Current Affairs 28/01/2026
1. In what role did India participate in Gulfood 2026 global food & beverage trade exhibition?
Answer : Country Partner
India’s Participation at Gulfood 2026 as Official Country Partner
India participated in the Gulfood 2026 Global Food and Beverage Trade Exhibition as the Official Country Partner, marking a significant milestone in the country’s global agri-food engagement. Gulfood, held annually in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is one of the world’s largest and most influential platforms for food, beverage, and hospitality trade, attracting participants from over 190 countries.
As the Country Partner, India received special prominence at the exhibition, reflecting its growing stature as a major producer, processor, and exporter of agricultural and food products. The Indian participation was coordinated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
India showcased a wide range of products, including cereals, pulses, spices, tea, coffee, dairy products, ready-to-eat foods, organic products, and value-added processed foods. The Indian pavilion highlighted the country’s strengths in food processing, quality standards, sustainability, and export capabilities, while also promoting innovation and branding of Indian food products in global markets.
The Country Partner status at Gulfood 2026 provided India with an important platform for business-to-business interactions, trade negotiations, and investment opportunities, especially in the Middle East and Africa regions. It also supported India’s broader objective of enhancing agricultural exports, strengthening global supply chains, and positioning itself as a reliable and competitive player in the international food and beverage sector.
Overall, India’s role as the Official Country Partner at Gulfood 2026 underscored its commitment to expanding global trade ties and reinforcing its presence in the world food economy.
2. Gulfood 2026 is known as which of the following?
Answer : World’s largest annual food & beverage trade exhibition
Gulfood 2026: The World’s Largest Annual Food & Beverage Trade Exhibition
Gulfood 2026 is globally recognized as the world’s largest annual food and beverage trade exhibition, serving as a premier platform for international trade, innovation, and networking in the food industry. Held annually in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Gulfood brings together manufacturers, exporters, importers, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the globe.
The exhibition features an extensive range of sectors, including food and beverages, agribusiness, food processing, packaging, hospitality supplies, and food technology. With participation from thousands of exhibitors representing more than 190 countries, Gulfood plays a critical role in shaping global food trends, supply chains, and trade partnerships.
Gulfood is widely regarded as a strategic meeting point connecting producers with key markets in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia. It provides an ideal environment for launching new products, signing trade agreements, and exploring investment opportunities. Special forums, conferences, and knowledge sessions further enhance its value by addressing global issues such as food security, sustainability, and innovation.
As the world’s largest annual food and beverage trade exhibition, Gulfood 2026 continues to reinforce its position as a vital hub for global food commerce, driving growth, collaboration, and innovation across the international food ecosystem.
3. The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron reached which port during its training deployment?
Answer : Phuket Deep Sea Port
Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron Reaches Phuket Deep Sea Port
The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) reached Phuket Deep Sea Port, Thailand, as part of its overseas training deployment, reinforcing India’s maritime engagement and defence diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific region. The port call formed an important component of the Navy’s annual training programme for officer cadets and trainees.
The First Training Squadron, comprising Indian Naval ships, undertakes long-range deployments to provide practical sea training, international exposure, and operational experience to young naval officers. Such visits enable trainees to gain hands-on knowledge of navigation, seamanship, naval operations, and maritime cooperation in real-world conditions.
During the visit to Phuket Deep Sea Port, the Indian Navy engaged in professional interactions, cultural exchanges, and goodwill activities with the Royal Thai Navy and local authorities. The port call also helped strengthen India–Thailand maritime cooperation, fostering mutual understanding and enhancing interoperability between the two friendly navies.
The deployment reflects India’s commitment to regional security, freedom of navigation, and cooperative maritime partnerships under the vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). Overall, the visit of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron to Phuket Deep Sea Port highlighted India’s growing naval outreach and its emphasis on training excellence and international collaboration.
4. The year 2026 is being observed as?
Answer : ASEAN-India Maritime Cooperation Year
2026 as the ASEAN–India Maritime Cooperation Year
The year 2026 is being observed as the ASEAN–India Maritime Cooperation Year, marking an important milestone in the growing strategic partnership between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This initiative reflects the shared commitment of both sides to enhance collaboration in the maritime domain, which is central to regional stability, economic growth, and connectivity in the Indo-Pacific region.
Maritime cooperation between India and ASEAN focuses on key areas such as maritime security, freedom of navigation, disaster response, blue economy, port development, and sustainable use of marine resources. The observance of 2026 as a dedicated cooperation year aims to deepen dialogue, expand joint activities, and promote practical collaboration among naval forces, coast guards, and maritime institutions.
As part of the ASEAN–India Maritime Cooperation Year, a series of naval exercises, port visits, capacity-building programmes, academic exchanges, and policy dialogues are expected to be organized. These activities are designed to strengthen mutual trust, improve interoperability, and address shared challenges such as piracy, maritime pollution, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
The initiative aligns closely with India’s Act East Policy and the broader Indo-Pacific vision of ASEAN, emphasizing inclusivity, respect for international law, and rules-based order at sea. Overall, observing 2026 as the ASEAN–India Maritime Cooperation Year underscores the strategic importance of maritime partnerships and reinforces the long-term commitment of India and ASEAN to peace, stability, and prosperity in the maritime domain.
5. Which country replaced Bangladesh in the upcoming T20 World Cup?
Answer : Scotland
Scotland Replaces Bangladesh in the Upcoming T20 World Cup
Scotland has replaced Bangladesh in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, marking a notable development in international cricket. The decision reflects changes in tournament composition based on qualification criteria, team performance, and strategic considerations of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Scotland’s inclusion highlights the ICC’s continued efforts to promote competitive balance and expand the global reach of cricket, particularly among emerging cricketing nations. Over recent years, Scotland has shown consistent improvement in the T20 format, delivering strong performances against higher-ranked teams and establishing itself as a competitive associate nation.
The replacement also provides Scotland with an important opportunity to gain valuable exposure on the global stage, compete against top international sides, and further strengthen its cricketing infrastructure. Participation in a major ICC tournament is expected to boost the sport’s popularity within the country and inspire the next generation of players.
Overall, Scotland’s entry in place of Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup underlines the evolving nature of international cricket and the ICC’s focus on inclusivity, merit-based participation, and the development of the game worldwide.
6. When is International Data Privacy Day observed?
Answer : 28 January
International Data Privacy Day: Observed on 28 January
International Data Privacy Day is observed annually on 28 January to raise awareness about the importance of data protection, privacy rights, and responsible handling of personal information in an increasingly digital world. The day highlights the need for individuals, organizations, and governments to safeguard sensitive data amid rapid technological advancement and growing online activity.
The observance of Data Privacy Day traces its origins to the Council of Europe, which initiated the day to commemorate the signing of Convention 108 in 1981—the first legally binding international treaty dealing with privacy and data protection. Over time, the initiative has gained global recognition, with participation from countries, regulatory bodies, technology firms, and civil society organizations worldwide.
International Data Privacy Day emphasizes key issues such as cybersecurity, ethical data usage, digital consent, and protection against data breaches and identity theft. It serves as a platform to promote best practices in data governance, encourage compliance with data protection laws, and empower individuals to take greater control of their personal information.
In an era marked by artificial intelligence, big data, and cross-border data flows, the observance of International Data Privacy Day on 28 January reinforces the importance of building trust in digital systems and fostering a secure, transparent, and privacy-respecting digital ecosystem.
7. What is the main objective of Data Privacy Day?
Answer : Awareness about personal data protection
Main Objective of Data Privacy Day: Promoting Awareness of Personal Data Protection
The primary objective of Data Privacy Day is to raise awareness about the protection of personal data and the importance of privacy in an increasingly digital and data-driven world. Observed globally, the day emphasizes the need for responsible collection, storage, and use of personal information by individuals, organizations, and governments.
Data Privacy Day seeks to educate people about their privacy rights, the risks associated with data misuse, and the growing challenges posed by cyber threats, data breaches, and unauthorized surveillance. It encourages individuals to adopt safe digital practices, such as using strong passwords, understanding privacy policies, and being cautious while sharing personal information online.
For organizations and institutions, the day highlights the importance of ethical data management, transparency, and compliance with data protection laws and regulations. It promotes the adoption of robust cybersecurity measures and privacy-by-design principles to build trust with users and stakeholders.
Overall, the observance of Data Privacy Day reinforces the collective responsibility to protect personal data, foster digital trust, and ensure that technological progress aligns with fundamental privacy rights.