Current Affairs - January 8, 2026 Current Affairs

Axis Bank introduced the ‘Safety Centre’ on its mobile banking app to empower customers with real-time control over digital banking functions. The feature allows users to manage internet banking, UPI usage, fund transfer limits, and fraud protection tools directly through the app. Key tools include SMS Shield for verifying genuine messages, options to disable internet banking, and restrictions on fund transfers. By enabling self-managed security, Axis Bank aims to prevent unauthorized transactions, address rising digital fraud cases, and reduce dependency on branches or customer support, thereby promoting safer and more convenient digital banking experiences.

The Sanskaar Shaala programme was launched in Assam by Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya to promote value-based education for children aged 4–14. The initiative emphasizes moral education, Indian cultural values, and social responsibility, complementing formal academic learning. By integrating ethics, compassion, and cultural awareness into early education, Assam aims to nurture responsible and value-oriented citizens. The programme balances modern, technology-driven education with traditional moral guidance drawn from ancient Indian texts, highlighting the state’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage while fostering holistic child development.

Federal Bank launched its new brand identity, ‘The Fortuna Wave’, on January 7, 2026, in Mumbai, with Vidya Balan as the brand ambassador. The refreshed logo features three waves symbolizing authenticity, togetherness, and prosperity, designed to be digital-friendly and visually appealing across platforms. This brand refresh reflects Federal Bank’s commitment to modernization, innovation, and future-ready digital banking solutions. Established in 1931 in Aluva, Kerala, Federal Bank has evolved into a pan-India private sector bank offering retail, corporate, NRI, lending, and digital banking services, and the rebranding reinforces its contemporary identity and customer-centric vision.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) celebrated its 68th Foundation Day on January 1, 2026, marking nearly seven decades of contributions to India’s defence and security infrastructure. DRDO operates 52 laboratories and focuses on key domains such as Cyber, Space, and Artificial Intelligence, aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative to strengthen India’s self-reliance in defence. In 2025, it secured 22 AoN approvals worth Rs.1.30 lakh crore, signed 11 defence contracts worth Rs.26,000 crore, and completed 245 technology transfer agreements (LAToT). DRDO continues to drive indigenous defence research, industry collaborations, and operational readiness, making it central to India’s strategic and technological advancement.

Ramesh Kumar Juneja has taken charge as the Chairman of the Council for Leather Exports (CLE), the apex body promoting Indian leather, footwear, and related products in global markets under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. With over 40 years of experience, including founding the JC Group and pioneering global collaborations, Juneja brings deep industry knowledge and long-standing institutional involvement with CLE. His leadership is expected to strengthen India’s international leather trade, focus on value addition, innovation, and market diversification, and address challenges such as sustainability standards and global competition, thereby supporting the sector’s growth and export potential.

IDFC FIRST Bank introduced the Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card in January 2026, targeting frequent international travelers and premium lifestyle users. The card eliminates foreign exchange markup, making overseas spending and online international purchases cost-effective. It also offers extensive benefits, including travel insurance, airport lounge access, meet-and-greet services, and reward points on hotels, flights, and other spending. With a digital-first application process, annual fee waivers on high spends, and a robust rewards ecosystem, this launch strengthens IDFC FIRST Bank’s presence in the premium credit card segment and enhances convenience and value for global and lifestyle-oriented customers.

Ida Liu was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HSBC Private Bank effective January 5, 2026, succeeding Gabriel Castello, who had been serving as Interim CEO. With over 25 years of global experience in private banking and wealth management, including leadership roles at Citi Private Bank, Ida Liu brings expertise in wealth management, strategic advisory, and business transformation. Her appointment underscores HSBC’s strategic focus on strengthening its global private banking operations and managing Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) client portfolios in an increasingly competitive financial sector.

Earth’s Rotation Day is observed annually on January 8 to honour the groundbreaking 1851 experiment by French physicist Léon Foucault, who provided the first conclusive proof of Earth’s rotation using a pendulum at the Panthéon in Paris. The Foucault pendulum demonstrated that the Earth rotates on its axis by showing the gradual rotation of the pendulum’s plane of oscillation. This day highlights the importance of Earth’s rotational motion, which governs the day-night cycle and seasonal changes, and celebrates a milestone in humanity’s scientific understanding of planetary dynamics.

The United Nations (UN) declared 2026 as the International Year for Rangelands and Pastoralists to spotlight ecosystems often overlooked in global climate strategies. Grasslands and savannahs play a critical role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience, yet have received less attention than forests in UNFCCC negotiations. This UN initiative seeks to address this imbalance by promoting policy integration, scientific recognition, and global awareness of these vital ecosystems. It underscores the UN’s commitment to comprehensive climate action that includes all biomes and supports sustainable pastoralist livelihoods worldwide.

The newly identified reed snake species Calamaria mizoramensis was discovered in Mizoram by a research team from Mizoram University in collaboration with international scientists. The species inhabits humid, forested hill regions between 670 and 1,295 meters elevation and has been confirmed in multiple districts including Aizawl, Reiek, and Mamit. This discovery enhances India’s reptilian biodiversity and raises Mizoram’s herpetofauna count to 169 species, highlighting the state as a hotspot for reptile diversity. The species’ distinct morphology, nocturnal and semi-fossorial behavior, and Least Concern IUCN status make it a significant addition to Indian wildlife records.