Daily GK Update-10th Jan, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Election Commission Holds CEOs’ Conference to Prepare for IICDEM 2026 in New Delhi: Election Commission of India held a conference of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) in New Delhi to prepare for the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM 2026), scheduled from January 21–23 at Bharat Mandapam. Theme: Democracy for an inclusive, peaceful, resilient and sustainable world Discussions focused on 36 thematic groups covering key aspects of election management, aimed at building a structured global knowledge base from the experiences of Election Management Bodies worldwide. IICDEM 2026 is expected to be the largest international event hosted by India in the field of election management, with nearly 100 international delegates, multiple plenary sessions, bilateral meetings and participation from leading academic institutions. About IICDEM (India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management): The India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) is a global platform initiated by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to promote dialogue, cooperation and knowledge-sharing on democratic processes and election management. Director General – Rakesh Kumar Verma

 

2. Assam Hosts Two-Day National Textiles Ministers’ Conference to Boost India’s Textile Sector: The National Textiles Ministers’ Conference 2026 was held in Guwahati, Assam, organised by the Ministry of Textiles in collaboration with the Government of Assam under the theme “India’s Textiles: Weaving Growth, Heritage & Innovation”. The conference will focus on policy reforms, infrastructure development, sustainability, exports and technological innovation, aligning with the vision of making India a global textile manufacturing hub by 2030 and the principle of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi”.The inaugural session will be attended by Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and MoS for Textiles Pabitra Margherita, along with the launch of an exhibition showcasing India’s textile capabilities and heritage.

 

3. Department of Posts and Ministry of Rural Development Sign MoU to Boost Rural Financial Inclusion: The Department of Posts (DoP) and the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation for inclusive and sustainable rural development, with a focus on expanding financial services in rural areas.The collaboration aligns with the Government’s vision of “Dak Sewa, Jan Sewa”, positioning India Post as a key driver of the rural economy and leveraging its vast postal network.Under the MoU, India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) will provide digitally enabled doorstep banking services, including savings, payments and remittances, benefiting rural women, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and community institutions.

 

4. India’s Coal Sector at 250: From Colonial Fuel to Next-Generation Energy Backbone: As India steps into 2026, a long view of its coal sector reveals a rare story of reinvention. Few sectors have travelled such a sweeping arc — from colonial extraction to nationalisation-induced stagnation, and now to a technologically modern, policy-driven reset. Over the last 11 years in particular, coal has been reimagined not as a sunset fuel, but as a strategically upgraded pillar of India’s energy and industrial system.The recent launch of India’s first-ever auction of underground coal gasification blocks captures this shift. Alongside renewable integration by coal PSUs, washed coal, carbon-capture pilots, digital mine monitoring and advanced logistics, it signals that coal’s future role will look very different from its past.Coal’s story in India is inseparable from the country’s economic history. Commercial mining began in 1774 at the Raniganj coalfields, when Sumner and Heatley extracted coal despite scepticism from colonial authorities about its quality. The turning point came in 1853 with the Howrah–Raniganj railway link, which connected scattered mines to markets and laid the foundation for scale.By the late 19th century, coal powered steam engines, factories and railways, anchoring India’s early industrial base. The Bengal Coal Company emerged as the first joint-stock coal enterprise, signalling coal’s transition from a local resource to a systemic industrial input.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India–Oman CEPA Explained: What the Trade Pact Delivers for Exports, Services and Jobs: The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Oman marks a decisive upgrade in bilateral economic ties. Rather than a narrow tariff-cutting deal, the CEPA creates a single, predictable framework covering goods, services, investment, professional mobility and regulatory cooperation. With bilateral trade reaching “$10.61 billion in FY 2024–25”, the agreement seeks to convert steady growth into sustained, diversified expansion—while protecting sensitive domestic sectors through calibrated safeguards. A CEPA goes beyond trade in goods. It brings together market access for services, investment facilitation, mobility of professionals, dispute settlement and cooperation on regulations. Crucially, it also allows for mutual recognition arrangements—acknowledging different regulatory systems where outcomes are equivalent. For businesses, this translates into lower compliance friction, faster approvals and greater certainty over long-term market access. Trade and commerce have long anchored India–Oman relations. In FY 2024–25, bilateral trade rose to “$10.61 billion”, up from “$8.94 billion” a year earlier. India’s exports stood at “$4.06 billion”, while imports—largely energy-linked—were “$6.55 billion”. Services trade has also expanded steadily, led by telecom, IT, business services, transport and travel, providing a strong foundation for a comprehensive agreement.

 

2. Why Trump’s Greenland Remarks Expose the Power Imbalance Inside NATO: Soon after the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, senior officials in the administration of U.S. President “Donald Trump” made an extraordinary claim: Greenland, an autonomous territory belonging to Denmark, should become part of the United States. Denmark has firmly rejected the idea, making clear it has no intention of ceding Greenland. Analysts warn that any attempt by Washington to forcibly take over the territory would strike at the very foundations of the “North Atlantic Treaty Organization” (NATO), potentially triggering its collapse.The controversy has brought into sharp focus not just the geopolitics of the Arctic, but also the deep economic and military asymmetries that underpin NATO — asymmetries that the Trump administration appears increasingly willing to exploit.Greenland is strategically critical. Located in the Arctic, it sits astride emerging sea routes, hosts valuable mineral resources, and already accommodates U.S. military facilities under long-standing agreements with Denmark. However, sovereignty over Greenland lies with Denmark, which is itself a NATO member. A unilateral U.S. move against Danish territory would create an unprecedented crisis within NATO: an alliance designed to defend members against external threats would be confronted with aggression by one member against another. Most experts agree such a scenario would effectively paralyse — if not destroy — the alliance.

 

3. U.S. Exit from UN Climate Bodies: What Trump’s Withdrawal Means for Global Climate Governance: The United States has taken an unprecedented step in global climate diplomacy. U.S. President “Donald Trump” has signed a presidential memorandum withdrawing the country from 66 international organisations, including the “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change” (UNFCCC) and the “Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change” (IPCC). The move goes far beyond the earlier decision to exit the “Paris Agreement”, effectively removing the US from the core architecture that governs international climate action. On February 4, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order directing a review of all international organisations, conventions and treaties to determine whether they were “contrary” to US interests. The subsequent memorandum announced withdrawals from a wide set of climate, environment and development-related bodies, including the UNFCCC, IPCC, International Solar Alliance, IUCN, IPBES, UN Population Fund and UN Energy.While leaving the Paris Agreement had already signalled Washington’s scepticism towards multilateral climate action, exiting the UNFCCC is far more consequential. The UNFCCC is the parent treaty under which annual Conference of Parties (COP) negotiations are held and under which the Paris Agreement legally sits. Almost every UN member state is a party to it; the US will now become the first country to formally walk away from this foundational treaty.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Commissions ICGS Samudra Pratap: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned ICGS Samudra Pratap, India’s first indigenously designed Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).Samudra Pratap, with over 60% indigenous content, is the largest ship in the Indian Coast Guard fleet, integrating pollution control, coastal patrol, maritime safety, fire-fighting, and long-range surveillance capabilities on a single platform.Equipped with advanced pollution detection systems, fire-fighting equipment, aviation facilities including a helicopter hangar, and capable of operating in rough seas, the vessel enhances India’s marine environmental protection, blue economy safeguarding, and maritime security.

 

2. Indian Army Conducts Exercise Sanjha Shakti in Maharashtra: The Indian Army on Saturday conducted Exercise “Sanjha Shakti”, a joint Military–Civil Fusion exercise, at the Dighi Hills Range. The exercise was organised under the aegis of the Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa Area of the Southern Command, with the objective of strengthening coordination between the armed forces and civilian agencies in responding to complex security challenges and emergency situations. According to the Indian Army, the exercise aimed to enhance civil–military synergy, improve rapid response capabilities, and ensure public safety in rear areas. It focused on preparedness for emergencies such as disasters, internal security challenges, and other contingencies in the hinterland, where coordinated action between multiple agencies is critical. More than 350 personnel participated in the drill, bringing together the Indian Army and 16 key civilian agencies. These included the Maharashtra Police, Force One, and various fire and emergency services. The large-scale participation highlighted the importance of integrated planning and execution among diverse stakeholders involved in public safety and disaster response.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. India’s AI Challenge Is Not Technology — It Is How Fast Workers Can Adapt: As 2025 draws to a close, a quiet but uncomfortable truth has become clear for India: global competitiveness will not be determined by how quickly artificial intelligence is adopted, but by how fast Indian workers can adapt to it. The disruption AI is causing is not primarily about jobs disappearing — it is about jobs changing faster than India’s education, certification and hiring systems can respond.

Globally, the skills required for AI-exposed roles are evolving 66% faster than those in less-exposed jobs, according to “PwC”. For India, with one of the world’s youngest and largest workforces, this velocity poses a unique challenge. Degrees, once a near-permanent signal of employability, are rapidly losing their shelf life. Today, relevance often lasts no more than two or three years.India produces over 1.5 million engineering graduates every year. Yet industry surveys repeatedly show that fewer than half are immediately employable in emerging digital roles such as AI, cybersecurity or cloud computing. This is not a failure of ability or effort. It is a failure of alignment — between what people learn, what employers need, and how skills are formally recognised.Traditional credentials were designed for an era when skills changed slowly. In today’s labour market, roles mutate continuously, and workers must reskill repeatedly across their careers. The result is a paradox: India has abundant talent on paper, but acute shortages in practice.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. DICGC Insures 41.5% of Bank Deposits, Fund Balance Rises to ₹2.29 Lakh Crore as of March 2025: As of March 2025, 41.5% of total bank deposits by value and 97.6% by number of accounts in commercial and cooperative banks were insured by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), which provides coverage up to ₹5 lakh per depositor.Out of ₹241.08 lakh crore total bank deposits, ₹100.12 lakh crore were insured, slightly lower than the previous year’s 43.1% (₹94.12 lakh crore) coverage.In FY 2025, DICGC settled ₹476 crore of claims and recovered ₹1,309 crore, with the deposit insurance fund balance reaching ₹2.29 lakh crore, a 15.2% increase year-on-year; insured deposits grew 6.4%.Since its inception in 1961, DICGC has funded the scheme through a flat-rate premium of 12 paise per ₹100 of assessable deposits charged to banks.

 

2. SBI Launches First Global Capability Centre in Bengaluru: SBI Chairperson Challa Sreenivasulu Setty inaugurated the bank’s first-ever Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Bengaluru, along with 11 new SBI branches, highlighting SBI’s support for India’s growing GCC ecosystem.SBI has set up a specialized relationship management team in Bengaluru to cater exclusively to the banking and financial needs of Global Capability Centres.As part of its CSR efforts, SBI announced contributions including upgrading 35 government primary schools in Karnataka, providing ENT medical equipment to IISc Medical School, a 50,000-tree plantation at Tumkur University, and donating an e-ambulance to the Madras Engineer Group & Centre, Bengaluru.

 

3. Goldman Sachs Projects India’s GDP Growth at 6.8% in FY 2026–27: Goldman Sachs has projected that India’s GDP growth will moderate to 6.8% in FY 2026–27, compared to an estimated 7.3% in FY 2025–26.Goldman Sachs is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company, known for its global economic and financial forecasts. The firm was founded in 1869 and is headquartered in Lower Manhattan, New York City.

 

Daily GK Update- 9th Jan, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. IBBI Chairperson Ravi Mittal Launches IICA PGIP Programme Website: IBBI Chairperson Shri Ravi Mittal launched the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) PGIP programme website while presiding as Chief Guest at an event on the IICA campus.He encouraged students interested in research to apply for the upcoming IBBI research programme, offering selected candidates an opportunity to work with IBBI.The newly launched website will serve as a digital platform to connect PGIP alumni with current students, promoting interaction, knowledge sharing, problem-solving, and industry exposure through alumni engagement.

 

2. Dharmendra Pradhan Releases 55 Literary Works in Classical Indian Languages: Union Minister for Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan released 55 literary works in classical Indian languages at an event held in New Delhi.The releases include 41 books prepared by the Centres of Excellence for Classical Languages under the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL).Additionally, 13 books and a Tirukkural Sign Language series were brought out by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT), covering Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Odia, and Tamil.

The initiative aims to promote India’s linguistic heritage, strengthen classical language research, and foster cultural pride by integrating traditional knowledge into education.

 

3. NITI Aayog Unveils Fifth Edition of Trade Watch Quarterly: NITI Aayog released the fifth edition of its flagship publication Trade Watch Quarterly, presenting a data-driven assessment of India’s trade performance in Q1 FY 2025–26 (April–June 2025), with a special focus on automotive exports.The report was unveiled in New Delhi on January 6 by Dr. Arvind Virmani, Member, NITI Aayog, and highlights structural shifts in India’s trade, including rising technology-intensive exports and resilient services-led growth.A key thematic section analyses India’s automotive exports, noting strong performance in auto components and select vehicle segments such as motorcycles and tractors, while identifying a large untapped global market worth about USD 2.2 trillion.The publication outlines policy priorities to enhance export competitiveness, including improving quality standards, adopting advanced technologies, strengthening logistics, diversifying markets, and deepening integration into global automotive value chains.

 

4. Siddaramaiah Becomes Longest-Serving Chief Minister of Karnatak: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah created history by becoming the longest-serving Chief Minister of Karnataka, surpassing the record of late Devaraj Urs, a key figure in the state’s social justice and land reform movement.On January 6, during his second term, the 77-year-old leader equalled Urs’ total tenure of 2,792 days in office, combining service across two terms.Siddaramaiah is also the only Chief Minister after Devaraj Urs to complete a full five-year term, having served 1,829 days in his first tenure (2013–2018) and 963 days in his current term since May 2023.

 

5. India’s GDP Projected to Grow 6.9% in FY 2026-27: Ind-Ra: This projected growth is lower than the estimated 7.4% GDP growth for the Financial Year 2025-26.This projected growth is lower than the estimated 7.4% GDP growth for the Financial Year 2025-26.

 

6. Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque Sworn in as 24th Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court: Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque was sworn in as the 24th Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim at Ashirwad Hall, Lok Bhawan, with Governor Om Prakash Mathur administering the oath of office.

He succeeds Justice Biswanath Somadder, who recently retired from the post of Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Launches e-B-4 Visa for Chinese Business Professionals to Boost Industrial and Investment Activities: India has introduced the e-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4 Visa) for Chinese business professionals, allowing travel to India for specified industrial and commercial activities as part of measures to stabilise and reset bilateral ties.The e-B-4 Visa, effective from January 1, can be applied for entirely online, permits a stay of up to six months, and is designed to facilitate production-linked and investment-related business operations.Permitted activities under the visa include equipment installation, quality checks, IT system ramp-up, workforce training, supply chain development, plant commissioning, and visits by senior management, with applications processed via the Bureau of Immigration portal for individuals and the NSWS portal for Indian companies.

 

2. World Hindi Day: How a People’s Language Became a Global Voice: Languages do more than facilitate conversation — they preserve memory, carry cultural struggles, and articulate a civilisation’s aspirations. Hindi, today among the world’s most widely spoken languages, is not the product of a single historical moment but the outcome of centuries of cultural exchange, resistance, and renewal. Observed every year on January 10, World Hindi Day commemorates this long journey and marks the First World Hindi Conference held in Nagpur in 1975, when Hindi was formally projected as a global language. The origins of Hindi lie in “Sanskrit”, the classical language of ancient India. Over time, Sanskrit interacted with Prakrit and Apabhramsha, gradually giving rise to regional dialects spoken by ordinary people. These vernacular forms, shaped by local cultures and daily use, eventually coalesced into what we recognise today as modern Hindi.Crucially, Hindi did not evolve as a language imposed from royal courts. Its growth was organic — rooted in everyday speech, open to external influences, and continuously adapting to social change.

 

3. Two geographies, one moral mechanism: Violence rarely arrives announcing its true name. It comes disguised as duty, wrapped in law, sanctified by faith, draped in the language of nation and necessity. Before it spills blood, it demands something subtler and more dangerous: moral consent. Only after that inner permission is secured does destruction become acceptable, even virtuous..The actor here is not a state or a mob in isolation, but something far more intimate and portable — the human ego. Long before violence hardens into policy, scripture, or slogans, it germinates in the small, sticky centre called “I”.In early January 2026, Venezuela woke to the grammar of force. Explosions around Caracas, helicopters over secured compounds, and soon after, Nicolás Maduro was no longer in his capital but in American custody, on his way to face charges in New York. Washington called it law executed with resolve. Caracas called it a violation of sovereignty. Flags argued, press releases clashed, and ordinary people swept broken glass and counted bodies. That same week in Bangladesh, a Hindu shopkeeper closed his pharmacy on New Year’s Eve and walked home. He never arrived. Stopped on the road, he was stabbed, beaten, drenched in petrol and set on fire. To survive, he jumped into a pond. He died later. Around the same time, a garment worker was beaten and burned alive over an alleged act of blasphemy that police reportedly found no evidence for. Minority groups say more than 2,400 incidents of violence against minorities have occurred since August 2024.

 

4. Why the US Exit from UN Climate Bodies Could Reshape Global Climate Action: The United States has announced its withdrawal from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and more than 60 international treaties and organisations, including key climate bodies such as the IPCC, International Solar Alliance, and IRENA. Coming a year after President Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of the Paris Agreement, this marks a near-total disengagement of the US from the global climate governance architecture — raising questions about the future effectiveness of multilateral climate action. The US decision covers the “UN Framework Convention on Climate Change”, the foundational 1992 treaty that underpins all global climate negotiations. It also includes exit from major scientific and policy platforms such as the “Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change”, the “International Solar Alliance”, and the “International Renewable Energy Agency”.This comes on top of the US withdrawal from the “Paris Agreement”, which will formally take effect on January 20 after the mandatory one-year notice period. Over the past year, the Trump administration has also cut funding and staffing across US climate research agencies, weakening global data collection and monitoring systems.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Uttarakhand Police Tops ICJS 2.0 Rankings, SDRF Lauded for Mahakumbh Role: The Uttarakhand Police has achieved a major milestone by securing first position in the national ICJS 2.0 rankings, reinforcing its leadership in digital policing and criminal justice reforms. At the same time, the Uttarakhand State Disaster Response Force has earned national recognition for its exemplary service during Prayagraj Mahakumbh-2025. Inspector General of Police Sunil Kumar Meena said Uttarakhand topped the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) 2.0 rankings as per the latest CCTNS/ICJS Progress Dashboard released by the National Crime Records Bureau. With a score of 93.46, Uttarakhand ranked first nationally, ahead of Haryana and Assam. The achievement reflects rapid adoption of digital platforms, strong inter-departmental coordination, and effective implementation across districts. The Ministry of Home Affairs has set a target to fully operationalise ICJS 2.0 by 2026, integrating police, courts, prosecution, prisons, forensics, and fingerprint databases into a unified digital ecosystem. IG Meena noted that Uttarakhand has completed integration of most ICJS modules ahead of schedule. The system now enables seamless digital handling of case diaries, charge sheets, electronic evidence, and judicial processes, guided by the “One Data, One Entry” principle.

 

2. Oreshnik Missile Escalates Russia-Ukraine Conflict: The Russia-Ukraine war witnessed a sharp escalation after Moscow confirmed the use of its advanced Oreshnik ballistic missile in an overnight strike on Ukraine. The attack, carried out just weeks before the conflict approaches its fourth anniversary, has raised serious concerns about European security and the evolving nature of Russia’s military posture.On January 9, Russia announced that it had deployed the Oreshnik missile as part of a large-scale overnight assault targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure and drone manufacturing facilities. Ukrainian authorities reported multiple casualties in Kyiv, with damage to critical infrastructure. The strike followed Moscow’s claim of a Ukrainian drone attack on the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, an allegation rejected by Kyiv and the United States.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Steve Smith Becomes Second-Highest Run-Scorer in Ashes History, Only Behind Don Bradman: Australian batter Steve Smith became the second-highest run-scorer in Ashes history on January 6, 2026, surpassing England’s Jack Hobbs during Day 2 of the fifth Test at Sydney Cricket Ground.Smith has scored 3644 runs in 41 matches and 73 innings at an average of 56.93, including 13 centuries and 15 half-centuries, placing him only behind Australian legend Don Bradman, who scored 5028 runs.Steve Smith notched his 37th Test century and 13th Ashes century, surpassing Jack Hobbs’ record of 12 Ashes hundreds; only Don Bradman’s 19 Ashes centuries remain ahead.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Ministry of I&B’s WaveX Signs MoU with FITT-IIT Delhi to Boost Innovation in Broadcasting and Entertainment: WaveX, the startup accelerator initiative of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, signed an MoU with the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT Delhi, to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in media, entertainment, broadcasting, and communication technologies.Under the collaboration, FITT, IIT Delhi will support the implementation and expansion of the WaveX Programme by helping establish and strengthen incubation centres across the country.FITT will provide strategic and operational guidance, technical expertise, research facilities, mentorship, intellectual property (IP) support, and capacity-building for startups and incubation managers.

 

2. CSIR-NIScPR, IIT Indore and IIT Jodhpur Organise Third Technical Hindi Symposium “Abhyuday-3”: CSIR–NIScPR, IIT Indore, and IIT Jodhpur jointly organised the third Technical Hindi Symposium “Abhyuday-3” at IIT Indore, which concluded as a two-day academic event.The symposium aimed to promote the use of Technical Hindi and enhance the outreach of science and technology to wider sections of society through effective communication.The programme featured invited lectures on science, engineering, digital technologies, and innovation, along with paper presentation sessions where 25 participants presented their research in Hindi.

 

3. NASA Brings Astronauts Home Early Over Medical Concern: In an unprecedented decision, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has announced the early return of four astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS) due to a serious medical concern affecting one crew member. The move marks the first such instance in the ISS’s 25-year history of continuous human presence and underscores NASA’s priority on astronaut health and safety. The four-member Crew-11 mission was launched to the ISS in August last year aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. The astronauts were scheduled for a six-month stay in orbit. However, NASA has now decided to bring the entire crew back nearly a month earlier than planned. Officials clarified that the affected astronaut is currently stable and that the return does not constitute an emergency evacuation. Crew-11 comprises NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. Following their return, one American astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts will remain aboard the ISS. This arrangement ensures the station retains the minimum crew required to maintain safety, conduct essential operations, and manage critical systems.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. CCI Approves Nippon Steel Corporation’s Acquisition of Krosaki Harima Corporation: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of Krosaki Harima Corporation by Nippon Steel Corporation, Japan.Under the proposed combination, Nippon Steel will acquire 53.4% additional stake in Krosaki through a tender offer and potential squeeze-out, increasing its total shareholding to 100%.Krosaki, a publicly listed Japanese company, operates in India through affiliates, manufacturing and selling refractory products serving industries like iron & steel, lime, aluminium, power, cement, and copper.Nippon Steel, also Japan-based, is engaged in India in manufacturing tubes and pipes, processing automotive cold-rolled steel sheets, crankshafts, auto-parts, and importing and selling various steel products.

 

2. SBI Promotes India-Israel Trade in Rupees as FTA Talks Gain Momentum: SBI, the only Indian bank in Israel, is promoting bilateral trade between India and Israel in Indian rupees (INR) as Free Trade Agreement (FTA) discussions gain momentum.Israeli entities can now make and receive payments in INR through SBI’s Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA) for exports/imports of goods and services.SBI Tel Aviv has organised meetings and webinars with the Israel-India Chamber of Commerce and engaged major Israeli defence entities to facilitate rupee trade and strengthen economic ties.The branch also supports over 40,000 Indian workers in Israel by facilitating remittances to India and opening NRI accounts, while providing trade finance, bank guarantees, and corporate banking services.

 

3. First Meeting of Payments Regulatory Board Held Under RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra: The first meeting of the Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) was held in Mumbai under the chairmanship of RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.The PRB was constituted following amendments to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, which came into effect on 9 May last year.The meeting reviewed the functioning of the Department of Payment and Settlement Systems and discussed key issues related to domestic and global payment systems, including the draft Payments Vision 2028 and findings of the RBI’s Digital Payments Survey.

 

4. EXIM Bank Raises $1 Billion Through Dual-Tranche U.S. Dollar Bonds in First 2026 Debt Issue: The Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) accepted bids worth $1 billion for its dual-tranche, longer-duration U.S. dollar-denominated bonds, marking India’s first such debt issue of 2026.The bank raised $500 million through 10-year bonds at a 5.00% yield, representing a spread of 85 basis points over the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield.Another $500 million was raised through 30-year bonds at a 5.75% yield, with a spread of 95 basis points over the comparable U.S. Treasury yield.

 

Daily GK Update- 8th Jan, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Karnataka Records First Sighting of Ultra-Rare ‘Sandalwood Leopard’ in Vijayanagara: Karnataka recorded its first-ever sighting of the ultra-rare “Sandalwood Leopard” in Vijayanagara district, marking only the second confirmed instance in India.The female leopard shows a pale reddish-pink coat with light-brown rosettes, unlike the usual tawny colour, and was captured on camera traps, later seen with a normally coloured cub.The discovery was documented by wildlife biologist Sanjay Gubbi and the Holematthi Nature Foundation, with researchers noting that genetic confirmation will require non-invasive DNA analysis.

 

2. ONGC Partners with NSTFDC to Boost Infrastructure and Education in Eklavya Model Residential Schools : ONGC Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NSTFDC to support infrastructure development and welfare initiatives for Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), aimed at tribal youth empowerment.The initiative focuses on career mentorship, digital education, teacher capacity building, and holistic development of tribal students enrolled in EMRS.Under the project, ONGC has sanctioned ₹28 crores for digital learning infrastructure, health and hygiene interventions (like sanitary pad vending machines and incinerators), career counseling, and entrepreneurship training across 144 EMRS in 11 states and UTs.The project is expected to benefit over 35,000 tribal students, enhancing equal access to quality education, technology, and career opportunities.

 

3. Delhi Government Signs MoU with RBI to Streamline Borrowings and Cash Management : Delhi government signs MoU with RBI, allowing it to act as banker, debt manager, and financial agent for the state.The MoU enables market borrowings through State Development Loans, automatic surplus cash investment, professional cash management, and access to low-cost liquidity.CM Rekha Gupta calls the agreement a transformational milestone and a long-overdue financial reform.

 

4. EU Leaders Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa to Be Chief Guests at India’s Republic Day 2026: European Union leaders Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa will be the chief guests at India’s Republic Day 2026 celebrations on January 26, 2026, marking a significant diplomatic moment for the event.Ursula von der Leyen serves as President of the European Commission and António Costa as President of the European Council, representing the top leadership of the EU.This invitation underscores strengthening India–EU diplomatic and economic ties, highlighting India’s strategic engagement with the European Union as a unified partner.

 

5. Reliance Signs Amitabh Bachchan as Brand Ambassador for Campa Sure Packaged Water: Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL) has signed Amitabh Bachchan as the brand ambassador for its packaged drinking water brand Campa Sure.This marks the third major brand endorsement by RCPL in recent months, following Ram Charan’s association with Campa and a strategic partnership with Ajith Kumar’s motorsport team.The move comes amid heightened competition in the packaged water segment, especially after the GST on mineral water was reduced to 5% from 18%, prompting price cuts across the industry.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Israel Becomes First Country to Recognise Somaliland as an Independent State: Israel became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, a move likely to impact regional dynamics and challenge Somalia’s opposition to secession.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology and the economy, and signed a joint declaration of mutual recognition with President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi.

 

2. Bengaluru Tops 2025 Ranking as Best Indian City for Women : Bengaluru has been ranked the best city for women in India in 2025, emerging as the top performer in a nationwide study assessing urban inclusion. The ranking highlights the city’s strength in combining social infrastructure with industrial opportunities, creating a supportive ecosystem for women’s safety, employment, and long-term career growth. The study was released by Avtar, a Chennai-based workplace inclusion firm, and evaluated 125 cities across the country. Bengaluru secured the highest City Inclusion Score of 53.29, followed by Chennai at 49.86 and Pune at 46.27. Hyderabad and Mumbai completed the top five, reflecting the dominance of southern and western metropolitan regions in fostering women-friendly urban environments. The index is built on two key pillars. The Social Inclusion Score measures factors such as safety, health, education, mobility, and overall liveability. The Industrial Inclusion Score tracks access to formal employment, skilling opportunities, corporate diversity practices, and women’s participation in the workforce. Cities performing strongly across both pillars were found to offer more sustainable conditions for women’s professional advancement.

 

3. U.S. Withdraws from 66 International Organisations Under Trump Order: The United States has announced its withdrawal from 66 international organisations, marking a significant escalation in President Donald Trump’s retreat from multilateral global cooperation. The decision follows a comprehensive review of U.S. participation and funding in international bodies, particularly those linked to the United Nations system. The move was formalised through an executive order signed on January 7, 2026, suspending U.S. support for 66 organisations, agencies, and commissions. Most of the targeted bodies are affiliated with the United Nations and focus on climate action, labour standards, social development, and advisory functions. The administration has characterised many of these institutions as redundant, inefficient, or misaligned with U.S. national interests and sovereignty. A central feature of the withdrawals is the U.S. exit from climate-related frameworks, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the foundational treaty underpinning the Paris Agreement. The administration has also pulled out of the India–France-led International Solar Alliance. Officials argue these bodies promote policy agendas linked to diversity and “woke” initiatives, which the administration views as contrary to its priorities.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. 2nd Khelo India Beach Games Kicks Off at Ghoghla Beach, Diu with 2,100+ Athletes: The 2nd Khelo India Beach Games will be held at Ghoghla Beach, Diu, from 5 to 10 January, organised by the UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.Over 2,100 athletes will compete in eight beach sports, with six medal events including Beach Soccer, Beach Volleyball, Beach Kabaddi, Pencak Silat and Open Water Swimming. Mallakhamb and Tug of War are the non-medal events.

Conducted under the technical supervision of the Sports Authority of India, the event aligns with PM Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting a strong sports culture and healthy youth.

 

2. Pro Wrestling League Season 5 Auction Sees 63 Wrestlers Sold for Over ₹11 Crore: A total of 63 wrestlers were bought in the Pro Wrestling League Season 5 auction, with six franchises spending over ₹11 crore to build their squads.Yui Susaki, two-time Olympic medallist and four-time world champion, received the highest bid of ₹60 lakh from Haryana Thunders.Among men, Robert Baran was the most expensive, purchased by Maharashtra Kesari for ₹55 lakh, while Indian wrestlers Sujeet Kalkal and Antim Panghal attracted bids of ₹52 lakh each.The tournament resumes after six years, scheduled from 15 January to 1 February at the Noida Indoor Stadium, featuring nine weight categories across men’s and women’s divisions.

 

3. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Stars as India U19 Seal 3–0 Sweep: India Under-19 delivered a dominant all-round performance to crush South Africa Under-19 by 233 runs in the third and final youth ODI, completing a clean 3–0 series sweep. The match underlined India’s depth and aggressive intent, with captain Vaibhav Sooryavanshi emerging as the standout performer of the series. Leading from the front, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi produced a breathtaking innings, smashing 127 off just 74 balls. The 14-year-old from Bihar struck ten sixes and nine fours, showcasing fearless strokeplay and exceptional timing. His knock followed an earlier rapid fifty in the series, confirming his growing reputation as one of India’s most exciting youth prospects. Opening partner Aaron George complemented Sooryavanshi perfectly with a composed 118 off 106 deliveries. Together, they stitched a commanding 227-run partnership that laid the foundation for India’s imposing total of 393 for 7. The sheer scale of the total put the contest firmly beyond South Africa’s reach before the chase even began.

 

 

 

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. MeitY, IndiaAI and IIT Guwahati Host Human Capital Working Group Meeting on AI: MeitY, IndiaAI Mission, Government of Assam and IIT Guwahati are jointly hosting a two-day Human Capital Working Group Meeting at the IIT Guwahati campus.The meeting brought together policymakers, academic leaders and industry experts to discuss education reforms, workforce transition and human-centric AI adoption.Chaired by Prof. T. G. Sitharam, the meeting serves as a precursor to the India AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled in New Delhi (15–20 February 2026).

 

2. SAMPANN Integrated Pension System Enhanced with DigiLocker Access for DoT Pensioners: SAMPANN (System for Accounting and Management of Pension) is an integrated online pension management system for Department of Telecommunications (DoT) pensioners, enabling end-to-end processing, sanctioning and direct bank transfer of pensions.The platform provides online grievance redressal, digital profile management and transaction records, improving transparency, efficiency and service delivery for telecom retirees.To promote digital governance and paperless services, key pension documents such as Pension Payment Orders, Gratuity Orders, Commutation Orders and Form 16 are now available via DigiLocker, allowing secure anytime access and long-term digital preservation.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. ICICI Bank Enters Capital Gains Account Scheme, Offering Tax-Saving Option from 2026: ICICI Bank has entered the Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS) after the Government of India approval, allowing resident individuals and HUFs to park uninvested long-term capital gains from January 1, 2026.The CGAS account enables taxpayers to earn interest for up to three years while preserving capital gains tax exemptions and planning reinvestment.ICICI Bank becomes one of the few authorised banks to offer CGAS, easing reinvestment timeline challenges faced by taxpayers, especially in property transactions.The move expands access to CGAS in urban and semi-urban areas, positioning the scheme as both a tax-compliance tool and short-term capital management solution.

 

2. HDFC AMC Launches ₹2,500-Crore Structured Credit Fund to Tap Private Credit Market: HDFC AMC enters the private credit market with its new Structured Credit Fund-I, targeting mid-market companies with alternative debt financing.IFC, part of the World Bank Group, will invest up to ₹220 crore as an anchor investor; the fund has already secured ₹1,290 crore in its first close, aiming for a total corpus of ₹1,500 crore with a green-shoe option of ₹1,000 crore.The fund will invest in mid-market companies across sectors, aiming for mid-teen returns over 4–6 years, enhancing access to finance, supporting job creation, and promoting market innovation.

 

3. UPI Sets Record with 21.6 Billion Transactions in December 2025: UPI recorded a record 63 billion transactions in December 2025, marking its highest monthly volume ever, with a total value of ₹27.97 lakh crore.Daily averages reached nearly 698 million transactions, up from 682 million in November, showing strong adoption in everyday payments.Year-on-year, transaction volumes grew 29% and transaction values increased 20%, with average ticket size around ₹1,293, highlighting UPI’s shift toward micro-payments.For the full year 2025, UPI processed 228.3 billion transactions worth nearly ₹300 lakh crore, capturing 84.8% of retail digital payment volumes in H1 2025.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Fatima Al Awadhi Summits Mount Vinson as Youngest Arab at 18: An 18-year-old Emirati mountaineer, Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi, has reached the summit of Mount Vinson in Antarctica, becoming the youngest Arab to stand atop the continent’s highest peak. The ascent, completed on January 6, 2026, places her among a small group of climbers to conquer one of the world’s most remote and hostile summits. Mount Vinson rises to about 4,892 metres in the Ellsworth Mountains, deep within Antarctica. It is part of the Seven Summits list, which includes the highest mountain on each continent. Unlike peaks with established settlements and road access, Vinson is defined by isolation, limited rescue options, and logistics that rely heavily on specialized aviation and polar field camps. Climbers face severe cold, strong winds, and whiteout conditions that can halt movement for days. Temperatures on Vinson expeditions can plunge below minus 40 degrees Celsius, increasing the risks of frostbite, dehydration, and equipment failure. The climb typically requires high endurance, careful acclimatization, and disciplined pacing across icefields and exposed ridgelines, with teams often operating for up to three weeks in challenging conditions.