Daily Top Current Affairs of the Day for 03rd January 2026
1. ECI Invites Entries for Media Award on Voter Awareness 2025
Election Commission of India invited entries from media houses for the Media Award for Best Campaign on Voters’ Education and Awareness 2025. The awards will be conferred in four categories—Print, Television, Radio, and Online Media—strengthening voter education and democratic participation.
2. 12 Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains to Be Launched in 2026
Indian Railways announced the launch of 12 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains in 2026. These trains will operate on long-distance routes of 1,000–1,500 km. The first service will run between Kolkata and Guwahati, improving connectivity between eastern India and the Northeast.
3. Surat Set to Become India’s First Slum-Free City
Surat is on track to become India’s first fully slum-free city due to effective urban planning and housing scheme implementation. The achievement highlights successful urban governance and inclusive housing policies.
4. India Ranks 8th Globally in WHO Pharmacovigilance
Health Minister J P Nadda announced that India now ranks 8th globally in WHO pharmacovigilance contributions, improving from 123rd a decade ago. The milestone coincided with the release of Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026, India’s official drug standards book.
5. MoSPI Unveils New Logo and Mascot
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation unveiled a new logo and mascot, reinforcing India’s shift towards data-driven governance, transparency, and evidence-based policymaking.
6. Centre Approves ECMS Phase-III with ₹41,863 Crore Outlay
The Union Government approved Phase-III of the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) with an outlay of ₹41,863 crore. The scheme aims to deepen domestic electronics manufacturing and reduce import dependence.
7. PLI Scheme for Textiles Application Deadline Extended
The government extended the deadline for fresh applications under the PLI Scheme for Textiles until 31 March 2026, supporting the growth of man-made fibre and technical textiles sectors.
8. Supreme Court Collegium Clears High Court Chief Justice Appointments
The Centre approved the appointment and transfer of Chief Justices for Kerala, Patna, Meghalaya, and Jharkhand High Courts based on recommendations of the Supreme Court Collegium headed by Justice Surya Kant.
9. Telangana Assembly Opposes Replacement of MGNREGA
The Telangana Legislative Assembly passed a resolution opposing the replacement of MGNREGA with the VB-G RAM G Act, demanding continuation of the existing rural employment law.
10. Centre Imposes Excise Duty on Cigarettes from February 2026
The Union Government imposed a new excise duty on cigarettes ranging from ₹2,050 to ₹8,500 per thousand sticks, effective 1 February 2026, based on cigarette length.
11. DRDO’s Role Highlighted in Operation Sindoor
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh credited Defence Research and Development Organisation for its pivotal contribution to Operation Sindoor, highlighting India’s defence R&D self-reliance.
12. Desert Cyclone-II Military Exercise Concludes in UAE
The India–UAE joint military exercise Desert Cyclone-II concluded in Abu Dhabi. The exercise focused on urban warfare, counter-terrorism, and UN-mandated operations, strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.
13. ISRO Announces PSLV-C62 as First Mission of 2026
Indian Space Research Organisation announced PSLV-C62 / EOS-N1 as its first mission of 2026, scheduled for 10 January 2026 from Sriharikota, enhancing Earth observation capabilities.
14. India and Pakistan Exchange Nuclear Installations Lists
India and Pakistan exchanged lists of nuclear installations on 1 January 2026, marking the 35th consecutive exchange under their bilateral nuclear confidence-building agreement.
15. Venus Williams Set to Become Oldest Australian Open Player
Tennis legend Venus Williams will become the oldest female player (45 years) to compete in the Australian Open main draw, surpassing Japan’s Kimiko Date.
🧠 ULTRA-QUICK EXAM RECALL (1 MINUTE)
ECI → Media Award on Voter Awareness
Vande Bharat Sleeper → 12 trains (2026)
Surat → First slum-free city
WHO Pharmacovigilance → India 8th rank
ECMS-III → ₹41,863 crore
PLI Textiles → Deadline extended
MGNREGA → Telangana resolution
DRDO → Operation Sindoor
ISRO → PSLV-C62 (Jan 10)
Venus Williams → Australian Open record