I. NATIONAL AFFAIRS (INDIA)
1. RBI and Delhi Banking Administration
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) entered into a formal agreement with the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) to manage banking operations and rupee-denominated public debt for the capital starting January 9, 2026.
This collaboration marks enhanced oversight of financial operations at the state level.
2. Government Diplomatic Engagements
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal commenced a two-day official visit to Brussels (08–09 Jan 2026) to intensify negotiations on the long-pending India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
3. Major Infrastructure Expo
The 4th Odisha Mining and Infrastructure International Expo 2026 began at Bhubaneswar on 08 Jan, running until 11 Jan.
Over 250 exhibitors, 150 live demonstrations, and participation from 10+ countries are expected with 20,000+ visitors anticipated.
4. State Government Initiatives
Kerala Government announced establishment of a Sports Bhavan to coordinate and boost sports activities and research for athletes.
This Sports Bhavan will include the State Sports Directorate and a new Sports Research and Planning Department.
5. Volleyball ‘Mahakumbh’ National Championship
72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship inaugurated in Varanasi (Kashi) on 04 Jan 2026 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
58 teams from across India are participating, marking the first hosting of the event in Varanasi.
6. Police Reshuffle
Telangana Police effected major reshuffle of 20 IPS and non-cadre officers to enhance administrative efficiency in Hyderabad and surrounding commissionerates.
II. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS & GLOBAL DEVELOPMENTS
1. American Magic Performance Centre
American Magic (U.S. sailing team) inaugurated its High Performance Centre in Pensacola, Florida to foster training and competitive excellence globally.
2. Bangladesh Cricket Stance
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced its decision not to play ICC Men’s T20 World Cup matches in India citing security concerns related to strained diplomatic ties and safety advisories for players.
3. SAFF Futsal Championship (Upcoming)
The inaugural SAFF Futsal Championship will be held 13–26 Jan 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, featuring 7 South Asian member nations.
4. ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Organized by ICC, the 10th Men’s T20 World Cup is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from 7 Feb–8 Mar 2026.
20 teams will compete in 55 matches, with India as the defending champion. Provisional squads were to be submitted by 08 Jan 2026.
III. ECONOMY & BANKING
1. Foreign Exchange Outlook
Indian rupee expected to trade in a narrow range in coming months due to consistent RBI interventions.
Forecasts estimate trading near 89.75 per USD by March 2026 and possibly near 90.8 by early 2027.
2. Bank Recruitment Updates
South Indian Bank 2026 Recruitment: Registration opened on 07 Jan 2026 for officer-level positions targeting experienced banking professionals.
Federal Bank Office Assistant Recruitment 2026: Online registration ends on 08 Jan 2026 – important opportunity for aspirants seeking roles in the banking sector.
IV. SPORTS UPDATES
1. Asia Cup Cricket Reaction
Post 2025 Asia Cup, Indian team faced criticism for not collecting the trophy from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqviafter final win over Pakistan by 5 wickets, stirring debate on sportsmanship and diplomatic tensions.
2. India Open Badminton 2026 (Upcoming)
The 24th India Open Badminton Tournament is scheduled 13–18 Jan 2026 at Indira Gandhi Arena, New Delhi with US$950,000 prize money and as part of the 2026 BWF World Tour.
3. South Asian Games 2026 Schedule
The XIV South Asian Games will be held in Pakistan across Lahore, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Karachi from 23 Jan–6 Feb 2026, featuring 27 sports.
V. IMPORTANT DAYS & EVENTS FOR JANUARY
13–26 Jan 2026: SAFF Futsal Championship (Bangkok, Thailand)
12 Jan 2026: International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad, attended by PM Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
14–18 Jan 2026: India Open Badminton 2026
23 Jan–6 Feb 2026: XIV South Asian Games
VI. APPOINTMENTS & ACHIEVEMENTS
1. AEPC Chairperson Reappointment
A Sakthivel appointed for a fifth term as Chairman of Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) guiding one of India’s major export bodies.
