Daily GK Update- 11th Jan, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Department of Posts and Ministry of Rural Development Sign MoU to Boost Rural Financial Inclusion: The Department of Posts (DoP) and the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation for inclusive and sustainable rural development, with a focus on expanding financial services in rural areas.The collaboration aligns with the Government’s vision of “Dak Sewa, Jan Sewa”, positioning India Post as a key driver of the rural economy and leveraging its vast postal network.Under the MoU, India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) will provide digitally enabled doorstep banking services, including savings, payments and remittances, benefiting rural women, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and community institutions.

 

2. Supreme Court of India Signs MoU with Bhutan Apex Court to Exchange Young Legal Professionals: The Supreme Court of India has signed an MoU with the Supreme Court of Bhutan to promote the exchange of young legal professionals and strengthen judicial cooperation between the two countries.Under the MoU, two law clerks from Bhutan will work with the Supreme Court of India for three months, receiving the same honorarium as Indian law clerks, with travel expenses borne by the Supreme Court.The initiative aims to enhance institutional ties and judicial collaboration, with the Bhutanese law clerks being assigned to different courts during their tenure.Chief Justice of India – Surya KantChief Justice of Bhutan – Lyonpo Norbu Tshering

 

3. A&FW Partners with India Post to Fast-Track Pesticide, Seed and Fertiliser Sample Testing Across India: The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) and the Department of Posts (DoP) signed an MoU to create a pan-India logistics framework for transporting pesticide, seed, and fertiliser samples to testing labs.The agreement was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Union Ministers Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (Communications & DoNER) and Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare).India Post will provide end-to-end logistics, including QR code-based address masking, specialised packaging, monitored temperature transport for sensitive samples, and digital tracking for transparency and traceability.Leveraging over 1.60 lakh post offices (1.40 lakh in rural areas), the system aims to reduce sample transit time from 10–15 days to 48–72 hours, improving laboratory testing speed and regulatory enforcement.

 

4. Aralam Renamed Kerala’s First Butterfly Sanctuary: The Kerala government has officially renamed the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, making it the first butterfly sanctuary in the State. The decision reflects Kerala’s growing emphasis on species-specific conservation and recognises Aralam’s unique ecological significance as a major butterfly habitat. The renaming was notified through SRO No. 1407/2025 under Section 18(1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This notification amends the original 1984 order that declared the Aralam Farm area as a wildlife sanctuary. The change follows a recommendation by the State Board for Wildlife, which highlighted the area’s exceptional butterfly diversity and sustained ecological value. Declared a sanctuary in 1984, Aralam spans about 55 square kilometres of evergreen and semi-evergreen forests in Kannur district. The sanctuary is known for large-scale butterfly migration and mud-puddling behaviour. It is also a special habitat for the Schedule I Slender Loris, underlining its broader conservation importance. Aralam shares boundaries with the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka, the Kottiyoor Wildlife Sanctuary, and the North Wayanad forest division.

 

5. National Youth Day 2026 Will Be Observed Today Across India: National Youth Day (Yuva Diwas) 2026 will be observed across India on January 12, reaffirming the belief that a nation’s future rests on the direction, character, and purpose of its youth. The day is marked not merely as a celebration but as a moment of national reflection on the values guiding young Indians and the responsibilities they carry in shaping the country’s destiny. National Youth Day commemorates the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, one of India’s most influential philosophers and spiritual leaders. His teachings, centred on self-confidence, discipline, character-building, and service to the nation, continue to inspire generations. Vivekananda firmly believed that India’s strength lay in its youth, and his call to action—“Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached”—remains deeply relevant. The Government of India declared Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary as National Youth Day in 1984. The objective was to motivate young people by connecting them with his ideals and encouraging their active participation in nation-building. The observance seeks to instil values of leadership, social responsibility, and national service, reinforcing the idea that education extends beyond employment to the formation of character.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Indonesia Blocks Grok Chatbot Over Explicit Deepfake Risks: Indonesia has become the first country to block access to Grok, an artificial intelligence chatbot linked to Elon Musk, citing serious concerns over the generation of explicit and non-consensual sexual deepfakes. The decision reflects growing global unease over the misuse of generative AI tools and their impact on digital safety, human rights, and online governance. The Indonesian government announced the temporary suspension after regulators found that Grok lacked adequate safeguards to prevent the creation of pornographic and exploitative imagery. The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs stated that non-consensual sexual deepfakes constitute a violation of human rights and pose risks to citizens’ digital security. Indonesia maintains strict laws against obscene online content, and officials argued that proactive intervention was necessary to prevent harm. Grok is developed by xAI, an AI firm owned by Elon Musk. Reports indicated that the chatbot had been used to generate sexualised images, including manipulated images of women and, in some cases, content involving minors. In response, xAI said it would limit image generation and editing features to paying subscribers and strengthen safety filters. Indonesian authorities have also sought direct discussions with X officials over compliance.

2. Nalini Joshi Named New South Wales Scientist of the Year: Indian-origin mathematician Nalini Joshi has been named New South Wales’ Scientist of the Year, becoming the first mathematician to receive the state’s highest science honour. The award recognises her pioneering contributions to applied mathematics and underscores the growing relevance of mathematical sciences in solving complex technological and societal challenges. Her selection marks a significant moment for both mathematics and diversity in Australian science. The New South Wales Scientist of the Year award traditionally recognises achievements in experimental and applied sciences. Joshi’s recognition reflects a broader shift in understanding the foundational role mathematics plays across disciplines. Her work demonstrates how advanced mathematical frameworks underpin developments ranging from climate modelling to secure digital communication systems, even when their impact is not immediately visible to the public.

 

3. India, Australia Invited to G7 Talks on Critical Minerals: The United States has invited India and Australia to participate in a meeting of G7 finance ministers focused on securing critical minerals supply chains. The talks, hosted in Washington, come amid growing concerns among advanced economies over heavy dependence on China for minerals essential to defence, technology, and clean energy transitions. US Treasury Secretary “Scott Bessent” said the meeting would bring together finance ministers of the “Group of Seven” along with select partner countries. He noted that he had been advocating a focused discussion on critical minerals since the G7 leaders’ summit last year, with finance ministers already holding a virtual meeting on the issue in December. The in-person talks aim to translate commitments into coordinated policy action. India was invited to attend the meeting, though it was not immediately clear whether New Delhi had confirmed participation. Australia’s presence is considered pivotal given its resource base and recent alignment with Western efforts to diversify mineral supplies.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Army Conducts Exercise Sanjha Shakti in Maharashtra: The Indian Army on Saturday conducted Exercise “Sanjha Shakti”, a joint Military–Civil Fusion exercise, at the Dighi Hills Range. The exercise was organised under the aegis of the Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa Area of the Southern Command, with the objective of strengthening coordination between the armed forces and civilian agencies in responding to complex security challenges and emergency situations. According to the Indian Army, the exercise aimed to enhance civil–military synergy, improve rapid response capabilities, and ensure public safety in rear areas. It focused on preparedness for emergencies such as disasters, internal security challenges, and other contingencies in the hinterland, where coordinated action between multiple agencies is critical. More than 350 personnel participated in the drill, bringing together the Indian Army and 16 key civilian agencies. These included the Maharashtra Police, Force One, and various fire and emergency services. The large-scale participation highlighted the importance of integrated planning and execution among diverse stakeholders involved in public safety and disaster response.

 

2. Mumbai Hosts Fifth Tri-Services Veterans Day Parade: Mumbai today witnessed the fifth edition of the Tri-Services Veterans Day parade at Marine Drive, reaffirming the city’s unique role in honouring India’s military veterans. The event was organised ahead of Veterans Day, which is observed annually on January 14, and drew wide participation from the armed forces community. Held between 8 am and 11 am along the iconic Marine Drive, the parade saw the participation of over 500 veterans, including gallantry award winners and octogenarians. The city remains the only one in India to host a city-level parade dedicated to Veterans Day, reflecting Mumbai’s strong civil-military connect and maritime heritage. The parade was flagged off by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, AVSM, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, who attended as the chief guest. Senior officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with other dignitaries, were present, highlighting the tri-services character of the event.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Delhi CM Inaugurates National Junior Boys Handball Championship: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday inaugurated the 47th National Junior Boys Handball Championship at a government school in Pitampura, New Delhi. The national-level sporting event has brought together young handball players from across the country, reflecting the growing emphasis on grassroots sports development in the capital. The championship is being jointly organised by the Handball Federation of India and the Delhi Handball Association. The inaugural ceremony was attended by HFI President Mahesh Kumar and several local officials. Addressing the participants, the Chief Minister interacted with athletes and officials, underlining the importance of discipline and dedication in competitive sports. During her address, Rekha Gupta announced a cash prize of ₹1 lakh for the winning team. She also highlighted recent changes in Delhi’s sports policy, stating that allowances for state-level athletes had been increased. The move aims to reduce financial constraints faced by young players and ensure uninterrupted training and participation in tournaments.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Rajasthan Hosts Regional AI Impact Conference Ahead of India AI Impact Summit 2026: Rajasthan hosted the Regional AI Impact Conference as a precursor to the India AI Impact Summit 2026, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, startups and academia to discuss AI’s role in governance, infrastructure, innovation and workforce development.The conference highlighted Centre–State collaboration for inclusive and responsible AI, with leaders announcing major initiatives such as training one million youth in AI skills and a ₹10,000 crore India AI Mission to deploy AI across sectors like agriculture, healthcare and education.Rajasthan launched its AI and ML Policy 2026 and AI portal, signalling a shift from e-governance to AI-driven, transparent and citizen-centric governance, along with programmes to boost innovation-led economic growth.Key outcomes included the launch of YUVA AI for All, iStart Learning Management System, Rajasthan AVGC-XR Portal, and MoUs with Google, IIT Delhi and other institutions, reinforcing India’s commitment to AI for public good and sustainable development.

 

2. Uttar Pradesh to Host Regional AI Impact Conference 2026: IndiaAI and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, in collaboration with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, will host the Uttar Pradesh Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 in Lucknow on January 12–13, 2026. The conference aims to showcase advanced applications of artificial intelligence in governance and public service delivery, while aligning state-level initiatives with the broader objectives of the IndiaAI Mission. The two-day conference will bring together senior policymakers, central and state government officials, global institutions, industry leaders, researchers, startups, and innovators. Discussions will focus on the responsible, inclusive, and scalable adoption of AI, with particular emphasis on healthcare systems, digital public infrastructure, economic growth, and social good. The event seeks to translate policy intent into population-scale, real-world impact. Plenary sessions will examine the global AI landscape, AI-driven healthcare delivery, state-level readiness and capacity building, and workforce empowerment. Dedicated discussions will explore AI-enabled diagnostics, clinical innovation, and digital public infrastructure for health. The conference will also feature startup showcases, hackathon outcomes, and industry-led demonstrations to highlight practical AI deployments.

 

3. IIT Madras Launches Param Shakti Supercomputer: IIT Madras has launched “Param Shakti”, an indigenously developed and manufactured supercomputing system, significantly strengthening India’s high-performance computing capabilities. With a peak performance of 3.1 petaflops, the system ranks among the most powerful computing facilities in the country and marks a major milestone in self-reliant digital infrastructure. Param Shakti can execute over 3.1 quadrillion calculations per second, enabling rapid processing of large and complex datasets. The system has been built entirely in India by the institute in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). It is based on C-DAC’s RUDRA server series and operates on open-source software, reinforcing India’s push for indigenous and open digital technologies. The enhanced computing power will allow researchers to solve complex scientific and engineering problems with greater speed and accuracy. It is expected to significantly reduce the time required for simulations and modelling in critical sectors such as aerospace, materials science, climate modelling, drug discovery, and advanced manufacturing. This capability positions Indian researchers to compete globally in frontier areas of science and technology.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Amazon Pay Launches Fixed Deposits Through App in Partnership with NBFCs and Banks: Amazon Pay expands into fixed income assets by rolling out fixed deposits (FDs) through its fintech app, allowing users to invest in multiple partner institutions without opening separate savings accounts.The company has partnered with two NBFCs, Shriram Finance and Bajaj Finance, and five banks including Shivalik Small Finance Bank, Suryoday Small Finance Bank, South Indian Bank, Slice, and Utkarsh Small Finance Bank.Users can start FDs from Rs 1,000, with deposits insured up to Rs 5 lakh per depositor per bank under DICGC norms, and partner institutions offering interest rates up to 8% per year, with additional benefits for senior citizens and women investors.

 

2. IDFC FIRST Bank Launches Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card for Global Travellers: IDFC FIRST Bank launched the “Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card” aimed at affluent global travellers, offering zero forex markup on international spends, along with rewards on hotel and flight bookings and access to travel lounges.The card is priced at ₹3,000 + GST, with an annual fee waiver on spending ₹6 lakh per year, making it effectively free from the second year onwards.

 

3. Axis Bank Launches ‘Safety Centre’ on Mobile App to Enhance Digital Banking Security: Axis Bank launched the ‘Safety Centre’ on its mobile banking app ‘open’, allowing customers to control key digital banking functions and safeguard accounts against unauthorized or suspicious activities without visiting a branch.The Safety Centre enables customizable security settings, letting users tailor protections according to their usage and comfort.Key features include SMS Shield to verify message authenticity, the ability to disable Internet Banking, and instantly restrict all fund transfers across Mobile and Internet Banking with a single toggle.

4.

TMB Partners with TechFini to Strengthen Scalable UPI Payment and Collection Solutions: Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) partnered with FinTech provider TechFini to strengthen its UPI acquiring and issuing capabilities, supporting higher transaction volumes and complex digital payment use cases across India’s growing UPI ecosystem.Under the agreement, TechFini will act as a Technology Service Provider (TSP), enabling a cloud-native, scalable UPI infrastructure for payment aggregators, NBFCs, merchants, and FinTech companies, allowing TMB to offer high-volume bank-anchored UPI services.The partnership focuses on expanding UPI use cases in lending and collections, with TechFini’s UPI Autopay solution enabling NBFCs and digital lenders to automate EMI and loan repayments via UPI e-mandates, improving efficiency and repayment predictability.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Italy Honours Shrinivas Dempo with Prestigious Civilian Award: Italy has conferred one of its most respected civilian honours, the Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia, on Goa-based industrialist Shrinivas Dempo in recognition of his services to Italian citizens and bilateral interests in India. The honour highlights Dempo’s role in strengthening people-to-people and institutional ties between India and Italy. The award was formally presented to Shrinivas Dempo at a ceremony held in Goa. The honour was conferred by Walter Ferrara, the Consul General of Italy in Mumbai. The event was attended by senior officials and members of the local business and diplomatic community, underlining the importance of Dempo’s contribution to Indo-Italian relations at the regional level. The Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia is a prestigious Italian civilian decoration awarded to individuals who have promoted friendly relations with Italy or contributed significantly to its international cooperation. It is often conferred on foreign nationals who have rendered exceptional service in cultural, economic, or diplomatic spheres, enhancing Italy’s engagement abroad.

 

2. Nobel Committee Rejects Machado’s Offer to Share Peace Prize : The Norwegian Nobel Committee has clarified that the Nobel Peace Prize cannot be shared, transferred, or revoked, responding to remarks by Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado that she wished to dedicate her award to former US President Donald Trump. The statement has put to rest speculation surrounding the legal status of the prize and reaffirmed the permanence of Nobel decisions. In an official statement, the Norwegian Nobel Committee said that once a Nobel Prize is announced, the decision stands for all time. The committee stressed that the prize itself cannot be shared or reassigned to another individual, regardless of the laureate’s intentions. While prize money may be used at the discretion of the recipient, the Nobel Peace Prize title remains exclusively with the declared laureate. María Corina Machado, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her role in opposing authoritarianism in Venezuela, said she wished to dedicate the award to Donald Trump. Speaking to US media, she credited Trump for actions she claimed contributed significantly to political change in Venezuela. Her comments followed a US military operation in Caracas and the subsequent transfer of Nicolás Maduro to the United States to face criminal charges.