebrated every year on 10 January to promote the global use of the Hindi language. In 2026, the main national-level event was organised in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The event highlighted Hindi’s growing global acceptance and its role as a medium of cultural diplomacy.
Hindi is one of the most spoken languages in the world and serves as an important link language within India. Promoting Hindi internationally strengthens India’s cultural soft power and linguistic heritage.
Jaipur, known as the Pink City, has emerged as an important centre for literature, art, and cultural events, making it a suitable venue for such a significant celebration.
Q5. According to the IMF report released in January 2026, what was India’s global rank in nominal GDP?
A. Third
B. Fourth
C. Fifth ✅
D. Sixth
Answer: Fifth
Detailed Explanation:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released its economic outlook report in January 2026, confirming that India remained the world’s fifth-largest economy in terms of nominal GDP. Despite global economic challenges, India continued to show strong growth driven by domestic consumption, infrastructure investment, and digital transformation.
Nominal GDP measures the total value of goods and services produced by a country at current market prices. India’s steady position among the top economies reflects its resilience and long-term growth potential.
About India:
• Independence: 15 August 1947
• Capital: New Delhi
• Current Prime Minister: Narendra Modi
Q6. Which disease was re-included in the global surveillance list by WHO in January 2026?
A. Dengue
B. Zika Virus ✅
C. Swine Flu
D. Ebola
Answer: Zika Virus
Detailed Explanation:
In January 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) re-included the Zika virus in its global disease surveillance list due to rising cases in certain regions. Zika is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and poses significant risks, especially to pregnant women.
Global surveillance helps countries prepare early response mechanisms, strengthen healthcare systems, and prevent outbreaks from escalating into pandemics.
About WHO:
• Established: 7 April 1948
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
• Director-General: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Q7. India’s first AI-based traffic management system was launched in which city in January 2026?
A. Mumbai
B. Bengaluru
C. Hyderabad ✅
D. Pune
Answer: Hyderabad
Detailed Explanation:
Hyderabad became the first Indian city to implement a fully AI-based traffic management system in January 2026. The system uses real-time data, cameras, and machine learning algorithms to regulate traffic signals, reduce congestion, and improve road safety.
Smart traffic systems are an integral part of smart city initiatives and urban governance reforms. AI-based solutions help reduce fuel consumption, pollution, and travel time.
About Telangana:
• Formation: 2 June 2014
• Capital: Hyderabad
• Current Chief Minister: Revanth Reddy
Q8. Which country chaired the ASEAN Summit in January 2026?
A. Thailand
B. Indonesia
C. Vietnam
D. Philippines ✅
Answer: Philippines
Detailed Explanation:
The Philippines chaired the ASEAN Summit in January 2026, focusing on regional cooperation, maritime security, economic integration, and digital transformation. ASEAN plays a vital role in maintaining peace and economic growth in Southeast Asia.
About Philippines:
• Independence: 4 July 1946
• Capital: Manila
• Current President: Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Q9. Which new Earth Observation Satellite was launched by ISRO in January 2026?
A. EOS-09
B. RISAT-3A
C. Cartosat-4
D. EOS-10 ✅
Answer: EOS-10
Detailed Explanation:
ISRO launched EOS-10 in January 2026 to enhance Earth observation capabilities for disaster management, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. Such satellites support sustainable development and national security.
About ISRO:
• Established: 15 August 1969
• Headquarters: Bengaluru
• Chairman: S. Somanath
Q10. Which Indian cricketer was named ICC Men’s Player of the Month in January 2026?
A. Rohit Sharma
B. Virat Kohli
C. Jasprit Bumrah ✅
D. Shubman Gill
Answer: Jasprit Bumrah
Detailed Explanation:
Jasprit Bumrah was named ICC Men’s Player of the Month in January 2026 for his exceptional performances across formats. His consistency, accuracy, and match-winning spells have made him one of the finest fast bowlers in world cricket.
About ICC:
• Established: 1909
• Headquarters: Dubai
• Current Chairman: Greg Barclay
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