Sunday, Jan 18

Daily Current Affairs: 18 January 2026

Daily current affairs for 18 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: 18 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. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation invites nominations for Sukhatme National Award in Statistics 2026
  2. Praveen Vashista appointed Vigilance Commissioner in Central Vigilance Commission
  3. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reports India’s forex reserves rose $392 million to $687.19 billion
  4. GAIL (India) Ltd (GAIL) completes 694-km Mumbai-Nagpur Natural Gas Pipeline (MNPL) in Maharashtra
  5. Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) Revamps Mutual Fund Regulations and Rationalises Brokerage Caps
  6. Lokpal of India inaugurates State-of-the-Art Data Centre for Paperless Complaint Processing

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation invites nominations for Sukhatme National Award in Statistics 2026

[Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation]

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has invited online nominations for the Sukhatme National Award in Statistics 2026 through the National Awards Portal.
  • The award recognises Indian statisticians aged 45 years and above for lifetime contributions to official statistics.
  • Nominations must be submitted by January 31 2026 and the award will be presented on Statistics Day June 29 2026.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Praveen Vashista appointed Vigilance Commissioner in Central Vigilance Commission

Key Updates:

  • Praveen Vashista, 1991-batch IPS officer of Bihar cadre, was sworn in as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).
  • He took voluntary retirement from the post of Special Secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry of Home Affairs before the appointment.
  • As per the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003, Vigilance Commissioners hold office for four years or until they attain the age of 65 years.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reports India’s forex reserves rose $392 million to $687.19 billion

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]

Key Updates:

  • India’s foreign exchange reserves jumped by $392 million to $687.19 billion in the week ended January 9, 2026.
  • Foreign currency assets (FCAs) fell by $1.124 billion to $550.87 billion.
  • Gold holdings rose by $1.568 billion to $112.83 billion.
  • Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) edged down by $39 million to $18.739 billion.
  • India’s reserve position with the International Monetary Fund fell by $13 million to $4.758 billion.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

GAIL (India) Ltd (GAIL) completes 694-km Mumbai-Nagpur Natural Gas Pipeline (MNPL) in Maharashtra

[GAIL (India) Ltd, Maharashtra]

Key Updates:

  • GAIL (India) Ltd (GAIL) has completed the 694-kilometre Mumbai-Nagpur Natural Gas Pipeline (MNPL) built along the Samruddhi Mahamarg expressway.
  • The pipeline has a capacity of approximately 16.5 million standard cubic metres per day and features bi-directional flow capability.
  • The project marks India's first major integration of a high-capacity pipeline into a dense transport corridor under the PM-GatiShakti framework.
  • Around 675 km of the 24-inch high-capacity gas line was installed within a utility strip just three metres wide.
  • The MNPL will enable city gas distribution networks in 16 districts, supporting piped natural gas for an estimated 95 lakh households and over 1,700 CNG stations.
  • The project reached completion after delivering 18.7 million safe man-hours and navigating clearances across 10 districts covering 56 km.
  • The pipeline is designed to support industrial growth in sectors such as power generation, fertilisers, chemicals, and manufacturing.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

GAIL-Chhattisgarh MoU for 12.7 LMT gas-based urea project (End of December)

GAIL signed an MoU with the Chhattisgarh government to undertake detailed techno-economic studies for a greenfield gas-based fertiliser project. The project includes a 12.7 lakh metric tonne urea plant proposed along…

National PNG Drive 2.0 to Promote Piped Natural Gas (Mid of January)

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…

BPCL signs MoUs for ₹1 lakh crore refinery, pipelines, and green energy projects (End of October)

Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Oil India (OIL), Numaligarh Refinery (NRL), and Fertilisers & Chemicals Travancore (FACT) at the 28th Energy Technology Meet 2025 in…

India ranks third globally with 65 commercial-scale clean industrial projects worth over USD 150 billion (Start of November)

India has 65 commercial-scale clean industrial projects worth over USD 150 billion, making it the world’s third-largest pipeline behind China and the United States. Only six of these projects have reached the Final…

Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) Revamps Mutual Fund Regulations and Rationalises Brokerage Caps

[Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)]

Key Updates:

  • The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has notified revamped Mutual Fund Regulations that will come into effect from April 1, 2026.
  • Sebi has introduced a provision allowing mutual fund schemes to charge a base expense ratio (BER) linked to the performance of the scheme.
  • The new regulations introduce the concept of a base expense ratio (BER) which represents only the fee charged by an Asset Management Company (AMC) for managing investors’ money.
  • Levies such as brokerage, securities transaction tax, stamp duty, and exchange fees must now be disclosed separately rather than being aggregated under the total expense ratio.
  • The brokerage ceiling in the cash market has been reduced to 6 basis points (bps) from an effective 8.59 bps.
  • The net brokerage cap in the derivatives segment has been lowered to 2 bps from 3.89 bps.
  • The framework expands the responsibilities of trustees and key managerial personnel to tighten oversight and reinforce governance standards across AMCs.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Lokpal of India inaugurates State-of-the-Art Data Centre for Paperless Complaint Processing

[Lokpal of India]

Key Updates:

  • Lokpal inaugurated a newly built state-of-the-art data centre aimed at providing end-to-end robust and digitised, paperless processing of complaints to enhance efficiency and ensure confidentiality.
  • Lokpal benches have increased sittings consistently, ensuring minimal pendency and timely disposal of complaints.
  • Lokpal chairperson Justice AM Khanwilkar stated that the number of complaints received has increased steadily over the last two years, reflecting greater citizen engagement.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Formation Days of Indian States and Union Territories on November 1 (Start of November)

All these states and the Union Territory of Puducherry celebrate their formation day on November 1. Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Lakshadweep came into being on this day in 1956.

Odisha Ame Padhiba Ama Bhasare Initiative Early Education in Mother Tongues

[Odisha]

Key Updates:

  • The Odisha government launched the 'Ame Padhiba Ama Bhasare' initiative to provide early education in mother tongues for children aged three to six.
  • The programme will initially cover districts like Keonjhar and Malkangiri, delivering education in tribal languages such as Munda and Kui.
  • The state also announced a 100-day campaign against child marriage with the goal of eradicating child marriage by 2030, piloted in Mayurbhanj and Malkangiri.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Jharkhand notifies Panchayat Extension of Scheduled Areas (PESA) Rules empowering gram sabhas

[Jharkhand]

Key Updates:

  • The Jharkhand government has notified the rules under the Panchayat Extension of Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act.
  • The rules aim to restore and protect the rights of tribal communities over their land, water, forest resources, culture, and governance systems.
  • Pre-consent of gram sabha will be required on issues of land acquisition and rehabilitation.
  • No manufacture, storage, or sale of liquor will be allowed without the consent of the gram sabha.
  • The gram sabha has the right to monitor schools, anganwadis, health centres and PDS shops located in rural areas.
  • Each gram sabha will create its own 'Gram Kosh' funded by royalties from minor forest produce, pond leases, market fees, sand ghats, etc.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative trains over 2 lakh workers

[Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)]

Key Updates:

  • The CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative has trained over 2 lakh workers across the country.
  • During phase I and II, more than 1.90 lakh individuals were trained through 5200+ skill-based trainings, including special targeted initiatives for rural citizens and women.
  • The third phase was officially launched in June 2025 by Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR, and Secretary, DSIR, with a reinvigorated focus on advanced skilling, bridging academia-industry gaps, and accelerating development and growth.
  • The first year of the third phase has already trained more than 14,000 trainees by conducting 425+ training programmes across 37 CSIR laboratories, nationwide.
  • The initiative is closely aligned with the national vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Skill India'.
  • It caters to a diverse spectrum of beneficiaries ranging from students, young researchers, technical staff, and working professionals to school dropouts, ITI diploma holders, farmers, and rural communities.
  • The programme spans 18 out of 36 key sectoral skills as identified by the National Skill Development Mission (NSDM).

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Karnataka to Establish Skill University at Sandur, Targets Skilling 3 Million Youths by 2032 (Start of November)

Scheme Name: Skill University at Sandur, Ballari district, Karnataka Objective: 'make Karnataka a state for skills' and equip youths with 'right skills, mindset and confidence'

DGT and Autodesk Collaborate to Enhance Design and Make Skills for India’s Vocational Workforce (Start of November)

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Directorate General of Training (DGT) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Autodesk. The collaboration aims to advance…

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…

Maharashtra State Election Commission probes viral videos of indelible ink removal

[Maharashtra]

Key Updates:

  • Maharashtra State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare said viral videos showing people removing ink from their fingers after casting vote are under investigation.
  • The State Election Commission warned of action against attempts to spread a false narrative regarding the ink removal incident.
  • The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation rejected reports claiming that the ink marks on voters' fingers were being wiped off during the ongoing civic polls.
  • Marker ink from the Kores company has been in use since 2011 and the chemical composition of the ink is correct, as stated by Waghmare.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Mizoram Ginger & Dry Broomstick Procurement Scheme

[Mizoram]

Key Updates:

  • Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced the state's procurement of ginger and dry broomsticks from farmers under a government initiative starting February 2.
  • The scheme offers support prices for crops such as ginger, turmeric, and paddy to improve economic conditions in the agrarian community.
  • A ginger processing unit was inaugurated in Sairang to enhance the region's positioning as the 'ginger capital of India', a title granted by NITI Aayog.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Mizoram launches GBV Solve Project to curb gender-based violence (Start of November)

Project Name: GBV Solve Project; launched by Mizoram Social Welfare Minister Lalrinpuii; implemented in the state by Mission Foundation Movement (MFM) in collaboration with the state women and child development…

India and Germany sign Joint Declaration of Intent on Telecommunications Cooperation

[Germany, European Union (EU)]

Key Updates:

  • India and Germany signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on Telecommunications Cooperation during German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s official visit to India.
  • The JDI was signed by Telecom Secretary Amit Agrawal and German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann.
  • The declaration was concluded between the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation.
  • Both sides agreed to promote collaboration in emerging and future technologies, policy and regulatory frameworks, manufacturing, and ease of doing business in telecom and ICT sectors.
  • The pact establishes a framework for regular consultations, high-level annual meetings, and multi-stakeholder engagement involving government, industry, academia, and research institutions.
  • India and Germany will jointly develop a work plan outlining specific goals and areas of mutual interest aligned with national priorities.
  • Both countries will work together in international fora to promote common understanding on telecommunications and digital development.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

India and European Union (EU) to hold 16th Summit during 77th Republic Day celebrations from January 25 to 27, 2026

[European Union (EU)]

Key Updates:

  • European Council President António Luís Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be Chief Guests at India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations.
  • The EU leaders will co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit on January 27, 2026, to advance the India-EU Strategic Partnership.
  • India and the European Union (EU) have maintained a strategic partnership since 2004.
  • The 15th India-EU Summit was previously held virtually on July 15, 2020.
  • An India-EU Business Forum is expected to be organized on the sidelines of the upcoming summit.
  • The visit follows a historic visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India in February 2025.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) observed annually on October 31 (Start of November)

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, also known as National Unity Day, is observed annually on October 31 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and to honor his pivotal role in fostering national and…

Uppsala University (UU) researchers reconstruct woolly rhinoceros genome from tissue found in mummified wolf pup

[Uppsala University]

Key Updates:

  • Researchers found a chunk of meat from a woolly rhinoceros — a creature similar in size to modern white rhinoceros, but with a shaggy coat of hair — preserved inside the stomach of one of the pups.
  • DNA from that flesh and fur survived beneath the Siberian ice for more than 14,000 years, enabling scientists to sequence the entire genome.
  • The woolly rhinoceros in question died some 14,400 years ago, just a few hundred years before the species disappeared from the fossil record.
  • Chacón-Duque and his colleagues at Uppsala University (UU) found no evidence of inbreeding or harmful mutations that would have doomed the population — it seemed to be healthy.
  • The study authors think the newly sequenced DNA provides evidence that climate change was the driving factor behind the extinction of the woolly rhinoceros.
  • The puppies, both females, were likely littermates: They were found within about 6 feet of each another and shared some DNA characteristics.
  • They died at a fairly young age — at about nine weeks, according to researchers at the University of York (UY).

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Guwahati Municipal Corporation launches 'Sahajeevan' project for stray-dog vaccination and human-animal coexistence (Start of November)

Initiative Name: 'Sahajeevan' project launched by Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC). Objective: Relocate stray dogs from educational institutions, hospitals and public places to designated shelters after vaccination…

Tropical Storm Nokaen (Ada) Increases Lahar Risk Near Mayon Volcano

Key Updates:

  • The state weather bureau, PAGASA, reported that tropical storm Nokaen is packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center, with gusts of up to 80 kilometers per hour.
  • The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned that intense rainfall may generate syn-eruption lahars on major channels draining the southern to eastern slopes of Mayon Volcano.
  • Phivolcs cautioned that older, erodible eruption deposits on the southwestern slopes of Mayon could be remobilized as non-eruption lahars.
  • The storm is projected to bring heavy to intense rainfall of 100 to 200 millimeters to areas surrounding the volcano in Albay province.
  • Phivolcs warned that hot lahars could cause scalding upon contact, potentially leading to severe and life-threatening injuries.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Vijender Singh appointed to Asian Boxing Council

[Asian Boxing Council]

Key Updates:

  • Vijender Singh has been appointed as a member of the Asian Boxing Council.
  • He thanked the Boxing Federation of India for entrusting him with this responsibility.
  • Vijender remains one of India’s most recognisable sporting figures, having won a historic bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

NAMO Book Fest First Edition Held in New Delhi

Key Updates:

  • India’s first NAMO Book Fest is being held in Delhi.
  • Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, released two books titled ‘Gen V Bano’ and ‘Mahatma’ at the fest.
  • The fest features a curated exhibition of books on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and brings together authors, thinkers, and youth.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Nobel Peace Prize 2025 Rules Clarified on January 16, 2026

[United States]

Key Updates:

  • Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump during their meeting at the White House on Thursday.
  • Machado had won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her work promoting democratic rights and a peaceful transition in Venezuela.
  • According to the rules laid down by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, once a prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others.
  • According to the Statutes of the Nobel Foundation, § 10, 'No appeals may be made against the decision of a prize-awarding body with regard to the award of a prize.'
  • The Nobel Peace Prize medal measures 6.6 cm in diameter, weighs 196 grams and is struck in gold.
  • The POTUS said one should get a Nobel Prize for 'every war you stopped.'

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Spituk Gustor Festival begins in Ladakh

Key Updates:

  • Spituk Gustor is the first monastic festival of Ladakh of the year.
  • It is a two-day-long annual monastic festival of Spituk Monastery.
  • The festival is observed after a week-long period of prayers and rituals in honour of God and Goddess for world peace, prosperity and triumph over evil.
  • It is marked as the end of the first phase of the coldest and harsh climatic weather of Ladakh.
  • Ladakh is popularly known as the land of Gonpa or Buddhist Monasteries.
  • Spituk Gustor is the first among the 16 monastic festivals observed in Ladakh.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Boda Tyohar festival of Hati tribe commenced on January 9 (Mid of January)

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…

Pongal 2026 observed on January 14, 2026 (Mid of January)

Pongal is a four-day Hindu harvest festival dedicated to the Sun God that marks the beginning of Uttarayan, the sun’s journey northward. Thai Pongal and Makar Sankranti both fall on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, with the…