Recent Important Current Affairs

Zohran Mamdani Sworn in as New York City Mayor

● On 1st January, 2026, Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the Mayor of New York City. Mamdani becomes New York’s first Muslim and first South Asian mayor, symbolising a major political and cultural milestone. He is of Indian origin.

● Zohran Mamdani wrote a handwritten note to Umar Khalid, former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student and activist, who is currently lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) over Delhi riots charges. In the letter, Mr. Mamdani wrote “I think of your words on bitterness often, and the importance of not letting it consume oneself. It was a pleasure to meet your parents. We are all thinking of you.” In 2016, several JNU students including Umar Khalid organized a pro- Afzal Guru event in the college campus. During this event they raised anti-India slogans such as “Bharat tere Tukde Honge”, “Afzal hum Sharminda hai” and “Bharat ki barbadi tak jung rahegi, jung rahegi”. On 5th January, 2026 Supreme Court denied bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi Riots conspiracy case, saying the prosecution material shows their “central and formative role” and “involvement at the level of planning, mobilization and strategic direction”.

● Trump expressed shock and strong disapproval over Zohran Mamdani’s election as New York City Mayor, criticizing his democratic socialist policies and perceived anti- Israel stance as unfit for leadership.

● For the swearing-in ceremony Mamdani deliberately chose the decommissioned Old City Hall subway station as the venue to symbolise his commitment to working class New Yorkers who keep the city functioning every day.

● A self described democratic socialist, Mamdani campaigned on affordability focused promises such as rent freezes, free public bus services, and free childcare, positioning his leadership as people centric and reform oriented.

Zohran Kwame Mamdani was born on October 18, 1991 in Kampala, Uganda. Both his parents are of Indian descent. His father is a Gujarati Muslim who was born in Mumbai and raised in Uganda. His mother is a Punjabi Hindu who was born in Rourkela and raised in Bhubaneswar. His maternal grandfather, Amrit Lal Nair was a former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and his maternal grandmother, Praveen Nair was a social worker and founder of the Salaam Baalak Trust in India.

Warren Buffett Retires as Berkshire Hathaway’s CEO

● On January 1, 2026 legendary share market investor Warren Buffett officially stepped down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. He is also known as “Oracle of Omaha”.

● Warren Edward Buffett is an American investor and philanthropist who was the chairman and CEO of the conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway.

● Buffett transformed Berkshire Hathaway from a failing textile company into a global conglomerate, owning major businesses in insurance, railroads, energy, retail and consumer goods including Dairy Queen and Duracell.

● Berkshire holds major stakes in leading companies such as Apple, Coca-Cola, and American Express making it a major force in global financial markets.

● As of January 2026, Buffett’s net worth is estimated at $148.9 billion, making him the ninth richest person in the world.

Rajasthan Government makes Newspaper Reading in Schools Mandatory

● The Rajasthan government has made 10 minute daily newspaper reading mandatory in all government schools to strengthen students’ awareness and learning.

The objective is to develop the understanding of current affairs, improve reading habits, enhance language and vocabulary skills, encourage confidence and public speaking among students. Newspaper reading will take place daily during the prayer meeting.

● Newspaper requirements are at least two newspapers (one in english and one in hindi) for higher secondary schools, at least two hindi newspapers in government Higher Primary Schools and minimum one english and one hindi newspaper for English Medium Government Schools.

● As per the guidelines of the School Education Department, content to be read in newspapers include editorials, major national and international news, sports news etc. and to strengthen students’ vocabulary five new words along with their meaning will be introduced daily.

● On ‘No Bag Day’ schools will organise group discussions on government activities and current issues.

This initiative will increase students’ interest in news, expand general knowledge of the students and positively improve their language and expression skills and social awareness and also help the students for competitive exams.