NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Adani to Begin ₹9,700-Crore Phase 2 of Vizhinjam Port: Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Ltd (AVPPL) will
begin Phase 2 construction of the Vizhinjam International Seaport in
Kerala, with an investment of ₹9,700 crore, expected to be completed by
2028.Phase 2 will increase the port’s capacity from 1 million TEUs to 5 million
TEUs, significantly expanding container handling capabilities.Phase 1 involved
an investment of about ₹28,867 crore, and the inauguration of Phase 2 will be
led by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, with Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal as
chief guest.
2. Madhya Pradesh to Observe 2026 as ‘Year of
Agriculture’ Under “Prosperous Farmers – Prosperous State” Vision: Madhya Pradesh will observe 2026 as
the ‘Year of Agriculture’, announced by Governor Mangubhai Patel during the
77th Republic Day function in Bhopal.Under the theme “Prosperous Farmers –
Prosperous State”, a 10-point agricultural development model has been adopted,
focusing on technology transfer, income growth, natural farming, marketing,
exports, innovation, and digital transparency.
3. Amit Shah to Inaugurate Assam’s Largest Multi-Sports
Stadium in Dibrugarh on January 30: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate
the first phase of Assam’s largest multi-sports stadium in
Dibrugarh, marking a key step in the state’s sports infrastructure
development.Built at Khanikar, Dibrugarh at a cost of Rs 233 crore, the stadium
spans 104 bighas, has a 35,000 seating capacity, and is designed to host
national and international sporting events, positioning Dibrugarh as a future
sports hub in Northeast India.The multi-disciplinary stadium will offer
world-class amenities for athletes, promote grassroots and professional sports
development, and stimulate economic growth through sports tourism and allied
services.
4. 27 January – National Geographic Day: National Geographic Day is observed every
year on 27 January to celebrate the contributions of geography and
geographic knowledge in understanding the Earth.The day highlights the role of
maps, exploration, environmental studies and geospatial science in human
development. It aims to create awareness about natural resources, climate,
biodiversity and sustainable development.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India Ranks 8th in Global Al Investment: WEF White
Paper: India ranked 8th among 11
countries in terms of historical accumulated investments in the AI
ecosystem (2010–2024) as a percentage of 2024 GDP, according to a WEF
white paper.The US and Singapore led the rankings, with AI investments at 3.4–5.1%
and 3.1–4.6% of GDP, respectively, followed by South Korea and China.
India’s accumulated AI investments since 2010 stood at
1.2–1.8% of its 2024 GDP, placing it above Europe (excluding the UK) and
Brazil, but below UAE, Japan, Canada, and the UK.The report noted that global
AI investments are heavily skewed towards hardware, largely driven by just two
companies—TSMC and UMC.
2. BPCL to Sign $780 Million Crude Oil Deal with Brazil’s
Petrobras at India Energy Week 2026 : Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) to sign a
term contract with Brazil’s Petrobras to source 12 million barrels of
crude oil, valued at around $780 million.The agreement will be formalised
during India Energy Week (IEW) 2026, which will take place in Goa from January
27 to 30.BPCL’s overseas arm, Bharat PetroResources Ltd (BPRL), will also sign
an MoU with Shell for potential collaboration in global exploration.
3. 26 January – International Customs Day: International Customs Day is
observed every year on 26 January to recognise the role of customs
administrations in securing international trade and borders.Theme 2026 –Customs
Protecting Society Through Vigilance and CommitmentThe day marks the
establishment of the World Customs Organization (WCO), which came into force on
26 January 1953.
4. QS
Europe Rankings 2026: Oxford Leads, Top Universities Listed: The QS World University
Rankings Europe 2026 have been released, offering
a comprehensive snapshot of Europe’s leading higher education
institutions. Compiled by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), the rankings are designed
to guide students planning to pursue higher studies across the continent. This
year’s list reflects notable shifts at the top, underlining Europe’s
competitive and evolving academic landscape. The University of Oxford has
secured the first position in the QS Europe Rankings 2026, rising from third
place last year. The achievement reinforces Oxford’s strength in research
output, academic reputation, and global engagement. ETH Zurich followed closely
at second place, maintaining its status as continental Europe’s highest-ranked
institution, known for excellence in science, technology, and innovation. Universities
from the United Kingdom continue to dominate the upper tiers of the rankings.
Imperial College London and University College London (UCL) jointly occupy the
third position, reflecting consistent performance in employability and
international outlook. The University of Cambridge ranks fifth, while the
University of Edinburgh and King’s College London secure sixth and seventh
positions respectively, highlighting the UK’s continued academic influence in
Europe.
5. Canada
Targets Doubling India Trade to $60 Billion: Canada has set an ambitious goal to
double its bilateral trade with India from $30 billion to $60 billion by the
end of the decade, signalling a renewed strategic push in economic engagement.
The target comes as Ottawa prepares for a high-level visit to New Delhi and
reflects a broader recalibration of ties amid global economic uncertainty and
shifting supply chains. Speaking at India Energy Week, Canada’s Energy and Natural Resources Minister
Tim Hodgson said the trade objective has been clearly defined by the Canadian
Prime Minister, who has set measurable performance benchmarks for the
partnership. Hodgson described the India–Canada trade relationship as
underdeveloped relative to its potential, despite strong complementarities in
energy, resources and technology. The proposed expansion is being positioned as
a mutually beneficial move to enhance economic resilience for both countries.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Simran Bala Becomes First Woman CRPF Officer from
Rajouri: Simran Bala, a
26-year-old Assistant Commandant, became the first woman CRPF officer from
Rajouri (Jammu & Kashmir) to lead an all-male CRPF marching
contingent at the 77th Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path.
Breaking Barriers: Her leadership at the national parade
marks a significant milestone for women in central armed police forces,
inspiring greater gender inclusion in uniformed services.
2. ICGS Varaha & Atulya arrive at Port of Colombo for
official visit : Indian Coast Guard ships
ICGS Varaha and ICGS Atulya arrived at the Port of Colombo
for an official visit.ICGS Varaha, a 96.2-meter Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV),
is commanded by Commandant Ashvini Kumar, while ICGS Atulya, a 50-meter Fast
Patrol Vessel, is under Commandant Anit Kumar Mishra.The visiting ships will
participate in exercises with the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, aiming to enhance
professional interaction and bilateral maritime cooperation.
3. Captain
Hansja Sharma Makes History as Rudra Helicopter Pilot: Captain Hansja Sharma has
scripted a historic first by becoming the Indian Army’s first woman officer
qualified to fly the Rudra Armed Helicopter. Her achievement marks a major
milestone for Army Aviation and reflects the steady expansion of women’s roles
in frontline combat and high-risk operational domains. At just 27, her
qualification signals a shift where operational capability, rather than gender,
defines combat leadership in the armed forces. Captain Sharma recently led the
251 Army Aviation Squadron during the Army Day Parade 2026 in Rajasthan. The formation showcased the HELINA anti-tank guided missile,
underlining the operational credibility of the Rudra platform. Leading an armed
helicopter formation at a national parade is a responsibility typically
reserved for highly experienced aviators, highlighting the confidence placed in
her professional competence by the Army.
4. Bihar
Regiment Centre Marks 5th Battalion Raising Day: The Bihar Regiment Centre
(BRC) observed the 64th Raising Day of the 5th Battalion at Danapur cantonment,
Patna, on Wednesday with full military traditions and tributes to fallen
soldiers. The commemoration highlighted the battalion’s legacy of disciplined
service, operational professionalism and continued contribution to national
security across diverse theatres and missions. The Raising Day ceremony was held
at the regiment’s historic base in Danapur, a key hub of the Bihar Regiment’s
training and administrative ecosystem. Personnel from different ranks assembled
to mark the occasion, reflecting the Army’s customary emphasis on regimental
identity, continuity and collective memory. Such events reinforce unit cohesion
and renew the pledge to uphold standards of duty, honour and sacrifice.
SPORTS
1. Amelia Valverde Appointed Head Coach of Senior Indian
Women’s Football Team: The All India
Football Federation (AIFF) has appointed Amelia Valverde of Costa
Rica as the head coach of the senior Indian women’s football team.She has
joined the Indian camp in Antalya, Türkiye, where the Blue Tigresses are
preparing for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026, scheduled for March.
2. Rekha
Gupta Felicitates World Champion Blind Women’s T20 Team: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta hosted
the World Champion Indian Blind Women’s T20 Cricket Team at Mukhyamantri
Janseva Sadan, celebrating their historic international triumph. The event
brought together players, coaches, and representatives of the Blind
Association, highlighting resilience, inclusivity, and excellence in Indian
sport. During the interaction, Rekha Gupta praised the team’s grit and
confidence. She described the players as a symbol of strength and aspiration,
stating that the nation’s daughters are capable of achieving the extraordinary.
The Chief Minister’s remarks underlined the government’s commitment to
empowering women and persons with disabilities through recognition and support.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Google
DeepMind Unveils AlphaGenome AI Tool for DNA Mutations: Google DeepMind has
unveiled a new artificial intelligence system, AlphaGenome, designed to help
scientists better understand DNA mutations and their biological impact. The announcement
was made on January 28, 2026, alongside the publication of the research in the
scientific journal Nature. Researchers say the tool could
significantly advance genomic science and disease research. In a post on X, the
DeepMind team stated that AlphaGenome aims to help researchers understand
the human
genome, predict the molecular
effects of genetic changes, and enable new biological discoveries. The tool
focuses on interpreting how variations in DNA influence gene regulation, a critical factor behind
many inherited diseases and cancers. According to the Nature study, AlphaGenome addresses a key
limitation in existing genomic tools. While earlier models either analysed long
DNA sequences or provided highly detailed predictions, AlphaGenome achieves
both. It can analyse up to one megabase (1 Mb) of DNA at a time while
delivering predictions down to a single DNA letter across thousands of
biological signals. Trained on both human and mouse genomes, the model matched
or exceeded leading external tools in 25 out of 26 variant-effect evaluations.
2. How
Deuterons Survive High-Energy LHC Collisions: The deuteron, the nucleus of deuterium, is one of the
simplest bound nuclear systems, consisting of just one proton and one neutron.
Despite its very low binding energy, experiments at the Large Hadron Collider
have repeatedly observed deuterons and anti-deuterons emerging intact from
extremely energetic particle collisions. This long-standing puzzle has now been
addressed by new experimental evidence. In high-energy proton–proton
collisions, such as those at the LHC, matter is briefly converted into a dense,
hot environment filled with strongly interacting particles. The deuteron’s weak
binding makes it appear unlikely to survive such conditions. This led
physicists to question whether deuterons are produced directly during the
collision or assembled later from their constituent particles.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. FDI inflows to India surged by 73 per cent to $47
billion in 2025: UN : FDI inflows to
India surged 73% to USD 47 billion in 2025, driven mainly by large
investments in services (finance, IT, R&D) and manufacturing, supported by
policies integrating India into global supply chains.China’s FDI declined for
the third consecutive year, falling 8% to USD 107.5 billion, while global FDI
rose 14% to USD 1.6 trillion in 2025.A significant portion of global FDI growth
came through major financial hubs such as the UK, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and
Ireland, contributing over USD 140 billion.Cross-border M&A activity fell
by 22% to USD 132 billion, except for strong growth in semiconductors and
telecommunications, while international project finance rose 7% to USD 218
billion.Data centres were a major driver of FDI in 2025, with greenfield investments
reaching USD 125 billion and India ranking among the top 10
recipients, alongside countries like France, the US, and South Korea.
2. PFRDA Constitutes SAARG Committee to Review and
Modernise NPS Investment Framework: ‘The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development
Authority (PFRDA) has set up a high-level committee to review and
modernise the investment framework of the National Pension System (NPS).The
committee, named the Strategic Asset Allocation and Risk Governance (SAARG)
panel, will be chaired by Narayan Ramachandran, former CEO of Morgan Stanley
India and current Chairman of TeamLease Services Ltd.The SAARG committee will
review existing NPS investment guidelines, benchmark them against global
pension systems, and align them with India’s evolving investment landscape.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. President Murmu Approves Gallantry Awards for 70 Armed
Forces Personnel on 77th Republic Day Eve: President Smt Droupadi Murmu approved gallantry
awards for 70 Armed Forces personnel, including six posthumous
recognitions, on the eve of the 77th Republic Day.The awards include 1
Ashok Chakra, 3 Kirti Chakras, 13 Shaurya Chakras (including 1 posthumous), 1
Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), 44 Sena Medals (Gallantry) (including 5
posthumous), 6 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry), and 2 Vayu Sena Medals
(Gallantry).These awards honour the exceptional courage, sacrifice, and
gallantry of personnel from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
2. IAF Group Captain and Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Awarded Ashok Chakra at 77th Republic Day Parade: Indian Air Force Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has been awarded the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, for his exceptional service.The honour recognises his significant role, including participation in the Axiom Mission to the International Space Station (ISS), marking a milestone in India’s space and defence achievements. President Droupadi Murmu conferred the award during the 77th Republic Day Parade.
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