Daily GK Update- 27th Jan, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

Government releases 32nd NeSDA Way Forward Monthly Report for States/UTs: The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) released the 32nd edition of the NeSDA Way Forward report (December 2025), providing a comprehensive overview of e-service delivery across States and Union Territories.As per the report, 24,090 e-services are being delivered across States/UTs, with the Local Governance & Utility Services sector accounting for the highest share (8,656 services); additionally, 156 new e-services were added in November 2025.21 States/UTs achieved over 90% saturation of 59 mandatory e-services, while portals such as Assam (Sewa Setu), J&K (e-UNNAT), Karnataka (Seva Sindhu), Odisha (Odisha One), MP (MP e-Service), Uttarakhand (Apuni Sarkar) and Kerala (e-Sevanam) provide 100% services.The report highlights best practices from Central Government portals, city-level digital platforms (notably Puducherry and Guwahati municipalities), and presents AAKLAN parameter-wise insights on five assessment parameters for State/UT Unified Service Delivery Portals.

 

Gujarat and Odisha Power Utilities Top This Year’s Performance Rankings: Gujarat’s power distribution utilities emerged as top performers in the 14th Integrated Rating and Ranking Report by the Power Ministry, with four Gujarat discoms in the top 10.Odisha’s private power utilities also ranked among the best performers, highlighting strong performance in both public and private sectors across the country.Out of 65 evaluated utilities, 31 were rated A+ or A, including 44 state-owned discoms, 12 private discoms, and 11 power departments, with several utilities from Punjab, UP, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra showing improvement.The report pegged discoms’ accumulated losses at Rs. 6.47 trillion and total borrowings at Rs. 7.26 trillion for FY 2024-25, showing a slight reduction from Rs. 6.91 trillion losses and Rs. 7.58 trillion borrowings in FY 2023-24.

 

India Sends 7.5 Tonnes of Life-Saving Cancer Medicines to Kabul as Part of Healthcare Cooperation: India delivered 7.5 tonnes of life-saving cancer medicines to Kabul, reinforcing its humanitarian and healthcare cooperation with Afghanistan.The medical assistance aims to support cancer patients in Afghanistan and strengthen access to critical healthcare supplies.The initiative follows a bilateral meeting in December between Afghanistan’s Public Health Minister Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali and India’s Health Minister JP Nadda to enhance healthcare cooperation between the two countries.

 

Tata Communications Appoints Ganesh Lakshminarayanan as MD and CEO-Designate: Tata Communications has appointed Ganesh Lakshminarayanan as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer-Designate of Tata Communications Limited.He brings over 30 years of international management experience, having worked with multinational corporations, B2B start-ups, and Indian enterprises.Prior to this role, he served as MD and Group Vice President for ServiceNow India & SAARC, and earlier was CEO of Airtel Business and Airtel’s Enterprise Business unit.

Arijit Basu Appointed Chairman of IndusInd Bank: Arijit Basu has been appointed as the new Chairman of IndusInd Bank, effective January 31, 2026, succeeding Sunil Mehta after completion of his tenure, with approval from the RBI.He currently serves as an independent director on the boards of Prudential Plc, Peerless Hospitex and Hospital Research Centre, and CleanMax Enviro Energy Solutions.

 

Akashlabdhi Advances India’s Inflatable Space Habitat Mission: India is edging closer to a new milestone in human spaceflight as a Bengaluru-based startup prepares to launch the country’s first inflatable space habitat. Akashlabdhi, incubated at the Indian Institute of Science, has completed critical safety and validation tests in Switzerland, paving the way for an in-orbit demonstration of its habitat technology later this year. Conventional space stations such as the International Space Station have faced long-standing challenges of cost, mass, and limited habitable volume. Akashlabdhi’s inflatable habitat, named AntarikshHAB, is designed to address these constraints. The concept allows a compact module to be launched and later inflated in orbit, significantly increasing usable living space. The upcoming mission will deploy a 70 cubic metre module, while the final planned configuration aims for nearly 300 cubic metres, suitable for future human missions in low Earth orbit.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

MSDE Signs Landmark MoU with World Economic Forum to Strengthen India’s TVET and Skills Ecosystem: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) signed a landmark MoU with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to deepen cooperation in skill development, vocational education, and training.The MoU aims to strengthen India’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem by aligning skilling initiatives with industry needs and global economic demands.Under the agreement, MSDE and WEF will launch a Skills Accelerator in India, a multi-stakeholder platform to identify, scale, and accelerate innovative skilling solutions and public–private partnerships.The collaboration builds on momentum from India’s participation in the 55th WEF Annual Meeting held in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland (January 2025), marking a new phase in India–WEF cooperation.

 

India and Namibia Agree to Deepen Cooperation in Defence, Critical Minerals, and Key Sectors: India and Namibia held the 5th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) on January 19–20 to enhance collaboration in health, Digital Public Infrastructure, agriculture, defence, and critical minerals.The meeting was co-chaired by Janesh Kain (Joint Secretary, MEA) and Ambassador Charles Josob (Acting Head, Namibia’s Ministry of International Relations and Trade) and conducted in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.Both countries reviewed progress from recent high-level exchanges and agreed to hold the next round of consultations in Windhoek, Namibia, at a mutually convenient date to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

 

India Ranks 8th Among 11 Countries in AI Investment, WEF Report Reveals: India ranks 8th among 11 countries in terms of historical accumulated investments in the artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem between 2010 and 2024, measured as a percentage of 2024 GDP.According to the World Economic Forum (WEF) white paper “Rethinking AI Sovereignty”, India’s AI investments since 2010 accounted for 1.2–1.8% of its 2024 GDP, lower than the US (3.4–5.1%), Singapore (3.1–4.6%), South Korea (2.2–3.3%), and China (1.7–2.6%).Countries performing below India include Europe (excluding the UK) and Brazil, while those above include UAE, Japan, Canada, and the UK; globally, most AI investments were concentrated in hardware by TSMC and UMC.

 

24 January – International Day of Education: International Day of Education is observed annually on 24 January to recognise the role of education in peace, development, and global progress.

Theme 2026 – The power of youth in co-creating educationThe day was proclaimed by the United Nations in 2018 to highlight the importance of inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.

 

International Data Privacy Day Highlights Digital Trust Imperative: International Data Privacy Day, observed annually on 28 January, underscores the growing importance of protecting personal data in an increasingly digital world. Also known as Data Protection Day, it commemorates the signing of Convention 108 in 2006 by the Council of Europe, the world’s first legally binding international treaty on data protection. The observance highlights the shared responsibility of governments, digital platforms, and citizens in building a secure and trusted digital ecosystem. India’s rapid digitalisation has transformed governance and service delivery at an unprecedented scale. Digital public infrastructure now underpins identity verification, payments, healthcare, education, and citizen participation. Platforms such as Aadhaar, UPI, and MyGov have enhanced inclusion and efficiency, while eSanjeevani has expanded access to healthcare through large-scale telemedicine. This vast scale reinforces the need for strong privacy and security safeguards to sustain public trust.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

Bangladesh, China Sign Deal to Produce UAVs Locally: Bangladesh has taken a significant step towards strengthening its indigenous defence manufacturing base by signing an agreement with China to establish a facility for the production and assembly of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The move underscores Dhaka’s focus on technology transfer, capacity-building, and long-term self-reliance in aerial surveillance and defence platforms. The agreement was signed between the Bangladesh Air Force and China Electronics Technology Group Corporation International at the BAF headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment. The signing ceremony was attended by senior military and diplomatic officials, including the Air Chief Marshal of Bangladesh and the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh. The deal marks a new phase in bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries. Under the pact, CETC will transfer critical technologies and provide technical assistance to enable Bangladesh to independently manufacture UAVs in the future. The agreement includes structured capacity-building measures aimed at developing local expertise in design, assembly, and systems integration. Over time, the facility is expected to reduce Bangladesh’s dependence on imports while enhancing operational flexibility.

 

Indian Navy Training Squadron Deepens Maritime Ties With Indonesia: India and Indonesia reinforced their maritime partnership as the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron concluded a successful port call at Belawan, underscoring growing naval cooperation in the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. The visit aligned with India’s Act East Policy and the broader vision of MAHASAGAR, aimed at strengthening regional maritime security and engagement. The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS), comprising INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata, and ICGS Sarathi, departed Belawan on January 23 after a three-day port call. During the visit, Indian naval personnel and trainees interacted extensively with the Indonesian Navy, enhancing professional understanding and operational familiarity. Capt. Tijo K Joseph, Senior Officer of 1TS, along with commanding officers of the squadron ships, called on Rear Admiral Deny Septiana, Commander of Naval Area Command I (Koarmada I). Discussions focused on shared maritime interests, regional security challenges, and opportunities for deeper naval cooperation between the two countries.

 

Israel Shifts Focus To Disarming Hamas In Gaza: Israel has signalled a new phase in its Gaza policy after the recovery of the last hostage held in the Palestinian territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel’s priority would now be the complete disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarisation of Gaza, while reiterating opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state in the enclave. Addressing a televised press conference, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the return of the final hostage marked the end of the first phase of Israel’s objectives in Gaza. He stated that Israel was now focused on eliminating Hamas’s military capabilities, including weapons stockpiles and underground tunnel networks. Netanyahu stressed that Israel would retain long-term security control over Gaza and the occupied West Bank to prevent future threats.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

Indian Railways Deploys Humanoid Robot ‘ASC ARJUN’ at Visakhapatnam Station to Enhance Passenger Safety: Indian Railways has deployed a humanoid robot named ‘ASC ARJUN’ at Visakhapatnam Railway Station, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative to enhance passenger safety, security, and service delivery.ASC ARJUN has been fully designed and developed in Visakhapatnam using home-grown technology, with a dedicated team working over a year to integrate advanced systems into daily railway operations.The robot is equipped with Face Recognition System (FRS) for intrusion detection, AI-based crowd monitoring, real-time alerts to RPF control rooms, and can make automated announcements in English, Hindi, and Telugu to guide passengers and improve safety awareness.

 

Digital India BHASHINI Division Signs MoU with Survey of India for AI-Based Toponym Data Digitisation: Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD), MeitY, signed an MoU with the Survey of India (SoI) to digitise, transcribe, and standardise geographical place names (toponyms) using AI-based speech and language technologies.The collaboration aims to create accurate, multilingual, and standardised toponymic datasets aligned with the National Geospatial Policy, 2022, covering over 16 lakh locations.BHASHINI’s speech-to-text and language processing capabilities will convert audio recordings of place names into structured digital text, supporting the Toponymy Database and integration into national mapping systems.The initiative will enhance the National Geographical Name Information System (NGNIS) by enabling efficient processing, validation, and standardisation of toponymic data in local scripts, Devanagari, Roman, and other formats, ensuring consistency across maps, digital platforms, and governance systems.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

RBI to Inject Over ₹2 Lakh Crore into Banking System Through Liquidity Measures: RBI announced liquidity measures to inject over ₹2 lakh crore (~$23 billion) into the banking system, using a mix of open market bond purchases, foreign exchange swaps, and variable rate repo operations.On January 30, 2026, RBI will conduct a 90-day variable rate repo (VRR) of ₹25,000 crore, allowing banks to borrow funds at market-determined rates against collateral.On February 4, 2026, the central bank will carry out a USD/INR buy/sell swap auction of $10 billion with a tenor of three years, aimed at injecting durable rupee liquidity.RBI will purchase government securities worth ₹1,00,000 crore through open market operations in February, in two tranches of ₹50,000 crore each on February 5 and February 12.

 

Payoneer India Receives RBI In-Principle Approval as Cross-Border Payment Aggregator: Payoneer India, a subsidiary of Payoneer Global, has received in-principle approval from the RBI to operate as a Payment Aggregator – Cross Border (PA-CB), enabling it to facilitate cross-border transactions for merchants.The approval comes as 19 entities are now fully authorised with a PA-CB licence, while Payoneer’s global parent is a regulated entity in countries including the US, UK, Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, China, and Australia.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

Government Announces 131 Padma Awards for 2026: Padma Awards, among India’s highest civilian honours, are conferred in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.For 2026, the government announced 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards.The list includes 19 women awardees, 6 individuals from Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI category, and 16 posthumous honours.

 

National Awards To Honour Model Youth Gram Sabha Winners: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is set to recognise young champions of grassroots democracy through a National Award Ceremony for the Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) initiative on 28 January 2026 in New Delhi. The event reflects a growing emphasis on civic education and youth participation in India’s democratic institutions. The ceremony is being jointly organised by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the Ministry of Education (Department of School Education and Literacy), and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Union Ministers of State S. P. Singh Baghel and Sukanta Majumdar will grace the occasion, along with senior officials from education and tribal institutions. The MYGS initiative has seen participation from over 28,000 students drawn from 619 Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and 200 Eklavya Model Residential Schools across the country. Students engaged in simulated Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat proceedings, gaining hands-on exposure to local governance and democratic decision-making.

 

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.

 

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.