Daily Current Affairs 31 January 2026

In Short: Today’s Key Event For GK

Event	Details
Primary Highlight	Economic Survey 2025-26 tabled in Parliament by FM Nirmala Sitharaman.
Economic Growth	India’s GDP growth projected at 6.8% – 7.2% for FY 2026-27.
Diplomatic Key	2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting concludes in New Delhi.
Science/Space	Mars Experiment by Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla officially takes flight.

Daily Current Affairs & GK Update – 31 January 2026 | Important for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways

Major Headlines (Brief & Impactful)

National (India)

• Economic Survey 2025-26: Government projects 6.8%–7.2% growth, flagging AI-led disruptions.
• Maharashtra Leadership: Sunetra Pawar likely to be appointed Deputy CM amidst NCP rejig.
• Security: High alert in Darbhanga (Bihar) following confirmation of Avian Influenza.

International

• India-Arab Relations: Bilateral trade exceeds $240 billion as 2nd ministerial meet ends.
• US Leadership: President Trump taps Kevin Warsh as the new US Federal Reserve Chair.
• Diplomacy: UK PM Keir Starmer heads to Beijing to balance trade with security concerns.

Sports

• Australian Open: Carlos Alcaraz defeats Zverev to reach his maiden Australian Open Final.
• Cricket: Tilak Varma and Mayank Yadav cleared for fitness ahead of T20 World Cup 2026.
• Wankhede Spotlight: ICC confirms Wankhede Stadium as a key venue for T20 World Cup 2026.

Economy & Others

• Forex Reserves: India’s Forex reserves strengthen to $709.41 billion, boosting stability.
• Stock Market: SEBI gives green signal for the much-awaited NSE IPO after 10 years.

Deep-Dive Explanations

1. Economic Survey 2025-26 Projections: The Survey, presented a day before the Union Budget, describes India as a “global outlier” in a slowing world. While projecting a robust growth of 6.8-7.2%, it warns of structural constraints in the medium term, particularly the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the labor market. For aspirants, understanding the “Twin Balance Sheet” advantage mentioned in the survey is crucial for upcoming mains exams. Read Economic Survey 2025-26 complete analysis here.
2. 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting:Held in New Delhi, this meeting focused on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and energy security. With bilateral trade reaching $240 billion, the Arab League remains India’s largest trading bloc. This meeting is significant for International Relations (IR) topics regarding the “Link West” policy and energy diversification.
3. Kevin Warsh as US Fed Chair:In a significant shift in global finance, former Fed official Kevin Warsh has been chosen to lead the US central bank. This appointment is expected to bring a shift in US monetary policy, which directly impacts the Indian Rupee’s valuation and FII (Foreign Institutional Investor) flows into the Indian markets.
4. NSE IPO Clearance:The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has finally cleared the National Stock Exchange (NSE) to proceed with its Initial Public Offering (IPO). This ends a decade-long wait following the “co-location” controversy. It is expected to be one of the largest listings in Indian history, significantly impacting the capital market structure.
5. UNESCO Tag for Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges:The Indian government has officially pitched the “Living Root Bridges” (Jingkieng Jri) of Meghalaya for a UNESCO World Heritage Site tag. These are bio-engineering wonders made from Ficus elastica trees, showcasing ancient indigenous knowledge in sustainable infrastructure—a key topic for Environment and Culture sections.

Today’s Notable Days

• International Zebra Day (January 31):Celebrated to raise awareness about the conservation of zebras, which face threats from habitat loss and poaching. For exams, remember the three species: Plains, Grevy’s, and Mountain zebras.
• Nauru Independence Day (January 31):Marks the day in 1968 when the tiny island nation of Nauru gained independence from Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. It is significant in the context of Oceania’s geopolitical history.

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

This Day In History

• 1865 – 13th Amendment Passed: The US Congress passed the amendment to abolish slavery, a landmark event in global human rights history.
• 1961 – Ham the Chimp in Space: Ham became the first hominid in space as part of the US Mercury program, paving the way for human spaceflight.
• 2020 – Brexit: The United Kingdom officially withdrew from the European Union (EU) at 11:00 PM GMT on this day, ending 47 years of membership.

Famous Birthdays

• Jackie Robinson (1919): The first African American to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the modern era; his legacy is a cornerstone of the American civil rights movement.
• Preity Zinta (1975): Renowned Indian actress and entrepreneur, known for her contributions to cinema and her role as a co-owner of the Punjab Kings IPL team.
• Justin Timberlake (1981): A global pop icon and actor; winner of multiple Grammy and Emmy awards.

Daily Current Affairs 31 January 2026 Exam-Oriented MCQs

Question 1: As per the Economic Survey 2025-26, what is the projected GDP growth range for India in the upcoming fiscal year?

A) 6.0% – 6.5%

B) 6.8% – 7.2%

C) 7.5% – 8.0%

D) 5.5% – 6.0%

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The Economic Survey 2025-26, tabled on January 31, 2026, projects a growth rate of 6.8% to 7.2%. It highlights India’s resilience despite global headwinds and rising commodity prices.

Question 2: Which city hosted the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in January 2026?

A) Abu Dhabi

B) Riyadh

C) New Delhi

D) Cairo

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The meeting was held in New Delhi on January 30-31, 2026. It aimed to strengthen strategic and economic ties between India and the 22-member Arab League.

Question 3: India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves were reported at what level on January 31, 2026?

A) $650.20 Billion

B) $709.41 Billion

C) $580.15 Billion

D) $750.00 Billion

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Recent data indicates India’s Forex reserves have strengthened to $709.41 billion, providing a significant cushion against global economic volatility and supporting the stability of the Rupee.

Question 4: Who has been nominated by the US President to lead the US Federal Reserve in 2026?

A) Jerome Powell

B) Janet Yellen

C) Kevin Warsh

D) Ben Bernanke

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: President Trump tapped Kevin Warsh, a former Federal Reserve official, to lead the US central bank. This transition is expected to influence global interest rate trajectories.

Question 5: Which state recently sounded a high alert due to the confirmation of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)?

A) Kerala

B) Rajasthan

C) Bihar

D) Punjab

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Avian Influenza was confirmed in the Darbhanga district of Bihar. The state government has issued a high alert and initiated culling operations to prevent the spread to poultry and humans.

Question 6: Which Indian stadium was recently highlighted as a key venue for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup?

A) Narendra Modi Stadium

B) Wankhede Stadium

C) Eden Gardens

D) M. Chinnaswamy Stadium

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is set for a global spotlight as its inclusion in the primary venue list for the 2026 T20 World Cup was confirmed this week.

Question 7: The “Living Root Bridges” currently pitched for a UNESCO World Heritage tag are located in which Indian state?

A) Arunachal Pradesh

B) Meghalaya

C) Sikkim

D) Nagaland

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Known locally as Jingkieng Jri, these bridges in Meghalaya are grown from the roots of Ficus elastica trees. They represent unique sustainable architecture by the Khasi and Jaintia tribes.

Question 8: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s recently launched experiment is focused on which planet?

A) Venus

B) Mars

C) Jupiter

D) Saturn

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: As part of India’s growing space science capabilities, Shubhanshu Shukla’s Mars Experiment officially took flight, aiming to study biological reactions in simulated Martian environments.

Question 9: Which organization recently gave the “green signal” for the NSE IPO after a decade-long delay?

A) RBI

B) IRDAI

C) SEBI

D) NITI Aayog

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has cleared the National Stock Exchange (NSE) to proceed with its IPO, ending years of regulatory hurdles related to the co-location scam.

Question 10: On January 31, 2026, which country celebrates its Independence Day?

A) Fiji

B) Nauru

C) Maldives

D) Mauritius

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Nauru gained independence on January 31, 1968. It is the world’s smallest independent island republic and is located in the Central Pacific.

Question 11: According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, what is the primary “structural constraint” flagged for India’s growth?

A) Lack of Infrastructure

B) AI-led labor disruption

C) Low Agricultural output

D) High Import duties

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The survey specifically flags that while growth is strong, the rapid adoption of AI could displace jobs in the service sector, requiring proactive policy depth rather than populism.

Question 12: Who defeated Alexander Zverev to reach his maiden Australian Open Final in 2026?

A) Jannik Sinner

B) Novak Djokovic

C) Carlos Alcaraz

D) Daniil Medvedev

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Carlos Alcaraz broke new ground by defeating Zverev in a grueling five-setter on January 30/31 to reach his first-ever Australian Open final.

Question 13: What is the current theme or focus of the Union Budget 2026 (to be presented tomorrow)?

A) Digital India 2.0

B) Viksit Bharat & Fiscal Prudence

C) Green Energy Revolution

D) Universal Basic Income

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Pre-budget reports and the Economic Survey indicate a focus on “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) through fiscal prudence, consistent capex, and structural reforms.

Question 14: The “KAVACH” equipment contract worth ₹230 crore was recently won by a firm associated with which investor?

A) Rakesh Jhunjhunwala

B) Ashish Kacholia

C) Vijay Kedia

D) Radhakishan Damani

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: A midcap firm backed by Ashish Kacholia won a ₹230 crore contract for KAVACH (Train Collision Avoidance System), reflecting the government’s push for railway safety.

Question 15: Which Indian state’s NCP leadership is currently seeing a potential shift with Sunetra Pawar as a frontrunner for Deputy CM?

A) Gujarat

B) Maharashtra

C) Goa

D) Karnataka

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Maharashtra’s political landscape is shifting as the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) considers appointing Sunetra Pawar to the Deputy CM post to strengthen leadership.

Question 16: In the context of the India-Arab meeting, what is “IMEC”?

A) India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor

B) India-Mediterranean-East-China League

C) International Maritime Energy Council

D) Indian-Middle East Export Corporation

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: IMEC is a planned economic corridor aimed at boosting trade and connectivity between India, the Middle East, and Europe. It was a major point of discussion during the India-Arab meet.

Question 17: International Zebra Day is observed annually on which date?

A) January 26

B) January 30

C) January 31

D) February 1

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: January 31 is dedicated to Zebra conservation. Zebras are vital to the ecosystem but are categorized as ‘Near Threatened’ (Plains) and ‘Endangered’ (Grevy’s).

Question 18: Which historical figure executed on January 31, 1606, is famously associated with the “Gunpowder Plot”?

A) Robert Catesby

B) Guy Fawkes

C) Thomas Percy

D) John Wright

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators were executed on this day in 1606 for their attempt to blow up the English Parliament and King James I.

Question 19: Which Indian actress and owner of an IPL team celebrates her birthday on January 31?

A) Juhi Chawla

B) Preity Zinta

C) Shilpa Shetty

D) Deepika Padukone

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Preity Zinta, born on January 31, 1975, is a noted Indian actress and the co-owner of the Punjab Kings franchise in the Indian Premier League.

Question 20: As per the 2026 news, which country’s airport failed to attract bidders at a $1.7B price tag?

A) Germany

B) Russia (Moscow Airport)

C) China

D) Turkey

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Due to ongoing economic sanctions and lack of investor interest, a major Moscow airport failed to find bidders at its initial asking price, forcing authorities to slash the price.

Todays GK Quiz: Daily Current Affairs 31 January 2026 MCQs In English

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

• Economic Survey 2025-26: Projects 6.8%–7.2% GDP growth; warns of AI-related structural labor challenges.
• India-Arab Relations: $240 billion trade milestone and focus on IMEC connectivity corridor.
• Forex Stability: India’s reserves hit $709.41 billion, ensuring external sector resilience.

Daily Current Affairs 31 January 2026 Conclusion

Today’s updates emphasize India’s steady economic trajectory amidst global shifts. The Economic Survey serves as the most critical document for students today, providing the statistical backbone for current affairs in 2026.

Final Thought of Day: “Data is the new oil, but wisdom is the refinery.” Use the Economic Survey data wisely to build your arguments in the upcoming exams.

Motivation for Exam: Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire with passion and consistent daily effort. Keep grinding!

FAQs

Q1. What is the GDP growth rate for India in 2026?

Ans. The Economic Survey 2025-26 projects a growth rate of 6.8%–7.2%.

When will the Union Budget 2026 be presented?

Ans. It will be presented by FM Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2026.

What is the status of India’s Forex reserves?

Ans. As of January 31, 2026, they stand at a strong $709.41 billion.

Who is the new US Fed Chair in 2026?

Ans. Kevin Warsh has been appointed by the US President to lead the Federal Reserve.

What is the main topic of the 2nd India-Arab meeting?

Ans. Strategic energy partnerships and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

Which state is on high alert for Bird Flu in Jan 2026?

Ans. Bihar, specifically the Darbhanga region.

Is NSE going for an IPO?

Ans. Yes, SEBI cleared the NSE IPO in late January 2026.

What is International Zebra Day?

Ans. It is observed on Jan 31 to promote the conservation of zebras.

Who reached the Australian Open 2026 Final?

Ans. Carlos Alcaraz is the first finalist after defeating Zverev.

Where are the Living Root Bridges located?

Ans. They are in Meghalaya, India, and are being considered for a UNESCO tag.