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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Reserve Bank of India Issues Updated FEMA Regulations for Export and Import Transactions Effective 1 October 2026

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 under FEMA, 1999, introducing uniform timelines and enhanced monitoring for trade-related foreign exchange transactions.
• These regulations supersede the FEMA (Export of Goods & Services) Regulations, 2015 and will come into effect from 1 October 2026.

Key Highlights :

• The regulations are notified under Sections 7, 8, 10(6), and 47(2) of FEMA, 1999.
• They are applicable to exports, imports, and merchanting trade transactions, covering goods, services, software exports, and service imports.
• All references to RBI must be routed via the Platform for Regulatory Application, Validation and Authorisation (PRAVAAH) portal portal, and any doubtful transactions must be reported to the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF).
• Exporters must submit an Export Declaration Form (EDF) specifying the full export value of goods at the time of export.
• Authorized Dealer (AD) banks must enter EDF details for goods exported through non-EDI ports into the Export Data Processing and Monitoring System (EDPMS) within 5 working days.
• For service exports, AD banks must upload exporter-submitted EDF details into EDPMS within 5 working days.
• For service imports through non-EDI ports, AD banks must enter import document details in Import Data Processing and Monitoring System (IDPMS) within 5 working days, and upload importer-declared details within the same timeframe.
• Export proceeds must be realized and repatriated within 15 months of shipment/invoice, and for exports invoiced in Indian Rupees (INR), within 18 months.
• All inward and outward remittances linked to exports, imports, and merchanting trade must be reported in EDPMS and/or IDPMS.
• AD banks are empowered to monitor all transactions in EDPMS and IDPMS, follow up with exporters, importers, and persons undertaking Merchanting Trade Transactions (MTT), and ensure closure of outstanding entries.
• Authorised Dealer (AD): Entity authorised by RBI to conduct foreign exchange transactions.
• Export Declaration Form (EDF): Form through which exporters declare full value and details of goods or services exported from India.
• Export Data Processing and Monitoring System (EDPMS): Digital platform to track, monitor, and process export-related forex transactions.
• Import Data Processing and Monitoring System (IDPMS): Digital platform to track, monitor, and manage import-related forex transactions.

Recent News :

• In Jan 2026, The RBI has mandated banks and eligible non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) to implement a fully automated Complaint Management System (CMS) with direct access for the Internal Ombudsman (IO) and Deputy IO (DIO).

About RBI :

• Established: 1 April 1935.
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Governor: Sanjay Malhotra

Indian fintech firm ZET Secures National Payments Corporation of India Nod to Enable UPI Payments via RuPay Credit Cards

• Credit-focused Indian fintech firm ZET has received approval from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to operate as a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP).
• With this approval, ZET becomes eligible to offer UPI services, marking a major step in integrating credit card functionality with the UPI ecosystem.
• After receiving NPCI approval, the company launched ZET UPI, enabling users to make UPI transactions using RuPay credit cards issued via the ZET platform.
• ZET UPI service is supported through a banking partnership with RBL Bank (earlier known as Ratnakar Bank Limited).
• The transaction processing infrastructure is powered by Juspay, a payments technology platform.
• ZET credit card users with an active subscription plan will be eligible for cashback benefits on UPI transactions, in addition to existing credit card-linked rewards.
• The move strengthens credit-based digital payments and expands RuPay credit card usage on UPI, aligning with India’s push for fintech-led financial inclusion.

Razorpay POS Obtains Reserve Bank of India Approval to Operate as Offline Payment Aggregator

• Fintech major Razorpay’s offline payments arm, Razorpay POS, has received authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as an offline payment aggregator (PA-P).
• With this approval, Razorpay now holds all three key RBI licences: online payment aggregator, cross-border payment aggregator (granted in December 2025), and offline payment aggregator.
• The PA-P (Offline) licence will enable Razorpay POS to expand in-store payment infrastructure and handle high-volume transactions across sectors such as large retail chains and SMEs.
• Currently, Razorpay POS offers a hardware suite including Android Smart POS, mPOS (magnetic stripe POS), and Soundbox devices, supporting secure and compliant in-store payments.
• MD & Co-founder of Razorpay : Shashank Kumar

Reserve Bank of India Gives In-Principle Nod to Payoneer India to Operate as Cross-Border Payment Aggregator

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted in-principle approval to Payoneer India Private Limited to operate as a Payment Aggregator – Cross Border (PA-CB).
• Payoneer India Private Limited is a subsidiary of USA-based Payoneer Global, strengthening its presence in India’s cross-border payments ecosystem.
• The PA-CB approval allows Payoneer to facilitate end-to-end inward and outward cross-border payment transactions for Indian importers and exporters.
• Under this approval, Indian exporters can receive overseas payments, while importers can make international payments through the Payoneer platform.
• The key objective of RBI’s approval is to support Indian businesses, especially Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and startups, in accessing global markets and scaling international trade operations.
• As per RBI’s PA-CB guidelines, non-bank entities must obtain RBI authorisation to operate as cross-border payment aggregators.
• Net worth requirement for PA-CB entities: ₹15 crore initially, increasing to ₹25 crore by the end of the third year.
• The per-transaction limit under PA-CB norms is capped at ₹25 lakh.
• PA-CB entities must maintain separate accounts for import and export transactions, with no netting of balances

Recent News :

• In Jan 2026, Innoviti Technologies Private Limited,a payments-centric retail Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, received a Certificate of Authorization from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payment Aggregator (PA) under the Payments and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act, 2007 across India.

Reserve Bank of India Releases Operational Guidelines for Interest Subvention on Export Credit under Niryat Protsahan

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued operational guidelines for extending interest subvention on pre- and post-shipment export credit under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) – NIRYAT PROTSAHAN (1st Component).
• The objective of NIRYAT PROTSAHAN – Interest Subvention Component is to facilitate improved access to rupee export credit for MSME exporters by reducing the cost of credit.

Key Highlights :

• Eligible institutions include all Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) (excluding RRBs), Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks (UCBs), State Co-operative Banks (StCBs), and All-India Financial Institutions (AIFIs) to extend benefits to eligible exporters.
• Eligible MSMEs include all manufacturer exporters and merchant exporters holding a valid Importer Exporter Code (IEC) and MSME Udyam Registration Number (URM).
• The interest subvention rate is 75% per annum (p.a) on pre- and post-shipment rupee export credit for MSMEs.
• An MSME exporter may receive a maximum subvention benefit of Rs 50 lakh for FY26.
• The Collateral Support Component of NIRYAT PROTSAHAN aims to address collateral constraints and improve access to bank finance for MSME exporters.
• Under this, collateral guarantee support is provided in partnership with the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE).
• Guarantee coverage: Up to 85% for MSEs and 65% for Medium exporters, with a maximum outstanding guaranteed exposure of Rs 10 crore per exporter per financial year.
• The RBI has issued operational guidelines only for the Interest Subvention component of NIRYAT PROTSAHAN.

About Export Promotion Mission :

• The Export Promotion Mission (EPM) is jointly implemented by the Department of Commerce (DoC), Ministry of MSME, and Ministry of Finance (MoF), with a total outlay of Rs 25,060 Cr for FY26 to FY31.
• It is implemented collaboratively by the Department of Commerce, the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), and the Ministry of Finance.
• EPM has two integrated sub-schemes:
• NIRYAT PROTSAHAN – focuses on enabling access to affordable and diversified trade finance.
• NIRYAT DISHA – supports non-financial enablers such as market access, branding, regulatory compliance, logistics, and trade intelligence.

Bank of Baroda Enters Memorandum of Understanding with India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited for Joint Infrastructure Lending and Loan Syndication

• Bank of Baroda signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited. (IIFCL) to facilitate joint lending and loan syndication for a wide range of infrastructure projects.
• Under the agreement, IIFCL and Bank of Baroda will collaborate to jointly finance diverse infrastructure projects across both established and emerging sectors, leveraging their respective strengths and expertise.
• IIFCL is a wholly-owned Government of India company, established in 2006 to provide long-term financial assistance to viable infrastructure projects.

About Bank of Baroda :

• Established : 20th July 1908
• Headquarters : Vadodara, Gujarat, India.
• Managing Director & CEO : Debadatta Chand

Suryoday Small Finance Bank Collaborates with HyperVerge to Deploy Video KYC

• Suryoday Small Finance Bank partnered with HyperVerge to deploy an AI-powered Video KYC (VKYC) solution for digital customer onboarding.
• The VKYC solution will help the bank strengthen regulatory compliance, improve operational efficiency, and enhance digital onboarding.
• The system ensures high-level data security, with customer personal data stored securely, accessible only by Suryoday Small Finance Bank.
• The VKYC solution enables the bank to scale onboarding volumes without adding operational overhead, while maintaining a high-quality customer experience.
• Each agent can complete nearly twice the number of agent-approved verification calls per day compared to previous workflows, improving conversions and productivity.
• HyperVerge collaborated closely with the bank to deliver a solution that onboards customers faster, improves success rates, and ensures regulatory adherence.
• The data privacy controls are strict, ensuring personal data security and reinforcing the bank’s regulatory commitments.
• MD & CEO of Suryoday Small Finance Bank : Baskar Babu
• CEO of HyperVerge : Kedar Kulkarni

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Global Risks Report 2026 by World Economic Forum Identifies Geoeconomic Confrontation as Top Global Threat

• The World Economic Forum (WEF) published the 21st edition of its annual risk assessment titled ‘Global Risks Report: 21st Edition Insight 2026’.
• Top global risks identified are geoeconomic confrontation, state-based conflict, extreme weather, social protection gaps, and misinformation.

Key Highlights :

• The 2026 global risks outlook is marked by pervasive uncertainty.
• Extreme weather has dropped from 2nd to 4th place in the two-year outlook, but remains the most severe long-term (10-year) risk.
• The report is based on the Global Risks Perception Survey (GRPS) with insights from 1,300 global leaders and experts, covering 33 key global risks.
• It also uses the Executive Opinion Survey (EOS 2026) with inputs from 11,000 business leaders in 116 economies to identify country-specific risks.
• GRPS 2025-26 featured 4 key components: risk landscape, consequences, risk governance, and outlook.
• The report examines global risks across 3 time horizons: immediate (2026), short-to-medium term (up to 2028), and long term (2036).
• Geoeconomic confrontation ranks as the biggest risk for the immediate term (2026) and two-year horizon, but drops to 19th place over 10 years.
• State-based armed conflict ranks 2nd in the immediate term, and 5th in the two-year outlook.
• Non-environmental risks such as geoeconomic confrontation, misinformation, and societal polarization dominate policy attention over the next two years, replacing environmental threats like extreme weather, pollution, biodiversity loss, and critical changes to earth systems.
• In the two-year outlook, environmental risks decline: extreme weather from 2nd to 4th, pollution from 6th to 9th, biodiversity loss and critical changes to earth systems fall by 5 and 7 places
• Long-term risks (up to 2036): extreme weather (1st), biodiversity loss & ecosystem collapse (2nd), critical changes to earth systems (3rd), misinformation & disinformation (4th), adverse AI outcomes (5th).
• Key risks faced by India: cyber insecurity (major risk), inequality (wealth, income), insufficient public services & social protections, economic downturn (recession, stagnation), and state-based armed conflict (proxy wars, civil wars, terrorism).

About WEF:

• President & CEO : Børge Brende
• Headquarters : Geneva Canton, Switzerland
• Established : 1971.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Assam Government Announces Monthly Financial Assistance for Research Scholars

• The Government of Assam announced a monthly financial assistance scheme for research scholars under the Atal Vichal Agragami Assam programme.
• The scheme will be launched on February 11, 2026.
• ₹25,000 per month will be provided to regular research scholars.
• ₹40,000 per month will be provided to Divyang research scholars, ensuring inclusive higher education support.
• The scheme is applicable to scholars enrolled in universities and higher education institutions across Assam.
• The initiative aims to reduce financial stress, allowing scholars to focus on quality research and academic excellence.
• The announcement was made by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who described it as a transformative step for Assam’s academic ecosystem.
• The scheme focuses on empowering young talent, promoting high-quality and interdisciplinary research, and strengthening Assam as a knowledge-driven economy.
• Higher financial support for Divyang scholars highlights the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and social justice.
• The assistance will help scholars meet expenses related to research materials, fieldwork, data collection, and living costs.
• It is expected to encourage long-term and in-depth research projects and improve overall research productivity.
• The scheme forms part of Assam’s broader education reform agenda, complementing initiatives in skill development and industry–academia collaboration.
• It aligns with national priorities of research, innovation, and self-reliance, while helping attract and retain research talent within the state.

About Assam:

• Chief Minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma
• Governor: Lakshman Prasad Acharya
• Capital: Dispur
• National Parks: Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Orang National Park, Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary, Nameri Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• The Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Governor of Assam, inaugurated Sanskaar Shaala, a value-based education programme for children, in Guwahati. The initiative aims to promote moral education, Indian cultural values, and social responsibility among children, complementing formal education in a modern, technology-driven society. 

Vice President Releases Book on Ram Janmabhoomi Issue

• Vice President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book titled “Chalice of Ambrosia: Ram Janmabhoomi – Challenge and Response” at the Vice President’s Enclave, New Delhi.
• The book is authored by Shri Surendra Kumar Pachauri, a former Secretary to the Government of India.
• The Vice President stated that the book presents the long and complex journey of reclaiming the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram in a balanced, factual, and scholarly manner, without exaggeration or bias.
• He described the construction of Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya as a landmark moment in India’s civilisational history, where faith, history, law, and democracy converged peacefully.
• The Vice President credited Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for guiding the revival of the sacred site in a manner consistent with democratic values and cultural confidence.
• The event was attended by dignitaries including Shri Nripendra Mishra, Shri Vinod Rai, Shri Deepak Gupta, Shri Amit Khare, and Shri Ashish Gosain of Har Anand Publications, among others.

Rajasthan to develop Alwar Biological Park in NCR region

• Rajasthan government has planned a new Biological Park in Alwar district, which will become the first biological park of its kind in the National Capital Region (NCR).
• The park will be developed in the Kati Ghati–Jaisamand area of Alwar and will cover around 100 hectares of land.
• 30% area will be developed as a zoo, while the remaining 70% will be maintained as green and natural forest space to ensure an eco-friendly environment.
• The biological park will house over 400 wild animals belonging to 81 species, including lions, cheetahs, Indian tiger species and African giraffes.
• A key attraction will be the availability of lion safari, tiger safari and herbivore safari at a single location, a first-of-its-kind feature in the NCR region.
• A high-tech animal rescue centre will be set up inside the park, developed on the lines of the Gir National Park rescue facility in Gujarat.
• The park will also include a modern veterinary hospital with advanced medical facilities and a dedicated team of wildlife doctors and forest officials.
• A butterfly park will be developed within the complex to showcase different butterfly species and enhance educational and ecological awareness.
• Animals will be sourced from around 25 zoos across India, with transfers to be carried out in a phased and regulated manner after approvals.
• A Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared, and the project will commence after clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• The Alwar Biological Park is expected to boost wildlife conservation, eco-tourism and regional development while strengthening Rajasthan’s position in sustainable tourism and biodiversity protection.

About Rajasthan:

• Capital: Jaipur
• Governor: Haribhau Bagade
• Chief Minister: Bajan Lal Sharma
• National Parks: Ranthambhore National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), Desert National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary, Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• Rajasthan has achieved an important milestone in sustainable agriculture. Bamanwas Kankar Panchayat has officially become the first fully organic village body in the state, covering seven hamlets. The achievement highlights India’s growing focus on chemical-free farming, environmental protection, and farmer-friendly agricultural practices

India notifies GEI targets under Carbon Credit Trading Scheme

• Government of India notified Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) targets in January 2026 for additional carbon-intensive sectors under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS).
• 208 new obligated entities have been brought under the compliance framework, expanding coverage of the Indian Carbon Market (ICM).
• With this notification, the total number of obligated entities has increased to 490, strengthening India’s industrial decarbonisation framework.
• Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) refers to emissions per unit of output, focusing on efficiency improvement rather than absolute emission cuts.
• GEI-based targets allow industrial growth while reducing carbon footprint, making them suitable for developing economies like India.
• The move encourages adoption of cleaner technologies, energy efficiency measures, and sustainable production practices in emission-intensive industries.
• The notification was issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the nodal ministry for climate policy and emission regulation.
• Under CCTS, entities that exceed GEI targets earn carbon credits, while those failing to meet targets must purchase credits, ensuring compliance through a market-based mechanism.
• One carbon credit represents reduction or removal of one tonne of CO₂ equivalent, creating financial incentives for emission reduction.
• Expansion of obligated entities will improve market liquidity, credibility, and effectiveness of the Indian Carbon Market.
• For industries, the scheme increases short-term compliance responsibility but offers long-term benefits through efficiency gains, innovation, and access to carbon finance.
• Overall, the notification strengthens India’s climate commitments, supports industrial decarbonisation, and aligns environmental sustainability with economic growth.

India delivers cancer medicines to Afghanistan as humanitarian medical aid

• India delivered 7.5 tonnes of life-saving cancer medicines to Kabul, reinforcing its humanitarian support to the people of Afghanistan, particularly in the health sector.
• The assistance was confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs and forms part of India’s ongoing humanitarian outreach to Afghanistan.
• Cancer patients in Afghanistan face severe challenges due to shortages of medicines, weak healthcare infrastructure, and high treatment costs, making external medical support critical.
• The consignment aims to ensure continuity of cancer treatment, prevent therapy interruptions, and save lives of vulnerable patients dependent on essential oncology drugs.
• India reiterated its commitment to the Afghan people irrespective of political developments, focusing on health, food security, and essential humanitarian needs.
• The medical aid reflects India’s “people-first diplomacy”, prioritising humanitarian assistance in conflict-affected and fragile regions.
• Afghanistan’s healthcare system remains under strain due to prolonged conflict and economic difficulties, with cancer patients among the worst affected because of the need for specialised and long-term treatment.
• India’s support helps bridge immediate gaps in medical supplies, providing relief to hospitals and healthcare providers in Kabul and surrounding regions.

Odisha imposes complete ban on gutkha, pan masala, and tobacco products

• Odisha State Health and Family Welfare Department announced a complete ban on gutkha, pan masala, and all products containing tobacco or nicotine to safeguard public health and prevent misuse.
• The ban covers manufacture, processing, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution, and sale of these products across the state.
• Both packaged and unpackaged products are included, even if components are sold separately but intended to be mixed for consumption.
• The notification makes Odisha fully compliant with the Supreme Court’s nationwide directives on prohibition of gutkha and pan masala.
• Odisha had earlier banned the sale of tobacco products in 2013, but the new notification removes loopholes and ensures strict and uniform enforcement.
• The ban applies to all chewable food products, whether flavoured or unflavoured, scented, or mixed with additives, and irrespective of the name or form under which they are sold.
• Health Secretary Aswathy S stated that the decision follows Supreme Court directions and aims at zero tolerance towards tobacco-related violations.
• From February 1, 2026, higher central taxes will apply to tobacco and pan masala products, including 40% Goods and Services Tax on pan masala and cigarettes and 18% Goods and Services Tax on beedis.
• A Health and National Security Cess along with additional excise duty will also be levied on tobacco products from the same date.
• New rules for chewing tobacco, jarda scented tobacco, and gutkha packing machines will come into force from February 1, 2026, and the existing Goods and Services Tax compensation cess will be discontinued.
• The comprehensive ban is expected to reduce tobacco consumption, protect public health, and strengthen enforcement of national health regulations, making Odisha a strict no-gutkha and no-pan-masala state.

About Odisha:

• Chief Minister: Mohan Charan Majhi
• Governor: Hari Babu Kambhampati
• Capital: Bhubaneswar
• National Parks: Simlipal National Park, Bhitarkanika National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Kotagarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Lakhari Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• Odisha is set to create history as senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Anu Garg assumes charge as the state’s first woman Chief Secretary from January 1, 2026. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in the administrative history of Odisha, reflecting growing representation of women in the country’s top bureaucratic positions.

Tamil Nadu announces Semmozhi Illakiya Virudhu to promote multilingual Indian literature

• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin announced a new annual state-sponsored literary award named “Semmozhi Illakiya Virudhu (Classical Language Literary Award)” during the valedictory ceremony of the Chennai International Book Fair.
• The award will have a national-level character and will recognise outstanding literary works in major Indian languages other than Hindi, highlighting India’s linguistic diversity and inclusive cultural policy.
• Each selected language will carry a cash prize of ₹5 lakh, making it one of the highest-value state-backed literary honours in India.
• In the first phase, the award will recognise best literary works in seven Indian languages: Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Bengali, and Marathi. The government has indicated that more languages may be included in future phases.
• The initiative aims to strengthen multilingual literature, with the Chief Minister emphasising that language should act as a bridge, not a barrier, and that national unity is reinforced through linguistic diversity.
• The award is designed as a structured annual honour, reflecting Tamil Nadu’s effort to institutionalise state support for literature, similar to support extended to sports, science, and innovation.
• The announcement comes amid concerns over uncertainty surrounding Sahitya Akademi awards, with allegations of interference by the Union Culture Ministry in the cancellation of award announcements.
• To ensure independence and transparency, the Tamil Nadu government will act only as a patron, not as a selector. Separate expert committees will be formed for each language, comprising reputed writers and literary experts, to select awardees.

About Tamil Nadu:

• Capital: Chennai
• Chief Minister: M.K. Stalin
• Governor: R.N. Ravi
• National Parks: Mudumalai National Park, Mukurthi National Park, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Indira Gandhi (Anamalai) National Park, Guindy National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary, Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary

Lucknow becomes first Zero Fresh Waste Dump city in Uttar Pradesh

• Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) has adopted a scientific and modern waste management system to manage solid waste generated by a population of around 40 lakh and nearly 7.5 lakh establishments.
• Lucknow inaugurated its third fresh waste processing plant at Shivari, making it the first city in Uttar Pradesh to process 100% of its fresh municipal waste scientifically. With this, the city has achieved the status of a ‘Zero Fresh Waste Dump’ city.
• The Shivari waste processing plant has a capacity of 700 metric tonnes per day (MT/day). With three plants operational, Lucknow’s total waste processing capacity is 2,100 MT/day, which matches the city’s daily waste generation of around 2,000 MT.
• LMC has partnered with Bhumi Green Energy to operate the three waste processing plants. Door-to-door waste collection efficiency stands at 96.53%, and over 70% waste is segregated at source.
• Daily waste is segregated into organic waste (55%) and inorganic waste (45%).
• Organic waste is converted into compost and biogas, while inorganic waste is recycled or converted into Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) used in cement and paper industries.
• Lucknow earlier had about 18.5 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste, out of which 12.86 lakh metric tonnes has been scientifically processed using eco-friendly methods.
• From processed waste, 2.27 lakh metric tonnes of RDF has been supplied for industrial co-processing.
• Other materials generated include coarse waste (4.38 lakh MT), bio-soil (0.59 lakh MT), and construction and demolition waste (2.35 lakh MT), used for infrastructure development and filling low-lying areas.
• Continuous processing of legacy waste has helped reclaim over 25 acres of land, which has been developed into a fully equipped waste treatment complex with windrow pads, internal roads, sheds, and weighbridges.
• LMC is planning to establish a 15 MW Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plant at Shivari, which will use 1,000–1,200 MT of RDF daily to generate electricity and reduce long-distance transportation of RDF.

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

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Banaras Literature Festival announces winners of 2nd Banaras Lit Fest Book Awards 2026

• Banaras Literature Festival announced the winners of the 2nd Banaras Lit Fest Book Awards 2026, recognising outstanding literary contributions in English, Hindi, and other Indian languages.
• The awards honour fiction, poetry, non-fiction, translation, along with lifetime achievement and youth contribution, reflecting India’s diverse literary ecosystem.
• Veteran writer Namita Gokhale received the Bhartendu Harishchandra Lifetime Achievement Award for her long-standing contribution to Indian literature.
• She is best known for “Paro: Dreams of Passion” and is also the co-founder of the Jaipur Literature Festival.
• In the English language category, major award winners include:
• Ruskin Bond Award for Fiction – Shinie Antony for Eden Abandoned: The Story of Lilith.
• Sarojini Naidu Award for Poetry – Abhay K for The Hanuman Chalisa.
• Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Award for Non-Fiction – Peggy Mohan for Father Tongue, Motherland: The Birth of Language in South Asia.
• Rabindranath Tagore Award for Translation – Arunava Sinha for Limited / Unlimited (English translation from Bengali).
• In the Hindi literature category, key winners are:
• Premchand Award for Fiction – Mamta Kalia for Doorasth Dampatya.
• Kabir Award for Poetry – Udayan Vajpeyi for Pagal Ganitagya Ki Kavitayein.
• Rahul Sankrityayan Award for Non-Fiction – J Sushil for Dukh Ki Duniya Bheetar Hai.
• Mahadevi Verma Award for Translation – Rajgopal Singh Verma for translating 1857 Ki Kranti Ka Awadh.
• Under special honours, Mahadev Toppo received the Kalidas Award for Indian Languages, recognising his contribution to regional literature.
• The Vivekanand Award for Youth was presented to Parag Pawan, acknowledging young literary talent.
• All awardees will be formally honoured during the Banaras Literature Festival, scheduled to be held in Varanasi from January 30 to February 1, 2026.
• From an IBPS Current Affairs exam perspective, the event is important for literary awards, authors, award categories, and cultural developments in India.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Albinder Dhindsa Appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Eternal Group Following Deepinder Goyal’s Exit

• Deepinder Goyal resigned as Director, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Eternal Limited with effect from 1 February 2026, subject to shareholders’ approval.
• Albinder Singh Dhindsa, currently CEO of Blinkit, has been appointed Group CEO and Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) of Eternal Limited, effective 1 February 2026.
• Deepinder Goyal will continue on the Board of Directors (BoD) of Eternal Limited as Vice Chairman, pending shareholder approval.
• As Vice Chairman, Deepinder Goyal will focus on high-risk and experimental ideas outside the company’s immediate strategic scope while remaining involved in long-term strategy and governance.
• Deepinder Goyal began his professional career as a management consultant at Bain & Company.
• In 2008, Deepinder Goyal co-founded Zomato Ltd. and served as its CEO since inception.
• Zomato Limited. was listed on stock exchanges in 2021, marking a major milestone in India’s startup ecosystem.
• In 2025, Zomato’s holding entity was rebranded as “Eternal Limited” to reflect its expanded business ecosystem.

About Eternal Limited :

• It is an Indian technology company headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana.
• It is the parent company of Zomato (food delivery platform) and Blinkit (quick commerce delivery arm).

Ganesh Lakshminarayanan Appointed as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Tata Communications Limited

• Tata Communications Limited appointed Ganesh Lakshminarayanan as its new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
• He will succeed A.S. Lakshminarayanan, who is set to retire on 13 April 2026.
• Ganesh Lakshminarayanan brings over 30 years of international management experience across technology, telecommunications, B2B start-ups, multinational corporations, and Indian enterprises.
• Prior to this appointment, he served as Managing Director and Group Vice President of ServiceNow India and the SAARC region.
• He was formerly the CEO of Airtel Business (India) and also headed Airtel’s Enterprise Business Unit.
• His leadership experience spans global enterprise services, digital transformation, and large-scale telecom operations.
• He has been elected twice to the Executive Council of NASSCOM, highlighting his role in India’s IT and technology ecosystem.
• He also served as a Council Member of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

Bharatiya Janata Party Names Nitin Nabin as New National President of the Party

• Nitin Nabin has been elected as the National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), marking a significant organisational development for the party.
• His election was officially announced on 20 January 2026 by the party’s National Returning Officer, Dr. K. Laxman, during the Sangathan Parv event at the BJP headquarters, New Delhi.
• He became the youngest National President in BJP’s history and the first leader from Bihar to hold this position.
• Nitin Nabin currently represents the Bankipur Assembly constituency in Patna district and serves as the Road Construction Minister in the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government.
• On 14 December 2025, he was declared the BJP’s national working president after an 18-month selection process, signaling he was the high command's choice for the post of national president.
• He has now become the 12th president of the BJP, which was formed in 1980, the same year he was born.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Pixxel-Led Consortium to Develop India’s First Private National Earth Observation Satellite Constellation with Launches Planned Next Year

• India’s first privately built national Earth Observation (EO) satellite constellation will be developed by a consortium led by Pixxel Space, with the first satellite launches expected next year.
• The Pixxel-led consortium signed an agreement with IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre) to build India’s first indigenous commercial EO constellation.
• The consortium includes PierSight, SatSure Analytics India, and Dhruva Space, and will deploy a total of 12 satellites.
• The project is valued at over ₹1,200 crore, marking a major boost to India’s private space ecosystem, with the government entrusting a strategic national mission to startups.
• By Q1 2027, the first four satellites are planned to be placed in orbit, with the remaining satellites launched in phases over subsequent years.
• Pixxel is a global space data company operating the world’s highest-resolution commercial hyperspectral imaging constellation.

China’s Fengyun-3D Satellite Detects Antarctic Iceberg A23a Approaching Complete Disintegration

• China’s Fengyun-3D meteorological satellite detected that iceberg A23a, once the largest iceberg in the world by surface area, has entered the final stage of disintegration.
• A23a detached from Antarctica in 1986 and drifted across the Southern Ocean for nearly four decades.
• Recent satellite observations indicate that A23a’s main body has reduced to around 506 square kilometres, down from 4,170 square kilometres at detachment, and 948 square kilometres just three weeks earlier.
• The Fengyun-3D satellite, part of China’s Fengyun-3 constellation, has been tracking A23a continuously since 2023, providing high-resolution imagery with a spatial resolution of 250 metres.
• The rapid breakup of A23a is primarily due to hydrofracturing, where meltwater accumulates on the iceberg’s surface, forming ponds and lakes that exert pressure on internal cracks.
• Satellite imagery shows blue meltwater pooling in the iceberg’s central region, trapped by natural ridges along its edges.
• Seasonal summer conditions in the Southern Hemisphere, including higher air temperatures and warmer seawater exceeding 3°C, are accelerating melting.
• Ocean currents are carrying smaller ice fragments toward warmer northern waters, further weakening the remaining ice mass.
• Zheng Zhaojun of China’s National Satellite Meteorological Center confirmed that A23a is nearing complete disintegration, marking the end of a nearly four-decade-long drift.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND INDEX

Brand Finance Global 500 2026 – IT Services Brands

• Brand Finance released the “Brand Finance Global 500 2026” report, ranking the world’s most valuable IT services brands.
• Infosys ranked 3rd globally among IT services brands, with a brand value of USD 16.4 billion, Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 86.8/100, and achieved a 15% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the last six years.
• Accenture retained the 1st position as the world’s most valuable IT services brand, valued at USD 42.2 billion, with a BSI score of 90.7, reflecting strong investments in technology, consulting, and digital services.
• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) secured the 2nd position with a brand value of USD 21.2 billion and BSI score of 84.6, holding the rank for the fifth consecutive year and achieving an AAA brand rating for the first time.
• The combined brand value of the world’s top 25 IT services brands stood at USD 167.2 billion in 2026.
• Other Indian IT companies featured among the top 25 include HCLTech, Wipro, Tech Mahindra, LTIMindtree, Persistent Systems, and Hexaware, highlighting India’s strong global presence in the IT services sector.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Odisha–Meghalaya MoU to Strengthen Early Childhood Care, Education and Development

• The Governments of Odisha and Meghalaya signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen Early Childhood Care, Education and Development (ECCED) through inter-state collaboration.
• The MoU focuses on nutrition, health, early learning, responsive caregiving, capacity building, and knowledge exchange.
• The agreement aims to create a structured framework for cooperation to improve quality and outreach of early childhood services.
• Key areas of collaboration include sharing best practices, joint research and documentation, exposure visits for officials and frontline workers, and capacity building at multiple administrative levels.
• The partnership promotes mutual learning, with Odisha contributing experience in community-based and culturally responsive ECCED initiatives and Meghalaya sharing innovative service delivery models for tribal and geographically challenging regions.
• Officials highlighted that early childhood years are critical for cognitive development, nutrition outcomes, health, and social skills, making ECCED vital for long-term human development.
• Strong ECCED systems help reduce long-term inequalities and support inclusive human capital formation.
• The MoU aligns with national priorities on nutrition, education, and health, and supports inclusive growth.
• It strengthens cooperative federalism by encouraging state-to-state learning and collaboration.
• Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) covers integrated services for children from birth to eight years, addressing health, nutrition, learning, and care needs, especially in vulnerable and marginalized communities.

Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship signs MoU with World Economic Forum to strengthen vocational education and skills

• The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to strengthen vocational education, training and skill development in India.
• The MoU aims to enhance India’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem through global collaboration, industry alignment and innovation-driven skilling models.
• A key outcome of the partnership is the launch of the India Skills Accelerator, a multi-stakeholder platform designed to identify and bridge current and future skill gaps.
• The initiative focuses on aligning training programmes with industry needs, improving employability, and promoting lifelong learning, upskilling and reskilling.
• The partnership brings together government, industry, educational institutions and global experts to ensure India’s skilling ecosystem matches emerging labour market demands and global standards.
• Special emphasis will be placed on Future of Work domains such as artificial intelligence, robotics, green energy, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing.
• The MoU supports flexible curricula, integration of vocational and higher education pathways, and mutual recognition of qualifications to enhance global mobility of Indian talent.
• The initiative is aligned with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Vision India@2047, positioning skilling as a core pillar of inclusive growth and economic transformation.
• Implementation will be guided by a structured governance framework with co-chairs from government and private sector, supported by WEF.
• Institutions such as All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and University Grants Commission (UGC) will collaborate with MSDE to scale adoption and awareness.
• The MoU reinforces India’s objective of becoming a global hub for skilled talent by leveraging international best practices and public–private partnerships.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day of Education 2026 – January 24

• International Day of Education 2026 is observed on 24 January worldwide.
• The day was declared by the UN General Assembly in December 2018 to honour education and highlight its role in peace, development, and progress.
• The day aims to advocate for universal access to quality education and to campaign for education reforms.
• Millions of children around the world are still denied this basic human right, with UNESCO estimating 258 million children out of school.
• Marginalized groups, people in unequal regions, and citizens of developing countries are the most affected.
• International Day of Education calls on governments, civil society, institutions, and individuals to ensure primary and secondary education for all children.
• The observance encourages the design of inclusive learning programs that cater to diverse populations, equipping children with the skills needed for employment and improved livelihoods.
• The day reminds everyone that education is key to escaping poverty and building a better future, and that everyone has a role in promoting high-quality education.

National Girl Child Day 2026 – January 24

• National Girl Child Day 2026 is observed on 24 January 2026 across India.
• The day was established in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India.
• The main objective is to highlight discrimination, inequality, and injustice faced by girl children in society.
• It aims to promote awareness about the rights of the girl child, including education, health, dignity, and equal opportunities.
• Girl children in India often face gender-based discrimination, are denied higher education, and are pushed into household responsibilities at an early age.
• The observance emphasizes the urgent need for equal treatment of female children and ensuring they receive opportunities they rightfully deserve.
• On this day, the government organizes awareness programmes and campaigns to encourage positive societal attitudes towards the girl child.
• National Girl Child Day supports broader goals of gender equality, women empowerment, and inclusive social development.

Daily CA One- Liner: January 24^th

• The Government of Assam announced a monthly financial assistance scheme for research scholars under the Atal Vichal Agragami Assam programme.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 under FEMA, 1999, introducing uniform timelines and enhanced monitoring for trade-related foreign exchange transactions.
• Credit-focused Indian fintech firm ZET has received approval from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to operate as a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP).
• Fintech major Razorpay’s offline payments arm, Razorpay POS, has received authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as an offline payment aggregator (PA-P).
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted in-principle approval to Payoneer India Private Limited to operate as a Payment Aggregator – Cross Border (PA-CB).
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued operational guidelines for extending interest subvention on pre- and post-shipment export credit under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) – NIRYAT PROTSAHAN (1st Component).
• Bank of Baroda signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited. (IIFCL) to facilitate joint lending and loan syndication for a wide range of infrastructure projects.
• Suryoday Small Finance Bank partnered with HyperVerge to deploy an AI-powered Video KYC (VKYC) solution for digital customer onboarding.
• The World Economic Forum (WEF) published the 21st edition of its annual risk assessment titled ‘Global Risks Report: 21st Edition Insight 2026’.
• Deepinder Goyal resigned as Director, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Eternal Limited with effect from 1 February 2026, subject to shareholders’ approval.
• Tata Communications Limited appointed Ganesh Lakshminarayanan as its new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
• Nitin Nabin has been elected as the National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), marking a significant organisational development for the party.
• India’s first privately built national Earth Observation (EO) satellite constellation will be developed by a consortium led by Pixxel Space, with the first satellite launches expected next year.
• China’s Fengyun-3D meteorological satellite detected that iceberg A23a, once the largest iceberg in the world by surface area, has entered the final stage of disintegration.
• Vice President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book titled “Chalice of Ambrosia: Ram Janmabhoomi – Challenge and Response” at the Vice President’s Enclave, New Delhi.
• Rajasthan government has planned a new Biological Park in Alwar district, which will become the first biological park of its kind in the National Capital Region.
• Government of India notified Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) targets in January 2026 for additional carbon-intensive sectors under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme
• India delivered 7.5 tonnes of life-saving cancer medicines to Kabul, reinforcing its humanitarian support to the people of Afghanistan, particularly in the health sector
• Odisha State Health and Family Welfare Department announced a complete ban on gutkha, pan masala, and all products containing tobacco or nicotine to safeguard public health and prevent misuse
• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin announced a new annual state-sponsored literary award named “Semmozhi Illakiya Virudhu (Classical Language Literary Award)” during the valedictory ceremony of the Chennai International Book Fair
• Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) has adopted a scientific and modern waste management system to manage solid waste generated by a population of around 40 lakh and nearly 7.5 lakh establishments
• Banaras Literature Festival announced the winners of the 2nd Banaras Lit Fest Book Awards 2026, recognising outstanding literary contributions in English, Hindi, and other Indian languages
• Brand Finance released the “Brand Finance Global 500 2026” report, ranking the world’s most valuable IT services brands
• The Governments of Odisha and Meghalaya signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen Early Childhood Care, Education and Development (ECCED) through inter-state collaboration
• The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to strengthen vocational education, training and skill development in India
• International Day of Education 2026 is observed on 24 January
• National Girl Child Day 2026 is observed on 24 January 2026 across India.