Todays Daily Current Affairs 25 January 2026: Headlines, MCQs & Notable Days

Welcome to your daily dose of exam-oriented current affairs. Today is a significant date for Indian democracy and global diplomacy. Let’s dive into the key highlights and analysis for January 25, 2026.

In Short: Key Event Summary

Event	Category	Significance
16th National Voters’ Day	National Policy	Celebrated with the theme “My India, My Vote” to strengthen democratic participation.
India-UAE Repatriation	International Relations	UAE hands over a list of 900+ Indian nationals set for release/pardon.
CMAT 2026	Education	NTA conducts the national-level management entrance across 1,000+ institutes.
T20 World Cup Shift	Sports	Scotland likely to replace Bangladesh in the 2026 T20 World Cup lineup.

Daily Current Affairs Today – Jan 25, 2026 | Important for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways

Major Headlines

National (India)

1. President Droupadi Murmu to confer Best Electoral Practices Awards on National Voters’ Day.
2. Kashi Vishwanath Temple launches ‘Ask Nandi,’ an AI-powered chatbot for devotee assistance.
3. Indian Air Force conducts a spectacular air show in Nasik featuring the Surya Kiran team.
4. IMD Issues Alert: Rain and thunderstorms predicted for North Indian states including J&K and Punjab.

International

5. US-WHO Disconnect: US formally exits the World Health Organization, shifting global health dynamics.

6. South Korea’s Melancholy Dance Company premieres “Your Symptoms and Flight” in Bengaluru.

7. Brazil Celebrates: 472nd anniversary of the founding of the city of São Paulo.

Sports

8. India vs. NZ: India secures a 2-0 lead in the T20I series with a 7-wicket victory.

9. Sarfaraz Khan hits a monumental double-hundred for Mumbai in domestic cricket.

Economy

10. Gulfood 2026: India announced as the ‘Partner Country’ for the world’s largest food exhibition in Dubai.

Deep-Dive Explanations: Daily Current Affairs 25 January 2026

1. National Voters’ Day (NVD) 2026Celebrated every January 25 since 2011, this year marks the 16th edition with the theme “My India, My Vote: Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy.” The day commemorates the foundation of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in 1950. It focuses on the “Special Summary Revision” and the distribution of Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) to new voters aged 18, ensuring inclusive democratic participation. Master the full list of NVD themes from 2011 to 2026 for your exams here.
2. India-UAE Prisoner Release AgreementThe UAE government has handed over a list of over 900 Indian nationals to be released or repatriated. This move highlights the strengthening bilateral ties and the success of the Consular Access and Prisoner Transfer treaties between the two nations. For exams, this falls under “Indian Diaspora” and “International Relations (India-Middle East).”
3. IAF Air Show at Nasik (Godavari Basin)The Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team performed near the Gangapur Dam on the Godavari River. In a geography context, the Godavari is India’s second-longest river, known as Dakshin Ganga. Such events are crucial for understanding civil-military cooperation and the regional geography of the Trimbak Plateau.
4. Kashi Vishwanath ‘Ask Nandi’ AI ChatbotThe administration of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple has integrated AI technology to assist devotees with rituals, timings, and navigation. This represents the growing trend of Digital India applications in cultural and religious heritage management, a frequent topic in “Science & Tech” and “Culture” sections.
5. Scotland Replaces Bangladesh in T20 WC 2026Due to an impasse between the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) regarding hosting and security protocols, Scotland is set to enter the fray. This shift is significant for sports governance questions, specifically regarding the ICC’s qualification criteria and the role of associate nations in global tournaments.

Important Days in 2026: Month-Wise List (PDF Download)

Today’s Notable Days

• National Voters’ Day (India): Commemorates the founding of the ECI on Jan 25, 1950. It aims to increase voter enrollment, especially among the youth, to ensure a vibrant democracy.
• National Tourism Day (India): Observed to raise awareness about the importance of tourism for the Indian economy. The 2026 focus is on Sustainable and Responsible Travel, highlighting India’s cultural and natural heritage.

This Day In History

• 1971: Himachal Pradesh Statehood: On Jan 25, 1971, Himachal Pradesh became the 18th state of the Indian Union. Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar became its first Chief Minister.
• 1980: Bharat Ratna Revival: After a brief suspension by the previous government, India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, was revived on this day, with Mother Teresa being the recipient that year.
• 1919: League of Nations Founded: The first international organization for world peace was established post-WWI, serving as the predecessor to the United Nations.

Famous Birthdays

• Volodymyr Zelenskyy (1978): The 6th President of Ukraine, who transitioned from a comedian/actor to a world leader. His leadership during the Russo-Ukrainian conflict has made him a central figure in modern international relations.
• Cheteshwar Pujara (1988): Renowned Indian Test cricketer known as the “New Wall” of Indian cricket. He is celebrated for his endurance and technical grit in the longest format of the game.
• Virginia Woolf (1882): A pioneer of 20th-century modernist literature and the “stream of consciousness” technique. Her works like Mrs. Dalloway remain vital for English literature studies.

Daily Current Affairs 25 January 2026 Exam-Oriented MCQs

Question 1: What is the theme for National Voters’ Day 2026?

A) No Voter to be Left Behind

B) My India, My Vote

C) Making Elections Inclusive

D) Your Vote, Your Future

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The Election Commission of India announced “My India, My Vote” as the theme for 16th National Voters’ Day. The tagline is “Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy,” focusing on the individual’s role in the electoral process.

Question 2: Which country has been designated as the ‘Partner Country’ for the Gulfood 2026 exhibition in Dubai?

A) Saudi Arabia

B) India

C) Brazil

D) France

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: India has secured the ‘Partner Country’ status for Gulfood 2026. This is the world’s largest annual food and beverage trade exhibition, providing a massive boost to India’s agricultural export sector.

Question 3: The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team recently performed an air show in Nasik near which river?

A) Krishna

B) Narmada

C) Godavari

D) Tapi

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The air show took place near the Gangapur Dam on the Godavari River. The Godavari originates from the Trimbak Plateau in Maharashtra and is the largest peninsular river system in India.

Question 4: Which international organization did the United States officially exit on January 25, 2026?

A) UNESCO

B) WHO

C) INTERPOL

D) WTO

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The US formally concluded its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). This move has significant implications for global health funding and pandemic preparedness, a major topic in International Relations.

Question 5: On January 25, 1971, which Indian territory was declared a full-fledged 18th state?

A) Manipur

B) Meghalaya

C) Himachal Pradesh

D) Goa

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Himachal Pradesh was elevated from a Union Territory to the 18th state of India on January 25, 1971. This is a classic question in Indian Polity regarding the reorganization of states.

Question 6: ‘Ask Nandi’ is an AI chatbot launched by which famous Indian temple?

A) Tirupati Balaji

B) Kashi Vishwanath

C) Somnath Temple

D) Meenakshi Amman

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust launched ‘Ask Nandi’ to help pilgrims. It provides information in multiple languages about Aarti timings, ticket booking, and temple history.

Question 7: Which nation is reportedly set to replace Bangladesh in the 2026 T20 World Cup?

A) Ireland

B) Scotland

C) Netherlands

D) Nepal

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Due to administrative and security impasses between the ICC and Bangladesh, Scotland has emerged as the frontrunner to take their spot in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Question 8: The ECI recently introduced the “Fast Delivery of EPIC” initiative. What is the target duration for EPIC delivery under this SOP?

A) 7 days

B) 15 days

C) 30 days

D) 45 days

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) ensures that the Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) is delivered within 15 days of an update in the electoral rolls, accompanied by SMS updates.

Question 9: Who was awarded the Bharat Ratna on January 25, 1980, following the revival of the awards?

A) Vinoba Bhave

B) Mother Teresa

C) Nelson Mandela

D) J.R.D. Tata

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Mother Teresa received the Bharat Ratna in 1980 for her humanitarian work. The awards were suspended in 1977 by the Morarji Desai government and reinstated by the Indira Gandhi government in 1980.

Question 10: The 12th Attakkalari India Biennial, featuring the Melancholy Dance Company, is being held in which city?

A) Chennai

B) Kochi

C) Bengaluru

D) Hyderabad

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The festival is taking place in Bengaluru. It features international collaborations, including South Korea’s Melancholy Dance Company, promoting cultural diplomacy through contemporary dance.

Question 11: Which country’s city, São Paulo, was founded on January 25, 1554?

A) Portugal

B) Brazil

C) Argentina

D) Spain

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: São Paulo, the largest city in Brazil and South America, was founded by Jesuit missionaries on this day in 1554. It is a major global financial and cultural hub.

Question 12: The ‘cVIGIL’ app, often discussed during National Voters’ Day, is used for:

A) Voter registration

B) Reporting election code violations

) Checking polling booth location

D) Digital voting

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: cVIGIL is an ECI mobile application that allows citizens to report Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations in real-time with GPS-coded evidence.

Question 13: Who is the current Chief Election Commissioner of India (as of Jan 2026)?

A) Rajiv Kumar

B) Gyanesh Kumar

C) Sukhbir Singh Sandhu

D) Vivek Joshi

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Shri Gyanesh Kumar is the Chief Election Commissioner, leading the 16th National Voters’ Day celebrations alongside Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi.

Question 14: Which sector is the primary focus of National Tourism Day?

A) Industrial Growth

B) Cultural Heritage & Economy

C) Information Technology

D) Agricultural Development

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: National Tourism Day highlights tourism’s role in economic growth, employment generation, and the preservation of India’s vast cultural and civilizational heritage.

Question 15: In the context of the Godavari river, which of these is a right-bank tributary?

A) Pen Ganga

B) Ven Ganga

C) Manjra

D) Wardha

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The Manjra River is the most important right-bank tributary of the Godavari. Pen Ganga, Ven Ganga, and Wardha are major left-bank tributaries.

Question 16: The Battle of Talikota (1565), which led to the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire, is associated with which date?

A) January 26

B) January 25

C) August 15

D) October 2

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Historical records cite January 25, 1565, as the date of the Battle of Talikota, where the Vijayanagara Empire was defeated by the combined forces of the Deccan Sultanates.

Question 17: Which ministry is responsible for the ‘National Tourism Day’ initiatives?

A) Ministry of Culture

B) Ministry of Tourism

C) Ministry of Home Affairs

D) Ministry of External Affairs

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The Ministry of Tourism organizes various events and awareness programs to celebrate India’s travel potential and promote sustainable tourism.

Question 18: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, born on this day, was a professional ________ before entering politics.

A) Lawyer

B) Comedian/Actor

C) Engineer

D) Journalist

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Before becoming the President of Ukraine, Zelenskyy was a successful comedian and actor, famously starring in the show Servant of the People.

Question 19: Which state/UT launched the trials for the 2026 Khelo India Tribal Games?

A) Jharkhand

B) Odisha

C) Jammu & Kashmir

D) Chhattisgarh

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: J&K has launched trials for the 2026 Khelo India Tribal Games, aiming to promote traditional sports and provide a platform for tribal youth in the region.

Question 20: The 2026 CMAT exam is conducted by which agency?

A) CBSE

B) NTA

C) AICTE

D) UPSC

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) as a computer-based gateway for AICTE-approved management institutes.

Today’s Top 3 Most Important News for Competitive Exams:

• National Voters’ Day 2026: Theme “My India, My Vote” and ECI’s push for 100% webcasting and 15-day EPIC delivery.
• India-UAE Diplomacy: Repatriation of 900+ Indians marks a high point in bilateral consular relations.
• Statehood Anniversaries: Himachal Pradesh celebrating its 55th year of statehood (founded 1971).

Conclusion

Today’s news highlights a blend of technological advancement (AI in temples) and constitutional celebration (National Voters’ Day). For aspirants, focusing on the details of the Election Commission and the geography of the Godavari (due to the IAF show) will be highly beneficial for upcoming exams.

Final Thought of the Day

“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” – Abraham Lincoln. On National Voters’ Day, remember that your participation is the ultimate engine of democracy.

Motivation for Exam

Success in competitive exams isn’t about one day of brilliance; it’s about the discipline of showing up every single day, even when the progress feels invisible. Keep grinding!

FAQs

Q: When was the first National Voters’ Day celebrated? A: It was first celebrated on January 25, 2011, to mark the 60th anniversary of the ECI.

Q: Is CMAT a mandatory exam for all MBA colleges? A: No, but it is accepted by over 1,000 AICTE-approved institutions across India.

Q: What is the significance of the “Ask Nandi” chatbot? A: It represents the integration of Artificial Intelligence in public service and heritage management to enhance user experience.