INTRODUCTION
The first week of January 2026 witnessed important developments in governance, economy, defence, science, environment, healthcare, and sports. Assam gained national attention by becoming the first state to constitute the 8th State Pay Commission, a key administrative step affecting government employees. At the national level, India achieved a major economic milestone by emerging as the world’s fourth-largest economy. Significant progress was also reported in missile technology, digital land governance, public sector telecommunications, biodiversity conservation, and traditional medicine promotion. This compilation is useful for APSC, Assam TET, UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other competitive examinations.
ASSAM STATE NEWS (HIGH PRIORITY)
Assam Constitutes 8th State Pay Commission
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Date: 03 January 2026
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Location: Assam
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Organisation: Government of Assam
Assam became the first Indian state to constitute its 8th State Pay Commission. The commission will review pay structure, allowances, and service conditions of state government employees. It will assess inflation trends, fiscal capacity, and parity with other states. The recommendations will affect a large number of employees and pensioners. This reflects Assam’s administrative planning and fiscal management.
Exam Relevance: Extremely important for APSC and Assam-specific exams.
NATIONAL POLITICS & GOVERNMENT
India’s First National Artificial Intelligence Research Institution
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Date: 01 January 2026
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Location: Gujarat
Gujarat became the first Indian state to establish a national-level Artificial Intelligence research institution. It has been approved under a public–private partnership model. The institute will focus on AI applications in governance, healthcare, industrial automation, and ethical AI. It will collaborate with universities, startups, and international research bodies.
Exam Relevance: Science & Technology policy, Digital India initiatives.
Launch of Land Stack and Revenue Terminology Glossary
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Date: 03 January 2026
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Location: India
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Organisation: Government of India
The Land Stack and Glossary of Revenue Terms were launched under the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP). The initiative aims to standardise land records and revenue terminology across states. It reduces ambiguity in land administration and legal documentation. The Land Stack supports credit access, infrastructure planning, and dispute resolution.
Exam Relevance: E-governance, land reforms, digital public infrastructure.
ECONOMY & BANKING
India Becomes the World’s Fourth-Largest Economy
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Date: 01 January 2026
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Location: Global
India surpassed Japan to become the fourth-largest economy in the world in terms of nominal GDP. India’s GDP reached approximately USD 4.18 trillion. The growth was driven by domestic consumption, infrastructure investment, and services sector expansion. India now ranks behind the United States, China, and Germany.
Exam Relevance: Economy, international rankings, macroeconomic indicators.
BSNL Launches Nationwide VoWiFi Services
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Date: 02 January 2026
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Location: India
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Organisation: BSNL
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited launched Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) services across India. The service allows voice calls over WiFi instead of mobile networks. It is useful in indoor and remote areas with weak cellular signals. The rollout supports inclusive digital connectivity.
Exam Relevance: Telecom sector, public sector enterprises.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Successful Salvo Launch of Pralay Missile
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Date: 01 January 2026
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Location: Odisha Coast
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Organisation: DRDO
DRDO successfully conducted a salvo launch of two Pralay missiles. Pralay is a short-range, surface-to-surface ballistic missile for conventional strike missions. It has high accuracy and manoeuvrability. The test validated India’s indigenous missile capability.
Exam Relevance: Defence technology, missile systems.
India’s First 3D Flex Aqueous Angiography with iStent
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Date: 01 January 2026
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Location: New Delhi
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Organisation: Army Hospital (Research & Referral)
India’s first 3D Flex Aqueous Angiography with iStent procedure was performed for advanced glaucoma treatment. The technology allows precise visualisation of eye drainage pathways. It improves surgical accuracy and outcomes.
Exam Relevance: Medical technology, defence healthcare.
ENVIRONMENT & GEOGRAPHY
Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary in News
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Date: 01 January 2026
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Location: Bihar
Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary was in news due to a proposal to convert it into a Tiger Reserve. It is located in Kaimur and Rohtas districts. The sanctuary has forests, plateaus, waterfalls, and rich biodiversity. The proposal aims to strengthen wildlife conservation.
Exam Relevance: Tiger reserves, biodiversity conservation.
Galaxy Frog of the Western Ghats
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Date: 04 January 2026
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Location: Western Ghats
The Galaxy Frog, an endemic amphibian species, was reported from the Western Ghats. The Western Ghats is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and global biodiversity hotspot. Endemic species indicate ecological health.
Exam Relevance: Biodiversity, endemic species.
AWARDS & HONOURS
National Siddha Day Observed
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Date: 06 January 2026
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Location: India
India observed National Siddha Day to promote the Siddha system of medicine. Siddha is one of India’s oldest traditional medical systems. The observance highlights preventive healthcare and wellness.
Exam Relevance: AYUSH, traditional medicine.
SPORTS
National Sport Climbing Championship Achievement
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Date: 02 January 2026
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Location: India
At the 29th National Sport Climbing Championship 2025, Amieyra Khoslla won gold in the Youth Girls (Under-17) category. Sport climbing is an emerging sport in India. National championships help nurture young talent.
Exam Relevance: Sports current affairs.