Complete Current Affairs 10 January 2026
All 18 Topics with Exam-Focused Analysis for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Government Exams
Master Your Government Exam Preparation with Comprehensive Daily Current Affairs Coverage for January 2026. This meticulously curated compilation presents all 18 crucial news topics essential for UPSC Civil Services, SSC CGL, Banking (IBPS/RBI), State PSCs, Railways, and other Competitive Exams. Each topic is enriched with exam-oriented GK, static facts, previous year question patterns, and data visualization for effective revision. Stay ahead in your Current Affairs preparation with this complete guide to Latest Government Exam Updates and boost your general awareness score significantly.
1
India's GDP First Advance Estimates Released by NSO [2026]
- Released by: National Statistics Office (NSO)
- Real GDP growth: Projected at 7.4% for FY 2025-26
- Nominal GDP growth: Estimated at 8%
- Fastest growing sector: Tertiary sector at 9.1%
- Agriculture growth: 2.7%
- Industry growth: 6.8%
- Per capita income: Estimated to grow by 6.5%
- Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF): Expected to grow by 8.5%
- Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE): Projected at 7.2% growth
- Government Final Consumption Expenditure (GFCE): Estimated at 8.1% growth
| Sector | Growth Rate | Contribution to GDP |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing | 2.7% | 18.3% |
| Industry (Mining, Manufacturing, Construction) | 6.8% | 25.9% |
| Services (Tertiary Sector) | 9.1% | 55.8% |
| Overall GDP (Real) | 7.4% | 100% |
Static GK / Exam-Relevant Facts
- NSO: Formed in 2019 by merging NSSO & CSO
- Ministry: Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
- GDP Base Year: 2011-12
- Release Schedule: First AE (Jan), Second AE (Feb), Provisional (May), Final (Jan next year)
- Related Data: IIP, CPI indices also released by NSO
- GDP Measurement Methods: Production, Income, Expenditure
- GDP vs GVA: GDP = GVA + Taxes on products - Subsidies on products
- Green GDP: Account for environmental costs
- First Five Year Plan: 1951-56
- NITI Aayog: Replaced Planning Commission in 2015
Exam Focus Points
- UPSC: GDP calculation methods, NSO functions, economic surveys
- SSC: Growth rates, sectoral contributions, current GDP figures
- Banking: Impact on monetary policy, RBI's role in economic growth
- Previous Year Questions: Often ask about GDP base year, calculation methods
2
India's First Fully Paperless District Court Inaugurated [2026]
- Inaugurated by: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant
- Date: January 6, 2026
- Location: Kalpetta, Wayanad, Kerala
- Developed by: Kerala High Court (in-house development)
- Key Features: AI tools, digital signatures, voice-to-text conversion
- System Name: e-Court Digital Paperless System
- Connectivity: Integrated with National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG)
- Security: Blockchain-based document verification
- Accessibility: Available in multiple regional languages
- Training: 100% court staff trained in digital operations
Digital Filing of Cases
AI Processing & Classification
Virtual Hearing Options
Digital Signatures & Orders
Automated Record Keeping
Static GK / Exam-Relevant Facts
- District Court: Principal court of original jurisdiction
- Judges appointed by: Governor in consultation with High Court
- First High Court in India: Kolkata High Court (1862)
- Kerala High Court location: Kochi (established 1956)
- e-Courts Project: Mission Mode Project under Justice Department
- Phase I: 2007-2015 (14,000 courts computerised)
- Phase II: 2015-2023 (digital infrastructure expansion)
- Phase III: 2023-2030 (AI, blockchain integration)
- Supreme Court Judges: 34 (including CJI)
- High Courts in India: 25 High Courts
Exam Focus Points
- UPSC: Judicial reforms, e-governance, constitutional provisions
- SSC: Court hierarchy, e-Courts project phases
- Banking: Digital India initiatives, cyber security in judiciary
- Previous Year Questions: Often ask about judicial appointments, e-Courts mission
3
Uttarakhand Police Tops ICJS 2.0 Rankings [2026]
- Released by: National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)
- ICJS: Interoperable Criminal Justice System
- Objective: "One Data, One Entry" for faster justice delivery
- Integration: Police, Courts, Prisons, Forensics, Prosecution
- Uttarakhand Score: 93.46 out of 100
- Haryana Score: 93.41 (Second Position)
- Assam Score: 93.16 (Third Position)
- Last Year's Topper: Tamil Nadu (2025)
- Evaluation Parameters: Data integration, system usage, training, innovation
- Bottom Performers: Some Northeastern states below 60 marks
| Rank | State/UT Police | Score/100 | Improvement from 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uttarakhand | 93.46 | +8.21 |
| 2 | Haryana | 93.41 | +7.89 |
| 3 | Assam | 93.16 | +9.34 |
| 4 | Telangana | 92.87 | +6.45 |
| 5 | Karnataka | 92.45 | +7.12 |
Static GK / Exam-Relevant Facts
- NCRB: Established 1986, under Ministry of Home Affairs
- ICJS launched: 2020-21 (Phase I)
- Police: State subject (List II, Entry 2 of Seventh Schedule)
- CCTNS: Crime and Criminal Tracking Network (launched 2009)
- National Police Academy: Hyderabad (established 1948)
- First Police Commission: 1860 (post-1857 revolt)
- Modern Police Act: Model Police Act, 2006
- Central Armed Police Forces: 7 CAPFs including BSF, CRPF, CISF
- NCRB Functions: Crime data collection, IT systems for police
- Police Reforms Committee: Ribeiro Committee (1998), Soli Sorabjee Committee (2005)
Exam Focus Points
- UPSC: Police reforms, criminal justice system, federalism issues
- SSC: NCRB functions, ICJS components, state rankings
- Banking: Technology in governance, data security systems
- Previous Year Questions: Often ask about police organization, CCTNS
4
Indian Navy Launches Long-Range Training Deployment to Southeast Asia [2026]
- Squadron: First Training Squadron (1TS)
- Course: 110th Integrated Officers' Training Course
- Vessels: INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata, ICGS Sarathi
- Port Calls: Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam
- Strategic Aim: Strengthen Act East Policy and maritime cooperation
- Duration: 45 days (Jan 10 - Feb 25, 2026)
- Trainees: 150 officer cadets (including 30 women cadets)
- Exercises Planned: SIMBEX with Singapore, CORPAT with Indonesia
- Focus Areas: Navigation, seamanship, gunnery, damage control
- Historic First: Largest women cadet contingent in such deployment
Mumbai Departure
Singapore Port Call
Jakarta Exercises
Bangkok Diplomacy
Return via Andaman
Static GK / Exam-Relevant Facts
- Indian Navy established: 1934 as Royal Indian Navy
- Headquarters: New Delhi (Integrated Headquarters)
- Training Academy: Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala (Kerala)
- Commands: Western (Mumbai), Eastern (Vizag), Southern (Kochi)
- Indian Coast Guard: Established Aug 18, 1978
- First Aircraft Carrier: INS Vikrant (1961)
- Current Aircraft Carriers: INS Vikramaditya, INS Vikrant (IAC-1)
- Nuclear Submarines: INS Arihant, INS Arighat
- Naval Ranks: Admiral, Vice Admiral, Rear Admiral, Commodore
- Major Exercises: MALABAR (with US, Japan), VARUNA (with France)
Exam Focus Points
- UPSC: Maritime security, Act East Policy, naval diplomacy
- SSC: Naval ranks, commands, important vessels
- Banking: Strategic partnerships, defense cooperation
- Previous Year Questions: Often ask about naval exercises, important ports
5
RBI Cancels Registration of 51 NBFCs [2026]
- Action by: Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
- For non-compliance: 35 NBFCs cancelled
- Voluntary surrender: 16 NBFCs surrendered licenses
- Legal basis: Section 45-IA(6) of RBI Act, 1934
- Majority location: Delhi-NCR region (28 NBFCs)
- Reasons for cancellation: Non-maintenance of NOF, irregular operations
- Impact on customers: RBI directs transfer of deposits to other banks
- Total NBFCs in India: Approximately 9,500 (as of Dec 2025)
- Systemically Important NBFCs: 85 (asset size > ₹500 crore)
- RBI's Stance: "Zero tolerance for non-compliance"
| Category | Number of NBFCs | Primary Reason | Regional Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-compliance | 35 | Capital adequacy norms | Delhi-NCR: 18 |
| Voluntary Surrender | 16 | Business unviability | Maharashtra: 8 |
| Merged/Acquired | 12 | Consolidation | Gujarat: 6 |
| Total Actions | 51 | Multiple factors | Multiple states |
Static GK / Exam-Relevant Facts
- RBI established: April 1, 1935 under RBI Act, 1934
- Nationalized: 1949 (first) and 1969 (banks nationalized)
- NBFC minimum capital: ₹10 crore (increased from ₹2 crore)
- Systemically Important NBFCs: Asset size ≥ ₹500 crore
- RBI Governor (2026): Shaktikanta Das (25th Governor)
- Deputy Governors: 4 Deputy Governors
- RBI Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Monetary Policy Committee: 6 members (3 RBI, 3 external)
- Repo Rate (Jan 2026): 5.50% (unchanged since April 2023)
- CRR: 4.50% (Cash Reserve Ratio)
Exam Focus Points
- UPSC: Financial regulation, NBFC types, RBI powers
- SSC: RBI functions, NBFC categories, capital requirements
- Banking: Regulatory framework, compliance requirements
- Previous Year Questions: Often ask about NBFC vs Bank differences, RBI act sections
6
Jensen Huang Receives IEEE Medal of Honour [2026]
- Recipient: Jensen Huang, Co-founder & CEO of NVIDIA
- Award: IEEE Medal of Honour 2026
- Prize money: USD 2 million (highest in engineering)
- Recognition for: Contributions to GPU and accelerated computing
- Impact: Enabled AI and High Performance Computing breakthroughs
- Presentation Ceremony: IEEE Honors Ceremony, San Francisco
- Previous NVIDIA awards: 2023 - Company of the Year by TIME
- Huang's Background: Taiwanese-American, born in Taiwan, raised in US
- Education: Oregon State University, Stanford University
- Other Awards: Robert N. Noyce Award (2023), Fortune Businessperson of Year
| Year | IEEE Medal of Honour Recipient | Contribution | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Jensen Huang | GPU Technology | Taiwanese-American |
| 2025 | Dr. Fei-Fei Li | Computer Vision AI | Chinese-American |
| 2024 | Tim Berners-Lee | World Wide Web | British |
| 2023 | Vint Cerf | Internet Protocols | American |
| 2022 | Barbara Liskov | Programming Languages | American |
Static GK / Exam-Relevant Facts
- IEEE: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
- IEEE formed: 1963 (merger of AIEE and IRE)
- NVIDIA founded: 1993, HQ in Santa Clara, California
- First IEEE Medal recipient: Edwin H. Armstrong (1917)
- GPU: Graphics Processing Unit (parallel processing)
- AI Chips: NVIDIA leads in AI accelerator market
- Market Cap (2026): NVIDIA - $2.5 trillion (approx)
- CUDA: NVIDIA's parallel computing platform
- Indian Connection: NVIDIA R&D centers in Bengaluru, Pune
- Related Term: Moore's Law - transistor density doubles every 2 years
Exam Focus Points
- UPSC: Technology awards, AI developments, semiconductor industry
- SSC: Important awards, tech companies, abbreviations
- Banking: Tech industry trends, market capitalization
- Previous Year Questions: Often ask about IEEE, important tech awards
7
Jinson Johnson Announces Retirement from Athletics [2026]
- Athlete: Jinson Johnson, Indian middle-distance runner
- Age at retirement: 34 years
- Major achievement: Gold medal in 1500m, 2018 Asian Games
- Record: Broke 42-year-old 800m national record (2018)
- Also set: 1500m national record at 2018 Commonwealth Games
- Personal Bests: 800m - 1:45.65, 1500m - 3:37.62
- International Debut: 2014 Asian Games (800m - 5th place)
- Last Competition: 2025 Asian Athletics Championships
- Reason for retirement: Persistent Achilles tendon injury
- Future Plans: Coaching role with SAI, sports commentary
| Competition | Year | Event | Medal/Position | Timing/Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asian Games | 2018 | 1500m | Gold | 3:44.72 |
| Commonwealth Games | 2018 | 1500m | Silver | 3:37.86 (NR) |
| Asian Championships | 2019 | 800m | Silver | 1:46.15 |
| National Championships | 2018 | 800m | Gold | 1:45.65 (NR) |
| World Championships | 2019 | 1500m | 13th (Heat) | 3:39.86 |
Static GK / Exam-Relevant Facts
- Asian Games organizer: Olympic Council of Asia (OCA)
- First Asian Games: New Delhi, 1951 (11 countries)
- Governing body: Athletics Federation of India (AFI)
- AFI formed: 1946, HQ New Delhi
- 2018 Asian Games: Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia
- Indian Athletics Legends: Milkha Singh, P.T. Usha, Anju Bobby George
- Current star: Neeraj Chopra (Javelin Olympic Gold 2020)
- National Sports Day: August 29 (Birthday of Dhyan Chand)
- Arjuna Award: Jinson Johnson received in 2019
- Khel Ratna Award: Highest sports award in India
Exam Focus Points
- UPSC: Sports policy, athlete retirement issues, sports governance
- SSC: Award winners, records, important competitions
- Banking: Sports economics, sponsorship, career transitions
- Previous Year Questions: Often ask about Asian Games, national records
8
Veteran BJP Leader Kabindra Purkayastha Passes Away [2026]
- Leader: Kabindra Purkayastha, former Union Minister
- Age: 94 years (born 1932)
- Political career: Three-time MP from Silchar, Assam (1996, 1998, 1999)
- Ministerial role: MoS for Communications (1998-99)
- Significance: Architect of BJP growth in Northeast India
- Early Life: Born in Sylhet (now Bangladesh), migrated during Partition
- Education: MA in Political Science, Gauhati University
- Party Roles: BJP Vice-President, Assam unit President
- Social Work: Founder of several educational institutions in Barak Valley
- Awards: Received "Assam Ratna" in 2020 for social service
Student Politics
Joined Jana Sangh
Elected MP (1996)
Union Minister (1998)
Party Elder Statesman
Static GK / Exam-Relevant Facts
- BJP founded: 1980 (original: Bharatiya Jana Sangh - 1951)
- First BJP President: Atal Bihari Vajpayee
- RSS founded: 1925 by K.B. Hedgewar in Nagpur
- Ministry of Communications: Formed 1947, includes Posts, Telecom
- Silchar: Headquarters of Cachar district, Assam
- Barak Valley: Southern part of Assam (Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi)
- Assam Politics: First BJP CM - Sarbananda Sonowal (2016)
- Current Assam CM: Himanta Biswa Sarma (since 2021)
- Lok Sabha seats Assam: 14 seats
- Rajya Sabha seats Assam: 7 seats
Exam Focus Points
- UPSC: Northeast politics, party system, electoral history
- SSC: Important personalities, political parties, ministers
- Banking: Political economy, regional development
- Previous Year Questions: Often ask about BJP history, Northeast leaders
9
RRI Develops Non-Invasive Cold Atom Measurement Technique [2026]
- Institute: Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru
- Technique: Raman Driven Spin Noise Spectroscopy (RDSNS)
- Key feature: Measures atoms without disturbing quantum state
- Application: Quantum computing and ultra-precise sensing
- Support: National Quantum Mission (NQM) funded
- Research Team: Led by Dr. Smitha Vishveshwara
- Publication: Nature Physics journal (January 2026 issue)
- Temperature Range: Works at nano-Kelvin temperatures
- Accuracy: 1000x more precise than previous methods
- Next Steps: Integration with quantum computer prototypes
| Parameter | New Technique (RDSNS) | Previous Methods | Improvement Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measurement Precision | 0.001% error | 1% error | 1000x |
| Quantum State Disturbance | Near zero | Significant | Infinite |
| Temperature Range | 1nK to 1K | 100mK to 1K | 100x wider |
| Measurement Speed | Microseconds | Milliseconds | 1000x faster |
| Energy Consumption | Low power | High power lasers | 10x efficient |
Static GK / Exam-Relevant Facts
- RRI founded by: Nobel laureate C.V. Raman (1948)
- Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka (autonomous institute)
- C.V. Raman Nobel: Physics 1930 for Raman Effect
- National Quantum Mission: Outlay ₹6003.65 crore (2023-2031)
- Mission period: 2023-24 to 2030-31
- Quantum Computing: Uses qubits (0 and 1 simultaneously)
- Indian Quantum Efforts: QSim Toolkit, Quantum Key Distribution
- Related Institutes: IISc, TIFR, IITs quantum labs
- Quantum Supremacy: Google claimed in 2019 (Sycamore)
- Cold Atoms: Atoms cooled to near absolute zero (Bose-Einstein condensate)
Exam Focus Points
- UPSC: Quantum technology, scientific institutions, Nobel laureates
- SSC: Important scientists, research institutes, abbreviations
- Banking: Technology investments, innovation funding
- Previous Year Questions: Often ask about C.V. Raman, quantum computing basics
10
Indian Railways Announces Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar [2026]
- Award: 70th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar
- Recipients: 100 officers and employees
- Date: January 9, 2026 (Railway Week Celebration)
- Venue: Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi
- Presented by: Ashwini Vaishnaw (Railways Minister)
- Categories: 8 categories including safety, innovation, customer service
- Top Award: "Railway Minister's Award" to 5 employees
- Cash Awards: ₹1 lakh for top category, ₹50,000 for others
- Women Awardees: 32 women employees (32% of total)
- Special Recognition: Frontline workers during natural disasters
| Category | Number of Awards | Focus Area | Example Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety & Security | 25 | Zero accident zones | Prevented 15 accidents |
| Innovation & Technology | 20 | Digital solutions | Developed app for maintenance |
| Customer Service | 18 | Passenger amenities | Improved cleanliness scores |
| Efficiency & Productivity | 15 | Cost reduction | Saved ₹50 crore annually |
| Social Responsibility | 12 | Community service | COVID relief work |
| Railway Minister's Award | 5 | Overall excellence | Multiple achievements |
| Special Jury Award | 5 | Exceptional contribution | Beyond call of duty |
Static GK / Exam-Relevant Facts
- Indian Railways: Largest rail network in Asia (4th largest globally)
- First passenger train: Mumbai to Thane (April 16, 1853, 34 km)
- Ministry: Ministry of Railways (separate budget till 2017)
- Railway Board: Apex body, established 1905
- Total zones: 18 zones (newest: South Coast Railway, 2019)
- Track length: 68,000 km (approx)
- Employees: 1.2 million (one of largest employers globally)
- Revenue (2024-25): ₹2.4 lakh crore (approx)
- First Electric Train: 1925 (Bombay VT to Kurla)
- First Metro: Kolkata Metro (1984)
Exam Focus Points
- UPSC: Railway reforms, infrastructure development, public sector awards
- SSC: Railway zones, first trains, important facts
- Banking: Public sector efficiency, employee recognition systems
- Previous Year Questions: Often ask about railway zones, historical facts
11
Somnath Swabhiman Parv Observed in Gujarat [2026]
- Event: Somnath Swabhiman Parv (Self-Respect Festival)
- Dates: January 8-11, 2026 (4-day celebration)
- Significance: 1000 years since first attack on Somnath Temple (1026 CE)
- Location: Gir Somnath district, Gujarat
- Initiative by: PM Narendra Modi (announced in 2025)
- Main Events: Cultural programs, light shows, seminars, prayers
- Attendance: Expected 500,000 devotees over 4 days
- Security: Multi-layer security with 5,000 personnel
- Special Feature: Digital exhibition of temple's 1000-year history
- International Participation: Diaspora from 30 countries
1026 CE: First Attack
1951: Reconstructed
2026: Millennium Commemoration
Static GK / Exam-Relevant Facts
- Somnath Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva (Moon God)
- First attack: By Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 CE
- Reconstruction: Led by Sardar Patel, completed 1951
- Type: One of 12 Jyotirlinga shrines in India
- Gir Somnath district: Formed 2013 (split from Junagadh)
- Jyotirlingas: 12 sacred Shiva temples across India
- Other important: Kedarnath, Varanasi, Rameswaram
- Mahmud of Ghazni: Ruled 998-1030 CE, attacked India 17 times
- Sardar Patel: First Deputy PM, "Iron Man of India"
- President inaugurator: Dr. Rajendra Prasad (1951)
Exam Focus Points
- UPSC: Cultural heritage, temple architecture, medieval history
- SSC: Important temples, historical events, geographical locations
- Banking: Religious tourism, cultural economy
- Previous Year Questions: Often ask about Jyotirlingas, Mahmud of Ghazni
12
Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative Launched [2026]
- Initiative: Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (RSDI)
- Launched by: Office of PSA and Observer Research Foundation (ORF)
- Timing: Alongside Raisina Dialogue 2026 (January 15-17)
- Focus areas: Technology governance, research security, international collaboration
- Objective: Enhance India's science-policy diplomacy globally
- First Projects: Indo-Pacific tech partnership, Africa digital leap
- Funding: Initial corpus ₹500 crore from multiple ministries
- Partners: 15 countries including US, Japan, EU, Israel
- Secretariat: Based in New Delhi with regional offices
- First Director: Dr. A. S. Kiran Kumar (former ISRO chairman)
| Pillar | Focus Area | Key Programs | Partner Countries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tech Governance | AI Ethics, Data Privacy | Global AI Standards | US, EU, Japan |
| Research Security | IP Protection, Cyber Security | Secure Research Networks | Israel, Singapore |
| Capacity Building | Skill Development | Global PhD Fellowships | Africa, SE Asia |
| Innovation Diplomacy | Startup Ecosystems | Tech Transfer Programs | Germany, South Korea |
| Crisis Response | Pandemic, Climate Tech | Global Health Initiatives | WHO, UN agencies |
Static GK / Exam-Relevant Facts
- PSA Office: Principal Scientific Adviser, established 1999
- Current PSA: Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood (since 2022)
- ORF: Observer Research Foundation, founded 1990 (think tank)
- Raisina Dialogue: Annual conference started 2016 (geopolitics forum)
- Organized by: ORF with Ministry of External Affairs
- External Affairs Minister (2026): S. Jaishankar (since 2019)
- Science Diplomacy: Using science for foreign policy objectives
- Indian Examples: ITEC program, vaccine diplomacy (Vaccine Maitri)
- Related Concepts: Soft power, cultural diplomacy, digital diplomacy
- First PSA: Dr. R. Chidambaram (1999-2001)
Exam Focus Points
- UPSC: Science policy, diplomacy, international relations
- SSC: Important dialogues, think tanks, government offices
- Banking: International collaborations, tech partnerships
- Previous Year Questions: Often ask about Raisina Dialogue, think tanks
13
Hubble Discovers Starless Dark Matter Cloud 'Cloud-9' [2026]
- Telescope: Hubble Space Telescope (HST)
- Discovery: 'Cloud-9' dark matter cloud
- Location: Near Messier 94 (M94) galaxy in Canes Venatici constellation
- Distance: 14 million light-years from Earth
- Unique feature: Contains gas but no stars (unusual for dark matter clouds)
- Mass: Estimated 10 billion times mass of Sun
- Size: 30,000 light-years across (1/3 Milky Way size)
- Detection Method: Gravitational lensing of background galaxies
- Research Team: International team led by Dr. Elena D'Onghia
- Publication: Astrophysical Journal Letters (January 2026)
| Property | Cloud-9 Value | Comparison | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mass | 10 billion solar masses | 10x Milky Way halo | Massive yet invisible |
| Size | 30,000 light-years | 1/3 Milky Way | Compact dark structure |
| Star Count | Zero stars detected | Usually has some stars | Pure dark matter |
| Gas Content | Trace amounts | Too little to form stars | Star formation failed |
| Temperature | 10,000°C (gas) | Hot but not luminous | Difficult to detect |
Static GK / Exam-Relevant Facts
- Hubble launched: 1990 by NASA (Space Shuttle Discovery)
- Named after: Astronomer Edwin Hubble (1889-1953)
- Orbit altitude: 547 km (340 miles)
- Dark matter: Does not emit light, detected gravitationally
- NASA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (1958)
- Indian Space Telescopes: AstroSat (2015), XPoSat (2024)
- James Webb Telescope: Launched 2021 (infrared telescope)
- Milky Way: Our galaxy, 100,000 light-years across
- Light-year: Distance light travels in one year (9.46 trillion km)
- Edwin Hubble's Law: Universe expansion (redshift proportional to distance)
Exam Focus Points
- UPSC: Space science, dark matter, telescope technologies
- SSC: Space agencies, telescopes, astronomical units
- Banking: Space economy, research funding
- Previous Year Questions: Often ask about Hubble, dark matter concepts
14
All-India Tiger Estimation 2026 Begins [2026]
- Program: All-India Tiger Estimation (AITE-26)
- Launch date: January 6, 2026 (from Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary)
- First phase: Field data collection (camera traps, sign surveys)
- Method: Line transect method, camera trapping, DNA analysis
- Frequency: Once every four years (last in 2022)
- Duration: 8 months (Jan-Aug 2026), results in Dec 2026
- Technology: M-STrIPES app, AI-based image recognition
- Coverage: All 54 tiger reserves + potential tiger habitats
- Budget: ₹150 crore allocated for AITE-26
- Previous count: 3,682 tigers (2022 estimation)
| Year | Tiger Count | Growth % | Top State | Key Finding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1,411 | Baseline | Karnataka | First scientific census |
| 2010 | 1,706 | +21% | Karnataka | Improvement after 2006 |
| 2014 | 2,226 | +30% | Karnataka | Crossed 2000 mark |
| 2018 | 2,967 | +33% | Madhya Pradesh | MP became top state |
| 2022 | 3,682 | +24% | Madhya Pradesh | Highest ever count |
| 2026 | Expected 4,000+ | Expected +10% | TBD | Results Dec 2026 |
Static GK / Exam-Relevant Facts
- NTCA: National Tiger Conservation Authority (2005)
- National animal: Tiger (Panthera tigris) since 1973
- First tiger census: 1972 (using pugmark method)
- Largest tiger reserve: Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh/Telangana)
- Project Tiger: Launched 1973 from Jim Corbett National Park
- Tiger States: MP (785), Karnataka (563), Uttarakhand (560) - 2022 data
- Global Tiger Day: July 29 (announced at St. Petersburg Summit 2010)
- Tiger Range Countries: 13 countries including India, Russia, Indonesia
- TX2 Goal: Double tiger population by 2022 (achieved by India)
- Conservation Status: Endangered (IUCN), Schedule I (WPA 1972)
Exam Focus Points
- UPSC: Wildlife conservation, Project Tiger, environmental policies
- SSC: Tiger reserves, census data, important years
- Banking: Conservation funding, eco-tourism
- Previous Year Questions: Often ask about Project Tiger, NTCA, tiger states
15
Mission Sudarshan Chakra Launched for Drone Defence [2026]
- Mission: Sudarshan Chakra for integrated air defence
- Focus: Countering hostile drones and UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles)
- Target completion: 2035 (10-year mission)
- Integration: Joint Counter-UAS Grid of three armed forces
- Technologies: Soft-kill (jamming) and hard-kill (laser, missiles)
- Budget: ₹15,000 crore allocated (2026-2035)
- Lead Agency: DRDO with private sector partners
- First Phase: 2026-2030 (critical infrastructure protection)
- Second Phase: 2031-2035 (mobile battlefield systems)
- Export Potential: Being developed for international markets
Detection Radars
Identification Systems
Decision Algorithms
Neutralization Weapons
Static GK / Exam-Relevant Facts
- UAS: Unmanned Aerial System (drone)
- CUAS: Counter-Unmanned Aerial System
- Armed forces: Army, Navy, Air Force (Coast Guard fourth)
- CDS: Chief of Defence Staff (Gen. Anil Chauhan)
- DRDO: Defence Research and Development Organisation (1958)
- Indian Air Force: Established October 8, 1932
- Air Force Chiefs: First - ACM Sir Thomas Elmhirst
- Current IAF Chief: ACM Vivek Ram Chaudhari (since 2021)
- Air Defence Systems: S-400 (Russia), Akash, MR-SAM
- Indigenous Development: Made in India focus under Atmanirbhar Bharat
Exam Focus Points
- UPSC: Defence technology, indigenization, security challenges
- SSC: Defence organizations, military ranks, important systems
- Banking: Defence budget, technology investments
- Previous Year Questions: Often ask about DRDO, armed forces structure
16
Bengaluru Ranked Best City for Women in India [2025]
- City: Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Ranking by: Avtar Group (Chennai-based diversity firm)
- Scope: Among 125 Indian cities (metros + tier 2/3 cities)
- Score: 53.29 out of 100 (index score)
- Strengths: Industrial inclusion, employment, safety initiatives
- Second Rank: Pune (52.18 score)
- Third Rank: Hyderabad (51.76 score)
- Parameters: Economic empowerment, safety, healthcare, mobility
- Improvement: Bengaluru improved from 4th rank in 2024
- Key Initiative: "Bengaluru Safe City Project" with 10,000 CCTV cameras
| Rank | City | Score/100 | Key Strengths | Improvement from 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bengaluru | 53.29 | Employment, Tech Inclusion | +3 positions |
| 2 | Pune | 52.18 | Education, Healthcare | +1 position |
| 3 | Hyderabad | 51.76 | Safety, Infrastructure | +2 positions |
| 4 | Chennai | 50.45 | Public Transport | -2 positions |
| 5 | Mumbai | 49.87 | Economic Opportunities | -3 positions |
| 6 | Delhi NCR | 48.23 | Education Options | +1 position |
| 7 | Kolkata | 46.78 | Cultural Safety | -1 position |
Static GK / Exam-Relevant Facts
- Bengaluru: Capital of Karnataka (since 1956)
- Known as: "Silicon Valley of India", "Garden City"
- Founder: Kempe Gowda I (16th century, 1537 CE)
- First women police station: Kozhikode, Kerala (1973)
- First woman CM: Sucheta Kripalani (UP, 1963)
- Current Karnataka CM: Siddaramaiah (since 2023)
- IT Exports: Bengaluru accounts for 35% of India's IT exports
- Population: 13 million (metro area, 2025 est.)
- UNESCO City of Music: Designated in 2017
- Major Institutes: IISc, IIM-B, NLSIU, ISRO HQ
Exam Focus Points
- UPSC: Urban development, gender equality, smart cities mission
- SSC: City rankings, capital cities, important firsts
- Banking: Urban economics, employment data
- Previous Year Questions: Often ask about IT hubs, city nicknames
17
Tamil Nadu Launches India's First Deeptech Startup Policy [2026]
- Policy: Deep-Tech Startup Policy 2025-26
- Support: ₹100 crore fund for 100 deep-tech startups
- Focus sectors: AI, semiconductors, biotech, space, quantum, robotics
- Launched at: Umagine Conference, Chennai (January 7-9, 2026)
- Aim: Convert research into global products, create 50,000 jobs by 2030
- Incentives: 100% SGST refund, land at 50% discount, patent cost reimbursement
- Incubators: 10 new deep-tech incubators across Tamil Nadu
- International Tie-ups: With Silicon Valley, Israel, Singapore
- Mentorship: 500 industry experts panel
- Target: Make Tamil Nadu among top 3 global deep-tech hubs by 2030
| Sector | Allocation (₹ crore) | Startups Target | Employment Target | Key Institutes Involved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI & Machine Learning | 25 | 30 startups | 5,000 jobs | IIT-M, Anna University |
| Semiconductors & Electronics | 30 | 25 startups | 10,000 jobs | CEERI, SCL |
| Biotech & Medtech | 20 | 20 startups | 8,000 jobs | CLRI, Cancer Institute |
| Space & Defence Tech | 15 | 15 startups | 5,000 jobs | ISRO, DRDO labs |
| Quantum & Advanced Computing | 10 | 10 startups | 2,000 jobs | RRI, IMSc Chennai |
Static GK / Exam-Relevant Facts
- Tamil Nadu capital: Chennai (formerly Madras)
- CM (2026): M.K. Stalin (since 2021)
- Startup India: Launched Jan 16, 2016
- Nodal ministry: DPIIT under Commerce Ministry
- Deep tech: Based on scientific discoveries/engineering innovation
- Unicorn Startups: 112 in India (as of 2025)
- Tamil Nadu Economy: 2nd largest state economy (₹24.8 lakh crore GSDP)
- Industrial Corridors: Chennai-Bengaluru, Madurai-Tuticorin
- Major Ports: Chennai, Tuticorin, Ennore
- Educational Institutes: IIT Madras, Anna University, NIT Trichy
Exam Focus Points
- UPSC: Innovation policy, state industrial policies, deep tech sectors
- SSC: State capitals, startup initiatives, important ministers
- Banking: Startup funding, venture capital, state economies
- Previous Year Questions: Often ask about Startup India, state rankings
18
Fatima Al Awadhi Becomes Youngest Arab to Summit Mount Vinson [2026]
- Climber: Fatima Al Awadhi (18 years, UAE national)
- Achievement: Summited Mount Vinson, Antarctica (highest peak)
- Date: January 6, 2026 (UAE time), January 5 Antarctica time
- Height: 4,892 metres (16,050 feet)
- Challenge: Part of Seven Summits Challenge (highest on each continent)
- Duration: 21-day expedition including acclimatization
- Team: 8-member international team, 3 UAE climbers
- Temperature: -35°C during summit push
- Previous Summits: Kilimanjaro (2024), Elbrus (2025)
- Next Goal: Mount Everest (planned for 2027)
| Continent | Mountain | Height | Fatima's Status | Year Climbed/Planned |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asia | Mount Everest | 8,849m | Planned | 2027 |
| South America | Aconcagua | 6,961m | Planned | 2026 |
| North America | Denali | 6,190m | Planned | 2026 |
| Africa | Kilimanjaro | 5,895m | Completed | 2024 |
| Europe | Mount Elbrus | 5,642m | Completed | 2025 |
| Antarctica | Mount Vinson | 4,892m | Completed | 2026 |
| Oceania | Puncak Jaya | 4,884m | Planned | 2026 |
Static GK / Exam-Relevant Facts
- Mount Vinson: Highest peak in Antarctica (discovered 1958)
- First Ascent: 1966 (American expedition)
- Seven Summits: Highest peaks on 7 continents
- First Indian Seven Summiter: Krushnaa Patil (2011, youngest Indian female)
- UAE: United Arab Emirates, formed 1971 (7 emirates)
- Capital: Abu Dhabi (largest emirate by area)
- Antarctica Treaty: Signed 1959 (effective 1961), 54 parties
- Indian Antarctic Program: Started 1981, 3 permanent stations
- Maitri Station: India's second Antarctic station (1989)
- Bharati Station: India's third station (2012)
Exam Focus Points
- UPSC: Antarctica governance, mountain geography, international achievements
- SSC: Seven summits, country capitals, important treaties
- Banking: Adventure tourism, international recognition
- Previous Year Questions: Often ask about Antarctica, highest peaks
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