🔬 Science & Technology
India’s defence research framework has achieved another milestone aimed at improving the operational readiness of soldiers deployed in challenging terrains. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully developed a portable water purification system that can be operated manually in field conditions.
The Sea Water Desalination System (SWaDeS) is capable of converting saline or seawater into potable drinking water, ensuring continuous access to safe hydration during long patrols and deployments.
Key Features:
- Designed for remote areas – Supports soldiers stationed in water-scarce, coastal, and high-altitude regions
- Manual operation – Can be operated manually in field conditions without external power
- Self-reliant solution – Addresses the critical need for dependable drinking water in areas where conventional supply is difficult or impossible
- Enhanced sustainability – Reduces dependence on external water logistics in extreme environments
This innovation enhances troop sustainability and operational readiness in challenging terrains across India’s borders.
🇮🇳 National News
Prasar Bharati has initiated steps to resume live radio broadcasts in the Thadou language from All India Radio (AIR), Imphal. These broadcasts had earlier been suspended during the ethnic violence in Manipur in 2023.
Background & Significance:
- Community request – The move comes after formal representations from organisations belonging to the Thadou community
- Confidence-building initiative – Viewed as a step toward reconciliation in a state affected by prolonged ethnic tensions
- Cultural preservation – Underscores the role of public broadcasting in safeguarding linguistic rights and cultural diversity
- Inclusive communication – Highlights Prasar Bharati’s commitment to cultural representation in conflict-affected regions
Thadou is a Tibeto-Burman language spoken primarily by the Thadou community in Manipur. The revival of broadcasts in this language is crucial for maintaining cultural identity and ensuring access to information for the community.
India Energy Week (IEW) 2026 is scheduled to take place in Goa from January 27 to January 30, 2026. The event will bring together energy ministers, global CEOs, policymakers, financial institutions, academic experts, and technology providers from across the world.
As the first major global energy event of 2026, IEW will be held at a crucial moment for the international energy sector, positioning India as a key platform for global dialogue on energy transition and sustainability.
Key Focus Areas:
- Energy security – Strengthening global and regional energy security frameworks
- Investment mobilisation – Encouraging and mobilising investment in the energy sector
- Decarbonisation pathways – Promoting practical, scalable, and realistic approaches to reducing carbon emissions
- Global collaboration – Facilitating dialogue between governments, industry leaders, and technology innovators
The event aims to showcase India’s leadership in the global energy transition while addressing critical challenges facing the sector.
🌐 International News
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled to visit India on January 12–13, 2026. The visit aims to further deepen bilateral relations between India and Germany.
Key Discussion Areas:
- Strategic partnership – Enhancing cooperation in defence and security matters
- Trade and economic cooperation – Expanding bilateral trade and investment opportunities
- Climate and sustainability initiatives – Collaborating on green energy and environmental protection
- Geopolitical developments – Coordinating positions on emerging global challenges
India and Germany share a long-standing strategic partnership, particularly in manufacturing, renewable energy, technology and innovation. Regular intergovernmental consultations and high-level exchanges have strengthened cooperation in skill development, innovation ecosystems, and sustainable growth.
This visit is expected to open new avenues for collaboration in emerging technologies, green hydrogen, and sustainable development.
India has launched a new electronic business visa category named e-B-4 Visa for Chinese citizens. The initiative aims to facilitate business travel and support the gradual normalisation of people-centric exchanges between India and China.
Key Features of e-B-4 Visa:
- Fully online application – Can be applied for entirely online, eliminating the need for physical visits to Indian embassies or consulates
- Production-focused – Specifically designed for production-related, investment-oriented, and technical business activities
- Regulated approach – Does not cover general or routine commercial visits, maintaining focused engagement
- Investment encouragement – Expected to encourage investment cooperation while ensuring controlled engagement
The e-B-4 Visa represents a calibrated step toward normalising business exchanges between the two countries. It maintains a balance between facilitating economic cooperation and ensuring purpose-driven, regulated engagement in specific sectors.
💼 Business & Economy
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducted the first meeting of the Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) in Mumbai. The meeting was chaired by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
The PRB was constituted following an amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, which came into effect on May 9, 2025. It is a statutory body created to ensure specialised regulation and supervision of payment systems in India.
Key Discussion Points:
- Oversight mechanisms – Reviewed existing frameworks for monitoring payment systems
- Digital Payments Survey – Examined findings and trends in digital payment adoption
- Payments Vision document – Discussed draft versions outlining the future roadmap for India’s payments ecosystem
Objectives of PRB:
- Safety and efficiency – Ensure robust and efficient digital payment infrastructure
- Innovation promotion – Foster innovation in payment systems and technologies
- Financial stability – Maintain overall stability of the financial system through effective payments regulation
The establishment of the PRB marks a significant step in India’s journey toward a comprehensive and secure digital payments ecosystem.
India has commissioned ICGS Samudra Pratap, marking the country’s first indigenously built Pollution Control Vessel. The vessel significantly enhances India’s capabilities in marine environmental protection, maritime safety, and coastal security.
ICGS Samudra Pratap features over 60% indigenous content, reflecting the success of the Make in India initiative in the defence and maritime sectors.
Key Capabilities:
- Multi-role functionality – Capable of oil spill response, marine pollution control, firefighting, and maritime emergencies
- Patrol operations – Can conduct coastal patrols and long-duration surveillance operations
- Advanced systems – Equipped with automation systems, aviation facilities, and sophisticated pollution response equipment
Strategic Importance:
- Environmental protection – Enhances India’s ability to respond to marine pollution incidents
- Coastal security – Strengthens monitoring and security of India’s vast coastline
- Operational reach – Significantly extends the Indian Coast Guard’s environmental response capacity
The induction of ICGS Samudra Pratap represents a major milestone in India’s maritime security and environmental protection capabilities.
📅 Important Days
India will observe the 9th Siddha Day on January 6, 2026. The day celebrates the Siddha system of medicine, one of the oldest traditional medical systems in India.
Siddha medicine is deeply rooted in Tamil culture and has been practiced for over 2,000 years. It emphasises holistic well-being, preventive healthcare, and balance between body, mind, and environment.
Key Aspects of Siddha Medicine:
- Holistic approach – Treats the body, mind, and spirit as interconnected elements
- Preventive focus – Emphasises disease prevention through lifestyle and dietary practices
- Natural remedies – Uses minerals, metals, and herbal preparations
- Traditional knowledge – Based on ancient Tamil texts and continuous practice
The observance reflects India’s commitment to preserving and promoting traditional knowledge systems alongside modern healthcare practices, recognising the value of integrative medicine.
World Day of War Orphans 2026 is being observed on January 6. The day draws global attention to the plight of children who have lost their parents due to wars and armed conflicts.
Purpose & Significance:
- Awareness raising – Highlights the severe physical, psychological, and social challenges faced by war-affected orphans
- Rights protection – Calls for ensuring protection of children’s rights in conflict zones
- Support mobilisation – Urges provision of care, security, and rehabilitation services
- Dignity preservation – Emphasises upholding the dignity and future prospects of war orphans worldwide
The day reinforces the principle of collective global responsibility toward vulnerable children. It calls upon governments, international organisations, and civil society to prioritise the welfare and rehabilitation of children orphaned by conflict.
The observance serves as a reminder that protecting children affected by war is not just a humanitarian imperative but a moral obligation for the global community.
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