06 January 2026 Current Affairs: Today's Latest National and International News for Competitive Exams
Why Today's Current Affairs Matter: Staying updated with the latest national and international news is crucial for competitive exam aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and State PSC exams. Today's current affairs for 05 January 2026 cover important developments in governance, economy, technology, and global events that frequently appear in examination questions.
Section 1: India – National Current Affairs
1. MeitY Approves 22 Proposals Worth ₹41,863 Crores Under ECMS
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) approved 22 additional proposals valued at ₹41,863 crores under the Electronics and IT Hardware Manufacturing Scheme on January 2, 2026. This initiative aims to boost domestic manufacturing capabilities and strengthen India's position in the global electronics supply chain. Exam Relevance: Important for questions on government schemes, Make in India initiatives, and economic development.
2. Indian Army Launches Community Radio Station 'Radio Sangam' in Rajouri, J&K
On January 2, 2026, the Indian Army launched "Radio Sangam," a Community Radio Station at Keri village, Doongi block in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir. The station aims to provide reliable information, promote local culture, strengthen collaboration between the Army and civil administration, and broadcast awareness campaigns on agriculture, livelihood, and local news. Exam Relevance: Questions on grassroots communication, community development, and J&K integration.
3. Union Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar Launches 'IITM Global Research Foundation' at IIT-Madras
In January 2026, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar launched the 'IITM Global Research Foundation' at IIT-Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This initiative marks IIT-M's ambition to emerge as the world's first multinational university, enhancing India's global academic footprint. Exam Relevance: Education sector reforms and India's international academic partnerships.
4. Government Launches ₹4,531 Crore 'Market Access Support' Scheme for Exporters
On December 31, 2025, the Government of India launched the Market Access Support (MAS) Scheme with an outlay of ₹4,531 crores to support Indian exporters. The scheme provides financial assistance for international trade fairs, exhibitions, Buyer-Seller Meets (BSMs), and trade delegations, with a mandatory 35% MSME participation. Financial caps include ₹5 crore per event for BSMs, ₹10 crore for Reverse BSMs, and ₹5 crore for trade delegations. Exam Relevance: Export promotion policies and MSME development.
5. India Extends PLI Scheme Textile Application Deadline to March 31, 2026
The Ministry of Textiles extended the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme application deadline to March 31, 2026, following strong industry response. As of September 2025, 91 companies were selected with investments of ₹7,731 crore, exports of ₹733 crore, and creation of approximately 30,838 jobs. The scheme focuses on Man-Made Fibre (MMF) Apparel, MMF Fabrics, and Technical Textiles. Exam Relevance: Government manufacturing incentives and textile industry development.
6. Assam Becomes First State to Constitute 8th State Pay Commission
Assam became the first Indian state to constitute its 8th State Pay Commission in early January 2026, ahead of the 7th Pay Commission's expiry on January 1, 2026. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma appointed former Chief Secretary Subhas Das as the commission head. This proactive move aims to revise salaries, allowances, and pensions for state government employees. Exam Relevance: State governance, pay commission structure, and employee welfare.
7. Punjab to Launch 'Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna' on January 15, 2026
Punjab will launch the 'Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna' on January 15, 2026, offering free cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh per family for all 65 lakh families in the state. Any Punjab resident with a valid Aadhaar card and voter ID can avail the benefits, aiming for 100% population coverage. Exam Relevance: State health schemes and welfare policies.
8. Delhi Assembly Winter Session Begins (January 5-8, 2026)
The Fourth (Winter) Session of the Eighth Delhi Legislative Assembly commenced on January 5, 2026, scheduled to run until January 8, 2026. The session began with an address by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena at 11:00 AM. Air pollution is expected to be a primary point of discussion. Exam Relevance: State governance and environmental issues.
9. Republic Day 2026 Parade Tickets Go On Sale from January 5
The Ministry of Defence announced ticket sales for Republic Day 2026 events beginning January 5, 2026, through the Aamantran portal (www.aamantran.mod.gov.in). Tickets are available for the Republic Day Parade (January 26), Full Dress Rehearsal (January 28), and Beating Retreat Ceremony. Sales run until January 14, 2026, or until quotas are filled. Exam Relevance: National celebrations and administrative procedures.
10. Rashmi Shukla, Maharashtra's First Woman DGP, Retires; Sadanand Date Appointed
Rashmi Shukla, Maharashtra's first woman Director General of Police (DGP), retired on January 3, 2026, after 37.5 years of service in the Indian Police Service (IPS). She was honored with a Guard of Honour at Naigaon Police Ground. Senior IPS officer Sadanand Date, a 26/11 Mumbai attacks hero and former Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), has been appointed as the new Maharashtra DGP. Exam Relevance: Police administration and women in leadership roles.
Section 2: International Current Affairs (8 Important Events)
1. U.S. Military Operation in Venezuela: Nicolás Maduro Captured
On January 3, 2026, the United States carried out a military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from their residence near Caracas. They were brought to the United States to face drug trafficking charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation, and weapons offenses. Maduro appeared in a New York court on January 5, 2026, pleading not guilty and describing himself as a "prisoner of war." Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president. President Trump stated the U.S. is "in charge" of Venezuela during the transition. Exam Relevance: International relations, U.S. foreign policy, Latin American politics, and sovereignty issues.
2. Switzerland Bar Fire Tragedy in Crans-Montana Claims 40 Lives
A devastating fire at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana during New Year's Eve celebrations on January 1, 2026, killed 40 people and injured 119 others. Investigators believe sparkling candles atop champagne bottles that came too close to the wooden ceiling ignited the blaze. Victims aged 14-39 included nationals from Switzerland, France, Italy, and other countries. Swiss President Guy Parmelin declared it one of Switzerland's worst tragedies and ordered flags at half-mast for five days. Exam Relevance: International disasters, fire safety regulations, and emergency response.
3. Delcy Rodríguez Sworn in as Venezuela's Interim President
Following Maduro's capture, Venezuela's Vice President and Oil Minister Delcy Rodríguez was formally sworn in as interim president on January 5, 2026. She initially stated Venezuela would not become "a U.S. colony" but later posted a conciliatory message indicating readiness to work with the U.S. government. Exam Relevance: Political transitions and Latin American affairs.
4. U.S. President Trump Suggests Intervention in Greenland
On January 5, 2026, President Donald Trump suggested the U.S. could take action regarding Greenland, stating "We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security" in comments aboard Air Force One. Denmark's Prime Minister responded by calling on Trump to "stop the threats" of U.S. annexation. Exam Relevance: Territorial disputes, Arctic geopolitics, and U.S.-Denmark relations.
5. Bulgaria Adopts Euro as Official Currency
Bulgaria officially adopted the euro on January 1, 2026, replacing the lev and becoming the 21st member of the eurozone. This marks an important economic integration milestone for the Eastern European nation. Exam Relevance: European Union expansion, monetary policy, and economic integration.
6. Greece Faces Major Radio Communications Failure
On January 5, 2026, Greece's transport minister reported that a major radio communications failure that shut down the country's airspace on the previous day was unlikely to have been a cyberattack. The incident caused significant disruption to air traffic. Exam Relevance: Aviation security and infrastructure vulnerabilities.
7. Afghanistan Flash Floods Kill at Least 17 People
At least 17 people were killed and 11 others injured in flash floods caused by heavy rains and snowfall across Afghanistan in early January 2026. The disaster highlights ongoing climate-related challenges in the region. Exam Relevance: Natural disasters and climate impact in South Asia.
8. Yemen Government Forces Capture Key Territories
In early January 2026, Yemeni government forces and the Saudi Arabia-led coalition captured al-Mahrah and Hadhramaut governorates from the Southern Transitional Council. Delegations are traveling to Saudi Arabia for peace negotiations, signaling potential progress in ending the conflict. Exam Relevance: Middle East conflicts and peace processes.
Section 3: Economy & Banking
1. RBI Maintains Robust GDP Growth Projection
The Reserve Bank of India revised its GDP growth forecast for FY 2025-26 upward to 7.3% from the earlier estimate of 6.8% in early January 2026. Q2 FY26 growth reached 8.2%, driven by robust domestic demand, consumption growth, and policy support. Real GVA (Gross Value Added) expanded by 8.1%. Exam Relevance: Economic indicators and RBI projections.
2. RBI Projects Inflation at 2.6% for FY 2025-26
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra characterized India's current macroeconomic situation as a "rare goldilocks period" with high economic growth and exceptionally low inflation. CPI inflation for 2025-26 is projected at 2.6%, with Q2 and Q3 at 1.8% each and Q4 at 4%. Inflation for Q1 of 2026-27 is projected at 4.5%. Exam Relevance: Inflation targeting and monetary policy.
3. RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25%
The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25% in its December 2025 meeting, maintaining a neutral stance. This followed 125 basis points of rate cuts during 2025, supporting growth amid benign inflation. Exam Relevance: Monetary policy instruments and economic management.
4. Government Likely to Retain 4% Inflation Target for RBI
According to sources in early January 2026, the Government of India is likely to retain the existing 4% inflation target for RBI (with a 2%-6% tolerance band) when the framework comes up for renewal in March 2026. The inflation targeting framework, in place since 2016, is considered effective in managing price stability. Exam Relevance: Central bank mandate and inflation management.
5. India's Current Account Deficit Moderates to 0.2% of GDP
India's current account deficit moderated to $2.4 billion (0.2% of GDP) in Q1 of 2025-26, compared with $8.6 billion (0.9%) in the same period last year. This improvement is attributed to higher net services surplus and robust remittance inflows. Exam Relevance: Balance of payments and external sector indicators.
6. Gross GST Collections Reach ₹1.75 Lakh Crore in December 2025
Gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections in December 2025 rose 6.1% year-on-year to approximately ₹1.75 lakh crore, compared to around ₹1.64 lakh crore in December 2024. November collections stood at ₹1.70 lakh crore. Exam Relevance: Tax revenue and fiscal indicators.
7. Net Direct Tax Collections Rise 8% This Financial Year
Net direct tax collections rose 8% to ₹17.05 lakh crore in FY 2025-26 (up to December 2025), supporting the government's fiscal consolidation efforts. The government remains confident of meeting the 4.4% fiscal deficit target by March 2026. Exam Relevance: Fiscal policy and tax administration.
8. RBI Financial Stability Report Highlights Economic Resilience
The RBI's latest Financial Stability Report (FSR) released in early January 2026 stated that India's economy continues to register strong growth despite persistent global challenges. The domestic financial system remains sound with strong balance sheets, accommodative financial conditions, and low market volatility. Scheduled commercial banks show strong capital and liquidity buffers with improving asset quality. Exam Relevance: Financial sector stability and banking health.
Section 4: Science, Technology & Environment
1. ISRO Plans Busy 2026 with Multiple Launches
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan announced an ambitious 2026 launch calendar including: PSLV-C62 mission (tentatively January 10) deploying EOS-N1 hyper-spectral imaging satellite with 18 international micro-satellites; PSLV-N1 mission (February) marking first industry-assembled PSLV by HAL and L&T consortium; Gaganyaan G3 uncrewed mission testing human spaceflight technology; GSLV-F17 launching NVS-03 navigation satellite; and Gaganyaan G2 penultimate rehearsal. Exam Relevance: Space technology, satellite launches, and human spaceflight program.
2. ISRO Announces National Space Science Symposium 2026 (NSSS-2026)
The 23rd National Space Science Symposium (NSSS-2026) will be held at Umiam, Shillong, hosted by the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC). The symposium features six parallel scientific sessions on space science and technology, including an exclusive student session, public lectures, plenary sessions, invited talks, and exhibitions. Exam Relevance: Scientific conferences and space research platforms.
3. ISRO RESPOND Basket 2025 Opens for Academic Research Proposals
ISRO released the RESPOND Basket 2025 comprising 125 research topics covering space science, satellite technology, launch vehicles, remote sensing, advanced materials, AI applications, and quantum technologies. Researchers from recognized universities can submit proposals through the I-GRASP portal by January 31, 2026. Exam Relevance: Research collaboration and space technology development.
4. ISRO Completes Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System Tests
On July 3, 2025, ISRO conducted two successful hot tests of the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS). ISRO also completed drogue parachute tests at TBRL, Chandigarh on December 18-19, 2025, and launched the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite on December 24, 2025. Exam Relevance: Human spaceflight technology and mission milestones.
5. IIRS-ISRO External Student Internship Programme 2026 Announced
The Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) under ISRO announced its External Student Internship Programme for 2026 starting January 1, 2026. The program offers hands-on exposure in remote sensing, geoinformatics, geoscience, and atmospheric science for UG/PG/Ph.D. students at Dehradun facilities. Minimum duration is 45 days with application deadlines on March 31 (for July-December intake) and October 31 (for January-June intake). Exam Relevance: Skill development and space education opportunities.
6. Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on ISS Mission
ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla successfully launched aboard Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-04) on SpaceX's Dragon Crew Module to the International Space Station. ISRO conducted student interactions with the astronaut (Gaganyatri) onboard ISS, marking India's active participation in international space collaboration. Exam Relevance: Human spaceflight and international space cooperation.
Section 5: Sports & Important Days
1. Usman Khawaja Announces Retirement from International Cricket
Australian opener Usman Khawaja announced his retirement from international cricket following the fifth and final Ashes Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in early January 2026. This will be his 88th and last Test match, concluding at the same venue where his first-class career began. Exam Relevance: Cricket retirements and sports personalities.
2. Rashmi Manickam Appointed as Independent Director of Bank of India
Former Bank of India Executive Director Manickam was appointed as an Independent Director, bringing expertise in banking operations, credit monitoring, risk management, regulatory compliance, and human resource management. Exam Relevance: Banking sector appointments and corporate governance.
3. Tennis Tournaments Underway in January 2026
Major tennis tournaments in progress include the Brisbane International (January 4-11) in Brisbane, Australia, ATP Hong Kong Open (January 5-11), and United Cup (January 2-11) in Sydney and Perth, Australia, marking the start of the 2026 tennis season. Exam Relevance: International sports events and tournament schedules.
4. PDC Darts Tournaments Taking Place in January 2026
The PDC Darts World Championship finals concluded on January 1-3, 2026. PDC Q-School qualifying events run from January 5-11, 2026, where players attempt to earn tour cards. The Winmau World Masters is scheduled for January 29-February 1, 2026, at Arena MK, Milton Keynes, England. Exam Relevance: International sporting events and calendars.
5. 2026 Winter Olympics and FIFA World Cup on Schedule
Major sporting events scheduled for 2026 include: 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo (February 6-22); 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico; 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow; 2026 Men's and Women's T20 Cricket World Cups (men's in India and Sri Lanka, women's in England and Wales). Exam Relevance: Major international sporting events.
6. Republic Day 2026 Preparations Underway
Republic Day 2026 celebrations on January 26 will feature the grand parade at Rajpath, New Delhi, showcasing India's military prowess, cultural diversity, and constitutional values. Ticket sales began January 5, 2026, with advance bookings available through the Ministry of Defence's Aamantran portal. Exam Relevance: National celebrations and constitutional significance.
Quick Revision Points for MCQ Preparation
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MeitY approved 22 proposals worth ₹41,863 crores under ECMS on January 2, 2026, for electronics manufacturing.
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Radio Sangam, India's community radio station, was launched by the Indian Army in Rajouri, J&K, on January 2, 2026.
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RBI revised GDP growth forecast to 7.3% for FY 2025-26; inflation projected at 2.6% with repo rate at 5.25%.
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Assam became the first state to constitute 8th State Pay Commission in January 2026, ahead of Centre's 8th Pay Commission.
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Nicolás Maduro, Venezuelan President, was captured by U.S. forces on January 3, 2026, and appeared in New York court on January 5, 2026.
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Switzerland bar fire in Crans-Montana killed 40 people on January 1, 2026; caused by sparkling candles near ceiling.
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Bulgaria adopted the euro on January 1, 2026, becoming the 21st eurozone member.
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PLI Scheme for textiles deadline extended to March 31, 2026; 91 companies selected with ₹7,731 crore investments.
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IITM Global Research Foundation launched by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar at IIT-Madras in January 2026.
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Republic Day 2026 ticket sales began on January 5, 2026, through Aamantran portal (www.aamantran.mod.gov.in).
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Delcy Rodríguez sworn in as Venezuela's interim president on January 5, 2026, following Maduro's capture.
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India's current account deficit moderated to 0.2% of GDP ($2.4 billion) in Q1 FY26 from 0.9% previous year.
Stay Updated: For comprehensive preparation, regularly follow official government portals, PIB releases, and verified news sources. Focus on understanding the significance of each event rather than just memorizing facts, as competitive exams increasingly test analytical and application-based knowledge.
Exam Tip: Pay special attention to government schemes, their budget allocations, beneficiaries, and implementation timelines as these form the backbone of many MCQs in Banking, SSC, and State PSC examinations.
