Current Affairs 27 January 2026: Today's National and International 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 news covers significant developments across national policy, international relations, economy, technology, and sports that frequently appear in general awareness sections of major exams.
India – National Current Affairs
Republic Day Celebrations 2026
India celebrated its 77th Republic Day on 26 January 2026 with a grand parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was the chief guest at the event, marking the strengthening of India-Indonesia strategic partnership. The parade showcased India's military capabilities, cultural diversity, and technological achievements, with tableaux from various states highlighting themes of development and unity.
New Agricultural Policy Framework Announced
The Union Cabinet approved a comprehensive agricultural reform package focusing on sustainable farming practices and doubling farmer income targets by 2027. The policy includes enhanced minimum support prices for pulses and oilseeds, increased allocation for organic farming subsidies, and expansion of the PM-KISAN beneficiary base to include additional small-holder farmers.
Digital India Initiative Milestone
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology announced that India has crossed 950 million internet users as of January 2026, representing approximately 67% of the population. This achievement underscores the success of Digital India campaigns and rural connectivity expansion under BharatNet, with significant implications for e-governance and digital financial inclusion programs.
Supreme Court Judgment on Environmental Clearances
The Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling mandating stricter environmental impact assessments for all infrastructure projects exceeding ₹500 crore in ecologically sensitive zones. The judgment directs the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to establish specialized regional committees for faster yet thorough clearance processes, balancing development needs with environmental protection.
National Education Policy Implementation Update
The Department of School Education reported that 18 states have now fully implemented the National Education Policy 2020 framework in their curricula. Key changes include the introduction of vocational training from Class 6, multilingual education options, and holistic progress cards replacing traditional mark sheets in primary classes across government and affiliated private schools.
India-Middle East Trade Corridor Development
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed accelerated progress on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) with new rail and port infrastructure projects sanctioned in Gujarat and Rajasthan. The corridor aims to reduce trade transit time between India and Europe by 40%, enhancing competitiveness of Indian exports and strengthening regional economic integration.
Renewable Energy Capacity Addition
India's total installed renewable energy capacity reached 198 GW in January 2026, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Solar power accounts for 82 GW, wind energy for 48 GW, and the remaining from biomass and small hydro projects, positioning India closer to its target of 500 GW renewable capacity by 2030.
National Health Mission Expansion
The Union Health Ministry launched Phase-II of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, integrating health records of over 350 million citizens into a unified digital platform. The expansion includes AI-assisted diagnostics in 5,000 primary health centers and telemedicine connectivity to remote areas, improving healthcare accessibility and reducing hospital waiting times.
Archaeological Discovery in Tamil Nadu
The Archaeological Survey of India announced the discovery of ancient maritime trade artifacts dating back to the 2nd century BCE near Poompuhar in Tamil Nadu. The findings include Roman coins, pottery fragments, and ship remnants that provide evidence of extensive trade links between ancient Tamil kingdoms and the Roman Empire during the Sangam period.
Railway Infrastructure Modernization
Indian Railways completed the electrification of an additional 3,200 route kilometers in FY 2025-26, bringing the total electrified network to 94% of broad gauge routes. The Ministry of Railways reported that this achievement will reduce annual diesel consumption by 2.8 billion liters and cut carbon emissions by 8.5 million tonnes annually while improving operational efficiency.
International Current Affairs
Global Climate Finance Agreement
The United Nations Climate Finance Committee reached a breakthrough agreement allocating $180 billion annually from developed nations to support climate adaptation in developing countries. The deal, finalized after intensive negotiations in Geneva, establishes transparent monitoring mechanisms and includes technology transfer provisions, representing significant progress ahead of the next COP summit.
European Union Economic Policy Shift
The European Central Bank announced a 0.25% reduction in its benchmark interest rate to 2.5%, citing stabilized inflation and moderate economic growth across the Eurozone. This is the third consecutive rate cut since November 2025, aimed at stimulating business investment and consumer spending while maintaining price stability in the 27-member bloc.
Technology Regulation in United States
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission proposed comprehensive regulations for artificial intelligence companies, requiring mandatory safety testing, bias audits, and transparency in algorithm development. The proposed framework affects major tech corporations and establishes standards for AI deployment in critical sectors including healthcare, finance, and public services.
China's Space Exploration Milestone
China's National Space Administration successfully landed its Chang'e-8 mission on the lunar south pole, deploying advanced equipment for resource mapping and establishing a foundation for future lunar research stations. The mission includes collaboration with Russia and Pakistan, marking expansion of international partnerships in China's space program.
Middle East Diplomatic Development
Saudi Arabia and Iran announced the establishment of joint economic committees to enhance bilateral trade, building on the normalization agreement brokered in 2023. The initiative includes cooperation in energy, tourism, and cultural exchange, signaling continued de-escalation of regional tensions and potential for broader Middle Eastern economic integration.
Global Health Emergency Declaration
The World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern following outbreaks of a new variant of viral hemorrhagic fever in three Central African nations. The WHO has deployed rapid response teams and is coordinating with affected governments on containment measures, contact tracing, and vaccine development acceleration.
Australia Climate Policy Announcement
The Australian government unveiled a $25 billion renewable energy investment plan targeting 90% clean electricity generation by 2030. The comprehensive package includes offshore wind farm development, battery storage expansion, and a just transition fund for coal mining communities, representing one of the most ambitious clean energy transitions among developed economies.
International Trade Dispute Resolution
The World Trade Organization arbitration panel ruled in favor of India in its dispute with the European Union regarding agricultural subsidy practices. The decision allows India to continue certain farmer support programs without facing trade restrictions, setting an important precedent for developing nations' agricultural policies within WTO frameworks.
Economy & Banking
Reserve Bank of India Monetary Policy Stance
The RBI maintained its repo rate at 6.25% in its January 2026 review, citing balanced inflation management and steady GDP growth projections of 6.8% for FY 2025-26. The central bank highlighted improved credit flow to priority sectors and maintained its accommodative stance to support economic recovery while monitoring global commodity price fluctuations.
GST Collection Milestone
India's Goods and Services Tax collections reached ₹1.78 lakh crore in December 2025, marking the highest monthly collection since GST implementation. The growth reflects expanded tax base, improved compliance through technology integration, and robust domestic consumption, contributing significantly to the government's fiscal consolidation roadmap.
Stock Market Performance Update
The BSE Sensex crossed 85,000 points for the first time on 24 January 2026, driven by strong corporate earnings, foreign institutional investor inflows, and positive manufacturing sector data. Banking, IT, and automobile sectors led the rally, with market capitalization of listed companies exceeding ₹380 lakh crore, indicating sustained investor confidence.
Banking Sector Reforms Progress
The Department of Financial Services reported that gross non-performing assets in public sector banks declined to 3.2% in Q3 FY2026, the lowest level in a decade. Improved recovery mechanisms under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, asset quality reviews, and enhanced risk management systems contributed to this significant improvement in banking sector health.
International Crude Oil Price Movement
Brent crude oil prices stabilized around $78 per barrel following OPEC+ decision to maintain current production levels through March 2026. The moderate pricing benefits India's import bill and inflation management, though geopolitical developments in the Middle East continue to pose uncertainty for global energy markets.
Digital Payment Infrastructure Growth
The National Payments Corporation of India reported that UPI transactions crossed 12.5 billion in volume and ₹18.5 lakh crore in value during December 2025. The growth trajectory positions India as a global leader in real-time digital payments, with increasing adoption in tier-2 and tier-3 cities contributing to financial inclusion objectives.
Science, Technology & Environment
ISRO Satellite Launch Success
The Indian Space Research Organisation successfully launched the GSAT-24 advanced communication satellite aboard the GSLV Mk-III rocket from Sriharikota on 25 January 2026. The satellite will provide enhanced broadband connectivity to remote regions, support disaster management communications, and strengthen India's position in commercial space services.
Artificial Intelligence Research Breakthrough
Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, developed a novel AI algorithm for early detection of cardiovascular diseases with 94% accuracy using basic health parameters. The technology, published in Nature Medicine, can be deployed in primary health centers without expensive diagnostic equipment, potentially revolutionizing preventive healthcare in rural India.
Climate Action Progress Report
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released India's biennial update showing a 33% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP since 2005, exceeding the voluntary target set under the Paris Agreement. The achievement comes from renewable energy expansion, energy efficiency programs, and afforestation initiatives covering 3.5 million hectares.
Semiconductor Manufacturing Development
The Ministry of Electronics and IT announced that India's first semiconductor fabrication unit in Gujarat has begun trial production, with full-scale operations expected by April 2026. The facility represents a ₹91,000 crore investment and will initially produce chips for automotive, consumer electronics, and telecommunications applications, reducing import dependency.
Antarctic Research Expedition Update
India's 43rd Scientific Expedition to Antarctica successfully established a new research station at the Larsemann Hills, focusing on glaciology, atmospheric sciences, and marine biology studies. The expedition team includes 25 scientists conducting research on climate change impacts in polar regions, contributing valuable data to global climate models.
Biotechnology Innovation in Agriculture
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research approved field trials for three drought-resistant crop varieties developed using gene-editing technology. The varieties include rice, wheat, and millets engineered to maintain yields under water stress conditions, addressing climate change challenges and enhancing food security in water-scarce regions.
Sports & Important Days
Republic Day Observance
India celebrated its 77th Republic Day on 26 January 2026, commemorating the adoption of the Constitution of India on 26 January 1950. The day symbolizes India's transition to a sovereign democratic republic and is observed with patriotic displays, parades, and cultural programs across the nation.
International Sports Achievement
Indian para-athlete Pramod Bhagat won a gold medal in badminton at the Para World Championships held in Tokyo, Japan. This victory marks his third consecutive world championship title in the men's singles SL3 category, cementing his position as the world's top-ranked para-badminton player.
Cricket Tournament Development
The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced the schedule for the Indian Premier League 2026, scheduled to begin on 22 March with the opening match in Mumbai. The tournament will feature 10 teams competing across 74 matches in 12 cities, with increased prize money and enhanced broadcast reach to international markets.
Commonwealth Games Preparation
India's Olympic Association confirmed participation of a 250-member contingent for the 2026 Commonwealth Games scheduled in Victoria, Australia, from 17-29 March 2026. Indian athletes will compete in 18 sports disciplines, with strong medal prospects in wrestling, weightlifting, badminton, and shooting based on recent international performances.
National Voters' Day Upcoming
The Election Commission of India is preparing for National Voters' Day on 25 January 2026, celebrating the foundation day of the commission established in 1950. The day focuses on voter awareness campaigns, enrollment drives for new voters, and recognition of best electoral practices across states and union territories.
Quick Revision Points for MCQ Preparation
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Republic Day 2026 Chief Guest: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attended India's 77th Republic Day celebrations on 26 January 2026.
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Internet Penetration: India crossed 950 million internet users in January 2026, representing approximately 67% of the population.
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Renewable Energy Capacity: India's total installed renewable energy capacity reached 198 GW, with solar contributing 82 GW and wind 48 GW.
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RBI Repo Rate: The Reserve Bank of India maintained the repo rate at 6.25% in January 2026 with GDP growth projection of 6.8% for FY 2025-26.
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GST Collection Record: December 2025 GST collections reached ₹1.78 lakh crore, the highest monthly collection since GST implementation.
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ISRO Launch: GSAT-24 communication satellite was successfully launched aboard GSLV Mk-III from Sriharikota on 25 January 2026.
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Railway Electrification: Indian Railways achieved 94% electrification of broad gauge routes with 3,200 additional route kilometers completed in FY 2025-26.
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European Central Bank Rate: ECB reduced its benchmark interest rate by 0.25% to 2.5% in January 2026, the third consecutive cut.
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Emissions Intensity Achievement: India achieved 33% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP since 2005, exceeding Paris Agreement voluntary targets.
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BSE Sensex Milestone: The BSE Sensex crossed 85,000 points for the first time on 24 January 2026, driven by strong corporate earnings.
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UPI Transactions: UPI transactions reached 12.5 billion in volume and ₹18.5 lakh crore in value during December 2025.
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Para-Badminton Achievement: Pramod Bhagat won gold at the Para World Championships in Tokyo, securing his third consecutive world championship title in SL3 category.
