NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Republic Day 2026 Parade to Feature 30 Tableaux at
Kartavya Path: A total of 30
tableaux will roll down Kartavya Path, New Delhi, during
the 77th Republic Day celebrations on 26 January 2026.The tableaux will
include 17 from States and Union Territories and 13 from Ministries,
Departments, and Services.Based on the themes ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande
Mataram’ and ‘Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, the tableaux will
highlight 150 years of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ along with India’s
rapid progress and self-reliance.
2. Election Commission launches ECINET digital platform
at IICDEM 2026: During
the India International Conference on Democracy and Election
Management in New Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh
Kumar launched ECINET, a unified digital platform integrating 40+
election-related apps and web services to enhance citizen participation.ECINET
connects citizens, candidates, political parties, and election officials on a
single platformand has been developed in 22 Indian languages along with
English.On the second day, bilateral discussions were held with international
delegations, including the UK, focusing on India’s election arrangements, the
ECINET app, and possibilities for closer cooperation in electoral management.
3. Lucknow Becomes UP’s First Zero Fresh Waste Dump City: Lucknow has become Uttar Pradesh’s first
‘Zero Fresh Waste Dump’ city after achieving 100% scientific processing of
municipal solid waste.The milestone was achieved with the inauguration of the
third waste processing facility at the Shivari Plant, strengthening the city’s
sustainable waste management system.Lucknow generates about 2,000 metric tonnes
of waste daily, managed through three plants of 700 MT/day capacity each, with
waste segregated into 55% organic and 45% inorganic components.
4. Punjab Launches First Dog Sanctuary in Ludhiana as
Pilot Project: Punjab launched
its first Dog Sanctuary in Ludhiana at the Haibowal Dairy Complex as
a pilot project to address the stray dog issue.The initiative aims to reduce
dog bite cases and improve public safety through organised management of stray
dogs.The sanctuary will function as per the guidelines issued by the Supreme
Court, ensuring humane and lawful handling of animals.
5. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Completes 11 Years of
Empowering the Girl Child: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) has completed 11
years since its launch on 22 January 2015 under the Beti Bachao, Beti
Padhao initiative, aimed at securing the financial future of the girl child.SSY
offers an attractive government-notified interest rate, currently at 8.2%,
making it one of the most rewarding small savings schemes.Investments qualify
for Section 80C tax deduction; the minimum annual deposit is ₹250, while the
maximum is ₹1.50 lakh.Deposits can be made for 15 years, and the account
matures after 21 years from the date of opening.
6. Amit Shah to Launch ODOC Scheme at Uttar Pradesh Day
Celebrations in Lucknow: Union
Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will attend the Uttar Pradesh
Day celebrations as the Chief Guest in Lucknow, with the event being held
at Rashtra Prerna Sthal.On the occasion, he will launch the ‘One District One
Cuisine’ (ODOC) scheme, aimed at identifying and promoting the traditional
cuisine of each district of Uttar Pradesh through quality improvement,
branding, and market access.Mr Shah will also inaugurate the Sardar Patel
Industrial Zone Programme, present awards under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami
Vikas Yojana, and confer the Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman 2025–26.
7. 24 January – National Girl Child Day: National Girl Child Day is observed every
year on 24 January to raise awareness about the rights, education, and
well-being of girls in India.The day emphasizes ending gender discrimination
and promoting equal opportunities for girls in education, health, and
society.Theme 2026- Empowering Every Daughter, Building a Stronger India.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Hyderabad to Host Wings India 2026, Asia’s Largest
Civil Aviation Event: Hyderabad to
host Wings India 2026, Asia’s largest civil aviation event, at Begumpet
Airport, bringing together aviation leaders, aircraft manufacturers, and
government delegations from over 20 countries.The event will be inaugurated by
Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and has been held in
Hyderabad since 2008 as a biennial event organized by the Indian government.The
theme for Wings India 2026 is: “Indian Aviation: Paving the Future From Design
to Deployment, Manufacturing to Maintenance, Inclusivity to Innovation, and
Safety to Sustainability”.
2. India Partners with World Economic Forum to Launch
Skills Accelerator for Future-Ready Workforce: The Ministry of Skill Development and
Entrepreneurship signed an MoU with the World Economic Forum to
strengthen India’s skills and Technical & Vocational Education and Training
(TVET) ecosystem.Under this MoU, a Skills Accelerator will be launched in India
to bridge critical skill gaps and enhance the global employability of Indian
youth.The initiative aims to align India’s talent pool with emerging domains
like artificial intelligence, green energy, robotics, and advanced
manufacturing, fostering a future-ready and globally competitive
workforce.Currently active skill accelerator countries include Azerbaijan,
Bahrain, Brazil, Indonesia, Nigeria and Qatar.
3. United States Officially Withdraws from WHO Citing
COVID-19 Mismanagement: The United
States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization
(WHO), following a one-year notice given by President Donald Trump in
2025.The U.S., which was the largest contributor to WHO funding (about 18%),
cited poor management and mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic as reasons for
withdrawal.The U.S. announced it will now work directly with other countries on
global health issues, bypassing WHO.
4. 24 January – International Day of Education: International Day of Education is
observed every year on 24 January to highlight the role of education
in peace, development, and human rights worldwide.Theme 2026 –The power of
youth in co-creating educationThe day emphasizes inclusive and equitable
quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.It aims
to raise awareness about global education challenges and encourage governments,
organizations, and communities to invest in education for a sustainable future.
5. Rare
Asiatic Wild Dog Spotted in Ratapani Tiger Reserve: In a significant boost
for wildlife conservation, a rare Asiatic Wild Dog, also known as the Dhole,
has been recorded for the first time in Ratapani Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. The endangered species was captured on
a camera trap during routine forest patrolling earlier this week, marking an
important milestone for biodiversity monitoring in the region. The
presence of the Dhole was confirmed after experts verified images from a camera
trap installed by the Forest Department. According to “Shubharanjan Sen”,
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), this sighting indicates that
Ratapani is gradually emerging as a safe habitat for top predator species. He
noted that the return of such predators reflects improving ecological
conditions within the reserve. The Dhole is a highly social and strategic
predator, known for hunting in coordinated packs of 14 to 20 individuals. Its
primary prey includes deer, sambar, and chital. Forest officials highlighted
that Dholes are capable of challenging even apex predators such as tigers and
leopards for prey, underscoring their role in maintaining balance within forest
ecosystems.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. CDS Releases Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework
to Integrate Quantum Technologies in Armed Forces: CDS General Anil Chauhan released
the Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework, outlining a policy and
roadmap for adopting Quantum Technologies in India’s Armed Forces.The framework
focuses on integrating four key pillars—Quantum Communication, Quantum
Computing, Quantum Sensing & Metrology, and Quantum Materials &
Devices—across the Tri-Services to prepare for future warfare and achieve technological
dominance.The vision document ensures synergy and alignment with the National
Quantum Mission, defining an indicative roadmap and policy to implement quantum
technologies as a niche but strategic capability in Defence forces.
2. Madhya
Pradesh Officers Shine in Republic Day Service Medals: A day ahead of Republic Day, the Centre announced the list of
gallantry and service medal recipients from across the country, highlighting
exceptional dedication in internal security and public service. Madhya Pradesh emerged prominently, with four
officers receiving the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) and 17
personnel awarded the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM), reflecting the
state’s strong policing tradition. According to a press release issued by the
Ministry of Home Affairs, the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service was
conferred on four senior officers from Madhya Pradesh. These include Santosh Kumar Singh,
Commissioner of Police; Mithelesh Kumar Shukla, Inspector General; Awadhesh
Kumar Goswami, Deputy Inspector General; and Shiv Kumar Patel, Inspector. The
honour recognises their sustained excellence in leadership, operational
effectiveness, and long-standing commitment to public safety and policing
standards. The Medal for Meritorious Service was awarded to 17 personnel from
the Madhya Pradesh Police, spanning a wide range of ranks. The awardees include
senior officers such as Inspector General Krishnaveni Desavatu and
Superintendents of Police Manoj Kumar Rai, Gitesh Kumar Garg, and Durgesh Kumar
Rathore.
SPORTS
1. Olympic Medallist Saina Nehwal Announces Retirement
from Competitive Badminton: Saina
Nehwal announced her retirement from competitive badminton after
being out of action for nearly two years due to chronic knee problems and
cartilage degeneration.She made history by winning a bronze medal at the London
2012 Olympics, becoming the first Indian woman to medal in Olympic
badminton.Nehwal also achieved World No. 1 ranking in 2015, won the BWF Super
Series title (Indonesia Open 2009), Commonwealth Games gold (2010 & 2018),
and World Championship silver (2015).Throughout her career, she overcame
injuries, contributed to Indian badminton’s global recognition, and received
prestigious awards including Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Khel Ratna, and Arjuna
Award.
2. Abhishek
Sharma Hits Fastest-Ever T20I Fifty vs New Zealand: India’s aggressive opener
“Abhishek Sharma” delivered a breathtaking performance in Guwahati, scripting
history with one of the fastest half-centuries in men’s T20 internationals. In
the third T20I against “New Zealand”, Sharma’s counter-attacking knock
turned an early wobble into a one-sided chase, sealing India’s 3-0 series lead
in emphatic fashion. Chasing a modest target of 154, India suffered an
immediate setback when Sanju Samson was dismissed for a golden duck. With
pressure mounting in the opening over, Abhishek Sharma took charge from the
outset. He attacked the New Zealand bowlers with fearless intent, refusing
to let the early loss dictate terms and shifting momentum within minutes.
Sharma stitched together a blistering 53-run stand with Ishan Kishan, who
contributed 28, in just 19 balls. The partnership became India’s fastest team
fifty in T20 internationals, pushing New Zealand firmly on the back foot. The
rapid scoring rate not only neutralised any scoreboard pressure but also set
the tone for a swift finish.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams Retires After 27-Year
Stellar Career: NASA astronaut Sunita
‘Suni’ Williams retired after a stellar 27-year career, completing
three missions aboard the International Space Station and setting numerous
human spaceflight records, including 608 days in space.She performed nine
spacewalks totaling over 62 hours, became the first person to run a marathon in
space, and ranks second in cumulative time in space among NASA astronauts.Born
to an Indian father and Slovenian mother, Williams is a retired U.S. Navy
captain, helicopter and fixed-wing pilot with over 4,000 flight hours and holds
degrees in physical science and engineering management.During her visit to
India, she participated in an interactive session at the American Center,
sharing experiences from missions like the Boeing Starliner and SpaceX Crew-9,
inspiring future generations in space exploration.
2. Health
AI Hackathon at IIT Kanpur Focuses on Digital Public Goods: The National Health
Authority (NHA) organised a Federated Intelligence Hackathon at IIT Kanpur to
advance the development of Digital Public Goods for Health Artificial
Intelligence. The six-day event, which began on January 19, was held as a
pre-event to the India AI Impact Summit 2026 and brought together policymakers,
technologists, researchers, and innovators to deliberate on the future of
responsible and scalable Health AI. The hackathon was organised in
collaboration with the National Institute for Research in Digital Health and
Data Science and the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. It aimed to create
a shared platform for innovation in Health AI that aligns with public policy
goals. Participants worked on federated intelligence models designed to support
public healthcare delivery while respecting data privacy and ethical standards.
Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer of the National
Health Authority, Dr Sunil Kumar Barnwal, highlighted the strategic importance
of moving beyond experimental AI applications. He underlined the need for
benchmarked, reliable, and trusted AI systems that can be deployed at scale
within India’s healthcare ecosystem. According to him, Health AI must evolve
from isolated pilots to population-scale solutions backed by robust validation.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Razorpay POS Secures RBI Licence to Operate as Offline
Payment Aggregator: Razorpay POS, the
offline payments arm of fintech major Razorpay, has secured a licence from
the RBI to operate as an offline payment aggregator.With this licence, Razorpay
now holds all three key RBI authorisations: online payment aggregator,
cross-border payment aggregator (obtained in December 2025), and offline
payment aggregator.This development strengthens Razorpay’s position in India’s
digital payments ecosystem, enabling it to offer seamless payment solutions
across online and offline channels.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Padma Awards 2026 Highlight Cinema Icons and Unsung Heroes: The Padma Awards 2026, announced on the eve of Republic Day, have recognised 131 individuals for contributions across public life, arts, literature, education, and social work. The list reflects a mix of nationally known figures and grassroots changemakers, with notable honours for Indian cinema and music, alongside a stated focus on “unsung heroes” from marginalised communities. Veteran actor Dharmendra has been conferred the Padma Vibhushan posthumously, placing him among the top-tier honourees this year. Malayalam cinema legend Mammootty has received the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to Indian cinema. Renowned playback singer Alka Yagnik has also been awarded the Padma Bhushan, marking recognition of her decades-long influence on Indian music. The list also includes film personalities such as R Madhavan with a Padma Shri, underlining strong representation from the arts.
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