Daily Top Current Affairs of the Day for 02nd January 2026
1. President Launches “Skill the Nation” Challenge under SOAR Initiative
The President of India Droupadi Murmu launched the Skill the Nation Challenge under the SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The programme aims to prepare India’s workforce for AI-driven industries. She also virtually inaugurated IGNOU Regional and Skill Centres at Rairangpur, Odisha.
2. PM Modi to Inaugurate International Exposition of Piprahwa Buddha Relics
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics in New Delhi. The relics are linked to Lord Buddha and hold immense archaeological, spiritual, and diplomatic significance, strengthening India’s Buddhist cultural diplomacy.
3. India’s First Bullet Train to Start Operations in August 2027
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that India’s first bullet train on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor will begin operations on 15 August 2027. The project marks a major leap in India’s rail modernisation and infrastructure capacity.
4. Assam Constitutes 8th State Pay Commission
Assam became the first Indian state to constitute its 8th State Pay Commission, ahead of the expiry of the 7th Pay Commission on 1 January 2026. The move reflects proactive fiscal planning and employee welfare reform.
5. RBI Confirms 98.41% of ₹2000 Notes Returned
Reserve Bank of India confirmed that 98.41% of ₹2000 banknotes have returned to the banking system since their withdrawal announcement in May 2023. The update highlights successful currency withdrawal and public compliance.
6. India Becomes World’s Fourth-Largest Economy
India overtook Japan to become the fourth-largest economy globally in nominal GDP terms, with output estimated at $4.18 trillion. India now ranks behind only the US, China, and Germany, marking a historic economic milestone.
7. Government Launches ₹4,531-Crore Market Access Support Scheme
The government launched a ₹4,531-crore Market Access Support (MAS) Scheme (FY 2026–31) to help Indian exporters, especially MSMEs, access global markets through trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and export promotion initiatives.
8. Gross GST Collections Rise 6.1% in December 2025
India’s gross GST collections rose 6.1% year-on-year to around ₹1.75 lakh crore in December 2025. The growth indicates sustained economic activity and improved tax compliance.
9. Supreme Court Issues New Guidelines for Tiger Conservation
The Supreme Court of India issued strict new guidelines regulating tiger safari tourism. The ruling aims to balance eco-tourism with wildlife conservation and strengthen protection of fragile forest ecosystems.
10. DRDO Credited for Role in Operation Sindoor
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh credited Defence Research and Development Organisation for its pivotal role in Operation Sindoor. DRDO also received recognition during its 68th Foundation Day celebrations.
11. DRDO to Play Key Role in “Sudarshan Chakra” Air Defence System
The Defence Minister stated that DRDO will play a crucial role in developing Sudarshan Chakra, an ambitious indigenous air defence initiative announced by the Prime Minister to strengthen India’s aerial security architecture.
12. Desert Cyclone Military Exercise Concludes in UAE
The second edition of Exercise Desert Cyclone between the Indian Army and UAE Land Forces concluded in Abu Dhabi. The exercise strengthened interoperability, joint tactical skills, and defence cooperation.
13. Indian Army Animal Contingent to March on Kartavya Path in 2026
For the first time, the Indian Army’s animal contingent will march in the Republic Day Parade 2026. The move highlights the operational importance of animals in high-altitude and difficult terrains.
14. ISRO Announces First Space Mission of 2026
Indian Space Research Organisation announced its first mission of 2026 – PSLV-C62/EOS-N1, scheduled for 10 January 2026 from Sriharikota. The mission will strengthen Earth observation capabilities.
15. India and Pakistan Exchange Nuclear Install Lists
India and Pakistan exchanged lists of nuclear installations on 1 January 2026, marking the 35th consecutive annual exchange under the bilateral nuclear confidence-building agreement.
🧠 ULTRA-QUICK EXAM RECALL (1 Minute)
Skill the Nation → AI readiness
Bullet Train → Aug 15, 2027
India GDP Rank → 4th globally
₹2000 notes → 98.41% returned
MAS Scheme → ₹4,531 crore
GST Dec 2025 → ₹1.75 lakh crore
Tiger conservation → SC guidelines
DRDO → Sudarshan Chakra
ISRO → PSLV-C62 (Jan 10)
Indo-Pak nuclear lists → 35th exchange
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