
Daily Current Affairs Today 24 January 2026 compilation provides an in-depth look at critical current events from January 24, 2026, relevant for competitive examinations like SSC GD, SSC CGL, CHSL, RRB Group D, NTPC, ALP, and Railway Exams. It covers developments in defense, environment, international relations, space technology, state affairs, culture, and sports, alongside geographical and constitutional contexts to enhance understanding.
The Indian Air Force recently held an Air Show in Nasik, Maharashtra, featuring the Surya Kiran aerobatic team with its distinct orange aircraft. The event was near the Gangapur Dam on the Godavari River.
The Godavari River, a central feature to the event's location, originates from the Trimbak Plateau in Maharashtra and flows from West to East. It is known as Vridha Ganga (Old Ganga) and Dakshin Ganga due to its substantial water volume. (Note: The Kaveri River is known as "Ganga of the South" or Dakshina Ki Ganga). Key dams on the Godavari include the Jayakawadi Dam, Majalgaon Dam, Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, Polavaram Project, and Gangapur Dam. Major tributaries include Pen Ganga and Ven Ganga, with the Manjra River being the most important right-bank tributary.
The Surya Kiran team's participation highlights various joint military exercises:
Surya Kiran: India & Nepal
Ekuverin: India & Maldives
Dosti: India, Maldives, & Sri Lanka (17th edition in Maldives)
Ekatha: India & Maldives
Nomadic Elephant: India & Mongolia
JIMEX: India & Japan
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A significant wildfire has affected approximately 12 hectares of the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in Sikkim, India. This sanctuary is strategically located at a tri-junction point, bordering Bhutan to its east and China to its north. Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2002, it forms part of the Eastern Himalayas biodiversity hotspot. Its vegetation ranges from Subtropical to Alpine forests, harboring notable species like the Himalayan Deer and the Red Panda, which is also Sikkim's state animal. The Rangpo River and Jaldhaka River flow through this region. Geographically, it shares a border with the Neora Valley National Park in West Bengal.
Sikkim's integration into India and its statehood were achieved through the 35th and 36th Constitutional Amendment Acts. It holds special status under Article 371F of the Constitution.
The United States of America (USA) has completed its official withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). As the largest financial contributor, the USA cited ineffective use of funds as the reason. This aligns with a broader pattern, as the US has withdrawn from around 66 international organizations, including UNESCO, UNICEF, and the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
Established: April 7, 1948, celebrated as World Health Day.
Director-General: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Governing Body: The World Health Assembly.
This political decision reflects on economic volatility. US administration statements, including threats of tariffs on European nations and interest in Greenland, previously caused market uncertainty, weakening the US Dollar and leading investors to move capital into gold and silver, causing their prices to surge. A subsequent retraction of these statements by the US President at the World Economic Forum (Davos) restored confidence, stabilizing or slightly decreasing gold and silver prices.
The capital of the USA is Washington D.C. Key water bodies include The Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario) and major rivers like the Mississippi, Missouri, Snake, Colorado, and Columbia.
Pixxel, a private Indian space-technology company founded in 2019 and headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, announced a plan to launch a constellation of 12 Earth-observatory satellites over the next 5 years. Led by CEO Awesh Ahmed, this initiative aims to serve India's needs and support ISRO's mission, in partnership with IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center).
ISRO: India
NASA: USA
JAXA: Japan
ESA: European Space Agency
CSA: Canadian Space Agency
Roscosmos: Russia
Spain has officially become the newest member of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), as announced by India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar. Proposed by India at the East Asia Summit in Bangkok in 2019, IPOI's objective is to ensure a safe, secure, and stable maritime domain in the Indo-Pacific, acting as a collaborative framework to balance China's growing influence. It is not a military alliance but a cooperative framework guided by the vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
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Pillars of the IPOI and Lead Nations |
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Pillar |
Lead Nations
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Maritime Security |
India & UK |
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Maritime Ecology |
Australia |
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Science, Technology & Academic Cooperation |
Italy & Singapore |
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Trade, Connectivity, and Maritime Transport |
Japan, India, & USA |
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Capacity Building and Resource Sharing |
Germany |
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Disaster Risk Reduction and Management |
India |
S. Jaishankar is the author of Why Bharat Matters. Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula and is separated from Morocco (Africa) by the Strait of Gibraltar, which connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
Uttar Pradesh celebrates its Foundation Day on January 24. The region was known as the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh in 1902, shortened to the United Provinces in 1937, and officially named "Uttar Pradesh" on January 24, 1950. The official celebration began in 2018 following an announcement by then-Governor Ram Naik. Historically, Awadh (modern-day Lucknow) was a major center of the 1857 Revolt, led by Begum Hazrat Mahal.
Districts: 75 (largest: Lakhimpur Kheri, home to Dudhwa National Park). A 76th district is proposed.
Divisions: 18.
Legislative Seats: Assembly - 403; Council - 100.
Parliamentary Seats: Lok Sabha - 80; Rajya Sabha - 31.
Ranking: 1st in population, 4th in area.
Anniversary: This marks the state's 76th year.
This state government award is presented on Foundation Day. Recent recipients include astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and Dr. Alakh Pandey, Founder and CEO of PhysicsWallah (PW), recognized for contributions to education.
India's first Biological Park is being developed in Alwar, Rajasthan. This integrated facility combines wildlife conservation, animal care (including comprehensive hospital facilities), and tourism promotion. The park aims to house approximately 81 different wildlife species, with an initial introduction of 400 animals, eventually reaching 800. 30% of the area will be dedicated to zoos, and 70% for tourism and green spaces, alongside animal care facilities and a Butterfly Park. Located near Jaisamand Lake, its development model is inspired by Gujarat's Gir National Park, famous for Asiatic Lions.
The 25th edition of the Bharat Rang Mahotsav, the world's largest theatre festival, is organized by the National School of Drama (NSD). Running from January 27th to February 20th, 2026, it celebrates cultural diversity, showcasing India's unique folk music, songs, and dances. The festival spans 40 locations, features participation from all seven continents, and will showcase approximately 277 Indian products, including a book fair.
Established in 1959 under the Sahitya Akademi and operating under the Ministry of Culture, NSD is headquartered in Delhi. Its current head is Paresh Rawal. (Memory Tip: To remember the head, recall the popular movie character "Babu Bhaiya," played by actor Paresh Rawal.)
The Brand Finance report for 2025-26 ranks companies by their brand value, illustrating how perceived value differentiates brands (e.g., Rolex vs. Titan). Apple is the Top Overall Company (Global). Among Top IT Services Companies (Global), Accenture (USA) ranks first, followed by TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) (India). Separately, the Times Higher Education University Rankings listed MIT (USA) as the #1 University (Global), with the Indian Institute of Sciences (IISc), Bengaluru, as the Top Indian University in Computer Science.
Rohtas Khileri from Haryana set a new world record by spending 24 hours on Mount Elbrus without supplemental oxygen. Mount Elbrus, located in Europe, is the highest peak in Europe, standing at 5642 meters.
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Highest Peaks of the Seven Continents |
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Continent |
Highest Peak
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Asia |
Mount Everest |
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North America |
Mount Denali |
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South America |
Mount Aconcagua |
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Africa |
Mount Kilimanjaro |
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Europe |
Mount Elbrus |
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Australia |
Mount Kosciuszko |
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Antarctica |
Mount Vinson Massif |
Operation Mega Buru: An ongoing operation in the Singhbhum region of Jharkhand to counter Naxalite insurgents. Bihar has been declared a Naxalite-free state.
Definition: Hotspot: A geographical area with a high concentration of diverse species (birds, butterflies, animals, insects).
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