Daily GK Update- 25th Jan, 2026

 

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.

 

Daily GK Update- 24th Jan, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Assam Government Announces Monthly Financial Assistance for Research Scholars: The Government of Assam announced a monthly financial assistance scheme for research scholars under the Atal Vichal Agragami Assam programme.The scheme will be launched on February 11, 2026.₹25,000 per month will be provided to regular research scholars.₹40,000 per month will be provided to Divyang research scholars, ensuring inclusive higher education support.The scheme is applicable to scholars enrolled in universities and higher education institutions across Assam.The initiative aims to reduce financial stress, allowing scholars to focus on quality research and academic excellence.The announcement was made by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who described it as a transformative step for Assam’s academic ecosystem. The scheme focuses on empowering young talent, promoting high-quality and interdisciplinary research, and strengthening Assam as a knowledge-driven economy.

 

2. Vice President Releases Book on Ram Janmabhoomi Issue: Vice President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book titled “Chalice of Ambrosia: Ram Janmabhoomi – Challenge and Response” at the Vice President’s Enclave, New Delhi.The book is authored by Shri Surendra Kumar Pachauri, a former Secretary to the Government of India.The Vice President stated that the book presents the long and complex journey of reclaiming the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram in a balanced, factual, and scholarly manner, without exaggeration or bias.He described the construction of Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya as a landmark moment in India’s civilisational history, where faith, history, law, and democracy converged peacefully.The Vice President credited Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for guiding the revival of the sacred site in a manner consistent with democratic values and cultural confidence.

 

3. Rajasthan to develop Alwar Biological Park in NCR region: Rajasthan government has planned a new Biological Park in Alwar district, which will become the first biological park of its kind in the National Capital Region (NCR).The park will be developed in the Kati Ghati–Jaisamand area of Alwar and will cover around 100 hectares of land.30% area will be developed as a zoo, while the remaining 70% will be maintained as green and natural forest space to ensure an eco-friendly environment.The biological park will house over 400 wild animals belonging to 81 species, including lions, cheetahs, Indian tiger species and African giraffes.A key attraction will be the availability of lion safari, tiger safari and herbivore safari at a single location, a first-of-its-kind feature in the NCR region.A high-tech animal rescue centre will be set up inside the park, developed on the lines of the Gir National Park rescue facility in Gujarat.The park will also include a modern veterinary hospital with advanced medical facilities and a dedicated team of wildlife doctors and forest officials.

 

4. India notifies GEI targets under Carbon Credit Trading Scheme: Government of India notified Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) targets in January 2026 for additional carbon-intensive sectors under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS).208 new obligated entities have been brought under the compliance framework, expanding coverage of the Indian Carbon Market (ICM).With this notification, the total number of obligated entities has increased to 490, strengthening India’s industrial decarbonisation framework.Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) refers to emissions per unit of output, focusing on efficiency improvement rather than absolute emission cuts.GEI-based targets allow industrial growth while reducing carbon footprint, making them suitable for developing economies like India.The move encourages adoption of cleaner technologies, energy efficiency measures, and sustainable production practices in emission-intensive industries.The notification was issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the nodal ministry for climate policy and emission regulation.

 

5. India delivers cancer medicines to Afghanistan as humanitarian medical aid: India delivered 7.5 tonnes of life-saving cancer medicines to Kabul, reinforcing its humanitarian support to the people of Afghanistan, particularly in the health sector.The assistance was confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs and forms part of India’s ongoing humanitarian outreach to Afghanistan.Cancer patients in Afghanistan face severe challenges due to shortages of medicines, weak healthcare infrastructure, and high treatment costs, making external medical support critical.The consignment aims to ensure continuity of cancer treatment, prevent therapy interruptions, and save lives of vulnerable patients dependent on essential oncology drugs.India reiterated its commitment to the Afghan people irrespective of political developments, focusing on health, food security, and essential humanitarian needs.The medical aid reflects India’s “people-first diplomacy”, prioritising humanitarian assistance in conflict-affected and fragile regions.

 

6. Odisha imposes complete ban on gutkha, pan masala, and tobacco products: Odisha State Health and Family Welfare Department announced a complete ban on gutkha, pan masala, and all products containing tobacco or nicotine to safeguard public health and prevent misuse.The ban covers manufacture, processing, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution, and sale of these products across the state.Both packaged and unpackaged products are included, even if components are sold separately but intended to be mixed for consumption.The notification makes Odisha fully compliant with the Supreme Court’s nationwide directives on prohibition of gutkha and pan masala.Odisha had earlier banned the sale of tobacco products in 2013, but the new notification removes loopholes and ensures strict and uniform enforcement.The ban applies to all chewable food products, whether flavoured or unflavoured, scented, or mixed with additives, and irrespective of the name or form under which they are sold.

 

7. Lucknow becomes first Zero Fresh Waste Dump city in Uttar Pradesh: Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) has adopted a scientific and modern waste management system to manage solid waste generated by a population of around 40 lakh and nearly 7.5 lakh establishments.Lucknow inaugurated its third fresh waste processing plant at Shivari, making it the first city in Uttar Pradesh to process 100% of its fresh municipal waste scientifically. With this, the city has achieved the status of a ‘Zero Fresh Waste Dump’ city.The Shivari waste processing plant has a capacity of 700 metric tonnes per day (MT/day). With three plants operational, Lucknow’s total waste processing capacity is 2,100 MT/day, which matches the city’s daily waste generation of around 2,000 MT.LMC has partnered with Bhumi Green Energy to operate the three waste processing plants. Door-to-door waste collection efficiency stands at 96.53%, and over 70% waste is segregated at source.Daily waste is segregated into organic waste (55%) and inorganic waste (45%). Organic waste is converted into compost and biogas, while inorganic waste is recycled or converted into Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) used in cement and paper industries.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Global Risks Report 2026 by World Economic Forum Identifies Geoeconomic Confrontation as Top Global Threat: The World Economic Forum (WEF) published the 21st edition of its annual risk assessment titled ‘Global Risks Report: 21st Edition Insight 2026’.Top global risks identified are geoeconomic confrontation, state-based conflict, extreme weather, social protection gaps, and misinformation.The 2026 global risks outlook is marked by pervasive uncertaintyExtreme weather has dropped from 2nd to 4th place in the two-year outlook, but remains the most severe long-term (10-year) risk.The report is based on the Global Risks Perception Survey (GRPS) with insights from 1,300 global leaders and experts, covering 33 key global risks.It also uses the Executive Opinion Survey (EOS 2026) with inputs from 11,000 business leaders in 116 economies to identify country-specific risks.GRPS 2025-26 featured 4 key components: risk landscape, consequences, risk governance, and outlook.The report examines global risks across 3 time horizons: immediate (2026), short-to-medium term (up to 2028), and long term (2036).

 

2. Albinder Dhindsa Appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Eternal Group Following Deepinder Goyal’s Exit: Deepinder Goyal resigned as Director, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Eternal Limited with effect from 1 February 2026, subject to shareholders’ approval.Albinder Singh Dhindsa, currently CEO of Blinkit, has been appointed Group CEO and Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) of Eternal Limited, effective 1 February 2026.Deepinder Goyal will continue on the Board of Directors (BoD) of Eternal Limited as Vice Chairman, pending shareholder approval.As Vice Chairman, Deepinder Goyal will focus on high-risk and experimental ideas outside the company’s immediate strategic scope while remaining involved in long-term strategy and governance. Deepinder Goyal began his professional career as a management consultant at Bain & Company. In 2008, Deepinder Goyal co-founded Zomato Ltd. and served as its CEO since inception.

 

3. Ganesh Lakshminarayanan Appointed as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Tata Communications Limited: Tata Communications Limited appointed Ganesh Lakshminarayanan as its new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He will succeed A.S. Lakshminarayanan, who is set to retire on 13 April 2026. Ganesh Lakshminarayanan brings over 30 years of international management experience across technology, telecommunications, B2B start-ups, multinational corporations, and Indian enterprises. Prior to this appointment, he served as Managing Director and Group Vice President of ServiceNow India and the SAARC region. He was formerly the CEO of Airtel Business (India) and also headed Airtel’s Enterprise Business Unit. His leadership experience spans global enterprise services, digital transformation, and large-scale telecom operations. He has been elected twice to the Executive Council of NASSCOM, highlighting his role in India’s IT and technology ecosystem.

 

4. Brand Finance Global 500 2026 – IT Services Brands: Brand Finance released the “Brand Finance Global 500 2026” report, ranking the world’s most valuable IT services brands. Infosys ranked 3rd globally among IT services brands, with a brand value of USD 16.4 billion, Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 86.8/100, and achieved a 15% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the last six years. Accenture retained the 1st position as the world’s most valuable IT services brand, valued at USD 42.2 billion, with a BSI score of 90.7, reflecting strong investments in technology, consulting, and digital services. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) secured the 2nd position with a brand value of USD 21.2 billion and BSI score of 84.6, holding the rank for the fifth consecutive year and achieving an AAA brand rating for the first time. The combined brand value of the world’s top 25 IT services brands stood at USD 167.2 billion in 2026.

 

5. International Day of Education 2026 – January 24: International Day of Education 2026 is observed on 24 January worldwide.The day was declared by the UN General Assembly in December 2018 to honour education and highlight its role in peace, development, and progress.

The day aims to advocate for universal access to quality education and to campaign for education reforms.Millions of children around the world are still denied this basic human right, with UNESCO estimating 258 million children out of school.Marginalized groups, people in unequal regions, and citizens of developing countries are the most affected.International Day of Education calls on governments, civil society, institutions, and individuals to ensure primary and secondary education for all children.The observance encourages the design of inclusive learning programs that cater to diverse populations, equipping children with the skills needed for employment and improved livelihoods.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Why the India–UAE Defence Talks Matter Amid a Fracturing Gulf Order: A brief, nearly two-hour visit to New Delhi by UAE President and Abu Dhabi ruler Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan — marked by a single meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi — has produced outcomes with implications far beyond the headline economic announcements. While the focus was on trade, energy and investment, the most consequential signal was political-strategic: the intention to negotiate an India–UAE “Strategic Defence Partnership”, a first for New Delhi with any Gulf country. India and the UAE reaffirmed the depth of their economic partnership. The two sides committed to doubling bilateral trade to $200 billion, announced a $3 billion LNG agreement, and confirmed fresh UAE investments, particularly in Gujarat. These build on a rapidly expanding relationship: the UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner, second-largest export destination, seventh-largest foreign investor, and the first country to sign a bilateral trade agreement with India in 2022.Yet the standout announcement was strategic rather than commercial — a proposed framework for a defence partnership, with details to be negotiated. Though still undefined, the very idea marks a shift in India’s engagement with West Asia, traditionally cautious and calibrated.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Surat’s Yash Rashiya Wins Gold at Roll Ball World Cup 2025: Yash Anil Rashiya, a 20-year-old Roll Ball athlete from Surat, has emerged as one of India’s brightest young sports talents after winning the gold medal at the 7th Roll Ball World Cup 2025 in Dubai. Representing Team India, Rashiya played a decisive role in the country’s title-winning campaign, marking a major milestone for Indian Roll Ball on the global stage and bringing international recognition to Surat’s growing sports ecosystem. Selected among 12 elite players to represent India, Rashiya delivered consistent match-winning performances throughout the tournament. During the league stage, he scored two goals each against Saudi Arabia and Brazil. He followed this with two crucial goals against Pakistan in the quarter-final, a vital goal against Egypt in the semi-final, and the match-winning goal in the final against Kenya. His contributions proved instrumental in India clinching the Roll Ball World Cup title.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Pixxel-Led Consortium to Develop India’s First Private National Earth Observation Satellite Constellation with Launches Planned Next Year: India’s first privately built national Earth Observation (EO) satellite constellation will be developed by a consortium led by Pixxel Space, with the first satellite launches expected next year.The Pixxel-led consortium signed an agreement with IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre) to build India’s first indigenous commercial EO constellation.The consortium includes PierSight, SatSure Analytics India, and Dhruva Space, and will deploy a total of 12 satellites.The project is valued at over ₹1,200 crore, marking a major boost to India’s private space ecosystem, with the government entrusting a strategic national mission to startups.By Q1 2027, the first four satellites are planned to be placed in orbit, with the remaining satellites launched in phases over subsequent years.Pixxel is a global space data company operating the world’s highest-resolution commercial hyperspectral imaging constellation.

 

2. China’s Fengyun-3D Satellite Detects Antarctic Iceberg A23a Approaching Complete Disintegration: China’s Fengyun-3D meteorological satellite detected that iceberg A23a, once the largest iceberg in the world by surface area, has entered the final stage of disintegration.A23a detached from Antarctica in 1986 and drifted across the Southern Ocean for nearly four decades.Recent satellite observations indicate that A23a’s main body has reduced to around 506 square kilometres, down from 4,170 square kilometres at detachment, and 948 square kilometres just three weeks earlier.The Fengyun-3D satellite, part of China’s Fengyun-3 constellation, has been tracking A23a continuously since 2023, providing high-resolution imagery with a spatial resolution of 250 metres.The rapid breakup of A23a is primarily due to hydrofracturing, where meltwater accumulates on the iceberg’s surface, forming ponds and lakes that exert pressure on internal cracks.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Reserve Bank of India Issues Updated FEMA Regulations for Export and Import Transactions Effective 1 October 2026: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 under FEMA, 1999, introducing uniform timelines and enhanced monitoring for trade-related foreign exchange transactions.These regulations supersede the FEMA (Export of Goods & Services) Regulations, 2015 and will come into effect from 1 October 2026.The regulations are notified under Sections 7, 8, 10(6), and 47(2) of FEMA, 1999.They are applicable to exports, imports, and merchanting trade transactions, covering goods, services, software exports, and service imports.All references to RBI must be routed via the Platform for Regulatory Application, Validation and Authorisation (PRAVAAH) portal portal, and any doubtful transactions must be reported to the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF).

 

2. Indian fintech firm ZET Secures National Payments Corporation of India Nod to Enable UPI Payments via RuPay Credit Cards: Credit-focused Indian fintech firm ZET has received approval from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to operate as a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP).With this approval, ZET becomes eligible to offer UPI services, marking a major step in integrating credit card functionality with the UPI ecosystem.After receiving NPCI approval, the company launched ZET UPI, enabling users to make UPI transactions using RuPay credit cards issued via the ZET platform.ZET UPI service is supported through a banking partnership with RBL Bank (earlier known as Ratnakar Bank Limited).

The transaction processing infrastructure is powered by Juspay, a payments technology platform.

 

3. Razorpay POS Obtains Reserve Bank of India Approval to Operate as Offline Payment Aggregator: Fintech major Razorpay’s offline payments arm, Razorpay POS, has received authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as an offline payment aggregator (PA-P).With this approval, Razorpay now holds all three key RBI licences: online payment aggregator, cross-border payment aggregator (granted in December 2025), and offline payment aggregator.The PA-P (Offline) licence will enable Razorpay POS to expand in-store payment infrastructure and handle high-volume transactions across sectors such as large retail chains and SMEs.Currently, Razorpay POS offers a hardware suite including Android Smart POS, mPOS (magnetic stripe POS), and Soundbox devices, supporting secure and compliant in-store payments.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Banaras Literature Festival announces winners of 2nd Banaras Lit Fest Book Awards 2026: Banaras Literature Festival announced the winners of the 2nd Banaras Lit Fest Book Awards 2026, recognising outstanding literary contributions in English, Hindi, and other Indian languages.The awards honour fiction, poetry, non-fiction, translation, along with lifetime achievement and youth contribution, reflecting India’s diverse literary ecosystem.Veteran writer Namita Gokhale received the Bhartendu Harishchandra Lifetime Achievement Award for her long-standing contribution to Indian literature. She is best known for “Paro: Dreams of Passion” and is also the co-founder of the Jaipur Literature Festival.

 

Daily GK Update- 23rd Jan, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. VP C. P. Radhakrishnan Releases Hindi Edition of Dr. C. Palanivelu’s Autobiography “Palanivelu GUTS”: Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan released the Hindi edition of Dr. C. Palanivelu’s autobiography “Palanivelu GUTS” in New Delhi.Dr C. Palanivelu is an eminent surgeon who recognised the potential of laparoscopic surgery in the early 1990s and introduced it in Coimbatore in 1991, setting up South India’s first laparoscopic surgery centre.The Vice President described the book as an inspiring account of courage, perseverance, and ethical innovation in medicine; the event was also attended by Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh.

 

2. India Launches Responsible Nations Index to Assess Ethical Governance and Global Responsibility: India launched the Responsible Nations Index (RNI) at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, under the aegis of the World Intellectual Foundation (WIF).The RNI provides a global framework to assess countries on ethical governance, social well-being, environmental stewardship, and global responsibility.The Index is the result of a three-year academic and policy research initiative, with key contributions from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai.

 

3. An Expert Panel Discussion titled “From Human Well-being to Global Stewardship: Rethinking Responsibility, Prosperity and Peace in the 21st Century” was held, chaired by N. K. Singh, Chairman of the 15th Finance Commission of India.Responsible Nations Index 2026: Country-wise Scores and RanksUnion Cabinet Extends Atal Pension Yojana till 2030-31 and Approves Rs 5,000 Crore Equity Support for SIDBI to Boost MSMEs: The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) up to the financial year 2030-31, with government support for promotional, developmental activities and gap funding to expand outreach among unorganised sector workers.APY, launched on May 9, 2015, provides old-age income security, offering a guaranteed minimum pension of Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 per month starting at age 60, based on contributions; as of January 19, 2026, over 8.66 crore subscribers are enrolled.

 

4. Union Cabinet Approves ₹5,000 Crore Equity Infusion into SIDBI to Boost Credit for MSMEs: The Union Cabinet approved an equity infusion of ₹5,000 crore into SIDBI to expand credit availability for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).The infusion will be made in three tranches: ₹3,000 crore in 2025-26 and ₹1,000 crore each in 2026-27 and 2027-28, based on the respective book values of the previous financial years.The capital boost is expected to increase the number of MSME beneficiaries from 76.26 lakh to 102 lakh by 2027-28, generating employment for approximately 1.12 crore people. The additional equity will help SIDBI maintain a strong capital to risk-weighted assets ratio (CRAR), ensuring credit ratings remain healthy and allowing lending to MSMEs at competitive interest rates.

 

5. RBI Approves Re-appointment of Kaizad Bharucha as Deputy MD of HDFC Bank for Three Years: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the re-appointment of Kaizad Bharucha as Whole-time Director and Deputy Managing Director of HDFC Bank for a fresh three-year term starting April 19, 2026.Kaizad Bharucha oversees key business verticals, strategy execution, and risk management at HDFC Bank; the announcement was positively received by markets, with the bank’s shares rising 0.38% on the BSE.

 

6. Deepinder Goyal to Step Down as Eternal Group CEO: Deepinder Goyal will step down as Founder and Group CEO of Eternal, with Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa set to take over the role.

Goyal will continue on the company’s board of directors as Vice Chairman, ensuring leadership continuity during the transition.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Donroe Doctrine? How Trump’s Venezuela Operation Signals a Hard Reset of the Global Order in 2026: The opening days of 2026 delivered a jolt to the international system. In a swift, unilateral operation, the United States abducted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, transferring them to U.S. custody on charges of undermining American security. Framed by U.S. President Donald Trump as a modern update of the 1823 Monroe Doctrine, the episode has been dubbed the “Donroe Doctrine” — a muscular assertion that Washington alone guarantees order in the Western Hemisphere. The muted global response has raised deeper questions about whether the post-1945 rules-based order is quietly collapsing. As 2026 unfolded, U.S. airborne forces carried out a rapid extraction of Venezuela’s leadership, bypassing diplomatic and multilateral channels altogether. The Trump administration justified the move as a security imperative, accusing the Maduro regime of threatening U.S. vital interests.The operation was not presented as an aberration, but as doctrine. Mr. Trump explicitly linked it to the Monroe Doctrine, reiterating that the United States would tolerate no extra-hemispheric interference in the Americas. What distinguishes this episode from Cold War interventions is its brazenness: a sitting head of state was seized and jailed without war, sanction, or international mandate.

 

2. International Conference Examines Trade’s Role in Global Energy Transition: A two-day International Conference on “Role of International Trade in Global Energy Transition” was organised at the National Law University Odisha campus in Cuttack, bringing together jurists, policymakers, academics, and international experts to deliberate on aligning global trade rules with climate and sustainability goals. The event highlighted the growing importance of trade law in facilitating a just and effective global energy transition. The conference was organised by the Centre for Trade and Investment Law in collaboration with the Centre for International Trade Law, NLU Odisha. It was held under the aegis of the World Trade Organization Chairs Programme at the National Law University Odisha. The forum aimed to examine how international trade can support clean energy transitions while addressing developmental concerns. Justice Biraja Prasanna of the Odisha High Court attended the conference as Chief Guest, while Professor N.L. Mitra participated as Guest of Honour. The event also saw the presence of Ambassador Ujal Singh Bhatia, former Chairperson of the WTO Appellate Body. Their participation underscored the relevance of legal and institutional perspectives in shaping trade responses to global energy challenges.

 

3. India Ranks Sixth in Asia Manufacturing Index 2026: India has ranked sixth among 11 Asian economies in the Asia Manufacturing Index (AMI) 2026, highlighting the need to strengthen its manufacturing competitiveness amid intensifying regional competition. The index evaluates the relative performance of major manufacturing hubs across Asia using a detailed, multi-dimensional framework. Now in its third year, the Asia Manufacturing Index is released by Dezan Shira & Associates, a pan-Asian market entry advisory firm headquartered in Hong Kong. The AMI assesses manufacturing competitiveness across eight key pillars and 43 sub-parameters, including infrastructure, labour, market access, regulatory environment, and supply chain resilience. The index is widely tracked by investors and policymakers to understand shifts in Asia’s manufacturing landscape.

 

4. Search Intensifies After Helicopter Disappears Near Mount Aso Volcano: Japanese authorities have launched an extensive search operation after a sightseeing helicopter vanished near one of the country’s most active volcanoes. The aircraft lost contact on Tuesday while flying close to Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, triggering an emergency response involving police and Japan’s Self-Defence Forces amid hazardous volcanic conditions. According to police, the helicopter went missing after reaching the summit area of Mount Aso, a highly active volcanic complex in southwestern Japan. A police search helicopter later reported discovering what appeared to be an aircraft near the first crater of Nakadake in Aso City. Officials cautioned that the object has not yet been formally identified as the missing helicopter and that further investigation of the site is planned.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Punjab Police Launches “Operation Parhar” to Dismantle Gangster Networks Across the State: Punjab Police launched “Operation Parhar” to dismantle organised gangster networks and work towards making the state crime-free.The operation involved around 2,000 police teams with nearly 12,000 personnel conducting simultaneous raids across Punjab.To encourage public participation, an Anti-Gangster Helpline (93946-93946) has been launched for citizens to report criminal activities.

 

2. 23 January – Parakram Diwas: Parakram Diwas is observed on 23 January every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.The day celebrates Netaji’s courage, leadership, and contribution to India’s freedom struggle, especially through the Indian National Army (INA).

Government of India announced Parakram Diwas in 2021 to inspire patriotism and national pride among citizens.

 

3. Why the India–UAE Defence Talks Matter Amid a Fracturing Gulf Order: A brief, nearly two-hour visit to New Delhi by UAE President and Abu Dhabi ruler Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan — marked by a single meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi — has produced outcomes with implications far beyond the headline economic announcements. While the focus was on trade, energy and investment, the most consequential signal was political-strategic: the intention to negotiate an India–UAE “Strategic Defence Partnership”, a first for New Delhi with any Gulf country. India and the UAE reaffirmed the depth of their economic partnership. The two sides committed to doubling bilateral trade to $200 billion, announced a $3 billion LNG agreement, and confirmed fresh UAE investments, particularly in Gujarat. These build on a rapidly expanding relationship: the UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner, second-largest export destination, seventh-largest foreign investor, and the first country to sign a bilateral trade agreement with India in 2022.Yet the standout announcement was strategic rather than commercial — a proposed framework for a defence partnership, with details to be negotiated. Though still undefined, the very idea marks a shift in India’s engagement with West Asia, traditionally cautious and calibrated.

 

SPORTS

 

1. BCCI Inks ₹270 Crore Gemini Sponsorship Deal Ahead of IPL 2026: BCCI signed a ₹270 crore sponsorship deal with Google’s AI platform Gemini ahead of the IPL 2026 season, marking a major AI entry into Indian cricket.The deal comes after real money gaming platforms like Dream11 were banned, forcing BCCI to find new sponsors; Apollo Tyres later took over the jersey sponsorship for ₹579 crore.Tata Group continues as the IPL title sponsor, while the Gemini partnership highlights the rising interest of AI and tech companies in India’s biggest T20 league.

 

2. Surat’s Yash Rashiya Wins Gold at Roll Ball World Cup 2025: Yash Anil Rashiya, a 20-year-old Roll Ball athlete from Surat, has emerged as one of India’s brightest young sports talents after winning the gold medal at the 7th Roll Ball World Cup 2025 in Dubai. Representing Team India, Rashiya played a decisive role in the country’s title-winning campaign, marking a major milestone for Indian Roll Ball on the global stage and bringing international recognition to Surat’s growing sports ecosystem. Selected among 12 elite players to represent India, Rashiya delivered consistent match-winning performances throughout the tournament. During the league stage, he scored two goals each against Saudi Arabia and Brazil. He followed this with two crucial goals against Pakistan in the quarter-final, a vital goal against Egypt in the semi-final, and the match-winning goal in the final against Kenya. His contributions proved instrumental in India clinching the Roll Ball World Cup title.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Bharat Steel 2026 Summit to Focus on Sustainability and Technological Transformation in Steel Sector: Bharat Steel 2026, a two-day international conference-cum-exhibition, will be organised by the Ministry of Steel on 16–17 April 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.The summit will focus on global steelmaking issues, including sustainability, supply chain resilience, and technological transformation in the steel sector.India is the world’s second-largest steel producer after China, and the government has set ambitious targets of 300 million tonnes steel capacity by 2030 and 500 million tonnes by 2047.

 

2. The Coming Copper Crunch: Why the Electric Vehicle Boom Is Running Into a Hard Resource Wall: The global pivot to electric vehicles (EVs) is often portrayed as a clean technological leap — quieter roads, lower emissions, and freedom from fossil fuels. Yet beneath this optimism lies a quieter constraint that could decisively shape the speed and cost of the transition: copper. As EV adoption accelerates worldwide, copper demand is rising at a pace that mining supply systems are ill-prepared to match. What is unfolding is not merely a market imbalance, but a structural resource challenge with economic, geopolitical and climate consequences. Copper is indispensable to electrification. Every electric vehicle relies on it — in batteries, motors, inverters, wiring harnesses, and charging systems. Beyond vehicles, copper underpins the charging infrastructure and power grids needed to support mass electrification.Over the past decade, EVs have shifted from niche products to the fastest-growing segment of the automotive industry. Global EV sales climbed from about 0.55 million units in 2015 to nearly 20 million units by 2025. In lockstep, EV-related copper consumption surged from roughly 27,500 tonnes to over 1.28 million tonnes. This sharp rise reveals copper as the hidden backbone of the EV revolution — a material without which electrification cannot proceed.

 

3. NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams Retires After 27-Year Spaceflight Career: Sunita Williams, one of the most accomplished astronauts in the history of human spaceflight, has retired from the NASA after an extraordinary 27-year career. Her retirement, effective December 27, 2025, follows a historic nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station, marking the end of a journey defined by endurance, leadership, and scientific excellence. Announcing her retirement, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman described Williams as a trailblazer who shaped the future of exploration through her leadership on the International Space Station. He noted that her work advanced science and technology critical to the Artemis programme and future missions to Mars. Over nearly three decades, Williams emerged as one of NASA’s most respected astronauts, setting benchmarks in long-duration spaceflight and operational leadership.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SAMPANN Pension Platform Integrated with DigiLocker to Provide Paperless Access for Pensioners: The Office of the Principal Controller of Communication Accounts (Pr CCA) Delhi has integrated SAMPANN (System for Accounting and Management of Pension) pension platform with DigiLocker, enabling digital access to pension documents for retirees under the Department of Telecommunications.The integration allows pensioners to retrieve key documents such as Pension Payment Orders (e‑PPOs), Gratuity Sanction Orders, Communication Sanctions, and Form‑16 electronically, removing the need for physical copies.Pensioners can access documents securely via DigiLocker anytime using a smartphone or desktop, supporting services like banking, medical reimbursements, and verification, ensuring convenience, transparency, and paperless processing.The SAMPANN platform, inaugurated in 2018, digitises the entire pension lifecycle, including case initiation, e‑PPO issuance, disbursement, accounting, grievance redressal, and life certificate submission, empowering pensioners to manage their records independently.

 

2. Canara Bank Becomes First to Integrate NBSL’s Plugin-Based UPI Solution into Canara aiPe: Canara Bank has partnered with NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL) to integrate UPI services into its payment application Canara aiPe.NBSL, a wholly owned subsidiary of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), manages India’s digital payment infrastructure.Canara Bank becomes the first bank to implement NBSL’s plugin-based UPI solution, enhancing digital payment capabilities for its users.

 

3. Payoneer India Gets RBI In-Principle Approval to Operate as Cross-Border Payment Aggregator: Payoneer India, a subsidiary of Payoneer Global, has received in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payment Aggregator – Cross Border (PA-CB).The PA-CB licence enables Payoneer India to facilitate cross-border payment transactions for merchants, including both inward (exports) and outward (imports) payments.

 

4. JPMorgan to Set Up Branch in GIFT City for Trading Equities and Financial Instruments: JPMorgan Chase & Co. is setting up a branch in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) to trade equities, derivatives, and other financial instruments, leveraging India’s low-tax financial hub.The branch is being established by JPMorgan Securities Plc, which has received a license from the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), GIFT City’s regulator.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. APO National Award Honours Bakul Limbasiya for Productivity Leadership: Bakul Limbasiya, founder of Bhathwari Technologies, has been conferred the APO National Award, recognising his outstanding contribution to productivity, innovation, and leadership in India. The award marks a significant milestone not only for Limbasiya but also for India’s fast-growing lab-grown diamond industry, which is gaining global strategic and economic importance. The APO National Award is instituted by the Asian Productivity Organization and administered in India by the National Productivity Council under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. It is regarded as one of the highest national recognitions for advancing productivity and competitiveness across sectors. Past recipients include industrial and social leaders such as Anil Naik of Larsen & Toubro and Verghese Kurien, architect of India’s White Revolution, underscoring the award’s prestige.