22nd January, 2026 Current Affairs (Daily GK Update)

National News

Cabinet Approves ₹5,000 Crore Capital Support to SIDBI to Strengthen MSME Credit Flow

• The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹5,000 crore equity infusion into SIDBI to strengthen its capital base and expand credit flow to MSMEs.
• The phased support from FY26 to FY28 will help nearly 1.02 crore MSMEs, improve access to affordable finance, and is expected to generate about 1.12 crore jobs, while ensuring capital adequacy, financial stability, and inclusive economic growth.

SAMPANN Pension Portal Integrated with UMANG for Easy Access to Pension Services

• India has strengthened digital governance by integrating the SAMPANN pension system with the UMANG platform, enabling around 4 lakh Department of Telecommunications pensioners to access their PPO details and Life Certificate validity online.
• This move enhances transparency, convenience, and pensioner-centric service delivery, especially benefiting senior citizens by reducing the need for physical visits and ensuring seamless access to essential pension services anytime, anywhere.

State News

Andhra Pradesh to Get New Spaceport at Hope Island for Private Launches

• Andhra Pradesh has announced plans to establish a new spaceport at Hope Island to support private and commercial space launches, marking a major boost to India’s growing private space ecosystem.
• Announced by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the facility will primarily cater to small and medium-lift launch vehicles and complement existing spaceports at Sriharikota and Kulasekharapatnam.
• The initiative aligns with India’s push to expand commercial space activities, leverage its strategic eastern coastline, and strengthen its position in the global space economy.

UAE-Telangana Partnership to Develop Bharat Future City as Global Urban Hub

• At the World Economic Forum 2026, Telangana and the UAE agreed to explore collaboration for developing Bharat Future City, envisioned as India’s first net-zero greenfield smart city and a global urban hub.
• The partnership focuses on sustainable infrastructure, innovation, and long-term economic growth under the Telangana Rising 2047 vision, with proposals including a joint task force, investment partnerships, and cooperation in areas such as food clusters, skills, and technology, reinforcing Telangana’s expanding global engagement.

International News

Israel Joins Trump’s Board of Peace to Oversee Gaza Ceasefire Plan

• Israel has agreed to join US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, an international body aimed at overseeing the Gaza ceasefire and post-war reconstruction, marking a shift from its earlier reservations.
• The board, which includes countries like UAE, Morocco, Vietnam, Belarus, Hungary, Kazakhstan, and Argentina, will supervise the Gaza executive committee, handle disarmament of Hamas, deploy international security forces, and oversee reconstruction.
• The decision has sparked domestic political debate in Israel and global controversy, especially over Trump’s suggestion that the board could replace the UN, which France strongly opposed.

India, Namibia Agree to Deepen Cooperation in Defense and Critical Minerals

• During the fifth round of Foreign Office Consultations (19-20 January 2026), India and Namibia agreed to deepen cooperation in defense, critical minerals, health, agriculture, and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
• The talks emphasized securing critical mineral supply chains, sharing India’s expertise in digital governance, and promoting inclusive development, reflecting a strong South-South cooperation framework. The next consultations will be held in Windhoek, Namibia.

State News

Odisha-Meghalaya MoU to Boost Early Childhood Care and Development

• Odisha and Meghalaya have signed an MoU to collaborate on Early Childhood Care, Education, and Development (ECCED), aiming to improve health, nutrition, early learning, and caregiving for young children.
• The partnership will focus on knowledge sharing, capacity building, joint research, and exposure visits, combining Odisha’s expertise in community-based programs with Meghalaya’s innovative approaches in tribal and remote areas.
• By fostering mutual learning, the initiative seeks to strengthen early childhood services, promote inclusive solutions, and lay a strong foundation for children’s lifelong well-being.

Assam Launches ₹25,000 Monthly Support Scheme for Research Scholars

• The Assam government will launch the Atal Vichal Agragami Assam scheme on February 11, 2026, providing monthly financial assistance of ₹25,000 to research scholars and ₹40,000 to Divyang scholars.
• Aimed at promoting innovation, high-quality research, and inclusive higher education, the initiative seeks to ease financial burdens, empower young talent, and strengthen Assam’s academic ecosystem, ensuring equal opportunities and support for scholars with disabilities.

Banking News

RBI Approves Reappointment of Kaizad Bharucha as Whole-Time Director of HDFC Bank

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the reappointment of Kaizad Bharucha as Whole-Time Director (Deputy Managing Director) of HDFC Bank for a three-year term starting April 2026, reflecting regulatory confidence in his leadership.
• This approval ensures stability at the bank’s top management, with Bharucha continuing to oversee key business verticals, risk management, and compliance, reinforcing strong governance in India’s largest private sector bank.

Business News

Albinder Dhindsa to Take Charge as Eternal Group CEO, Deepinder Goyal Steps Down 

• Deepinder Goyal has stepped down as CEO of Eternal Group, citing his interest in pursuing high-risk and experimental ideas, while continuing as Vice Chairman subject to shareholder approval.
• Albinder Dhindsa will take over as the new Group CEO, focusing on operational stability, growth, and governance, marking a key leadership transition as the company balances innovation with professional management.

Appointments News

Guardian India Appoints Karunakaran Azhisur as Country Head

• Guardian India has appointed Karunakaran Azhisur as Country Head – India while he continues as Chief Information Officer, strengthening leadership at its India operations.
• In his dual role, he will oversee overall operations, drive technology-led innovation, and support global business functions, emphasizing people-centric growth, team development, and strategic execution.
• The move reflects Guardian’s focus on aligning business leadership with digital transformation to enhance operational excellence and long-term value creation.

Defense News

India to Launch Over 50 Spy Satellites After Operation Sindoor Lessons

• India is set to launch over 50 advanced surveillance satellites under Phase 3 of its Space-Based Surveillance programme, following gaps revealed during Operation Sindoor.
• The new satellites, including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems, will provide all-weather, night-time imaging, strengthen real-time battlefield intelligence, and enhance national security.
• The initiative also includes inter-satellite data transfer, overseas ground stations, and protective “bodyguard satellites,” reflecting India’s push for modernised, resilient, and secure space-based military capabilities.

Ranks & Reports News

Mangaluru Tops India, Qingdao Ranks First Worldwide in Numbeo Safety Index 2026

• The Numbeo Safety Index 2026 ranked 304 cities worldwide based on safety perceptions, with Qingdao in China emerging as the world’s safest city and Mangaluru in Karnataka topping the list in India.
• The rankings, based on crowd-sourced crime and safety surveys, highlight variations in urban safety, placing India overall in the moderate safety category while showing strong performance by select cities like Mangaluru and Ahmedabad.

Schemes News

Atal Pension Yojana Extended Till 2030-31 to Secure Old-Age Income

• The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of Atal Pension Yojana (APY) till FY 2030–31, ensuring sustained government support for awareness, capacity building, and gap funding. APY, launched in 2015, provides guaranteed monthly pensions of ₹1,000–₹5,000 to unorganized sector workers, promoting old-age income security and financial inclusion.
• With over 8.66 crore subscribers, the scheme strengthens long-term social security and reduces reliance on family or state support in retirement.

Science & Technology News

Steel Slag Technology Proposed for Sustainable Roads in Hilly Regions

• Steel slag–based road construction technology, including the ECOFIX pothole repair mix, is being promoted for wider adoption in hilly and Himalayan regions to improve road durability, sustainability, and cost efficiency.
• Supported by CSIR and the Technology Development Board, the technology reuses industrial steel slag, enhancing road strength, water resistance, and resilience in landslide-prone, high-rainfall areas.
• Workshops and capacity-building programs aim to raise awareness among engineers and officials, encouraging systematic use of this circular-economy solution for faster repairs and long-lasting infrastructure.

Sports News

National Paralympic Powerlifting Championship Inaugurated in Uttarakhand

• Uttarakhand hosted the National Paralympic Powerlifting Championship in January 2026, highlighting inclusive sports and empowering para-athletes.
• Inaugurated virtually by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami from Roorkee, the event showcased strength, resilience, and discipline, providing national exposure and talent identification for future international competitions.
• The championship underscores India’s focus on sports for persons with disabilities, promotes equal participation, and positions Uttarakhand as a key destination for national-level sporting events.

Saina Nehwal Retires from Badminton After Historic Career and Injury Battle

• Saina Nehwal, India’s badminton icon and Olympic bronze medallist, has announced her retirement from competitive badminton after battling chronic knee injuries for nearly two years.
• A former World No.1 and the first Indian woman to win an Olympic badminton medal at the London 2012 Games, her career transformed Indian badminton on the global stage and inspired generations, marking the end of a golden era for the sport in India.