This is the current affairs of 20 to 22 January 2026. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. Following unprecedented unity among European countries and public outcry regarding Greenland, which European countries did Trump have to withdraw his threat of imposing 10% tariffs on?
a. Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany
b. United Kingdom, Netherlands, Finland
c. Australia, Germany, Russia, UK
d. Both a and b
Answer: d. Both a and b (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Finland)
– Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had threatened to impose tariffs on European countries over Greenland, suddenly made a major decision at the Davos World Economic Forum and withdrew the tariff warning.
– This decision came at a time when European countries were openly appearing united against the United States.
Threat of tariffs over Greenland
– The dispute began when Trump warned that if no agreement favorable to the U.S. was reached regarding Greenland, tariffs would be imposed on eight European countries, including Denmark, France, and Germany.
– The proposed tariffs were said to range from 10 percent up to 25 percent. This was seen not just as economic pressure, but also as political pressure.
Europe’s strong response
– After Trump’s threat, Europe did not appear divided this time. French President Emmanuel Macron clearly stated that a country’s sovereignty is not something to be bargained with. Germany warned that it would not accept blackmail.
– Sweden, Denmark, and Belgium also raised their voices against U.S. pressure. The European Parliament took steps to halt the EU–US trade deal, sending a clear message—pressure on one means all of Europe stands together.
Fears of U.S.–Europe confrontation
– Due to European unity, pressure on the United States continued to increase. Market volatility intensified and diplomatic tensions rose. It began to seem that a direct confrontation between the U.S. and Europe was inevitable.
– Trump’s statements grew sharper. He accused Europe of taking advantage of the United States for years and said America would no longer allow it.
NATO mediation and the turning point
– Amid the crisis, NATO stepped in. After talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Davos, Trump stated that a “framework” for a future agreement regarding Greenland and the Arctic region had been established. Along with this, he announced the withdrawal of the tariff threat.
The China factor also important
– During this entire episode, China’s role was also discussed. Several European leaders indicated that instead of relying solely on the United States, they should strengthen business ties with China.
– The Canadian Prime Minister also advocated closer relations with China. It is believed that if U.S.–Europe tensions had escalated, China would have directly benefited.
What does the “framework” mean?
– According to experts, a “framework” does not mean a final agreement.
– It is merely an outline for future talks and cooperation. It involves neither the transfer of territory nor any change in sovereignty. However, this also does not mean that the United States has abandoned its strategic interests in Greenland.
Strategic pause, not a complete retreat by Trump
– Political analysts believe that Trump has temporarily stepped back to avoid a trade war.
– However, America’s strategic objective has not changed. Pressure may now be applied through NATO, security cooperation, and potential deals instead of tariffs. This is being seen not as a defeat, but as a strategic pause.
Conclusion
– In the Greenland dispute, Europe’s unity has made it clear that even the United States may be forced to pause in the face of collective pressure. The threat of tariffs has been averted for now, but the geopolitical battle over Greenland is not over. Today the tariffs have stopped; tomorrow the terms of a deal may emerge.
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2. What is the theme of the 56th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) to be held in Davos in 2026?
a. A Spirit of Dialogue
b. Rebuilding Trust
c. The Great Reset
d. Cooperation in a Fragmented World
Answer: a. A Spirit of Dialogue
– The 56th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) was held from January 19 to 23, 2026, in the Swiss city of Davos.
– Leaders from more than 130 countries participated in it.
– Top leaders of G7 countries were also present.
– Heads of global institutions such as the United Nations (UN), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and World Health Organization (WHO) also took part.
– The conference took place at a time when global uncertainty was increasing and shifts in the global balance of power were being observed.
India’s participation at Davos 2026
– India was represented by a high-level political and business delegation.
– Chief Ministers of states such as Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala also attended the conference.
WEF
– It is an international organization headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
– For more than the past 50 years, it has brought together leaders from governments, businesses, international organizations, and civil society.
– The objective of the WEF is to improve the state of the world through dialogue, cooperation, and policy innovation.
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3. Who became the national president of the BJP in January 2026?
a. Nitin Nabin
b. J. P. Nadda
c. Nitin Gadkari
d. Ashwini Vaishnaw
Answer: a. Nitin Nabin
– Forty-five-year-old Nitin Nabin became the unopposed 12th national president of the BJP.
– The announcement was made at the BJP headquarters on January 20, 2026.
– The election for the post of president was held at the BJP headquarters on January 19.
– He was elected unopposed as no other candidate filed a nomination.
– He replaced Jagat Prakash Nadda.
– Earlier, Nitin was appointed as the party’s working president on December 14, 2025.
Political journey
– He began his career in the party’s youth organization in Bihar and rose while handling various electoral responsibilities.
– He has been a five-time MLA from Bihar.
– In 2006, he won from the now-defunct Patna West seat in Bihar.
– After that, he won four consecutive terms from Bankipur.
– He briefly handled responsibilities in Bihar’s Law, Road Transport, and Urban Development departments.
– He has served as the national general secretary of the BJP’s youth wing, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, and as the president of the party’s Bihar unit.
– In 2023, he was entrusted with leading the BJP in the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections.
– He was also in charge of the only roadshow participated in by Prime Minister Modi during the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
– Nabin’s father, the late Navin Kishore Prasad Sinha, was also a BJP MLA and is regarded as one of the veteran leaders who played an important role in the party’s rise in the state.
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4. Saina Nehwal, the first Indian badminton player to win an Olympic medal, has announced her retirement. What awards has she received?
a. Padma Shri
b. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award
c. Arjuna Award
d. Both b and c
Answer: d. Both b and c (Arjuna Award in 2009 and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2010)
– Thirty-five-year-old Saina said in a podcast, “I had already stopped playing two years ago. I started playing on my own terms and left on my own terms as well. So I did not feel an announcement was necessary.”
– She said that due to knee pain, it is no longer possible for her to play.
– Saina last played in the Singapore Open in June 2023.
– She was honored with the Arjuna Award in 2009 and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2010.
Journey in sports
– Former world No. 1 Saina won a bronze medal for India at the London Olympics 2012.
– She is the first Indian badminton player to win an Olympic medal.
– She represented India in three Olympic Games.
Also won gold at the Commonwealth Games
– Saina first came into the limelight by winning the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Junior Championship in 2008.
– She became the first Indian to win a BWF Super Series title in 2009.
– She won gold medals at the 2010 and 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Injury during the 2016 Olympics
– Saina’s career was significantly affected by a knee injury sustained during the Rio Olympics 2016.
– Despite this, she made a strong comeback by winning a bronze medal at the World Championships in 2017 and a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2018.
– She also achieved the top position in the world badminton rankings in 2015.
– Saina Nehwal was the first Indian woman player to achieve this feat.
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5. Who will become the first woman officer to lead the CRPF marching contingent of 140 male personnel on Republic Day 2026?
a. Simran Bala
b. Seema Dhundia
c. Usha Kiran
d. Annie Abraham
Answer: a. Simran Bala
– Twenty-six-year-old Simran Bala is a resident of Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir.
– She is an Assistant Commandant in the CRPF.
– Simran Bala is the first woman officer who will lead an all-male marching contingent of the CRPF.
– This achievement is not just a personal success, but also a victory for women’s leadership in India’s security forces.
– Simran was posted to Chhattisgarh immediately after receiving her commission.
– She became part of the “Bastariya Battalion,” which is globally renowned for anti-Naxal operations.
CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force)
– The CRPF is the largest of India’s Central Armed Police Forces.
– It functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
– The primary role of the CRPF is to assist states and union territories in policing, maintaining law and order, and counter-terrorism.
– It is a prestigious force with a strength of about 3.25 lakh personnel.
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6. Which country has demolished the head office of the UN relief agency UNRWA with a bulldozer?
a. Lebanon
b. Israel
c. Syria
d. Jordan
Answer: b. Israel
– Israel began demolishing the head office of the UN relief agency UNRWA with bulldozers on January 20, 2026.
– It is located in East Jerusalem, which is under Israeli occupation.
– UNRWA informed about this on X, stating that Israeli security forces evicted staff from the head office and seized their belongings.
– UNRWA described this as a violation of international law and UN privileges.
– According to an Al Jazeera report, the Israeli army entered the UNRWA परिसर with bulldozers.
– Nearby roads were sealed.
– Military presence was also increased, after which the campus buildings were demolished.
– Israel has long accused UNRWA of supporting Palestine and having links with Hamas.
– However, Israel has not yet provided evidence for these allegations.
– UNRWA has repeatedly rejected these accusations.
– Amid the Gaza war, Israel has already imposed restrictions on several international aid organizations.
Licenses of 37 agencies revoked
– Israel has revoked the licenses of 37 agencies providing aid in Gaza.
– In fact, Israel has asked all international NGOs working in Gaza and other Israeli-occupied areas to provide details related to their staff, funding, and activities.
– Failure to do so has resulted in those organizations being banned.
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7. When is National Girl Child Day celebrated?
a. 20 January
b. 21 January
c. 23 January
d. 24 January
Answer: d. 24 January
– In India, National Girl Child Day is celebrated every year on 24 January.
– It was initiated in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
– Its objective is to provide support and opportunities to girls in India.
– It also aims to spread awareness about gender-based discrimination against girls in society.
– In 2025, the Ministry of Women and Child Development is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme.
Note – International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated on 11 October.
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8. Who was declared president of Uganda for the seventh time?
a. Milton Obote
b. Bobi Wine
c. Yoweri Museveni
d. Idi Amin
Answer: c. Yoweri Museveni
– Results were announced in Uganda on January 17, 2026, in which 81-year-old Yoweri Museveni emerged victorious.
– President Yoweri Museveni was declared the winner with 71.65% of the votes.
– Museveni is one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
– Through constitutional amendments, the presidential term limits and age limits were removed, allowing him to contest elections repeatedly.
Uganda
Capital: Kampala
Population: 48.6 million (2023)
Currency: Ugandan Shilling
Languages: English and Swahili
Neighbouring countries: Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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9. Which team won the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026 title?
a. Punjab
b. Karnataka
c. Saurashtra
d. Vidarbha
Answer: d. Vidarbha (won by defeating Saurashtra)
– Vidarbha won the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time.
– In the day-night final match played on January 18, 2026, at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, Vidarbha defeated Saurashtra by 38 runs.
– Vidarbha won the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time.
– The Player of the Match award was won by Vidarbha’s opening batsman Atharva Taide.
Captains
– Saurashtra: Harvik Desai (wicketkeeper/captain)
– Vidarbha: Harsh Dubey (captain)
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10. Who was awarded the Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Award, the highest service honor of Indian Railways?
a. Sonali Mishra
b. Chandana Sinha
c. Usha Venugopal
d. Aruna Nair
Answer: b. Chandana Sinha
– The Ministry of Railways has honored Railway Protection Force (RPF) Inspector Chandana Sinha.
– She received this award for her impactful work in preventing child trafficking at railway stations and on trains.
– Her efforts have helped rescue hundreds of vulnerable children.
– Her work has highlighted the important role of the Railways in ensuring children’s safety during travel.
Highest award of Indian Railways
– This award is given for exceptional service and outstanding contribution.
– It values not only operational excellence but also humanitarian impact.
RPF
– It functions under the Ministry of Railways.
– It is responsible for the protection of railway property and passengers.
– It works in coordination with Indian Railways, NGOs, and Child Welfare Committees to rescue trafficked and runaway children.
RPF Headquarters: New Delhi
– Year of establishment: 20 September 1985
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