Daily Current Affairs: 30 January 2026

Brig. Rakesh Kumar Bora paid tribute to martyrs during foundation day of 5th Bihar Battalion.

[Bihar]

Key Updates:

• Brig. Rakesh Kumar Bora paid tribute to martyrs on 28 January 2026.
• The event was held at Bihar Regiment Centre, Danapur in Patna, India.
• The tribute was part of the foundation day celebrations of the 5th Bihar Battalion.

Captain Hansja Sharma Becomes Indian Army's First Woman Pilot of Rudra Armed Helicopter

Key Updates:

• Captain Hansja Sharma, aged 27, became the first woman in the Indian Army qualified to fly the Rudra armed helicopter.
• She topped her training at the Combat Army Aviation Training School (CAATS) in Nashik and became the first woman to receive the Silver Cheetah Trophy for best combat aviator.
• She commanded the 251 Army Aviation Squadron at the 2026 Army Day Parade held in Rajasthan on 15 January.
• During the parade, she led the showcase of the HELINA missile system, highlighting the role of women in combat aviation.
• She also secured the top position in the 107th Air Traffic Management course at the Air Force Academy (AFA).
• Born on 9 March 1998 in Jammu, she is a former National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadet who studied Zoology at the University of Jammu.

Economic Survey 2025–26 projects India’s FY27 real GDP growth at 6.8–7.2% and FY26 fiscal deficit at 4.4% of GDP.

Key Updates:

• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey 2025–26 in the Lok Sabha on 30 January 2026.
• The Survey forecasts India’s real GDP growth at 6.8–7.2% for 2026–27, marginally below the current fiscal’s 7.4%.
• Retail inflation averaged 1.7% during April–December 2025, with anchored core inflation reflecting improved supply conditions.
• The central government’s fiscal deficit for FY25 stood at 4.8% of GDP, better than budgeted, with a 4.4% target set for FY26.
• India’s foreign-exchange reserves rose to $701.4 billion as of 16 January 2026, covering 11 months of imports and 94% of external debt.
• Capital expenditure more than quadrupled from ₹2.63 lakh crore in FY18 to ₹11.21 lakh crore in FY26 Budget Estimates, with effective capex at ₹15.48 lakh crore.
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes across 14 sectors have attracted over ₹2.0 lakh crore actual investment, generating incremental production/sales exceeding ₹18.7 lakh crore and over 12.6 lakh jobs by September 2025.
• India’s share of global merchandise exports nearly doubled from 1% in 2005 to 1.8% in 2024.
• Foodgrain production is estimated at 3577.3 lakh metric tonnes for agriculture year 2024–25, up 254.3 lakh metric tonnes over the previous year.
• India remains the world’s largest recipient of remittances, receiving $135.4 billion in FY25.
• High-speed railway corridors expanded nearly ten-fold from 550 km in FY14 to 5,364 km by December 2025, with 3,500 km of new railway lines added in FY26.
• The number of operational airports increased from 74 in 2014 to 164 in 2025, making India the 3rd largest domestic aviation market.
• Discoms posted a historic positive PAT of ₹2,701 crore in FY25 for the first time.
• India ranks 3rd globally in overall renewable energy and installed solar capacity.
• India became the 4th nation to achieve autonomous satellite docking (SpaDeX) capability.
• The E-Shram Portal registered over 31 crore unorganised workers by January 2026, with 54% women.
• NITI Aayog’s Multidimensional Poverty Index shows poverty falling from 55.3% in 2005–06 to 11.28% in 2022–23.

LSEG–Ipsos PCSI places India second globally in consumer confidence for January 2026

Key Updates:

• India’s LSEG–Ipsos Primary Consumer Sentiment Index (PCSI) rose 1.4 points to 60.7 in January 2026, ranking it second among 30 countries.
• Indonesia led the index at 62.6, with India and Indonesia the only markets above 60 points.
• India’s PCSI Economic Expectations Sub-Index increased 6.6 points and the Employment Sub-Index climbed 6.3 points.
• The Current Personal Financial Conditions Sub-Index for India slipped 0.6 points and the Investment Climate Sub-Index declined 2.0 points.
• The Global Consumer Confidence Index (GCCI) improved 0.5 points to 49.9 in January 2026, up 1.3 points year-on-year.
• Survey covered over 21,000 adults under 75 across 30 countries from 24 December 2025 to 9 January 2026.

India and Canada commit to boost energy trade and critical mineral supply

[Canada]

Key Updates:

• Canada will export more crude oil, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to India.
• India will ship higher volumes of refined oil to Canada.
• Canadian Energy Minister Tim Hodgson and India’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri discussed higher investment in biofuels, batteries, electricity systems and critical minerals including Uranium.
• Total India-Canada trade reached $9.7 billion in 2024.
• India accounted for 1 per cent of Canada’s critical mineral exports in 2024.
• Under the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), India is likely to sign a 10-year agreement worth 2.8 billion Canadian dollars for Canadian uranium supply.
• Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to visit India in the first week of March to advance CEPA negotiations.

Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) approves NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme pilot under regulatory sandbox.

[Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)]

Key Updates:

• The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) issued the circular on Tuesday.
• The pilot NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme operates under the Regulatory Sandbox Framework as a proof of concept.
• Subscribers can withdraw up to 25 per cent of their own contributions for medical expenses with no cap on the number of withdrawals.
• A minimum accumulated corpus of Rs 50,000 is required before the first withdrawal.
• Full premature exit with 100 per cent lump sum is allowed if inpatient medical expenses exceed 70 per cent of the total corpus in a single instance.
• Subscribers above 40 years (excluding government sector) may transfer up to 30 per cent of contributions from their existing NPS common account to the Swasthya Pension Scheme account.
• Pension funds (PFs) must obtain prior PFRDA approval and may partner with fintech firms, health benefit administrators (HBAs), or third-party administrators (TPAs).
• The pilot runs for a limited period with a restricted subscriber base; unviability will allow corpus transfer back to the common NPS account.

Reliance Industries Ltd and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) sign MoU for sharing offshore resources.

[Reliance Industries Ltd, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC)]

Key Updates:

• Reliance Industries Ltd and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) signed an MoU on the sidelines of India Energy Week (IEW) to share offshore supply vessels and other resources.
• The pact targets enhanced operational efficiency, faster execution of offshore projects, and stronger synergies between India's largest oil and gas producer and the nation's most valuable company.
• The collaboration aims to allow a vessel approved by authorities to move between adjacent blocks, such as ONGC’s KG-DWN-98/2 and Reliance-BP’s KG-DWN-98/3 in the Krishna Godavari basin, without fresh approvals.
• Currently, securing fresh approvals for a foreign-flagged offshore supply vessel from the ministries of defence and home affairs and the director general of shipping takes 45 days and is area- and duration-specific.
• The companies will jointly approach the government to permit use of any fully-approved vessel anywhere in the Indian sedimentary basin.
• This is the second recent collaboration between ONGC and Reliance after they partnered with BP in 2024 to bid for the 5,454-sq-km Block GS-OSHP-2022/2 in the Saurashtra Basin under Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) bid round IX.

SAMARTH Panchayat Portal: Dhamtari Becomes First District to Collect Property Tax Online

Key Updates:

• Dhamtari district in Chhattisgarh has become the first in India to launch online property tax collection through the SAMARTH Panchayat portal.
• The digital initiative was rolled out at Sankara gram panchayat in Nagri block, making it the first gram panchayat in India to establish an end-to-end digital payment system.
• The system allows rural citizens to pay taxes from their homes using a Unified Payments Interface (UPI) linked online payment gateway.
• The initiative is being implemented across nearly 400 gram panchayats in Dhamtari to simplify administration and reduce pending tax arrears.
• The Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) Secretary, Vivek Bhardwaj, stated that the system provides gram panchayats with an independent source of revenue to promote financial self-reliance.

Supreme Court Stays University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026

[Supreme Court of India, University Grants Commission (UGC)]

Key Updates:

• The Supreme Court (SC) of India stayed the University Grants Commission (UGC) (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, citing concerns that they could divide society.
• A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi ordered that the 2012 Regulations will continue in force under Article 142 until further orders.
• The SC directed the Central Government to constitute a committee of eminent jurists to address the issue and obtain court approval for its setup.
• Petitioners challenged Section 3(1)(c) of the regulations for defining discrimination only against members of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) while excluding the general category.
• The court flagged the omission of ragging as a specific form of discrimination and expressed concern over provisions indicating separate hostels, classrooms, or mentorship groups.
• The 2026 Regulations were developed following a 2019 petition seeking anti-discrimination mechanisms in higher education institutions.

Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers’ Welfare Board Notified under 2025 Act

[Karnataka]

Key Updates:

• The Karnataka government formally notified the Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers’ Welfare Board under Section 33 of the Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers Social Security and Welfare Act, 2025.
• The 16-member board is chaired by the Labour Minister as the ex-officio chairperson and includes a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) functioning as Member Secretary.
• The board composition includes five government representatives, four aggregator platforms, four gig worker unions, and two civil society organisations.
• Aggregator representatives on the board include Porter, Zomato, Uber, and Amazon, while the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy and IT for Change represent civil society.
• Gig worker representatives include Vinay Sarathy of United Food Delivery Partners’ Union (UFDPU), Mohammed Inayath Ali of Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers (IFAT), Satyananda of AITUC Karnataka, and Tanveer Pasha of Ola Uber Drivers’ and Owners’ Association.
• The state government will levy a welfare fee of 1-1.5% on every transaction on aggregator platforms to fund social security benefits including accident insurance, health coverage, and maternity benefits.
• The Act mandates algorithmic transparency in automated decision-making systems and requires a 14-day notice period with written reasons for the termination of workers.
• Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives has been named as a special invitee and technical expert on digital platforms and data for the board.
• The Act includes a reconciliation clause ensuring welfare fees paid to the state count toward contributions required under the Central Code on Social Security, 2020.

PANCHAM Chatbot and Rural Governance Initiatives Launched by MoPR

Key Updates:

• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) will launch the PANCHAM – Panchayat Assistance and Messaging Chatbot, developed in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
• MoPR will release the 17th issue of Gramoday Sankalp magazine and the Compendium of Basic Statistics on Panchayati Raj Institutions–2025.
• The Ministry will introduce the Expert Committee Report on Service Delivery at the Panchayat Level and the PESA Performance and Implementation Rank Indicators.
• Around 240 panchayat heads, including Sarpanches, Mukhiyas, and Gram Pradhans, will be felicitated for achieving saturation in flagship Central Government schemes.
• The MoPR tableau for the Republic Day Parade 2026 is themed SVAMITVA Scheme: Aatmanirbhar Panchayat se Samriddh evam Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• Nearly 450 special guests, including heads of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Rural Local Bodies (RLBs), will attend the Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path.
• Prizes and certificates will be awarded to winners of the Know Your Constitution Quiz and Essay Competition organised as part of Constitution Day–2025.

Odisha CM launches Samikshya portal for real-time tracking of local body projects

[Odisha]

Key Updates:

• Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the Samikshya portal at Lok Seva Bhawan alongside receiving the 6th State Finance Commission (SFC) report.
• The portal provides real-time updates on implementation and progress of projects funded under grants of the SFC and the Central Finance Commission (CFC).
• Projects covered include roads, drinking water supply, sanitation, street lighting, parks and other public utilities across rural and urban local bodies.
• Citizens, elected representatives and stakeholders can access the portal at https://samikshya.odisha.gov.in to track development works and strengthen accountability.

NITI Aayog launches Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 to saturate 5 KPIs in Aspirational Districts and 6 KPIs in Aspirational Blocks

[NITI Aayog]

Key Updates:

• NITI Aayog launched the 3-month Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 campaign running from 28 January to 14 April 2026.
• The campaign targets saturation of 5 Key Performance Indicators in 112 Aspirational Districts and 6 Key Performance Indicators in 513 Aspirational Blocks.
• Shri B.V.R Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog, inaugurated the campaign in the presence of Shri Rohit Kumar, Additional Secretary and Mission Director, Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme, NITI Aayog.
• Aspirational Blocks will focus on indicators including percentage of children aged 6 months to 6 years receiving Supplementary Nutrition under ICDS, measurement efficiency of Anganwadi-enrolled children, functional toilets and drinking water in operational Anganwadi Centres, adequate girls' toilet facilities in schools, and percentage of bovine animals vaccinated against Foot-and-Mouth Disease.
• Aspirational Districts will prioritise indicators such as proportion of live births weighed at birth, Tuberculosis case notification rate, conduct of Village or Urban Health Sanitation & Nutrition Days, functional girls' toilets in schools, and percentage of animals vaccinated.
• Districts and Blocks will prepare a 3-month Action Plan, track monthly progress, run awareness and behaviour change campaigns, and conduct concurrent monitoring field visits.
• NITI Aayog will collaborate with relevant Central Ministries, States, and Union Territories to improve planning, implementation, capacity building, and sustainable service delivery.

High-Level Committee Formed to Strengthen Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in Tamil Nadu

[Tamil Nadu]

Key Updates:

• The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) has constituted a high-level committee to review Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and recommend strategies for enhancing their scale and reach in Tamil Nadu.
• The panel is mandated to submit its comprehensive report within two months.
• The committee includes representatives from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), and Small Farmers' Agri-Business Consortium-Tamil Nadu (SFAC-Tamil Nadu).
• Other members of the panel include officials from the ICAR–National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB), FPOs, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
• The committee will investigate institutional governance, management practices, business operations, sustainability, technical support, and value addition.
• Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan initiated the formation of the panel following a visit to Erode.
• Target beneficiaries: Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in Tamil Nadu.

Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026 Notified to be Effective from April 1, 2026

Key Updates:

• The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) notified the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• The SWM Rules, 2026, will supersede the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and come into full effect from April 1, 2026.
• The rules mandate four-stream segregation of solid waste at source into wet waste, dry waste, sanitary waste, and special care waste.
• Bulk Waste Generators (BWG) are defined as entities with a floor area of 20,000 square metres or more, water consumption of 40,000 litres per day or more, or solid waste generation of 100 kg per day or more.
• The rules introduce Extended Bulk Waste Generator Responsibility (EBWGR), making BWGs accountable for processing wet waste on-site or obtaining an EBWGR certificate.
• Industrial units using solid fuel, including cement and waste-to-energy plants, are mandated to replace it with Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) at a substitution rate increasing from 5 per cent to 15 per cent over six years.
• The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will develop a Centralised Online Portal to track waste generation, collection, transportation, processing, and disposal.
• Environmental compensation will be levied based on the Polluter Pays principle by State Pollution Control Boards (SPCB) and Pollution Control Committees (PCC).
• Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) are formally recognised as facilities for sorting solid waste and may act as deposition points for various waste streams.
• Special provisions for hilly areas and islands include the levy of user fees on tourists and regulation of tourist inflow based on available waste management facilities.
• State-level committees for effective implementation will be chaired by the Chief Secretary of the State or Head of the Union Territory (UT) Administration.

New Aadhaar App launched for secure digital identity and QR-based verification

Key Updates:

• Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), launched the new Aadhaar App on 28 January 2026 at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.
• The application was developed by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) as a core component of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure vision.
• The budget outlay for the new Aadhaar App was not specified in the article.
• The app targets residents across India, allowing them to manage up to five Aadhaar profiles on a single device linked to the same mobile number.
• Security features include biometric lock and unlock, facial authentication, encrypted Quick Response (QR) code-based verification, and selective attribute sharing.
• The app enables digital storage of Aadhaar, address and mobile number updates, contact card QR codes, and logs of usage and authentication history.
• The Pathik App, an Aadhaar-enabled guest verification system by the Gujarat Police in collaboration with UIDAI, was also highlighted for contactless Know Your Customer (KYC) and hotel check-ins.

India and UAE to co-chair 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi

[United Arab Emirates (UAE)]

Key Updates:

• The 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting will be held in New Delhi on Saturday, co-chaired by India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• Foreign ministers of 20 Arab League member states and the Arab League Secretary-General will participate in the meeting.
• The first India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting took place in Bahrain in 2016, and the current meeting occurs after a 10-year gap.
• The 2016 meeting identified five priority cooperation verticals: economy, energy, education, media and culture.
• Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin urged increased Indian participation in Gaza reconstruction and continued support to UNRWA for Palestinian refugees.
• India has supported Palestinian education through schools in the West Bank and higher education centres in Gaza, some of which were destroyed in the last two years.
• The Gaza peace plan and regional peace and stability are expected agenda items at the meeting.

India and European Union adopt Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda at 16th summit

[European Union (EU)]

Key Updates:

• India and the European Union (EU) endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda during the 16th India-EU summit held in New Delhi.
• The agenda covers five pillars: prosperity and sustainability, technology and innovation, security and defence, connectivity and global challenges, and enabling factors such as skills, mobility, business and people-to-people ties.
• Both sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Comprehensive Framework on Co-operation on Mobility to boost mobility of Indians to Europe.
• They agreed to conclude an Investment Protection Agreement to provide high, predictable standards of protection for investors and promote investment in high-growth sectors.
• An Agreement on Geographical Indications will be concluded to ensure effective protection of iconic products and boost trade opportunities.
• The Trade and Technology Council (TTC) will expand discussions on economic security to include research security and protection of sensitive technologies.
• The EU-India Semiconductor Memorandum of Understanding will be implemented to strengthen supply chains and promote collaboration in chip design, heterogeneous integration, sustainable semiconductor technologies and manufacturing technology development.
• An EU-India Business Forum will be established to meet regularly and provide business perspectives to inform policymaking across TTC work strands.
• India-EU Clean Energy and Climate Partnership cooperation will cover energy technologies, smart grids, storage, electricity sector regulation and energy and climate diplomacy.
• Collaborative research will focus on artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, advanced semiconductors, clean tech and biotech under the technology and innovation pillar.
• India-EU Innovation Hubs will be set up to support dialogue, knowledge exchange and joint projects in critical emerging technologies.
• An India-EU Startup Partnership will be established to deepen cooperation in innovation.
• Cooperation on peaceful uses of nuclear energy will be promoted under the India-Euratom agreement.
• Under the security and defence pillar, both sides will consult on respective initiatives, exchange on defence industry-related matters and explore cooperation aligned with mutual security priorities.

European Union leaders attend 77th Republic Day of India as Chief Guests and co-chair 16th EU-India Summit

[European Union (EU)]

Key Updates:

• President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen paid a State Visit to India on 25–27 January 2026 as Chief Guests for the 77th Republic Day of India.
• A contingent of the European Union Military Staff and the European Union Naval Operations ATALANTA and ASPIDES participated in the Republic Day Parade for the first time.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi co-chaired the 16th EU-India Summit with President Costa and President von der Leyen in New Delhi on 27 January 2026.
• The EU-India Free Trade Agreement negotiations were successfully concluded during the Summit.
• The EU-India Security and Defence Partnership, the first overarching defence and security framework between the two sides, was signed.
• The leaders condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025 and the terror incident near Red Fort, New Delhi on 10 November 2025.
• The EU-India Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda 'Towards 2030' was adopted to advance cooperation across five pillars: prosperity and sustainability, technology and innovation, security and defence, connectivity and global challenges, and enabling factors.

President approves gallantry and service medals for Indian Coast Guard personnel on 77th Republic Day

Key Updates:

• President of India approved Ati Vishisht Seva Medal for ADG Donny Michael, PTM, TM.
• DIG KS Sitaram received the Vishisht Seva Medal.
• P/Nvk ME Saumyaranjan Behera was awarded the Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak.
• IG Iqbal Singh Chauhan and IG Datwinder Singh Saini received the President's Tatrakshak Medal for Distinguished Service.
• Late Comdt Rakesh Kumar Rana, Late Comdt JG Vipin Babu and Late P/Nvk RP Karan Singh were posthumously conferred the Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry).
• Comdt JG Shailendra Singh Bisht, P/Nvk RP Gautam Yadav and P/Nvk RP Banti Kumar received the Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry).
• Tatrakshak Medal (Meritorious Service) was awarded to DIG Vinod Kumar Parmar, DIG Arun Kumar Bhardwaj, DIG Sudhakar Patil, Comdt Indu P and Adh RO Tapas Kumar Banerjee.

Karnataka hosts 39% of India’s 890 GenAI startups as ecosystem triples in H1 2025

[Karnataka]

Key Updates:

• Karnataka accounts for 39% of India’s Generative AI (GenAI) startups as per Economic Survey 2025-26.
• India’s GenAI startup count surged threefold to 890 in the first half of 2025 from 240 in the first half of 2024.
• GenAI startups raised $76.4 million year-to-date across 18 funding rounds as per Tracxn data.
• Deep tech industry funding rose 78% during calendar year 2024.
• Karnataka leads the country with 43 State Public Universities supporting the talent pipeline.
• India’s technology startup ecosystem is ranked third-largest globally.
• India operates a deep-tech Fund of Funds under the ₹1 lakh crore RDI initiative to finance advanced research.
• Karnataka’s tier-2 and tier-3 cities are witnessing spill-over growth in deep-tech and advanced manufacturing.
• India’s space sector is projected to reach $44 billion by 2047 with over 300 startups, with Bengaluru and Belagavi as key hubs.

Google DeepMind unveils AlphaGenome AI to predict DNA mutations and disease risk

[Google DeepMind]

Key Updates:

• Google DeepMind’s AlphaGenome AI model reads up to one million DNA letters with single-letter precision to predict how genetic changes cause diseases.
• AlphaGenome targets the 98 percent of non-coding DNA, formerly called junk DNA, that regulates gene activity and influences RNA splicing.
• In a leukaemia case study, the model compared normal and mutated DNA sequences and predicted increased activity of nearby genes linked to the cancer.
• The model is freely available to scientists for non-commercial research but is not intended for clinical use.
• Robert Goldstone, head of genomics at the Francis Crick Institute, described AlphaGenome as a breakthrough that turns the genome into a decipherable language for discovery.
• Ben Lehner of the Wellcome Sanger Institute warned that most existing biological datasets are too small and poorly standardised for optimal AI training.

Nagaland University Researchers Discover New Plant Species Hoya nagaensis in Phek District

[Nagaland]

Key Updates:

• Researchers from Nagaland University (NU) have discovered a new plant species named Hoya nagaensis in the Phek district of Nagaland.
• The species was identified in the Kavünhou Community Reserved Forest, a high-altitude community-protected area in the Eastern Himalaya.
• The research team was led by Principal Investigator Gyati Yam from the Department of Forestry at NU, alongside researchers Vieneite-o Koza and Joynath Pegu.
• The findings regarding the new species were published in the Kew Bulletin, a peer-reviewed international journal for plant and fungal taxonomy.
• Hoya nagaensis has been provisionally assessed as critically endangered due to its restricted distribution and threats from shifting cultivation and forest disturbance.
• The discovery highlights the effectiveness of traditional forest stewardship practiced by local Naga communities in conserving biodiversity.

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moves Doomsday Clock to 85 seconds to midnight

[Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists]

Key Updates:

• The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moved the Doomsday Clock to 85 seconds to midnight on 27 January 2026, marking its closest point to catastrophe in nearly 80 years.
• Alexandra Bell, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, cited nuclear weapons, climate change, and disruptive technologies as primary existential risks.
• Daniel Holz, chair of the science and security board, noted that a 2010 strategic arms treaty between the United States (U.S.) and Russia is set to expire.
• Environmental data indicates that atmospheric carbon dioxide and global sea levels have reached record highs, leading to intensified and erratic droughts, fires, and floods.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is identified as an accelerating disruptive technology that supercharges mis- and disinformation, complicating responses to global threats.
• The Doomsday Clock was first unveiled in 1947 following the use of atomic bombs by the U.S. against Japan in World War II (WWII).
• The farthest the clock has been from midnight was 17 minutes in 1991, following the end of the Cold War and the signing of a strategic arms reduction treaty.
• In recent years, the clock moved to 100 seconds in 2020, 90 seconds in 2023, and 89 seconds in 2025 before reaching the current 85-second setting.

All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) and CAYEIT partner for AI-driven innovation

[All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA)]

Key Updates:

• The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), an apex institution under the Ministry of AYUSH, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre for Ayurveda Education, Innovation & Technology (CAYEIT) in New Delhi.
• The partnership aims to modernise Ayurveda through Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) enabled data analysis, and digital-first education models.
• The collaboration focuses on developing personalised, Prakriti-based treatment models and utilising network pharmacology to provide scientific evidence for Ayurvedic formulations.
• The MoU was signed by Prof. (Vd.) P. K. Prajapati, Director of AIIA, and Prof. Dr. Abhimanyu Kumar, Chairman and CEO of CAYEIT.
• Following this agreement, AIIA now maintains a total of 74 national and 20 international collaborations.

Google, MSDE, and CCSU collaborate to establish AI-enabled university in India

[Uttar Pradesh]

Key Updates:

• The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU), and Google announced a collaboration to establish an AI-enabled university in India.
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Google, MSDE, and CCSU to support capacity building and AI-focused education initiatives during the AI Impact Summit 2026.
• Google introduced AI-powered Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main practice tests through its Gemini AI platform, allowing students to personalise difficulty levels and receive interactive explanations.
• The Gemini AI Academy was launched to assist educators in creating lesson plans and quizzes, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• Google is deploying SynthID to identify AI-generated content and integrating Gemini into Google Classroom to provide AI-assisted feedback and usage insights.
• Google Workspace Studio was introduced to allow the creation of no-code AI agents for classroom and administrative workflows.
• Wadhwani AI, supported by Google.org, announced an expansion of its AI-for-Education initiatives to reach 75 million students and 1.8 million educators by December 2027.

BISAG-N and QNu Labs sign MoU to build quantum-resilient cybersecurity solutions

[BISAG-N, QNu Labs]

Key Updates:

• BISAG-N and QNu Labs have signed an MoU to develop indigenous quantum-resilient cybersecurity solutions.
• The collaboration aims to strengthen India’s preparedness against future quantum computing threats.
• The initiative will advance secure digital infrastructure within the country.

S G Roshini wins gold at 29th All India National Martial Arts’ Championship 2026

Key Updates:

• S G Roshini, a Class IX student from Vedavalli Vidyalaya, NPS Senior Secondary School in Ranipet (TN), won the gold medal at the 29th All India National Martial Arts’ Championship 2026.
• The championship was held in Goa on January 25.
• The event selected promising talent in traditional Indian martial arts including silambam.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta hails Indian Blind Women's Cricket Team as champions of T20 World Cup and life.

Key Updates:

• Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta praised the Indian Blind Women's Cricket Team for their courage, confidence, and unstoppable determination.
• Gupta described the team as true champions of both the T20 World Cup and life, emphasising that victory is measured by self-belief and perseverance.
• She expressed support for promoting inclusive sports and recognised the team's role in inspiring young athletes and highlighting the potential of differently-abled sportspersons.

CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon 2026 flagged off from New Delhi

[Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)]

Key Updates:

• The CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon 2026 was virtually flagged off from Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi.
• Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai inaugurated the event as Chief Guest.
• Two CISF cycling teams started simultaneously from Bakkhali, West Bengal and Lakhpat, Gujarat, covering 6,500 km across nine coastal States and two Union Territories.
• The Cyclothon will culminate at Kochi on 22 February 2026.
• Fifty percent of the participating cyclists are women.
• The initiative commemorates 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'.
• CISF has been designated as the Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
• The Cyclothon aligns with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of 'SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region'.
• CISF will adopt 52 coastal villages for year-long engagement and welfare activities.
• Major public events will be held in Mumbai, Goa, Mangaluru, Konark, Visakhapatnam and Chennai.

Haryana wins overall team title at Khelo India Winter Games 2026

[Haryana]

Key Updates:

• Haryana won the team championship title of the Ladakh phase of Khelo India Winter Games 2026 after securing four gold medals.
• Indian Army team retained the men’s ice hockey title by defeating Chandigarh in the final with the match-winner scored three minutes before full-time.
• Ladakh, Maharashtra and Telangana each won two gold medals and were separated by silver count: Ladakh (5 silver), Maharashtra (3 silver), Telangana (2 silver).
• National coach Mohammad Abbas Nordak stated that the overall standard of ice skating improved noticeably compared to the previous five editions.
• Muthakani Vishnu Vardhan (Telangana) and Sachin Singh (Haryana) delivered strong individual performances in men’s events.
• Among women skaters, Nayana and Skarma stood out with consistent and competitive performances.

Beating Retreat Ceremony 2026 held on January 29

Key Updates:

• The Beating Retreat ceremony was held at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi on January 29, 2026.
• The ceremony marks the formal conclusion of the Republic Day celebrations.
• The event featured performances by the bands of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed that the ceremony commenced at 5:00 pm.
• Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi stated that the event showcases the discipline, traditions, and valour of the armed forces.

12th Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFFCY) held from 28 January to 3 February 2026

Key Updates:

• SIFFCY 2026, organised by Smile Foundation in partnership with Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) and Delegation of the European Union to India, runs from 28 January to 3 February 2026.
• The festival theme is Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility through cinema.
• SIFFCY 2026 presents the ECFA Award, CIFEJ Award and FCCI Award.
• Finnish Ambassador Kimmo Lähdevirta announced the first SIFFCY screening of Moomins as part of their 80th anniversary celebrations.
• Estonian Ambassador Marje Luup highlighted Estonia’s participation with six short films made by children, including Ukrainian refugee children.

Supreme Court declines to entertain appeal against Madhya Pradesh HC order on VIP darshan at Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Temple

[Madhya Pradesh, Supreme Court of India]

Key Updates:

• The Supreme Court (SC) declined to entertain an appeal challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s dismissal of a petition against VIP entry into the garbhagriha of Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
• The three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and comprising Justices R Mahadevan and Joymalya Bagchi stated that in the presence of Mahakal, nobody is VIP.
• The SC advised the petitioner to approach the relevant authority instead of the courts for decisions on temple entry rules.

International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust observed on 27 January

Key Updates:

• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 60/7 designated 27 January as the annual International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust in 2005.
• The date marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Death Camp on 27 January 1945.
• The Holocaust led to the adoption of foundational documents by the United Nations (UN) in 1948, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
• The UNGA established the Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme in 2005 to mobilize outreach for combatting antisemitism and defending human rights.
• Key UNGA resolutions related to this observance and the prevention of Holocaust denial include A/RES/60/7, A/RES/61/255, and A/RES/76/250.
• The annual observance is held at the UN Headquarters in New York and through the global network of United Nations Information Centres (UNICs).

Republic Day Parade 2026 winners announced for Best Tableaux and Popular Choice

[Ministry of Defence (India), Indian Navy, Maharashtra]

Key Updates:

• Indian Navy was adjudged Best Marching Contingent among the three Services.
• Delhi Police was adjudged Best Marching Contingent among CAPFs/other auxiliary forces.
• Maharashtra's tableau ‘Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta’ was adjudged Best Tableau among States/UTs.
• Jammu & Kashmir's tableau ‘Handicrafts and Folk Dances of Jammu & Kashmir’ was adjudged Best Tableau among States/UTs.
• Kerala's tableau ‘Water Metro & 100% Digital Literacy: Aatmanirbhar Kerala for Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ was adjudged Best Tableau among States/UTs.
• Ministry of Culture’s tableau ‘Vande Mataram – The Soul Cry of a Nation’ was adjudged Best Tableau among Central Ministries/Departments.
• Central Public Works Department (CPWD) tableau ‘Vande Mataram – Commemoration of 150 Years’ received a Special Prize.
• ‘Vande Mataram: The Eternal Resonance of India’ Dance Group received a Special Prize.
• Assam Regiment was adjudged Best Marching Contingent among the three Services in the Popular Choice category.
• CRPF was adjudged Best Marching Contingent among CAPFs/other auxiliary forces in the Popular Choice category.
• Gujarat's tableau ‘Mantra of Swadeshi – Self-Reliance – Freedom: Vande Mataram’ topped the Popular Choice category on MyGov portal.
• Uttar Pradesh's tableau ‘Culture of Bundelkhand’ ranked among the top three in the Popular Choice category on MyGov portal.
• Rajasthan's tableau ‘Golden Touch of the Desert: Bikaner Gold Art (Usta Art)’ ranked among the top three in the Popular Choice category on MyGov portal.
• Department of School Education & Literacy’s tableau ‘National Education Policy 2020: Rocketing Indian School Education on the Path to Viksit Bharat’ was adjudged Best Tableau among Central Ministries/Departments in the Popular Choice category.