- On 6 January 2026, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan released 55 literary works in classical Indian languages. The works span Kannada, Odia, Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil, showcasing India’s rich linguistic heritage. A special highlight was the sign‑language Tirukkural series (45 episodes) for inclusivity. Developed by CIIL and CICT, the initiative promotes research, education, and preservation of classical languages.
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- By Nov 2025, Indian Railways electrified 99.2% of its broad‑gauge network, nearing full electrification. This milestone under Mission 100% Electrification makes India the largest electrified rail system globally. Electrification pace rose to 15 km/day, far faster than pre‑2014 progress. It ensures greener, faster, and more efficient transport, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
- On 6 January 2026, Simplilearn announced its partnership with the Government of India’s IndiaAI Mission to accelerate AI literacy for 10 million citizens. The collaboration will roll out the national YUVA AI for ALL foundational course on Simplilearn’s platform, aiming to build a digitally competent and AI-aware society.
- The Centre has unveiled a three‑year PPP pipeline worth ₹17 lakh crore, covering 852 projects across ministries and states. Of this, 232 central projects account for ₹13.15 lakh crore, while 620 state/UT projects total ₹3.84 lakh crore. The Road Transport & Highways Ministry leads with 108 projects worth ₹8.77 lakh crore, reflecting the focus on connectivity. This pipeline aims to give investors early visibility.
- On 6–7 Jan 2026, NHAI set two Guinness World Records during Bengaluru–Vijayawada Expressway (NH‑544G) construction. Record 1: 28.95 lane‑km of road laid in 24 hours at Vanavolu–Vankarakunda section, Andhra Pradesh. Record 2: 10,675 MT bituminous concrete placed continuously in 24 hours on the same stretch. Significance: Showcased India’s world‑class highway speed & scale, cutting Bengaluru–Amaravati travel time to ~6 hours.
- On 8 January 2026, India became the world’s first country to start commercial production of bio‑bitumen. The facility at Panipat, Haryana, led by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), uses agricultural waste/biomass as feedstock. Bio‑bitumen will replace petroleum‑based bitumen in road construction and infrastructure projects.
- On January 3, 2026, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) successfully conducted the first flight test of the indigenously developed Taimoor Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM), with a range of 600 km. The missile enhances Pakistan’s conventional deterrence by providing precision-guided standoff strike capability against land and sea targets.
- HDFC Bank has added RBI’s Digital Rupee (CBDC) to its SmartGateway merchant platform. Merchants can now accept CBDC payments at zero transaction cost, alongside UPI, cards, and net banking. The Digital Rupee offers instant, sovereign-backed, and secure settlements for businesses and customers. This marks a major step in mainstreaming India’s CBDC into everyday digital commerce.
- Between April–November FY26, Karnataka recorded the highest growth rate in its own tax revenue (excluding Union share). It outpaced Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, though these states collected more in absolute terms. The surge was driven mainly by strong State GST (SGST) collections and improved compliance. In capital expenditure growth, Gujarat led, followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka.
- NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope discovered the first starless gas cloud “Cloud‑9” on January 7, 2026. It lies about 14 million light‑years away, filled with neutral hydrogen but no stars. Scientists classify it as a RELHIC (Reionization‑Limited H I Cloud), a “failed galaxy” dominated by dark matter. The finding offers new insights into galaxy formation and the role of dark matter in the universe.
- On 7 January 2026, Indian middle‑distance runner Jinson Johnson announced his retirement from athletics. He is India’s national record‑holder in the 1500m (3:35.24, Berlin 2019). Johnson won Asian Games 2018 gold (1500m) and silver (800m), plus a bronze in 2023. His 15‑year career, including the Rio 2016 Olympics, made him India’s finest 1500m runner.
- Australian opener Usman Khawaja retired on January 8, 2026, after Australia’s 4-1 Ashes win in Sydney. The first Muslim to play Test cricket for Australia, he scored 6,200+ runs with 16 centuries. His late‑career peak included the 2023 World Test Championship victory and being named ICC Test Cricketer of the Year. He leaves a lasting legacy of diversity, resilience, and elegant batting.
- On 5 January 2026, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) commissioned the world’s first LC‑Max Residue Upgradation Facility at its Visakhapatnam Refinery, Andhra Pradesh. Built under the Vizag Refinery Modernisation Project with an investment of ₹31,407 crore, the unit has a 3.55 MTPA capacity and converts up to 93% of residues into high‑value fuels.
- On 6 January 2026, the Indian Army gave Tata Advanced Systems a supply order to overhaul Pinaka MLRS and Battery Command Posts. The deal, signed in New Delhi with support from DRDO and Corps of EME, ensures sustained availability and upgrades. It strengthens indigenous defence manufacturing and boosts the Army’s artillery readiness.
- Earth’s Rotation Day is observed on January 8 each year, marking Galileo’s 1610 discovery that Earth rotates on its axis. It explains the day–night cycle and laid the foundation for modern astronomy. The day promotes awareness of planetary motion and space science. In 2026, it was celebrated on January 8, highlighting Earth’s continuous rotation and scientific curiosity.
- A.K. Balasubrahmanian, Distinguished Scientist, assumed charge as Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) on January 1, 2026, succeeding Dr. D.K. Shukla. He brings nearly four decades of expertise in nuclear reactor technology and safety, marking a significant leadership transition for India’s apex nuclear safety regulator.
- The Government of India extended Abhishek Dev’s tenure as Chairman of APEDA on January 6, 2026. His term now continues for one year beyond February 8, 2026, or until further orders. The extension was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). This ensures continuity in leadership for India’s agricultural and processed food export promotion body.
- Federal Bank launched its refreshed brand identity “The Fortuna Wave” on January 6, 2026 in Mumbai. The new identity reflects authenticity, prosperity, and togetherness, symbolizing progress and modernity. Actress Vidya Balan joined as brand ambassador to strengthen the bank’s youthful, digital-first appeal.
- Renowned ecologist Madhav Gadgil passed away on 7 January 2026 in Pune at the age of 82. He was best known for leading the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (Gadgil Report, 2011). Gadgil received global recognition, including the UN Champions of the Earth Award in 2024.
- Former Union Minister and veteran BJP leader Kabindra Purkayastha passed away on 7 January 2026 in Guwahati at the age of 94 due to age-related ailments. He was a three-time MP from Assam’s Barak Valley and served as a minister in the first Atal Bihari Vajpayee government (1998–99).
Questions:
Q.1 . NHAI set a Guinness record by laying how many lane-km of road in 24 hours?a) 25.40
b) 26.75
c) 30.10
d) 28.95
Answer: d) A record 28.95 lane-km was laid in 24 hours.
Q.2 HDFC Bank enabled acceptance of which RBI digital product on its merchant platform?
a) UPI Lite
b) Digital Rupee (CBDC)
c) BharatQR
d) e-RUPI
Answer: b) HDFC added RBI’s Digital Rupee (CBDC) to SmartGateway.
