Daily Current Affairs- 26th January 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 26th January 2026

Republic Day Parade 2026 Highlights 150 Years of ‘Vande Mataram’ Through Rare Artwork

In the News: The 77th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path on January 26, 2026, marked 150 years of 'Vande Mataram' with rare artworks, tableaux, and performances. The celebrations showcased India's freedom legacy, cultural unity, and journey towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat, with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa as Chief Guests.

Key Points:

• 'Vande Mataram' as Central Theme: The sesquicentenary (150 years) of 'Vande Mataram' dominated the visual and cultural narrative of the parade. A series of historic paintings created by artist Tejendra Kumar Mitra in 1923, illustrating the verses of 'Vande Mataram' and published in the 'Bande Mataram Album', were displayed as view-cutters along Kartavya Path. Invitation cards and tickets carried a special logo marking 150 years of the song, featuring a silhouette of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
• Historical Significance of 'Vande Mataram': 'Vande Mataram' holds a unique place in India's freedom struggle and cultural identity. It was written in 1875 by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and first published in the literary journal Bangadarshan. Later, it was included in his novel Anandamath. The song was first sung publicly by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 Congress session in Calcutta. It was adopted as India's National Song in 1950 by the Constituent Assembly.
• Tableaux and Cultural Performances: A total of 30 tableaux rolled down Kartavya Path, including 17 from States/Union Territories and 13 from Ministries/Departments/Services. The tableaux were presented under two broader themes: "स्वतंत्रता का मंत्र – वंदे मातरम" (Mantra of Freedom: Vande Mataram) and "समृद्धि का मंत्र – आत्मनिर्भर भारत" (Mantra of Prosperity: Self-Reliant India).
• Military Display and First-Time Features: The Indian Army showcased a Battle Array Formation for the first time, along with a Mounted Column of 61 Cavalry and seven marching contingents. A total of 18 marching contingents and 13 bands participated. The flypast showcased 29 aircraft including Rafale, Su-30, P8i, C-295, Mig-29, Apache, LCH, ALH, and Mi-17 in different formations. Another highlight was the Indian Air Force Veterans' Tableau providing a glimpse of veterans' contributions for the nation. The Tri-Services Tableau showcased "Operation Sindoor: Victory through Jointness."

42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976: The ‘Mini Constitution’ of India Explained

In the News: The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, known as the Mini Constitution, introduced sweeping changes to India's Constitution. It added Fundamental Duties, amended the Preamble with 'Socialist' and 'Secular', expanded Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs), shifted subjects to the Concurrent List, and curtailed judicial review.

Key Points:

• Background and Why Called 'Mini Constitution': The 42nd Amendment was enacted in 1976 during the Emergency (1975-77) when Indira Gandhi was heading the Indian Congress. The ruling government aimed to strengthen parliamentary supremacy and implement its socio-economic vision through constitutional changes. It is called the 'Mini Constitution' because it touched almost every major aspect of the Constitution, including the Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Centre-State relations, and judicial powers.
• Key Changes to the Preamble: One of the most symbolic changes was made to the Preamble. The words "Socialist" and "Secular" were added to "Sovereign Democratic Republic," redefining India's ideological identity as a "Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic." The phrase "Unity of the Nation" was replaced with "Unity and Integrity of the Nation."
• Addition of Fundamental Duties (Article 51A): A landmark contribution was the introduction of 10 Fundamental Duties under Article 51A, based on the recommendations of the Sardar Swaran Singh Committee (1976). Later, an 11th duty was added by the 86th Amendment (2002) regarding parental duty to provide education to children.
• Changes in Centre-State Relations (Seventh Schedule): The amendment strengthened central authority by transferring five subjects from the State List to the Concurrent List: Education, Forests, Weights and Measures, Protection of Wild Animals and Birds, and Administration of Justice. This reduced state autonomy and enhanced central control, significantly impacting federal balance.
• Impact on Parliament and Executive Authority: The amendment significantly enhanced executive dominance. The President was made bound to the advice of the Council of Ministers. The Centre was empowered to deploy central forces in states for law and order under Article 257A. Special discretionary powers were given to the Prime Minister and Speaker of Lok Sabha under Article 329A.

Beating Retreat Ceremony: Meaning, History and Significance

In the News: The Beating Retreat Ceremony marks the formal conclusion of India's Republic Day celebrations. Held at Vijay Chowk, New Delhi, it showcases military band performances and reflects a centuries-old military tradition symbolising the end of combat.

Key Points:

• What is the Beating Retreat Ceremony: The Beating Retreat is a military ceremony that signals the end of formal military engagements for the day and represents the conclusion of Republic Day events in modern India. The ceremony primarily consists of musical performances by massed bands of the Indian Armed Forces. As the sun sets, the bands play patriotic and traditional tunes, creating a solemn yet celebratory atmosphere that reflects discipline, tradition, and national pride.
• Historical Origins of the Tradition: The Beating Retreat traces its roots to European military traditions, especially 17th-century England during the reign of King James II. Troops were ordered to beat drums, lower flags, and organise a parade at sunset to signal the end of the day's combat. This practice was earlier known as "watch setting" and took place after firing a single round from the evening gun.
• Introduction in India: In India, the ceremony was introduced in the early 1950s, soon after Independence. According to the Union Ministry of Culture, the ceremony was indigenously developed by Major Roberts of the Indian Army, who adapted the traditional retreat concept into a unique Indian display featuring massed military bands.
• Venue and Organization: The ceremony is held at Vijay Chowk, located between Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate. This iconic location adds grandeur and symbolic value, as Vijay Chowk is associated with national ceremonies and state functions. The President of India arrives in a cavalry unit escorted by the 'President's Bodyguards' (PBG). When the President arrives, the PBG commander orders the National Salute, followed by the playing of the Indian National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana.

President Approves Ashok Chakra for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla

In the News: President Droupadi Murmu has approved gallantry awards for 70 Armed Forces personnel, including the Ashok Chakra for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. The honours recognise exceptional bravery, service, and sacrifice across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, including several posthumous awards.

Key Points:

• Ashok Chakra for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been awarded the Ashok Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award. He made history by becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station, marking a milestone in India's aerospace and defence-linked achievements.
• Other Major Gallantry Awards: The President approved Kirti Chakras for Major Arshdeep Singh, Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba Singh, and Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair. Additionally, 13 Shaurya Chakras were conferred, including one posthumous award. The honours also include one Gallantry Bar to the Sena Medal, 44 Gallantry Sena Medals (five posthumous), six Gallantry Nao Sena Medals, and two Gallantry Vayu Sena Medals, recognising bravery across all three services.
• Military Decorations for Distinguished Service: Beyond gallantry awards, the President approved 301 military decorations for Armed Forces and other personnel. These include 30 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, four Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, 56 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, and nine Yudh Seva Medals. Several Distinguished Sena, Nao Sena, and Vayu Sena Medals were also approved, along with two Distinguished Bars to the Sena Medal, 43 Distinguished Sena Medals, eight Distinguished Nao Sena Medals, 14 Distinguished Vayu Sena Medals, and 135 Vishisht Seva Medals, highlighting exemplary service, leadership, and professionalism in both operational and non-operational roles.
• India's Gallantry Awards System: India's gallantry awards system honours acts of bravery in both wartime and peacetime. The Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra are peacetime gallantry awards, while medals such as the Param Vir Chakra are awarded during war. These honours uphold the values of courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty, strengthening morale within the Armed Forces and inspiring future generations.

Neolithic Relics Unearthed at Lakkundi Boost UNESCO Bid

In the News: Excavations at Lakkundi village in Karnataka's Gadag district have yielded relics dating back to the Neolithic period, significantly strengthening efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for the historic settlement. The findings underline Lakkundi's deep antiquity and layered cultural history, extending far beyond its well-known medieval temples.

Key Points:

• Current Excavation Details: An Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-supervised excavation began on January 16, 2026, at the Kote Veerabhadreshwar Temple premises in Lakkundi village, located about 12 kilometres from Gadag town. The excavation was prompted by villagers unearthing valuable artefacts while digging foundations for a house, leading to renewed archaeological attention
• Historical Significance of Lakkundi: Earlier known as Lokkigundi, the village is referenced in 11th and 12th century inscriptions where it was compared to Amaravati, the legendary capital of Indra, for its prosperity. Lakkundi was a major economic, religious and cultural centre from the 10th-13th centuries, flourishing under the Kalyana Chalukyas and later the Hoysalas. It housed a "tankashale" (mint) and served as the capital of Hoysala ruler Eradane Ballala in 1192 AD.
• Religious Diversity and Architectural Legacy: Lakkundi was the karmabhoomi of Queen Attimabbe, a noted 11th-century Jain philanthropist who commissioned temples, Jain basadis, and wells. The village sheltered 12th-century sharanas such as Shivasharana Ajaganna and Sharane Muktayakka, associated with Basaveshwara's Bhakti movement.
• UNESCO Heritage Push and Conservation Efforts: The Karnataka government has revived long-pending excavation and conservation plans under Tourism Minister H.K. Patil. The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation and the Archaeology Museums and Heritage Department have collected over 1,050 artefacts from local households, many now displayed in an open museum. The State has partnered with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) to finalise a proposal to include Lakkundi and surrounding temples in UNESCO's tentative list, with further surveys likely to expand the list of protected monuments.

How Donald Trump is driving de-dollarisation, and contributing to the gold surge

In the News: Gold prices crossed the historic $5,000-per-ounce mark for the first time, driven by central banks worldwide increasing their gold reserves amid growing concerns over US dollar dominance. The RBI now holds 17% of its forex reserves as gold, up from 12% a year ago.

Key Points:

• Central Banks' Gold Buying Spree: Central banks globally have been aggressively accumulating gold reserves. Leading the charge in 2025 were Poland (95 tonnes), Kazakhstan (49 tonnes), and Brazil (43 tonnes) according to World Gold Council data. The RBI's gold holdings increased by 4 tonnes, but the value of its gold reserves rose 70% over the past year due to price appreciation. Last week, RBI's forex reserves increased by $14 billion, with nearly a third of this rise coming from the appreciation in value of its 880-tonne gold kitty.
• Gold's Rising Share in Forex Reserves: What matters is gold's relative position in central bank reserves. The RBI now holds 17% of its forex reserves as gold, up from 12% a year ago. Over the past year, RBI's foreign currency assets increased by just 5% while total reserves rose 12%, with gold being the primary driver
• Trump's Policies Weakening the Dollar: According to Morgan Stanley economists, these factors are accelerating the transition away from the dollar. Despite Trump threatening BRICS nations with 100% additional tariffs should they move forward with a common currency, his actions have weakened the greenback's status. The US dollar weakened by 9% in 2025, the most in almost a decade, helping drive gold prices higher.
• Record Gold Prices in India: Domestic gold prices hit a fresh lifetime high of Rs 1,52,500 per 10 grams, surging nearly Rs 7,000 (5%) and crossing the Rs 1.5 lakh mark for the first time. Indian gold rates have jumped over 10% or Rs 14,000 in 2026 so far. Domestic prices are trading at a premium to international prices due to rupee weakness, with the Indian rupee depreciating over one rupee against the dollar since the start of 2026, with USDINR futures trading above 91.
• Strong Gold Demand Fundamentals: According to the World Gold Council, total gold demand grew 3% year-on-year to 1,313 tonnes in Q3, the highest quarterly total on record, worth $146 billion (up 44% year-on-year). Year-to-date demand is 1% higher at 3,717 tonnes, valued at $384 billion (up 41% year-on-year). ETF buying reached 222 tonnes in Q3, while bar and coin demand remained above 300 tonnes for the fourth consecutive quarter. Central bank buying remained elevated at 220 tonnes in Q3, up 28% from the prior quarter, though year-to-date buying of 634 tonnes was slower than 724 tonnes in the same period last year.

As China purges top military general Zhang Youxia, the key theories around the extraordinary move

In the News: China announced an investigation into Zhang Youxia, the only remaining Vice Chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission (CMC), for "suspected serious violations of discipline and law." This marks an unprecedented development in China's ongoing military purges, leaving the seven-member CMC with only two people:

Key Points:

• Who is Zhang Youxia: Zhang Youxia, 75, is a veteran leader who joined the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in 1968 and holds the seniormost army rank of general. He was also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party Central Committee, among the top political bodies in China. Zhang shares both professional and personal ties with President Xi Jinping, as their fathers were senior party leaders who knew each other.
• Unprecedented Scale of Military Purges: Since 2023, China has rapidly purged top defence officials including former Defence Minister Li Shangfu, former Foreign Affairs Minister Qin Gang, and PLA Rocket Force generals. The CMC, which oversees weapons procurement and combat preparedness, is now at its lowest-ever strength. An analysis shows that of 81 generals promoted by Xi since October 2022, at least 14 have been investigated while at least 23 have effectively disappeared. The investigation also includes CMC member Liu Zhenli, 61, chief of the CMC's Joint Staff Department and another decorated war hero from Vietnam campaigns.
• Key Theories Behind Zhang's Removal: Multiple theories exist for Zhang's purge. The Wall Street Journal reported allegations of leaking information about China's nuclear-weapons program to the US, accepting bribes for official acts including promoting an officer to defence minister, and forming political cliques. SCMP reported Zhang was accused of failing to rein in close associates, family members and relatives, and not flagging problems to party leadership.
• Impact on PLA and Xi's Authority: The purges will likely impact PLA warfighting capabilities in the short term, with lower-level officials linked to Zhang being targeted. Analysts note that constant replacement of experienced commanders will affect trust, cohesion, logistics, training, and hierarchy. While military activities around Taiwan and skirmishes in the South China Sea will continue, actual war planning becomes more challenging.