Daily current affairs: 30 January 2026

Long Description : The Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, presented the awards for the 77th Republic Day Parade. Maharashtra secured the top spot for its vibrant representation of Ganeshotsav, followed by Jammu & Kashmir and Kerala. In the Central Ministries category, the Department of School Education and Literacy claimed the first prize. In the "Popular Choice" segment conducted via MyGov, Gujarat won the best tableau, while the Assam Regiment and CRPF were voted the best marching contingents. Special recognition was also given to the CPWD for their "Vande Mataram" themed floral display.

Long Description : The Survey, authored by CEA V. Anantha Nageswaran, highlights India's resilience amidst global headwinds. Key insights include a record services export of $387.6 billion and a multi-decade low in Gross NPAs at 2.2%. It features a dedicated chapter on Artificial Intelligence, emphasizing its role in the "Viksit Bharat" vision. The document also notes that forex reserves have touched $701.4 billion as of January 2026. This survey acts as the official precursor to the Union Budget, which will be presented on February 1st.

Long Description : During the 16th India-EU Summit in New Delhi, PM Modi and EU leaders finalized the FTA, which is expected to significantly boost trade in services and goods. India has secured duty concessions for several agricultural products. The agreement also includes a "Joint 2030 Comprehensive Strategic Agenda" to bolster cooperation in 6G technology, maritime security, and green energy. UN Secretary-General António Guterres lauded the deal, citing it as a prime example of multipolar cooperation necessary to solve global economic challenges.

Long Description : A bench led by the Chief Justice stayed the new regulations after they were challenged for being potentially divisive. The court directed the Central Government to form a committee of eminent jurists to review the framework. The regulations had proposed significant changes to university autonomy and recruitment processes. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has been asked to provide the government's response regarding the necessity of a revised oversight mechanism that balances educational quality with social equity.

Long Description : The "NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme" allows for a 100% lump-sum withdrawal in cases of critical inpatient treatment where expenses exceed 70% of the corpus. This initiative aims to integrate health security with retirement planning. It was launched under the PFRDA’s Regulatory Sandbox, allowing for testing in a controlled environment. The scheme is designed to reduce the out-of-pocket medical expenditure for senior citizens, which currently accounts for a large portion of elderly poverty in India.

Long Description : The jump is attributed to India’s robust growth in the digital economy, startup ecosystem, and increased R&D investments. The Economic Survey highlights that India is now a global leader in ICT (Information and Communication Technology) services exports. The government’s focus on the "National Deep Tech Startup Policy" and the "Anusandhan National Research Foundation" has been credited for this steady ascent, positioning India as a top-performing middle-income economy in innovation.

Long Description : The new rules mandate waste segregation into four streams: wet, dry, sanitary, and "special care" waste. A key feature is the mandatory use of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) in cement and waste-to-energy plants, which will be scaled from 5% to 15% over six years. The rules strictly adhere to the "Polluter Pays" principle, with heavy environmental compensation for non-compliance. Central and State-level committees chaired by Chief Secretaries will oversee the implementation to ensure a transition toward a circular economy.

Long Description : Moving beyond their established $100 billion trade relationship, the two nations are entering the sensitive sphere of security. This proposed agreement is unprecedented for India’s ties with any Gulf nation. The partnership aims to focus on joint defence production, maritime security in the Indian Ocean, and counter-terrorism. This shift is viewed as a strategic response to the volatile geopolitical environment in West Asia and reflects the deepening trust between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi.

Long Description : The campaign covers 112 Aspirational Districts and 513 Aspirational Blocks. It focuses on six key indicators, including health, nutrition, and education. By collaborating with Central Ministries and State governments, NITI Aayog aims to bridge the development gap in the most remote areas. The "2.0" version includes updated digital tracking tools and a greater emphasis on "Jan Bhagidari" (public participation) to ensure that last-mile delivery is both transparent and efficient.

Long Description : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in paying floral tributes at Raj Ghat, Delhi. A customary two-minute silence was observed at 11:00 AM across the country. The day serves as a reminder of the values of non-violence and truth. Schools and government offices organized commemorative events to educate the youth about the struggle for independence and the importance of national integration.

Long Description : Developed in collaboration with Google Cloud, the "Living Lab" project integrates AI tutors, automated skill-gap analysis, and intelligent administrative tools. Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary announced that this pilot would serve as a scalable model for higher education across India. The initiative aims to personalize learning for thousands of students and prepare them for an AI-driven job market by embedding advanced technology into the core curriculum and campus management systems.

Long Description : Organized by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the event saw participation from 120 countries. India announced that ethanol blending has reached 19.05%, nearing the 20% national target. The event highlighted India's role as the leader of global energy demand growth through 2050. Discussions also covered green hydrogen, carbon capture, and the expansion of the "Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana," which has now reached 10.41 crore households.

Long Description : The school, named after donors Chandrika and Ranjan Tandon, aims to integrate AI with management education. It will focus on cutting-edge research, policy development, and ethical AI implementation. This move aligns with the Economic Survey's focus on AI as a critical economic driver. IIMA plans to use this school to bridge the gap between technical AI development and business application, ensuring that India’s future leaders are equipped with advanced technological insights.

Long Description : Rohit Sharma was recognized for his leadership in India’s T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy victories, while Harmanpreet Kaur was honored for leading the women’s team to their first ODI World Cup title. Tennis legend Vijay Amritraj was conferred the Padma Bhushan. Other recipients include hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia and Georgian wrestling coach Vladimir Mestvirishvili (Posthumous), who became the first foreign coach to receive the honor for training multiple Indian Olympic medalists.

Long Description : The cyclothon aims to raise awareness about coastal security and national unity. Two teams started from Bakkhali (West Bengal) and Lakhpat (Gujarat), traversing 9 states and 2 Union Territories. The event, which will culminate in Kochi on February 22, involves community engagement programs to sensitize coastal populations about their role in national vigilance. It also honors the sacrifices of the security forces in protecting India's vast coastline.

Long Description : The investments are spread across sectors including semiconductors, green energy, electronics, and hydrocarbons. This marks a significant shift in the economic narrative for Northeast India, positioning Assam as a burgeoning hub for high-tech manufacturing. The state's "Eti Koli Duti Paat" scheme for tea garden workers was also showcased as a model for social welfare. These investments are expected to generate thousands of jobs and integrate the region into the global value chain.