Daily Current Affairs January 01 & 02

Dear Champions, as you all know that a lot of competitive exams have been notified consequently. Candidates have to prepare themselves according to the level of competition and expectation of the Recruitment board. Regarding that one of the most important topic is Daily Current Affairs January 01 & 02. Current Affairs in the form of contemporary events of national & international play a crucial role in almost every competitive exams like Banking, Insurance, SSC, UPSC, TNPSC, Railway etc.

Current affairs are the most dynamic yet scoring among all sections and need to be prepared from the right source. Here, we cafunsta team, providing Daily GK Updates, Current Affairs Questions, and Monthly current affairs pdf.

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January 01 & 02 | Daily Current Affairs 2025

Sports – Daily Current Affairs January 01 & 02

1. Who won the bronze medal for India at the World Blitz Chess Championship 2025?
A) R Praggnanandhaa
B) D Gukesh
C) Vidit Gujrathi
D) Arjun Erigaisi
E) Koneru Humpy
Answer: D) Arjun Erigaisi

Event and Location:

• Event: Magnus Carlsen wins Blitz Chess World Championship; Arjun Erigaisi wins bronze
• Location: Doha, Qatar
• Date: December 2025 (FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The World Blitz Chess Championship 2025 concluded with Magnus Carlsen winning his 9th Blitz title, while India’s Arjun Erigaisi earned a bronze medal, following his earlier bronze in the rapid format. Koneru Humpy added another bronze in the Women’s Rapid, capping India’s successful run.
• Objectives: To crown the world’s top chess players in rapid and blitz formats and provide a competitive stage for showcasing speed, precision, and mental resilience in elite-level chess.

Important Terms Explained:

• Blitz Chess: A high-speed format where each player gets 3–5 minutes for the entire game with a small increment (usually 2–3 seconds per move). It demands quick calculation, sharp intuition, and mental agility.
• FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs): The world governing body for chess, responsible for organizing global championships, regulating formats, and maintaining international ratings.
• World Blitz Championship: An annual FIDE event testing players in the blitz time control. Winning the blitz title is considered one of the highest achievements in chess.

Tabular Summary:

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Ranking – Daily Current Affairs January 01 & 02

2. What was India’s rank in the Global Firepower Index 2025?
A) 3rd
B) 5th
C) 4th
D) 6th
E) 7th
Answer: C) 4th

Event and Location:

• Event: India’s performance across major global indexes in 2025
• Location: Global coverage – reports released by various international organizations
• Date: Compiled in January 2026 (based on rankings released during 2025)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Several international institutions released global indexes during 2025 assessing countries on diverse parameters such as economy, innovation, governance, defence, media freedom, gender equity, and sustainability. India was ranked across 15+ such indexes.
• Objectives: These indexes are used to benchmark a country’s global standing, monitor development progress, identify policy gaps, and encourage reform initiatives to improve global competitiveness and well-being.

India’s Ranking in Major Global Indexes – 2025

Important Terms Explained:

• Global Firepower Index: Ranks nations by conventional military strength. India ranked 4th after the USA, Russia, and China. Excludes nuclear arsenal.
• Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI): Evaluates efforts on GHG emissions, renewable energy, and climate policy. India ranked 10th, among top global performers.
• Human Development Index (HDI): Released by UNDP, it ranks countries based on health, education, and living standards. India ranked 130th, showing moderate progress.
• Global Hunger Index (GHI): Assesses hunger using child nutrition and mortality indicators. India ranked 102nd, placed in the “serious hunger” category.
• Global Innovation Index (GII): Tracks R&D, startups, and knowledge output. India ranked 38th, maintaining strength in ICT services and innovation ecosystem.
• Global Soft Power Index: Measures a country’s global influence through culture, diplomacy, governance, and economic appeal. India ranked 30th, rising as an emerging soft power.

Tabular Summary:

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Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs January 01 & 02

3. What was India’s total GST collection for December 2025?
A) ₹1.64 lakh crore
B) ₹1.80 lakh crore
C) ₹1.75 lakh crore
D) ₹1.68 lakh crore
E) ₹1.84 lakh crore
Answer: C) ₹1.75 lakh crore

Event and Location:

• Event: GST collections rise 6.1% YoY in December 2025
• Location: India (nationwide revenue report)
• Date: January 2, 2026 (data pertains to December 2025)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: India’s gross GST collections for December 2025 reached ₹1.75 lakh crore, marking a 6.1% year-on-year increase. For the April–December FY26 period, cumulative collections stood at ₹16.5 lakh crore, up 8.6% from last year.
• Objectives: The growth reflects improved economic activity, better tax compliance, and the impact of GST rate rationalization under reforms aimed at making the tax system more efficient and business-friendly.

Important Terms Explained:

• GST (Goods and Services Tax): A unified indirect tax system introduced in India in 2017, replacing multiple state and central taxes. It is structured into CGST, SGST, IGST, and UTGST components.
• GST Council: A constitutional body responsible for recommending GST rates, policies, and reforms. Chaired by the Union Finance Minister and includes State Finance Ministers.
  • It has conducted 56 meetings so far.
• Rate Rationalization (2025 Reform): GST structure was simplified in September 2025 into three slabs:
  • 5% (Merit Goods)
  • 18% (Standard Rate)
  • 40% (Luxury/Sin Goods)
  • Earlier structure had 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28% slabs.

Tabular Summary:

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs January 01 & 02

4. As per Controller General of Accounts data, what was the Centre’s fiscal deficit as a percentage of FY26 Budget Estimates by November 2025?
A) 49.1%
B) 88.6%
C) 56.0%
D) 62.3%
E) 28.0%
Answer: D) 62.3%

Event and Location:

• Event: India’s fiscal deficit crosses 62% of FY26 target by November 2025
• Location: India (National)
• Date: Data reported as of November 30, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Controller General of Accounts (CGA) reported that the Centre’s fiscal deficit reached ₹9.77 trillion, which is 62.3% of FY26 Budget Estimates (BE) during April–November 2025, largely due to higher capital expenditure and slower net tax revenue collection.
• Objectives: The data provides a mid-year fiscal performance snapshot, highlighting the government’s emphasis on infrastructure-led growth through higher capital expenditure, while flagging concerns over tax revenue shortfalls affecting budget execution.

Important Terms Explained:

• Fiscal Deficit: The shortfall between a government’s total expenditure and its total receipts (excluding borrowings). It represents the amount the government must borrow to meet its spending needs.
• Capital Expenditure (Capex): Spending on asset creation like roads, bridges, railways, and infrastructure that boosts long-term productivity and growth. In FY26 (Apr–Nov), capex rose 28% YoY to ₹6.58 trillion.
• Net Tax Revenue: The total tax revenue after adjusting for tax devolved to states. It declined by 3.4% in April–November FY26 compared to the previous year.
• IGST Settlement: Adjustment of Integrated GST (IGST) between the Centre and States. A larger settlement to states reduced the Centre’s share, impacting gross tax revenue and fiscal deficit numbers.

Tabular Summary:

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5. What was the total UPI transaction volume recorded in December 2025?
A) 18.92 billion
B) 19.75 billion
C) 20.14 billion
D) 21.63 billion
E) 22.41 billion
Answer: D) 21.63 billion

Event and Location:

• Event: UPI transactions hit record 21.63 billion in December 2025
• Location: India (nationwide digital transaction data)
• Date: December 2025 (data released January 2026)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: According to NPCI data, UPI transaction volume rose by 29% year-on-year to 21.63 billion, while transaction value touched nearly ₹28 lakh crore in December 2025. The IMPS platform also recorded steady growth.
• Objectives: The data reflects India’s ongoing shift to digital payments, supports the goal of a less-cash economy, and promotes financial inclusion through high-volume, real-time mobile-based payment systems.

Important Terms Explained:

• UPI (Unified Payments Interface): A real-time, mobile-based payment system developed by NPCI that facilitates instant fund transfers between bank accounts. It is widely used for both peer-to-peer (P2P) and merchant (P2M) transactions.
• NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India): The umbrella organization for digital retail payments in India, responsible for developing and managing key systems like UPI, IMPS, RuPay, and AePS.
• IMPS (Immediate Payment Service): An instant interbank electronic fund transfer service that allows users to send money 24×7, even on holidays. Operated by NPCI, it complements UPI for larger or alternate use cases.

Tabular Summary:

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6. From which date will the new excise duty on tobacco and Health & National Security Cess on pan masala come into effect?
A) January 15, 2026
B) February 1, 2026
C) March 1, 2026
D) April 1, 2026
E) January 1, 2026
Answer: B) February 1, 2026

Event and Location:

• Event: Government to implement new tax regime on tobacco and pan masala
• Location: India
• Date: February 1, 2026 (implementation date)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • The government has notified additional excise duty on tobacco and a Health and National Security Cess on pan masala to be levied from February 1, 2026.
  • These will replace the compensation cess currently applicable on these sin goods.
• Objectives:
  • To increase tax burden on harmful products to discourage consumption.
  • To ensure fiscal continuity by replacing the outgoing compensation cess.
  • To enhance public health outcomes and generate targeted revenue for national priorities.

Important Terms Explained:

• Compensation Cess:
  • Introduced under GST to compensate states for revenue loss post-GST implementation.
  • Levied on luxury and sin goods. Now being phased out by 2026.
• Health and National Security Cess:
  • A new cess introduced to fund healthcare and national security priorities.
  • Will be applicable on pan masala from February 1, 2026.
• Additional Excise Duty:
  • Extra tax over and above GST to be levied on tobacco and related products.
  • Aimed at discouraging usage due to health hazards and replacing the compensation cess structure.
• Sin Goods:
  • Products like tobacco, alcohol, pan masala, etc., which are harmful to health and society.
  • Heavily taxed globally to offset social and health costs.

Tabular Summary:

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs January 01 & 02

7. Who succeeded Warren Buffett as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway in 2026?
A) Charlie Munger
B) Larry Fink
C) Greg Abel
D) Jamie Dimon
E) Ajit Jain
Answer: C) Greg Abel

Event and Location:

• Event: Warren Buffett steps down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway
• Location: United States (Berkshire Hathaway HQ: Omaha, Nebraska)
• Date: January 1, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Warren Buffett officially stepped down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway after nearly six decades of leadership. Greg Abel, Vice Chairman of Non-Insurance Operations, has taken over the CEO position, while Buffett will continue as Chairman of the Board.
• Objectives: The transition aims to ensure leadership continuity, preserve Buffett’s legacy of value investing, and maintain long-term stability and growth in Berkshire’s decentralized yet disciplined corporate structure.

Important Terms Explained:

• Berkshire Hathaway: A multinational conglomerate holding company known for its diversified ownership in insurance, energy, transport, finance, retail, and technology. Founded as a textile firm, it was transformed into an investment powerhouse under Warren Buffett.
• Value Investing: An investment strategy focused on buying undervalued stocks with strong fundamentals and long-term growth potential. Buffett’s approach popularized this globally.
• Oracle of Omaha: A widely used nickname for Warren Buffett, reflecting his legendary status as a wise and successful investor from Omaha, Nebraska.

Tabular Summary:

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8. Who succeeded Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari as Vice Chief of the Air Staff in January 2026?
A) Air Marshal Sandeep Singh
B) Air Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari
C) Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor
D) Air Marshal Raghunath Nambiar
E) Air Marshal Balakrishnan Suresh
Answer: C) Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor

Event and Location:

• Event: Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor appointed as Vice Chief of the Air Staff
• Location: Indian Air Force Headquarters, New Delhi
• Date: January 1, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF), taking over from Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, who retired after 40 years of service.
• Objectives: The appointment aims to strengthen IAF’s top leadership, especially in areas of air defense preparedness, training modernization, and operational readiness amid evolving security challenges.

Important Terms Explained:

• Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS): The second-highest-ranking officer in the Indian Air Force, responsible for supporting the Chief of the Air Staff in operational planning, administration, and modernization strategies.
• Air Defence Command: A critical IAF unit responsible for securing Indian airspace. Air Marshal Kapoor served as Air Defence Commander at South Western Air Command, showcasing his strategic leadership.
• Trainer Aircraft (PC-7 Mk II): A turboprop basic trainer aircraft used by the IAF. Air Marshal Kapoor played a key role in its induction and operationalisation, transforming pilot training systems.

Tabular Summary:

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9. Who has been appointed as the new Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of South Western Air Command in January 2026?
A) Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor
B) Air Marshal Sandeep Singh
C) Air Marshal Tejinder Singh
D) Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria
E) Air Marshal Anil Chauhan
Answer: C) Air Marshal Tejinder Singh

Event and Location:

• Event: Air Marshal Tejinder Singh appointed AOC-in-C of South Western Air Command
• Location: Gandhinagar, Gujarat (SWAC HQ)
• Date: January 1, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • Appointment of Air Marshal Tejinder Singh as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of South Western Air Command (SWAC)
  • Leadership transition in a major operational command of the Indian Air Force
• Objectives:
  • To enhance operational preparedness, leadership efficiency, and strategic command in western air zones
  • Ensure high-level air defence coordination, training continuity, and policy execution

Important Terms Explained:

• Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C):
  • The highest-ranking officer in an Air Force Command responsible for strategic, operational, and administrative control of all units under the command.
• South Western Air Command (SWAC):
  • One of the operational commands of the Indian Air Force headquartered at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. It oversees air defence and operations in sensitive western regions.
• Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI):
  • An elite category pilot certified to instruct trainee pilots on operational aircraft and combat flying techniques.

Tabular Summary:

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Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs January 01 & 02

10. Which state has recently formed a Core Committee and Task Force to strengthen cyber security in its energy infrastructure?
A) Maharashtra
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Gujarat
D) Karnataka
E) Rajasthan
Answer: C) Gujarat

Event and Location:

• Event: Gujarat forms cyber security panels to protect energy infrastructure
• Location: Gujarat, India
• Date: January 2026 (announced earlier by Energy and Petrochemicals Department)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Gujarat government, through its Energy and Petrochemicals Department (EPD), has constituted an 11-member Core Committee and a 19-member Task Force to protect the state’s energy systems from rising cyber threats.
• Objectives: To strengthen cyber security of smart grids, SCADA systems, and power networks by conducting policy reviews, cyber drills, and capacity building initiatives, ensuring preparedness against digital threats.

Important Terms Explained:

• SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition): A key control system used in power grids to monitor and automate infrastructure. Vulnerable to cyber attacks if not secured.
• Smart Grids: Digitally enabled power systems that use real-time data and automation to efficiently manage electricity. While efficient, they increase exposure to cyber risks.
• Cyber Drills: Simulated cyber-attack exercises to test preparedness, response capability, and resilience of systems against potential breaches.
• Task Force vs Core Committee:
  • Core Committee: Focuses on strategic oversight, policy review, and long-term planning.
  • Task Force: Engages in operational, technical implementation, and training coordination.

Tabular Summary:

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11. Which humanoid robot will fly aboard India’s Gaganyaan G1 mission in 2026?
A) Orion
B) AstroBot
C) Vyomna
D) Vyommitra
E) SkyLab
Answer: D) Vyommitra

Event and Location:

• Event: Preparation of Gaganyaan and Artemis II human space missions for 2026
• Location: India and United States
• Date: 2026 (planned missions)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: ISRO will conduct the uncrewed Gaganyaan G1 orbital mission using the LVM3 (Gaganyaan Mk3) launch vehicle, while NASA will launch the crewed Artemis II mission carrying four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft using the Space Launch System (SLS).
• Objectives: The missions aim to validate critical technologies for human spaceflight, including life support systems, crew safety, deep space navigation, re entry, recovery, and long duration mission operations to prepare for future crewed lunar and interplanetary missions.

Important Terms Explained:

• Gaganyaan Mission: India’s national human spaceflight programme designed to achieve independent capability for sending humans to space and returning them safely.
• Vyommitra: A humanoid robot developed by ISRO to simulate astronaut behaviour and test crew module systems during uncrewed missions.
• Artemis II Mission: NASA’s first crewed deep space mission of the Artemis programme, sending humans beyond low Earth orbit for the first time since 1972.
• LVM3 (Gaganyaan Mk3): India’s heavy lift launch vehicle human rated for Gaganyaan missions.
• Space Launch System (SLS): NASA’s super heavy lift rocket developed for deep space missions under the Artemis programme.

Tabular Summary:

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Defence – Daily Current Affairs January 01 & 02

12. What special feature was demonstrated during the December 2025 Pralay missile test by DRDO?
A) Underwater launch
B) Sub-orbital trajectory
C) Salvo launch from same launcher
D) Air launch from fighter aircraft
E) Nuclear warhead integration
Answer: C) Salvo launch from same launcher

Event and Location:

• Event: DRDO successfully conducts salvo launch of Pralay missiles
• Location: Off the coast of Odisha, Integrated Test Range (Chandipur)
• Date: December 31, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a salvo launch of two Pralay missiles from the same launcher as part of user evaluation trials for the Indian Armed Forces.
• Objectives: The test aimed to validate missile precision, reliability, and operational readiness, confirming its induction-readiness and boosting India’s indigenous missile development and battlefield strike capability.

Important Terms Explained:

• Pralay Missile: An indigenously developed quasi-ballistic missile powered by solid propellant. Designed for high-precision strikes and capable of carrying different warhead types for diverse target profiles.
• Salvo Launch: A technique of launching multiple missiles in quick succession from the same launcher, enhancing firepower, saturation attack capability, and battlefield effectiveness.
• DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation): India’s premier R&D agency under the Ministry of Defence responsible for military technology development, including missiles, UAVs, and defence electronics.

Tabular Summary:

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 01 & 02

13. Which Indian festival was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2025?
A) Holi
B) Diwali
C) Eid
D) Baisakhi
E) Onam
Answer: B) Diwali

Event and Location:

• Event: Multiple Indian and global entries added to various UNESCO recognition lists
• Location: Global (India-specific recognitions under multiple UNESCO programmes)
• Date: Throughout the year 2025 (final update posted January 1, 2026)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: India secured new recognitions under the UNESCO World Heritage List, Tentative List, Intangible Cultural Heritage, Memory of the World Register, and Creative Cities Network in 2025. Globally, additions also included Genocide Sites, Global Geoparks, and new creative fields.
• Objectives: The inclusions aim to promote global cultural dialogue, preserve heritage in all forms—monuments, traditions, and documents—and highlight India’s rich historical, ecological, and culinary legacy. They also support environmental and geological conservation through natural heritage recognition.

Important Terms Explained:

• UNESCO World Heritage List: A list of sites with outstanding universal value. In 2025, Maratha Military Landscapes were added for their strategic and architectural excellence.
• UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH): Focuses on living traditions. Diwali was inscribed for its symbolism of light, harmony, and its widespread celebration.
• Memory of the World Register: A UNESCO programme to preserve documentary heritage. India’s Bhagavad Gita manuscripts and Natyashastra were added in 2025, recognizing their global significance.
• Creative Cities Network (UCCN): Promotes cooperation among cities with creativity as a core factor of development. Lucknow was designated a City of Gastronomy for its Awadhi culinary culture.
• UNESCO Tentative List: A list of proposed sites for future World Heritage consideration. India added 7 Natural Heritage sites including Deccan Traps, Varkala Cliff, and Meghalayan Age Caves.

Tabular Summary:

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14. Which agreement governs the annual exchange of nuclear installation lists between India and Pakistan?
A) Simla Agreement
B) Lahore Declaration
C) Indus Waters Treaty
D) Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations
E) Strategic Restraint Pact
Answer: D) Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations

Event and Location:

• Event: India and Pakistan exchanged nuclear installations list under bilateral pact
• Location: New Delhi and Islamabad (via diplomatic channels)
• Date: January 1, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: India and Pakistan conducted the 35th consecutive exchange of nuclear installation lists on January 1, 2026, under the 1988 Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities.
• Objectives: To prevent accidental or deliberate attacks on nuclear facilities, reduce miscalculations, and uphold confidence-building measures (CBMs) that enhance strategic stability between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Important Terms Explained:

• Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations Agreement: A bilateral agreement signed in 1988 (came into force in 1991) mandating annual exchange of lists of nuclear facilities between India and Pakistan to prevent attacks on such installations.
• Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs): Steps or agreements between rival states to reduce mistrust, improve transparency, and prevent conflict escalation. Includes missile test notifications and hotline communications.
• Brasstacks Exercise (1986): A major Indian military exercise that alarmed Pakistan and triggered diplomatic talks, eventually leading to the nuclear facilities agreement to avoid escalation fears.

Tabular Summary:

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15. What was the main focus of the Desert Cyclone II military exercise held between India and the UAE in December 2025?
A) Mountain warfare
B) Naval operations
C) Urban warfare and counter-terrorism
D) Maritime security drills
E) Arctic survival training
Answer: C) Urban warfare and counter-terrorism

Event and Location:

• Event: Conclusion of Desert Cyclone II – India-UAE joint military exercise
• Location: Al-Hamra Training City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
• Date: December 30, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • Conduct of the second edition of bilateral army exercise Desert Cyclone II between the Indian Army and UAE Land Forces
  • Inclusion of advanced combat drills under UN-mandated operations
• Objectives:
  • Enhance interoperability and mutual understanding in urban warfare scenarios
  • Strengthen counter-terrorism capabilities, peacekeeping readiness, and bilateral defense cooperation

Important Terms Explained:

• Desert Cyclone II:
  • A bilateral military exercise between India and the UAE focusing on urban combat, counter-terrorism, and UN peacekeeping operations.
• Mechanized Infantry Regiment:
  • A regiment in the Indian Army equipped with armored personnel carriers and trained for mobile warfare and urban combat.
• UN-Mandated Operations:
  • Military missions authorized by the United Nations, typically involving peacekeeping, conflict resolution, and humanitarian support.

Tabular Summary:

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Schemes – Daily Current Affairs January 01 & 02

16. What is the total financial outlay of the Market Access Support (MAS) Scheme for FY26–31?
A) ₹3,500 crore
B) ₹5,060 crore
C) ₹4,531 crore
D) ₹6,100 crore
E) ₹2,500 crore
Answer: C) ₹4,531 crore

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of Market Access Support (MAS) Scheme for exporters
• Location: India (National Coverage)
• Date: Announced in November 2025, effective from FY 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Government of India launched the ₹4,531 crore Market Access Support (MAS) Scheme for the period FY 2026–31 to strengthen export competitiveness through structured market access efforts. The scheme is part of the broader Export Promotion Mission.
• Objectives: To enhance global reach, visibility, and competitiveness of Indian exporters, particularly MSMEs, by supporting trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and new market access initiatives, in line with long-term export sustainability goals.

Important Terms Explained:

• Market Access Support (MAS) Scheme: A government initiative to provide structured financial support for Indian exporters to participate in global trade events, enter new markets, and improve brand visibility—particularly beneficial to MSMEs and first-time exporters.
• Export Promotion Mission: A larger umbrella program with a ₹25,060 crore budget that aims to increase India’s long-term export competitiveness by moving from direct subsidies to market-linked support.
• Reverse Buyer-Seller Meets: Events hosted in India where international buyers are invited to meet domestic sellers/exporters to facilitate exports, particularly in priority sectors like handlooms, leather, and agriculture.
• MSME (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises): A vital sector in India’s export ecosystem, now prioritized in the MAS scheme with minimum 35% participation required at supported trade events.

Tabular Summary:

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 01 & 02

17. Which Act passed in 2025 granted statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)?
A) Insurance Amendment Act 2025
B) SHANTI Act 2025
C) National Sports Governance Act 2025
D) Electricity Amendment Act 2025
E) VB-G RAM G Act 2025
Answer: B) SHANTI Act 2025

Event and Location:

• Event: Parliament passed 10 transformative Acts across sectors in 2025
• Location: Nationwide (India)
• Date: Throughout the year 2025 (final recap posted January 1, 2026)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Multiple new laws were enacted including reforms in taxation, nuclear energy, sports governance, insurance, employment, online gaming, excise, and minority affairs. These included replacement of outdated legislation and introduction of regulatory frameworks aligned with future development goals.
• Objectives: The laws aim to align governance with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision by modernizing institutions, ensuring fiscal transparency, promoting clean energy, boosting digital and financial infrastructure, and improving citizen welfare and regulatory oversight.

Important Terms Explained:

• FDI (Foreign Direct Investment): Refers to investment from foreign entities into domestic businesses or sectors. The Insurance Amendment Act, 2025 raised the FDI cap in insurance from 74% to 100%.
• MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act): A rural employment scheme guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment per household, replaced by the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 with 125 days and focus on sustainable livelihoods.
• SHANTI Act (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India): Grants statutory recognition to AERB, introduces Small Modular Reactors, and promotes private sector participation in nuclear energy while expanding liability frameworks.

Tabular Summary:

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18. What is the total estimated cost of the Nashik–Solapur–Akkalkot Greenfield Corridor approved by the Union Cabinet in 2025?
A) ₹9,500 crore
B) ₹25,000 crore
C) ₹19,142 crore
D) ₹15,800 crore
E) ₹12,300 crore
Answer: C) ₹19,142 crore

Event and Location:

• Event: Cabinet approves 6-lane greenfield Nashik–Solapur–Akkalkot corridor
• Location: Maharashtra, India
• Date: Approved by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in December 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the construction of a 374 km long, 6-lane greenfield access-controlled corridor from Nashik to Solapur to Akkalkot in Maharashtra under the BOT (Toll) mode.
• Objectives: To improve road safety, reduce travel time by 17 hours, and enhance logistics and industrial connectivity in line with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, fostering faster and more efficient transport across economic hubs.

Important Terms Explained:

• Greenfield Corridor: A new infrastructure project built from scratch (undeveloped land), unlike brownfield projects that upgrade existing routes. Offers better design, efficiency, and minimal disruption.
• BOT (Toll) Model: Build-Operate-Transfer mode where a private party builds the project, operates it for a fixed concession period, and collects tolls before transferring ownership back to the government.
• PM GatiShakti National Master Plan: A central government initiative to boost multi-modal connectivity, integrate infrastructure development across sectors, and streamline logistics for economic growth.
• NICDC (National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation): A central agency responsible for developing integrated industrial corridors across India. The corridor will support its logistics and connectivity goals.

Tabular Summary:

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19. What is the name of the mascot recently launched by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)?
A) Ganit
B) Sankhyiki
C) DataDev
D) Arthiki
E) VikasBot
Answer: B) Sankhyiki

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of new logo and mascot by MoSPI
• Location: New Delhi, India
• Date: January 2, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • Launch of a new official logo and mascot by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
  • Strengthening identity and outreach of India’s official statistical system
• Objectives:
  • Promote data-driven governance and increase public trust in official statistics
  • Enhance citizen participation in statistical surveys and improve data transparency

Important Terms Explained:

• MoSPI:
  • Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation is responsible for planning, developing, and maintaining India’s statistical system and overseeing implementation of development programs.
• Sankhyiki (सांख्यिकी):
  • The new mascot introduced by MoSPI, designed to make statistical information more engaging, user-friendly, and citizen-centric.
• Data for Development:
  • The central theme of the new logo, highlighting how statistics inform policy decisions and support national development.

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20. Which Indian state has become the first to constitute its 8th State Pay Commission ahead of the expiry of the 7th Pay Commission in 2026?
A) Maharashtra
B) West Bengal
C) Uttar Pradesh
D) Gujarat
E) Assam
Answer: E) Assam

Event and Location:

• Event: Constitution of Assam’s 8th State Pay Commission
• Location: Assam, India
• Date: January 2, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Assam government has constituted the 8th State Pay Commission to recommend revisions in salaries, pensions, and service benefits of state government employees and pensioners.
• Objectives: The move aims to ensure timely pay structure updates, improve financial well-being of employees, and enhance administrative efficiency through structured compensation reforms.

Important Terms Explained:

• State Pay Commission: A body constituted by state governments to recommend revisions in pay, allowances, and pensions for state employees based on economic conditions and inflation.
• 7th Pay Commission: The previous framework governing salary structure of Assam government employees, set to expire on January 1, 2026.
• Subhas Das: Former Chief Secretary of Assam appointed as the Chairman of the newly constituted 8th State Pay Commission.

Tabular Summary:

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Over All Review

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