Daily current affairs: 26 January 2026

Long Description : The 77th Republic Day parade was led by President Droupadi Murmu, who unfurled the Tricolour followed by a 21-gun salute using indigenous 105 mm Light Field Guns. The 2026 celebrations were unique as they centered on the theme "150 Years of Vande Mataram," commemorating the national song's sesquicentennial anniversary. The parade featured a seamless blend of tradition and modernity, with the President arriving in the traditional buggy. Over 100 artists heralded the event with the theme Vividata Mein Ekta (Unity in Diversity), using traditional musical instruments to symbolize India’s cultural fabric.

Long Description : The presence of two top European Union leaders as Chief Guests underscores the deepening strategic and economic partnership between India and the EU. This visit coincides with crucial negotiations regarding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The leaders accompanied President Murmu to the saluting dais in the ceremonial horse-drawn buggy. Their participation highlights India’s "fluid, interest-based global playbook" for 2026, focusing on multipolar engagement and economic resilience. The visit is expected to accelerate cooperation in green energy, digital regulation, and defense manufacturing.

Long Description : Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla created history in late 2025 by becoming the first Indian to stay on the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 mission. This 18-day mission, executed in collaboration with ISRO, NASA, and Axiom Space, marked India’s return to human spaceflight after 41 years. As a veteran fighter pilot with over 2,000 flying hours, Shukla conducted sophisticated microgravity experiments that have provided vital data for India's upcoming Gaganyaan missions. The award recognizes his "extraordinary courage and pioneering spirit" in the field of space exploration.

Long Description : For the first time, the Republic Day flypast included the "Sindoor Formation," comprising two Rafales, two Su-30 MKIs, two MiG-29s, and a Jaguar aircraft. This formation was a tribute to Operation Sindoor, a covert military operation conducted in July 2025. Additionally, the parade broke tradition by having military assets move in a "combat sequence," starting with reconnaissance units followed by logistics and frontline personnel in full battle gear. The display aimed to demonstrate the IAF's high-state readiness and the effectiveness of joint-service operations in modern counter-insurgency scenarios.

Long Description : The LR-AShM is a first-of-its-kind indigenous hypersonic glide missile designed to engage both static and moving maritime targets with high precision. The DRDO tableau also highlighted the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, which significantly enhances the endurance of conventional submarines by allowing them to stay submerged for longer periods. Other showcased technologies included the Integrated Combat Suite (ICS) and Wire Guided Heavy Weight Torpedoes. These advancements signify India’s push toward Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in underwater warfare and long-range precision strike capabilities.

Long Description : These legally enforceable regulations explicitly extend protection to OBCs, alongside SCs and STs, correcting previous legal omissions. Every Higher Education Institution (HEI) is now mandated to establish Equal Opportunity Centres (EOCs) and Equity Committees chaired by the head of the institution. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties, including debarment from UGC schemes or loss of recognition. The rules aim to address "micro-aggressions" on campuses and ensure inclusive decision-making, fulfilling the constitutional promise of equality and dignity for all students.

Long Description : In a major move to conclude the Free Trade Agreement, India has agreed to lower tariffs on European automobiles in exchange for better market access for Indian professionals and textiles in Europe. This policy shift is part of the "interest-based global playbook" for 2026, aimed at integrating India more deeply into global supply chains. The deal is expected to bring in high-end European EV technology while encouraging EU manufacturers to set up local production hubs under the "Make in India" initiative, ultimately boosting the domestic manufacturing sector.

Long Description : The biennial event will showcase India’s rapidly expanding aviation market, which is currently the third-largest in the world. The 2026 edition features participation from over 150 exhibitors and 25 countries. Key focus areas include regional connectivity (UDAN scheme), the roadmap for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and the growing drone ecosystem in India. The event serves as a platform for global OEMs like Boeing and Airbus to announce new partnerships with Indian carriers, reflecting the massive aircraft orders placed by Indian airlines in the previous year.

Long Description : The 2026 Padma list continues the trend of recognizing "unsung heroes" at the grassroots level. Devaki Amma from Kerala was honored for her lifelong commitment to forest conservation. In the field of medicine, Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu received the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to cancer care. The awards also recognized cultural icons like actor Mammootty (Padma Bhushan) and Prosenjit Chatterjee (Padma Shri). These honors reflect the government's objective to reward excellence across diverse fields including social work, public service, and science.

Long Description : Addressing the nation on Republic Day eve, the Prime Minister emphasized that for India to become a developed nation by 2047, the era of "adjusting" with sub-par products must end. He highlighted successful community-led water conservation projects like the 'Ananta Neeru Sanrakshanam Project' in Andhra Pradesh. He also noted that the UAE is celebrating 2026 as the "Year of the Family," a concept he encouraged Indians to embrace to strengthen social harmony. The address focused on the "Nation First" pledge to drive India's rapid economic progress.

Long Description : The Suryastra system is an advanced version of the Pinaka rocket system, capable of striking targets at significantly higher ranges with improved precision. Developed by DRDO, it features an automated fire control system and can fire a variety of ammunition, including guided rockets. Its inclusion in the parade highlights the Army's transition toward high-tech, indigenously developed standoff weapon systems. The system is designed to provide overwhelming firepower during offensive operations, further reducing dependence on imported heavy artillery.

Long Description : This move is aimed at facilitating easier international trade payments for Indian MSMEs and freelancers. As a licensed PA-CB, Payoneer will be able to handle both import and export cross-border transactions under the strict regulatory oversight of the RBI. This aligns with the government’s goal to boost digital exports and provide a secure, transparent mechanism for foreign exchange inflows. The approval is part of a broader RBI initiative to regulate all entities involved in the payment ecosystem to ensure financial stability.

Long Description : This landmark legislation is the second of its kind in India after Rajasthan. It mandates the creation of a Welfare Board and a dedicated fund financed by a fee on every transaction made through platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, and Uber. The bill provides gig workers with access to social security schemes, accident insurance, and a formal grievance redressal mechanism. It defines the obligations of "aggregators" and ensures that gig workers—who were previously classified as "partners"—receive legal recognition and protection under state labor laws.

Long Description : Organized by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the day marks the foundation day of the ECI (January 25, 1950). President Murmu conferred the National Awards for the Best Electoral Practices to officers for their outstanding performance in conduct of elections. The 2026 celebrations focused on the integration of AI-based voter assistance and the "Turning 18" campaign, encouraging new voters to register. The Prime Minister in his Mann Ki Baat address referred to the voter as the "soul of democracy," urging a celebratory atmosphere for first-time voters.

Long Description : In India, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) marked the day by highlighting the success of the Turant Customs initiative and the use of blockchain for secure trade. The day recognizes the efforts of customs officers in facilitating legitimate trade while combating cross-border crime and smuggling. For 2026, the global focus is on how customs administrations can support environmental goals by regulating the trade of hazardous waste and endangered species, aligning with India's "Green Growth" mission.

Long Description : Breaking traditional gender barriers, the CRPF contingent's march-past at Kartavya Path was commanded by a woman officer, symbolizing the growing role of women in India's internal security forces. This follows the trend of increased Nari Shakti (Women Power) in the armed forces and CAPFs. The CRPF, being the largest paramilitary force in the world, showcased its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The spectacle was widely cheered by the audience, including the Chief Guests, as a testament to the changing face of the Indian uniformed services.