Showing questions for January 29, 2026
- Total: 18 questions
Question 6 Jan 29, 2026
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What major regulatory change did the Union Health Ministry introduce regarding pharmaceutical development through amendments to the NDCT Rules 2019?
Pharma companies no longer need test licence and can proceed with online intimation to CDSCOThe Union Health Ministry notified key amendments to the New Drugs and Clinical Trials (NDCT) Rules, 2019 aimed at simplifying regulatory processes and reducing approval timelines. Under the existing framework, pharmaceutical companies were required to obtain a test licence from CDSCO for manufacturing small quantities of drugs for research purposes. The amendment replaced this licensing requirement with a prior-intimation mechanism, allowing companies to proceed with pharmaceutical development upon submitting an online intimation to CDSCO. This reform is expected to save a minimum of 90 days in the drug development lifecycle, significantly benefiting pharmaceutical research and innovation. The change applies except for high-risk drug categories including cytotoxic drugs, narcotic drugs, and psychotropic substances which still require licences with reduced processing time from 90 to 45 days.
Question 7 Jan 29, 2026
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According to J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, how will the ₹1,430 crore flood relief received from the Centre be allocated?
Based on damage assessment and sectoral needs, not constituency-wiseJammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced on Tuesday that the ₹1,430 crore flood relief received from the Central government would be allocated based on comprehensive damage assessment and sectoral needs rather than on a constituency-wise basis. The Chief Minister made this important clarification during a pre-budget consultation meeting with members of the legislative assembly from Jammu and Samba districts, many of whom were affiliated with the Opposition BJP. This approach ensures that relief funds reach the areas and sectors most severely affected by flooding regardless of political considerations. The decision reflects a needs-based distribution model aimed at maximizing the effectiveness of disaster relief efforts. This announcement came amid ongoing discussions about equitable resource distribution in the Union Territory following natural disasters.
Question 8 Jan 29, 2026
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What significant benefit will Indian AYUSH practitioners receive following the India-EU trade pact, as announced by Prime Minister Modi?
Ability to provide services in EU member states based on Indian professional qualificationsPrime Minister Narendra Modi announced that practitioners of Indian traditional systems of medicine will now be able to provide their services in European Union countries following the historic India-EU trade pact. Speaking at the centenary celebrations of the Arya Vaidyasala Charitable Hospital in Kerala via video message, Modi stated that AYUSH practitioners can offer services in EU member states based on professional qualifications earned in India. This development will greatly benefit youngsters associated with ayurveda and yoga by opening international career opportunities. The pact will also facilitate the establishment of AYUSH wellness centres across Europe, promoting Indian traditional medicine globally. Modi emphasized that when ayurvedic methods are tested on scientific principles, public trust becomes stronger, noting institutions like Arya Vaidyasala have collaborated with CSIR and IITs for evidence-based research.
Question 9 Jan 29, 2026
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Sri Lankan former president Ranil Wickremesinghe is scheduled to be indicted in March 2026 for allegedly misappropriating state funds to attend which event in the UK in 2023?
His wife's university convocationRanil Wickremesinghe faces charges of misappropriating LKR 16.6 million in state funds for traveling to the UK in 2023. He claims the visit was part of his official presidential duties due to an official invitation, and he attended his wife Prof Maithri Wickremesinghe's convocation while in transit on his return journey. The investigation is expected to conclude in March 2026 when formal charges will be filed. His secretary Saman Ekanayake was also remanded until February 11 for allegedly aiding in the misappropriation. Wickremesinghe was arrested in late August 2025 and granted bail two days later.
Question 10 Jan 29, 2026
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Which country's foreign ministry filed a formal protest after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents attempted to enter its consulate in Minneapolis without permission?
EcuadorEcuador's Ministry of Foreign Affairs filed a protest after ICE agents tried to forcibly enter the Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis without authorization. International law strictly prohibits law enforcement authorities from entering foreign consulates or embassies without permission, as these premises enjoy diplomatic immunity under the Vienna Convention. Video evidence showed consulate staff physically blocking entry and reminding agents they were not permitted to enter. The ministry stated that staff immediately activated emergency protocols to protect Ecuadorian nationals present inside. One ICE officer was heard threatening to 'grab' the staffer before eventually agreeing to leave the premises.