January 1 - 2, 2026 Current Affairs

🏛️ Governance, Policy & Economy

• India recorded its highest-ever trademark registrations in a single financial year during FY 2024–25 , reflecting a surge in innovation and business formalisation.

• India surpassed Japan to become the world’s 4th-largest economy with a GDP of USD 4.18 trillion , and is projected to overtake Germany by 2030 .

• RBI released the “Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2024–25” under Section 36(2) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 , analysing FY25 & H1 FY26 banking performance.

🌱 Environment, Energy & Sustainability

• Parvati–Arga Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh) was declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) by the Union Government to enhance biodiversity conservation.

• Dulhasti Stage-II Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab River (Kishtwar, J&K) received environmental clearance under India’s clearance mechanism.

• Himachal Pradesh initiated industrial hemp cultivation , aiming to boost the bio-economy, sustainability, and rural livelihoods .

🏭 Industry, Manufacturing & Technology

• Union Government approved the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM) to strengthen self-reliance in critical minerals and advanced manufacturing .

• China achieved a world record by accelerating a superconducting electric maglev train to 700 km/h in just 2 seconds .

🏥 Health & Social Sector

• Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY expanded significantly in 2025 , alongside rapid growth in digital healthcare initiatives , strengthening India’s public health system.

✈️ Defence, Aerospace & Security

• IAF signed an MoU with IIT Madras to jointly develop an indigenous digital communication system for airborne platforms .

• Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu flagged off the indigenous Dhruv-NG helicopter at HAL, Bengaluru .

• ACC approved Rakesh Agarwal (IPS) as Interim Director General of NIA under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

💰 Banking, Payments & Fintech

• BRISKPE (Prosus-backed fintech) received RBI’s final authorisation to operate as a Payment Aggregator–Cross Border (PA-CB) .

• IDFC First Bank launched ‘GAJ’ , an invitation-only premium metal credit card for HNIs .

• com India Ltd (Infibeam Avenues subsidiary) received NPCI approval to operate as a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP) .

🎓 Innovation & Startups

• FITT-IIT Delhi , in partnership with IDFC First Bank , launched a new cohort under the IGNITE programme to support deep-tech entrepreneurs.

🌍 International Affairs

• Israel announced a special peace honour for former US President Donald Trump