1. National Girl Child Day Observed Across India [2026]

• India celebrates National Girl Child Day on 24 January to promote rights, education, and empowerment of girls.
• The day highlights gender equality and addresses issues like child marriage and discrimination.
• Government campaigns promote schemes such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.
• Schools and NGOs organize awareness drives and cultural programs nationwide.
• The observance strengthens focus on girls’ health, safety, and education.

2. International Day of Education Marked Globally [2026]

• The United Nations observes 24 January as the International Day of Education.
• The 2026 focus highlights the role of youth in shaping future education systems.
• UNESCO leads global events promoting inclusive and equitable education.
• The day reaffirms education as a basic human right.
• Countries conduct seminars and policy discussions on education reforms.

3. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Completes 11 Years [2026]

• The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana marks 11 years of financial empowerment for girl children.
• The scheme offers high interest rates and tax benefits on savings.
• It supports long-term savings for girls’ education and marriage.
• Launched under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative.
• Millions of families have opened accounts under the scheme.

4. National Voters’ Day Celebrated in India [2026]

• India celebrates National Voters’ Day on 25 January to encourage electoral participation.
• The day marks the foundation of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in 1950.
• New voters receive voter ID cards at special ceremonies.
• Awareness programs promote ethical and informed voting.
• It strengthens democratic values among youth.

5. National Tourism Day Highlights Travel Sector Growth [2026]

• National Tourism Day promotes India’s tourism potential and heritage.
• Events focus on sustainable and responsible tourism.
• Tourism contributes significantly to employment and GDP.
• State governments organize cultural festivals and travel fairs.
• The day encourages domestic and international travel.

6. India Unveils Military Quantum Technology Policy [2026]

• Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan launched India’s Military Quantum Technology Framework.
• The policy promotes quantum computing, communication, and sensing for defence.
• It aims to enhance secure military communications.
• Collaboration between armed forces, DRDO, and academic institutions planned.
• Strengthens India’s position in next-generation defence technology.

7. ZET Gets NPCI Approval for UPI via RuPay Credit Cards [2026]

• Fintech startup ZET received NPCI approval to enable UPI payments using RuPay credit cards.
• This allows users to make digital payments through linked credit cards.
• Expands the reach of Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
• Supports India’s push toward a cashless economy.
• Benefits small merchants and digital users.

8. Razorpay POS Receives RBI Approval as Offline Payment Aggregator [2026]

• Razorpay POS secured RBI approval to operate as an offline payment aggregator.
• Enables merchants to accept card payments without internet dependency.
• Strengthens digital payment infrastructure in remote areas.
• Boosts financial inclusion for small businesses.
• RBI regulates payment aggregators for secure transactions.

9. RBI Grants In-Principle Approval to Payoneer India [2026]

• RBI gave in-principle approval to Payoneer India as a cross-border payment aggregator.
• The move supports exporters and freelancers receiving global payments.
• Strengthens India’s digital export ecosystem.
• Enhances compliance and secure foreign transactions.
• Approval aligns with RBI’s fintech regulation framework.

10. Gujarat Gets India’s First Private Satellite Manufacturing Unit [2026]

• India’s first integrated private satellite manufacturing unit was launched in Sanand, Gujarat.
• The facility will build advanced communication and Earth observation satellites.
• Boosts India’s private space sector under IN-SPACe reforms.
• Supports Make in India in space technology.
• Expected to create high-skill employment.11. Suryoday Small Finance Bank Launches AI-Based Video KYC [2026]

13. Suryoday Small Finance Bank Launches AI-Based Video KYC [2026]

• Suryoday Small Finance Bank partnered with HyperVerge to introduce AI-powered Video KYC.
• The system enables faster digital customer verification using facial recognition.
• It reduces onboarding time and improves fraud detection.
• Supports RBI’s push for secure digital banking processes.
• Enhances financial inclusion through paperless account opening.

12. RBI Issues Export Credit Interest Subvention Guidelines [2026]

• RBI released operational guidelines for interest subvention on export credit under Niryat Protsahan.
• The scheme lowers borrowing costs for exporters.
• Aims to boost India’s global trade competitiveness.
• Banks will provide subsidized interest rates to eligible exporters.
• Supports MSME exporters facing global market challenges.

13. Goa Signs MoU with Starlink for Connectivity [2026]

• Goa government signed an MoU with Starlink to improve satellite-based internet services.
• The initiative will strengthen connectivity in remote and coastal areas.
• It also supports disaster management and emergency communication.
• Boosts digital infrastructure in tourism-dependent regions.
• Marks collaboration between state government and global tech provider.

14. Uttarakhand and ITBP Launch ‘Healthy Border’ Campaign [2026]

• Uttarakhand government signed an MoU with ITBP for the ‘Healthy Border’ initiative.
• The campaign provides healthcare services in remote border villages.
• ITBP medical teams will conduct regular health camps.
• Focuses on preventive care and awareness in high-altitude areas.
• Strengthens civil–military cooperation for public welfare.

15. Punjab Launches Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojana [2026]

• Punjab government introduced Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojana for free cashless treatment.
• Beneficiaries can access treatment in empanelled hospitals.
• The scheme targets economically weaker families.
• Covers major medical procedures and hospitalization costs.
• Aims to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.

16. Key Highlights from World Economic Forum at Davos [2026]

• World leaders gathered at Davos for the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting.
• Discussions focused on AI governance, climate finance, and global growth.
• India emphasized digital public infrastructure and green energy goals.
• Business leaders announced cross-border investment partnerships.
• The summit shapes global economic policy directions.

17. Graça Machel Honoured with Indira Gandhi Peace Prize [2026]

• Mozambique’s Graça Machel received the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize.
• She was honored for work in human rights and child welfare.
• The award recognizes contributions to peace and social justice.
• Presented by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust.
• Highlights global efforts toward humanitarian causes.

18. RXIL Becomes First TReDS Platform to Announce Interim Dividend [2026]

• RXIL became India’s first TReDS platform to declare an interim dividend.
• TReDS stands for Trade Receivables Discounting System.
• The move reflects strong financial performance.
• TReDS platforms support MSME invoice financing.
• Strengthens digital trade finance ecosystem in India.

19. AIFF Mourns Death of Former Footballer Ilyas Pasha [2026]

• The All India Football Federation (AIFF) expressed condolences on the passing of Ilyas Pasha.
• He was a former Indian national team defender.
• Pasha contributed significantly to Indian football development.
• Tributes poured in from sports officials and fans.
• His legacy inspires young footballers.

20. India Strengthens Digital Payment Ecosystem with New RBI Approvals [2026]

• RBI approved multiple fintech firms to expand digital payment services.
• Approvals include offline payment aggregators and cross-border facilitators.
• Enhances security and regulatory oversight in digital transactions.
• Encourages innovation in India’s fintech sector.
• Supports the vision of a less-cash economy.

24 January 2026 | Current Affairs Today | Daily Current Affairs | By Ashish Gautam