January 2026 Current Affairs for Defence Exams - CDS, CAPF & AFCAT

January 2026 was an important month for national and international developments. Key events focused on defence, economy, environment, and cultural milestones. Aspirants preparing for defence exams like CDS, CAPF, and AFCAT must be aware of these updates.

January 2026 Current Affairs for Defence Exams

January 2026 saw important developments in defence, national security, science, the economy, and global affairs. These events are relevant for defence exam preparation, including CDS, CAPF, and AFCAT.

1) Ministry of Civil Aviation Approves Three New Airlines

The Ministry of Civil Aviation granted No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to three new airlines: Al Hind Air, Fly Express, and Shankh Air. These airlines are expected to begin operations in 2026. The decision aims to reduce the monopoly in the aviation sector and increase competition, preventing service disruptions in the future.

2) K4 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) Test

India successfully tested the K4 missile from the INS Arighat submarine in the Bay of Bengal. Key details:

• Type: Intermediate-Range SLBM

• Range: Over 3,500 km

• Developer: DRDO

• Strategic Significance: Hard to track and destroy, completing India’s nuclear triad capability

• Launch Platform: INS Arighat, India’s second nuclear-powered submarine

3) Indian Coast Guard Conducts Pollution Response Exercise: RERPEX-2025

The Indian Coast Guard conducted a Regional Level Pollution Response Exercise (RERPEX) off Mumbai. The exercise tested preparedness for major marine pollution events such as oil spills.

4) Major Government Initiatives for Shipbuilding

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways released operational guidelines for two schemes:

A Maritime Development Fund of ₹25,000 crore will also support these initiatives. These steps aim to make India a global shipbuilding hub.

5) DRDO Tests Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket

The Pinaka LRGR-120 was successfully tested from Chandipur, Odisha. The rocket has a range of 120 km and will replace older artillery systems in the Indian Army.

6) HAL Unveils Dhruv NG Helicopter

The Dhruv NG (Next Generation) helicopter, inaugurated in Bengaluru, is an upgraded indigenous civil helicopter by HAL. It is designed for mass rescue and emergency operations.

• Max Speed: 285 km/h

• Range: 630 km

• Focus: Civil and rescue operations

7) DRDO Conducts Salvo Launch of Pralay Missiles

The DRDO conducted a salvo launch of two Pralay missiles from Chandipur. The system allows firing two missiles quickly from a single launcher. Pralay missiles have high precision and can carry multiple warheads, enhancing India’s defence capabilities.

8) Indian Army Declares 2026 as Year of Networking and Data Centricity

2026 has been declared the Year of Networking and Data Centricity. This aims to improve connectivity, real-time data sharing, and decision-making within the Army.

9) Creation of Bhairav – Modern Warfare Drone Force

The Indian Army launched Bhairav, a modern warfare force focused on drone technology. Supported by a 15% increase in the 2026 defence budget, Bhairav will include around 1 lakh drone operatives.

10) Indian Army Signs Contract for Suryastra Rocket System

The Indian Army signed a ₹293 crore contract with NAIB Limited for the Suryastra Rocket Launcher System. It is a multi-caliber, GPS-enabled, all-terrain rocket system, boosting India’s artillery and saturation strike capability.

11) Indian Navy to Establish New Naval Base at Haldia

The Indian Navy is upgrading Haldia, West Bengal into a major naval base. This will strengthen India’s maritime presence and surveillance in the Bay of Bengal, countering China’s influence in the region.

12) Military Exercises

• Sanjha Shakti – Military-Civilian Fusion Exercise in Pune, Maharashtra, to improve coordination during emergencies.

• Dosti-17 – Trilateral Coast Guard exercise with India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives to strengthen maritime cooperation.

13) 78th Indian Army Day – January 15, 2026

Indian Army Day commemorates the appointment of General K.M. Cariappa as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief. The 78th parade was held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, marking the first time outside a military cantonment.

14) Awards and Recognitions

• Major Swati Shanta Kumar – UN Secretary-General's Award for her project in South Sudan

• Dr. Toby Kiers – Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement

• Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya – Wiley Research Heroes Award

Padma Awards 2026

Total recipients: 131

Notable recipients include Dharmendra Singh Deol (posthumous, Art) and K.T. Thomas (Public Affairs).

Gallantry Awards 2026

Peacetime gallantry awards were given to 70 recipients.

• Ashok Chakra: 1 (Group Captain Sudhanshu Shukla – first Indian on ISS)

• Kirti Chakra: 3

• Shaurya Chakra: 13

15) Sports Updates

• Khelo India Beach Games 2026 – Held in Diu, Karnataka topped the medal tally.

• Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 – To be held in Chhattisgarh; mascot: Morveer.

16) Economy, Science, and Global Rankings

• Rare Earth Reserves: India ranks 3rd globally with 6.9 million tonnes of rare earth oxides. Corridors announced in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.

• Henley Passport Index 2026: Singapore ranked 1st; India ranked 80th.

• Asia Manufacturing Index: India ranked 6th.

• India’s GDP: India surpassed Japan to become the 4th largest economy (~US $4.18 trillion).

17) Miscellaneous Updates

• Granth Kutir, Rashtrapati Bhavan: Cultural space inaugurated to preserve India’s literary heritage.

• Constitution in Santhali: Released using Ol Chiki script on its centenary.

• Bulgaria Adopts Euro: Replaces Lev as official currency from January 1, 2026.

• UN Declaration 2026: Declared as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists to promote conservation and sustainable management.

January 2026 saw India strengthen its defence capabilities, improve maritime and aerial infrastructure, achieve scientific milestones, and receive global recognition. Awareness of these updates is important for CDS, CAPF, and AFCAT aspirants, as they cover defence, strategic planning, and national developments.

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