Current Affairs 04/01/2026
1. Imoinu Eratpa Festival is celebrated in which state?
Answer : Manipur
Imoinu Eratpa Festival: A Cultural Celebration of Manipur
The Imoinu Eratpa Festival is a significant traditional festival of Manipur, deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual life of the Meitei community. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Imoinu Ahongbi, who is revered as the deity of wealth, prosperity, fertility, and household well-being. It reflects the close connection between faith, family life, and indigenous traditions in Manipuri society.
Imoinu Eratpa is usually observed during the Imoinu month of the Meitei lunar calendar, which generally falls in December or January. The festival is predominantly celebrated by women, as Goddess Imoinu is considered the protector of homes and families. On this occasion, women perform rituals within their households, offering traditional food items, fruits, and handmade offerings while lighting earthen lamps to seek blessings for prosperity and peace.
A unique feature of the festival is that it is observed without animal sacrifice, highlighting the community’s emphasis on purity, simplicity, and harmony. Traditional dishes prepared from seasonal vegetables and local produce form an essential part of the rituals, symbolizing self-reliance and respect for nature.
Beyond its religious importance, the Imoinu Eratpa Festival plays a vital role in preserving Manipur’s indigenous customs and identity. It strengthens family bonds, encourages community participation, and passes cultural values from one generation to the next. Today, the festival is also recognized as an important expression of Manipur’s rich intangible cultural heritage, showcasing the enduring relevance of traditional beliefs in contemporary society.
2. Who received the IFFCO Sahitya Samman 2025?
Answer : Maitreyi Pushpa
Maitreyi Pushpa Receives IFFCO Sahitya Samman 2025
The IFFCO Sahitya Samman 2025 was conferred upon eminent Hindi writer Maitreyi Pushpa in recognition of her exceptional contribution to Hindi literature. The award, instituted by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), honors literary works that reflect social realities, rural life, and the concerns of India’s agrarian society.
Maitreyi Pushpa is widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in contemporary Hindi literature. Her writings are known for their strong portrayal of rural India, women’s experiences, social justice, and grassroots realities. Through novels, short stories, and essays, she has consistently highlighted issues related to gender, caste, and the changing dynamics of village life with sensitivity and realism.
The IFFCO Sahitya Samman is awarded annually to distinguished authors whose work aligns with IFFCO’s core philosophy of supporting farmers and rural communities. By selecting Maitreyi Pushpa, the jury acknowledged her literary commitment to depicting the lives, struggles, and resilience of India’s rural population.
This recognition further strengthens Maitreyi Pushpa’s standing as a major literary figure and reinforces the importance of literature as a medium for social awareness. The award also underlines IFFCO’s continued role in promoting cultural and intellectual contributions alongside its agricultural and cooperative initiatives.
3. India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train will operate between which cities?
Answer : Kolkata – Guwahati
India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Kolkata–Guwahati Corridor
India is set to introduce its first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on the Kolkata–Guwahati route, marking a major milestone in the modernization of long-distance rail travel. This new service represents an advanced version of the Vande Bharat Express, designed specifically for overnight and long-haul journeys with enhanced comfort and speed.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will feature fully air-conditioned sleeper coaches, modern berths, improved safety systems, and state-of-the-art passenger amenities. Unlike the existing Vande Bharat chair car trains, this sleeper variant is intended to cater to passengers traveling long distances, offering a comfortable alternative to conventional overnight trains.
The Kolkata–Guwahati route is strategically significant as it connects eastern India with the Northeast, a region of growing economic and cultural importance. The introduction of this high-speed sleeper train is expected to reduce travel time, improve connectivity, and boost tourism, trade, and people-to-people movement between the two regions.
Developed under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train showcases India’s indigenous engineering capabilities and commitment to upgrading railway infrastructure. Its launch underscores Indian Railways’ broader vision of providing world-class, safe, and efficient rail services, positioning rail transport as a preferred mode for long-distance travel in the country.
4. Usman Khawaja is associated with which country’s cricket team
Answer : Australia
Usman Khawaja and the Australian Cricket Team
Usman Khawaja is a prominent international cricketer associated with the Australian national cricket team. A left-handed top-order batsman, Khawaja has been an integral part of Australia’s batting lineup across formats, particularly in Test cricket, where he is known for his consistency, patience, and strong technique.
Born in Pakistan and raised in Australia, Usman Khawaja made history by becoming the first Muslim cricketer to represent Australia at the international level. He made his Test debut for Australia in 2011 and has since played a key role in several important series, both at home and overseas.
Khawaja is especially respected for his performances in challenging conditions and has been a reliable run-scorer in major tournaments and Ashes series. Beyond his on-field achievements, he is admired for his professionalism, leadership qualities, and contribution to diversity and inclusivity in Australian sport.
Through his long and successful career, Usman Khawaja has firmly established himself as one of Australia’s most accomplished modern-era batsmen.
5. Who has been appointed as Chief of IAF Training Command?
Answer : S. Srinivas
Air Marshal S. Srinivas Appointed Chief of IAF Training Command
Air Marshal S. Srinivas has been appointed as the Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Training Command, assuming the role of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C). His appointment marks an important leadership transition aimed at strengthening the training, preparedness, and professional excellence of the Indian Air Force.
A highly experienced officer, Air Marshal S. Srinivas is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF in June 1987. Over a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades, he has accumulated more than 4,000 flying hours on a wide range of aircraft and is recognized as a Category ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor.
Before taking charge of the Training Command, Air Marshal Srinivas held several key operational, command, and instructional appointments. These include serving as the Commandant of the Air Force Academy, leading frontline air bases and units, and holding senior staff roles at various Air Force headquarters. His diverse experience provides him with a comprehensive understanding of both operational requirements and training imperatives.
The IAF Training Command, headquartered in Bengaluru, is responsible for shaping the future of the Indian Air Force by overseeing the training of pilots, aircrew, and technical personnel. Under Air Marshal Srinivas’s leadership, the command is expected to further enhance training standards, integrate advanced technologies, and prepare personnel for emerging challenges in modern aerial warfare.
His appointment reflects the Indian Air Force’s continued emphasis on professional competence, innovation in training, and operational readiness, ensuring that future generations of air warriors are equipped to meet national security requirements effectively.
6. Who has been appointed as Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force?
Answer : Nagesh Kapoor
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor Appointed Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor has been appointed as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF), assuming one of the highest leadership roles in the service. The Vice Chief acts as the principal deputy to the Chief of the Air Staff and plays a crucial role in policy formulation, force development, and operational preparedness.
Commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force, Air Marshal Kapoor is a highly experienced officer with nearly four decades of distinguished service. He has accumulated thousands of flying hours on a wide range of fighter and trainer aircraft and is widely respected for his operational expertise and command acumen.
Before his appointment as Vice Chief, Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Air Command, where he was responsible for overseeing critical operational areas and enhancing combat readiness. His career includes command of frontline fighter squadrons, leadership of major air bases, and senior staff assignments at Air Headquarters.
As Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kapoor will be closely involved in modernisation initiatives, capability development, and strategic planning, supporting the Indian Air Force’s transformation into a technologically advanced and combat-ready force. His appointment reflects the IAF’s emphasis on experienced leadership to meet evolving security challenges and safeguard India’s airspace and national interests.
7. Where was the 44th Junior National Kho-Kho Championship held?
Answer : Bengaluru
44th Junior National Kho-Kho Championship Held in Bengaluru
The 44th Junior National Kho-Kho Championship was held in Bengaluru, Karnataka, reaffirming the city’s growing prominence as a major hub for national-level sporting events. The championship brought together talented junior players from across the country, showcasing the depth and competitiveness of Kho-Kho at the grassroots level.
Organised under the aegis of the Kho-Kho Federation of India, the tournament aimed to promote traditional Indian sports while providing a national platform for young athletes to demonstrate their skills, agility, and teamwork. Teams from various states participated, reflecting the widespread popularity of Kho-Kho across India.
Bengaluru’s selection as the host city highlighted its robust sports infrastructure, effective organisational capabilities, and commitment to encouraging youth participation in sports. The event also contributed to fostering sportsmanship, discipline, and physical fitness among young players.
The successful conduct of the 44th Junior National Kho-Kho Championship not only strengthened the development pipeline for future national players but also reinforced the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous sports in India’s sporting ecosystem.