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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Cabinet Approves Extension of Atal Pension Yojana (APY) with Funding Support for Promotion, Development, and Gap Financing Until FY 2030-31

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved the continuation of Atal Pension Yojana (APY) up to FY 2030-31.
• The scheme will receive government support for promotional and developmental activities to expand outreach among unorganised workers.
• Gap funding will be provided to meet viability requirements and ensure the sustainability of APY.
• APY ensures old-age income security for millions of low-income and unorganised sector workers.
• The scheme enhances financial inclusion and supports India’s transition to a pensioned society.
• APY strengthens the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 by providing sustainable social security.

About Atal Pension Yojana (APY) :

• Launch Date: APY was launched on 9th May 2015 to provide old-age income security to unorganised sector workers.
• Scheme Features: APY offers a guaranteed minimum pension of ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 per month starting at age 60, based on contributions.
• Progress: As of 19th January 2026, over 8.66 crore subscribers have been enrolled under APY.
• Need for Extension: Continuous government support is essential for awareness, capacity building, and bridging viability gaps to ensure scheme sustainability.

About Ministry of Finance:

• Cabinet Minister: Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman
• Minister of State (MoS): Shri Pankaj Chaudhary

Cabinet sanctions equity infusion in Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved equity support of Rs 5,000 crore to the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
• The Rs 5,000 crore equity will be infused by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) in three tranches: Rs 3,000 crore in FY 2025-26 at a book value of Rs 568.65 and Rs 1,000 crore each in FY 2026-27 and FY 2027-28 at the book value as on 31st March of the respective previous FY.
• Post infusion, the number of MSMEs receiving financial assistance is expected to rise from 76.26 lakh (FY 2025) to 102 lakh (FY 2028), adding approximately 25.74 lakh new MSME beneficiaries.
• As per official data (09.2025), 6.90 crore MSMEs generate 30.16 crore employment, averaging 4.37 persons per MSME. The expected addition of 25.74 lakh MSMEs is estimated to generate 1.12 crore new jobs by FY 2027-28.
• SIDBI’s risk-weighted assets are expected to rise due to growth in directed credit, digital and collateral-free credit products, and venture debt for start-ups, necessitating higher capital to maintain the Capital to Risk-weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR).
• Maintaining a healthy CRAR well above mandated levels is essential for protecting SIDBI’s credit rating.
• The equity infusion will enable SIDBI to generate resources at fair interest rates and increase credit flow to MSMEs at a competitive cost.
• The phased equity infusion will allow SIDBI to maintain CRAR above 10.50% under high stress and above 14.50% under Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 over the next three years.

About Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI):

• It is an All India Development Financial Institution (DFI) focused on financing and developing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India.
• Headquarters: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
• Founded: April 2, 1990, by the Government of India
• Chairman & Managing Director: Shri Manoj Mittal

Moody’s Forecasts India’s GDP Growth at 7.3% in FY26, Boosting Household Income

• Global credit rating agency Moody’s Ratings projected that India will record a GDP growth rate of 7.3% in FY26, higher than 6.5% in FY25.
• The report highlighted that robust economic expansion is expected to support average household incomes and boost demand for insurance protection.
• Income Growth: India’s GDP per capita rose 8.2% Y-o-Y to reach USD 11,176 in FY25.
• Insurance Sector: Moody’s report highlighted that India’s insurance sector is expected to benefit from sustained premium growth supported by economic expansion, digitisation, tax reforms, and planned reforms in state-owned insurers.
• Insurance Sector Growth: Total insurance premium revenue grew 17%, reaching Rs 10.9 lakh crore during April–November 2025-26.
• Health insurance premiums increased by 14%, while life insurance new business premiums surged 20%, compared to 7% growth in FY25, when total premiums were Rs 11.9 lakh crore.
• Reforms in Insurance Sector: Government initiatives include minority stake sale in LIC, recapitalization of state-owned insurers, and increasing foreign investment limit from 74% to 100% in Indian insurance companies.
• Objective of Reforms: Enhance profitability, provide financial flexibility, and strengthen the insurance sector.

Recent News :

• In Jan 2026, The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released the World Economic Outlook (WEO) titled “Global Economy: Steady amid Divergent Forces”, revising India’s GDP growth for FY26 to 7.3%, up from 6.6% (October 2025 estimate).

About Moody’s Ratings:

• Founded : 1909.
• President : Michael West
• Headquarters : New York, USA

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Punjab Inaugurates First Dog Sanctuary in Ludhiana

• Punjab has opened its first Dog Sanctuary in Ludhiana as a pilot project to manage stray dog populations humanely and reduce dog bite cases in urban areas.
• The sanctuary will house and care for stray dogs, aiming to balance public safety with animal welfare.
• The initiative was inaugurated by Sanjeev Arora, Punjab Cabinet Minister for Local Government, highlighting the government’s commitment to responsible urban governance and humane treatment of animals.
• The facility will operate in strict compliance with Supreme Court guidelines and Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, focusing on sterilisation, vaccination, and controlled relocation.
• The pilot project will assess operational effectiveness, with plans to replicate the model across Punjab based on performance data.
• The sanctuary represents a structured, legal, and compassionate approach to stray dog management and could serve as a template for other states facing similar urban animal challenges.

About Punjab:

• Chief Minister: Bhagwant Mann ​
• Governor: Gulab Chand Kataria
• Capital: Chandigarh ​
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary, Aishvan Wildlife Sanctuary, Bir Bhadson Wildlife Sanctuary, Bir Bunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary, Bir Dosanjh Wildlife Sanctuary ​

RECENT NEWS

• In a step beyond music, Punjabi singer Kaka has launched a new mobile application called Friendo to enhance women’s safety in India. The app focuses on providing quick emergency assistance and digital support tools for women and girls.

India AI Impact Summit 2026: Driving Inclusive and Responsible AI

• India will host the India AI Impact Summit 2026 from 16–20 February at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, as the first global AI summit in the Global South.
• The summit is anchored on People, Planet, and Progress, focusing on responsible AI, governance, innovation, global collaboration, and AI-driven development aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047.
• It will bring together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, startups, and civil society, positioning India as a key voice on inclusive, ethical, and people-centric AI.
• The summit is structured around seven Chakras operationalizing the three Sutras:
1. Human Capital – AI reskilling and workforce readiness.
2. Inclusion for Social Empowerment – Citizen-centric AI solutions.
3. Safe and Trusted AI – Responsible AI governance frameworks.
4. Resilience, Innovation, and Efficiency – Sustainable and equitable AI adoption.
5. Science – Promoting research and innovation, addressing data inequities.
6. Democratizing AI Resources – Equitable access to AI infrastructure.
7. AI for Economic Growth & Social Good – AI applications with societal and economic impact.
• AI Applications Across Key Sectors in India:

• Healthcare: Telemedicine, remote diagnostics, disease prediction, medical imaging.
• Agriculture: AI advisories, drones, weather prediction to boost productivity.
• Education: Personalized learning, language translation, 24/7 tutoring via platforms like DIKSHA.
• Finance and Governance: Fraud detection, financial inclusion, smart cities, faster public services.

• Major highlights include regional AI conferences, the India AI Impact Expo 2026 with 400+ exhibitors, and flagship challenges like AI for ALL, AI by HER, and YUVAi promoting startups, women-led innovation, and youth participation.
• The AI Compendium, to be released on 17 February, will document real-world AI use cases across priority sectors.
• The summit is supported by MeitY, IndiaAI Mission, STPI, and Digital India Initiative, leveraging India’s investments in AI infrastructure, indigenous models, datasets, and large-scale skilling to promote safe and trusted AI adoption nationwide.

Telangana Explores UAE Partnership for Bharat Future City

• Telangana and the UAE agreed to explore cooperation for Bharat Future City during the World Economic Forum 2026.
• Bharat Future City is planned as India’s first net-zero greenfield smart city, designed to be a global urban and economic centre with a focus on sustainability, smart infrastructure, and innovation.
• The UAE-Telangana discussions were held between Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, and A Revanth Reddy, Telangana CM, highlighting strategic investment and partnership opportunities.
• The project is a key pillar of Telangana Rising 2047, aiming to transform Telangana into a $3 trillion economy by 2047 through infrastructure-led and innovation-driven development.
• Several global and Indian companies are already associated, including Marubeni, Sembcorp, and Reliance Group’s Vantara, showcasing strong investor confidence.
• A joint task force was proposed for faster implementation, along with a UAE-Telangana food cluster collaboration to support rural and agriculture-based economic growth.
• Telangana also engaged with other international partners, including Saudi Expertise for skills training at Young India Skills University and the Israel Innovation Authority for projects in agriculture, AI, climate tech, and startups.
• The initiative reflects Telangana’s strategy for global engagement, urban transformation, and inclusive economic growth.

About Telangana:

• Capital: Hyderabad
• Governor: Jishnu Dev Varma
• Chief Minister: Anumula Revanth Reddy
• National Parks: Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park, Mrugavani National Park, Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary, Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary, Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• India’s fisheries sector marked a major technological milestone with the launch of a large-scale trout farming project in Telangana. Traditionally limited to cold Himalayan regions, trout cultivation has now been successfully adapted to a warm inland climate. 

Andhra Pradesh to Get New Spaceport at Hope Island

• Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu announced a new spaceport at Hope Island under the Space City initiative to support private and commercial launch missions.
• The facility will focus on small and medium-lift launch vehicles and complement existing national launch centres.
• With this, India’s spaceport network will include Satish Dhawan Space Centre (Sriharikota), Kulasekharapatnam SSLV Launch Complex, and Hope Island for different mission profiles.
• The project diversifies launch capabilities, reduces dependence on a single site, and enhances efficiency for multiple types of missions.
• It encourages private sector participation, supporting startups and companies in space technology and catering to the rising demand for small satellite launches.
• Hope Island’s location on India’s eastern coastline provides an advantage for eastward launches, leveraging Earth’s rotation for fuel efficiency.
• The island is tadpole-shaped, off Kakinada in the Bay of Bengal, formed from Koringa River sediments, with its northern tip overlooking Kakinada Harbour.
• It is ecologically important as a nesting ground for Olive Ridley turtles and is adjacent to the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary.
• The spaceport will strengthen India’s commercial space ecosystem, support private launch missions, and maintain ecological balance.

About Andhra Pradesh:

• Chief Minister: N. Chandrababu Naidu 
• Governor: S. Abdul Nazeer
• Capital: Amaravati
• National Parks: Sri Venkateswara National Park, Papikonda National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary, Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary

SAMPANN Pension System Integrated with UMANG Platform

• The SAMPANN pension portal has been integrated with the UMANG  (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) platform, enabling nearly 4 lakh pensioners of the Department of Telecommunications to access Pension Payment Order (PPO) details and Life Certificate validity online.
• SAMPANN (System for Accounting and Management of Pension) is a flagship digital platform developed by the Office of the Controller General of Communication Accounts and was dedicated to the nation in December 2018.
• The system manages the entire pension lifecycle, including pension processing, disbursement, and grievance redressal, marking a shift from system-centric to pensioner-centric governance.
• The platform enables pensioners to receive pensions directly into their bank accounts and access services digitally, significantly reducing the need for physical visits to offices or banks, which is especially beneficial for senior citizens.
• With its integration into UMANG, pensioners can now retrieve their PPO number and check Life Certificate (LC) validity status through a single digital interface. According to Ashish Joshi, Principal Controller of Communication Accounts, the integration improves ease of access, transparency, and service efficiency.
• Support through DigiLocker ensures that pensioners can securely access vital pension information anytime.
• Currently, two key SAMPANN services are available on UMANG. Pensioners can know their PPO number by entering bank or post office account details along with date of birth, and they can check Life Certificate validity, ensure uninterrupted pension disbursement and avoid delays due to missing documentation.
• UMANG is a unified digital platform under the Digital India initiative, providing access to Central, State, and Local Government services through a single mobile app and web portal.
• Available on Android, iOS, and web, UMANG allows authentication through Aadhaar, MPIN, and DigiLocker, and its integration with platforms like SAMPANN reflects India’s push toward inclusive, accessible, and technology-driven governance.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARSD AND HONOURS

Karnataka Bank Wins National-Level Technology Award

• Karnataka Bank won the ‘Best Fintech & DPI Adoption’ award at the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) Banking Technology Awards 2026, recognising its excellence in digital banking and technology adoption.
• The award highlights the bank’s strong integration of fintech solutions and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), including digital payments, online banking services, and backend system efficiency.
• The bank was also runner-up in the ‘Best Tech Talent’ category, reflecting its focus on building skilled IT and digital teams.
• Karnataka Bank received Special Mentions in categories such as Best Technology Bank, Best Digital Financial Inclusion, and Best Digital Sales, showing consistent performance across innovation, inclusion, and customer outreach.
• Effective use of DPI platforms like UPI, Aadhaar, and digital KYC positions banks to improve operational efficiency, expand financial inclusion, and reduce transaction costs.
• The recognition underscores how traditional banks can leverage technology and innovation to stay competitive and customer-centric in India’s rapidly digitising banking ecosystem.
• IBA Banking Technology Awards are annual awards recognising excellence in digital transformation, cybersecurity, fintech innovation, and technology adoption in the banking sector.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Global Unemployment Rate to Remain at 4.9% in 2026: International Labour Organisation’s Employment and Social Trends 2026

• The International Labour Organisation (ILO) released the report titled ‘Employment and Social Trends 2026: World of Work Series’ from Geneva, Switzerland.

Key Highlights :

• The global unemployment rate is projected to remain at 4.9% in 2026, equivalent to 186 million people still lacking access to quality jobs, and this rate will remain unchanged until 2027.
• The global jobs gap, capturing people wanting paid work but unable to access it, is expected to reach 408 million in 2026.
• The share of workers living in extreme poverty declined by 3.1 percentage points to 7.9% between 2015–2025, yet nearly 300 million workers still earn less than USD 3 per day.
• The global informality rate increased by 0.3 percentage points between 2015–2025, with 2.1 billion workers projected to be informally employed in 2026, mainly in Africa and Southern Asia.
• The global Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) is projected to decline by 0.2 percentage points per year, reaching 60.5% in 2027.
• Global employment growth is estimated at 1.0% in 2026, slightly below the previous decade’s average, with 0.5% growth in upper middle-income countries, 1.8% in lower middle-income countries, and 3.1% in low-income countries.
• Women accounted for only 40% of global employment in 2025, with 24.2 percentage points lower labour force participation than men, and young women 14.4 percentage points more likely than young men to be NEET.
• The job gap rate continues to be higher for women than men, with an estimated gap of 4.3 percentage points in 2026.
• The global youth unemployment rate increased from 12.3% in 2024 to 12.4% in 2025, while NEET youth reached 20%, i.e., nearly 260 million young people, with higher rates in low-income countries at 27.9%.
• The report highlighted trade uncertainty, with disruptions in international trade rules and tariff rates, led by the USA, affecting worker wages, especially in Southeast Asia, Southern Asia, and Europe.
• Global trade generated 465 million jobs in 80 countries and territories in 2024, with more than 50% in Asia and the Pacific.
• Income losses due to supply chain disruptions are projected as high as 0.45% in Southeast Asia and 0.3% in Europe and Southern Asia.

About ILO:

• Established : 1919.
• Headquarters : Geneva, Switzerland
• Director-General : Gilbert F. Houngbo
• Member nations : 187

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

HDFC Bank’s Kaizad Bharucha Re-appointed as Whole-Time Director with Reserve Bank of India Approval

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the continuation of senior leadership at HDFC Bank, ensuring stability at India’s largest private sector lender.
• The approval covers the re-appointment of Kaizad Bharucha as Whole-time Director on HDFC Bank’s board for a fresh three-year term starting April 19, 2026.
• RBI approval is mandatory for senior bank appointments under India’s banking regulations, highlighting regulatory oversight on governance and management continuity.
• Kaizad Bharucha currently serves as Deputy Managing Director, overseeing critical business verticals, strategy execution, risk management, and operational performance.
• The re-appointment aligns with regulators’ emphasis on strong corporate governance and stable leadership in the banking sector.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Competition Commission of India Clears Emirates NBD Bank’s Acquisition of Majority Stake in RBL Bank Limited.

• Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed acquisition of a significant stake in RBL Bank Limited by Emirates NBD Bank (P.J.S.C.) (ENBD).
• The proposed acquisition involves ENBD acquiring 51% to 74% shareholding in RBL Bank, resulting in change of control.
• The transaction includes a mandatory open offer under SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 2011 for up to 26% of the expanded voting capital of RBL Bank.
• It also includes a preferential allotment of equity shares amounting to up to 60% of the total paid-up equity share capital of RBL Bank.
• Additionally, ENBD’s banking operations in India, currently functioning through 3 branch offices, will be amalgamated with RBL Bank on a going concern
• Emirates NBD Bank (P.J.S.C.) is a public joint stock company, listed on the Dubai Financial Market, and headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• ENBD operates across multiple countries including India and offers services in retail banking, corporate and institutional banking, Islamic banking, investment banking, private banking, asset management, treasury, global markets, and brokerage services.
• RBL Bank Limited is a listed private sector bank in India, engaged in banking, financial and insurance services.
• RBL Bank also operates an International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Banking Unit (IBU) at GIFT City, functioning as an overseas branch.

Competition Commission of India Clears Tata Steel’s Acquisition of Majority Stake in Thriveni Pellets Private Limited

• Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved Tata Steel Limited’s (TSL) acquisition of 50.01% equity share capital of Thriveni Pellets Private Limited (TPPL) from Thriveni Earthmovers Private Limited.
• The approval gives Tata Steel Limited (TSL) majority ownership and control (50.01%) in Thriveni Pellets Private Limited (TPPL).
• TPPL is engaged in the production and sale of iron ore pellets in India, a key raw material for steel manufacturing.
• Brahmani River Pellets Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TPPL, is also involved in the production and sale of iron ore pellets in India.
• Tata Steel Limited (TSL) is a listed public company engaged in integrated steel manufacturing, covering the entire value chain from mining to steelmaking and downstream processing.
• TSL’s business operations include the production and sale of steel, iron ore, iron ore pellets, sponge iron, and crude steel.
• Tata Steel serves multiple sectors such as agriculture, automotive, construction, energy, and infrastructure.
• The acquisition strengthens Tata Steel’s raw material security and pellet production capacity, supporting its core steel manufacturing operations.
• The transaction is classified as a proposed combination under competition law and has received regulatory clearance from the CCI, ensuring compliance with competition norms in India.

Competition Commission of India approves merger deal between Bhushan Power & Steel, JSW Sambalpur, JFE Steel Corp. and JSW Kalinga Steel

• Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the proposed combination involving Bhushan Power and Steel Limited (BPSL), JSW Sambalpur Steel Limited, JFE Steel Corporation (Japan) and JSW Kalinga Steel Limited.
• The transaction involves a major restructuring to establish a 50:50 Joint Venture (JV) between JFE Steel Corporation and JSW Steel Limited.
• The steel business undertaken by BPSL (Target Business) will be transferred to JSW Sambalpur Steel Limited through a slump sale
• JFE Steel Corporation (JFE) will acquire a 50% direct equity stake in JSW Kalinga Steel Limited as part of the transaction.
• Through this acquisition, JFE will obtain an indirect 50% shareholding in JSW Sambalpur Steel Limited.
• After completion, JSW Kalinga Steel Limited and its subsidiary JSW Sambalpur Steel Limited will operate as a 50:50 Joint Venture between JFE and JSW Steel.
• The approved combination strengthens India–Japan industrial collaboration in the steel sector and aligns with regulatory norms under CCI.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENVIRONMENT

Researchers Discover Two New Rare Ant Fly Species in Delhi Ridge and Western Ghats

• Researchers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu (TN) discovered two new rare ant fly species named Metadon ghorpadei and Metadon reemeri.
• Metadon ghorpadei was found in Delhi’s Northern Ridge forest, while Metadon reemeri was discovered in the Siruvani Hills of the Western Ghats.
• This marks the first discovery of ant fly species in over 100 years in India, highlighting the importance of conserving urban forest ecosystems.
• The findings were published in the international journal Zootaxa after morphological and Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
• Both species belong to the Microdontinae subfamily under the Syrphidae (hoverflies)
• Larvae are myrmecophilous, meaning they live inside ant nests and feed on ant brood, while adult flies are rare and difficult to detect.
• With this discovery, India now has eight species of the genus Metadon, increased from six earlier.
• Globally, there are 454 Microdontinae species, of which 27 species are found in India.
• Habitat contrast: Delhi Ridge represents a disturbed urban forest, whereas the Siruvani Hills (Western Ghats) are a biodiversity hotspot.
• The discovery underscores the presence of hidden biodiversity and emphasizes the need for systematic surveys, habitat protection, invasive species control, and studies on species divergence.

Recent News :

• In Jan 2026, Researchers from Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) discovered a new genus and species of microscopic harpacticoid copepod from the Kavaratti lagoon, Union Territory of Lakshadweep.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : PERSON IN NEWS

Indian-Origin National Aeronautics and Space Administration Astronaut Sunita Williams Concludes 27-Year Space Career

• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced the retirement of Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Lyn Williams from service effective 27th December 2025, ending her 27-year career in human space exploration.
• In 2008, she was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award in India, for contributions in Science and Engineering.

Key Highlights :

• Born on 19th September 1965 in Ohio, USA, Sunita Williams is a former US Navy officer and one of NASA’s most experienced astronauts.
• She was commissioned in the US Navy in 1987, became a Naval Aviator in 1989, and flew helicopters on deployments to the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and Persian Gulf, including Hurricane Andrew relief.
• She trained and served as a test pilot and instructor, flew over 30 aircraft, and logged over 3,000 flight hours.
• In 1998, she was selected by NASA as an astronaut candidate and trained in spacecraft systems, robotics, T-38 jet flight, survival training, and Russian space operations.
• She participated in NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO 2), living underwater for 9 days as part of astronaut training.
• She completed three space missions: Expedition 14/15, Expedition 32/33 aboard ISS, and the Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test
• Expedition 14/15 (2006-2007): Served as flight engineer, spent 6 months in space, and conducted spacewalks totaling 29 hours 17 minutes.
• Expedition 32/33 (2012): Spent 127 days aboard ISS, conducted three spacewalks, repaired solar power system, fixed a radiator ammonia leak, and served as Commander of ISS during Expedition 33.
• Expedition 71/72 (2024-2025): Launched aboard Boeing Starliner, returned in March 2025 via SpaceX Crew Dragon, performed spacewalks with Butch Wilmore to remove a radio antenna and collect samples.
• Time in Space: Logged 608 days, ranking second in NASA for cumulative time in orbit; 286 days on a single mission places her joint sixth among Americans.
• Spacewalks: Completed nine spacewalks totaling 62 hours 6 minutes, the most by a woman and fourth overall in NASA history.
• First marathon in space: Ran Boston Marathon distance (42.195 km) on a treadmill aboard the ISS.
• Awards and Recognitions: Includes two Defence Superior Service Medals, Legion of Merit, two Navy Commendation Medals, Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and several other service awards.

About NASA :

• Established : 1958.
• Headquarters : Washington DC, USA
• Administrator : Jared Isaacman

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Bharat Forge Aerospace Division Bags Rs 300 Crore Contracts for Indigenous Unmanned Systems for Indian Army and Navy

• Bharat Forge Limited (BFL)’s aerospace division secured contracts worth nearly Rs 300 crore under the Emergency Procurement-VI (EP-VI) framework for the supply of indigenously built unmanned systems to the Indian Army (IA) and Indian Navy (IN).
• Under the EP-VI framework, the total value of each contract is capped at Rs 300 crore, with equipment delivery required within one year of signing.
• Key Platforms covered under the contracts include Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, such as Omega One and Omega Nine ISR drones, and loitering munitions named Bayonet and Cleaver.
• Omega One was displayed during Army Day (January 15, 2026) in Jaipur, Rajasthan, mounted on an upgraded BMP-2 infantry combat vehicle, providing short to medium-range battlefield surveillance.
• Omega Nine is a high-endurance ISR drone, designed for long-duration missions, to detect enemy presence, identify targets, and enhance situational awareness.
• Loitering munitions like Bayonet and Cleaver are ‘kamikaze drones’, which hover over a target, identify critical assets, and strike with precision.
• These indigenous unmanned systems are developed to meet urgent operational requirements of India across diverse terrains and mission profiles.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Union Minister Manohar Lal Inaugurates Centre of Excellence for Power Sector Regulation at IIT Delhi

• Union Minister Manohar Lal of Ministry of Power (MoP) and Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) inaugurated the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Regulatory Affairs in the Power Sector at IIT Delhi, New Delhi.
• The CoE is jointly established by IIT Delhi, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), and Grid Controller of India Limited (Grid India) to strengthen India’s regulatory capacity amid rapid changes in the electricity sector.
• Purpose: The CoE will function as a national hub for regulatory research, capacity building, advisory support, and knowledge dissemination.
• Framework: It integrates policy, regulation, system operations, and academic research within a single institutional framework.
• Policy Support: Provides evidence-based tools and analytical models to policymakers to evaluate regulatory proposals on consumer welfare, system reliability, and investment signals.
• Focus Areas: The CoE will conduct multidisciplinary research on power sector regulation, market design, grid operations, energy transition challenges, decarbonisation pathways, digitalisation, and emerging technologies.
• Capacity Building: Offers analytical support to regulators and system operators and develops long-term regulatory capacity through structured training programmes.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

India–Namibia Fifth Foreign Office Consultations 2026

• India and Namibia held the 5th round of Foreign Office Consultations  (FOC) and agreed to deepen cooperation in defence, critical minerals, health, agriculture, and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), reaffirming commitment to South–South Cooperation.
• The consultations reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, including trade and investment, health and pharmaceuticals, education, capacity building, agriculture, infrastructure development, consular matters, and cultural exchanges. Both sides expressed satisfaction over progress since previous high-level engagements.
• A major outcome was the decision to strengthen cooperation in defence and critical minerals, which has gained strategic importance amid global supply chain disruptions and tightening export controls on rare earths and critical minerals, especially by China.
• Namibia’s rich mineral resources, crucial for clean energy, electronics, and defence technologies, were highlighted.
• India’s engagement is part of a broader strategy to diversify and secure critical mineral supply chains, reducing strategic dependence and enhancing long-term economic and security resilience.
• Both countries agreed to expand collaboration in Digital Public Infrastructure, leveraging India’s globally recognised digital governance platforms in areas such as payments, service delivery, and e-governance, to support Namibia’s development objectives.
• Cooperation in health, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and capacity building was reaffirmed, with a focus on inclusive growth, sustainability, and long-term capacity creation, reflecting India’s development partnership approach.
• The talks were held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, and it was agreed that the next round of Foreign Office Consultations will be hosted in Windhoek, Namibia, at a mutually convenient time.
• The engagement underlines the growing India–Africa partnership and aligns with India’s emphasis on resource security, development cooperation, and strategic ties with the Global South.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND INDEX

Numbeo Safety Index 2026: Global and Indian City Safety Rankings

• The Numbeo Safety Index 2026 was released in January 2026, covering 304 cities worldwide, and ranks cities based on public perception of safety and crime levels.
• Qingdao (China) ranked as the world’s safest city with a safety score of 89.2, while Mangaluru (Karnataka) emerged as the safest city in India, ranking 46th globally with a score of 74.4.
• The index is released by Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database, using user surveys on factors such as safety while walking alone at night, violent crime, property crime, and overall security.
• Survey responses are scored from –2 to +2, statistically filtered and weighted, and converted into a safety score ranging from 0 to 100, where a higher score indicates greater perceived safety.
• Cities are grouped into safety categories: Very Low (below 20), Low (20–40), Moderate (40–60), High (60–80), and Very High (above 80).
• India ranked 70th globally among countries with an overall safety score of 55.8, falling under the moderate safety category. While cities like Mangaluru and Ahmedabad performed well, major metropolitan areas such as Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram ranked among the least safe cities, with Delhi placed 255th globally.
• At the country level, the United Arab Emirates ranked as the safest country with a score of 86.0, followed by Qatar and Andorra, while Papua New Guinea, Venezuela, and Haiti ranked among the least safe countries.

Top 10 Safest Cities in the World – Numbeo Safety Index 2026

Top 5 Safest Cities in India – Numbeo Safety Index 2026

• Numbeo was established in 2009 and is headquartered in Belgrade, Serbia. It is the world’s largest crowd-sourced database covering cost of living, quality of life, pollution, traffic, and crime, and its CEO is Mladen Adamovic.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Saina Nehwal Announces Retirement from Competitive Badminton

• Saina Nehwal, one of India’s most celebrated badminton players, has officially retired after nearly two years of inactivity due to severe knee injuries, including cartilage degeneration and arthritis.
• She revealed that elite-level badminton demands 8–9 hours of daily training, but her knees allowed only 1–2 hours, forcing her to step away from competitive play.
• Olympic Achievement: Saina won bronze at the 2012 London Olympics, becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in badminton, inspiring a new generation of players.
• World No.1: In 2015, she became World No.1, only the second Indian after Prakash Padukone to reach the top ranking.
• Historic Wins:
• 2009 Indonesia Open Super Series – first Indian to win a BWF Super Series title.
• Commonwealth Games Gold Medals – multiple editions.
• BWF World Championships – silver in 2015, bronze in 2017.
• 2018 Commonwealth Games Gold – comeback performance despite injuries.
• Awards and Recognition: Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Khel Ratna, and Arjuna Award.
• Legacy: Saina’s career has transformed Indian badminton, inspired young athletes, especially women, and established India as a global badminton powerhouse.

National Paralympic Powerlifting Championship 2026 Hosted by Uttarakhand

• Uttarakhand hosted the National Paralympic Powerlifting Championship in January 2026, which was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami through a virtual ceremony from COER University, Roorkee.
• The event highlighted India’s commitment to inclusive sports and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
• The championship is a prestigious national-level para-sports event focused on Paralympic powerlifting, a discipline that tests physical strength, mental resilience, discipline, and determination.
• It provides competitive exposure to para-athletes and plays an important role in talent identification for future international events, including the Paralympic Games and World Championships.
• The event promoted equal participation and confidence-building among persons with disabilities, helping to break social barriers and encourage positive attitudes towards disability. Such championships support the physical, mental, and social well-being of para-athletes and align with the broader vision of inclusive nation-building.
• The championship aligns with national initiatives like Khelo India, reflecting India’s growing success and focus on para-sports at both national and international levels.
• Uttarakhand is steadily emerging as a sports hub, often referred to as “Khelbhoomi”, having previously hosted major events such as the 38th National Games.
• Hosting the National Paralympic Powerlifting Championship further reinforces the state’s role in promoting inclusive, competitive, and national-level sports events.

Daily CA One- Liner: January 23

• Punjab has opened its first Dog Sanctuary in Ludhiana as a pilot project to manage stray dog populations humanely and reduce dog bite cases in urban areas
• India will host the India AI Impact Summit 2026 from 16–20 February at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, as the first global AI summit in the Global South
• Telangana and the UAE agreed to explore cooperation for Bharat Future City during the World Economic Forum 2026.
• Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu announced a new spaceport at Hope Island under the Space City initiative to support private and commercial launch missions
• The SAMPANN pension portal has been integrated with the UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) platform, enabling nearly 4 lakh pensioners of the Department of Telecommunications to access Pension Payment Order (PPO) details and Life Certificate validity online
• Karnataka Bank won the ‘Best Fintech & DPI Adoption’ award at the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) Banking Technology Awards 2026, recognising its excellence in digital banking and technology adoption.
• India and Namibia held the 5th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) and agreed to deepen cooperation in defence, critical minerals, health, agriculture, and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), reaffirming commitment to South–South Cooperation
• The Numbeo Safety Index 2026 was released in January 2026, covering 304 cities worldwide, and ranks cities based on public perception of safety and crime levels
• Saina Nehwal, one of India’s most celebrated badminton players, has officially retired after nearly two years of inactivity due to severe knee injuries, including cartilage degeneration and arthritis
• Uttarakhand hosted the National Paralympic Powerlifting Championship in January 2026, which was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami through a virtual ceremony from COER University, Roorkee.
• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved the continuation of Atal Pension Yojana (APY) up to FY 2030-31.
• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved equity support of Rs 5,000 crore to the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
• Global credit rating agency Moody’s Ratings projected that India will record a GDP growth rate of 7.3% in FY26, higher than 6.5% in FY25.
• The International Labour Organisation (ILO) released the report titled ‘Employment and Social Trends 2026: World of Work Series’ from Geneva, Switzerland.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the continuation of senior leadership at HDFC Bank, ensuring stability at India’s largest private sector lender.
• Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed acquisition of a significant stake in RBL Bank Limited by Emirates NBD Bank (P.J.S.C.) (ENBD).
• Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved Tata Steel Limited’s (TSL) acquisition of 01% equity share capital of Thriveni Pellets Private Limited (TPPL) from Thriveni Earthmovers Private Limited.
• Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the proposed combination involving Bhushan Power and Steel Limited (BPSL), JSW Sambalpur Steel Limited, JFE Steel Corporation (Japan) and JSW Kalinga Steel Limited.
• Researchers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu (TN) discovered two new rare ant fly species named Metadon ghorpadei and Metadon reemeri.
• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced the retirement of Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Lyn Williams from service effective 27th December 2025, ending her 27-year career in human space exploration.
• Bharat Forge Limited (BFL)’s aerospace division secured contracts worth nearly Rs 300 crore under the Emergency Procurement-VI (EP-VI) framework for the supply of indigenously built unmanned systems to the Indian Army (IA) and Indian Navy (IN).
• Union Minister Manohar Lal of Ministry of Power (MoP) and Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) inaugurated the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Regulatory Affairs in the Power Sector at IIT Delhi, New Delhi.