Current Affairs - January 1, 2026 Current Affairs

The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully carried out a salvo launch of two indigenously developed Pralay missiles from a single launcher off Odisha’s coast. The test demonstrated high precision, reliability, and operational readiness, marking a crucial step towards induction into the Indian Armed Forces. Developed with contributions from multiple DRDO laboratories and industry partners like Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited, Pralay is a solid-propellant quasi-ballistic missile with advanced guidance systems capable of carrying multiple warhead types. The successful trial reinforces India’s indigenous missile development program and strengthens national defence capabilities.

Google has rolled out a new Gmail feature enabling users to change their primary @gmail.com address while retaining all account data. Emails, photos, chats, Drive files, and subscriptions remain intact, and the old email becomes an alias, ensuring continuity of communication. This update eliminates the need to create a new account or migrate data manually, offering greater flexibility and convenience for users who want a professional or updated email address. By maintaining login credentials, linked services, and subscription details, Google ensures a seamless transition without disrupting daily usage.

The Indian Ministry of Defence has signed contracts worth ₹4,666 crore to modernise infantry weapons and naval capabilities. Bharat Forge Ltd & PLR Systems Pvt Ltd will supply over 4.25 lakh Close Quarter Battle Carbines to the Indian Army and Navy, replacing older rifles. These carbines feature compact design, high rate of fire, and enhanced lethality, improving effectiveness in urban and confined-space combat. The procurement supports the Make in India initiative, boosts indigenous defence manufacturing, encourages MSME participation, and strengthens operational preparedness of India’s armed forces. Other contracts, like heavyweight torpedoes, involve different companies.

The 374 km Nashik–Solapur–Akkalkot greenfield corridor in Maharashtra, approved by the Union Cabinet at a cost of ₹19,142 crore, will be developed under the BOT (Toll) mode. This Build-Operate-Transfer model allows private entities to design, construct, and operate the highway while collecting toll revenue for a specified period. The corridor aims to reduce travel time by 17 hours, improve logistics efficiency, and enhance regional economic growth. Integration with major expressways like Delhi–Mumbai and Samruddhi Mahamarg further strengthens India’s national transport network while ensuring high-speed, uninterrupted traffic flow for both passenger and freight vehicles.

PathGennie is an open-source software developed to enhance drug discovery by accurately predicting how drugs unbind from protein targets, a critical factor in determining drug effectiveness and safety. Developed by India through the Ministry of Science and Technology, the tool avoids artificial distortions commonly used in simulations, resulting in more realistic and reliable outcomes. By reducing time and cost in early-stage drug research, PathGennie strengthens capabilities in computational biology, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical innovation. The initiative also supports India’s broader ambition of emerging as a global hub for affordable and high-quality drug development.

India’s fiscal deficit for April–November FY26 reached 62.3% of the full-year Budget Estimate, amounting to ₹9.77 trillion. This rise is attributed to a significant 28% increase in capital expenditure aimed at infrastructure development, while net tax revenue growth lagged, declining to 49.1% of the FY26 target. The fiscal deficit indicates the gap between government spending and receipts, highlighting the need for borrowing to meet expenditure. Front-loaded capital spending, slower revenue mobilization, and adjustments like IGST settlements contributed to this higher share, reflecting pressures on fiscal management and macroeconomic stability during the first eight months of the year.

The state of Goa will create its third district by carving out four talukas—Sanguem, Dharbandora, Quepem, and Canacona—from South Goa. The new district will have its headquarters at Quepem, aiming to enhance administrative efficiency and improve governance for hinterland and semi-rural areas. This decision aligns with NITI Aayog’s recommendations for smaller districts and the Aspirational District Programme, ensuring better delivery of public services and developmental benefits. By reducing administrative distances and focusing on regional growth, Goa seeks to strengthen infrastructure, health, education, and financial inclusion in its southern and interior regions.

Khaleda Zia was a towering figure in Bangladesh’s political history and served as the country’s first female Prime Minister. She led the nation during two separate terms from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006, playing a crucial role in restoring parliamentary democracy after military rule. As leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, she shaped the country’s two-party system through a long-standing rivalry with Sheikh Hasina. Her passing at the age of 80 marked the end of an era defined by democratic struggle, political transitions, and enduring influence on Bangladesh’s governance.

Warren Buffett, renowned as the Oracle of Omaha, stepped down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway after leading the company since 1965. During his nearly six-decade tenure, Buffett transformed the struggling textile manufacturer into a diversified global conglomerate valued over $1 trillion, with major stakes in Apple, Coca-Cola, and American Express, and full ownership of businesses like BNSF Railway and GEICO. His value-based investing philosophy and decentralised management style defined the company’s long-term success. Buffett continues as chairman to maintain strategic oversight, while Greg Abel assumes the CEO role, ensuring continuity and stability in Berkshire Hathaway’s leadership and investment approach.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) recently conducted the maiden flight of the Dhruv–New Generation (NG) helicopter in Bengaluru, marking its entry into the civil and export helicopter markets. The Dhruv NG is a 5.5-tonne, twin-engine, multi-role helicopter derived from the Dhruv ALH Mk-III civil platform, powered by indigenous Shakti engines. It is designed for day-night, all-weather operations, including offshore roles for ONGC. With DGCA certification for the Shakti civil engine and EASA restricted certification, Dhruv NG strengthens India’s indigenous helicopter capabilities, supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and provides a cost-effective alternative to imported twin-engine helicopters.