1. National Affairs – India
Economic & Banking Updates
Indian Banking Sector Health
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) stress tests indicate Indian banks are in the healthiest position in a decade, with strong capital buffers able to withstand extreme shocks and improved asset quality.
Gross bad loans projected to decline to 1.9% by March 2027 from 2.1% in September 2025.
RBI warns of rising risks among non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) where gross bad loans could rise to 2.9% by September 2026, and rising insurance sector cost pressures.
RBI emphasizes prioritization of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) over stablecoins for financial stability.
Competitive Exam Alerts
2. Intelligence Bureau (IB) ACIO Exam City Intimation
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) released IB ACIO Grade-II/Executive Exam City Intimation Slip 2025 for Tier 1 and Tier 2.
Candidates must download the official slip to plan travel for exams; key dates available on official portal.
Nainital Bank Recruitment Closing
Last date: 01 January 2026 for applications to Clerk, Probationary Officer (PO), and Specialist Officer (SO) posts for session 2025–26.
Eligible graduates must complete online application before deadline closes.
2. International Affairs
Geopolitics & Global Economy
4. Türkiye-China Visa-Free Travel Policy
Effective 02 January 2026: Türkiye grants visa-free entry to Chinese citizens to boost tourism and bilateral ties; expected to increase economic growth in tourism sectors with expected rise in arrivals to major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia.
Global New Year 2026 Celebrations and Security
Cities such as Sydney, Paris, and New York hosted grand fireworks and light shows; some regions scaled back events due to recent disasters and security concerns.
Highlights include global remembrance activities and heightened security arrangements for celebrations.
OPEC+ & Oil Markets
On 02 January 2026, global oil prices remained stable, recovering from a previous annual decline; markets focused on upcoming OPEC+ meeting expected to maintain supply cuts.
U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports and ongoing geopolitical tensions were key influencers.
Ongoing Global Conflicts
Multiple conflicts continue, including civil wars and insurgencies in Africa (e.g., Ethiopia, Mali, Central African Republic), and broader international unrest in various regions.
3. World Important Days
Important Day: World Introvert Day
02 January officially observed as World Introvert Day, promoting awareness of personality diversity and mental wellness.
4. Economy & Markets
Stock Market Recommendations
For 02 January 2026, leading analysts recommended key stocks to watch, including Canara Bank, Nykaa, and others, suggesting strategic positional buys based on trading research.
5. Sports & Major Events
Upcoming Sports Calendars
2026 Australian Open (Tennis): First Grand Slam of the year scheduled 12 January to 1 February 2026 in Melbourne featuring ATP and WTA players.
2026 Winter Olympics: Preparations underway for opening ceremony 06 February 2026 at Stadio San Siro, Milan-Cortina with torch relay spanning multiple regions.
Royal Rumble 2026 (WWE): Scheduled 31 January 2026 in Riyadh, marking first traditional Royal Rumble event outside North America; winners earn championship match opportunities at WrestleMania.
6. Science & Environment
Celestial Events in January
January 2026 offers notable skywatching events, including the Wolf Moon (year’s first full moon) on 02–03 January, which will also be a supermoon.
Earth reaches perihelion in early January, and the Quadrantid meteor shower is forecast at peak intensity during this cycle (visibility may vary due to moonlight).
7. Culture & Lifestyle
Global New Year Festivities 2026
New Year’s Eve across the globe featured both vibrant celebrations and moments of remembrance, reflecting a blend of joy and solemnity amid ongoing global challenges.
Events included temple bell ringing in Japan, light shows in Dubai, and major public gatherings with safety protocols in place.
