Daily Current Affairs – 8 January 2026 for Competitive Exams
Daily Current Affairs for 8 January 2026 covers key national, banking, science & technology, defence, and international developments crucial for UPSC, SSC, Banking, IBPS, RBI, Railways, Defence, PSU, and State PSC exams. This update focuses on high-impact government initiatives, institutional milestones, and exam-relevant facts.
📘 Introduction
Staying updated with Daily Current Affairs is essential for scoring well in government exams. The 8 January 2026 current affairs highlight major policy initiatives, infrastructure milestones, scientific discoveries, defence developments, and important appointments shaping India and the world.
JobsMe simplifies preparation by providing Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Current Affairs PDFs, quizzes, and revision notes, helping aspirants stay exam-ready with minimal effort.
👉 Explore Daily Current Affairs for consistent preparation.
📌 Explanation / Main Content
🇮🇳 National Affairs
Promotion of Classical Indian Languages
- Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan released 55 literary works in classical Indian languages.
- Works include Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Odia, Tamil, and Indian Sign Language interpretation of Tirukkural.
- Aim: Preserve linguistic heritage and promote inclusive education.
Indian Railways Nears 100% Electrification
- Indian Railways electrified 99.2% of its broad-gauge network by Nov 2025.
- Electrification rate increased from 1.4 km/day (2004–14) to 15+ km/day (2019–25).
- Supports green mobility and energy efficiency.
HPCL Commissions World’s First LC-Max Facility
- Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited commissioned LC-Max Residue Upgradation Facility in Visakhapatnam.
- Converts 93% low-value crude residue into high-value fuels.
- Part of refinery modernization enhancing India’s energy security.
NITI Aayog Trade Watch Quarterly Report
- NITI Aayog released Trade Watch Quarterly (Q1 FY26).
- Focus: Automotive exports and global value chains.
- India’s trade deficit in Q1 FY26: USD 21 billion.
🪖 Defence & Security
Pinaka MLRS Overhaul Order
- Indian Army awarded supply order to Tata Advanced Systems Limited.
- Public–Private Partnership ensures 80% indigenization.
- Strengthens long-term artillery readiness.
DRDO Foundation Day
- Defence Research and Development Organisation celebrated 68th Foundation Day.
- Defence approvals worth ₹1.30 lakh crore cleared.
- Focus areas: Cyber, Space, Artificial Intelligence.
🏦 Banking & Finance
HDFC Bank Integrates Digital Rupee
- HDFC Bank integrated CBDC (e₹) into SmartGateway.
- Zero transaction cost for merchants.
- Boosts India’s cash-light digital economy.
Federal Bank Brand Refresh
- Federal Bank launched new brand identity “The Fortuna Wave”.
- Symbolizes authenticity, togetherness, and prosperity.
🏆 Awards & Recognitions
IRFC Excellence Award
- Indian Railways Finance Corporation received ‘Excellent’ rating from DPE for 5th consecutive year.
- Reflects strong institutional and financial performance.
👤 Appointments & Resignations
| Appointment | Position | Organisation |
|---|---|---|
| A.K. Balasubrahmanian | Chairman | Atomic Energy Regulatory Board |
| Abhishek Dev | Chairman (Extended) | APEDA |
🔬 Science & Technology
NASA Discovers Starless Gas Cloud
- NASA’s Hubble Telescope discovered ‘Cloud-9’.
- Located near galaxy Messier-94.
- Considered a fossil remnant of early galaxy formation.
Indian Scientists Model Mpemba Effect
- Scientists from JNCASR used supercomputers to simulate Mpemba Effect.
- Explains why hot water freezes faster than cold.
- Published in Communication Physics.
🌍 Important Days
Earth’s Rotation Day – 8 January
- Marks 175 years of Léon Foucault’s pendulum experiment.
- Demonstrates Earth’s rotation on its axis.
📊 Exam-Friendly Table: Key Highlights
| Area | Key Update |
|---|---|
| Railways | 99.2% network electrified |
| Energy | World’s first LC-Max facility |
| Defence | Pinaka MLRS PPP overhaul |
| Banking | CBDC integrated into payments |
| Science | Discovery of starless gas cloud |
📌 One-Liner Points for Quick Revision
- Indian Railways electrified 99.2% of its network by Nov 2025.
- HPCL commissioned world’s first LC-Max RUF in Vizag.
- NITI Aayog released Trade Watch Quarterly Q1 FY26.
- Tata Advanced Systems to overhaul Pinaka MLRS.
- DRDO celebrated 68th Foundation Day.
- HDFC Bank integrated Digital Rupee into SmartGateway.
- Federal Bank launched new brand “The Fortuna Wave”.
- IRFC secured Excellent rating for 5th year.
- A.K. Balasubrahmanian appointed AERB Chairman.
- NASA discovered starless gas cloud Cloud-9.
❓ Exam-Oriented FAQs
Q1. Which organisation electrified 99.2% of India’s railway network?
Indian Railways.
Q2. What is LC-Max technology used for?
Upgrading low-value crude residue into high-value fuels.
Q3. Which report analyses India’s trade performance quarterly?
NITI Aayog’s Trade Watch Quarterly.
Q4. What is the Mpemba Effect?
Hot water freezing faster than cold water.
Q5. Why is Earth’s Rotation Day observed on 8 January?
To commemorate Léon Foucault’s pendulum experiment proving Earth’s rotation.
📚 Preparation Tip
Staying updated daily boosts accuracy and confidence. Revise regularly using:
- Daily Current Affairs Free Quizzes
- Weekly Current Affairs
- Monthly Current Affairs
- Static GK for Competitive Exams
JobsMe’s structured Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Current Affairs help aspirants crack exams like UPSC IAS, SSC CGL, IBPS PO, RRB NTPC, and State PSCs with confidence.
