This is the current affairs of 7 & 8 January 2026. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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The first week of 2026: A dangerous start to the year
– US attack on Venezuela and the abduction of President Maduro and his wife
– The US intensifies efforts to take over Greenland; Europe stunned
– After attacks on Russia’s nuclear command center and other strategic sites, attempts at an agreement between Russia and the US over Ukraine stalled
– Seizure of a Russian tanker by the US in the Atlantic Ocean
– Trump announces raising the defence budget to $1.5 trillion and directs defence companies to increase capacity
– China imposes a temporary ban on the purchase of Nvidia chips
– US withdrawal from international organizations
– Conflict between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in Yemen
– Intensified US and Israeli efforts to destabilize Iran
– Continued rise in prices of gold, silver, copper, and other metals
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1. Which country announced in January 2026 that it would withdraw from 66 international organizations, agencies, and commissions, many of which are affiliated with the UN?
a. France
b. Russia
c. China
d. USA
Answer: d. USA
– The US took another major step back from global cooperation.
– On January 8, 2026, the US announced its withdrawal from 66 international organizations, agencies, and commissions.
– Of these, 34 agencies are linked to the United Nations.
– The US also said it would withdraw from the India–France-led International Solar Alliance.
– Trump said these organizations work against US national interests.
– Even before this announcement, the US had already withdrawn from UNESCO and the WHO.
Withdrawal from the ISA as well
– The ISA is an international organization aimed at promoting solar energy, combating climate change, and providing clean and affordable energy to developing countries. It focuses particularly on countries located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, where solar energy potential is high.
Will the US also leave the UN?
– US officials said a complete withdrawal from the UN is unlikely, as Trump wants to remain part of alliances that set global standards.
– Moreover, since China is a UN member with veto power, Trump would want to stay engaged to counter China’s influence.
– Trump also wants to continue US engagement with organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union, the International Maritime Organization, and the International Labour Organization to counter China.
What Trump says
– Since assuming office for a second term, Trump has repeatedly claimed that the US contributes disproportionately more to global organizations, only to find later that their agendas are different and globalist in nature.
– On many occasions, he has accused international organizations of supporting China despite greater US contributions.
– This was the same argument used when the US withdrew from the WHO in January 2025. At that time, the US cited the WHO’s “failure to adopt urgently needed reforms and its inability to demonstrate independence from inappropriate political influence by WHO member states.”
– The US said: “WHO continues to demand unfairly large payments from the United States, far more than what other countries pay.
– China, with a population of 1.4 billion—300% of the US population—still contributes nearly 90% less than the US to the WHO.”
Impact on the UN
– Withdrawal from these bodies also means reduced funding.
– Trump has already cut most voluntary US contributions to several UN agencies, reducing both US participation and financial support across much of the UN system.
Impact on the US
– Leaving these organizations, most of which are UN-related, is unlikely to significantly affect Trump’s efforts to expand global influence.
– His main “weapon”—the threat of tariffs—along with US military power, remains intact.
– In 2025, the US used its military power to carry out attacks in countries such as Syria, Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia, Yemen, and Iran.
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2. By how much will tariffs be increased on oil purchased from Russia for several countries, including India, under the bill approved by US President Trump?
a. 100%
b. 250%
c. 500%
d. 600%
Answer: c. 500%
– India is once again in the crosshairs of proposed legislation that could impose a 500% tariff on purchases of Russian oil.
– On January 8, 2026, US President Donald Trump approved a bill titled the “Russia Sanctions Act of 2025.”
– The bill was introduced by influential Senate Budget Committee Chairman Senator Lindsey Graham.
– Its objective is to impose harsh economic sanctions on Russia, especially targeting countries that buy cheap oil/energy from Russia.
– It proposes tariffs of up to 500% on countries purchasing energy and other goods from Russia.
– Naming India, Senator Graham said, “This bill will give President Trump the power to apply enormous pressure on countries like China, India, and Brazil to encourage them to stop buying cheap Russian oil that finances Putin’s actions against Ukraine.”
What is the 500% tariff threat?
– The proposed provision would authorize the US administration to impose massive tariffs on countries buying crude oil, gas, uranium, or other key commodities from Russia.
– A 500% tariff is extremely unusual and would make commodity trade nearly impossible, potentially disrupting global trade flows.
Impact on India
– Large emerging economies such as India, China, and Brazil could face direct pressure, as they are major importers of Russian energy.
– India is already facing US tariffs of up to 50% due to measures related to Russian oil imports, affecting Indian exports.
– Such tariffs could strain the India–US trade balance, leading to more intense negotiations between the two countries.
Impact on the economy and energy sector
– If implemented, tariffs would significantly raise the cost for India of buying cheap Russian oil.
– This could increase input costs such as refining margins and domestic fuel prices.
– Beyond the energy sector, heavy tariffs would also hit export-oriented sectors, especially labour-intensive industries such as textiles, leather, gems and jewellery, and shrimp.
Political and diplomatic implications
– This step is part of the US strategy to increase pressure on Russia over the Ukraine war by targeting its energy revenues.
– It could affect ongoing trade and strategic talks between India and the US, where national interests and regional dynamics intersect.
– India has already termed US tariff hikes “unjust and impractical” and has responded diplomatically to protect its interests.
When did India reduce oil purchases from Russia?
– On January 5, 2026, Lindsey Graham said that India’s ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, had informed him that New Delhi was reducing purchases of Russian oil and had requested him to ask President Trump for tariff relief.
– Standing beside President Trump on Air Force One, Graham spoke about his tariff bill proposing a 500% duty on imports from countries buying Russian oil.
– Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi knew he was unhappy with India’s purchase of Russian oil and that Washington could raise tariffs on India very soon.
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3. Which country seized Russian and Panamanian oil tankers linked to Venezuela in January 2026?
a. France
b. Germany
c. China
d. USA
Answer: d. USA
– The Russian vessel was named Marinera.
– The other vessel was named Sofia.
– Sofia flies the Panamanian flag, though its ownership is unclear.
– The US seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera in the North Atlantic, while the other ship was captured in the Caribbean Sea.
– The US Coast Guard ship USCGC Munro pursued and seized them.
– The two vessels were seized within hours of each other.
– Russia sent submarines and other naval vessels to protect its ship but failed to prevent the seizure.
– Reports said the ships were heading to Venezuela to load oil for delivery to China or other countries.
– US forces had been tracking the Marinera for two weeks.
– Russia’s transport ministry said US forces seized the ship around 3 pm Russian time.
– Russia also said that on December 24, Marinera had been temporarily authorized to sail under the Russian flag.
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4. When is National Bird Day celebrated?
a. January 6
b. January 4
c. January 5
d. January 2
Answer: c. January 5
– National Bird Day is observed on January 5 to promote bird conservation and ecological balance.
– Its aim is to draw attention to the suffering of birds caused by the exotic pet trade, habitat destruction, pollution, and unethical breeding practices.
– National Bird Day was established in 2002 by the Avian Welfare Coalition, a group of organizations committed to protecting birds from exploitation and cruelty.
India’s national bird
– India’s national bird is the peacock.
– Its scientific name is Pavo cristatus.
– It was declared the national bird in 1963 due to its cultural, religious, and ecological significance.
– The peacock is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
– It is widely depicted in Indian art, folklore, and traditions.
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5. Who was elected as the chairperson of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Athletes’ Commission?
a. Gracia Polii
b. Jwala Gutta
c. Saina Nehwal
d. P. V. Sindhu
Answer: d. P. V. Sindhu
– P. V. Sindhu was appointed on December 24, 2025.
– She was elected for the 2026–2029 term.
– She replaced Indonesia’s badminton player Gracia Polii.
– Hyderabad-based P. V. Sindhu is a two-time Olympic medallist and former world champion.
– She has been associated with the BWF Athletes’ Commission since 2017.
– She has also served as a BWF Integrity Ambassador since 2020.
– As chairperson, she will also be a member of the BWF Council.
– She will represent the interests and concerns of badminton players worldwide.
– She will contribute to policy-making and governance decisions.
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6. Who became the youngest Indian woman to reach the South Pole?
a. Malavath Purna
b. Shivangi Pathak
c. Kushangi Meshram
d. Kamya Karthikeyan
Answer: d. Kamya Karthikeyan
– Mumbai-based 18-year-old Kamya Karthikeyan reached the South Pole on December 27, 2025.
– She became India’s youngest and the world’s second youngest woman to reach the South Pole while skiing.
– She completed the journey in lethal cold of –30°C and strong winds across the icy terrain.
– The Indian Navy congratulated her in a post.
– Kamya trekked about 60 nautical miles (around 115 km) on foot from 89 degrees south.
– She had earlier completed the Seven Summits Challenge by climbing the highest peaks on all seven continents.
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7. During the Supermoon on January 3, 2026, by what percentage did the Moon appear larger as it came closer to Earth?
a. 10%
b. 12%
c. 14%
d. 20%
Answer: c. 14%
– A Supermoon was visible worldwide on January 3, 2026.
– The first Supermoon of 2026 was called the Wolf Moon.
– The second will be the Beaver Moon on November 24, and the third the Cold Moon on December 23.
What is a Supermoon?
– A Supermoon is an astronomical event.
– The Moon appears larger and brighter than usual.
– It occurs three to four times a year.
– The Moon’s orbit brings it closest to Earth, known as perigee.
– When the Moon is farthest from Earth, it is called apogee.
– The term “Supermoon” was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979.
Why does the Moon appear larger?
– The Moon’s orbit is elliptical, not circular.
– Therefore, its distance from Earth varies.
– When the Moon is at its closest point, it appears larger and brighter than a normal full moon.
– On the night of January 3, 2026, the Moon was about 362,000 km from Earth.
– The average Earth–Moon distance is about 384,400 km.
Distance details
– During the Supermoon, the Moon appeared 14% larger than usual.
– At perigee, the distance is about 357,000 km, while at apogee it is about 405,000 km.
Full Moon and Supermoon
– The Moon completes one orbit around Earth every 27 days.
– A full moon occurs every 29.5 days.
– Not every full moon is a Supermoon, but every Supermoon is a full moon.
Why is it called the Wolf Moon?
– The January full moon is traditionally known as the Wolf Moon in the Northern Hemisphere.
– It is a time of long nights and intense cold.
– Wolves were believed to howl more due to food scarcity.
– The name is linked to folklore.
– Tidal effects are also slightly stronger during this time.
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8. Which state assembly passed a bill abolishing the mandatory two-child norm for local elections?
a. Telangana
b. Tamil Nadu
c. Kerala
d. Karnataka
Answer: a. Telangana
– Panchayat Raj Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka introduced it on January 3, 2026.
– It is called the Telangana Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
– The assembly passed the bill to repeal the law in force since 1994.
– The minister said that given social changes and declining fertility rates, it was time to end the two-child norm.
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9. Former Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi, who served as a minister during which Prime Minister’s tenure, passed away on January 6, 2026?
a. P. V. Narasimha Rao
b. I. K. Gujral
c. Atal Bihari Vajpayee
d. Manmohan Singh
Answer: a. P. V. Narasimha Rao
– Suresh Kalmadi passed away at the age of 81.
– He was a well-known figure in Maharashtra politics.
– He served as Minister of State for Railways in the Narasimha Rao government in 1995–96.
– Later, in 1996, he became President of the Indian Olympic Association and was elected unopposed twice.
– His name surfaced in the 2010 Commonwealth Games scam.
– The CBI also conducted raids at his residence over allegations of financial irregularities.
– However, in 2025, the court gave him a clean chit due to lack of evidence.
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10. In which state has an extremely rare color variant of a leopard, named the ‘Sandalwood Leopard,’ been confirmed?
a. Madhya Pradesh
b. Karnataka
c. Assam
d. Uttarakhand
Answer: b. Karnataka
– This rare “Sandalwood Leopard” has been confirmed in Vijayanagar district of Karnataka.
– Most leopards have brown coats with black spots.
– This rare variant has a light reddish-pink color resembling sandalwood.
– This is the second such case in India and the first in Karnataka.
– Earlier, a similar leopard was seen in the Ranakpur area of Rajasthan in November 2021.
– Globally, similar cases have been reported in South Africa and Tanzania.
Why the name ‘Sandalwood Leopard’?
– Wildlife scientist Sanjay Gubbi and his team from the Holématthi Nature Foundation documented it through camera traps.
– Internationally, such leopards are called “strawberry leopards,” but the team proposed the name “Sandalwood Leopard” in respect of Karnataka’s cultural heritage.
– Karnataka is one of India’s largest producers of sandalwood.
– Karnataka is already famous for its high density of melanistic leopards (black panthers).
– Scientists say this unusual color is due to rare genetic causes such as hypomelanism or erythristic pigmentation.
– It is believed to be a female leopard about seven years old.
– Karnataka has around 2,500 leopards.
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11. Who was elected President of the Central African Republic for the third time?
a. François Bozizé
b. Anicet Georges Dologuélé
c. Faustin-Archange Touadéra
d. Ange-Félix
Answer: c. Faustin-Archange Touadéra
– Voting was held on December 28, 2025.
– According to provisional results released on January 5, 2026, he secured 76.15% of the vote.
– The country has been embroiled in conflict since 2013, when mostly Muslim rebels seized power.
– Then-President François Bozizé was removed from office.
– The Central African Republic was among the first African countries where Russia’s Wagner mercenary group became active.
– The UN peacekeeping mission MINUSCA has been present since 2014.
Central African Republic
– Capital: Bangui
– Population: 6 million
– Currency: CFA franc
– Languages: French and Sango
– Neighbouring countries: Chad, Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon
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12. In which city was the Kalinga Literature Festival (KLF) 2026 held?
a. Mumbai
b. Bhubaneswar
c. Puri
d. New Delhi
Answer: b. Bhubaneswar
– The Kalinga Literature Festival was held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from January 8 to 11, 2026, at Mayfair.
– It was inaugurated by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati.
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13. With the President’s approval, the ‘SHANTI Bill 2025’ became law. Which sector does it relate to?
a. Nuclear energy sector
b. Energy sector
c. Legal sector
d. Health insurance sector
Answer: a. Nuclear energy sector
– The full name of the bill is “Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI).”
– The nuclear energy sector will now be opened to private companies.
– Minister of State for Atomic Energy Jitendra Singh said nuclear energy is the most reliable and clean source of 24-hour power.
– India has achieved 8.9 GW capacity by 2025.
– The target is to reach 100 GW by 2047.
– The sector has a budget of over ₹37,000 crore.
– The bill consolidates all laws related to the civil nuclear sector.
– The Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, have been repealed.
Nuclear energy share
– Nuclear energy accounts for 1.5% of India’s total installed power capacity and 3% of electricity generation.
– Privatization is key to boosting clean energy production and achieving the net-zero carbon emission target by 2070.
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14. In which state did an Environment Ministry expert panel recommend environmental clearance for the Kalai-II hydroelectric project, which environmentalists say threatens the endangered white-bellied heron?
a. Mizoram
b. Arunachal Pradesh
c. Assam
d. Sikkim
Answer: b. Arunachal Pradesh
– Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project
– A 1,200 MW project on the Lohit River in Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh.
– Being developed by THDC India Limited.
– It is a run-of-the-river project aimed at generating power without creating large reservoirs.
– It includes a 128.5-metre-high concrete gravity dam, pondage, and an underground powerhouse.
– Estimated cost: about ₹14,176 crore.
Objections to the EIA report
– The central government’s environment committee has granted clearance.
– Soblam Malo of Chenggang village in Anjaw and Assam-based environmentalist Bimal Gogoi wrote to the panel.
– Environmentalists said the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report mentions 28 bird species but does not mention the endangered white-bellied heron.
– Scientist Rohit Naniwadekar of the Nature Conservation Foundation said the species prefers low-disturbance, free-flowing riverine habitats.
– In Arunachal Pradesh, the species is found in Namdapha Tiger Reserve across Lohit, Anjaw, and Changlang districts.
– Despite relatively low disturbance, population decline in Namdapha is not fully understood.
White-bellied heron
– Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.
– Extremely rare and the second-largest living heron species.
– Dark slate-grey body with a distinct white belly.
– Found in Bhutan, Myanmar, and India (Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh).
– IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered.
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15. When is World War Orphans Day observed?
a. January 2
b. January 4
c. January 6
d. January 8
Answer: c. January 6
– The aim is to support children affected by conflict.
– It seeks to raise awareness about the plight of children who lost their parents due to war.
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16. When is World Hindi Day celebrated?
a. January 7
b. January 8
c. January 9
d. January 10
Answer: d. January 10
Theme for 2026
– Hindi: Bridging Traditional Knowledge and Artificial Intelligence
– It is observed to promote the global development of Hindi and its recognition as an international language.
– It began in 2006.
– Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh inaugurated the first World Hindi Day on January 10, 2006.
Why January 10?
– The first World Hindi Conference was held on January 10, 1975, in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
– Hence, January 10 was chosen.
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