Current Affairs for 22 January 2026

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22 January 2026 Current Affairs: Today's National and International News for Competitive Exams

Staying updated with today's current affairs is essential for candidates preparing for SSC, UPSC, banking, railway, and state-level competitive exams. This article covers major developments from January 21, 2026, across national, international, economy, science, and sports domains.

India – National Current Affairs (22 January 2026)

1. Election Commission Files Strong Affidavit Against West Bengal CM
The Election Commission of India submitted a strongly-worded affidavit before the Supreme Court, accusing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of creating a hostile environment against the State Investigation Register (SIR) and highlighting instances of violence and intimidation in the state. This development is significant for polity and governance questions in UPSC and state PSC exams.

2. India Defeats New Zealand in First T20I by 48 Runs
India won the first T20I against New Zealand by 48 runs in Nagpur on January 21, 2026. Abhishek Sharma scored a blistering 84 off 35 balls, while Rinku Singh contributed an unbeaten 44 off 20 balls, helping India post 238/7. New Zealand was restricted to 190/7, with Glenn Phillips scoring 78 off 40. This five-match series serves as crucial preparation ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup beginning February 7, 2026.

3. Home Minister Amit Shah's Two-Day Uttarakhand Visit
Union Home Minister Amit Shah began a two-day visit to Uttarakhand on January 21, 2026. He attended events in Rishikesh and Haridwar, including addressing the Shantikunj Shatabdi Samaroh (centenary celebration) in Haridwar, highlighting the government's focus on cultural and spiritual tourism development.

4. ISRO PSLV-C62 Mission Encounters Anomaly
ISRO's first space mission of 2026 faced a setback when the PSLV-C62 mission encountered an anomaly during the third stage (PS3) on January 12, 2026. The mission was intended to launch the EOS-N1 Anvesha spy satellite along with 18 co-passenger satellites. This marks the second consecutive PSLV failure, raising concerns about the reliability of India's workhorse rocket. Critical for science and technology sections in all competitive exams.

5. Shiv Sena Political Developments in Maharashtra
In Maharashtra politics, Shiv Sena factions led by Eknath Shinde saw political realignments in Kalyan-Dombivali and BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation), with councillors from rival Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS extending support. Uddhav Thackeray's faction asked all councillors to submit affidavits of support. Important for current polity questions.

6. IED Recovered in Jammu & Kashmir Ahead of Republic Day
Security forces recovered a 6-kg Improvised Explosive Device (IED) from a garden in Shopian, Jammu & Kashmir, during a search operation ahead of Republic Day celebrations on January 26. This highlights ongoing security challenges and is relevant for internal security topics in Mains and Prelims.

7. Noida Engineer Death Case: Builder Sent to Judicial Custody
In the Noida engineer death case, accused builder Abhay was sent to judicial custody on January 21, 2026. The case involves alleged harassment and has drawn significant media attention regarding builder-buyer disputes and law enforcement.

8. RBI Bulletin Highlights Economic Optimism
The Reserve Bank of India's January 2026 bulletin stated that despite elevated geopolitical risks and policy uncertainty, the current state of India's economy provides ground for optimism. The RBI emphasized that India will remain the fastest-growing major economy with GDP growth estimates for 2025-26 indicating strong performance driven by domestic factors.

9. Himachal Pradesh Seeks Higher Apple Import Duty
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister urged the Centre to increase import duty on foreign apples from 50% to 100% and impose a seasonal ban from July to November to protect approximately 2.5 lakh apple farmers. This follows the Centre's decision to cut import duty on New Zealand apples to 25% for April-August under the India-New Zealand FTA. Relevant for agriculture and economy sections.

10. Digital Arrest Scams: MHA Committee Examines Solutions
A high-level inter-departmental committee (IDC) constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs is examining systemic solutions to combat rising "digital arrest" scams, including a transaction "kill switch" and fraud insurance mechanism. This addresses the surge in cyber-enabled frauds where scammers impersonate law enforcement officials via video calls.

International Current Affairs (22 January 2026)

1. Trump Addresses World Economic Forum in Davos
US President Donald Trump addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 21, 2026, stating "Without us, most of the countries don't even work." He softened earlier threats regarding Greenland, ruling out military force but continuing to emphasize security concerns. Trump also backpedaled on threats of tariffs against Europe, creating cautious optimism in global markets.

2. IMF World Economic Outlook Update Released
The International Monetary Fund released its World Economic Outlook Update on January 21, 2026, titled "Global Economy: Steady amid Divergent Forces." Global growth is projected at 3.3% for 2026 and 3.2% for 2027. India's growth was revised upward to 7.3% for 2025 and projected at 6.4% for both 2026 and 2027, making it the fastest-growing major economy. China's 2025 GDP growth came in at 5%, with projections of 4.5% for 2026.

3. Trump's "Board of Peace" Initiative
The United States is hosting a signing ceremony on the margins of the World Economic Forum for Trump's "Board of Peace" initiative, designed to oversee Gaza reconstruction. The initiative has a two-year UN Security Council mandate, though several countries including Norway have declined to participate. The official charter makes no direct reference to Gaza despite its origins.

4. ICC Decision on Bangladesh T20 World Cup Participation
The International Cricket Council gave Bangladesh one day to decide whether its team will travel to India for the T20 World Cup or face expulsion from the tournament. Bangladesh cited safety concerns and requested venue changes from India to Sri Lanka for their four group-stage fixtures scheduled in Kolkata and Mumbai. The ICC decided to proceed with the published schedule unchanged.

5. Chagos Archipelago Sovereignty Dispute
The UK government is finalizing a deal to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius by May 2026, while retaining the Diego Garcia military base on lease for at least 99 years. This development involves India's strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region and raises questions about historical colonial issues and current geopolitics.

6. Geomagnetic Storm Lights Up Global Skies
A powerful G4 (Severe) Geomagnetic Storm caused by solar activity lit up night skies with spectacular auroras visible across multiple continents. This occurred when there was efficient energy exchange from the solar wind into Earth's magnetosphere, relevant for science and disaster management topics.

7. Stock Markets Rally on Greenland Deal Framework
Global stock markets rallied on January 21, 2026, with the S&P 500 adding 1.2% in its biggest advance since November, as President Trump claimed a framework for a deal with NATO regarding Greenland that would avoid tariffs. Energy shares hit all-time highs.

8. Sudan Conflict: Drone Strikes Intensify
Drone strikes intensified around al-Obeid in North Kordofan, Sudan, with residents reporting repeated attacks and worsening insecurity on key routes. Earlier strikes on funeral gatherings killed dozens of civilians, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.

Economy & Banking (22 January 2026)

1. RBI Financial Stability Report Highlights
The RBI's December 2025 Financial Stability Report showed that the Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) ratio of Scheduled Commercial Banks declined to a multi-decadal low of 2.2% as of September 2025. The Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) remained strong with public sector banks at 16% and private sector banks at 18.1%. The report flagged concerns about unsecured loans, particularly in the fintech sector which grew by 36.1%.

2. RBI Warning on Foreign Stablecoins
The RBI's Financial Stability Report warned that widespread adoption of foreign-currency-denominated stablecoins could undermine India's monetary sovereignty, weaken policy transmission, and facilitate money laundering. This is critical for understanding digital currency risks.

3. India's Financial Assets and Liabilities Growth
According to an RBI study published in the January bulletin, India's financial assets and liabilities registered strong growth of 13.9% and 12.7% respectively in 2023-24, reflecting robust economic growth, high financial intermediation, and deepening linkages among institutional sectors.

4. Indian Rupee Depreciation
Till January 19, 2026, the Indian rupee depreciated by 1.2% over its end-December level against the US dollar, influenced by falling terms of trade, higher tariffs, and a slowdown in capital flows. However, foreign direct investment (FDI) remained higher than the previous year in gross terms during April-November 2025.

5. RBI Manages Delhi Government Banking Operations
From January 9, 2026, the RBI took over general banking operations and rupee public debt management of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi under Section 21A of the RBI Act, 1934.

6. New Digital Banking Compliance Rules
From January 1, 2026, only banks approved under new RBI digital banking guidelines can provide internet, mobile, USSD, and SMS services. All banks must offer full digital banking services free of cost to Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) account holders. Higher liquidity buffer mandates will apply to banks with large digital deposit bases from April 1, 2026.

7. OMO and Liquidity Measures
The RBI conducted its fourth tranche of Open Market Operations (OMO) on January 22, 2026, purchasing government securities worth ₹50,000 crore to inject liquidity into the banking system. This was part of a total ₹2 lakh crore OMO plan announced earlier.

Science, Technology & Environment (22 January 2026)

1. ISRO PSLV-C62 Mission Failure Analysis
Following the PSLV-C62 mission anomaly during the PS3 stage on January 12, 2026, ISRO is conducting a detailed analysis. This marks the second consecutive PSLV third-stage failure, affecting India's reliable workhorse rocket. The mission carried the strategic EOS-N1 Anvesha spy satellite and 18 co-passenger satellites including Indian payloads like AyulSat for in-orbit refueling demonstration.

2. ISRO's Upcoming Gaganyaan Mission
ISRO announced that the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission (HLVM3 G1/OM1) carrying the humanoid robot Vyommitra is scheduled for early 2026. The mission will demonstrate end-to-end capabilities including aerodynamics of the human-rated launch vehicle, orbital module operations, and crew module re-entry and recovery.

3. India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management
The India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) will host the inaugural India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. This is the largest global conference of its kind in democracy and election management hosted by India.

4. Aditya-L1 Mission Insights on Solar Storms
ISRO's Aditya-L1 solar mission provided new insights into how powerful solar storms impact Earth's magnetic shield. A study published in the Astrophysical Journal in December 2025 analyzed a major space weather event from October 2024, using observations to decode the impact of massive solar plasma eruptions.

5. Reusable Rocket Technology Development
As covered in current affairs analysis, India is developing reusable rocket technology to compete globally. ISRO is working on advanced Ceramic Matrix Composites for thermal protection systems and LOX/Methane engines for the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) Soorya, aimed at reducing launch costs significantly.

6. Technology Demonstration Satellite (TDS-01) Mission
ISRO's PSLV C63/TDS-01 mission is planned to demonstrate new technologies including high-thrust electric propulsion systems, indigenous TWT (Travelling Wave Tube) amplifiers, and quantum key distribution for secure satellite communications.

7. Internet Governance Capacity Building Scheme Completes One Year
The India International Internet Governance Capacity Building Scheme (IGICBS), launched in 2025, completed one year in January 2026. The national program trains India's youth in internet governance, enabling participation in global internet policy forums and strengthening India's voice in global decision-making platforms.

Sports & Important Days (22 January 2026)

Sports Highlights:

1. India vs New Zealand 1st T20I Result
India defeated New Zealand by 48 runs in the first T20I at Nagpur on January 21, 2026. Match highlights: India scored 238/7 with Abhishek Sharma's explosive 84 (35 balls) and Rinku Singh's unbeaten 44 (20 balls). New Zealand was restricted to 190/7 despite Glenn Phillips' 78 (40 balls). Player of the Match: Abhishek Sharma. The highest match aggregate involving India and New Zealand in T20Is at 428 runs.

2. Women's Premier League 2026 Continues
The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 is underway with matches being played at Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz are competing.

3. Vidarbha Wins Vijay Hazare Trophy
Vidarbha won their first Vijay Hazare Trophy title, defeating Saurashtra by 38 runs in the final played in Bengaluru. This is a significant domestic cricket achievement.

4. Khelo India Winter Games 2026 Begins in Ladakh
The Khelo India Winter Games 2026 opened in Ladakh with Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta gracing the ceremony. Twenty-one states and Union Territories are competing in ice sporting events including hockey and skating, with approximately 1,000 participants including 472 athletes.

5. PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen Advance in Indonesia Masters
Indian badminton players PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, and Kidambi Srikanth won their first-round matches at the BWF Indonesia Masters tournament.

6. Hockey India League Action
The Hero Hockey India League 2025-26 continues with matches in Chennai, Ranchi, and Bhubaneswar. Hyderabad Toofans clinched a 3-2 win to jump to third place.

Important Days:

1. National Hugging Day (USA)
January 21 is celebrated as National Hugging Day in the United States, promoting the health benefits of physical affection and emotional connection.

2. International Sweatpants Day
Observed globally to celebrate comfort and casual loungewear, encouraging people to embrace relaxed fashion.

3. National Squirrel Appreciation Day
Celebrated annually on January 21 to honor these rodents found on most continents.

4. Museum Selfie Day
An international observance encouraging people to visit museums and share their experiences through selfies on social media.

5. Flag Day in Quebec, Canada
Commemorates the adoption of Quebec's flag in 1948.

Quick Revision Points for MCQ Preparation

1. PSLV-C62 mission encountered anomaly during PS3 stage on January 12, 2026 – Second consecutive PSLV failure.
2. India defeated New Zealand by 48 runs in 1st T20I at Nagpur on January 21, 2026 – Abhishek Sharma scored 84 off 35 balls.
3. IMF World Economic Outlook Update released January 21, 2026 – Global growth projected at 3.3% for 2026.
4. India's GDP growth projected at 6.4% for 2026 and 2027 by IMF – Fastest-growing major economy.
5. RBI GNPA ratio declined to 2.2% as of September 2025 – Multi-decadal low for Indian banks.
6. ICC gave Bangladesh one day to decide on T20 World Cup participation – Dispute over playing matches in India.
7. T20 World Cup 2026 begins on February 7, 2026 – Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
8. Election Commission filed affidavit against West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee – Alleging hostile environment against SIR.
9. 6 kg IED recovered in Shopian, J&K ahead of Republic Day – Security alert in Kashmir valley.
10. Trump addressed WEF in Davos on January 21, 2026 – Softened stance on Greenland, ruled out military force.
11. China's 2025 GDP growth at 5% – Aligned with IMF projections.
12. RBI manages Delhi government banking operations from January 9, 2026 – Under Section 21A of RBI Act.
13. Himachal Pradesh seeks 100% import duty on foreign apples – To protect 2.5 lakh farmers.
14. IICDEM 2026 to be hosted at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi – Largest global democracy and election conference.
15. Vidarbha won first Vijay Hazare Trophy – Defeated Saurashtra by 38 runs.
16. Aditya-L1 provided insights on solar storms impacting Earth – Study published in Astrophysical Journal.

Note: All information presented is based on verified news sources from January 21, 2026. Candidates should cross-reference with official sources for exam preparation.