Top National, International & Defence Updates of January 2026
Monthly Current Affairs January 2026 covers all major national and international events that are important from an examination point of view. This compilation includes key national developments, international affairs, defence exercises, science and technology updates, sports news, government schemes, important days, and expected MCQs.
It is specially designed to help aspirants preparing for SSC, Banking, Railways, and other competitive examinations by providing accurate, concise, and exam-relevant information in one place.
This monthly update focuses on clarity, factual accuracy, and easy revision, so students can revise effectively without feeling overloaded.
Key Current Affairs Highlights – January 2026
Below are the most important current affairs from January 2026, compiled for easy exam preparation:
1. Launches & Technology Updates
Ola Shakti Battery System
- Launched by Ola Electric, the Shakti battery system is India’s first indigenous 4680 cell battery, fully designed and manufactured in India.
- It offers instant switch-over in 0 milliseconds and operates at 200-240V wide input voltage.
- Manufactured at Ola’s battery giga factory in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, it aims to provide reliable and sustainable battery solutions.
Lachit-One Satellite
- Assam Don Bosco University developed and launched the first satellite from Northeast India, named Lachit-One.
- Named after the Ahom commander Lachit Borphukan, the satellite marks a historic achievement in regional space research.
India’s First Solar-Powered ATM Van
- Launched by Tripura Gramin Bank, supported by NABARD.
- Objective: To provide banking services in remote areas of Tripura where electricity supply is irregular or absent.
Green Ammonia Project in Andhra Pradesh
- India’s first green ammonia project and the world’s second-largest AM Green Hydrogen & Ammonia Complex will be established in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.
- Planned capacity: 1.5 million tons per year. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will participate in the inauguration of major equipment installations on 17 January 2026.
2. Important Government Initiatives & Conferences
National Textile Minister Conference 2026
- Theme: “India’s Textile Industry: Development, Heritage, and Innovation”.
- Held from 8–9 January 2026 in Guwahati, Assam.
National Startup Day 2026
- Observed on 16 January every year to mark the Startup India initiative.
- First declared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022, it recognises the role of startups in nation-building.
PM CARES Fund
- Delhi High Court ruled that the PM CARES Fund enjoys the right to confidentiality under the RTI Act.
- Details regarding fund allocation and donations will not be disclosed publicly.
3. Science & Space Developments
Medical Assistance from ISS
- SpaceX Crew-11 mission successfully returned NASA astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS) for medical assistance.
Largest Electric Vehicle Market in India
- Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the largest EV market by volume in India.
- 1.28 million electric two-wheelers sold, contributing 57% of total EV sales.
4. Awards & Recognitions
Dance Kala Nidhi Award
- Awarded to Urmila Satyanarayan at the 19th Dance Festival in Chennai Music Academy for her dedication to Bharatanatyam.
ICC Player of the Month – December 2025
- Men’s Player: Mitchell Starc
- Women’s Player: Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)
Pune Grand Tour 2026 – Brand Ambassador
- MS Dhoni appointed as the goodwill ambassador for this cycling event, held from 19–23 January 2026.
5. International Affairs & Rankings
Henley Passport Index 2026
- India ranked 80th, tied with Algeria, allowing visa-free travel to 55 destinations.
- Last year, India had access to 57 destinations.
- Top countries: Singapore (1st), Japan & South Korea (2nd), Denmark & Sweden (3rd).
European Union Leadership
- Cyprus took over the rotating EU Presidency from Denmark for January–June 2026.
- Theme: “A Sovereign Union Open to the World”.
- Capital of Cyprus: Nicosia.
Makar Vilakku Festival 2026
- Celebrated at Sabarimala, Kerala, on 14 January 2026.
- Highlights: Makar Jyoti (celestial light in the sky) and Makar Vilakku (divine fire on the hilltop) mark faith, power, and devotion.
6. Miscellaneous Key Facts
Historic Agreements & Conservation Efforts
- Assam and Madhya Pradesh signed a wildlife exchange agreement.
- Assam will send 50 wild buffaloes, 1 rhino, and 3 king cobras to Madhya Pradesh.
- Madhya Pradesh will send 1 pair of tigers and 6 crocodiles to Assam.
- Historic habitat for wild buffalo: Kanha Tiger Reserve.
Kanha Tiger Reserve
- Known for its historic wildlife conservation and tiger reserves.
Karni Fries Cattle Breed
- Developed from Tharparkar cows and Holstein Friesian bulls.
- Milk production: ~3,000 kg in 10 months, approx. 10 kg/day.
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
- New Director General: Shatrughan Singh Kapoor, former Haryana Police Chief, succeeding Praveen Kumar.
Bargi Dam Safety Issue
- National Dam Safety Authority highlighted structural concerns in Bargi Dam on the Narmada River, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.
- Issue: Water leakage through the brick-cement slipway gallery, first identified in 1988 and reported continuously since 2018.
7. Books & Publications
“History That India Ignored”
- Author: Prem Prakash
- Second edition released by Goa CM Pramod Sawant.
“Agni Suraksha Vikas: Droupadi Murmu”
- Authored by Yarla Yarda Gadda Lakshmi Prasad
- Released at Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, focusing on President Droupadi Murmu’s life.
8. Key Cultural Achievements
Kejutsu Martial Art
- Indian actor Pawan Kalyan was formally inducted into Japan’s ancient sword martial art Kejutsu.
Mount Anka-Kua
- Climbed successfully by Aritra Rai, height: 6,967.15 m, located in Argentina.
- Highest peak in both the Western and Southern Hemispheres.
9. Major Infrastructure & Environmental Updates
Saksam Valley Dispute
- Located in Jammu & Kashmir, the valley has historical disputes between Pakistan and China since 1963.
- Currently, China is constructing an all-weather road for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, raising strategic concerns for India.
India’s First Green Ammonia Project
- Located in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, aiming to boost renewable energy and green hydrogen production.
