Wednesday, Jan 14

Daily Current Affairs: 14 January 2026

Daily current affairs for 14 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: 14 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. Thierry Sabbagh appointed Divisional Vice-President and President for Middle East, KSA, CIS and India at Nissan
  2. Abla El Hawary presided over opening session of Egypt’s House of Representatives
  3. Dinkar Balu Patil to be honoured through naming of Navi Mumbai International Airport
  4. Aritra Roy summited Mt. Aconcagua in HAL-sponsored solo expedition.
  5. Dina Powell McCormick appointed President and Vice Chairman of Meta
  6. Thomas Kuthiravattam passed away as former MP and senior Kerala Congress (M) leader

Thierry Sabbagh appointed Divisional Vice-President and President for Middle East, KSA, CIS and India at Nissan

[Nissan]

Key Updates:

  • Thierry Sabbagh’s responsibilities were expanded to include Nissan India effective January 1, 2026.
  • He will serve as Divisional Vice-President and President, Middle East, KSA, CIS and India – Nissan and Infiniti.
  • Leon Dorssers, Senior Vice President and Chief of Commercial Operations, Nissan AMIEO, is leaving the company.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Vice Admiral B Sivakumar assumes charge as 40th Chief of Materiel-Indian Navy (Start of November)

Vice Admiral B. Sivakumar, AVSM, VSM, assumed the position of the 40th Chief of Materiel on 1 November 2025. He was commissioned as an Electrical Officer in the Indian Navy on July 1, 1987.

Abla El Hawary presided over opening session of Egypt’s House of Representatives

[Egypt]

Key Updates:

  • Abla El Hawary became the first woman to lead parliamentary proceedings in the 160-year history of the Egyptian Parliament.
  • She presided as the oldest member of the newly constituted House of Representatives during its inaugural session.
  • El Hawary oversaw the swearing-in of all 596 members and the election of the Speaker before handing over formal leadership.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Ahmed al-Sharaa Unveiled New Banknotes as Interim President (End of December)

Ahmed al-Sharaa, the interim President of Syria, introduced the country's new banknotes at a ceremony in Damascus to replace political imagery with agricultural symbols. Abdul Qader Hosriya, the Governor of the Central…

Dinkar Balu Patil to be honoured through naming of Navi Mumbai International Airport

Key Updates:

  • Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the Navi Mumbai International Airport will be named after the late Dinkar Balu Patil.
  • Dinkar Balu Patil, popularly known as DB Patil, was a senior leader from Raigad district and served as an MLA from Panvel between 1957 and 1980.
  • DB Patil was recognised for his advocacy of farmers’ rights and entered public life after winning the Kolaba district local board election.
  • Born in Jasai village in Uran taluka of Raigad district, Patil came from a farming family and completed his LLB degree in 1951.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Navi Mumbai Airport To Begin Commercial Flights On Christmas (Mid of November)

Budget airline Akasa Air has announced its first flights from the Navi Mumbai International Airport from December 25, 2025. The first Akasa flight to Navi Mumbai Airport will commence from the national capital New Delhi.

Aritra Roy summited Mt. Aconcagua in HAL-sponsored solo expedition.

[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)]

Key Updates:

  • Aritra Roy is a HAL-sponsored Indian mountaineer.
  • He summited Mt. Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside Asia, standing at 6,967.15 metres above mean sea level.
  • The solo expedition was fully sponsored by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
  • Roy reached the summit on January 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM local time.
  • He completed a 44-kilometre trek and faced temperatures plunging to minus 40 degrees Celsius, snowstorms and blizzards.
  • HAL Chairman and Managing Director Dr D K Sunil congratulated Roy on the achievement.
  • Roy dedicated the summit to those who aspire to dream big and pursue their goals with perseverance.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Kavita Chand Scales Mount Vinson (Mid of December)

Kavita Chand conquered Mount Vinson in Antarctica, the highest peak in that continent, that has a height of 4,892 meters above the sea level. She had previously conquered Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe.

Dina Powell McCormick appointed President and Vice Chairman of Meta

[Meta]

Key Updates:

  • Dina Powell McCormick has been appointed President and Vice Chairman of Meta Platforms Inc.
  • She will report to Meta CEO and founder Mark Zuckerberg.
  • Powell McCormick previously served as a Meta board member before resigning to take the executive role.
  • She served as Deputy National Security Adviser in the Trump administration.
  • She spent 16 years in senior leadership roles at Goldman Sachs.
  • She was vice chair, president, and head of global client services at BDT & MSD Partners.
  • She also served on the board of Exxon Mobil.
  • She is married to U.S. Senator David McCormick, a Republican from Pennsylvania.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Thomas Kuthiravattam passed away as former MP and senior Kerala Congress (M) leader

[Kerala]

Key Updates:

  • Thomas Kuthiravattam, senior leader of Kerala Congress (M) and former MP, passed away at his residence in Kallissery near Chengannur in Alappuzha.
  • He served as working chairman of the undivided Kerala Congress and was a long-time general secretary.
  • He was a member of Rajya Sabha from 1985 to 1991 and part of the Joint Parliamentary Committee that investigated the Bofors deal.
  • He was a close aide of late K M Mani and served as a member of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Managing Committee.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Kannan Pattambi passes away at 62 (Start of January)

Kannan Pattambi, Malayalam actor and production controller, died while undergoing treatment for a kidney-related ailment at a private hospital in Kozhikode, Kerala. His elder brother Major Ravi confirmed the news through…

H.Y. Meti, former Karnataka minister and senior Congress leader, passes away (Start of November)

H.Y. Meti, former Karnataka excise minister and senior Congress leader, passed away at 79. He was a five-time MLA and one-time Lok Sabha member.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) overhauls FEMA guarantees regime, widens automatic route and mandates quarterly reporting.

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]

Key Updates:

  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) replaces the 2000 rules with the Foreign Exchange Management (Guarantees) Regulations, 2026.
  • Guarantees are freely permitted if the underlying transaction is not prohibited under FEMA and parties are eligible to lend or borrow under FEMA borrowing and lending rules.
  • Guarantees issued, modified or invoked must be reported quarterly within 15 days of quarter-end to authorised dealer banks using Form GRN.
  • Late submission attracts a fee of Rs 7,500 + 0.025% × amount involved × years of delay (rounded to nearest month and Rs 100).
  • Exemptions cover guarantees by overseas/IFSC branches of authorised dealer banks, irrevocable payment commitments by custodian banks for FPIs, and guarantees under Overseas Investment Regulations, 2022.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) records December CPI inflation at 1.33%

[Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)]

Key Updates:

  • India’s headline retail inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to 1.33 per cent in December 2025 from 0.71 per cent in November.
  • Retail food prices fell 2.71 per cent year-on-year in December after falling by 3.91 per cent the previous month.
  • The December 2025 retail inflation figure is the last under the existing CPI series; a new series with base year 2024 will be introduced next month.
  • The October–December CPI inflation averaged ~0.8 per cent, about 20 basis points higher than the Monetary Policy Committee’s Q3FY26 forecast.
  • Core inflation rose to 4.6 per cent in December from 4.4 per cent the previous month, driven by gold and silver price surges.
  • Gold inflation hit a record high of 68.66 per cent and silver inflation reached 97.07 per cent in December.
  • Excluding gold and silver, December CPI inflation would have been 0.26 per cent.
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expects inflation to average around 4 per cent in the first half of 2026-27.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Government of India net direct tax kitty swells 8.82% to ₹18,37,898.32 crore by January 11 2026.

Key Updates:

  • Gross direct tax collections for FY 2025-26 stood at ₹21,49,831.89 crore as on January 11 2026, up 4.14% from ₹20,64,350.94 crore in the corresponding period of FY 2024-25.
  • Gross corporate tax collections rose to ₹10,46,574.28 crore from ₹9,71,851.07 crore a year earlier.
  • Gross non-corporate tax collections increased to ₹10,58,046.13 crore from ₹10,45,093.86 crore in the same period last year.
  • Refunds issued during FY 2025-26 up to January 11 2026 totaled ₹3,11,933.57 crore, 16.92% lower than ₹3,75,441.27 crore in the corresponding period of FY 2024-25.
  • Net corporate tax collections after refunds reached ₹8,63,038.88 crore.
  • Net non-corporate tax collections after refunds stood at ₹9,29,671.69 crore.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

GST collections rise 4.6% to Rs 1.96 lakh crore in October despite tax cuts (Start of November)

GST collection rose 4.6% in October to Rs 1.96 lakh crore compared to Rs 1.97 lakh crore in October 2024. After deducting refunds, the government's net tax collections stood at Rs 1.69 lakh crore, 0.6% more than in…

Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) records India slipping to third rank in Russian fossil fuel imports

[Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA)]

Key Updates:

  • India’s Russian hydrocarbon imports fell to €2.3 billion in December from €3.3 billion in November.
  • Turkiye replaced India as the second-largest buyer, importing €2.6 billion of Russian hydrocarbons in December.
  • China retained the top position, accounting for 48% (€6 billion) of Russia’s export revenues from the top five importers.
  • Russian crude constituted 78% of India’s purchases, totalling €1.8 billion in December.
  • Reliance Industries’ Jamnagar refinery halved its Russian crude imports in December.
  • State-owned refiners cut Russian crude imports by 15% month-on-month in December.
  • Russia’s share in India’s total crude imports dropped to 25% in December from 35% in November.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Russia Becomes India's Top Sunflower Oil Supplier, Capturing 56% Market Share in 2024 (Start of November)

Imports of sunflower oil from Russia have shot up twelvefold in the last four years, making it India’s largest supplier, displacing Ukraine. The share of Russian oil in India’s total sunflower oil imports was around 10%…

Government sources assess minimal impact of US tariff on Iran partners for India

[United States]

Key Updates:

  • India's trade with Iran stood at USD 1.6 billion, approximately 0.15% of India's total trade.
  • Iran does not figure in India's top 50 global trading partners.
  • India's share in Iran's total imports is USD 1.2 billion, accounting for 2.3%.
  • US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran.
  • FIEO CEO stated Indian industry and banks deal with Iran only in goods outside US OFAC sanctions.
  • KRBL exported approximately 250,000 tonnes of basmati rice to Iran when trade was fully open.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

GTRI Recommends India Halt Sanctioned Oil Imports and Seek Tariff Relief from US (Start of November)

The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) outlined a three-step plan for India to protect its trade interests under the ongoing bilateral trade agreement negotiation with America. On October 24, government officials…

Government of India (GoI) doubles fish production and creates 74.66 lakh jobs in a decade.

Key Updates:

  • India’s fish production surged 106 percent to 197.75 lakh tonnes in FY 2024–25 from 95.79 lakh tonnes in FY 2013–14.
  • Average aquaculture productivity improved to 4.77 tonnes per hectare.
  • India is now the world’s second-largest fish producer and leads in shrimp production and exports.
  • Seafood exports reached 16.98 lakh tonnes worth Rs 62,408 crore in 2023–24.
  • Government approved projects worth Rs 32,723 crore under PMMSY, PMMKSSY, FIDF and Blue Revolution since 2014–15, with total investments of Rs 38,572 crore.
  • 74.66 lakh direct and indirect jobs created under various fisheries schemes since 2014–15.
  • 34.71 lakh fishers covered under group accident insurance.
  • 4.49 lakh Kisan Credit Cards worth Rs 3,569.60 crore issued to fishers.
  • 4.33 lakh fisher families receive nutritional support during lean fishing periods.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

National Marine Fisheries Census 2025: India’s First Fully Digitised Census (Start of November)

Scheme Name: National Marine Fisheries Census 2025, inaugurated by Union Minister George Kurian at ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). Objective: Ensure registration of fishermen on the National…

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) widens Payment Aggregator authorization for Innoviti Technologies to cover physical in-store payments.

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]

Key Updates:

  • Innoviti Technologies received RBI Certificate of Authorization to operate as a Payment Aggregator under the Payments and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
  • The authorization now covers both online and physical in-store payment transactions.
  • Innoviti already processes over ₹80,000 crore annually across 2,000+ cities and 50,000+ merchants.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

National Statistical Office (NSO) records India retail inflation at 1.33% for December 2025.

Key Updates:

  • India’s retail inflation accelerated to 1.33% in December 2025, nearly doubling from 0.71% in November and marking a three-month high.
  • Food inflation remained in negative territory for the seventh consecutive month at -2.71%, though it improved slightly from -3.91% in November.
  • The Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based inflation rate in December stood below the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lower tolerance band of 2% for the fourth straight month.
  • The central bank is mandated to keep inflation at 4%, with a margin of ±2% (2%-6% range).

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID creation in Chhattisgarh achieves 88.63% coverage

[Chhattisgarh]

Key Updates:

  • Chhattisgarh has generated 50,60,941 APAAR IDs for students, covering 88.63% of the 57,10,207 students enrolled in 57,045 schools across the state.
  • Bemetara district recorded the highest coverage at 96.40%, followed by Rajnandgaon at 96.38%.
  • The central government has directed that APAAR IDs for all students must be generated by January 31.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026 Establishes Statutory Framework for Sports Bodies

Key Updates:

  • The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) notified the 'National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026' on 'January 13, 2026,' under the 'National Sports Governance Act, 2025.'
  • The rules provide a framework for 'National Sports Bodies and Regional Sports Federations' regarding the inclusion of sportspersons of outstanding merit (SOMs), composition of the general body and executive committee, election procedures, and disqualification criteria.
  • The rules mandate the inclusion of at least four sportspersons of outstanding merit (SOMs) in the General Bodies of National Sports Bodies, with fifty per cent of women SOMs in the General Body.
  • To ensure the representation of at least four women in the Executive Committee, the rules provide that every National Sports Body may reserve specific posts for women in the Executive Committee, through its bye-laws.
  • Sportspersons applying as SOMs should not be less than twenty-five years of age, must have retired from active sports, and should not have participated in competitive events for at least one year prior to the date of application.
  • A 'tiered criteria' featuring '10 tiers' has been prescribed for SOMs, ranging from medalists in the 'Summer Olympic Games, Paralympic Games or Winter Olympic Games' to those who won a medal in the National Games or a National Championship.
  • The rules specify that the roster of the National Sports Election Panel shall at all times contain at least twenty members who satisfy statutory qualifications.
  • The fee for the electoral officer is subject to a maximum amount of Rs. 5 lakh, with additional fees permitted for a mutually agreed assistant.
  • The rules require that every National Sports Body shall amend its bye-laws in conformity with the provisions of the act, within a period of six months.
  • The Central Government is authorized to relax the provisions of the Rules for a period of twelve months upon receiving an application from a National Sports Body, provided reasons are recorded in writing.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Split verdict on Section 17A prior-approval clause in Prevention of Corruption Act

Key Updates:

  • Section 17A inserted by 2018 amendment mandates prior approval before probing a public servant for acts done in discharge of his official functions or duties.
  • Justice B V Nagarathna: unconstitutional and ought to be struck down protects the corrupt.
  • Justice K V Viswanathan: valid provided the sanction is decided by the Lokpal or the Lokayukta.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Supreme Court Rules No Timelines for Governors on Bills (End of November)

The Supreme Court held that the Court cannot impose any timelines for decisions of the President and the Governor on granting assent to Bills under the Constitution. A Constitutional bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai…

Odisha Integrated Secretariat & Assembly Complex: Rs 3,623 crore outlay for 50-year administrative needs

[Odisha]

Key Updates:

  • Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi laid the foundation for a Rs 3,623 crore integrated Lok Seva Bhawan and assembly complex spread over 71 acres.
  • The complex is designed to meet the state’s administrative and legislative needs for the next 50 years, anticipating an increase in assembly seats from 147 to about 196 after delimitation.
  • The new assembly hall will have seating capacity for 300 members and include basement parking, modern amenities and advanced security systems.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Anu Garg appointed as Chief Secretary of Odisha (End of December)

Anu Garg, a 1991-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, was appointed as the first woman Chief Secretary of Odisha. She will replace Manoj Ahuja following his superannuation on December 31.

Allahabad HC clarifies wife’s degrees no ground to deny maintenance under Section 125 CrPC

Key Updates:

  • Allahabad High Court ruled that a wife cannot be denied maintenance solely because she is highly educated or holds professional qualifications.
  • The court set aside the family court’s order that had rejected the woman’s maintenance plea on the basis of her educational background.
  • The High Court emphasized that potential to earn is not the same as actual earning, and many educated women are unable to work due to household responsibilities.
  • The case has been sent back to the Family Court in Bulandshahr to pass a fresh, well-reasoned order within one month.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Goa Bill bars land sale till mundkar rights settled (Start of January)

The Goa government will introduce a bill to stop landlords from selling land until mundkars’ rights are settled. The bill is likely to be introduced in the winter session of the Goa legislative assembly beginning from…

Karnataka Approves Paid Menstrual Leave Policy (Start of November)

Karnataka has become the first state in India to approve 12 days of paid menstrual leave annually for women employees. This progressive policy is applicable to both government and private sectors, granting one day of…

ICEGATE–LPMS Integration at Agartala ICP enables real-time two-way data exchange for unified digital cross-border trade

[Government of India]

Key Updates:

  • The integration enables real-time, two-way data exchange between customs systems and land port operations, creating a unified digital ecosystem for cross-border trade.
  • Critical customs data elements—including Bill of Entry, Shipping Bill, Out of Charge (OOC), and Let Export Order (LEO)—are seamlessly synchronised between the two platforms.
  • The initiative strengthens risk-based targeting by allowing early risk assessment, anomaly detection, and selective intervention while minimising disruption to legitimate trade.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

DRDO's Samanvay 2025 Meet in Bengaluru Sees Tech Transfer Agreements (Start of November)

The event, Samanvay 2025, is a two-day industry synergy meet organised by the Electronics and Communication Systems (ECS) cluster of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Proof: "The handover took…

Government Revokes Quality Control Order on Flux Cored Solder Wire

Key Updates:

  • The government has officially canceled the quality control order for Flux Cored Solder Wire.
  • The original order was implemented in September 2023 under the authority of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
  • This decision follows consultations with the Bureau of Indian Standards and is part of a broader deregulatory trend.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Market Access Support Scheme Rs 4,531-cr for Exporters (Start of January)

The government launched Rs 4,531 crore market access support for exporters under which financial support will be provided to participate in activities such as international fairs and exhibitions. Rs 4,531 crore will be…

Swachh Jal Abhiyan launched to ensure clean drinking water and prevent contamination

Key Updates:

  • Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav launched the 'Swachh Jal Abhiyan' to conduct comprehensive testing of drinking water quality in all urban and rural areas.
  • A weekly public hearing named 'Jal Sunwai' will be held every Tuesday at the district level for citizens to raise water-related complaints.
  • A mobile application will be developed for a water pipeline asset survey involving residents to identify leakages and contaminated sources.
  • The campaign will be implemented in two phases: Phase I from January 10 to February 28 and Phase II from March 1 to May 31.
  • All drinking water sources will undergo quality testing, and STPs will be regularly monitored to ensure clean water supply.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

India and Germany sign bilateral logistics cooperation agreement

[Germany]

Key Updates:

  • India and Germany have signed a bilateral agreement to enhance cooperation in postal, express, and logistics services focusing on cross-border e-commerce and time-definite deliveries.
  • The collaboration aims to boost Indian export volumes, improve service quality, and integrate Indian businesses into global value chains.
  • During a key ceremony in Ahmedabad on January 12, 2026, attended by Germany's Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, two important instruments were exchanged, detailing joint international express products and expanding last-mile reach through cooperation between India Post and Deutsche Post–DHL Group.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

India to host 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Commonwealth (CSPOC) in January 2026

Key Updates:

  • 42 of 56 Commonwealth countries have confirmed participation, marking the highest turnout in CSPOC history.
  • 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers are expected to attend the conference hosted by the Parliament of India.
  • Pakistan will not participate; Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom are among the confirming nations.
  • Conference agenda focuses on the future of parliamentary democracy, including use of artificial intelligence and technology-driven legislative processes.
  • A web-based and mobile application is being developed to facilitate interaction between participating countries and their media.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Ahmedabad confirmed as host city for 2030 Commonwealth Games (End of November)

Ahmedabad has been officially confirmed as the host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games as the delegates of 74 Commonwealth member nations ratified India’s bid at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow.…

India to host inaugural Commonwealth Kho Kho Championship (Mid of December)

Over 24 countries will compete in the inaugural Commonwealth Kho Kho Championship from March 9 to 14 next year, for which the venue is yet to be finalised in India. The event will see 16 men's and as many women's teams…

India launches BRICS India 2026 logo featuring lotus and Namaste gesture

[BRICS]

Key Updates:

  • India formally launched the logo and official website for its BRICS Presidency 2026 in New Delhi.
  • The logo is inspired by the lotus, India’s national flower, with inner petals forming two hands in a Namaste gesture.
  • Five petals are coloured to represent the founding BRICS members: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
  • External affairs minister S Jaishankar stated the theme underscores strengthening capacities, promoting innovation and ensuring sustainable development.
  • India’s 2026 BRICS chairship priorities are resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability across political-security, economic-financial and cultural-people-to-people pillars.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

India and Germany Strengthen Bilateral Economic Cooperation During Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Official Visit on 12-13 January 2026

[Germany]

Key Updates:

  • Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, paid an official visit to India from 12-13 January 2026, marking his first visit to Asia as Chancellor.
  • The visit follows the completion of 25 years of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership in 2025 and the commemoration of 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.
  • The 7th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) were previously held in New Delhi on 25 October 2024.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor Merz addressed the India-Germany CEOs Forum and held delegation-level talks in Ahmedabad on 12 January 2026.
  • India-Germany bilateral trade in goods and services surpassed USD 50 billion in 2024, accounting for over 25% of India's trade with the European Union (EU).
  • The Ministry of Finance (FinMin) is in discussions with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regarding cryptocurrency exchange regulations for the Budget 2026-27.
  • Bloomberg has decided not to include Indian bonds in its Global Aggregate Index for the current period.
  • The Bharat Coking Coal Initial Public Offering (IPO) was booked 147 times, drawing bids worth ₹1.2 trillion.

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 Chancellor Friedrich Merz is accompanied by a 25-member delegation of CEOs, including the top executives of a leading submarine manufacturer.
  • German technology being made available to India for its defence preparedness will be part of the bilateral talks.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

India nominated to chair United Nations Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters for 2026–27 term

[United Nations]

Key Updates:

  • Senior Indian diplomat DB Venkatesh Varma has been nominated by the UN Secretary General to chair the Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters for the 2026–27 term.
  • This marks the first time an Indian will hold the position of chair of the Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters.
  • The Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters was established in 1978 pursuant to paragraph 124 of the Final Document of the Tenth Special Session of the General Assembly.
  • The Board advises the Secretary-General on issues related to arms limitation and disarmament, including studies and research carried out under the auspices of the United Nations or institutions within the UN system.
  • The Board also serves as the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research.
  • Members of the Advisory Board are chosen by the Secretary General from all regions of the world based on their knowledge and experience in disarmament and international security.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Rajnath Singh at ADMM-Plus: Indo-Pacific must stay open and free from coercion (Start of November)

Event: ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Participants: ASEAN and its eight dialogue partners — Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the…

India participates in Second Global Summit on Blue Food Security in Eilat, Israel

[Israel]

Key Updates:

  • Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh arrived in Eilat, Israel, on Monday to partake in a global summit dedicated to blue food security.
  • The 'Second Global Summit on Blue Food Security: Sea the Future' is set against the backdrop of the southern coastal city from January 13 to 15.
  • The event focuses on enhancing food production in harsh climates through innovative technologies and highlights the surge in strategic ties between India and Israel.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

India, Israel ink pact on defence cooperation during 17th JWG meeting (Start of November)

India and Israel Tuesday signed a pact on defence cooperation. The MoU was signed during the 17th meeting of Joint Working Group (JWG) on defence cooperation.

India-Sri Lanka Hold First Joint Working Group Meet on Agriculture (Start of November)

The first Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on Agriculture between India and Sri Lanka was held. The deliberations between the two sides focused on deepening collaboration across a wide spectrum of themes critical to…

India-Israel sign MoU on defence cooperation during 17th JWG meeting in Tel Aviv (Start of November)

MoU signed during 17th Joint Working Group (JWG) on defence cooperation co-chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Director General of Israeli Ministry of Defense Maj Gen (Res) Amir Baram in Tel Aviv MoU…

India Reaffirms 500 GW Non-Fossil Target and 266 GW Renewable Milestone at 16th IRENA Assembly

[United States]

Key Updates:

  • India’s Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, delivered the national statement at the 16th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on January 12, 2026.
  • Joshi reaffirmed India’s target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and Net Zero emissions by 2070.
  • India achieved 50 percent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources in 2025, five years ahead of its Paris Agreement NDC target.
  • India’s renewable energy capacity now exceeds 266 GW, with nearly 50 GW added in 2025 alone.
  • Under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, 2.5 million households gained rooftop solar in under two years, targeting 10 million by March 2027.
  • PM-KUSUM has been deployed for 2.17 million farmers via diesel pump replacements and solarised agricultural feeders.
  • India requires USD 300 billion by 2030 for renewables, storage, green hydrogen, grids, and manufacturing.
  • Joshi urged international collaboration on technology transfer, low-cost finance, capacity building, and standards harmonisation, especially for developing nations.
  • In a bilateral meeting, Joshi discussed with the UAE's Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, ways to deepen ties in renewables, decentralised energy, manufacturing, storage, and blended finance.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

United States invites India into Pax Silica initiative

[United States]

Key Updates:

  • Pax Silica is a US-led initiative focused on securing AI and tech supply chains, aimed at bringing 'friendly and trusted' countries together to ensure that key technologies are safe, reliable, and not controlled by hostile play.
  • The initiative was launched on December 12 to 'reduce coercive dependencies' and build a 'secure, prosperous, and innovation-driven silicon supply chain'.
  • India was initially left out of the initiative, which included countries such as Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Israel, UAE and Australia.
  • US Ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor announced that India will be invited to join Pax Silica as a full member next month.
  • The initiative includes measures such as 'pursuing new joint ventures and strategic co-investment opportunities'.
  • India stands to gain from likely investments and partnerships under the initiative, as it currently lacks global-scale AI infrastructure.
  • US companies Microsoft and Google announced major AI infrastructure investments in India in December, with Microsoft planning to spend $17.5 billion and Google over $15 billion.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

ICAR–NDDB MoU Targets Climate-Resilient, High-Productivity Dairy Value Chain

[ICAR, NDDB]

Key Updates:

  • ICAR and NDDB signed an MoU to deepen multidisciplinary research, innovation and capacity building across the entire dairy value chain.
  • Partnership focuses on translating science into impact for millions of small and marginal dairy farmers.
  • Key technical areas include integrated farming systems, climate resilience, low livestock productivity and value chain development.
  • Initiatives will deploy modern technologies emerging from ICAR institutes for fodder, manure management, biogas utilisation and gaushala-based stray cattle management.
  • NDDB and ICAR will jointly develop, validate and deploy technologies, share knowledge, run training programmes and create scalable, replicable models across diverse agro-climatic zones.

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National Milk Day observed on November 26 (End of November)

National Milk Day is celebrated on November 26 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr Verghese Kurien who is known as the ‘Father of the White Revolution in India.’ The decision to commemorate Dr. Verghese Kurien’s…

Ola Electric launches Shakti residential energy storage system

[Ola Electric]

Key Updates:

  • Ola Electric has launched Shakti, a residential and small commercial battery energy storage system, from its battery gigafactory in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu.
  • The energy storage system is powered by the company’s indigenously developed 4680 Bharat Cell.
  • Shakti is offered in four configurations with storage capacities ranging from 1.5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) to 9.1 kWh.
  • The system provides a power output between 1 kilowatt (kW) and 6 kW with charging times of up to two hours.
  • The storage solution is designed to support household appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners, as well as agricultural equipment like farm pumps.

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Toshiba India delivers first indigenous 220 kV Mobile GIS to POWERGRID (Start of November)

Technology: India’s first indigenously manufactured 220 kV Mobile Gas-Insulated Switchgear (m-GIS) system Developer/Supplier: Toshiba Transmission & Distribution Systems (India) Pvt Ltd (TTDI)

Hinduja Group to Invest Rs 20,000 Crore in Andhra Pradesh Across Energy and EV Sectors (Start of November)

Hinduja Group has agreed to invest Rs 20,000 crore in Andhra Pradesh in phases. An agreement of Rs 20,000 crore investment in phases was signed between the Andhra Pradesh government and the Hinduja Group.

ADB approves $460 million loan for agricultural solarisation and rural power infrastructure modernisation in Maharashtra (End of October)

Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 460 million results-based loan that aims to modernise rural power infrastructure, promote distributed renewable energy generation, and improve agricultural productivity by…

Reliance Industries (RIL) announces people-first Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform and global clean energy hub

[Reliance Industries (RIL)]

Key Updates:

  • Jio will launch a people-first artificial intelligence platform built in India, for India, and the world.
  • In Jamnagar, we are building India's largest artificial intelligence-ready data centre with a single goal -- affordable AI for every Indian.
  • At Jamnagar, we are building the world's largest integrated clean energy ecosystem, spanning solar, battery energy storage, green hydrogen, green fertilizer, sustainable aviation fuel, and maritime fuels, and advanced materials.
  • Our multi-gigawatt utility scale solar project, among the world's largest, will deliver round-the-clock clean power through advanced storage and modern grid integration.
  • Jamnagar, once the largest hydrocarbon energy exporter, will in the coming years become India's largest exporter of green energy and material, from Gujarat.

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Reliance and Google Partner to Bring Free AI Pro Access and Build AI Infrastructure in India (Start of November)

Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Limited RIL, through its subsidiary Reliance Intelligence Limited, has entered into a strategic partnership with Google to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence AI…

India's Atomesus AI, a Hybrid System, Set to Launch Soon (Start of November)

Atomesus AI, developed under the leadership of Indus Valley Group, is gearing up for its official launch. The initiative is led by a group of passionate college innovators with research exposure to ISRO-linked projects.

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to organise BHASHINI Samudaye Workshop

[Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)]

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology will organise the BHASHINI Samudaye workshop, Strengthening India’s Language AI Ecosystem, in New Delhi.
  • BHASHINI Samudaye is a BHASHINI-led collaborative initiative that brings together language experts, academic institutions, civil society organisations, and data practitioners to co-create, govern, and scale language AI solutions for India.
  • The workshop will feature focused sessions on scaling BHASHINI, including discussions on platform capabilities, strategic priorities, and pathways for collaboration with stakeholders and implementation partners.

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OpenAI Introduces IndQA Benchmark for Indian Languages and Cultural Context (Start of November)

OpenAI has introduced a new benchmark evaluation, known as IndQA, designed to test a model’s linguistic ability and its grasp of Indian cultural context across domains. The IndQA benchmark test comprises 2,278 questions…

xTerra Robotics Unveils SCORP, India’s First Legged Mobile Manipulator

Key Updates:

  • SCORP is India’s first legged mobile manipulator, developed by deep-tech startup xTerra Robotics incubated at IIT Kanpur.
  • The robot merges legged locomotion with a multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arm to navigate and manipulate in complex environments.
  • SCORP performs intricate pipe network inspections using a high-resolution camera mounted on its robotic arm for close-range visual analysis.
  • It uses a RealSense D435 stereo depth camera for automated crack detection by capturing precise 3D depth information.
  • SCORP can autonomously patrol, detect threats, and physically interact with objects using its robotic arm for tasks like waste pickup and fire extinguisher pressure checks.

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SS Innovations unveils MantrAsana, world’s first portable telesurgery console (Start of November)

MantrAsana is described as "the world’s first fully integrated, ergonomic and portable telesurgery console" designed for remote precision operations. The system is "designed and manufactured entirely in India" by SS…

IndiaAI Mission and UPDESCO ink MoU to build Uttar Pradesh AI ecosystem

[IndiaAI Mission]

Key Updates:

  • The MoU was exchanged during the Uttar Pradesh AI and Health Innovation Conference between Anurag Yadav, Principal Secretary, IT and Electronics Department, Uttar Pradesh, and Abhishek Singh, Chief Executive Officer of the IndiaAI Mission.
  • UPDESCO will act as the state nodal agency for implementation.
  • A total of 65 Data and AI Labs are proposed to be set up across the state under the IndiaAI Mission.
  • At present, two such labs are operational at National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) centres in Lucknow and Gorakhpur, while another has been established in Pilibhit with industry support.
  • The state government has already approved the establishment of 49 additional Data and AI Labs, with implementation currently underway.
  • The labs will be equipped with modern infrastructure and advanced technical resources to support hands-on AI training.

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IndiaAI Mission Releases First National AI Governance Guidelines (Start of November)

Issued by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under IndiaAI Mission; no stand-alone AI law proposed, existing IT Act & Digital Personal Data Protection Act to be used Seven guiding 'sutras': Trust…

Coromandel International and IIT Madras Research Park sign MoU for Corporate Research Centre

[Coromandel International, IIT Madras Research Park]

Key Updates:

  • Coromandel International Ltd signed an MoU with the IIT Madras Research Park to establish a Corporate Research Centre.
  • The centre will foster advanced collaboration in agriculture, sustainability and emerging technologies.
  • It will act as a hub for joint research programmes, technology incubation, talent development and international collaboration.

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Tripura Gramin Bank Deploys India’s First Solar-Powered ATM Van

[Tripura Gramin Bank]

Key Updates:

  • Tripura Gramin Bank has introduced India’s first solar-powered ATM van, strengthening rural financial inclusion.
  • The initiative earned the bank the SKOCH Silver Award for excellence in governance and innovation.
  • Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the pioneering ATM van on July 21, 2023.
  • Currently, three solar-powered ATM vans provide eco-friendly, uninterrupted banking services in areas with limited electricity supply.

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IOA launches NOEDP and reactivates National Olympic Academy

[Indian Olympic Association (IOA)]

Key Updates:

  • The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has launched the National Olympic Education and Development Programme (NOEDP) and formally revived the National Olympic Academy (NOA).
  • PT Usha, IOA chief, was confirmed as president of the National Olympic Academy.
  • Olympic medallist and IOA vice president Gagan Narang was appointed director of the academy.

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Alyssa Healy announces retirement from all forms of cricket

[Australia]

Key Updates:

  • Australia captain Alyssa Healy will retire after the upcoming home series against India.
  • Healy has played almost 300 matches, scored more than 7,000 runs and taken 275 dismissals.
  • She led Australia to a historic 16-0 whitewash of England and has been part of eight World Cup titles.
  • The India series features three T20s, two ODIs and a one-off Test in Perth; Healy will play only the ODIs and the Test.

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Australia wins Sydney test to seal Ashes 2025-26 series (Start of January)

Usman Khawaja announced his retirement from international cricket, stating the upcoming New Year’s Ashes Test in Sydney will be his final one. In his career of 87 Tests, Khawaja scored 6206 runs at an average of 43.39…

CAB to honour Richa Ghosh for Women's World Cup performance (Start of November)

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) will present India wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh with a specially crafted gold-plated bat and ball. The felicitation is for her stellar performance in the Women’s World Cup.

Boda Tyohar festival of Hati tribe commenced on January 9

Key Updates:

  • Boda Tyohar, the biggest annual festival of the Hati tribe, commenced on the eve of Posh Dwadashi which was on January 9 this year.
  • The festival is also called Magho ko Tyohar and is celebrated by over three lakh community members living in 154 panchayats of Trans-Giri area of Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh.
  • The Government of India declared the Hati community as Scheduled Tribe after a constitutional amendment on August 4, 2023.

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Tripura to host 2nd Prabashi Tripurabasi Summit 2025-26 (End of December)

Tripura is scheduled to host the second Prabashi Tripurabasi Summit 2025-26 to reconnect with natives of the state residing beyond its borders. The summit is organized by the Tripura Institution for Transformation…