Current Affairs: 10 January 2026 – Latest News for Competitive Exams
Staying updated with daily current affairs is crucial for competitive exam aspirants preparing for SSC, UPSC, banking, railway, and state government examinations. Today's current affairs cover significant national developments, international events, economic updates, and sports news that are highly relevant for upcoming exams.
India – National Current Affairs
1. Government Digital Infrastructure Expansion
The Ministry of Electronics and IT announced the rollout of expanded digital infrastructure across 5,000 Gram Panchayats in seven northeastern states, aiming to improve internet connectivity and digital services delivery. This initiative is part of the BharatNet Phase III project with a budget allocation of ₹1,200 crore for Q1 2026.
2. Supreme Court Ruling on Environmental Clearances
The Supreme Court issued guidelines mandating stricter environmental impact assessments for mining projects in ecologically sensitive zones, particularly affecting operations in Western Ghats and Himalayan regions. The ruling requires state governments to submit compliance reports within 90 days.
3. Agricultural Policy Update
The Ministry of Agriculture released new guidelines for the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), expanding coverage to include horticulture crops and reducing premium rates for small and marginal farmers by 15%. The revised scheme will be effective from the Kharif 2026 season.
4. Defence Procurement Advancement
The Defence Acquisition Council approved indigenous procurement of 120 Arjun Mark-2 main battle tanks worth ₹8,400 crore, strengthening the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative in defence manufacturing. The tanks will be manufactured by Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi, Tamil Nadu.
5. Healthcare Infrastructure Development
The Union Health Ministry launched 50 new Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in tribal districts across Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh, providing comprehensive primary healthcare services. Each center will serve approximately 5,000-7,000 population in remote areas.
6. Education Sector Initiative
NITI Aayog released a report on skill development highlighting the need for 100 million skilled workers by 2030 across manufacturing, construction, and service sectors. The report recommends integration of vocational training in secondary education curriculum.
7. State Assembly Election Schedule
The Election Commission of India is expected to announce the schedule for assembly elections in two states this quarter, with preparations underway for comprehensive voter registration drives and deployment of electronic voting machines.
8. Urban Development Project
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs sanctioned ₹2,300 crore for metro rail projects in Pune and Nagpur under the Metro Neo and Metro Lite schemes, expected to cover 65 kilometers of new metro corridors.
9. Renewable Energy Milestone
India's installed solar power capacity crossed 82 GW as of January 2026, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, with Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Karnataka leading in solar energy generation.
10. Judicial Appointment
The Supreme Court Collegium recommended the appointment of four new High Court judges across Delhi, Bombay, and Madras High Courts, aimed at reducing case pendency which currently stands at over 6 million cases nationally.
International Current Affairs
1. Global Climate Conference Developments
Follow-up meetings to COP29 continued in Geneva, focusing on climate finance mechanisms and carbon credit frameworks, with developing nations demanding $500 billion annual climate funding from developed countries by 2030.
2. Middle East Diplomatic Engagement
International diplomatic efforts intensified for ceasefire negotiations in ongoing regional conflicts, with the United Nations Special Envoy conducting talks with multiple stakeholders to establish humanitarian corridors.
3. European Union Economic Policy
The European Central Bank maintained interest rates at current levels while signaling potential policy adjustments in Q2 2026 based on inflation trends, which currently stand at 2.4% across the Eurozone.
4. United States Technology Regulation
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission announced new guidelines for artificial intelligence companies regarding data privacy and algorithmic transparency, affecting major tech corporations operating globally.
5. ASEAN Economic Cooperation
Association of Southeast Asian Nations members agreed to strengthen regional supply chain resilience, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing and rare earth minerals processing, during ministerial meetings in Jakarta.
6. Africa Union Summit Preparation
Preparations advanced for the African Union Summit scheduled for February 2026 in Addis Ababa, with agenda items including continental free trade implementation and digital transformation initiatives.
7. International Space Collaboration
NASA and the European Space Agency announced joint missions for lunar exploration planned for 2027-2028, focusing on sustainable moon base development and resource utilization research.
8. Global Health Organization Update
The World Health Organization released updated guidelines for pandemic preparedness, recommending member nations maintain strategic reserves of essential medicines and strengthen surveillance systems for emerging infectious diseases.
Economy & Banking
Reserve Bank of India Monetary Policy: The RBI is scheduled to announce its bi-monthly monetary policy review in February 2026, with markets anticipating decisions on repo rates currently at 6.50%, considering retail inflation at 5.22% (November 2025 data) and GDP growth projections of 6.5-7% for FY 2025-26.
Banking Sector Performance: Public sector banks reported improved asset quality with gross NPA ratios declining to 3.2% as of December 2025, while credit growth remained robust at 15.8% year-on-year, primarily driven by retail and MSME lending.
Government Securities Market: The Government of India raised ₹32,000 crore through bond auctions in the first week of January 2026, with 10-year G-Sec yields stabilizing around 6.85%, reflecting investor confidence in fiscal consolidation efforts.
Stock Market Performance: Indian equity markets showed mixed trends with Sensex trading around 81,500 levels and Nifty near 24,800, influenced by global market movements, corporate earnings expectations, and domestic macroeconomic indicators.
Global Economic Indicators: International crude oil prices remained stable around $77-80 per barrel (Brent crude), while gold prices touched $2,075 per ounce amid geopolitical uncertainties and currency market fluctuations.
Science, Technology & Environment
ISRO Mission Update: The Indian Space Research Organisation announced successful testing of the Gaganyaan crew escape system at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, marking a critical milestone toward India's first human spaceflight mission planned for late 2026.
Climate Monitoring Initiative: The India Meteorological Department deployed 100 additional automatic weather stations across Himalayan regions to enhance climate monitoring and early warning systems for extreme weather events.
Technology Innovation: The Ministry of Electronics and IT inaugurated a semiconductor testing and packaging facility in Gujarat under the India Semiconductor Mission, with an investment of ₹3,200 crore, expected to create 1,500 jobs.
Environmental Conservation: The National Tiger Conservation Authority reported India's tiger population estimate showing stable numbers across 53 tiger reserves, with emphasis on corridor connectivity and habitat restoration programs.
Research and Development: Indian scientists at the Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully tested indigenous drone technology for high-altitude surveillance operations, enhancing border security capabilities.
Sports & Important Days
Cricket Updates: The Indian cricket team continued preparations for upcoming international series, with domestic first-class cricket tournaments (Ranji Trophy) progressing across multiple venues, identifying talent for national selection.
Badminton Championship: Indian shuttlers participated in international badminton tournaments in Southeast Asia, with several players advancing to quarter-finals and semi-finals in singles and doubles categories.
Important Days Recognition: January 9 is observed as NRI Day (Pravasi Bharatiya Divas) commemorating Mahatma Gandhi's return to India from South Africa in 1915, celebrating contributions of overseas Indian community to nation-building.
Football Developments: The Indian Super League continued its 2025-26 season with multiple matches scheduled across host cities, maintaining viewer engagement and promoting grassroots football development.
Olympic Preparations: The Sports Authority of India announced enhanced training facilities and coaching support for athletes preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, focusing on athletics, shooting, wrestling, and boxing disciplines.
Quick Revision Points for MCQ Preparation
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BharatNet Phase III: Digital infrastructure expansion in 5,000 Gram Panchayats across seven northeastern states with ₹1,200 crore allocation.
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Arjun Mark-2 Tanks: Defence procurement of 120 indigenous tanks worth ₹8,400 crore from Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi.
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India's Solar Capacity: Crossed 82 GW as of January 2026; Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka are leading states.
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RBI Repo Rate: Currently at 6.50%; next monetary policy review expected in February 2026.
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Retail Inflation: Stood at 5.22% (November 2025 data); within RBI's tolerance band.
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Banking Sector NPA: Gross NPA ratio of public sector banks declined to 3.2% (December 2025).
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Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Observed on January 9, commemorating Gandhi's return to India in 1915.
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ISRO Gaganyaan: Successful crew escape system testing completed; human spaceflight mission planned for late 2026.
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European Central Bank: Maintained current interest rates with Eurozone inflation at 2.4%.
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Metro Rail Projects: ₹2,300 crore sanctioned for Pune and Nagpur metro expansion covering 65 kilometers.
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Supreme Court Collegium: Recommended four new High Court judges for Delhi, Bombay, and Madras High Courts.
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Credit Growth: Banking sector credit growth at 15.8% year-on-year, driven by retail and MSME segments.
