Current Affairs - 13 January 2026: Latest National and International News for Competitive Exams
Staying updated with today's current affairs is crucial for success in competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, banking, railways, and state PSC examinations. The 12 January 2026 current affairs cover significant national and international developments in politics, economy, science, sports, and important observances that frequently appear in exam questions.
India – National Current Affairs
1. ISRO Successfully Launches PSLV-C62 Mission
ISRO launched PSLV-C62 on 12 January 2026 at 10:17 AM from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The 64th PSLV flight carried the EOS-N1 earth observation satellite developed by DRDO for strategic purposes, along with 15 co-passenger satellites from India and international customers including Mauritius, Luxembourg, UAE, Singapore, Europe, and the United States. Exam Importance: PSLV missions, DRDO collaboration, satellite technology.
2. OrbitAid's Kestrel Initial Demonstrator on PSLV-C62
Chennai-based OrbitAid Aerospace deployed India's first commercial docking and refuelling interface in orbit through the Kestrel Initial Demonstrator (KID) on PSLV-C62. The device demonstrates in-orbit propellant transfer capabilities for satellite life-extension, servicing, and space debris reduction. Exam Importance: Private space sector development, space technology innovations.
3. RBI Takes Over Delhi Government Banking Operations
From 9 January 2026, the Reserve Bank of India assumed control of general banking operations and rupee public debt management of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi under Section 21A of the RBI Act, 1934. Exam Importance: RBI functions as banker to governments, Section 21A of RBI Act, fiscal-monetary coordination.
4. Afghanistan Appoints First Taliban Envoy to India
Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor arrived in New Delhi as Afghanistan's Charge d'Affaires, marking the first Taliban-appointed diplomat to India's embassy since the Taliban takeover in 2021. India has not officially recognized the Taliban government but continues humanitarian aid. Exam Importance: India-Afghanistan bilateral relations, Taliban government status, diplomatic protocols.
5. Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for Saurashtra-Kutch region on 11-12 January in Rajkot. The summit focused on renewable energy, sustainability, and Gujarat's target of 100 GW renewable energy capacity aligned with India's 'Panchamrit' commitments announced at COP26. Exam Importance: Climate commitments, renewable energy targets, state development initiatives.
6. President Murmu's Biography Released
A biography of President Droupadi Murmu was released with a sanitation worker performing the ceremonial release to symbolize social equality and dignity of labour. The book highlights the President's journey from tribal background to becoming India's first tribal woman President. Exam Importance: Constitutional posts, representation of tribal communities, social equality initiatives.
7. PANKHUDI Portal Launched
The Government of India launched PANKHUDI on 8 January 2026, a digital initiative by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The portal is a single-window online platform connecting citizens, NRIs, NGOs, corporates, and government bodies for supporting women and child development programs with non-cash contribution modes. Exam Importance: Digital governance, women and child welfare schemes, transparency initiatives.
8. Prasar Bharati Launches "Creator's Corner" on DD News
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched "Creator's Corner" on DD News to support India's Orange Economy (creative economy). The segment will air Monday to Friday at 7 PM featuring content from creators across themes like culture, education, health, science, and entertainment. Exam Importance: Public broadcasting, creative economy, digital content ecosystem.
9. India-Fiji Agriculture Cooperation Extended
India and Fiji agreed to extend their existing agriculture cooperation MoU for another five years during bilateral talks in New Delhi between Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Fiji's Agriculture and Waterways Minister. Both countries explored student exchange programmes and specialized training modules. Exam Importance: Bilateral cooperation, agricultural diplomacy, Pacific Island relations.
10. Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 in Lucknow
Uttar Pradesh is hosting the Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 in Lucknow on 12-13 January 2026, jointly organized by IndiaAI, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and the Government of Uttar Pradesh. The conference aims to promote responsible, inclusive, and scalable use of artificial intelligence across Indian states. Exam Importance: AI policy, digital India initiatives, state-level technology adoption.
International Current Affairs
1. Iran Protests Intensify – Over 500 Deaths Reported
Anti-regime protests in Iran have resulted in over 500 deaths including 48 security officials, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activist News Agency. Iranian authorities have arrested over 10,000 people, shut off the internet, and limited phone communications. President Trump has threatened military intervention if violence against protesters continues. Exam Importance: Middle East geopolitics, human rights issues, international intervention debates.
2. Malaysia and Indonesia Block Grok AI Chatbot
Malaysia and Indonesia became the first countries to block Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot developed by Elon Musk's xAI, after authorities said it was being misused to generate sexually explicit and non-consensual images. Exam Importance: AI regulation, digital ethics, Southeast Asian technology policies.
3. Los Angeles Wildfires – One Year Anniversary
One year after the devastating January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires (Eaton and Palisades fires), recovery efforts continue. The fires killed 31 people directly (with total deaths estimated at 440), destroyed over 17,000 homes, and displaced more than 200,000 residents. Rebuilding has been slow with fewer than 1,000 buildings under construction one year later. Exam Importance: Climate disasters, urban planning, disaster management lessons.
4. US-Venezuela Relations Developments
Following U.S. military actions in Venezuela, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced economic quarantine on Venezuelan oil until conditions meeting U.S. national interests and Venezuelan people's interests are fulfilled. The developments follow the capture of former leader Nicolas Maduro. Exam Importance: Latin American politics, U.S. foreign policy, energy geopolitics.
5. Kurdish Forces Withdraw from Aleppo, Syria
The final fighters from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) withdrew from Aleppo, Syria, following a ceasefire deal. This marks a significant shift in Syria's complex civil conflict dynamics. Exam Importance: Middle East conflicts, Kurdish autonomy issues, regional security.
6. Myanmar Genocide Hearings at ICJ
Hearings began at the International Court of Justice regarding whether Myanmar committed genocide against the Rohingya ethnic minority. The case was filed by Gambia in 2019, arguing that a 2017 military operation violated the 1948 Genocide Convention. Exam Importance: International law, human rights violations, ICJ jurisdiction.
7. U.S. Figure Skating Championships for 2026 Winter Olympics
The U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis serve as the final qualifier for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortino, Italy. World champion Ilia Malinin and returning Olympic champion Alysa Liu lead their respective competitions. Exam Importance: Winter Olympics 2026, international sports events.
8. Trump Administration and Federal Reserve Tensions
The U.S. Department of Justice opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, which Powell called a "pretext" by President Trump to pressure the Fed into cutting interest rates. The move caused initial market volatility before stocks recovered. Exam Importance: Central bank independence, U.S. monetary policy, political-economic relations.
Economy & Banking
1. Indian Rupee Depreciation
The Indian rupee closed at ₹90.16 per USD on 11 January 2026, marking a 26 paise depreciation from the previous session. Exam Importance: Currency fluctuations, forex markets, economic indicators.
2. Government Pegs Real GDP Growth at 7.4%
The Indian government estimated real GDP growth at 7.4% amid concerns over global tariffs and trade tensions. Exam Importance: Economic growth projections, GDP calculations, macroeconomic indicators.
3. U.S. Stock Market Performance
The S&P 500 rose to 6,983 points on 12 January 2026, gaining 0.24% and hitting new records. Goldman Sachs Research projects the S&P 500 to produce a 12% total return in 2026, expecting earnings per share to increase 12% in 2026. Exam Importance: Global markets, investment trends, economic forecasts.
4. Gold and Silver Prices in India
As of 12 January 2026, 24-carat gold is priced at ₹13,621 per gram, while 22-carat gold is priced at ₹12,486 per gram. Gold prices have witnessed a mild increase driven by steady global demand and inflationary pressures. Exam Importance: Commodity markets, inflation indicators, precious metals trading.
5. Trump Administration Credit Card Interest Cap Proposal
President Trump announced plans to cap credit card interest rates at 10% for one year, causing financial services stocks including JPMorgan, Visa, and Mastercard to fall close to 3%. Exam Importance: Financial regulations, consumer protection, banking sector impacts.
6. Federal Reserve Rate Cut Expectations
Goldman Sachs economists expect the Fed to make two rate cuts of 25 basis points each in 2026. Throughout 2025, the Federal Reserve cut rates three times due to deteriorating labor market conditions. Exam Importance: Monetary policy, interest rate mechanisms, central banking decisions.
7. India-EU Free Trade Agreement Negotiations
India and EU officials are working to fast-track India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations after the Commerce Minister's Brussels visit, focusing on rules-based trade and protection for farmers and MSMEs. Exam Importance: Trade agreements, India-EU relations, MSME protection.
8. Axis Finance Launches Collateral-Free Business Loans
Axis Finance launched 'Vyapar' collateral-free business loans of up to ₹10 lakh for MSMEs across semi-urban and rural India. Exam Importance: MSME financing, financial inclusion, rural economy development.
Science, Technology & Environment
1. ISRO's EOS-N1 Strategic Satellite
ISRO's PSLV-C62 successfully deployed EOS-N1, an earth observation satellite developed by DRDO for strategic surveillance and monitoring purposes. Exam Importance: Space technology for defense, earth observation systems, DRDO-ISRO collaboration.
2. In-Orbit Refuelling Technology Demonstration
OrbitAid Aerospace's Kestrel Initial Demonstrator showcased India's capabilities in in-orbit propellant transfer, docking readiness, and satellite servicing technology, laying foundation for an on-orbit space economy. Exam Importance: Space debris reduction, satellite life-extension technologies, commercial space sector.
3. AI Regulation in Southeast Asia
Malaysia and Indonesia's blocking of Grok AI chatbot highlights growing concerns about AI ethics, non-consensual content generation, and the need for regulatory frameworks in developing nations. Exam Importance: AI governance, technology ethics, digital policy frameworks.
4. Climate Change and LA Wildfires
Analysis from Climate Central and World Weather Attribution found that climate change strongly increased the likelihood of the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires through increased temperatures (up to 5°C), precipitation decreases (up to 15%), and wind speed increases (up to 5 km/h). Exam Importance: Climate change impacts, urban disaster vulnerability, fire season extension.
5. Cold Wave Conditions in Northern India
IMD issued alerts for severe cold wave conditions in Rajasthan on 12-13 January 2026, with cold wave impacts expected in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi from 11-14 January. Kashmir experienced minimum temperatures below zero with Dal Lake partially frozen. Exam Importance: Weather patterns, IMD alerts, seasonal phenomena.
Sports & Important Days
1. National Youth Day – 12 January 2026
Observed annually on 12 January to commemorate Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary (born 12 January 1863). President Droupadi Murmu paid tribute to his role in awakening India's spiritual and national consciousness. Exam Importance: National observances, Swami Vivekananda's contributions, youth empowerment.
2. Virat Kohli's Match-Winning Performance
Virat Kohli scored a match-winning knock helping India chase a target of 301 runs against an opponent, securing victory with four wickets in hand. Kohli was named Player of the Match, giving India a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. Exam Importance: Cricket achievements, Indian sports personalities.
3. FIFA World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour in India
The FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy began a three-day India tour starting 10 January. The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico. Exam Importance: Football World Cup, mega sporting events, sports diplomacy.
4. 2026 Winter Olympics Qualifier – Figure Skating
U.S. Figure Skating Championships (8-12 January) in St. Louis serve as the final qualifier for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortino, Italy (February 2026). Exam Importance: Winter Olympics 2026 venue, Olympic qualification process.
5. NFL Playoffs 2026
The NFL Wild Card playoffs are underway with the Kansas City Chiefs missing the playoffs for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era, making the tournament wide open. The 49ers defeated defending champion Eagles in an NFC wild-card game. Exam Importance: International sports events, American football championships.
6. Indian Army Officer Wins UN Award
Major Swathi Shantha Kumar earned global recognition by winning the UN Secretary-General's Award 2025 for gender-inclusive peacekeeping. Exam Importance: UN peacekeeping, women in defense, international recognition.
7. Italy Honours Goa-Based Industrialist
Italy bestowed the Cavaliere dell'Ordine della Stella d'Italia on Goa-based industrialist Shrinivas Dempo for his efforts in assisting Italian citizens living in India and strengthening India-Italy cooperation. Exam Importance: India-Italy bilateral relations, civilian honors, cultural diplomacy.
Quick Revision Points for MCQ Preparation
- ISRO launched PSLV-C62 on 12 January 2026 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, carrying EOS-N1 satellite.
- National Youth Day is observed on 12 January to commemorate Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary (born 1863).
- RBI took over Delhi Government banking operations from 9 January 2026 under Section 21A of RBI Act, 1934.
- Afghanistan's first Taliban-appointed envoy to India: Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor.
- PANKHUDI portal launched by Ministry of Women and Child Development on 8 January 2026.
- OrbitAid Aerospace (Chennai-based startup) deployed India's first commercial in-orbit docking and refuelling interface.
- Iran protests death toll: Over 500 deaths reported, with 10,000+ arrests.
- Malaysia and Indonesia became first countries to block Grok AI chatbot by Elon Musk's xAI.
- Indian rupee closed at ₹90.16 per USD on 11 January 2026.
- 24-carat gold price: ₹13,621 per gram on 12 January 2026.
- 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Milano Cortino, Italy.
- Los Angeles wildfires (January 2025) anniversary marked: 31 direct deaths, over 17,000 homes destroyed.
- Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference 2026 held on 11-12 January in Rajkot.
- President Droupadi Murmu: India's first tribal woman President.
- FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico.
- Major Swathi Shantha Kumar won UN Secretary-General's Award 2025 for gender-inclusive peacekeeping.
Note: This article is prepared for educational purposes to help aspirants prepare for competitive examinations. All information is sourced from verified news agencies and government announcements as of 12 January 2026.
