Daily GK Update- 26th Jan, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Union Minister Launches ₹82.5-Crore Bamboo Projects in Northeast: The Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region and Communications, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, on Monday launched two major bamboo sector projects worth ₹82.5 crore in Guwahati, reinforcing the Centre’s focus on livelihood generation, sustainable industry, and economic integration of the North Eastern Region with national markets. Speaking at the launch event in Guwahati, the Minister said the North East has transformed from a “frontier region” into a “frontrunner of India” under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that the past 12 years have witnessed significant improvements in connectivity, infrastructure, and economic opportunities, with bamboo emerging as a strategic resource for inclusive growth. As part of the initiative, a traditional bamboo artisans’ cluster will be established to train more than 4,400 youths, strengthening skill development and employment at the grassroots level. In addition, two Engineered Bamboo Products manufacturing units will be set up, one in Karbi Anglong district of Assam and another in Mokokchung district of Nagaland. These units aim to promote value-added bamboo products and reduce dependence on raw material sales.

 

2. New Strobilanthes Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh: A new flowering plant species has been formally documented from Arunachal Pradesh, reinforcing the Himalayan state’s status as one of India’s richest biodiversity regions. The discovery highlights the continuing importance of systematic botanical exploration in remote and ecologically sensitive landscapes that remain under-studied. The species, “Strobilanthes riteshii”, belonging to the family Acanthaceae, was recorded during recent floristic surveys at Chayangtajo in East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. The discovery was made by researchers from the Botanical Survey of India, Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre, in collaboration with the Agharkar Research Institute. The plant is currently known only from its type locality, emphasising its potentially narrow distribution. According to researchers, “Strobilanthes riteshii” occurs at an elevation of around 1,600 metres. It grows along open hill slopes and roadsides, often near small waterfalls and streams within evergreen forest patches. Flowering has been observed between August and October, while fruiting takes place from September to December. Such habitat specificity suggests the species may be sensitive to environmental disturbance and infrastructure expansion.

 

3. Tamil Nadu Diabetes Surge Signals National Public Health Emergency: India is facing a rapidly intensifying diabetes epidemic, with Tamil Nadu emerging as a major hotspot. Recent evidence highlights a sharp rise in both diabetes and prediabetes, signalling deep-rooted lifestyle and dietary challenges. Experts warn that without urgent policy and behavioural interventions, the burden of non-communicable diseases could overwhelm health systems. India currently has around 101 million people living with diabetes and nearly 136 million with prediabetes. Tamil Nadu shows one of the steepest increases. According to the ICMR–INDIAB study, diabetes prevalence among adults above 20 years in the state rose from 11.1% in 2008–2010 to 22.7% in 2022–2023, a 104% increase. Prediabetes nearly doubled from 12.2% to 24.8% during the same period. This places nearly 12 million people in Tamil Nadu with diabetes, with another 10 million at high risk of developing it within a few years. The diabetes epidemic is no longer confined to cities. Rural Tamil Nadu recorded an increase in diabetes prevalence from 8.3% to 18.3%, marking a 120% rise. This faster rural growth reflects changing lifestyles, reduced physical activity, and dietary transitions even outside urban centres. The rapid progression from prediabetes to diabetes, often within four years, suggests the crisis is far from peaking.

 

4. Akshita Dhankar Unfurls Tricolour With President on Republic Day: Flight Lieutenant Akshita Dhankar created history by unfurling the national flag alongside President Droupadi Murmu during the 77th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. The ceremonial honour highlighted India’s growing emphasis on women in uniform and marked a defining moment in Dhankar’s young but distinguished military career. Born in Kasni village in Haryana, Akshita Dhankar hails from a family with strong ties to the armed forces. Her father also served in the Indian Air Force, shaping her early aspiration to join the services. Growing up in a disciplined environment, she developed a deep sense of duty and commitment towards national service from a young age. Dhankar pursued her higher education at Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College in Delhi, where she joined the National Cadet Corps. Her leadership abilities came to the fore when she rose to the rank of Cadet Sergeant Major, a distinction that reflects exceptional discipline and organisational skills. Her NCC experience played a crucial role in preparing her for a career in the armed forces.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Neolithic Relics Unearthed at Lakkundi Boost UNESCO Bid: Excavations at Lakkundi village in Karnataka’s Gadag district have yielded relics dating back to the Neolithic period, significantly strengthening efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for the historic settlement. The findings underline Lakkundi’s deep antiquity and layered cultural history, extending far beyond its well-known medieval temples. The excavation, which began on January 16 at the premises of the Kote Veerabhadreshwar temple, is part of a renewed initiative to restore Lakkundi’s historical prominence. The discovery follows a recent incident in which villagers unearthed valuable artefacts while digging foundations for a house, prompting renewed archaeological attention. Located about 12 kilometres from Gadag town, Lakkundi was once celebrated as the “village of hundred wells and temples,” many of which are believed to remain buried beneath present-day structures.

 

2. International Customs Day 2026 Highlights Role of Customs Worldwide: International Customs Day (ICD) is observed every year on January 26 to acknowledge the critical role played by customs administrations in facilitating international trade, securing national borders, and preventing the illegal movement of goods. The observance underlines how customs authorities balance trade facilitation with enforcement, revenue collection, and national security. International Customs Day traces its origins to 1953, when the first session of the Customs Cooperation Council was convened in Brussels. Over time, the organisation evolved into the World Customs Organization, which today represents 183 member countries. The WCO works to harmonise customs procedures, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and promote secure and efficient global trade systems. For 2026, the World Customs Organization has announced the theme: “Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment.” The theme reflects the growing responsibilities of customs administrations in an era marked by expanding e-commerce, complex global supply chains, and rising cross-border crime. It highlights the need for innovation, digital transformation, and adaptive strategies to respond to emerging threats while ensuring trade flows remain resilient.

 

3. UAE Exit from Islamabad Airport Deal Jolts Pakistan: Pakistan has suffered an unexpected strategic and economic setback after the “United Arab Emirates” withdrew from plans to operate Islamabad International Airport. The decision comes amid rapidly shifting regional alignments and shortly after a high-profile India visit by UAE President “Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan”, fuelling speculation over wider geopolitical implications. The proposal, under discussion since August 2025, envisaged UAE entities taking over the operation of Islamabad International Airport to improve efficiency and revenues. However, Abu Dhabi reportedly failed to identify a suitable local partner in Pakistan and officially cited a “loss of interest” as the reason for pulling out. Pakistan’s “The Express Tribune” confirmed that no political rationale was formally attached to the decision.

 

4. Israel to Reopen Rafah Crossing Only for Gaza Pedestrians: Israel has agreed to a limited reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, allowing only pedestrian movement under strict conditions. The decision comes as part of a fragile truce framework and follows intense diplomatic engagement, amid mounting international pressure to ease humanitarian access to the war-ravaged Palestinian territory. According to an official statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, Israel will permit pedestrian passage through the Rafah crossing subject to a full Israeli inspection mechanism. The reopening is conditional on the recovery of the remains of the last Israeli hostage in Gaza and what Israel described as a “100 percent effort” by Hamas to locate and return all deceased hostages. Vehicular movement and large-scale aid convoys remain excluded under the current plan. The Rafah crossing is Gaza’s sole gateway not directly controlled by Israel and has historically been a lifeline for civilians seeking medical treatment abroad and for the entry of humanitarian aid. It has remained closed since Israeli forces took control of the area during the conflict. Aid agencies and world leaders have repeatedly urged Israel to reopen the crossing to address acute shortages of food, medicine, and essential supplies for Gaza’s 2.2 million residents.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Bhairav Battalion and Suryastra Debut at Republic Day Parade: The 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path marked a decisive shift in the Indian Army’s operational messaging, with the first public appearance of new combat formations and indigenous weapon systems. The parade reflected India’s evolving military doctrine, emphasising agility, indigenous firepower, and battlefield realism over ceremonial tradition. The Bhairav light commando battalion, raised in October 2025, made its maiden public appearance during the parade. The 4 Bhairav Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment has been created to bridge the operational gap between conventional infantry units and special forces. Designed for swift, high-intensity missions, the battalion enhances India’s ability to conduct agile combat operations in varied and challenging terrain, reflecting a future-ready force structure. The Universal Rocket Launcher System (URLS) ‘Suryastra’ was showcased for the first time, underlining a major leap in indigenous rocket artillery capability. Developed as India’s first universal multi-calibre long-range rocket launcher, Suryastra is engineered to deliver precision surface-to-surface strikes at ranges of 150 kilometres and 300 kilometres. Unlike traditional platforms, it can integrate multiple rocket and missile variants on a single launcher, offering flexibility and adaptability across diverse combat scenarios.

 

2. Bactrian Camels Make Historic Republic Day Parade Debut: For the first time in India’s history, double-humped Bactrian camels from Ladakh marched down Kartavya Path during the Republic Day Parade. Named Galwan and Nubra, their appearance was more than ceremonial. It highlighted a rare Himalayan species, its strategic value for India, and its deep historical links to the ancient Silk Route. Bactrian camels, locally known as Mundri camels, are native to Ladakh’s cold desert ecosystem. India has only about 365 of these camels, most of them confined to the Nubra Valley. They are uniquely adapted to survive extreme cold, thin air, intense ultraviolet radiation, and sparse vegetation. Temperatures in their habitat can fall below minus 30°C, conditions where mechanical transport often fails. These camels are specialised for high-altitude, arid terrain. They can comfortably carry loads of 150 kilograms and traverse 10–12 kilometres daily at altitudes of 14,000–15,000 feet. Their two humps act as fat-based energy reserves, allowing them to survive without food for up to two or three weeks. As the stored fat is used, the humps gradually shrink. Research shows they can endure temperatures as low as minus 40°C and even consume snow to meet hydration needs in winter.

 

3. Shaurya Chakra Citation Confirms Army’s Covert Myanmar Operation: In a rare official disclosure, the Indian government has formally acknowledged a covert military operation conducted by the Indian Army along the Indo-Myanmar border in July 2025. The confirmation has come through a Shaurya Chakra citation, marking the first time such a cross-border action has been publicly recognised via a gallantry award document. According to the citation, the operation was carried out between July 11 and 13, 2025, targeting camps of a notorious anti-national group operating from Myanmar. The action resulted in the elimination of nine armed cadres, including senior leaders. Official acknowledgment of such missions is uncommon, making this disclosure significant in India’s military and strategic communication landscape. The Shaurya Chakra was awarded to Lieutenant Colonel Ghatage Aditya Shrikumar of the 21 Para (Special Forces) for planning and personally leading the precision strike. The Shaurya Chakra is India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award, following the Ashoka Chakra and the Kirti Chakra, and is conferred for exceptional courage away from the battlefield.

SPORTS

 

1. Savita Punia Says Padma Shri Recognises Indian Women’s Hockey: Indian women’s hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia described her Padma Shri honour as a recognition of the entire national team rather than an individual achievement. The announcement came as a surprise for the veteran player, who called the award a moment of pride for her family and a morale boost for women’s hockey after a challenging phase. Reacting to the announcement, Savita said she was both excited and nervous on hearing the news. She dedicated the Padma Shri to her father, Mahender Punia, who has consistently supported her sporting journey. Calling the honour deeply personal, the goalkeeper said her family had long awaited such recognition after years of sacrifice and perseverance behind her career. Savita underlined that the Padma Shri should be seen as recognition for the Indian women’s hockey team. Acknowledging that it is formally an individual award, she said the honour symbolises the collective effort and resilience of the squad. She thanked Hockey India for its continued backing and stressed that the team celebrated the news together.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Rice University Breakthrough Promises Faster PFAS Pollution Cleanup: Scientists at Rice University have developed a new filtration material that could significantly accelerate the removal of PFAS, widely known as “forever chemicals,” from contaminated water. The technology may absorb certain PFAS compounds up to 100 times faster than existing methods, offering a potential boost to pollution control and environmental remediation efforts. PFAS are a large class of more than 16,000 synthetic chemicals used to make products resistant to water, stains, and heat. Their strong carbon–fluorine bonds make them extremely durable, allowing them to accumulate in soil and water over decades. Exposure has been linked to cancers, kidney and liver disease, immune disorders, and developmental defects, prompting growing concern among regulators and public health experts. Existing treatment technologies such as granular activated carbon, reverse osmosis, and ion exchange can capture PFAS from water, but they do not eliminate them. The trapped chemicals must either be stored as hazardous waste or destroyed using high-temperature thermal processes. These methods are energy-intensive and often produce toxic byproducts or break large PFAS molecules into smaller, equally persistent ones. To date, no widely adopted industrial-scale technology fully destroys PFAS.

 

2. Earthquake Sensors Offer New Way To Track Falling Space Junk: As Earth’s orbit becomes increasingly crowded with satellites, scientists are developing new tools to manage the growing risk from falling space debris. A recent study shows that earthquake monitoring systems can be repurposed to track uncontrolled objects reentering Earth’s atmosphere by detecting the sonic booms they generate, potentially improving safety and debris recovery efforts. Researchers found that seismic readings captured during the 2024 reentry of a discarded module from China’s Shenzhou-15 crew capsule over Southern California provided crucial insights. By analysing sonic booms recorded by more than 120 seismometers, scientists were able to reconstruct the object’s trajectory. The results placed the debris path nearly 30 kilometres south of where radar-based orbital predictions had indicated, highlighting limitations in current tracking once objects begin breaking up in the atmosphere. Objects in orbit are tracked with high precision, but once they descend at supersonic speeds and fragment, monitoring becomes far more difficult. According to lead researcher Benjamin Fernando of Johns Hopkins University, this gap poses challenges for hazard assessment and recovery, especially if debris contains hazardous materials. Seismic networks offer a ground-based method to bridge this critical final phase of tracking.

 

3. Webb Telescope Delivers Sharpest Dark Matter Map Yet: Scientists have unveiled the most detailed map ever created of dark matter, offering an unprecedented view of the invisible framework that shapes the universe. Using observations from the James Webb Space Telescope, the new map provides deeper and sharper insight into how galaxies formed and evolved during a critical phase of cosmic history. Ordinary matter, which forms stars, planets, and living beings, accounts for only about 15% of all matter in the universe. The remaining majority is dark matter, a mysterious substance that neither emits nor reflects light. Its presence is inferred through gravitational effects, such as the rotation speeds of galaxies, the stability of galaxy clusters, and the bending of light from distant objects. The new dark matter map was created using weak gravitational lensing. As light from distant galaxies travels through space, it is subtly distorted by massive structures along the way. By analysing shape distortions in nearly 250,000 background galaxies, scientists reconstructed the distribution of both dark and ordinary matter across vast cosmic distances with remarkable precision.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. UPI Set to Launch in Japan, Expanding India’s Digital Payments Reach: India’s Unified Payments Interface is poised to make its debut in Japan, marking a significant step in the global expansion of the country’s flagship digital payments platform. The move reflects growing international interest in India’s real-time payment infrastructure and its rising role in shaping cross-border digital finance. The rollout will be carried out on a trial basis in fiscal 2026 through a partnership between Japan’s NTT Data and the National Payments Corporation of India. In the initial phase, UPI acceptance in Japan will be limited to Indian tourists, enabling them to make payments using familiar UPI apps while travelling abroad. Transactions will be debited directly from users’ Indian bank accounts, eliminating the need for cards or separate digital wallets.

 

2. India–EU Trade Deal to Cut Car Import Tariffs Sharply: India is set to significantly open its automobile market under a proposed free trade agreement with the European Union, marking a major shift in its long-protected trade policy. As part of the deal, India will reduce import duties on select European passenger cars from as high as 110 per cent to 40 per cent, signalling a breakthrough in the long-stalled India–EU free trade negotiations. Under the agreement, India will immediately lower import duties to 40 per cent on a limited number of EU-built passenger vehicles priced above €15,000. Over time, these tariffs are expected to be reduced further, potentially reaching as low as 10 per cent. The concession is among the most substantial India has offered in the auto sector and is expected to reshape competition in the world’s third-largest car market. Lower duties will directly benefit major European manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW, allowing them to price premium models more competitively in India. While several European brands already assemble vehicles locally, high import tariffs have constrained the launch of fully built and niche models. The reduced duties will enable automakers to test demand before committing additional investments in local manufacturing.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Silambam Exponent K. Pajanivel Receives Padma Shri Honour: Traditional martial arts practitioner K. Pajanivel of Puducherry has been conferred with the Padma Shri, recognising his lifelong contribution to the preservation and global promotion of Silambam, one of Tamil Nadu’s oldest martial art traditions. The honour places national focus on indigenous knowledge systems sustained through individual dedication and community-based teaching. Born on 30 January 1973 at Pooranankuppam in Puducherry, K. Pajanivel began training in Silambam under the guidance of Master Rajaram. What started as disciplined apprenticeship gradually evolved into a lifelong mission. Over the decades, he immersed himself in mastering techniques, understanding the philosophy of the art, and transmitting its values through rigorous practice and instruction. As a master exponent and teacher, Pajanivel has trained numerous students, many of them free of cost, ensuring that Silambam continues to pass to younger generations. His work has focused not only on physical training but also on preserving the cultural identity embedded in the martial art. Through workshops, demonstrations, and competitions, he has represented Silambam across India and at international platforms, helping it gain wider recognition.

 

2. Madhya Pradesh’s Quiet Contributors Shine With Padma Honours 2026 : The Padma Awards 2026 have brought national recognition to four individuals from Madhya Pradesh whose work has largely unfolded away from public glare. Their journeys span literature, social service, archaeology, and indigenous martial arts, reflecting a form of nation-building rooted in perseverance rather than prominence. Out of 131 Padma Awards announced this year, four Padma Shri honours were conferred on achievers from Madhya Pradesh. Each awardee represents a different facet of India’s cultural and social fabric. The honours reaffirm the intent of the Padma Awards to acknowledge sustained contributions at the grassroots, beyond metropolitan centres and media attention.