Welcome to today’s TNPSC Daily Current Affairs for January 08, 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. Union MinisterDharmendraPradhan Releases 55 Literary Works in Classical Indian LanguagesOn 6th Janua

• What happened: Union MinisterDharmendraPradhan Releases 55 Literary Works in Classical Indian LanguagesOn 6th January 2026, Union MinisterDharmendraPradhan, Ministry of Education (MoE), released55 scholarly literary worksinclassical Indian languagesat an event held in New Delhi, Delhi, to promote India’s linguistic heritage and inclusive access to classical knowledge. About Literary Works:Publications:A total of41 bookswere developed by the Centres of Excellence(CoE) for Classical Languages under the CIIL, Mysuru(Karnataka), an autonomous body under the MoE for research, promotion, and documentation of Indian languages.
• Key details: Tamil Works:The Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT), Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN), an autonomous institution under the MoE dedicated to classical Tamil language and literature, released 13 books and a Tirukkural Sign Language series.Tirukkural Sign Language series:A 45-episode Sign Language interpretation series of the classical Tamil text Tirukkural, authored by Thiruvalluvar and containing couplets on ethics, governance, economy, and love, was launched to promote inclusive education and ensure access to classical wisdom for persons with hearing disabilities.>>Read Full News.
• Key points: This compilation includes literary works in Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Odia, and Tamil, along with an Indian Sign Language (ISL) interpretation of theTirukkural.; These works cover Classical Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia.; English and Hindi translations of ‘Madalapanji’ by JK Nayak and Surendra Panigrahi, the English translation of ‘Rudrasudhanidhi’ by Gangadhar Panda and Pramodini Panda, ‘Shilpa Shabdabali’ by Debi Prasanna Nanda, and ‘Charyapada’ by Santosh Kumar Mohapatra were also released.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

2. Indian Railways Electrified about 99.2% of its Network by November 2025

• What happened: Indian Railways Electrified about 99.2% of its Network by November 2025In January 2026, Indian Railways(IR)under the Ministry of Railways(MoR),electrifiedabout 99.2%i.e. 69, 427 Route Kilometres (RKMs) of its broad-gauge network (70,001 RKMs)byNovember 2025,emerging as one of the world’s most extensively electrified rail systems.
• Key details: Out of the total area electrified, electrification of46,900 RKMswas done between 2014 and 2025. About IR Electrification in India:Pace of IR Electrification:Electrification expanded fromjust1.4km per day(between 2004-14) to an average of over 15 km per day (between 2019-2025).
• Key points: This significant milestone achieved by IR is in alignment with the ambitious“Mission 100% Electrification”which aims to transform India’s rail system from diesel-dependent network into a fast, efficient and environmentally sustainable backbone of transport.; Also, the share of electrified track increased significantly from just 24% (in 2000) to 40% in 2017, and surpassed 96% by December 31, 2024.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

3. State-wise Electrification:

• What happened: State-wise Electrification:At present,25 States and UnionTerritories,have been electrified with no remaining routes pending.
• Key points: Only 5 states namely: Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu (TN), Karnataka, Assam, and Goa, have residual sections under electrification. Together, these states account for just0.8% (574 RKMs)of the total network .; RKMs remaining in these 5 states are: Rajasthan(93 RKMs); TN (117 RKMs), Karnataka (151 RKMs), Assam (197 RKMs), and Goa (16 RKMs).
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

4. Global Position of IR:

• What happened: Global Position of IR:With 99.2% of its network electrified, IR now ranks among the world’s leading rail networks, surpassing countries like: China, France, the United Kingdom (UK) and Russia.Solar Power Drives IR Electrification:The solar power capacity of IR surged nearly 244 times i.e. from just 3.68 Mega-Watt(MW) (in 2014)to 898 MW (as of November 2025).About Ministry of Railways (MoR):Union Minister-Ashwini Vaishnaw (Rajya Sabha- Odisha)Minister of State(MoS)-V.
• Key details: Somanna (Constituency- Tumkur, Karnataka), and Ravneet Singh Bittu (Rajya Sabha- Rajastha)>>Read Full News.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

5. HPCL Commissions World’s First LC-Max

• What happened: HPCL Commissions World’s First LC-MaxResidue Upgradation Facilityin Visakhapatnam, APOn January 5, 2026, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited(HPCL),under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), successfully commissioned the world’s first and largest Liquid Conversion–Maximum (LC-Max) Residue Upgradation Facility(RUF)at its Refinery in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh (AP). AboutWorld’s First LC-Max Unit:Framework:The RUF was owned and developed by HPCL as part of its Visakh Refinery Modernization Project (VRMP).
• Key details: Capacity:The facility includes, India’s first residue hydrocracking unit, has a capacity of3.55million tonnes per annum(MTPA)and can convert about 93% of low-value bottom-of-the-barrel oils into higher-value products such as diesel, jet fuel, gasoil, and other middle distillates. Distillate Output:The distillate yields such as diesel and kerosene are expected to increase by up to approximately 10% compared to before the upgrade.>>Read Full News NITIAayogLaunches 5th Edition of ‘Trade Watch Quarterly’ ReportIn January 2026,Dr.ArvindVirmani,Member of National Institution for Transforming India(NITI)Aayoglaunched the5thedition of‘Trade Watch Quarterly (TWQ) for Quarter 1 (Q1:April-June, 2025)ofFinancial Year 2025-26 (FY26),in New Delhi, Delhi. The report provides a comprehensive and data-driven analysis of India’s trade performance in the context of evolving global economic conditions.Key Highlights of Report:Focus:The key focus of this latest edition wasIndia’s automotive exports sector,examining international demand patterns, India’s export presence across vehicles and auto components, tariff structures and participation in global value chains.Auto-Components Market:The global auto-components market reached USD 856 billion in 2024, growing at a 3% CAGR since 2015, while India’s exports nearly doubled from USD 8.2 billion to USD 16.9 billion, achieving a faster 7% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the same period.Automotive Exports:Since 2015, India’s share of the global automotive import market has stayed around 1%, with exports growing at a CAGR of 3.5%, slightly below the global average of 3.9%.
• Key points: HPCL also introduced a digital optimization system for the LC-Max unit to improve operational stability.; With an investment ofRs.31,407 crore,HPCL’s Visakh Refinery  has expanded its crude processing capacity from 8.33 million tonnes per annum (MMTPA) to 15 MMTPA.; It comprises three massive reactors, each weighing about 2,200 tonnes (T), making it among the heaviest refinery modules globally.; The report highlighted that India, while performing well in certain automotive segments, contributes only ~USD 30 billion(1.4%) to the USD 2.2‑trillion global automotive import market in 2024, indicating significant scope to expand its share.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

6. Goods and Services Trade:

• What happened: Goods and Services Trade:As per the report, the global trade in goods and services increasedaround 2.5%on quarterly basis during Q1FY26, driven mainly by developing economies and rising South-South trade, even as the United States of America (USA) trade weighed on the global average. >>Read Full News.
• Key points: It further highlighted Goods trade increased from2% to 2.5%, while service trade rebounded.; The report also revealed that India’s goods and services exports and imports reachedUSD 209 billionandUSD 230 billion,respectively in Q1FY26, each increasing by around 3-4% on an annual basis, registering a combined deficit of USD 21 billion.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

7. Indian Army Grants Supply Order to Tata Advanced Systems for

• What happened: Indian Army Grants Supply Order to Tata Advanced Systems forPinakaMLRS OverhaulIn January 2026, the Indian Army (IA) granted asupply orderto Tata Advanced Systems Limited(TASL),an aerospace and defence arm of the Tata Group, to support the overhaul-cum-upgradation of in-service first-generationPinakaMultiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) and Battery Command Posts (BCPs), marking a public–private partnership (PPP) in defence sustainment, at an event held in New Delhi, Delhi. Exam Hints:What?Grants Supply Order for Pinaka MLRS OverhaulBy Whom?Indian Army (IA).Recipient:Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL)Model:Public–Private Partnership (PPP)Implementation Agency:510 Advance Base Workshop (ABW) under the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME).Indigenization:Nearly 80%.Strategic Goal:Sustained availability and peak performance of frontline artillery systems.
• Key details: Phased OverhaulProgramme:Pilot Overhaul Phase:As part of the collaboration, TASL, in partnership with the IA’s 510 Advance Base Workshop (ABW), will jointly carry out a pilot overhaul of selected Pinaka MLRS and BCPs during the initial phase.Full-Scale Overhaul Phase:After the pilot phase, the remaining Pinaka MLRS and BCPs will be overhauled by the 510 ABW(Meerut, Uttar Pradesh,UP) of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME).Technical Support:TASL provides engineering expertise, certified spares, and quality assurance for the overhaul programme.Coordinator:TASL ensures close coordination with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) to support sustained availability of frontline artillery systems.Overview ofPinakaMultiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS):Development:Jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) and TASL with a modular, future-ready design and software architecture. Role:An all-weather, indirect-fire artillery system delivering high-volume firepower with net-centric operational capability.Platform:Mounted on an 8×8 High Mobility Vehicle (HMV), enabling high mobility and effective performance in difficult terrain.Mobility:Equipped with automated ‘shoot-and-scoot’ capability for rapid deployment and enhanced survivability.Firecontrol:Incorporates a microprocessor-based all-electric servo drive and Inertial Navigation System (INS)-based digital fire control for precise targeting.Rockets:Fires Pinaka Mk-I rockets and is adaptable for future guided variants with extended ranges of 120 kilometer (km) and 300 km.Indigenous:Achieves nearly80%indigenous content, enhancing self-reliance and strategic autonomy in defence manufacturing.About Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL):Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Sukaran SinghHeadquarters– Hyderabad, TelanganaEstablished– 2006 SimplilearnJoinsIndiaAIMission to Accelerate AI Literacy for 10 Million CitizensIn January 2026,Simplilearn,a leading global digital upskilling platform, entered into a strategic partnership with theIndiaAI(Artificial Intelligence)Mission,under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), to host as well as roll out the national‘YUVA AI for ALL’,a free national course to help everyone understand AI, on its learning platform. Exam Hints:What?Simplilearn collaborated with IndiaAI MissionFor:Roll out of YUVA AI for ALL, foundational courseHost Platform:SimplilearnCourse Coverage:Fundamentals of AI and its impactTarget:Democratize AI literacy for 10 million citizens Key Details of Partnership:Objective:By hosting the program on Simplilearn’s platform, IndiaAI mission aims to expand the reach of the course, which will make the learning of AI basics available for students, professionals and citizens across the country.Certificate:As per this strategic partnership, the learners enrolled under the YUVA for ALL course will receive a co-branded certificate issued by IndiaAI and Simplilearn.Key Role:The course will combine Simplilearn’s edtech expertise and structured content with MeitY’s comprehensive AI and technology resources, providing a standardized and easily accessible framework for foundational AI education.Key Target:To democratize AI education and promote 10 million citizens to pursue and acquire basic AI knowledge.
• Key points: Since 1989, TASL and DRDO have collaborated on the Pinaka programme, delivering key contracts in 2006, 2016, and 2020, with systems in service for over 15 years and upgraded in later batches.; This collaboration represents a major milestone in India’s journey towards building a widespread AI learning ecosystem.; The agreement, signed in the presence of Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, MIB, aims to accelerate media technology entrepreneurship in India through innovation, incubation, and ecosystem development.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

8. DRDO Celebrates 68th Foundation Day

• What happened: DRDO Celebrates 68th Foundation Dayin DelhiOn January 01, 2026, the Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO),under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), celebrated its68th Foundation Dayat New Delhi, Delhi.
• Key points: Union Minister Rajnath Singh, MoD; Union Minister of State (MoS) Sanjay Seth, MoD; Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of DRDO and Secretary, Department of Defence, Research and Development (R&D), MoD, were present at the event.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

9. DRDO’s 2025 Strategic Overview & Milestones:

• What happened: DRDO’s 2025 Strategic Overview & Milestones:Vision:DRDO is reaffirmed as a pivotal force in Aatmanirbhar Bharat, driving India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem with a future focus on Cyber, Space, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).Approvals:The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) and Strategic Policy Board (SPB) accorded 22 Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) approvals worth~Rs.1.30 lakh crore,facilitating Indian industry in the production of critical defence systems.Contracts:As part of its expanding operational footprint, 11 defence contracts worth Rs.26,000 crore were signed with production partners.Induction:Multiple DRDO -developed systems have been inducted into Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Police Forces, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), expanding operational reach beyond the Indian Armed Forces.>>Read Full News.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

🔬 Science & Technology

10. NASA’s Hubble Telescope Discovered First Starless Gas Cloud ‘Cloud-9’

• What happened: NASA’s Hubble Telescope Discovered First Starless Gas Cloud ‘Cloud-9’In January 2026, National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA)’sHubble Telescopediscovered a starless, gas-rich, dark-matter cloud, which is nicknamed‘Cloud-9’. Exam Hints:What?Discovery of starless, dark-matter dominated cloudDiscovered by:NASA’s Hubble TelescopeFound Near:Messier 94(M94)Distance from Earth:14 million light-yearsNicknamed:Cloud-9Key Specifications:Neutral Hydrogen gas (about 1 million solar masses);4,900 light-years in diameter;dark matter (around 5 billion solar masses) About Cloud-9:Location:This newly discovered dark matter-dominated cloud, considered a ‘relic’ or remnant of early galaxy formation, is located 14 million light-years from Earth near the spiral galaxy Messier 94(M94).Composition:Cloud-9 is also called a Reionization-Limited HI Cloud(RELHIC)as both have nearly same composition.
• Key details: Key Feature:Cloud-9 is invisible in visible light and only detectable by its hydrogen, which makes it a rare ‘fossil’ from the universe early days.Discovery Timeline:Discovered in 2023 via China’s Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope(FAST) radio telescope and in 2025 Very Large Array(VLA)/Green Bank Telescope(GBT) confirm neutral hydrogen core. In Jan 2026 Hubble’s Advanced Camera finds no stars within boundaries.
• Key points: The results related to Cloud-9 were published in ‘The Astrophysical Journal Letters’, and later presented at the 247th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Phoenix.; For instance both REHLIC and Cloud-9 are composed of neutral hydrogen (with a mass of about 1 million times that of the Sun) and dominated by dark matter and have same diameter i.e. about 4,900 light-years.; The mass of Cloud-9’s dark matter is projected to be about5 billion solar masses.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Science & Technology (GS Paper 3). Achievements of Indians in S&T.

11. Indian Scientists Developed First-Ever Supercomputer-Powered Simulation to Model Mpemba Effect

• What happened: Indian Scientists Developed First-Ever Supercomputer-Powered Simulation to Model Mpemba EffectOn January 6, 2026, Indian scientists from the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research(JNCASR),in Bengaluru(Karnataka) under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T), developed the first-ever supercomputer-powered simulation to model theMpemba effect. Exam Hints:What?First-Ever Supercomputer-Powered Simulation to Model Mpemba Effect was developedWho?Indian scientists from JNCASRMpemba Effect:Hot water freezes faster than cold waterPublished in: Communication Physics.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Science & Technology (GS Paper 3). Achievements of Indians in S&T.

12. Supercomputers to Decode the Mpemba Effect

• What happened: Supercomputers to Decode the Mpemba Effect:Phenomenon:The Mpemba effect refers to the observation that water at a higher initial temperature can freeze sooner than water at a low temperature.
• Key points: It was named after Erasto Mpemba, who brought the phenomenon back into scientific discussion in the 20th century.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Science & Technology (GS Paper 3). Achievements of Indians in S&T.

13. Supercomputer Unlocks Mpemba Effect:

• What happened: Supercomputer Unlocks Mpemba Effect:Scientists at JNCASR used high-performance computing to simulate ice formation at the molecular level, revealing how non-equilibrium thermodynamics, molecular rearrangements, and energy dissipation enable hotter water to freeze faster.Implications:This study, published inCommunication Physics,offers a technical perspective on phenomena such as material relaxation resulting from abrupt temperature variations.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Science & Technology (GS Paper 3). Achievements of Indians in S&T.

14. Pakistan Conducts Successful Flight Test of ‘Taimoor ALCM’

• What happened: Pakistan Conducts Successful Flight Test of ‘Taimoor ALCM’In January 2026, Pakistan Air Force(PAF)conducted a successful flight test of the indigenously developed Taimoor Air-Launched Cruise Missile(ALCM),which was deployed from a Mirage IIIE fighter aircraft during a live-trial exercise. Exam Hints:What?Successful Flight Test of Taimoor ALCMBy Whom: Pakistan Air Force (PAF)Platform:Launched from Mirage IIIE fighter jetStrike Range: 600 km About Taimoor Missile:Developer:It is a new Pakistani ALCM developed primarily by Pakistan’s Air Weapons Complex.
• Key details: It is a turbojet-powered subsonic cruise missile designed to strike both land and sea targets.Explosive warhead:It carries a conventional high-explosive warhead optimized for precise damage to defended infrastructure.Range:It is designed to deliver high-precision strikes at targets located up to approximately600 kilometres(km) away.Capability:The missile features a state-of-the-art navigation and guidance system and can operate at very low altitudes, enabling it to evade hostile air defences and missile interception systems.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Science & Technology (GS Paper 3). Achievements of Indians in S&T.

💰 Economy & Banking

15. HDFC Bank Integrates Digital Rupee CBDC into

• What happened: HDFC Bank Integrates Digital Rupee CBDC intoSmartGatewayPlatformIn January 2026,HDFC Bankintegrated the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), the Digital Rupee (e₹), into its online merchant payment platform,SmartGateway. Exam Hints:What:Integration of RBI’s Digital Rupee (CBDC) into SmartGatewayBy Whom:HDFC BankPlatform:SmartGatewayKey Feature:Zero transaction cost for merchantsObjective:To provide a secure, sovereign-backed digital payment option.
• Key details: About CBDC Integration:Platform:SmartGateway now supports the RBI-backed Digital Rupee (CBDC) alongside existing payment options like Unified Payments Interface (UPI), cards, and net banking.Cost:Merchants can accept Digital Rupee payments atzero transaction cost,with an intermediary-free, efficient settlement process.Customers:Enables a seamless, instant, and secure digital payment experience combining UPI convenience with sovereign-backed digital currency.Impact:Strengthens the bank’s digital-first strategy and supports India’s transition to a cash-light, inclusive digital economy.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

16. Federal Bank Unveils Refreshed Brand Entity ‘The Fortuna Wave’

• What happened: Federal Bank Unveils Refreshed Brand Entity ‘The Fortuna Wave’On January 7, 2026,Federal Bank Limited,an Indian private sector bank, launched‘The Fortuna Wave’,a refreshed brand identity, as part of a strategic brand refresh to signal modernization and future-readiness, in Mumbai (Maharashtra) in the presence ofVidya Balan,brand ambassador of the bank. Exam Hints:What?Federal Bank Unveils Refreshed Brand Entity ‘The Fortuna Wave’Where?In Mumbai (Maharashtra)Brand Ambassador:Vidya BalanLogo :Three waves representing authenticity, togetherness, prosperityDesign :Fluid, adaptable, rounded wordmark, yellow underline, digital-friendly palette About The Fortuna Wave:Logo & Insignia:The central feature of the refresh is “Fortuna Wave”, a new visual insignia, which consists of three wave elements such as authenticity, togetherness, and prosperity.
• Key details: Visual Features:It includes a dynamic wave motif, fluid, rounded typeface for the ‘FEDERAL BANK’ wordmark, signature yellow underline retained, and vibrant and digital-friendly color palette.About Federal Bank:Incorporated in 1931 in Aluva(Kerala), Federal Bank offers a wide range of services including savings and current accounts, loans, digital banking, and Non-Resident Indian (NRI) services.
• Key points: The design is more fluid and adaptable compared with the older boxed structure, improving visibility across digital and physical platforms.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

17. AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

• What happened: AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

18. IRFC Secures ‘Excellent’ Rating from DPE for 5th Consecutive Year

• What happened: IRFC Secures ‘Excellent’ Rating from DPE for 5th Consecutive YearIn January 2026, Indian Railways Finance Corporation(IRFC),a ‘Navratna’ Central Public Enterprise (CPSE) working under the Ministry of Railways (MoR), has been awarded‘Excellent’ ratingby the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), for the Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25). Exam Hints:What?IRFC Secured Excellent Rating for FY25From:DPEFor:5th consecutive yearSignificance:Reflects strong institutional performance, resilience, and consistent delivery Key Details:Significance:This sustained recognition indicates IRFC’s ability to navigate emerging challenges and maintain institutional strength, and deliver consistently strong performance.Whole-of-Approach:During FY25, IRFC continued to bolster and diversify its lending portfolio in a structured manner, which is in alignment with “Whole-of-Approach”.IRFC: Established in 1986, IRFC serves as the MoR’s dedicated financing arm, supporting railway projects and related infrastructure sectors.
• Key points: This marks the5thconsecutive year for IRFC to achieve the highest performance rating ever since it was listed in FY21.; In its IRFC 2.0 phase, it reached the annual sanction target of Rs.60,000 crore by the third quarter (October–December) of FY26.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

19. APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

• What happened: APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS K.BalasubrahmanianAssumes Charge as Chairman of AERBIn January 2026, the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, appointed distinguished scientistA. K.Balasubrahmanianas theChairmanof the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), India’s apex nuclear safety regulator, forthree years.
• Key details: Exam Hints:What?Appointment of Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)Who?A. K. BalasubrahmanianAppointed by:Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)Tenure:3 yearsSucceeds:Dr.
• Key points: He succeededDr. D.K. Shukla, who completed his tenure on December 31, 2025.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

20. GoI Extends Abhishek Dev Tenure as Chairman of APEDA

• What happened: GoI Extends Abhishek Dev Tenure as Chairman of APEDAOn January 6, 2026, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet(ACC)headed by Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi,approved aone-year extensionofAbhishek Dev’stenure asChairmanof the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority(APEDA)under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry(MoC&I), effective from February 8, 2026. Exam Hints:What?Abhishek Dev Tenure as Chairman of APEDA extendedWho?Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)Tenure:One yearEffectiveFrom:8 February 2026 About Abhishek Dev:Profile:He is a 2007-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from Arunachal Pradesh (AR)-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre.Leadership Roles:He served as Director in the Department of Commerce(DoC), MoC&I from 2021 to 2023.
• Key details: About APEDA:Based in New Delhi, APEDA was established in 1985 under the APEDA Act, 1985. It is responsible for the promotion, development and regulation of exports of agricultural and processed food products such as fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, dairy, cereals, processed foods and organic products.
• Key points: In July 2023, he was appointed as the Chairman of the APEDA.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

📘 General Knowledge & Miscellaneous

21. Earth’s Rotation Day 2026 – January 8

• What happened: Earth’s Rotation Day 2026 – January 8Earth’s Rotation Dayis annually observed across the globe on8th Januaryto highlight the significance of Earth’s rotational motion and to commemorateFrench physicist Léon Foucault’shistoric 1851 pendulum experiment, which first publicly demonstrated the Earth’s rotation. Exam Hints:What?Earth’s Rotation Day 2026When?8 January 2026Why?To mark Léon Foucault’s proof of Earth’s rotation in 1851.Key Device:Foucault PendulumRotation Period:Approximately 24 hours (one mean solar day).
• Key details: Background:Early Ideas:Greek scholars as early as470Before Christ(BC)proposed that the Earth rotates, an idea later developed in the16th centurybyNicolaus Copernicusthrough the heliocentric model and supported byGalileo Galilei’sobservations in1610.Demonstration:On 8 January 1851, French physicist Léon Foucault conclusively proved Earth’s rotation using a pendulum experiment at the Panthéon in Paris, France.Pendulum Setup:Foucault’s pendulum, consisting of a 28 kilogram (kg) brass bob, 38 centimeter (cm) in diameter, suspended from a 67 meter (m) long wire, provided the first direct laboratory proof of Earth’s rotation, offering visible physical evidence beyond astronomical observations.Key Fact of Earth’s Rotation:Axis:Earth rotates on an imaginary axis connecting the North and South Poles, tilted at approximately 23.5 degrees to its orbital plane.Rotation:Earth rotates from west to east once every 24 hours (mean solar day) at a speed of about 1,670 kilometers per hour (km/h) at the equator, causing the Sun and stars to appear to move across the sky.Diameter:The Earth’s diameter measures 12,714 kilometer (km) (7,900 miles) from the North to South Pole and 12,756 km (7,926 miles) across the equator.Revolution:Earth revolves around the Sun in approximately 365 days, and its rotation speed varies slightly, causing minor differences of seconds per day.Significance:Earth’s Rotation Day emphasizes the understanding that Earth’s rotation underlies day–night cycles, seasonal changes, and theCoriolis effect. *******.
• Key points: 8 January 2026, marks the observance of the175thanniversary of Léon Foucault’s demonstration.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: General Knowledge. Important for TNPSC prelims.

22. Current Affairs Today (AffairsCloud Today)

• What happened: Current Affairs Today (AffairsCloud Today).
• Why it matters for TNPSC: General Knowledge. Important for TNPSC prelims.

23. Current Affairs 8 January 2026

• What happened: Current Affairs 8 January 2026Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Releases 55 Literary Works in Classical Indian LanguagesIndian Railways Electrified about 99.2% of its Network by November 2025HPCL Commissions World’s First LC-Max Residue Upgradation Facility in Visakhapatnam, APNITI Aayog Launches 5th Edition of ‘Trade Watch Quarterly’ ReportIndian Army Grants Supply Order to Tata Advanced Systems for Pinaka MLRS OverhaulSimplilearn Joins IndiaAI Mission to Accelerate AI Literacy for 10 Million CitizensMIB’s WaveX Signs MoU with FITT–IIT Delhi to Boost Media-Tech InnovationDRDO Celebrates 68th Foundation Day in DelhiHDFC Bank Integrates Digital Rupee CBDC into SmartGateway PlatformFederal Bank Unveils Refreshed Brand Entity ‘The Fortuna Wave’IRFC Secures ‘Excellent’ Rating from DPE for 5th Consecutive YearK. Balasubrahmanian Assumes Charge as Chairman of AERBGoI Extends Abhishek Dev Tenure as Chairman of APEDANASA’s Hubble Telescope Discovered First Starless Gas Cloud ‘Cloud-9’Indian Scientists Developed First-Ever Supercomputer-Powered Simulation to Model Mpemba EffectPakistan Conducts Successful Flight Test of ‘Taimoor ALCM’Earth’s Rotation Day 2026 – January 8Aspirant: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.
• Key details: 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. 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: General Knowledge. Important for TNPSC prelims.

📝 Practice Questions (MCQs)

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

Q1. Which of the following is related to: Union MinisterDharmendraPradhan Releases 55 Literary Works in Classical Indian LanguagesOn 6th Janua?

(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: Indian Railways Electrified about 99.2% of its Network by November 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: State-wise Electrification:?

(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: Global Position of IR:?

(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: HPCL Commissions World’s First LC-Max?

(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