Daily Current Affairs Digest – 29 January 2026

Daily Current Affairs Digest – 29 January 2026

1. Ajit Pawar Cremated; AAIB Orders Independent Aircraft Crash Probe

Maharashtra’s five-time Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was cremated in Baramati. Following the fatal aircraft crash that claimed five lives, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has initiated an independent investigation. This probe is separate from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to ensure neutrality, technical transparency, and institutional accountability in aviation safety oversight.

2. Economic Survey 2025–26 Tabled; GDP Growth Estimated at 6.8–7.2%

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey 2025–26 in Parliament. The survey projects India’s GDP growth at 6.8–7.2% for FY27, highlighting record merchandise and services exports worth $825.3 billion. It introduces a “Marathon and Sprint” strategy—combining long-term structural reforms with short-term growth boosters—setting the tone for the Union Budget to be presented on February 1.

3. New Aadhaar App Launched: ‘One Family, One App’ Model

On UIDAI Day, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched a revamped Aadhaar mobile application. The app enables one user to manage up to five Aadhaar profiles, promoting digital inclusion for elderly and non-tech-savvy family members. This initiative aims to simplify authentication services while bridging India’s digital divide.

4. Jal Jeevan Mission Funds Linked to Water Supply Proof

The Centre has linked Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) funding to proof of 15 days of continuous water supply, shifting emphasis from infrastructure creation to service delivery. Launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, JJM targets 55 litres per capita per day. Funding norms remain 50:50 for general states, 90:10 for Himalayan and North-Eastern states, and 100% for Union Territories.

5. Ilaiyaraaja Honoured with Padmapani Award

Legendary music composer Ilaiyaraaja received the Padmapani Award at the 11th Ajanta–Ellora International Film Festival held in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The festival featured Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty as Jury Chair, with filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker as Guest of Honour, celebrating India’s cinematic and cultural excellence.

6. Supreme Court Stays UGC Equity Regulations, 2026

The Supreme Court stayed the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, describing them as “prima facie vague” and “capable of misuse.” A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant noted that the regulations could potentially divide society. The Court directed that the 2012 UGC Regulations will continue until further orders.

7. NSO to Launch Two Major Digital Surveys in April 2026

The National Statistical Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), announced two new nationwide digital surveys:

  • National Household Income Survey (NHIS)
  • Annual Survey of Incorporated Service Sector Enterprises (ASISSE)
    These surveys aim to address critical data gaps in income distribution and India’s rapidly expanding services sector.

8. NITI Aayog Launches ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0’

NITI Aayog launched Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0, a three-month campaign (January 28–April 14, 2026) targeting 100% saturation of 11 Key Performance Indicators across 112 Aspirational Districts and 513 Aspirational Blocks. The programme follows the 3Cs approach—Convergence, Collaboration, and Competition—to close gaps in health, nutrition, and sanitation.

9. New Plant Species ‘Hoya nagaensis’ Discovered in Nagaland

Researchers from Nagaland University discovered a new plant species named Hoya nagaensis in the Kavünhou Community Reserved Forest. The discovery highlights India’s rich biodiversity and the ecological significance of community-conserved forest ecosystems in the North-East.

10. Captain Hansja Sharma Becomes First Woman Rudra Helicopter Pilot

Captain Hansja Sharma created history by becoming the first woman pilot of the armed Rudra helicopter, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). She led the 251 Squadron during the Army Day Parade 2026, showcasing the HELINA anti-tank missile system, marking a milestone in women’s participation in combat aviation roles.

11. Karnataka Cabinet Approves 5-Year Age Relaxation for Recruitment Exams

The Karnataka Cabinet approved a five-year age relaxation for all direct recruitment civil service examinations until December 2027. The move benefits aspirants affected by delays in KPSC KAS results and upcoming exams conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority, including PSI and VAO. The decision also mandates a ‘Kannada-first’ policy for question papers.

Conclusion

The developments of 29 January 2026 reflect key trends in governance, economic planning, digital inclusion, judicial oversight, defence empowerment, and environmental conservation—making the day highly relevant for competitive examinations and policy analysis.