Current Affairs for 30 January 2026

Current Affairs for 30 January 2026 – Today's Top News for Competitive Exams

Staying updated with today's current affairs is crucial for competitive exam success. This compilation covers major national and international developments from 30 January 2026, with exam-focused insights for UPSC, SSC, banking, railway, and state government examinations.

India – National Current Affairs (30 January 2026)

1. Supreme Court Stays UGC Regulations

The Supreme Court has stayed new UGC regulations, calling them "too sweeping, vague and capable of misuse." The Court asked UGC to re-draft the regulations with the next hearing scheduled for March 19, 2026. Exam Focus: Important for questions on higher education governance and judicial oversight.

2. Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Approves Health Scheme

The UP Cabinet approved cashless treatment up to Rs 5 lakh for 15 lakh school teachers and non-teaching staff. The decision aims to improve healthcare access for education sector employees. Exam Focus: State welfare schemes and social security measures.

3. Calcutta High Court Directive on Border Fencing

Calcutta High Court directed the West Bengal government to hand over land for border fencing to BSF by March 31, 2026. This move is crucial for strengthening border security infrastructure. Exam Focus: Border management, internal security, and Centre-State relations.

4. Solid Waste Management Rules 2026 Notified

The Union government notified Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules 2026, making source-level processing of waste mandatory for bulk generators from April 1, 2026. Bulk waste generators (producing 100 kg/day) must now segregate waste into four streams: wet, dry, sanitary, and special care waste. Exam Focus: Environmental legislation and urban governance.

5. WaSH Warriors Honored by Jal Shakti Ministry

The Ministry of Jal Shakti honored WaSH Warriors from across India at a special Samvad Samaroh in New Delhi in January 2026. These grassroots champions lead efforts in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Exam Focus: Government schemes, rural development, and public health initiatives.

6. New Aadhaar App Launched

The government launched the New Aadhaar App in January 2026, introducing a Privacy-First approach allowing users to update mobile numbers from home. Developed by UIDAI, it eliminates the need for photocopies to prevent misuse and aligns with the DPDP Act. Exam Focus: Digital India initiatives and data privacy regulations.

7. Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary Declared Maoist-Free

Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha's Nuapada district was officially declared 'Maoist-free' in January 2026. Camera trap data reveals a flourishing leopard population (estimated over 70), marking its transition to a potential Leopard Haven. Exam Focus: Wildlife conservation, internal security, and Odisha geography.

8. RBI Advances Bond Purchases

On January 27, 2026, RBI advanced plans to buy 1 trillion rupees of bonds in two tranches by January 29 and February 5, instead of the previously announced February 5 and 12. This move addresses tight system liquidity and rising bond yields. Exam Focus: Monetary policy, banking operations, and Open Market Operations (OMO).

9. India-EU Free Trade Agreement

India and the European Union signed a historic free trade agreement on January 27, 2026, creating a free trade zone of two billion people covering about 25% of global GDP. Tariffs on 96.6% of EU goods exports to India will be eliminated or reduced, saving up to 4 billion euros annually. Exam Focus: International trade, economic diplomacy, and bilateral relations.

10. Beating Retreat Ceremony 2026

The Beating Retreat ceremony on January 29, 2026 featured a special tribute by the Indian Army to the Indian women's cricket team for winning the ODI World Cup 2025. Exam Focus: National events and sports achievements.

International Current Affairs (30 January 2026)

1. EU Designates Iran's IRGC as Terrorist Organization

In response to violent crackdown on protests in Iran earlier in January 2026, the European Union designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. This marks a significant escalation in Iran-EU relations. Exam Focus: International relations, Middle East politics, and EU foreign policy.

2. Russia-Ukraine Body Exchange

Russia and Ukraine conducted a swap of bodies on January 29, 2026, with Russia receiving the remains of 38 soldiers and Ukraine receiving the remains of 1,000 soldiers. This marks the first such swap since November 2025. The Center for Strategic and International Studies estimates roughly 1.8 million casualties between Russian and Ukrainian forces. Exam Focus: Russia-Ukraine conflict and humanitarian aspects of warfare.

3. Colombia Plane Crash

A SATENA Beechcraft 1900 crashed near Cúcuta in North Santander, Colombia, killing all 15 people on board on January 29, 2026. Exam Focus: Current events and aviation disasters.

4. Storm Kristin Hits Portugal

Five people were killed and severe damage was caused by Storm Kristin in Portugal. The extreme weather event highlights climate challenges in Europe. Exam Focus: Natural disasters and climate change impacts.

5. Spain Announces Immigration Amnesty

Spain announced amnesty for nearly 500,000 undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers. Immigrants will be granted up to one year of legal residency and permission to work if they arrived before December 31, 2025, and have been living in the country for at least five months. Exam Focus: Immigration policies and European demographics.

6. US Federal Reserve Maintains Interest Rates

The Federal Reserve on January 29, 2026 left interest rates unchanged, resisting pressure to lower them. This decision impacts global markets and currency movements. Exam Focus: Global monetary policy and its impact on emerging markets.

7. Doomsday Clock Set to 85 Seconds

The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists set the Doomsday Clock to 85 seconds to midnight on January 29, 2026, indicating heightened global risks. Exam Focus: Global security threats and nuclear proliferation concerns.

8. Netherlands Court Orders Climate Action for Bonaire

The Hague district court ordered the Dutch government to create a legally binding plan to protect Bonaire from climate change, including setting enforceable emissions-reduction targets aligned with the Paris Agreement. Exam Focus: Climate justice, international law, and environmental protection.

Economy & Banking (30 January 2026)

RBI Liquidity Management

The Reserve Bank of India has implemented multiple liquidity-enhancing measures, conducting Open Market Operations (OMOs) to purchase Government securities worth Rs 2 lakh crore (US$ 22.30 billion) in four tranches. On January 27, 2026, RBI advanced bond purchases totaling 1 trillion rupees to ease liquidity pressure following surge in bond yields. Exam Focus: Monetary policy instruments and banking system liquidity.

New Banking Compliance Timelines

From January 1, 2026, only banks approved under new RBI digital banking guidelines can provide internet, mobile, USSD and SMS services. From April 1, 2026, banks must implement a revised digital payment framework requiring 2-factor or risk-based authentication. Exam Focus: Banking sector regulations and digital banking security.

Gold Prices

MCX Gold reached approximately Rs 1.67 lakh per 10g on January 29, 2026, reflecting strong demand and global market cues. Exam Focus: Commodity markets and precious metals trading.

India-EU Trade Deal Impact

The India-EU free trade agreement will eliminate tariffs on metals, plastics, chemicals, and pharmaceutical products. EU expects its exports to India to double by 2032, with bilateral trade in goods at 120 billion euros ($139bn) in 2024. Exam Focus: Trade economics and export-import dynamics.

Financial Stability Report Highlights

RBI's Financial Stability Report flagged fintech lending risks with 36.1% growth, elevated impairment among borrowers with unsecured loans from five or more lenders, and concerns about foreign-currency-denominated stablecoins threatening India's monetary sovereignty. Scheduled Commercial Banks' GNPA ratio declined to multi-decadal low of 2.2% as of September 2025. Exam Focus: Banking sector health and emerging financial risks.

Science, Technology & Environment (30 January 2026)

ISRO's PSLV-C62 Mission

ISRO successfully launched the PSLV-C62 mission on January 12, 2026, carrying the Earth observation satellite EOS-N1 Anvesha along with 15 other commercial payloads. The 44.4-metre-tall four-stage rocket lifted off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Exam Focus: ISRO missions, satellite technology, and space applications.

ISRO's 2026 Mission Calendar

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan announced multiple satellite launches planned for 2026, including the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission (HLVM3 G1/OM1), Technology Demonstration Satellite (TDS-01) for electric propulsion and quantum key distribution, and Oceansat-3A (EOS-10) for meteorological studies. Exam Focus: Space technology and India's space program milestones.

Gaganyaan Program Update

With four missions scheduled by 2026 under the ongoing Gaganyaan program, ISRO received additional ₹11,170 crore funding, bringing the total budget to ₹20,193 crore (US$2.4 billion). Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla successfully completed the Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station. Exam Focus: Human spaceflight program and scientific achievements.

World Bank Report on Air Pollution

The World Bank's 2025 report "A Breath of Change" highlights that nearly one billion people in the Indo-Gangetic Plains and Himalayan Foothills (IGP-HF) breathe the world's most polluted air, necessitating urgent transboundary cooperation. Exam Focus: Environmental challenges and regional cooperation.

Weather Updates

IMD forecasted rainfall and snowfall across Western Himalayan regions from January 31 to February 3, 2026, due to successive western disturbances. Delhi-NCR experienced cloudy weather with temperatures around normal levels. Exam Focus: Weather systems and monsoon patterns.

Sports & Important Days (30 January 2026)

Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Smriti Mandhana won the toss and opted to bowl first against UP Warriorz in the 18th fixture at BCA Stadium, Vadodara on January 29, 2026. RCB had already qualified for WPL playoffs. Exam Focus: Sports events and cricket tournaments.

International Series Golf Returns to India

The International Series announced its return to India, with the second edition scheduled from October 8-11, 2026 at Prestige Golfshire Club in Bengaluru. Exam Focus: International sports events hosted by India.

Beating Retreat Ceremony

The Beating Retreat ceremony on January 29, 2026 honored the Indian women's cricket team for their ODI World Cup 2025 victory, with the Indian Army forming a special tribute formation at Vijay Chowk. Exam Focus: National ceremonies and sports recognition.

Australian Open Tennis

In the Australian Open 2026, India's Yuki Bhambri and Swedish partner Andre Göransson advanced to the round of 16 in men's doubles, defeating Mexico's Santiago González and Netherlands' David Pel 4-6, 7-6, 6-3. Exam Focus: International sports achievements by Indian athletes.

Thailand Masters Badminton

Indian badminton players including Isharani, Kiran George, and Mithun participated in the BWF Thailand Masters Super 300 tournament on January 29, 2026. Exam Focus: Badminton tournaments and Indian representation.

T20 World Cup 2026 Preparations

India is set to host the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in February 2026, with Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma expected to be fit for the tournament. Exam Focus: Major sporting events hosted by India.

Important Days

January 29 – While there are no major official observances in India on this date, internationally it is observed as:

• National Puzzle Day (founded by professional puzzle maker Jodi Jill)
• NASA's Day of Remembrance (last Thursday of January, honoring astronauts who sacrificed their lives)
• Kansas Day (in USA, commemorating Kansas statehood in 1861)

Exam Focus: Important national and international observances for general awareness questions.

Quick Revision Points for MCQ Preparation

1. Supreme Court stayed UGC regulations on January 29, 2026, calling them "too vague and capable of misuse"; next hearing on March 19, 2026.

2. India-EU Free Trade Agreement signed on January 27, 2026, creates a free trade zone of 2 billion people covering 25% of global GDP.

3. Solid Waste Management Rules 2026 mandates source-level processing from April 1, 2026; bulk generators must segregate into four waste streams.

4. Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha's Nuapada district declared Maoist-free with over 70 leopards in January 2026.

5. RBI conducted OMO purchases worth Rs 2 lakh crore in four tranches; advanced 1 trillion rupee bond purchases to January 29 and February 5, 2026.

6. EU designated Iran's IRGC as terrorist organization on January 29, 2026 in response to violent crackdown on protests.

7. ISRO's PSLV-C62 successfully launched on January 12, 2026 carrying EOS-N1 Anvesha and 15 commercial payloads from Sriharikota.

8. Gaganyaan program budget increased to ₹20,193 crore (US$2.4 billion) with four missions scheduled by 2026.

9. New Aadhaar App launched by UIDAI in January 2026 with Privacy-First approach aligned with DPDP Act.

10. RBI's Financial Stability Report shows SCBs' GNPA ratio at 2.2% (multi-decadal low) as of September 2025; fintech lending grew 36.1%.

11. WaSH Warriors honored by Ministry of Jal Shakti for grassroots leadership under Jal Jeevan Mission.

12. Doomsday Clock set to 85 seconds to midnight by Bulletin of Atomic Scientists on January 29, 2026.

Stay Updated: Bookmark FreeJobAlert.com for daily current affairs updates tailored for competitive exam preparation. Regular revision of these points will strengthen your performance in General Awareness sections across all government examinations.

Disclaimer: All information compiled from verified news sources as of January 29, 2026. Candidates should cross-verify important facts from official government sources before examinations.