NATIONAL NEWS (INDIA)
Bank Holidays – 15 January 2026
Banks Closed: Due to Makar Sankranti festival, many states in India observe bank holidays and physical bank branches remain closed. Digital banking services (UPI, ATMs, mobile apps) continue operating.
State-wise holiday calendar: Banks in multiple states will not conduct branch operations or routine physical banking services.
Importance for aspirants: Bank holiday dates are frequently asked under banking and general awareness sections of competitive exams.
Stock Market Holiday – January 15, 2026
BSE & NSE: Both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) remain closed for trading due to municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra.
Market planning: Investors and aspirants should note settlement rules and changes in futures & options expiry schedules.
Bank of Maharashtra Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Notification: Bank of Maharashtra has announced 600 apprentice positions under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961.
Training Focus: Apprentices will receive hands-on training in customer service, accounting, branch management, etc.
Stipend: Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend of ₹9,000 (no guarantee of permanent employment).
Registration Start: Online applications begin 15 January 2026.
Relevance: Important for banking job aspirants and competitive exam sections covering recruitment news.
RBI Tightens Forex Risk Norms (Effective April 1, 2027)
Regulation Change: Reserve Bank of India introduces new norms for banks to assess capital charges against foreign exchange risks continuously.
Objective: Align internal capital requirements with global standards to strengthen risk governance and financial resilience.
Exam Insight: Central bank reforms and regulatory policies are high-yield topics for banking awareness.
NTA SWAYAM 2026 Exam Dates Released
Agency: National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the timetable for SWAYAM January 2026 session exams.
Purpose: SWAYAM offers MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) enabling skill validation across diverse subjects.
Candidate Action: Students should check the official NTA portal for subject-wise schedule and planning.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Prince William’s First Investiture Ceremony 2026
Event Date: 14 January 2026
Venue: Windsor Castle, UK
Highlights:
Prince William hosts his first investiture of 2026, awarding honours from the King’s New Year Honours List.
Notable awardees included Frank Rothwell (business contribution), Dame Clare Barclay (CEO, Microsoft UK), and Millie Bright (former England Lionesses defender).
Context: Royal honours are part of the UK’s tradition recognizing public service and achievements.
SPORTS NEWS
ICC U19 World Cup 2026 – India U19 vs USA U19
Match Date: 15 January 2026
Event: ICC U19 World Cup 2026
Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Significance: India U19 begins its campaign in Group A. Crucial fixture for talent scouting ahead of senior level events.
2026 Bahrain Darts Masters Begins (15–16 January)
Location: Exhibition World, Sakhir, Bahrain
Organization: Professional Darts Corporation (PDC)
Prize Fund: £100,000 (Winner share £30,000)
Tournament Format: Professional darts competition with 16 players (PDC & Asian reps).
Defending Champion: Stephen Bunting (won 2025 final against Gerwyn Price 8–4).
Relevance: International sports event useful for general awareness, sports GK sections.
World Athletics Cross Country Championships – Results
Date Held: 10 January 2026
Host City: Tallahassee, Florida, USA
Edition: 46th World Athletics Cross Country Championships
Key Winners:
Jakob Kiplimo (Senior Men’s Champion)
Agnes Ngetich (Senior Women’s Champion)
Team Titles: Ethiopia (Men & Women), Australia (Mixed relay).
Exam Tip: World Athletics events and winners often appear in current affairs.
2nd Khelo India Beach Games 2026 – Concluded
Dates: 5–10 January 2026
Location: Ghoghla Beach, Diu, India
Participants: ~1,300 athletes from 25 States & 6 Union Territories
Disciplines: 8 sporting disciplines including demonstration games.
Significance: Promotes grassroots sports and athletes’ exposure at national level.
IMPORTANT DAYS & OBSERVANCES (JANUARY 2026)
Important Days Context (January)
January 12: National Youth Day (Birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda)
January 15: Makar Sankranti / Pongal (Harvest festival observed across India)
January 24: National Girl Child Day (India)
January 26: Republic Day (India)
International Days:
World Braille Day, International Education Day, etc., observed throughout January.
Relevance: Important dates feature frequently in general awareness sections of competitive examinations.
ANALYTICAL INSIGHT FOR EXAM ASPIRANTS
Banking Sector Trends
RBI’s move on forex risk capital requirements reflects the central bank’s alignment with Basel norms and global financial standards.
Bank holidays and stock market closures are essential for operational planning and risk management questions.
Recruitment & Education Updates
Bank of Maharashtra recruitment and NTA SWAYAM schedules offer aspirants opportunities and timelines for skills enhancement or entry-level banking roles.
Sports & International Recognition
International award ceremonies and multi-country tournaments like U19 World Cup or World Athletics events enhance general awareness and international sports updates.
Government & Cultural Observances
National festivals like Makar Sankranti and Republic Day preparations provide cultural and civic context crucial for Indian polity and culture sections.
