NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Karnataka Records First Sighting of Ultra-Rare
‘Sandalwood Leopard’ in Vijayanagara: Karnataka recorded its first-ever sighting of
the ultra-rare “Sandalwood Leopard” in Vijayanagara district, marking only
the second confirmed instance in India.The female leopard shows a pale
reddish-pink coat with light-brown rosettes, unlike the usual tawny colour, and
was captured on camera traps, later seen with a normally coloured cub.The
discovery was documented by wildlife biologist Sanjay Gubbi and the Holematthi
Nature Foundation, with researchers noting that genetic confirmation will
require non-invasive DNA analysis.
2. ONGC Partners with NSTFDC to Boost Infrastructure and
Education in Eklavya Model Residential Schools : ONGC Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with NSTFDC to support infrastructure development and welfare
initiatives for Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), aimed at
tribal youth empowerment.The initiative focuses on career mentorship, digital
education, teacher capacity building, and holistic development of tribal
students enrolled in EMRS.Under the project, ONGC has sanctioned ₹28 crores for
digital learning infrastructure, health and hygiene interventions (like
sanitary pad vending machines and incinerators), career counseling, and entrepreneurship
training across 144 EMRS in 11 states and UTs.The project is expected to
benefit over 35,000 tribal students, enhancing equal access to quality
education, technology, and career opportunities.
3. Delhi Government Signs MoU with RBI to Streamline
Borrowings and Cash Management : Delhi government signs MoU with RBI, allowing
it to act as banker, debt manager, and financial agent for the state.The
MoU enables market borrowings through State Development Loans, automatic
surplus cash investment, professional cash management, and access to low-cost
liquidity.CM Rekha Gupta calls the agreement a transformational milestone and a
long-overdue financial reform.
4. EU Leaders Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa to
Be Chief Guests at India’s Republic Day 2026: European Union leaders Ursula von der Leyen
and António Costa will be the chief guests at India’s Republic
Day 2026 celebrations on January 26, 2026, marking a significant diplomatic
moment for the event.Ursula von der Leyen serves as President of the European
Commission and António Costa as President of the European Council, representing
the top leadership of the EU.This invitation underscores strengthening India–EU
diplomatic and economic ties, highlighting India’s strategic engagement with
the European Union as a unified partner.
5. Reliance Signs Amitabh Bachchan as Brand Ambassador
for Campa Sure Packaged Water: Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL) has
signed Amitabh Bachchan as the brand ambassador for its packaged
drinking water brand Campa Sure.This marks the third major brand
endorsement by RCPL in recent months, following Ram Charan’s association with
Campa and a strategic partnership with Ajith Kumar’s motorsport team.The move
comes amid heightened competition in the packaged water segment, especially
after the GST on mineral water was reduced to 5% from 18%, prompting price cuts
across the industry.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Israel Becomes First Country to Recognise Somaliland
as an Independent State: Israel became
the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent and
sovereign state, a move likely to impact regional dynamics and challenge
Somalia’s opposition to secession.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
announced immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health,
technology and the economy, and signed a joint declaration of mutual
recognition with President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi.
2. Bengaluru
Tops 2025 Ranking as Best Indian City for Women : Bengaluru has been ranked the best city
for women in India in 2025, emerging as the top performer in a nationwide study
assessing urban inclusion. The ranking highlights the city’s strength in
combining social infrastructure with industrial opportunities, creating a supportive
ecosystem for women’s safety, employment, and long-term career growth. The
study was released by Avtar, a Chennai-based workplace inclusion firm, and
evaluated 125 cities across the country. Bengaluru secured the highest City
Inclusion Score of 53.29, followed by Chennai at 49.86 and Pune at 46.27.
Hyderabad and Mumbai completed the top five, reflecting the dominance of
southern and western metropolitan regions in fostering women-friendly urban
environments. The index is built on two key pillars. The Social Inclusion Score
measures factors such as safety, health, education, mobility, and overall
liveability. The Industrial Inclusion Score tracks access to formal employment,
skilling opportunities, corporate diversity practices, and women’s participation
in the workforce. Cities performing strongly across both pillars were found to
offer more sustainable conditions for women’s professional advancement.
3. U.S.
Withdraws from 66 International Organisations Under Trump Order: The United States has announced its withdrawal from
66 international organisations, marking a significant escalation in President
Donald Trump’s retreat from multilateral global cooperation. The decision
follows a comprehensive review of U.S. participation and funding in
international bodies, particularly those linked to the United Nations system. The move was formalised
through an executive order signed on January 7, 2026, suspending U.S. support
for 66 organisations, agencies, and commissions. Most of the targeted bodies
are affiliated with the United Nations and focus on climate action,
labour standards, social development, and advisory functions. The
administration has characterised many of these institutions as redundant,
inefficient, or misaligned with U.S. national interests and sovereignty. A
central feature of the withdrawals is the U.S. exit from climate-related
frameworks, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the foundational treaty underpinning
the Paris Agreement. The administration has also pulled out of the
India–France-led International Solar Alliance. Officials argue these bodies
promote policy agendas linked to diversity and “woke” initiatives, which the
administration views as contrary to its priorities.
OTHER UPDATES:
SPORTS
1. 2nd Khelo India Beach Games Kicks Off at Ghoghla
Beach, Diu with 2,100+ Athletes: The 2nd Khelo India Beach Games will be held
at Ghoghla Beach, Diu, from 5 to 10 January, organised by the UT of Dadra
and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.Over 2,100 athletes will compete in eight
beach sports, with six medal events including Beach Soccer, Beach
Volleyball, Beach Kabaddi, Pencak Silat and Open Water Swimming. Mallakhamb and
Tug of War are the non-medal events.
Conducted under the technical supervision of the Sports Authority
of India, the event aligns with PM Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting a strong
sports culture and healthy youth.
2. Pro Wrestling League Season 5 Auction Sees 63
Wrestlers Sold for Over ₹11 Crore: A total of 63 wrestlers were bought in
the Pro Wrestling League Season 5 auction, with six franchises spending
over ₹11 crore to build their squads.Yui Susaki, two-time Olympic medallist and
four-time world champion, received the highest bid of ₹60 lakh from
Haryana Thunders.Among men, Robert Baran was the most expensive, purchased by
Maharashtra Kesari for ₹55 lakh, while Indian wrestlers Sujeet Kalkal and Antim
Panghal attracted bids of ₹52 lakh each.The tournament resumes after six years,
scheduled from 15 January to 1 February at the Noida Indoor Stadium, featuring
nine weight categories across men’s and women’s divisions.
3. Vaibhav
Sooryavanshi Stars as India U19 Seal 3–0 Sweep: India Under-19 delivered a dominant
all-round performance to crush South Africa Under-19 by 233 runs in the third
and final youth ODI, completing a clean 3–0 series sweep. The match underlined
India’s depth and aggressive intent, with captain Vaibhav Sooryavanshi emerging
as the standout performer of the series. Leading from the front, Vaibhav
Sooryavanshi produced a breathtaking innings, smashing 127 off just 74 balls.
The 14-year-old from Bihar struck ten sixes and nine fours,
showcasing fearless strokeplay and exceptional timing. His knock followed an
earlier rapid fifty in the series, confirming his growing reputation as one of
India’s most exciting youth prospects. Opening partner Aaron George
complemented Sooryavanshi perfectly with a composed 118 off 106 deliveries.
Together, they stitched a commanding 227-run partnership that laid the
foundation for India’s imposing total of 393 for 7. The sheer scale of the
total put the contest firmly beyond South Africa’s reach before the chase even
began.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. MeitY, IndiaAI and IIT Guwahati Host Human Capital
Working Group Meeting on AI: MeitY,
IndiaAI Mission, Government of Assam and IIT Guwahati are
jointly hosting a two-day Human Capital Working Group Meeting at the
IIT Guwahati campus.The meeting brought together policymakers, academic leaders
and industry experts to discuss education reforms, workforce transition and
human-centric AI adoption.Chaired by Prof. T. G. Sitharam, the meeting serves
as a precursor to the India AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled in New Delhi
(15–20 February 2026).
2. SAMPANN Integrated Pension System Enhanced with
DigiLocker Access for DoT Pensioners: SAMPANN (System for Accounting and Management of
Pension) is an integrated online pension management system for
Department of Telecommunications (DoT) pensioners, enabling end-to-end
processing, sanctioning and direct bank transfer of pensions.The platform
provides online grievance redressal, digital profile management and transaction
records, improving transparency, efficiency and service delivery for telecom
retirees.To promote digital governance and paperless services, key pension
documents such as Pension Payment Orders, Gratuity Orders, Commutation Orders
and Form 16 are now available via DigiLocker, allowing secure anytime access
and long-term digital preservation.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. ICICI Bank Enters Capital Gains Account Scheme,
Offering Tax-Saving Option from 2026: ICICI Bank has entered the Capital Gains
Account Scheme (CGAS) after the Government of India approval, allowing resident
individuals and HUFs to park uninvested long-term capital gains from January 1,
2026.The CGAS account enables taxpayers to earn interest for up to three years
while preserving capital gains tax exemptions and planning reinvestment.ICICI
Bank becomes one of the few authorised banks to offer CGAS, easing reinvestment
timeline challenges faced by taxpayers, especially in property transactions.The
move expands access to CGAS in urban and semi-urban areas, positioning the
scheme as both a tax-compliance tool and short-term capital management
solution.
2. HDFC AMC Launches ₹2,500-Crore Structured Credit Fund
to Tap Private Credit Market: HDFC AMC enters the private credit market with its
new Structured Credit Fund-I, targeting mid-market companies with
alternative debt financing.IFC, part of the World Bank Group,
will invest up to ₹220 crore as an anchor investor; the fund has already
secured ₹1,290 crore in its first close, aiming for a total corpus of ₹1,500
crore with a green-shoe option of ₹1,000 crore.The fund will invest in
mid-market companies across sectors, aiming for mid-teen returns over 4–6
years, enhancing access to finance, supporting job creation, and promoting
market innovation.
3. UPI Sets Record with 21.6 Billion Transactions in
December 2025: UPI
recorded a record 63 billion transactions in December
2025, marking its highest monthly volume ever, with a total value of
₹27.97 lakh crore.Daily averages reached nearly 698 million transactions, up
from 682 million in November, showing strong adoption in everyday
payments.Year-on-year, transaction volumes grew 29% and transaction values
increased 20%, with average ticket size around ₹1,293, highlighting UPI’s shift
toward micro-payments.For the full year 2025, UPI processed 228.3 billion
transactions worth nearly ₹300 lakh crore, capturing 84.8% of retail digital
payment volumes in H1 2025.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Fatima Al Awadhi Summits Mount Vinson as Youngest Arab at 18: An 18-year-old Emirati mountaineer, Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi, has reached the summit of Mount Vinson in Antarctica, becoming the youngest Arab to stand atop the continent’s highest peak. The ascent, completed on January 6, 2026, places her among a small group of climbers to conquer one of the world’s most remote and hostile summits. Mount Vinson rises to about 4,892 metres in the Ellsworth Mountains, deep within Antarctica. It is part of the Seven Summits list, which includes the highest mountain on each continent. Unlike peaks with established settlements and road access, Vinson is defined by isolation, limited rescue options, and logistics that rely heavily on specialized aviation and polar field camps. Climbers face severe cold, strong winds, and whiteout conditions that can halt movement for days. Temperatures on Vinson expeditions can plunge below minus 40 degrees Celsius, increasing the risks of frostbite, dehydration, and equipment failure. The climb typically requires high endurance, careful acclimatization, and disciplined pacing across icefields and exposed ridgelines, with teams often operating for up to three weeks in challenging conditions.
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