Current Affairs 1 & 2 January 2026
The Current Affairs of 1st & 2nd January 2026 cover major national policies, defence deals, economic milestones, banking regulations, science & technology developments, sports, awards, and key appointments. These updates are highly relevant for SSC, Banking, UPSC, Railways, Defence, PSU, and State PSC exams, with strong coverage for both Prelims facts and Mains-oriented analysis.
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Introduction
The Daily Current Affairs for 1 & 2 January 2026 include crucial developments across National Affairs, Banking & Finance, Economy, Science & Technology, Defence, Sports, Awards, and Appointments.
Such questions are frequently asked in SSC CGL/CHSL, IBPS & SBI exams, UPSC Prelims, Railways, NDA/CDS, and State PSCs.
This article is structured to help aspirants:
- Quickly revise facts for Prelims
- Understand policy impact for Mains
- Retain information using tables, bullets, and one-liners
Detailed Explanation
1. National Affairs
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan’s Visit (Dec 29–30, 2025)
- Covered Puducherry, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu
- Focus on education, housing, culture, and social harmony
- Inaugurated CBSE school block, housing under Smart City Mission
- Attended Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 valedictory function
Exam Relevance:
Questions on constitutional authorities, state facts, cultural events
‘Jal Seva Aankalan’ Launched
- GP-led digital assessment under Jal Jeevan Mission
- Focus shifts from infrastructure → service delivery
- Mandatory completion by 26 January 2026
Jal Seva Aankalan – Key Facts Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Ministry of Jal Shakti |
| Implemented By | Gram Panchayats |
| Platform | JJM Panchayat Dashboard |
| Feedback Window | 30 days |
| Deadline | 26 January 2026 |
MoD Defence Deals Worth ₹4,666 Crore
- CQB Carbines for Army & Navy
- Heavy Weight Torpedoes for Navy submarines
- Supports Make in India & defence modernisation
Indigenous Kavach 4.0 Commissioned
- Installed on Bajwa–Ahmedabad (96 km) section
- Prevents collision & over-speeding
- Highest safety standard: SIL-4
2. Banking & Finance
RBI Grants PA-CB Licence to BRISKPE
- Enables cross-border inward & outward payments
- Operates under PSS Act, 2007
- Supports exporters & importers up to ₹25 lakh per transaction
SEBI Mandates NISM Certification for AIFs
- Mandatory from 1 January 2027
- Certification: NISM Series-III-C
- Strengthens governance & compliance standards
3. Economy & Business
India Becomes World’s 4th Largest Economy
- GDP: USD 4.18 Trillion
- Overtook Japan
- Target: 3rd largest economy by 2030
India Economic Snapshot
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| GDP Rank | 4th |
| GDP Size | USD 4.18 Trillion |
| Forex Reserves | USD 686.2 Billion |
| Q2 FY26 Growth | 8.2% |
| FDI (H1 FY26) | USD 51.8 Billion |
Air India – airBaltic Codeshare
- Enhances connectivity to Baltic region
- Cities covered: Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius
4. Awards & Recognitions
Kaamya Karthikeyan
- Youngest Indian to ski to South Pole
- Part of Explorers Grand Slam
- Important for sports & adventure GK
Meera Syal Awarded Damehood
- Honoured in King’s New Year Honours 2026
- Recognised for literature, drama & charity
5. Appointments & Resignations
| Position | Appointed |
|---|---|
| DG of DGFT | Lav Aggarwal |
| CMD of FCI | Rabindra Kumar Agarwal |
6. Science & Technology
ISRO Tests SSLV Third Stage
- Static test of enhanced SS3
- Payload capacity increased by ~90 kg
- Boosts on-demand satellite launch capability
7. Sports
2025 World Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship
- Venue: Doha, Qatar
- Rapid Open: Magnus Carlsen
- Blitz Women: Bibisara Assaubayeva
One-Liner Points for Quick Revision
- India became the 4th largest economy in Dec 2025.
- Kavach 4.0 operates at SIL-4 safety level.
- Jal Seva Aankalan deadline: 26 January 2026.
- BRISKPE received PA-CB licence from RBI.
- Meera Syal awarded Damehood (DBE).
- Kaamya Karthikeyan skied 115 km to South Pole.
- India Post discontinued certain international letter services from 1 Jan 2026.
- SEBI made NISM certification mandatory for AIF compliance officers.
- ISRO enhanced SSLV payload by 90 kg.
- Magnus Carlsen won Rapid–Blitz double crown 2025.
FAQs (Exam-Oriented)
Q1. Which country did India overtake to become the 4th largest economy?
Japan
Q2. What is Kavach 4.0?
An indigenous Automatic Train Protection system.
Q3. Which ministry launched Jal Seva Aankalan?
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Q4. From when is NISM certification mandatory for AIF compliance officers?
1 January 2027
Q5. Who is the youngest Indian to ski to the South Pole?
Kaamya Karthikeyan
Q6. Which act governs PA-CB authorisation?
Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007
Q7. Where was the SSLV SS3 static test conducted?
Sriharikota
Q8. Which airline signed a codeshare with Air India for Baltic connectivity?
airBaltic
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Put this topic into practice with Daily Current Affairs 13 February 2026 MCQ quiz with Static GK for UPSC, SSC, IBPS, RBI, Railways & Defence competitive exams.. It is the quickest way to reinforce what you just learned.
