January 2026 Current Affairs

Table of Contents

Introduction

Current affairs play a crucial role in competitive examinations in India. Almost every major exam conducted by organisations such as the Union Public Service Commission, Staff Selection Commission, banking recruitment boards, and state public service commissions includes questions based on recent national and international events. Topics like government schemes, important appointments, economic developments, scientific achievements, defence activities, sports events, and international relations are frequently asked in these exams. Therefore, regularly studying monthly current affairs is essential for candidates who want to perform well.

In this article, you will find January 2026 Current Affairs explained in a clear and exam-oriented format. Each important event is summarised in short points so that students can quickly understand the background, key facts, and exam relevance. The goal is to help aspirants revise important developments such as national events, government initiatives, global developments, technological advancements, and important days observed in January. By revising these current affairs multiple times, students can improve their knowledge and increase their chances of answering current affairs questions correctly in competitive exams.

Important Note for Students

The January 2026 Current Affairs covered in this article include important national and international developments that are useful for competitive exams. Candidates preparing for exams conducted by organisations like the Union Public Service Commission and the Staff Selection Commission should revise these topics regularly because many questions are directly based on recent events, government schemes, international agreements, scientific developments, and important days.

Students should remember that current affairs keep changing, especially government policies, appointments, and international developments. Therefore, it is important to verify the latest updates and revise monthly current affairs along with practice MCQs. Consistent revision of January 2026 Current Affairs, government schemes, national events, and exam-oriented MCQs will help students improve their knowledge and perform better in competitive examinations.

Government Schemes & Policies

1. Ayushman Bharat: PM-JAY (Senior Citizen Expansion)

Purpose / Objective: To provide a comprehensive health safety net for the elderly, reducing the massive out-of-pocket medical expenses often associated with geriatric care.
Target Beneficiaries: All Indian citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their socio-economic status.
Launched by: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) / National Health Authority (NHA).
Year of Launch: Originally 2018; Senior Citizen expansion effective January 1, 2026.
Key Features: It is “income-agnostic” (Universal) for the 70+ age group. It provides a separate, distinct card called the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card.
Benefits Provided: Annual health cover of ₹5 Lakh per family on a floater basis.
Eligibility Criteria: Must be 70+ years old. Requires Aadhaar-based e-KYC.
Important Components: Integrated with existing family cards (if a family is already covered, the senior gets an additional top-up of ₹5 Lakh).
Funding Pattern: 60:40 (Center:State) for General States; 90:10 for NE/Himalayan States; 100% Center for UTs.
Implementing Agency: State Health Agencies (SHA).
Recent Updates: Portal opened for universal registration on Jan 1, 2026.

2. PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

Purpose / Objective: To promote residential rooftop solar power, achieve energy self-reliance, and reduce the government’s electricity subsidy burden.
Target Beneficiaries: Residential households across India.
Launched by: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Year of Launch: 2024 (Major saturation drive launched January 2026).
Key Features: Provides 300 units of free electricity per month. Simplified technical feasibility for systems up to 10kW.
Benefits Provided: Direct subsidy (CFA) up to ₹78,000 for a 3kW system.
Eligibility Criteria: Must have a roof suitable for solar panels and a valid electricity connection.
Important Components: Model Solar Village (1 village per district to be 100% solarized).
Funding Pattern: 100% Central Sector Scheme (Subsidy funded entirely by the Center).
Implementing Agency: State DISCOMs (Distribution Companies).
Recent Updates: January 2026 saw the “Saturation Drive” to complete 1 crore registrations.

3. Lakhpati Didi Scheme

Purpose / Objective: To transition rural women from low-income activities to high-value micro-entrepreneurship.
Target Beneficiaries: Women members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
Launched by: Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD).
Year of Launch: 2023 (Revised target announced Jan 2026).
Key Features: Focuses on skill development in non-traditional areas like drone pilot training (Drone Didi), LED making, and plumbing.
Benefits Provided: Training, toolkit incentives, and enhanced market linkage for SHG products.
Eligibility Criteria: Must be a member of a registered SHG under the DAY-NRLM mission.
Important Components: NaMo Drone Didi (Training women to fly drones for agriculture).
Funding Pattern: 60:40 (Center:State) as part of DAY-NRLM.
Implementing Agency: State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLM).
Recent Updates: Target officially doubled from 3 crore to 6 crore women in January 2026.

4. PM Mudra Yojana (PMMY 2.0)

Purpose / Objective: To provide institutional credit to micro-entrepreneurs who lack traditional collateral.
Target Beneficiaries: Small business owners, shopkeepers, and startups in the manufacturing, trading, and service sectors.
Launched by: Ministry of Finance (Department of Financial Services).
Year of Launch: 2015 (New limits effective January 2026).
Key Features: Collateral-free loans categorized by business growth stage.
Benefits Provided: Loans up to ₹20 Lakh (Revised) with no processing fees for Shishu/Kishore categories.
Eligibility Criteria: Any Indian citizen with a non-farm business plan for income-generating activities.
Important Components: Shishu (Up to ₹50k), Kishore (Up to ₹5L), Tarun Plus (Up to ₹20L).
Funding Pattern: Refinance provided by MUDRA Ltd. (SIDBI subsidiary). Banks use their own funds; Center provides credit guarantees.
Implementing Agency: Commercial Banks, RRBs, Small Finance Banks, and NBFCs.
Recent Updates: The Tarun category limit was officially doubled to ₹20 Lakh in January 2026.

5. PM-PRANAM

Purpose / Objective: To incentivize States/UTs to reduce the consumption of chemical fertilizers and shift toward sustainable bio-fertilizers.
Target Beneficiaries: State Governments and farmers.
Launched by: Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
Year of Launch: 2023 (First incentive grants released Jan 2026).
Key Features: No separate budget; it runs on “subsidy savings.”
Benefits Provided: 50% of the subsidy saved by the state is returned as a grant.
Eligibility Criteria: States must show a measurable reduction in chemical fertilizer use compared to the average of the last 3 years.
Important Components: Uses iFMS (Integrated Fertilizer Management System) for tracking.
Funding Pattern: Performance-linked grant from the Central Fertilizer Subsidy Budget.
Implementing Agency: State Departments of Agriculture.
Recent Updates: Five states received their first “Savings Bonus” in January 2026.

6. PM-JANMAN

Purpose / Objective: To bring 11 critical interventions to the most isolated and marginalized tribal communities in India.
Target Beneficiaries: 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Launched by: Ministry of Tribal Affairs (Coordinating 17 Ministries).
Year of Launch: 2023 (Saturation drive Jan 2026).
Key Features: Focuses on the “last mile” connectivity of basic services.
Benefits Provided: Permanent housing (PMAY-G), clean water, roads, and mobile medical units.
Eligibility Criteria: Residents of identified PVTG habitations.
Important Components: Establishment of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras for minor forest produce.
Funding Pattern: 75:25 (Center:State) for most components; 90:10 for NE States.
Implementing Agency: State Tribal Welfare Departments.
Recent Updates: January 2026 marked the 100% saturation of Aadhaar and bank accounts for target groups.

7. e-Shram One-Stop Solution

Purpose / Objective: To provide a single-window interface for unorganized workers to access all central social security benefits.
Target Beneficiaries: Unorganized workers (Construction, Migrants, Gig workers).
Launched by: Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Year of Launch: 2021 (Multi-scheme integration completed Jan 2026).
Key Features: Acts as a National Database of Unorganized Workers (NDUW).
Benefits Provided: Direct access to 14 welfare schemes and a ₹2 Lakh accidental insurance cover.
Eligibility Criteria: Aged 16–59 years; not a member of EPFO/ESIC or an income tax payer.
Important Components: Integration with National Career Service (NCS) for job placement.
Funding Pattern: 100% Central Sector Scheme.
Implementing Agency: Ministry of Labour and Employment in coordination with NIC.
Recent Updates: Integration of 14 schemes (including PM-KISAN and PM-AWAS) finalized on Jan 5, 2026.

8. Jal Jeevan Mission (Sustainability Phase)

Purpose / Objective: To provide every rural household with a Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC).
Target Beneficiaries: Rural households across all States and UTs.
Launched by: Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Year of Launch: 2019 (Sustainability sub-mission launched Jan 2026).
Key Features: Ensures 55 liters of water per capita per day. Focus on “Source Sustainability” (Water recharge).
Benefits Provided: Reliable supply of safe drinking water at the doorstep.
Eligibility Criteria: All rural households.
Important Components: Pani Samitis (Village-level water committees).
Funding Pattern: 50:50 (Center:State); 90:10 for NE/Himalayan States.
Implementing Agency: State Water and Sanitation Missions (SWSM).
Recent Updates: Launched the “Jal Sanchay” sub-mission in Jan 2026 to prevent groundwater depletion.

9. Digital India 2.0 (Bhashini AI)

Purpose / Objective: To provide digital services in the user’s mother tongue, ensuring no citizen is excluded due to language.
Target Beneficiaries: Non-English speaking citizens of India.
Launched by: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
Year of Launch: 2022 (Full integration into Umang/DigiLocker Jan 2026).
Key Features: Real-time voice-to-voice translation in Indian languages.
Benefits Provided: Free access to government portals in 22 scheduled languages.
Eligibility Criteria: Open to all citizens.
Important Components: Bhasha Daan (Crowdsourcing language data).
Funding Pattern: 100% Central Sector.
Implementing Agency: Digital India Corporation (DIC).
Recent Updates: Integrated into Umang 2.0 for voice-based service delivery in Jan 2026.

10. PM Vishwakarma Scheme

Purpose / Objective: To support traditional artisans and craftspeople who work with their hands and tools.
Target Beneficiaries: 18 traditional trades (Carpenters, Blacksmiths, Potters, etc.).
Launched by: Ministry of MSME.
Year of Launch: 2023 (Market Linkage expansion Jan 2026).
Key Features: Recognition through Vishwakarma Certificate & ID Card.
Benefits Provided: ₹15,000 toolkit incentive; collateral-free loans (₹1L first tranche, ₹2L second) at 5% interest.
Eligibility Criteria: Family of an artisan; only one member per family is eligible.
Important Components: Virasat se Vikas (Development through heritage).
Funding Pattern: 100% Central Sector.
Implementing Agency: MSME-DI and State Governments.
Recent Updates: Launched “Vishwakarma Haats” in January 2026 to provide direct-to-consumer sales platforms.

Awards & Honours

1. Padma Awards 2026

Purpose / Objective: To recognize “work of distinction” and distinguished service in any field.
Target Beneficiaries: Individuals across all fields of activity.
Launched by: Ministry of Home Affairs (Announced by the President).
Year of Launch: 1954.
Key Features: Announced annually on the eve of Republic Day. The 2026 list includes 131 awardees (5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri).
Benefits Provided: A Sanad (certificate) and a Medallion; no cash prize.
Eligibility Criteria: Open to all persons without distinction of race, occupation, or sex (excluding most Govt. servants).
Funding Pattern: 100% Central Government initiative.
Implementing Agency: Ministry of Home Affairs.
Recent News (Jan 2026): * Padma Vibhushan: Dharmendra Singh Deol (Posthumous), Ms. N Rajam (Art).
- Padma Bhushan: Vijay Amritraj (Sports), Mammootty (Art), Uday Kotak (Trade).
- Padma Shri: Rohit Sharma (Cricket), Harmanpreet Kaur (Cricket), Alka Yagnik (Art), Vladimir Mestvirishvili (Posthumous – first foreign coach to receive the honor)

2. Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2026

Purpose / Objective: To celebrate the exceptional achievements of children in various fields.
Target Beneficiaries: Children residing in India (Ages 5–18).
Launched by: Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Year of Launch: 1996.
Key Features: Presented by the President of India during the week of Republic Day.
Benefits Provided: Medal, Certificate, and ₹1,00,000 cash prize.
Eligibility Criteria: Exceptional achievement in Bravery, Art, Innovation, Science, Social Service, or Sports.
Funding Pattern: 100% Central Government.
Implementing Agency: Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Recent News (Jan 2026): 20 children were honored this year. Notable winners include Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Sports/Cricket), Vyoma Priya (Posthumous/Bravery), and Arnav Anupriya Maharshi (Science/AI innovation).

3. Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2026

Purpose / Objective: To recognize excellent work in the field of Disaster Management.
Target Beneficiaries: Individuals and Institutions.
Launched by: Government of India.
Year of Launch: 2019.
Key Features: Announced every year on January 23 (Parakram Diwas), the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
Benefits Provided: ₹51 Lakh for Institutions; ₹5 Lakh for Individuals.
Eligibility Criteria: Indian nationals and Indian institutions.
Funding Pattern: 100% Central Government.
Implementing Agency: Ministry of Home Affairs / NDMA.
Recent News (Jan 2026): * Institutional Category: Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA).
- Individual Category: Lieutenant Colonel Sita Ashok Shelke.

4. 83rd Golden Globe Awards

Field/Category: Film and Television (Cinema & TV)
Given by: Golden Globe Foundation (The Hollywood Foreign Press Association)
Purpose of the Award: To honour outstanding achievements in film and television, both domestic and international.
First Awarded Year / History: 1944
Famous Winners (2026):
- Best Motion Picture (Drama): Hamnet
- Best Actor (Drama): Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent)
- Best Actress (Drama): Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)
- Best Motion Picture (Musical/Comedy): One Battle After Another
Country of Origin: United States
Frequency: Annual
Prize Details: 24-karat gold-plated trophy
Special Fact: Often regarded as one of the “Big Three” global entertainment awards alongside the Oscars and Emmys.

5. ICC Men’s Player of the Month (January 2026 Announcement)

Purpose / Objective: To recognize the best international cricketer of a specific month.
Given by: International Cricket Council (ICC).
Frequency: Monthly.
Recent News (Jan 15, 2026): Mitchell Starc (Australia) was named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December 2025 following his dominant performance in the home Ashes series.

6. Gallantry Awards (Republic Day 2026)

Name of the Award: Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, etc.
Field: Military / Bravery.
Purpose: To honor acts of bravery and sacrifice in the line of duty.
Recent News (Jan 26, 2026): IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was awarded the Ashok Chakra. A total of 70 Armed Forces personnel received Gallantry awards this January.

Important Days & Events

1. National Youth Day (Rashtriya Yuva Diwas)

Date: January 12
Theme (2026): “Ignite the Self, Impact the World”
Purpose / Significance: Observed to honor the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and to motivate the youth to follow his principles and contribute to nation-building.
Declared by: Government of India (1984).
First Observed Year: 1985.
National or International: National.
Related Organization: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Key Facts: The day often coincides with the National Youth Festival, which showcases India’s cultural diversity and youth talent.

2. National Voters’ Day (NVD)

Date: January 25
Theme (2026): “My India, My Vote” (Tagline: Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy)
Purpose / Significance: To mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India and to encourage, facilitate, and maximize the enrollment of new voters.
Declared by: Government of India (2011).
First Observed Year: 2011.
National or International: National.
Related Organization: Election Commission of India (ECI).
Key Facts: National Electoral Awards are conferred on this day to recognize excellence in election management.

3. Republic Day (77th Republic Day)

Date: January 26
Purpose / Significance: To commemorate the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950, turning India into a newly formed republic.
Declared by: Government of India.
First Observed Year: 1950.
National or International: National.
Chief Guest (2026): Mr. Antonio Costa (President of the European Council) and Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission).
Key Messages: The 2026 parade focuses on “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) and “Bharat: Loktantra ki Matruka” (India: Mother of Democracy).

4. World Hindi Day (Vishwa Hindi Diwas)

Date: January 10
Theme (2026): “Hindi in the Digital Era” (Expected focus on expanding reach through technology).
Purpose / Significance: To promote the use and recognition of the Hindi language globally.
Declared by: Government of India (Ministry of External Affairs).
First Observed Year: 2006.
National or International: International.
Related Organization: Ministry of External Affairs.
Key Facts: It marks the anniversary of the first World Hindi Conference held in Nagpur in 1975. Note: National Hindi Diwas is different (observed on September 14).

5. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Non-Resident Indian Day)

Date: January 9
Purpose / Significance: To celebrate the contribution of the overseas Indian community (Diaspora) to the development of India. It marks the day Mahatma Gandhi returned from South Africa to Mumbai in 1915.
Declared by: Government of India.
First Observed Year: 2003.
National or International: National (with International reach).
Related Organization: Ministry of External Affairs.
Key Facts (2026): The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention was scheduled to be hosted in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

6. National Startup Day

Date: January 16
Theme (2026): “Innovation-led Development and Sustainability”
Purpose / Significance: To recognize the startup culture in India and its role in boosting the economy and innovation.
Declared by: Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2022).
First Observed Year: 2022.
National or International: National.
Related Organization: DPIIT (Ministry of Commerce and Industry).
Key Facts: The day highlights “Deep-Tech” and “Climate-Tech” as emerging startup sectors for 2026.

7. World Braille Day

Date: January 4
Purpose / Significance: To raise awareness about the importance of Braille as a medium of communication for the blind and partially sighted.
Declared by: United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
First Observed Year: 2019.
National or International: International.
Key Facts: It marks the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille script.

8. Parakram Diwas (Courage Day)

Date: January 23
Purpose / Significance: To honor the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and inspire the citizens of the country to act with fortitude in the face of adversity.
Declared by: Government of India (2021).
First Observed Year: 2021.
National or International: National.
Key Facts: The Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar (Disaster Management awards) are announced annually on this day.

9. International Day of Education

Date: January 24
Theme (2026): “Education for Sustainable Peace”
Purpose / Significance: To celebrate the role of education in promoting peace and development.
Declared by: UN General Assembly.
First Observed Year: 2019.
National or International: International.
Related Organization: UNESCO.

10. Martyrs’ Day (Shaheed Diwas)

Date: January 30
Purpose / Significance: Observed to pay homage to the victims who fought for the freedom, welfare, and progress of India. It marks the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
Declared by: Government of India.
National or International: National.
Key Facts: A two-minute silence is observed at 11:00 AM across the nation in memory of Indian martyrs.

Appointments & Resignations

1. Justice Revati Mohite Dere

Position/Designation: Chief Justice
Organization/Country: Meghalaya High Court, India
Type: Appointment
Date: January 1, 2026
Predecessor: Justice Soumen Sen
Notable Fact: She is the first woman Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court. Previously, she served as a senior judge at the Bombay High Court.
Recent News: Sworn in by Governor C.H. Vijayashankar; appointed by President Droupadi Murmu.

2. Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor

Position/Designation: Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS)
Organization/Country: Indian Air Force (IAF)
Type: Appointment
Date: January 1, 2026
Predecessor: Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari
Tenure: Ongoing
Notable Fact: A highly decorated officer, he was awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal in 2025 for distinguished service.

3. Anu Garg

Position/Designation: Chief Secretary
Organization/Country: Odisha State Government, India
Type: Appointment
Date: January 1, 2026
Predecessor: Manoj Ahuja
Notable Fact: She is Odisha’s first woman Chief Secretary, a historic milestone for the state’s top bureaucratic post.
Recent News: She is a 1991-batch IAS officer.

4. Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor

Position/Designation: Director General (DG)
Organization/Country: Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
Type: Appointment
Date: January 2026
Predecessor: Praveen Kumar
Tenure: Until October 31, 2026 (Superannuation)
Notable Fact: A 1990-batch Haryana cadre IPS officer.
Recent News: He was appointed alongside a reshuffle that saw his predecessor, Praveen Kumar, moved to lead the BSF as Director General.

5. Satish Kumar

Position/Designation: Chairman and CEO
Organization/Country: Railway Board (Ministry of Railways), India
Type: Appointment (Re-employment Phase)
Date: January 1, 2025 – August 31, 2025 (Contract continuation into 2026)
Predecessor: Jaya Verma Sinha
Notable Fact: He is the first Dalit Chairman of the Railway Board.
Recent News: While originally appointed in late 2024, his active re-employment tenure covers the January 2026 period as the head of India’s largest transport employer.

6. Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor

Position/Designation: Charge d’Affaires
Organization/Country: Afghanistan Embassy in New Delhi, India
Type: Appointment
Date: January 2026
Notable Fact: He is the first Taliban-appointed diplomat to arrive in India since 2021, signaling a shift in India-Afghanistan diplomatic engagement.

7. Hardeep Singh Ahluwalia

Position/Designation: MD & CEO (Interim)
Organization/Country: Canara Bank
Type: Appointment
Date: January 1, 2026
Predecessor: K. Satyanarayana Raju
Tenure: 3 months (until March 31, 2026)
Recent News: Ahluwalia, formerly an Executive Director, took additional charge following Raju’s retirement.

8. Sandesh Suryakant Bhagwat

Position/Designation: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Organization/Country: KSH International Limited
Type: Resignation
Date: January 12, 2026 (Resignation letter dated; relieving date March 31)
Reason: To pursue a new career opportunity outside the organization.

9. Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta

Position/Designation: Chief Justice
Organization/Country: Uttarakhand High Court, India
Type: Appointment
Date: January 2026
Predecessor: Justice Guhanathan Narendar
Recent News: Appointed following a Supreme Court Collegium recommendation to ensure a smooth leadership transition in the Himalayan state.

10. Praveen Vashista

Position/Designation: Vigilance Commissioner
Organization/Country: Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), India
Type: Appointment
Date: January 16, 2026
Notable Fact: His appointment completed the full three-member structure of the Commission.
Recent News: A 1991-batch IPS officer of the Bihar cadre.

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Introduction

Important Note for Students