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Current Affairs January 2026
58 important events from January 2026, grouped by topic, each with a one-line exam point.
Top stories
- India-EU free trade talks concluded
- EU leaders grace 77th Republic Day
- GDP growth estimated at 7.4%
- PSLV-C62 mission fails
- Ashoka Chakra for Shubhanshu Shukla
- Bulgaria joins eurozone
International Affairs
Bulgaria adopts the euro
1 January 2026Bulgaria switched from the lev to the euro, becoming the 21st member of the eurozone. The conversion rate was fixed at 1.95583 lev per euro.
- Bulgaria is the 21st eurozone member
- Fixed rate: 1 euro = 1.95583 lev
- Lev ceased as legal tender after the dual-currency period ended on 1 February 2026
Exam point: Bulgaria became the 21st eurozone country
US strikes Venezuela and captures President Maduro
3 January 2026In Operation Absolute Resolve, US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and took him to New York to face narco-terrorism charges. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as acting president on 5 January.
- Operation name: Absolute Resolve
- Maduro pleaded not guilty in a Manhattan federal court on 5 January
- Delcy Rodríguez became acting president
Exam point: Delcy Rodríguez became Venezuela's acting president after Maduro's capture
German Chancellor Merz makes first official visit to India
12 January 2026Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Ahmedabad and Bengaluru on 12–13 January. The two sides signed declarations on defence industry, semiconductors and critical minerals, and Germany announced visa-free transit for Indian passport holders.
- Visit dates: 12–13 January 2026; talks held in Ahmedabad
- Germany offers visa-free transit for Indians
- India-Germany trade crossed USD 50 billion in 2024
Exam point: Germany announced visa-free transit for Indian passport holders
UAE President visits India; trade target set at $200 billion
19 January 2026UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited India. The two countries aimed to double trade to USD 200 billion by 2032 and signed a 10-year LNG deal and a letter of intent on a Strategic Defence Partnership.
- Trade target: USD 200 billion by 2032
- HPCL–ADNOC Gas 10-year LNG deal for 0.5 million tonnes a year from 2028
- Plans for UAE role in Dholera special investment region
Exam point: India-UAE aim for USD 200 billion trade by 2032
United States formally exits the WHO
22 January 2026The US withdrawal from the World Health Organization took effect on 22 January 2026, a year after President Trump signed the executive order. It is the second time the US has moved to leave the WHO.
- Executive Order 14155 signed on 20 January 2025
- Withdrawal effective 22 January 2026
- First withdrawal attempt (2020) was reversed in 2021
Exam point: US withdrawal from WHO took effect on 22 January 2026
Board of Peace charter signed at Davos
22 January 2026The charter of the US-led Board of Peace was signed at Davos during the World Economic Forum meeting. It is chaired by Donald Trump and is focused on the Gaza peace plan and reconstruction.
- Signed in Davos, Switzerland, during the 56th WEF annual meeting
- Chair: Donald Trump
- India later attended its first meeting as an observer
Exam point: Board of Peace launched at Davos, chaired by Donald Trump
India-EU summit in New Delhi deepens partnership
27 January 2026PM Modi hosted EU leaders Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen for a summit in New Delhi. Beyond concluding the FTA talks, the two sides adopted a Security and Defence Partnership and agreed on mobility and green hydrogen cooperation.
- Summit held in New Delhi on 27 January
- Security and Defence Partnership adopted
- Cooperation also on mobility, disaster risk management and green hydrogen
Exam point: India and EU adopted a Security and Defence Partnership
Economy
GST collections grow 6.1% in December 2025
1 January 2026Gross GST collections for December 2025 rose 6.1% year-on-year to about Rs 1.75 lakh crore.
- Total about Rs 1.75 lakh crore
- Growth: 6.1% over December 2024
- IGST largest component at about Rs 98,894 crore
Exam point: December 2025 GST collection about Rs 1.75 lakh crore
GDP projected to grow 7.4% in 2025-26
7 January 2026The National Statistics Office's First Advance Estimates put real GDP growth for 2025-26 at 7.4%, up from 6.5% in 2024-25. Nominal GDP is estimated to grow 8.0%.
- Real GDP: about Rs 201.90 lakh crore
- Financial, real estate and professional services grow 9.9%; agriculture 3.1%
- Gross fixed capital formation to grow 7.8%
Exam point: First Advance Estimates: real GDP growth 7.4% in 2025-26
Retail inflation rises to 1.33% in December 2025
12 January 2026CPI inflation climbed to 1.33% in December 2025 from 0.71% in November. Food prices stayed in deflation at -2.71%. This was the last release on the 2012 base year.
- Rural 0.76%, urban 2.03%
- Food inflation (CFPI): -2.71%
- New CPI series with base year 2024 from February 2026
Exam point: December 2025 CPI inflation: 1.33%
Wholesale inflation turns positive at 0.83%
14 January 2026WPI-based inflation rose to 0.83% in December 2025, after a deflation of 0.32% in November.
- December 2025 WPI inflation: 0.83%
- November 2025: -0.32%
- WPI base year: 2011-12
Exam point: WPI inflation 0.83% in December 2025
India and EU conclude free trade agreement talks
27 January 2026India and the European Union concluded negotiations on a free trade agreement after nearly two decades of talks. It is India's largest trade deal and gives Indian exports 99% market access in the EU.
- Concluded at the India-EU summit, New Delhi
- 99% market access for Indian exports
- Von der Leyen called it the 'mother of all deals'
Exam point: India-EU FTA talks concluded on 27 January 2026
Economic Survey 2025-26 tabled in Parliament
29 January 2026Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey 2025-26. It projected growth of 6.8–7.2% for 2026-27 and noted average inflation of just 1.7% in April–December 2025.
- FY27 growth projection: 6.8% to 7.2%
- Average CPI inflation Apr–Dec 2025: 1.7%
- Notes three sovereign rating upgrades in 2025 (S&P, Morningstar DBRS, R&I)
Exam point: Economic Survey projects 6.8–7.2% growth for 2026-27
Banking & Finance
First meeting of RBI's Payments Regulatory Board
5 January 2026RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra chaired the first meeting of the Payments Regulatory Board in Mumbai. The board was set up after amendments to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
- Chaired by Governor Sanjay Malhotra
- Board created under amended PSS Act, 2007
- Reviewed draft Payments Vision 2028
Exam point: Payments Regulatory Board held its first meeting on 5 January
RBI notifies FEMA guarantee regulations 2026
12 January 2026RBI issued the Foreign Exchange Management (Guarantees) Regulations, 2026 to govern guarantees involving non-residents. Authorised Dealer Category-I banks must report guarantees they issue, change or invoke.
- Issued under FEMA, 1999
- Applies to AD Category-I banks
- Quarterly reporting on trade credit guarantees dropped
Exam point: Foreign Exchange Management (Guarantees) Regulations, 2026 issued
RBI proposes resuming licences for urban co-operative banks
13 January 2026RBI released a discussion paper on restarting licensing of new urban co-operative banks, which was halted in 2004. Eligible co-operative credit societies would need minimum capital of Rs 300 crore.
- New UCB licensing paused since 2004
- Proposed minimum capital: Rs 300 crore
- Other proposed conditions: 12% CRAR, net NPA within 3%
Exam point: RBI plans first new UCB licences since 2004
Cabinet approves Rs 5,000 crore equity for SIDBI
21 January 2026The Cabinet approved equity support of Rs 5,000 crore to the Small Industries Development Bank of India to expand credit to MSMEs.
- Tranches: Rs 3,000 crore in 2025-26, Rs 1,000 crore each in 2026-27 and 2027-28
- Expected to add about 25.74 lakh new MSME beneficiaries
- Estimated to support about 1.12 crore jobs
Exam point: SIDBI gets Rs 5,000 crore equity infusion
Forex reserves hit record $709.41 billion
30 January 2026India's foreign exchange reserves rose to a record USD 709.41 billion for the week ended 23 January 2026, helped by a jump in the value of gold holdings.
- Weekly rise of about USD 8.05 billion
- Gold reserves at about USD 123.09 billion
- Data released by the RBI
Exam point: Forex reserves at record USD 709.41 billion
Obituaries
Former IOA chief Suresh Kalmadi dies
6 January 2026Suresh Kalmadi (81), former Union minister and Indian Olympic Association president (1996–2011), died in Pune. He chaired the organising committee of the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
- IOA president 1996–2011
- Chaired CWG 2010 organising committee
- Was MoS Railways (1995–96)
Exam point: Suresh Kalmadi led the IOA from 1996 to 2011
Ecologist Madhav Gadgil passes away
7 January 2026Ecologist Madhav Gadgil (83) died in Pune. He headed the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (2010) and received the UN Champions of the Earth award in 2024.
- Led the Western Ghats (Gadgil) panel, 2010
- Tyler Prize 2015; Padma Bhushan 2006
- Helped shape the Biological Diversity Act, 2002
Exam point: Madhav Gadgil headed the 2010 Western Ghats panel
Veteran BBC journalist Sir Mark Tully dies
25 January 2026Sir Mark Tully (90), the BBC's long-time New Delhi bureau chief, died in New Delhi. He was known as 'the voice of India' on BBC radio.
- BBC New Delhi bureau chief for 20 years
- Padma Shri (1992) and Padma Bhushan (2005)
- Knighted in 2002
Exam point: Mark Tully was the BBC's New Delhi bureau chief for 20 years
Ajit Pawar dies in Baramati plane crash
28 January 2026Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar (66) died when a Learjet 45 crashed while landing at Baramati airport. He was the state's longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister.
- Served as Deputy CM six times
- Crash at Baramati Airport, five killed
- Succeeded by wife Sunetra Pawar
Exam point: Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra's longest-serving Deputy CM, died
Defence & Security
DRDO tests actively cooled scramjet engine
9 January 2026DRDO carried out a long-duration ground test of a full-scale actively cooled scramjet engine for its hypersonic missile programme.
- Developer: DRDO
- Scramjets power hypersonic cruise missiles (over Mach 5)
- Described as a milestone for India's hypersonic programme
Exam point: DRDO ground-tested a full-scale actively cooled scramjet
Third-generation MPATGM flight-tested
12 January 2026DRDO flight-tested the third-generation Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile with top-attack capability against a moving target at the KK Ranges, Ahilya Nagar (Maharashtra).
- Fire-and-forget, top-attack missile
- Tested at KK Ranges, Ahilya Nagar
- Hit a moving target
Exam point: MPATGM tested with top-attack capability
78th Army Day parade held in Jaipur
15 January 2026The 78th Army Day parade was held on Mahal Road, Jaipur, displaying indigenous missiles, tanks, drones and robotic dogs. The Nepal Army Band also took part.
- 78th Army Day
- Venue: Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Displays included the BrahMos missile system
Exam point: 78th Army Day parade was held in Jaipur
Important Days
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
9 January 2026Observed on 9 January to honour the contribution of the Indian diaspora. The date marks Mahatma Gandhi's return from South Africa in 1915.
- Date: 9 January
- Recognises overseas Indians
- Linked to Gandhi's return to India in 1915
Exam point: Honours the Indian diaspora; marks Gandhi's 1915 return
National Youth Day
12 January 2026Observed on the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. PM Modi addressed the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026 at Bharat Mandapam.
- Birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda
- Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue held
- Over 65% of Indians are under 35
Exam point: Marks Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary
Indian Army Day (78th)
15 January 2026The 78th Army Day was observed with the main parade in Jaipur. The day marks the takeover of the Army by Gen K.M. Cariappa, the first Indian Commander-in-Chief, in 1949.
- 78th Army Day
- Main parade: Jaipur
- Commemorates K.M. Cariappa taking command in 1949
Exam point: Marks K.M. Cariappa becoming first Indian Army C-in-C (1949)
Parakram Diwas
23 January 2026Marked the 129th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The Ministry of Culture held celebrations, beginning in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- 129th birth anniversary of Netaji
- Observed on 23 January
- Celebrations began in Andaman & Nicobar
Exam point: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's 129th birth anniversary
National Voters' Day (16th)
25 January 2026The Election Commission celebrated the 16th National Voters' Day with the theme 'My India, My Vote'. President Murmu presided over the main event in New Delhi.
- Theme: 'My India, My Vote'
- 16th edition
- Marks ECI's founding on 25 January 1950
Exam point: Theme: My India, My Vote
Awards & Honours
83rd Golden Globe Awards
11 January 2026The 83rd Golden Globes were held at the Beverly Hilton, hosted by Nikki Glaser. 'One Battle After Another' led the film wins with four awards.
- 'One Battle After Another' won 4 awards
- Helen Mirren got the Cecil B. DeMille Award
- First-ever Best Podcast award introduced
Exam point: 'One Battle After Another' led the 83rd Golden Globes
Padma Awards 2026 announced
25 January 2026The government announced 131 Padma Awards on Republic Day eve: 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri. Padma Vibhushan went to Dharmendra and V.S. Achuthanandan (both posthumous), Justice K.T. Thomas, violinist N. Rajam and P. Narayanan.
- Total 131: 5 Vibhushan, 13 Bhushan, 113 Shri
- Padma Bhushan includes Mammootty, Uday Kotak, Vijay Amritraj, Alka Yagnik
- Padma Shri includes Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur and Savita Punia
Exam point: Dharmendra and V.S. Achuthanandan got Padma Vibhushan posthumously
Ashoka Chakra for astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla
26 January 2026President Murmu conferred the Ashoka Chakra on Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the International Space Station. Gallantry awards were approved for 70 armed forces personnel.
- Ashoka Chakra: Gp Capt Shubhanshu Shukla
- 3 Kirti Chakra incl. Gp Capt Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair
- 13 Shaurya Chakra (one posthumous)
Exam point: Shubhanshu Shukla received the Ashoka Chakra
States in News
Kerala records highest retail inflation among states
12 January 2026December 2025 CPI data showed Kerala with the highest inflation among states at 9.49%, far above the national rate of 1.33%.
- Kerala CPI inflation: 9.49% (December 2025)
- All-India CPI inflation: 1.33%
- Data released by MoSPI
Exam point: Kerala had the highest state inflation at 9.49% in December 2025
Meghalaya's living root bridges nominated for World Heritage
29 January 2026India submitted its nomination of Meghalaya's living root bridges to UNESCO for World Heritage status. The dossier is titled 'Jingkieng Jri / Lyu Chrai Cultural Landscape'.
- Nomination title: Jingkieng Jri / Lyu Chrai Cultural Landscape
- To be considered in the 2026-27 World Heritage evaluation cycle
- Bridges are grown from living tree roots by local communities
Exam point: Living root bridges nominated as 'Jingkieng Jri' cultural landscape
Sunetra Pawar becomes Maharashtra's first woman Deputy CM
31 January 2026After Ajit Pawar's death in a plane crash, his wife Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. She is the first woman to hold the post in the state.
- Sworn in on 31 January 2026
- Serves alongside Deputy CM Eknath Shinde
- Succeeded Ajit Pawar, who died on 28 January
Exam point: Sunetra Pawar is Maharashtra's first woman Deputy Chief Minister
Science, Tech & Space
PSLV-C62 mission with EOS-N1 fails
12 January 2026ISRO's PSLV-C62, carrying the EOS-N1 imaging satellite and other payloads, failed to reach orbit after a roll-rate problem in the third stage. It was the second PSLV failure in a row after PSLV-C61.
- Launched from Sriharikota on 12 January
- Primary payload: EOS-N1; also carried AayulSAT
- Spanish KID capsule survived briefly and sent data
Exam point: PSLV-C62 failed due to a third-stage roll anomaly
Two Nipah cases confirmed in West Bengal
28 January 2026The National Centre for Disease Control confirmed two Nipah virus cases in West Bengal. The Centre sent a National Joint Outbreak Response Team after suspected cases were found at AIIMS Kalyani.
- Confirmed by NCDC
- Cases linked to AIIMS Kalyani
- Nipah is a zoonotic virus carried by fruit bats
Exam point: NCDC confirmed two Nipah cases in West Bengal
Clinical trial rules amended to speed drug approvals
January 2026The New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules were amended to cut the time for test licences for high-risk drugs from 90 to 45 days. Some bioavailability studies now need only online intimation instead of prior permission.
- Test licence timeline: 90 → 45 days
- Online intimation replaces prior permission for some studies
- Amends NDCT Rules, 2019
Exam point: Drug test licence time cut from 90 to 45 days
Reports & Indices
NITI Aayog releases Export Preparedness Index 2024
14 January 2026NITI Aayog's Export Preparedness Index 2024 ranks states and UTs on export readiness. Maharashtra led the large states, while Uttarakhand topped the small, north-eastern and Himalayan group.
- Large states led by Maharashtra, then Tamil Nadu and Gujarat
- Small/NE/Himalayan: Uttarakhand first, Jammu & Kashmir second
- Framework: 4 pillars, 13 sub-pillars
Exam point: Maharashtra tops large states in Export Preparedness Index 2024
Unemployment rate steady at 4.8% in December
15 January 2026The monthly Periodic Labour Force Survey bulletin put the unemployment rate for people aged 15 and above at 4.8% in December 2025, against 4.7% in November.
- December 2025: 4.8%
- November 2025: 4.7%
- Survey: PLFS by MoSPI
Exam point: PLFS unemployment rate 4.8% in December 2025
Environment & Heritage
Environment Protection Fund Rules notified
15 January 2026The Environment Protection Fund Rules, 2026 were notified to direct penalties collected for environmental violations towards pollution control infrastructure.
- Notified on 15 January 2026
- Uses penalty money for pollution control
- Issued by the Environment Ministry
Exam point: Environmental penalties to fund pollution control infrastructure
High Seas Treaty (BBNJ) enters into force
17 January 2026The UN agreement on marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) came into force on 17 January 2026. It was triggered when Morocco became the 60th country to ratify.
- Needed 60 ratifications
- Agreement under UNCLOS
- Covers high seas, about two-thirds of the ocean
Exam point: BBNJ High Seas Treaty in force from 17 January 2026
Second range-wide dolphin survey begins
17 January 2026The Environment Ministry launched the second range-wide estimation of river and estuarine dolphins from Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh under Project Dolphin.
- Launched from Bijnor (UP)
- Phase 1: Ganga main stem and Indus
- Also assesses Indus river dolphin and Irrawaddy dolphin
Exam point: Second dolphin survey under Project Dolphin began at Bijnor
Solid Waste Management Rules 2026 notified
27 January 2026The Centre notified the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, which extend to rural areas and widen the definition of bulk waste generators. They take effect from 1 April 2026.
- Effective 1 April 2026
- Now cover rural areas
- Expanded definition of bulk waste generators
Exam point: Solid Waste Management Rules 2026 effective from 1 April 2026
National Affairs
Startup India completes ten years
16 January 2026PM Modi joined an event at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, to mark ten years of Startup India, launched on 16 January 2016. The country now has over two lakh recognised startups.
- Startup India launched on 16 January 2016
- 16 January is observed as National Startup Day
- Over 2 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups
Exam point: Startup India, launched 16 January 2016, turned ten
Cabinet extends Atal Pension Yojana till 2030-31
21 January 2026The Union Cabinet approved continuing the Atal Pension Yojana up to 2030-31, along with funding for promotion and gap funding. The scheme gives unorganised workers a guaranteed pension after 60.
- Guaranteed pension of Rs 1,000–5,000 per month from age 60
- Over 8.66 crore subscribers as of 19 January 2026
- Targets workers in the unorganised sector
Exam point: Atal Pension Yojana continued till 2030-31
India celebrates 77th Republic Day with EU leaders as guests
26 January 2026India marked its 77th Republic Day with the parade on Kartavya Path built around 150 years of Vande Mataram. EU Council President Antonio Costa and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attended as chief guests.
- Parade theme linked to 150 years of 'Vande Mataram' and Aatmanirbhar Bharat
- 30 tableaux from states, UTs and departments took part
- Closing flypast by 29 IAF aircraft; 21-gun salute fired with 105 mm Light Field Guns
Exam point: Two EU leaders were joint chief guests at the 77th Republic Day
Budget Session of Parliament begins with President's address
28 January 2026The Budget Session opened on 28 January 2026 with President Droupadi Murmu addressing both Houses. The Economic Survey 2025-26 was tabled the next day.
- Session planned with 30 sittings
- Recess from 14 February to 8 March
- President's address covered infrastructure, labour codes and health schemes
Exam point: Budget Session 2026 began on 28 January
Supreme Court puts UGC Equity Regulations 2026 on hold
29 January 2026A bench led by CJI Surya Kant kept the UGC's new equity rules for campuses in abeyance, calling them prima facie vague and open to misuse. The older 2012 UGC regulations will apply until the court decides the challenge.
- Bench: CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi
- 2026 rules had required Equal Opportunity Centres in higher education institutions
- Notice issued to Centre and UGC; next hearing set for 19 March 2026
Exam point: SC stayed UGC Equity Regulations 2026; 2012 rules revived meanwhile
SC declares menstrual hygiene part of right to life
31 January 2026The Supreme Court held that the right to menstrual hygiene is part of the right to life under Article 21. It directed all states and UTs to give free biodegradable sanitary pads to adolescent girls in schools and ensure separate toilets.
- Bench: Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan
- Applies to both government and private schools; private schools risk losing recognition
- Directs rollout of the Menstrual Hygiene Policy for school-going girls in Classes 6–12
Exam point: Menstrual hygiene recognised as part of Article 21
Sports
Vidarbha win maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy
18 January 2026Vidarbha beat Saurashtra by 38 runs in the final to win the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time.
- Winner: Vidarbha (first title)
- Runner-up: Saurashtra
- Player of the match: Atharva Taide
Exam point: Vidarbha won their first Vijay Hazare Trophy
India Open badminton 2026 concludes in New Delhi
18 January 2026The India Open Super 750 was held at the Indira Gandhi Arena, New Delhi. An Se-young won the women's singles and Lin Chun-yi the men's singles.
- Level: BWF Super 750
- Women's singles: An Se-young (Korea)
- Men's singles: Lin Chun-yi (Chinese Taipei)
Exam point: An Se-young and Lin Chun-yi won India Open 2026 singles
Elena Rybakina wins Australian Open women's title
31 January 2026Elena Rybakina beat world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6–4, 4–6, 6–4 in the women's final at Melbourne Park. The 114th Australian Open began on 18 January; the men's final, won by Carlos Alcaraz over Novak Djokovic, followed on 1 February.
- Women's champion: Elena Rybakina; runner-up Aryna Sabalenka
- Men's title (1 Feb): Carlos Alcaraz d. Djokovic 2–6, 6–2, 6–3, 7–5
- Record prize money of A$111.5 million
Exam point: Elena Rybakina won the 2026 Australian Open women's singles
New Zealand win first ODI series in India
January 2026New Zealand beat India 2–1 in the three-match ODI series, their first ODI series win in India. India then took the T20I series 4–1.
- ODI series: NZ won 2–1; Player of the Series Daryl Mitchell
- T20I series: India won 4–1; Player of the Series Suryakumar Yadav
- Ishan Kishan hit his maiden T20I century
Exam point: New Zealand's first-ever ODI series win in India
Appointments
Nitin Nabin takes charge as BJP national president
20 January 2026Nitin Nabin, a Bihar MLA from Bankipur, was elected unopposed and took charge as BJP national president, succeeding J.P. Nadda. At 45, he is the party's youngest president.
- 16th national president of the BJP
- Succeeded J.P. Nadda
- From Bihar; youngest BJP president at 45
Exam point: Nitin Nabin is the BJP's 16th and youngest national president
Sunita Williams retires from NASA
20 January 2026NASA announced the retirement of astronaut Sunita Williams, effective 27 December 2025. She spent 608 days in space across her missions.
- Total time in space: 608 days
- 9 spacewalks totalling about 62 hours — most by a woman
- Retirement effective 27 December 2025
Exam point: Sunita Williams retired after 608 days in space
Iliana Iotova becomes Bulgaria's first woman president
23 January 2026Vice President Iliana Iotova took over as President of Bulgaria after Rumen Radev resigned. She is the country's first female president.
- Radev announced resignation on 19 January
- Iotova had been Vice President since 2017
- First Bulgarian VP to succeed mid-term after a resignation
Exam point: Iliana Iotova is Bulgaria's first female president