Daily Current Affairs 30 January 2026: Best For Competitive Exams

In Short: Today’s Top Event Summary

Category	Headline Event	Key Fact/Significance
National Event	Martyrs’ Day (Shaheed Diwas)	Nation observes 78th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
Economy	Budget Session of Parliament Begins	President addresses Joint Session; Economic Survey 2025-26 likely tabled.
Global Day	World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day	Theme: “Unite. Act. Eliminate.”
Sports	Australian Open 2026	Men’s Singles Semi-finals underway at Melbourne Park.
Art & Culture	‘Are You Human?’ Exhibition	Major AI-themed art exhibition opens at Khoj Studios, New Delhi.

Daily Current Affairs & GK Update – 30 January 2026 | Important for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways

Major Headlines (Brief & Impactful)

NATIONAL (INDIA)

1. Budget Session Commences: President Addresses Joint Sitting of Parliament; Focus on ‘Viksit Bharat’ Roadmap.
2. Martyrs’ Day Observed: President and PM lead the nation in paying floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
3. Economic Survey 2025-26 Tabled: Government presents the annual report card on the economy ahead of the Union Budget.
4. ‘Are You Human?’ Exhibition Opens: Khoj Studios in Delhi launches a major international showcase exploring the intersection of AI and humanity.
5. Padma Awards 2026 Follow-up: Cultural Ministry announces felicitation ceremony schedule for recently announced awardees.

INTERNATIONAL

6. World NTD Day 2026: WHO highlights progress as 58 countries eliminate at least one Neglected Tropical Disease; Theme is “Unite. Act. Eliminate.”

7. Davos Aftermath: Global leaders continue discussions on climate financing following the recent World Economic Forum conclusion.

8. US-India Trade Talks: Delegations meet to finalize clean energy technology transfer agreements.

SPORTS & OTHERS

9. Australian Open 2026: High-stakes Men’s Semi-finals take center stage at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne.

10. Tech Update: Zenless Zone Zero 2.6 update goes live globally, marking a major event in the digital entertainment sector.

Deep-Dive Explanations

1. Budget Session Begins & Economic Survey 2025-26 Tabled

• Background: The Budget Session of Parliament has commenced today with the President’s address to both Houses assembled together. Following this, the Finance Minister tabled the Economic Survey 2025-26.
• Why it Matters: The Survey reviews the developments in the Indian economy over the past financial year and provides the growth projection (GDP) for the upcoming year. It sets the tone for the Union Budget, which will be presented on February 1.

2. Martyrs’ Day (Shaheed Diwas) – 78th Death Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi

• Context: India observes January 30 as Martyrs’ Day to mark the assassination of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in 1948.
• Significance: A two-minute silence was observed nationwide at 11:00 AM. This day is dedicated to honouring not just the Father of the Nation, but all brave soldiers and freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country.

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

3. World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day 2026

• Details: Observed annually on January 30, this year’s theme is “Unite. Act. Eliminate.”
• Relevance: The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 58 countries have now eliminated at least one NTD. The day aims to boost political will and mobilize resources to end diseases like Leprosy, Dengue, and Lymphatic Filariasis that affect the world’s poorest populations.

4. ‘Are You Human?’ Exhibition at Khoj Studios

• Event: A significant art exhibition titled “Are You Human?” opened today in New Delhi.
• Themes: It brings together Indian and international artists to examine the boundaries between humans, machines, and digital realities. This is a crucial topic for exams focusing on the cultural impact of emerging technologies (AI/Digital Ethics).

5. Australian Open 2026 – Final Stages

• Update: The first Grand Slam of the year has reached its penultimate stage with the Men’s Singles Semi-finals taking place at Melbourne Park.
• Exam Point: Current affairs questions often ask about the venue (Melbourne, hard court) and the finalists of major Grand Slams. The tournament concludes this Sunday, February 1.

Today’s Notable Days

• Martyrs’ Day (Shaheed Diwas):
  • Significance: Marks the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948. It is a day of sombre reflection and respect for the nation’s martyrs.
• World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day:
  • Significance: Established by the World Health Assembly to raise awareness about NTDs. 2026 marks the 7th observance of this global day.

This Day In History

• 1948: Assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. He was shot dead by Nathuram Godse at Birla House, New Delhi.
• 1933: Hitler becomes Chancellor. Adolf Hitler was named Chancellor of Germany, marking a pivotal turning point in world history leading to WWII.
• 1982: First Computer Virus: The “Elk Cloner” virus was written by a 15-year-old, marking the first time a virus spread “in the wild.”

Famous Birthdays

• Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882): 32nd US President, known for the New Deal and leading the US during WWII.
• C. Subramaniam (1910): Indian politician and Bharat Ratna awardee, known as the “Father of the Green Revolution” in India for his role as Agriculture Minister.
• Christian Bale (1974): Acclaimed British actor known for his transformative roles.

Exam-Oriented MCQs

Question 1: On which date is ‘Martyrs’ Day’ (Shaheed Diwas) observed in India to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi?

A) January 23

B) January 26

C) January 30

D) March 23

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Martyrs’ Day is observed on January 30, the date Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in 1948. (Note: March 23 is also observed as Shaheed Diwas for Bhagat Singh, but Jan 30 specifically marks Gandhi’s death).

Question 2: What is the theme for World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day 2026?

A) Beat the Bug

B) Unite. Act. Eliminate.

C) Health for All

D) Ending the Neglect

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The 2026 theme announced by the WHO is “Unite. Act. Eliminate.”, emphasizing collective action to eradicate NTDs.

Question 3: Which document is traditionally tabled in the Indian Parliament one day before the Union Budget?

A) Finance Bill

B) Economic Survey

C) Appropriation Bill

D) Vote on Account

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The Economic Survey is tabled by the Finance Minister usually one day before the presentation of the Union Budget. It outlines the economic performance of the past year.

Question 4: The ‘Are You Human?’ art exhibition, exploring themes of AI and humanity, opened on January 30, 2026, in which city?

A) Mumbai

B) Bengaluru

C) New Delhi

D) Kolkata

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The exhibition opened at Khoj Studios in New Delhi. It focuses on the relationship between humans and digital realities.

Question 5: Who addresses the Joint Sitting of both Houses of Parliament at the commencement of the first session of the year?

A) The Prime Minister

B) The Speaker of Lok Sabha

C) The President of India

D) The Vice President

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: As per Article 87 of the Constitution, the President of India addresses both Houses of Parliament assembled together at the commencement of the first session of each year (which is usually the Budget Session).

For Hindi Medium Students: Daily Current Affairs 30 January 2026 MCQs Quiz In Hindi

Question 6: The Australian Open tennis tournament is played on which type of surface?

A) Clay

B) Grass

C) Hard Court

D) Carpet

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The Australian Open is played on Hard Courts (Plexicushion/GreenSet) at Melbourne Park.

Question 7: C. Subramaniam, whose birth anniversary falls on January 30, is best known for his contribution to which sector in India?

A) Space Technology

B) Green Revolution (Agriculture)

C) Nuclear Energy

D) IT Revolution

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: C. Subramaniam served as the Minister for Food and Agriculture and played a pivotal role in ushering in the Green Revolution in India. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna.

Question 8: Which global organization coordinates the observance of World NTD Day?

A) UNICEF

B) WTO

C) WHO (World Health Organization)

D) Red Cross

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The World Health Organization (WHO) is the leading body that coordinates World NTD Day activities and monitors progress toward eliminating these diseases.

Question 9: The ‘Elk Cloner’, created on January 30, 1982, is historically significant as being the first:

A) Supercomputer

B) Internet Browser

C) Computer Virus released in the wild

D) Digital Camera

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Richard Skrenta wrote ‘Elk Cloner’ in 1982, widely considered the first computer virus to spread outside a laboratory environment (in the “wild”).

Question 10: In the context of the Indian Economy, what does the term ‘Fiscal Deficit’ represent?

A) Total Income – Total Expenditure

B) Total Expenditure – Total Receipts (excluding borrowings)

C) Total Exports – Total Imports

D) Revenue Expenditure – Revenue Receipts

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Fiscal Deficit is the difference between the government’s total expenditure and its total receipts (excluding borrowings). It indicates the total borrowing requirements of the government. (Important concept for Budget season).

Question 11: The ‘Rod Laver Arena’ is the primary venue for which major sporting event currently underway?

A) French Open

B) US Open

C) Wimbledon

D) Australian Open

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: Rod Laver Arena is the main center court for the Australian Open in Melbourne.

Question 12: Which article of the Indian Constitution deals with the ‘Annual Financial Statement’ (Budget)?

A) Article 110

B) Article 112

C) Article 280

D) Article 360

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Article 112 of the Constitution refers to the Union Budget as the “Annual Financial Statement”.

Question 13: What is the primary cause of ‘Lymphatic Filariasis’, one of the diseases highlighted on World NTD Day?

A) Contaminated Water

B) Parasitic Worms transmitted by mosquitoes

C) Virus transmitted by ticks

D) Bacterial infection from soil

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis) is caused by parasitic worms spread by the bites of infected mosquitoes.

Question 14: Who was the Viceroy of India when Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in 1948?

A) Lord Wavell

B) Lord Mountbatten

C) C. Rajagopalachari

D) Lord Linlithgow

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Lord Mountbatten was the Governor-General (Viceroy title ceased post-independence, but he held the office) of independent India until June 1948. Gandhi was assassinated in Jan 1948.

Question 15: The ‘Zenless Zone Zero’ 2.6 update mentioned in tech news is developed by which company?

A) Tencent

B) HoYoverse

C) Ubisoft

D) Krafton

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Zenless Zone Zero is a popular action RPG developed by HoYoverse.

Question 16: The ‘Economic Survey’ is prepared by which department under the Ministry of Finance?

A) Department of Revenue

B) Department of Economic Affairs

C) Department of Expenditure

D) Department of Financial Services

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The Economic Survey is prepared by the Economics Division of the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the guidance of the Chief Economic Advisor (CEA).

Question 17: Which Indian city is hosting the ‘Creative Convergence’ conference with the British Council (Jan 29-30, 2026)?

A) Mumbai

B) Hyderabad

C) New Delhi

D) Chennai

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The ‘Creative Convergence’ conference took place in New Delhi, focusing on the India-UK creative economy partnership.

Question 18: In the context of Tennis scoring, what does the term ‘Deuce’ mean?

A) The score is 40-40

B) The score is 30-30

C) The player has won the set

D) A service fault

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: Deuce occurs when both players/teams have won three points (score is 40-40), requiring a player to score two consecutive points to win the game.

Question 19: Martyr’s Day in India is also observed on March 23 to honour which freedom fighters?

A) Subhash Chandra Bose

B) Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev

C) Chandrashekhar Azad

D) Lala Lajpat Rai

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: March 23 is also Shaheed Diwas, marking the execution of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev in 1931. Jan 30 marks Gandhi’s assassination.

Question 20: The ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ vision, likely to be mentioned in the President’s address, aims to make India a developed nation by which year?

A) 2030

B) 2040

C) 2047

D) 2050

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The vision is to transform India into a developed nation by 2047, the 100th year of India’s independence.

For English Medium Students: Daily Current Affairs 30 January 2026 MCQs In English

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

• Budget Session Kickoff: President’s Joint Address and tabling of Economic Survey 2025-26 set the stage for the Union Budget.
• Martyrs’ Day: Nation remembers Mahatma Gandhi; emphasizes the relevance of non-violence and historical facts regarding the freedom struggle.
• World NTD Day: Focus on public health schemes and international cooperation to eliminate tropical diseases.

Conclusion

Today’s current affairs are dominated by the commencement of the Budget Session, a critical period for Indian polity and economy. The Economic Survey provides vital data points for upcoming exams. Simultaneously, Martyrs’ Day offers an opportunity to revise modern history, while the Australian Open keeps the sports section active. Ensure you understand the constitutional provisions related to the Budget and the President’s address.

Final Thought of Day:

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Motivation for Exam:

Consistenty is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. Just like the disciplined preparation of an athlete for the Australian Open or the meticulous planning of the Union Budget, your daily small efforts in study will compound into a massive success. Keep pushing!

FAQs

1. Why is January 30 celebrated as Martyrs’ Day?
   • It marks the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948.
2. What is the theme of World NTD Day 2026?
   • “Unite. Act. Eliminate.”
3. Who presents the Economic Survey in Parliament?
   • The Finance Minister presents it, though it is authored by the Chief Economic Advisor’s team.
4. When is the Union Budget 2026 expected?
   • February 1, 2026.
5. Where is the Australian Open held?
   • Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia.
6. Which article mandates the President’s Special Address?
   • Article 87 of the Indian Constitution.
7. What is the ‘Are You Human?’ exhibition?
   • An AI-themed art exhibition at Khoj Studios, Delhi.
8. Who was the first person to release a computer virus in the wild?
   • Richard Skrenta (Elk Cloner virus, Jan 30, 1982).
9. What is the significance of Rajghat?
   • It is the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi in Delhi.
10. Is March 23 also Martyrs’ Day?
    • Yes, it honors Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru.