Current Affairs – 17 January 2026 (Exam-Focused, Point-Wise)

NATIONAL NEWS

RBI Tightens Forex Risk Norms (Banking & Finance)

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued new draft regulations to tighten foreign exchange risk norms for banks.
Banks must assess forex risk capital requirements continuously at both standalone and consolidated levels.
Norms aim to align India’s banking risk management with global standards.
Implementation date set from 1 April 2027.

IBPS Exam Calendar 2026-27 Released (Banking Recruitment)

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) published the official recruitment calendar for the 2026-27 cycle.
Calendar covers key vacancies and exam windows for PO, Clerk (Customer Service Associate), Specialist Officer (SO), and Regional Rural Banks (RRB) posts.
Aspirants can now plan preparation and timelines well in advance.

HDFC Bank Services Downtime Alert (Customer Banking Impact)

HDFC Bank scheduled maintenance for net banking and mobile app services on 18 January 2026.
Downtime window: 00:00 to 02:30 IST (2.5 hours).
During this period, customers cannot access digital banking services; plan transactions accordingly.

16th India-EU Summit Scheduled

The 16th India-European Union Summit is set for 27 January 2026 in India.
European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will attend.
Both leaders are chief guests for India’s Republic Day Parade on 26 January 2026.
Summit emphasizes cooperation on rules-based international order and stronger strategic ties.

Iran Unrest Update – Nationwide Uprising (Geopolitical)

Since early January 2026, Iran has seen widespread protests across all 31 provinces triggered by hyperinflation and currency collapse.
Over 340 protest instances recorded in a single week; general strikes have affected major commercial hubs including Tehran, Tabriz, and Isfahan.
Government responded with internet blackouts and military deployments in key regions.

Voyager 1 Near Light-Day Milestone (Space)

NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft is expected to reach a distance of one light-day from Earth (distance light travels in 24 hours).
It remains the most distant human-made object traveling through interstellar space.

Bank Holiday Schedule in January 2026 (Banking Planning)

World Indoor Bowls Championships 2026 (Ongoing)

The World Indoor Bowls Championships 2026 taking place from 9–25 January 2026 at Potters Resorts, Hopton-on-Sea, UK.
The event features individual and pairs competitions with global participants.
In 2025, Jason Banks achieved a historic treble (singles, men’s pairs, mixed pairs) and Julie Forrest won her third ladies’ title.
The 2026 edition continues with free live streaming for fans.

State Funeral for Former President of Cyprus

Former President of Cyprus will be accorded a state funeral on 17 January 2026 at 13:00 at the Holy Church of God’s Wisdom (Ayias Sofias) in Strovolos.
The occasion will see attendance of the President and the full Council of Ministers.

Important National & International Days (January)

Republic Day of India: 26 January 2026.
Other key dates for January include bank holidays and regional observances impacting financial services.