Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 13 January, 2026

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
13 January, 2026

International Affairs

1. Operation Hawkeye

Context:

The United States conducted large-scale airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria under Operation Hawkeye, following an ISIS ambush in Palmyra that killed two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter.

What is Operation Hawkeye?

• A U.S.-led counter-terrorism military operation
• Involves air and precision strikes against Islamic State (ISIS) infrastructure and fighters in Syria
• Launched: December 2025
• Authority: Under President Donald Trump
• Executed by: US Central Command (CENTCOM)

About Syria

• A sovereign Middle Eastern country
• Emerged from a 13-year civil war (2011–2024)
• Currently governed by an interim government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa
• Capital: Damascus (one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities)
• Location: South-West Asia; strategic link between Levant and Mesopotamia
• Borders: Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel

2. How U.S. Actions Under Donald Trump Violate International Law

Source: TH

Context:

An opinion article by Thomas Mathew critiques recent U.S. military action against Venezuela, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, arguing that it represents a serious violation of international law and reflects the breakdown of the global balance-of-power system.

Core Principles of International Law Involved

• Sovereign Equality of States
• Non-intervention in Internal Affairs
• Prohibition on Use of Force (UN Charter Article 2(4))
• Collective Security through the UN Security Council
• Respect for International Treaties and Institutions

What Happened?

• President Trump announced U.S. military action against Venezuela from Mar-a-Lago (Florida).
• He declared:
  • Capture and trial of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in New York on charges of “narco-terrorism”.
  • U.S. control over Venezuela’s governance and oil resources.
  • Compensation to U.S. companies whose assets were nationalised earlier.

Questioning the Official Justification

• U.S. justified action as counter-narcotics enforcement.
• However:
  • ~69% of U.S. drug overdose deaths since 2000 are linked to fentanyl, whose precursors largely originate in China.
  • Venezuela is only a modest source of cocaine to the U.S.
• Venezuela possesses the world’s largest proven oil reserves, suggesting economic and strategic motives.

Violation of International Law

• The action violates the United Nations Charter, especially:
  • Article 2(4): Prohibits threat or use of force against sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.
  • Article 51: Allows force only in self-defence.
• No:
  • UN Security Council authorisation
  • Immediate self-defence justification
• Hence, the action is termed a flagrant breach of international law.

Breakdown of the Balance of Power

• Balance of power historically prevented unchecked dominance:
  • Post-World War II bipolar system (U.S.–Soviet Union) restrained unilateral action.
• Historical examples:
  • Bangladesh Liberation War (1971):
    • U.S. Seventh Fleet (TF-74) countered by Soviet naval deployment, protecting India.
  • Yom Kippur War (1973):
    • Soviet military signalling forced Israeli restraint; U.S. declared DEFCON-3.
• Collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 ended effective counter-balancing.

Consequences of Unipolarity

• U.S. adoption of pre-emptive war doctrine.
• Regime changes through direct or indirect intervention in:
  • Iraq
  • Libya
  • Syria
  • Egypt
• Venezuela episode seen as continuation of this trend.

Implications for India

• U.S. actions show insensitivity to India’s security interests.
• India needs:
  • Strengthened military-industrial complex
  • Strategic autonomy
  • Long-term defence capacity building

3. India Likely to Join U.S.-Led “Pax Silica” Initiative

Source: IE

Context:

India will be invited next month to join “Pax Silica”, a U.S.-led multilateral initiative focused on cooperation in semiconductors, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence, according to incoming U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor.

Pax Silica

Pax Silica is a U.S.-led multilateral initiative for cooperation in semiconductors, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence (AI), aimed at strengthening secure, resilient, and trusted technology supply chains amid geopolitical and trade disruptions.

• Launched: December 2025
• Lead country: United States
• Initial members: Japan, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, the U.K., the Netherlands, Israel, UAE
• India: To be invited to join (announcement by the U.S. Ambassador)
• Focus areas:
  • Semiconductor supply chains
  • Critical minerals
  • Artificial Intelligence

National Affairs

1. Indusfood 2026

Context:

Union Minister Chirag Paswan (Ministry of Food Processing Industries) inaugurated the 9th edition of Indusfood in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, in January 2026.

About Indusfood 2026

• What is it?
  Asia’s premier global Food & Beverage (F&B) sourcing and trade show
• Dates: January 8–10, 2026
• Venue: India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida
• Organised by: Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI)
• Under: Ministry of Commerce & Industry

Major Initiatives Launched

• World Culinary Heritage Conference 2026
  • First edition held on January 9, 2026
  • Organised by Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA)
• BHARATI Startup Challenge
  • Launched by APEDA
  • Full form: Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement
  • Aim: Promote agritech innovation and food export entrepreneurship
• India–UAE Food Corridor
  • Launched by Abu Dhabi Food Hub (UAE)
  • Objective:
    • Strengthen food security
    • Streamline supply chains
    • Boost bilateral food trade

2. 3rd Indian Lighthouse Festival (ILF) 2026

Source: PIB

Context:

The 3rd edition of the Indian Lighthouse Festival (ILF 3.0) was held from January 9–10, 2026, at MGM Park, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

About the Festival

• Organised by:
  • Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW)
  • Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL)
• Nature:
  • National festival celebrating India’s lighthouse heritage, maritime history and coastal tourism

Key Highlights

• Inaugurated by:
  • M. Venkaiah Naidu (Chief Guest)
  • In presence of Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways
• Infrastructure Initiatives Launched:
  • Foundation stone laid (virtually) for reconstruction of staff quarters at:
    • Junglighat, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
  • Virtual inauguration of Light & Sound Projection Mapping Show at:
    • Aguada Lighthouse, Goa

3. Indian Army Conducts First MCF Exercise ‘Sanjha Shakti’

Source: PIB

Context:

The Indian Army conducted its first-ever Military–Civil Fusion (MCF) exercise ‘Sanjha Shakti’ on January 8–9, 2026, at Diggi Range, Khadki Military Station, Pune, under the Southern Command.

Key Details

• Type: Inaugural Military–Civil Fusion (MCF) exercise
• Location: Diggi Range, Khadki Military Station, Pune (Maharashtra)
• Organised by: Indian Army (MG & G Area, Southern Command)
• Participants:
  • Indian Army
  • 16 civilian agencies (including Maharashtra Police, Force One, Fire & Emergency Services)
  • 350+ civilian personnel

4. PSLV Mission-C62

Source: TH

Context:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) suffered a second consecutive setback as the PSLV-C62 mission failed after the rocket deviated from its intended flight path during the third stage, resulting in the loss of 16 satellites, including EOS-N1 (Anvesha).

Mission Details

• Launch Vehicle: PSLV-C62
• Height: 44.4 metres
• Configuration: Four-stage (two solid + two liquid stages)
• Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre
• Planned Orbit: 512 km Sun-synchronous orbit
• Launch Operator: NewSpace India Limited

EOS-N1 (Anvesha)

• Developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
• Hyperspectral Earth observation satellite
• Applications:
  • Strategic defence
  • Agriculture monitoring
  • Urban mapping
  • Environmental assessment

5. National Youth Day – Swami Vivekananda Jayanti (12 January)

Context:

Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary on 12 January is observed as National Youth Day. Droupadi Murmu paid tribute to his role in awakening India’s spiritual and national consciousness.

About Swami Vivekananda

• Born Narendranath Datta on January 12, 1863, in Kolkata
• Combined modern education with deep engagement in Indian philosophy
• Emphasised mental and physical strength as foundations of character
• He was a key disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Mission.
• He brought Indian philosophy—especially Vedanta and Yoga—to the global stage.
• His historic address at the Parliament of the World’s Religions (Chicago, 1893) introduced the world to India’s spiritual heritage and message of universal brotherhood.
• Motto: “Atmano mokshartham jagat hitaya cha” (Self-realisation and service of the world)

6. Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025

Context:

Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025, introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 15, 2025, as a major reform aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and the National Education Policy 2020.

Key Objectives

• Streamline regulation by replacing multiple regulators with one apex body
• Improve quality, accountability, and outcomes in higher education
• Reduce bureaucratic compliance and promote institutional autonomy
• Align higher education with “Viksit Bharat @2047” vision

Institutional Framework

VBSA will function through three vertical councils:

1. Regulatory Council (Viniyaman Parishad)
   • Licensing and authorization of institutions
   • Ensuring minimum academic norms
2. Standards Council (Manak Parishad)
   • Setting learning outcomes, curriculum benchmarks, and faculty norms
3. Accreditation Council (Gunvatta Parishad)
   • Quality assessment and outcome-based accreditation

Major Changes Proposed

• Repeals existing laws governing:
  • University Grants Commission
  • All India Council for Technical Education
  • National Council for Teacher Education
• Introduces outcome-based regulation instead of input-heavy controls
• Encourages multidisciplinary education, research, and innovation

Coverage

• Applies to central, state, deemed universities, private HEIs and INIs
• Professional courses such as medicine, law, pharmacy, etc. may remain under sector-specific regulators

7. DRDO Successfully Tests Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM)

Source: TOI

Context:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight test of the indigenously developed third-generation Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) on Sunday.

About MPATGM

• Third-generation, fire-and-forget missile
• Man-portable system for infantry units
• Equipped with:
  • Imaging Infrared (IIR) homing seeker
  • Top-attack capability (strikes weaker upper armour of tanks)
• Designed to neutralise modern armoured threats at close to medium ranges

8. Article 6 of the Paris Agreement

Context:

An opinion article by Aparna Sharma highlights how Article 6 (A6) of the Paris Agreement, made fully operational at COP29, offers India a strategic opportunity to accelerate low-carbon growth, attract climate finance, and strengthen global partnerships.

What is Article 6 of the Paris Agreement?

• Provides market and non-market mechanisms for international cooperation on climate mitigation.
• Article 6.2:
  • Bilateral/plurilateral cooperation
  • Exchange of Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs)
• Article 6.4:
  • Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism
  • Successor to the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
• Ensures robust accounting and avoids double counting of emission reductions.

India’s Entry into Article 6

• In August 2025, India signed the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) with Japan, operationalising Article 6.2.
• Signifies India’s formal participation in international carbon markets under the Paris framework.

Why Article 6 is Important for India

• Enables:
  • Technology transfer
  • Support for R&D and innovation
  • Climate finance inflows
  • Stronger bilateral and plurilateral relations
• Goes beyond carbon credit trading to support:
  • Low-carbon industrial transformation
  • Resilient trade relationships in a carbon-constrained global economy

Banking/Finance

1. Retail Inflation Rises to 3-Month High in December 2025

Source: TH

Context:

India’s retail inflation (CPI) rose to a three-month high of 1.33% in December 2025, remaining below the lower tolerance level of 2% set by the Reserve Bank of India.

What is Retail Inflation?

Retail inflation measures the rate at which prices of goods and services bought by households rise over time. In India, it is tracked using the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

• What it covers: Food, clothing, housing, fuel & light, transport, education, healthcare, etc.
• Who publishes it: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation releases CPI data monthly.
• Why it matters: It reflects the cost of living and directly affects household budgets.
• Policy link: The Reserve Bank of India uses CPI-based retail inflation to set monetary policy, targeting 4% with a ±2% tolerance band.

2. SEBI’s Proposed Trading Rules Revamp

Source: Mint

Context:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has released a consultation paper proposing a major overhaul of trading regulations by simplifying legacy rules and delegating greater supervisory powers to stock exchanges.

What is Being Proposed?

• Consolidation of trading norms into a single framework by:
  • Revising the Master Circular for Stock Exchanges and Clearing Corporations (MSECC)
  • Revising the Master Circular for Commodity Derivatives (MCCD)
• Objective:
  • Remove outdated provisions
  • Streamline compliance
  • Update rules that are over a decade old

Key Proposed Changes

1. Higher Net-Worth Requirement for Margin Trading Facility (MTF)
   • Increase minimum net worth for brokers from:
     • ₹3 crore → ₹5 crore (or higher if exchanges decide)
   • Existing norm introduced in 2004, last revised in 2022
2. Liquidity Enhancement & Market Making
   • Merge Liquidity Enhancement Schemes (LES) into a single principle-based framework
   • Remove obsolete market-making provisions
   • Aim:
     • Improve liquidity
     • Ensure better price discovery
     • Reduce volatility in thinly traded securities
3. Operational Simplification
   • Align timelines for:
     • Net-worth statements
     • Auditor certificates
   • Reduce duplicative and low-value compliance filings

Shift in Regulatory Approach

• SEBI proposes to delegate routine supervision to stock exchanges:
  • Exchanges become first-line regulators
  • Powers include:
    • Setting net-worth norms for MTF brokers
    • Examining surveillance alerts
    • Levying penalties via member committees
• SEBI to focus more on:
  • Policy-making
  • System-level oversight

3. RBI Tightens Digital Oversight on Compliance, Outsourcing and AI

Context:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has signalled stricter supervisory scrutiny over banks’ digital operations, compliance practices, third-party outsourcing and use of artificial intelligence, as financial systems become faster, more interconnected and technology-driven.

Three Key Regulatory Expectations

1. Continuous Compliance (Not Episodic)

• Compliance should not be treated as a quarter-end or audit-time exercise.
• Faster business and risk cycles require:
  • Year-round operational discipline
  • Strong data governance
• Supervisors will assess:
  • How quickly banks explain anomalies
  • How decisively they correct issues
• Responsiveness will be seen as a sign of control maturity, not back-office formality.

2. Stronger Oversight of Third-Party Arrangements

• Rising dependence on:
  • Cloud service providers
  • Fintech partners
  • Technology vendors
• RBI’s position:
  • Accountability cannot be outsourced
  • Banks must ensure:
    • Clear responsibility for incidents
    • Contracts enabling audit, access and resilience
• Third-party risk management is now viewed as core risk management, especially for cross-border operations.

3. Heightened Scrutiny of AI and Analytics

• Increasing use of AI in:
  • Credit underwriting
  • Fraud detection
  • Risk management
• RBI will closely examine:
  • Model risk
  • Explainability of algorithms
  • Fairness and bias
• Banks must be prepared for deeper supervisory questioning as AI tools become embedded in core functions.

4. RBI’s Scale-Based Regulatory (SBR) Framework

Source: BL

Context:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to release an updated list of ‘Upper Layer’ Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) by mid-2026, with a strong possibility of including large NBFCs promoted by banks or backed by strong corporate promoters.

RBI’s Scale-Based Regulatory (SBR) Framework

The Scale-Based Regulatory (SBR) Framework is a risk-based regulatory architecture introduced by the Reserve Bank of India for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs).
It links the intensity of regulation to the size, complexity, and systemic risk posed by NBFCs.

Objectives

• Align regulation with systemic risk rather than a one-size-fits-all approach
• Strengthen financial stability
• Improve governance, prudential norms, and transparency
• Reduce regulatory arbitrage between banks and NBFCs

Four-Tier Classification under SBR

1. Base Layer (NBFC-BL)

• Non-systemically important NBFCs
• Lowest regulatory intensity
• Basic prudential and conduct norms

2. Middle Layer (NBFC-ML)

• All deposit-taking NBFCs
• Non-deposit taking NBFCs above a threshold size
• Enhanced governance, risk management, and disclosure norms

3. Upper Layer (NBFC-UL)

• NBFCs identified as systemically significant
• Subject to bank-like regulations (capital, leverage, governance)
• Identified using a scoring-based framework (size, interconnectedness, complexity)

4. Top Layer (NBFC-TL)

• Expected to be empty normally
• For NBFCs posing extreme systemic risk
• RBI may impose very stringent supervisory measures

Key Regulatory Features

• Stricter capital adequacy norms for higher layers
• Mandatory governance standards (board structure, risk committees)
• Enhanced disclosures and audits
• Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) applicability

5. IRDAI Scrutinises Insurers for Breaching Expense & Commission Limits

Source: BL

Context:

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has sought explanations from 23 insurance companies—8 life insurers and 15 non-life insurers—for overshooting prescribed limits on expenses of management, mainly commissions.

Background

• Action taken under the IRDAI (Expenses of Management, including Commission, of Insurers) Regulations, 2024.
• The regulator is examining submissions and will decide penal action on a case-by-case basis after due process.

IRDAI (Expenses of Management, including Commission, of Insurers) Regulations, 2024

These regulations, notified by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, lay down a new, flexible framework to regulate Expenses of Management (EoM) of insurers, including commission and distribution expenses.

They replace the rigid product-wise expense caps with an overall EoM-based approach.

Objectives

• Promote operational efficiency and cost discipline
• Provide pricing and distribution flexibility to insurers
• Enhance policyholder protection and transparency
• Support insurance penetration and inclusion

Key Provisions

1. Expenses of Management (EoM) Concept

EoM includes:

• Commission and remuneration to agents/intermediaries
• Marketing and distribution costs
• Operating and administrative expenses

Regulated through an overall EoM ratio, not individual product caps.

2. EoM Limits (Overall Ceiling)

• Separate EoM limits prescribed for:
  • Life insurers
  • General insurers
  • Health insurers
  • Reinsurers
• Limits linked to gross premium written and business mix

3. Flexibility in Commission

• Insurers can decide commission structures freely
• No product-wise or channel-wise caps
• Subject to:
  • Overall EoM ceiling
  • Board-approved expense policy

4. Board & Governance Requirements

• Mandatory Board-approved EoM policy
• Policy must ensure:
  • Reasonableness of expenses
  • Fair treatment of policyholders
  • Long-term sustainability

5. Disclosure & Oversight

• Enhanced public disclosures on expenses
• Annual certification by:
  • Appointed Actuary
  • CEO/CFO
• IRDAI empowered to intervene in case of:
  • Persistent breach
  • Mis-selling or unfair practices

6. Axis Finance Launches ‘Vyapar’ Business Loan for MSMEs

Context:

Axis Finance, a non-banking financial company (NBFC), has launched Vyapar Business Loan, a collateral-free credit product aimed at supporting micro and small businesses (MSMEs), especially in semi-urban and rural markets.

Key Features of Vyapar Business Loan

• Loan amount: Up to ₹10 lakh
• Collateral: No collateral required
• Tenure: Flexible repayment options
• Target segments:
  • Retail
  • Service
  • Trading businesses
• Designed for shopkeepers, traders and service providers

7. PhonePe Launches ‘Bolt’ to Streamline In-App Card Payments

Source: BL

Context:

PhonePe Payment Gateway has launched ‘PhonePe PG Bolt’, a new solution to simplify Visa and Mastercard credit and debit card payments through a faster and more secure in-app checkout process.

What is PhonePe PG Bolt?

• A card payment solution for merchants using PhonePe Payment Gateway.
• Supports Visa and Mastercard cards.
• Uses device tokenization to enhance security and speed.

Key Features

• One-time tokenization of Visa/Mastercard cards on the PhonePe app.
• Tokenised cards can be used across all merchants integrated with PhonePe PG.
• Eliminates the need to:
  • Re-tokenize cards for each merchant
  • Enter CVV for repeat transactions on the same device
• Enables a one-click, in-app checkout experience.
• Removes redirects to external payment pages, keeping users within the merchant app.

8. RBI Bars Resident Indians from Issuing Credit Guarantees to NRIs

Source: BS

Context:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued new Foreign Exchange Management Regulations prohibiting resident Indians from issuing credit guarantees in favour of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).

Key Provisions

• Resident Indians cannot issue credit guarantees for NRIs under FEMA regulations.
• Residents may act as:
  • Surety, or
  • Principal debtor,
    only if:
  • The underlying transaction is permitted under foreign exchange law, and
  • Both resident and non-resident parties are eligible to lend or borrow from each other under existing borrowing and lending rules.

Legal Framework

• Issued under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
• Aims to ensure:
  • Compliance with cross-border capital flow regulations
  • Prevention of unauthorised financial exposure and risk

9. Optimum Credit–Deposit (CD) Ratio for Banks: SBI Report

Source: BS

Context:

A research report by State Bank of India (SBI) has stated that a credit–deposit (CD) ratio beyond optimal levels sharply reduces incremental profitability and strains bank liquidity.

Key Findings:

• Optimum CD Ratio:
  • Public sector & private banks: 76–80%
  • Foreign banks: 65–70%
• CD ratios above 80% (PSBs & private banks) and above 70% (foreign banks):
  • Diminish profitability gains
  • Increase leverage-related risks

Credit–Deposit (CD) Ratio

The credit–deposit (CD) ratio is a banking indicator that shows the proportion of deposits mobilised by banks that is deployed as credit (loans).

CD Ratio=(Total Credit/Total Deposits)×100

Who uses it?

• Monitored closely by the Reserve Bank of India
• Used by banks, policymakers, and regulators to assess credit flow and liquidity conditions

Why is it important?

• Indicates credit deployment efficiency
• Reflects financial deepening of an economy or region
• Helps assess bank liquidity and stability
• Used to identify regional credit imbalances

Agriculture

1. Rajasthan’s First Fully Organic Panchayat

Source: TH

Context:

Bamanwas Kankar panchayat in Rajasthan has become the first panchayat in the State to be officially certified as fully organic, marking a significant grassroots milestone in sustainable agriculture.

Location:

• Bamanwas Kankar Panchayat, Kotputli–Behror district, Rajasthan
• Comprises seven hamlets

What makes it ‘Fully Organic’?

• Complete ban on chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilisers
• Organic livestock management, aligned with ecological and health standards
• Integrated approach covering agriculture, animal husbandry, soil health, and water conservation

Why was the shift made?

• Declining soil fertility
• Falling groundwater levels
• Rising input costs of chemical farming
• Health concerns due to prolonged exposure to agrochemicals

Implementation Process:

• Transition initiated through collective village discussions over the past year
• Farmers shifted focus from short-term yields to long-term sustainability
• Supported by Cofarmin Federation of Organic Societies and Producer Companies (COFED)

Certification & Expansion Plans:

• COFED is issuing crop and livestock certification for the first cycle
• Target to convert 300 panchayats into fully organic village bodies by year-end across:
  • Bikaner
  • Alwar
  • Kotputli–Behror
  • Bhilwara

Facts To Remember

1. Canadian trailblazer Raonic announces retirement at 35

Former World No. 3 Milos Raonic announced his retirement on Monday, ending a career that earned him eight ATP titles.

2. India Faces Second-Highest Economic Burden Due to Diabetes: Study

A global study published in Nature Medicine estimates that India bears the second-highest economic burden due to diabetes, amounting to INT$ 11.4 trillion, after the United States.

3. Swachh Jal Abhiyan

The Madhya Pradesh government launched the Swachh Jal Abhiyan following the death of over 20 people in Bhagirathpura, Indore, due to contaminated drinking water.

4. GAIL & PNGRB Launch #NonStopZindagi Campaign

In January 2026, GAIL (India) Limited partnered with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) to roll out the nationwide #NonStopZindagi campaign under National PNG Drive 2.0.

5. Golden Globe Awards 2026

The 83rd Golden Globe Awards were held on January 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton, California (USA), honouring excellence in film and television released in 2025.
The awards are presented annually by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA).

• Host: Nikki Glaser (second consecutive year)
• First presented in 1944
• Popularly called “Hollywood’s Party of the Year”
• Most Awarded Film:
  • One Battle After Another (Director: Paul Thomas Anderson)
  • 4 awards out of 9 nominations:
    • Best Picture (Musical or Comedy)
    • Best Director
    • Best Screenplay
    • Best Supporting Actress
• Top TV Series:
  • Adolescence (Director: Philip Barantini)
  • 4 awards, including Best Limited Series

6. BSE Wins Asia Best Employer Brand Award 2026

In January 2026, Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) received the Asia Best Employer Brand Award 2026.

• Award Event: Hong Kong Leadership Awards & CMO Asia Awards
• Venue: InterContinental Grand Stanford, Hong Kong SAR, China
• Recognition for:
  • People-first workplace culture
  • Strong HR practices
  • Inclusive, high-performance environment

7. Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) 2026

Karnataka emerged as the overall champion of the 2nd Khelo India Beach Games 2026, held at Ghoghla Beach, Diu.

• Dates: January 5–10, 2026
• Venue: Ghoghla Beach, Diu
• Organised by: UT of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
• Technical supervision: Sports Authority of India & national federations

8. Obituary: Davinder Singh Garcha

Former Indian hockey player and Olympian Davinder Singh Garcha passed away in January 2026 at age 73 in Jalandhar, Punjab.

Awards & Roles

• Major Dhyan Chand Award (2021) – Lifetime achievement
• Police Career: Former IPS officer; DIG, Punjab Police
• Post-retirement:
  • President, Olympian Surjit Hockey Society
  • President, Mohinder Singh Munshi Hockey Tournament (All-India U-19)

9. ECI Prepares for IICDEM 2026

The Election Commission of India held a CEOs’ conference in New Delhi to prepare for IICDEM 2026, focusing on global best practices in election management.

10. IICDEM 2026: Global Election Platform

India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) is ECI’s global forum for sharing democratic and electoral governance experiences worldwide.

11. Assam Hosts National Textiles Ministers’ Conference 2026

Assam hosted a two-day national conference to drive policy, innovation, exports and sustainability in textiles under the theme “Weaving Growth, Heritage & Innovation”.

12. Posts & Rural Development Ministries Sign MoU

The Department of Posts and Ministry of Rural Development signed an MoU to boost rural financial inclusion via doorstep digital banking through IPPB.

12. India–Bhutan Judicial Cooperation Strengthened

The Supreme Court of India signed an MoU with Bhutan’s apex court to exchange young law clerks and deepen judicial collaboration.

13. Rajasthan Hosts Regional AI Impact Conference

Rajasthan hosted a precursor AI conference ahead of India AI Impact Summit 2026, focusing on inclusive, responsible and governance-driven AI adoption.

14. Rajasthan Launches AI & ML Policy 2026

Rajasthan unveiled its AI & ML Policy 2026 and AI portal to shift from e-governance to AI-driven, citizen-centric governance.

15. YUVA AI & iStart Platforms Launched

Rajasthan launched YUVA AI, iStart LMS and AVGC-XR portals to skill youth and boost AI-led innovation and startups.

16. Agri Ministry & India Post Fast-Track Sample Testing

The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare partnered with India Post to cut pesticide and seed sample testing time to 48–72 hours.

17. DICGC Insures 41.5% of Bank Deposits

As of March 2025, Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation insured ₹100.12 lakh crore of deposits with a fund balance of ₹2.29 lakh crore.

18. SBI Opens First Global Capability Centre

State Bank of India inaugurated its first Global Capability Centre in Bengaluru to support India’s GCC ecosystem.

19. Goldman Sachs Cuts India Growth Forecast

Goldman Sachs projected India’s GDP growth at 6.8% in FY27, citing moderation from previous highs.

20. Amazon Pay Launches Fixed Deposits

Amazon Pay rolled out fixed deposits via its app in partnership with banks and NBFCs, starting from ₹1,000.

21. IDFC FIRST Bank Launches Zero-Forex Credit Card

IDFC FIRST Bank introduced the Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card for frequent global travellers.

22. ICICI Bank Enters Capital Gains Account Scheme

ICICI Bank will offer Capital Gains Accounts from 2026, enabling tax-efficient capital gains reinvestment.

23. IDFC FIRST Bank Launches ‘Gaj’ Metal Card

IDFC FIRST Bank launched ‘Gaj’, an invitation-only premium metal credit card for high-net-worth individuals.

24. Canara Bank Launches ‘Canara ai1Pe’ UPI App

Canara Bank launched a unified next-gen UPI app for seamless digital payments.

25. South Indian Bank Launches RuPay NFC Sticker

South Indian Bank introduced ‘SIB Paytag’, a contactless RuPay NFC payment sticker.

26. Amazon Pay Enables Biometric UPI

Amazon Pay launched biometric authentication for UPI payments up to ₹5,000, eliminating PIN entry.

27. Axis Bank Launches ‘Safety Centre’

Axis Bank introduced an in-app Safety Centre allowing users to instantly secure digital banking services.

28. TMB Partners TechFini for Scalable UPI

Tamilnad Mercantile Bank partnered with TechFini to strengthen cloud-native, high-volume UPI payment and collection solutions.

29. Bargi Dam

Context:

The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) has issued a show-cause notice to the Narmada Valley Development Authority (NVDA) over serious safety lapses at Bargi Dam.

• Location
  • Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh
• River
  • Built on the Narmada River

30. Modi, Merz Launch International Kite Festival 2026 in Ahmedabad

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz jointly inaugurated the International Kite Festival 2026 at the Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad, with Germany as a key international partner.