Important Days
International Day of Clean Energy
Observed on January 26 with theme ‘Clean Energy for People and Planet’. Established by UNGA Resolution A/77/327 (2023). Date coincides with IRENA’s founding (2009) β now marking its 17th anniversary.
Important Days
International Customs Day
Observed on January 26 marking 73 years since CCC’s first meeting in Brussels (1953). Theme: ‘Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment’. WCO was renamed in 1994 and has 186 member states.
International
India-EU Free Trade Agreement
FTA concluded at the 16th India-EU Summit. EU accounts for approximately 25% of global GDP. Provides duty-free access for Pharmaceuticals, Textiles & Apparel, and Automobiles.
International
Bulgaria Joins Eurozone
Bulgaria became the 21st member of the Eurozone after meeting all convergence criteria. This strengthens European monetary integration and expands the common currency area.
Governance
Mayabunder Smart Fishing Harbour
DoF approved Rs 199.24 crore for A&N Islands under PMMSY (100% CFA). Features: 430 vessels capacity, 9,900 tonnes annual landing, Blue Port Initiative with SmartBlue IoT systems.
Heritage
Buddhist Diamond Triangle – UNESCO
Odisha’s Buddhist Diamond Triangle added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List. Recognizes the state’s important Buddhist archaeological heritage and ancient sites.
State News
Uttarakhand’s Uniform Civil Code
Uttarakhand became the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Establishes common personal laws for all citizens regardless of religion.
Economy
Adani-Embraer Aircraft MoU
MoU signed for aircraft manufacturing in India. Will establish Embraer’s first FAL in Asia along with MRO services. Supports RTA programme under UDAN for regional connectivity.
Technology
Microsoft Maia 200 AI Chip
Microsoft’s 2nd-gen AI chip uses TSMC 3nm process with high-bandwidth memory. Operational at Iowa data centre. Offers improved compute, memory bandwidth, and energy efficiency.
Defence
Key Military Exercises
Exercise VARUNA: India-France bilateral naval exercise for maritime cooperation. Exercise Yudh Abhyas: India-US joint military exercise β one of the largest bilateral exercises.