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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Buyforex Gets In-Principle Payment Service Provider Nod at GIFT IFSC

• EbixCash World Money, a flagship subsidiary of Eraaya Lifespaces Limited, announced that its wholly owned entity Buyforex received in-principle approval for Payment Service Provider (PSP)
• The approval was granted by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), enabling the company to operate as a regulated PSP from GIFT IFSC (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City).
• Buyforex has become the first Authorised Dealer Category-II (AD-II) group entity to receive this specific authorization at the international financial hub.
• Under this in-principle approval, Buyforex is authorized to undertake four key payment services: Account issuance, E-money issuance, Merchant acquisition, and Cross-border fund transfers.
• The milestone significantly strengthens the EbixCash Group's regulated payments footprint and supports India's goal to position GIFT IFSC as a global hub for cross-border payments and financial services.
• The authorization allows the group to deliver secure, compliant, and globally scalable payment solutions to international merchants, financial institutions, and enterprises while leveraging the IFSCA's globally aligned regulatory framework.
• Eraaya Lifespaces Limited (formerly Justride Enterprises) completed its acquisition of Ebix Inc. and its global subsidiaries in August 2024, which included the EbixCash brand.

Reserve Bank of India Issues 2026 Amendment Directions on CRR and SLR for Commercial Banks

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued amendment directions for Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) applicable to commercial banks, updating the 2025 directions.
• The amendments came into immediate effect and are based on recent changes in banking laws and regulations made in 2025.
• RBI added a reference to “other development financial institutions” in the CRR–SLR rules, as defined under the RBI Act, 1934.
• Reporting formats have been updated to clearly include institutions like National Housing Bank (NHB), SIDBI, and NaBFID, replacing older references such as IDBI.
• The amendments are procedural and clarificatory only and do not change the existing CRR or SLR rates for banks.

Reserve Bank of India Issues Guidelines for Interest Subvention on Pre- and Post-Shipment Export Credit under Niryat Protsahan

• The Government of India has launched an Interest Subvention Scheme for pre- and post-shipment export credit under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) – Niryat Prothsahan, on a pilot basis.
• The objective of the scheme is to reduce the cost of rupee export credit and improve access to export finance for MSME exporters.
• Eligible lending institutions include all Scheduled Commercial Banks (excluding RRBs), Primary Urban Co-operative Banks, State Co-operative Banks, and All-India Financial Institutions.
• Eligible beneficiaries are MSME manufacturer exporters and merchant exporters holding a valid Importer Exporter Code (IEC) and Udyam Registration Number (URM).
• Eligibility of exports is determined based on tariff lines specified at the six-digit level of the Harmonised System of Nomenclature (HSN).
• An interest subvention of 75% per annum is available on eligible pre- and post-shipment rupee export credit, with a maximum benefit per MSME exporter capped at ₹50 lakh for FY 2025-26.
• The scheme introduces collateral guarantee support in partnership with the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE).
• Guarantee coverage is up to 85% for MSEs and up to 65% for Medium exporters, with a maximum outstanding guaranteed exposure of ₹10 crore per exporter in a financial year.
• The EPM is jointly implemented by the Department of Commerce (DoC), Ministry of MSME, and Ministry of Finance (MoF), with a total outlay of ₹25,060 crore for the period FY26 to FY31.

World Bank Approves ₹5,700 Crore for Haryana’s Jal Sanrakshit Project

• The World Bank has approved ₹5,700 crore in technical and financial assistance for Haryana under the Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Project, aiming to make the state self-reliant in the water sector.
• The funds will be disbursed in phases from 2026 to 2032 for canal restoration, micro-irrigation, groundwater recharge, and sustainable agriculture.

Key Highlights :

• Out of 1,570 major canals, 892 canals have been restored over the past 20 years, and 678 canals are planned for restoration in the next five years.
• Restoration of major canals includes 115 canals with World Bank assistance (₹2,325 crore), 284 canals through the state budget (₹2,230 crore), and 279 canals via NABARD (₹2,880 crore).
• Out of 15,562 minor canals under the Micro Irrigation & Command Area Development Authority (MICADA), 4,487 minor canals have been restored, and 1,961 minor canals are planned for restoration.
• Restoration of minor canals includes 400 canals with World Bank support (₹450 crore), 1,500 canals via state budget (₹1,250 crore), and 61 canals through NABARD (₹402 crore).
• With World Bank support of ₹900 crore, micro-irrigation systems will be implemented over approximately 70,000 acres of agricultural land.
• The Agriculture Department will develop tube-well-based drainage and surface drainage systems to address waterlogging over 2,00,000 acres.
• Sustainable agriculture will be promoted through crop diversification, direct seeding of rice (DSR), and other water-conservation measures, supported by ₹886 crore from the World Bank.
• About 80 water bodies will be constructed in southern Haryana to strengthen groundwater recharge.
• Treated water from four major sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Jind, Kaithal, and Gurugram will be reused to irrigate 28,000 acres, supported by ₹600 crore from the World Bank.
• On completion, Haryana’s entire canal network will be fully lined and function efficiently for the next 25 years, eliminating the need for frequent canal restoration.
• The project will expand irrigation facilities to 2 lakh additional acres and help farmers overcome waterlogging
• Since irrigation currently consumes mostly freshwater, this project will save water for drinking purposes.
• Farmers are encouraged to adopt micro-irrigation systems in paddy cultivation to achieve higher yields and address problems caused by open-field water usage.

Recent News :

• In Jan 2026, Tata Power secured World Bank Group financing for the 1,125 MW Dorjilung Hydropower Project (DHPL) in Bhutan, strengthening India–Bhutan cross-border clean energy cooperation.

About World Bank:

• The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of low and middle-income countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects.
• The World Bank consists of 5 institutions: The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), The International Development Association (IDA), The International Finance Corporation (IFC), The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).
• Founded Year: 1944
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
• President: Ajay Banga
• Members:189 countries

India to Become Fastest-Growing Major Insurance Market with 6.9% Annual Premium Growth: Swiss Re

• According to Swiss Re, India’s insurance premiums are projected to grow at a real annual rate of 6.9% during 2026–2030, making India the fastest-growing major insurance market globally.
• India’s insurance growth rate is significantly higher than China (~4%) and the United States (~2%), highlighting India’s relative strength in insurance expansion.
• The growth represents a strong rebound from slower growth of only 3.1% in 2025, as the market adjusted to new regulations.
• In life insurance, India is the second-largest market among emerging economies, with expected annual growth of 6.8% over the next 5 years, driven by widening distribution networks.
• The non-life insurance market faces near-term challenges due to regulatory shifts and medical inflation, but growth is expected to recover in the medium term.
• Health insurance is expected to grow at an average 7.2% per year during 2026–2030.
• Swiss Re Group is one of the world’s leading providers of reinsurance, insurance, and risk transfer solutions.

Reserve Bank of India Flags PSL Compliance Gaps at HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank over Agricultural Loan Misclassification

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) flagged deficiencies in Priority Sector Lending (PSL) compliance at HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank during its annual supervisory review, mainly due to misclassification of agricultural loans.
• RBI directed ICICI Bank to make a one-time additional provision of ₹1,283 crore and HDFC Bank to provide ₹500 crore as a regulatory corrective measure, despite no immediate asset quality stress.
• The regulator found parts of the agriculture loan portfolios exceeded the prescribed “scale of finance” limits, indicating loans used for non-farm purposes were still classified as agricultural PSL.
• The RBI annual supervisory review assesses compliance with regulatory norms, including priority sector targets and reporting accuracy.
• Under current rules, banks must lend 40% of adjusted net bank credit to priority sectors, with 18% of this target earmarked for agriculture.
• Shortfalls in PSL targets lead to penalties or corrective actions, with penalties credited to the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Draft National Electricity Policy 2026 Released by Ministry of Power

• The Ministry of Power has released the Draft National Electricity Policy 2026 to transform India’s power sector in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat at 2047.
• The draft policy targets per capita electricity consumption of 2,000 kilowatt hours by 2030 and over 4,000 kilowatt hours by 2047.
• Per capita electricity consumption in India stood at 1,460 kilowatt hours during 2024–25.
• The policy aligns with India’s climate commitments, including the target of reducing emissions intensity by 45 per cent by 2030.
• The Draft National Electricity Policy 2026 provides a comprehensive blueprint for a future-ready, financially viable, and environmentally sustainable power sector.
• It aims to ensure reliable, quality, and affordable electricity for all consumers across the country.
• Once finalised, the Draft National Electricity Policy 2026 will replace the existing National Electricity Policy, which was notified in 2005.

India–European Union Conclude Free Trade Agreement at 16th Summit

• India and the European Union announced the conclusion of negotiations on the India–EU Free Trade Agreement during the 16th India–EU Summit hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The announcement formally ended a negotiation process that began in 2007, making it a major diplomatic and economic breakthrough.
• The India–EU Free Trade Agreement is a comprehensive trade pact aimed at reducing tariffs, easing market access, and boosting trade in goods, services, and investments.
• India and the European Union together account for around 25% of global GDP and nearly one-third of global trade, making this one of the largest trade agreements in the world.
• Bilateral trade between India and the EU already exceeds $136 billion annually, and the FTA is expected to further expand exports in textiles, gems and jewellery, leather, footwear, services, and manufacturing, while improving investor confidence in India.
• FTA negotiations were initially launched in 2007 but stalled in 2013 due to differences over tariffs, services, and regulatory standards.
• Talks were relaunched in June 2022, and the 2026 conclusion finally ends a nearly 20-year-long negotiation process, described by EU leaders as the “mother of all deals”.
• The agreement gains added importance amid shifting global trade patterns and uncertainties in transatlantic relations, enhancing strategic autonomy for both India and the EU.
• Alongside the FTA, both sides signed a Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) to enhance cooperation in defence production, maritime security, cyber security, and military interoperability.
• The partnership will allow Indian companies to participate in the EU’s SAFE (Security Action for Europe) programme, a €150 billion defence financing initiative.
• Both sides also agreed to begin talks on a Security of Information Agreement, aimed at deepening defence industrial collaboration.
• The summit also witnessed the signing of an agreement to establish a Green Hydrogen Task Force, reflecting shared commitments to climate action and clean energy.
• India and the EU agreed to strengthen cooperation in clean energy, climate action, critical technologies, and resilient supply chains.
• The India–EU FTA complements India’s existing trade agreements with the United Kingdom and the European Free Trade Association, positioning India as a central player in global economic networks.

India Makes Historic Debut as Partner Country at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai

• India has participated as a Partner Country at Gulfood 2026, the world’s largest annual food and beverage sourcing exhibition, marking its first- ever partner role in the event’s 31-year history.
• The participation highlights India’s rising global agri-food presence and strengthening economic and trade ties with the Gulf region, especially the United Arab Emirates.
• India’s participation is being led by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Gulfood 2026 is being held at two venues for the first time, namely the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai.
• The Indian Pavilion, spread across 1,434 square metres, showcases India’s agricultural diversity, food processing capacity, and export readiness.
• The pavilion was inaugurated by Avinash Joshi, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, in the presence of Deepak Mittal, India’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.
• The Indian pavilion features 161 exhibitors from 25 Indian states and regions, reflecting broad national participation.
• Participants include exporters, Farmer Producer Organizations, cooperatives, startups, state government agencies, and national institutions.
• Products showcased cover fresh produce, processed foods, cereals, spices, and value-added agri-products.
• The platform provides small producers and startups direct access to international buyers and global supply chains.
• The Federation of Indian Export Organisations is also participating in Gulfood 2026 with 11 exhibitors.
• The primary export focus includes basmati rice and other cereal grains, which are key contributors to India’s agri-exports.
• Indian companies are using the event to explore long-term export contracts, enhance brand visibility, and enter new markets in West Asia, Africa, and Europe.
• A high-level delegation led by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries is attending Gulfood 2026.
• The ministry, in collaboration with Invest India, is promoting investments in food processing, cold chain infrastructure, logistics, and allied agri-infrastructure.
• The initiative aligns with India’s objectives of reducing post-harvest wastage, boosting agri-exports, and increasing farmers’ incomes.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

56th World Economic Forum Annual Meet 2026 Concludes in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland

• The 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) was held from 19–23 January 2026 at Davos-Klosters, Switzerland under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue.”
• The meeting saw participation from about 3,000 leaders from 130 countries, including nearly 400 political leaders, 65 Heads of State and Government, a majority of G7 leaders, around 830 CEOs and Chairs, and nearly 80 tech unicorn founders and innovators.

Key Highlights :

• The Indian delegation was led by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, representing the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Ministry of Railways (MoR).
• The WEF released the “Chief Economists’ Outlook – January 2026”, which stated that 53% of Chief Economists expect global economic conditions to weaken in 2026, an improvement from 72% in September 2025.
• WEF launched the AI report “Proof Over Promise: Insights on Real-World AI Adoption from 2025 MINDS Organization” in collaboration with Accenture.
• Tech Mahindra Limited was included in the WEF MINDS programme list for organizations successfully applying AI in real-world use cases.
• According to a WEF White Paper, India ranked 8th among 11 countries in AI investments as a share of GDP (2010–2024), with investments estimated at 1.2%–1.8% of 2024 GDP.
• The USA topped the AI investment list, followed by Singapore, South Korea, and China.
• The WEF announced the establishment of five new Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) to promote emerging technologies globally.
• During the meeting, US President Donald J. Trump signed the founding charter of the Board of Peace Initiative, along with representatives from around 19 countries.
• The World Economic Forum (WEF) serves as a global platform for public-private cooperation, focusing on economic growth, technology, sustainability, and global governance.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Department of Food and Public Distribution’s ‘Anna Chakra’ Among Finalists for 2026 Franz Edelman Award

• The Department of Food and Public Distribution has been selected among the top six global finalists for the 2026 Franz Edelman Award for its initiative Anna Chakra.
• The Franz Edelman Award is widely regarded as the Nobel Prize of Operations Research and Analytics, recognising the world’s most impactful and high-value applications of advanced analytics.
• Anna Chakra is an operations research based decision support solution aimed at strengthening India’s Public Distribution System by optimising state-specific food grain logistics.
• The initiative was developed through a Government–United Nations–Academia collaboration involving the Department of Food and Public Distribution, the United Nations World Food Programme in India, and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi.
• Other global finalists for the 2026 Franz Edelman Award include Chewy, NVIDIA Corporation, Google, Microsoft, and ECCO Shoe, placing Anna Chakra alongside leading global organisations.
• Anna Chakra was launched in December 2025 by the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi.
• The initiative uses advanced optimisation models to improve the movement and distribution of food grains across India.
• The national deployment of Anna Chakra has resulted in estimated annual savings of Indian Rupees 250 crore.
• It has led to a 35 percent reduction in emissions, supporting India’s climate commitments.
• The efficiency gains benefit more than 81 crore beneficiaries of the Public Distribution System, including the most vulnerable sections of society.
• Selection for the final round underscores Anna Chakra’s global relevance as a scalable, data-driven model for public system reform and large-scale logistics optimisation.
• Earlier in 2026, the Anna Chakra project received the Centre for Decision Sciences and Analytics – Operations Research Society of India Excellence in Management Science and Analytics Practice Award at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad.
• This recognition reinforced the initiative’s national and international impact in analytics-driven public governance.
• The winner of the 2026 Franz Edelman Award will be announced at the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences Analytics Plus Conference.
• The conference will be held at National Harbor, Maryland, United States of America, from April 12 to April 14, 2026.

Sikkim Police Conferred with President’s Police Colour Award

• Sikkim Police has been awarded the President’s Police Colour (Nishaan) for its outstanding service, professionalism, and dedication to duty.
• With this honour, Sikkim becomes the 15th state in India and the 3rd state from the North-East to receive this prestigious recognition since Independence.
• The President’s Police Colour Award, popularly known as the Nishaan, is a ceremonial honour granted to police forces for exceptional service, bravery, discipline, and professionalism.
• The award is symbolised by a flag and insignia, which is worn on the left sleeve of the police uniform.
• It recognises the collective performance, legacy, and sustained excellence of an entire police force rather than individual acts.
• Receiving the President’s Police Colour is a landmark achievement for the Sikkim Police.
• Since Independence, only 14 states had received this honour earlier, underlining its rarity and prestige.
• The recognition places Sikkim among an elite group of states known for high standards of integrity, efficiency, and public trust in policing.
• It highlights the role of Sikkim Police in maintaining law and order in a sensitive border state with professionalism and restraint.
• Sikkim is now the third North-Eastern state to receive the President’s Police Colour Award.
• It also reinforces the central government’s emphasis on strengthening institutions, morale, and security in border and hill states.

Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya Wins Wiley Research Heroes Prize 2025

• Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya, an Indian doctor and public health expert, has won the Wiley Research Heroes Prize 2025.
• He became the first Indian to receive this global honour in the Impact Beyond Academia category.
• The award recognises researchers whose work is inclusive, innovative, and impactful, ensuring research influences public policy and real-world outcomes beyond academic publications.
• The 2025 edition of the prize received over 2,000 nominations globally, from which only five researchers were selected.
• Dr. Lahariya was selected for his sustained contribution to public health policy and implementation.
• He is a former staff member of the World Health Organization and has worked at the intersection of research, governance, and public health policy.
• His work has helped governments translate scientific evidence into practical health interventions.
• He is a health policy researcher, academician, and medical practitioner.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Drip Capital Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Government of Maharashtra to Support Export-Oriented Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

• Drip Capital has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Maharashtra to expand access to trade finance for micro, small and medium enterprises engaged in exports.
• The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting held in Davos on January 22, 2026.
• Under the agreement, Drip Capital has committed to disburse Indian Rupees 10,000 crore in collateral-free trade finance to Maharashtra-based micro, small and medium enterprise exporters.
• The commitment covers a five-year period from 2026 to 2031.
• The initiative aims to improve access to working capital, enable exporters to scale cross-border trade, and strengthen their integration into global supply chains.
• India’s micro, small and medium enterprise sector faces a significant financing challenge.
• According to the Small Industries Development Bank of India, the sector has an estimated credit gap of nearly Indian Rupees 30 lakh crore.
• This financing gap restricts the ability of small businesses to expand operations, manage cash flows, and compete in international trade, despite being a major contributor to employment and economic growth.
• Industry estimates indicate that reducing the credit gap could unlock Indian Rupees 9 to 10 lakh crore in additional export value annually.
• Limited access to timely and affordable finance, especially for exporters without collateral or long credit histories, remains a key constraint.
• Pushkar Mukewar, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Drip Capital, stated that the partnership will promote financial inclusivity and resilience among micro, small and medium enterprises.
• The collaboration aims to provide timely, collateral-free finance and technology-driven solutions to support economic growth and global expansion.
• Drip Capital was founded in 2016 by Pushkar Mukewar and Neil Kothari.
• It is a California-headquartered financial technology company with a significant presence in Mumbai.
• The company provides collateral-free domestic and cross-border trade finance through a fully digital platform, using automated and data-driven risk assessment tools.
• Drip Capital claims to have facilitated more than United States Dollar 8 billion in cross-border trade globally.
• In India, it has supported over Indian Rupees 66,000 crore in trade financing.
• The company has assisted more than 11,000 businesses across 60 countries.
• The partnership with the Government of Maharashtra is expected to generate direct and indirect employment through the expansion of micro, small and medium enterprise supply chains.
• It will also strengthen the state’s export ecosystem by enabling exporters to use digital underwriting, global buyer verification, and data-driven financing solutions.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Army, Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru Partner to Develop Indigenous Artificial Intelligence System

• The Indian Army (IA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru (Karnataka) to jointly develop a fully indigenous Artificial Intelligence (AI) system.
• The objective of the MoU is to address emerging challenges in digital information and modern warfare through advanced AI-based solutions.
• The AI system will be developed through collaborative research, innovation, and field-oriented testing, ensuring alignment with the operational requirements of the armed forces.
• The project involves a tripartite collaboration integrating the operational experience of the Indian Army, academic expertise of IISc, and the innovation of the Indian industry, including the startup Indy Astra.
• The initiative strengthens self-reliance in defence technology, reinforcing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• The MoU reaffirms the Indian Army’s commitment towards building a self-reliant India through indigenous AI development.
• The collaboration aims to enhance India’s indigenous defence innovation ecosystem by combining institutional experience, research excellence, and industry participation.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SUMMITS & CONFERENCES

Election Commission of India Organises India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management  2026 on Democracy and Election Management in New Delhi

• Election Commission of India (ECI) hosted the 1st India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM 2026) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi from 21–23 January 2026.
• The three-day international conference was organised by the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) under the aegis of ECI.
• Theme of IICDEM 2026: “Democracy for an inclusive, peaceful, resilient, and sustainable world”.
• Inaugural reception was attended by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, who welcomed international delegates and heads of Election Management Bodies (EMBs).
• ECI launched ECINET (Election Commission of India Network) during IICDEM 2026 on 22 January 2026.
• ECINET services include: Voter Registration, Know Your Candidate (KYC), e-EPIC (digital voter ID) download, Book-a-Call with Booth Level Officers (BLOs), services for Divyang (Saksham) citizens, and election-related learning material.
• ECINET is the world's largest electoral service platform, integrating 40+ apps (like cVIGIL and Suvidha) and available in English and all 22 Scheduled Languages of India.
• India and Namibia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Election Management on the sidelines of IICDEM 2026.
• On 23 January 2026, the conference concluded with the unanimous adoption of the “Delhi Declaration 2026”.
• Five Pillars of Delhi Declaration 2026: Purity of electoral rolls, conduct of elections, research & publications, use of technology, and training & capacity building.

About India International Institute of Democracy & Election Management (IIIDEM):

• Established: 2011
• Purpose: Training stakeholders for free, fair, credible, and error-free elections
• Location: Full-fledged campus at Dwarka, Delhi

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Rolls Out Space Launch System (SLS) Rocket at Kennedy Space Center for Lunar Mission Milestone

• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has rolled out its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket to the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center, marking a major milestone in lunar exploration.
• The 322-foot-tall SLS rocket will carry out the first crewed lunar fly-around mission in over 50 years, taking astronauts around the Moon and back on a 10-day journey.
• The mission will include four astronauts: three from NASA – Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch – and one Canadian astronaut, Jeremy Hansen.
• Christina Koch, holder of the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman (328 days), will be the first female astronaut to embark on a lunar mission.
• If launched successfully in the February 2026 window, this mission will mark humanity’s first journey to the Moon since 1972, paving the way for long-term lunar exploration.
• The mission represents a 10-day journey around the Moon and back, highlighting NASA’s focus on crewed lunar missions for the first time in half a century.

Zoho Launches New ERP Platform to Serve India’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

• Zoho Corporation has launched a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform, targeting India’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
• The new ERP platform is designed to be affordable, easy-to-deploy, and less consultant-dependent, addressing the underserved SME market.
• Zoho’s ERP aims to overcome traditional adoption challenges such as high costs, long implementation cycles, and heavy reliance on consultants.
• The ERP systems remain critical for enterprise operations, but smaller firms in India have limited adoption.
• The ERP platform will initially be rolled out in India, leveraging rapid formalisation and digitisation of businesses, before being introduced in global markets.
• Zoho Corporation is an Indian multinational technology company specializing in cloud-based business software, headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• CEO of Zoho Corporation : Sridhar Vembu

Japan Restarts Reactor No. 6 at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Plant, Advancing Return to Nuclear Energy

• Japan has restarted Reactor No. 6 at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, marking a major step in its gradual return to nuclear energy.
• The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, located northwest of Tokyo, is the world’s largest nuclear power station by installed capacity.
• The restart comes nearly 15 years after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, which had forced Japan to shut down all nuclear reactors due to safety concerns.
• Japan had planned to increase nuclear power’s share to around 50% by 2030, but safety reviews and public opposition had slowed the progress.

About Japan:

• Capital: Tokyo
• Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
• Prime Minister: Shigeru Ishiba

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Nat Sciver-Brunt Becomes First Centurion in Women’s Premier League History

• Nat Sciver-Brunt became the first batter to score a century in Women’s Premier League history during WPL 2026.
• She achieved the feat while playing for Mumbai Indians against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara.
• The historic knock came in Match 16 of WPL 2026, where she scored an unbeaten 100 off 57 balls.
• She came in to bat early after Mumbai Indians lost their first wicket at just 16 runs and anchored the innings with composure.
• Her innings included 16 fours and one six, blending consistency with controlled aggression.
• The knock marked the first-ever three-digit individual score in WPL history after several near-misses in previous seasons.
• A crucial highlight of the innings was the 131-run partnership for the second wicket with Hayley Matthews, who scored 56 off 39 balls.
• The partnership stabilised the innings after the early setback and laid the foundation for a strong team total.
• Their approach against both pace and spin reflected the growing tactical maturity and competitiveness of WPL 2026.
• Prior to this match, no batter had scored a century in the Women’s Premier League.
• The previous highest individual scores were 99 not out by Georgi Voll and 99 by Sophie Devine.
• Despite more than ten players crossing the 90-run mark in earlier seasons, the century had remained elusive.
• Sciver-Brunt’s innings finally ended the long wait and set a new benchmark for future editions of the Women’s Premier League.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Veteran Journalist and Author Mark Tully Passed away in Delhi at 90

• Veteran journalist, author, and broadcaster Mark Tully passed away in Delhi at the age of 90.
• He was born in 1935 in Calcutta (Kolkata) during the British Raj and spent most of his life in India, earning the title “voice of India” by the BBC.
• Tully joined the BBC in the 1960s and served as its New Delhi Bureau Chief for 22 years, covering South Asia
• He reported major events in India including the 1971 Bangladesh War, Emergency (1975–77), Operation Blue Star, assassinations of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, Bhopal Gas Tragedy, and Babri Masjid demolition.
• Tully authored famous books such as No Full Stops in India, India in Slow Motion, and The Heart of India, and was fluent in Hindi, earning the nickname “Tully Sahib”.
• He was knighted by the UK in 2002 and received the Padma Shri (1992) and Padma Bhushan (2005) from the Government of India, making him a rare foreigner to receive both honours.
• Tully also presented the BBC Radio 4 programme “Something Understood”, showcasing his contributions to broadcast journalism and literature.

Former BCCI President Inderjit Singh Bindra Passed away in Delhi at 84

• Inderjit Singh Bindra, former BCCI President, passed away in Delhi at the age of 84.
• He is widely credited with laying the foundation of modern cricket infrastructure in Punjab.
• Bindra served as BCCI President from 1993 to 1996 and as President of Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) for 36 years, from 1978 to 2014.
• In 2015, the PCA Stadium in Mohali was renamed I S Bindra Stadium in recognition of his contribution as an administrator.
• Bindra, a former IAS officer turned cricket administrator, played a major role in ushering in a new era of cricket marketing.
• As BCCI President and later Principal Advisor of the ICC, he was instrumental in steering reforms, strengthening institutional authority, and asserting India’s voice in global cricket governance.
• Bindra retired from cricket administration in 2014 but continued to advise the ICC during Sharad Pawar’s presidency.

Daily CA One- Liner: January 28

• The Ministry of Power has released the Draft National Electricity Policy 2026 to transform India’s power sector in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat at 2047.
• India and the European Union announced the conclusion of negotiations on the India–EU Free Trade Agreement during the 16th India–EU Summit hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• India has participated as a Partner Country at Gulfood 2026, the world’s largest annual food and beverage sourcing exhibition, marking its first- ever partner role in the event’s 31-year history
• The Department of Food and Public Distribution has been selected among the top six global finalists for the 2026 Franz Edelman Award for its initiative Anna Chakra
• Sikkim Police has been awarded the President’s Police Colour (Nishaan) for its outstanding service, professionalism, and dedication to duty.
• Chandrakant Lahariya, an Indian doctor and public health expert, has won the Wiley Research Heroes Prize 2025
• Drip Capital has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Maharashtra to expand access to trade finance for micro, small and medium enterprises engaged in exports
• Nat Sciver-Brunt became the first batter to score a century in Women’s Premier League history during WPL 2026
• EbixCash World Money, a flagship subsidiary of Eraaya Lifespaces Limited, announced that its wholly owned entity Buyforex received in-principle approval for Payment Service Provider (PSP)
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued amendment directions for Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) applicable to commercial banks, updating the 2025 directions.
• The Government of India has launched an Interest Subvention Scheme for pre- and post-shipment export credit under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) – Niryat Prothsahan, on a pilot basis.
• The World Bank has approved ₹5,700 crore in technical and financial assistance for Haryana under the Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Project, aiming to make the state self-reliant in the water sector.
• According to Swiss Re, India’s insurance premiums are projected to grow at a real annual rate of 6.9% during 2026–2030, making India the fastest-growing major insurance market globally.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) flagged deficiencies in Priority Sector Lending (PSL) compliance at HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank during its annual supervisory review, mainly due to misclassification of agricultural loans.
• The 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) was held from 19–23 January 2026 at Davos-Klosters, Switzerland under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue.”
• The Indian Army (IA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru (Karnataka) to jointly develop a fully indigenous Artificial Intelligence (AI) system.
• Election Commission of India (ECI) hosted the 1st India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM 2026) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi from 21–23 January 2026.
• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has rolled out its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket to the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center, marking a major milestone in lunar exploration.
• Zoho Corporation has launched a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform, targeting India’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
• Japan has restarted Reactor No. 6 at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, marking a major step in its gradual return to nuclear energy.
• Veteran journalist, author, and broadcaster Mark Tully passed away in Delhi at the age of 90.
• Inderjit Singh Bindra, former BCCI President, passed away in Delhi at the age of 84.