CURRENT AFFAIRS — 01.01.2026

1. National Affairs — India

RBI Stress Test Report 2025: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) assessment shows Indian banks are currently the strongest in a decade, with a declining ratio of bad loans and adequate capital buffers to withstand severe financial stress; highlights improved asset quality and liquidity position after sustained monetary and regulatory reforms.
Financial Stability Report Risks: RBI’s Financial Stability Report also identifies potential systemic risks due to tighter financial linkages between banks and NBFCs and external economic spillovers, emphasising the need for robust risk monitoring.
Bank Holiday – 01.01.2026: New Year’s Day is recognised as a bank holiday in India; banks remain closed in most states (varies regionally as per RBI calendar).
Financial & Banking Rule Reforms (Jan 2026):
- Credit score to be updated weekly, impacting loan eligibility and interest rates.
- New income tax return forms with enhanced data requirements.
- LPG gas, commercial gas and aviation turbine fuel pricing mechanisms to see revisions.
- Significant updates to SBI and HDFC debit/credit card features rolled out through Jan–Feb 2026.

Delhi Jan Vishwas Bill 2026 Cleared: The Delhi Cabinet approved the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 to decriminalise minor offences and simplify compliance norms, making regulatory environment more business–friendly.
Cabinet Approvals:
- Nashik–Solapur Six-Lane Greenfield Corridor approved to boost highway connectivity in Maharashtra under national infrastructure expansion.
- India Post & SIDBI MoU signed to streamline Udyam Assist Verification and support informal and micro enterprises, facilitating credit access for small units.
Indian Railways Milestone: Final 180 kmph trial of the indigenous Vande Bharat Sleeper Train was successfully completed, steering advancement in high-speed rail innovation.

Pariksha Pe Charcha Registrations: Prime Minister’s student engagement programme crossed 3 crore+ registrations, highlighting expanded outreach and student interest in national guidance initiatives.

Record Kidney Transplants at Ahmedabad: Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC), Ahmedabad, completed 500 kidney transplants in 2025, setting a national benchmark in organ transplant performance.

Guinea Presidential Election: Mamady Doumbouya has been elected President of Guinea, signifying a shift from military rule to a formal civilian mandate.

Cities worldwide including Sydney, London, Paris, Berlin celebrated New Year’s Eve 2026 with traditional fireworks, light shows, and cultural events, marking global optimism for the new year. Political leaders emphasised international peace, security and economic priorities.

Cancer Research Breakthrough: Scientists have developed a new strategy to target drug-resistant cancer mutations, enhancing the possibility of effective treatments against resistant cancer types in future clinical settings.

Indian Women’s Hockey — Asia Cup Silver: India’s women’s hockey team finished as Silver medallists at the Women’s Asia Cup 2025, underscoring their consistent continental performance.
World Darts Championship (ongoing): The 2026 PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London, is in progress with a £5 million prize fund; 71-year-old Paul Lim became the oldest player to win a match at the championships, and Indian player Nitin Kumar registered a historic first win at this event.
Khelo India Tribal Games Launch:
- Logo and mascot “Morveer” unveiled for the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games scheduled from 14 Feb 2026 in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.
- Seven competitive sports (like archery, athletics, hockey & wrestling) will be contested; outstanding performers eligible for ₹5 lakh per year scholarships for eight years under the Khelo India scheme.

Australian Open 2026: The 114th Australian Open Grand Slam is scheduled 18 Jan–1 Feb 2026 at Melbourne Park; defending champions are Jannik Sinner (Men’s singles) and Madison Keys (Women’s singles), making it a key event in tennis calendar.

January 1: New Year’s Day — public holiday in many countries, observed globally.
Other Notable Days in January: The month marks several awareness and cultural observances which are competitive exam relevance topics and are frequently asked in general studies.