Current Affairs 01/01/2026
1. What is India’s rank in terms of rare earth reserves?
Answer : Third
India’s Position in Global Rare Earth Reserves
India holds a significant position in the global rare earth elements (REEs) landscape, ranking third in the world in terms of rare earth reserves, after China and Brazil. Rare earth elements are a group of 17 critical minerals that are essential for modern technologies, including renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, electronics, defense equipment, and advanced manufacturing.
India’s rare earth reserves are estimated at around 6.9 million tonnes of rare earth oxides (REO), accounting for nearly 6–7 percent of global reserves. A major portion of these reserves is found in beach sand minerals along the coastal regions of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal, as well as in some inland areas.
Despite its strong reserve base, India’s production and processing of rare earths remain limited when compared to its potential. Factors such as regulatory constraints, technological challenges, environmental considerations, and limited private sector participation have slowed large-scale exploitation. Currently, the public sector, led by Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL), plays a central role in mining and processing activities.
With growing global demand and increasing strategic importance of rare earths, India’s third-rank position offers a major opportunity. Strengthening exploration, improving processing capabilities, and encouraging investment could help India enhance its role in global supply chains, reduce import dependence, and support national goals in clean energy, manufacturing, and strategic security.
2. Where did DRDO test the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket?
Answer : Odisha
DRDO Successfully Tests Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket in Odisha
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, located in Odisha. This achievement marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen its indigenous rocket artillery and precision strike capabilities.
The Pinaka LRGR is an advanced version of the indigenously developed Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system. It is designed to deliver high accuracy at extended ranges of up to around 120 kilometers, equipped with a guidance system that ensures precise targeting and reduced circular error probability. The successful test validated key performance parameters, including range, accuracy, guidance, and overall reliability.
Developed jointly by DRDO laboratories with support from Indian industry partners, the system reflects India’s growing competence in advanced defense technologies under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. The Pinaka rocket system is already in service with the Indian Army, and the long-range guided variant significantly enhances its operational effectiveness in modern battlefield scenarios.
The test conducted in Odisha highlights the strategic importance of the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, which serves as a premier facility for testing missiles, rockets, and other defense systems. With the successful trial of the Pinaka LRGR, India takes another step forward in boosting its indigenous defense production, deterrence capability, and technological self-reliance.
3. Who will host the AI Impact Summit 2026?
Answer : India
India to Host the AI Impact Summit 2026
India will host the AI Impact Summit 2026, reinforcing its growing role as a global leader in artificial intelligence policy, innovation, and governance. The international summit is scheduled to be held in New Delhi and will bring together global policymakers, technology leaders, researchers, startups, and international organizations to discuss the future trajectory of AI and its impact on society and economies.
The AI Impact Summit 2026 will focus on key themes such as responsible and ethical AI, inclusive AI development, AI for public good, and bridging the global digital and AI divide. Special emphasis will be placed on leveraging artificial intelligence for sectors like healthcare, education, climate action, agriculture, governance, and sustainable development.
By hosting this summit, India aims to showcase its advancements under initiatives such as Digital India, IndiaAI Mission, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, while also contributing to the formulation of global frameworks for safe, transparent, and trustworthy AI. The event will provide a platform for international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and consensus-building on AI governance.
Hosting the AI Impact Summit 2026 highlights India’s commitment to shaping a human-centric and development-oriented AI ecosystem, positioning the country as a key voice in defining how artificial intelligence can be harnessed responsibly for global benefit.
4. Parasinanemelisia khasiana is a species of?
Answer : Fungus
Parasinanemelisia khasiana: A Rare Fungal Species
Parasinanemelisia khasiana is a scientifically identified species of fungus, notable for its ecological and taxonomic significance. It belongs to the fungal kingdom, a diverse group of organisms that play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance through decomposition, nutrient cycling, and symbiotic relationships with plants.
This species was documented from the Khasia (Khasi) Hills region, a biodiversity-rich area in Northeast India known for its unique climatic conditions and high levels of endemic flora and fauna. The discovery of Parasinanemelisia khasiana highlights the region’s importance as a hotspot for fungal diversity and mycological research.
Fungi like Parasinanemelisia khasiana contribute significantly to soil health and forest ecosystems by breaking down organic matter and facilitating nutrient availability. Although not widely known for commercial use, such species are valuable for scientific study, particularly in understanding fungal evolution, taxonomy, and ecosystem functioning.
The identification and documentation of rare fungal species underscore the need for biodiversity conservation and continued research, especially in ecologically sensitive regions. Protecting such organisms is essential, as fungi form the foundation of many natural processes that support plant life and overall environmental sustainability.
5. Khaleda Zia was the first female Prime Minister of which country?
Answer : Bangladesh
Khaleda Zia: Bangladesh’s First Female Prime Minister
Khaleda Zia was the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, marking a historic milestone in the country’s political history. She first assumed office in 1991, following the restoration of parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh, and went on to serve multiple terms as prime minister.
As a prominent political leader and the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Khaleda Zia played a central role in shaping Bangladesh’s democratic institutions and political landscape. Her leadership symbolized the increasing participation of women in South Asian politics, placing Bangladesh among the few countries in the region to be governed by a woman at the highest executive level during that period.
During her tenure, Khaleda Zia focused on issues such as economic liberalization, infrastructure development, education, and governance reforms. Her time in office also reflected the intense political rivalry and vibrant democratic debates that characterize Bangladeshi politics.
Khaleda Zia’s achievement as the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh remains a significant chapter in the nation’s history, highlighting both the progress and challenges of democratic leadership and women’s empowerment in developing countries.
6. Israel announced its highest civilian honour for whom?
Answer : Donald Trump
Israel Announces Its Highest Civilian Honour for Donald Trump
Israel announced its highest civilian honour for former United States President Donald Trump, recognizing his significant contributions to strengthening Israel–US relations. The decision reflects Israel’s acknowledgment of Trump’s role in key diplomatic and strategic developments that had a lasting impact on the country.
During his presidency, Donald Trump took several landmark steps that were highly valued by Israel. These included the formal recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the relocation of the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and support for Israel’s sovereignty claims over the Golan Heights. His administration also played a central role in facilitating the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
Israel’s highest civilian honour is typically awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the state, its security, or its international standing. By conferring this honour on Donald Trump, Israel highlighted his influence on reshaping Middle East diplomacy and reinforcing Israel’s global partnerships.
The announcement underscores the enduring strategic alliance between Israel and the United States and reflects how diplomatic decisions at the highest level can shape long-term international relations.
7. Justice Mission 2025’ exercise belongs to which country?
Answer : China
‘Justice Mission 2025’ Military Exercise
‘Justice Mission 2025’ is a military exercise conducted by China, reflecting the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance operational readiness and strategic coordination within its armed forces. Such exercises are an important component of China’s defense planning, aimed at testing combat preparedness, command structures, and modern warfare capabilities.
The exercise is designed to simulate realistic operational scenarios, focusing on joint operations, rapid deployment, and coordinated response mechanisms. Through drills like Justice Mission 2025, China evaluates the effectiveness of its military reforms, technological integration, and command-and-control systems under complex conditions.
Military exercises of this nature also serve a broader strategic purpose by demonstrating capability, deterrence, and preparedness. They provide valuable training experience to personnel while allowing defense planners to identify gaps and improve doctrine and tactics.
Overall, Justice Mission 2025 underscores China’s emphasis on strengthening its defense capabilities and maintaining a high level of military readiness in line with its national security objectives.