Current Affairs – 3 January 2026 | Daily GK Update for Government Exams
The Current Affairs of 3 January 2026 covers major national, international, banking, economy, science & technology, and appointments updates crucial for SSC, Banking, UPSC, Railways, Defence, PSU, and State PSC exams.
Introduction
The Daily Current Affairs – 3 January 2026 compilation presents high-yield exam-oriented news from government policies, economy, banking, defence, science, and international relations.
Such updates are frequently asked in SSC CGL/CHSL, IBPS & SBI exams, UPSC Prelims, Railways, NDA/CDS, and State PSCs, both as direct factual questions and analytical Mains answers.
Detailed Explanation (Exam-Focused)
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
President Launches SOAR – Skilling for AI Readiness
- The Droupadi Murmu launched initiatives under SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- SOAR is part of the Skill India Mission, implemented by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Key Highlights
- Launch of #SkillTheNation Challenge
- AI certificates awarded to students & MPs
- Virtual inauguration of Indira Gandhi National Open University centre at Rairangpur, Odisha
Why Important for Exams?
- AI, Skill India, digital workforce → hot UPSC & Banking themes
PM Matru Vandana Yojana Completes 9 Years
- Ministry of Women and Child Development flagship maternity scheme launched in 2017.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Act | National Food Security Act, 2013 |
| Benefit | ₹5,000 (1st child), ₹6,000 (2nd child – girl) |
| Funding | 60:40 (90:10 for NE states) |
| Mission | Samarthya component of Mission Shakti |
📌 Exam Tip: Questions often asked on scheme launch year, ministry, funding pattern.
MoSPI Launches New Logo & Mascot ‘Sankhyiki’
- Launched by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
- Theme: Data for Development
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Mascot | Sankhyiki (सांख्यिकी) |
| Symbol | Ashoka Chakra & ₹ |
| Minister (IC) | Rao Inderjit Singh |
Union Cabinet Approvals (31 Dec 2025)
Chair: Narendra Modi
| Project | State | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| NH-326 Widening | Odisha | ₹1,526.21 Cr |
| 6-Lane Corridor | Maharashtra | ₹19,142 Cr |
Aligned with Pradhan Mantri GatiShakti – National Master Plan.
BANKING & FINANCE
Small Savings Schemes Rates Unchanged (Q4 FY26)
- Announced by Ministry of Finance
- Covers PPF, SSY, NSC
- 8th consecutive quarter unchanged
RBI Relaxes Risk Weights for NBFC Infrastructure Loans
- Issued by Reserve Bank of India
- Effective: 1 April 2026
| Repayment | Risk Weight |
|---|---|
| 2% | 75% |
| 5% | 50% |
📌 Highly important for Banking & Economy sections
India’s First Maritime NBFC Begins Lending
- Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) sanctions ₹4,300 Cr
- Nodal agency for ₹25,000 Cr Maritime Development Fund
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Bulgaria Adopts Euro
- Effective: 1 January 2026
- Replaces: Bulgarian Lev
- Conversion: 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN
- Becomes 21st Eurozone member
📌 Common Prelims 1-liner question
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
DRDO Tests Pralay Missile
- Conducted by Defence Research and Development Organisation
- Location: ITR Chandipur, Odisha
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Range | 150–500 km |
| Type | Quasi-ballistic SSM |
| Payload | 500–1000 kg |
One-Liner Points for Quick Revision
- SOAR focuses on AI skilling under Skill India.
- PMMVY launched in 2017 under MoWCD.
- MoSPI mascot name is Sankhyiki.
- NH-326 widening approved in Odisha.
- SSS interest rates unchanged for Q4 FY26.
- RBI relaxed NBFC infrastructure risk norms.
- SMFCL is India’s first maritime NBFC.
- Bulgaria adopted Euro on 1 Jan 2026.
- Pralay missile range is 150–500 km.
- Euro conversion rate: 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN.
FAQs (Exam-Relevant)
Q1. Who launched the SOAR initiative?
➡️ President Droupadi Murmu
Q2. PMMVY comes under which Act?
➡️ National Food Security Act, 2013
Q3. What is MoSPI’s mascot name?
➡️ Sankhyiki
Q4. Which country adopted Euro in 2026?
➡️ Bulgaria
Q5. Pralay missile is developed by which organization?
➡️ DRDO
Q6. Risk-weight norms relaxation was issued by?
➡️ RBI
Q7. India’s first maritime NBFC?
➡️ SMFCL
Q8. Euro adoption makes Bulgaria the ____ Eurozone member?
➡️ 21st
