Current Affairs One - Liner : 3rd January 2026

National:

• On 1 January 2026, President Droupadi Murmu launched a series of initiatives under SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. The programme introduced the #SkillTheNation Challenge, inaugurated an IGNOU Centre in Rairangpur, Odisha, and distributed AI readiness certificates. These initiatives aim to promote ethical, inclusive, and future-ready AI skills under the Skill India Mission.

• On 1 January 2026, the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) unveiled its new logo and mascot ‘Sankhyiki’ in New Delhi, marking a major step to modernize its institutional identity and strengthen public engagement with official statistics.
• Union MoS Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani launched the Land Stack pilot in Chandigarh and Tamil Nadu on December 31, 2025. The platform integrates all land records digitally, including ownership, deeds, encumbrances, and litigation status. It is part of the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP) to ensure transparency and efficiency.
• On 1 January 2026, Union Fertilizers Minister J.P. Nadda launched the Integrated e-Bill System in New Delhi to fully digitalize fertilizer subsidy claims worth about ₹2 lakh crore. The platform replaces manual, paper-based workflows with a transparent, technology-driven system for faster payments and real-time tracking.
• On January 3, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Gautama Buddha at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex, New Delhi. The exhibition, titled “The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One”, marks the historic return of the Piprahwa gem relics after 127 years.
• On January 3, 2026, Assam became the first Indian state to constitute the 8th Pay Commission for its state government employees. The commission will review salaries, allowances, and pensions to ensure fair compensation and parity with inflation. It was formally announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati.

International:

• Bulgaria officially adopted the Euro (€) as its currency on January 1, 2026, replacing the lev. The conversion rate was fixed at 1 euro = 1.95583 lev, ensuring stability during the transition. Both currencies circulated together until January 31, 2026, after which the euro became the sole legal tender.

Banking:

• The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has extended the SPREE 2025 scheme deadline from December 31, 2025 to January 31, 2026. This scheme, launched to promote registration of employers and employees under the ESI Act, 1948, offers a one-time compliance window without inspections or penalties. The extension was granted after requests from employers, associations, and state governments for more time.
• On January 3, 2026, Ashika Group received in-principle approval from SEBI to launch its own Mutual Fund business. This marks Ashika’s entry into the asset management industry, expanding beyond its existing financial services. The approval allows the group to set up an Asset Management Company (AMC) and a Trustee Company.

Economy:

• India’s Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell from 56.6 in November 2025 to 55.0 in December 2025, marking a two‑year low. The slowdown was driven by weaker growth in new orders, production, and employment, alongside softer export demand. Despite the decline, the PMI remained above the neutral 50 mark, signaling continued expansion but at a slower pace.

Govt.Schemes:

• The Central Government has approved the third phase of the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS 3.0) worth ₹41,863 crore on January 2, 2026. A total of 22 proposals were cleared, with expected production of ₹2.58 lakh crore and creation of 33,791 jobs. Companies like Tata Electronics, Samsung Display, Dixon, Foxconn, and Hindalco are among those selected. The scheme aims to reduce import dependence and strengthen India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem.
• On January 2, 2026, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a Financial Assistance Scheme for Udasin Bhakats. The scheme provides ₹1,500 monthly support to celibate Vaishnavite monks living in Satras. Around 620 monks across recognized Satras in Assam will benefit from this initiative. It aims to ensure welfare, dignity, and recognition of monks preserving Assam’s Vaishnavite heritage.

Important Days:

• International Mind–Body Wellness Day 2026 is observed on January 3rd (Saturday), emphasizing the vital link between mental and physical health. The day encourages people to adopt holistic practices such as mindfulness, exercise, nutrition, and emotional balance. Its purpose is to inspire sustainable lifestyle choices that nurture overall well‑being.
• Savitribai Phule’s 194th Birth Anniversary was observed on January 3, 2025, honoring India’s first female teacher. She pioneered women’s education and opened schools for girls and marginalized communities. Her work challenged caste discrimination, child marriage, and social injustice in 19th‑century India.
• Rani Velu Nachiyar’s Birth Anniversary is celebrated on January 3rd, honoring the queen of Sivaganga. She is remembered as the first Indian queen to fight against British colonial rule. Known as Veeramangai (brave woman), she led armed resistance with courage and strategy. Her anniversary highlights her legacy of women’s leadership and India’s freedom struggle.

Appointments:

• On January 3, 2026, Sadanand Vasant Date, a 1990-batch IPS officer, assumed charge as Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra. He succeeded Rashmi Shukla, the first woman DGP of the state, who retired the same day. Date earlier served as NIA chief, ATS head, and Joint Commissioner of Police in Mumbai.
• RBL Bank has appointed Deepak Ruiya as its Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) effective 30 December 2025. Ruiya, who has been serving as Deputy CFO since March 2023, steps into the role during a key leadership reshuffle. The changes come as Emirates NBD acquires a 60% stake in the bank, marking a major ownership shift.
• Canara Bank appointed Hardeep Singh Ahluwalia as its Interim MD & CEO effective January 1, 2026. He succeeds K. Satyanarayana Raju, who retired on December 31, 2025. Ahluwalia, an Executive Director, began his banking career in 1992 at Allahabad Bank. His interim tenure will last until March 31, 2026 or until a permanent successor is named.
• Olympic champion Andre De Grasse has been named the International Event Ambassador for the 21st Tata Mumbai Marathon. The marathon will be held on January 18, 2026, organized by Procam International. It is recognized as a World Athletics Gold Label Race, Asia’s premier marathon event.

Questions:

Q.1 Which country officially adopted the Euro (€) as its currency on January 1, 2026?
a) Romania
b) Croatia
c) Bulgaria
d) Hungary

Answer: c) Bulgaria officially adopted the Euro (€) as its currency on January 1, 2026, replacing the lev. 

Q.2 Which state became the first in India to constitute the 8th Pay Commission for its state government employees in January 2026?
a) Tamil Nadu
b) Maharashtra
c) Odisha
d) Assam

Answer: d) Assam became the first Indian state to constitute the 8th Pay Commission for its state government employees.