Who won the World Blitz Chess Championship 2025?

Magnus Carlsen won the World Blitz Chess Championship 2025.

Daily Current Affairs News: 1st January, 2026 |

National News

Cabinet Clears 6 Lane Nashik Solapur Akkalkot Greenfield Corridor

Union Cabinet approves 6-lane greenfield corridor in Maharashtra connecting Nashik–Solapur–Akkalkot. Project length 374 km with cost ₹19,142 crore under BOT (Toll) model. Aims to boost connectivity, logistics efficiency, and road safety.
Links with Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, Samruddhi Mahamarg, and routes to Chennai Port.
Expected travel time reduction of 17 hours and distance cut by 201 km. Supports NICDC industrial nodes and regional economic growth in Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Dharashiv, and Solapur.

India’s Broadband Subscribers Cross 100 Crore Mark

India crosses historic 100 crore broadband subscribers milestone in November 2025.
PIB data shows 100.37 crore users, placing India among the world’s largest digitally connected societies.
Reflects decade-long surge from 13.15 crore in 2015.
Driven by affordable data, 4G–5G expansion, optical fibre rollout, and Digital India initiatives.
Boosts digital governance, financial inclusion, online education, telemedicine, e-commerce, and the digital economy. Marks broadband as critical infrastructure for socio-economic growth.

Economy News

Centre’s Fiscal Deficit Crosses 62% of FY26 Target

India’s Fiscal Deficit widens in FY26 amid strong capital expenditure and weak tax revenues. Centre’s fiscal deficit reaches ₹9.77 trillion, touching 62.3% of Budget Estimates by April–November 2025.
Driven by 28% rise in capex to ₹6.58 trillion, supporting infrastructure-led growth.
Net tax revenue falls 3.4% and remains at 49.1% of FY26 BE. Gross tax collections rise modestly.
Non-tax revenue jumps 20.8%, nearing 88.6% of BE. Reflects front-loaded spending, slower revenue mobilisation, and challenges for budget management in remaining months.

Business News

Warren Buffett Steps Down as Berkshire Hathaway CEO

Warren Buffett, the Oracle of Omaha, steps down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway after nearly six decades.
Led the company since 1965, transforming it from a textile firm into a $1 trillion global conglomerate.
Known for value investing, long-term strategy, and decentralized management.
Hands over CEO role to Greg Abel from January 1, 2026, while remaining Chairman.
Marks the end of a historic leadership era and ensures continuity of Berkshire’s investment philosophy.

Google Now Lets Users Change Primary Gmail Address

Google rolls out new Gmail feature allowing users to change their primary @gmail.com address.
No need for a new Google account. Emails, Photos, Drive files, chats, subscriptions, and payment details remain intact.
Old email ID becomes an alias, ensuring no missed mails. Enables a more professional or updated email identity without data migration.
Feature is in gradual rollout and may not be available to all users immediately.

Defense News

DRDO Successfully Tests Pralay Missile With Consecutive Salvo Launch

DRDO successfully conducts salvo launch of two Pralay missiles from a single launcher. Test held off Odisha coast on December 31, 2025.
Confirms accuracy, reliability, and operational readiness. Part of user evaluation trials.
Missiles followed intended trajectory and met mission objectives. Quasi-ballistic, solid-fuel missile with advanced guidance system.
Developed indigenously by DRDO with BDL and BEL support. Boosts India’s missile capability and signals imminent induction into Indian Armed Forces.

Schemes News

Govt Launches Market Access Support Scheme to Boost Indian Exports

Market Access Support (MAS) Scheme launched with ₹4,531 crore outlay for FY26–31. Aims to boost India’s exports and global competitiveness.
Focus on MSMEs and first-time exporters. Supports international trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and trade delegations. Part of ₹25,060 crore Export Promotion Mission.
Priority sectors include agriculture, handloom, leather, and toys. Ensures 35% MSME participation.
Provides airfare and financial support for small exporters. Strengthens market access, global visibility, and export diversification.

Sports News

Carlsen’s Golden Comeback, Erigaisi’s Bronze Brilliance at Blitz Worlds

World Blitz Chess Championship 2025 in Doha delivers high drama. Magnus Carlsen wins his historic ninth World Blitz title.
Shows resilience after blunders, time trouble, and forfeits.
Defeats Nodirbek Abdusattorov in a tough final. Arjun Erigaisi shines with consistent brilliance. Tops league stage among 252 players. Beats top names including Carlsen.
Settles for bronze after semifinals dip. India wins three bronze medals overall. Koneru Humpy bags Women’s Rapid bronze.
Highlights India’s rising stature in global chess.

Important Days News

Happy New Year 2026: Celebrations and History

New Year’s Day celebrated on January 1 marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year. Symbolises new beginnings, hope, and resolutions.
Roots trace back to ancient Babylonians and early Roman calendars. Julius Caesar fixed January 1 as New Year in 46 BC, named after Janus, god of beginnings.
Adoption spread through medieval Europe with the Gregorian calendar.
Now a globally accepted celebration. Marked by fireworks, midnight countdowns, family gatherings, and prayers. Reflects shared cultural, historical, and religious traditions worldwide.