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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

World Bank Approves USD 286 Million for West Bengal Health System Reform Program to Enhance Healthcare Access and Life Expectancy

• The World Bank (WB) approved USD 286 million financing for the West Bengal Health System Reform Program (WBHSRP) to improve quality of life and life expectancy for over 90 million people through equitable access to quality healthcare services.
• The program aims to support personalized healthcare services across West Bengal for people over 30 years.

Key Highlights :

• WBHSRP provides digital tracking of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes.
• The International Bank of Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) approved a loan with a maturity of 16.5 years, including a grace period of 3 years.
• Health indicators in West Bengal:
• Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) declined from 32 deaths per 1000 births (2012–2018) to 19 deaths per 1000 births (2018–2020).
• Total Fertility Rate (TFR) stood at 1.64 births per woman (2019), among the lowest in India.
• Life expectancy in the state reached 72 years, above the national average.
• Challenges: West Bengal has the second-highest rate of adolescent pregnancies in India (16%), contributing to a Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of 103 deaths per 1,00,000 live births (2018).
• WBHSRP will support strengthening gender-based violence (GBV) services, including targeted interventions for boys, married adolescents, and healthcare providers.
• The program will focus on five districts: Purulia, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Maldah, and Uttar Dinajpur, aiming to enhance access to quality healthcare and reduce inequities in maternal and adolescent health.

About World Bank :

• President : Ajay Banga
• Headquarters : Washington, DC, USA
• Established : 1944

State Bank of India Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Tamil Nadu Government to Offer Enhanced Corporate Salary Package Benefits to PSU Employees

• The State Bank of India (SBI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu (TN) to provide enhanced benefits under the Corporate Salary Package (CSP) for State Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
• The MoU was signed by R. Balaji, Additional Director and ex-officio Joint Secretary, Finance Department, TN, and Smitha S. Nair, Deputy General Manager, SBI.
• The Corporate Salary Package (CSP) offers zero-balance salary accounts, concessional interest rates on home, car, and personal loans, and waiver of processing fees across select banking and loan services, ensuring cost savings for employees.
• Employees under the CSP receive premium banking support, including dedicated relationship managers, wealth management solutions, and secure, customized digital banking platforms for seamless transactions.

IGGEFIL Approves First Overseas Green Energy Loan for Solar Power Project in Zambia

• IREDA Global Green Energy Finance IFSC Limited (IGGEFIL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), has sanctioned its first international green energy loan.
• The loan amount sanctioned is USD 22.5 million to Swarna Solar Limited (SSL).
• The loan is for the development of a 100 Megawatt (MW) Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Power Project.
• The solar project will be set up in Serenje District, Central Province of Zambia.
• This sanction marks IGGEFIL’s first overseas loan since its incorporation at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Operating from GIFT City enables access to foreign-currency loans, which helps in reducing hedging costs and improving global competitiveness.
• The loan approval aims to leverage competitive international capital for global renewable energy development.
• The initiative positions IREDA as a global catalyst for clean energy financing.
• The move is aligned with the Government of India’s (GoI) vision of promoting cross-border investments in renewable energy.

SBI Life Introduces ‘Smart Platina Advantage’ Life Insurance Savings Plan with Guaranteed Benefits

• SBI Life Insurance launched ‘SBI Life – Smart Platina Advantage’, an individual, non-linked, non-participating life insurance savings plan offering long-term guaranteed benefits and life insurance protection to support financial goals across life stages, such as children’s education, retirement, and wealth creation.
• The plan is savings-oriented, providing guaranteed benefits and financial protection throughout the policy term.
• Life cover is provided to ensure family security in case of the life assured’s death.
• The plan features limited premium payment terms, assured guaranteed additions every policy year, and flexible maturity payout options (lump sum or installments) for post-maturity liquidity.
• Minimum annual premium starts from ₹50,000, with tax benefits under Income Tax Act provisions (typically Section 80C and 10(10D)).
• Policy term options include limited premium payment of 7 or 10 years with coverage for 15, 20, or 30 years.
• Guaranteed additions accrue annually to boost maturity value, with higher additions for larger premiums and longer terms.
• Maturity proceeds can be received in installments up to 7 years for post-maturity liquidity.
• The plan ensures predictable outcomes with guaranteed additions and protection irrespective of market fluctuations.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

India’s Electronics Exports Cross $47 Billion in 2025

• India’s electronics exports crossed $47 billion for the first time in 2025, with smartphone exports under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme contributing nearly two-thirds of the total value.
• According to the Department of Commerce, electronics exports reached $47 billion (₹4.15 trillion) in 2025, registering a 37% growth compared to $34.93 billion in 2024.
• Exports crossed the $4 billion mark in seven out of twelve months, indicating sustained export momentum throughout the year.
• December 2025 alone recorded electronics exports of $4.17 billion, reflecting a 16.8% year-on-year increase.
• Nearly $30 billion, or about two-thirds of total electronics exports, came from PLI-driven smartphone exports.
• A significant share of growth was led by iPhone manufacturing in India, carried out by Apple-linked suppliers, highlighting India’s deeper integration into global electronics supply chains.
• The smartphone segment reached an all-time high, becoming India’s largest electronics export category, supported by large-scale assembly, improved component sourcing, and export-oriented production.
• Other major electronics export items included photovoltaic cells, routers and networking equipment, charger adapters, electronic components, sub-assemblies, and printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs).
• The diversified export basket signals a gradual shift from basic assembly to higher-value electronics manufacturing, including renewable energy equipment and networking hardware.
• Despite the milestone, achieving the next export target of $55 billion will depend on policy stability, global tariff conditions, and geopolitical supply chain risks.

Maharashtra Cabinet Approves Bembla River Irrigation Project and MAHIMA Agency

• The Maharashtra Cabinet approved the ₹4,775 crore Bembla River Irrigation Project in Yavatmal district and cleared the establishment of a new overseas employment facilitation agency named MAHIMA.
• The Bembla River Irrigation Project will be implemented in Yavatmal district, Maharashtra, to strengthen agricultural infrastructure.
• The project will bring 52,423 hectares of land under assured irrigation across five talukas, reducing dependence on monsoon rainfall.
• With a total cost of ₹4,775 crore, the project aims to improve crop productivity, enhance farmer incomes, and reduce agrarian distress, particularly in drought-prone Vidarbha region.
• Improved irrigation is expected to support crop diversification, enable a shift from low-value rain-fed crops to higher-value crops, and ensure long-term water security.
• The project will also generate employment opportunities during construction and allied activities and strengthen regional food security.
• Alongside irrigation reforms, the Cabinet approved the creation of the Maharashtra Agency for Holistic International Mobility and Advancements (MAHIMA).
• MAHIMA will focus on providing overseas employment opportunities for trained and skilled youth from Maharashtra.
• The agency will work on coordination, skill mapping, and implementation mechanisms to connect the state’s workforce with global labour markets.
• The initiative aims to reduce unemployment, increase remittance inflows, and provide international exposure to Maharashtra’s youth.

About Maharashtra:

• Chief Minister: Devendra Fadnavis
• Governor: Acharya Devvrat
• Capital: Mumbai
• National Parks: Tadoba National Park, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Chandoli National Park, Gugamal National Park, Navegaon National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary

India Notifies First Tailings Policy to Recover Critical Minerals

• India has notified its first-ever Tailings Policy to enable recovery of critical and strategic minerals from mining waste such as tailings, mine dumps and overburden.
• The policy follows a Union Budget announcement on mineral recovery from secondary sources to reduce import dependence and strengthen domestic supply chains.
• Tailings are waste materials left after extraction of valuable minerals from crushed ore, usually stored in ponds or dumps.
• Earlier treated as waste, tailings are now recognised as valuable secondary resources as they often contain critical and companion minerals not economically viable to extract earlier.
• The policy provides a structured framework for identification, analysis and economic evaluation of tailings, mine dumps, slags, anode slimes and red mud.
• It calls for inter-ministerial coordination, mapping of tailing ponds, assessment of mineral content and evaluation of recoverability.
• The policy highlights the role of companion minerals such as selenium, tellurium, cobalt, rhenium, gold and silver in copper tailings, and germanium, indium and cadmium in zinc ores.
• Recovering minerals from mine waste improves resource efficiency, reduces environmental impact and avoids opening new mines.
• Agencies such as the Indian Bureau of Mines, CMPDI and Atomic Minerals Directorate will conduct sampling and analysis.
• The initiative supports critical mineral security for electric vehicles, renewable energy and advanced electronics.
• By utilising tailings, India aims to cut imports, support clean energy goals and advance Atmanirbhar Bharat.

India Launches First Open-Sea Marine Fish Farming Project

• India has launched its first-ever open-sea marine fish farming pilot project in the Andaman Sea, marking a shift from coastal aquaculture to open-ocean farming.
• The initiative supports sustainable fisheries, livelihood generation, and India’s expanding focus on the Blue Economy.
• The project was launched by Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, during a field visit to North Bay, Andaman Sea.
• It is described as a landmark effort to unlock the economic potential of India’s oceans, which remained underutilised for decades.
• The project reflects increased policy attention on maritime resources since 2014.
• The pilot focuses on marine finfish and seaweed cultivation in open-sea conditions, away from the coastline.
• Special open-sea cages, developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), are used to withstand strong currents and waves.
• Deep-water seaweed farming techniques are being promoted to ensure sustainability and higher productivity.
• The project is implemented through collaboration between the Ministry of Earth Sciences, NIOT, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration.
• During the launch, seaweed seeds were distributed to local fishing communities, and finfish seeds were provided for cage-based farming.
• The initiative aims to diversify income sources for fishing communities while ensuring ecologically responsible marine use.
• The government-led pilot may later be expanded through public–private partnerships, depending on outcomes, to accelerate growth in the Blue Economy sector.
• Blue Economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, livelihoods, and job creation while preserving marine ecosystems.
• It aims to balance economic development with environmental sustainability, supporting fisheries, food security, renewable energy, tourism, and climate resilience.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Railway Protection Force Officer Chandana Sinha Receives Indian Railways’ Highest Award for Child Trafficking Prevention

• Railway Protection Force (RPF) officer Chandana Sinha has been conferred Indian Railways’ highest award for her exceptional contribution to preventing child trafficking and rescuing vulnerable children at railway stations and trains.
• Chandana Sinha is a senior RPF officer known for her ground-level, child-centric approach to safety across railway premises.
• She focused not only on enforcement but on identification, rescue, and rehabilitation of trafficked and runaway children.
• Her work involved close coordination with Non-Governmental Organisations, Child Welfare Committees, and State authorities, strengthening institutional response to trafficking.
• Railway stations and trains are frequently used by traffickers due to high passenger volume and anonymity, making the Railways a critical intervention point.
• The Railway Protection Force plays a frontline role in detecting suspicious movement of minors, and officers like Chandana Sinha enhanced surveillance, staff training, and early intervention mechanisms.
• She emphasized early identification of children travelling alone or under suspicious supervision, preventing exploitation before it occurred.
• She helped institutionalise child-friendly protocols within the RPF, ensuring rescued children were treated as victims rather than offenders.
• Her initiatives improved inter-agency coordination, enabling faster rescues and safe handover to welfare institutions, leading to a reduction in trafficking cases on high-risk routes.
• The Indian Railways’ highest award is given for exceptional service and outstanding contribution, recognising both operational excellence and humanitarian impact.
• By honouring an RPF officer for child protection work, Indian Railways highlighted social responsibility as a core institutional value alongside safety and efficiency.
• Chandana Sinha’s work has strengthened the role of Indian Railways as a key stakeholder in child protection and is expected to motivate wider adoption of similar practices.

About Railway Protection Force (RPF):

• Functions under the Ministry of Railways
• Responsible for protection of railway property and passengers
• Works with NGOs and Child Welfare Committees to rescue trafficked and runaway children
• Supports India’s commitments under child protection and anti-trafficking laws

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Shri Praveen Vashista Named Vigilance Commissioner of Central Vigilance Commission

• The Hon’ble President of India appointed Shri Praveen Vashista as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) through a warrant dated 12 December 2025 under Section 4(1) of the CVC Act, 2003.
• Shri Praveen Vashista took the oath of office on 16 January 2026 before the Central Vigilance Commissioner, authorised by the President under Section 5(3) of the CVC Act, 2003.
• Shri Praveen Vashista is an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Bihar Cadre, 1991 batch, with over three decades of experience in law enforcement, crisis response, and security management.
• He served as Inspector General (IG) of the Economic Offences Wing and Criminal Investigation Department of Bihar, and as Superintendent of Police (SP) in sensitive districts such as Ranchi, Dumka, and Garhwa.
• He also served in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as SP and Deputy Inspector General (DIG), handling complex investigations.
• On central deputation, he held key positions in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), including Joint Secretary, Additional Secretary, Officer on Special Duty (OSD), and Special Secretary (Internal Security).
• The Vigilance Commissioner supervises vigilance administration and advises on corruption-related matters in Central Government organisations.
• The tenure of a Vigilance Commissioner is four years or until attaining the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

About Central Vigilance Commission :

• The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is the apex statutory body mandated to combat corruption and ensure integrity in the Central Government of India.
• The CVC was established in 1964 based on the Santhanam Committee recommendations (1962–64) and was granted statutory status in 1998, formalised under the CVC Act, 2003.
• The CVC consists of a Central Vigilance Commissioner and up to two Vigilance Commissioners, appointed by the President based on a committee recommendation headed by the Prime Minister, with the Union Home Minister and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha as members.

ICICI Bank Extends Sandeep Bakshi’s Tenure as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Until 2028

• ICICI Bank Limited has re-appointed Sandeep Bakshi as Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for a further two-year term.
• The new tenure of Sandeep Bakshi will be from 04 October 2026 to 03 October 2028.
• The re-appointment is subject to approvals from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), stakeholders, and other statutory authorities, as required.
• Sandeep Bakshi was first appointed as MD & CEO in October 2018, and his previous term was extended till October 2026.
• Before becoming MD & CEO, he served as Whole-Time Director (WTD) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of ICICI Bank.
• Sandeep Bakshi has been associated with the ICICI Group since 1986 (originally joined ICICI Limited), marking nearly four decades of leadership experience.
• During his career, he has held senior positions across various ICICI Group entities, including ICICI Limited, ICICI Lombard General Insurance, ICICI Bank, and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance.
• Along with Bakshi’s re-appointment, the Board of Directors (BoDs) of ICICI Bank has also re-appointed Ajay Kumar Gupta as Executive Director (ED).
• Ajay Kumar Gupta’s tenure as Executive Director will be from 27 November 2026 to 26 November 2028, for a two-year period.

Shaea Muhssin Mohammed Al-Zindani Appointed as Yemen’s New Prime Minister by Presidential Leadership Council

• Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) appointed Shaea Muhssin Mohammed Al-Zindani as the new Prime Minister of Yemen on 15 January 2026.
• Shaea Muhssin Mohammed Al-Zindani was serving as Foreign Minister of Yemen (Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates) before his elevation as Prime Minister.
• He succeeded Salem bin Braik (Salem Saleh bin Braik), who formally submitted his resignation during a meeting with PLC Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• Shaea Muhssin Mohammed Al-Zindani is a senior Yemeni diplomat and politician, known for his extensive diplomatic experience and role in representing Yemen during a critical political transition.
• In his early career, he served as Deputy Foreign Minister of Yemen in the early 1990s (1990–1991).
• He was appointed Yemen’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom (UK) from 1991 to 1994.
• He later served as Yemen’s Ambassador to Italy from 2005 to 2010, with concurrent non-resident accreditation to Greece, Serbia, Albania, and San Marino.
• From 2010 onwards, he served as Yemen’s Ambassador to Jordan (until 2015) and later as Ambassador to Saudi Arabia (2017–2024).
• He also represented Yemen as Ambassador to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) from 2008 to 2010.
• Prior to becoming Prime Minister, he served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates from March 2024.

About Yemen :

• Capital: Sanaa
• Currency: Yemeni Rial (YER).

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

India, Sri Lanka & Maldives Hold 17th Trilateral Coast Guard Exercise ‘DOSTI 17’ in Maldives

• The 17th edition of the biennial trilateral Coast Guard exercise ‘DOSTI 17’ commenced in Male, Maldives, involving the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG), and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard from 17–19 January 2026.
• India’s delegation is led by Director General Paramesh Sivamani, while Sri Lanka is represented by Admiral Rohan Joseph, DG of SLCG.
• The harbour phase of the exercise was held from 17–19 January 2026, followed by an operational sea phase.
• During the harbour phase, the exercise focused on MARPOL-based marine pollution response drills, promoting reciprocal learning and strengthening operational capabilities among participants.
• The exercise conducted joint Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) drills and developed cross-boarding Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enhance coordination.
• Activities included live demonstrations of pollution response equipment and tabletop exercises.
• In the sea phase, ICG ships (including ICGS Vajra and ICGS Atulya) and aircraft (ICG Dornier) participated alongside the Sri Lankan ship SLNS Suranimila to test operational coordination in open-sea conditions.
• The phase focused on search and rescue (SAR) missions and tactical maritime security drills to address non-traditional security challenges.
• The exercise supports India’s SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region) vision and Neighbourhood First policy, fostering regional maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.

Note :

• Exercise DOSTI was initiated in 1991 as a bilateral exercise between ICG and MNDF Coast Guard, and expanded into a trilateral exercise including Sri Lanka in 2012.
• The previous edition of DOSTI (DOSTI 16) was conducted in February 2024 in the Maldives.

About Indian Coast Guard (ICG):

• Established: 1977
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Director General: Paramesh Sivamani
• Motto: Vayam Rakshamah (We Protect)

Indian Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard Hold Joint HNS Response Exercise on ICGS Samudra Prahari in Mumbai

• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) conducted a joint Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) response drill in Mumbai, strengthening maritime partnership and commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
• Japan Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Yoshio Seguchi led a high-level delegation and visited the ICG Regional Headquarters (West).
• A courtesy meeting was held between Admiral Seguchi and Inspector General Bhisham Sharma, emphasizing enhanced cooperation and interoperability in maritime safety and environmental protection.
• The joint training exercise was conducted onboard ICGS Samudra Prahari, the ICG’s pollution response vessel, involving the ICG Pollution Response Strike Team and the JCG National Strike Team (NST).
• Planning sessions, rehearsals, and classroom interactions were held in Mumbai prior to the sea exercise, focusing on response protocols for hazardous chemical spills at sea.
• A joint demonstration of HNS response procedures was reviewed by the JCG Commandant and the ICG Regional Commander, showcasing coordinated operational mechanisms and shared best practices.
• The Japanese delegation also visited Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) to understand India’s shipbuilding capabilities.
• The exercise reinforced operational synergy, disaster response readiness, and growing bilateral maritime cooperation between India and Japan.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited Partners with Viasat to Enhance Indian Navy’s Satellite Communication Upgrade

• BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) has partnered with Viasat, Inc. (USA) to support the next phase of the Indian Navy’s Satellite Communications (SATCOM) upgrade programme.
• The partnership focuses on integrating Viasat’s Ka-band satellite systems with BSNL’s L-band network, enabling multi-band SATCOM connectivity for the Indian Navy (IN).
• The collaboration aims to enhance coverage, reliability, and secure communication for critical naval operations.
• Viasat will manage the programme through its International Government team under the Communication Services
• BSNL will provide gateway infrastructure, system integration, and strategic support for the naval SATCOM network.
• Viasat’s satellite communication equipment has already reached India, with installation scheduled to begin in late January 2026.
• The initiative strengthens India’s maritime communication capabilities and supports the modernisation of naval communication infrastructure.

Milma Partners with National Dairy Development Board to Set Up Food-Testing Laboratory in Kochi

• Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (Milma) has partnered with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to operationalise a food-testing laboratory in Kochi.
• The laboratory, named NDDB CALF (Centre for Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food) Laboratory, will function as a branch of NDDB CALF Limited.
• The laboratory will be inaugurated by Union Minister of State George Kurian, highlighting government support for dairy and food safety initiatives.
• In its initial phase, the laboratory will cater to quality and safety testing of milk and milk products, serving Kerala and neighbouring states.
• The laboratory is NABL-accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories, ensuring adherence to stringent national quality standards.
• Facilities have been established for comprehensive testing of milk and milk products, with plans to expand services to include food and agricultural commodities such as spices, fruits, vegetables, bakery products, ready-to-eat foods, and fish and allied products.
• The laboratory’s state-of-the-art instrumentation and modern infrastructure will support state government departments and food safety authorities in mitigating food safety risks through advanced testing services.
• NDDB CALF Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NDDB, headquartered in Anand, Gujarat, with over 17 years of experience providing analytical testing and research services to the dairy, food, and agricultural sectors, as well as regulatory authorities.
• This partnership strengthens Kerala’s food safety ecosystem and enhances regional capacity for scientific quality assurance in the dairy and food sectors.

Cochin Shipyard Hands Over First HS EcoFreighter Multipurpose Vessel to Germany

• Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has delivered MS Heinz, the first vessel of the HS EcoFreighter series of Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs).
• The vessel was delivered to HS Schiffahrts UG & Co, Germany, marking CSL’s expansion in the international commercial shipbuilding
• MS Heinz was designed by Groot Ship Design, Netherlands, and constructed in compliance with Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Classification Rules.
• The delivery and acceptance were formalized through a virtual ceremony, signed by CSL Director (Operations) S Harikrishnan and HS Schiffahrts Director Heinz Josef Schepers.
• The 7,000 DWT (Deadweight Tonnage) HS EcoFreighter is an ice-class vessel, capable of carrying project cargo, heavy cargo, steel coils, containers, timber, paper, dry bulk cargoes, and dangerous goods
• The vessel features a raked stem with Groot Cross-Bow design for enhanced speed performance and fuel efficiency, along with a transom stern.
• It has a single large cargo hold with six movable panels, allowing flexible cargo configurations, including grain bulkheads and a tween deck arrangement.
• Propulsion is provided by a medium-speed four-stroke diesel engine driving a controllable pitch propeller (CPP) through a reduction gearbox.
• The HS EcoFreighter order consists of eight vessels, each valued at approximately ₹110 crore.

E‑commerce Platforms Penalised by Central Consumer Protection Authority for Selling Unauthorised Walkie-Talkies

• The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) took suo motu action against e-commerce platforms for selling unauthorised walkie-talkies, violating the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and telecom laws.
• Notices were issued to 13 platforms after identifying over 16,970 non-compliant listings, including Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, JioMart, Meta Platforms Inc. (Facebook Marketplace), Chimiya, Talk Pro, among others.
• Final orders were issued against 8 entities, imposing penalties totaling ₹44 lakh for misleading advertisements, unfair trade practices, and violation of consumer rights.
• The violations involved the sale of Personal Mobile Radios (PMRs) operating outside the licence-exempt 446.0–446.2 MHz band, without Equipment Type Approval (ETA) or proper disclosure of licensing requirements.
• Penalties of ₹10 lakh each were imposed on Meesho, Meta Platforms (Facebook Marketplace), Flipkart, and Amazon, while ₹1 lakh each was levied on Chimiya, JioMart, Talk Pro, and MaskMan Toys.
• CCPA guidelines mandate that platforms must exercise due diligence, conduct regular self-audits, publish compliance certificates, and ensure that no regulated wireless equipment is sold without full compliance with the law.
• Proceedings involving Antriksh Technologies, IndiaMart, TradeIndia.com, Vardaanmart, and Krishna Mart are at various stages of investigation or hearing.

About Central Consumer Protection Authority :

• The Central Consumer Protection Authority is a regulatory authority set up under Section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, addressing matters affecting consumer rights.
• Chairman (Chief Commissioner) : Nidhi Khare.

National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru Develops Deep-Learning Tool ‘Disobind’ to Predict Binding of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins

• National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Bengaluru, has developed a deep-learning tool named Disobind to predict how intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) bind to their partners.
• Intrinsically Disordered Proteins (IDPs) lack a fixed three-dimensional structure, unlike most proteins, and are central to cellular processes such as signalling networks, gene expression regulation, protein folding, quality control, and formation of cellular condensates.
• The flexibility of IDPs makes them difficult to analyse with conventional structural biology techniques, creating a challenge in molecular biology and disease research.
• Disobind uses protein language models, a form of artificial intelligence (AI) trained on millions of protein sequences, to predict which regions of a disordered protein interact with a binding partner.
• The tool does not require prior structural information or sequence alignments and explicitly accounts for the binding partner, which is critical for IDP interactions.
• Research led by Kartik Majila benchmarked Disobind against AlphaFold-Multimer and AlphaFold3, showing higher accuracy, especially on previously unseen protein pairs.
• When combined with AlphaFold-Multimer predictions, Disobind enhances performance, highlighting its complementary value to structure-based approaches.
• Disobind has been released as open-source software, making it freely accessible to researchers worldwide.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND INDEX

India Ranked 6th in Asia Manufacturing Index 2026

• India has been ranked 6th among 11 Asian countries in the Asia Manufacturing Index (AMI) 2026, reflecting steady progress but highlighting gaps in competitiveness.
• The ranking underlines the need for faster reforms and stronger execution to keep pace with leading Asian manufacturing economies.
• The Asia Manufacturing Index is released annually by Dezan Shira & Associates, a pan-Asian advisory firm headquartered in Hong Kong.
• It assesses manufacturing competitiveness using 8 key pillars: economy, political risk, business environment, international trade, tax policy, infrastructure, workforce, and innovation.
• These pillars are evaluated through 43 sub-parameters, providing a detailed comparison of manufacturing readiness and long-term potential across Asia.
• India’s 6th position places it in the mid-tier of the Asian manufacturing landscape.
• Strengths highlighted include a large domestic market, improving infrastructure, and a growing workforce.
• However, India continues to lag behind top performers in execution speed, policy stability, and innovation depth.
• The index indicates that India must further strengthen its manufacturing push through ease of doing business reforms, better logistics efficiency, skill development, and technology adoption to improve future rankings.
• China retained the top position in AMI 2026 due to its scale, strong infrastructure, and integrated supply chains.
• Malaysia ranked second for the first time, overtaking Vietnam, which slipped to third.
• Among developed economies, Singapore climbed to fourth, surpassing South Korea, which fell to fifth.
• Overall, the rankings highlight intensifying competition in Asia, with countries actively upgrading policies, infrastructure, and investment frameworks to attract global manufacturing.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Vijender Singh Appointed Member of Asian Boxing Council

• Indian boxing icon Vijender Singh has been appointed as a member of the Asian Boxing Council (ABCO), strengthening India’s representation in Asian boxing governance.
• Vijender Singh is India’s first Olympic medallist in boxing, having won a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics 2008.
• He has represented India for nearly two decades in major international events including the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships.
• His long competitive career provided exposure to international training systems, competition structures, and governance models, aiding his transition from athlete to administrator.
• His appointment reflects India’s growing influence in international sports administration and recognition of his contribution to boxing.
• The Asian Boxing Council (ABCO) plays a key role in policy formulation, technical standards, and development strategies for boxing across Asia.
• ABCO works to promote balanced growth between established and emerging boxing nations in the region.
• Vijender’s inclusion is expected to strengthen athlete-centric decision-making, improve competition structures, and support talent development in Asian boxing.

About Asian Boxing Council (ABCO):

• Type: Professional boxing organisation
• Function: Sanctions title fights in the Greater Asian region
• Affiliation: Regional confederation of the World Boxing Council (WBC)
• Founded: 1985, at the WBC Annual Convention in Bangkok, Thailand
• Founders: Sahasombhop Srisomvongse and representatives from several Asian countries
• Leadership: After Sahasombhop’s death in 2000, Pol. Gen. Kovid Bhakdibhumi became President
• Purpose of ABCO:
• Promote boxing activities across Asia
• Organise top-rated championship bouts for Asian fighters
• Supervise safe and regulated competition in the region
• Members: Around 20 national members, including India, Thailand, China, Japan, Philippines, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Kuwait, Iraq, Brunei, Hong Kong, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Singapore, Vietnam, Mexico, Canada, among others.

India’s Aaryan Varshney Becomes 92nd Chess Grandmaster

• Indian chess player Aaryan Varshney became India’s 92nd Grandmaster after securing his final GM norm at the Andranik Margaryan Memorial Tournament in Armenia.
• Aaryan Varshney, a 21-year-old Delhi-based player, won the Andranik Margaryan Memorial Tournament with one round to spare.
• He achieved his third and final GM norm after holding a crucial draw against FM Tyhran Ambartsumian in the eighth round of the tournament.
• Securing the GM norm before the final round highlighted his consistency, composure, and strong performance at the international level.
• With this achievement, he joined the elite group of Indian Grandmasters, reflecting India’s growing dominance in world chess.
• Aaryan Varshney became the eighth Grandmaster from Delhi, underlining the capital’s improving chess ecosystem, including access to coaching, tournaments, and competitive exposure.
• India has now produced 92 Grandmasters, making it one of the fastest-growing chess nations globally.
• The rise of young players like Varshney demonstrates the success of grassroots development, chess academies, and international exposure programs in India.
• The Grandmaster (GM) title is awarded by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and requires achieving three GM norms along with crossing a prescribed minimum Elo rating, making it one of the toughest titles in competitive sports.

Vidarbha Wins Maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy

• Vidarbha won their first-ever Vijay Hazare Trophy title, defeating Saurashtra by 38 runs in the final held at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru.
• This victory marked a historic milestone for Vidarbha in India’s premier domestic List A (50-over) tournament.
• Vidarbha put up a strong batting performance, posting 317 runs, driven by a match-winning century by opener Atharva Taide, who scored 128 runs.
• It was Taide’s finest List A knock and provided a solid foundation in a high-pressure final.
• In reply, Saurashtra were bowled out for 279 in 48.5 overs while chasing 318.
• Prerak Mankad (88) and Chirag Jani (64) offered resistance with a key partnership, but the required run rate increased after their dismissals.
• Vidarbha’s disciplined bowling sealed the title, with Yash Thakur picking up four wickets, supported effectively by Nachiket Bhute and Darshan Nalkande.
• The Vijay Hazare Trophy is named after Vijay Hazare and is India’s premier domestic one-day competition.
• While Vidarbha have earlier won the Ranji Trophy, this was their first Vijay Hazare Trophy title, highlighting their growing strength in limited-overs cricket.

Daily CA One- Liner: January 21^st

• India’s electronics exports crossed $47 billion for the first time in 2025, with smartphone exports under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme contributing nearly two-thirds of the total value.
• The Maharashtra Cabinet approved the ₹4,775 crore Bembla River Irrigation Project in Yavatmal district and cleared the establishment of a new overseas employment facilitation agency named MAHIMA
• India has notified its first-ever Tailings Policy to enable recovery of critical and strategic minerals from mining waste such as tailings, mine dumps and overburden
• India has launched its first-ever open-sea marine fish farming pilot project in the Andaman Sea, marking a shift from coastal aquaculture to open-ocean farming
• Railway Protection Force (RPF) officer Chandana Sinha has been conferred Indian Railways’ highest award for her exceptional contribution to preventing child trafficking and rescuing vulnerable children at railway stations and trains
• India has been ranked 6th among 11 Asian countries in the Asia Manufacturing Index (AMI) 2026, reflecting steady progress but highlighting gaps in competitiveness
• Indian boxing icon Vijender Singh has been appointed as a member of the Asian Boxing Council (ABCO), strengthening India’s representation in Asian boxing governance
• Indian chess player Aaryan Varshney became India’s 92nd Grandmaster after securing his final GM norm at the Andranik Margaryan Memorial Tournament in Armenia
• Vidarbha won their first-ever Vijay Hazare Trophy title, defeating Saurashtra by 38 runs in the final held at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru.
• The World Bank (WB) approved USD 286 million financing for the West Bengal Health System Reform Program (WBHSRP) to improve quality of life and life expectancy for over 90 million people through equitable access to quality healthcare services.
• The State Bank of India (SBI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu (TN) to provide enhanced benefits under the Corporate Salary Package (CSP) for State Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
• IREDA Global Green Energy Finance IFSC Limited (IGGEFIL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), has sanctioned its first international green energy loan.
• SBI Life Insurance launched ‘SBI Life – Smart Platina Advantage’, an individual, non-linked, non-participating life insurance savings plan offering long-term guaranteed benefits and life insurance protection to support financial goals across life stages, such as children’s education, retirement, and wealth creation.
• The Hon’ble President of India appointed Shri Praveen Vashista as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) through a warrant dated 12 December 2025 under Section 4(1) of the CVC Act, 2003.
• ICICI Bank Limited has re-appointed Sandeep Bakshi as Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for a further two-year term.
• Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) appointed Shaea Muhssin Mohammed Al-Zindani as the new Prime Minister of Yemen on 15 January 2026.
• The 17th edition of the biennial trilateral Coast Guard exercise ‘DOSTI 17’ commenced in Male, Maldives, involving the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG), and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard from 17–19 January 2026.
• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) conducted a joint Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) response drill in Mumbai, strengthening maritime partnership and commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
• BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) has partnered with Viasat, Inc. (USA) to support the next phase of the Indian Navy’s Satellite Communications (SATCOM) upgrade programme.
• Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (Milma) has partnered with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to operationalise a food-testing laboratory in Kochi.
• Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has delivered MS Heinz, the first vessel of the HS EcoFreighter series of Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs).
• The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) took suo motu action against e-commerce platforms for selling unauthorised walkie-talkies, violating the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and telecom laws.
• National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Bengaluru, has developed a deep-learning tool named Disobind to predict how intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) bind to their partners.