Daily Current Affairs: 28 January 2026

Victoria Beckham Received Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters

[France]

Key Updates:

• Victoria Beckham was conferred the title of Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalière de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres) in Paris, France.
• The honour was awarded by the French Ministry of Culture in recognition of her contributions to the fields of arts and literature.
• The distinction reflects her decades of commitment to the fashion industry, which is recognised as a form of art by the French government.
• The ceremony was attended by David Beckham, who was acknowledged as her business partner and original investor.
• Other family members present at the event included Romeo Beckham, Cruz Beckham, and Harper Beckham.
• The award ceremony took place in Paris, which is considered the fashion capital.

Dr A. E. Muthunayagam Awarded Padma Shri 2026 in Science and Engineering

Key Updates:

• Dr A. E. Muthunayagam, a veteran scientist of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, was awarded the Padma Shri 2026 in the field of Science and Engineering.
• He served as the founding Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) from November 1985 to April 1994.
• He was the Project Manager for the Vikas engine project, developed with a French aerospace company, and oversaw liquid propulsion systems for the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
• He was among the first batch of scientists recruited by Vikram Sarabhai in 1966 for India’s emerging space programme.
• He held the position of Chairman of the Board of Governors at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras from 2005 to 2008.
• He previously served as the Secretary of the Department of Ocean Development and Executive Vice-President of the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment.
• He holds an engineering degree from the University of Madras, a master's from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), a doctorate from Purdue University, and an LLB from the University of Kerala.
• He is a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) and the Astronautical Society of India (ASI), and a foreign member of the Academy of Cosmonautics, Moscow.

Dr Rajendra Prasad and K.K. Thakral receive Padma Shri 2026 for lifelong medical service.

Key Updates:

• Dr Rajendra Prasad, former Head of Pulmonary Medicine at King George's Medical University (KGMU), was awarded the Padma Shri 2026.
• Dr Prasad is recognised as the founder of the Pulmonary Medicine Department at KGMU.
• K.K. Thakral, an Ayurveda surgeon specialising in Shalya Tantra, also received the Padma Shri 2026.
• Thakral completed his Ayurvedic education in 1964 from Lucknow and in 1968 from Banaras.
• Both awardees are residents of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

Randhir Singh to vacate Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) presidency; Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani set to succeed.

[Olympic Council of Asia (OCA)]

Key Updates:

• Randhir Singh became the first Indian elected as Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) president in September 2024 for a four-year term until 2028.
• His presidency will end prematurely on 26 January 2026 after around 17 months due to ill-health, with a new election scheduled during the OCA General Assembly in Tashkent.
• Qatar Olympic Committee president Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani is the lone candidate and will be elected as the new OCA chief on 26 January 2026.
• Randhir Singh, 79, had served as OCA acting president since 2021 before formally taking office in 2024.
• He previously served as Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) from 1987 to 2012 and was an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member from 2001 to 2014.

Adani Aerospace & Defence and Embraer sign MoU to assemble regional jets in India under Make in India

[Adani Aerospace & Defence, Embraer]

Key Updates:

• Adani Aerospace & Defence and Brazil’s Embraer signed an MoU to assemble Embraer regional jets in India.
• The MoU was announced at an event attended by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu.
• Facility location and final partnership structure are still being finalised.
• Embraer is the world’s third-largest aircraft manufacturer after Airbus and Boeing.
• The collaboration targets a full regional transport aircraft ecosystem including manufacturing, supply chains, MRO and pilot training.
• Embraer currently operates around 50 aircraft across 11 variants in India for the Indian Air Force, government agencies and Star Air.
• Embraer forecasts India will need at least 500 aircraft in the 80–140 seat category over the next 20 years.
• Embraer will showcase E195-E2 and E175 at Wings India 2026 starting 28 January.

US President Donald Trump raises tariffs on South Korean imports to 25%

[United States, South Korea]

Key Updates:

• US President Donald Trump announced an increase in tariffs on South Korean imports from 15% to 25% across automobiles, lumber, pharmaceuticals and other reciprocal tariffs.
• South Korea exported goods worth about $123 billion to the US last year, with car exports accounting for about $30 billion.
• South Korea’s Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan will visit Washington to meet US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
• The October deal included South Korea’s pledge to invest $350 billion in the US, partly in shipbuilding.
• The agreement was submitted to South Korea’s National Assembly on 26 November and is likely to be passed in February.

French National Assembly approves social media ban for children below 15 years

[French National Assembly, France]

Key Updates:

• The French National Assembly passed a bill banning children below 15 years from social media by 130 votes to 21.
• The bill mandates age-verification mechanisms compliant with European Union law to enforce the ban.
• President Emmanuel Macron aims to implement the ban before the start of the next academic year in September.
• Social media platforms must deactivate non-compliant accounts by 31 December.
• The legislation extends the existing smartphone ban in junior and middle schools to high schools.
• Australia was the first country to ban children below 16 from social media platforms in December.
• The United Kingdom, Denmark, Spain, and Greece are also considering similar bans.
• A 2024 Harris Interactive survey showed 73 percent of the French public supported the ban for those below 15 years.

Goa considers social media ban for users under 16

[Goa]

Key Updates:

• Goa’s Minister for Information Technology, Rohan Khaunte, announced on 26 January that the state government is studying the Australian model to ban social media for children below 16.
• The proposed ban would target platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and X.
• The Australian law requires social media companies to take reasonable steps to prevent minors from holding accounts, with significant fines for non-compliance.
• The Goa government is examining whether a state-wide restriction is legally viable under India’s central IT laws.
• The proposal will be discussed with Goa’s Chief Minister before any final decision is made.

PM-DevINE scheme and Ashtalakshmi vision drive ₹365 crore projects in Tripura

Key Updates:

• Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia laid the foundation stone for eight development projects worth ₹365 crore in Tripura.
• Five completed projects worth ₹270 crore were inaugurated, including the 13.775 km Jatanbari-Mandirghat via Tirathmukh Road and the 28.90 km improvement of KA Road from Erarpar to Ambassa.
• The 8.00 km Gandacherra-Raishyabari-Narikel Kunja Road will connect tribal habitations to district headquarters.
• The Amarpur (Fatiksagar) to Chabimura connectivity project will boost Tripura’s heritage and tourism potential.
• Under the PM-DevINE scheme, a Solar Micro Grid project will provide clean electricity in remote areas to strengthen education, healthcare and livelihoods.
• Foundation stones were laid for three new road projects costing ₹95 crore: Kowaifung (Panjirai) to Karbook Road (9.10 km), Jampui (PMGSY Point) to Kangrai Road, and Burighat to Sermun-II Road.
• Over the last 12 years, the Central Government has invested more than ₹6.5 lakh crore in the Northeast, with every Central Ministry spending 10 per cent of its budget in the Northeastern States.

Raj Unnati Initiative: Rajasthan CM Reviews Projects and Schemes Worth ₹2,000 Crore

[Rajasthan]

Key Updates:

• Chief Minister (CM) Bhajanlal Sharma chaired the first meeting of the Raj Unnati initiative to review seven projects and two schemes involving an estimated expenditure of ₹2,000 crore.
• The CM directed the implementation of a cashless alternative model for the PM Suryaghar 150 Units Free Electricity Scheme (PM Suryaghar) to accelerate rooftop solar installations.
• Instructions were issued to complete the annual verification of beneficiaries under special disability pensions and the Palanhaar Scheme to release pending payments.
• Infrastructure projects reviewed include the Hira Pura Bus Terminal in Jaipur, land acquisition for the Ajmer–Chanderia broad-gauge railway doubling project, and the establishment of girls’ military schools.
• The review encompassed the development of solid waste processing plants, faecal sludge treatment plants, and sports and health infrastructure.
• The CM mandated the use of the Rajasthan Sampark Helpline for verifying grievance redressal and ordered the replacement of burnt or faulty transformers within a prescribed time frame.
• District Collectors were instructed to expedite land allotment for development projects and ensure tenders are issued promptly after allocation.

World Bank approves Rs 5,700 crore for Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Project

[World Bank, Haryana]

Key Updates:

• The World Bank (WB) has approved Rs 5,700 crore for Haryana under the ‘Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Project’ to be released in phases between 2026 and 2032.
• The project will restore 115 canals at Rs 2,325 crore with WB support, 284 canals at Rs 2,230 crore from the state budget, and 279 canals at Rs 2,880 crore through NABARD funding.
• Of 15,562 minor canals, 400 will be restored at Rs 450 crore with WB assistance, 1,500 at Rs 1,250 crore by the state, and 61 at Rs 402 crore via NABARD.
• WB will provide Rs 900 crore for micro-irrigation across nearly 70,000 acres and Rs 600 crore to reuse treated sewage water to irrigate 28,000 acres in Jind, Kaithal and Gurugram.
• Around 80 new water bodies will be built in southern Haryana for groundwater recharge and Rs 886 crore will promote crop diversification, direct rice seeding and water-saving practices.

Madhya Pradesh declares 2026 as 'Year of Agriculture' with ₹27,000 crore budget

[Madhya Pradesh]

Key Updates:

• Madhya Pradesh will observe 2026 as the 'Year of Agriculture' with a sector budget of ₹27,000 crore.
• The agriculture budget rose from ₹600 crore in 2002-03 to ₹27,000 crore in 2024-25.
• The 10-point agricultural development model covers technology transfer, income enhancement, natural farming, marketing and export, innovation, and digital transparency.
• e-Mandi scheme covers 259 markets with 40 lakh farmers registered.
• Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Kamdhenu Yojana targets raising Madhya Pradesh's share in national milk output from 9% to 20%.
• Cow shelter grant doubled to ₹40 per destitute animal; related budget increased from ₹250 crore to ₹505 crore.
• Procurement price for milk raised from ₹2.50 to ₹8.50 per litre; 1,200 new milk cooperatives formed.
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana sanctioned over 11 lakh houses in Madhya Pradesh last year, with 4 lakh completed.
• Chief Minister's Majra-Tola Yojana approved ₹21,000 crore to connect nearly 20,000 settlements with roads.
• Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-G RAM G) extends MNREGA employment from 100 to 125 days.
• Dropout rate at elementary level in Madhya Pradesh fell from 6% to zero in 2024-25.
• 94,234 Class 12 students scoring above 75% received laptops worth ₹25,000 each.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) debuts Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) at 77th Republic Day Parade

[Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)]

Key Updates:

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) displayed the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) for the first time at the 77th Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path.
• The LR-AShM is designed to meet the coastal battery requirements of the Indian Navy and can engage static and moving targets within a range of around 1,500 kilometers.
• The missile follows a quasi-ballistic trajectory, starts at hypersonic speed of Mach 10, maintains an average speed of Mach 5, and uses a two-stage solid propulsion rocket motor system.
• After Stage-II burnout, the vehicle performs an unpowered glide with manoeuvres in the atmosphere, making detection by enemy radars difficult due to low-altitude, high-speed flight.
• Versions with ranges up to 3,500 kilometers are under development and the missile is expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy in two to three years.
• The LR-AShM draws key components from the submarine-launched ballistic missile Sagarika (K-15) and the Brahmos supersonic cruise missile.
• DRDO successfully tested the missile on 16 November 2024 from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
• DRDO also achieved a ground test run of over 12 minutes with its Actively Cooled Scramjet Full Scale Combustor earlier this month, building on a subscale test of more than 1,000 seconds conducted on 25 April last year.
• In September 2020, DRDO demonstrated hypersonic air-breathing scramjet technology with the Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle flight test from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Launch Complex.

India and European Union sign Free Trade Agreement conclusion document during 16th Summit in New Delhi

[European Union]

Key Updates:

• India and the European Union (EU) formally signed the conclusion document for their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on 27 January 2026.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi co-chaired the 16th India–EU Summit in New Delhi with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
• The EU leaders served as the Chief Guests for the 77th Republic Day of India, marking the first time EU leaders have held this position.
• A military contingent representing the European Union Military Staff and EU Naval Operations ATALANTA and ASPIDES participated in the Republic Day Parade for the first time.
• Under the FTA, India will reduce car import tariffs from 110% to 10% and phase out duties on auto components over a period of 5 to 10 years.
• The leaders adopted the Towards 2030: India–EU Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda to guide cooperation in prosperity, technology, security, connectivity, and people-to-people ties.
• The India–EU Security and Defence Partnership was signed as the first overarching framework to enhance cooperation in maritime security, cyber threats, and counter-terrorism.
• Both parties agreed to launch negotiations on a Security of Information Agreement to facilitate the exchange of classified information.
• The India–EU Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation was renewed until 2030, with talks beginning on India’s association with the Horizon Europe research programme.
• New initiatives established include the India–EU Task Force on Green Hydrogen and the India-EU Wind Business Summit scheduled for 2026.
• The two sides signed an Administrative Arrangement on Disaster Risk Management to enhance coordination in disaster preparedness and response.
• A pilot European Legal Gateway Office will be launched to support the movement of workers, initially focusing on the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.
• The leaders agreed to launch an Education and Skills Dialogue in 2026 to facilitate the recognition of qualifications and promote vocational education.
• The 17th India–EU Summit is scheduled to take place in Brussels in 2027.

India participates as first-ever partner country at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai from January 26 to 30, 2026

Key Updates:

• Gulfood 2026, the world's largest annual food and beverage event, is being held from January 26 to 30, 2026, in Dubai.
• India is participating as the partner country for the first time in the history of the global exhibition.
• The event is the first exhibition to operate simultaneously across two venues, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and the newly expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai.
• The DEC hosts the World Food Hall, Pulses, Grains and Cereals Hall, and Gulfood Green, while the DWTC hosts the Beverage Hall and the Startup Hall.
• India's participation includes 161 exhibitors showcasing the country's agri-food ecosystem, with the Indian pavilion doubling in size compared to the previous year.
• The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) launched the Bharati Pavilion to promote export-ready agri-food and agri-tech startups.
• The Bharati Pavilion, located in the Startup Zone at the DWTC, features eight high-potential Indian startups selected from more than 100 applicants.
• The exhibition recorded a 100 per cent expansion in a single year, featuring more than 8,500 exhibitors showcasing 1.5 million products from 195 countries.
• Major participating markets include India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United States, with 40 per cent being first-time exhibitors.

Microsoft unveils second-generation Maia 200 AI chip to challenge Nvidia

[Microsoft, Nvidia]

Key Updates:

• Microsoft rolled out the Maia 200, its second-generation in-house AI chip, online this week in a data center in Iowa with a second site planned in Arizona.
• The Maia 200 is manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) using 3-nanometer technology and incorporates high-bandwidth memory and substantial SRAM for AI workloads.
• Microsoft will provide software tools including Triton—an open-source contribution from OpenAI—to program the Maia 200, directly competing with Nvidia’s CUDA platform.
• Google, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and other major cloud providers are also developing proprietary chips that increasingly compete with Nvidia’s offerings.

World’s largest compressed-air power storage plant starts operation in Jiangsu, China

[China]

Key Updates:

• The plant has 2,400 megawatt hours of capacity and can generate 600 megawatts of power.
• It can meet the annual electricity demand of 600,000 households.
• Harbin Electric Corp. participated in the construction of the project.

Karnataka to notify 44 temples and wells in Lakkundi as State-protected monuments

[Karnataka]

Key Updates:

• Tourism Minister HK Patil announced that eight more temples and stepwells in Lakkundi will be notified as State-protected monuments by end-February, raising the total protected sites to 44.
• The Lakkundi Heritage Area Development Authority has been directed to submit a proposal within a month to include another 20 temples and wells under protection.
• Special excavation drives will begin by March to identify and restore buried temples, with public cooperation sought through compensation or mutual consent.
• Government sanctioned Rs 1.65 crore for an open-air museum in Lakkundi; land registration to finish before Republic Day.
• Rs 10 crore released for comprehensive development of five selected temples and one ancient well; work orders to be issued in February.
• Prajwal Ritti, who handed over a recent gold hoard found in Lakkundi, will receive government employment and a house; official orders to be issued on Republic Day.

United Nations (UN) releases State of Finance for Nature 2026 report

[United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)]

Key Updates:

• The United Nations (UN) released the State of Finance for Nature 2026 report on 22 January 2026.
• The report finds that for every $1 invested in protecting nature, $30 is spent on activities that destroy it.
• Global nature-negative finance flows are estimated at $7 trillion, while nature-positive finance flows amount to $200 billion.
• Environmentally harmful subsidies are concentrated in sectors including fossil fuels, agriculture, water, transport, and construction.
• The data identifies utilities, industrials, energy, and basic materials as sectors where environmental damage is particularly significant.
• The report advocates for scaling up nature-positive investments such as regenerative agriculture, sustainable forestry, and nature-based infrastructure.

Nat Sciver-Brunt becomes first centurion in Women's Premier League history

Key Updates:

• Nat Sciver-Brunt scored the first-ever century in Women's Premier League history during Match 16 of the TATA Women’s Premier League 2026.
• She reached the century in 57 deliveries with 16 fours and 1 six.
• The match was played between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara, India on January 26, 2026.
• Hayley Matthews supported with 56 runs as Mumbai Indians posted a competitive total.
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Smriti Mandhana won the toss and elected to field first.
• Amelia Kerr returned to Mumbai Indians' playing XI while Nicola Carey missed out due to injury.
• Mumbai Indians have two wins from six matches and must win both remaining games to stay in playoff contention.
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru lead the points table with 10 points from six games and have already qualified for the playoffs.

BRO rescue operation in Jammu and Kashmir

[Jammu and Kashmir]

Key Updates:

• The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) rescued 60 people, including 40 soldiers, stranded due to heavy snowfall in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir.
• Operating under Project Sampark, the BRO cleared 38 km of snow-covered road at Chatergala Pass, enabling safe evacuation by January 25.
• The BRO also undertook snow clearance in Rajouri district, restoring vital road connectivity within hours.

National Geographic Day observed on January 27

Key Updates:

• National Geographic Day is observed every year on January 27 to commemorate the founding of the National Geographic Society.
• The National Geographic Society was founded on January 27, 1888, in Washington, D.C., by a group of 33 scientists, scholars, and explorers.
• The first issue of the National Geographic Magazine was published later in 1888.
• The National Geographic Society is one of the largest non-profit organisations in the world.

BAFTA Awards 2026 nominations announced on January 27, 2026

[British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA)]

Key Updates:

• The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) announced the nominations for the 2026 BAFTA awards on January 27, 2026.
• The 79th BAFTA awards ceremony will be held on February 22, 2026, at London's Royal Festival Hall.
• Manipuri film 'Boong' has been nominated in the Best Children's and Family Film category.
• 'Boong' is directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by Excel Entertainment, the production house of Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani.
• The film premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and was named the Spotlight Film at the 2025 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.
• Paul Thomas Anderson's 'One Battle After Another' leads with 14 nominations, and Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners' has 13 nominations.
• Scottish actor Alan Cumming will host the 2026 BAFTA awards ceremony.