Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 25&26 January, 2026

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
25&26 January, 2026

International Affairs

1. USA Officially Withdraws from the World Health Organization (WHO)

Source: TH

Context:

The United States of America (USA) formally withdrew from the World Health Organization (WHO) on 22 January 2026, ending its 78-year membership. The move followed sustained criticism of the WHO’s functioning, particularly its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background

• The withdrawal process was initiated through Executive Order 14155, signed by President Donald J. Trump on 20 January 2025.
• As per WHO rules, withdrawal requires a one-year notice period, which concluded in January 2026.

What is WHO?

The World Health Organization (WHO) is the UN’s apex body responsible for international public health, disease prevention, health promotion, and emergency health response.

• Established: 7 April 1948
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
• Members: 194 countries
• Director-General: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (Ethiopia)
• World Health Day: 7 April (marks WHO’s founding)

India & WHO

• India is a founding member
• Hosts WHO country and regional collaborations
• WHO supports India in:
  • TB elimination
  • Immunisation (UIP)
  • Disease surveillance (IDSP)

2. 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF)

Venue: Davos-Klosters, Switzerland
Dates: 19–23 January 2026
Theme: “A Spirit of Dialogue”

Why in News?

The 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) brought together global political, business and technology leaders to discuss economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and the future of technology-led growth.

Key Reports Launched

1. WEF Chief Economists’ Outlook – January 2026

• 53% of Chief Economists expect global economic conditions to weaken in 2026
• Improvement from 72% pessimism in September 2025
• Indicates cautious optimism amid persistent global risks

2. AI Adoption Report

• Title: “Proof Over Promise: Insights on Real-World AI Adoption from 2025 MINDS Organization”
• Collaboration: WEF & Accenture
• Focus:
  • Practical, scalable AI deployment
  • Moving beyond pilot projects to real-world impact

India Highlight:

• Tech Mahindra Ltd recognised under WEF’s MINDS programme for making AI work in real-world applications

AI Investment Ranking

• India ranked 8th (out of 11 countries) in AI investment as a share of GDP (2010–2024)
• Estimated AI investment: 1.2%–1.8% of 2024 GDP
• Top countries:
  1. USA
  2. Singapore
  3. South Korea
  4. China

World Economic Forum (WEF)

The World Economic Forum (WEF) is an international non-governmental and non-profit organisation that brings together leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society to address global economic, social, political, and technological challenges through dialogue and cooperation.

Establishment & Headquarters

• Founded: 1971
• Founder: Klaus Schwab
• Headquarters: Cologny, near Geneva, Switzerland

National Affairs

1. PLI Scheme for White Goods

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The Government of India has selected five companies in the fourth round of the PLI Scheme for White Goods, with a committed investment of ₹863 crore, to boost domestic manufacturing of Air Conditioners (ACs) and LED lights.

What is the PLI Scheme for White Goods?

• A Central Sector Scheme providing performance-linked financial incentives.
• Incentives are based on incremental sales of domestically manufactured components.
• Objective:
  • Reduce import dependence
  • Promote domestic value addition
  • Strengthen manufacturing ecosystems for white goods

Key Details

• Launched: FY 2021–22
• Implementation period: Till FY 2028–29
• Target sectors:
  • Air Conditioners (ACs)
  • LED Lights

Nodal & Monitoring Authorities

• Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry
• Monitoring Authority:Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS)
  • Chairperson: Cabinet Secretary

Target Segments under the Scheme

1. Air Conditioners

2. LED Lights

2. Asiatic Wild Dog (Dhole)

Source: TH

Why in News?

A rare Asiatic Wild Dog (Dhole) has been camera-trapped for the first time in the Ratapani Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh.
The sighting indicates improving habitat quality and prey availability in the reserve.

About Asiatic Wild Dog (Dhole)

• Scientific name: Cuon alpinus
• A wild canid native to South and Southeast Asia
• A social, pack-hunting apex predator
• Plays a crucial role in regulating herbivore populations and maintaining ecosystem balance

Habitat & Distribution

• Preferred habitats:
  • Dense forests
  • Forest–grassland mosaics
  • Hilly and undulating terrains with good prey density
• India:
  • Central Indian forests
  • Western Ghats
  • Eastern Ghats

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Endangered (EN)
• Major threats:
  • Habitat fragmentation
  • Decline in prey species
  • Disease transmission from domestic dogs
  • Human disturbance

3. State of Finance for Nature 2026 Report

Context:

The State of Finance for Nature (SFN) 2026 report warns that global financial flows continue to be overwhelmingly nature-negative, threatening biodiversity, climate resilience, and long-term economic stability.

What is the State of Finance for Nature (SFN) 2026?

• The State of Finance for Nature 2026 is the fourth edition of UNEP’s flagship report.
• It tracks global financial flows that are:
  • Nature-positive (protect, restore, sustainably manage ecosystems)
  • Nature-negative (degrade biodiversity and ecosystems)
• Aims to shift the global economy from nature erosion to Nature-based Solutions (NbS).

Core Functions of the SFN Report

1. Tracking Global Capital Flows

• Identifies and quantifies:
  • Nature-positive finance (restoration, conservation, sustainable use)
  • Nature-negative finance (pollution, deforestation, ecosystem degradation)

2. Assessing Progress under Rio Conventions

The report evaluates whether finance is aligned with commitments under:

• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
• UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
• UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

3. Promoting Nature-based Solutions (NbS)

SFN provides a financial roadmap to transition from a nature-eroding economy to a nature-positive economy using Nature-based Solutions (NbS).

Nature-based Solutions include:

• Ecosystem restoration
• Sustainable land and water management
• Climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction
• Biodiversity conservation linked to livelihoods

Key Findings of the SFN 2026 Report

1. A Massive Nature Finance Gap

• Required NbS investment by 2030: US$571 billion/year
• Current investment: US$220 billion/year
• Gap: Investment must increase 2.5 times

2. Dominance of Nature-Negative Finance

• Annual finance harming nature: US$7.3 trillion
• Equals ~7% of global GDP
• Creates a 30:1 imbalance between destruction and restoration

3. Environmentally Harmful Subsidies (EHS)

• Governments provide US$2.4 trillion/year in harmful subsidies
• Major contributors:
  • Fossil fuels (US$1.13 trillion)
  • Agriculture, water, fisheries
• These subsidies lock economies into unsustainable paths

4. Private Sector’s Negative Footprint

• Private capital in nature-negative sectors: US$4.9 trillion
• Concentrated in:
  • Energy
  • Utilities
  • Industrials
• Reflects mispricing of environmental externalities

5. Public Sector Dominates Nature-Positive Finance

• Of US$220 billion NbS finance:
  • 90% comes from public sources
• Shows weak private sector participation

6. Nature Risk = Financial Risk

• 50%+ of global GDP depends on nature
• Biodiversity loss threatens:
  • Supply chains
  • Insurance markets
  • Financial stability

Read more>>

4. Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC 3.0)

Source: TOI

Why in News?

The 3rd meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC 3.0) was held in Kochi, Kerala, on 23 January 2026, chaired by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

What is the IWDC?

The Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) is a high-level institutional mechanism set up by the Government of India to review, coordinate, and accelerate development and utilisation of inland waterways for cargo and passenger transport, and explore ecosystem linkages to economic growth.

IWDC 3.0

• When & Where: 3rd meeting held on 23 January 2026 in Kochi, Kerala.
• Chair: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal (Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways).

Objectives of IWDC 3.0

• Review progress of inland water transport since:
  • IWDC 1.0 (2024)
  • IWDC 2.0 (2025)
• Chart a future roadmap focusing on:
  • Green mobility
  • Multimodal logistics
  • River-led economic development

5. Indian Railways’ First Humanoid Robot – ‘ASC ARJUN’

Source: IE

Why in News?

Indian Railways deployed its first humanoid robot ‘ASC ARJUN’ at Visakhapatnam Railway Station, Andhra Pradesh, in January 2026.

About ‘ASC ARJUN’

• Type: Humanoid robot
• Deployment agency: Railway Protection Force (RPF)
• Developed in: Visakhapatnam using indigenous technology
• Role: Augments (does not replace) human security and station staff

Key Capabilities

1. Security & Surveillance

• Face Recognition System (FRS) for identifying intruders
• Real-time IoT-based alerts to RPF control rooms
• Enhances response time during security threats

2. Crowd Management

• AI-based crowd density analysis
• Helps manage peak-hour congestion and prevent stampede-like situations

3. Platform Patrolling

• Semi-autonomous 24×7 patrols
• Obstacle detection and avoidance
• Reduces routine manpower burden

6. Indian Army–IISc MoU on Indigenous AI Defence System

Source: PIB

Why in News?

On 23 January 2026, the Indian Army signed an MoU with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru to develop an indigenous AI-based defence system.

Purpose of the AI System

• Address challenges in:
  • Digital information warfare
  • Modern and hybrid warfare
• Enhance battlefield decision-making and situational awareness

Key Features of the Collaboration

• Joint research & innovation
• Field-oriented testing
• Integration of:
  • Indian Army’s operational experience
  • IISc’s academic expertise
  • Indian industry support

7. President inaugurates Granth Kutir at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Source: TH

Why in News?

In January 2026, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated “Granth Kutir”, a cultural and literary space at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, aimed at preserving and showcasing India’s rich intellectual and literary heritage.

About Granth Kutir

• Location: Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi
• Nature: Cultural and literary heritage space
• Collection:
  • ~2,300 books
  • ~50 rare manuscripts
• Manuscript materials:
  • Palm leaves
  • Paper
  • Bark
  • Cloth

Key Objectives

• Preservation of India’s intellectual heritage
• Promotion of classical languages and knowledge systems
• Public awareness of India’s literary and scholarly traditions

Classical Languages Represented

• Tamil
• Sanskrit
• Kannada
• Telugu
• Malayalam
• Odia
• Marathi
• Pali
• Prakrit
• Assamese
• Bengali

Banking/Finance

1. Buyforex Secures In-Principle PSP Approval at GIFT IFSC

Source: TH

Why in News?

In January 2026, Buyforex, a wholly owned entity of EbixCash World Money (subsidiary of Eraaya Lifespaces Ltd.), received in-principle approval for Payment Service Provider (PSP) authorisation from the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) at GIFT IFSC.

Key Significance

• Buyforex became the first Authorised Dealer Category-II (AD-II) licensed group entity to secure PSP approval at GIFT IFSC.
• Strengthens India’s ambition to position GIFT IFSC as a global cross-border payments hub.

What is a Payment Service Provider (PSP)?

A Payment Service Provider (PSP) is an entity authorised by a financial regulator to offer, facilitate, and manage payment services, including digital payments, e-money, merchant payments, and cross-border fund transfers, in a regulated and secure manner.

PSP Authorisation in India

Regulatory Authorities

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
  • Regulates PSPs operating within India
• International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA)
  • Regulates PSPs operating from GIFT-IFSC for cross-border and international transactions

Permitted Services under PSP Approval

Buyforex is authorised to provide four regulated payment services:

1. Account issuance
2. E-money issuance
3. Merchant acquisition
4. Cross-border fund transfers

2. PFRDA sets up SAARG to Modernise NPS Investment Framework

Source: TOI

Why in News?

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has constituted a high-level expert committee to overhaul and modernise the investment framework of the National Pension System (NPS) in line with global best practices.

About the Committee

• Name: Committee of Investment Experts for Strategic Asset Allocation and Risk Governance (SAARG)
• Chairperson:Narayan Ramachandran
  • Former CEO, Morgan Stanley India
  • Chairman, TeamLease Services Ltd.

Mandate of SAARG

• Review existing NPS investment guidelines
• Benchmark NPS with leading global pension systems
• Align NPS with India’s evolving investment and capital market ecosystem
• Recommend reforms in:
  • Strategic asset allocation
  • Risk governance frameworks

Core Objectives

• Strengthen long-term retirement wealth creation
• Improve portfolio diversification
• Enhance risk management and governance standards
• Expand investment choices for NPS subscribers

Composition of the Panel

The committee includes experts from:

• Capital markets
• Mutual funds & asset management
• Securities law and regulation

3. PFRDA Introduces ‘NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme’

Source: Business Standard

Why in News?

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has allowed the launch of the NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme as a Proof of Concept (PoC) under its Regulatory Sandbox Framework, marking a first attempt to integrate health-related benefits with India’s pension system.

What is the NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme?

• A sector-specific, voluntary, contributory pension scheme under the National Pension System (NPS)
• Designed to provide financial support for outpatient and inpatient medical expenses
• Operates under the Multiple Scheme Framework (MSF)
• Governed by the PFRDA Act, 2013

Key Objectives

• Test the operational, technological, and regulatory feasibility of linking pensions with healthcare spending
• Address rising out-of-pocket medical expenses
• Explore pension-based solutions to ageing and health-related vulnerabilities

Key Features of the Pilot Scheme

1. Regulatory Sandbox & PoC

• Implemented on a limited and controlled basis
• Pension Funds (PFs) must obtain prior PFRDA approval
• PFs may collaborate with:
  • FinTech firms
  • Health Benefit Administrators (HBAs)
  • Third-Party Administrators (TPAs)

2. Partial Withdrawals for Medical Needs

• Allowed for medical expenses
• Withdrawal cap:
  • Up to 25% of subscriber’s own contributions at any instance
• No limit on number of withdrawals
• Minimum corpus requirement: ₹50,000 before first withdrawal

3. Premature Exit for Critical Treatment

• In case of inpatient medical expenses exceeding 70% of total corpus in a single instance
• Subscriber permitted:
  • 100% lump-sum premature exit

4. Transfer from Existing NPS Accounts

• Subscribers above 40 years (excluding government employees) may:
  • Transfer up to 30% of their contributions
  • From existing NPS Tier-I account to Swasthya account

5. Exit Safeguards

• If PoC is found unviable:
  • Subscribers can transfer accumulated corpus back to the regular NPS account
  • Exit as per existing NPS rules

4. RBI Updates Priority Sector Lending (PSL) Rules

Source: Economic Times

Why in News?

In January 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revised the Priority Sector Lending (PSL) framework to improve regulatory compliance, transparency, and risk alignment, especially in on-lending arrangements and reporting practices.

What is Priority Sector Lending (PSL)?

PSL is a mandatory credit allocation framework under which banks must lend a fixed share of their Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) to priority sectors such as:

• Agriculture
• MSMEs
• Education
• Housing
• Export credit
• Weaker sections

Its objective is inclusive growth and financial deepening.

Key Changes Introduced by RBI

1. Stronger Compliance & Audit Oversight

• Banks must now obtain external auditor certification for:
  • PSL claims through on-lending to NBFCs, MFIs, HFCs, and cooperatives.
• Objective:
  • Prevent double counting
  • Ensure loans genuinely reach priority sectors

2. Alignment with Prudential Risk Norms

• PSL rules aligned with:
  • Capital adequacy norms
  • Credit concentration norms
  • Credit Risk Transfer (CRT) guidelines
• Ensures PSL growth does not weaken banking stability.

3. Clarification of ANBC Calculation

• RBI refined treatment of:
  • Long-term bonds
  • FCNR(B) / NRE-linked advances
• Reduces ambiguity in determining PSL targets.

4. Standardised Treatment of Off-Balance Sheet Exposures

• Uniform norms across:
  • Commercial banks
  • Small Finance Banks (SFBs)
  • Cooperative banks
• Improves consistency and comparability in PSL reporting.

5. Inclusion of NCDC Loans

• Bank loans to National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) for on-lending to cooperatives now qualify as PSL,
  • Subject to caps and audit certification.

6. Rationalisation for Small Finance Banks

• PSL target for Small Finance Banks revised downward (around 60% of ANBC).
• Balances:
  • Financial inclusion mandate
  • Risk management and sustainability.

7. Enhanced Disclosure & Reporting

• Stricter timelines and formats for:
  • Quarterly and annual PSL disclosures
• Continued protection for small borrowers:
  • No service charges on small PSL loans (e.g. SHGs/JLGs).

Facts To Remember

1. Graça Machel Wins Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace 2026

Graça Machel, a globally respected humanitarian and women’s rights advocate from Mozambique, has been selected for the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development (2026).

2. Dr Chandrakant Lahariya Wins Wiley Research Heroes Prize 2025

In January 2026, Dr Chandrakant Lahariya, a former World Health Organization (WHO) staff member, became the first Indian to receive the Wiley Research Heroes Prize 2025 in the category “Impact Beyond Academia.”

3. Sikkim Police Conferred President’s Police Colour Award 2026

In January 2026, the Sikkim Police received the President’s Police Colour Award (Nishaan) for outstanding service, professionalism, and dedication.

About President’s Police Colour Award

• One of India’s highest police honours
• Nature: Collective honour for the entire police force
• Authority to confer:
  • President of India
  • Prime Minister
  • Union Home Minister

4. Arijit Basu Appointed Part-time Chairman of IndusInd Bank

In January 2026, Arijit Basu was appointed Additional Director (Non-Executive Independent Director) and Part-time Chairman of IndusInd Bank for a three-year term, effective 31 January 2026.

5. ‘Red Lines Redrawn: Operation Sindoor and India’s New Normal’

On 22 January 2026, COAS General Upendra Dwivedi launched the book in New Delhi.

• Publisher: Konark Publishers Pvt. Ltd.

Authors

• Maj Gen Bipin Bakshi (Retd)
• Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar (Retd)
• Ambassador Anil Trigunayat (Retd)
• Brig Akhelesh Bhargava (Retd)

6. Election Commission Launches ECINET Platform

• Event: India International Conference on Democracy & Election Management (IICDEM) 2026
• Launched by: CEC Gyanesh Kumar
• Platform: ECINET
• Features:
  • Integrates 40+ election apps & web services
  • Single platform for citizens, candidates, parties & officials
  • Available in 22 Indian languages + English

8. Lucknow Becomes UP’s First ‘Zero Fresh Waste Dump’ City

• Achievement: 100% scientific processing of municipal solid waste
• Key Facility: Shivari Waste Processing Plant

9. Punjab Launches First Dog Sanctuary

• Location: Haibowal Dairy Complex, Ludhiana
• Nature: Pilot project
• Objective:
  • Address stray dog menace
  • Reduce dog-bite cases
  • Ensure humane animal management

10. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) Completes 11 Years

• Launched: 22 January 2015
• Under: Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao
• Interest Rate: 8.2%
• Deposit Limits:
  • Minimum: ₹250/year
  • Maximum: ₹1.5 lakh/year
• Tax Benefit: Section 80C
• Deposit Period: 15 years
• Maturity: 21 years from account opening

11. Amit Shah to Launch ODOC Scheme in UP

• Event: Uttar Pradesh Day Celebrations
• Venue: Rashtra Prerna Sthal, Lucknow
• Key Launch: One District One Cuisine (ODOC)
• Aim: Promote district-specific traditional cuisine through branding & market access

12. CDS Releases Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework

• Released by: CDS General Anil Chauhan
• Objective: Integrate quantum technologies in Armed Forces
• Four Pillars:
  1. Quantum Communication
  2. Quantum Computing
  3. Quantum Sensing & Metrology
  4. Quantum Materials & Devices

13. Hyderabad to Host Wings India 2026

• Venue: Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad
• Nature: Asia’s largest civil aviation event
• Organised since: 2008 (biennial)
• Inaugurated by: Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu
• Theme 2026:Indian Aviation: Paving the Future – From Design to Deployment, Manufacturing to Maintenance, Inclusivity to Innovation, and Safety to Sustainability

14. India–WEF Partnership on Skills Accelerator

• MoU between:
  • Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship
  • World Economic Forum (WEF)
• Objective: Bridge skill gaps in:
  • AI
  • Green energy
  • Robotics
  • Advanced manufacturing
• Existing Accelerator Countries: Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brazil, Indonesia, Nigeria, Qatar

15. Saina Nehwal Retires

• Olympics: Bronze – London 2012
• World Rank: No. 1 (2015)
• Major Titles: CWG Gold (2010, 2018), World Championship Silver (2015)
• Awards: Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award

Recently Retired Players

• Alyssa Healy (Australia) – Cricket
• Usman Khawaja (Australia) – Cricket
• Kane Williamson (NZ) – T20Is
• Doug Bracewell (NZ) – Cricket
• Mohit Sharma (India) – Cricket
• Jinson Johnson (India) – Athletics

16. IMPORTANT DAYS – 24 JANUARY

National Girl Child Day 2026

• Theme: Empowering Every Daughter, Building a Stronger India

National Girl Child Day (NGCD) 2026

• 19th observance
• Established: 2008
• Ministry: Ministry of Women & Child Development (MoWCD)

International Day of Education (IDE) 2026

• 8th observance
• Declared by: UNGA Resolution A/RES/73/25 (2018)
• First observed: 2019

Theme 2026

“The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education”