Daily Current Affairs- 30th January 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 30th January 2026

India Launched Its First AI-Powered University

In the News: India launched its first AI-powered university pilot in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Google Cloud, and Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU), Meerut. The initiative, announced at Google's AI for Learning Forum in New Delhi, aims to transform higher education through AI-enabled teaching, learning, and administration

Key Points:

• Government-Industry Partnership: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has partnered with Google Cloud and Chaudhary Charan Singh University to build India's first AI-enabled university model. The programme was unveiled in the presence of Skill Development Minister Jayant Chaudhary.
• CCSU as National Pilot Campus: Chaudhary Charan Singh University in Meerut has been selected as the pilot campus where AI tools will be tested and evaluated before nationwide rollout. CCSU will function as a centre of excellence, documenting best practices for other institutions. Technical implementation will be managed by Placecom.
• Gemini AI Platform Deployment: Google Cloud's Gemini AI platform will power both academic and administrative functions. Students will access personalized AI tutors that adapt to individual learning speeds, support regional languages, and identify skill gaps aligned with job market needs.
• Focus on Educational Inclusion: The project aims to bridge educational gaps linked to language, location, and resources. AI tutors in regional languages and digital access to advanced tools will benefit students from regional and non-metro institutions who often lack exposure to cutting-edge learning technologies.
• National AI Framework: Based on outcomes from the Meerut pilot, MSDE plans to develop a National Best Practice Framework to guide over 50,000 colleges and 1,200 universities in adopting AI across India's higher education system.

US Museum to Return Ancient Bronze Sculptures to India

In the News: The Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art in the United States announced on January 28, 2026, its plans to return three ancient bronze sculptures to India following rigorous provenance research that confirmed the artefacts were illegally removed from temples in Tamil Nadu..

Key Points:

• Sculptures Identified for Repatriation: The three bronze sculptures being returned are masterpieces of South India's bronze-casting tradition and were originally sacred temple icons used in religious rituals and processions. All three sculptures were among the sacred idols carried in temple processions.
• Provenance Investigation: The National Museum of Asian Art undertook a systematic review of its South Asian collections, scrutinizing each work's transaction history. In 2023, in collaboration with the Photo Archives of the French Institute of Pondicherry, museum researchers confirmed that the bronzes had been photographed in temples in Tamil Nadu between 1956 and 1959.
• ASI Verification: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) reviewed the research findings and affirmed that the sculptures were removed in violation of Indian antiquities law, which prohibits unauthorized removal of heritage objects.
• Shiva Nataraja Sculpture: The 'Shiva Nataraja' belonged to the Sri Bhava Aushadesvara Temple in Thiruthuraipoondi taluk, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, where it was photographed in 1957. The bronze sculpture was later acquired by the National Museum of Asian Art from Doris Wiener Gallery in New York in 2002. A provenance researcher determined that the Doris Wiener Gallery had provided falsified documentation to facilitate the sale to the museum.
• Somaskanda and Saint Sundarar Sculptures: These two sculptures entered the collection of the National Museum of Asian Art as part of a gift of 1,000 objects from Arthur M Sackler in 1987. Research confirmed that 'Somaskanda' was photographed at the Visvanatha Temple in Alattur village, Mannargudi taluk in 1959, and 'Saint Sundarar with Paravai' at the Shiva Temple in Veerasolapuram village, Kallakurichi taluk in 1956.
• Long-Term Loan Arrangement: The Ministry of Culture agreed to place the 'Shiva Nataraja' sculpture on long-term loan with the museum. It will remain on display as part of the exhibition 'The Art of Knowing in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Himalayas,' allowing the museum to publicly share the full story of the object's origins, removal, and return while promoting transparency and educating global audiences.

Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index 2026

In the News: Numbeo released its Cost of Living Index by City 2026, revealing that Swiss cities continue to dominate global rankings amid rising living expenses driven by inflation, currency fluctuations, and growing demand for premium urban lifestyles. Zurich retained its position as the world's most expensive city with a cost-of-living index score of 118.5. Swiss cities occupy six of the top 10 positions, while major US cities experienced notable declines in rankings

Key Points:

• Cost of Living Index Methodology: The Cost of Living Index measures average expenses for a family of four, including food, transport, utilities, and rent. Numbeo uses New York City as the baseline (index = 100). Cities with scores above 100 are more expensive than New York, while those below are cheaper.
• Swiss Dominance: Switzerland emerged as the global epicenter of high living costs in 2026, with six cities in the top 10. Zurich (118.5), Geneva (116.5), Basel (112.4), Lausanne (111.5), Lugano (110.1), and Bern (110.0) all featured prominently.
• Zurich Remains Most Expensive: Zurich retained its top position with a cost-of-living index of 118.5, combining high salaries with very high prices for housing, healthcare, and services. While purchasing power remains strong at 164.4, everyday expenses push overall costs well above most global cities
• US Cities Decline in Rankings: Major US cities experienced notable declines in 2026. New York, previously ranked 4th in 2025, dropped to 7th position with an index of 100.0 (baseline), reflecting relative stabilization in rents and currency effects. San Francisco also slipped from 7th to 10th place (97.6), while Honolulu ranked 9th (98.2).
• Indian Cities Among Most Affordable: Three Indian cities featured in the bottom 10 rankings as most affordable: Indore (#477), Bhopal (#473), and Patna (#470). These cities overtook North African cities such as Cairo and Pakistani cities like Lahore and Karachi, which were previously ranked in 2025, securing positions as some of the world's lowest-cost cities.
• Index Components: The comprehensive index includes multiple metrics: Cost of Living Index (overall expenses), Rent Index (housing costs), Cost of Living Plus Rent Index (combined measure), and Purchasing Power Index (income relative to costs). These components provide a complete picture of urban affordability and economic conditions across global cities.

EU Branded Iran’s IRGC a Terror Group

In the News: The European Union formally designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization in a landmark decision that signals a sharp hardening of Europe's stance towards Tehran. EU foreign ministers reached consensus after weeks of deliberation, triggered by reports of violent crackdowns on nationwide protests in Iran.

Key Points:

• What Is the IRGC: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was established in 1979 following Iran's Islamic Revolution to protect the clerical political system. Over time, it evolved into a parallel power structure, wielding influence across Iran's military, intelligence agencies, missile programme, economy, and foreign operations
• Background and Justification: EU foreign ministers reached consensus after weeks of deliberation, triggered by reports of violent crackdowns on nationwide protests in Iran. European officials cited thousands of alleged deaths, mass arrests, and systematic repression of civilians. The EU concluded that the IRGC plays a central role in enforcing state violence at home while simultaneously supporting destabilizing activities abroad.
• European Consensus: Countries that were initially cautious, such as France and Italy, ultimately backed the designation, citing legal clarity and security concerns. Senior EU leaders stated that sustained violence against civilians could not go unanswered.
• Israeli Response: Israel welcomed the move, calling it a historic decision. Israeli officials argued that the designation strengthens Europe's ability to disrupt IRGC-linked financial, logistical, and operational networks, many of which operate beyond the Middle East.
• Legal Framework Changes: The terrorist listing significantly changes the EU's legal framework. Authorities can now act on the basis of IRGC affiliation without needing to prove involvement in a specific terrorist attack.

Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges Nominated To UNESCO Heritage List

In the News: India officially nominated Meghalaya's "Jingkieng Jri" (Living Root Bridges) for UNESCO's 2026–27 World Heritage evaluation cycle in January 2026. The nomination dossier, titled "Jingkieng Jri / Lyu Chrai Cultural Landscape, Meghalaya," was formally submitted in Paris by India's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Vishal V Sharma, to Lazare Assomo Eloundou, Director of UNESCO's World Heritage Centre.

Key Points:

• What Are Living Root Bridges: Living root bridges are natural structures formed by training the aerial roots of rubber fig trees across rivers and streams. Over time, these roots grow stronger and interlock to form sturdy bridges. Unlike concrete bridges, they are alive and continue to strengthen with age. These bridges are examples of sustainable bioengineering passed down through generations.
• Indigenous Builders: The living root bridges were built by the indigenous Khasi and Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya using traditional knowledge. Community elders guide younger generations in shaping and maintaining the roots through oral tradition and practice, making it a living cultural tradition
• Geographic Location: The bridges are located in the southern slopes of Meghalaya, mainly across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. Popular sites include Nongriat village, home to the famous double-decker root bridge. Surrounded by dense forests, waterfalls, and hills, the region receives heavy rainfall, making these natural bridges essential for connectivity and daily life in remote villages.
• UNESCO Submission Timeline: India submitted the nomination dossier for Meghalaya's living root bridges to UNESCO in January 2026. The site will be evaluated during the 2026–27 World Heritage cycle.

Martyrs’ Day

In the News: India observed Martyrs' Day (Shaheed Diwas) on January 30, 2026, commemorating the 78th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and honoring all freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the nation's independence and unity. The day marked Gandhi's assassination in 1948 at Birla House, New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tributes at Raj Ghat, Gandhi's samadhi, where a Sarva-Dharma Prarthana (multi-faith prayer) was organized.

Key Points:

• Historical Significance: Martyrs' Day is observed on January 30 to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's assassination in 1948. The Government of India declared this date as Martyrs' Day to honor Gandhi's martyrdom and acknowledge countless freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during colonial rule. The day is also known as Sarvodaya Day, reflecting Gandhi's vision of social justice and upliftment of all sections of society.
• Two-Minute Silence: At 11:00 AM across India, a two-minute silence is observed nationwide, encouraging citizens to pause, reflect, and pay collective respect to martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
• National Ceremonies at Raj Ghat: Official ceremonies are held at Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi's cremation site on the banks of the Yamuna River in Delhi. The black marble platform is inscribed with Gandhi's last words, "Hey Ram." National leaders lay multi-color flower wreaths symbolizing respect, gratitude, and remembrance of Gandhi's supreme sacrifice.
• Military Honours: Armed forces personnel sound the Last Post using bugles, a traditional military honour signifying final respect to fallen soldiers and national martyrs.
• Other Martyrs' Day Observances: India also observes Martyrs' Day on March 23 to honor Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, who were executed in 1931. While January 30 centers on Gandhi's non-violent philosophy, March 23 remembers young revolutionaries who believed in fearless action, showing that India's freedom struggle had many paths but one shared goal.