Current Affairs Highlights From January 2026
with a focus on events relevant to India (such as for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, etc.). This draws from major national developments, awards, policies, and international news impacting India.
Key National Events and Observances in India
- 77th Republic Day (26 January 2026): Celebrated with full enthusiasm across the country. Padma Awards announced: 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri for contributions in public service, arts, science, sports, and social work. Gallantry Awards given to 70 Armed Forces personnel (including Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, etc.). Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla received the Ashok Chakra (notable mention in several roundups).
- Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (9 January): Observed as NRI Day, focusing on overseas Indians’ contributions.
- National Girl Child Day (24 January): Highlighted awareness and policy discussions.
- Other Days: World Braille Day (4 January), National Youth Day (12 January), Indian Army Day (15 January).
Economy, Policy, and Governance
- Economic Survey 2025–26: Presented ahead of the Union Budget 2026–27, outlining India’s economic assessment and priorities.
- MSME Sector Focus: Discussions on achieving efficiencies, convergence of schemes (NITI Aayog report), and their role in employment (over 320 million jobs) and exports (~40%).
- New Notifications and Rules:
- Solid Waste Management Rules 2026 notified.
- National Sports Governance Rules, 2026 notified.
- UGC Equity Regulations, 2026 (stayed by Supreme Court in some reports).
- ‘Coking Coal’ notified as a critical mineral to reduce import dependence.
- Infrastructure: Indian Railways completed a 100-metre steel bridge over an underground metro tunnel in Ahmedabad.
- Other: Launch of Aadhaar Mascot; Gujarat’s Mukhyamantri Gramotthan Yojana; Uttarakhand won top aviation honour at Wings India 2026.
International Relations and Global News Impacting India
- India-EU Relations: Near-finalization of the long-pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA), negotiations ongoing since 2007.
- UAE President Visit to India: Strengthened bilateral ties.
- Critical Minerals Strategy: India joined US-led Pax Silica initiative and G7 talks to counter China’s dominance.
- Global Events: USA withdrawal from WHO (and earlier from Paris Agreement noted in broader context); UAE approved first USD-backed stablecoin (USDU).
Other Notable Mentions
- Awards and Sports: Major retirements in sports; soft power concerns (e.g., athlete withdrawals from India Open 2026 due to air quality).
- Defense and Security: Discussions on modern warfare challenges, remote-sensing technology, and biotechnology in India.
- Social/Environmental: Groundwater management, farmer suicides, UN High Seas Treaty, and employment/social trends reports.
For exam preparation (especially UPSC/SSC), focus on Republic Day awards, Economic Survey highlights, critical minerals, India-EU FTA progress, and MSME reforms—these appeared frequently in monthly compilations.