Current Affairs on 30 January 2026 reflect strong momentum in governance reforms, digital integration, economic resilience, strategic diplomacy, and innovation. The Supreme Court clarified Aadhaar’s role in electoral roll revision, allowing its use for identity verification while reaffirming that it is not proof of citizenship. Infrastructure development gained pace with a major Make in India milestone in the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project, showcasing advanced engineering integration with urban transit systems.
National News
What Makes Aadhaar a Valid Proof for SIR Voter List Revision?
- The Supreme Court of India has reaffirmed that Aadhaar can be used as a valid identity document during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, while clarifying that it does not serve as proof of citizenship.
- The court noted that Aadhaar is one of 11 documents recognized by the Election Commission of India for verifying voter identity, emphasizing that its purpose is to prevent duplication and ensure accurate voter lists, not to determine nationality or domicile.
Why Is India Meeting Arab Nations Foreign Meeting After 10 Years?
- India’s Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project achieved a major engineering milestone on 29 January 2026 with the completion of a 100-metre-long steel bridge in Ahmedabad, built entirely under the Make in India initiative.
- Constructed above an underground metro tunnel between Kalupur and Shahpur stations, the bridge was specially redesigned so that no load is transferred to the metro structure, ensuring complete safety.
Why a US Museum Is Sending Priceless Bronzes Back to India?
- On 30 January 2026, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art in the United States announced it would return three ancient bronze sculptures to India after confirming their illegal removal decades ago.
- The artefacts a 10th-century Chola Shiva Nataraja, a 12th-century Chola Somaskanda, and a 16th-century Vijayanagar sculpture of Saint Sundarar with Paravai—were originally sacred temple icons from South India, used in religious rituals rather than as decorative art.
State News
Which State Will Be Required Aadhaar-Based Biometric Authentication for Property Registration?
- From 1 February 2026, Uttar Pradesh will make Aadhaar-based biometric authentication mandatory for all property registrations to prevent land fraud and enhance transparency.
- Buyers, sellers, and witnesses must undergo biometric verification at registration offices, and transactions cannot proceed without successful authentication.
- The system links Aadhaar verification directly with land records, creating a secure digital trail, reducing impersonation and forged identities, and strengthening overall digital governance in property transactions across the state.
Why Did Uttarakhand Win the Best State Award for Aviation Promotion?
- Uttarakhand was awarded Best State for Promotion of Aviation Ecosystem at Wings India 2026, recognising its efforts in improving regional air connectivity, infrastructure, and heli services despite its mountainous terrain.
- The state, through the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), has expanded airports, heliports, and air routes, boosting tourism, economic activity, and emergency access to remote areas.
- This award highlights how focused policies and aviation development can transform even challenging regions and positions Uttarakhand alongside major aviation hubs in India.
International News
Why Is India Meeting Arab Nations Foreign Meeting After 10 Years?
- India will host the second India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) in New Delhi on 31 January 2026, marking the revival of this high-level dialogue after a decade.
- Co-chaired by India and the United Arab Emirates, the meeting will bring together Foreign Ministers from Arab League member states to strengthen political dialogue, strategic coordination, and cooperation across multiple sectors.
- The UAE’s co-chair role reflects its deep strategic partnership with India and its position as a key regional anchor in West Asia.
- The revival of the FMM underscores India’s growing engagement with the Arab world and its intent to institutionalise multilateral ties beyond bilateral relations.
Why Has the EU Branded Iran’s IRGC a Terror Group?
- The European Union has formally designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, marking a major escalation in its stance toward Tehran and fundamentally reshaping EU–Iran relations.
- Established in 1979, the IRGC has grown into a powerful parallel force controlling Iran’s military, intelligence, missile programme, economy, and regional proxy networks.
Why Is Taiwan Building Its Own Submarines? First Underwater Trial Signals Strategic Shift
- Taiwan has achieved a major defence milestone by successfully conducting the first underwater sea trial of its domestically developed submarine, Narwhal, off Kaohsiung.
- Built by the state-owned CSBC Corporation, Narwhal is the first of eight submarines planned under Taiwan’s indigenous programme, aimed at strengthening maritime deterrence amid regional tensions with China.
- Submarines play a key role in Taiwan’s asymmetric warfare strategy, providing stealthy and survivable capabilities to disrupt enemy naval movements.
Banking News
What Is Driving the Sharp Fall in NPAs and Rise in Bank Profits in India?
- The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights a strong structural revival of India’s banking and financial system, marked by healthier balance sheets and improved resilience.
- Scheduled Commercial Banks have recorded multi-decadal lows in Gross and Net NPAs, while remaining well capitalised with a CRAR of 17.2% as of September 2025. NPA recovery rates have nearly doubled from 13.2% in FY18 to 26.2% in FY25, reflecting better credit discipline.
- The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) has played a crucial role, enabling recoveries of ₹3.99 lakh crore from resolved cases 94% of fair value and 170% of liquidation value while reducing resolution timelines to about two years.
Ranks & Reports News
Which City Tops Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index 2026?
- The Cost of Living Index by City 2026, released by Numbeo, shows that Swiss cities dominate the world’s most expensive urban rankings, while Indian cities remain among the most affordable globally.
- The index compares average expenses for a family of four—covering food, transport, utilities, and rent—using New York City as the baseline (100).
- In 2026, Zurich tops the list, followed by Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, Lugano, and Bern, reflecting Switzerland’s high wages, strong currency, premium housing, and superior public services.
- Other costly cities include New York City, Reykjavik, Honolulu, and San Francisco, highlighting global trends in urban economics and living standards.
Schemes News
What Is Assam’s Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme?
- The Assam government has launched the Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme, providing one-time financial assistance of ₹5,000 to over six lakh tea garden workers across 836 gardens in 27 districts.
- Announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Doomdooma, the ₹300 crore initiative recognises the historic contribution of tea workers and aims to promote social security, dignity, and inclusive growth.
- Alongside cash support, the government has introduced mobile crèches and toilet facilities to improve childcare, sanitation, health, and workplace safety, especially for women.
What Is PFRDA’s NPS Swasthya Scheme and How Does It Cover Hospital Bills?
- India’s Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) launched the NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme on January 27, 2026, under its Regulatory Sandbox Framework.
- This innovative pilot allows subscribers to use part of their National Pension System savings for medical expenses, addressing rising healthcare costs while preserving long-term retirement benefits.
- Operated as a voluntary, sector-specific product within the Multiple Scheme Framework, it requires subscribers to maintain a Common Scheme Account along with a dedicated Swasthya Pension Scheme account.
- The initiative tests the integration of health-linked benefits into pension plans in a controlled environment, balancing innovation with regulatory oversight and consumer protection.
Science & Technology News
What Is Pragya-AIX and How Will It Transform ONGC’s Operations?
- ONGC has launched Pragya-AIX, a centralized digital platform that integrates multiple AI tools into a single ecosystem, marking a shift from pilot projects to enterprise-wide AI adoption.
- The platform transforms vast operational data into actionable intelligence to support key upstream activities such as seismic analysis, production optimization, and smart field monitoring.
- By enabling real-time insights, improving subsurface interpretation, and enhancing safety and cost efficiency, Pragya-AIX aims to maximize output from existing assets.
- Designed as a collaborative and scalable innovation ecosystem, it breaks organizational silos and embeds AI as a continuous operational capability across ONGC’s oil and gas operations.
Why Is Karnataka Dominating India’s GenAI Boom Startups?
- India’s Generative AI startup ecosystem is growing at a rapid pace, and Karnataka has emerged as its clear leader, hosting nearly 39% of the country’s GenAI startups, according to the Economic Survey 2025-26.
- GenAI is the fastest-growing segment of India’s tech startup landscape, which is now the third-largest globally, attracting $76.4 million in funding across 18 rounds amid strong demand across sectors like healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and defence.
Important Days News
What Is Martyrs’ Day and Why Is It Observed on January 30?
- Martyrs Day, observed on 30 January, commemorates the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948 and honours all freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for India’s independence, while 23 March is also marked as Shaheed Diwas in memory of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev.
- The day reminds the nation of the immense human cost of freedom and reinforces values of non-violence, truth, courage, and patriotism embodied by Gandhi.
- It is observed with prayer meetings and tributes at Raj Ghat, moments of silence, and remembrance programmes across schools and institutions.
Obituaries News
What Michael Nobbs Did for Indian Hockey Before He Passed Away
- Michael Nobbs, former Australian field hockey player and international coach, has passed away at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness.
- A respected figure in Australian hockey, he earned 76 international caps between 1979 and 1985, representing Australia at the 1981 Hockey World Cup and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
- Known for his tactical understanding and discipline, Nobbs later became an influential coach, leading the Indian men’s national team during a rebuilding phase, including guiding them to the 2012 London Olympics, and also serving as head coach of Japan’s national team.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz 30th January,...
Daily Current Affairs Quiz 29th January,...
29th January, 2026 Current Affairs (Dail...
