15th January, 2026 Current Affairs (Daily GK Update)

National News

Finance Ministry Launches ₹20 Lakh ‘Paripoorna Mediclaim Ayush Bima’ for CGHS Beneficiaries

• The Finance Ministry launched Paripoorna Mediclaim Ayush Bima in January 2026. It is meant for CGHS beneficiaries.
• It offers ₹10–20 lakh hospitalisation cover.
• The policy is optional and retail-based. It includes flexible co-payment options. Premiums are discounted significantly.
• New India Assurance provides the cover. Room rent limits are defined. Claim-free bonuses are available. It strengthens healthcare security for government employees.

India Attracts $51 Billion FDI as Startup and Manufacturing Push

• India attracted $51 billion in FDI in six months. Global investor confidence remains strong. Startups and manufacturing are key drivers. National Startup Day will be held on January 16. Seventy-five Grand Challenges will be launched.
• Twenty startup awards will be presented. Manufacturing is becoming innovation-led. Corporates and startups are collaborating closely.
• Digital India supports youth-driven growth. The trend strengthens India’s economic future.

Banking News

RBI Proposes Changes to Banks Forex Position Rules

• The Reserve Bank of India has proposed changes to the rules governing banks foreign exchange positions to better manage currency-related risks.
• The proposal follows a comprehensive review of existing norms and seeks to align India’s banking regulations with global standards.
• These changes are important for financial stability, especially amid volatile global currency movements and increasing cross-border banking operations.

Karnataka Bank Bags IBA Award for Best Fintech & DPI Adoption

• Karnataka Bank won the IBA Banking Technology Award 2026. It topped the Best Fintech and DPI Adoption category. The bank also secured runner-up for tech talent.
• It received special mentions in digital banking areas. The recognition reflects strong fintech integration. Leadership credited IT and business teams.
• The bank focuses on customer-centric digital solutions. DPI adoption strengthened efficiency and inclusion.
• The award highlights India’s digital banking progress.

RBI Recognizes FEDAI as Self-Regulatory Organisation for Forex Dealers

• The Reserve Bank of India has taken an important step to strengthen oversight in the foreign exchange market by recognizing FEDAI as a Self-Regulatory Organization.
• The decision formalizes FEDAI’s long-standing role in guiding authorized dealers and aims to bring greater uniformity, discipline and transparency in forex market operations across the banking system.

RBI Mandates Auto Transfer of Unresolved Complaints to Internal Ombudsman

• RBI issued new grievance redressal norms in January 2026. Banks must automate complaint systems.
• Unresolved complaints go to Internal Ombudsman. IO reviews partially resolved or rejected cases.
• Final decision must reach customers within 30 days. Board-level oversight is strengthened. Management overruling is restricted.
• Eligible NBFCs are also covered. The move enhances transparency. It improves customer protection. It strengthens trust in banking regulation.

Economy News

India-China Trade Grows in 2025, but Trade Deficit Touches Record $116 Billion

• India’s exports to China rose in 2025. Exports reached $19.75 billion. Growth of $5.5 billion was recorded. Chinese exports increased faster.
• Trade deficit touched $116.12 billion.
• Bilateral trade hit $155.62 billion. Marine products and spices gained ground. Import dependence remains high.
• Global trade pressures continued. Economic imbalance persists.

World Bank Raises India’s GDP Growth Forecast to 7.2% for FY26

• The World Bank raised India’s GDP growth forecast to 7.2% for FY26. The revision reflects strong domestic demand. Tax reforms improved household incomes. Rural consumption remained resilient. Services sector stayed robust.
• Growth may slow to 6.5% in FY27. US tariffs remain a risk. Exports are expected to stay resilient. India remains the fastest-growing major economy. The outlook supports economic stability.

Appointments News

TVS Supply Chain Solutions Appoints Vikas Chadha as Global CEO

• TVS Supply Chain Solutions appointed Vikas Chadha as Global CEO. The appointment is effective from January 22, 2026. It follows a structured succession plan.
• Managing Director Ravi Viswanathan will retire in FY 2026–27. The board led the transition process. Chadha brings global leadership experience. The move ensures continuity.
• It supports global expansion goals. Corporate governance remains strong. The transition boosts investor confidence.

Centre Appoints Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor as ITBP Chief; Praveen Kumar to Head BSF

• Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor was appointed DG of ITBP in January 2026. He is a 1990-batch IPS officer. He will serve till October 2026.
• The incumbent ITBP chief Praveen Kumar was named DG of BSF. He is a 1993-batch IPS officer.
• His tenure will last till September 2030. The appointments strengthen leadership of key border forces. They ensure continuity in India’s internal security framework.

Centre Appoints Rakesh Aggarwal as New Director General of NIA

• Rakesh Aggarwal was appointed DG of the NIA. He is a 1994-batch IPS officer. He belongs to the Himachal Pradesh cadre.
• His tenure lasts till August 2028. He earlier served as Special DG of NIA.
• The appointment ensures leadership continuity. Other security forces also saw leadership changes.

Ranks & Reports News

Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu Lead NITI Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index 2024

• NITI Aayog released EPI 2024. Maharashtra ranked first. Tamil Nadu and Gujarat followed.
• Uttarakhand topped small States. J&K and Nagaland ranked next.
• The index covers FY22 to FY24. Seventy indicators were used. Four pillars guided assessment.
• Delhi ranked 12th. Export readiness was measured. Domestic foundations were emphasised. Free trade agreements increase importance.

Science & Technology News

Karan Fries Breed: ICAR–NDRI’s Climate-Resilient Answer to India’s Dairy Needs

• Karan Fries is a synthetic cow breed. It was developed at NDRI Karnal. It combines Holstein Friesian and Tharparkar cattle.
• Average milk yield is 3,550 kg per lactation. Productivity is higher than indigenous breeds.
• Genetic stability has been achieved. The breed was officially registered by ICAR. Haryana farmers are adopting it.
• Dairy productivity may increase. Climate resilience is a key advantage.

Important Days News

Indian Army Day 2026: History, Significance, Parade Highlights, Quotes

• Indian Army Day 2026 is celebrated on January 15. The day marks the appointment of Gen K M Cariappa as the first Indian Army chief.
• The parade is held in Jaipur. It is the first public-area Army Day parade.
• Modern weapons and drones are displayed. The Bhairav Battalion makes its debut. The day honours sacrifice and bravery.
• It strengthens civil-military connect. It inspires national pride.

Pongal 2026: Date, Auspicious Rituals, Traditions and Significance Explained

• Thai Pongal 2026 is celebrated on January 15.
• It is the main day of the Pongal festival. The festival thanks the Sun God. It marks the harvest season. Pongal is a four-day celebration.
• The Pongal dish is cooked ceremonially. Homes are decorated with kolam.
• Cattle are honoured on Mattu Pongal. The festival highlights gratitude and sustainability. It reflects India’s agrarian culture.

Current Affairs Today | 15 Jan Current Affairs 2026 | Daily Current Affairs | By Ashish Gautam