1 January 2026 Current Affairs FOR UPSC/GPSC/SSC/BANKING​/Railway

Current Affairs: 1 January 2026 (Recap Edition)

Date: 01 January 2026 | Day: Thursday | Source: The Hindu, PIB, UN News

★★★ International Relations UNSC: 5 New Non-Permanent Members Begin Term

What happened?

On January 1, 2026, five newly elected countries officially assumed their seats as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for a two-year term (2026–2027).

Why in news? (Exam Relevance)

• Global Decision Making: These countries will now have a say in critical global peace and security resolutions.
• First Timer: Latvia is serving on the Council for the first time in its history.

Key Facts & Data

• The 5 New Members:
  • Bahrain (Asia-Pacific)
  • Colombia (Latin America & Caribbean)
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) (Africa)
  • Latvia (Eastern Europe)
  • Liberia (Africa)
• Replaced Countries: Algeria, Guyana, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia (Terms ended 31 Dec 2025).
• Term Duration: 1 Jan 2026 – 31 Dec 2027.

Static GK Linkage

• UNSC Composition: 15 Members (5 Permanent + 10 Non-Permanent).
• P5 (Veto Power): China, France, Russia, UK, USA.
• UN Secretary-General: António Guterres.
• Presidency: Rotates monthly (Alphabetical order).

Expected MCQs

1. Which of the following countries commenced its first-ever term as a UNSC non-permanent member on Jan 1, 2026?A. Bahrain

   B. Liberia

   C. Latvia

   D. Colombia

2. Which African country joined the UNSC as a non-permanent member for the 2026-27 term?A. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

   B. Nigeria

   C. Kenya

   D. South Africa

One-Liner Revision: Bahrain, Colombia, DRC, Latvia, and Liberia began their 2-year UNSC tenure on Jan 1, 2026, with Latvia making its debut.

★★★ International Relations Cyprus Takes Over EU Council Presidency

What happened?

The Republic of Cyprus assumed the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) on January 1, 2026. They will hold the presidency for six months (Jan–Jun 2026).

Key Facts & Data

• Motto: “An Autonomous Union – Open to the World”.
• Predecessor: Poland (Held presidency in late 2025).
• Trio Presidency: Cyprus is part of the Poland-Denmark-Cyprus trio.
• Focus Areas: Strategic autonomy, Mediterranean stability, and EU enlargement.

Static GK Linkage

• Capital of Cyprus: Nicosia.
• Currency: Euro.
• EU Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.

Defence & Security DRDO Celebrates 68th Foundation Day

What happened?

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) marked its 68th Foundation Day on January 1, 2026. The event highlighted a record-breaking year for indigenous defence manufacturing.

Why in news? (Exam Relevance)

• Self-Reliance Milestone: DRDO secured Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) clearances worth ₹1.30 lakh crore in 2025, the highest ever in a single year.
• Foundation Date: A recurring static GK question for Defence/SSC exams.

Key Facts & Data

• Established: January 1, 1958.
• Current Chairman: Dr. Samir V. Kamat.
• Key 2025 Achievement: Successful trials of Pralay missile and Akash-NG.
• Motto: “Balasya Mulam Vigyanam” (Strength’s Origin is in Science).

Expected MCQs

1. When is DRDO Foundation Day observed annually?A. January 1

   B. January 15

   C. February 28

   D. August 15

2. Which organization celebrated its 68th Foundation Day on Jan 1, 2026?A. ISRO

   B. CSIR

   C. DRDO

   D. BARC

International Relations Philippines Assumes ASEAN Chairmanship 2026

What happened?

The Philippines has officially taken over the Chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for the year 2026. The handover ceremony took place at the conclusion of the previous summit.

Key Facts & Data

• Chair 2026: Philippines (President: Ferdinand Marcos Jr.).
• Predecessor (2025): Malaysia.
• New Member: Timor-Leste (Officially became the 11th member, participating fully in 2026).
• Significance: Crucial for South China Sea negotiations (Code of Conduct).

Static GK Linkage

• ASEAN HQ: Jakarta, Indonesia.
• Founded: 1967 (Bangkok Declaration).
• Members: 10 + 1 (Timor-Leste).

Quick Revision: 1 Jan 2026

Most Expected Questions (Practice)

1. Who among the following took over the EU Council Presidency on Jan 1, 2026?A. Poland

   B. Cyprus

   C. Denmark

   D. Germany

2. Timor-Leste is associated with which regional group as its 11th member?A. SAARC

   B. BIMSTEC

   C. ASEAN

   D. SCO