International News

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s Historic Visit to India Marks Milestone in Bilateral Relations

• European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa visited India from January 25-27, 2026, as Chief Guests for India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations, accompanied by a high-level delegation including Vice-President Kaja Kallas making her first official visit to India.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi co-chaired the 16th India-EU Summit in New Delhi with both EU leaders, marking the first in-person summit since the virtual meeting held in July 2020, demonstrating renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral ties between two of the world’s largest economies.
• The summit resulted in the endorsement of the “2030 Joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda” covering the next five years, focusing on key areas including prosperity and sustainability, technology and innovation, security and defence, connectivity, and global issues to deepen EU-India cooperation.
• A landmark announcement was made regarding the conclusion of India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations, described as the ‘Mother of All Deals’, making the EU India’s 22nd FTA partner and representing a major milestone in bilateral economic relations.

Banking and Finance News

PFRDA Introduces Revolutionary NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme Integrating Health Benefits with Retirement Savings

• The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority launched the ‘NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme’ in January 2026 as a Proof of Concept under its Regulatory Sandbox framework, exercising powers under the PFRDA Act, 2013, to integrate health-related benefits within the National Pension System.
• The scheme operates as a specific sector scheme under the Multiple Scheme Framework and will be launched by Pension Funds as a pilot project for a limited period with prior PFRDA approval, with collaboration from Central Recordkeeping Agencies, fintech firms, Health Benefit Administrators, and Third-Party Administrators.
• Any Indian citizen with a Common Scheme Account is eligible to enroll, with the scheme allowing partial withdrawals of up to 25% of own contributions for medical expenses with unlimited withdrawal frequency after accumulating a minimum corpus of Rs 50,000.
• In cases of critical inpatient treatment where expenses exceed 70% of the available corpus, eligible subscribers are permitted premature exit with 100% lump-sum withdrawal solely for meeting medical expenses, providing crucial financial support during health emergencies.

National News

NITI Aayog Launches Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 to Accelerate Development in India’s Most Underserved Regions

• NITI Aayog launched the ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0’ campaign in January 2026, a three-month initiative running from January 28 to April 14, 2026, aimed at ensuring essential services reach remote and underserved populations while achieving 100% saturation of key development indicators.
• The campaign was inaugurated by B.V.R Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, in the presence of Rohit Kumar, Additional Secretary and Mission Director of the Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme, along with all planning Secretaries from participating states.
• The initiative expands the Sampoorna Abhiyan 2024 framework across 112 Aspirational Districts and 513 Aspirational Blocks under the Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme, representing a comprehensive approach to regional development.
• NITI Aayog will jointly drive the swift and effective development of identified Aspirational Districts and Blocks in collaboration with concerned Central Ministries, Departments, and State and Union Territory Governments to ensure coordinated implementation and measurable outcomes.

National News

Ministry of Agriculture Forms High-Level Committee to Strengthen Farmer Producer Organisations in Tamil Nadu

• The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare constituted a high-level Committee in January 2026 to comprehensively review and strengthen the functioning of Farmer Producer Organisations in Tamil Nadu, with members from NABARD, NAFED, SFAC-TN, ICAR-NRCB, FPOs, NGOs, and Department of Agriculture officials.
• The Committee is tasked with evaluating critical aspects of FPO operations including governance structures, business sustainability models, technical support mechanisms, value addition processes, marketing strategies, and capacity-building initiatives to identify areas requiring improvement.
• ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, along with Krishi Vigyan Kendras through ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institutes in Hyderabad, will serve as the host institution providing necessary logistical and secretarial support.
• The Committee must deliver its final comprehensive report to the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare within two months, with recommendations focusing on strengthening operations, technical support, institutional coordination, and market linkages, particularly for key crops in Tamil Nadu, building on the achievement of establishing 10,000 FPOs nationwide with the 10,000th inaugurated in Khagaria, Bihar, on February 24, 2025.

National News

All India Institute of Ayurveda Signs Landmark Digital Health Partnership with CAYEIT

• The All India Institute of Ayurveda, the apex body under the Ministry of AYUSH, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Centre for Ayurveda Education, Innovation & Technology in January 2026, marking a major milestone in integrating digital health technologies with traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
• The MoU outlines key focus areas including cutting-edge research initiatives, technology transfer mechanisms, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning-enabled analysis of Ayurvedic data, and innovative educational frameworks within the Ayurvedic sector to modernize traditional medicine practices.
• In a parallel development, the Ayush Export Promotion Council under the Ministry of AYUSH signed an MoU with Zepto Limited in New Delhi to facilitate nationwide online access to Ayush medicines and wellness products, expanding the reach of traditional Indian medicine.
• This collaboration represents the government’s commitment to leveraging modern technology to preserve, promote, and globally disseminate Ayurvedic knowledge while maintaining the authenticity and efficacy of traditional healing systems.

Science and Technology News

India Pioneers AI-Enabled Higher Education with Historic Pilot at Chaudhary Charan Singh University

• Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary announced India’s first Artificial Intelligence-enabled university pilot at Chaudhary Charan Singh University in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, in January 2026, transforming how teaching, learning, administration, and employability are approached in Indian higher education institutions.
• Developed in collaboration with Google Cloud, the initiative integrates advanced AI tools across all university functions, with CCSU Meerut serving as a “living laboratory” implementing personalized AI tutors, AI-driven skill-gap analysis, and intelligent automation systems that will serve as a scalable model for AI adoption nationwide.
• Google pledged a grant worth Rs 85 crore (approximately USD 10 million) to Wadhwani AI to support the integration of AI tools into national platforms including Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM) and the Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition (POSHAN) Tracker.
• The pilot represents a transformational shift in Indian higher education, positioning the country at the forefront of AI-enabled learning while addressing critical challenges in personalized education, administrative efficiency, and employability preparation for students entering the modern workforce.

National News

Government Notifies Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Rules 2026 with Mandatory Four-Stream Segregation

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 on January 28, 2026, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which will supersede the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and come into force on April 1, 2026.
• The revised framework integrates Circular Economy principles and Extended Producer Responsibility with mandatory four-stream source segregation (wet, dry, sanitary, and special care) requiring scientifically authorized processing through composting, bio-methanation, recycling, secure handling, or approved collection methods.
• Bulk Waste Generators must comply with Extended Bulk Waste Generator Responsibility by processing wet waste on-site or securing an EBWGR certificate where on-site processing is not feasible, with Environmental Compensation based on the Polluter Pays Principle applied for non-compliance including improper management or false reporting.
• Mandatory Refuse Derived Fuel use by cement and waste-to-energy plants will progressively increase from 5% to 15% over six years, while Central and State-level Committees chaired by Chief Secretaries will oversee implementation, with the Central Pollution Control Board preparing guidelines and State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees levying compensation for violations.

Science and Technology News

Union Minister Launches Next-Generation Aadhaar App on UIDAI Day 2026

• Union Minister of State Jitin Prasada launched a new Aadhaar Application on January 28, 2026, on the occasion of Unique Identification Authority of India Day, providing Aadhaar Number Holders a secure, convenient, and privacy-focused way to carry, share, display, and verify their digital identity.
• The next-generation mobile application developed by UIDAI enables a variety of real-world applications including hotel check-ins via Offline Verification Seeking Entity’s QR code scanning, optional face verification, age verification for cinema tickets, hospital admissions for visitors and attendants, and verification of gig workers and service partners.
• Advanced features include face verification for proof of presence, one-click biometric lock/unlock functionality, viewing authentication history, a QR-based contact card for sharing contact details, and the ability to manage up to 5 Aadhaar profiles on one phone under the “One Family One App” concept.
• The app also facilitates updating address and mobile number directly through the application, strengthening India’s digital identity ecosystem and providing citizens with greater control over their personal information while ensuring secure and seamless identity verification across multiple use cases.

Science and Technology News

BISAG-N Partners with QNu Labs to Deploy Quantum-Resilient Cybersecurity Infrastructure

• The Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-Informatics under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology signed an MoU with QNu Labs Private Limited on January 28, 2026, to collaborate on developing and deploying quantum-resilient cybersecurity solutions addressing threats from future quantum computing advancements.
• The partnership focuses on building India-centric, quantum-resilient cybersecurity capabilities through technology transfer and deployment, enabling hardware-backed solutions across government, defence, and critical infrastructure systems in line with national policy guidelines.
• Under the MoU, ‘Vedic Kavach’, an indigenous cryptographic software developed by BISAG-N, will be integrated with quantum hardware and secure infrastructure platforms from QNu Labs, with Vedic Kavach already used in early government implementations including quantum-resilient web servers and a secure web browser incorporating Quantum Random Number Generation.
• The collaboration aligns with the Government of India’s vision for the National Quantum Mission, Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Viksit Bharat @2047, positioning India as a leader in quantum-safe cybersecurity and protecting critical national infrastructure from emerging quantum computing threats.

Summit and Conference News

World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 Catalyzes Major Investment Commitments Across Indian States

• The 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum was held from January 19-23, 2026, in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue,” serving as a neutral platform for global cooperation, innovation, growth, and inclusive prosperity discussions.
• The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship signed an MoU with WEF to establish a Skills Accelerator in India, while Maharashtra secured 19 MoUs worth approximately Rs 14.50 lakh crores (USD 175 billion) and announced India’s first Innovation City near Navi Mumbai International Airport with Rs 91,000 crores investment from Tata Sons.
• Uttar Pradesh signed MoUs worth Rs 9,750 crores focusing on clean energy, AI, digital infrastructure, and defence manufacturing; Assam, participating for the first time, secured Rs 1 lakh crores in investment commitments; Kerala obtained USD 14 billion (Rs 1.17 lakh crores) in commitments across renewable energy, Global Capacity Centres, and skill development.
• Jharkhand signed an MoU with Tata Steel Limited for Rs 11,000 crores focused on green steel; Gujarat showcased plans to become India’s first state generating nuclear power using small nuclear reactors under the SHANTI Bill; Madhya Pradesh partnered with DP World for logistics infrastructure; and O.P. Jindal Global University launched the World University Leaders Forum as a global platform for university-led solutions.

Banking and Finance News

Reliance Industries and ONGC Sign Strategic Resource-Sharing Agreement for Offshore Operations

• Reliance Industries Limited and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited signed a resource-sharing agreement in January 2026 on the sidelines of India Energy Week 2026 in Goa, aimed at improving operational efficiency and strengthening India’s energy security through collaborative offshore operations.
• The agreement delivers specialized logging, well services, subsea equipment, and emergency response capabilities by jointly leveraging offshore assets to optimize performance, applying to Krishna Godavari Basin and Andaman offshore blocks with shared use of Offshore Supply Vessels, Multipurpose Support Vessels, tugs, drilling rigs, platforms, pipelines, processing facilities, and power systems.
• The collaboration is governed by the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Act, 2025, with foreign-flagged OSVs requiring approvals from Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Director General of Shipping, while shared-use arrangements allow seamless movement across operational areas.
• The partnership reduces duplication, lowers Capital Expenditure and Operating Expenditure, improves asset utilization, accelerates project execution, enhances safety protocols, and strengthens domestic energy security by maximizing the efficiency of existing offshore infrastructure.

Awards and Recognitions News

President Approves Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards for Indian Coast Guard Personnel

• President Droupadi Murmu approved 2026 Gallantry and Distinguished Service awards for Indian Coast Guard personnel on the eve of the 77th Republic Day in recognition of conspicuous gallantry, distinguished service, and meritorious service in safeguarding India’s maritime interests.
• The Ati Vishisht Seva Medal was awarded to Additional Director General Donny Michael, a previous recipient of President’s Tatrakshak Medal and Tatrakshak Medal; the Vishisht Seva Medal was awarded to Deputy Inspector General K.S. Sitaram; while President’s Tatrakshak Medal for Distinguished Service went to Inspector Generals Iqbal Singh Chauhan and Datwinder Singh Saini.
• The Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak was awarded to Pradhan Navik Saumyaranjan Behera, while Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry) was awarded posthumously to Late Commandant Rakesh Kumar Rana, Late Commandant Vipin Babu, and Late Pradhan Navik Karan Singh for their supreme sacrifice.
• Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry) was awarded to Commandant Shailendra Singh Bisht, Pradhan Navik Gautam Yadav, and Pradhan Navik Banti Kumar, while Tatrakshak Medal (Meritorious Service) was conferred upon multiple officers including Deputy Inspector Generals, Commandant Indu P, and Pradhan Adhikari Tapas Kumar Banerjee for their exceptional contributions.

Defence News

Indian Navy Wins Best Marching Contingent as Maharashtra Takes Top Tableau Honor at 77th Republic Day Parade

• The Ministry of Defence announced the winners of the 77th Republic Day Parade 2026 held at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, based on a dual evaluation process comprising assessments by three expert judging panels and an online public vote through the MyGov portal for the Popular Choice category.
• The Indian Navy was adjudged the Best Marching Contingent among all Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and other auxiliary forces, demonstrating superior precision, coordination, and military bearing in their parade performance.
• Maharashtra secured the top position in the state/Union Territories tableaux category for its tableau “Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta,” while the Ministry of Culture won Best Tableau Award among Central Ministries/Departments for “Vande Mataram – The Soul Cry of a Nation,” commemorating 150 years of the iconic patriotic song.
• The Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, received the People’s Choice Award for Best Tableau among Central Ministries/Departments for its theme on National Education Policy 2020, while the Beating Retreat Ceremony 2026 was held on January 29 at Vijay Chowk, showcasing spectacular musical performances by bands from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Delhi Police, and Central Armed Police Forces.

Sports News

Haryana Dominates Ice Sports Phase at Sixth Khelo India Winter Games 2026 in Ladakh

• The sixth edition of Khelo India Winter Games 2026 was inaugurated on January 20, 2026, by Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta at the Nawang Dorjan Stobdan Stadium in Leh, Union Territory of Ladakh, with the first phase dedicated to ice sports successfully concluding on January 26, 2026.
• Haryana emerged as the overall champion in the ice sports phase with an impressive medal tally of 5 Gold, 1 Silver, and 2 Bronze medals, followed by host territory Ladakh securing 2 Gold, 5 Silver, and 4 Bronze medals, while Maharashtra claimed third place with 2 Gold, 3 Silver, and 2 Bronze medals.
• The Games are organized by the Department of Youth Services & Sports, UT Ladakh under supervision of the Sports Authority of India with technical support from National Sports Federations, structured in a two-leg format with Phase 1 covering ice sports in Leh and Phase 2 featuring snow sports at Kangdoori Phase 1 and Gulmarg Golf Course Club in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Phase 1 included Ice Hockey and Ice Skating with Figure Skating introduced for the first time, while Phase 2 will feature Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing, Ski Mountaineering, and Snowboarding, with the Games’ mascot Sheen-E-She (Shan) the Snow Leopard representing resilience, agility, and the Himalayan legacy under the Khelo India Scheme, a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Important Days News

International Community Commemorates Holocaust Victims on 81st Anniversary of Auschwitz Liberation

• The United Nations’ International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust was observed on January 27, 2026, commemorating victims of the Shoah worldwide under the theme “Holocaust Remembrance for Dignity and Human Rights,” highlighting the importance of remembrance alongside safeguarding human dignity and upholding universal human rights.
• The date marks the 81st anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi German Concentration and Extermination Camp by Soviet troops in 1945, with the observance established through UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/60/7 adopted on November 1, 2005, first observed on January 27, 2006.
• The Holocaust, also known as the “Shoah” (Hebrew for “catastrophe”), was a state-sponsored genocide by Nazi Germany and its allies that killed six million Jews in Europe between 1933 and 1945, representing one of history’s darkest chapters of systematic persecution and mass murder.
• The 2026 commemoration included the UN Holocaust Memorial Observance at UN Headquarters in New York led by Secretary-General António Guterres and hosted by Under-Secretary-General Melissa Fleming, along with a separate commemoration at Palais des Nations organized by the UN Office at Geneva, Switzerland, continuing the mission of the Holocaust and UN Outreach Programme to spread awareness and advance peace and human rights.