Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 29 & 30 January, 2026

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
29 & 30 January, 2026

International Affairs

1. 2nd India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting 2026

Source: News on Air

Why in News?

Ministers and delegates of the 22-member Arab League (League of Arab States – LAS) are meeting in New Delhi for the 2nd India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, marking a major diplomatic outreach by India amid heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia and the global order.

Background: Arab League (LAS)

• Established: 22 March 1945
• Headquarters: Cairo, Egypt
• Members: 22 countries from North Africa & West Asia
• India–LAS engagement formalised: March 2002 (MoU signed)

Objectives of India–LAS MoU (2002)

• Promote traditional ties of friendship & cooperation
• Institutionalise dialogue
• Provide for annual meetings between:
  • India’s External Affairs Minister
  • Arab League Secretary General

Institutional Frameworks of Engagement

• Arab-India Cooperation Forum (AICF):
  • Established: 2008
  • First meeting: 2016, Manama (Bahrain)
• India’s Permanent Representative to LAS:
  • Indian Ambassador to Egypt (since 2010)
• India–LAS Partnership & Investment Summit:
  • Biennial flagship economic event
• New Initiative (2026):
  • India & Arab Countries Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture

Key Pillars of India–Arab League Engagement

• Strategic Partnership Agreements with:
  • Oman (2008)
  • UAE (2015)
  • Saudi Arabia (2019)
  • Egypt (2023)
  • Qatar (2025)
• Strong convergence in multilateral forums:
  • BRICS, SCO
• Alignment of national visions:
  • Saudi Vision 2030
  • UAE Centennial 2071
  • Oman Vision 2040
  • India’s Viksit Bharat @2047

National Affairs

1. Centre Notifies New Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026

Source: The Indian Express

Why in News?

The Central Government has notified the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026, replacing the 2016 rules and placing greater responsibility on bulk waste generators to improve waste segregation, processing, and accountability.

Key Features of SWM Rules, 2026

Mandatory Source Segregation

Waste must be segregated into four streams:

• Wet waste
• Dry waste
• Sanitary waste
• Special care waste

Objective: Improve recycling efficiency and reduce landfill burden.

Higher Responsibility for Bulk Waste Generators

• Bulk generators (large residential complexes, institutions, commercial establishments) contribute ~30% of total waste.
• Mandatory on-site processing of wet waste, where feasible.
• If not feasible, generators must obtain an Extended Bulk Waste Generator Responsibility (EBWGR) certificate.

Shifts burden away from urban local bodies towards waste producers.

Polluter Pays Principle

• Authorities empowered to impose environmental compensation for:
  • Non-segregation
  • Improper disposal
  • False reporting
• Ensures financial accountability for violations.

Digital Monitoring & Transparency

• Introduction of a centralised online portal to track:
  • Waste generation
  • Collection
  • Transportation
  • Processing
  • Disposal
• Reduces paperwork and improves real-time oversight.

Circular Economy Orientation

• Encourages:
  • Recycling
  • Composting
  • Waste-to-energy (RDF)
• Scientific criteria for setting up waste processing facilities and buffer zones.

2. UGC Anti-Discrimination (Equity) Regulations, 2026

Source: IE

Why in News?

The University Grants Commission (UGC) notified the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, triggering nationwide debate and protests over whether the rules promote inclusion or risk bias and administrative overreach.

What Are the UGC Equity Regulations, 2026?

• A binding regulatory framework to prevent discrimination in higher educational institutions (HEIs).
• Replaces earlier advisory guidelines with mandatory, enforceable norms.
• Applies to students, faculty, and non-teaching staff across all recognised HEIs.

Objectives

• Prevent discrimination on grounds such as:
  • Caste
  • Religion
  • Gender
  • Disability
  • Place of birth
• Ensure equal dignity, access, and opportunity on campuses.
• Strengthen institutional accountability rather than ad-hoc redressal.

Key Provisions

Institutional Mechanisms

• Equal Opportunity Centres (EOCs) mandatory in every HEI.
• Equity Committees with representation from:
  • SC, ST, OBC
  • Women
  • Persons with Disabilities
• Appointment of Equity Officers / Ambassadors for awareness and monitoring.

Complaint Redressal

• Time-bound inquiry process for discrimination complaints.
• Mandatory reporting of cases and outcomes to the UGC.
• Annual compliance reports by institutions.

Enforcement Powers

• UGC empowered to:
  • Withhold grants
  • Derecognise institutions
  • Debar institutions from schemes for non-compliance

Marks a shift from moral persuasion to regulatory enforcement.

Why the Controversy?

Concerns Raised

• Vague definitions of “discrimination” and “structural unfairness”.
• Fear of misuse or selective targeting.
• Allegations of reverse discrimination against general-category students.
• Increased bureaucratic burden on universities.
• Claims that parliamentary panel suggestions were not fully incorporated.

Supportive Arguments

• Persistent discrimination and exclusion on campuses require strong legal backing.
• Advisory guidelines failed to prevent caste-based and social exclusion.
• Aligns with constitutional values:
  • Article 14 (Equality)
  • Article 15 (Non-discrimination)
  • Article 21 (Dignity)

Judicial Intervention

• The Supreme Court has stayed the implementation of the Regulations, citing:
  • Vagueness
  • Potential for misuse
• Directed reconsideration and clarification of provisions.

3. World Bank Report: A Breath of Change (2025)

Source: The Telegraph

Why in News?

The World Bank report A Breath of Change highlights that nearly one billion people in the Indo-Gangetic Plains and Himalayan Foothills (IGP-HF) are exposed to the most polluted air globally, calling for urgent transboundary cooperation.

About A Breath of Change

• A strategic solutions document, not merely a diagnostic study.
• Covers 13 jurisdictions across 5 countries:
  • India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan
• Treats the IGP-HF as a single airshed, where pollution crosses political boundaries.
• Uses the “4Is framework”:
  • Information
  • Incentives
  • Institutions
  • Infrastructure

Key Data & Trends

Health & Economic Impact

• ~1 million premature deaths annually in the region due to air pollution.
• Economic loss: ~10% of regional GDP every year.
• Life expectancy loss: Over 3 years due to PM₂.₅ exposure.
• Children at risk:
  • 81% of public-school students exposed to hazardous PM₂.₅ (>35 µg/m³).

Pollution Severity

• IGP-HF has highest PM₂.₅ levels globally:
  • 8–20× higher than WHO guidelines.
• Over 50% of PM₂.₅ in many areas comes from outside local jurisdictions.
• Nepal’s Terai: ~68% pollution is transboundary.

Why Pollution is Transboundary in IGP-HF

Geography & Topography

• Himalayan barrier traps pollutants.
• Winter temperature inversions worsen smog.
• Delhi acts as a pollution sink due to inflow from Punjab–Haryana.

Wind Patterns

• North-westerly winter winds transport pollution across borders.
• Pollution from Pakistan’s Punjab can contribute up to 30% of PM₂.₅ in Indian Punjab.

Secondary Particle Formation

• Long-range transport of precursor gases:
  • SO₂, NOx, ammonia
• These react in the atmosphere to form secondary PM₂.₅ far from the source.

Agricultural Residue Burning

• Seasonal crop burning in India & Pakistan creates regional haze episodes.
• Smoke plumes blanket the entire airshed during post-harvest months.

Industrial Clusters

• High-stack industries (thermal power plants, brick kilns).
• MSME clusters in Kanpur, Dhaka, etc., cause both local and cross-boundary exposure.

Existing Regional & National Initiatives

• Kathmandu Roadmap (2022):
  • Science-policy dialogue & shared air-quality vision.
• Thimphu Outcome (2024):
  • Endorsed “35 by 35” target (PM₂.₅ ≤ 35 µg/m³ by 2035).
• Malé Declaration:
  • Non-binding platform for regional air monitoring.
• India’s NCAP:
  • PM₁₀ reduction focus in 130+ cities.
• Market Innovation:
  • Gujarat’s PM Emissions Trading System (Surat).

Key Challenges Identified

Institutional

• Fragmented mandates across ministries.
• Weak Centre–State–local coordination.

Financial

• Lack of long-term regional financing.
• Donor-dependent platforms lose momentum.

Enforcement

• Understaffed pollution control boards.
• Limited capacity for penalties & compliance.

Data Gaps

• Monitoring skewed towards cities.
• Rural pollution largely invisible.

Economic Barriers

• High upfront costs for:
  • Clean farm equipment
  • Industrial retrofitting
  • Vehicle upgrades

World Bank’s Recommended Solutions: The 4Is Framework

Information

• Expand real-time monitoring.
• Use satellite data & GeoAI to identify hotspots (brick kilns, fires).

Incentives

• Reform fuel & fertiliser subsidies.
• Redirect support to:
  • EVs
  • Clean cooking
  • Crop-residue solutions (Happy Seeder).

Institutions

• Enact Clean Air Acts with clear accountability.
• Create a permanent regional secretariat for the IGP-HF airshed.

Infrastructure

• Regional power grids
• EV charging corridors
• Common industrial boilers for MSMEs

Market Instruments

• Scale up Emissions Trading Systems (ETS).
• Pollution taxes (e.g., Nepal’s Green Tax).

4. Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0

Source: News on Air

Why in News?

NITI Aayog CEO Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam launched Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0, a 3-month mission-mode campaign to achieve 100% saturation of critical development indicators in India’s most underserved regions.

About Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0

• A time-bound, results-oriented campaign to fast-track social sector outcomes.
• Covers:
  • 112 Aspirational Districts
  • 513 Aspirational Blocks
• Builds on the success of Sampoornata Abhiyan (Phase-I, 2024).
• Focuses on last-mile delivery and full coverage (saturation) rather than incremental progress.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

KPIs for Aspirational Blocks (6)

1. Supplementary Nutrition:
   • Regular intake by children (6 months–6 years) under ICDS.
2. Growth Monitoring:
   • Real-time measurement of children at Anganwadi Centres.
3. Anganwadi Sanitation:
   • Functional toilets in Anganwadi Centres.
4. Drinking Water:
   • Availability of safe drinking water in operational Anganwadis.
5. Girls’ Education:
   • Schools with adequate and functional girls’ toilets.
6. Animal Health:
   • Vaccination of bovine animals against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

KPIs for Aspirational Districts (5)

1. Newborn Health:
   • Percentage of live births weighed at birth.
2. TB Control:
   • TB case notification rates (public + private sector).
3. Health Outreach:
   • Regular conduct of VHSND/UHSND.
4. School Infrastructure:
   • Schools with functional girls’ toilets.
5. Livestock Security:
   • Universal vaccination of livestock.

5. PANCHAM Digital Chatbot

Why in News?

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched PANCHAM (Panchayat Assistance and Messaging Chatbot) on the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day, creating a first-of-its-kind two-way digital bridge between the Central Government and over 30 lakh elected Panchayat representatives.

What is PANCHAM?

• PANCHAM (Panchayat Assistance and Messaging Chatbot) is a WhatsApp-based AI digital assistant for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
• Designed as a digital companion for Sarpanches, ward members, and Panchayat functionaries.
• Eliminates the need for separate apps, logins, or intermediaries by using the widely familiar WhatsApp interface.

Ministry & Collaboration

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR)
• Knowledge Partner: UNICEF

Aim & Objectives

• Direct Digital Connectivity:
  • Establish a real-time, two-way communication channel between GoI and village-level leaders.
• Information Saturation:
  • Ensure 100% awareness of Central and State welfare schemes at the grassroots.
• Feedback & Governance:
  • Enable field-level challenges to reach policymakers instantly.

6. Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary

Source: The Times of India

Why in News?

The Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha has been officially declared Maoist-free, enabling systematic wildlife monitoring. Recent camera trap surveys indicate a thriving leopard population (over 70 individuals), positioning Sunabeda as a potential Leopard Haven in Central India.

About Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary

• A major biodiversity hotspot and a proposed Tiger Reserve in western Odisha.
• Established in 1983.
• Part of the Deccan Peninsula biogeographic zone.
• Functions as an important ecological corridor in Central India.

Location & Extent

• District: Nuapada, Odisha
• Inter-State Link: Adjoins Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh

7. Power Gap Index

Source: Business Standard

Why in News?

For the first time, the Economic Survey 2025–26 has cited the Power Gap Index, highlighting a strategic paradox: although India has entered the Major Power category globally, it still records a negative Power Gap score (-4.0), indicating unrealised strategic potential.

What is the Power Gap Index?

• The Power Gap Index measures a country’s Power Efficiency—its ability to convert material resources into real geopolitical influence.
• It is a secondary analytical tool derived from the Asia Power Index.

Interpretation

• Positive score:
  • Overperformer / Smart power (effective conversion of resources into influence)
• Negative score:
  • Underperformer / Unrealised potential

It challenges the assumption that economic size or military strength automatically equals influence.

Developed By

• Lowy Institute, Sydney, Australia
• Part of the Asia Power Index project (launched in 2018)

Methodology & Criteria

How is the Power Gap Calculated?

• Power Gap = Comprehensive Power – Expected Power
• Expected Power is estimated based on a country’s resource base.

Eight Thematic Measures (131 Indicators)

A. Resource-Based Measures (What a country HAS)

1. Economic Capability – GDP, technology, connectivity
2. Military Capability – Defence spending, force strength, weapon systems
3. Resilience – Energy security, internal stability, nuclear deterrence
4. Future Resources – Demographics and economic outlook (to 2035)

B. Influence-Based Measures (What a country DOES)

5. Economic Relationships – Trade networks, investment leverage
6. Defence Networks – Alliances, partnerships, arms transfers
7. Diplomatic Influence – Global standing, diplomatic reach
8. Cultural Influence – Soft power and opinion shaping

India’s Ranking: 2025–26 Scorecard

Indicator	India’s Status	Rank
Asia Power Index Rank	Top 3	3rd
Comprehensive Power Score	40.0 / 100	3rd (after US & China)
Category	Major Power	First time
Power Gap Score	–4.0	Lowest in Asia (excluding Russia & N. Korea)

8. Digital Food Currency (CBDC for Food Subsidy)

Source: The Times of India

Why in News?

The Government of India is set to launch a pilot programme for a Digital Food Currency, a programmable form of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), to modernise the Public Distribution System (PDS) and streamline the world’s largest food security programme.

What is Digital Food Currency?

• A programmed version of the e-Rupee (CBDC) issued by the Reserve Bank of India.
• Instead of physical foodgrains or cash transfers, beneficiaries receive digital food coupons:
  • Usable only for foodgrain purchase
  • Redeemable only at authorised Fair Price Shops (FPS)
• Serves as a Proof of Concept (PoC) for using CBDC in social welfare delivery.

Implementing Institutions

• Regulator: Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
• Implementing Ministry:
  • Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
• Technology & Payments Support:
  • National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
• Supply-side Integration:
  • Food Corporation of India (FCI)

Aim & Objectives

• Ensure subsidy is used strictly for foodgrains (no diversion).
• Enable real-time tracking of foodgrain distribution.
• Reduce biometric authentication failures at ration shops.
• Familiarise beneficiaries with digital currency wallets, nudging a digital-first economy.

9. 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?

• Requires no electricity, chemicals, or modern preservatives
• Paathara (called Khoni in Odia) is a traditional underground grain storage pit.
• It is a scientifically evolved indigenous method used to store freshly harvested paddy for:
• Long-term household consumption
• Seed preservation
• Ritual and ceremonial use

10. 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?

• Locally known as Jingkieng Jri, the Living Root Bridges are pedestrian bridges grown from the aerial roots of living trees.
• They represent a unique form of living bio-engineering, where nature and human knowledge evolve together.
• Unlike conventional bridges, they grow stronger with time and can last for several centuries.

Location

• State: Meghalaya
• Key Regions:
  • East Khasi Hills
  • West Jaintia Hills

Banking/Finance

1. 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

• Medium-term growth forecast raised to: 7%
  (Earlier estimate: 6.5% in Economic Survey 2022–23)
• FY 2025–26 (current year):
  • Government estimate: 7.4%
  • Survey ‘nowcast’ for Q3 (Oct–Dec 2025): 7%
• FY 2026–27 (FY27):
  • Growth range projected at 6.8% – 7.2%

Drivers of Higher Medium-Term Growth

• Capital accumulation
• Improved labour force participation
• Higher efficiency in factor deployment

Reform Momentum Cited

• Manufacturing push: Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes
• FDI liberalisation
• Logistics reforms
• Sustained public investment in physical & digital infrastructure
• Tax law simplification
• MSME-focused measures to ease credit constraints
• Improved corporate and financial sector balance sheets
• Rising formalisation of employment
• Better tax administration

These factors collectively raise India’s potential growth to ~7% in the medium term.

Global Economic Outlook: Key Risks

• Survey flags a fragile and insecure global environment
• Estimates a 10–20% probability of a global crisis in 2026
  • Potentially worse than the 2008 Global Financial Crisis
• Even the best-case global scenario mirrors 2025 conditions but with greater fragility
• All three global scenarios outlined by the Survey could adversely impact India

2. Indian Banks to Face No Cap on Branch Openings in EU

Source: BS

Why in News?

Under the proposed India–European Union (EU) trade agreement, Indian banks will face no cap on branch openings in the EU, while EU banks will be allowed to open up to 15 branches in India over four years once the pact comes into force.

Key Provisions Related to Banking & Services

Branch Opening Norms

• EU banks in India:
  • Allowed to open up to 15 branches over four years
• Indian banks in the EU:
  • No numerical cap on branch openings
• India has made a similar offer to New Zealand under its trade agreement.

Existing EU Bank Presence in India

• Major EU banks operating in India include:
  • Deutsche Bank (Germany)
  • BNP Paribas (France)
  • Société Générale (France)

3. 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

• India’s corporate bond market has long been criticised for low secondary market liquidity
• Institutional investors typically hold bonds till maturity
• This has discouraged retail investor participation
• To address this, SEBI introduced a liquidity window mechanism via put options

About SEBI’s Liquidity Window Framework

• A mechanism allowing investors to exit corporate bonds early
• Issuers can offer put options, enabling investors to sell bonds back to the issuer at pre-specified intervals

Applicability

• Applies to listed non-convertible securities
• Offered at issuer’s discretion:
  • To all investors, or
  • Only to retail investors
• Facility can be exercised one year after issuance

Key Features of the Framework

• Issuers must:
  • Reserve at least 10% of final issue size for buybacks
  • Obtain board approval
  • Ensure non-discriminatory treatment of investors
• Liquidity window:
  • Can be opened monthly or quarterly
  • Open for three working days
• If demand exceeds limits:
  • Bonds accepted on a proportionate basis
• Post window:
  • Issuer must sell bonds via exchange/RFQ/online platform or extinguish them within 45 days
• Settlement:
  • Payment to investors within 1 working day
  • Final settlement on T+4 basis

Valuation & Pricing Rules

• Bonds valued on T-1 basis
• Buyback price:
  • Cannot be at a discount of more than 100 basis points
  • Plus accrued interest
• Aim: Investor protection

Agriculture

1. 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:

• National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
• National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED)
• Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) – Tamil Nadu
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research – National Research Centre for Banana (ICAR–NRCB)
• Representatives from:
  • FPOs
  • Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
• Officials from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DoA&FW)

About Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)

• A collective of farmers registered as a legal entity to:
  • Aggregate produce
  • Improve bargaining power
  • Access inputs, technology, credit, and markets
  • Increase farm incomes

Legal Framework

FPOs can be registered under:

• Companies Act, 2013, or
• Co-operative Societies Act, 1912 (State-specific)
• Government of India achieved its target of 10,000 FPOs under the Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs Scheme.
• 10,000th FPO inaugurated: Khagaria, Bihar – 24 February 2025

Facts To Remember

1. UIDAI launches updated version of Aadhaar app

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on Wednesday launched a revamped version of the Aadhaar app, with features such as ability to update mobile number and address online.

2. 66% Sanitation Workers in Central Government from SC, ST, OBC Groups: DoPT Report

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), in its Annual Report 2024–25, revealed that over 66% of Group C sanitation workers (safai karmacharis) employed in the Union government belong to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).

3. President Approves Jeevan Raksha Padak Series Awards 2025

On 26 January 2026, President Droupadi Murmu approved Jeevan Raksha Padak Series awards for 30 individuals for courageous life-saving acts.
The awards include 6 Sarvottam, 6 Uttam and 18 Jeevan Raksha Padaks, with 6 honours given posthumously.

4. About Jeevan Raksha Padak Series

Instituted in 1961, the awards recognise bravery in saving human lives under varying degrees of risk.
Monetary benefits range from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh depending on the category.

5. President Murmu Approves Gallantry Awards 2026

The President approved gallantry awards for 70 Armed Forces and CAPF personnel, including 6 posthumous honours, on the eve of the 77th Republic Day.
Awards include Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra and multiple Sena, Nao Sena and Vayu Sena Medals.

6. Ashoka Chakra Awardee 2026 – Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla

IAF officer Shubhanshu Shukla received the Ashoka Chakra for exceptional courage and achievement.
He became the first Indian to visit the International Space Station during the Axiom-4 Mission.

7. Kirti Chakra Awardees 2026

Kirti Chakra recipients include Major Arshdeep Singh, Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba and Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair.
The award is India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry honour.

8. Shaurya Chakra to Two Women Naval Officers

Lieutenant Commander Dilna K. and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A were awarded the Shaurya Chakra.
They are among the few women officers recognised for exceptional bravery in peacetime operations.

9. Microsoft Launches Second-Generation ‘Maia 200’ AI Chip

In January 2026, Microsoft unveiled its Maia 200 in-house AI processor to strengthen its AI ecosystem.
The chip is manufactured by TSMC using advanced 3-nanometer technology.

The chip offers higher compute power, increased memory bandwidth and improved energy efficiency.
It has been deployed at Microsoft’s Iowa data centre with plans for wider expansion.

10. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Passed Away

Ajit Pawar, Deputy CM of Maharashtra and NCP chief, died at the age of 66 in a Learjet aircraft crash at Baramati airport.
He was one of Maharashtra’s longest-serving Deputy Chief Ministers, holding the post six times.

11. Assam Launches Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the scheme to mark 200 years of the tea industry in the state.
It provides one-time financial assistance of ₹5,000 to over six lakh tea garden workers.

12. India’s First AI-Enabled State University Pilot Launched in Meerut, UP

In January 2026, Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary announced India’s first AI-enabled state university pilot at Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU), Meerut.
The initiative aims to integrate artificial intelligence across teaching, learning, administration and employability.

13. Google Grants ₹85 Crore for AI Integration in Education

Google committed ₹85 crore (USD 10 million) to Wadhwani AI to support national AI platforms.
The grant will assist integration of AI tools into SWAYAM and POSHAN Tracker programmes.

14. President Approves 2026 Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards for ICG

President Droupadi Murmu approved gallantry and distinguished service awards for Indian Coast Guard personnel on the eve of the 77th Republic Day.
The awards recognise bravery, professionalism and exceptional service in maritime security and rescue operations.

15. Indian Coast Guard Honoured for Maritime Protection

ICG personnel were awarded for safeguarding maritime borders and responding to sea emergencies.
The honours reinforce India’s commitment to strengthening coastal and maritime security.

16. 6th Khelo India Winter Games 2026 Held in Ladakh

The sixth edition of Khelo India Winter Games was inaugurated on 20 January 2026 at Leh, UT Ladakh.
The first phase, dedicated to ice sports, concluded successfully on 26 January 2026.

Haryana Emerges Overall Champion in Ice Sports Phase
Haryana topped the medal tally with 5 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze medals.
Ladakh finished second while Maharashtra secured the third position.

17. Mascot and Scheme of Khelo India Winter Games

The mascot “Sheen-E-She (Shan)” represents the snow leopard and Himalayan resilience.
The Games are conducted under the Khelo India Scheme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

18. IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day of Clean Energy 2026 Observed on January 26
The day promotes a global transition to clean, affordable and sustainable energy systems.
The 2026 theme is “Clean Energy for People and Planet”.

International Customs Day 2026 Observed on January 26
The day recognises the role of customs officials in trade facilitation and societal protection.
The 2026 theme is “Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment”.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2026 Observed on January 27
The day commemorates victims of the Holocaust and promotes remembrance worldwide.
It is observed annually under the United Nations framework.