Current Affairs 19/01/2026
1. Ponduru Khadi, which has recently received a GI tag, is associated with which state?
Answer : Andhra Pradesh
Ponduru Khadi Receives GI Tag: A Milestone for Andhra Pradesh’s Handloom Heritage
Ponduru Khadi, a traditional hand-spun and handwoven fabric from Andhra Pradesh, has recently been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, marking a significant achievement for India’s handloom sector. This recognition formally acknowledges the fabric’s unique characteristics, historical legacy, and strong linkage to its place of origin.
Produced in Ponduru village of Srikakulam district, Ponduru Khadi is renowned for its exceptional fineness, strength, and natural texture. The fabric is made using locally grown indigenous cotton, and the yarn is spun manually using traditional charkhas, primarily by skilled women artisans. The weaving process is entirely hand-driven, reflecting centuries-old craftsmanship preserved by local weaving communities.
The GI tag offers legal protection against imitation, ensuring authenticity and safeguarding the interests of traditional producers. It also plays a crucial role in enhancing market value, improving income opportunities for artisans, and promoting sustainable rural livelihoods. Moreover, the recognition is expected to boost national and international demand for Ponduru Khadi, strengthening Andhra Pradesh’s identity in the handloom and textile sector.
Overall, the GI tag for Ponduru Khadi not only preserves an invaluable cultural tradition but also supports inclusive economic development by empowering artisan communities and promoting India’s rich textile heritage on a global platform.
2. India has become the world’s _____ largest 5G user base.
Answer : Second
India Emerges as the World’s Second-Largest 5G User Base
India has become the world’s second-largest 5G user base, marking a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation journey. This rapid growth reflects the accelerated rollout of 5G services, widespread network expansion, and strong consumer adoption across urban and semi-urban regions.
Since the commercial launch of 5G, Indian telecom operators have invested heavily in infrastructure, enabling high-speed connectivity, low latency, and enhanced network reliability. Affordable data plans, a growing ecosystem of 5G-enabled smartphones, and government support through initiatives such as Digital India have further fueled user adoption.
The expansion of the 5G user base is expected to play a transformative role in key sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, education, smart cities, fintech, and agriculture. Advanced applications such as Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and real-time data services are set to gain momentum with deeper 5G penetration.
India’s position as the second-largest 5G market underscores its rising stature in the global digital economy and highlights the country’s readiness to leverage next-generation technologies for economic growth, innovation, and inclusive development.
3. Aryan Varshney has become India’s ____ Chess Grandmaster.
Answer : 92nd
Aryan Varshney Becomes India’s 92nd Chess Grandmaster
Indian chess prodigy Aryan Varshney has achieved a major milestone by becoming India’s 92nd Chess Grandmaster. This achievement highlights India’s continued rise as a global powerhouse in the world of chess and reflects the depth of emerging talent in the country.
Earning the Grandmaster title requires exceptional consistency, high-level performance in international tournaments, and crossing the required Elo rating benchmark set by the International Chess Federation (FIDE). Aryan Varshney’s success is the result of years of disciplined training, competitive exposure, and strong support from coaches and the chess ecosystem in India.
India’s growing list of Grandmasters underscores the effectiveness of structured training programs, increased tournament opportunities, and the inspiration provided by legends such as Viswanathan Anand. The achievement also reinforces India’s reputation for nurturing young chess talent capable of competing at the highest global level.
Aryan Varshney’s elevation to Grandmaster status is not only a personal triumph but also a proud moment for Indian sports, further strengthening the country’s position on the international chess stage.
4. The Spituk Gustor Festival is celebrated in which region?
Answer : Ladakh
Spituk Gustor Festival Celebrated in Ladakh
The Spituk Gustor Festival is celebrated in the Ladakh region of India. It is a significant religious and cultural festival observed at the Spituk Monastery, one of the prominent Buddhist monasteries near Leh.
“Gustor” means “sacrifice of the 29th day”, and the festival is marked by elaborate Cham mask dances performed by Buddhist monks. These ritual dances symbolize the victory of good over evil and are deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Monks wear colorful costumes and intricately designed masks representing deities and guardian spirits.
The festival attracts devotees, monks, and tourists from across the region, offering a vivid display of Ladakh’s spiritual heritage. Beyond its religious importance, the Spituk Gustor Festival also plays a key role in preserving traditional art forms and promoting cultural tourism in Ladakh.
5. Who has been appointed as the new Director General of BSF?
Answer : Praveen Kumar
Praveen Kumar Appointed as New Director General of BSF
Praveen Kumar has been appointed as the new Director General (DG) of the Border Security Force (BSF), marking a key leadership transition in one of India’s most critical border-guarding forces. The BSF plays a pivotal role in safeguarding India’s borders, particularly along the Pakistan and Bangladesh frontiers, and in supporting internal security operations.
A senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, Praveen Kumar brings with him extensive experience in policing, border management, and security administration. His appointment comes at a time when the BSF is increasingly focused on modernisation, technology-driven surveillance, and enhanced coordination with other security agencies to address evolving security challenges.
As DG, Praveen Kumar is expected to strengthen operational preparedness, improve welfare and training of personnel, and further enhance the BSF’s capabilities in areas such as counter-infiltration, border infrastructure, and use of advanced technologies like drones and smart fencing.
His leadership is anticipated to reinforce the BSF’s role as the “first line of defence” and contribute significantly to India’s national security framework.
6. India’s first national capacity-building programme for tribal healers was held in which city?
Answer : Hyderabad
India’s First National Capacity-Building Programme for Tribal Healers Held in Hyderabad
India’s first national capacity-building programme for tribal healers was held in Hyderabad. The initiative marked an important step toward recognizing, preserving, and strengthening traditional tribal healthcare knowledge within the country’s public health framework.
The programme focused on enhancing the skills of tribal healers through structured training, knowledge exchange, and scientific orientation, while respecting indigenous medical practices. It aimed to improve understanding of safe practices, documentation of traditional knowledge, ethical standards, and integration with modern healthcare systems, particularly in remote and tribal-dominated regions.
By bringing together tribal healers, experts, and policymakers from across India, the event provided a national platform to promote collaboration and capacity enhancement. Hosting the programme in Hyderabad highlighted the city’s growing role as a hub for healthcare education, research, and policy-driven initiatives.
Overall, the programme reflects India’s broader commitment to inclusive healthcare, cultural preservation, and empowering tribal communities by valuing their traditional wisdom alongside modern medical approaches.
7. Where was India’s first Namo Book Festival organized?
Answer : New Delhi
India’s First Namo Book Festival Organized in New Delhi
India’s first Namo Book Festival was organized in New Delhi, marking a significant initiative to promote reading culture, authorship, and literary engagement across the country. The festival aimed to encourage intellectual discourse and foster a deeper connection between readers, writers, publishers, and policymakers.
The event featured book exhibitions, author interactions, panel discussions, and cultural programs, providing a vibrant platform for the exchange of ideas. It highlighted a wide range of themes, including literature, education, history, governance, and contemporary social issues, with participation from renowned authors and emerging writers alike.
By hosting the inaugural Namo Book Festival in New Delhi, the organizers leveraged the capital’s cultural and intellectual ecosystem to maximize outreach and visibility. The festival is expected to become an important annual event, contributing to the growth of India’s publishing sector and strengthening the nation’s literary landscape.