Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 16&17 January, 2026

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
16&17 January, 2026

National Affairs

1. The Global Risks Report 2026

Source: WEF

Context:

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has identified geo-economic confrontation as the top short-term global risk in its Global Risks Report 2026, surpassing armed conflict. This reflects escalating trade wars, sanctions regimes, and the strategic weaponisation of economic tools.

About the Global Risks Report 2026

• The 21st annual flagship assessment by the WEF.
• Based on the Global Risks Perception Survey (GRPS) covering leaders from government, business, academia, civil society, and international organisations.
• Assesses 33 global risks over:
  • Short term: 2 years
  • Long term: 10 years

Key Findings

• Geo-economic confrontation ranks 1st in the 2-year horizon, defined as the strategic use of trade barriers, tariffs, sanctions, investment restrictions, and resource controls.
• Extreme weather events fall from 2nd (2025) to 4th in short-term rankings.
• Pollution declines from 6th to 9th, indicating reduced immediate salience.
• Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse remain critical in the 10-year horizon, despite declining short-term rankings.
• Adverse outcomes of AI technologies rank 30th (short term) but surge to 5th (long term).
• Concerns include job losses, social fragmentation, mental health impacts, misinformation, and AI use in warfare, driven by weak governance.

Implications and Challenges for India

1. Trade fragmentation & supply shocks
   • Weaponised trade threatens exports and manufacturing inputs.
   • Example: US–China tech restrictions have pushed India towards domestic semiconductor and electronics localisation under PLI schemes.
2. Strategic vulnerability in critical minerals
   • Resource concentration risks India’s clean-energy transition.
   • Example: Dependence on China-dominated rare earths has accelerated overseas mineral acquisition and the Critical Minerals Mission.
3. AI governance & labour disruption
   • Automation pressures threaten IT and BPO employment.
   • Example: IndiaAI Mission and large-scale skilling reforms.
4. Climate-linked infrastructure stress
   • Extreme events strain ageing infrastructure and public finances.
   • Example: 2023–25 floods and heatwaves disrupting railways, power grids, and urban services.
5. Social polarisation & trust deficit
   • Misinformation weakens democratic institutions.
   • Example: Election-period fake news prompting tighter digital governance and fact-checking mechanisms.

WEF Recommendations

1. Rebuild trust-based multilateral cooperation to manage shared systemic risks in a fragmented multipolar order.
2. De-weaponise economic policy tools by improving transparency and predictability in trade and investment rules.
3. Strengthen global AI governance frameworks to address ethical, labour, and security challenges.
4. Invest in resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding climate and geopolitical shocks.
5. Address inequality proactively to prevent cascading political and social instability.

2. NITI Aayog Report: Achieving Efficiencies in MSME Sector through Convergence of Schemes

Source: PIB

Context:

In January 2026, NITI Aayog released a comprehensive report advocating convergence of MSME schemes to reduce duplication, enhance efficiency, and improve last-mile delivery amid rising public expenditure on MSMEs.

About the Report

• A policy blueprint prepared by the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) for NITI Aayog.
• Reviews 18 centrally administered MSME schemes.
• Focuses on information, process, and institutional convergence to improve coordination, outcomes, and resource utilisation.

Objective of the Report

• Strengthen the effectiveness of government support to MSMEs
• Reduce duplication and fragmentation in scheme delivery
• Improve efficiency, outreach, and outcome orientation of public expenditure on MSMEs
• Build a cohesive MSME support ecosystem through strategic convergence

MSME Sector: Key Facts

• GDP contribution: ~29–30% of India’s GDP
• Employment: Over 28.7 crore people (second only to agriculture)
• Exports: ~45–46% of India’s exports (though only ~1% are direct exporters)
• Scale & spread: 6.3+ crore MSMEs; ~51% located in rural areas
• Rising public support: Budget outlay rose from ₹6,717 crore (2019–20) to ₹22,094 crore (2023–24)

Rationale for Scheme Convergence

1. Unified digital access to schemes
   • Multiple portals increase compliance costs and information asymmetry.
   • A single window simplifies discovery, eligibility checks, and applications.
2. Cluster development rationalisation
   • Overlapping cluster schemes dilute funding and accountability.
   • Convergence improves scale, infrastructure quality, and collective competitiveness.
3. Skill programme alignment
   • Fragmented skilling schemes target similar beneficiaries, causing duplication.
   • Alignment improves employability and industry linkage.
4. Marketing support integration
   • Dispersed schemes limit visibility and scale.
   • Example: A Unified Marketing Assistance Wing can streamline MSME participation in IITF, buyer–seller meets, and overseas expos.
5. Innovation ecosystem consolidation
   • Parallel incubation schemes fragment mentoring and funds.
   • Example: Integrating ASPIRE into MSME Innovative strengthens agro-rural incubation by combining grassroots and advanced innovation support.

Major MSME Initiatives

• Udyam Registration & Udyam Assist Platform: Digital formalisation and scheme access
• PMEGP & PM Vishwakarma: Self-employment, entrepreneurship, and artisan livelihoods
• CGTMSE & SRI Fund: Collateral-free credit and equity infusion
• RAMP Programme: Productivity, resilience, and global competitiveness
• GeM & Public Procurement Policy: Assured market access via mandated MSME procurement

Challenges in Scheme Convergence

1. Inter-ministerial silos
   • Jurisdictional resistance slows data sharing.
   • Example: Overlaps between MSME Ministry and Rural Development Ministry in village industries.
2. Risk of dilution of targeted schemes
   • Vulnerable groups may lose focus in broad mergers.
   • Example: National SC/ST Hub needs ring-fenced funding and autonomy.
3. Capacity constraints at the field level
   • Uneven capabilities of District Industries Centres (DICs) affect uptake and grievance redressal.
4. Data integration issues
   • Legacy IT systems hinder real-time tracking.
   • Example: Poor integration between state MSME dashboards and Udyam portal.
5. Transition risks for beneficiaries
   • Abrupt mergers may delay benefits during administrative restructuring.

Key Recommendations

1. Centralised MSME Portal:
   AI-enabled single digital platform integrating schemes, compliance, finance, and market intelligence (dashboards, chatbots, mobile access).
2. Cluster scheme convergence:
   Merge SFURTI with MSE-CDP via a sub-scheme for traditional industries with unified governance and funding.
3. Skill programme rationalisation:
   Three-tier framework—entrepreneurship, technical skills, and rural/women artisans—reducing overlap while preserving inclusion.
4. Dedicated Marketing Assistance Wing:
   Unified domestic and export promotion framework for trade fairs and buyer–seller meets.
5. Innovation scheme integration:
   Integrate ASPIRE into MSME Innovative as a special agro-rural category with earmarked funds.

3. Amended Forest Conservation Guidelines 2026

Context:

In January 2026, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) amended the Forest Conservation Guidelines under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam to allow non-government participation in restoring degraded forest land.

About the Amended Guidelines

• Revision of the 2023 Guidelines issued under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam (earlier Forest Conservation Act, 1980).
• Reclassifies plantation and afforestation on forest land as “forestry activities”, even when undertaken by government or non-government entities, provided:
  • Activities conform to approved Working Plans/Management Plans, and
  • Remain under State Forest Department supervision.

Key Amendments

1. Reclassification of plantations
   • Plantation and afforestation on forest land are treated as forestry activities, not non-forest use.
2. Exemption from Compensatory Afforestation (CA)
   • Restoration/plantation on degraded forest land no longer requires CA, as no formal diversion is deemed to occur.
3. Waiver of Net Present Value (NPV)
   • NPV payments are not applicable to such plantation/restoration activities.
4. Entry of non-government entities
   • States may engage private and non-government entities for afforestation and restoration.
5. Plan-based approvals
   • Activities must strictly follow approved Working/Management Plans.
6. State discretion on utilisation and revenue sharing
   • States can design case-specific frameworks for use of produce and revenue sharing.
7. Ownership and control retained by government
   • Central approval framework continues; forest land management and ownership remain with the State.

4. IndiaAI Mission

Context:

IndiaAI, an Independent Business Division under Digital India Corporation of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, in collaboration with the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA), has launched the IndiaAI Financial Reporting Compliance Challenge.

What it is

The IndiaAI Mission is a national mission of the Government of India aimed at building a robust, inclusive, and responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem aligned with India’s developmental priorities.

It seeks to position India as a global hub for AI innovation, while ensuring ethical use, social inclusion, and economic impact.

Nodal Ministry & Implementation

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
• Implemented through a mission-mode approach involving government, industry, startups, academia, and research institutions.

Objectives

• Democratise access to AI computing, data, and skills
• Promote home-grown AI models and applications
• Enable responsible, safe, and trustworthy AI
• Apply AI to priority sectors for inclusive growth
• Strengthen India’s AI research, startup, and talent ecosystem

Key Pillars of the IndiaAI Mission

1. IndiaAI Compute Capacity

• Creation of shared national AI computing infrastructure
• Provides affordable access to high-end GPUs and AI accelerators for startups, researchers, and MSMEs
• Reduces dependence on foreign compute providers

2. IndiaAI Innovation Centre

• Supports development of indigenous Large Language Models (LLMs) and foundational AI models
• Focus on Indian languages, contexts, and use cases
• Encourages collaboration between academia, startups, and industry

3. IndiaAI Datasets Platform

• Establishes a unified national data platform
• Enables access to high-quality, anonymised, non-personal datasets
• Supports AI innovation while ensuring data security and privacy

4. IndiaAI Application Development Initiative

• Promotes AI adoption in priority sectors, including:
  • Agriculture
  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Climate & disaster management
  • Governance and public service delivery
• Focus on scalable, socially relevant AI solutions

5. IndiaAI FutureSkills

• Large-scale AI skilling and reskilling programmes
• Targets:
  • Students
  • Working professionals
  • Government officials
• Aims to address job displacement risks and build AI-ready workforce

6. Responsible AI Framework

• Development of ethical AI guidelines
• Focus areas:
  • Transparency
  • Bias mitigation
  • Accountability
  • Safety and trust
• Aligns with global discussions on AI governance

5. CSIR-NIScPR 5th Foundation Day & SVASTIK Portal Launch

Source: PIB

Context:

The CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) celebrated its 5th Foundation Day on 14 January 2026 in New Delhi, highlighting its work in science communication, policy research, AI-enabled multilingual outreach, and traditional knowledge validation.

About CSIR-NIScPR

• A constituent institute of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
• Mandate:
  • Science communication
  • Science, technology & innovation (STI) policy research
  • Validation and dissemination of traditional knowledge
• Plays a key role in evidence-based policymaking and public engagement with science

SVASTIK Web Portal Launched

What is SVASTIK?

SVASTIK stands for Scientifically Validated Societal Traditional Knowledge.

• A national initiative implemented by CSIR-NIScPR
• Launched following the vision articulated by the Prime Minister of India
• Objective:
  • Communicate scientifically validated Indian traditional knowledge to society

Key Features of the SVASTIK Portal

• Centralised digital access to all SVASTIK content
• Multilingual dissemination:
  • English
  • 19 Indian languages
  • 5 foreign languages
• Enhances:
  • Outreach
  • Accessibility
  • Sustained stakeholder engagement
• Bridges traditional knowledge with scientific validation

6. Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024

Source: PIB

Context:

The NITI Aayog released the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024 on 14 January 2026, offering a comprehensive assessment of export readiness across Indian States and Union Territories (UTs).

• First edition: August 2020
• Current edition: 4th edition
• Strategic alignment:
  • Target of USD 1 trillion merchandise exports by 2030
  • Vision of Viksit Bharat @2047

Purpose of EPI

• Provide an evidence-based framework to assess:
  • Strength
  • Resilience
  • Inclusiveness
    of subnational export ecosystems
• Identify:
  • Structural challenges
  • Growth levers
  • Policy opportunities
• Emphasise the role of States and districts in India’s export trajectory and integration into global value chains (GVCs)

Framework & Coverage

• 4 Pillars
• 13 Sub-pillars
• 70 Indicators
  → Enables a granular, policy-relevant assessment

Pillars of EPI 2024

Export Infrastructure (20%)

• Trade & logistics infrastructure
• Connectivity & utilities
• Industrial infrastructure

Business Ecosystem (40%)

• Macroeconomic environment
• Cost competitiveness
• Human capital
• Access to finance & credit
• MSME ecosystem
• Industrial & innovation environment

Policy & Governance (20%)

• State export policy
• Regulatory environment
• Institutional capacity
• Trade facilitation

Export Performance (20%)

• Export outcomes & trends
• Export diversification
• Global integration
• Market access

New dimensions added in 2024:

• Macroeconomic stability
• Cost competitiveness
• Financial access
• MSME ecosystem strength

Classification of States & UTs

• Large States
• Small States
• North Eastern States
• Union Territories

Top Performing States & UTs (EPI 2024)

A. Large States – Leaders

1. Maharashtra
2. Tamil Nadu
3. Gujarat
4. Uttar Pradesh
5. Andhra Pradesh

B. Small States, North-East & UTs – Leaders

1. Uttarakhand
2. Jammu & Kashmir
3. Nagaland
4. Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
5. Goa

7ect India’s push towards digital governance, export competitiveness, cultural diplomacy, AI-driven regulation, and global leadership in energy, justice, and sustainability.

If you want next:

• Prelims MCQs
• GS-wise mains answers
• One-page rapid revision sheets
• Month-wise CA compilation

7. Project Suncatcher

Context:

Google (via Google Research) has unveiled Project Suncatcher, a research initiative exploring AI datacentres in low-Earth orbit (LEO) powered entirely by solar energy, aimed at addressing AI’s rapidly growing electricity demand.

About Project Suncatcher

A concept and research programme to deploy AI datacentres in space, operating in LEO and running continuously on solar power to support energy-intensive AI workloads.

Aim

• Reduce AI’s energy footprint using uninterrupted solar energy.
• Decouple AI compute growth from terrestrial constraints such as:
  • Power grids
  • Land availability
  • Water-intensive cooling systems

How It Works

• Sun-synchronous LEO orbits:
  Satellites operate in orbits with continuous exposure to sunlight, avoiding night cycles.
• Clustered satellite architecture:
  Not a sparse global swarm, but densely clustered satellites functioning like a distributed datacentre.
• Distributed AI workloads:
  • Training and inference are split across satellites.
  • Ultra-high-bandwidth inter-satellite links handle most data movement.
  • Earth downlinks are used mainly for inputs and outputs, not heavy internal traffic.
• Space-ready compute:
  • Uses radiation-tolerant TPUs.
  • Specialised thermal designs dissipate heat in vacuum without water cooling.

8. Kruger National Park

Context:

Kruger National Park was temporarily closed to day visitors after severe flooding, caused by prolonged heavy rainfall leading to multiple rivers overflowing.

About Kruger National Park

• South Africa’s largest and oldest national park
• One of Africa’s most renowned wildlife reserves, globally significant for conservation and eco-tourism

Location

• Situated in northeastern South Africa
• Spans two provinces:
  • Limpopo
  • Mpumalanga
• Borders:
  • Mozambique (east)
  • Close to Zimbabwe (north)

9. Lokpal of India

Context:

The Lokpal of India observed its Foundation Day on 16 January 2026, marking the date on which the institution legally came into force in 2014.

About Lokpal of India

• A statutory, independent anti-corruption ombudsman at the Union level.
• Conceived as a sui generis institution to inquire into and investigate allegations of corruption against high public functionaries, including political and bureaucratic executives.

Legal Basis and Establishment

• Established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act
• Section 3 of the Act was brought into force on 16 January 2014, giving legal effect to the institution.

Composition

• Chairperson + up to 8 Members
• Composition ensures 50% Judicial Members and 50% Non-Judicial Members
• Appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of a statutory Selection Committee
• Tenure:
  • 5 years or
  • Till the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier

Eligibility Criteria

Chairperson

• Former Chief Justice of India or Judge of the Supreme Court

Judicial Members

• Former Judges of the Supreme Court or Chief Justices of High Courts

Non-Judicial Members

• Persons of impeccable integrity
• Minimum 25 years’ experience in fields such as:
  • Public administration
  • Vigilance
  • Law
  • Finance

Powers and Functions

• Receives complaints under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
• Orders preliminary inquiry through:
  • Its Inquiry Wing, or
  • Other authorised agencies
• Directs investigation where a prima facie case exists
• Exercises limited superintendence over the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for cases referred by it
• Possesses civil court–like powers:
  • Summoning persons
  • Requiring production of documents
  • Examination on oath
• Can authorise search, seizure, and provisional attachment of assets
• Has exclusive authority to grant sanction for prosecution in cases before it
• May:
  • Recommend departmental action
  • Order prosecution
  • Close cases
  • Proceed against false or vexatious complainants

10. Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)

Source: IE

Context:

Shri Praveen Vashista, IPS (Bihar cadre, 1991 batch), has been appointed as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission and took oath on 16 January 2026.

About the Central Vigilance Commission

• The apex integrity and vigilance institution of the Government of India.
• Mandated to promote integrity, transparency, and accountability in public administration and to prevent corruption in Central Government organisations.

Establishment & Legal Status

• 1964: Established by an executive resolution of the Government of India.
• 2003: Conferred statutory status under the Central Vigilance Commission Act, strengthening its independence and authority.

Composition & Tenure

• Chairperson: Central Vigilance Commissioner
• Members: Up to two Vigilance Commissioners
• Appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of a high-level committee.
• Tenure:
  • 4 years or
  • Up to 65 years of age, whichever is earlier.

11. 10 Years of StartUp India

Source: PIB

Context:

On National StartUp Day (16 January 2026), the Prime Minister of India extended greetings as India completed 10 years of the StartUp India initiative, launched in 2016 to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.

About StartUp India

• A flagship initiative of the Government of India to catalyse a startup culture and build a strong, inclusive ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Implemented through a dedicated StartUp India Team under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

Launched on

• 16 January 2016
• National StartUp Day is observed annually on 16 January.

Objectives

• Transform India into a job-creator economy rather than a job-seeker one.
• Enable startups to start, sustain, and scale through full lifecycle support:
  Ideation → Incubation → Funding → Mentorship → Scaling.

Key Features (19-Point Action Plan)

1. Ease of Doing Business reforms
   • Simplified compliance and self-certification.
   • Faster exit mechanisms for failed ventures.
2. Incubation & infrastructure support
   • Support to incubators, accelerators, and ecosystem institutions.
3. IPR facilitation
   • Faster and cheaper patent, trademark, and design filings.
4. Regulatory & compliance easing
   • Simplified company incorporation and labour/environment norms for startups.
5. Tax & policy support
   • Incentives to encourage early-stage risk-taking and innovation.
6. Funding backbone – Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS)
   • ₹10,000 crore corpus, managed by Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
   • Invests in Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) to expand domestic risk capital.
7. Digital ecosystem enablers
   • StartUp India Portal for registration, discovery, networking, and resources.
   • Dedicated helpline and email support.
8. Mentorship & market connections
   • Platforms like MAARG and investor-connect initiatives linking startups with mentors, incubators, and investors.

12. Dugongs

Source: The Hindu

Context:

The Union government’s Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has asked Tamil Nadu to revise the design of the proposed International Dugong Conservation Centre at Manora (Thanjavur).

About Dugongs

• A large, slow-moving marine mammal, commonly called the “sea cow”.
• Strictly herbivorous, feeding exclusively on seagrass.
• Considered a keystone species due to its role in maintaining healthy seagrass ecosystems.
• Scientific name: Dugong dugon

Habitat

• Found in warm, shallow coastal waters of the Indian Ocean and western Pacific Ocean.
• Inhabits seagrass meadows, estuaries, lagoons, and nearshore waters.
• Unlike manatees, dugongs are strictly marine and do not enter freshwater.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

13. Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara

Context:

Telangana is preparing for the biennial Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara beginning 28 January 2026, along with large-scale redevelopment of the sacred precinct at Medaram.

About Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara

• A biennial tribal spiritual festival honouring Sammakka and Saralamma, ancestral goddesses of the Koya Adivasi community.
• Recognised as Asia’s largest tribal festival and among the largest human congregations in the world.

Where it is held

• At Medaram village in Mulugu district, Telangana.
• Located inside the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the Dandakaranya forest belt.
• Celebrated during the full moon of Magh month (Hindu calendar).

Agriculture

1. India–Israel Joint Declaration on Fisheries and Aquaculture

Context:

India and Israel signed a Joint Ministerial Declaration of Intent to deepen cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture during the Global Summit on Blue Food Security 2026 held in Eilat.

About the Joint Declaration

A bilateral cooperation framework between India and Israel aimed at strengthening fisheries and aquaculture through technology transfer, joint research, innovation, and capacity building, aligned with sustainable and climate-resilient development goals.

Key Features

1. Advanced aquaculture technologies
   • Cooperation in RAS (Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems), biofloc, cage culture, aquaponics, mariculture, seaweed farming, and aquarium systems.
2. Genetic and seed improvement
   • Joint programmes on high-yield species, pathogen-free seed, brood stock development, and genetic enhancement.
3. Water and resource efficiency
   • Adoption of Israeli water-saving and water-management technologies, crucial for inland and coastal aquaculture.
4. Innovation and startups
   • Promotion of startups, incubators, and R&D ecosystems to support the Blue Economy.
5. Monitoring and traceability
   • Technology-enabled fisheries monitoring, data systems, transparency, and traceability for responsible fishing.
6. Capacity building
   • Training in deep-sea fishing, vessel design, coastal aquaculture, processing, marketing, and development of harbours and landing centres.

Facts To Remember

1. NHAI Pilot for Real-Time Stray Cattle Safety Alerts on National Highways

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched a pilot project to deliver real-time safety alerts to highway users approaching stray cattle–prone zones, as part of Road Safety Month 2026. The initiative aims to reduce accidents caused by sudden cattle movement, especially during fog and low-visibility conditions.

2. New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) 2026

The 53rd New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 has begun at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, and will run till 18 January 2026. For the first time, entry is free to promote a stronger reading culture.

3. Uttarakhand Police Tops ICJS 2.0 Rankings

Uttarakhand Police ranked 1st nationally in ICJS 2.0 with a score of 93.46, as per National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

4. New Reed Snake Species Discovered in Mizoram

A new snake species Calamaria mizoramensis was discovered in Mizoram.

• Led by H. T. Lalremsanga
• Published in Zootaxa
• Genus: Calamaria (69 species globally)
• Nature:
  • Non-venomous
  • Nocturnal
  • Semi-fossorial
• Habitat: Humid forested hill regions

5. India Energy Week (IEW) 2026

India Energy Week 2026 will be held in Goa from 27–30 January 2026.

• Patronage: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
• Hosts:
  • Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI)
  • dmg events
• Participation: 120+ countries
• Focus:
  • Energy security
  • Investment
  • Decarbonisation

About IEA

• Established: 18 Nov 1974
• HQ: Paris, France
• Members: 32
• Executive Director: Fatih Birol

6. India’s First Fully Paperless District Judiciary

India’s first fully paperless district judiciary was inaugurated at Kalpetta, Kerala, by Surya Kant.

• End-to-end digital courts
• E-filing & online scrutiny
• AI tools:
  • Case summarisation
  • Voice-to-text
  • Digital signatures
• In-house District Court Case Management System (Kerala High Court)

7. World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026

The WEF Annual Meeting 2026 will be held at Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, from 19–23 January 2026.

• Edition: 56th
• Theme: A Spirit of Dialogue

About WEF

• Founded: 1971
• Founder: Klaus Schwab
• HQ: Cologny, Switzerland
• Chairman: Larry Fink
• President & CEO: Børge Brende

Key Reports

• Global Gender Gap Report
• Global Competitiveness Report
• Energy Transition Index
• Global Travel & Tourism Report
• Global IT Report (with INSEAD & Cornell)

8. Appointments

• Chairman, AERB: K. Balasubrahmanian
• CJI, Sikkim HC: Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque
• CJI, Jharkhand HC: Justice Mahesh Sonak
• President, Atal Smriti Nyas: Venkaiah Naidu
• MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India: Tarun Garg
• DGFT: Lav Aggarwal
• Chairman, CLE: Ramesh Kumar Juneja

9. Awards

• Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA
• Awarded 2026 IEEE Medal of Honor
• For pioneering accelerated computing
• Prize: $2 million

10. Important Days (January)

• 8 Jan: African National Congress Foundation Day
• 8 Jan: Earth’s Rotation Day
• 9 Jan: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
• 10 Jan: World Hindi Day
  • Theme 2026: Promoting Hindi on Global Platforms

11. Obituary: Madhav Gadgil (1942–2026)

• Renowned ecologist & environmentalist
• Pioneer of Western Ghats ecology
• UN Champions of the Earth Award (2024)
• Founder, Centre for Ecological Sciences, IISc
• Key contributor to:
  • Biological Diversity Act, 2003
  • Forest Rights Act, 2006