Staying updated with daily current affairs is crucial for competitive exam aspirants as questions from recent national and international events frequently appear in UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and State PSC examinations. Today's current affairs for 02 January 2026 cover significant developments across politics, economy, science, sports, and international relations that are essential for your exam preparation.
Section 1: India – National Current Affairs
1. Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor Assumes Charge as Vice Chief of Air Staff
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor took charge as Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force on January 1, 2026, succeeding Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari. With over 39 years of service and 3,400+ flying hours on MiG-21 and MiG-29 aircraft, he was awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal for his role in Operation Sindoor.
Exam Relevance: Important for Defence exams, questions on military leadership appointments, and awards/honours sections.
2. Air Marshal Tejinder Singh Takes Command of South Western Air Command
Air Marshal Tejinder Singh assumed charge as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of South Western Air Command (SWAC) based in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on January 1, 2026. He is a Category 'A' qualified flying instructor with over 4,500 hours of flying experience.
Exam Relevance: Military appointments and organizational structure of Indian Armed Forces.
3. Air Marshal S. Shrinivas Appointed AOC-in-C of IAF Training Command
Air Marshal S. Shrinivas took over as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Air Force Training Command on January 1, 2026, paying tribute at the Training Command War Memorial after assuming charge.
Exam Relevance: Defence command structure and military leadership transitions.
4. India Records 166 Tiger Deaths in 2025, Highest in Decade
India lost 166 tigers in 2025, marking a sharp increase of 40 deaths from 2024's 126 fatalities, according to National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) data. Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest deaths at 55, followed by Maharashtra (38), Karnataka (22), Uttarakhand (18), and Assam (12). Major causes included territorial conflicts, natural deaths (70%), electrocution (31), and poaching (approximately 42 cases). India's tiger population stands at 3,682 as per the 2022 census, representing 75% of the world's tiger population.
Exam Relevance: Environment and wildlife conservation, Project Tiger, NTCA, tiger reserves in various states.
5. India-Pakistan Exchange Prisoner Lists Under 2008 Agreement
India and Pakistan exchanged lists of civil prisoners and fishermen held in each other's custody on January 1, 2026, through diplomatic channels under the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access. This biannual exchange ensures humanitarian considerations and consular access for detained nationals despite broader political differences.
Exam Relevance: India-Pakistan relations, bilateral agreements, international humanitarian law.
6. India's Broadband Subscribers Cross 100 Crore Milestone
India achieved a historic milestone as broadband subscriber base crossed 100.37 crore (1 billion) in November 2025, according to official data released in January 2026. This represents remarkable growth driven by affordable data plans, smartphone penetration, and optical fiber network expansion across urban and rural areas.
Exam Relevance: Digital India initiatives, telecom sector growth, infrastructure development.
7. Multiple Policy Changes Effective from January 1, 2026
Several significant changes took effect from January 1, 2026: (a) Credit bureaus to update customer data weekly instead of fortnightly, (b) Mandatory PAN-Aadhaar linking for various financial services, (c) Stricter UPI transaction monitoring for fraud prevention, (d) 7th Pay Commission term ended December 31, 2025, with 8th Pay Commission expected soon, (e) New pre-filled income tax return forms with banking transaction data.
Exam Relevance: Financial sector reforms, taxation, banking regulations, government employee benefits.
8. Banks Closed in Select States on January 1, 2026
Banks remained closed on January 1, 2026, in eight states—Mizoram, Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, West Bengal, and Meghalaya—due to New Year's Day and regional festivals like Gaan-Ngai. Digital banking services including UPI, net banking, and ATMs continued to operate normally nationwide.
Exam Relevance: Banking operations, state-specific holidays, Reserve Bank of India regulations.
9. Indian AI Research Organization (IAIRO) to Become Operational
Gujarat became the first Indian state to host a specialized AI research body with the Indian Artificial Intelligence Research Organization (IAIRO) scheduled to become operational on January 1, 2026, at GIFT City, Gandhinagar. Established as a Public-Private Partnership under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, with Government of Gujarat, Government of India, and Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance as partners.
Exam Relevance: Artificial Intelligence initiatives, GIFT City developments, public-private partnerships.
10. Department of Telecommunications Extends Pro Tem Security Certification Scheme
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) extended the Pro Tem Security Certification Scheme for two years starting January 1, 2026, while introducing reduced application fees for Telecom Security Testing Laboratories (TSTLs) and simplified security requirements for Optical Network Terminator (ONT) devices to strengthen India's telecom security ecosystem.
Exam Relevance: Telecommunications policy, cybersecurity measures, Ministry of Communications initiatives.
Section 2: International Current Affairs
1. Switzerland Ski Resort Fire Kills Around 40 People
A devastating fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana ski resort, Switzerland, killed approximately 40 people and injured 115 others during New Year's Eve celebrations on January 1, 2026. Swiss authorities believe the fire started accidentally when champagne bottles with lit sparklers were held too close to the ceiling. Victims included tourists from Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, and Serbia. Switzerland declared five days of national mourning.
Exam Relevance: Major international disasters, Switzerland geography, international humanitarian response.
2. Iran Faces Widespread Economic Protests with Seven Deaths
Economic protests erupted across Iran starting December 29, 2025, triggered by the Iranian rial dropping to 1.42 million against the US dollar (56% decline in six months) and food prices soaring by 72% year-on-year. At least seven people were killed in clashes with security forces across 17 of Iran's 31 provinces. President Masoud Pezeshkian appealed for unity while blaming economic pressure on international enemies. At least 44 people have been arrested.
Exam Relevance: International relations, economic crises, Middle East politics, currency depreciation.
3. US President Trump Warns Iran Over Protester Deaths
President Donald Trump warned on January 2, 2026, that the United States would intervene if Iran kills peaceful protesters, stating America is "locked and loaded and ready to go." Iranian officials responded by warning that US intervention would spark regional chaos and make American forces in the Middle East legitimate targets.
Exam Relevance: US foreign policy, Iran-US relations, Middle East geopolitics.
4. Zohran Mamdani Sworn in as New York City Mayor
Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, was sworn in as New York City's mayor on January 1, 2026, making history as the city's first Muslim, first South Asian, first African-born, and youngest mayor in generations. The private oath ceremony was conducted by New York Attorney General Letitia James, followed by a public ceremony officiated by Senator Bernie Sanders.
Exam Relevance: Important political developments in the United States, representation in governance.
5. Russia-Ukraine New Year Attacks with Civilian Casualties
Russia and Ukraine accused each other of targeting civilians during New Year attacks. Russia claimed Ukraine's drone attack targeted President Vladimir Putin's residence in Novgorod region, while Ukraine reported intensified Russian strikes. This occurred amid US-led efforts to push both sides toward ending the nearly four-year conflict.
Exam Relevance: Russia-Ukraine conflict, international peace efforts, drone warfare.
6. Yemen Conflict: Saudi Arabia-UAE Tensions Escalate
Yemen's internationally recognized government accused Southern Transitional Council (STC) militia, affiliated with UAE, of storming Al Rayyan Airport in Hadhramaut province. Operations at Aden International Airport were suspended as tensions between Gulf powerhouses Saudi Arabia and UAE escalated. Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani mediated between UAE and Saudi leaders.
Exam Relevance: Middle East conflicts, Yemen civil war, Saudi Arabia-UAE relations, proxy conflicts.
7. George and Amal Clooney Granted French Citizenship
France granted citizenship to actor George Clooney and human rights lawyer Amal Clooney on January 2, 2026, recognizing their contributions to France's international influence. The couple has primarily resided in France since 2021.
Exam Relevance: International relations, citizenship laws, cultural diplomacy.
8. Israel Bans 37 International NGOs from Operating
Israel's ban on 37 international NGOs, including Doctors Without Borders, took effect on January 1, 2026. Aid groups, the United Nations, and at least 10 foreign ministers condemned the move, warning it would exacerbate Gaza's humanitarian crisis. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended events in the United States despite an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for war crimes.
Exam Relevance: Israel-Palestine conflict, international law, NGO operations, humanitarian crisis, International Criminal Court.
Section 3: Economy & Banking
1. UPI Records Highest-Ever Monthly Transactions in December 2025
India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) achieved a historic milestone with 21.63 billion transactions worth ₹27.97 lakh crore in December 2025, marking 29% year-on-year growth in volume and 20% in value. Average daily transactions reached 698 million, with the average ticket size declining to approximately ₹1,293, reflecting increased adoption for micro-transactions. For the full year 2025, UPI processed over 228 billion transactions worth nearly ₹300 lakh crore.
Exam Relevance: Digital payments, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), financial inclusion, digital economy.
2. India's Broadband Subscriber Base Crosses 1 Billion
India's broadband subscriber base reached 100.37 crore in November 2025, making it among the world's most digitally connected nations. The growth reflects the success of Digital India initiatives, affordable data plans, smartphone adoption, and optical fiber network expansion.
Exam Relevance: Digital India, telecommunications infrastructure, internet penetration statistics.
3. Credit Score Updates to Become Weekly
From January 1, 2026, credit bureaus began updating customer data every week instead of every 15 days, as per Reserve Bank of India mandate. This means repayments, missed EMIs, or credit behavior improvements will reflect much faster in credit scores, directly influencing loan approvals and interest rates.
Exam Relevance: Banking regulations, RBI policies, credit information system, financial sector reforms.
4. SEBI Mandates NISM Certification for AIF Compliance Officers
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) mandated in December 2025 that compliance officers of Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) managers must obtain NISM Series-III-C certification, effective January 1, 2027. This ensures qualified personnel manage compliance for AIFs.
Exam Relevance: SEBI regulations, Alternative Investment Funds, National Institute of Securities Markets, capital market reforms.
5. Weekly Credit Reporting and Enhanced Banking Regulations
RBI's new regulation requiring banks and NBFCs to send information to credit bureaus once every 14 days became effective, improving the timeliness and accuracy of credit information. This supports better credit risk assessment and financial inclusion.
Exam Relevance: RBI functions, credit information system, banking sector reforms.
6. PAN-Aadhaar Linking Made Mandatory for Multiple Services
From January 1, 2026, PAN-Aadhaar linking became strictly mandatory for various financial transactions and services. Non-compliance may restrict banking operations, ITR filing, and other financial activities.
Exam Relevance: Financial regulations, tax administration, Aadhaar ecosystem, Income Tax Department.
Section 4: Science, Technology & Environment
1. India Crosses 100 Crore Broadband Subscribers Milestone
India achieved a major digital milestone with broadband subscribers crossing 100.37 crore in November 2025, placing India among the world's most connected nations. The surge reflects smartphone adoption, affordable data plans, and optical fiber network expansion nationwide, supporting the Digital India vision.
Exam Relevance: Digital India initiatives, telecommunications growth, internet penetration, infrastructure development.
2. India Records 166 Tiger Deaths in 2025
According to National Tiger Conservation Authority data released on January 2, 2026, India lost 166 tigers in 2025—40 more than in 2024. Madhya Pradesh topped with 55 deaths, largely due to territorial conflicts caused by habitat saturation as tiger populations grew. Despite the deaths, India hosts 3,682 tigers (75% of global population), with numbers rising from 2,967 in 2018.
Exam Relevance: Wildlife conservation, Project Tiger, NTCA, habitat management, tiger reserves, biodiversity.
3. Indian AI Research Organization to Begin Operations
Gujarat's Indian Artificial Intelligence Research Organization (IAIRO) at GIFT City, Gandhinagar, scheduled to become operational on January 1, 2026. Established as a Public-Private Partnership under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, this makes Gujarat the first state to host a specialized AI research body.
Exam Relevance: Artificial Intelligence policy, GIFT City infrastructure, PPP model, technology development.
4. Telecommunications Security Measures Enhanced
Department of Telecommunications extended the Pro Tem Security Certification Scheme for two years from January 1, 2026, reduced fees for Telecom Security Testing Laboratories, and simplified security assurance requirements for Optical Network Terminator devices to strengthen India's telecom security ecosystem.
Exam Relevance: Telecom security, cybersecurity initiatives, Ministry of Communications, digital infrastructure protection.
5. Wolf Moon Supermoon on January 3, 2026
The first full moon of 2026, known as the Wolf Moon, will also be a supermoon, reaching peak illumination on January 3, 2026, around 3:33 pm IST. This celestial event occurs as Earth is near perihelion (closest point to the Sun), making the moon appear larger and brighter than usual.
Exam Relevance: Astronomy, celestial events, lunar cycles, Earth-Moon-Sun system.
Section 5: Sports & Important Days
1. Important Day: New Year's Day – January 1, 2026
January 1 is celebrated globally as New Year's Day, marking the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. In India, banks remained closed in eight states (Mizoram, Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, West Bengal, and Meghalaya) due to New Year's Day and regional festivals.
Exam Relevance: Important days, calendar systems, cultural celebrations.
2. India Takes Over BRICS 2026 Presidency
India assumed the rotating presidency of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) for 2026. This provides India with an opportunity to shape the agenda for the bloc and balance its relations with the Global South while maintaining ties with Western partners.
Exam Relevance: International organizations, BRICS grouping, India's foreign policy, multilateral diplomacy.
3. Crans-Montana Scheduled to Host Alpine Ski World Cup
Despite the tragic fire on January 1, Crans-Montana, Switzerland, is scheduled to host the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup later in January 2026. The resort is a prominent venue on the World Cup circuit, featuring high-altitude ski runs at nearly 3,000 meters and hosting top downhill racers including American skier Lindsey Vonn before the Milan Cortina Olympics in February.
Exam Relevance: Winter Olympics, international sports events, skiing championships.
4. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana Completes 9 Years
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), a flagship scheme providing financial support to pregnant and lactating mothers, completed nine years on January 1, 2026. Launched on January 1, 2017, the scheme aims to improve maternal and child health outcomes across India.
Exam Relevance: Government schemes, maternal health programs, women welfare initiatives, social security measures.
5. Swiss Government Declares Five Days of National Mourning
Following the Crans-Montana fire tragedy that killed around 40 people, Switzerland's Federal Council declared five days of national mourning starting January 1, 2026, with flags on federal buildings flown at half-mast. President Guy Parmelin called it "one of the worst tragedies that our country has experienced."
Exam Relevance: International events, disaster management, diplomatic protocols.
Quick Revision Points for MCQ Preparation
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Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor assumed charge as Vice Chief of Air Staff on January 1, 2026, with over 3,400 flying hours.
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India lost 166 tigers in 2025, 40 more than 2024; Madhya Pradesh recorded highest deaths at 55.
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India's broadband subscribers crossed 100.37 crore (1 billion) in November 2025.
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UPI recorded 21.63 billion transactions worth ₹27.97 lakh crore in December 2025—highest monthly volume ever.
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Switzerland fire at Crans-Montana killed around 40 people and injured 115 during New Year's Eve celebrations.
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Iran protests: At least 7 killed as economic protests spread across 17 of 31 provinces; Iranian rial dropped to 1.42 million per US dollar.
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Credit bureaus to update data weekly instead of fortnightly from January 1, 2026, as per RBI mandate.
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Zohran Mamdani sworn in as NYC mayor—first Muslim, South Asian, and African-born mayor at age 34.
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Indian AI Research Organization (IAIRO) to become operational January 1, 2026, at GIFT City, Gujarat.
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India and Pakistan exchanged prisoner lists on January 1, 2026, under 2008 Agreement on Consular Access.
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SEBI made NISM certification mandatory for AIF compliance officers from January 1, 2027.
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Wolf Moon supermoon on January 3, 2026, will be the first full moon of the year occurring near Earth's perihelion.
Disclaimer: All information presented in this current affairs compilation is based on verified news sources and official announcements as of January 02, 2026. Aspirants are advised to cross-verify facts from multiple reliable sources for examination purposes.
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