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 Objectives of IWDC 3.0
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) Habitat & Distribution Conservation Status
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 â‚ą863 crore, to boost domestic manufacturing of Air Conditioners (ACs) and LED lights. What is the PLI Scheme for White Goods? Key Details Nodal & Monitoring Authorities Target Segments under the Scheme 1. Air Conditioners 2. LED Lights
56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF)
Venue: Davos-Klosters, SwitzerlandDates: 19–23 January 2026Theme: “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 2. AI Adoption Report India Highlight: AI Investment Ranking 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
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 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. India & WHO
MoA&FW Constitutes High-Level Committee to Strengthen FPOs in Tamil Nadu
Source: BL Why in News? The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) has constituted a High-Level Committee to review and strengthen the functioning of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in Tamil Nadu, with a focus on governance, sustainability, and market integration. About the High-Level Committee Composition The Committee includes representatives from: About Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) Legal Framework FPOs can be registered under:
SEBI’s Corporate Bond Liquidity Window Sees Low Adoption
Source: Mint Why in News? A corporate bond liquidity window introduced by SEBI in November 2024 to improve liquidity in India’s corporate bond market has seen negligible usage, with issuers largely opting not to offer the facility. Background About SEBI’s Liquidity Window Framework Applicability Key Features of the Framework Valuation & Pricing Rules
Economic Survey 2025–26
Source: The Hindu Why in News? The Economic Survey 2025–26, tabled in Parliament, projects a strong medium-term growth outlook for India while warning of a grim and fragile global economic scenario that could pose risks to the Indian economy. Key Highlights of Economic Survey 2025–26 India’s Growth Outlook Drivers of Higher Medium-Term Growth Reform Momentum Cited These factors collectively raise India’s potential growth to ~7% in the medium term. Global Economic Outlook: Key Risks
Living Root Bridges Submitted to UNESCO World Heritage List
Source: News on Air Why in News? India has officially submitted the nomination dossier for Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges to UNESCO for evaluation under the 2026–27 World Heritage cycle.The nomination is titled “Jingkieng Jri / Lyu Chrai Cultural Landscape.” What are the Living Root Bridges? Location
Paathara (Khoni) Practice
Source: The Hindu Why in News? The Paathara (or Khoni) traditional grain storage practice in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, is facing imminent extinction, raising concerns over the loss of indigenous agricultural knowledge systems. What is the Paathara (Khoni) Practice?
