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Current Affairs 02nd January 2026
GK Trick
बाबर के द्वारा लङे गए प्रमुख युद्ध
Trick ---- "पान खा घर चल"
- पान - पानीपत का प्रथम युद्ध
- खा - खानवा का युद्ध
- घर - घाघरा का युद्ध
- चल - चन्देरी का युद्ध
1. British-Indian Comedian, Author Meera Syal Awarded Damehood
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Meera Syal was awarded a Damehood for her services to literature, drama, and charity, recognizing her role in popularizing British-Asian culture through shows like Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars at No. 42.
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She made history as the first British-Asian woman to receive a Damehood for arts and culture, reflecting increased ethnic minority representation in the 2026 UK honours list.
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The honour builds on her earlier recognitions, including an MBE in 1997, a CBE in 2015, and the BAFTA Fellowship in 2023.
2. Centre’s Fiscal Deficit Crosses 62% of FY26 Target
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India’s fiscal deficit during April–November FY26 stood at ₹9.76 lakh crore, accounting for 62.3% of the full-year Budget Estimate, higher than last year’s 52.5% for the same period.
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The rise in the deficit was mainly due to a sharp 28% increase in capital expenditure to ₹6.58 lakh crore, while net tax revenue growth remained weak at 3.3% because of lower indirect tax collections and income-tax rebates.
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Despite the higher deficit, the government may still achieve its 4.4% of GDP target, supported by a 21% surge in non-tax revenue led by a higher RBI dividend and strong contributions from public sector banks.
3. Syria Unveils New Currency Series for Circulation
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Syria has introduced a redenominated currency by removing two zeros, converting 100 old pounds into 1 new pound to simplify transactions after years of inflation.
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The new banknotes remove images of Bashar al-Assad and Hafez al-Assad and instead feature agricultural and cultural symbols like Damask roses, wheat, olives, and fruits to reflect a new national identity.
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The new currency came into circulation on January 1, 2026, with a 90-day dual-circulation period, automatic conversion of salaries and bank balances, and printing carried out in Germany and the UAE.
4. Gujarat CM approves Establishment of IAIRO at GIFT City
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Gujarat has become the first Indian state to set up a national-level AI research institute under a state-led PPP model, with IAIRO formed as a non-profit SPV involving the Gujarat government, the Centre, and the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance from January 1, 2026.
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The institute has a ₹300 crore budget for five years, with equal funding from the state, central government, and private partners, and the IPA acting as the anchor industry partner to promote AI-driven healthcare innovation.
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Based at GIFT City, IAIRO will focus on AI research and IP creation, hybrid computing infrastructure, and applications in healthcare, agriculture, and education aligned with the Viksit Gujarat 2047 vision.
5. IDFC First Bank Unveils ‘Gaj: Invitation-only Metal Credit Card’
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The IDFC First Bank Gaj card is the most premium, invitation-only metal credit card in the Ashva–Mayura–Gaj trilogy, featuring a twin-elephant design symbolizing stability and exclusivity.
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It offers a high-value reward system where 1 reward point equals ₹1 for flight and hotel bookings, with accelerated rewards on travel and a joining fee fully offset by welcome points.
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Designed for global travelers, the card provides zero forex markup, interest-free international cash withdrawals for up to 45 days, trip cancellation cover, and complimentary lounge access for cardholders and guests.
6. Additional Excise Duty on Tobacco from February 1
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The GST Compensation Cess will be phased out and replaced by a higher 40% GST rate along with a new Additional Excise Duty, as the government completes repayment of compensation loans to states.
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Cigarettes will face a reintroduced per-stick excise duty based on length and filter type, ranging from ₹2,050 to ₹8,500 per 1,000 sticks, leading to an estimated 15–20% rise in retail prices from February.
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Pan masala will be taxed under a new Health and National Security Cess, with revenues earmarked for public health and security, alongside stricter compliance measures such as machine-capacity levies and CCTV monitoring to curb tax evasion.
7. Vrunda Manohar Desai appointed as Textile Commissioner, Mumbai
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Vrunda Manohar Desai, a 2003-batch IRS (IT) officer, has been appointed Textile Commissioner, Mumbai, replacing Roop Rashi as part of a large bureaucratic reshuffle.
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She will serve a five-year tenure heading the Office of the Textile Commissioner, responsible for implementing textile schemes, tracking industry trends, and advising the Ministry of Textiles on policy.
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Desai brings diverse experience from her roles in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, and is also known as a national-level shooting gold medalist.
8. Chief coach Sjoerd Marijne appointed for Indian women’s hockey team
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Sjoerd Marijne has been reappointed as chief coach of the Indian women’s hockey team, returning after four-and-a-half years and following his success at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
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He will lead a revamped support staff, including Matias Vila as Analytical Coach and Dr. Wayne Lombard as Scientific Advisor and Head of Athletic Performance.
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His immediate priority will be preparing the team for the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad in March 2026, with training camps starting in Bengaluru in January.
What Happened Today?
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1905 – Russian Revolution of 1905: Bloody Sunday occurs in St. Petersburg.
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1959 – Luna 1, the first spacecraft to reach the vicinity of the Moon, is launched by the Soviet Union
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