National & International Observances (1–6 Jan)
Official and cultural observances in early January 2026 include:
| Date | Observance |
| Jan 1 | New Year’s Day, Global Family Day |
| Jan 2 | World Introvert Day |
| Jan 3 | Int’l Mind-Body Wellness Day, Savitribai Phule Jayanti (India) |
| Jan 4 | World Braille Day |
| Jan 5 | National Bird Day |
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train — Major Launch & Details
India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train announced and set to begin service — the route between Guwahati (Assam) and Kolkata (Howrah) was officially unveiled, marking a major expansion of premium rail travel with overnight sleeper facilities.
- The service represents the first sleeper version of the high-speed Vande Bharat series, designed for long-distance overnight travel with modern comforts and AC sleeper berths.
- The launch was celebrated as a New Year’s gift by the Government and is expected to be inaugurated soon by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Trials of the sleeper train have shown it can reach high speeds (e.g., up to ~180 km/h during testing).
Bullet Train Project — Progress & Proposal
✔ Progress on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (Bullet Train) project:
- Construction is continuing on the corridor, with major tunneling and earthwork milestones reported in early January and work nearing sections like Palghar in Maharashtra.
- Government indication on future opening: Officials signaled that India is likely to receive its first operational Bullet Train by 15 August 2027, with phased section openings between Surat, Bilimora and later Vapi–Ahmedabad.
CURRENT EVENTS: 1–6 JANUARY 2026
(National & International – )
✅ 1 JANUARY 2026
🇮🇳 National (India)
- Indian Railways announced India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train for long-distance overnight travel.
- Route highlighted: Howrah (Kolkata) – Guwahati.
- Sleeper version will have AC berths and modern onboard facilities.
🌍 International
- Bulgaria officially joined the Eurozone, becoming the 21st country to adopt the euro currency.
- New Year celebrations held worldwide with high security in major cities.
✅ 2 JANUARY 2026
🇮🇳 National
- Government confirmed Vande Bharat Sleeper services to start in January 2026 after final safety checks.
- GST Council decision: Higher GST on tobacco and pan masala from 1 Feb 2026.
🌍 International
- Global markets opened cautiously due to geopolitical tensions and oil price fluctuations.
✅ 3 JANUARY 2026
🇮🇳 National
- Railways reported that Vande Bharat Sleeper train trials were successful at high speeds.
- Focus on expanding premium trains to Eastern and North-Eastern India.
🌍 International
- Diplomatic talks continued among major powers regarding Middle-East security issues.
✅ 4 JANUARY 2026
🌍 International Observation
- World Braille Day observed to promote awareness about blind and visually impaired persons.
🇮🇳 National
- Education and social departments conducted awareness programs for inclusive education.
✅ 5 JANUARY 2026
🇮🇳 National
- Union Budget discussions highlighted major funding for Railways, including:
- Electrification
- New trains
- High-speed rail corridors
🌍 International
- Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro appeared in a US court, leading to international criticism and diplomatic tensions.
- Global stock markets showed volatility due to political uncertainty.
✅ 6 JANUARY 2026
🇮🇳 Major Infrastructure News
- Government reaffirmed progress on Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project.
- Bullet Train expected to start phased operations by 2027.
- Construction work continues on tunnels, bridges, and stations.
- Announcement of progress on hydrogen-powered trains for eco-friendly transport.
🌍 International
- Australia issued extreme heatwave warnings, worst since “Black Summer” fires.
- US stock markets touched new highs driven by technology sector growth.
🌍 Observance
- World Day of War Orphans observed globally.
- Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti celebrated in India.
SPECIAL RAILWAY HIGHLIGHTS (EXAM IMPORTANT)
✅ Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
- First sleeper version of Vande Bharat Express.
- Designed for overnight journeys.
- Route announced: Howrah – Guwahati.
- Launch expected: January 2026.
- Speed capability: Up to 180 km/h (tested).
✅ Bullet Train Project
- Corridor: Mumbai – Ahmedabad High Speed Rail.
- Technology: Japanese Shinkansen.
- Targeted start: Around 2027 (phased).
- Major construction milestones achieved in Maharashtra & Gujarat.
MCQs: Current Events (1–6 Jan 2026)
Q1. India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is planned to run on which route?
A. Delhi – Mumbai
B. Howrah – Guwahati
C. Chennai – Bengaluru
D. Patna – Ranchi
✅ Answer: B. Howrah – Guwahati
Q2. The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is mainly designed for which type of travel?
A. Short distance day travel
B. Cargo transport
C. Overnight long-distance travel
D. Metro services
✅ Answer: C. Overnight long-distance travel
Q3. What is the maximum tested speed of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train during trials?
A. 130 km/h
B. 160 km/h
C. 180 km/h
D. 220 km/h
✅ Answer: C. 180 km/h
Q4. India’s Bullet Train project is being developed on which corridor?
A. Delhi – Jaipur
B. Mumbai – Ahmedabad
C. Kolkata – Patna
D. Chennai – Hyderabad
✅ Answer: B. Mumbai – Ahmedabad
Q5. The Bullet Train project in India uses technology from which country?
A. Germany
B. France
C. Japan
D. China
✅ Answer: C. Japan (Shinkansen Technology)
Q6. India’s Bullet Train is expected to begin phased operations around which year?
A. 2025
B. 2026
C. 2027
D. 2030
✅ Answer: C. 2027
Q7. Which country became the 21st member of the Eurozone on 1 January 2026?
A. Romania
B. Croatia
C. Bulgaria
D. Serbia
✅ Answer: C. Bulgaria
Q8. World Braille Day is observed every year on:
A. January 2
B. January 3
C. January 4
D. January 5
✅ Answer: C. January 4
Q9. Which international incident in early January 2026 caused global diplomatic tension?
A. Ukraine peace treaty
B. Capture and court appearance of Venezuela’s President
C. UN reform agreement
D. NATO expansion
✅ Answer: B. Capture and court appearance of Venezuela’s President
Q10. World Day of War Orphans is observed on:
A. January 5
B. January 6
C. January 7
D. January 10
✅ Answer: B. January 6
Q11. Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is related to which religion?
A. Hinduism
B. Buddhism
C. Sikhism
D. Jainism
✅ Answer: C. Sikhism
Q12. Which eco-friendly railway technology was also in news in early January 2026?
A. Solar coaches
B. Hydrogen-powered trains
C. Magnetic trains
D. Diesel hybrid trains
✅ Answer: B. Hydrogen-powered trains
Q13. Budget discussions in early Jan 2026 focused on which railway priorities?
A. Only station beautification
B. Freight corridors only
C. Electrification, new trains and high-speed rail
D. Privatization of railways
✅ Answer: C. Electrification, new trains and high-speed rail
Q14. Which natural disaster warning was issued in Australia in January 2026?
A. Cyclone alert
B. Flood emergency
C. Extreme heatwave
D. Earthquake tsunami
✅ Answer: C. Extreme heatwave
Q15. Vande Bharat trains are mainly known for which feature?
A. Steam engines
B. High-speed, modern semi-high-speed service
C. Cargo transport
D. Underground travel
✅ Answer: B. High-speed, modern semi-high-speed service
FULL SET of 50 MCQ Questions from Current Events (1–6 January 2026) — Railways (Bullet Train, Vande Bharat Sleeper), National & International Affairs, Important Days — useful for SSC, Banking, JPSC, State PCS, UPSC Prelims.
MCQ SET – Current Events (1–6 Jan 2026)
Railways & Infrastructure
Q1. India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will mainly serve which region?
A. Western India
B. Eastern & North-Eastern India
C. Southern India
D. Central India
✅ B
Q2. Vande Bharat Sleeper is different from earlier Vande Bharat trains because it has:
A. Diesel engines
B. Sleeper berths
C. Open coaches
D. Double deckers
✅ B
Q3. Which two cities are connected by the first Vande Bharat Sleeper route?
A. Delhi–Patna
B. Howrah–Guwahati
C. Mumbai–Nagpur
D. Chennai–Coimbatore
✅ B
Q4. Tested speed of Vande Bharat Sleeper train is about:
A. 130 km/h
B. 160 km/h
C. 180 km/h
D. 220 km/h
✅ C
Q5. Bullet Train project corridor in India is:
A. Delhi–Agra
B. Mumbai–Ahmedabad
C. Patna–Ranchi
D. Chennai–Hyderabad
✅ B
Q6. Bullet Train technology in India is based on:
A. German ICE
B. French TGV
C. Japanese Shinkansen
D. Chinese CRH
✅ C
Q7. Expected start of Bullet Train operations is around:
A. 2026
B. 2027
C. 2028
D. 2030
✅ B
Q8. Which new eco-friendly train technology was also announced?
A. Solar rail engine
B. Hydrogen-powered train
C. Magnetic levitation train
D. Nuclear-powered train
✅ B
Q9. Railways Budget focus included:
A. Privatization only
B. Freight only
C. Electrification and new trains
D. Metro rail projects
✅ C
Q10. Vande Bharat trains are classified as:
A. Metro trains
B. Semi-high-speed trains
C. Freight trains
D. Luxury heritage trains
✅ B
🇮🇳 National Affairs
Q11. Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti belongs to which religion?
A. Hinduism
B. Jainism
C. Sikhism
D. Buddhism
✅ C
Q12. World Braille Day is observed on:
A. Jan 2
B. Jan 3
C. Jan 4
D. Jan 5
✅ C
Q13. World Day of War Orphans is observed on:
A. Jan 5
B. Jan 6
C. Jan 7
D. Jan 10
✅ B
Q14. Higher GST on tobacco and pan masala will start from:
A. Jan 1, 2026
B. Feb 1, 2026
C. March 1, 2026
D. April 1, 2026
✅ B
Q15. Hydrogen-powered trains support which mission goal?
A. Space exploration
B. Digital India
C. Green and clean energy transport
D. Defense modernization
✅ C
Q16. Which ministry handles Bullet Train projects?
A. Ministry of Road Transport
B. Ministry of Railways
C. Ministry of Power
D. Ministry of Heavy Industries
✅ B
Q17. Vande Bharat trains are manufactured mainly at:
A. Chittaranjan Factory
B. Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai
C. BHEL Bhopal
D. BEML Bengaluru
✅ B
Q18. Bullet Train project is jointly supported by:
A. World Bank
B. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
C. Asian Development Bank
D. IMF
✅ B
Q19. High-speed rail reduces:
A. Ticket prices
B. Freight transport
C. Travel time significantly
D. Platform crowding
✅ C
Q20. Rail electrification helps in:
A. Increasing diesel use
B. Reducing pollution and costs
C. Slower trains
D. Manual signalling
✅ B
🌍 International Affairs
Q21. Which country joined the Eurozone on Jan 1, 2026?
A. Croatia
B. Romania
C. Bulgaria
D. Serbia
✅ C
Q22. Currency used by Eurozone countries is:
A. Dollar
B. Pound
C. Euro
D. Franc
✅ C
Q23. Venezuelan President involved in US court controversy was:
A. Hugo Chávez
B. Nicolás Maduro
C. Juan Guaidó
D. Rafael Correa
✅ B
Q24. The diplomatic controversy mainly involved which two countries?
A. USA and China
B. USA and Venezuela
C. Russia and Ukraine
D. Iran and Israel
✅ B
Q25. Heatwave emergency warnings were issued in:
A. Canada
B. Brazil
C. Australia
D. Japan
✅ C
Q26. Severe heatwaves increase risk of:
A. Earthquakes
B. Bushfires and health crises
C. Snowstorms
D. Tsunamis
✅ B
Q27. Global markets rose mainly due to growth in:
A. Oil sector
B. Agriculture
C. Technology sector
D. Mining sector
✅ C
Q28. Eurozone countries share:
A. Same language
B. Same currency policy
C. Same army
D. Same education system
✅ B
Q29. United Nations Security Council has how many permanent members?
A. 4
B. 5
C. 6
D. 10
✅ B
Q30. Venezuela is located in which continent?
A. Africa
B. Asia
C. Europe
D. South America
✅ D
Important Days & Miscellaneous
Q31. New Year’s Day is observed on:
A. Dec 31
B. Jan 1
C. Jan 2
D. Jan 5
✅ B
Q32. World Braille Day honors the inventor of:
A. Morse code
B. Braille script
C. Sign language
D. Printing press
✅ B
Q33. Vande Bharat trains are also known as:
A. Train 18
B. Rajdhani Plus
C. Shatabdi Superfast
D. Duronto Express
✅ A
Q34. Bullet Train usually operates above:
A. 120 km/h
B. 160 km/h
C. 250 km/h
D. 90 km/h
✅ C
Q35. High-speed rail improves:
A. Rural roads
B. Regional connectivity
C. Shipping ports
D. Air traffic control
✅ B
Q36. Hydrogen trains mainly reduce:
A. Noise only
B. Diesel dependency
C. Ticket prices
D. Staff requirement
✅ B
Q37. Vande Bharat Sleeper is important for which type of journeys?
A. Suburban
B. Tourist luxury
C. Overnight intercity
D. Metro commuting
✅ C
Q38. Bullet Train stations are designed for:
A. Freight loading
B. High passenger safety and speed
C. Military transport
D. Cargo shipping
✅ B
Q39. Eastern India railway connectivity is important for:
A. Tourism only
B. Industrial freight only
C. Economic and social development
D. Sports events
✅ C
Q40. Rail electrification supports India’s goal of:
A. Importing more diesel
B. Carbon emission reduction
C. More manual labor
D. Slower services
✅ B
Mixed Revision
Q41. Vande Bharat trains are manufactured under which initiative?
A. Digital India
B. Make in India
C. Skill India
D. Startup India
✅ B
Q42. Bullet Train is also called:
A. Maglev
B. High-Speed Rail (HSR)
C. Metro Rail
D. Freight Corridor
✅ B
Q43. Hydrogen trains mainly emit:
A. Carbon dioxide
B. Smoke
C. Water vapor
D. Nitrogen gas
✅ C
Q44. Railways contribute most to which sector?
A. Tourism only
B. National logistics and passenger transport
C. Banking
D. Telecom
✅ B
Q45. Vande Bharat Sleeper will reduce dependence on:
A. Flights
B. Overnight express trains
C. Buses
D. Metro services
✅ B
Q46. High-speed rail improves which factor most?
A. Distance
B. Travel time
C. Ticket checking
D. Platform number
✅ B
Q47. Australia heatwave is linked with:
A. Earth rotation
B. Climate change effects
C. Lunar cycle
D. Ocean tides
✅ B
Q48. Bullet Train funding is supported mainly through:
A. Domestic taxes only
B. International soft loans
C. Private companies only
D. UN grants
✅ B
Q49. Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to improve connectivity of:
A. Islands only
B. Metro cities only
C. North-East India
D. Desert regions
✅ C
Q50. Current affairs from Jan 1–6 are important for exams because:
A. Only sports news
B. Infrastructure + international relations + observances
C. Entertainment news
D. Weather reports only
✅ B
