Current Affairs 02/01/2026
1. Which medal did Indian players win in the 2025 FIDE World Rapid Championship?
Answer : Bronze
India Secures Bronze at the 2025 FIDE World Rapid Championship
Indian chess continued its strong presence on the global stage as Indian players won the bronze medal at the 2025 FIDE World Rapid Championship. The prestigious tournament, organised by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), brought together the world’s top grandmasters to compete in the fast-paced rapid chess format, where strategic precision and quick decision-making are equally crucial.
The bronze medal achievement highlights India’s growing depth and consistency in international chess. Indian players demonstrated remarkable composure and tactical strength against elite competition from traditional chess powerhouses. Their performance reflects years of structured training, a strong domestic tournament circuit, and increasing institutional support for the sport in India.
This success further reinforces India’s status as one of the leading nations in world chess. In recent years, Indian players have consistently delivered podium finishes across classical, rapid, and blitz formats, showcasing versatility and adaptability. The bronze medal at the 2025 FIDE World Rapid Championship adds another significant milestone to India’s expanding chess legacy and inspires the next generation of young players aiming for global excellence.
2. Where did Amit Shah inaugurate the Jyoti-Bindu International Art Centre?
Answer : Guwahati
Amit Shah Inaugurates Jyoti-Bindu International Art Centre in Guwahati
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Jyoti-Bindu International Art Centre in Guwahati, Assam, marking an important step in strengthening the cultural and artistic ecosystem of the Northeast region. The centre has been established to promote fine arts, heritage conservation, and cultural exchange at both national and international levels.
Named in honour of renowned Assamese cultural icons Jyotiprasad Agarwala and Bishnu Prasad Rabha, the Jyoti-Bindu International Art Centre aims to serve as a hub for artists, scholars, and performers. It is designed to support visual arts, theatre, music, literature, and traditional art forms while also providing modern facilities for exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events.
During the inauguration, the emphasis was placed on preserving Assam’s rich cultural legacy and integrating it with contemporary artistic expression. The centre is expected to enhance Guwahati’s role as a cultural gateway to the Northeast, encourage tourism, and create opportunities for local artists to gain global exposure.
The inauguration of the Jyoti-Bindu International Art Centre reflects the government’s broader vision of promoting cultural infrastructure, safeguarding regional heritage, and positioning India’s diverse artistic traditions on the global stage.
3. Which scheme was approved for high-value magnets in India?
Answer : Integrated Manufacturing Ecosystem
Integrated Manufacturing Ecosystem Scheme for High-Value Magnets in India
The Government of India has approved the Integrated Manufacturing Ecosystem scheme for the production of high-value magnets, marking a strategic step towards strengthening the country’s critical manufacturing capabilities. The initiative focuses on developing a robust domestic ecosystem for rare earth permanent magnets, which are essential components in advanced and emerging technologies.
The scheme is designed to support end-to-end manufacturing, covering the entire value chain—from processing rare earth materials to producing finished high-performance magnets. These magnets are crucial for sectors such as electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy (especially wind turbines), electronics, aerospace, and defence, where reliability and performance are vital.
By promoting local manufacturing, the Integrated Manufacturing Ecosystem scheme aims to reduce India’s dependence on imports, enhance supply chain security, and align with the broader objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). It also seeks to encourage private sector participation, attract investments, and foster technology development within the country.
Overall, the approval of this scheme represents a significant policy move to position India as a competitive global player in advanced materials and clean-energy-linked manufacturing, while supporting long-term industrial growth and strategic autonomy.
4. Who became the player to score 10,000 runs in women’s international cricket?
Answer : Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana Reaches 10,000 Runs in Women’s International Cricket
Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana achieved a historic milestone by becoming the player to score 10,000 runs in women’s international cricket, reinforcing her status as one of the finest batters of the modern era. The achievement came through her consistent performances across all three formats—Tests, One Day Internationals, and Twenty20 Internationals.
Reaching the 10,000-run mark places Mandhana among an elite group of women cricketers who have demonstrated longevity, adaptability, and excellence at the highest level of the sport. Known for her elegant stroke play, aggressive intent, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations, she has been a cornerstone of India’s batting line-up for more than a decade.
This landmark also reflects the rapid growth and rising standards of women’s cricket in India. Mandhana’s success has played a significant role in increasing the sport’s popularity, inspiring young athletes, and strengthening India’s competitiveness on the global stage.
The milestone of 10,000 international runs is not only a personal achievement for Smriti Mandhana but also a moment of pride for Indian cricket, highlighting the country’s expanding legacy in women’s international sports.
5. Who won gold in the Women’s Trap event at the National Shooting Championship?
Answer : Neeraj Danda
Neeru Dhanda Wins Gold in Women’s Trap at the National Shooting Championship
Indian shooter Neeru Dhanda clinched the gold medal in the Women’s Trap event at the National Shooting Championship, delivering an impressive performance against strong national competition. The championship, one of India’s most prestigious domestic shooting events, brought together the country’s top shotgun shooters competing for national honours.
Neeru Dhanda showcased remarkable consistency, focus, and technical precision throughout the qualification and final rounds. Her calm execution under pressure in the final helped her secure the top position on the podium, underlining her growing stature in Indian shotgun shooting.
The victory is a significant milestone in Dhanda’s shooting career and reflects the rising standards of women’s trap shooting in India. Performances at national championships play a crucial role in shaping future international selections, and this gold medal strengthens her credentials for higher-level competitions.
Overall, Neeru Dhanda’s triumph at the National Shooting Championship highlights the depth of talent in Indian shooting and reinforces India’s steady progress in precision sports at the national and international levels.
6. The Central Government signed an MoU with a private maritime company of which state?
Answer : Goa
Central Government Signs MoU with Goa-Based Private Maritime Company
The Central Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a private maritime company based in Goa, marking a significant step towards strengthening innovation and sustainability in India’s maritime sector. The agreement reflects the government’s focus on promoting advanced marine technologies and encouraging private sector participation in coastal and inland water transport.
The MoU is aimed at supporting the development of environment-friendly maritime solutions, including modern vessels and smart marine systems. By partnering with a Goa-based company—located in one of India’s key coastal and maritime hubs—the government seeks to leverage regional expertise in shipbuilding, marine engineering, and water transport services.
This collaboration aligns with national initiatives such as Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and the push for green and sustainable transport infrastructure. The project is expected to contribute to reduced carbon emissions, improved efficiency in waterways, and the promotion of innovation in marine technology.
Overall, the MoU underscores the Centre’s commitment to modernising India’s maritime ecosystem, fostering public-private partnerships, and positioning the country as a leader in sustainable maritime development.
7. Which fungus was declared more dangerous in an India-led study?
Answer : Candida auris
India-Led Study Flags Candida auris as a Highly Dangerous Fungal Threat
An India-led scientific study has identified Candida auris as a significantly more dangerous fungal pathogen, raising serious concerns for global public health systems. The study highlights the fungus’s rapid evolution, increased virulence, and growing resistance to commonly used antifungal drugs.
Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant yeast that primarily affects hospitalized and immunocompromised patients. Unlike most fungi, it can survive for long periods on human skin and on surfaces in healthcare settings, making it particularly difficult to control. The study found that newer strains of C. auris are becoming more aggressive, leading to higher infection severity and mortality rates.
Researchers noted that the fungus has developed advanced survival mechanisms, including resistance to multiple antifungal classes and the ability to evade immune responses. These traits complicate diagnosis and treatment, often resulting in delayed intervention and outbreaks in intensive care units.
The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced surveillance, better diagnostic tools, and accelerated research into new antifungal therapies. The study positions Candida auris as one of the most serious emerging fungal threats worldwide and highlights the importance of global cooperation to prevent and manage future outbreaks.