🇮🇳 National News
The Department of Fisheries (DoF) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying approved the Andaman & Nicobar Administration’s proposal to develop a Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour at Mayabunder with a total outlay of Rs 199.24 crore and 100% Central Financial Assistance under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
Developed under the Blue Port Initiative, the project integrates smart technology and sustainable fisheries management with SmartBlue features including IoT-enabled systems, digital traceability, and energy-efficient infrastructure to combat IUU fishing.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Vessel Capacity | 430 fishing vessels |
| Annual Fish Landing Capacity | 9,900 tonnes |
| A&N Islands EEZ | 6 lakh sq km |
| Tuna Potential | 60,000 MT |
India’s fisheries production rose from 96 lakh tonnes (2013-14) to 197.75 lakh tonnes (2024-25). Seafood exports worth Rs 62,408 crore to nearly 130 countries position the project toward the Rs 1 lakh crore export target by 2030-31.
NITI Aayog released 3 reports on ‘Enhancing Circular Economy’ in End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs), Waste Tyres and E-waste, and Lithium-ion Batteries (LIBs) at the International Material Recycling Conference (IMRC) organised by Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
| Sector | Key Findings |
|---|---|
| End-of-Life Vehicles | Projected to nearly double from 23 million (2025) to 50 million (2030); BS-I vehicles emit up to 8 times more pollutants than BS-VI |
| Waste Tyres | India is world’s 3rd largest tyre producer and consumer; generates 1.5-2 Million Tonnes of waste tyres annually |
| E-waste | Projected to increase from 6.19 MMT to 14 MMT by 2030; annual economic value of Rs 51,000 crore (60% extractable); current recovery captures only 18% of potential |
The E-waste report was developed in collaboration with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).
The Buddhist Diamond Triangle in Odisha has been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List.
This cultural site represents the significant Buddhist heritage of the region, encompassing important archaeological and religious sites that demonstrate the historical spread and influence of Buddhism in ancient India.
The recognition enhances India’s cultural diplomacy and tourism potential while promoting the preservation of this invaluable heritage.
On 27th January 2026, the Department of Posts (DoP), Ministry of Communications, signed an agreement with Stock Holding Services Limited (SSL) at Dak Bhawan, New Delhi, to expand regulated capital market services across the country through the India Post network.
Services Available:
- Demat & Trading Accounts – Opening through SSL’s digital investment services
- Mutual Fund Investments – Access to various MF schemes
- IPO Participation – Direct access to initial public offerings
- Other Investment Products – Authorised investment options
Services will be facilitated through digital onboarding links, QR codes, and selected post office outlets. SSL will conduct investor education and awareness programs focusing on first-time investors and underserved populations in rural and semi-urban areas.
NITI Aayog signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) with NIIT Foundation to advance digital literacy, financial inclusion, and skill development across Aspirational Blocks. The partnership was formalised in the presence of BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog.
The initiative aims to achieve 100% block coverage, reaching approximately 1.2 lakh beneficiaries with at least 40% women participation.
Focus Areas:
- Digital Skills Training – Basic and advanced skills for accessing online platforms and government services
- Financial Awareness – Promoting knowledge of banking and insurance services
- Vocational Training – Community-based learning programs
NIIT Foundation will manage the programme, deploying trained mobilisers and trainers.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme at Doomdooma in Tinsukia district to honour tea garden workers on the completion of 200 years of Assam’s tea industry.
The Government of Assam will provide one-time financial assistance of Rs 5,000 to more than 6 lakh tea garden workers (permanent and casual) across 836 tea gardens in 27 districts and 73 Assembly constituencies. Total direct benefit transfer exceeds Rs 300 crore.
Additional Benefits:
- Nutritional Wage Compensation – Rs 15,000 for pregnant tea workers
- Orunodoi Beneficiaries – Rs 8,000 to beneficiaries in tea garden areas (February 2026)
- Facilities – Mobile crèches, toilets, and medical units
- Land Pattas – To be granted to workers in labour lines from February 2026
- Education – Expanded schools and MBBS reservations for tea communities
Uttarakhand has become the first state in India to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
This historic legislation creates a common set of personal laws applicable to all citizens regardless of religion, covering matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.
The implementation marks a significant milestone in India’s legal framework and is being closely watched as a potential model for other states considering similar legislation.
Padma Vibhushan 2026:
- V.S. Achuthanandan – Former Kerala Chief Minister, awarded posthumously in recognition of his exceptional contribution to public service
Padma Bhushan 2026:
- Vijay Amritraj – Indian tennis legend, awarded for his distinguished contribution to tennis and sports promotion in India
The 25th edition of Bharat Rang Mahotsav was inaugurated in New Delhi.
Bharat Rang Mahotsav is one of Asia’s largest theatre festivals, organised by the National School of Drama. The festival brings together theatre practitioners, artists, and audiences from across India and the world to celebrate the art of theatre through performances, workshops, and cultural exchanges.
India successfully tested the Prithvi-II, an indigenous short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile.
The Prithvi-II is part of India’s strategic missile programme and demonstrates the continued advancement of the country’s indigenous defence capabilities. The successful test reinforces India’s missile technology prowess and operational readiness for deterrence purposes.
Exercise VARUNA, the bilateral naval exercise between India and France, was recently conducted to enhance interoperability and maritime cooperation between the two navies.
The exercise strengthens the strategic partnership between India and France in the maritime domain, focusing on joint naval operations, anti-submarine warfare, and coordinated maritime security.
The Indian Army conducted the joint military exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’ with the United States Army.
This is one of the largest bilateral military exercises between the two countries, aimed at enhancing defence cooperation, interoperability, and sharing best practices in counterterrorism and conventional operations.
💼 Business & Economy
On 27th January 2026, Adani Defence & Aerospace (Adani Enterprises Limited) and Embraer (Brazilian aircraft manufacturer) signed a MoU in New Delhi to explore developing an aircraft manufacturing and aviation services ecosystem in India.
MoU Focus Areas:
- Final Assembly Line (FAL) – For aircraft in India
- MRO Services – Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul
- Training – Aviation workforce development
- Supply Chain Development – Local manufacturing ecosystem
- Lifecycle Support – Comprehensive aircraft support services
The FAL will be one of three in India where aircraft are fully assembled and Embraer’s first aircraft production facility in Asia. The partnership aims to advance India’s Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA) programme, supporting Aatmanirbhar Bharat and promoting regional air connectivity under the UDAN scheme.
On 28th January 2026, GAIL (India) Limited signed a term sheet for equity participation in a ship-owning company established in Singapore, along with J M Baxi Marine Services and Japan’s Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K LINE).
The signing took place at India Energy Week (IEW) 2026 in Goa in the presence of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri (MoPNG).
The equity deal concerns an LNG carrier currently under construction at Samsung Heavy Industries, South Korea, with delivery slated for 2027 under a long-term charter agreement with GAIL.
GAIL will invest through its wholly owned subsidiary GAIL Global IFSC Limited (GIFT City, Gujarat), subject to regulatory approvals including DIPAM clearance.
🌐 International News
The India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was concluded at the 16th India-EU Summit in New Delhi.
The agreement aims to reduce tariffs on Indian exports to the European Union, which accounts for approximately 25% of global GDP.
Key sectors gaining duty-free access to the EU market include Pharmaceuticals, Textiles & Apparel, and Automobiles.
The FTA marks a significant milestone in India-EU economic partnership, positioning both parties for enhanced bilateral trade and investment flows.
Bulgaria has officially joined the Eurozone as its 21st member country.
This expansion of the euro currency area strengthens European monetary integration and marks a significant milestone for Bulgaria’s economic alignment with core EU economies.
Bulgaria’s entry follows years of preparation to meet the convergence criteria required for Eurozone membership, including inflation targets, fiscal discipline, and exchange rate stability.
North Korea recently conducted a test of a ballistic missile, raising regional security concerns.
The test continues North Korea’s pattern of weapons development amid ongoing international tensions. The launch was monitored by regional defence authorities and has drawn responses from neighbouring countries and international bodies concerned about regional stability in the Korean Peninsula.
🔬 Science & Technology
Microsoft introduced the second generation of its in-house AI processor ‘Maia 200’, along with a new suite of AI-focused software tools.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) |
| Process Technology | 3-nanometer |
| Memory | High-bandwidth memory incorporated |
| First Deployment | Microsoft data centre in Iowa |
The Maia 200 improves upon its predecessor (introduced in 2023) with higher compute capability, increased memory bandwidth, and better energy efficiency, enabling faster and more cost-effective AI workloads.
Strobilanthes riteshii, a new species of flowering plant, has been discovered in Arunachal Pradesh.
The discovery adds to India’s rich biodiversity documentation and highlights the importance of continued botanical exploration in the Eastern Himalayan region, which is known as a global biodiversity hotspot.
📅 Important Days
The United Nations International Day of Clean Energy is annually observed on 26th January to promote awareness and inspire action toward a fair, inclusive transition to clean energy.
“Clean Energy for People and Planet” – This marks the celebration of the 3rd International Day of Clean Energy.
- Origin – The UNGA declared this day through resolution A/77/327 on 26th January 2023
- First Observance – 26th January 2024
- IRENA Connection – The day coincides with the establishment of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) on 26th January 2009
- IRENA Anniversary – 26th January 2026 marks the 17th anniversary of IRENA (HQ: Abu Dhabi, UAE; DG: Francesco La Camera)
International Customs Day (ICD) is observed worldwide on 26th January to recognise the crucial role played by customs administrations in ensuring security, facilitating compliant trade, and combating smuggling.
“Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment”
- Anniversary – 26th January 2026 marks 73 years since the first meeting of the Customs Cooperation Council (CCC, now WCO) held in Brussels, Belgium in 1953
- First Celebration – In 1983, the CCC decided to celebrate ICD to mark its 30th anniversary
- WCO – The CCC was set up in 1952 and renamed the World Customs Organization (WCO) in 1994
- Coverage – The WCO currently works with 186 member states, handling about 98% of global trade
🕊️ Obituaries
On 28th January 2026, Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and chief of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), passed away at the age of 66 in a Learjet 45 aircraft crash at Baramati Airport in Pune, Maharashtra.
Born on 22nd July 1959 in Deolali Pravara, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, he began his public career in 1982 when elected to a sugar cooperative board.
He was one of the longest-serving Deputy CMs of Maharashtra, serving six separate times between 2010 and 2026 under CMs Prithviraj Chavan, Uddhav Thackeray, Devendra Fadnavis, and Eknath Shinde.
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Lok Sabha MP | Elected from Baramati in 1991 |
| Baramati MLA | Won continuously for over three decades (eighth victory in November 2024) |
| NCP Faction Chief | Became chief in February 2024 after party split |
Key Ministerial Roles:
- MoS for Agriculture & Power – 1991-92
- Minister of Finance, Planning & Energy – 2010-14
- Minister of Finance & Planning – 2019-2026
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