Todays Daily Current Affairs 24 January 2026: Headlines, MCQs & Notable Days
Welcome to your daily current affairs briefing. Today, we delve into the significant diplomatic shifts as India prepares for its 77th Republic Day, pioneering infrastructure projects in the defense sector, and the evolving landscape of global space weather.
Daily Current Affairs Today – Jan 24, 2026 | Important for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways
1. Major Headlines (Brief & Impactful)
National (India)
- Republic Day Guest Confirmed: European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to be the Chief Guests for Republic Day 2026.
- Foundation Laid for Private Satellite Plant: Gujarat’s Science & Technology Minister laid the stone for ‘Palmnaro’, India’s first integrated private-sector satellite plant in Sanand.
- Parakram Diwas 2026: President Murmu inaugurated ‘Granth Kutir’ at Rashtrapati Bhavan to commemorate Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary.
- Defense Infrastructure: HAL laid the foundation stone for a major Helicopter MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) Hub in Missamari, Assam.
International
- “Board of Peace” Launched: Donald Trump inaugurated the “Board of Peace” at Davos to manage Israel–Gaza ceasefire; Pakistan and Türkiye have accepted invitations.
- Spain Joins IPOI: Spain formally joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and upgraded ties with India to a “Strategic Association.”
- Space Weather Alert: ESA and NASA monitored the most intense solar radiation storm (S4 level) since 2004, following a massive X-class flare.
Sports
- T20 World Cup 2026 Row: ICC rejected the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to move matches out of India; Scotland remains on standby.
- Khelo India Tribal Games: J&K Sports Council initiated phase-I trials for the upcoming 2026 Tribal Games in Chhattisgarh.
- WPL 2026: Gujarat Giants secured a decisive 45-run victory over UP Warriorz in Vadodara.
Economy
- India as Gulfood Partner: India has been named the ‘Partner Country’ for Gulfood 2026, the world’s largest food and beverage trade show in Dubai.
- RBI Growth Outlook: RBI’s monthly bulletin projects India to remain the fastest-growing major economy with a 7.4% GDP growth estimate for FY26.
2. Deep-Dive Explanations
- India-Spain Strategic Association: Spain’s accession to the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) marks a pivot in European interest toward the Indo-Pacific. By upgrading to a “Strategic Association,” both nations will prioritize cooperation in maritime security, AI, and green hydrogen. For exams, notice how this strengthens India’s “Act East” and “Global South” leadership.
- The “Board of Peace” vs. UN: Launched at the 2026 World Economic Forum, this US-driven body aims to oversee regional ceasefires. It challenges the traditional UN-centric multilateralism. India’s current absence from the board reflects its strategic autonomy and preference for established international legal frameworks.
- S4 Solar Radiation Storm: The recent X-class solar flare is a critical case study for Science & Tech. It reached a “Severe” (S4) level, impacting high-latitude aviation and satellite operations. This event highlights the vulnerability of the Artemis lunar missions and global power grids to solar cycles.
- Palmnaro Private Satellite Plant: This Sanand-based facility by Azista Space is a milestone for “Atmanirbhar Bharat.” It is the first time an integrated plant for satellite design and manufacturing has been established entirely in the private sector, signaling a shift from ISRO-led to industry-led space exploration.
- Helicopter MRO Hub in Assam: Established by HAL in Missamari, this hub is strategically vital for maintaining the fleet near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). It reduces “turnaround time” for India’s Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and Cheetal fleet, enhancing eastern border security.
3. Today’s Notable Days
- National Girl Child Day (India): Observed annually on January 24 to raise awareness about the rights of girls and bridge the gender gap in education and health. It commemorates the day in 1966 when Indira Gandhi was sworn in as India’s first female Prime Minister.
- International Day of Education: A UN-designated day to celebrate education as a human right and a public good. The 2026 focus remains on leveraging technology to provide inclusive learning in conflict zones and developing nations.
- Uttar Pradesh Foundation Day (UP Diwas): This day marks the renaming of the ‘United Provinces’ to ‘Uttar Pradesh’ in 1950. The state government organizes “UP Diwas” to showcase the state’s cultural heritage and its contribution to the national economy.
4. This Day In History
- 1950: National Anthem Adopted: The Constituent Assembly of India officially adopted Jana Gana Mana as the National Anthem. This historic session also saw the formal election of Dr. Rajendra Prasad as the first President of the Republic of India.
- 1952: First International Film Festival of India (IFFI): The very first IFFI was inaugurated in Bombay (now Mumbai) on this day. It was the first of its kind in Asia, significantly influencing the trajectory of Indian cinema and its global outreach.
- 1966: Air India Flight 101 Tragedy: The “Kanchenjunga” Boeing 707 crashed near Mont Blanc, resulting in the tragic loss of Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, the father of India’s nuclear program. This event remains one of the most discussed mysteries in Indian civil aviation and scientific history.
5. Famous Birthdays
- Karpoori Thakur (born 1924): A legendary socialist leader and former Chief Minister of Bihar, known as ‘Jan Nayak’. His birth anniversary is significant for exams due to his recent posthumous Bharat Ratna award and his pioneering work in implementing reservation for Backward Classes.
- Subhash Ghai (born 1945): Renowned Indian filmmaker known as the “Showman” of Bollywood. His contribution to Indian cinema through classics like Karz and Taal has earned him numerous National Film Awards and international recognition.
- Homi J. Bhabha (Death Anniversary – 1966): While not a birthday, his remembrance today is vital. He was the founding director of TIFR and the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (now BARC), steering India toward nuclear self-reliance.
6. Exam-Oriented MCQs
Question 1: Which country recently became the latest to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) during its Foreign Minister’s visit to India in January 2026?
A) Germany
B) Spain
C) Italy
D) France
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Spain formally joined the IPOI during Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares’ visit. Spain and India also upgraded their relationship to a “strategic association,” the highest diplomatic level.
Question 2: The “Board of Peace,” a new peace architecture to oversee the Israel-Gaza ceasefire, was inaugurated by which world leader at the 2026 World Economic Forum?
A) Narendra Modi
B) Benjamin Netanyahu
C) Donald Trump
D) Emmanuel Macron
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Donald Trump inaugurated the ‘Board of Peace’ at Davos. While countries like Pakistan and Türkiye have accepted invitations to join, India has maintained a cautious distance to protect its UN-centric multilateral stance.
Question 3: Who among the following have been invited as the Chief Guests for India’s 77th Republic Day Parade in 2026?
A) President of France and PM of UK
B) Presidents of the European Council and European Commission
C) President of USA and PM of Japan
B) Leaders of the ASEAN nations
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Antonio Costa (President of the European Council) and Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission) will be the Chief Guests. This marks a significant diplomatic outreach to the EU.
Question 4: India’s first integrated private-sector satellite manufacturing plant, named ‘Palmnaro’, is being established in which city?
A) Bengaluru, Karnataka
B) Sanand, Gujarat
C) Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
D) Hyderabad, Telangana
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The foundation stone for ‘Palmnaro’ was laid in Sanand, Gujarat. It is being developed by Azista Space Limited for the indigenous manufacturing of satellites and electro-optical payloads.
Question 5: In January 2026, the European Space Agency (ESA) monitored an “S4” level radiation storm. What caused this severe space weather event?
A) A Lunar Eclipse
B) A Black Hole eruption
C) An X-class Solar Flare
D) A Meteor shower
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: An X-class solar flare erupted on January 18, 2026, leading to a severe S4-level radiation storm. These storms can disrupt satellite electronics and cause GPS errors.
Question 6: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) recently expanded the scope of which scheme to four additional sectors in January 2026?
A) Blue Carbon Initiative
B) Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS)
C) Green Credit Programme
D) Namami Gange Phase II
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The MoEFCC notified Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) targets for 4 additional sectors under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), bringing 208 new entities under regulation.
Question 7: Which state government recently signed an MoU with Starlink to provide digital connectivity in remote areas and boost disaster resilience?
A) Uttarakhand
B) Goa
C) Himachal Pradesh
D) Kerala
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Goa government signed an MoU with Starlink to leverage satellite internet for disaster management and to provide high-speed connectivity to its underserved regions.
Question 8: The “Healthy Border Campaign” (Swasth Seema Abhiyan) was launched in January 2026 as a joint initiative between the ITBP and which state government?
A) Arunachal Pradesh
B) Sikkim
C) Uttarakhand
D) Ladakh
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Uttarakhand government and ITBP launched this campaign to provide primary healthcare to 108 border villages in Pithoragarh, Chamoli, and Uttarkashi districts.
Question 9: Which city recently achieved the status of Uttar Pradesh’s first “Zero Fresh Waste Dump” city under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban?
A) Varanasi
B) Lucknow
C) Noida
D) Indore
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Lucknow achieved 100% scientific processing of municipal waste following the inauguration of its third waste processing plant at Shivari, making it a “Zero Fresh Waste” city.
Question 10: The “Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojana” (MMSY), providing ₹10 lakh cashless healthcare per family per year, was launched by which state in January 2026?
A) Rajasthan
B) Punjab
C) Haryana
D) Delhi
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann launched MMSY to provide comprehensive financial protection for health, covering both government and empanelled private hospitals.
Question 11: The “Granth Kutir,” recently inaugurated at Rashtrapati Bhavan, is dedicated to the legacy of which Indian freedom fighter?
A) Mahatma Gandhi
B) Sardar Patel
C) Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
D) Bhagat Singh
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Inaugurated on Parakram Diwas, the Granth Kutir houses a collection of literature related to Netaji and the Indian National Army (INA) to inspire future generations.
Question 12: India has been named the ‘Partner Country’ for the 2026 edition of which major global trade event?
A) World Economic Forum
B) Gulfood, Dubai
C) COP31
D) G20 Summit
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: India’s role as the Partner Country for Gulfood 2026 highlights its growing status as a global food processing hub and its deepening trade ties with the UAE.
Question 13: The Helicopter Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Hub, for which the foundation was laid in Missamari, is being set up by:
A) Boeing India
B) Airbus Defence
C) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
D) Tata Advanced Systems
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: HAL is setting up the MRO hub in Missamari, Assam, to provide localized support for Indian Army and IAF helicopters operating in the Eastern sector.
Question 14: On January 24, 1950, who was elected as the first President of India by the Constituent Assembly?
A) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
B) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
C) C. Rajagopalachari
D) Jawaharlal Nehru
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Dr. Rajendra Prasad was unanimously elected by the Constituent Assembly on Jan 24, 1950, just two days before India became a Republic.
Question 15: The “Vande Mataram” theme for the 2026 Republic Day tableaux was recently announced by the Ministry of:
A) Culture
B) Defence
C) Home Affairs
D) Education
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Defence Secretary announced that ‘Vande Mataram’ will be the central focus for the 2026 Republic Day, featuring specific paintings and musical instruments.
Question 16: In the context of the recent RBI bulletin (Jan 2026), what is the projected growth rate for the Indian economy in FY 2025-26?
A) 6.5%
B) 7.0%
C) 7.4%
D) 8.1%
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The RBI’s ‘State of the Economy’ article projects a 7.4% growth rate, citing resilient domestic drivers and a rebound in manufacturing.
Question 17: Which sports body rejected the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to shift its T20 World Cup fixtures to Sri Lanka?
A) BCCI
B) ICC
C) ACC
D) WADA
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected the request, maintaining that the 2026 T20 World Cup fixtures will proceed in India as scheduled.
Question 18: The “Amrit Bharat Express,” recently expanded in Kerala, primarily utilizes which technology for superior speed and acceleration?
A) Maglev
B) Distributed Power
C) Push-Pull Technology
D) Hyperloop
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Amrit Bharat trains use Push-Pull technology with engines at both ends. This is a more cost-effective way to achieve high acceleration compared to train-sets like Vande Bharat.
Question 19: January 24 is observed as National Girl Child Day. In which year was this day first initiated by the Government of India?
A) 2005
B) 2008
C) 2014
D) 2015
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Ministry of Women and Child Development started observing National Girl Child Day in 2008 to address issues like declining child sex ratio and female literacy.
Question 20: Who is the current Chief Election Commissioner of India, who recently assured that electoral rolls for 2026 are inclusive?
A) Rajiv Kumar
B) Gyanesh Kumar
C) S.S. Sandhu
D) Anup Chandra Pandey
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Gyanesh Kumar is serving as the CEC in 2026, overseeing the update of electoral rolls to ensure every eligible voter is registered.
Conclusion
Today’s updates highlight a India that is rapidly modernizing its defense and space infrastructure while navigating complex global diplomatic waters. From the inauguration of private satellite plants in Gujarat to the arrival of EU leaders for Republic Day, the focus is clearly on high-tech sovereignty and strategic partnerships.
As aspirants, pay close attention to the intersection of technology and policy (like the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme) and the historical significance of dates like January 24, which serves as a bridge between India’s constitutional past and its aspirations as a global power.
Final Thought of Day: Success in competitive exams is not just about knowing the facts; it’s about understanding the “why” behind every event.
Motivation for Exam: “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” Every page you read today is a brick in the foundation of your career. Keep building!
FAQs
Q1: Why is Spain’s entry into the IPOI significant for India?
It expands India’s diplomatic reach into the Mediterranean and Europe, ensuring that more Western powers align with India’s vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Q2: What is the difference between Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat Express?
Vande Bharat is an AC-only train-set with distributed power, while Amrit Bharat is a non-AC “push-pull” train designed to provide high-speed travel at affordable rates for the general public.
Q3: What does an “S4” solar storm rating mean?
It is the second-highest level on the NOAA space weather scale, indicating “Severe” radiation that can cause biological hazards to astronauts and major satellite malfunctions.
Today’s Top 3 Most Important News for Competitive Exams:
- Diplomatic Guest: EU Presidents confirmed as Republic Day 2026 Chief Guests.
- Space Frontier: Foundation laid for India’s first integrated private-sector satellite plant in Sanand.
- Strategic Defense: HAL establishes a Helicopter MRO Hub in Missamari, Assam.
