Sandeep Bakhshi has been reappointed as MD & CEO of which bank?

19th January, 2026 Current Affairs (Daily GK Update) |

National News

Brazil and Nigeria Emerge as Key Markets for Indian Pharmaceutical Exports

Indian pharmaceutical exports grew by 6.5 per cent to $20.48 billion during April-November 2025-26.
Nigeria was one of the fastest-growing markets, adding about $179 million in exports and contributing over 14 per cent to total export growth.
Brazil also showed strong demand, with nearly $100 million worth of imports.
The United States remained the largest market, accounting for more than 31 per cent of pharmaceutical exports.
Emerging markets like Brazil and Nigeria reflect increasing global reliance on Indian generics and expanding healthcare access.

PM Modi Launches ₹6,957 Crore Kaziranga Elevated Corridor

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the ₹6,957 crore Kaziranga Elevated Corridor in Assam on January 18, 2026 and flagged off two Amrit Bharat Express trains.
The 34.5-km elevated corridor along NH-715 will allow safe wildlife movement beneath the road during floods.
It addresses frequent animal deaths caused by heavy traffic near Kaziranga National Park.
The project balances conservation with development by reducing roadkill while improving connectivity.
It will boost tourism, trade, and employment across eastern Assam and strengthen long-distance rail and road infrastructure.

India’s First Sleeper Vande Bharat Train Launched: Kolkata-Guwahati Rail Connectivity Explained

India’s first sleeper Vande Bharat was launched in January 2026.
It connects Howrah and Guwahati. The journey takes about 14 hours.
The train runs six days a week. It is made in India. PM Modi flagged it off in Malda. Other Amrit Bharat trains were also launched.
Rail and road projects worth ₹3,250 crore were announced. The train improves East–Northeast connectivity. It boosts tourism and trade.

Second Range wide Dolphin Survey Launched Under Project Dolphin

Second Dolphin Survey started in January 2026. It is under Project Dolphin. It began from Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh.
The survey has two phases. Ganga main stem and Indus are covered first.
Brahmaputra and Sundarbans are in phase two. It studies dolphin population and habitat.
Indus and Irrawaddy dolphins are included. The Ministry of Environment conducts it. Data will support conservation planning.

State News

PESA Act Implemented in Jharkhand After 25 Years

Jharkhand has implemented PESA rules after nearly 25 years, aiming to empower Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas and strengthen tribal self governance.
The rules apply fully in 13 districts and partially in others, granting Gram Sabhas control over local resources, minor minerals, water bodies, dispute resolution, and fines up to ₹2,000.
While the state calls it historic, tribal leaders and activists worry that district administration oversight and limited authority over mineral and development funds may undermine customary governance and the spirit of PESA.

MSME Ministry Approves New Technology Centres in Himachal Pradesh

The Government of India has approved two MSME Technology Centres in Himachal Pradesh at Pandoga (Una district) and Parwanoo (Solan district), each costing about ₹10 crore.
The centres aim to boost industrial development, skill training, and employment in the state.
This move is part of a nationwide expansion of MSME Technology Centres to strengthen regional industrial growth, productivity, and self-reliance.

Spituk Gustor Festival Marks Spiritual New Beginning in Ladakh

The two-day Spituk Gustor Festival has begun at Spituk Monastery in Ladakh, marking the first monastic festival of the year and the seasonal transition.
The festival features sacred masked Cham dances by monks, symbolising the destruction of negative energies and spiritual teachings.
It allows devotees to seek blessings for health, harmony, and protection, while preserving Ladakh’s Buddhist heritage.
As the inaugural festival of the year, it sets the tone for subsequent celebrations, strengthens community bonds, and attracts cultural tourism, offering visitors insight into the region’s spiritual and traditional life.

Maharashtra Cabinet Approves ₹4,775 Crore Bembla River Irrigation Project

The Maharashtra Cabinet approved the ₹4,775 crore Bembla River Irrigation Project in Yavatmal district to bring 52,423 hectares under assured irrigation, boost crop productivity, diversify farming, and strengthen water security.
It will reduce dependence on rainfall, enhance farmer incomes, and generate employment during construction.
The Cabinet also cleared the creation of MAHIMA, a new agency to facilitate overseas employment for skilled youth from Maharashtra, aiming to reduce unemployment, increase remittances, and provide international exposure for the state’s workforce.

Maruti Suzuki to Set Up Mega Car Plant in Gujarat

Maruti Suzuki and the Gujarat Government have exchanged an investment letter to set up a ₹35,000 crore car manufacturing plant at Khoraj, Gujarat, across 1,750 acres.
The phased project will include four units, each producing 2.5 lakh vehicles annually, reaching a total of 10 lakh cars by full operation around 2029.
The plant is expected to create over 12,000 direct jobs and 7.5 lakh indirect opportunities through ancillary industries and MSMEs.

International News

Davos 2026: Key Dates, Theme, Participants and Global Challenges in Focus

The theme is A Spirit of Dialogue. Around 3,000 leaders will attend. Over 130 countries will participate.
Economic slowdown and geopolitics are key topics.
India will send a high-level delegation. CEOs and global institutions will join. Climate change and AI will be discussed.
The summit will run till January 23. It focuses on cooperation and inclusive growth.

High Seas Treaty Comes into Force: New Global Rules to Protect Oceans Explained Simply

High Seas Treaty entered into force in January 2026. It protects oceans beyond national borders.
These waters cover nearly half of Earth. Marine Protected Areas can now be created.
Countries must share research and data. Environmental impact assessments are mandatory. Overfishing and pollution are major threats.
Climate change worsens ocean health. Global target is 30% protection by 2030.
Treaty was adopted under the UN framework. Implementation and enforcement remain key challenges.

Museveni Secures Seventh Term in Uganda As President

Uganda elections concluded. Museveni declared winner. Seventh term secured.
Opposition rejected outcome. Bobi Wine alleged fraud. Biometric machines failed. Manual registers used.
Protests urged peacefully. Internet shutdown reported. Political debate intensified. Democratic concerns raised.

Tropical Storm Nokaen Raises Lahar Threat Near Philippines’ Mayon Volcano

Tropical storm Nokaen, the first cyclone of 2026 in the Philippines, is moving near Luzon with winds of 65 kmph and gusts up to 80 kmph, bringing heavy rainfall to the eastern coast.
Authorities have warned that rain could trigger lahars on Mayon Volcano, where loose volcanic deposits from recent eruptions may mix with water to form fast-moving mudflows.
These lahars threaten downstream communities, infrastructure, and coastal areas, with some potentially remaining hot and life-threatening.

Banking News

ICICI Bank Reappoints Sandeep Bakhshi as MD & CEO Till 2028

ICICI Bank’s board has approved the reappointment of Sandeep Bakhshi as Managing Director and CEO for a two-year term from October 4, 2026 to October 3, 2028, subject to RBI, shareholder, and statutory approvals.
Leading the bank since 2018, Bakhshi strengthened risk controls, improved asset quality, and enhanced governance, guiding ICICI through challenging periods while ensuring balanced growth.
His reappointment aligns with RBI’s 2025 governance directions, emphasizing leadership continuity, accountability, and board oversight.

Banks Credit-to-Deposit Ratio Hits Record High: What 81.75% Means for India’s Banking System

Indian banks credit-to-deposit (CD) ratio has reached a record 81.75%, meaning banks lend ₹81.75 for every ₹100 deposited.
The rise reflects strong loan demand but slower deposit growth, weaker deposit rates after RBI policy cuts, and liquidity pressures.
Banks may increasingly rely on bond borrowings to fund credit.
While a high CD ratio indicates efficient resource use, it also signals potential liquidity sensitivity, making balanced deposit mobilization essential for stable banking sector growth.

Economy News

India’s Electronics Exports Cross $47 Billion in 2025

India’s electronics exports crossed a record $47 billion in 2025, marking a major milestone in the country’s manufacturing and export growth.
Exports rose 37% from 2024, with smartphones contributing nearly two-thirds of the total, driven largely by PLI-supported iPhone manufacturing.
Strong monthly performance and diversification into products like photovoltaic cells, networking equipment, and electronic components highlight India’s deeper integration into global supply chains.

Awards News

Indian Railways Highest Honour for Chandana Sinha

Indian Railways has honored RPF officer Chandana Sinha with its highest award for her exceptional work in preventing child trafficking on trains and at railway stations.
She has rescued hundreds of vulnerable children by strengthening surveillance, coordinating with NGOs and child welfare authorities, and institutionalizing child-friendly protocols within the RPF.
Her efforts emphasize humanitarian impact alongside operational excellence, highlighting the Railways crucial role in protecting minors in transit and promoting social responsibility as a core institutional value.

Defense News

India-Japan Coast Guards Hold Joint HNS Response Drill in Mumbai

The Indian Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard conducted a joint Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) response drill in Mumbai to enhance maritime safety cooperation.
The exercise was held onboard ICGS Samudra Prahari and focused on handling chemical spills at sea.
Senior commanders reviewed coordinated response techniques and deployment of specialised equipment.
Japan Coast Guard Commandant Yoshio Seguchi also visited the Western Regional Headquarters and met Indian Coast Guard leadership.

Sports News

Vijender Singh Enters Asian Boxing Council As Member

Indian boxing star Vijender Singh has joined the Asian Boxing Council, marking his transition from elite athlete to sports administrator.
The Olympic bronze medallist brings nearly two decades of international experience to policymaking, development strategies, and athlete-focused governance in Asian boxing.
His induction enhances India’s influence in regional sports administration and is expected to strengthen talent development, competition standards, and strategic growth across the continent.Indian Railways Highest Honour for Chandana Sinha.

Important Days News

Kokborok Day 2026: Tripuri Language Day – History, Significance, Celebrations

Kokborok Day, also known as Tripuri Language Day, is observed annually on 19 January in Tripura to celebrate the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Kokborok language.
In 2026, it marks the 48th anniversary of Kokborok’s recognition as an official state language in 1979.
Kokborok is a Tibeto-Burman language spoken by the Tripuri community and forms the core of their cultural identity.
The day highlights efforts to preserve indigenous languages through education, literature, and cultural programmes.