Current Affairs: 21 January 2026 – Today's National and International News for Competitive Exams
Staying updated with the latest current affairs is crucial for competitive exam aspirants preparing for SSC, UPSC, banking, railway, and state government examinations. Today's compilation covers major national and international developments from the past 24-48 hours that are important for your exam preparation.
India – National Current Affairs
1. Donald Trump Inaugurated as 47th US President – Implications for India Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on 20 January 2026 in Washington, D.C. This development is significant for India-US bilateral relations, trade agreements, defense cooperation, and geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region, making it relevant for international relations and polity sections in competitive exams.
2. Republic Day 2026 Preparations Intensify With Republic Day scheduled for 26 January 2026, security arrangements and rehearsals are underway at Rajpath (Kartavya Path) in New Delhi. The chief guest and parade details are important for general awareness sections, and candidates should note the theme and participating states for current affairs questions.
3. Winter Session Parliamentary Developments Parliament continues discussions on key legislative matters including budget preparations and policy reforms. Aspirants should track major bills, constitutional amendments, and government policy announcements as these frequently appear in polity and governance questions.
4. Agricultural Policy Updates The government has been reviewing agricultural support mechanisms and minimum support price (MSP) frameworks ahead of the upcoming budget session. Changes in farm policies, procurement prices, and rural development schemes are important for economy and agriculture-related questions.
5. Infrastructure Development Projects Major highway and railway connectivity projects are being inaugurated across multiple states as part of the National Infrastructure Pipeline. Details about project locations, investment amounts, and beneficiary states are relevant for current affairs MCQs.
6. State Election Preparations The Election Commission of India is preparing for upcoming assembly elections in various states. Candidates should note election schedules, important dates, and electoral reforms for polity and current affairs sections.
7. Education Policy Implementation States continue implementing provisions of the National Education Policy 2020 with focus on skill development and digital education infrastructure. Policy updates, new initiatives, and implementation timelines are important for teaching exams and general awareness.
8. Healthcare Initiatives Government healthcare programs and vaccination drives are being expanded with focus on preventive healthcare and rural medical infrastructure. Scheme names, target beneficiaries, and implementation details appear frequently in current affairs questions.
9. Digital India Initiatives New digital governance platforms and e-services are being launched to improve citizen service delivery. Technology adoption in governance, app launches, and digital payment milestones are relevant for banking and general awareness sections.
10. Environmental and Climate Actions India's commitments to climate goals and renewable energy targets continue with new solar and wind energy projects being announced. Renewable energy capacity additions, climate agreements, and environmental policies are important for environment-related questions.
International Current Affairs
1. US Presidential Inauguration – Global Impact Donald Trump's inauguration as the 47th US President marks a significant shift in global politics with potential impacts on international trade, climate agreements, NATO relations, and US foreign policy across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
2. World Economic Forum in Davos The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting is taking place in Davos, Switzerland, with world leaders and business executives discussing global economic challenges, technological disruption, climate change, and geopolitical tensions.
3. Middle East Developments Ongoing diplomatic efforts continue in the Middle East region with focus on peace initiatives and regional stability. Aspirants should track key agreements, ceasefire developments, and international mediation efforts.
4. European Union Policy Updates The European Union is addressing economic challenges, energy security concerns, and immigration policies. EU decisions on trade, regulations, and partnerships with other nations are relevant for international relations questions.
5. China's Economic Indicators China released recent economic data showing GDP growth trends and manufacturing activity indicators. As India's major trade partner and regional competitor, China's economic performance affects global markets and bilateral relations.
6. United Nations Initiatives The UN continues its peacekeeping operations and sustainable development initiatives with focus on climate action, humanitarian assistance, and conflict resolution in various regions.
7. Global Health Updates The World Health Organization is monitoring disease outbreaks and coordinating international health responses. WHO guidelines, health emergency declarations, and vaccination programs are important for current affairs.
8. Space Exploration Developments International space agencies including NASA, ESA, and others are conducting missions and research programs. Space treaties, satellite launches, and collaborative projects between nations appear in science and technology sections.
Economy & Banking
1. RBI Monetary Policy Stance The Reserve Bank of India maintains its policy approach on interest rates and inflation management with focus on economic growth and price stability. The current repo rate, inflation targets, and RBI governor's statements are crucial for banking exams.
2. Budget 2026 Preparations The Union Budget 2026-27 is scheduled for early February with expectations of announcements on taxation, capital expenditure, and sector-specific allocations. Budget dates, Finance Minister details, and economic survey findings are exam-relevant.
3. Banking Sector Performance Public and private sector banks are reporting quarterly results with indicators on credit growth, non-performing assets (NPAs), and digital banking adoption. Banking sector statistics and regulatory changes appear in banking awareness sections.
4. Stock Market Movements Indian equity markets (Sensex and Nifty) are responding to global cues, corporate earnings, and policy announcements. Market indices, sectoral performance, and foreign institutional investor (FII) activity are tracked for current affairs.
5. Global Economic Indicators International markets are monitoring US Federal Reserve policy, crude oil prices, and currency exchange rate movements. The USD-INR exchange rate and commodity prices affect India's economy and appear in economic current affairs.
6. Government Schemes and Subsidies Updates on schemes like PM-KISAN, MGNREGA allocations, and subsidy distributions are being announced. Scheme beneficiaries, budget allocations, and implementation status are important for general awareness.
Science, Technology & Environment
1. ISRO Mission Updates The Indian Space Research Organisation is progressing with its satellite launch schedule and space exploration programs. Upcoming missions, satellite names, launch vehicles (PSLV/GSLV), and international collaborations are frequently asked in exams.
2. Technology and Innovation Developments in artificial intelligence, 5G network expansion, and semiconductor manufacturing initiatives are shaping India's technology landscape. Government initiatives like Digital India and Make in India technology components are exam-relevant.
3. Climate Change Initiatives India's renewable energy capacity additions and climate commitments under international agreements like the Paris Accord continue. Targets for solar energy, wind power, and carbon emission reductions appear in environment questions.
4. Scientific Research Achievements Indian research institutions and scientists are making advances in various fields including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and materials science. Awards, breakthroughs, and institutional achievements are important for science current affairs.
5. Environmental Protection Measures Government policies on pollution control, wildlife conservation, and forest protection are being implemented across states. Environmental laws, protected areas, and conservation projects are relevant for exam preparation.
Sports & Important Days
1. Upcoming Sporting Events International cricket series, football tournaments, and Olympic qualification events are scheduled with Indian athletes participating across disciplines. Tournament names, host countries, and Indian team compositions are important for sports current affairs.
2. Awards and Recognitions National sports awards including Khel Ratna, Arjuna Awards, and Dronacharya Awards recipients from recent ceremonies should be noted. Award names, recipients, and their achievements appear frequently in exams.
3. Important Days in January 2026
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti: 23 January (Parakram Diwas)
- Republic Day: 26 January
- International Day of Education: 24 January
These observance days, their themes, and significance are standard current affairs questions.
4. Indian Athletes' International Performances Indian sportspersons competing in global championships and tournaments are bringing recognition to the country. Athlete names, sports disciplines, and medal achievements should be tracked for sports awareness.
Quick Revision Points for MCQ Preparation
- Donald Trump inaugurated as 47th US President on 20 January 2026
- India's 77th Republic Day scheduled for 26 January 2026
- RBI's current policy stance focuses on inflation control and growth balance
- Union Budget 2026-27 expected in early February
- ISRO continues satellite launch missions under India's space program
- World Economic Forum Annual Meeting held in Davos, Switzerland
- Parakram Diwas observed on 23 January (Netaji's birth anniversary)
- India's renewable energy targets aligned with Paris Climate Agreement commitments
- National Education Policy 2020 implementation continues across states
- Banking sector quarterly results showing credit growth and NPA trends
- Digital India initiatives expanding e-governance and digital payment infrastructure
- International Day of Education observed on 24 January globally
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