1. Electronics manufacturing boost: On Jan 2, 2026, India’s MeitY approved 22 new projects under the Electronics and IT Hardware Manufacturing Scheme, totaling ₹41,863 crore, to strengthen domestic electronics supply chains.
2. Army community radio launched: The Indian Army inaugurated “Radio Sangam” – a community radio station in Keri (Rajouri, J&K) – on Jan 2, 2026, to disseminate local information, promote culture, and aid civil-military cooperation in the region.
3. IIT-Madras Global Research Foundation: EAM S. Jaishankar launched the IIT Madras Global Research Foundation (IGRF) in Chennai, marking IIT-M’s initiative to become a “multinational university” and expand India’s global academic footprint.
4. New export support scheme: On Dec 31, 2025, the government unveiled a ₹4,531-crore Market Access Support (MAS) scheme for exporters, providing financial aid for international trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and trade delegations (with at least 35% MSME participation).
5. Textiles PLI deadline extended: The Textiles Ministry extended applications for its PLI scheme to Mar 31, 2026 due to strong response. To date, 91 companies have been selected (₹7,731 crore investment, ₹733 crore exports, ~30,838 jobs) under the PLI for MMF apparel, fabrics, and technical textiles.
6. Assam 8th Pay Commission: Assam became the first state to set up an 8th State Pay Commission (ahead of the central commission’s formation). CM Himanta Sarma appointed former CS Subhas Das as its head, to revise salaries, allowances and pensions of state employees.
7. Punjab health scheme: Punjab announced the “Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna” (from Jan 15, 2026): a cashless health insurance scheme providing up to ₹10 lakh per family for medical treatment, covering all ~65 lakh families in the state.
8. Delhi Assembly winter session: The 4th Winter Session of the 8th Delhi Assembly began on Jan 5, 2026 (to Jan 8), with Lt. Governor Saxena’s address. Reports suggest air pollution will be a key agenda item.
9. Republic Day ticket sale: The Defence Ministry opened online sales (via the “Aamantran” portal) of tickets for R-Day 2026 parade, full-dress rehearsal and Beating Retreat (Jan 26-28) starting Jan 5; tickets are available until Jan 14 or until quotas fill.
10. Maharashtra DGP change: Rashmi Shukla, Maharashtra’s first woman DGP, retired on Jan 3, 2026 (after 37.5 years of IPS service). Senior IPS officer Sadanand Date (ex-NIA chief) was appointed the new Maharashtra DGP.
1. US captures Venezuela’s president: On Jan 3, 2026 the US led a military raid near Caracas, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife on drug-trafficking charges. They were flown to New York and arraigned (Maduro pleaded not guilty). Venezuela’s VP Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president.
2. Swiss New Year’s Eve fire: A New Year’s Eve blaze at the “Le Constellation” bar in Crans-Montana (Switzerland) on Jan 1 killed 40 people (many foreign tourists) and injured 119. Candles on champagne bottles reportedly ignited wooden décor. The Swiss government declared days of mourning.
3. Delcy Rodríguez interim leader: Following Maduro’s capture, Delcy Rodríguez (Venezuela’s vice president/oil minister) was sworn in as interim president on Jan 5, 2026. Initially defiant about US interference, she later signaled willingness to negotiate with the US.
4. Trump eyes Greenland: On Jan 5, 2026 President Trump publicly mulled seizing Greenland for US security reasons, prompting a rebuke from Denmark’s PM (who warned against threats). The episode revived discussion of Arctic geopolitics.
5. Bulgaria adopts euro: Effective Jan 1, 2026 Bulgaria replaced the lev with the euro, becoming the 21st eurozone member. This completes a major step in the EU’s economic integration in Eastern Europe.
6. Greek airspace glitch: A nationwide radio-communications failure grounded Greece’s airspace on Jan 4, 2026. By Jan 5 authorities ruled out cyberattack; air traffic resumed but the incident highlighted infrastructure vulnerabilities.
7. Afghanistan flash floods: Heavy rain and snowmelt in early Jan 2026 caused flash floods in Afghanistan, killing at least 17 people and injuring 11. The disaster underscores the country’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters.
8. Yemen war developments: In early Jan 2026 Yemeni government forces (backed by the Saudi-led coalition) captured the governorates of al-Mahrah and Hadhramaut from separatist forces. Peace talks are planned in Saudi Arabia, raising hopes of conflict resolution.
1. RBI growth forecast: In early Jan 2026 the RBI raised India’s FY25-26 GDP growth forecast from 6.8% to 7.3% (Q2 grew 8.2% year-on-year). Strong consumption and demand drove the upward revision.
2. Inflation & rates: RBI projected very low inflation (2.6% for 2025-26) and noted a “goldilocks” economy. In Dec 2025 the MPC cut the repo rate 25 bps to 5.25% (amid benign inflation). The government signaled it may keep the inflation target (4%) unchanged.
3. Trade balance: India’s current account deficit eased to $2.4 billion in Q1 FY26 (0.2% of GDP) from $8.6 billion a year ago, reflecting higher services surplus and remittances. Imports have shifted: IOC announced its first purchase of crude from Colombia in Jan 2026, diversifying away from Russia.
4. Tax revenues: Gross GST collections for Dec 2025 were ~₹1.75 lakh crore (up 6.1% YoY). Net direct tax collections for Apr-Dec 2025 rose ~8% to ₹17.05 lakh crore, aiding deficit targets.
5. Banking schemes: ICICI Bank launched the Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS) from Jan 1, 2026 – a tax-deferment scheme under the Income Tax Act to park unutilized long-term gains. NPCI reported a record 21.63 billion UPI transactions in Dec 2025 (₹27.97 lakh crore value), reflecting rapid digital payments growth.
6. Global trade policy: (Guide.ly) Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced zero-duty access for 100% of Australian tariff lines for Indian exports from Jan 1, 2026, boosting sectors like MSMEs and agriculture under ECTA.
1. ISRO launch plans: ISRO announced an ambitious 2026 launch schedule: e.g. PSLV-C62 (with Earth observation satellite and 18 foreign microsats) in Jan, an industry-built PSLV by Feb, Gaganyaan uncrewed mission G3, GSLV-F17 (NavIC satellite), and final Gaganyaan rehearsal by year-end.
2. Space symposium: ISRO’s 23rd National Space Science Symposium (NSSS-2026) is set for early 2026 at NESAC, Shillong, with parallel sessions on space science, student forums, plenaries and exhibitions.
3. Research funding: ISRO opened its 2025 RESPOND call for proposals (125 topics) in space science, satellite tech, AI, quantum and more. Academic researchers can apply via the I-GRASP portal (deadline Jan 31, 2026).
4. Gaganyaan tests: On Dec 18-19, 2025 ISRO tested the Gaganyaan crew module’s parachute system. Earlier (Jul 3, 2025) it completed propulsion system tests of the Gaganyaan Service Module. On Dec 24, 2025 it launched the BlueBird-2 communication satellite.
5. Education & internships: IIRS (Dehradun) announced its 2026 external internship program (space/remote sensing fields) starting Jan 1, 2026. Undergrads, postgrads and PhD students can apply for 45-day project internships (two intake windows, deadlines Mar 31 & Oct 31).
6. Indian astronaut to ISS: ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla flew to the International Space Station aboard SpaceX’s Ax-4 mission. He engaged with students on Earth via video link, marking India’s growing role in international crewed space missions.
1. Bird flu in India: In Dec 2025, India reported H5N1 bird flu outbreaks on multiple poultry farms in Kerala, killing about 54,000 birds (as per OIE data). Authorities have stepped up surveillance and culling to contain spread.
2. Climate disasters: Early-Jan floods in Afghanistan (from heavy rain/snowmelt) underline the region’s climate vulnerability (17+ dead). Across the globe, record weather events continue (e.g. arctic cold snaps, glacier melting), highlighting climate change challenges.
1. Procurement approvals: India’s Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) approved nearly ₹79,000 crore in new equipment deals (air defense missiles, combat drones, air-to-air refueling aircraft, etc.) in late Dec 2025 to early Jan 2026, aiming to modernize forces against threats from China and Pakistan.
2. Joint exercise (India–UAE): India and the UAE Army concluded the 2nd annual “Desert Cyclone” exercise (Dec 18–30, 2025) in Abu Dhabi, enhancing interoperability. The exercise focused on counter-terrorism and joint operations in desert terrain.
3. Other military news: (Indian Navy commissioning, Indo-Pacific strategic talks, or similar items would fit here if available.)
1. Shubhanshu Shukla: Indian astronaut Shukla (age ~40s) drew headlines for launching to the ISS on SpaceX Ax-4 (Jan 2026) and conducting outreach with students from space.
2. Amitav Ghosh: Bestselling novelist Amitav Ghosh has been in the news promoting his new novel Ghost Eye, speaking about reincarnation and multiverse ideas in interviews.
3. Tatiana Schlossberg: Journalist Tatiana Schlossberg (granddaughter of JFK, author of Inconspicuous Consumption) passed away at 35 (after battle with leukemia) on Jan 6, 2026.
4. Michael J. Schumacher: Wisconsin writer Michael Schumacher, known for biographies of Eric Clapton and Allen Ginsberg, died at 75 (Dec 29, 2025).
1. Usman Khawaja retires: Australian opener Usman Khawaja announced his retirement from international cricket after the final Ashes Test at SCG (Jan 2026), ending with 88 Test matches in his career.
2. Tennis season kickoff: Early January tournaments are underway – Brisbane International (Jan 4–11), Hong Kong Open, and the mixed-gender United Cup in Australia – marking the start of the 2026 tennis calendar.
3. Upcoming events: Major 2026 events on the global sports calendar include the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina (Feb 6–22), FIFA World Cup (USA/Canada/Mexico, June–July), Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and the ICC T20 World Cups (men’s in India/Sri Lanka, women’s in England/Wales).
4. Indian sports: (Mention if any Indian league/tournament started, or preparation news – e.g. R-Day tableau lists.) The Prime Minister will inaugurate the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi (Jan 4-11, 2026).
1. Critics Choice Awards: At the 2026 Critics Choice Awards (US, Jan 4), Irish actress Jessie Buckley and the British film Adolescence were among the big winners. (Timothée Chalamet won Best Actor for Frankenstein.)
2. Other ceremonies: (Golden Globes/BAFTAs/Oscars pending later in Jan; no major global awards announcements on Jan 6.)
1. World Day of War Orphans (Jan 6): Observed globally on Jan 6 to raise awareness of the plight of children orphaned by war.
2. Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti (Jan 6, 2026): Birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh (the 10th Sikh Guru), celebrated by Sikh communities. (He was born on Jan 22, 1666 by Julian calendar, which is Jan 6, 2026 on Gregorian calendar).
3. Other Jan 6 observance: Epiphany/Three Kings’ Day (Christian tradition); no specific international theme declared beyond the above.
1. Assam Pay Commission: CM Sarma appointed Subhas Das as chairman of Assam’s newly formed 8th Pay Commission.
2. Maharashtra DGP: Sadanand Date was appointed Maharashtra DGP (took over Jan 2026) after Rashmi Shukla’s retirement.
3. Banking director: Rashmi Manickam (ex-ED of Bank of India) was appointed as an independent director on the Bank of India board.
1. CES 2026 (Las Vegas, Jan 3–8): The annual Consumer Electronics Show showcased major AI chip announcements. AMD unveiled its new data-center GPUs (MI455) and an on-premises AI chip (MI440X); Nvidia previewed its next-gen “Vera Rubin” platform offering ~5× AI performance over current chips.
2. Space symposium: The 23rd National Space Science Symposium (NSSS-2026) will convene at NESAC in Shillong, featuring sessions on satellite and space research.
3. Global forums: World Economic Forum’s Davos meeting is scheduled for Jan 19–23, 2026, focusing on global economic issues (info pending).
1. Andaman & Nicobar: Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated development projects worth ~₹373 crore in the Andaman Islands (including an integrated command center, hospital and lab), and unveiled an exhibition on new criminal laws.
2. Tamil Nadu: VP C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the 9th Siddha Day celebrations in Chennai, highlighting Siddha medicine’s role in holistic healthcare.
3. Uttar Pradesh: PM Modi will inaugurate the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi (Jan 4-11, 2026) via video link, with 58 teams competing.
4. Telangana: Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh) is set to inaugurate India’s first commercial-scale tropical Rainbow Trout Aquaculture Farm (RAS facility) in Hyderabad, demonstrating advanced aquaculture tech.
1. Tatiana Schlossberg (35): JFK’s granddaughter, an environmental journalist and author of Inconspicuous Consumption, died on Jan 6, 2026 after a battle with leukemia.
2. Michael J. Schumacher (75): Wisconsin author of biographies on Eric Clapton, Allen Ginsberg and others, died Dec 29, 2025 (reported Jan 5, 2026).
1. Global economy rank: The IMF’s Apr 2025 WEO noted India’s GDP at ~$4.18 trillion, surpassing Japan to become the world’s 4th-largest economy (ahead of Japan). It projected India overtaking Germany to become 3rd-largest within a few years.
2. Financial Stability: RBI’s Jan 2026 Financial Stability Report highlighted India’s strong banking sector buffers and resilient growth despite global uncertainties.
Amitav Ghosh – Ghost Eye: Renowned novelist Amitav Ghosh has been interviewed about his new novel Ghost Eye. In an NDTV exclusive (Jan 6, 2026) he discussed themes of reincarnation and “multiverse,” relating scientific and spiritual ideas.
Human interest story: A pregnant woman travelling on the Katra–Jabalpur Express went into labor near Faridabad (Haryana) on Jan 2, 2026 and delivered a baby girl in the moving train. Fellow passengers and train staff helped, and both mother and child are safe.
📝 Explanation: Assam became the first Indian state to set up an 8th State Pay Commission in January 2026, even before the Centre announced the 8th Central Pay Commission. The move aims to revise salaries, pensions, and allowances of state government employees. This step reflects Assam’s proactive approach toward employee welfare and fiscal planning.
📝Explanation: The Indian Coast Guard commissioned ICGS Samudra Pratap, the country’s first indigenously built pollution-control vessel. Constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited, it strengthens India’s maritime pollution response capability. The ship can combat oil spills, enforce marine environmental laws, and support search-and-rescue operations within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
📝 Explanation: After the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, Delcy Rodríguez, the country’s Vice President, was sworn in as interim President. Her appointment marked a critical political transition amid global condemnation and diplomatic tensions. She initially opposed U.S. intervention but later signaled openness to negotiations.
📝 Explanation: Bulgaria officially adopted the euro on 1 January 2026, becoming the 21st member of the Eurozone. The move replaces the Bulgarian lev and represents deeper economic integration with the European Union. It is expected to improve trade, reduce transaction costs, and enhance investor confidence in Bulgaria.
📝 Explanation: The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 was held in Las Vegas from early January. It showcased breakthroughs in AI, semiconductors, consumer electronics, and smart technologies. Major tech companies unveiled next-generation AI chips and platforms, highlighting rapid advances in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure.
📝 Explanation: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla flew to the International Space Station aboard SpaceX’s Ax-4 mission. His participation marked a significant milestone in India’s international space collaboration. He interacted with students from orbit, inspiring interest in science and space exploration and strengthening India’s presence in global human spaceflight missions.
📝 Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY 2025–26 to 7.3%, citing strong consumption demand and economic resilience. The central bank highlighted stable inflation, robust services growth, and improved financial stability as key factors supporting India’s economic momentum.
📝 Explanation: India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recorded over 21 billion transactions in December 2025, setting a new global benchmark for digital payments. The milestone highlights India’s leadership in fintech innovation, financial inclusion, and cashless transactions, driven by smartphone penetration and government-backed digital infrastructure.
📝 Explanation: India reported outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu) in poultry farms in late 2025. Thousands of birds were culled to contain the spread. Authorities increased surveillance and biosecurity measures, as bird flu poses economic risks to the poultry sector and potential zoonotic threats.
📝 Explanation: India and the UAE conducted the “Desert Cyclone” joint military exercise, focusing on counter-terrorism and desert warfare operations. Such exercises enhance interoperability, tactical coordination, and strategic trust between the two armed forces, reflecting strengthening defense cooperation in the Gulf region.
📝 Explanation: Economist Suresh Goyal was appointed Director General of the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER). NCAER is India’s oldest economic think tank, playing a crucial role in policy research, macroeconomic studies, and advisory services to the government and private sector.
📝 Explanation: World Day of War Orphans, observed on 6 January, highlights the plight of children who have lost parents due to war and conflict. The day raises awareness about their protection, education, and rehabilitation needs, emphasizing humanitarian responsibility and post-conflict recovery.
📝 Explanation: Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the tenth Sikh Guru, was observed on 6 January 2026. Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa Panth and played a vital role in shaping Sikh identity, courage, and resistance against oppression.
📝 Explanation: A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck central Assam in early January 2026. Though no major damage was reported, the tremors reminded authorities of the region’s high seismic vulnerability. Northeast India lies in Zone V, making disaster preparedness critical.
📝 Explanation: A scientific study revealed that Australia’s tropical forests have shifted from carbon sinks to net carbon emitters, largely due to wildfires, droughts, and climate stress. This development raises concerns for global climate goals, as forests play a crucial role in absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide.
📝 Explanation: The Market Access Support (MAS) scheme, launched by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, aims to help Indian exporters participate in global trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets. The scheme focuses on MSMEs and seeks to enhance India’s export competitiveness.
📝 Explanation: At CES 2026, global technology companies unveiled next-generation AI chips and platforms, highlighting advancements in data centers, on-device AI, and high-performance computing. These developments are expected to shape the future of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital transformation worldwide.
📝 Explanation: Rashmi Shukla, Maharashtra’s first woman DGP, retired in early January 2026 after a long IPS career. Her tenure included major law-and-order challenges and police reforms. Her retirement marked an important moment in the state’s policing history.
📝 Explanation: According to IMF estimates, India became the world’s 4th-largest economy, surpassing Japan in nominal GDP. This milestone reflects India’s sustained growth, expanding market size, and increasing global economic influence.
📝 Explanation: Early-January current affairs are vital because governments, financial institutions, and global organizations announce new policies, economic forecasts, rankings, and leadership changes. These developments often set the direction for the entire year and are frequently asked in competitive examinations.
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