Current Affairs – 09 January 2026

1. National Affairs – India

1.1 Finance & Economic Developments

1. RBI Takes Over Delhi Government Banking Operations

   • From 9 January 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has assumed responsibility for banking operations and public debt management of the Delhi government.

   • Aims to enhance efficiency in cash and debt administration and align Delhi’s public finance with states already under RBI’s fiscal oversight.

2. RBI Cancels Registration of 35 NBFCs

   • In January 2026, RBI cancelled Certificate of Registration (CoR) of 35 Non-Banking Financial Companies due to regulatory non-compliance, effective Dec 2025.

   • These NBFCs were largely based in the Delhi/NCR region; remaining companies outside include entities in Mumbai and Jabalpur.

   • Additionally, 16 NBFCs voluntarily surrendered their CoR citing business exit or restructuring strategies.

1.2 Government Initiatives & Policies

1. UIDAI Launches ‘Udai’ Mascot for Aadhaar Outreach

   • Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) introduced a resident-facing Aadhaar mascot named ‘Udai’.

   • Purpose: Simplify public communication on Aadhaar services and boost citizen engagement with identity services.

2. India Launches Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative 2026

   • New initiative to strengthen global collaboration in science, technology, and diplomatic engagement.

   • Focus on joint scientific research, technology partnerships, and global policy dialogue.

3. Somnath Swabhiman Parv Observed

   • National campaign marking the millennium of Somnath Temple’s resilience.

   • Union Home Minister Amit Shah called for nationwide participation in the celebration.

1.3 Social & Environmental Updates

1. All-India Tiger Estimation 2026 Begins

   • The tiger census exercise, AITE-26, commenced on 6 January 2026 at Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Erode Division).

   • Part of nationwide wildlife population assessment to inform conservation strategies.

2. Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign

   • Government-led initiative targeting the eradication of child marriage across India.

   • Supported by latest demographic findings highlighting impacts on education and health outcomes.

1.4 Science & Technology

1. RRI Develops Non-Invasive Cold Atom Density Measurement Method

   • Raman Research Institute (Bengaluru) developed a technique to measure cold atom density in real time without disruption.

   • Expected to aid atomic physics research and precision measurement applications.

1.5 Recognitions & Awards

1. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang Awarded IEEE Medal of Honor 2026

   • Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, conferred with the IEEE Medal of Honor 2026 — the Institute’s highest recognition.

   • Includes a USD 2 million prize for contributions to engineering and technology.

2. International Affairs

2.1 Global Summits & United Nations

1. UN Declares 2026 as International Year for Rangelands and Pastoralists

   • UN General Assembly approved 2026 as International Year of Rangelands & Pastoralists.

   • Aims to raise awareness about sustainable management of rangelands that support over 2 billion people and more than **50% of world livestock.

2.2 Global Economy & Trade

1. USA Withdraws from 66 International Bodies

   • The United States has commenced withdrawal from multiple international organizations, impacting global partnerships including those involving India.

3. Sports Updates

3.1 National Sporting Events

1. 69th National School Games in Ludhiana

   • The 69th National School Games began on 6 January 2026 in Ludhiana, Punjab, and will run until 11 January 2026.

   • Over 38 teams participated across Gatka (U-19), Judo (U-14), and Taekwondo (U-14) categories.

   • Notable medalists:

     • Yuvraj Thakur (Punjab) – Gold in Judo (U-40 kg).

     • Rushan Malek Mohd (Gujarat) – Gold in Judo (U-45 kg).

     • Muskan (Punjab) – Gold in Judo (U-27 kg Girls).

     • Dipanshi Khoiwal (KVS) – Gold in Judo (U-32 kg Girls).

     • Punjab Women’s Gatka Team won Gold in both single and team events.

2. 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship

   • Event held in Varanasi, with the final phases including quarter-finals (9 Jan) and semi-finals (10 Jan).

   • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the championship virtually with 78 teams from across India competing.

3.2 International Sporting Events

1. 13th ASEAN Para Games Scheduled

   • Multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

   • Opening on 20 January 2026, closing 26 January 2026, with participation from 11 ASEAN nations across 19 sports.

2. Welsh Open Snooker – Qualifiers Begin

   • 2026 BetVictor Welsh Open qualifiers commenced 9–10 January 2026 in Sheffield, England.

   • Tournament scheduled 23 Feb – 1 Mar 2026 at Venue Cymru, Llandudno; total prize fund £550,400.

4. Banking & Finance Current Affairs for Exams

1. Karur Vysya Bank Cuts Base Rate and BPLR

   • From 7 January 2026, base rates and Benchmark Prime Lending Rate (BPLR) were reduced to improve lending competitiveness.

2. RBI Proposes Dividend Payout Cap

   • RBI recommended a 75% cap on dividend payouts by banks to strengthen capital adequacy and financial resilience.

3. Axis Bank Launches ‘Safety Centre’

   • New initiative to upgrade digital banking security and protect customers from cyber-fraud.

4. IDFC FIRST Bank Launches Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card

   • Product targeting premium segment with zero foreign exchange markup fees.

5. Important Days (January)

1. 9th January:

   • Scheduled National Conference on Sports Sciences 2026 (9–10 Jan).

2. 26th January:

   • Republic Day of India (Important upcoming event).