Daily Current Affairs 28 January 2026: Best For Competitive Exams

Daily Current Affairs – 28 January 2026| Important for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways

In Short: Today’s Key Events for GK

Category	Event/Update	Key Fact to Remember
Bilateral Relations	India-EU FTA Talks Conclude	Negotiations finalised after 18 years; covers 25% of global GDP.
Defence/Business	Embraer-Adani Partnership	MoU signed to manufacture aircraft in India (Make in India).
Sports	Australian Open 2026	Elina Svitolina stuns world No. 3 Coco Gauff to reach semi-finals.
Important Day	Lala Lajpat Rai Jayanti	161st Birth Anniversary of the “Punjab Kesari“.
State News	Uttarakhand UCC	State officially implements Uniform Civil Code; launches digital portal.

Major Headlines (Brief & Impactful)

NATIONAL (INDIA)

1. India & EU Finalise Historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA): PM Modi announces the conclusion of talks after 18 years; deal expected to boost trade in goods, services, and technology. Read full article here..India EU Free Trade Agreement 2026: Key Highlights & Impact on Indian Economy
2. Uttarakhand Implements Uniform Civil Code (UCC): The state government launches a dedicated digital portal for public access, becoming the first post-independence state to implement the code.
3. Adani Defence Signs MoU with Brazil’s Embraer: Partnership aims to set up India’s first final assembly line for commercial aircraft.
4. Nirmala Sitharaman Set for Record 9th Budget: The Finance Minister is poised to present her ninth consecutive Union Budget on February 1, 2026.
5. Pune Health Alert: City reports a surge in Guillain-Barré Syndrome cases; health authorities issue advisory.

INTERNATIONAL

6. North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile: Projectile launched towards the Sea of Japan, marking the second test this month amid rising regional tensions.

7. 16th India-EU Summit Held in New Delhi: European leaders and Indian officials sign a new Security and Defence Partnership alongside the trade deal.

8. Canada Seeks Energy Ties with India: Canadian Energy Minister states Canada needs to trade with India to become an “energy superpower.”

SPORTS

9. Australian Open 2026 Upset: Ukrainian Elina Svitolina defeats US star Coco Gauff (6-1, 6-2) to enter the semi-finals.

10. Aryna Sabalenka Advances: World No. 1 Sabalenka powers through to the semi-finals, defeating Iva Jovic.

Also Read: UGC Kya Hai? UGC Full Form, Karya, Role & Powers (Hindi)

Deep-Dive Explanations (Top 5 Stories)

1. India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Finalised

• Context: After negotiations that began in 2007 and spanned 18 years, India and the European Union have finalised their Free Trade Agreement.
• Why it matters: The EU is India’s largest trading partner for goods. This deal covers 25% of the global GDP and one-third of global trade. It will significantly reduce tariffs on Indian exports like textiles, leather, and machinery while opening India’s market to European technology and wines.

2. Elina Svitolina’s Historic Run at Australian Open

• Context: In a major quarter-final upset, Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina defeated World No. 3 Coco Gauff in straight sets.
• Significance: This victory propels Svitolina to her first Australian Open semi-final. It is a remarkable comeback story following her maternity leave, guaranteeing her return to the WTA Top 10 rankings.

3. Embraer and Adani Defence Aviation Deal

• Context: Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer signed an MoU with Adani Defence & Aerospace.
• Background: The collaboration aims to manufacture aircraft within India, including a possible final assembly line. This is a major boost to the “Make in India” initiative in the high-tech defence and civil aviation sector.

4. Uttarakhand Implements Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

• Context: The Uttarakhand government officially implemented the UCC and launched a portal for registration of marriages and live-in relationships.
• Exam Note: The UCC replaces personal laws based on religion with a common set of laws governing marriage, divorce, and inheritance for all citizens in the state. Uttarakhand is the first state in independent India to enact this.

5. North Korea’s Missile Test

• Context: North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the waters east of the Korean peninsula (Sea of Japan).
• Geopolitics: This test comes hours before South Korea’s leader was scheduled to visit China. It signals Pyongyang’s continued defiance of UN resolutions and keeps security tensions high in the Indo-Pacific region.

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

Today’s Notable Days (January 28)

• Data Privacy Day (International)
  • Significance: Celebrated globally to raise awareness about data protection and privacy best practices.
  • 2026 Theme: “Prioritize Privacy by Design” (emphasising that privacy should be embedded into the creation of technology and systems).
• Lala Lajpat Rai Jayanti (161st Birth Anniversary)
  • Significance: Commemorates the birth of the freedom fighter known as “Punjab Kesari” (Lion of Punjab). He was one-third of the famous radical trio Lal-Bal-Pal and played a pivotal role in the Swadeshi movement and protests against the Simon Commission.

This Day In History (January 28)

• 1950: Supreme Court of India Inaugurated
  • Two days after India became a Republic, the Supreme Court of India began its operations, replacing the Federal Court of India.

Famous Birthdays

• Lala Lajpat Rai (1865): Indian freedom fighter and author.
• Pandit Jasraj (1930): Legendary Indian classical vocalist belonging to the Mewati gharana.
• Nicolas Sarkozy (1955): Former President of France.

Exam-Oriented MCQs (Based on Last 24 Hours)

Question 1: India recently concluded negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with which bloc after 18 years of talks?

A) ASEAN

B) European Union (EU)

C) African Union

D) Mercosur

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: India and the European Union (EU) announced the conclusion of FTA negotiations on January 27, 2026. The talks originally started in 2007.

Question 2: Which tennis player defeated World No. 3 Coco Gauff to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open 2026?

A) Iga Swiatek

B) Aryna Sabalenka

C) Elina Svitolina

D) Elena Rybakina

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina caused a major upset by defeating Coco Gauff in straight sets (6-1, 6-2) to reach the semi-finals.

Question 3: Which Indian state became the first in independent India to officially implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and launch a related portal?

A) Gujarat

B) Assam

C) Uttar Pradesh

D) Uttarakhand

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: Uttarakhand officially implemented the UCC and launched a digital portal for its execution on January 27, 2026.

Question 4: Adani Defence & Aerospace signed an MoU with which country’s aircraft manufacturer, Embraer, to set up an aviation ecosystem in India?

A) France

B) Brazil

C) USA

D) Sweden

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Embraer is a Brazilian aerospace conglomerate. The MoU focuses on manufacturing aircraft and setting up an assembly line in India.

Question 5: Who is set to create history by presenting the Union Budget for the ninth consecutive time in February 2026?

A) Piyush Goyal

B) Nirmala Sitharaman

C) Amit Shah

D) Anurag Thakur

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her ninth consecutive budget, edging closer to the record of 10 budgets set by Morarji Desai (though his were not all consecutive).

Question 6: January 28 is observed globally as which of the following days?

A) World Health Day

B) Data Privacy Day

C) Human Rights Day

D) International Youth Day

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: January 28 is celebrated as Data Privacy Day to raise awareness about data protection.

Question 7: Which freedom fighter is affectionately known as “Punjab Kesari”, whose birth anniversary falls on January 28?

A) Bhagat Singh

B) Udham Singh

C) Lala Lajpat Rai

D) Sukhdev

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Lala Lajpat Rai, born on January 28, 1865, is known as “Punjab Kesari” or the Lion of Punjab.

Question 8: The “Operation Sindoor” was showcased on which tableau during the 77th Republic Day parade?

A) Indian Navy

B) Tri-Services

C) DRDO

D) Indian Air Force

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The Tri-Services tableau showcased “Operation Sindoor,” highlighting joint military operations.

Question 9: Which country fired a ballistic missile towards the Sea of Japan on January 27, 2026?

A) China

B) Russia

C) North Korea

D) South Korea

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: North Korea conducted the missile test, its second in the month of January 2026, amid regional tensions.

Question 10: According to the latest announcements, who is the only sportsperson to receive the Padma Bhushan in 2026?

A) Rohan Bopanna

B) Vijay Amritraj

C) Viswanathan Anand

D) Mary Kom

Correct Answer: B

For English Medium Students: Daily Current Affairs 28 January 2026 MCQs In English

Explanation: Tennis legend Vijay Amritraj was the sole sportsperson honoured with the Padma Bhushan in the 2026 awards list.

Question 11: During the 16th India-EU Summit, which new partnership was officially signed besides the FTA progress?

A) Green Hydrogen Alliance

B) Security and Defence Partnership

C) Space Exploration Treaty

D) Arctic Research Pact

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The 16th Summit saw the signing of the EU-India Security and Defence Partnership to enhance cooperation in maritime security and cyber defence.

Question 12: Which city has recently reported a surge in Guillain-Barré Syndrome cases, prompting a health advisory?

A) Bengaluru

B) Pune

C) Kochi

D) Ahmedabad

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Pune (Maharashtra) has emerged as an epicenter for a surge in Guillain-Barré Syndrome cases, leading to a health alert.

Question 13: The theme for Data Privacy Day 2026 emphasizes which concept?

A) Privacy First

B) Secure the Future

C) Prioritize Privacy by Design

D) Data for Development

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The 2026 theme is “Prioritize Privacy by Design”, encouraging organizations to embed privacy into their systems from the start.

Question 14: Which Indian cricketer was honoured with the Padma Shri in the 2026 awards?

A) Shubman Gill

B) Ravindra Jadeja

C) Rohit Sharma

D) Jasprit Bumrah

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Indian captain Rohit Sharma was conferred the Padma Shri for his distinguished service in sports.

Question 15: The Indian Air Force performed a flypast formation named “Sindoor” featuring which aircraft?

A) Tejas and Mirage

B) Rafale and Su-30

C) Chinook and Apache

D) C-295 and Dornier

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The “Sindoor” formation featured the Rafale and Su-30 fighter jets during the Republic Day flypast.

Question 16: Who defeated Iva Jovic to join Elina Svitolina in the semi-finals of the Australian Open 2026?

A) Naomi Osaka

B) Aryna Sabalenka

C) Jessica Pegula

D) Maria Sakkari

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka defeated Iva Jovic to advance to the semi-finals.

Question 17: Which Canadian Minister recently stated that Canada needs to trade with India to become an “energy superpower”?

A) Chrystia Freeland

B) Anita Anand

C) Tim Hodgson

D) Justin Trudeau

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Energy Minister Tim Hodgson (as reported in news snippets) stated Canada’s ambition to be an energy superpower requires trading with India.

Question 18: The 150th anniversary of which National Song was celebrated during the Republic Day 2026 parade?

A) Jana Gana Mana

B) Sare Jahan Se Achha

C) Vande Mataram

D) Hind Desh Ke Niwasi

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The parade featured special displays marking 150 Years of Vande Mataram.

Question 19: What specific action did the Madras High Court take regarding the film ‘Jana Nayagan’ on January 27, 2026?

A) Banned the film

B) Set aside a single judge’s order on certification

C) Ordered a title change

D) Allowed tax-free status

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The Madras HC set aside a single judge’s order that had directed the CBFC to issue a specific certificate, sending the matter back for fresh consideration.

Question 20: Which district in Kerala recently imposed a two-day curfew due to public order concerns?

A) Wayanad (Mananthavady)

B) Kannur

C) Kasaragod

D) Idukki

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: Authorities imposed a curfew in Mananthavady (located in Wayanad district) to maintain public order.

For Hindi Medium Students: Daily Current Affairs 28 January 2026 MCQs Quiz In Hindi

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

• India-EU FTA Conclusion: A landmark trade deal covering 25% of global GDP, finalised after 18 years of talks.
• Embraer-Adani Deal: A significant step for “Make in India” in the aviation and defence sector.
• Uttarakhand UCC Implementation: The first state-level implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in independent India.

Conclusion

Today’s current affairs offer a mix of high-impact international diplomacy (India-EU FTA) and crucial state-level governance reforms (Uttarakhand UCC). For aspirants, the details of the FTA and the specific provisions of the UCC are potential essay topics or deep-dive questions. In sports, the Australian Open upsets are vital for the “Sports” section of One-Day exams.

Final Thought of Day

“The true source of rights is duty. If we all discharge our duties, rights will not be far to seek.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Motivation for Exam

Every topic you master today is one less hurdle between you and your dream job. The India-EU deal took 18 years—your success will come much faster if you stay consistent!

FAQs

1. What is the status of the India-EU FTA as of Jan 2026?
   • Negotiations have been officially concluded and finalised.
2. Who is the “Punjab Kesari”?
   • Lala Lajpat Rai (Birth Anniversary: Jan 28).
3. Which state implemented UCC in Jan 2026?
   • Uttarakhand.
4. Who reached the Australian Open 2026 women’s semi-finals?
   • Elina Svitolina and Aryna Sabalenka.
5. Which company signed an MoU with Embraer?
   • Adani Defence & Aerospace.
6. What is the theme of Data Privacy Day 2026?
   • “Prioritize Privacy by Design”.
7. How many consecutive budgets will Nirmala Sitharaman have presented?
   • Nine (as of Feb 1, 2026).
8. Which tennis player got the Padma Bhushan in 2026?
   • Vijay Amritraj.
9. What was the “Sindoor” formation?
   • An IAF flypast maneuver featuring Rafale and Su-30 jets.
10. When is Data Privacy Day observed?
    • January 28.