Daily GK Update- 30th Jan, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Ladakh Red Sky Signals Rare Solar Radiation Storm: The night sky over Hanle in Ladakh turned an eerie blood-red in mid-January, stunning observers and flooding social media with images likened to the Northern Lights. Yet scientists stress that the spectacle was not merely a visual rarity. It was a warning sign of intense solar activity with real implications for Earth’s technological systems. The phenomenon occurred on the nights of January 19 and 20 after the Sun unleashed an X-class solar flare on January 18, the most powerful category of solar eruptions. This flare triggered a fast-moving Coronal Mass Ejection, a cloud of charged plasma and magnetic fields travelling at nearly 1,700 km per second. Within about 25 hours, it struck Earth’s magnetosphere, generating a G4-level geomagnetic storm classified as “severe”. When charged solar particles collide with Earth’s magnetic shield, they excite atmospheric gases and produce auroras. In polar regions, these usually appear green. Hanle, however, lies far south of typical auroral zones. Observers there saw the upper fringes of the auroral display, which glow red due to excited oxygen atoms at altitudes above 300 kilometres. Such displays are extremely rare over the Indian subcontinent.

 

2. Karnataka Plans Regulatory Sandbox Under Innovation Act: The Karnataka government has announced plans to establish a regulatory sandbox framework under the Karnataka Innovation Act to support responsible development of emerging technologies. The proposal comes amid rapid digital expansion in India, driven largely by rural internet adoption and increasing use of artificial intelligence-enabled services. The proposed regulatory sandbox will allow innovators, startups, and research institutions to test new technologies in a controlled environment. The objective is to balance innovation with accountability, safety, and public trust. The framework will enable experimentation while parallel long-term governance mechanisms are developed. Officials highlighted that such models are critical to ensure laws and regulations keep pace with fast-evolving digital technologies without stifling innovation. The state government emphasised that Karnataka continues to position itself as a national hub for advanced technology. Accelerator programmes, deep-tech skilling initiatives, and expanded Centres of Excellence are being strengthened to build talent capacity. 

 

3. Assam Launches Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme for Tea Worker: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday launched the Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme at Doomdooma in Tinsukia district, marking a major welfare initiative for tea garden workers. The scheme aims to recognise the contribution of tea tribes and indigenous communities and provide direct financial support across the state. Under the scheme, over Rs. 300 crore will be disbursed as a one-time assistance of Rs. 5,000 each to more than six lakh tea garden workers, including permanent and casual labourers. The benefit will cover workers across 836 tea gardens in 27 districts and 73 legislative assembly constituencies. The Chief Minister stated that budgetary provisions have been made to ensure timely and complete implementation of the scheme. During the event, Sarma also inaugurated mobile creches and mobile toilet services for tea garden areas. These initiatives are intended to improve childcare, health, dignity and safety for workers, especially women. He said the launch of Eti Koli Duti Paat fulfilled an important election promise and reflected the government’s commitment to inclusive development.0

 

4. Shettihalli Sanctuary Boundary Review Triggers Conservation Debate: Amid growing controversy over a proposal to reduce the notified boundary of Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary in Shivamogga district, Karnataka Forest Minister Shri Eshwar Khandre visited the sanctuary to assess the situation on the ground. The visit comes as debates intensify between the state government and conservationists over legal, ecological and livelihood concerns linked to the sanctuary’s extent. Addressing the media during his visit, the minister stated that the Forest Department has been attempting to correct the sanctuary boundary since 2016. He said the originally notified boundary includes urban features such as a bus station, government buildings and parts of the city. According to him, inspections have been carried out and two review meetings held so far, with another meeting planned to arrive at a final decision that balances conservation needs with local livelihoods.

 

5. Jal Shakti Ministry Engages Youth for Water Conservation: The Ministry of Jal Shakti organised a special interaction programme in New Delhi, bringing together grassroots change-makers, WaSH Warriors and school students to strengthen public participation in water conservation. The programme was led by Union Minister Shri C.R. Paatil and highlighted community-led efforts in river rejuvenation, drinking water and sanitation. The programme opened with an interactive Samvaad session, where WaSH Warriors, community representatives and students from multiple States shared on-ground experiences. Participants spoke about initiatives to keep the Ganga clean, reduce plastic use, conserve biodiversity and protect water sources. Many highlighted riverbank cleanliness drives, plantation activities, ecological monitoring and awareness campaigns conducted at the village level. Students described school-led efforts such as rallies, creative programmes and water-saving practices, underlining their role as change agents within families and communities.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Allows EU Banks 15 Branches Under Free Trade Agreement: India has agreed to allow European Union banks to open up to 15 branches over a four-year period under the recently concluded India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The move marks a calibrated opening of India’s financial services sector while retaining safeguards for domestic stability and national interests, according to the commerce ministry. Under the agreement, India has committed to providing limited but structured market access to EU banks through branch expansion. Currently, European banks operating in India include Deutsche Bank, BNP Paribas, and Societe Generale. The cap of 15 branches over four years reflects India’s cautious approach to financial sector liberalisation, balancing foreign participation with regulatory oversight by domestic authorities. The FTA also includes broader investment commitments. India has offered 100 per cent foreign direct investment in the insurance sector and 74 per cent FDI in banking services. These commitments align with India’s long-term objective of attracting stable foreign capital, improving service efficiency, and integrating more deeply with global financial markets without compromising prudential norms.

 

2. Toddler Sets Two Guinness Records With Snooker Trick Shots: A two-year-old boy from Manchester has entered the record books after achieving two rare milestones in cue sports, an age group where holding the cue itself is a challenge. Jude Owens has been officially recognised for setting two Guinness World Records, highlighting an extraordinary display of coordination and skill at an age usually associated with toy bats and plastic balls. According to Guinness World Records, Jude Owens became the youngest person ever to successfully execute two different trick shots during play. On October 12, 2025, he set the record for the youngest player to make a bank shot in pool. Just 41 days earlier, he had already created history by becoming the youngest to double pot a snooker shot. Snooker, played on a larger table with smaller balls than pool, demands precision and control. A double pot involves pocketing two balls with a single strike of the cue ball, while a bank shot requires an object ball to rebound off the cushion before dropping into a pocket. Both shots are considered advanced techniques, even for seasoned players.

 

3. Pakistan-Bangladesh Direct Flights Resume After 14 Years: Pakistan and Bangladesh have resumed direct air connectivity after a 14-year gap, signalling a cautious but notable improvement in bilateral relations. The restart came on Thursday with the inaugural Dhaka–Karachi flight operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, ending a suspension that had been in place since 2012. The first flight, BG341, departed from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8.15 pm and landed at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport at 11.03 pm. On arrival, the aircraft was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, confirmed by the Pakistan Airports Authority. Officials from both sides attended the departure ceremony in Dhaka, reflecting the political importance attached to the move. Bangladesh’s civil aviation and tourism adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin described the new route as a step towards enhancing connectivity, boosting tourism, and strengthening people-to-people ties. Pakistan’s Sindh governor Kamran Tessori stated that cooperation would extend beyond aviation into other sectors. Pakistan’s high commission in Dhaka said the inaugural flight was fully booked, indicating pent-up travel demand.

 

4. US Museum to Return Ancient Bronze Sculptures to India: The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art in the United States has announced the return of three ancient bronze sculptures to India following a detailed provenance investigation. The decision reflects growing international emphasis on ethical museum practices and the restitution of cultural heritage acquired through illicit means. The artefacts being returned include the celebrated “Shiva Nataraja” from the Chola period dating to around the 10th century, “Somaskanda” from the 12th-century Chola era, and “Saint Sundarar with Paravai” from the 16th-century Vijayanagar period. All three are masterpieces of South India’s bronze-casting tradition and were originally sacred temple icons used in religious rituals and processions. While all three sculptures will be formally returned to India, the Indian government has agreed to place the Shiva Nataraja on long-term loan with the museum. It will remain on display as part of a South and Southeast Asian exhibition, with full disclosure of its removal and return. Museum officials stated that this approach promotes transparency while educating global audiences about the object’s complete history.

 

5. EU Designates Iran’s IRGC as Terrorist Organisation: The European Union has formally designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, marking a sharp escalation in its policy towards Tehran. The move aligns the IRGC with groups such as Islamic State and al Qaeda, reflecting mounting European concerns over human rights violations, regional destabilisation, and security threats linked to Iran’s elite force. EU foreign ministers reached consensus after weeks of deliberation amid reports of a violent crackdown on nationwide anti-government protests in Iran. European officials cited thousands of alleged deaths, mass detentions, and systematic repression. Established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the IRGC was created to safeguard Iran’s clerical system. Over time, it has expanded into a powerful institution with influence across the military, intelligence services, and major sectors of the economy. The EU argued that the IRGC’s domestic role in repression and its external activities through regional proxies warranted the designation.

 

6. Legacy Phosphorus Emerges as Hidden Threat to US Farmland: Agricultural pollution is often associated with visible runoff and fertiliser use, but a more persistent problem lies beneath the surface. Across large areas of the United States, phosphorus has been accumulating in soils for decades at levels far exceeding crop requirements. While essential for plant growth, excess phosphorus has become a major environmental concern, with long-term consequences for soil health and water quality. Phosphorus is one of the three primary nutrients required for crops, along with nitrogen and potassium. For decades, US farmers applied phosphorus fertiliser as a precaution, ensuring crops would not suffer nutrient shortages. Fertiliser was relatively cheap, and phosphorus was considered environmentally safe because it binds strongly to soil particles and does not easily volatilise like nitrogen. Over time, this practice resulted in repeated applications without accounting for what already existed in the soil.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Taiwan Completes Underwater Trial of Indigenous Submarine: Taiwan has successfully completed the first underwater sea trial of its domestically developed submarine, marking a major milestone in its efforts to strengthen maritime deterrence against China. The trial represents a significant step in Taiwan’s broader military modernisation programme amid rising regional tensions and sustained Chinese naval activity around the island. The submarine, named “Narwhal”, carried out a shallow-water submerged navigation test off the southern port city of Kaohsiung. The trial was confirmed by CSBC Corporation, Taiwan’s state-owned shipbuilder leading the project. It is the first of eight submarines planned under Taiwan’s indigenous submarine programme, aimed at enhancing the island’s ability to protect vital sea lanes and conduct sea denial operations in the event of conflict. The “Narwhal”, originally scheduled for delivery in 2024, has faced delays attributed to international constraints and political pressure from Beijing. The submarine carries a price tag of approximately T$49.36 billion. It is equipped with a combat management system supplied by a US defence firm and will be armed with US-made Mark 48 heavyweight torpedoes. Taiwan has indicated that later submarines in the series could be fitted with missile systems to enhance deterrence.

 

2. Beating Retreat Ceremony Marks Close of Republic Day Celebrations: President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday attended the Beating Retreat ceremony, formally bringing India’s Republic Day celebrations to an end. Held annually on January 29 in the national capital, the ceremony is a solemn tribute to the discipline, heritage and service of the armed forces. The Beating Retreat ceremony featured synchronised performances by bands from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The coordinated display of music and precision reflected India’s long-standing military traditions and the professionalism of its defence services. Senior government officials and top military commanders were also present at the event. Ahead of the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi described the occasion as a celebration of India’s enduring defence traditions. He said the Beating Retreat symbolises the strength and continuity of the armed forces and marks the formal conclusion of Republic Day events. Emphasising unity and courage, the Prime Minister highlighted the armed forces’ central role in safeguarding India’s sovereignty.

 

3. Captain Hansja Sharma Makes History as Rudra Helicopter Pilot: Captain Hansja Sharma has scripted a historic first by becoming the Indian Army’s first woman officer qualified to fly the Rudra Armed Helicopter. Her achievement marks a major milestone for Army Aviation and reflects the steady expansion of women’s roles in frontline combat and high-risk operational domains. At just 27, her qualification signals a shift where operational capability, rather than gender, defines combat leadership in the armed forces. Hailing from Jammu, Captain Sharma topped her course at the Combat Army Aviation Training School in Nashik. She became the first woman officer to receive the prestigious Silver Cheetah Trophy, awarded to the best combat aviator. She further secured First in Order of Merit in the 107th Air Traffic Management and Air Laws (Basic) Course at the Air Force Academy. These achievements collectively mark several firsts in the history of Indian Army Aviation.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Ranipet Schoolgirl Wins Gold at National Martial Arts Championship: A Class IX student from Ranipet has brought pride to Tamil Nadu by winning a gold medal at the 29th All India National Martial Arts Championship 2026, held in Goa on January 25. The achievement highlights the growing prominence of traditional Indian martial arts among young athletes and showcases grassroots talent from smaller towns. The championship marked the culmination of a nationwide selection process aimed at identifying young and promising practitioners of India’s traditional martial arts, including silambam. Competing against participants from across the country, S G Roshini secured the top honour, demonstrating technical skill, discipline and consistency at the national stage. Roshini has been training in silambam under renowned exponent Murali since the age of nine. Over the years, she has participated in several district-level and state-level tournaments across Tamil Nadu, steadily building competitive experience. Her sustained training and exposure to competitive events played a crucial role in her national success.

 

2. Rekha Gupta Felicitates World Champion Blind Women’s T20 Team: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta hosted the World Champion Indian Blind Women’s T20 Cricket Team at Mukhyamantri Janseva Sadan, celebrating their historic international triumph. The event brought together players, coaches, and representatives of the Blind Association, highlighting resilience, inclusivity, and excellence in Indian sport. During the interaction, Rekha Gupta praised the team’s grit and confidence. She described the players as a symbol of strength and aspiration, stating that the nation’s daughters are capable of achieving the extraordinary. The Chief Minister’s remarks underlined the government’s commitment to empowering women and persons with disabilities through recognition and support.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. China Plans Space-Based AI Data Centres: China has unveiled ambitious plans to deploy space-based artificial intelligence data centres over the next five years, signalling a new phase in strategic competition in orbit. The initiative, announced through state media, positions Beijing as a direct challenger to US-based efforts to shift energy-intensive AI computing beyond Earth amid rising terrestrial power constraints. China’s main space contractor has outlined plans to construct “gigawatt-class space digital-intelligence infrastructure” capable of processing data directly in orbit. The proposed system will integrate cloud, edge, and terminal computing capabilities, allowing seamless coordination between satellites and ground networks. By combining computing power, storage, and high-bandwidth transmission in space, China aims to reduce dependence on Earth-based data centres and address growing energy demands driven by AI workloads. The shift of AI processing into orbit has been identified as a core pillar of China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan. Policy documents describe the creation of an industrial-scale “Space Cloud” by 2030, powered by large solar-energy hubs in orbit.

 

2. Microsoft Unveils Maia 200 AI Chip to Rival Nvidia: Microsoft has unveiled the second generation of its in-house artificial intelligence chip, Maia 200, alongside a new software stack aimed at reducing developers’ dependence on Nvidia’s ecosystem. The move underscores intensifying competition among major cloud providers as they seek greater control over AI infrastructure and costs. The Maia 200 chip will go live this week in a Microsoft data centre in Iowa, with a second deployment planned in Arizona. It builds on the first Maia chip introduced in 2023 and reflects Microsoft’s broader strategy to develop proprietary AI hardware. The announcement comes as major cloud players increasingly design custom chips to compete with Nvidia, which currently dominates the AI accelerator market. Microsoft joins peers such as Google and Amazon Web Services in producing in-house AI processors. Google has drawn attention from large AI users, including Meta Platforms, by narrowing the software gap that has traditionally favoured Nvidia’s hardware. These developments signal a gradual shift away from exclusive reliance on Nvidia chips in hyperscale data centres.

 

3. Karnataka Leads India’s GenAI Startup Ecosystem: Karnataka has emerged as the undisputed hub of India’s generative artificial intelligence revolution, hosting 39 per cent of the country’s GenAI startups, according to the Economic Survey 2025–26. The milestone reflects the state’s deepening role in India’s fast-expanding technology startup ecosystem, now ranked the third-largest globally. The Economic Survey notes that India witnessed a threefold surge in GenAI startups, rising to 890 in the first half of 2025 from 240 in the same period of 2024. This rapid expansion highlights growing investor interest, increasing enterprise adoption, and strong domestic capabilities in advanced digital technologies. Karnataka’s share places it well ahead of other states in the GenAI landscape.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India Ranks Second in Global Consumer Confidence January 2026: India emerged as the world’s second most optimistic consumer market in January 2026, reflecting strong confidence in economic prospects and employment conditions. The latest LSEG–Ipsos Primary Consumer Sentiment Index (PCSI) placed India just behind Indonesia, underscoring resilient domestic demand and a positive growth outlook at the start of the year. According to the PCSI, India recorded a national index score of 60.7 in January 2026, rising by 1.4 percentage points from the previous month. Among the 30 countries surveyed, only Indonesia, with a score of 62.6, ranked higher. These were the only two markets to cross the 60-point threshold, indicating comparatively strong consumer optimism. The improvement in India’s score was driven primarily by upbeat expectations around the economy and jobs. The Economic Expectations Sub-Index rose sharply by 6.6 points, while the Employment Sub-Index increased by 6.3 points. These gains suggest growing confidence in future economic activity and improved job opportunities, supported by steady domestic demand and favourable growth indicators.

 

2. Dhamtari First District to Collect Property Tax via SAMARTH Portal: chhattisgarh/">Chhattisgarh’s Dhamtari district on Thursday became the first in the country to collect property tax through the SAMARTH Panchayat portal, marking a major step in digital rural governance. The initiative was formally launched at Sankara gram panchayat in Nagri block, where a resident successfully paid property tax using a UPI-enabled online payment gateway, setting a national precedent for technology-led decentralised administration. The rollout enables rural citizens to pay property tax from their homes through an integrated online system, reducing dependence on manual processes and minimising delays. Officials said the platform is designed to simplify panchayat administration, improve transparency and address the issue of pending arrears. Sankara has emerged as the first gram panchayat in India to operationalise a complete digital payment workflow for local taxes.