Current Affairs – 30.01.2026

🌐 International Affairs

1. India–European Union Landmark Free Trade Agreement

• India and the European Union (EU) concluded a historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on 27 January 2026, described by leaders as the “mother of all deals”.

• The FTA is aimed at liberalising trade in goods and services between India and the 27 EU member states, covering nearly a quarter of global GDP and approximately 2 billion people.

• Under the agreement:

  • Tariffs on up to ~97% of EU export tariff lines will be reduced or eliminated, including machinery, medical equipment, wine, and spirits.

  • India offers 92.1% of its tariff lines in negotiations, with phased elimination over 5–10 years for many goods.

  • Projected savings of €4 billion annually in duties for EU exporters.

  • Enhanced market access for Indian textiles, engineering goods, and seafood, potentially boosting Indian exports significantly.

  • The pact includes regulatory cooperation, customs facilitation, and movement of professionals & students.

• Industry bodies anticipate Indian engineering exports to the EU could reach $25 billion within two years, with broader job creation and diversification of trade away from US tariff pressures.

• Implementation is expected after ratification by EU member parliaments and India’s domestic approval processes.

2. World Economic Forum 2026 Highlights

• The 56th World Economic Forum concluded in Davos, Switzerland (19–23 January 2026) with global leaders focusing on geopolitical cooperation, economic resilience, technological governance, and sustainable growth.

• Discussions included global trade frameworks, innovation investment, and multilateral cooperation amidst global tensions.

3. International Olympic Research Conference (IORC 2026) – India

• The 2nd International Olympic Research Conference is being hosted by the Bharat Centre of Olympic Research & Education (BCORE) at Rashtriya Raksha University from 27–30 January 2026.

• More than 55 international & national speakers from 15 countries are participating, with over 100 research papers on Olympic governance, anti-doping, sports science, and policy.

• The conference fosters global dialogue on sports education, transparency, and research in Olympic movements.

🇮🇳 National Affairs (India)

4. Budget 2026 Previews & Economic Focus

• The Indian government is set to present the Union Budget on 01 February 2026, with emphasis on structural reforms to attract investment, boost manufacturing & infrastructure spending, and strengthen the banking and financial sectors.

• Expected reforms include modernising labour laws, customs policy, easing foreign ownership caps in public sector banks, and potential bank mergers.

5. National Security & Employment

• The Intelligence Bureau (IB) MTS Tier-I 2026 admit cards were released for the exam conducted on 27 January 2026, for 362 Multi-Tasking Staff positions across India, an important recruitment opportunity for aspirants in central services.

💼 Economy & Banking Current Affairs

6. Banking Sector Developments

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) renewed their cooperation framework for central counterparties, enhancing cross-border financial market stability.

• SEBI Survey revealed that only 9.5% of Indian households participate in securities markets, indicating large potential for investment growth.

• RBI’s policy developments include draft frameworks for borrower support during calamities and operational guidelines for interest subvention under export credit schemes.

• Small Finance Banks like Suryoday partnered with tech firms to launch AI-powered Video KYC solutions to enhance digital onboarding.

🏆 Appointments & Resignations

7. Sports Administration

• Veteran Indian sports administrator and five-time Olympic shooter Randhir Singh ended his tenure prematurely as President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in January 2026, a major leadership change in Asian sports governance.

⚽ Sports Updates

8. National & Global Sports Events

• India continues preparations for major sporting tournaments in 2026, including T20 World Cup and BWF World Championships, which are key events for Indian athletes in global competitions.

📅 Important Days & Social Events

9. 30 January – National Observances

• Martyrs’ Day (Shaheed Diwas) observed across India, commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination on 30 January 1948. This day holds significant national importance and is part of exam-oriented current affairs.

📊 Facts & Figures (Quick Reference for Competitive Exams)

• India–EU FTA signed: 27 January 2026

• Coverage of FTA: ~25% of global GDP & 2 billion people

• Tariff elimination: ~97% EU goods / 92.1% Indian tariff lines

• Projected duty savings: €4 billion annually

• IB MTS posts: 362 (Tier-I exam)

• Household investment in securities: 9.5% only

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