Welcome to today’s TNPSC Daily Current Affairs for January 03, 2026.
This comprehensive compilation covers all important events across national politics,
international relations, science & technology, economy, sports, and more.
Sourced from The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, and other reputed media.
Perfect for TNPSC Group 1, Group 2, Group 2A, and Group 4 exam preparation.

📌 Read in Tamil: தமிழில் படிக்க இங்கே கிளிக் செய்யவும்

🏛️ National Politics & Government

1. PresidentDroupadiMurmu Launches Series of Initiatives under SOAR in New DelhiOn January 1, 2026, Pre

• What happened: PresidentDroupadiMurmu Launches Series of Initiatives under SOAR in New DelhiOn January 1, 2026, President of IndiaDroupadiMurmulaunched a series of initiatives under the Skilling for AI(Artificial Intelligence) Readiness(SOAR) programme,an integral component of the Skill India Mission(SIM), at an event organized by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship(MSDE)at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre(RBCC) in New Delhi, Delhi. Key Highlights:Conferment of AI Certificates:As part of the programme, President Droupadi Murmu conferred AI certificates to students and Members of Parliament (MPs) who completed various AI learning modules under the SOAR initiative.Inauguration ofIGNOU Regional & Skill Centre:The centre was inaugurated to expand higher education and skill development opportunities in the tribal-dominated areas of northern Odisha.
• Key details: SkillTheNationChallenge:The initiative is a nationwide AI skilling programme launched under SOAR by the MSDE to expand AI awareness, learning, and certification across India. >>Read Full News Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana Completes Nine yearsOn January 1, 2026, the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), a flagship maternity benefit scheme of the Government of India (GoI), completed nine years of implementation, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to support pregnant women and lactating mothers.AboutPradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY):Overview:The PMMVY is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) of the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), launched onJanuary 01, 2017.NSFA:The scheme is being implemented as per provisions under Section 4 of the National Food Security Act(NFSA), 2013.Purpose:The scheme aims to provide financial support to pregnant and lactating mothers to improve maternal wellbeing by ensuring safe delivery, reduced malnutrition, and wage loss during pregnancy. Mission Shakti:The scheme launched in 2022, combines various schemes for women’s empowerment, including financial support and safety.
• Key points: During the event, she launched the‘#SkillTheNation Challenge’under the Skilling for AI Readiness initiative and also virtually inaugurated the Indira Gandhi National Open University(IGNOU) centreat Rairangpur in Odisha.; The centre aims to improve access to distance education, vocational training, and skill-oriented programmes, particularly for young people from rural and underserved areas.; Aim:The initiative aims to create a future-ready and inclusive workforce by strengthening AI literacy among students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and learners from urban, semi-urban, and rural regions, while encouraging innovation and real-world application of AI solutions.; Learning & Partnerships:It delivers online and offline training, in collaboration with IGNOU and Skill Centres, and offers multi-level courses from beginner to advanced learners.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

2. Cabinet Approvals on 31 December 2025

• What happened: Cabinet Approvals on 31 December 2025On December 31, 2025, theUnion Cabinetchaired by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved the following proposals:Cabinet Approved Widening of NH-326 in Odisha:Cost:The Union Cabinet approved the widening and strengthening of NH-326 from 68.600 km to 311.700 km in Odisha, with the total budget outlay ofRs.1,526.21crores, encompassing civil construction cost of Rs.966.79 crores.Implementation:The project will be implemented in the Engineering, Procurement and Construction(EPC) modeusing modern construction and Quality-Control (QC) technologies and is targeted for completion in 24 months, followed by a 5-year defect liability and maintenance period.Cabinet Approved construction ofa6-lane greenfieldcorridorin Maharashtra:Financial Outlay:The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs(CCEA), chaired by the PM Narendra Modi, has approved the Construction of 6-lane greenfield access-controlled Nashik- Solapur-Akkalkot Corridor in Maharashtra onBuild-Operate-Transfer(BOT) (Toll) mode, covering approximately 374 km, involves an investment ofRs.19,142 crores.Improved Connectivity:The corridor will improve connectivity between Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Solapur in Maharashtra and Kurnool in AP, strengthening west-east transport connectivity.Alignment:The project aligns with the Pradhan Mantri GatiShakti – National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP), an initiative by the Government of India (GoI).About Maharashtra:Chief Minister(CM)– Devendra FadnavisGovernor– Acharya DevvratCapital– MumbaiWildlife Sanctuary(WLS)– Sagareshwar WLS, Tipeshwar WLS>>Read Full News MoFKeeps Interest Rates on Small Savings Schemes Unchanged for Q4FY26In December 2025, the Department of Economic Affairs(DEA-Budget Division)under theMinistry of Finance (MoF), kept the interest rates unchanged across all Small Savings Schemes (SSS) including Public Provident Fund (PPF), Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) among others, for the 4th Quarter of financial Year 2025-26(Q4FY26)i.e. starting from January 01, 2026 to March 31, 2026, from those notified for Q3FY26.
• Key details: About Small Savings Schemes (SSS):Overview:SSS are the Government of India(GoI)-backed savings instruments, aimed at promoting household savings and offering risk-free investment options.Management:These schemes are mainly administered by DEA and administered through designated banks and over 1.5 lakh post offices, offering fixed returns with sovereign guaranteesQuarterly review:Since 2016, theinterest rates for SSS have been notified by DEA on a quarterly basis, depending upon bond yields and market trends.>>Read Full News.
• Key points: This marks the8thconsecutive quarter with no change in SSS interest rates, which were last revised by the DEA in Q4FY24.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

3. ESIC Grants Registration Extension for SPREE 2025 Till 31 January 2026

• What happened: ESIC Grants Registration Extension for SPREE 2025 Till 31 January 2026On 31st December 2025, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), under the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoL&E), announced aone-month extensionof the Scheme for Promotion of Registration of Employers and Employees(SPREE) 2025,permitting voluntary registration without past liabilities until31 January 2026. Exam Hints:What?Registration Extension of SPREE 2025By Whom?Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)New Deadline:January 31, 2026 (Extended from December 31, 2025).Objective:Expand social security coverage and promote voluntary compliance.Key Benefit: No past dues, penalties, inspections, or legal actionRelevant Act:Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948 (ESI Act).Registration:Through ESIC, Shram Suvidha, or Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portals.
• Key details: About SPREE 2025:Objective:The scheme aims to expand social security coverage by encouraging voluntary, simplified, and hassle-free registration of unregistered establishments and employees.Eligibility:It covers factories and establishments with 10 or more employees in ESI-implemented areas, including shops, hotels, transport services, medical and educational institutions, municipal bodies, and workers earning up to Rs. 21,000 per month (Rs. 25,000 for persons with disabilities).Registration:Employers can register digitally through the ESIC, Shram Suvidha, or Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portals, with coverage effective from the declared registration date.Benefits:The scheme provides social security benefits, supports ease of compliance, expands ESIC coverage, and allows employers to register without past liabilities or legal action.
• Key points: SPREE 2025, implemented by ESIC under the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948,was originally valid from 1 July 2025 to31December 2025.; The MoU aims to enhance data integrity, formalisation, and access to institutional credit for informal micro enterprises across India.; He also released the ‘Glossary of Revenue Terms(GoRT)’during a hybrid launch event held in New Delhi, Delhi.; New Levies:From 1 February 2026, tobacco products will have an extra excise duty, and pan masala will incur a Health and National Security Cess, in addition to the existing GST.Additional excise duty is set at 91% for gutkha, 82% for chewing tobacco and jarda scented tobacco, 33% for hookah, and Rs. 2,050–Rs. 8,500 per 1,000 sticks for cigarettes based on length and filter.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

4. Union Minister J.P.Nadda Launches Integrated e-Bill System to Digitalize Fertilizer Subsidy Claims

• What happened: Union Minister J.P.Nadda Launches Integrated e-Bill System to Digitalize Fertilizer Subsidy ClaimsOn January 1, 2026, Union Minister Jagat Prakash(J.P.)Nadda, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (MoC&F),launched anIntegratedelectronic (e)-Bill systemat Kartavya Bhawan in New Delhi (Delhi) to digitally process fertilizer subsidies worth aboutRs.2 lakh crore. Exam Hints:What?Launch of Integrated e-Bill SystemLaunched by:Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda (MoC&F)Developer:iFMS (MoC&F) & PFMS (MoF)Purpose:To digitally process fertilizer subsidies worth about Rs.2 lakh crore About Integrated e-Bill System:Digital Workflow:It replaces manual, paper-based processes with a fully digital workflow, eliminating the need for physical bill movement.Developer:It was developed in collaboration between the Integrated Financial Management System(iFMS)of Department of Fertilizers(DoF), MoC&F, and the Public Financial Management System(PFMS)of the Controller General of Accounts (CGA), Ministry of Finance (MoF).Key Features:It includes end-to-end digital workflow, transparency and accountability, efficiency and accuracy, real-time oversight and governance, and user convenience.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

🌍 International Affairs

5. Bulgaria Adopts Euro as its Currency from January 1, 2026

• What happened: Bulgaria Adopts Euro as its Currency from January 1, 2026Bulgariahas adopted theEuro(EUR)as its official currency with effect from January 1, 2026, replacing the Bulgarian lev (BGN) after more than two decades following approval by the Council of the European Union(EU) on July 8, 2025. Exam Hints:What?Bulgaria adopted the Euro as its CurrencyEffect from:January 1, 2026Replaced:Bulgarian levConversion Rate?1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN.
• Key points: Which confirmed that the country met all Maastricht convergence criteria and set the irrevocable conversion rate at 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN,
• Why it matters for TNPSC: International Relations (GS Paper 2). Bilateral and multilateral agreements.

6. Bulgaria’s adoption of the Euro:

• What happened: Bulgaria’s adoption of the Euro:Eurozone Member:With the adoption of the euro, Bulgaria became the 21st member of the Eurozone, the group of European countries that use the euro as their official currency, marking a major milestone in Bulgaria’s deeper economic integration with the European Union.Currency Transition:During January 2026, both the BGN and the EUR will be accepted for payments across Bulgaria, with change provided only in euros. From February 1, 2026, the euro will become the sole legal tender, and the Bulgarian lev will be fully withdrawn from daily circulation, completing the currency transition.Joined Euro system:The Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) has joined the Eurosystem, becoming part of the European Central Bank (ECB) framework.
• Key details: As a result, Bulgarian banks will now fall under the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM), strengthening financial stability and banking oversight.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: International Relations (GS Paper 2). Bilateral and multilateral agreements.

🔬 Science & Technology

7. DRDO Successfully Conducts Salvo Launch of Two

• What happened: DRDO Successfully Conducts Salvo Launch of TwoPralayMissilesOffOdishaCoastIn December 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO)successfully conducted a salvo launch(simultaneous firing) of two indigenously developedPralaymissilesin quick succession from the same launcher at the Integrated Test Range(ITR),Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha. Exam Hints:What?Successfully conducted salvo launch of two Pralay missilesConducted by:DRDOWhere?ITR Chandipur, Off coast of OdishaTest Part of:User Evaluation TrialsSpecifications:Derived from:Prahaar missileDeveloped by:RCI with other DRDO labsType:Short-range, solid propellant, quasi-ballistic, SSM;Strike Range:150-500 kmPayload Capacity:500-1000 kg.
• Key details: Key Details of Test:Performance:During the test-trial, both missiles closely followed their intended trajectories and achieved all mission objectives.Tracking Systems:The performance of these missiles was confirmed by tracking sensors deployed by ITR, Chandipur, while terminal events were validated through onboard telemetry systems installed on ships positioned near the designated points.Oversight:The trials were observed by senior DRDO scientists, officials from the Indian Army (IA) and the Indian Air Force (IAF), along with industry representatives.AboutPralayMissiles:Background:Sanctioned in 2015, the Pralay missile programme is an evolution of the earlier Prahaar missile, which was first tested in 2011.Type:Pralaya is a short-range, solid propellant quasi-ballistic Surface-to-Surface Missile (SSM), leveraging state-of-the-art guidance and navigation to ensure high precision.Other Specifications:The missile has a strike range of about150-500 kilometer (km). It is capable of carrying conventional warheads weighing 500 to 1000 kilogram (kg)Navigation System:Pralay is equipped with an advanced Inertial Navigation System (INS), enabling high accuracy and precision in target engagement.Developed by:The missile has been developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad (Telangana), in partnership with: AboutDefenceResearch and DevelopmentOrganisation(DRDO):It is the Research and Development (R&D) wing of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India (GoI).Chairman-Dr. Samir Vankatpati (V.)KamatHeadquarters –New Delhi, DelhiEstablished –1958 *******.
• Key points: The flight-test of these missiles was conducted as part of user evaluation trials.; Other DRDO laboratories:Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL), Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMR); Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL); Research & Development (R&D) Establishment (Engineers) and Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL).; Development-cum-Production Partners:Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and other industry partners.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Science & Technology (GS Paper 3). Achievements of Indians in S&T.

8. Current Affairs Today (AffairsCloud Today)

• What happened: Current Affairs Today (AffairsCloud Today).
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Science & Technology (GS Paper 3). Achievements of Indians in S&T.

9. Current Affairs 3 January 2026

• What happened: Current Affairs 3 January 2026President Droupadi Murmu Launches Series of Initiatives under SOAR in New DelhiPradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana Completes Nine yearsMoSPI Launches New Logo and Mascot ‘Sankhyiki‘ to Modernize Institutional IdentityCabinet Approvals on 31 December 2025MoF Keeps Interest Rates on Small Savings Schemes Unchanged for Q4FY26ESIC Grants Registration Extension for SPREE 2025 Till 31 January 2026DoP and SIDBI Sign MoU for Verification of IMEsUnion MoS Pemmasani Launches Land Stack Pilot in Chandigarh, TNMoF Notifies New Tax Structure for ‘Sin Goods’ from February 1, 2026Union Minister J.P.Nadda Launches Integrated e-Bill System to Digitalize Fertilizer Subsidy ClaimsBulgaria Adopts Euro as its Currency from January 1, 2026RBI Issues Guidelines on Risk Weighting Framework for Exposure of NBFC to Infrastructure LoansIndia’s Maritime NBFC, SMFCL Commences Lending Operations and Sanctions Loans Worth Rs 4,300 CroreAshika Group Receives In-Principle Approval from SEBI to Launch MFCanara Bank Appoints Hardeep Singh Ahluwalia as Interim MD & CEOOlympic Champion Andre De Grasse Named International Event Ambassador for 21st TMMDRDO Successfully Conducts Salvo Launch of Two Pralay Missiles Off Odisha CoastAspirant:Does Affairscloud covers all the Current affairs topics related to examinations?Affairscloud:We Guaranteed All the Important topics related to examination are covered in Our Daily CA content and Daily CA Quizzes.Aspirant:Why is there a delayal in news?Affairscloud:As some of the major news sites doesn’t provide the required data on the exact day, we take extra time for important data to be presented to the aspirants on the examination basis to ensure nothing is missed.Example:In ‘Important Days’ topics the International Organisations publish their reports and Rankings in the evenings, to make sure every data is covered, we delay the topics to the next day.Candidates appearing for Competitive Exams. Kindly Share the General Awareness questions,which asked in their respective exams to“[email protected]”Dear Aspirants,We would like to inform you that, startingJanuary 2025,all Current Affairs Hindi Contentwill be accessible only through theCareersCloud app and CareersCloud.in website.
• Key details: Make sure to download the app or visit the website to continue accessing the content seamlessly.Thank you for your understanding and continued support! AffairsCloud Recommends Oliveboard Mock TestIBPS RRB Officer – Free Mock TestIBPS RRB Assistant – Free Mock TestSBI Clerk – Free Mock TestSBI PO – Free Mock TestIBPS Clerk – Free Mock TestRBI Grade B – Free Mock Test AffairsCloud Ebook – Support Us to GrowDownload Current Affairs APPWe are Hiring: Subject Matter Expert (English/Reasoning/Aptitude) – Freelancer/Full Time Govt Jobs by CategoryBank Jobs 2026- Various VacanciesGovernment Jobs 2026- Various VacanciesRailway Jobs 2026- Various VacanciesSSC Recruitment 2026- Various VacanciesSarkari Result 2026 Bank Jobs NotificationNIACL AO Recruitment 2024 – 170 Vacancies | Check Eligibility & Vacancy NowIOB Apprentice Recruitment 2024 – 550 Posts | Apply NowUnion Bank of India Apprentice Recruitment 2024 – 500 Posts | Apply NowIBPS SO 2024 Online Registration Last Date Extended – Check NowIBPS PO 2024 Online Registration Last Date Extended – Check Now.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Science & Technology (GS Paper 3). Achievements of Indians in S&T.

💰 Economy & Banking

10. RBI Issues Guidelines on Risk Weighting Framework for Exposure of NBFC to Infrastructure Loans

• What happened: RBI Issues Guidelines on Risk Weighting Framework for Exposure of NBFC to Infrastructure LoansIn January 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)released the final guidelinesrelaxing the risk-weight norms for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC)involved in the infrastructure financing. Exam Hints:What?Risk weights relaxed for NBFC in infrastructure financingWho released it?RBIEffective:April 1,2026Grace Period:March 31, 2027Repayment threshold:75% RW – 2% debt repaid; 50% RW – 5% debt repaidHigh Quality Infrastructure:Expanded to include more projects as high quality Key Highlights Issue Addressed:Initially, the RBI had proposed a stricter framework for risk weights on infrastructure loans provided by NBFCs.
• Key details: Effective From:The Amendment Directions shall be applicable fromApril 1, 2026, or from an earlier date when these Directions are adopted by a NBFC in entirety. Grace Period:In case of exposures attracting a lower risk weight under the extant guidelines but will be subject to higher risk weights under these Directions, NBFCs can continue to maintain the extant risk weights till the next review / renewal orMarch 31, 2027, whichever is earlier. Repayment threshold:Under the revised guidelines, the NBFC exposures will now become eligible for75%risk weight once2%of the originally sanctioned project debt has been repaid.
• Key points: The relaxation follows feedback received from the industry and is aimed at facilitating investment in the Infrastructure sector.; A higher risk weight necessitates a larger capital buffer, potentially limiting lending capacity.; Following industry consultations, the RBI has now relaxed these proposed norms.; This is significantly lower than the 5% repayment threshold proposed in the draft norms.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

11. India’s Maritime NBFC, SMFCL Commences Lending Operations and Sanctions Loans Worth

• What happened: India’s Maritime NBFC, SMFCL Commences Lending Operations and Sanctions Loans WorthRs4,300 CroreIn December 2025, Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited(SMFCL),India’s first Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) focused on maritime financing, commenced its lending operations and sanctioned loans totaling approximately Rs 4,300 crore during its 51st Board Meeting. Exam Hints:What?SMFCL, India’s 1st Maritime NBFC started its lending operationsLoan Sanctions:Total Rs.4,300 crore approved at 51st Board MeetingKey Allocations:Greenfield Port Project: Rs.4,000 croreDredging Corporation of India (DCI): Rs.150 croreGoa Shipyard Limited (GSL): Rs.110 crore Key Allocations:Port Development:SMFCL has allocatedRs 4,000 crorefor a Greenfield Port Project, reaffirming the Government of India (GoI)’s commitment for port-led development.Maritime Infrastructure:Dredging Corporation of India(DCI)has receivedRs 150 crore,while Goa Shipyard Limited(GSL)has securedRs 110 crorefrom the same loan tranche, aimed to support dredging capacity and indigenous shipbuilding capabilities of India.Strategic Roadmap:SMFCL’s board approved a Rs.25,000 crore borrowing limit and an Rs.8,000 crore lending target for Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26) at its Annual General Meeting (AGM).About SMFCL:Launched in June 2025, SMFCL has been appointed nodal agency for the Rs.25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund (MDF).
• Key points: With this, the company has now formally entered into the maritime lending space in line with the strategy approved by its Board.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

12. Ashika Group Receives In-Principle Approval from SEBI to Launch MF

• What happened: Ashika Group Receives In-Principle Approval from SEBI to Launch MFAshika Groupreceived in-principle approval fromSEBI(Securities and Exchange Board of India) on December 31, 2025 to act as sponsor and establish Ashika Mutual Fund(MF), enabling it to form an Asset Management Company (AMC) and prepare scheme launches subject to final registration. Exam Hints:What?SEBI in-principle approval for Ashika GroupWhen?December 31, 2025Purpose:To establish Ashika Mutual FundNext?Form AMC, secure final registration, launch schemes About Ashika Group:Ashika Group, established in 1994, operates as a financial service platform, offering Retail & Institutional Broking, Investment Banking & Advisory, Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), Research & Advisory, Global Family Office Services, Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) operations, and distribution services.About SEBI:SEBI, established in 1988, was given statutory powers in 1992 under the SEBI Act 1992.
• Key details: It protects investors, regulates stock markets, MFs and intermediaries, and ensures fair and transparent trading.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

13. APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

• What happened: APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS CanaraBank AppointsHardeepSinghAhluwaliaas Interim MD & CEOIn December 2025,CanaraBank,India’s leading Public Sector Bank (PSB), appointedHardeepSinghAhluwaliaas its interim Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective fromJanuary 01, 2026. Exam Hints:What?Appointment of Interim MD & CEO of Canara BankWho?Hardeep Singh AhluwaliaEffective From:January 01, 2026Predecessor:K.
• Key details: Satyanarayana Raju.Tenure:3 months or until a regular MD & CEO is appointed Key Details of Appointment:Succession:He succeedsK. Satyanarayana Raju, whose tenure as MD & CEO ended on December 31, 2025.Tenure:He will serve as MD and CEO of the bank for a period of3 months (until March 31, 2026), or until the appointment of a regular incumbent, whichever is earlier.AboutHardeepSinghAhluwalia:Banking Career:He started his banking career by joining the Allahabad Bank (now Indian Bank) as an Agricultural Field Officer (AFO) in March 1992.Experience:He has 30 years of banking experience across India and internationally, including Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China.Previous Role:He served as the Executive Director (ED) at Canara Bank.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

14. Olympic Champion Andre De

• What happened: Olympic Champion Andre DeGrasseNamed International Event Ambassador for 21st TMMIn December 2025, Seven-time Olympic Medallist sprinterAndre De Grasse(Canada) was named the international eventambassadorfor the21stedition of the Tata Mumbai Marathon(TMM 2025),World Athletics Global Label Race, which is scheduled to take place on January 18, 2026 inMumbai,Maharashtra. Exam Hints:What?Announced of International Event AmbassadorFor :21st Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM)Who?Canadian Sprinter Andre De GrasseEventSchedule:January 18, 2026, Mumbai About Andre De Grasse:Olympic Career:De Grasse is among the elite of world athletics, winning7 medals(2 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze)at Olympic Games including two gold medals, one in the men’s 200 meter (m) category at 2020 Tokyo Games(Japan) and the other in 4✕100 m relay at 2024 Paris Games(France).World Championships:Other than Olympic Games, De Grasse has continued to dominate the World Championships, securing 6 medals(1 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze)across 5 editions, including Gold at the 2022 World Athletics Championships held in Eugene, Oregon in the United States of America (USA).
• Key points: The international Event Ambassador programme, designed by Procam International since the inception of TMM in 2004.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

📝 Practice Questions (MCQs)

Test your knowledge with these questions based on today’s current affairs:

Q1. Which of the following is related to: PresidentDroupadiMurmu Launches Series of Initiatives under SOAR in New DelhiOn January 1, 2026, Pre?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details

Q2. Which of the following is related to: Cabinet Approvals on 31 December 2025?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details

Q3. Which of the following is related to: ESIC Grants Registration Extension for SPREE 2025 Till 31 January 2026?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details

Q4. Which of the following is related to: Union Minister J.P.Nadda Launches Integrated e-Bill System to Digitalize Fertilizer Subsidy Claims?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details

Q5. Which of the following is related to: Bulgaria Adopts Euro as its Currency from January 1, 2026?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details