According to the IMF, what is the projected global GDP growth rate for 2026?

20th January, 2026 Current Affairs (Daily GK Update) |

National News

India Launches First Open-Sea Marine Fish Farming Project

India has launched its first open-sea marine fish farming pilot in the Andaman Sea, focusing on finfish and seaweed cultivation using advanced cages and deep-water techniques.
The project, implemented by NIOT, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and Andaman administration, aims to boost livelihoods, promote sustainable ocean resource use, and strengthen India’s Blue Economy.

Responsible Nations Index Launched to Measure Ethical and Inclusive Governance

Former President Ram Nath Kovind launched the Responsible Nations Index in New Delhi.
The index evaluates countries on ethical governance, inclusive development and responsibility towards citizens, environment and knowledge systems.
Developed by the World Intellectual Foundation with Jawaharlal Nehru University, RNI moves beyond economic or geopolitical rankings. It promotes moral responsibility, sustainability and human-centric governance.
The initiative aims to encourage nations to redefine progress by prioritising ethics, inclusivity and long-term global well-being.

India Ranks 16th in Responsible Nations Index 2026

India has ranked 16th among 154 countries in the Responsible Nations Index (RNI), highlighting its strong performance in governance, environmental stewardship, and global responsibility.
Launched by the World Intellectual Foundation, the index assesses how responsibly nations exercise power toward citizens, the environment, and the international community, rather than focusing only on economic strength
. India’s position ahead of several wealthier countries reflects its balanced approach to citizen welfare, climate action, and international cooperation, reinforcing its image as a responsible global actor.

India Introduces First Tailings Policy to Recover Critical Minerals

India has announced its first Tailings Policy to recover critical minerals from mining waste.
Tailings are leftover materials after ore processing. The policy focuses on extracting lithium, cobalt and rare earths from mine dumps and tailing ponds.
It calls for coordination among ministries and scientific evaluation of waste sites. Agencies will map and assess recoverability.
The move supports clean energy goals. It reduces import dependence. It strengthens mineral security. It promotes sustainable mining.

International News

Key Outcomes of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s Visit to India

The visit of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India in January 2026 significantly strengthened India-UAE strategic ties through multiple agreements and announcements.
Key outcomes included investment cooperation in Gujarat’s Dholera SIR, defence and space partnerships, long-term LNG supply, food trade facilitation, AI and supercomputing collaboration, civil nuclear cooperation, and cultural initiatives like the House of India in Abu Dhabi.
Both countries set an ambitious target to double bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032, reinforcing their comprehensive strategic partnership across economic, technological, energy, and people-to-people domains.

China’s Population Declines for Fourth Year Despite New Birth Incentives

China’s population declined for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, falling by about 3 million as births dropped to a record low of 7.92 million.
The birth rate fell to 5.63 per 1,000 people, reflecting a deepening fertility crisis driven by high living costs, job insecurity, and social pressures.
Despite policy shifts allowing more children and incentives like cash subsidies and tax breaks, fertility remains far below replacement level.
The continued decline highlights the limited impact of pro-birth measures and growing long-term demographic and economic challenges for China.

Economy News

India on Track to Become an Upper-Middle-Income Nation

India is projected to enter the upper-middle-income category by the end of this decade, according to a State Bank of India report that estimates per capita income reaching about $4,000 by 2030.
This shift reflects steady gains in living standards driven by strong GDP growth, structural reforms, digitalization and infrastructure expansion.
India’s per capita income has risen sharply since 2007, while its economy crossed $4 trillion by 2025 and is expected to become the world’s third-largest by 2028.
Sustained growth above 7% and rising productivity continue to strengthen India’s global economic position.

IMF Raises India’s Growth Outlook to 7.3% for FY 2025-26

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY 2025-26 to 7.3%, up 0.7 percentage points from earlier projections.
This revision reflects strong domestic demand, resilient investment activity, easing inflation, and supportive macroeconomic policies.
Despite a slight moderation to 6.4% in FY 2026–27, India remains one of the fastest-growing major economies, benefiting from structural reforms, digital expansion, demographic advantages, and a growing technology ecosystem.

IMF Forecasts Steady Global Growth in 2026 as AI Boom Counters Trade Pressures

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised its global growth forecast for 2026 to 3.3%, up 0.2 percentage points from earlier estimates, reflecting strong AI-driven investment, easing trade tensions, and improving supply chain adaptation.
Key drivers include massive spending on AI infrastructure, chips, and data centres, which boost productivity and asset wealth globally.
Country-wise, the US is projected to grow 2.4%, China 4.5%, and the euro zone 1.3%.
Global inflation is expected to ease from 4.1% in 2025 to 3.8% in 2026, allowing more accommodative monetary policies.

India and UAE Set $200 Billion Trade Target by 2032, Deepen Strategic Partnership

India and the UAE have agreed to double bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032.
The decision was taken during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in New Delhi.
Several agreements were signed covering defence, space, energy, nuclear cooperation, infrastructure and finance.
The UAE will invest in Dholera’s special investment region, while banks and logistics firms will expand operations in GIFT City.
Cultural ties will be strengthened through the House of India in Abu Dhabi.

Awards News

C-DOT Wins SKOCH Award 2025 for Life-Saving Cell Broadcast Disaster Alert System

C-DOT has won the SKOCH Award 2025 for its indigenous Cell Broadcast Solution, a unified disaster alert platform delivering real-time, geo-targeted emergency warnings to mobile phones.
The system enables instant alerts in 21 Indian languages, even during network congestion, by integrating agencies such as IMD, CWC, INCOIS and NDMA.
Aligned with the UN’s Early Warnings for All initiative, the solution strengthens India’s disaster preparedness, reduces loss of life and property, and showcases India’s growing capability in citizen-centric, self-reliant telecom technologies.

Ilaiyaraaja to Receive Padmapani Award at Ajanta–Ellora International Film Festival 2026

Legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja will be honoured with the Padmapani Award at the 11th Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival in early 2026 for his timeless contribution to Indian film music.
The prestigious award, which includes a memento, citation and ₹2 lakh cash prize, recognises his four-decade-long career and innovative blending of Indian and Western musical traditions that transformed cinema music.

Appointments News

Raymond Lifestyle Appoints Satyaki Ghosh as New CEO

Raymond Lifestyle has appointed Satyaki Ghosh as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 19, 2026, following board approval.
An industry veteran with over 25 years of experience across FMCG, textiles, retail and consumer businesses, Ghosh has held senior leadership roles at the Aditya Birla Group, Grasim Industries, L’Oréal India, PepsiCo and others.
His appointment reflects Raymond’s focus on strengthening leadership and accelerating growth in its lifestyle and consumer-focused business.

Books & Authors News

Vice-President Releases Hindi Edition of ‘Palanivelu GUTS’

At a book release event in New Delhi, India’s Vice-President released the Hindi edition of Palanivelu GUTS, the autobiography of renowned surgeon Dr. C. Palanivelu, highlighting themes of courage, unity, and service to society.
The book chronicles Dr. Palanivelu’s journey from humble beginnings to global recognition, emphasizing ethical innovation and perseverance in medicine.
The Vice-President praised his pioneering role in laparoscopic and robotic surgery, respect for mentors, and efforts to expand affordable healthcare, noting that the Hindi edition will inspire a wider audience beyond the medical community.

Defense News

Indian Navy Signs Contract for Indigenous Bottom Opening Barges

The Indian Navy has signed a contract with Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane, for the construction of three 200-tonne Bottom Opening Non-Propelled Barges, reinforcing India’s push for indigenous defence manufacturing.
Concluded on January 16, 2026, the project supports MSME shipyards and aligns with the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Built entirely in India under Indian Register of Shipping rules, the barges will strengthen naval logistics while boosting domestic shipbuilding capacity, skilled employment, and self-reliance in the maritime sector, in line with Maritime India Vision 2030.

Ranks & Reports News

India Ranks Sixth in Asia Manufacturing Index 2026, Needs Stronger Push

India ranked sixth among 11 Asian countries in the Asia Manufacturing Index 2026 released by Dezan Shira & Associates, reflecting steady progress but persistent competitiveness gaps.
While India benefits from a large domestic market, improving infrastructure, and a growing workforce, it lags leading Asian peers in execution speed, policy stability, and innovation depth.
The index underscores the need for faster manufacturing reforms, better logistics, skill development, and technology adoption to strengthen India’s position in Asia’s increasingly competitive manufacturing landscape.

Obituaries News

Valentino Garavani Passes Away at 93: End of an Era in Global Fashion

Valentino Garavani, legendary Italian fashion designer, passed away at the age of 93.
He founded the Valentino fashion house in 1960. He was globally famous for luxury couture and Valentino Red.
His designs dressed royalty and celebrities worldwide. He retired in 2008 after decades of influence.
His work blended elegance with craftsmanship. Valentino helped shape modern haute couture.
His legacy continues through the Valentino brand. The fashion world remembers him as a timeless style icon.