National News
Union Budget of India 2026–27: Date, Time, Constitutional Basis and Key Details
- Union Budget 2026 will be presented on 1 February. It is the annual financial statement of India. The process began in August 2025. Ministries submitted estimates and consultations were held.
- The Economic Survey reviews current economic performance. The Halwa Ceremony signals the final stage. Officials enter a lock-in period. This Budget is historically important.
- It guides taxes, spending and reforms. It impacts citizens and the economy.
PM CARES Fund Has Right to Privacy Under RTI Act: Delhi High Court
- Delhi High Court ruled on PM CARES Fund privacy. The case involved RTI disclosure.
- Section 8(1)(j) was cited. Privacy applies to third parties. Public authority status does not remove rights.
- CIC order was earlier set aside. Girish Mittal filed the appeal. Court clarified statutory privacy. Further hearing is scheduled.
- RTI balances transparency and privacy.
State News
Rajasthan’s First Fully Organic Village: Bamanwas Kankar Sets a Green Milestone
- Bamanwas Kankar Panchayat became Rajasthan’s first fully organic village body. It covers seven hamlets. Chemical fertilizers were completely stopped. Natural farming inputs are used.
- Soil health improved steadily. Environmental pollution reduced significantly. Farmers lowered input costs. Food safety increased. Government schemes supported the transition.
- The initiative supports climate goals. It strengthens sustainable agriculture. It offers a replicable model for rural India.
International News
India-Germany Sign 19 Strategic Deals to Boost Defence, Tech and Minerals Cooperation
- India and Germany have signed 19 key agreements. The focus is on defence, technology and minerals. Semiconductor cooperation has been strengthened. Critical mineral supply chains will be developed.
- Defence co-production is a major highlight. Trade has crossed $50 billion. Indian travellers gain visa-free airport transit.
- The partnership reflects trust and shared interests. It supports innovation and global competitiveness. Both nations aim for long-term strategic and economic cooperation.
Israel Withdraws from Seven UN Agencies Over Alleged Bias
- Israel withdrew from seven UN agencies in January 2026. The decision followed an internal review. The US exit influenced the move. Bias and inefficiency were cited.
- Ties with UN Women were earlier cut. UNCTAD and ESCWA were exited. More withdrawals may follow. Israel criticised politicisation. Selective multilateralism is emerging. UN membership continues.
Banking News
Tripura Gramin Bank Launches India’s First Solar-Powered ATM Van
- Tripura Gramin Bank launched India’s first solar-powered ATM van. It is called TGB on Wheels.
- The initiative began in January 2026. It runs fully on solar energy.
- It ensures uninterrupted rural banking. NABARD supported the project. Three ATM vans are currently operational.
- The initiative promotes green banking. It strengthens financial inclusion. It received the SKOCH Silver Award.
Economy News
Wholesale Inflation Inches Up to 0.83% in December 2025
- Wholesale inflation rose to 0.83% in December. It turned positive after two months of deflation. Food and manufactured goods prices increased. Vegetable deflation narrowed sharply.
- Fuel and power stayed in deflation. Retail inflation also edged up to 1.33%.
- RBI has cut interest rates amid low inflation. Growth projections have been raised. The economy shows low inflation with strong growth signals.
Deloitte Forecasts Robust GDP Growth for India in FY26, Slower Pace in FY27
- India’s GDP growth is projected at 7.5–7.8% in FY26. Services and festive demand support expansion.
- Policy reforms boosted consumption. Inflation trends remained favourable. Trade agreements diversified exports.
- External risks persisted globally. Growth may moderate in FY27. High base effects matter. Global uncertainties continue.
- Supply-side reforms gain focus. MSMEs and smaller cities drive future growth.
Awards News
Pawan Kalyan Becomes First Indian to Receive Rare Samurai Martial Arts Honour
- Pawan Kalyan received a rare martial arts honour. He was inducted into Kenjutsu. It is an ancient samurai tradition.
- He became the first Indian. The honour is usually given in Japan.
- Earlier, he joined the Takeda Shingen Clan. Training was under Dr. Siddiq Mahmoodi. Cultural exchange was highlighted. Samurai philosophy was emphasised. Global recognition was achieved.
Golden Globes 2026: Full List of Winners and Key Highlights
- Golden Globes 2026 celebrated cinema and television excellence. One Battle After Another emerged as the top film.
- Hamnet won best drama film. Adolescence dominated television categories.
- Wagner Moura and Jessie Buckley won acting awards. Timothée Chalamet led comedy film acting.
- The ceremony avoided political themes. Focus remained on storytelling. International talent received recognition. The event highlighted evolving global entertainment trends.
Ranks & Reports News
India Ranks 80th in World’s Strongest Passport Index
- India’s passport ranking Hanley Passport Index has improved in 2026. It now stands at 80th globally with access to 55 destinations. Travel is easier across Asia, Africa, and island nations.
- However, major economies still require prior visas. This affects cost, planning, and mobility. The improvement reflects gradual diplomatic gains but highlights the gap with top-ranking passports.
Responsible Nations Index to Debut on January 19
- Responsible Nations Index will launch on January 19. It is developed by the World Intellectual Foundation. The index covers 154 countries. Three dimensions are used. Internal responsibility focuses on citizens.
- Environmental responsibility includes climate action. External responsibility measures global peace. The launch will be held in New Delhi. Ram Nath Kovind will be present. Indian institutions collaborated. Global governance will be assessed.
Summits & Conferences News
Kochi to Host International Spice Conference 2026 on Future of Global Spice Trade
- Kochi will host ISC 2026 in February. It is the 9th edition. AISEF is organising the event.
- The theme focuses on future readiness. Global spice leaders will attend. Trade and climate risks will be discussed.
- Innovation and supply chains are key areas. Kerala’s spice legacy adds significance.
- Crops and markets sessions will be held. Exporters will gain market insights. Global disruptions form the backdrop.
Sports News
Alyssa Healy Announces Retirement After India Series
- Alyssa Healy announced retirement in January 2026. She will finish after the India series. She will skip T20Is. ODIs and Test will be captained.
- Her career began in 2010. She played over 160 T20Is. Eight World Cups were won.
- She led Australia after 2023. Ashes whitewash was achieved. Domestic and franchise cricket flourished. Her legacy reshaped women’s cricket.
Important Days News
Makar Sankranti 2026: Date, Meaning and Rituals Explained
- Makar Sankranti 2026 will be celebrated on January 14, with the Sankranti moment occurring at 3:13 PM. The festival marks the Sun’s entry into Capricorn and the beginning of Uttarayan.
- It symbolises the end of winter, longer days, harvest gratitude, and spiritual renewal.
- Devotees perform holy baths, charity, prayers, and prepare sesame-based sweets. Celebrated across India with regional variations, Makar Sankranti reflects harmony between nature, seasons, and human life.
Miscellaneous News
Punjabi Singer Kaka Launches ‘Friendo’ App to Strengthen Women’s Safety
- Punjabi singer Kaka launched Friendo in January 2026. It is a women’s safety mobile app. The app offers SOS alerts.
- Live location sharing is included. Audio and video recording is available.
- Stealth mode supports discreet use. Community forums promote support. Legal and self-defence resources are provided.
- The app is free. It is available on Android. An iOS version is expected. The initiative focuses on social responsibility.
Indian Mountaineer Aritra Roy Conquers Mount Aconcagua in Argentina
- Aritra Roy summited Mount Aconcagua. The peak is in Argentina. It is the highest outside Asia.
- The climb is part of Seven Summits. Extreme weather was faced. High altitude tested endurance.
- Indian mountaineering gained recognition. The achievement inspires youth. Global presence was strengthened. Physical and mental strength were displayed.
Obituaries News
Olympic Snowboarding Pioneer Ueli Kestenholz Dies in Swiss Avalanche
- Ueli Kestenholz died in an avalanche in Switzerland. He was 50 years old. He won bronze at the 1998 Nagano Olympics.
- That event marked snowboarding’s Olympic debut.
- He later competed in two more Winter Games.
- He also won X Games gold medals. After retirement, he focused on freeride snowboarding. The incident occurred in Valais canton. Authorities are investigating the cause. His death marks the loss of a pioneer.
Dilbert Creator Scott Adams Dies at 68, Leaving Behind a Complex Legacy
- Scott Adams died in January 2026. He was 68 years old. He created Dilbert in 1989.
- The strip mocked corporate culture. It appeared worldwide. Adams won the Reuben Award. Controversial remarks in 2023 ended syndication.
- Newspapers dropped the comic. He later worked online.
- He suffered from prostate cancer. His legacy remains influential and disputed.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz 14th January,...
13th January, 2026 Current Affairs (Dail...
Daily Current Affairs Quiz 13th January,...
