🇮🇳 National News
In January 2025, the Government of India (GoI) approved the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for the Rabi 2025–26 season. The approved subsidy will be applicable from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
The decision covers Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers, including Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and various NPKS (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulphur) grades.
The estimated financial requirement for Rabi 2025–26 is ₹37,952.29 crore, which is about ₹736 crore higher than the subsidy provided during the Kharif 2025 season.
Key Features of NBS Scheme:
- Per-nutrient subsidy – Subsidy is fixed on a per-nutrient basis rather than per product
- Decontrolled sector – The P&K fertilizer sector remains decontrolled, allowing companies to decide the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) under GoI supervision
- Direct benefit transfer – The subsidy benefit is directly passed on to farmers
Approved NBS Rates for Rabi 2025–26:
| Nutrient | Rate per kg |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen (N) | ₹43.02 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ₹47.96 |
| Potassium (K) | ₹2.38 |
| Sulphur (S) | ₹2.87 |
DAP Subsidy Enhancement: The subsidy on DAP has been increased to ₹29,805 per metric tonne (MT), up from ₹21,911 per MT in Rabi 2024–25. This increase is aimed at shielding farmers from global fertilizer price fluctuations.
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), signed an MoU with the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC), which operates under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA).
The MoU was signed in New Delhi with the objective of strengthening Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).
ONGC will provide ₹28 crore under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to enhance educational infrastructure and opportunities for tribal students.
About Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS):
- Target beneficiaries – Tribal students from Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities
- Educational focus – Provides quality education along with all-round development
- Residential facilities – Offers boarding and lodging to students from remote tribal areas
- Empowerment goal – Aims to bring tribal students at par with the best institutions in the country
This partnership demonstrates ONGC’s commitment to inclusive development and educational advancement in tribal communities across India.
In January 2026, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) set up a Live Events Development Cell (LEDC) to boost India’s concert and live entertainment economy.
The LEDC was constituted in July 2025 under Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
India’s organised live events sector was valued at approximately ₹20,861 crore in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 18% till 2030.
Composition:
- Government officials – Representatives from Central and State governments
- Industry associations – Trade bodies and industry representatives
- Event companies – Major event management companies
Key Functions:
- Streamlining approvals – Simplifying permissions for large-scale live events
- Inter-departmental coordination – Facilitating cooperation across government departments
- Global positioning – Positioning India as a global hub for live events by 2030
Concert Economy Scope: The concert economy encompasses ticket sales, merchandise, food & beverage services, and broader economic spillovers including hospitality, transportation, and local business benefits.
In January 2026, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin signed an MoU with UN Women in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Purpose of the MoU:
- Gender-responsive governance – Strengthening governance frameworks that address gender issues
- Women’s welfare initiatives – Enhancing programmes and schemes for women’s empowerment
- Inclusive development – Promoting equitable development across the state
UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. It works globally to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development.
This partnership positions Tamil Nadu as a progressive state committed to gender equality and women’s empowerment through international collaboration and best practices.
In January 2026, scientists from Mizoram University, along with researchers from Russia, Germany, and Vietnam, discovered a new reed snake species. The species has been named ‘Calamaria mizoramensis’.
The findings were published in the international scientific journal ‘Zootaxa’.
This discovery adds a new reptile species to India’s biodiversity, increases the global Calamaria species count to 70, and updates Mizoram’s herpetofauna tally to 169 species.
Significance of the Discovery:
- Endemic species – Highlights the unique biodiversity of Northeast India
- International collaboration – Demonstrates the value of cross-border scientific partnerships
- Conservation importance – Underscores the need for habitat protection in Mizoram
- Scientific contribution – Adds to global knowledge of Calamaria genus distribution
The Calamaria genus comprises small, non-venomous snakes that are typically found in leaf litter and under logs in forested areas, making them difficult to spot and study.
🔬 Science & Technology
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Science and Technology, inaugurated two state-of-the-art laboratories at the CSIR–National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) campus in New Delhi, during its 80th Foundation Day celebrations.
Facilities Inaugurated:
1. National Environmental Standard Laboratory (NSEL):
- Global significance – Second-of-its-kind laboratory in the world
- Purpose – Strengthens environmental monitoring capabilities
- Standards development – Develops and maintains environmental measurement standards
2. National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration:
- Global ranking – Fifth such facility globally
- Solar energy focus – Supports India’s renewable energy goals
- Calibration services – Provides accurate calibration for solar cell efficiency testing
The CSIR-National Physical Laboratory is India’s measurement standards laboratory. It maintains and disseminates physical measurement standards and provides calibration and testing services. The laboratory plays a crucial role in ensuring measurement accuracy across industries and research institutions.
These laboratories aim to strengthen India’s scientific infrastructure, particularly in environmental monitoring and solar energy calibration standards, supporting both research and industrial applications.
💼 Business & Economy
ONGC, under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), partnered with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), a leading Japanese shipping company. The partnership involves the establishment of two Joint Ventures (JVs).
Objective: Entry into the ethane transportation and shipping business.
Ethane is a hydrocarbon gas that is a key feedstock for the petrochemical industry, particularly for producing ethylene, which is used in manufacturing plastics and other chemical products. Efficient ethane transportation is crucial for the petrochemical supply chain.
Institutional Support:
- Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) – Policy and regulatory support
- Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) – Under the Ministry of Finance, supporting investment structuring
Strategic Significance:
- Value chain integration – ONGC expands beyond exploration and production into transportation
- International partnership – Leverages MOL’s shipping expertise and global network
- Petrochemical support – Strengthens India’s petrochemical industry supply chain
- Export potential – Opens opportunities for ethane exports to international markets
🛡️ Defence
In January 2026, the Indian Army (IA) announced the formation of a new modern warfare force named ‘Bhairav’. The initiative is designed to enhance India’s combat readiness by leveraging advanced drone technologies.
The force will include a pool of over 1 lakh (100,000) trained drone operators, making it one of the largest drone-focused military forces globally.
Key Highlights:
- Drone-centric operations – Personnel are trained specifically for drone-based warfare
- Modern warfare readiness – Addresses complex challenges of contemporary battlefield scenarios
- Surveillance and reconnaissance – Enhanced intelligence gathering capabilities
- Precision strikes – Improved targeting and strike accuracy
Strategic Importance:
- Tactical advantage – Provides real-time battlefield intelligence
- Force multiplication – Extends operational reach without additional troops
- Adaptation to modern threats – Counters evolving warfare technologies
- Cost-effective operations – Reduces risks to personnel in reconnaissance missions
The establishment of ‘Bhairav’ reflects the Indian Army’s commitment to modernisation and adaptation to emerging warfare technologies, particularly in light of recent global conflicts that have highlighted the critical role of drones in military operations.
The Indian Army, under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), signed an Emergency Procurement (EP) contract with NIBE Limited valued at ₹293 crore.
Purpose of Procurement:
- Acquisition target – The ‘Suryastra’ Rocket Launcher System
- Capability enhancement – Strengthening long-range precision strike capability
- Modernisation support – Supporting the ongoing artillery modernisation programme
Emergency Procurement (EP) is a fast-track procurement mechanism that allows the armed forces to quickly acquire critical equipment to address urgent operational requirements, bypassing lengthy conventional procurement processes.
Strategic Significance:
- Indigenous manufacturing – Supports Make in India initiative in defence sector
- Operational readiness – Addresses immediate artillery capability gaps
- Precision strike – Enhances ability to engage targets at extended ranges
- Artillery modernisation – Part of comprehensive artillery upgrade programme
The Suryastra system will strengthen the Indian Army’s firepower and provide enhanced strike capabilities in various operational scenarios.
👔 Appointments
In January 2026, HSBC Private Bank appointed Ida Liu as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Her appointment became effective from January 5, 2026.
She succeeded Gabriel Castello, who had been serving as the interim CEO since December 2024.
HSBC Private Bank is the wealth management division of HSBC Group, serving high-net-worth individuals and families globally with tailored banking, investment, and wealth planning services.
Significance of Appointment:
- Leadership transition – Marks completion of interim leadership phase
- Strategic direction – New leadership to guide wealth management strategy
- Global operations – Oversees private banking operations worldwide
📚 Books & Authors
In January 2026, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant launched the second edition of the book ‘History That India Ignored’ in Panaji, Goa.
Book Details:
- Author – Prem Prakash, veteran journalist and Chairman of ANI (Asian News International)
- Publisher – Vitasta Publishing Private Limited
- First edition – Originally released in April 2025
The book explores lesser-known aspects of Indian history that have been overlooked or under-represented in mainstream historical narratives, offering fresh perspectives on India’s past.
Significance:
- Historical narrative – Brings attention to neglected historical events and figures
- Second edition demand – Reflects reader interest and relevance of the content
- Journalistic perspective – Written by an experienced news professional with deep understanding of contemporary and historical events
🕊️ Obituaries
Suresh Kalmadi, senior leader of the Indian National Congress (INC) and former Union Minister of State for Railways, passed away on January 6, 2026, in Pune, Maharashtra. He was 81 years old.
Personal Details:
- Birth – May 1, 1944, in Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu
- Age at death – 81 years
- Place of death – Pune, Maharashtra
Suresh Kalmadi was widely known as the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Chairman of the Organising Committee for the 2010 Commonwealth Games held in Delhi, though his tenure was later marred by controversy.
Political Career:
- Parliamentary service – Served multiple terms as Member of Parliament from Pune
- Ministerial role – Union Minister of State for Railways
- Party affiliation – Long-standing member of the Indian National Congress
- Sports administration – Held key positions in Indian sports organizations
In January 2026, former World Billiards Champion and current Chief National Coach, Manoj Kothari, passed away in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. He was 67 years old.
Manoj Kothari was awarded the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Award in 2005 by the Government of India for his outstanding lifetime contribution to billiards. This is India’s highest honour for lifetime achievement in sports.
Career Achievements:
- World Champion – Achieved world championship status in billiards
- Pioneering figure – One of the leading figures in Indian cue sports
- Chief National Coach – Served as national coach, nurturing next generation of players
- Lifetime contribution – Dedicated career to promoting and developing billiards in India
Legacy:
- Inspiration – Inspired generations of Indian billiards and snooker players
- Coaching excellence – Shaped the careers of numerous national and international players
- Sports development – Contributed significantly to raising the profile of cue sports in India
Manoj Kothari’s contributions to Indian billiards extend beyond his playing achievements, having dedicated decades to coaching and developing the sport in India.
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