Which city has been ranked the world’s safest city for the 10th consecutive year by Numbeo?

21st January, 2026 Current Affairs (Daily GK Update) |

National News

International Year of Cooperatives 2025: India’s Cooperative Push for Inclusive Growth

In 2025, declared the International Year of Cooperatives under the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World”, India strengthened its cooperative ecosystem through PACS digitalisation, expansion of multipurpose cooperatives, grain storage, White Revolution 2.0, financial inclusion, and export promotion.
With over 8.5 lakh cooperatives serving 32 crore members, these reforms under Sahkar se Samriddhi have enhanced rural livelihoods, women’s participation, market access, and sustainable development, showcasing cooperatives as a key pillar of inclusive economic growth.

233-Year-Old Valmiki Ramayana Gifted to Ram Katha Museum in Ayodhya

A 233-year-old Sanskrit manuscript of the Valmiki Ramayana, dating back to 1792 CE and containing the Tattvadipikatika commentary, has been permanently gifted to the International Ram Katha Museum in Ayodhya by the Central Sanskrit University.
Preserving five major kāṇḍas, the rare manuscript strengthens cultural heritage, provides scholars and devotees with wider access, and reinforces Ayodhya’s status as a global centre for Ramayana tradition.

State News

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Declared Eco-Sensitive Zone

The Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan has been declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ), covering 0–1 km around the sanctuary to protect the fragile Aravalli ecology.
The ESZ aims to regulate development, mining, and industrial activity while conserving biodiversity, including leopards, hyenas, pangolins, and birds.
The notification also promotes sustainable livelihoods for local communities through organic farming, agroforestry, and eco-friendly practices, balancing conservation with development.

Punjab Launches First Dog Sanctuary in Ludhiana to Tackle Stray Dog Menace

Punjab has inaugurated its first Dog Sanctuary in Ludhiana as a pilot project to manage stray dog populations humanely and reduce dog bite incidents.
Following Supreme Court guidelines and the Animal Birth Control Rules, the sanctuary focuses on sterilisation, vaccination, and sheltering while ensuring public safety.
The initiative will serve as a model for statewide replication, combining animal welfare with responsible urban governance.

International News

India-EU Summit 2026: Trade, Defense and Mobility Talks Enter a Decisive Phase

The India-EU Summit on January 27, 2026, in New Delhi marks a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, underscored by European leaders attending India’s Republic Day celebrations.
The summit is expected to announce major breakthroughs, including progress toward concluding the long-pending India-EU Free Trade Agreement, alongside new security and defense cooperation, access to the EU’s SAFE defence programme, and a mobility framework for Indian workers.
Together, these outcomes signal a deepening strategic partnership that goes beyond trade to encompass security, climate-linked trade challenges, and people-to-people ties.

UAE Becomes India’s Second-Largest LNG Supplier After New Agreement

India and the UAE signed a long-term LNG supply agreement during President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s January 2026 visit, under which the UAE will supply 0.5 million metric tonnes of LNG annually, becoming India’s second-largest LNG supplier after Qatar.
The deal strengthens India’s energy security, supports its clean energy transition, and complements wider cooperation in trade, defence, nuclear energy, food safety, and investment, reinforcing the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.

Abu Dhabi Ranked World’s Safest City for 10th Consecutive Year

Abu Dhabi has once again been ranked the world’s safest city, retaining the top position for the 10th consecutive year in Numbeo’s global safety rankings.
Topping the index since 2017, the UAE capital’s achievement reflects consistently low crime rates, strict law enforcement, smart surveillance systems, and strong governance.
The recognition enhances residents’ quality of life and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a secure destination for investment, tourism, and global talent.

Sun Unleashes Strongest Solar Radiation Storm in Over 20 Years

The Sun has unleashed a Level-4 (severe) solar radiation storm, the strongest since October 2003, according to space weather experts.
Triggered by an X-class solar flare and a coronal mass ejection (CME), the storm reached Earth causing brilliant auroras across Europe and temporary GPS disruptions, while prompting alerts for satellites, aviation, astronauts, and power infrastructure.
Though largely managed due to preparedness, the event underscores rising solar activity and its potential impacts on modern technology and space missions.

Banking News

SBI Life Smart Platina Advantage Launched for Long Term Financial Security

SBI Life Insurance has launched Smart Platina Advantage, a non-linked, guaranteed savings and life insurance plan offering long-term certainty, limited premium payment, life cover, flexible maturity options, tax benefits, and predictable returns.
Designed for major life goals like children’s education, retirement, and wealth creation, the plan ensures disciplined, risk-free savings with guaranteed benefits, optional riders for enhanced protection, and peace of mind for conservative investors amid market uncertainties.

Appointments News

Government Names New Envoys to New Zealand and Georgia

India has announced key diplomatic appointments to strengthen its global engagement. Muanpuii Saiawi (IFS 2005) has been appointed as India’s next High Commissioner to New Zealand, while Amit Kumar Mishra (IFS 2004) will serve as Ambassador to Georgia.
Both senior officers are expected to assume charge shortly, with a mandate to deepen bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, education, and people-to-people ties, reinforcing India’s expanding diplomatic footprint across regions.

Ravi Shankar Chhabi Appointed DIG in CRPF on Central Deputation

Ravi Shankar Chhabi has been appointed DIG in CRPF. He is an IPS officer of the 2007 batch. He belongs to the Uttar Pradesh cadre.
The Ministry of Home Affairs approved the posting.
The UP government has been asked to relieve him. He was serving as DIG Public Grievances in Lucknow.
He has experience in elections and prisons. CRPF handles internal security. The posting strengthens central leadership.

Defense News

Exercise DOSTI Begins: India, Maldives and Sri Lanka Strengthen Indian Ocean Security

Exercise DOSTI is a trilateral naval drill between India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, launched in Male to strengthen maritime security, coordination, and trust in the Indian Ocean region.
Focusing on search and rescue, surveillance, and communication drills, the exercise addresses non-traditional threats like piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing.
Aligned with India’s SAGAR vision, it enhances regional cooperation, naval interoperability, and maritime domain awareness, highlighting shared commitment to safeguarding strategically vital sea lanes.

Summits & Conferences News

India AI Impact Summit 2026: Shaping Inclusive and Responsible AI for the World

India will host the India AI Impact Summit 2026 from 16–20 February at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, bringing together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, startups, and civil society.
The five-day global event will focus on inclusive, ethical, and people-centric AI for development, guided by principles of People, Planet, and Progress across seven impact areas, including healthcare, agriculture, education, and governance.
The summit features expos, thematic pavilions, flagship challenges, and the AI Compendium to showcase real-world AI applications for social and economic good.

Sports News

BCCI Signs ₹270 Crore Gemini Sponsorship Deal Ahead of IPL 2026

The BCCI has signed a ₹270 crore, three-year sponsorship deal with Google’s AI platform Gemini for the IPL starting from the 2026 season, highlighting the league’s massive commercial appeal and the growing role of artificial intelligence companies in Indian cricket.
The partnership strengthens the IPL’s global brand value, reflects increasing tech-driven sports sponsorship, and comes as the IPL 2026 season is set to be played from 26 March to 31 May 2026.

Science & Technology News

NASA Prepares Historic Artemis II Mission to Orbit the Moon

Artemis II is NASA’s first crewed mission under the Artemis programme, designed to send humans beyond low Earth orbit for the first time since 1972.
Scheduled as a 10 day journey, the mission will carry four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft on a lunar flyby, orbiting the Moon without landing and then returning safely to Earth.
Its primary goal is to test critical deep-space systems such as life support, navigation, and communications, paving the way for future Moon-landing missions.
The crew includes Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch (NASA) and Jeremy Hansen (Canada), marking the first time a Canadian astronaut will travel to the Moon.

NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams Retires: Here Looking At Her Remarkable Journey

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams retired after 27 years of distinguished service, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy in human spaceflight.
A former U.S. Navy pilot selected as an astronaut in 1998, she flew three space missions, spent 608 days in space, completed nine spacewalks totaling over 62 hours (the most by any woman), and served as Commander of the International Space Station.
She also became the first person to run a marathon in space. Beyond missions, she played key leadership roles at NASA, supported astronaut training, and contributed to future Moon and Mars exploration under the Artemis programme, inspiring generations worldwide with her courage, discipline, and dedication.

First Medical Evacuation from the International Space Station: Explained

NASA conducted the first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station (ISS) on 15 January 2026, when the SpaceX Crew-11 mission returned early due to a non-critical medical issue affecting one astronaut.
Although the condition was manageable in orbit, NASA opted for a precautionary return to Earth to enable advanced medical evaluation.
The crew splashed down safely off Florida, ISS operations continued uninterrupted, and the event marked a major milestone in space medicine, astronaut safety, and long-duration mission preparedness.

Important Days News

Tripura, Manipur and Meghalaya Foundation Day 2026: Marking 54 Years of Statehood

Tripura, Manipur and Meghalaya celebrate their Foundation Day on 21 January 2026, marking 54 years of statehood since their elevation in 1972 under the North Eastern Areas Reorganisation Act, 1971.
The day commemorates their transition from Union Territories or parts of Assam to full-fledged states, symbolising greater political autonomy, protection of distinct cultures and languages, and balanced regional development in Northeast India.