Daily Current Affairs 29 January 2026: Best For Competitive Exams

In Short: Today’s Top Event Summary

Category	Event/Headline	Key Fact for Exams
Economy	India-EU FTA Negotiations Conclude	Agreement finalized; focuses on textiles, IT & pharma market access.
Parliament	Budget Session 2026 Begins	Economic Survey 2025-26 to be tabled today (Jan 29).
Defence	Beating Retreat Ceremony	Marks the formal end of Republic Day celebrations at Vijay Chowk.
Sports	Australian Open 2026 Semifinals Set	Novak Djokovic & Jannik Sinner set up a blockbuster semi-final clash.
Science	SpaceX Starship V3 Update	Next major test flight targeted for mid-March 2026 by Elon Musk.

Daily Current Affairs Analysis – 29 January 2026| Important for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways

Major Headlines (Brief & Impactful)

National News

1. India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Finalized: Negotiations conclude, opening European markets for Indian textiles, leather, and IT services.
2. Budget Session Kicks Off: President Droupadi Murmu addressed the joint sitting; Economic Survey to be presented by FM Nirmala Sitharaman today.
3. Beating Retreat Ceremony Today: The ceremony at Vijay Chowk will feature Indian classical tunes, marking the finale of the 77th Republic Day.
4. Draft IT (Digital Code) Rules 2026 Proposed: Centre proposes stricter age-gating and content classification norms for OTT and social media platforms.
5. Wings India 2026: PM Modi invites global aviation majors to invest in India’s booming aviation market and become “co-pilots” of growth.

International News

6. Canada PM Mark Carney to Visit India: Planned for March 2026 to reset diplomatic ties and expand trade cooperation.
7. US Hikes Tariffs on South Korea: President Donald Trump raises import tariffs to 25%, citing trade deal non-compliance.
8. Europe’s New Digital Push: EU announces new “Industrial Accelerator Act” to boost local content in tech manufacturing.

Sports & Economy

9. Australian Open 2026: Defending champion Jannik Sinner defeats Ben Shelton; Novak Djokovic advances after Lorenzo Musetti retires hurt.
10. SEBI Announces Mutual Fund Reforms: New regulations introduced to lower expense ratios and reduce brokerage fees for mutual funds.

Deep-Dive Explanations (Top 5 Stories)

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

• Why it matters: After years of negotiation, India and the European Union have finalized the terms of a comprehensive FTA.
• Key Details: This deal acts as a “gateway” for Indian exporters (especially in labour-intensive sectors like textiles and leather) to access the 27-nation EU bloc duty-free. It also addresses EU concerns regarding automobile tariffs and wines/spirits.
• Exam Point: The EU is India’s 2nd largest trading partner. The deal includes chapters on sustainability and digital trade.

2. Australian Open 2026: Sinner vs. Djokovic Showdown

• Context: The semi-final lineup for the first Grand Slam of the year is set. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner (Italy) breezed past Ben Shelton, while Novak Djokovic (Serbia) advanced after his opponent Lorenzo Musetti retired due to injury in the quarterfinals.
• Significance: Djokovic is chasing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. Sinner is the defending champion (won in 2025). Their upcoming match is being dubbed the “Final before the Final.”

3. Economic Survey 2025-26 Presentation

• Background: The Economic Survey is the government’s annual report card on the economy, presented a day before the Union Budget.
• What to expect: It will project India’s GDP growth for the upcoming fiscal year (2026-27) and analyze trends in inflation, employment, and fiscal deficit.
• Exam Point: It is prepared by the Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) and tabled by the Finance Minister.

4. Beating Retreat Ceremony 2026

• Significance: Held annually on January 29, this ceremony officially closes the Republic Day festivities. It is performed by the bands of the three wings of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force) and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
• Key Feature: The ceremony ends with the lowering of the National Flag and the tune ‘Sare Jahan Se Acha’. The Chief Guest is always the President of India.

5. Draft IT (Digital Code) Rules 2026

• The News: The Ministry of Electronics and IT has released draft rules to replace parts of the existing IT Act.
• Impact: The new code proposes mandatory age verification for accessing certain content and stricter grievance redressal mechanisms for Big Tech companies. It aims to curb “obscenity” and protect minors online.

Today’s Notable Days (29 January)

• Indian Newspaper Day
  • Significance: Observed to commemorate the birth of Indian journalism. On this day in 1780, James Augustus Hicky published the first issue of ‘Hicky’s Bengal Gazette’ (also known as the Calcutta General Advertiser).
  • Exam Fact: Hicky’s Gazette was the first printed newspaper in India.
• Beating Retreat Ceremony
  • Significance: A national event in India marking the return of troops to barracks, signaling the end of Republic Day protocols.

This Day In History (29 January)

• 1528: Battle of Chanderi – Mughal Emperor Babur defeated Medini Rai, a key Rajput chief, capturing the Chanderi Fort. This victory consolidated Mughal power in Central India.
• 1780: The first newspaper in India, Hicky’s Bengal Gazette, was published in Kolkata (then Calcutta).
• 1953: Sangeet Natak Akademi (India’s national academy for music, dance, and drama) was inaugurated.

Famous Birthdays

• Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (Born 1970):
  • Significance: Indian politician and former Olympian. He won the Silver medal in Double Trap shooting at the 2004 Athens Olympics, becoming the first Indian (post-independence) to win an individual Silver.

Exam-Oriented MCQs (Last 24 Hours)

Question 1: The “Beating Retreat” ceremony, which marks the culmination of Republic Day celebrations, is held annually on which date?

A) January 30

B) January 28

C) January 29

D) January 31

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The ceremony is held on January 29 at Vijay Chowk, New Delhi. The President of India is the Chief Guest.

Question 2: Which major tennis player advanced to the Australian Open 2026 semi-finals after his opponent Lorenzo Musetti retired due to injury?

A) Carlos Alcaraz

B) Jannik Sinner

C) Novak Djokovic

D) Daniil Medvedev

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Novak Djokovic advanced to the semi-finals after Italian player Lorenzo Musetti retired hurt during their quarter-final match.

Question 3: On January 29, 1780, India’s first newspaper was published. What was its name?

A) The Bombay Herald

B) Hicky’s Bengal Gazette

C) The Madras Courier

D) Udant Martand

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: James Augustus Hicky published Hicky’s Bengal Gazette (or Calcutta General Advertiser) on Jan 29, 1780. This day is observed as Indian Newspaper Day.

Question 4: India recently concluded negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with which major economic bloc?

A) ASEAN

B) European Union (EU)

C) Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

D) MERCOSUR

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: India and the EU have concluded FTA negotiations, which will significantly boost trade in services and goods like textiles and leather.

For English Medium Students: Daily Current Affairs 29 January 2026 MCQs In English

Question 5: The “Economic Survey 2025-26” is scheduled to be tabled in the Parliament on which date?

A) January 28

B) January 29

C) February 1

D) January 31

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The Economic Survey is traditionally presented one day before the Union Budget. Since the Budget is on Feb 1 (or end of Jan/start Feb cycle), the Survey is tabled on Jan 29 in this session.

Question 6: Who was the Chief Guest for India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations in 2026?

A) President of France

B) Prime Minister of Japan

C) President of the European Council (Antonio Costa)

D) President of Brazil

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Antonio Costa (President of the European Council) and Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission) were the Chief Guests for the 2026 Republic Day.

Question 7: According to recent updates, which tech billionaire announced the “Starship V3” launch is targeted for mid-March 2026?

A) Jeff Bezos

B) Elon Musk

C) Richard Branson

D) Sundar Pichai

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced that the next flight (V3) of the Starship rocket is targeted for mid-March.

Question 8: The new “Draft IT (Digital Code) Rules 2026” primarily focus on which of the following?

A) Banning cryptocurrency

B) Age-gating and classifying online content

C) Taxing digital payments

D) Promoting hardware manufacturing

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The draft rules propose stricter norms for classifying content based on age suitability and verifying user age to protect minors.

Question 9: In the U19 Cricket World Cup 2026, which Indian player recently scored a century against Zimbabwe U19?

A) Arshin Kulkarni

B) Vihaan Malhotra

C) Uday Saharan

D) Musheer Khan

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Vihaan Malhotra scored a century, and Ayush Mhatre performed well with the ball in India’s victory over Zimbabwe U19.

Question 10: Which country recently announced a hike in tariffs on South Korean imports to 25%?

A) China

B) United Kingdom

C) United States

D) Russia

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: US President Donald Trump announced the tariff hike on South Korea citing failure to implement trade deal terms.

Question 11: The “Wings India 2026” summit, focused on civil aviation, is primarily associated with attracting investment to which country?

A) Indonesia

B) India

C) UAE

D) Singapore

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: PM Modi invited global investors to “Wings India 2026” to invest in India’s aviation sector, calling them “co-pilots” of growth.

Question 12: Which Indian sports personality born on January 29 won a Silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics?

A) Abhinav Bindra

B) Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore

C) Leander Paes

D) Karnam Malleswari

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, born Jan 29, 1970, won the Silver in Double Trap shooting at Athens 2004.

Question 13: Which organization recently announced reforms to reduce the “Total Expense Ratio” (TER) for mutual funds?

A) RBI

B) IRDAI

C) SEBI

D) PFRDA

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) announced reforms to rationalise expense ratios to benefit investors.

Question 14: Who defeated Ben Shelton in the Australian Open 2026 Quarterfinals to reach the semi-finals?

A) Alexander Zverev

B) Jannik Sinner

C) Taylor Fritz

D) Stefanos Tsitsipas

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Defending champion Jannik Sinner defeated American Ben Shelton in straight sets to set up a clash with Djokovic.

Question 15: Which historical battle took place on January 29, 1528, where Babur defeated the Rajputs?

A) Battle of Panipat

B) Battle of Khanwa

C) Battle of Chanderi

D) Battle of Ghaghra

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The Battle of Chanderi was fought between Babur and Medini Rai on Jan 29, 1528.

Question 16: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to visit India in which month of 2026 to reset relations?

A) February

B) March

C) April

D) May

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Reports confirm the Canadian PM is expected to visit India in early March 2026 to improve trade and diplomatic ties.

Question 17: Who was recently awarded the Padma Bhushan in the Sports category for 2026?

A) MS Dhoni

B) Vijay Amritraj

C) Rohan Bopanna

D) Sunil Chhetri

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Tennis legend Vijay Amritraj was the sole sportsperson to receive the Padma Bhushan in the 2026 list. (Rohit Sharma received Padma Shri).

Question 18: The “Industrial Accelerator Act” mentioned in recent news is a policy initiative of which region?

A) North America

B) European Union

C) ASEAN

D) African Union

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The EU is proposing this act to boost local content and manufacturing, which may impact imports from countries like India.

For Hindi Medium Students: Daily Current Affairs 29 January 2026 MCQs Quiz In Hindi

Question 19: Which Indian cricketer received the Padma Shri award in the 2026 list for leading India to T20 World Cup glory?

A) Virat Kohli

B) Rohit Sharma

C) Hardik Pandya

D) Jasprit Bumrah

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Rohit Sharma was honored with the Padma Shri for his contribution to cricket and captaincy.

Question 20: The Budget Session 2026 began with the address of which dignitary to the joint sitting of both Houses?

A) Prime Minister

B) Vice President

C) Speaker of Lok Sabha

D) President of India

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: The Budget Session always begins with the President’s address to the joint sitting of Parliament.

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

Today’s Top 3 Most Important News for Competitive Exams

1. India-EU FTA: Negotiations concluded; a major topic for Economy/IR sections (impact on textiles/IT).
2. Budget Session & Economic Survey: Watch out for GDP projections and key policy themes in the Survey tabled today.
3. Australian Open: Djokovic vs. Sinner semi-final setup is the biggest sports headline; Sinner is the defending champion.

Conclusion

Today’s current affairs are dominated by Economy and International Relations, with the historic India-EU FTA taking center stage. For students, the commencement of the Budget Session signals a week of critical data releases (Economic Survey today, Budget shortly). In sports, the Australian Open is reaching its climax, providing potential questions on winners/runners-up.

Final Thought of the Day:

“Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.” — Arnold Glasow

Motivation for Exam:

The Economic Survey released today is a reminder that data drives progress. Similarly, track your own study data—mock scores, revision hours, and weak areas. Analyze your performance like an economist analyzes the nation, and growth will follow!

❓ FAQs (Current Affairs 2026)

1. Who is the Chief Guest for Republic Day 2026?
   • Antonio Costa (President of European Council) and Ursula von der Leyen (President of European Commission).
2. When is the Economic Survey 2025-26 presented?
   • It is presented on January 29, 2026.
3. What is the significance of January 29 in India?
   • It marks the Beating Retreat Ceremony and Indian Newspaper Day.
4. Who won the India vs Zimbabwe U19 match in 2026?
   • India U19 won, with Vihaan Malhotra scoring a century.
5. Who are the semi-finalists in Australian Open 2026 men’s singles?
   • Confirmed so far: Novak Djokovic vs. Jannik Sinner.
6. What is the new IT rule proposed in 2026?
   • The Draft IT (Digital Code) Rules 2026 focus on age-gating content and stricter regulation.
7. Who received the Padma Bhushan in Sports in 2026?
   • Vijay Amritraj (Tennis).
8. When was the first Indian newspaper published?
   • January 29, 1780 (Hicky’s Bengal Gazette).
9. What is the venue for the Beating Retreat ceremony?
   • Vijay Chowk, New Delhi.
10. What is the focus of the India-EU FTA?
    • Market access for textiles, IT services, and sustainable trade practices.