TODAY’S TOP CURRENT AFFAIRS – JANUARY 2026

Daily Current Affairs for Competitive Exams | UPSC, SSC, Banking, Defence

INTRODUCTION

Staying updated with daily current affairs is essential for aspirants of UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, State PSCs, and other competitive examinations.
Here is a comprehensive, exam-oriented compilation of Today’s Top Current Affairs – 1 January 2026, covering National, Economy, Defence, International, Sports, Entertainment, Legal, and Important Bharat Facts.

दैनिक करेंट अफेयर्स प्रतियोगी परीक्षाओं जैसे UPSC, SSC, बैंकिंग, रेलवे, रक्षा एवं राज्य स्तरीय परीक्षाओं के लिए अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण हैं।
यहाँ प्रस्तुत है 1 जनवरी 2026 के प्रमुख करेंट अफेयर्स, जो राष्ट्रीय, आर्थिक, रक्षा, अंतरराष्ट्रीय, खेल, मनोरंजन एवं विधिक समाचारों को कवर करता है।

NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS | राष्ट्रीय करेंट अफेयर्स

President Smt. Droupadi Murmu launched the Skill the Nation Challenge under SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) initiative of MSDE at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate the International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha in New Delhi.
India’s first Bullet Train (Mumbai–Ahmedabad) will start operations on 15 August 2027.
Assam became the first state to constitute the 8th State Pay Commission.
Telangana released ₹713 crore for pending employee bills.

राष्ट्रपति द्रौपदी मुर्मू ने SOAR (AI कौशल तैयारी) पहल के अंतर्गत Skill the Nation Challenge लॉन्च किया।
प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी भगवान बुद्ध से संबंधित पिपरहवा अवशेषों की अंतरराष्ट्रीय प्रदर्शनी का उद्घाटन करेंगे।
भारत की पहली बुलेट ट्रेन 15 अगस्त 2027 से शुरू होगी।
असम ने 8वां राज्य वेतन आयोग गठित करने वाला पहला राज्य बना।
तेलंगाना सरकार ने कर्मचारियों के लिए ₹713 करोड़ जारी किए।

LEGAL NEWS | विधिक समाचार

India imposed excise duty on cigarettes effective from 1 February.
Supreme Court issued strict guidelines for tiger conservation and safari tourism.

भारत सरकार ने सिगरेट पर उत्पाद शुल्क लगाया।
सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने टाइगर संरक्षण एवं पर्यटन हेतु सख्त दिशा-निर्देश जारी किए।

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ECONOMY & FINANCE | अर्थव्यवस्था

India becomes world’s 4th largest economy ($4.18 trillion GDP).
RBI confirmed 98.41% of ₹2000 notes returned.
GST collection in December 2025 rose 6.1%.
Government launched ₹4,531 crore Market Access Support Scheme.

DEFENCE NEWS | रक्षा समाचार

Highlights

DRDO credited for key role in Operation Sindoor.
Desert Cyclone Exercise concluded between India–UAE.
Animal contingent of Indian Army to march in Republic Day Parade 2026.
Indigenous FPV drones with zero Chinese components unveiled.

INTERNATIONAL & WORLD NEWS | अंतरराष्ट्रीय समाचार

ISRO’s PSLV-C62 / EOS-N1 mission scheduled for 10 January 2026.
India & Pakistan exchanged nuclear installation lists.
Bulgaria adopted Euro currency as 21st eurozone member.
India-Australia ECTA agreement grants duty-free access to Indian exports.

SPORTS NEWS | खेल समाचार

Arjun Erigaisi won bronze at World Blitz Chess Championship.
Kaamya Karthikeyan became the youngest Indian to ski to the South Pole.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 to be hosted by England.

FACTS ABOUT BHARAT | भारत से जुड़े तथ्य

Indraprastha, mentioned in the Mahabharata, was the capital of the Pandavas and is believed to be located near present-day Purana Qila, New Delhi. It was earlier known as Khandavaprastha.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Q1. When will India’s first bullet train start?

Ans: 15 August 2027.

Q2. Who launched Skill the Nation Challenge?

Ans: President Droupadi Murmu.

Q3. Which state formed the 8th Pay Commission?

Ans: Assam.

Q4. What is SOAR initiative related to?

Ans: AI skill readiness.

Q5. India’s current global GDP rank?

Ans: 4th largest economy.

Q6. Which mission is ISRO launching in Jan 2026?

Ans: PSLV-C62 / EOS-N1.

Q7. Host of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026?

Ans: England.

Q8. Which exercise was conducted between India and UAE?

Ans: Desert Cyclone.

Q9. What percentage of ₹2000 notes returned?

Ans: 98.41%.

Q10. What was Indraprastha also known as?

Ans: Khandavaprastha.