Current Affairs – 31 January 2026: Today's Top National and International News for Competitive Exams
Staying updated with daily current affairs is crucial for competitive exam success. Today's compilation covers the most important national and international events from the past 24–48 hours, specially curated for aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, State PSC, and other government exams.
India – National Current Affairs
1. Republic Day Celebrations and Padma Awards Announcement
The Government of India announced the Padma Awards 2026 on January 25, recognizing distinguished service in various fields. The list includes Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri awardees across categories like art, social work, medicine, and public affairs. Exam relevance: Lists of award recipients are frequently asked in static GK and current affairs sections.
2. Parliament Budget Session Begins
The Budget Session of Parliament commenced on January 29, 2026, with the Union Budget 2026-27 scheduled to be presented on February 1. President's address highlighted key government priorities including infrastructure development, digital governance, and agricultural reforms. Important for: Polity, economy, and current affairs questions in all major exams.
3. Supreme Court Ruling on Electoral Bonds Disclosure
The Supreme Court directed further transparency measures regarding political funding mechanisms, building on previous electoral bond judgments. The ruling emphasizes accountability in political donations and electoral financing. Exam tip: Constitutional provisions related to elections and transparency are high-weightage topics.
4. NITI Aayog Report on Sustainable Development Goals
NITI Aayog released its annual SDG India Index 2025-26, ranking states based on their performance across 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Himachal Pradesh emerged as top performers. Relevant for: Economy, governance, and essay sections in UPSC and state exams.
5. Ministry of Education Launches New Digital Learning Initiative
The Ministry announced expansion of the PM eVIDYA platform with AI-powered personalized learning modules for students in rural areas. The initiative aims to bridge the digital divide in education access. Key for: Education policy, governance, and social sector questions.
6. India Meteorological Department Weather Alert
IMD issued warnings for cold wave conditions in North India and heavy rainfall alerts for parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Several states reported disruptions in agricultural activities due to unseasonal weather patterns. Important for: Geography, disaster management, and general awareness sections.
7. Ministry of Health Updates on Vaccination Drive
The Health Ministry announced achievement of significant milestones in routine immunization coverage, with special focus on eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases in tribal and remote areas. Exam relevance: Health schemes, government initiatives, and social welfare topics.
8. Central Bureau of Investigation Major Operation
The CBI conducted coordinated raids across multiple states in connection with a multi-crore banking fraud case involving public sector undertakings. Several arrests were made. Relevant for: Current affairs, banking awareness, and general studies.
9. Ministry of Environment Forest Conservation Initiative
The government announced new measures for tiger conservation and forest cover expansion under Project Tiger, with allocation of additional funds for wildlife corridors in central India. Key for: Environment, ecology, and biodiversity questions in prelims and mains.
10. Smart Cities Mission Progress Report
The Ministry of Urban Development released a comprehensive review of Smart Cities Mission implementation, highlighting digital infrastructure, waste management, and public transport improvements in 100 selected cities. Important for: Urban development, governance, and current affairs across competitive exams.
International Current Affairs
1. World Economic Forum Davos Summit Conclusions
The annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos concluded with discussions on global economic outlook, artificial intelligence governance, climate action, and geopolitical stability. Key leaders addressed challenges of technological disruption and sustainable development. Exam relevance: International organizations, global economy, and current international relations.
2. United Nations Security Council Session on Regional Conflicts
The UN Security Council convened emergency sessions addressing ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises in multiple regions. Discussions focused on peacekeeping operations and diplomatic solutions. Important for: International relations, UN structure, and global affairs in UPSC and other exams.
3. International Monetary Fund Global Growth Forecast
The IMF revised its global economic growth projections, citing factors including inflation trends, geopolitical tensions, and monetary policy adjustments by major central banks. The forecast impacts emerging markets including India. Key for: Economy, international organizations, and current affairs.
4. European Union Climate Policy Announcement
The EU announced strengthened climate targets and carbon border adjustment mechanisms affecting international trade. The policy has implications for export-oriented economies including India. Relevant for: Environment, international relations, and trade policy questions.
5. NASA and International Space Agencies Collaboration
Major space agencies including NASA, ESA, and others announced collaborative missions for lunar exploration and deep space research scheduled for 2026-2030. The Artemis program achieved new milestones. Important for: Science & technology, space exploration, and current developments.
6. BRICS Summit Preparations and Expansion
Discussions continued regarding BRICS expansion and agenda-setting for the upcoming summit, with focus on alternative payment systems, development finance, and South-South cooperation. Exam tip: International groupings and multilateral organizations are crucial for prelims and mains.
7. Global Health Organization Disease Outbreak Monitoring
The WHO updated its global health surveillance protocols and issued guidelines for managing emerging infectious diseases, emphasizing preparedness and international cooperation. Relevant for: Health, international organizations, and current affairs.
8. Major Bilateral Trade Agreement Developments
Several countries finalized bilateral trade and economic partnership agreements affecting global supply chains, digital trade, and service sectors. These agreements have implications for India's trade policy. Key for: Economy, international trade, and current affairs sections.
Economy & Banking
Union Budget 2026-27 Expectations: Market analysts and economic experts outlined expectations for the upcoming budget including fiscal consolidation, capital expenditure priorities, and sector-specific allocations. Infrastructure, agriculture, and digital economy are anticipated focus areas.
Reserve Bank of India Monetary Policy Stance: The RBI maintained its accommodative yet cautious approach ahead of the February Monetary Policy Committee meeting, with inflation and growth dynamics under close observation. Banking exams regularly feature RBI policies and monetary instruments.
Stock Market Performance: Indian equity markets showed mixed trends with key indices reflecting global cues and domestic earnings season results. Banking and IT sectors witnessed significant movements based on quarterly performance reports.
GST Collection Figures: The government reported robust GST collections for January 2026, indicating economic activity strength. Month-on-month comparisons show trends in consumption and tax compliance, relevant for economy and current affairs.
Banking Sector NPAs and Credit Growth: Public and private sector banks reported updated figures on non-performing assets and credit disbursement, with government schemes supporting MSMEs and priority sectors showing positive impact.
Cryptocurrency and Digital Currency Developments: Global and domestic discussions continued on cryptocurrency regulation, while India's digital rupee pilot programs expanded to new cities and use cases, important for banking awareness and technology sections.
Science, Technology & Environment
ISRO Mission Updates: The Indian Space Research Organisation progressed on multiple missions including satellite launches under commercial agreements and preparations for Gaganyaan human spaceflight program milestones.
Artificial Intelligence National Strategy: Government bodies announced frameworks for AI adoption in governance, healthcare, and education while addressing ethical considerations and data privacy concerns, crucial for science and technology questions.
Renewable Energy Capacity Addition: India reported significant additions to solar and wind energy capacity, advancing towards renewable energy targets of 500 GW by 2030, with new solar parks and offshore wind projects.
Climate Change and Monsoon Predictions: IMD and climate research institutions released preliminary assessments for the upcoming monsoon season, incorporating climate models and ocean temperature patterns affecting agriculture and water resources.
Biodiversity Conservation Initiatives: New protected areas were notified and wildlife conservation programs expanded in ecologically sensitive regions, with focus on endangered species and habitat restoration.
Technological Innovation in Agriculture: Launch of drone-based crop monitoring and AI-powered advisory services for farmers under digital agriculture initiatives aimed at precision farming and yield optimization.
Sports & Important Days
Sports Updates: Indian athletes achieved notable performances in international tournaments and domestic competitions across cricket, badminton, wrestling, and athletics, with qualification events for upcoming global championships.
ICC Cricket Events: International cricket fixtures continued with bilateral series and preparations for major tournaments, involving the Indian cricket team and other national squads.
Important Days – January 30: Martyrs' Day (Shaheed Diwas) observed across India commemorating Mahatma Gandhi's assassination anniversary, marked by tributes at Raj Ghat and events honoring freedom fighters and martyrs.
National Voters' Day Context: With National Voters' Day observed on January 25, the Election Commission highlighted electoral literacy and participation initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic processes.
Upcoming Sports Events: Preparations continued for major international sporting events scheduled in 2026, including world championships and regional games with Indian participation expected.
Quick Revision Points for MCQ Preparation
- Padma Awards 2026 announced on January 25 during Republic Day celebrations – know categories: Vibhushan, Bhushan, Shri
- Budget Session commenced January 29; Union Budget 2026-27 presentation scheduled February 1, 2026
- Martyrs' Day observed on January 30 commemorating Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary
- NITI Aayog SDG India Index ranks states on Sustainable Development Goals performance – Kerala, Tamil Nadu, HP top performers
- World Economic Forum annual meeting held in Davos, Switzerland – discusses global economic challenges
- RBI Monetary Policy Committee next meeting in February – monitors inflation and growth dynamics
- ISRO commercial satellite launches and Gaganyaan mission preparations ongoing
- Smart Cities Mission review shows progress in 100 cities across digital infrastructure and urban development
- IMF revises global growth forecasts impacting emerging markets including India
- Project Tiger receives additional funding for wildlife corridors and conservation
- Digital Rupee pilot programs expanding to more cities under RBI's CBDC initiative
- BRICS expansion discussions continue with focus on alternative payment systems and development cooperation
Exam Preparation Tip: Revise current affairs daily focusing on names, numbers, dates, and significance. Connect current events with static GK topics like geography, polity, and economy for comprehensive understanding. Practice MCQs from reliable sources and maintain monthly current affairs notes for quick revision before exams.
