Police & SI Exams Current Affairs – January 2026 — Full notes
Published:
Police & SI Exams Current Affairs – January 2026 — 54 news items
At a glance
the top events
The most important events of this page, and how many news items each topic holds.
Top events
- The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) announced that Jaipur will host a regional AI Impact Conference in January 2026, as a preparatory forum before the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
- Nagauri Ashwagandha, grown in Nagaur district of the Marwar region, received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The GI shows its special quality and its link with the area.
- With Nagauri Ashwagandha, Rajasthan now has 22 GI-tagged products. The list includes Bikaneri Bhujia, Makrana Marble and Kota Doria.
- Bamanwas Kankar panchayat in Kotputli-Behror district became the first fully organic-certified panchayat in Rajasthan and in north-western India. It was certified under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
- The Union Environment Ministry (MoEFCC) declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, covering about 243 sq km and around 94 villages in Udaipur, Pali and Rajsamand districts of the Aravalli range.
- NITI Aayog released three reports on the circular economy, covering end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), used tyres, and e-waste with lithium-ion batteries, at the IMRC 2026 (International Material Recycling Conference) in Jaipur.
- The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reviewed the annual air pollution control action plans (AAP) of Rajasthan districts that fall in the National Capital Region. CAQM is a statutory body set up under the CAQM Act, 2021.
- 7 Jan — The BBNJ Agreement (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction), the first legally binding treaty for the high seas, came into force on 7 January 2026. It was adopted under UNCLOS 1982 and covers waters outside any country's EEZ.
- 14 Jan — A Regional Labour and Employment Conference was held in Jaipur on 14–15 January 2026. It was one of six regional consultations across the country, attended by labour and industry secretaries of north-western states and Union Territories.
- 25 Jan — Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who flew to the ISS on NASA's Axiom-4 mission, received the Ashok Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award. He is the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma and will be part of Gaganyaan.
News by topic
- Law, Police & Security
- 5 one-liners
- Government, Schemes & States
- 20 one-liners
- Science & Environment
- 19 one-liners
- Sports, Awards, Posts & Days
- 10 one-liners
Law, Police & Security
5 one-liners
Laws · courts · forces · crime.
National
- 26 Jan — CRPF Assistant Commandant Simran Bala led an all-male contingent at the Republic Day parade, becoming the first woman officer to do so.
International
- 3 Jan — Maduro was taken to New York to face charges of drug trafficking, narco-terrorism, illegal weapons and corruption. The USA aims to restore its dominance in the Western Hemisphere, limit Chinese and Russian influence, and gain control of Venezuelan oil.
Defence & Security
- Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the National IED Data Management System (NIDMS) of the NSG. It joins scattered explosive and terror-incident data in one place for the NIA, state police and central forces.
- 22 Jan — Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan released the Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework. It plans the use of quantum communication, computing, sensing and materials across the Army, Navy and Air Force, linked to the National Quantum Mission.
- 26 Jan — The public saw the LR-AShM for the first time at the Republic Day parade. This indigenous long-range anti-ship hypersonic glide missile, made by DRDO in Hyderabad, has a range of about 500 km and speed up to Mach 10.
Government, Schemes & States
20 one-liners
Schemes · states · policy.
National
9 one-liners
9 National — 8 Jan – 29 Jan.
- The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reviewed the annual air pollution control action plans (AAP) of Rajasthan districts that fall in the National Capital Region. CAQM is a statutory body set up under the CAQM Act, 2021.
- CAQM told NCR districts of Rajasthan to improve coordination, take preventive steps and strengthen real-time monitoring and reporting. The review also aligns with the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
- In Dr Jaya Thakur vs Union of India, the Supreme Court held that menstrual health and hygiene fall under Article 21. Girls in Classes 6–12 must get free sanitary napkins and separate hygiene corners in all schools.
- 8 Jan — The Home Ministry notified Census 2027 on 8 January 2026. It will be India's first fully digital census, with house-listing first (citizens can self-enter data online five days before) and caste data counted for the first time in the February 2027 population count.
- 14 Jan — A Regional Labour and Employment Conference was held in Jaipur on 14–15 January 2026. It was one of six regional consultations across the country, attended by labour and industry secretaries of north-western states and Union Territories.
- 14 Jan — The Jaipur labour conference discussed smooth implementation of the four new Labour Codes, web-based inspections and social security for all. The four codes merge 29 old labour laws.
- 14 Jan — Linking the e-Shram portal with other government databases was also discussed in Jaipur, so that unorganised-sector workers can receive benefits without a break.
- 26 Jan — India celebrated its 77th Republic Day with a theme linked to Vande Mataram. The chief guests were the heads of the European Commission and the European Council.
- 29 Jan — The Supreme Court stayed the UGC Equity Regulations 2026 on 29 January 2026. A bench led by CJI Surya Kant called key provisions 'wholly vague'; Regulation 3(8) had limited caste-discrimination complaints to SC, ST and OBC. The 2012 rules continue until further orders.
Economy & Banking
11 one-liners
11 Economy & Banking — Police & SI Exams Current Affairs – January 2026.
- It was noted at the Jodhpur convention that India is now the fourth-largest economy in the world, up from fifth, and is preparing to reach the third position.
- Nagauri Ashwagandha, grown in Nagaur district of the Marwar region, received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The GI shows its special quality and its link with the area.
- GI tags are granted by the Government of India through the Geographical Indications Registry of the Commerce Ministry, which works under the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM).
- The GI tag protects the name and guarantees quality, so Nagaur farmers can link directly with Ayurvedic and pharmaceutical companies. Only consignments with the GI certificate can be sold abroad as Nagauri Ashwagandha, which should boost exports.
- With Nagauri Ashwagandha, Rajasthan now has 22 GI-tagged products. The list includes Bikaneri Bhujia, Makrana Marble and Kota Doria.
- Bamanwas Kankar panchayat in Kotputli-Behror district became the first fully organic-certified panchayat in Rajasthan and in north-western India. It was certified under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
- The organic shift in Bamanwas Kankar was started by local people, especially women farmers, worried about poor soil, falling groundwater and the health effects of chemical farming. The organisation COFED gave technical and market support.
- Farmers of Bamanwas Kankar pledged to give up synthetic fertilisers and chemical pesticides. The panchayat joins organic farming, animal husbandry and environmental care and is a model for other villages.
- A Chintan Shivir (brainstorming camp) on the Indian wool sector was held at Avikanagar, Tonk, by the Central Wool Development Board under the Textiles Ministry, with ICAR's Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (CSWRI).
- The wool camp aimed to cut India's dependence on imported fine wool. It discussed strengthening the wool value chain, sustainable sheep rearing, research, marketing, branding, exports and more Common Facility Centres (CFCs).
- Key suggestions at Avikanagar were centres of excellence for wool branding and quality, better processing facilities and technology, and closer links among farmers, small industries and big industries. An exhibition of sheep breeds, woollen clothes and technical textiles was held.
Science & Environment
19 one-liners
Space · tech · ecology.
Science & Technology
7 one-liners
7 Science & Technology — 2 Jan – 20 Jan.
- The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) announced that Jaipur will host a regional AI Impact Conference in January 2026, as a preparatory forum before the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
- The AI Impact Conference in Jaipur is built on three themes, People, Planet and Progress, and on the seven pillars of the IndiaAI Mission. Its aim is to encourage the adoption of AI and new ideas.
- The Jaipur AI conference will focus on AI in government services, ethical rules for AI use, and digital twin technology in city planning. It also aims to make Rajasthan a regional hub of AI innovation.
- ISRO chose the 'MM-4' area of Mons Mouton, near the Moon's south pole, as the landing site for Chandrayaan-4. The spot has gentle slopes, flat ground and long sunlight, and was picked using old Chandrayaan-2 orbiter camera data.
- China's Jiangsu province started the world's largest compressed-air energy storage (CAES) plant in a salt cavern. It can produce 600 MW and store 2,400 MWh, with about 70% efficiency and zero emissions.
- 2 Jan — The earth-observation satellite EOS-N1 was launched on PSLV-C62 from Sriharikota but failed to reach orbit because of a fault in the end of the third stage (PS3). It was the 64th PSLV mission, and ISRO is probing the cause.
- 20 Jan — A new social media platform launched at Davos on 20 January 2026 requires every user to be verified with a photo and ID. It aims to stop fake accounts and promote trusted information, and keeps its data in Europe.
Environment & Ecology
12 one-liners
12 Environment & Ecology — 4 Jan – 7 Jan.
- The Union Environment Ministry (MoEFCC) declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, covering about 243 sq km and around 94 villages in Udaipur, Pali and Rajsamand districts of the Aravalli range.
- The Kumbhalgarh ESZ notification was issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. It creates a buffer between the forest and people living around it, to protect biodiversity and wildlife habitat.
- In the Kumbhalgarh ESZ, big mining projects, polluting industries, brick kilns and large resorts or hotels are banned or allowed only under strict conditions. Farming, horticulture, rainwater harvesting and eco-friendly tourism may be allowed.
- Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary is home to wildlife such as nilgai, chinkara, Indian pangolin and jungle cat, which adds to the importance of the eco-sensitive zone.
- NITI Aayog released three reports on the circular economy, covering end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), used tyres, and e-waste with lithium-ion batteries, at the IMRC 2026 (International Material Recycling Conference) in Jaipur.
- IMRC 2026 was organised by the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI), India's largest recycling industry body. The reports stress stronger Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules and better use of resources in large waste sectors.
- The reports note that rising sales of electric vehicles are increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries, so proper disposal at end of life is vital. This links to the Viksit Bharat 2047 goal of low-waste, low-carbon growth.
- The CAQM review aims to reduce PM2.5 (particles up to 2.5 micrometres) and PM10 (up to 10 micrometres). It looks at vehicle smoke, industry, construction and road dust, and burning of crop residue or waste.
- 4 Jan — The world's first Mountain Ice Core Repository opened in a cave under the ice at the Concordia Research Station (Dome C), Antarctica. Run by the Ice Memory Foundation, it stores glacier ice cores that preserve climate data.
- 7 Jan — The BBNJ Agreement (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction), the first legally binding treaty for the high seas, came into force on 7 January 2026. It was adopted under UNCLOS 1982 and covers waters outside any country's EEZ.
- 7 Jan — BBNJ talks began in 2008, ended in March 2023, and the treaty took effect after 60 ratifications in September 2025. India signed it on 25 September 2024 but has not yet ratified; the Ministry of Earth Sciences is the nodal body.
- 7 Jan — BBNJ has four pillars: fair sharing of marine genetic resources, marine protected areas, mandatory environmental impact assessments for high-seas activities, and capacity building with technology transfer for developing countries. It supports SDG 14 (life below water).
Sports, Awards, Posts & Days
10 one-liners
Results · honours · posts · days.
Sports
- 20 Jan — Badminton star Saina Nehwal announced her retirement on 20 January 2026. She won bronze at the London Olympics 2012, India's first Olympic badminton medal, and was the first Indian woman to become world No. 1 (2015).
- 22 Jan — P. V. Sindhu won her 500th singles match on 22 January 2026, the first Indian shuttler and sixth player in the world to do so. She won silver at Rio 2016 and bronze at Tokyo 2020, and holds the Arjuna Award and Khel Ratna.
Awards & Honours
| Date | Award | Winner / reason |
|---|---|---|
| · | Padma Bhushan 2026 | Vijay Amritraj – tennis |
| · | Padma Shri 2026 – cricket and hockey | Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur, Savita Punia |
| · | Padma Shri 2026 (posthumous) | Vladimir Mestvirishvili – wrestling coach |
| 25 Jan | Ashok Chakra | Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla – Axiom-4 mission to the ISS |
Appointments
| Date | Name | Appointed as |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Jan | Delcy Rodríguez | Interim President of Venezuela |
Summits, Agreements & Exercises
- UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan made his third official visit to India. The two sides agreed to cooperate on large and small modular nuclear reactors, investment in Dholera SIR in Gujarat, space, and a strategic defence partnership.
- First Abu Dhabi Bank and DP World will open offices in GIFT City, Gujarat, and a digital/data embassy will be set up. A 'House of India' will be built in Abu Dhabi to showcase Indian culture and heritage.
Important Days
- The United Nations declared 2026 the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, to be led by the FAO on a proposal from Mongolia. The same year is also marked for women farmers and for volunteers for sustainable development.
Quick quiz
test yourself
Practice questions on this period. Tap an option to check your answer.
Fill in the blank: one-liner flashcards
- The Ministry of Electronics and IT (_____) announced that Jaipur will host a regional AI Impact Conference in January 2026, as a preparatory forum before the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
- MeitY
- _____, grown in Nagaur district of the Marwar region, received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The GI shows its special quality and its link with the area.
- Nagauri Ashwagandha
- With Nagauri Ashwagandha, Rajasthan now has _____. The list includes Bikaneri Bhujia, Makrana Marble and Kota Doria.
- 22 GI-tagged products
- _____ panchayat in Kotputli-Behror district became the first fully organic-certified panchayat in Rajasthan and in north-western India. It was certified under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
- Bamanwas Kankar
- A _____ (brainstorming camp) on the Indian wool sector was held at Avikanagar, Tonk, by the Central Wool Development Board under the Textiles Ministry, with ICAR's Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (CSWRI).
- Chintan Shivir
- The Union Environment Ministry (_____) declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, covering about 243 sq km and around 94 villages in Udaipur, Pali and Rajsamand districts of the Aravalli range.
- MoEFCC
- _____ released three reports on the circular economy, covering end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), used tyres, and e-waste with lithium-ion batteries, at the IMRC 2026 (International Material Recycling Conference) in Jaipur.
- NITI Aayog
- The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reviewed the annual air pollution control action plans (_____) of Rajasthan districts that fall in the National Capital Region. CAQM is a statutory body set up under the CAQM Act, 2021.
- AAP
- The _____ (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction), the first legally binding treaty for the high seas, came into force on 7 January 2026. It was adopted under UNCLOS 1982 and covers waters outside any country's EEZ.
- BBNJ Agreement
- A Regional Labour and Employment Conference_____Jaipur on 14–15 January 2026. It was one of six regional consultations across the country, attended by labour and industry secretaries of north-western states and Union Territories.
- was held in
MCQs
Which organisation signed an MoU with the state Tourism Department at the Hadoti Travel Mart?
- FICCI
- Hotel Federation of Rajasthan
- CII Rajasthan
- RIICO
Show answer
Answer: Hotel Federation of Rajasthan — The Tourism Department and the Hotel Federation of Rajasthan signed the MoU to promote tourism in Hadoti.
Which ministry announced that Jaipur would host a regional AI Impact Conference?
- Ministry of Education
- NITI Aayog
- Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY)
- Ministry of Science and Technology
Show answer
Answer: Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) — MeitY announced the regional conference before the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
How many old labour laws were merged into the four new Labour Codes?
- 19
- 29
- 44
- 52
Show answer
Answer: 29 — Twenty-nine old labour laws were combined into four codes.
Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary's eco-sensitive zone covers about how many square kilometres?
- 143
- 243
- 343
- 443
Show answer
Answer: 243 — The ESZ covers about 243 sq km and around 94 villages.
Which Indian shuttler won her 500th singles match on 22 January 2026?
- Saina Nehwal
- P. V. Sindhu
- Aakarshi Kashyap
- Treesa Jolly
Show answer
Answer: P. V. Sindhu — P. V. Sindhu became the first Indian and the sixth player in the world to reach 500 singles wins.
Who released the Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework in January 2026?
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
- General Anil Chauhan
- Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi
- NSA Ajit Doval
Show answer
Answer: General Anil Chauhan — Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan released the framework on 22 January 2026.
Shubhanshu Shukla received the Ashok Chakra for his role in which space mission?
- Gaganyaan
- Chandrayaan-3
- Aditya-L1
- Axiom-4
Show answer
Answer: Axiom-4 — Shukla flew to the International Space Station on NASA's Axiom-4 mission.
Nagauri Ashwagandha received a GI tag. In which district is it grown?
- Jodhpur
- Nagaur
- Barmer
- Churu
Show answer
Answer: Nagaur — Nagauri Ashwagandha is grown in Nagaur district of the Marwar region.
The AI Impact Conference is based on which three themes?
- Peace, Prosperity, Progress
- People, Planet, Progress
- Policy, Power, People
- Planning, Production, Profit
Show answer
Answer: People, Planet, Progress — The three themes are People, Planet and Progress, with the seven pillars of the IndiaAI Mission.
The Regional Labour and Employment Conference of January 2026 in Jaipur was one of how many regional consultations?
- Four
- Five
- Eight
- Six
Show answer
Answer: Six — It was one of six regional consultations held across the country.
The Kumbhalgarh eco-sensitive zone spreads over which three districts?
- Jodhpur, Pali, Sirohi
- Chittorgarh, Bhilwara, Ajmer
- Udaipur, Pali, Rajsamand
- Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jalore
Show answer
Answer: Udaipur, Pali, Rajsamand — Kumbhalgarh lies in the Aravalli range across Udaipur, Pali and Rajsamand.
The LR-AShM displayed at the 2026 Republic Day parade is what type of missile?
- Ballistic missile defence interceptor
- Long-range hypersonic anti-ship glide missile
- Surface-to-air cruise missile
- Air-to-air missile
Show answer
Answer: Long-range hypersonic anti-ship glide missile — LR-AShM is a DRDO-made long-range anti-ship hypersonic glide missile with a range of about 500 km.