1. Atal Pension Yojana extended. The Union Cabinet approved continuation of the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) up to FY 2030-31, with continued government funding for promotional activities and gap funding.
2. SIDBI equity infusion. The Cabinet also approved a ₹5,000 crore equity investment into the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to boost credit flow to MSMEs. The funds will be disbursed in three tranches from 2025‑26 onward to support small businesses.
3. Presiding Officers’ Conference. The 86th All-India Presiding Officers’ Conference (Lucknow, 19–21 Jan) was attended by presiding officers from 36 state/UT legislatures. It adopted resolutions including a consensus to increase state assembly sittings to at least 30 per year. The conference emphasized strengthening parliamentary procedures and rural development schemes.
4. Green transition reports. NITI Aayog released three new reports on “green transition” strategies for India’s cement, aluminium and MSME sectors, outlining pathways to decarbonize these industries. The studies highlight technology, policy and financing measures needed for sustainable industrial growth.
5. Public procurement MoUs. Key MoUs were signed to help Indian businesses: GeM (the government e-marketplace) partnered with the World Trade Centre Mumbai to expand MSME participation in public procurement. Similarly, the Digital India Bureau and Survey of India agreed to digitize national toponymic (place-name) data for mapping and governance.
6. Pension Portal integration. The Controller General of Communication Accounts (CGCA) announced integration of the SAMPANN Pension Portal with the government’s UMANG platform, allowing postal and telecom pensioners digital access to services and statements.
1. Manufacturing index. India ranked 6th among 11 Asian economies in the Asia Manufacturing Index 2026 (released by research firm Dezan Shira), which measures industrial competitiveness across economy, infrastructure, innovation and other pillars. China topped the index, with Malaysia and Vietnam following.
2. Global risks report. At Davos, WEF’s Global Risks Report 2026 highlighted “geoeconomic confrontation” – economic rivalry through tariffs, sanctions and supply‐chain controls – as the top near-term global threat, replacing armed conflict. Environmental risks slipped in ranking amid rising trade tensions.
3. “Board of Peace” unveiled. US President Donald Trump announced at Davos the creation of a new “Board of Peace,” initially focused on supporting the Gaza ceasefire and intended for broader global conflict resolution. The board’s framework, which Trump said would work with the UN, was launched with some regional backers (Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia) but without commitment from major Western powers.
4. EU-India Summit scheduled. The 16th EU–India Summit is set for Jan 27, 2026 in New Delhi, where leaders (PM Modi, EU Council President Costa and Commission President von der Leyen) will discuss a forthcoming trade and investment agreement, security cooperation and green transition support.
1. Global growth outlook. The IMF’s January 2026 World Economic Outlook projects global GDP growth at 3.3% in 2026 (3.2% in 2027) – slightly higher than prior forecasts – driven by post-COVID investment in technology and resilient emerging markets.
2. Indian markets. Indian stock indices rose on Jan 22: the Nifty and Sensex gained about 0.5% as geopolitical tensions eased (US-China tariffs, Greenland row). Nonetheless, foreign investors remain net sellers (≈$3.5 bn sold in Jan 2026) as markets await corporate earnings and policy cues.
3. Export credit subsidy. The RBI issued operational guidelines for the government’s “Niryat Protsahan” scheme, directing banks to extend a 2% interest subvention on pre- and post-shipment export credit for eligible exporters. The scheme (on a pilot basis) aims to reduce export financing costs in 2026.
4. RBI regulations. The RBI also published a new FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management) framework for trade-in-goods and services, effective Oct 1, 2026, consolidating and updating rules on exports/imports (stakeholders are preparing compliance updates). (Source: RBI/FEMA circulars)
5. Payment licenses. Fintech Payoneer India received RBI in-principle approval as a Cross-Border Payment Aggregator (PA‑CB), enabling it to facilitate cross-border transactions for importers/exporters. Separately, Bengaluru-based ZET Fintech obtained NPCI approval for a Third-Party Application Provider license to enable UPI payments via RuPay credit cards. ZET plans to allow credit-card users to make UPI payments on its platform.
1. Rocket launches. NASA announced a Jan 6–11 window for the Artemis II lunar test-flight (first crewed Orion mission around the Moon). Meanwhile, an Indian PSLV-C62 launch (23 Jan) carrying multiple satellites failed 12 minutes after lift-off, scattering debris in the Bay of Bengal and prompting an investigation. ISRO has secured satellite health data, and a failure board will probe the cause.
2. Quantum infrastructure. Under India’s National Quantum Mission, the government allocated ₹720 crore to build state-of-the-art quantum chip fabrication centers at IIT Bombay and IISc Bangalore. These facilities will indigenize manufacturing of quantum computing chips and sensors, aiming to kick-start a domestic quantum technology ecosystem.
3. Indian AI initiative. The new “BharatGen” project was unveiled to develop large-scale, multilingual AI models (text, speech and vision) across all 22 Indian official languages. The goal is to meet local language processing needs and support applications in education, healthcare and government under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems.
4. Space technology. SpaceX launched its first West Coast Starlink mission of 2026 (Starlink 17-30) from Vandenberg AFB on Jan 21, deploying another batch of internet satellites. In response, Blue Origin announced plans for a mega-constellation of over 5,400 satellites (via Project Kuiper rival) to provide high-speed broadband. These moves intensify competition in the global satellite internet sector.
1. Extreme weather & pollution. Delhi recorded 27.1 °C on Jan 22 – its warmest January day in 7 years – prompting city authorities to lift GRAP Stage-III air pollution restrictions. (Graded Response Action Plan curbs had been in place due to winter smog; the milder conditions eased health alerts.)
2. Renewable power. Data shows that in 2025, wind and solar generation provided 30% of EU electricity, surpassing fossil fuels (29%) for the first time. The share of renewables (including hydro and biomass) reached ~50%, reflecting Europe’s strong clean-energy expansion.
3. Emissions by companies. A study reported in The Guardian found that just 32 fossil fuel companies are responsible for ~50% of cumulative carbon dioxide emissions since 1850. This highlights the outsized climate impact of major oil, gas and coal producers.
1. Operation Sindoor. Army Chief Gen. Anil Dwivedi said “Operation Sindoor” (targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan) is still underway. Indian forces conducted coordinated strikes on 9 terror camps across Pakistan, each operation lasting under 30 minutes, and remain vigilant on all fronts.
2. New Rafale jets. India’s Defence Procurement Board cleared a proposal in January 2026 to buy 114 additional Dassault Rafale fighters (licenced manufacture in India) – a deal estimated at over ₹2 lakh crore – pending final approvals. This would boost the IAF’s combat strength as older jets retire.
3. Border infrastructure. Satellite imagery shows China building new roads in the disputed Shaksgam Valley (Karakoram Range, administered by China but claimed by India). The road network could enable more troop movement and create a two-front security situation (with Pakistan’s area near Gilgit). India has lodged diplomatic protests over such infrastructure in sensitive border zones.
1. Deepinder Goyal. Swiggy co-founder (and Zomato promoter) Deepinder Goyal announced he will step down as CEO of Eternal Ltd (formerly Zomato) on 1 Mar 2026, remaining on the board as Vice Chairman. Albinder Singh Dhindsa (ex‑Blinkit CEO) has been appointed as the new CEO of Eternal.
2. Andy Mayer. Tata Communications named Andy Mayer (former Google Cloud executive) as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, replacing K. Ganesh. Mayer will focus on expanding the company’s digital infrastructure and 5G services.
3. Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Ukraine’s President Zelenskiy was in Davos and met US President Trump. In a Davos speech he stressed that future security guarantees for Ukraine hinge on strong US support (“the backstop of Trump is needed”). He said draft framework documents to end the war are nearly ready, urging Europe to do more in Ukraine’s defense.
1. Badminton (Indonesia Masters). India’s PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen both advanced to the quarterfinals of the Indonesia Masters on Jan 22, winning their last-16 matches. The tournament (Super 500 event) saw strong performances by other Indian shuttlers as well.
2. Hockey (HIL). In Hockey India League action, Soorma HC defeated Singapore Pipers 6–1 on Jan 22, but still missed qualification. Soorma’s high-powered offense (including a hat-trick by Tiwary) was not enough as the club fell short of a semifinal spot.
3. Shooting (Nationals). At the 10m Air Rifle (Women) national trials held in Bhopal, Tilottama Sen topped the list on Jan 22, qualifying for the Asian Olympic Qualifier. She led with a score of 629.1 in qualification, ahead of the next-best shooter.
4. Tennis (Mumbai Open). The Mumbai Open (WTA 125K) kicked off its draw on Jan 22 with top seeds like India’s Lulu Sun and Latvia’s Darja Semenistaja headlining the field. (An emerging young tourney, the event offers ranking points and exposure to Indian players.)
Film (Academy Awards). The 98th Oscars nominations were announced on Jan 22, 2026. The drama Sinners led all films with a record 16 nominations (including Best Picture, Director and acting), followed by One Battle After Another with 13 noms. (Other major nominees included May December, World Waring, and Riddle in the Rains.)
Parakram Diwas (India). Jan 23 is observed as Parakram Diwas in India, marking the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Prime Minister Modi paid tribute, calling Netaji an “eternal source of inspiration” for Indian youth. (The day honors Bose’s valor and his role in India’s independence movement.)
1. Government chiefs. The Centre appointed new heads of key security agencies: Rakesh Aggarwal as Director-General of the NIA (National Investigation Agency), Praveen Kumar as DG of the BSF (Border Security Force), and Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor as DG of the ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police). These leadership changes take effect immediately.
2. Corporate leadership. In industry, Tata Communications’ board has appointed Andy Mayer as its MD & CEO. Meanwhile, Zomato’s parent (Eternal Ltd) appointed Albinder Dhindsa as CEO following Deepinder Goyal’s decision to step down.
1. Davos 2026 (WEF Annual Meeting). The World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting is underway in Davos (Jan 19–23), drawing global leaders and CEOs. Key topics include climate action, AI governance and Ukraine. (President Trump’s Davos address focused on US leadership and the new “Board of Peace.”)
2. EU–India Summit. As noted, the EU-India summit is slated for Jan 27 in Delhi. This high-level dialogue will cover broad themes from trade liberalization to strategic partnerships (defense, technology and climate).
1. Odisha–Meghalaya ECCED MoU. The governments of Odisha and Meghalaya signed an MoU on Jan 22 to strengthen Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCED) across the two states. The agreement includes collaboration on teacher training, curriculum development and community outreach for pre-school education.
2. Assam R&D scheme. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the “Atal Vichal Agragami Assam” scheme to support PhD scholars. Beneficiaries will receive a monthly scholarship (₹25,000 for general students, ₹40,000 for Divyang/SC/ST) and a capped student loan (up to ₹1 lakh at 1% interest) to encourage research and higher studies.
1. Madhav D. Gadgil (1936–2026). Eminent ecologist Professor Madhav Gadgil passed away on Jan 7 (aged 83). Founder of the Centre for Ecological Sciences (IISc) and author of the “Gadgil Committee” report on the Western Ghats, he was a pioneering figure in India’s conservation movement.
2. Erich von Däniken (1935–2026). Swiss author Erich von Däniken (90), famed for the 1968 bestseller “Chariots of the Gods” (ancient astronaut theory), died on Jan 7. His speculative works on extraterrestrial influence in ancient history made him a best-selling author globally.
1. Responsible Nations Index. India was ranked 16th out of 154 countries in the inaugural Responsible Nations Index 2026. This new index (from the World Intellectual Foundation) measures how nations use power responsibly (to citizens, the environment and globally). Singapore topped the list, while India’s middling rank reflects room for improvement in sustainability and social metrics.
2. Asia Manufacturing Index. (See above) India’s 6th place in the Asia Manufacturing Index (2026). Analysts note India’s strong economic growth but point to infrastructure and policy bottlenecks.
3. Global Risks Survey. (See above) The WEF Global Risks Report 2026 (survey of experts) identified geoeconomic confrontation as the top risk, signaling a shift from military to economic tensions (tariff wars, supply limits) as the greatest short-term global worry.
Erich von Däniken. (In Obituaries above) Renowned author of Chariots of the Gods, died at 90.
Space race rivalry. Along with SpaceX’s Starlink launch, Blue Origin’s satellite internet plans (above) illustrate the intensifying private-sector space competition.
📝 Explanation: On 23 January 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) till 2030-31. The scheme targets unorganised sector workers, providing guaranteed monthly pensions after retirement. The decision reflects the government’s commitment to social security and old-age income stability for low-income workers.
📝Explanation: The Cabinet approved a ₹5,000-crore equity infusion into the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). The move aims to enhance lending capacity for MSMEs, improve access to credit, support entrepreneurship, and strengthen India’s small-business ecosystem—critical for employment and economic growth.
📝 Explanation: The conference recommended that state legislatures should meet for at least 30 days annually to strengthen legislative oversight, debate quality, and democratic accountability. This recommendation aims to improve law-making effectiveness and reduce excessive executive dominance in governance.
📝 Explanation: India was ranked 6th among Asian economies in the Asia Manufacturing Index 2026. The index assesses industrial competitiveness using indicators like infrastructure, policy environment, innovation, and workforce skills. India’s rank highlights strong growth potential but also points to areas needing reform.
📝 Explanation: The IMF projected global economic growth at around 3.3% for 2026, driven by resilient emerging economies and technological investment. While inflation pressures eased, risks from geopolitical tensions and debt levels remained significant concerns for long-term stability.
📝 Explanation: RBI issued operational guidelines for the Niryat Protsahan Scheme, providing interest subvention on export credit. The initiative reduces borrowing costs for exporters, enhances competitiveness of Indian goods in global markets, and supports export-led growth.
📝 Explanation: India allocated major funding to develop quantum chip fabrication facilities at IIT Bombay and IISc Bengaluru. These centers aim to indigenise quantum hardware development, supporting breakthroughs in computing, secure communication, sensing, and strategic technologies.
📝 Explanation: BharatGen is a national AI initiative aimed at developing large-scale AI models supporting all major Indian languages. It seeks to bridge digital language gaps, promote inclusive AI adoption, and enable applications in governance, healthcare, and education across India’s diverse population.
📝 Explanation: The PSLV-C62 mission failed shortly after launch, prompting ISRO to initiate a detailed failure analysis. Despite India’s strong launch record, such incidents are critical learning events that help improve reliability and mission safety for future space missions.
📝 Explanation: In 2025, wind and solar power together generated more electricity in the EU than fossil fuels for the first time. This milestone underscores Europe’s accelerated clean-energy transition and commitment to climate targets.
📝 Explanation: Operation Sindoor involved precision strikes against terrorist infrastructure across the border. Conducted swiftly and with strategic coordination, it highlights India’s proactive counter-terrorism doctrine and emphasis on deterrence without escalation.
📝 Explanation: India approved the acquisition of 114 additional Rafale fighter jets to strengthen the Indian Air Force. The deal includes domestic manufacturing, enhancing operational readiness, technology transfer, and indigenous defence production capabilities.
📝 Explanation: Albinder Dhindsa was appointed CEO of Eternal Ltd following Deepinder Goyal’s decision to step down. The leadership change reflects strategic restructuring within India’s tech-enabled consumer business sector.
📝 Explanation: Lakshya Sen advanced to the quarterfinals of the Indonesia Masters, continuing India’s strong presence in international badminton. His consistent performances signal India’s growing competitiveness in elite global badminton tournaments.
📝 Explanation: The film Sinners led the 2026 Academy Award nominations with a record number of nods. Such recognition highlights evolving storytelling trends and diversity in global cinema.
📝 Explanation: Parakram Diwas marks the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The day celebrates his courage, leadership, and contribution to India’s freedom struggle, inspiring patriotism and national pride.
📝 Explanation: Rakesh Aggarwal’s appointment as NIA Director-General strengthens India’s counter-terror and internal security leadership. The NIA plays a key role in investigating terrorism and national security-related crimes.
📝 Explanation: The MoU aims to strengthen Early Childhood Care and Education systems through collaboration in training, curriculum development, and outreach. It highlights states’ focus on foundational education for long-term human capital development.
📝 Explanation: Professor Madhav Gadgil was a pioneering ecologist and environmental thinker. He played a major role in biodiversity conservation and authored the influential Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel report.
📝 Explanation: India ranked 16th in the Responsible Nations Index 2026, which assesses how responsibly countries use economic, political, and environmental power. The ranking reflects India’s growing influence while highlighting sustainability challenges.
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