Daily current affairs: 10 January 2026

Long Description : Organized by the National Book Trust (NBT) under the Ministry of Education, the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 is being held from January 10 to 18 at Pragati Maidan (Bharat Mandapam). This year’s theme, "Indian Military History," is dedicated to the Indian Army, showcasing the nation's rich martial heritage through various literary works. Qatar serves as the Guest Country, while Spain is the Focus Country. The event aims to promote reading habits and provide a global platform for Indian publishers. It remains one of the largest book fairs in the Afro-Asian region, attracting international bibliophiles and scholars.

Long Description : According to the "World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026" report by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, India is set to remain one of the world's fastest-growing economies. The projection for 2026 was upgraded to 6.6% from the earlier 6.4%. This growth is driven by strong domestic demand, government spending on digital and physical infrastructure, and recent GST rationalizations. Despite global headwinds and trade tariffs, India's internal consumption acts as a cushion. The report also estimates India's GDP to expand by 7.4% in the current financial year (FY26).

Long Description : Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held in North America, the official trophy arrived in India on January 10, 2026. It was unveiled in the national capital by former Brazilian football star Gilberto Silva alongside Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey. The tour aims to galvanize football interest in India, which is witnessing a steady rise in the sport's popularity. The minister emphasized India's ambition to become a global sporting powerhouse and the importance of international events in inspiring young Indian athletes to compete at the highest level.

Long Description : During a high-level meeting in Brussels on January 10, 2026, India and the European Union directed their officials to resolve pending technical issues and fast-track negotiations for the proposed Free Trade Agreement. The discussions focused on market access, rules of origin, and digital trade. Both sides expressed a commitment to concluding a balanced and comprehensive deal to enhance bilateral trade, which is crucial as India seeks to diversify its export markets amid global protectionist trends. The FTA is expected to significantly boost India’s textile, leather, and machinery exports while providing the EU better access to India’s growing consumer market.

Long Description : Effective from early January 2026, the SEBI (Merchant Bankers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, aim to modernize the framework for financial intermediaries. Under the new rules, merchant bankers are permitted to establish separate business units for activities regulated by different financial authorities, such as RBI or IRDAI. This move is designed to prevent conflicts of interest and improve corporate governance within financial conglomerates. For competitive exams, this marks a significant shift in capital market regulation, ensuring that merchant banks—who manage IPOs and corporate restructurings—operate under stricter transparency and accountability norms to protect retail investors.

Long Description : On January 10, 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong statement condemning China's persistent infrastructure development within the Shaksgam Valley. India maintains that the Shaksgam Valley is an integral part of its territory, currently under illegal occupation. The protest follows reports of China expanding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) infrastructure into this disputed region. New Delhi reaffirmed its sovereign rights over the area and stated that any attempts to change the status quo on the ground are unacceptable. This development adds to the ongoing diplomatic and security tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Long Description : Inaugurated by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant, the Kalpetta District Court in Wayanad has set a national precedent by becoming the first fully paperless district court. Under this digital ecosystem, all case filings, judicial notes, and final orders are processed electronically. This initiative is part of the e-Courts mission to reduce the pendency of cases and enhance the efficiency of the judiciary. For aspirants, this represents a milestone in "Digital India" and judicial reforms, aiming to make justice more accessible and eco-friendly by eliminating massive physical paperwork.

Long Description : To improve public engagement and simplify the technicalities of the Aadhaar ecosystem, UIDAI has launched 'Udai,' a mascot designed to act as a digital guide. The mascot will be featured in educational campaigns to help citizens understand services like Aadhaar updates, biometric locking, and the use of the m-Aadhaar app. UIDAI CEO Neelkanth Mishra noted that the mascot's primary role is to build trust and reduce misinformation regarding data privacy. This branding exercise is part of the 2026 strategy to enhance the "Ease of Living" through the world's largest digital identity platform.

Long Description : Addressing the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), underscored India's rising stature in global science. India now ranks 30th in the Global Innovation Index (GII) and 3rd globally in PhD production and scientific publications. The government is focusing on the National Quantum Mission and indigenous AI models to achieve the "Viksit Bharat @2047" vision. For exams, the key takeaway is the emphasize on "Translational Research"—converting laboratory findings into commercial products—and the establishment of the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) fund.

Long Description : The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 started with a high-voltage clash between UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants. This edition marks the fourth season of India's premier women's T20 tournament, which has been instrumental in providing a platform for domestic female cricketers. In the lead-up to the opener, Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated defending champions Mumbai Indians in a pre-season exhibition. The tournament continues to grow in commercial value and viewership, reflecting the increasing global interest in women's sports in India.

Long Description : In a major move to improve the transparency of the credit ecosystem, the RBI-mandated change for credit bureaus to update borrower data every week is now fully operational. This means loan repayments or defaults will reflect on a borrower’s credit score much faster. This shift helps banks make more accurate lending decisions and allows consumers to see the impact of their financial behavior in near real-time. For banking aspirants, this reform is crucial as it reduces the "information asymmetry" between lenders and borrowers and aligns Indian banking standards with global best practices.

Long Description : Based on the concept pioneered by the late M.S. Swaminathan, Keyi Panyod district in Arunachal Pradesh has achieved the status of being "Bio-Happy." The initiative focuses on three pillars: Nutrition, Health, and Sustainable Development. The district has successfully integrated traditional farming with modern conservation techniques, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the cost of the local ecology. This model is being looked at as a blueprint for other Himalayan states to balance tribal rights and environmental protection while pursuing infrastructure goals.

Long Description : As of January 10, 2026, the Ministry of Women and Child Development reported that under the PM-JANMAN mission, 2,326 Anganwadi Centres are now operational in remote tribal areas. These centers provide essential nutrition, health check-ups, and early childhood education to PVTGs. This is part of a larger convergence model between the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Ministry of Women & Child Development. The Poshan Tracker app is being used to monitor the height and weight of over 8 crore children monthly, ensuring real-time data-driven intervention to combat malnutrition in India's most marginalized communities.

Long Description : A significant archaeological find was reported on January 10, 2026, at Zehanpora in the Baramulla district of Kashmir. Researchers have identified a man-made structure dating back 2,000 years, which closely aligns with the architectural style of Buddhist stupas from the Kushan period. This discovery highlights Kashmir's historical role as a major center for Buddhist learning and culture during the early centuries of the first millennium. The site is expected to provide new insights into the spread of Buddhism along the Silk Road and the regional artistic influences of the time.

Long Description : In a significant shift in global climate diplomacy, the US government officially exited the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in January 2026. This move is part of a larger policy of withdrawing from 66 international bodies, citing concerns over national sovereignty and fiscal responsibility. The ISA, headquartered in Gurugram, India, was a flagship initiative launched by India and France to promote solar energy. While the US exit is a setback for global climate cooperation, Indian officials stated that the ISA remains robust with over 100 member countries and will continue its mission to mobilize $1 trillion in solar investments by 2030.

Long Description : During the full-dress rehearsals for the 2026 Republic Day parade, the Indian Navy showcased the indigenous Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRAShM). Developed by DRDO, this missile system is designed to provide the Navy with the capability to strike sea-based targets at distances exceeding 500 km. The debut of this technology highlights India's progress in the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiative within the defense sector. The missile features advanced seeker technology and stealth capabilities, making it a critical asset for maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).