Daily Current Affairs 26 January 2026
Daily Current Affairs: 26 January 2026 | Important for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways
Your Daily Dose of Exam-Oriented News & GK
Current Date: Monday, 26 January 2026
Focus: 77th Republic Day, Padma Awards 2026, Sports & International Relations
In Short: Today’s Top Events Summary
| Category | Event/Headline | Key Fact for Exams |
| National (India) | 77th Republic Day Celebrations | Theme: 150 Years of Vande Mataram; Chief Guests: EU Leaders. |
| Awards | Padma Awards 2026 Announced | Dharmendra (Posthumous), Shibu Soren (Posthumous) awarded Padma Vibhushan. |
| International | EU-India Summit | European Commission & Council Presidents attending R-Day together for the first time. |
| Sports | Milano Cortina 2026 Torch Relay | Olympic Flame arrives in Cortina d’Ampezzo today, marking 70 years since the 1956 Games. |
| Sports | Australian Open 2026 | Tournament enters the Round of 16 at Melbourne Park. |
Major Headlines (Brief & Impactful)
National News
- India Celebrates 77th Republic Day: Grand parade held at Kartavya Path; President Droupadi Murmu unfurls the Tricolour.
- Padma Awards 2026 Declared: 131 awards announced (5 Vibhushan, 13 Bhushan, 113 Shri) on the eve of Republic Day.
- “Drone Shakti” & “Bhairav Battalion” Debut: New military prowess showcased at the R-Day parade.
- Beating Retreat to Feature ‘Vande Mataram’: The ceremony on Jan 29 will be themed around the 150th anniversary of the national song.
🌍 International News
- Historic EU Presence: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa attend Republic Day as Chief Guests.
- Winter Olympics 2026 Countdown: The Olympic Torch reaches the historic venue of Cortina d’Ampezzo today.
🏏 Sports & Economy
- Padma Honours for Sports: Cricketer Rohit Sharma (Padma Bhushan) and Harmanpreet Kaur (Padma Shri) among awardees.
- Australian Open 2026: 114th Edition continues in Melbourne; defending champion Jannik Sinner remains a key contender.
- India-EU Trade Talks: High-level discussions on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) expected alongside the R-Day visit.
Deep-Dive Explanations (Top 5 Stories)
1. 77th Republic Day: EU Leaders as Chief Guests
Why it matters: For the first time, the top two leaders of the European Union (EU)—President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council António Costa—are the Chief Guests.
Background: This dual invitation underscores the strategic deepening of India-EU ties, focusing on trade, technology, and defense. It breaks the tradition of inviting a single head of state, highlighting the EU’s importance as a bloc.
Exam Key: Remember both names and their specific designations.
2. Padma Awards 2026: Posthumous Honors for Icons
Why it matters: The list announced last night includes 5 Padma Vibhushan awardees. Notably, legendary actor Dharmendra and veteran politician Shibu Soren have been honored posthumously (reflecting their passing in late 2025 in this timeline).
Background: The awards also recognized V.S. Achuthanandan (Posthumous) for Public Affairs and N. Rajam for Art. The sheer number of “Unsung Heroes” (45+) in the Padma Shri category continues the trend of “People’s Padma.”
Exam Key: Total Awards: 131. Top Honor: Padma Vibhushan to Dharmendra (Art).
- Shri Dharmendra Singh Deol (Posthumous): The “He-Man” of Bollywood, honored for his lifetime contribution to Art.
- Shri Shibu Soren (Posthumous): Known as ‘Dishom Guru’, the JMM founder and former Jharkhand CM is honored for Public Affairs.
- Shri V.S. Achuthanandan (Posthumous): The veteran CPM leader and former Kerala CM.
- Ms. N. Rajam: The legendary violinist from Uttar Pradesh.
- Shri K.T. Thomas: Former Supreme Court Judge from Kerala.
Recognition for Indian Cricket
Why it matters: Cricket remains a unifying force in India.
Details: Rohit Sharma (Maharashtra) has been conferred the Padma Shri (List SN: 104) for his leadership. Harmanpreet Kaur (Punjab) also receives the Padma Shri (List SN: 51).
Duo Awardees (Counted as One)
Why it matters: The government occasionally confers one award to a pair of individuals working together.
Details: This year features 2 Duo cases:
- Ms. Gayatri & Ms. Ranjani Balasubramanian (Art, TN) – Renowned Carnatic vocalists.
- Shri Ramchandra Godbole & Ms. Suneeta Godbole (Medicine, Chhattisgarh).
View Complete List here: Padma Awards 2026
3. Parade Theme: 150 Years of ‘Vande Mataram’
Why it matters: The central theme of the 2026 Republic Day is the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’, India’s national song composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
Background: The parade tableaux and the upcoming ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony incorporate this theme. Additionally, spectator enclosures have been renamed after Indian rivers (e.g., Ganga, Yamuna) to symbolize national unity and end colonial-era VIP naming conventions.
4. Milano Cortina 2026: Torch Relay in Cortina
Why it matters: Today, January 26, 2026, constitutes a symbolic milestone for the Winter Olympics. The Olympic Flame arrives in Cortina d’Ampezzo, exactly 70 years after the opening of the 1956 Winter Games in the same city.
Background: The 2026 Winter Olympics (officially XXV Olympic Winter Games) will be jointly hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo starting February 6, 2026.
Exam Key: Host Cities: Milan & Cortina. Arrival Date: Jan 26.
5. First Participation of European Naval Contingent
Why it matters: In a rare display of military diplomacy, a contingent from the European Union Naval Force participated in the march past at Kartavya Path.
Background: This aligns with the presence of EU leadership and signifies growing maritime security cooperation between India and Europe in the Indo-Pacific region.
Today’s Notable Days
- 77th Republic Day of India
- Significance: Marks the date in 1950 when the Constitution of India came into effect, replacing the Government of India Act (1935).
- 2026 Highlights: Chief Guests from EU, “Vande Mataram” theme.
- International Customs Day
- Significance: Observed annually on Jan 26 to recognize the role of custom officials and agencies in maintaining border security.
Also Read: Important Days In 2026: Complete Guide For Competitive Exams
This Day In History
- 1950: The Constitution of India came into force, and Dr. Rajendra Prasad took oath as the first President of India.
- 1930: The Indian National Congress celebrated “Independence Day” (Purna Swaraj) on this date, which is why Jan 26 was chosen for Republic Day.
- 2001: The devastating Gujarat Earthquake (Bhuj) occurred on the morning of Republic Day.
Famous Birthdays
- François Hollande (1954): Former President of France (Chief Guest at R-Day 2016).
- Paul Newman (1925): Legendary American actor and philanthropist.
Exam-Oriented MCQs: Current Affairs (Last 24 Hours)
Question 1: Who are the Chief Guest(s) for India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations in 2026?
A) President of France, Emmanuel Macron
B) President of USA, Kamala Harris
C) Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa
D) Prime Minister of UK, Keir Starmer
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Chief Guests for 2026 are Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission) and António Costa (President of the European Council). This marks the first time EU leadership has attended together.
Question 2: Which song’s 150th anniversary is the central theme of the 2026 Republic Day Parade and Beating Retreat ceremony?
A) Jana Gana Mana
B) Sare Jahan Se Acha
C) Vande Mataram
D) Rang De Basanti
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The celebrations are themed around 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, the national song of India.
Question 3: Veteran actor Dharmendra was awarded which Padma award posthumously in 2026?
A) Padma Shri
B) Padma Bhushan
C) Padma Vibhushan
D) Bharat Ratna
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Dharmendra Singh Deol was awarded the Padma Vibhushan (Posthumous) in the field of Art.
Question 4: The Olympic Torch for the 2026 Winter Games arrived in which city on January 26, marking a 70-year anniversary?
A) Milan
B) Turin
C) Cortina d’Ampezzo
D) Rome
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The flame arrived in Cortina d’Ampezzo on Jan 26, 2026, exactly 70 years after the 1956 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in the same city.
Question 5: Which new military formation was showcased for the first time during the 2026 Republic Day parade?
A) Bhairav Battalion
B) Garuda Commandos
C) Space Force Unit
D) Cyber Warriors
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The parade featured first-time showcases including the Bhairav Battalion and “Shaktibaan” regiments.
Question 6: How many personalities were awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2026?
A) 3
B) 5
C) 7
D) 10
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: 5 individuals were awarded the Padma Vibhushan, including Dharmendra, Shibu Soren, and V.S. Achuthanandan.
Question 7: Who among the following cricketers was conferred the Padma Bhushan in 2026?
A) Virat Kohli
B) Rohit Sharma
C) MS Dhoni
D) Shubman Gill
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Rohit Sharma was honored with the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to Sports. (Harmanpreet Kaur received Padma Shri).
Question 8: The spectator enclosures at Kartavya Path for Republic Day 2026 were named after:
A) Freedom Fighters
B) Indian Rivers
C) Mountain Peaks
D) ISRO Missions
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: In a move to decolonize nomenclature, enclosures were named after rivers of India (e.g., Ganga, Yamuna) instead of numbers or VIP tags.
Also Read: Important Days in January 2026: Complete Guide for Competitive Exams (GK & Current Affairs)
Question 9: Which edition of the Australian Open is currently being held (Jan 2026)?
A) 110th
B) 112th
C) 114th
D) 116th
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The 2026 Australian Open is the 114th edition of the tournament (and the 58th in the Open Era).
Question 10: Which former Chief Minister of Kerala was awarded the Padma Vibhushan (Posthumous) in 2026?
A) Oommen Chandy
B) E.K. Nayanar
C) V.S. Achuthanandan
D) K. Karunakaran
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Veteran CPI(M) leader and former CM V.S. Achuthanandan was awarded the Padma Vibhushan posthumously.
Question 11: “Drone Shakti,” a highlight of the 2026 parade, refers to:
A) A new missile system
B) A display of indigenous drone technology
C) A satellite launch vehicle
D) A naval submarine
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Drone Shakti refers to the showcase of advanced indigenous drone swarms and technology by the Indian armed forces during the parade.
Question 12: Who is the current President of the European Council visiting India?
A) Charles Michel
B) António Costa
C) Emmanuel Macron
D) Olaf Scholz
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: António Costa (former PM of Portugal) is the current President of the European Council in 2026.
Question 13: The 2026 Republic Day celebrations marked which anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution?
A) 75th
B) 76th
C) 77th
D) 80th
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: While it is the 77th Republic Day event, it marks the completion of 76 years since 1950 (1950 to 2026). Note: Usually referred to by the event number (77th).
Question 14: Which Indian state’s tableau was themed around the “Vande Mataram” anniversary?
A) West Bengal
B) Gujarat
C) Maharashtra
D) Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: As Bankim Chandra Chatterjee (composer of Vande Mataram) was from West Bengal, their tableau specially highlighted this theme.
Question 15: Who was awarded the Padma Shri 2026 in the field of Sports from the Indian Women’s Cricket Team?
A) Smriti Mandhana
B) Harmanpreet Kaur
C) Shafali Verma
D) Jhulan Goswami
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Harmanpreet Kaur was named in the list of Padma Shri awardees for 2026.
Question 16: The “Universal Rocket Launcher” displayed at the parade is a part of which country’s defense collaboration with India?
A) USA
B) Russia
C) Indigenous (DRDO)
D) Israel
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: It was showcased as a part of Indigenous defense equipment displays, highlighting the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
Question 17: Which foreign entity’s naval contingent marched at Kartavya Path for the first time in 2026?
A) NATO
B) European Union (EU)
C) ASEAN
D) QUAD
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A naval contingent from the European Union participated, aligning with the Chief Guests’ visit.
Question 18: Shibu Soren, who received the Padma Vibhushan 2026, was a former Chief Minister of which state?
A) Chhattisgarh
B) Jharkhand
C) Odisha
D) Bihar
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Shibu Soren (Dishom Guru) was the founder of JMM and former Chief Minister of Jharkhand.
Question 19: Who is the defending Men’s Singles champion at the Australian Open 2026?
A) Novak Djokovic
B) Carlos Alcaraz
C) Jannik Sinner
D) Daniil Medvedev
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Jannik Sinner won the 2025 Australian Open, making him the defending champion entering the 2026 tournament.
Question 20: The Winter Olympics 2026 will be officially known as:
A) Torino 2026
B) Roma 2026
C) Milano Cortina 2026
D) Venice 2026
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The upcoming Winter Games are officially titled Milano Cortina 2026.
Today’s Top 3 Most Important News for Competitive Exams:
- EU Leadership at R-Day: Ursula von der Leyen & António Costa are the first dual EU leaders to be Chief Guests at India’s Republic Day.
- Padma Vibhushan 2026: Awarded to Dharmendra (Posthumous), Shibu Soren (Posthumous), and V.S. Achuthanandan (Posthumous).
- Sports Milestones: Olympic Torch in Cortina d’Ampezzo (Winter Games 2026) and Rohit Sharma awarded Padma Bhushan.
Conclusion
Today’s session covered the historic 77th Republic Day celebrations and the pivotal Padma Awards 2026. For aspirants, the Padma list (especially Vibhushan and Sports category) and the EU Chief Guests are high-probability topics for upcoming exams like UPSC, SSC, and Banking.
Final Thought of the Day
“The Constitution is not a mere lawyer’s document, it is a vehicle of Life, and its spirit is always the spirit of Age.” – B.R. Ambedkar.
FAQs
Who is the Chief Guest of Republic Day 2026?
Ursula von der Leyen (EU Commission President) and António Costa (EU Council President).
How many Padma Vibhushan awards were given in 2026?
5 awards.
Did Rohit Sharma get a Padma Award in 2026?
Yes, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan.
What is the theme of Republic Day 2026?
150 Years of Vande Mataram.
Who won Padma Vibhushan posthumously in 2026?
Dharmendra, Shibu Soren, and V.S. Achuthanandan.
Where is the 2026 Winter Olympics being held?
Milano Cortina, Italy.
When is the Australian Open 2026 final?
February 1, 2026.
What is ‘Drone Shakti’ in R-Day parade?
A display of indigenous drone technology by the Indian military.
Who is the President of India in 2026?
Smt. Droupadi Murmu.
Which foreign contingent marched in R-Day 2026?
The European Union Naval Force contingent.
