Current Affairs 31/01/2026
1. Which campaign’s 2.0 version has been launched by NITI Aayog recently?
Answer : Sampoornta Abhiyan 2.0
Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0: NITI Aayog’s Renewed Push for Aspirational Development
NITI Aayog has launched Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 as an upgraded phase of its flagship campaign aimed at accelerating holistic development in Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks across India. Building on the progress of the first phase, the 2.0 version focuses on achieving saturation in key socio-economic indicators through targeted governance and convergence of schemes.
The campaign emphasizes priority sectors such as health and nutrition, education, agriculture, financial inclusion, and basic infrastructure. By identifying gaps at the district and block levels, Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 seeks to ensure that benefits of central and state government schemes reach the last mile effectively.
A key feature of the initiative is data-driven monitoring, where real-time performance tracking and ranking mechanisms encourage healthy competition among districts. The campaign also promotes cooperative and competitive federalism, with active participation from state governments, district administrations, and local institutions.
Overall, Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 reflects NITI Aayog’s commitment to inclusive growth by transforming under-developed regions into engines of socio-economic progress through focused, outcome-oriented interventions.
2. The new plant species ‘Hoya nagaensis’ was discovered in which state?
Answer : Nagaland
Discovery of the New Plant Species Hoya nagaensis in Nagaland
A new plant species named Hoya nagaensis has been discovered in the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland, adding to the region’s rich botanical diversity. The species was identified during systematic botanical surveys conducted in the Kavünhou Community Reserved Forest in Phek district, an area known for its unique ecosystems and community-led conservation efforts.
Hoya nagaensis belongs to the genus Hoya, which is widely recognized for its ornamental flowering plants commonly known as wax plants. The newly discovered species is notable for its distinct morphological characteristics, particularly its leaves and floral structure, which set it apart from other known Hoya species. The plant thrives in high-altitude forest habitats, reflecting the ecological uniqueness of Nagaland’s hilly terrain.
The discovery highlights the importance of community-protected forests in conserving biodiversity and supporting scientific research. It also underscores the need for continued exploration and documentation of flora in the biodiversity-rich but under-explored regions of Northeast India. Such findings contribute significantly to plant taxonomy, conservation planning, and the broader understanding of India’s natural heritage.
3. Which portal has Odisha launched for real-time monitoring of Finance Commission funded projects?
Answer : Samiksha
Odisha Launches ‘Samiksha’ Portal for Real-Time Monitoring of Finance Commission Projects
The Government of Odisha has launched the Samiksha portal, a digital platform designed for real-time monitoring of projects funded under the State Finance Commission (SFC) and Central Finance Commission (CFC) grants. The initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the implementation of local development works across the state.
The Samiksha portal enables continuous tracking of both physical and financial progress of Finance Commission–funded projects, particularly those implemented by Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Key sectors covered under the portal include roads, drinking water supply, sanitation, street lighting, parks, and other civic infrastructure essential for grassroots development.
A major feature of the portal is its public-facing dashboard, which allows citizens, elected representatives, and officials to access up-to-date project information. This promotes participatory governance and empowers stakeholders to monitor timelines, fund utilization, and project outcomes effectively.
By leveraging digital technology, the Samiksha portal supports data-driven decision-making and timely corrective action, ensuring optimal use of Finance Commission grants. Overall, the initiative reflects Odisha’s commitment to good governance, digital transformation, and inclusive development at the local level.
4. Who became the first woman Indian Army officer to qualify for flying the Rudra armed helicopter?
Answer : Hansja Sharma
Captain Hansja Sharma: First Woman Indian Army Officer to Fly the Rudra Armed Helicopter
Captain Hansja Sharma has created history by becoming the first woman officer in the Indian Army to qualify for flying the Rudra armed helicopter, a frontline combat platform of the Army Aviation Corps. Her achievement represents a major milestone in the Indian Army’s journey toward greater gender inclusion in combat and operational aviation roles.
Captain Sharma successfully completed her rigorous training and operational qualification at the Combat Army Aviation Training School (CAATS), Nashik, where she demonstrated exceptional skill and professionalism. She also earned the prestigious Silver Cheetah Trophy, awarded for excellence in combat aviation training, further highlighting her technical competence and leadership qualities.
The Rudra helicopter, an armed variant of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), is a critical asset used for reconnaissance, escort missions, close air support, and anti-tank warfare. By qualifying to fly this platform, Captain Sharma has entered an elite group of combat aviators entrusted with high-risk and strategically significant missions.
Her accomplishment is widely seen as a symbol of the evolving role of women in the Indian Armed Forces, reinforcing the principle that operational capability is defined by merit, training, and dedication. Captain Hansja Sharma’s success is expected to inspire a new generation of women officers to pursue challenging and non-traditional roles within the defence services.
5. Which team won the Men’s Hockey India League 2026 title?
Answer : Kalinga Lancers
Kalinga Lancers Clinch Men’s Hockey India League 2026 Title
The Kalinga Lancers emerged as the champions of the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2026, securing the coveted title in a highly competitive season that showcased top-tier field hockey talent from across India and abroad.
Under strong leadership and cohesive team play, the Lancers combined tactical discipline with attacking flair throughout the tournament. Their balanced squad—featuring a blend of experienced campaigners and promising young players—was instrumental in navigating the challenges posed by other elite franchises. The team’s success was built on consistent performances in key matches, solid defensive organization, and an efficient penalty-corner unit that often proved decisive.
The final match highlighted the Lancers’ resilience and strategic acumen. They displayed composure under pressure, converting critical opportunities while maintaining defensive solidity against a formidable opponent. Their triumph not only reflects excellence on the field but also underscores the effectiveness of long-term team planning, coaching, and player development.
Winning the HIL 2026 title adds a prestigious chapter to the Kalinga Lancers’ legacy in Indian hockey and provides a significant boost to the sport’s profile in their home region and among fans nationwide. The victory is expected to inspire further growth of hockey at the grassroots level and strengthen the franchise’s position as a powerhouse in domestic professional hockey.
6. Where was the 3rd meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council held?
Answer : Kochi
3rd Meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council Held in Kochi
The 3rd meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) was held in Kochi, Kerala, reinforcing India’s commitment to strengthening inland water transport as a sustainable and cost-effective mode of logistics. The council serves as an apex advisory body for policy formulation and coordinated development of inland waterways across the country.
The meeting brought together representatives from the central government, state governments, and key stakeholders, focusing on accelerating infrastructure development, improving navigation facilities, and enhancing cargo and passenger movement on national waterways. Special emphasis was laid on promoting multimodal connectivity, private sector participation, and environmentally sustainable practices.
Kochi, with its strategic location and well-developed port and waterway infrastructure, provided an ideal setting for discussions on leveraging coastal and inland waterways for economic growth. The deliberations highlighted the role of inland waterways in reducing logistics costs, decongesting roads and railways, and supporting India’s broader vision of integrated and green transportation networks.
Overall, the 3rd IWDC meeting marked an important step toward coordinated planning and effective implementation of inland waterway projects nationwide.
7. The ‘Namo Lakshmi Scheme’ belongs to which state?
Answer : Gujarat
Namo Lakshmi Scheme: An Initiative of Gujarat Government
The Namo Lakshmi Scheme is a welfare initiative launched by the Government of Gujarat with a focus on promoting girls’ education and empowerment. The scheme primarily targets female students studying in Classes 9 to 12, aiming to reduce school dropouts and encourage higher secondary education among girls.
Under the scheme, financial assistance is provided directly to the beneficiaries, supporting expenses related to education and easing the economic burden on families. By incentivizing continued schooling, the Namo Lakshmi Scheme seeks to address gender disparities in education and improve long-term socio-economic outcomes for women.
The initiative aligns with Gujarat’s broader vision of inclusive growth, women empowerment, and human capital development. Through targeted financial support and structured implementation, the Namo Lakshmi Scheme plays a significant role in strengthening girls’ participation in secondary and higher secondary education across the state.