Current Affairs 11/01/2026
1. Muriganga River related Gangasagar Bridge is being constructed in which state?
Answer : West Bengal
Gangasagar Bridge over the Muriganga River
The Gangasagar Bridge, also known as Gangasagar Setu, is a major infrastructure project being constructed over the Muriganga River in the state of West Bengal. The bridge aims to provide permanent road connectivity between the Indian mainland at Kakdwip and Sagar Island in the South 24 Parganas district.
Sagar Island holds immense religious and cultural significance as the site of the annual Gangasagar Mela, one of the largest pilgrimage gatherings in India. At present, connectivity to the island largely depends on ferry services, which are often affected by weather conditions and seasonal crowd pressure. The construction of the bridge is expected to significantly ease transportation, ensure all-weather access, and enhance safety for residents, pilgrims, and tourists.
Beyond religious tourism, the Gangasagar Bridge is also expected to play a crucial role in regional development. It will improve access to healthcare, education, markets, and emergency services for island residents, while boosting economic activities such as tourism, trade, and employment generation.
Overall, the Gangasagar Bridge represents a strategic step in strengthening infrastructure in the coastal region of West Bengal and improving connectivity to one of India’s most important pilgrimage destinations.
2. Where was the Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative 2026 launched?
Answer : New Delhi
Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative 2026
The Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative 2026 was launched in New Delhi, marking a significant step in strengthening the integration of science with India’s foreign policy and global engagement. The initiative reflects India’s growing emphasis on leveraging scientific cooperation as a tool of diplomacy in addressing complex global challenges.
Launched under the broader framework of the Raisina Dialogue, the initiative aims to create a structured platform for dialogue among scientists, policymakers, diplomats, industry leaders, and global institutions. Its core objective is to promote international collaboration in critical areas such as climate change, public health, emerging technologies, energy transition, space research, and sustainable development.
The initiative underscores India’s role as a responsible global stakeholder, highlighting how science-driven partnerships can foster trust, innovation, and shared solutions across nations. By aligning scientific expertise with diplomatic outreach, the Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative seeks to enhance evidence-based policymaking and strengthen multilateral cooperation.
Overall, the launch of the Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative 2026 in New Delhi reinforces India’s commitment to advancing science as a key pillar of global diplomacy and international cooperation in the 21st century.
3. How many officers/employees received the 70th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Award 2025?
Answer : 100
70th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Award 2025
The 70th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Award 2025 was conferred upon 100 officers and employees of Indian Railways in recognition of their exceptional service and outstanding contributions to the organisation. The award is among the highest service honours in Indian Railways and is presented to individuals who demonstrate exemplary dedication, leadership, and professional excellence.
The Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Award is granted to personnel who have played a significant role in improving operational efficiency, passenger safety, infrastructure development, innovation, and public service delivery within the railway system. Recipients are selected through a rigorous evaluation process that assesses their long-term impact and commitment to organisational values.
The 70th edition of the award reflects Indian Railways’ continued emphasis on recognising merit and motivating its workforce to uphold high standards of performance. By honouring 100 distinguished officers and employees, the awards also highlight the collective efforts behind the modernisation and transformation of one of the world’s largest rail networks.
Overall, the Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Award serves as an important institutional mechanism to encourage excellence, accountability, and innovation across Indian Railways.
4. Which country is the Guest of Honour at World Book Fair 2026?
Answer : Qatar
Qatar as Guest of Honour at World Book Fair 2026
Qatar has been designated as the Guest of Honour country at the World Book Fair 2026, reflecting the growing cultural and literary ties between Qatar and the international community. The announcement highlights Qatar’s active role in promoting literature, education, and cross-cultural dialogue on global platforms.
As Guest of Honour, Qatar is showcasing its rich literary heritage, contemporary writing, publishing initiatives, and cultural institutions through a dedicated pavilion and a series of curated events. These include author interactions, panel discussions, book launches, translations, and cultural performances that offer visitors insights into Qatar’s intellectual and artistic landscape.
Qatar’s participation also underscores its long-term investments in education, knowledge exchange, and cultural diplomacy, led by institutions such as the Qatar National Library and other publishing bodies. By engaging with readers, publishers, and scholars from across the world, Qatar aims to strengthen literary collaboration and promote mutual understanding between cultures.
Overall, Qatar’s role as Guest of Honour at the World Book Fair 2026 adds an important international dimension to the event, reinforcing the fair’s status as a global hub for literature, ideas, and cultural exchange.
5. The USA announced withdrawal from how many international organizations?
Answer : 66
United States’ Withdrawal from International Organizations
The United States has announced its withdrawal from 66 international organizations, marking a significant development in its approach to multilateral engagement. This move reflects a reassessment of the country’s participation in global institutions based on national priorities, policy alignment, and strategic interests.
International organizations play a vital role in addressing global challenges such as peace and security, health, trade, climate change, education, and humanitarian assistance. The decision to withdraw from a large number of such bodies has attracted global attention, as it may influence the functioning, funding, and effectiveness of these institutions.
The announcement has sparked discussions among policymakers and analysts regarding the future of multilateral cooperation and the balance between national sovereignty and global responsibility. Supporters view the decision as a step toward policy independence and financial prudence, while critics argue that it could reduce the country’s influence in shaping international norms and solutions.
Overall, the withdrawal from 66 international organizations represents a notable shift in the United States’ global engagement strategy, with potential long-term implications for international diplomacy and multilateral governance.
6. What is the name of the mascot launched by UIDAI?
Answer : Uday
UIDAI Launches Mascot ‘Uday’
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched a new mascot named “Uday” to strengthen public awareness and engagement related to the Aadhaar ecosystem. The mascot has been introduced as part of UIDAI’s outreach and communication strategy to make Aadhaar-related information more accessible and user-friendly for citizens.
‘Uday’ symbolizes trust, transparency, and empowerment, reflecting UIDAI’s objective of delivering inclusive digital identity services to all sections of society. Through a friendly and relatable character, UIDAI aims to educate people about the safe use of Aadhaar, authentication processes, updates, and grievance redressal mechanisms, especially among first-time users and digitally less-aware populations.
The mascot will be used across digital platforms, awareness campaigns, educational material, and public service initiatives to simplify complex concepts related to Aadhaar and data security. By adopting a mascot-driven approach, UIDAI seeks to enhance citizen connect, promote responsible usage, and reinforce confidence in India’s digital public infrastructure.
Overall, the launch of ‘Uday’ represents UIDAI’s continued commitment to citizen-centric communication and digital inclusion, supporting the broader vision of a secure and transparent digital identity framework in India.
7. Somnath Swabhiman Parv was organized in which state?
Answer : Gujarat
Somnath Swabhiman Parv in Gujarat
The Somnath Swabhiman Parv was organized in the state of Gujarat, underscoring the region’s deep historical, cultural, and spiritual heritage. The event was held in and around Somnath, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India and the location of the ancient Somnath Temple, a symbol of resilience and national pride.
The Swabhiman Parv was conceived to celebrate India’s civilizational strength, cultural continuity, and historical consciousness, with Somnath serving as a powerful emblem of faith and perseverance. The programme featured a range of activities including cultural performances, spiritual discourses, exhibitions, and public gatherings that highlighted the legacy of the Somnath Temple and its role in Indian history.
Organized with the participation of state authorities, cultural bodies, and local institutions, the event also aimed to promote heritage tourism and cultural awareness in Gujarat. It provided a platform to reflect on values of unity, self-respect, and national identity rooted in India’s historical experience.
Overall, the Somnath Swabhiman Parv in Gujarat reinforced the state’s position as a key custodian of India’s cultural and spiritual traditions, while fostering a sense of pride and collective remembrance among citizens.