30 Top Weekly current affairs
Staying updated with the latest current affairs is crucial for cracking competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, and State PSCs. This week witnessed significant developments in national policy, global diplomacy, sports records, and defense technology. To help you revise efficiently, we have compiled the top 30 most important current affairs updates from the last week of January and the first week of February 2026.
Below is your comprehensive weekly wrap-up.
1. SBI Launches ‘CHAKRA’ Centre of Excellence
The State Bank of India (SBI) has launched ‘CHAKRA’, a dedicated Centre of Excellence (CoE) aimed at financing sunrise sectors critical to India's economic growth. Announced on February 1, 2026, the initiative focuses on funding eight key areas, including Renewable Energy, Data Centres, and Semiconductors, to support India's transition to a Net Zero economy and foster technological innovation.
2. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Awarded Ashoka Chakra
On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, upon Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. He is celebrated as the first Indian to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), marking a historic milestone in India's human spaceflight program and inspiring future generations in space exploration.
3. Novak Djokovic Creates History with 400th Grand Slam Win
Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic became the first player in history to record 400 Grand Slam singles victories. He achieved this milestone by defeating Botic van de Zandschulp at the Australian Open 2026. This victory further solidifies his dominance in the sport, placing him ahead of rivals like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in all-time match wins.
4. Bulgaria Becomes 21st Member of Eurozone
Bulgaria has officially adopted the Euro as its currency, becoming the 21st member state of the Eurozone. This historic transition marks the country's deep integration into the European Union's financial system, replacing its former currency, the Lev, and is expected to boost trade and economic stability within the region.
5. Coking Coal Declared a Critical Mineral
The Government of India has officially notified 'Coking Coal' as a critical and strategic mineral under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. This move aims to reduce import dependence and secure the supply chain for the steel industry, which relies heavily on high-quality coking coal for production.
6. Tripura Gramin Bank Launches Solar-Powered Mobile ATM
In a first for the banking sector, Tripura Gramin Bank (TGB) has introduced India's first fully solar-powered mobile Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) van, named 'TGB on Wheels'. This eco-friendly initiative is designed to provide banking services to remote and unbanked areas of Tripura while promoting sustainable energy solutions.
7. India and US Firm Shield AI Sign Drone Deal
The Indian Army has signed a significant agreement with US defense technology firm Shield AI to procure V-BAT Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). These Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) drones will be manufactured in India, enhancing the Army's surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities along border areas.
8. MoSPI Operationalises PAIMANA Portal
The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has launched the PAIMANA (Project Assessment, Infrastructure Monitoring & Analytics for Nation-building) portal. This web-based platform is designed to monitor Central Sector Infrastructure Projects worth ₹150 crore and above, replacing older systems to ensure better transparency and minimize delays in project execution.
9. Nat Sciver-Brunt Hits First Century in WPL History
Mumbai Indians' star all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt created history by scoring the first-ever century in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). She smashed 100 runs off just 57 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore, setting a new benchmark for batting excellence in the tournament.
10. National Shipbuilding Park (NSHIP) Established in Tamil Nadu
The Government of India, in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu state government, has established the National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park (NSHIP) in Thoothukudi. This Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) aims to develop a mega shipbuilding cluster, boosting India's maritime manufacturing capacity and generating employment in the coastal region.
11. UN Declares 2026 as International Year of Rangelands
The United Nations has declared 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. The global observance aims to raise awareness about the value of healthy rangelands and sustainable pastoralism, advocating for the rights of pastoralists and the conservation of these critical ecosystems.
12. Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2025 Awarded to Graca Machel
The prestigious Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development for 2025 has been awarded to Graca Machel, a renowned Mozambican human rights activist. She was honored for her lifelong dedication to women's empowerment, children's rights, and her humanitarian efforts across Africa and the globe.
13. Abhishek Sharma Breaks Record with 14-Ball Fifty
Indian cricketer Abhishek Sharma smashed the second-fastest T20 International half-century for India, reaching the milestone in just 14 balls against New Zealand. His explosive innings played a crucial role in India's series victory, showcasing the depth of young talent in Indian cricket.
14. World Bank Projects India’s Growth at 7.2%
In its latest "Global Economic Prospects" report released in January 2026, the World Bank projected India's GDP growth to reach 7.2% for the fiscal year 2026-27. This upward revision highlights India's resilience amid global economic uncertainties and positions it as one of the fastest-growing major economies.
15. Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor Appointed DG of ITBP
Senior IPS officer Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor has been appointed as the new Director General (DG) of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). He takes charge of the specialized mountain force responsible for guarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, bringing years of administrative and operational experience to the role.
16. Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta Named Chief Justice of Uttarakhand HC
The Central Government has notified the appointment of Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta as the Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court. His elevation is expected to strengthen the judicial leadership in the state, following his tenure as a senior judge where he handled significant constitutional matters.
17. Padma Awards 2026 Announced
On the eve of Republic Day, the Government of India announced the Padma Awards 2026, honouring distinguished individuals across various fields such as art, social work, and public affairs. The list included several unsung heroes, reflecting the government's focus on recognizing grassroots contributors to nation-building.
18. US Officially Withdraws from WHO
The United States has completed its one-year notice period and officially withdrew from the World Health Organization (WHO) in late January 2026. The move, driven by policy disagreements regarding the handling of past pandemics, raises questions about future global health funding and international cooperation mechanisms.
19. Paul Stirling Breaks T20 Match Record
Ireland captain Paul Stirling has surpassed Rohit Sharma’s record for the most T20 International matches played. The veteran opener achieved this feat during a match against the UAE, cementing his status as one of the most experienced and durable players in the shortest format of the game.
20. Saina Nehwal Announces Retirement
Indian badminton icon and Olympic bronze medalist Saina Nehwal has officially announced her retirement from international badminton. A trailblazer who made India a global force in the sport, her career includes over 24 international titles and a historic World No. 1 ranking.
21. E-Methanol Plant MoU Signed in Gujarat
Assam Petro-Chemicals Limited (APL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Deendayal Port Authority to set up a 150 Tonnes Per Day (TPD) e-Methanol plant at Kandla Port, Gujarat. This project is a significant step towards adopting green fuels and reducing the carbon footprint of India's shipping and industrial sectors.
22. Vartika Shukla Honoured with FICCI Lifetime Contribution Award
Ms. Vartika Shukla, the CMD of Engineers India Limited (EIL), was conferred the Lifetime Contribution Award at the FICCI Chemicals & Petrochemicals Awards 2026. The award recognizes her three decades of leadership and her pivotal role in steering India towards energy self-reliance and sustainability.
23. Australian Open Mixed Doubles Title for Gadecki and Peers
The Australian duo of Olivia Gadecki and John Peers won the Australian Open 2026 mixed doubles title. They became the first home pair to win the championship in decades, defeating their opponents in a thrilling final at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
24. Martyrs’ Day Observed on January 30
India observed Martyrs’ Day (Shaheed Diwas) on January 30, 2026, marking the 78th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The nation paid homage to the Father of the Nation and all freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for India's independence, with the President and Prime Minister leading the tributes at Raj Ghat.
25. Rakesh Aggarwal Appointed DG of NIA
Rakesh Aggarwal has been appointed as the Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). As the head of India's primary counter-terrorist task force, Aggarwal is tasked with overseeing complex terror-related investigations and strengthening national security frameworks.
26. Bullet Train Project Milestone: Steel Bridge Over Metro Tunnel
Indian Railways successfully completed the construction of a 100-meter-long steel bridge over an operational underground metro tunnel in Ahmedabad for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project. This engineering marvel is a critical component of the high-speed rail corridor, demonstrating India's growing infrastructure capabilities.
27. Pawan Kalyan Honoured with Japanese Martial Arts Title
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and actor Pawan Kalyan was formally inducted into 'Kendojutsu', an ancient Japanese swordsmanship art. He is the first Indian to receive this rare honor, highlighting cultural exchange and his personal dedication to martial arts disciplines.
28. Alyssa Healy Retires from Cricket
Australian women's cricket captain and legendary wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy has announced her retirement. Known for her aggressive batting and leadership that led Australia to multiple World Cup victories, her departure marks the end of an era in women's international cricket.
29. World Wetlands Day Preparations (Feb 2)
Updates leading into February 2 highlighted the significance of World Wetlands Day 2026. The theme for this year focuses on "Wetlands and Human Wellbeing," with the Indian government announcing new conservation sites and emphasizing the role of wetlands in flood control and water security.
30. Union Budget 2026 Presented on February 1
The Union Budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 was presented by the Finance Minister on February 1, 2026. Presented on a Sunday for the first time in years, the budget focused heavily on fiscal consolidation, youth employment, and infrastructure, setting the financial roadmap for the "Viksit Bharat" vision.