Tuesday, Jan 13

Daily Current Affairs: 13 January 2026

Daily current affairs for 13 January 2026 with exam-focused key facts, connected news context, and revision notes for UPSC, SSC, banking and government exams.

Editorial note for exam revision Last updated: 13 January 2026. This briefing is structured for current affairs revision, with key updates and related coverage links to help readers connect recurring topics across days.

Today at a glance

Top current affairs to revise

  1. Major Swathi Shanthakumar won the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General's Award 2025
  2. Prashant Tamang Passed Away As Indian Idol Season 3 Winner
  3. T M Kaliannan honoured with renaming demand for Salem Railway Junction or airport
  4. Davinder Singh Garcha passes away at 73
  5. Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMB) appoints Anup Kumar Saha as Whole-time Director
  6. BSE wins Asia Best Employer Brand Award 2026 at Hong Kong Leadership Awards

Major Swathi Shanthakumar won the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General's Award 2025

[United Nations (UN)]

Key Updates:

  • Major Swathi Shanthakumar, an Indian Army officer serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), won the UN Secretary-General's Award 2025 in the Gender Category.
  • She was recognized for her project titled ‘Equal Partners, Lasting Peace’, which focused on strengthening gender-responsive peacekeeping and improving grassroots outreach in Malakal.
  • She leads India's first all-woman military engagement team deployed to the UNMISS, conducting foot, river, and air patrols to reach remote and conflict-affected communities.
  • The initiative was selected through a UN-wide voting process involving personnel globally and helped create a safer environment for over 5,000 women.
  • Major Swathi Shanthakumar is an officer of the Indian Army's Corps of Electronics & Mechanical Engineers and is currently serving with the 3rd Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (3 JAK Rif).
  • She is a resident of Bengaluru and completed her engineering in electrical and electronics from New Horizon before joining the Indian Army.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Colonel Prateek Roy of the Indian Army was awarded the Geddes Gavel Award. He received the award on completion of the Defence Strategic and Studies Course at Australian Defence College.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar conferred with 2025 World Leader for Peace and Security Award (Start of November)

Spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has been honored with the 2025 World Leader for Peace and Security Award. The award was conferred by the Boston Global Forum (BGF) and the AI World Society (AIWS).

Sai Gautam Gopalakrishnan receives Manohar Parrikar Yuva Scientist Award 2025 (Start of November)

Sai Gautam Gopalakrishnan, an associate professor of materials engineering at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has been announced for the third edition of the Manohar Parrikar Yuva Scientist Award 2025.…


Prashant Tamang Passed Away As Indian Idol Season 3 Winner

Key Updates:

  • Prashant Tamang, the winner of Indian Idol Season 3, passed away at the age of 43 due to a suspected cardiac arrest in Delhi.
  • He served as a constable in the Kolkata Police and was a member of the police band before winning the national singing competition in 2007.
  • He was a significant figure in the Gorkhaland movement in Darjeeling, West Bengal, and was supported by the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) and the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM).
  • He debuted in the Nepali film industry with the movie Gorkha Paltan in 2010 and later starred in Nishani (2014) and the series Pataal Lok Season 2.
  • Known as 'Pahad Ka Gaurav' (Pride of the Hills), he released his winning music album titled Dhanyavaad in 2007 which featured the song Bir Gorkhali.
  • He was declared dead at the Mata Chanan Devi Hospital in Delhi and is survived by his mother, two sisters, and wife Geeta Thapa.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Kiran Desai’s Booker-winning novel The Inheritance of Loss remains a diagnostic text on post-colonial perception (Start of November)

The Inheritance of Loss won the 2006 Booker Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award. Kiran Desai’s new novel The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny is shortlisted for the Booker Prize.


T M Kaliannan honoured with renaming demand for Salem Railway Junction or airport

Key Updates:

  • T M Kaliannan served as a member of the Provisional Parliament of India, the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly and the legislative council.
  • Namakkal MP VS Matheswaran stated he would raise in parliament the demand to rename Salem Railway Junction or the Salem airport after Kaliannan.
  • Tamil Nadu Congress Committee spokesman Dr PV Senthil joined Matheswaran in paying floral tributes to Kaliannan’s portrait during the 105th birth anniversary observance.

Related Current Affairs Coverage


Davinder Singh Garcha passes away at 73

Key Updates:

  • Davinder Singh Garcha, former international hockey player and 1980 Moscow Olympics gold-medallist, passed away at his Jalandhar home.
  • He played six matches and scored eight goals in the 1980 Olympics where India defeated Spain 4-3 in the final.
  • He was the top scorer for India at the Champions Trophy held in Karachi.
  • He played more than 30 international matches across three tournaments and scored 19 goals.
  • He received the Dhyan Chand award in 2021.
  • Besides hockey, he served as an IPS officer and was DIG of Punjab Police.
  • He was president of the Olympian Surjit Hockey Society which organizes an annual hockey tournament.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Manuel Frederick, 1972 hockey Olympic bronze medallist, passes away (Start of November)

Manuel Frederick, a former Indian hockey goalkeeper and 1972 hockey Olympic bronze medallist, passed away in Bengaluru on Friday at the age of 78. Frederick was the first athlete from Kerala to win an Olympic medal…

1972 Olympic hockey bronze medallist Manuel Frederick passes away (Start of November)

Manuel Frederick was the first athlete from Kerala to win an Olympic medal. He helped the Indian hockey team clinch bronze at the 1972 Munich Games.


Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMB) appoints Anup Kumar Saha as Whole-time Director

[Kotak Mahindra Bank]

Key Updates:

  • Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMB) has appointed Anup Kumar Saha as Whole-time Director, subject to regulatory approvals.
  • Saha will act as Whole-time Director (Designate) and join senior management from January 12, 2026.
  • He will oversee consumer banking, marketing and data analytics functions at KMB.
  • Anup Kumar Saha most recently served as Managing Director at Bajaj Finance.
  • He previously spent 14 years at ICICI Bank in senior leadership roles.

Related Current Affairs Coverage


BSE wins Asia Best Employer Brand Award 2026 at Hong Kong Leadership Awards

[BSE, Hong Kong]

Key Updates:

  • BSE (BSE) received the Asia Best Employer Brand Award 2026 at the Hong Kong Leadership Awards for excellence in workplace culture and employee engagement.
  • Indian Bank redeemed ₹2,000 Crore Tier-2 bonds and paid ₹123.6 Crore in interest.
  • Asian Development Bank (ADB) appointed Takafumi Kadono as Country Director for Papua New Guinea and Aaron Batten as Country Director for Thailand.
  • Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) formed an expert committee to develop a framework for assured payouts under the National Pension System (NPS).
  • Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) invited emergency tenders for repair works at the ₹800MW North Chennai Power Project.
  • NLC India Limited (NLC) revised the record date for its FY26 interim dividend to January 20.
  • Axis Bank allotted 88,198 equity shares under the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), increasing its paid-up capital.
  • THDC India Limited (THDC) secured a credit rating upgrade to “AA+”.
  • Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) appointed Sunil Kumar Ranjan as Government Nominee Director.
  • Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi won the strategy case challenge organized by Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ranchi and Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).

Related Current Affairs Coverage

SBI Unveils 'SBI STAR' Award for Employee Excellence Beyond Professional Roles (Start of November)

State Bank of India (SBI) has launched an annual employee excellence award, 'SBI STAR' (Staff Talent Acknowledgement & Recognition). The 'SBI STAR' initiative is a structured framework designed to recognise employees'…


PMMSY, PMMKSSY, FIDF and Blue Revolution Schemes Generate 74.66 Lakh Jobs with Rs 38,572 Crore Investment

Key Updates:

  • Government of India approved projects worth Rs 32,723 crore under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) and Blue Revolution schemes since 2014–15, with total investments announced at Rs 38,572 crore.
  • 74.66 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities have been created under these fisheries schemes since 2014–15.
  • 34.71 lakh fishers are covered under group accident insurance and 4.49 lakh Kisan Credit Cards worth Rs 3,569.60 crore have been issued to fishers.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

NITI Aayog Reports on Service Sector Job Growth and Employment Share in India (End of October)

India’s services sector's employment share rose from 26.9 percent in 2011–12 to 29.7 percent in 2023–24, according to two new NITI Aayog reports. The sector added nearly 40 million jobs in six years, bringing total…


APEDA Regional Office Raipur Inauguration Boosts Chhattisgarh Agri-Export Facilitation

[Chhattisgarh]

Key Updates:

  • The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) inaugurated its Regional Office in Raipur to position Chhattisgarh as a key hub for agricultural and processed food exports.
  • The office will serve as a single-point facilitation centre for farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, exporters, and agri-entrepreneurs, offering export registration, advisory support, market intelligence, certification assistance, infrastructure development, export facilitation, and international market linkages.
  • The Raipur office has already facilitated the export of fortified rice kernels from Chhattisgarh to Costa Rica and Papua New Guinea.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

India Strengthens Global Nutrition Trade with Fortified Rice Export (Start of November)

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the export of 20 metric tonnes of fortified rice. The export of fortified rice was from Chhattisgarh to Papua New Guinea…


BHARATI Initiative: APEDA-led Hub to Enable Export-Ready Agri-Food & Agri-Tech Startups

Key Updates:

  • APEDA launched BHARATI—Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement—to support agri-food and agri-tech startups.
  • BHARATI will provide mentorship, incubation, and policy facilitation to create direct pathways to global markets.
  • The initiative positions startups as core enablers of India’s agri-export strategy.

Related Current Affairs Coverage


Indian Lighthouse Festival promotes coastal tourism and women-led enterprise

Key Updates:

  • The 3rd Indian Lighthouse Festival was inaugurated at MGM Park, Visakhapatnam, by former Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
  • The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) is developing 75 lighthouses across 10 states and Union Territories with modern tourist facilities under Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
  • Andhra Pradesh has already opened 10 of its 17 lighthouses for tourism, generating livelihoods through SHG-run stalls.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

The International Blue Flag Certification for 2025-26 was awarded to beaches. The Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), an international agency, awarded the Blue Flag certification.


National PNG Drive 2.0 to Promote Piped Natural Gas

[GAIL, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)]

Key Updates:

  • GAIL India Limited (GAIL) has tied up with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) for the National PNG Drive 2.0 initiative.
  • The initiative is part of the #NonStopZindagi campaign which promotes Piped Natural Gas (PNG).
  • The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Germany’s DVGW for blending hydrogen with natural gas.
  • India is set to join the United States-led PaxSilica Initiative to strengthen technology and supply chain ties.
  • Serbia has imposed import quotas on certain iron and steel products.

Related Current Affairs Coverage


Dagadarthi Greenfield Airport: Andhra Pradesh Cabinet clears project for state’s 8th airport

[Andhra Pradesh]

Key Updates:

  • The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet approved the Dagadarthi greenfield airport project in Nellore district on Jan 10, 2026, to strengthen the state’s multimodal logistics and industrial network.
  • The project has already received in-principle clearance from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) for development under a long-term concession framework.
  • Planned in multiple phases, the airport will be developed over 1,332.80 acres to support manufacturing, exports, agri-logistics, and services-led growth.
  • Phase I is designed to handle 1.4 million passengers per annum, with capacity scalable to 15 million passengers annually in the long term.
  • The master plan includes provision for a future cargo facility to support industrial output and port-led trade involving Krishnapatnam and Ramayapatnam ports.

Related Current Affairs Coverage


India and Germany to unveil defence and security roadmap during Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s first bilateral visit to India

[Germany]

Key Updates:

  • India and Germany will unveil a defence and security roadmap that will strengthen the defence manufacturing network base in India.
  • German technology for India’s defence preparedness will be part of the bilateral conversation.
  • Chancellor Merz is accompanied by a 25-member delegation of CEOs, including top executives of a leading submarine manufacturer, signalling strong defence ties on the agenda.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

India and Canada have agreed to formally resume talks on an ambitious Comprehensive Economic Partnership. India aims to increase bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030, while Canada sets a target of $70 billion by the…


India conducts Military Civil Fusion Exercise Sanjha Shakti at Khadki Military Station

Key Updates:

  • A joint Military Civil Fusion (MCF) exercise, Sanjha Shakti, was successfully conducted on January 8 and 9 at the Dighi Range, Khadki Military Station.
  • The exercise involved 16 civil agencies including Maharashtra Police’s elite Force One commandos and over 350 civilian personnel.
  • It focused on enhancing interoperability, rapid response, and coordinated action in emergency and security scenarios.

Related Current Affairs Coverage


Gambia and Myanmar begin International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearings on 12 January 2026

[Gambia, Myanmar, International Court of Justice (ICJ)]

Key Updates:

  • Public hearings opened on 12 January 2026 at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in a landmark case brought by the Gambia against Myanmar, alleging violations of the Genocide Convention.
  • The proceedings, held at the Peace Palace in The Hague, mark the start of the merits phase in the case, after years of preliminary legal arguments.
  • Judge Iwasawa Yuji, President of the ICJ, outlined a detailed schedule that includes two rounds of pleadings by Gambia and Myanmar, as well as closed sessions to hear testimony.
  • Gambia filed its application in November 2019, accusing Myanmar of breaching the Genocide Convention through acts allegedly committed during 'clearance operations' carried out by the Myanmar military, or Tatmadaw.
  • In January 2020, the Court unanimously ordered provisional measures, directing Myanmar to take all steps within its power to prevent genocidal acts against the Rohingya and preserve evidence.
  • The ICJ is the United Nations’ (UN) principal judicial organ; it settles legal disputes between States and determines State responsibility rather than trying individuals.

Related Current Affairs Coverage


India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tests Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) in Maharashtra on Sunday

[Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Maharashtra]

Key Updates:

  • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM), a third-generation ‘fire and forget’ type of missile with top attack capability, against a moving target at the KK Ranges in Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar on Sunday.
  • The homegrown MPATGM consists of an Imaging Infrared (IIR) homing seeker which tracks targets using infrared images, an all-electric control actuation system, and a tandem warhead that uses dual charges to defeat the layered armour of adversary tanks.
  • The ‘Fire and forget’ type of missile refers to a weapon system that locks onto a target before launch and does not require further guidance from the operator after firing.
  • Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited are the Development-Cum-Production Partners (DcPP) for the weapon system.
  • The missile can be launched from tripod or a Military Vehicle Launcher and features a miniaturised infrared imaging seeker and advanced avionics on board for control and guidance.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

USAF conducts Minuteman III ICBM test 'GT 254' from Vandenberg SFB (Start of November)

Test Name: GT 254 – an unarmed Minuteman III ICBM operational test launched by Air Force Global Strike Command Launch Site & Recovery: Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif.; impacted ~4,200 miles away at Ronald Reagan…


Major Swathi Shanthakumar wins UN Secretary-General's Award 2025 in Gender Category

[United Nations (UN)]

Key Updates:

  • Major Swathi Shanthakumar, an Indian Army officer from Bengaluru, received the UN Secretary-General's Award 2025 in the Gender Category for her project 'Equal Partners, Lasting Peace'.
  • She leads India's first all-woman military engagement team deployed with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
  • The award was announced by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Colonel Prateek Roy of the Indian Army was awarded the Geddes Gavel Award. He received the award on completion of the Defence Strategic and Studies Course at Australian Defence College.

The Border Security Force BSF is taking a significant step towards empowering women in its ranks with the creation of the Durga Drone Squadron, an all-women unit specializing in drone operations. Under the guidance of…


Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully flight-tests man portable anti-tank guided missile

[Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)]

Key Updates:

  • The third generation fire and forget man portable anti-tank guided missile (MPATGM) with top attack capability was flight-tested successfully against a moving target in KK Ranges, Ahilya Nagar.
  • The test-firing was carried out by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
  • The warhead is capable of defeating modern main battle tanks.
  • The missile can be launched from a tripod or military vehicle launcher.
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has complimented the DRDO and the industry partners for the successful test-firing of the missile.

Related Current Affairs Coverage


Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) PSLV-C62 mission hits anomaly after third stage

[Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)]

Key Updates:

  • The PSLV-C62 mission lifted off at 10:18:30 IST from the First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
  • ISRO acknowledged 'a deviation of sort in the flight path' after the end of the third stage and is analysing the data.
  • The 44.4-metre-tall four-stage PSLV-C62 carried the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites.
  • The rocket was to inject payloads into a Sun Synchronous Orbit at an altitude of around 511 km.
  • The fourth stage (PS4) was planned to restart for a controlled de-boost manoeuvre to re-enter and splash down the Kestrel Initial Technology Demonstrator (KID) capsule in the South Pacific Ocean.
  • EOS-N1 is an Earth observation satellite for environmental monitoring, resource mapping, and disaster management support.
  • KID, developed by a Spanish startup, is a small-scale re-entry vehicle prototype for technology demonstration.
  • The mission is the 64th flight of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle and the ninth dedicated commercial mission executed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).

Related Current Affairs Coverage


NHAI bags four Guinness World Records on Bengaluru–Kadapa–Vijayawada Economic Corridor

[NHAI]

Key Updates:

  • The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) created two records on January 6 near Puttaparthi: longest continuous laying of bituminous concrete covering 28.89 lane km and highest quantity of 10,655 metric tonnes laid in 24 hours.
  • On January 11 NHAI added two more records: continuous laying of 57,500 metric tonnes of bituminous concrete and continuous paving of 156 lane km (52 km of 3-lane width), surpassing the previous world record of 84.4 lane km.
  • The record-setting works were executed across Package-2 and Package-3 of the 343-km access-controlled six-lane Bengaluru–Kadapa–Vijayawada Economic Corridor on NH-544G.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan: Guinness World Records and Health Outcomes (Start of November)

The Union Health Ministry achieved three Guinness World Records titles under the nationwide 'Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan' (SNSPA) campaign. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the nationwide Swasth Nari…

NHAI to Deploy Network Survey Vehicles for Road Inventory and Pavement Condition Data (End of October)

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will deploy Network Survey Vehicles (NSV) in 23 states covering 20,933 km. The deployment is for "collection, processing and analysing road inventory and pavement condition…

Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (SNSPA): 3 Guinness Records & Key Features (Start of November)

Campaign Name: Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (SNSPA); launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17 and held till October 2 as part of 'Poshan Month'. Objective: Focus on preventive and women-centric…


NITI Aayog and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham workshop advances R&D integration in state institutions

[NITI Aayog]

Key Updates:

  • NITI Aayog convened a two-day national workshop titled "Sustaining Innovation: Embedding R&D in State Institutions" at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore.
  • The workshop was organised in collaboration with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology.
  • Tamil Nadu is currently at the forefront of patent filings in India, with nearly 5,000 to 6,000 applications filed annually.
  • Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) signed an MoU to facilitate collaboration on research and science-and-technology-related initiatives.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

S Jaishankar launched the IITM Global Research Foundation, positioning Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) as the world’s first multinational university. He inaugurated the IITM Festival Fortnight…


Google launches Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) for AI-era shopping

[Google]

Key Updates:

  • Google has launched the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), which allows retailers to set up relevant offers to feature in their campaign settings.
  • The Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) will introduce a new checkout feature for eligible Google product listings in AI Mode in Search and the Gemini app.
  • Google is testing “Direct Offers,” a new Google Ads pilot designed to help retailers connect with shoppers who use AI for product discovery and seek value.
  • The Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) establishes a common language for agents and systems to operate together across consumer surfaces, businesses, and payment providers.
  • The protocol works in tandem with existing industry protocols such as Agent2Agent (A2A), Agent Payments Protocol (AP2), and Model Context Protocol (MCP).
  • Google co-developed the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) with industry leaders, including Shopify, Target, Walmart, and received endorsements from American Express, Flipkart and Mastercard.
  • Google is rolling out Business Agent, a new way for shoppers to chat with brands right on Search to answer product questions in a brand’s voice.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Google on Monday said it will launch the first of its AI-powered smart glasses in 2026. The glasses are being developed in partnership with Samsung, Gentle Monster and Warby Parker.

Coforge has introduced EvolveOps.AI, an agentic AI platform built to push enterprises into AI-first operations across hybrid cloud. The platform uses a mix of fine-tuned Small Language Models (SLMs) and deterministic…

Nvidia has claimed it is 'a generation ahead' of rivals in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. Nvidia stated it was the only platform which 'runs every AI model and does it everywhere computing is done'.


Malaysia Blocks Access To Grok Over Sexualised AI Images

[Malaysia]

Key Updates:

  • Malaysia on Sunday temporarily blocked access to Grok after the generative artificial intelligence chatbot allowed users to create and publish sexualised images.
  • The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said it would restrict access to Grok following repeated misuse of the tool 'to generate obscene, sexually explicit, indecent, grossly offensive, and non-consensual manipulated images, including content involving women and minors.'
  • xAI, the Elon Musk-led firm behind Grok, on Thursday said it would restrict image generation and editing to paying subscribers.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Elon Musk's xAI launches AI-generated Grokipedia to rival Wikipedia (End of October)

Grokipedia is an AI-generated site developed by Elon Musk's company xAI Content is generated by artificial intelligence and the generative AI assistant Grok


Scientists Identify Earth Microbes for Biocementation-Based Mars Habitat Construction

Key Updates:

  • Scientists are exploring an unusual but promising idea to help humans live on Mars.
  • Biocementation uses bacteria to turn Martian soil into strong, concrete-like material.
  • Sporosarcina pasteurii produces calcium carbonate through ureolysis, which solidifies loose soil.
  • Chroococcidiopsis, a cyanobacterium, survives extreme environments and can produce oxygen.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

NASA’s twin ESCAPADE probes to map Martian magnetic fields and space weather via new Lagrange-point trajectory (Start of November)

Mission: Escape and Plasma Acceleration Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE) – two identical spacecraft named Blue and Gold managed by University of California, Berkeley Launch site: Cape Canaveral, Florida, no earlier than 9…


India Advances Toward On-Orbit Satellite Refuelling Capability

Key Updates:

  • India is moving a step closer to becoming the second country in the world to demonstrate on-orbit satellite refuelling.
  • The mission involves OrbitAid's 25-kg Ayulsat lifting off aboard the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) PSLV-C62.
  • Ayulsat is designed as a target satellite to validate fuel transfer in the space environment and study how fluids behave in microgravity under real orbital conditions.
  • China has previously carried out a similar demonstration, while no other spacefaring nation, including the US, has publicly demonstrated the technology in orbit.
  • The first refuelling is expected to take place within four hours of launch.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

ISRO’s LVM3-M5 ‘Bahubali’ rocket successfully launches India’s heaviest home-built communication satellite CMS-03 into GTO (Start of November)

CMS-03 satellite, weighing approximately 4,410 kg, is India’s heaviest communication satellite built entirely on home soil. LVM3-M5 rocket (nicknamed ‘Bahubali’) is ISRO’s flagship heavy-lift launch vehicle capable of…


Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) Announces Record 266.78 GW Clean Energy Capacity

[Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)]

Key Updates:

  • India marked a record-breaking year in its clean energy journey in 2025, with non-fossil fuel installed capacity rising to 266.78 GW, Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) Shri Pralhad Joshi said.
  • Solar power led the expansion, with installed capacity increasing from 97.86 GW in 2024 to 135.81 GW in 2025, registering a growth of 38.8 per cent.
  • Wind energy capacity also witnessed steady growth, rising from 48.16 GW to 54.51 GW, marking an increase of 13.2 per cent.
  • Bioenergy installed capacity reached 11.61 GW, including 0.55 GW from waste-to-energy off-grid projects, reflecting steady progress in clean fuel generation and waste management.
  • Small hydro power capacity increased to 5.16 GW, supporting decentralised and region-specific renewable energy development.
  • Large hydro power capacity stood at 50.91 GW, including 7,175.6 MW of pumped storage, strengthening grid stability and renewable energy integration.
  • The progress strengthens India’s pathway towards energy security, climate responsibility and a self-reliant green economy, while moving steadily towards the national target of 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
  • The Minister added that MNRE will continue to work closely with States and stakeholders to further accelerate renewable energy deployment across the country.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

UNEP's EGR 2025 Reports Record Global GHG Emissions in 2024, Warns of Off-Target Progress (Start of November)

The 16th edition of 'The Emissions Gap Report (EGR) 2025' was released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions reached a record high of 57.7 Gigatonnes of Carbon Dioxide…

India's installed power generation capacity crosses 500 GW with renewables exceeding 50% share (Start of November)

India's total installed electricity capacity reached 500.89 GW as of September 30, 2025, up from 249 GW in 2014 Non-fossil fuel sources (renewable energy, hydro, and nuclear) account for 256.09 GW, over 51% of total…


Virat Kohli overtakes Kumar Sangakkara to become second-highest run-scorer in international cricket

Key Updates:

  • Virat Kohli overtook Kumar Sangakkara’s tally of 28,016 runs to become the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket.
  • Kohli achieved the feat in his 624th innings during the first ODI between India and New Zealand in Vadodara.
  • Sachin Tendulkar remains the highest run-scorer with 34,357 runs in 782 innings.
  • Kohli has scored 28,068 runs in international cricket so far.
  • Kohli struck a half-century in the match, marking his seventh-straight score of fifty or more in List A cricket.

Related Current Affairs Coverage


2nd Khelo India Beach Games set to begin at Ghoghla Beach in Diu

[Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli]

Key Updates:

  • More than 2,100 athletes will participate in eight different sports of the Beach Games.
  • The games will be held between the 5th and 10th of January under the technical supervision of the Sports Authority of India and national sports federations.
  • The six medal sports will be – Beach Soccer, Beach Volleyball, Beach Sepak Takraw, Beach Kabaddi, Pencak Silat and Open water swimming.
  • Mallakhamb and Tug of War will be non-medal events.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

The International Blue Flag Certification for 2025-26 was awarded to beaches. The Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), an international agency, awarded the Blue Flag certification.


National Youth Day: January 12

Key Updates:

  • National Youth Day is celebrated on January 12 to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
  • Swami Vivekananda was born on January 12, 1863, as Narendranath Dutta in then Calcutta.
  • President Droupadi Murmu stated that Swami Vivekananda "instilled national pride among Indians and inspired the youth to contribute to nation-building.
  • Swami Vivekananda is described as a timeless visionary and spiritual icon who preached that inner strength and service to humanity were foundations of a meaningful life.

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Sri Sri Ravi Shankar conferred with 2025 World Leader for Peace and Security Award (Start of November)

Spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has been honored with the 2025 World Leader for Peace and Security Award. The award was conferred by the Boston Global Forum (BGF) and the AI World Society (AIWS).


IMD has put Delhi under a “yellow alert” owing to colder conditions

[Delhi]

Key Updates:

  • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has put Delhi under a “yellow alert” owing to colder conditions than normal.
  • Air quality in Delhi continued to remain under “very poor” category with an AQI of 321.
  • India ranks 64th globally in AI adoption with 15.7% diffusion rate.
  • Grace Harris’ stunning 40-ball 85 powers Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to 2nd win in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026.
  • The Golden Globe Awards 2026 Winners LIVE Updates: One Battle After Another leads with 9 nods.
  • Two cases of Nipah detected in West Bengal.

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The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) imposed GRAP-3 curbs after the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed the 400 mark and entered the 'Severe' category. The CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP decided to invoke all actions…

Delhi's Air Quality Enters 'Red Zone' Amidst Severe Pollution (Start of November)

Delhi's air quality has entered the 'red zone' with AQI crossing 400, making it the country's second most polluted city. With a 24-hour average AQI of 361, Delhi became the country’s second most polluted city, according…


83rd Golden Globe Awards held on January 11, 2026

Key Updates:

  • The 83rd Golden Globe Awards on Sunday night marked the official start to the 2026 awards season.
  • In a first, the Globes recognized achievement in podcasting — and handed the prize to 'Good Hang with Amy Poehler,' a light-hearted interview series.
  • Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) was the company that had the biggest night, winning top awards for 'One Battle After Another,' 'Sinners,' 'The Pitt' and 'Hacks'.
  • Timothée Chalamet scored his first Golden Globe for his lead role as a fiercely ambitious table tennis player in 'Marty Supreme'.
  • Paul Thomas Anderson’s film 'One Battle After Another' won four trophies: best musical/comedy, best director, best screenplay, and best supporting actress (Teyana Taylor).
  • The medical procedural 'The Pitt' won two marquee awards: best drama series and best drama series actor for Noah Wyle.

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The Critics Choice Awards 2026 were held on January 5, inaugurating this year’s awards season in Hollywood. Paul Thomas Anderson’s film 'One Battle After Another' won Best Picture and Best Director.

Five Indian films, including Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, Sister Midnight, Mahavatar Narsimha, Tanvi the Great, and Tourist Family, have secured eligibility for the Best Picture category at the 98th Academy Awards.…

The Academy Awards will begin streaming exclusively on YouTube in 2029, the latest big change in Hollywood. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the announcement, saying that it signed a multi-year deal…


National Road Safety Week promotes safer roads across India

Key Updates:

  • National Road Safety Week is observed annually from January 11 to January 17 under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
  • The initiative focuses on promoting safer roads by encouraging responsible driving, pedestrian awareness and strict adherence to traffic rules.
  • The week serves as a reminder that small behavioural changes can save lives.

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