In Current Affairs for 27 January 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 27 January 2026
National Geographic Day 2026: Celebrating Knowledge and Exploration
National Geographic Day is observed globally on 27 January 2026 to honour humanity’s curiosity about Earth and its many dimensions. The day underlines the importance of geography, science, wildlife, culture, exploration, and environmental conservation. The date is significant as it commemorates the establishment of the National Geographic Society on 27 January 1888 in Washington, D.C.
Founded with the goal of spreading geographic knowledge, the Society has evolved into a globally respected institution known for pioneering exploration, scientific research, environmental protection, education, and powerful storytelling. National Geographic Day serves as a reminder of humanity’s responsibility to understand and protect the planet.
International Customs Day 2026: Strengthening Global Trade and Security
International Customs Day is observed worldwide on 26 January 2026, highlighting the critical role of customs administrations in facilitating international trade, ensuring border security, and promoting cooperation among nations.
The observance traces its roots to the creation of the Customs Cooperation Council (CCC) in 1952, later renamed the World Customs Organization (WCO). The first CCC session was held on 26 January 1953 in Brussels with representatives from 17 countries.
The day also raises awareness among travellers and businesses about customs regulations while showcasing how efficient customs systems act as connectors in global commerce and economic growth.
Ashok Chakra Awarded to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
President Droupadi Murmu approved gallantry awards for 70 Armed Forces personnel, including the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla.
He etched his name in history by becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station, marking a major milestone in India’s aerospace and defence journey. The award recognises his exceptional courage, leadership, and service beyond the call of duty.
India’s gallantry framework honours bravery in both peace and war, with the Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra awarded during peacetime, while medals such as the Param Vir Chakra are conferred during wartime.
Indian Doctor Honoured with Wiley Research Heroes Prize
Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya became the first Indian to receive the Wiley Research Heroes Prize 2025, a prestigious global award recognising research that delivers impact beyond academic circles.
Chosen from over 2,000 global nominations, only five researchers were honoured worldwide. Dr. Lahariya, a public health expert and policy researcher, has made significant contributions in areas such as immunisation programmes, maternal and child health initiatives, conditional cash transfers, and strengthening primary healthcare systems.
Republic Day Parade 2026 Marks 150 Years of ‘Vande Mataram’
The Republic Day Parade 2026 prominently celebrated the sesquicentenary (150 years) of Vande Mataram, making it the central cultural theme of the national festivities. Rare artworks depicting the opening stanzas of the song adorned Kartavya Path, including reproductions of historic paintings by artist Tejendra Kumar Mitra.
Special invitation cards featured a commemorative logo with a silhouette of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, who wrote the song in 1875. First published in Bangadarshan and later included in Anandamath (1882), Vande Mataram was sung publicly by Rabindranath Tagore in 1896 and adopted as India’s National Song in 1950. Over time, it became a powerful symbol of the freedom struggle.
Gulfood 2026: India as Partner Country
India is participating as the Partner Country at Gulfood 2026, the world’s largest annual food and beverage sourcing exhibition, marking its first such role since the event’s inception over 30 years ago.
Led by APEDA under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Gulfood 2026 is being held at two venues for the first time: the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai.
The Indian Pavilion, spread across 1,434 square metres, showcases India’s agricultural diversity and export strength. In collaboration with Invest India, the government is promoting investments in food processing, cold chains, logistics, and allied agri-infrastructure to attract global investors.
“Mother of All Deals”: India–EU Summit Breakthrough
At the 16th India–EU Summit, both sides announced the conclusion of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and a Security and Defence Partnership, bringing an end to talks that began in 2007.
The India–EU FTA is a comprehensive pact aimed at lowering tariffs, improving market access, and boosting trade in goods, services, and investments. Together, India and the EU account for 25% of global GDP and nearly one-third of global trade, making it one of the world’s largest trade agreements.
With bilateral trade already crossing $136 billion, the agreement is expected to significantly benefit sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery, leather, footwear, services, and manufacturing. The deal also establishes a Green Hydrogen Task Force and enhances cooperation in clean energy, climate action, critical technologies, and resilient supply chains.
United States Withdraws from the World Health Organization
The United States formally exited the World Health Organization (WHO) after completing the mandatory one-year notice period, following an executive order issued by President Donald Trump at the start of his presidency in 2025.
The US government cited alleged mismanagement by the WHO during the COVID-19 pandemic as the primary reason for withdrawal. While US law requires settlement of outstanding dues—estimated at $260 million—the State Department disputed that payment was a prerequisite for exit.
The WHO has stated that US dues for 2024 and 2025 remain unpaid, and the issue will be reviewed by its Executive Board. The withdrawal has caused a major funding shortfall, forcing the organisation to cut management positions, reduce budgets, and plan workforce reductions of nearly 25%. Traditionally, the US contributed around 18% of WHO’s total funding, making it its largest donor.
Review Questions
1. National Geographic Day is observed globally on which date?
A. 26 January
B. 27 January
C. 28 January
D. 25 January
Answer: B
Explanation: National Geographic Day is observed on 27 January, marking the founding of the National Geographic Society in 1888.
2. The National Geographic Society was founded in which year?
A. 1875
B. 1882
C. 1888
D. 1896
Answer: C
Explanation: The Society was established on 27 January 1888 in Washington, D.C.
3. International Customs Day commemorates the first session of which organization?
A. World Trade Organization
B. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
C. Customs Cooperation Council
D. International Chamber of Commerce
Answer: C
Explanation: International Customs Day marks the first session of the Customs Cooperation Council (now the WCO) in 1953.
4. International Customs Day is observed annually on:
A. 25 January
B. 26 January
C. 27 January
D. 28 January
Answer: B
Explanation: The day is observed on 26 January every year.
5. Who among the following received the Ashok Chakra in 2026?
A. Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma
B. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
C. Air Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari
D. Group Captain Ajay Sharma
Answer: B
Explanation: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was awarded the Ashok Chakra.
6. The Ashok Chakra is awarded for:
A. Bravery during wartime
B. Distinguished service in administration
C. Gallantry in peacetime
D. Excellence in scientific research
Answer: C
Explanation: Ashok Chakra is India’s highest peacetime gallantry award.
7. Which Indian researcher won the Wiley Research Heroes Prize 2025?
A. Dr. Soumya Swaminathan
B. Dr. Randeep Guleria
C. Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya
D. Dr. Balram Bhargava
Answer: C
Explanation: Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya became the first Indian to receive this global honour.
8. ‘Vande Mataram’ was adopted as India’s National Song in:
A. 1896
B. 1947
C. 1950
D. 1952
Answer: C
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly adopted Vande Mataram as the National Song in 1950.
9. India participated as a Partner Country at which global event in 2026?
A. World Food India
B. Expo 2025
C. Gulfood 2026
D. World Economic Forum
Answer: C
Explanation: India was the Partner Country at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai.
10. The India–EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations were originally launched in:
A. 2005
B. 2007
C. 2013
D. 2022
Answer: B
Explanation: India–EU FTA talks began in 2007 and concluded in 2026.
