20 January 2026 Current Affairs: Today's National and International News for Competitive Exams
Staying updated with today's current affairs is crucial for all competitive exam aspirants appearing for SSC, UPSC, Banking, Railway, State PSC, and other government recruitment examinations. This comprehensive coverage of 20 January 2026 current affairs includes the latest national and international news with key facts, figures, and exam-relevant details to strengthen your preparation.
India – National Current Affairs
1. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Visits India
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan paid an official visit to India on 19 January 2026 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This was his fifth visit to India in the last ten years and third official visit as UAE President. Key announcements included a 10-year LNG Supply Agreement between HPCL and ADNOC Gas for 0.5 million tonnes per year starting 2028, and discussions on UAE partnership for Dholera Special Investment Region in Gujarat including international airport, MRO facility, greenfield port, and smart township development. Both nations also explored establishing 'Digital Embassies' under mutually recognized sovereignty arrangements. Exam relevance: India-UAE bilateral relations, energy security agreements, infrastructure projects.
2. Noida Techie Death: UP CM Yogi Takes Action
Following the death of a Noida techie whose SUV fell into a 20-feet deep water-filled pit, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on 19 January 2026. Noida CEO Lokesh M was removed and placed on 'waiting' status, while a junior engineer was sacked. The incident highlighted civic infrastructure safety concerns in rapidly developing urban areas. Exam relevance: Administrative accountability, urban development challenges, disaster management.
3. PM Modi Launches ₹6,957 Crore Kaziranga Elevated Corridor
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the ₹6,957 crore Kaziranga Elevated Corridor in Assam on 18 January 2026, and flagged off two Amrit Bharat Express trains. This infrastructure project aims to reduce wildlife-vehicle conflicts while improving connectivity in the Northeast. Exam relevance: Wildlife conservation, infrastructure development, Northeast development initiatives.
4. India's First Sleeper Vande Bharat Train Launched
India's first sleeper Vande Bharat train connecting Howrah and Guwahati was launched in January 2026, with a journey time of approximately 14 hours. The train runs six days a week and was flagged off by PM Modi in Malda. The launch was accompanied by other rail and road projects worth ₹3,250 crore. Exam relevance: Make in India initiative, railway modernization, East-Northeast connectivity.
5. Second Range-wide Dolphin Survey Launched Under Project Dolphin
The second nationwide dolphin survey under Project Dolphin commenced in January 2026 from Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh. The two-phase survey covers Ganga main stem and Indus in the first phase, followed by Brahmaputra and Sundarbans. It includes assessment of Indus and Irrawaddy dolphins along with Gangetic dolphins, conducted by the Ministry of Environment to support conservation planning. Exam relevance: Wildlife conservation, Project Dolphin, river ecosystems, biodiversity.
6. Supreme Court Recommends 'Romeo-Juliet Clause' for POCSO Act
The Supreme Court of India urged the Union Law Secretary to consider introducing a 'Romeo-Juliet Clause' to prevent misuse of POCSO Act 2012 in cases involving consensual relationships between adolescents of similar age. This approach, adopted in several countries including the United States, reflects judicial concern over excessive criminalization of consensual adolescent relationships. Exam relevance: Judiciary, child protection laws, legal reforms, constitutional rights (Articles 14, 15, 19, 21).
7. India's Rice Stocks Hit 63.06 Million Metric Tonnes
As of January 1, 2026, rice stocks in India's central pool stood at 63.06 million metric tonnes (including unmilled paddy), far exceeding the prescribed norm of 7.61 million tonnes and annual NFSA welfare scheme requirements of 37.2 million tonnes. India's share of global rice production climbed from 21.95% in 2011 to about 28% in 2024, placing it ahead of China. Exam relevance: Food security, buffer stock norms, agricultural production, PDS, NFSA.
8. Indian Pharmaceutical Exports Grow 6.5% to $20.48 Billion
During April-November 2025-26, Indian pharmaceutical exports grew by 6.5% to $20.48 billion. Nigeria emerged as one of the fastest-growing markets with $179 million in exports (14% contribution to total export growth), while Brazil showed strong demand with nearly $100 million. The United States remained the largest market, accounting for over 31% of pharmaceutical exports. Exam relevance: India's pharma sector, export performance, emerging markets, healthcare access.
9. Vijender Singh Appointed to Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC)
Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh was inducted into the Asian Boxing Confederation's policymaking and strategic roles in January 2026. His nearly two decades of international experience enhances India's influence in regional sports administration and is expected to strengthen talent development and competition standards across the continent. Exam relevance: Sports administration, Indian achievements in boxing, international sports bodies.
10. Kokborok Day Observed in Tripura on 19 January
Kokborok Day (Tripuri Language Day) is observed annually on 19 January in Tripura to celebrate the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Kokborok language. In 2026, it marked the 48th anniversary of Kokborok's recognition as an official state language in 1979. Kokborok is a Tibeto-Burman language spoken by the Tripuri community and forms the core of their cultural identity. Exam relevance: Classical/scheduled languages of India, linguistic diversity, tribal communities, constitutional provisions for language.
International Current Affairs
1. Deadly Train Crash in Spain Claims at Least 40 Lives
On 18 January 2026, at least 40 people were killed and over 290 injured when two high-speed trains collided near Adamuz, Córdoba, Spain. An Iryo train traveling from Málaga to Madrid with 289 passengers derailed, crossed onto an adjacent track, and collided with a Renfe train from Madrid to Huelva carrying nearly 200 passengers. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared three days of national mourning and promised a transparent investigation. The accident became Spain's worst railway disaster since the Santiago de Compostela derailment in 2013 (79 deaths). Exam relevance: International disasters, transport safety, Spain's geography.
2. Trump Threatens 25% Tariffs on Eight European Nations Over Greenland
US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs starting at 10% on February 1, 2026, rising to 25% in June on eight NATO members (UK, France, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, Finland) opposing his plans to acquire Greenland. The eight nations issued a joint statement calling the tariff threats undermining of trans-Atlantic relations risking a "dangerous downward spiral." France suggested the EU could adopt $108 billion in retaliatory tariffs. Exam relevance: International trade, NATO, US foreign policy, geopolitical tensions.
3. IMF Revises Global Growth Forecast to 3.3% for 2026
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised its 2026 global growth projection upward to 3.3% for both 2026 and 2027, with a marginal slowdown to 3.2% expected in 2027 (released January 2026 World Economic Outlook). Technology investment, fiscal and monetary support, accommodative financial conditions offset trade policy shifts. Global inflation is expected to fall, though US inflation will return to target more gradually. Exam relevance: Global economic indicators, IMF, economic forecasting.
4. China-Central Asia Trade Exceeds $100 Billion for First Time
According to China's General Administration of Customs, trade volume between China and five Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) exceeded $100 billion in 2025 for the first time, setting a record high with improved trade structure. This occurred despite sluggish global economic growth and challenges to the international trading system. Exam relevance: China's Belt and Road Initiative, Central Asian geography, international trade.
5. Trump Forms 'Board of Peace' for Gaza Reconstruction
US President Donald Trump announced initial appointments to the "Board of Peace" for Gaza administration, which he will chair. Appointees include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, special envoy Steve Witkoff, former UK PM Tony Blair, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and a UAE minister. Critics noted Trump, Kushner, and Witkoff are real estate investors. Israel expressed concerns about the board's composition, particularly regarding Turkish involvement. Exam relevance: West Asia conflict, Israel-Palestine issue, US foreign policy, international peacekeeping.
6. Denmark and Greenland Lobby US Congress Against Trump's Acquisition Push
A bipartisan US congressional delegation traveled to Denmark on 19 January 2026 to deescalate rising tensions over Trump's push to acquire Greenland. Denmark and Greenland stepped up lobbying efforts of US lawmakers. Trump had linked his Greenland effort to Norway not awarding him the Nobel Peace Prize, stating he no longer felt "an obligation to think purely of Peace." Exam relevance: Arctic geopolitics, US-Europe relations, territorial sovereignty issues.
7. BRICS Nations Explore Interconnected Digital Currencies
BRICS nations are pursuing the use of interconnected digital currencies for cross-border trade and tourism, which could weaken US dollar dominance in international payments. The Dollar Index slipped 0.18% on this news in January 2026. Exam relevance: BRICS, digital currencies, de-dollarization, international payment systems, India's 2026 BRICS Chairmanship.
8. UN Secretary-General Marks 80th Anniversary of UN General Assembly
UN Secretary-General António Guterres spoke at Methodist Central Hall in London on 19 January 2026 to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN General Assembly, which held its inaugural session at that location. Exam relevance: United Nations, international organizations, global governance.
Economy & Banking
1. RBI Expected to Keep Rates Steady in February 2026 Policy
The Reserve Bank of India is expected to maintain key policy rates unchanged at its monetary policy review meeting scheduled for February 4-6, 2026, according to Crisil. The repo rate currently stands at 5.25% following a 25 basis points cut in December 2025. India's retail inflation rose from 0.71% in November to 1.33% in December 2025, remaining below RBI's target range of 2-4%. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra characterized India's current macroeconomic moment as a "rare goldilocks period" with high growth and exceptionally low inflation. Exam relevance: Monetary policy, repo rate, inflation targeting, RBI functions.
2. Major Banks Report Q3 FY2025-26 Results
Reliance Industries reported Q3 profit of ₹22,290 crore (+1.6% YoY) with EBITDA growth of 6.1%, though margins slipped to 17.3%. HDFC Bank's standalone Q3 profit rose 11.5% to ₹18,653.8 crore with stable asset quality and 6.4% NII growth. ICICI Bank's Q3 profit declined 4% YoY to ₹11,317.9 crore despite 7.7% rise in NII. Markets remained cautious ahead of Union Budget 2026 scheduled for February 1. Exam relevance: Banking sector, financial performance indicators (NII, EBITDA, asset quality), Union Budget timing.
3. BSE Sensex and Nifty Register Marginal Decline
On 19 January 2026, BSE Sensex fell 0.39% to 83,246.18 and NSE Nifty50 slipped 0.42% to 25,585.50 amid pre-Budget caution and renewed trade war rhetoric. Market breadth was negative with more than half of Nifty 50 constituents ending in the red. FII selling and elevated India VIX reflected heightened investor caution. Exam relevance: Stock market indices, market indicators, investor sentiment.
4. Gold and Silver Prices Surge on Safe-Haven Demand
Gold prices crossed $4,676 per ounce while silver exceeded ₹3 lakh/kg in January 2026 amid geopolitical uncertainty and safe-haven demand. Investors rotated into precious metals amid global trade tensions and market volatility. Exam relevance: Commodity markets, safe-haven assets, inflation hedging.
5. Crisil Projects India's GDP Growth at 6.7% for FY2026-27
Crisil expects India's GDP growth to moderate to 6.7% in FY2026-27 compared with the first advance estimate of 7.4% for current fiscal FY2025-26. Challenging global trade environment, moderating domestic fiscal support, and waning statistical factors are expected to drag growth. Retail inflation is projected to rise to 5.0% in FY2026-27 from an estimated 2.5% in FY2025-26. Exam relevance: GDP forecasting, economic indicators, fiscal policy impact.
Science, Technology & Environment
1. ISRO Successfully Launches PSLV-C62 Mission
ISRO kicked off 2026 with the successful launch of PSLV-C62 on 12 January 2026 at 10:18 AM from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. This was the 64th flight of PSLV, carrying the EOS-N1 (Anvesha) earth observation satellite developed by DRDO along with 18 co-passenger satellites (8 Indian, 10 international). Notable payloads included AayulSAT from OrbitAID Aerospace testing in-orbit satellite refueling technology, MOI-1 from Dhruva Space with AI capabilities for on-board image analysis, and Spain's Kestrel Initial Technology Demonstrator (KID) for re-entry testing. Exam relevance: ISRO missions, PSLV, satellite technology, space applications, Make in India in space sector.
2. Gaganyaan Program Extended with Additional ₹11,170 Crore Funding
ISRO's Gaganyaan program received additional funding of ₹11,170 crore, bringing total budget to ₹20,193 crore. The redesigned program now includes eight missions to be completed by December 2028, including four ongoing Gaganyaan missions scheduled by 2026, development of BAS-1 module, and four additional technology demonstration missions. Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla participated in Axiom Mission 4 to ISS, gaining crucial operational experience. Exam relevance: Human spaceflight program, ISRO budget, international space cooperation.
3. ISRO Announces National Space Science Symposium 2026
The 23rd National Space Science Symposium (NSSS-2026) will be held at Umiam, Shillong, hosted by North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC). The biennial event organized by ISRO caters to researchers in atmospheric, space and planetary sciences, astronomy, astrophysics, and solar system exploration. Exam relevance: ISRO initiatives, space science, research platforms.
4. Phytoplankton Bloom Observed Near Chatham Islands
During January 2026 Southern Hemisphere summer, an unusual extensive phytoplankton bloom was observed around the Chatham Islands, visible from space through NOAA-20 satellite's VIIRS sensor. Phytoplankton are microscopic photosynthetic organisms forming the foundation of marine food chains, affecting marine ecosystems, fisheries, and global carbon cycle. Exam relevance: Ocean biology, satellite remote sensing, climate change indicators, marine ecosystems.
5. Antarctica Glacier Melting Research Intensifies
Scientists are conducting research in Antarctica to explain the rapid melting of a massive glacier, with PBS reporting on January 19, 2026 from the region. The research focuses on understanding accelerated ice loss and its implications for global sea level rise. Exam relevance: Climate change, polar research, sea level rise, environmental science.
Sports & Important Days
1. NFL Divisional Round Playoffs
In NFL Divisional Round playoffs on 18-19 January 2026, New England defeated Houston 28-16, and Los Angeles Rams outlasted Chicago Bears 20-17 in overtime. The games advanced teams to the AFC and NFC Championship rounds. Exam relevance: International sports, American football.
2. Real Sociedad Defeats FC Barcelona 2-1
Real Sociedad defeated FC Barcelona 2-1 in a La Liga match on 19 January 2026. Barcelona hit the woodwork five times and faced several close refereeing calls in San Sebastian. Exam relevance: International football, major sports leagues.
3. WWE Raw Streams from Belfast
WWE Raw aired live from SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland on 19 January 2026, streaming on Netflix. CM Punk defended the World Heavyweight Championship against Finn Balor in the main event, with several superstars declaring entry into Royal Rumble matches. Exam relevance: Sports entertainment, international venues.
4. Kokborok Day – 19 January 2026
Observed annually on 19 January in Tripura, Kokborok Day (Tripuri Language Day) celebrates the linguistic and cultural heritage of Kokborok language. 2026 marks the 48th anniversary of Kokborok's recognition as an official state language in 1979. The day highlights preservation of indigenous languages through education, literature, and cultural programmes. Exam relevance: Important days, tribal languages, linguistic diversity, cultural preservation.
5. 2025 Declared International Year of Cooperatives
The United Nations declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC), highlighting India's emergence as a global leader with over 8.5 lakh registered cooperatives serving 32 crore members under the vision of "Sahkar Se Samriddhi." Exam relevance: UN observances, cooperative movement in India, socio-economic development.
Quick Revision Points for MCQ Preparation
- UAE President's India visit on 19 January 2026 was his fifth visit in ten years and third as President
- HPCL-ADNOC LNG agreement: 0.5 million tonnes per year starting 2028 for 10 years
- Kaziranga Elevated Corridor project cost: ₹6,957 crore in Assam
- India's rice stocks as on January 1, 2026: 63.06 million metric tonnes (prescribed norm: 7.61 MMT)
- India's share of global rice production in 2024: approximately 28% (2011: 21.95%)
- Indian pharma exports April-November 2025-26: $20.48 billion (growth: 6.5%)
- Spain train crash on 18 January 2026: At least 40 dead, over 290 injured near Adamuz, Córdoba
- IMF global growth forecast for 2026-27: 3.3% (revised upward)
- China-Central Asia trade in 2025: Exceeded $100 billion for first time
- RBI repo rate (December 2025): 5.25% (cut by 25 bps); next MPC meeting: February 4-6, 2026
- ISRO PSLV-C62 launch: 12 January 2026, 64th PSLV flight, carried 1+18 satellites
- Gaganyaan program total budget: ₹20,193 crore (additional allocation: ₹11,170 crore)
- BSE Sensex on 19 January 2026: 83,246.18 (down 0.39%); Nifty: 25,585.50 (down 0.42%)
- Gold price in January 2026: Above $4,676 per ounce; Silver: Over ₹3 lakh/kg
- Kokborok language recognized as official state language of Tripura in 1979 (48th anniversary in 2026)
- Trump's proposed tariffs on 8 European nations: 10% from Feb 1, rising to 25% in June 2026
Note for Aspirants: This current affairs compilation for 19 January 2026 covers major developments across national and international spheres. Regular reading and revision of such updates, along with linking them to static GK topics, will significantly enhance your exam performance. Stay updated with FreeJobAlert.com for daily current affairs coverage tailored for competitive exams.
