NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. PM Modi Inaugurates Grand Exposition of Sacred
Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha in New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated
the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics, titled “The
Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One“, at Rai Pithora Cultural
Complex, New Delhi.The Prime Minister stated that after more than 125 years,
India’s sacred heritage has returned, allowing people to have darshan of Lord
Buddha’s relics, which the government prevented from being auctioned
internationally. Discovered in 1898 and linked to ancient Kapilavastu, the
Piprahwa relics—repatriated after 127 years—have been reunited for the first
time from the National Museum, New Delhi, and Indian Museum, Kolkata,
symbolising India’s civilisational commitment to Buddhist heritage.
2. Transport Ministry Proposes ‘Battery Pack Aadhaar’ for
End-to-End Tracking and Recycling of EV Batteries: The Transport Ministry has proposed
a 21-character Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN) for each EV
battery to enable end-to-end traceability, transparency, and efficient
recycling.Battery producers or importers must assign BPAN, upload dynamic
battery data on an official portal, and ensure the ID is clearly visible,
durable, and accessible on each battery pack.BPAN will capture data from raw
material extraction to usage, recycling, repurposing, or final disposal; any
major change in battery attributes will require issuance of a new BPAN. With
EVs accounting for 80–90% of lithium-ion battery demand in India, EV batteries
will be prioritised under the BPAN framework, which will be developed through
the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) route for uniform national
implementation.
3. Tamil Nadu to Distribute Free High-Configuration
Laptops to College Students Under ‘Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil’ Scheme: The Tamil Nadu
government will distribute free laptops to college
students under the ‘Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil’ scheme, with Chief Minister
M.K. Stalin launching the distribution.Nearly 20 lakh laptops are planned to be
distributed by February, with about 10 lakh laptops expected to be handed out
by March in the current phase.Laptops will be procured by the Electronics
Corporation of Tamil Nadu from OEMs like Acer, Dell, and HP, featuring Intel
Core i3 processors, 8 GB RAM, and 256 GB SSD. The scheme has an initial
allocation of around ₹2,000 crore; Tamil Nadu has already distributed 52 lakh
laptops to students since 2011 at a cost of over ₹7,000 crore.
4. Tamil Nadu’s First Jallikattu of 2026 Begins at
Thatchankurichi: Tamil
Nadu’s first Jallikattu event of 2026 was inaugurated at
Thatchankurichi near Gandharvakottai, marking the traditional start of the
Jallikattu season in the State.About 900 bulls and 300 tamers are
participating, with nearly 7,000 spectators expected; officials from Animal
Husbandry, Health, and Revenue departments are present to ensure safety and
animal welfare norms.
5. Bhoramdev Corridor Project Launched Under Swadesh
Darshan 2.0 in Chhattisgarh: Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai and Union
Tourism & Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat laid
the foundation stone of the Bhoramdev Corridor Development Project at
Bhoramdev Dham in Kabirdham district.The project will be developed under the
Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0 at an estimated cost of ₹146 crore, on the lines of
the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi.Centered around the Bhoramdev Temple
(Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh), the corridor aims to provide modern facilities to
pilgrims and tourists, boosting economic, social, and cultural development of
the region.
6. Venkaiah Naidu Elected President of Atal Smriti Nyas
Society: Former Vice President M.
Venkaiah Naidu was elected as President of Atal Smriti Nyas
Society.He succeeds Vijay Kumar Malhotra, the former president of the
society, who passed away recently.The proposal for his appointment was made by
Ram Bahadur Rai in consultation with other members, including Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, to oversee the society’s activities.make aehadlien
7. 5 January – National Birds Day: National Birds Day is observed every year
on 5 January to raise awareness about the protection and conservation of
birds.The day highlights the ecological importance of birds, including
pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control.The observance encourages bird
conservation efforts and biodiversity protection through public participation
and policy action.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Andre De Grasse Named International Event Ambassador
for Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026: Olympic sprint champion Andre De Grasse has been
named International Event Ambassador for the 21st Tata Mumbai
Marathon, scheduled on January 18, 2026, in Mumbai.The Tata Mumbai
Marathon, a World Athletics Gold Label Race, is recognised as Asia’s largest
mass participation sporting event and one of the world’s premier road races.As
ambassador, De Grasse will promote the marathon globally, engage with runners and
stakeholders, and support outreach initiatives to enhance the event’s
international visibility and inclusivity.
2. 2 January – World Introvert Day: World Introvert Day is observed every
year on 2 January to recognise and celebrate the strengths of introverts.The
day highlights the value of quiet reflection, deep thinking, and meaningful
communication in personal and professional life.It aims to promote awareness,
acceptance, and understanding of introverted personalities in an
extrovert-dominated society.
3. 3 January – International Mind–Body Wellness Day: International Mind–Body Wellness Day is
observed every year on 3 January to promote holistic well-being.The
day emphasises the connection between mental, physical, and emotional health.It
encourages adopting healthy lifestyles, including mindfulness, exercise,
balanced nutrition, and stress management.
4. 4 January – World Braille Day: World Braille Day is observed every year
on 4 January to raise awareness about the importance of Braille as a means
of communication for visually impaired persons.The day marks the birth
anniversary of Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille system.Braille plays
a crucial role in ensuring education, accessibility, and social inclusion for
persons with visual disabilities.
5. 6 January – World Day of War Orphans: World Day of War Orphans is
observed every year on 6 January to highlight the plight of children
who have lost parents due to war and conflict.The day aims to raise global
awareness about the social, psychological, and economic challenges faced by war
orphans.The observance emphasises the need for peace, humanitarian assistance,
and child rights protection worldwide.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. DRDO
Develops Portable Desalination System for Soldiers in Remote Areas: The Defence Research and
Development Organisation has developed a portable water desalination device to
meet the drinking water needs of soldiers deployed in challenging and
water-scarce environments. The system is designed to support small groups
operating in remote, coastal, or high-altitude regions where access to potable
water is severely limited. The device, named Sea Water Desalination System
(SWaDeS), has been developed by the Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur in response to
operational requirements projected by the tri-command services. It can be operated
either manually or through an engine-driven mode, offering flexibility across
different deployment scenarios. According to scientists, SWaDeS is suitable for
naval operations and coastal installations where seawater is readily available.
It is also designed for inland deployment in saline water zones such as Pangong
Tso in Ladakh, a
high-altitude lake near the Line of Actual Control with China, where a significant troop presence is
maintained. The system can purify saline water to permissible drinking
standards.
2. Indian
Army Declares 2026 Year of Networking and Data Centricity: The Indian Army has
declared 2026 as the ‘Year of Networking & Data Centricity’, signalling a
major push towards digitally integrated warfare and faster decision-making. The
initiative is part of a broader decade-long transformation aimed at making the
force more resilient, agile, and future-ready amid evolving security challenges
and rapid technological change. Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi, in his New Year
message, said the force is undergoing a “decade of transformation” anchored on
jointness, self-reliance, and innovation. He emphasised that the effective use
of indigenous technologies, new operational ideas, and continuous reforms is
strengthening India’s military power. Networking and data-centricity, he noted,
are providing fresh momentum to this transformation process.
3. China
Commissions Upgraded Type 052D Missile Destroyer Loudi: China has commissioned a new upgraded
guided missile destroyer as part of its rapid naval expansion aimed at
narrowing the gap with United States maritime power. The People’s
Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has inducted the Type 052D destroyer “Loudi”,
reflecting Beijing’s continued focus on enhancing blue-water combat
capabilities amid intensifying strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific. Crew
member Zhang Shengwei, quoted by state-run “Global Times”, said the “Loudi”
incorporates a new system architecture with significant upgrades in radar,
weapons, and networking capabilities. These enhancements are designed to
improve the vessel’s performance across multiple combat domains, including air
defence, anti-surface warfare, and coordinated operations within a task force.
SPORTS
1. Sjoerd Marijne Reappointed as Chief Coach of Indian
Women’s Hockey Team: Dutch coach Sjoerd
Marijne has been reappointed as Chief Coach of the Indian women’s
hockey team, marking his third stint, after a gap of about 4.5 years. Marijne
previously coached the team from 2017 to 2021, guiding India to a historic
fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics 2021 and helping the team break into
the top-10 world rankings for the first time. His return comes after the
resignation of former head coach Harendra Singh in December 2025, amid poor
performances, internal issues, and allegations of favouritism, including India
finishing last in the FIH Pro League 2024–25.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Government Removes 3-Year Eligibility Condition for Startups
to Access RDI Fund: The government has
removed the mandatory three-year existence condition for startups to
access the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund, allowing even newly
formed startups to apply through DSIR.The announcement was made by Union
Minister Dr Jitendra Singh at the 41st Foundation Day of the Department of
Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) in New Delhi. Key initiatives
unveiled include Guidelines for Recognition of In-House R&D, Centres of
Deep Tech Startups, PRISM Network Platform – TOCIC Innovator Pulse, and
Creative India 2025 to strengthen India’s R&D ecosystem.
2. New
Reed Snake Species Calamaria Mizoramensis Discovered in Mizoram: Researchers have
discovered a new species of reed snake in Mizoram, underscoring the state’s rich but
still underexplored biodiversity. The non-venomous species has been named
“Calamaria mizoramensis”, after the state where it was found. The discovery
adds to India’s growing list of endemic reptiles and highlights the ecological
significance of forested hill regions in the Northeast. The discovery was led
by Prof. H. T. Lalremsanga of Mizoram University, along with researcher
Malsawmdawngliana Fanai and collaborators from Russia, Germany, and Vietnam. The findings were formally published
on January 5, 2026, in the peer-reviewed journal Zootaxa. The team confirmed
that the species belongs to the genus “Calamaria”, which currently comprises 69
recognised species worldwide. According to Prof. Lalremsanga, specimens of the
snake were first encountered in 2008 on the Mizoram University campus and later
across multiple locations in the state. For years, these specimens were
considered part of a widespread Southeast Asian species due to limited genetic
distinction.
3. DSIR
Relaxes Three-Year Rule to Boost Deep-Tech Startups: Marking the 42nd
Foundation Day of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR),
the Union government announced a major reform to accelerate India’s deep-tech
startup ecosystem. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and
Technology Jitendra Singh declared the removal of the mandatory three-year
existence condition for startups seeking recognition under DSIR’s Industrial
Research and Development Promotion (IRDP) programme. The relaxation allows
deep-tech startups to access DSIR recognition and related benefits without
proving three years of operational existence. The move is aimed at providing
early momentum to first-generation innovators and technology-driven
entrepreneurs. The minister said the reform reflects the government’s
confidence in India’s startup community and is intended to help promising
ventures scale faster while maintaining evaluation standards linked to
technological maturity.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Hardeep Singh Ahluwalia Appointed Interim MD & CEO
of Canara Bank: Canara Bank has
appointed Hardeep Singh Ahluwalia as Managing Director & CEO
(Interim) with effect from January 1, 2026, following the superannuation
of K. Satyanarayana Raju. Ahluwalia will hold additional charge for three
months (till March 31, 2026) or until a regular incumbent is appointed.
Currently serving as Executive Director, Ahluwalia brings
over 30 years of banking experience, with expertise in credit, operations, risk
management, strategic leadership, and international exposure in Hong Kong.
2. Tamil Nadu Announces Assured Pension Scheme for State Employees: With Assembly elections approaching, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Saturday announced the Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS), guaranteeing a pension equal to 50% of the last-drawn monthly salary for state government employees and teachers. The announcement led employee unions to withdraw their proposed indefinite strike, which was scheduled to begin on January 6. Under TAPS, government employees will contribute 10% of their basic salary to the pension corpus, while the state government will bear the remaining cost. This marks a partial return to the benefits of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), under which the government alone funded pensions. Pensioners under TAPS will also receive Dearness Allowance hikes every six months, in line with serving employees.
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