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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

India’s Gold Exchange Traded Funds Holdings Rise 65% to 95 Tonnes, Becomes 6th Largest Globally

• Domestic gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) in India saw their holdings jump 65% to 95 tonnes in 2025, making India the 6th largest holder of gold ETFs globally, up from 8th place in 2024.
• According to the World Gold Council (WGC), India’s gold ETF holdings were 57.5 tonnes in 2024, showing a sharp rise in investor participation.
• India ranked third globally in gold ETF inflows during 2025, with net investments of USD 4.37 billion.
• Net inflows into Indian gold ETFs reached $4.4 billion in 2025, more than three times the $1.3 billion in 2024, making India the third-largest gold ETF market after the US ($50 billion) and China ($15.5 billion).
• Nippon India ETF Gold BeES, India’s largest gold ETF, ranked among the top 15 gold ETFs globally in terms of net inflows, attracting $1.17 billion during 2025.
• Nippon India ETF Gold BeES also led domestic gold ETF inflows by a wide margin, strengthening its leadership in India’s expanding gold ETF market.
• The gold ETF boom in India was driven by a more than 60% rise in gold prices in 2025, fuelled by global uncertainty, a weaker US dollar, and a strong investor preference for regulated precious metal investments.
• Globally, gold ETFs recorded net inflows of $88.5 billion in 2025, highlighting rising global demand for gold-backed ETFs.

India’s Retail Inflation Slows to 1.33% in December, Stays Below RBI’s Tolerance Band

• India’s retail inflation (CPI) eased to 1.33% in December 2025, marking the lowest level in three months and remaining well below the RBI’s tolerance band.
• The decline in inflation was mainly due to a sharp fall in food prices, especially vegetables, fruits, eggs, spices, and pulses.
• Rural inflation stood at 1.44%, while urban inflation was 2.26%, both remaining under control.
• Despite the rise in certain items, overall inflation remains well below the RBI’s tolerance band of 2–6%, keeping price pressures under control.
• Retail inflation, also known as Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation, measures the change in retail prices of goods and services that households purchase for daily consumption.
• CPI is calculated using a base year, which serves as a benchmark for comparison; the current base year is 2012.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Chhattisgarh Leads Large States in APAAR ID Generation (January 2026)

• Chhattisgarh has emerged as the top-performing large state in generating APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) IDs, achieving around 88.63% coverage of enrolled students as of early January 2026.
• The state has created 50,60,941 APAAR IDs out of 57,10,207 enrolled students across 57,045 schools, reflecting strong execution and administrative coordination.
• APAAR ID is a permanent digital academic identity enabling secure storage of certificates, credits, achievements and academic records, ensuring academic continuity, supporting nationwide mobility, reducing paperwork and strengthening education governance under India’s digital education reforms.
• The initiative aligns with the national push towards Digital Public Infrastructure in Education, enhancing transparency and student-centric service delivery.
• emetara recorded the highest coverage at 96.40%, followed by Rajnandgaon (96.38%), while districts like Raigarh, Korea, Raipur, Korba, Dhamtari, Durg and Balodabazar have crossed 93% coverage; most districts have achieved over 80%, except a few like Narayanpur, Bijapur, Sukma, Balrampur and Dantewada.
• The state government implemented a mission-mode strategy involving continuous monitoring, district-level targets and coordinated efforts by teachers, district administration and education departments to ensure inclusion of maximum students.
• The Central Government has set the national deadline of January 31, 2026 for APAAR ID completion, and Chhattisgarh is on track with time-bound efforts to achieve full coverage.

About Chhattisgarh:

• Chief Minister: Vishnu Deo Sai
• Governor: Ramen Deka
• Capital: Raipur
• National Parks: Indravati National Park, Kanger Valley National Park, Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary, Badalkhol Wildlife Sanctuary, Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary, Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary

25th All India Major Port Cultural Meet 2025–26 Concludes at Paradip Port

• The 25th All India Major Port Cultural Meet 2025–26 concluded at Jayadev Sadan, Paradip Port, after four days of cultural performances.
  • The event was organized by Paradip Port Authority (PPA) in association with the Major Ports Sports Control Board.
• Around 200 artistes from 9 major ports participated, showcasing talent in music, dance, drama and other cultural disciplines.
• The valedictory ceremony was attended by P. L. Haranadh, Chairman, Paradip Port Authority, as Chief Guest.
• Mumbai Port Authority secured the Runners-up position, while Deendayal Port Authority and Cochin Port Authority were declared Joint Second Runners-up.
• The programme was presided over by H. S. Rout, Chairman of the Cultural Organising Committee, with senior PPA officials including A. K. Bose, Ashoka Kumar Sahu and D. P. Sethi present.
• The meet aimed to promote unity, cultural integration, harmony and camaraderie among employees of India’s major ports, strengthening bonds within the maritime fraternity.

India Records Sharp Growth in Fisheries Sector; Becomes 2nd Largest Fish Producer Globally

• India’s fish production increased to 197.75 lakh tonnes in FY 2024–25, up from 95.79 lakh tonnes in FY 2013–14, marking a 106% rise in a decade.
• The fisheries sector has become a major contributor to the rural economy and supports about 3 crore fishers and fish farmers across the country.
• Since 2014–15, government initiatives have generated 74.66 lakh employment opportunities (direct and indirect) in the fisheries value chain.
• India now ranks as the world’s 2nd largest fish producer, contributing around 8% of global fish production.
• Average aquaculture productivity has increased to 4.77 tonnes per hectare, supported by better technology, quality seeds, and scientific farming practices.
• The sector contributes 7.43% to Agriculture Gross Value Added (GVA), the highest among agriculture and allied activities.
• Since 2015, investments worth ₹38,572 crore have been announced through key schemes including Blue Revolution, Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and PMMKSSY.
• Projects worth ₹32,723 crore have been approved for infrastructure, cold chain, harbours, modern aquaculture systems and fisheries value chain strengthening.
• The fisheries sector has strong social security coverage, including Group Accidental Insurance for 34.71 lakh fishers, nutritional support during fishing ban periods, and 4.49 lakh Kisan Credit Cards issued with loans of ₹3,569.60 crore.
• India is a leading seafood exporter. In 2023–24, India exported 16.98 lakh tonnes of seafood worth ₹62,408 crore, supported by modern processing and improved export infrastructure.

APEDA Inaugurates Regional Office in Raipur, Chhattisgarh to Boost Agricultural Exports

• The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has inaugurated its Regional Office in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
• The office was inaugurated during the 2nd India International Rice Summit held in Chhattisgarh.
• The initiative aims to strengthen agricultural and processed food exports from Chhattisgarh and support farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and exporters.
• Chhattisgarh has strong export potential, especially in premium non-basmati rice and GI-tagged rice varieties such as Jeera Phool Rice and Nagri Dubraj Rice.
• The state also produces fruits, vegetables and minor forest produce including mahua and tamarind, offering significant scope for export growth.
• The Raipur APEDA office will provide export registration, advisory services, market intelligence, certification support, and assistance in export facilitation, infrastructure development and market linkage.
• The office has already supported the export of fortified rice kernels from Chhattisgarh to Costa Rica and Papua New Guinea, demonstrating its functional impact.
• APEDA functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, and is responsible for promoting exports of agricultural and processed food products, including quality certification, branding and international market access.
• Establishment of the regional office will decentralize export promotion and provide direct on-ground support to stakeholders in Chhattisgarh.

Uttar Pradesh Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 to Promote Responsible AI Adoption

• IndiaAI, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Government of Uttar Pradesh (UP) are set to host the Uttar Pradesh Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
• The conference was announced by PIB Delhi on 11 January 2026.
• The event aims to promote responsible, inclusive and scalable Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption across Indian states.
• The conference will showcase Uttar Pradesh’s leadership in AI-driven governance and public service delivery.
• It will serve as an official precursor to the IndiaAI Impact Summit 2026, which will be held in New Delhi from 16–20 February 2026.
• The Lucknow conference is part of a national series of eight Regional AI Impact Conferences being organised under the IndiaAI framework.
• Objective: To align state-level AI initiatives with the broader IndiaAI Mission, ensuring safe, trustworthy, citizen-centric and responsible AI development in India.
• The conference highlights UP’s progress in digital governance, healthcare innovation, and technology-led public service delivery, positioning it as a model state.
• A key focus is on deploying AI at population scale to improve governance outcomes and social welfare.
• The event emphasizes Responsible AI principles including fairness, transparency and inclusivity, particularly in public sector applications.
• It aims to foster collaboration between government bodies, industry, startups, academia and global institutions to support innovation and policy convergence.
• The 2-day conference will feature plenary sessions and thematic discussions on:
  – Global AI landscape
  – State readiness for AI adoption
  – Capacity-building frameworks for government systems
• Major thematic focus: AI in Healthcare, covering AI-driven healthcare delivery, digital public health infrastructure, AI-enabled diagnostics and clinical innovation.

About Uttar Pradesh:

• Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath
• Governor: Anandiben Patel
• Capital: Lucknow
• National Parks: Dudhwa National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary (Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary), Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranipur Wildlife

RECENT NEWS

• India is preparing to set up its first ever Forest University in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. Marking a major step in advancing education and research in forestry, wildlife conservation, and environmental sciences. The project reflects the growing national focus on biodiversity protection, climate change mitigation, and sustainable natural resource management.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Goa Industrialist Shrinivas Dempo Conferred Italy’s High Civilian Honour – Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia

• Goa-based industrialist Shrinivas Dempo has been conferred Italy’s prestigious civilian honour “Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia” (Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy).
• The honour recognises his long-standing contributions in supporting Italian citizens in India and promoting India–Italy cooperation in business, culture, and community engagement.
• The award highlights Dempo’s role in strengthening bilateral ties beyond government channels, showcasing the importance of industry leaders and non-state actors in international relations.
• The honour was presented during a special ceremony held in Goa.
• The decoration was conferred by Walter Ferrara, Consul General of Italy in Mumbai, on behalf of the Government of Italy.
• The ceremony was attended by senior officials, diplomats and business leaders, indicating Italy’s high appreciation of Dempo’s contribution.
• Dempo was honoured for fostering institutional and community-level links between India and Italy, supporting Italian residents and professionals in India, and encouraging partnerships in trade, culture, and social initiatives.
• The recognition signifies Italy’s emphasis on people-to-people diplomacy, grassroots engagement and strengthening Indo-Italian relations at regional and sub-national levels.
• The honour comes at a time when India–Italy relations are expanding in sectors like manufacturing, technology, infrastructure, design and industrial cooperation.
• The Order of the Star of Italy is awarded to foreign nationals and Italians abroad who significantly contribute to enhancing Italy’s international relations and cooperation.
• The rank “Cavaliere” (Knight) represents a high level of recognition for sustained contribution to cultural diplomacy, economic ties and community engagement, reinforcing Italy’s soft power outreach.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Senior Indian Diplomat D.B. Venkatesh Varma Appointed Chair of UN Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters for 2026–27

• D.B. Venkatesh Varma, a senior Indian diplomat and member of the National Security Advisory Board, has been appointed Chair of the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters (ABDM) for 2026–27.
• This marks the first time an Indian has been chosen to lead the UN disarmament advisory body, a milestone for Indian diplomacy.
• The Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters (ABDM) was established in 1978 pursuant to paragraph 124 of the Final Document of the Tenth Special Session of the UN General Assembly.
• Indian diplomats have previously been members of the Board, but no Indian has held the Chair position until now.
• D.B. Venkatesh Varma is a leading expert on disarmament and Russia-related strategic affairs.
• He has previously served in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), including during India–US civil nuclear deal negotiations.
• Varma also served as India’s ambassador to Russia, managing bilateral ties during critical phases, including Covid-era coordination and the launch of India’s Act Far East policy from Vladivostok in 2019.
• The ABDM advises the UN Secretary-General on arms limitation and disarmament, including studies and research conducted under the UN system.
• In addition to its advisory role, the Board serves as the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDR).
• The Board advises the Secretary-General on the implementation of the United Nations Disarmament Information Programme.
• Members of the Advisory Board are chosen by the UN Secretary-General from all regions based on their knowledge and experience in disarmament and international security.
• The Board comprises fifteen members, with the Director of UNIDR serving as an ex officio member.

Justice Revati Mohite-Dere Takes Oath as Meghalaya High Court’s First Woman Chief Justice

• Justice Revati Mohite-Dere, a judge of the Bombay High Court (HC), was sworn in as the first woman Chief Justice (CJ) of the Meghalaya High Court, marking a historic milestone.
• The oath of office was administered by Chandrashekhar H. Vijayashankar, Governor of Meghalaya, at the Durbar Hall of Lok Bhavan in Shillong, Meghalaya.
• She succeeded Justice Soumen Sen, who was transferred to the Kerala High Court.
• High Court judges in India are appointed by the President of India under Article 217 of the Constitution of India.
• Justice Revati Mohite-Dere practiced criminal, civil, and constitutional law at the Bombay High Court and Sessions Court.
• She served in key legal roles including Assistant Government Pleader (Writ Cell), Bombay HC, Senior Counsel for the Union of India (Group I & II), Government Pleader (GP) and Public Prosecutor (PP) for Maharashtra, and Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) for the Union of India.
• She was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court on 21 June 2013 and was elevated as a permanent Judge on 2 March 2016.
• She is known for significant judicial contributions in constitutional law, criminal law, and Public Interest Litigations (PILs).

Gagan Narang Appointed as Director of India’s National Olympic Academy by Indian Olympic Association

• Olympic medallist Gagan Narang has been appointed as the Director of the National Olympic Academy (NOA) of India by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
• The appointment was approved during the IOA Executive Council meeting on 8 January 2026 and unanimously endorsed by the IOA General House on 9 January 2026 in Ahmedabad.
• Simultaneously, the IOA launched the National Olympic Education and Development Programme (NOEDP), a structured national framework to promote Olympic education and athlete development.
• The NOEDP will be implemented in partnership with National Sports Federations and State Olympic Associations, targeting athletes and sport stakeholders from grassroots to elite levels.
• IOA President P.T. Usha has been named President of the National Olympic Academy, which will collaborate with the International Olympic Academy to align India’s framework with global best practices.
• The Indian Olympic Association (IOA), established in 1927, is India’s National Olympic Committee responsible for selecting athletes for the Olympics, Asian Games, and other international events.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Army Holds Military–Civil Fusion Exercise ‘Sanjha Shakti’ in Maharashtra

• The Indian Army (IA) conducted the first-ever two-day joint Military–Civil Fusion (MCF) exercise named ‘Sanjha Shakti’.
• The exercise was held at the Diggi Range, Khadki Military Station, Pune, Maharashtra from 8–9 January 2026.
• It was conducted under the aegis of the Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa (MG & G) Area of the Southern Command.

About Exercise Sanjha Shakti

• The primary objective of the exercise was to enhance civil–military synergy, rapid response capability, and public safety in rear areas.
• The exercise witnessed participation from the Indian Army and 16 key civilian agencies, including Maharashtra Police, Force One, and fire and emergency services.
• Over 350 civilian personnel, excluding Army personnel, actively participated in the exercise.
• Operations included realistic, mission-oriented scenarios that tested interoperability, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), communication protocols, and decision-making across multiple levels.
• The outcomes of the exercise validated seamless coordination, strengthened joint preparedness, and demonstrated the effectiveness of the MCF framework.
• Sanjha Shakti highlighted the ability of civil and military agencies to address complex security challenges and emergency situations.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

India’s PSLV Faces Back-to-Back Launch Failures, 16 Satellites Destroyed

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the PSLV-C62 mission, its first launch of 2026, from the First Launch Pad at Sriharikota.
• The mission aimed to place Anvesha (EOS-N1) and 15 other satellites into a sun-synchronous polar orbit (SSO).
• The mission was executed through NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and was the ninth dedicated commercial Earth-observation mission of PSLV.
• PSLV-C62 mission failed, becoming the second consecutive failure of the PSLV, resulting in the loss of 16 satellites, including a foreign Earth-observation payload.
• The 44.4-metre-tall rocket was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, after a 22.5-hour countdown, aiming for a 512-km Sun-synchronous orbit.
• The mission failure occurred during the third stage (PS3), which provides rapid acceleration needed to reach orbit.
• The rocket flew normally for about 17 minutes, and the problem was detected only during the operation of the third stage.
• Major payloads lost include DRDO’s Navsha (Anvesha) surveillance satellite, AyuSAT (India’s first in-orbit fuelling satellite), a student-built Cubesat, a Thailand-UK Earth observation satellite, and Spain’s re-entry technology payload (KID).
• This failure is significant because PSLV is ISRO’s most reliable launch vehicle, and back-to-back failures raise concerns about mission reliability and quality control for future launches.
• PSLV-C62 was the second successive PSLV failure, following its May 2025 flight carrying EOS-09, which had also failed in a similar manner.

Apple Partners with Google to Integrate Gemini AI into Its Foundation Models

• Apple has signed a multi-year deal with Google to use Google’s Gemini AI models to power its Apple Foundation Models.
• The Apple Foundation Models will drive future Apple Intelligence features, including the revamped Siri.
• Apple chose Gemini AI because it offers the most capable AI foundation, while ensuring privacy through on-device processing and Apple’s Private Cloud Compute (PCC).
• Previously, Apple had partnered with OpenAI’s ChatGPT to handle complex Siri queries, but it is now unclear how this partnership will continue after Gemini takes over Siri’s core intelligence.
• The new AI-powered Siri, expected with iOS 26.4 in March 2026, will be able to understand personal context from emails, messages, and calendars to provide customised answers.

Defence Research and Development Organization Successfully Tests Third-Generation Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile at Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), successfully conducted the flight test of the Third-Generation Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM).
• The test demonstrated the top-attack capability of MPATGM against a moving armoured target.
• The flight test was carried out at the KK Ranges in Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra.
• The test was conducted by the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), a laboratory of DRDO, located in Hyderabad, Telangana.
• The missile was launched from a tripod-mounted launcher as well as a military vehicle-mounted launcher.
• The primary objective of the test was to validate flight performance, accuracy, and effectiveness against both moving and static armoured targets.

Key Highlights :

About Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM)

• MPATGM is a lightweight and sophisticated anti-armour missile system developed for infantry use.
• It is a third-generation, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided weapon designed to destroy armoured threats.
• The system is designed to be carried and operated by a small team for battlefield deployment.
• Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) served as the Development-Cum-Production Partners (DcPP) for the MPATGM system.
• The missile can be deployed from a tripod or launch tube, enabling precision targeting in combat situations.

Technical Features

• MPATGM is approximately 1.3 metres long with a diameter of about 120 millimetres (mm).
• The missile weighs around 14.5 kilograms (kg), while the Command Launch Unit (CLU) weighs about 14.25 kg.
• The missile has an effective engagement range from 200 metres to 4 kilometres (km).
• MPATGM uses an advanced Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker combined with modern avionics for guidance and control.
• The system provides a fire-and-forget capability, allowing operation in day and night and all-weather conditions.
• The missile can be employed in two attack modes, namely direct attack mode and top-attack mode.
• In top-attack mode, the missile climbs and strikes the target from above, targeting the weakest armour of tanks.

Indigenous Technologies

• The indigenously developed MPATGM incorporates advanced home-grown technologies.
• Key technologies include an Imaging Infrared (IIR) homing seeker, an all-electric control actuation system, a fire control system, a tandem warhead, an integrated propulsion system, and a high-performance sighting system.
• These technologies were developed by multiple laboratories of DRDO.
• The successful flight test of MPATGM aligns with the Government of India (GoI)’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).

About Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) :

• Established : 1970.
• Headquarters : Hyderabad, Telangana.
• Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) : Commodore A. Madhavrao (Retired).

Ola Electric Unveils ‘Shakti’, Its First Home Battery Storage System, at Krishnagiri Gigafactory

• Ola Electric has launched its first portable home battery energy storage system (BESS) named ‘Shakti’ at its Gigafactory in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu.
• The launch marks Ola’s entry into the residential battery storage market, expanding its business beyond electric vehicles (EVs).
• Shakti is powered by Ola’s indigenous 4680 Bharat Cell and features advanced battery management, intelligent energy storage, and safety systems.
• The system is designed to provide backup power for homes and offices, allowing users to store electricity for use during power cuts or peak demand.
• Shakti supports India’s push towards renewable energy and energy independence by enabling storage of solar or grid power.
• Ola aims to build an energy ecosystem that extends beyond mobility into clean power and storage solutions.

GAIL and Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Roll Out #NonStopZindagi Initiative under National PNG Drive 2.0

• GAIL (India) Limited partnered with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) for the National PNG Drive 2.0.
• The campaign is part of the nationwide “#NonStopZindagi” initiative, running from 1 January to 31 March 2026.
• The campaign aims to promote the adoption of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) across India.

About National PNG Drive 2.0 :

• The initiative promotes PNG, CNG, and the City Gas Distribution (CGD) ecosystem to support India’s clean energy transition.
• It emphasizes the safety, reliability, convenience, cost-efficiency, and environmental benefits of these fuels.
• The national goal is to increase the share of natural gas in India’s primary energy basket to 15% by 2030 and strengthen a gas-based economy.
• PNGRB’s “One Nation, One Grid, One Tariff” framework standardizes transportation charges, integrates the national gas grid, and reduces costs for consumers.
• Target segments include domestic PNG households, commercial establishments, industrial users, and CNG automobile consumers.
• The campaign uses a multi-platform strategy, combining digital outreach (social media, influencers, platform-optimized videos) with on-ground activations like RWA toolkits, mobile vans, and festival-themed messaging.
• Standardized creative toolkits are provided for CGD entities to ensure uniform messaging and measurable lead generation.
• The initiative is significant as it encourages cleaner fuel adoption, strengthens the national gas ecosystem, and reduces regional disparities in energy access.

About GAIL (India) Limited :

• Established: 1984
• Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi
• Chairman and Managing Director (CMD): Sandeep Kumar Gupta
• GAIL (India) Limited is India’s largest state-owned natural gas company under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).

Chinese Scientists Develop World’s First Lunar Time-Keeping Software LTE440

• Chinese scientists from the Purple Mountain Observatory, Nanjing, have developed the world’s first lunar time-keeping software called LTE440 (Lunar Time Ephemeris).
• LTE440 is designed to accurately track time on the Moon, supporting navigation, landings, and communication systems for future lunar missions.
• Time on the Moon runs faster than on Earth by approximately 56 millionths of a second (56 microseconds) per day due to weaker gravity and relativistic effects.
• If lunar time differences are not corrected, they can cause major errors in space navigation over time.
• The software uses a high-precision model that accounts for the Moon’s gravity and orbital motion, allowing direct comparison between Earth time and lunar time in one step.
• LTE440 builds on the International Astronomical Union’s 2024 framework for a Moon-specific time standard, making the concept of “Moon time” a practical tool for future lunar exploration.
• The software ensures accuracy within a few tens of nanoseconds even over 1,000 years, according to a paper published in Astronomy and Astrophysics (December 2025 issue).
• Previously, Earth time was used for lunar operations, but as missions to the Moon increase, a dedicated lunar time standard has become an engineering necessity.
• Differences as small as a microsecond can become significant in navigation systems, affecting calculations over short timescales, emphasizing the need for precise lunar timekeeping.
• The software allows users to compare lunar and Earth time in a single step, avoiding complex manual calculations.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

ICAR – NDDB Sign MoU to Strengthen Dairy Research and Development (January 2026)

• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in dairy research, innovation, technology integration and extension services.
• The MoU aims to benefit millions of dairy farmers by improving productivity, resilience, value addition and establishing a strong research–field connect.
• The collaboration covers the entire dairy value chain including production, processing and value addition, with emphasis on multidisciplinary research, technology validation and capacity building.
• The partnership focuses on linking laboratory research with real farm-level practices to ensure effective technology transfer and grassroots implementation.
• The MoU seeks to address livestock productivity challenges, climate resilience, sustainable dairy development and strengthening of the dairy ecosystem in a structured and long-term manner.
• A major objective is empowering dairy farmers, improving productivity, profitability and sustainability, and enhancing extension services and knowledge sharing to improve farm incomes and livelihoods, especially across diverse agro-climatic regions.
• The collaboration promotes integrated and complementary research with focus areas including climate-resilient livestock systems, fodder development, low productivity challenges, manure management, biogas utilization, ration balancing and value chain strengthening.
• ICAR will contribute scientific expertise and modern technologies, while NDDB will support large-scale field testing, adoption and implementation.
• Senior leadership including Mangi Lal Jat emphasized integrated farming, fodder security and sustainable solutions like gaushala-based manure management, while Meenesh Shah highlighted creation of a global-scale integrated dairy research platform aligned with Viksit Bharat vision.
• The MoU prioritizes capacity building through joint training programmes, workshops and skill development for scientists, extension workers and farmers, along with emphasis on mineral mapping, ethno-veterinary practices and total mixed ration systems.
• ICAR is India’s apex agricultural research body, and NDDB is the key institution behind India’s dairy revolution (White Revolution); both have previously collaborated, making this MoU a continuation of their longstanding partnership.

India–Germany Sign Key Agreements on Migration, Security, Clean Energy; Germany Announces Visa-Free Transit for Indians

• India and Germany signed major agreements covering migration, mobility, security cooperation, clean energy, and cultural partnership during bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Both sides emphasized legal migration and skilled workforce cooperation, especially for Indian healthcare professionals. A Joint Declaration of Intent on Global Skills Partnership was issued to facilitate structured, ethical and mutually beneficial mobility of skilled workers.
• Germany announced visa-free transit facility for Indian nationals, strengthening people-to-people ties, travel convenience, business, education and cultural exchanges.
• Agreements were signed to enhance security cooperation, reaffirming commitment to tackling regional and global security challenges through dialogue and collaboration.
• Clean and sustainable energy emerged as a priority. An India–Germany Centre of Excellence will be established to promote green technologies, innovation and climate solutions, aligning with India’s energy transition goals and Germany’s clean-tech leadership.
• A cultural partnership was announced between the German Maritime Museum and National Maritime Heritage Complex, Lothal (Gujarat), strengthening maritime heritage and cultural diplomacy.
• The developments come as India–Germany bilateral trade crosses USD 50 billion, with both nations pushing for progress on a long-pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
• The visit marks 75 years of India–Germany diplomatic relations and 25 years of strategic partnership. This was Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s first visit to Asia after assuming office.
• Senior Indian officials including S. Jaishankar, Ajit Doval, and Vikram Misri were part of the discussions, highlighting the strategic importance of the engagement.
• As part of symbolic engagements, both leaders visited Sabarmati Ashram and participated in the International Kite Festival at Sabarmati Riverfront, reflecting strong cultural ties.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Virat Kohli Becomes 2nd Highest Run-Scorer in International Cricket

• Virat Kohli, Indian cricketer, has become the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka).
  • He achieved this milestone during the 1st ODI against New Zealand held in Vadodara.
  • Kohli surpassed Sangakkara’s tally of 28,016 international runs during his 93-run innings off 91 balls.
  • With this, Virat Kohli’s total international career runs stand at 28,068 runs across Tests, ODIs and T20 Internationals.
  • Kohli now ranks 2nd, behind Sachin Tendulkar, who remains the highest run-scorer in international cricket with 34,357 runs.
  • His innings helped India chase a target of 301 runs, securing victory by 4 wickets with 6 balls remaining.
  • He was awarded the Player of the Match, and India took a 1–0 lead in the three-match ODI series.

Top International Run Scorers

1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 34,357 runs
2. Virat Kohli (India) – 28,068 runs
3. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 28,016 runs
4. Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 27,483 runs
5. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – 25,957 runs

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Former Olympian and Hockey Player Davinder Singh Garcha Passed Away

• Davinder Singh Garcha, a former Indian hockey player and Olympian passed away at the age of 73 years in Jalandhar, Punjab.

About Davinder Singh Garcha :

• Davinder Singh Garcha was born on 7 December 1952 in Amritsar, Punjab.
• He represented India in international hockey and played over 30 international matches, scoring 19 goals in three major international tournaments.
• He was a key member of the Indian Hockey Team that won the Gold Medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games held in Moscow, Russia.
• During the 1980 Olympics, he scored 8 goals in 6 matches, playing a crucial role in India’s success.
• India secured its record 8th Olympic Gold Medal in hockey by defeating Spain by 4–3 in the final match.
• Apart from sports, Davinder Singh Garcha was a former Indian Police Service (IPS)
• He served as the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Punjab Police.
• After retiring from competitive hockey, he actively worked for the promotion and development of hockey in India.
• He served as the President of the Olympian Surjit Hockey Society, which organises annual hockey tournaments.
• He was also the President of the Mohinder Singh Munshi Hockey Tournament.
• The Mohinder Singh Munshi Hockey Tournament is an All India Under-19 (U-19) hockey tournament.
• The tournament is held in memory of Olympian Mohinder Singh Munshi, who was a member of India’s 1975 Hockey World Cup–winning team.

Awards & Honors :

• In 2021, he was honoured with the Major Dhyan Chand Award.
• The Major Dhyan Chand Award is India’s highest lifetime achievement award in sports.
• The award was conferred by the Government of India (GoI) in recognition of his exceptional contributions to hockey.

Daily CA One- Liner: January 14

• Chhattisgarh has emerged as the top-performing large state in generating APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) IDs, achieving around 88.63% coverage of enrolled students as of early January 2026
• The 25th All India Major Port Cultural Meet 2025–26 concluded at Jayadev Sadan, Paradip Port, after four days of cultural performances
• India’s fish production increased to 197.75 lakh tonnes in FY 2024–25, up from 95.79 lakh tonnes in FY 2013–14, marking a 106% rise in a decade
• The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has inaugurated its Regional Office in Raipur, Chhattisgarh
• IndiaAI, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Government of Uttar Pradesh (UP) are set to host the Uttar Pradesh Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
• Goa-based industrialist Shrinivas Dempo has been conferred Italy’s prestigious civilian honour “Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia” (Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy).
• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in dairy research, innovation, technology integration and extension services.
• India and Germany signed major agreements covering migration, mobility, security cooperation, clean energy, and cultural partnership during bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Virat Kohli, Indian cricketer, has become the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara.
• Domestic gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) in India saw their holdings jump 65% to 95 tonnes in 2025, making India the 6th largest holder of gold ETFs globally, up from 8th place in 2024.
• India’s retail inflation (CPI) eased to 1.33% in December 2025, marking the lowest level in three months and remaining well below the RBI’s tolerance band.
• B. Venkatesh Varma, a senior Indian diplomat and member of the National Security Advisory Board, has been appointed Chair of the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters (ABDM) for 2026–27.
• Justice Revati Mohite-Dere, a judge of the Bombay High Court (HC), was sworn in as the first woman Chief Justice (CJ) of the Meghalaya High Court, marking a historic milestone.
• Olympic medallist Gagan Narang has been appointed as the Director of the National Olympic Academy (NOA) of India by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
• The Indian Army (IA) conducted the first-ever two-day joint Military–Civil Fusion (MCF) exercise named ‘Sanjha Shakti’.
• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the PSLV-C62 mission, its first launch of 2026, from the First Launch Pad at Sriharikota.
• Apple has signed a multi-year deal with Google to use Google’s Gemini AI models to power its Apple Foundation Models.
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), successfully conducted the flight test of the Third-Generation Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM).
• Ola Electric has launched its first portable home battery energy storage system (BESS) named ‘Shakti’ at its Gigafactory in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu.
• GAIL (India) Limited partnered with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) for the National PNG Drive 2.0.
• Chinese scientists from the Purple Mountain Observatory, Nanjing, have developed the world’s first lunar time-keeping software called LTE440 (Lunar Time Ephemeris).
• Davinder Singh Garcha, a former Indian hockey player and Olympian passed away at the age of 73 years in Jalandhar, Punjab.