TODAY NEWS HIGHLIGHT
➤ Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar passes away; from rural background to power politics
➤ Kerala officially declared Bacillus subtilis as its state microorganism
➤ Scientists discovered a rare mushroom in the oak forests of Uttarakhand
➤ Uttarakhand promulgates Uniform Civil Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026
➤ India and EU sign first-ever comprehensive defence and security partnership
➤ What is ‘ASC Arjun’? Indian Railways' new humanoid security robot
➤ ₹1,250 crore support to girl child education in Gujarat under Namo Laxmi Yojana
➤ Martyrs' Day
1. Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Dies in Plane Crash; From Rural Background to Power Politics
On the morning of January 28, 2026, at approximately 8:45 AM, a Learjet 45 chartered aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar crashed during landing at Baramati airstrip. The tragic accident claimed the lives of all five people on board, including Ajit Pawar, the pilot, co-pilot, a private security officer, and a crew member.
2. Kerala Officially Declares Bacillus Subtilis as its State Microbe
Kerala has officially declared Bacillus subtilis as its state microorganism, linking science and research to state identity, making it the first state in India to do so. This decision reflects Kerala's commitment to moving beyond traditional symbols and embracing knowledge-based and scientific thinking. Bacillus subtilis is a beneficial bacterium naturally found in soil, fermented foods, and the human gut, and is known for its probiotic properties.
3. Scientists Discover Rare Mushroom in Uttarakhand's Oak Forests
Scientists have discovered a new species of mushroom, Hemileccinum indicum, in the Himalayan oak forests of Uttarakhand, marking the first official record of the Hemileccinum genus in India. This discovery adds a significant new chapter to the country's fungal biodiversity. The species was found in the Dhakuri area of Bageshwar district in Uttarakhand, at an altitude of over 2,600 meters.
4. Uttarakhand Implements Uniform Civil Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026
The Uttarakhand government has implemented the Uniform Civil Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, after receiving the Governor's assent. The ordinance aims to make the UCC, already in force in the state, more clear, practical, and citizen-friendly. Uttarakhand had made a historic move by implementing the Uniform Civil Code on January 27, 2025, making laws related to marriage, divorce, and live-in relationships uniform for all communities.
5. India and the EU Sign First Comprehensive Defence and Security Partnership
On January 27, 2026, India and the European Union took a historic step in their bilateral relations by signing their first comprehensive security and defence partnership agreement and also finalizing the long-pending free trade agreement. This initiative demonstrates that India-EU relations are no longer limited to trade but have entered a new phase of strategic and security cooperation.
6. What is ‘ASC Arjun’? Indian Railways' New Humanoid Security Robot
On January 27, 2026, Indian Railways took a historic step towards smart stations and AI-based management by deploying its first humanoid robot, ASC Arjun, at Visakhapatnam Railway Station. This robot is the first of its kind on the Indian Railways network, aiming to assist human personnel in passenger safety, surveillance, and crowd management.
7. Namo Lakshmi Yojana: ₹1,250 Crore Support for Girl Child Education in Gujarat
For the academic session 2025-26, the Gujarat government has announced financial assistance of ₹1,250 crore under the Namo Lakshmi Yojana, benefiting over 12 lakh girl students studying in classes 9 to 12. This scheme is a state-sponsored initiative launched with the objective of ensuring the continuity of secondary and higher secondary education for girls.
8. Martyrs' Day
In India, Martyrs' Day is observed every year on January 30th, commemorating the death anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, in New Delhi, an event that deeply impacted not only India but the entire world. Mahatma Gandhi was not only a leading figure in the Indian independence movement but also a global symbol of truth, non-violence, and ethical politics.
QUIZ – WITH EXPLANATION (EXACT)
1. When did Ajit Pawar's plane crash?
A - Evening of January 27, 2026
B - Morning of January 28, 2026
C - Morning of January 29, 2026
D - Evening of January 30, 2026
On January 28, 2026, at approximately 8:45 AM, a Learjet 45 chartered aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar crashed during landing at Baramati airstrip. A total of five people, including Ajit Pawar, died in the accident. Poor visibility and adverse weather conditions are considered the initial cause of the crash.
2. Which is the first state in India to declare Bacillus subtilis as its state microorganism?
A - Tamil Nadu
B - Karnataka
C - Kerala
D - Andhra Pradesh
Kerala has officially declared Bacillus subtilis as its state microorganism, setting a new scientific precedent in India. This decision symbolizes the state's commitment to knowledge, science, and research. Bacillus subtilis is a beneficial probiotic bacterium considered useful for human health, agriculture, and the environment.
3. In which state was Hemileccinum indicum discovered?
A - Himachal Pradesh
B - Uttarakhand
C - Sikkim
D - Arunachal Pradesh
Scientists have discovered a new species of mushroom, Hemileccinum indicum, in the Himalayan oak forests of Uttarakhand, marking the first official record of the Hemileccinum genus in India. This species was found in the Dhakuri area of Bageshwar district at an altitude of over 2,600 meters and was identified during macrofungal surveys conducted during the monsoon season.
4. Under which article was the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026 issued?
A - Article 200
B - Article 212
C - Article 213
D - Article 217
The Uttarakhand government has implemented the Uniform Civil Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, aiming to make the already existing UCC in the state more clear, practical, and citizen-friendly. This ordinance was issued under Article 213 of the Constitution and includes procedural, administrative, and penal reforms.
5. Which important economic agreement was finalized along with the India-EU agreement?
A - CEPA
B - ASEAN FTA
C - Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
D - RCEP
On January 27, 2026, India and the European Union concluded their first comprehensive security and defense partnership agreement and finalized the long-pending free trade agreement. This move takes India-EU relations beyond just trade, ushering in a new phase of strategic, security, and defense cooperation.
6. Where has Indian Railways deployed its first humanoid robot, ASC Arjun?
A - New Delhi Railway Station
B - Mumbai Central
C - Visakhapatnam Railway Station
D - Chennai Central
On January 27, 2026, Indian Railways deployed its first humanoid robot, ASC Arjun, at Visakhapatnam Railway Station. This initiative is a significant step towards smart stations, passenger safety, and AI-based management.
7. The Namo Lakshmi Yojana has been launched by which state government?
A - Rajasthan
B - Madhya Pradesh
C - Gujarat
D - Maharashtra
For the academic year 2025-26, the Gujarat government has announced assistance of ₹1,250 crore under the Namo Lakshmi Yojana, which will benefit more than 12 lakh girl students studying in classes 9 to 12.
8. Martyr's Day is observed on January 30th to commemorate the death anniversary of whom?
A - Bhagat Singh
B - Jawaharlal Nehru
C - Subhas Chandra Bose
D - Mahatma Gandhi
In India, Martyr's Day is observed every year on January 30th, which is known as the death anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. He was assassinated in New Delhi on January 30, 1948, after which this day became a symbol of national mourning and introspection.
ONE LINER (EXACT)
What is the name of the Indian Railways' first humanoid security robot, which was deployed at Visakhapatnam station? – ASC Arjun.
Which became the first state in India to declare a microorganism as its state symbol? – Kerala.
When did India and the European Union sign their first comprehensive defense and security partnership agreement? – On January 27, 2026.
Which sectors of Maharashtra politics was Ajit Pawar considered to be deeply associated with? – Rural development and the cooperative sector.
In India, Martyr's Day is observed on January 30th as the death anniversary of which great personality? – Mahatma Gandhi.
In which Indian state was the Hemileccinum indicum mushroom discovered? – Uttarakhand.
What type of fungus is Hemileccinum indicum ecologically? – Ectomycorrhizal fungus.
What is the name of the state microorganism declared by Kerala? – Bacillus subtilis.
Under which constitutional article was the Uniform Civil Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026 issued in Uttarakhand? – Article 213.
What caused the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on January 28, 2026? – The crash of a Learjet-45 chartered aircraft at Baramati airstrip.