10th January, 2026 Current Affairs (Daily GK Update)

1. PARAM SHAKTI Supercomputer Inaugurated at IIT Madras [2026]

• MeitY inaugurated PARAM SHAKTI, an indigenously built supercomputing facility at IIT Madras on January 3, 2026, powered by PARAM RUDRA system developed by C-DAC under the National Supercomputing Mission.
• The facility delivers peak performance of 3.1 petaflops, enabling over 3.1 quadrillion calculations per second for advanced research applications.
• PARAM SHAKTI will support research in aerospace engineering, materials science, climate modeling, molecular science, drug discovery, and nuclear research with 37 similar systems already operational across India.
• The system runs on open-source AlmaLinux software with C-DAC’s proprietary system software and includes uninterrupted power supply and modern cooling infrastructure for continuous heavy-duty operations.
• This facility strengthens India’s computing ecosystem and supports the IndiaAI Mission by promoting diverse GPU platforms and reducing dependence on single technology solutions.

2. World Hindi Day 2026 Celebrated [10 January 2026]

• World Hindi Day is observed on January 10 annually to celebrate the international presence of Hindi, which carries India’s cultural identity and connects over 600 million speakers globally.
• The date marks the historic event of January 10, 1949, when Hindi was used for the first time in the United Nations General Assembly, establishing global linguistic recognition.
• Hindi is recognized as one of the world’s most widely spoken languages and plays crucial roles in international diplomacy, education, literature, technology, and cultural exchange across continents.
• India has been organizing World Hindi Conferences since 1975 through the Ministry of External Affairs in countries like UK, Mauritius, Fiji, Trinidad & Tobago, and USA to promote Hindi globally.
• The observance highlights Hindi’s role in preserving India’s heritage for future generations and supporting linguistic diversity in an increasingly connected world.

3. Skydo Receives RBI Authorization as Payment Aggregator-Cross Border [2026]

• The Bengaluru-based fintech platform Skydo received final authorization from the Reserve Bank of India to operate as a Payment Aggregator–Cross Border (PA-CB), enabling regulated cross-border payment services for Indian exporters.
• Skydo currently serves more than 30,000 MSMEs, startups, and freelancers across 50+ Indian cities and enables exporters to accept payments in 32+ foreign currencies with flat-fee pricing and no markup on live mid-market forex rates.
• This PA-CB licence is significant because cross-border payments involve sensitive foreign exchange transactions and documentation compliance, making RBI supervision critical for building trust among overseas clients.
• The platform provides instant compliance documentation through bank integrations, offers faster settlement cycles, and includes tools for invoicing, analytics dashboards, and ERP system integration to streamline cash flow management.
• Skydo recently raised ₹83 crore ($10 million) in Series A funding and has set an ambitious target of achieving ₹41,680 crore ($5 billion) in annualised payment volumes by 2027.

4. Book on President Droupadi Murmu Released by Sanitation Worker in Visakhapatnam [2026]

• A symbolic book release ceremony took place in Visakhapatnam where Lakshmamma, a sanitation worker at Andhra University, launched the book “Agni Sarassulo Vikasinchina Kamalam Droupadi Murmu” authored by former MP Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad.
• The book title is metaphorical, describing President Murmu’s rise from hardship to the highest constitutional authority as a lotus blooming in fire-filled waters, symbolizing resilience and triumph.
• The unprecedented venue selection—under a tree on the Andhra University campus—emphasized simplicity and connection with real life, mirroring President Murmu’s own humble background and personal journey.
• The author chose Lakshmamma deliberately to highlight values of humility, perseverance, respect for labour, and equality in society that President Murmu embodies and represents.
• This book serves as inspiration for women, tribal communities, marginalized sections, and people facing poverty, highlighting the dignity of all labour and the equality principle in Indian democracy.

5. Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta Appointed Chief Justice of Uttarakhand High Court [2026]

• Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta, currently serving as a judge at the Allahabad High Court, was appointed Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court following Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendation in December 2025.
• Justice Gupta will assume office after the retirement of incumbent Chief Justice Guhanathan Narendar on January 9, 2026, who attained the age of 62 years after judicial service.
• Justice Gupta was appointed as judge of the Allahabad High Court on April 12, 2013, and his tenure as Chief Justice of Uttarakhand will continue until his retirement on October 8, 2026.
• The appointment ensures smooth leadership transition and highlights India’s judicial appointment mechanism through the established Collegium system for maintaining institutional continuity.
• Chief Justices play crucial roles in court administration, justice delivery, and guidance on constitutional matters, making this appointment significant for Uttarakhand’s judicial functioning.

6. Asha Van Mobile Cancer Screening Unit Launched in Gujarat [2026]

• Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated ‘Asha Van’, a mobile cancer screening unit designed to bring advanced diagnostic services to villages and remote areas where healthcare access is limited.
• The van is equipped with EVA-Pro diagnostic technology, digital mammography machines, and teleconsultation facilities, enabling screening for up to ten types of cancer including lung, oral, cervical, breast, and prostate cancers.
• Asha Van will be operated by the Bhavnagar branch of the Indian Red Cross Society and can conduct on-the-spot testing with immediate preliminary reports, reducing delays in cancer diagnosis and improving treatment outcomes.
• Early detection through this mobile unit is expected to remove barriers such as distance and cost for rural populations and align with India’s “Health and Wellness for All” national health goal.
• The initiative demonstrates India’s commitment to expanding preventive healthcare in underserved regions and building a healthier population through accessible diagnostic technology and expert guidance.

7. Vice-President Inaugurates Third International Conference on Indian Languages [2026]

• Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the Third International Conference on Indian Languages in New Delhi, bringing together scholars, language experts, and international delegates to discuss protection and global promotion of Indian languages.
• The Vice-President emphasized that languages are not mere communication tools but represent the “conscience of civilization,” carrying history, values, traditions, and preserving science, philosophy, and literature across generations.
• India’s linguistic diversity has strengthened national unity and cultural understanding, with Indian languages contributing significantly to developments in medicine, science, governance, spirituality, and philosophy throughout history.
• The recent translation of India’s Constitution into Santhali language represents a historic step toward language inclusion, with the Eighth Schedule protecting multiple Indian languages and supporting democratic expression in mother tongues.
• The government supports language preservation through the National Education Policy 2020 and Gyan Bharatam Mission, utilizing digital archives and AI translation tools to ensure Indian languages thrive in the modern technological era.

8. UN Confirms India as Fastest-Growing Major Economy at 6.6% Growth in 2026 [2026]

• The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) released the “World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2026” report projecting India’s GDP growth at 6.6% in calendar year 2026, maintaining the fastest-growing major economy status globally.
• The projection represents a slight decrease from India’s estimated 7.4% growth in 2025, with growth forecast to improve marginally to 6.7% in 2027, supported by resilient household consumption and strong public investment.
• Global economy is projected to grow at a more modest pace of 2.7% in 2026 compared to 2.8% in 2025, while global trade growth is expected to decline to 2.2% from 3.8% in 2025 due to trade tensions and policy uncertainty.
• India’s strong economic performance is supported by tax reforms and monetary easing measures, helping the country navigate global challenges and maintain economic momentum despite external headwinds.
• UN-DESA’s projection aligns with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) assessment that India may remain the only major economy growing above 6% during the 2025–26 period.

9. SBI Projects India’s GDP Growth at 7.5% for FY 2025-26 [2026]

• The State Bank of India (SBI) Economic Research Department projected India’s GDP growth for FY 2025–26 at 7.5% with upward bias in the Ecowrap report released on January 7, 2026, slightly higher than government estimates.
• SBI’s projection of 7.5% exceeds the National Statistical Office (NSO) First Advance Estimate of 7.4% and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) projection of 7.3%, reflecting confidence in sustained economic momentum.
• According to SBI analysis, the difference between RBI and NSO estimates typically remains within 20–30 basis points, suggesting NSO’s 7.4% estimate is reasonable and SBI’s 7.5% forecast aligns well within normal variation ranges.
• Real GDP for FY26 is estimated at ₹201.90 lakh crore with growth of 7.4%, while Nominal GDP (including inflation) is projected to grow at 8.0% to reach ₹357.13–₹357.14 lakh crore.
• These projections indicate strong economic performance with household consumption resilience and public investment momentum continuing to drive India’s growth trajectory in FY26.

10. Kamala Hydroelectric Project Approved for Arunachal Pradesh [2026]

• The Public Investment Board approved the Kamala Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh, an advanced storage-based hydropower scheme designed to generate 6,870 million units of electricity annually with integrated flood control capabilities.
• The project, featuring a 216-metre-high concrete gravity dam and underground powerhouse with 1,720 MW capacity, will be developed under a BOOT model with NHPC holding 74% equity and the Arunachal Pradesh government holding 26%.
• Total project cost is estimated at ₹26,070 crore with a 70:30 debt-equity ratio, supplemented by ₹1,340 crore central funding for infrastructure and ₹4,744 crore for flood moderation features benefiting the Brahmaputra Valley region.
• The project is expected to generate approximately 300 direct jobs and 2,500 contract jobs during peak construction phase, with levelised tariff projected at ₹5.97 per unit when operational.
• Upon completion in 96 months, the Kamala project will contribute significantly to India’s renewable energy targets and climate goals, enabling the nation to move closer to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

11. National Improvised Explosive Device Data Management System (NIDMS) Launched [9 January 2026]

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated India’s first National Improvised Explosive Device Data Management System (NIDMS) on January 9, 2026, recording details of all bomb blasts from 1999 to present to enhance security agency investigations.
• The NIDMS is an online database managed by the National Security Guard (NSG) in Manesar, Haryana, allowing police, Central Armed Police Forces, and investigative agencies to access comprehensive explosion and IED incident data across India.
• The platform uses Artificial Intelligence to analyze patterns and links between incidents, such as identifying identical timers used in separate terrorist attacks, enabling authorities to predict threats and prevent future incidents more effectively.
• The NSG will establish regional hubs in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad, with an additional hub in Ayodhya, enabling emergency response within 1 to 1.5 hours when fully operational across all locations.
• NIDMS represents a significant advancement in India’s counter-terrorism capabilities by providing centralized, intelligent analysis of explosive devices and attack patterns across decades of incident data.

12. MSTrIPES Digital App Deployed for Tiger Census in Anamalai Tiger Reserve [2026]

• Wildlife tracking in India’s Anamalai Tiger Reserve is entering a digital era with the deployment of MSTrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers: Intensive Protection and Ecological Status) mobile application for the All India Tiger Estimation Survey 2026.
• The advanced GPS-enabled app allows forest staff to record tiger and leopard signs, megaherbivore data, arboreal animals, and vegetation details directly in the field, replacing manual paper-based documentation and reducing data entry errors.
• The survey will involve over 340 forest staff from eight ranges covering 115 transect lines, with operations scheduled January 8–14, including training sessions, carnivore sign surveys, prey estimation, and completion protocols.
• Anamalai Tiger Reserve covers 1,108 square kilometres across Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts, with the 2022 census recording 25 tigers in the reserve and 7–8 sharing with Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, suggesting healthy population expansion potential.
• Recent field observations including tiger movement signs in Kolumam buffer range and newborn cub sightings in Ulanthy forest range indicate a growing and healthy tiger population, making the 2026 census crucial for population assessment.

13. IREDA Secures Fifth Consecutive ‘Excellent’ MoU Rating [2026]

• Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) achieved an ‘Excellent’ rating in its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy for FY 2024–25, scoring 96.42 out of 100.
• This marks the fifth consecutive year that IREDA has received the ‘Excellent’ rating, demonstrating consistent excellence in operational efficiency, financial discipline, and corporate governance despite rapid growth in India’s renewable energy sector.
• IREDA’s transformation from a ‘Fair’ rating of 45.83 in FY 2019–20 to consecutive ‘Excellent’ ratings reflects major organizational reforms in systems, processes, and work culture focused on delivering sustainable energy solutions.
• As India’s largest pure-play green NBFC, IREDA continues to strengthen the nation’s clean energy ecosystem through dedicated financing for renewable projects and institutional capacity building.
• Chairman & Managing Director Shri Pradip Kumar Das credited the achievement to employee dedication, stakeholder trust, and government support, reaffirming commitment to advancing India’s renewable energy transition.

14. Five Indian Films Selected for Oscars 2026 Best Picture Category [2026]

• The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced that five Indian films qualify for consideration in the prestigious Best Picture category at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026) out of 201 eligible feature films.
• Qualified Indian films include Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 (Kannada, Rishabh Shetty), Tanvi The Great (Hindi, Anupam Kher), Mahavatar Narsimha (multilingual animated), Tourist Family (Tamil, debut filmmaker Abishan Jeevinth), and Sister Midnight (Hindi-UK co-production, Radhika Apte).
• Additional Indian films eligible in other categories include Homebound (official International Feature Film submission), Dashavatar (Marathi), Gevi (Tamil), Humans in the Loop, and several others, totaling across various categories.
• Best Picture eligibility requires films to run in at least 10 U.S. theaters for 45 days during 2025 and meet AMPAS’s Representation and Inclusion Standards (RAISE) form requirements focusing on diversity and inclusion.
• The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with nominations voting from January 12–16 and announcement on January 22, 2026.

15. 53rd New Delhi World Book Fair Opens with Free Entry for All [10-18 January 2026]

• The 53rd New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) 2026 opens January 10–18 at Bharat Mandapam with groundbreaking free entry for all visitors, featuring over 1,000 publishers and more than 600 literary and cultural events from India and worldwide.
• The fair’s theme “Indian Military History: Valour and Wisdom @75” honors 75 years of India’s independence with a 1,000 square-metre Theme Pavilion featuring 500+ books, exhibitions, documentaries, and installations on military operations from 1947 to present.
• The Children’s Pavilion (Kidz Express) offers storytelling, theatre, quizzes, art workshops, and the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya (ReP) providing over 6,000 free digital books through QR codes, promoting inclusive literary access for young readers.
• International participation includes over 35 countries with special pavilions for France (India–France Year of Innovation), Qatar as guest of honour, and Spain as focus country, fostering global literary and cultural exchange.
• Notable speakers include Piyush Mishra, Smriti Irani, Hema Malini, Kailash Satyarthi, Ricky Kej, and Jaya Kishori, with evening cultural performances by Indian military bands and traditional artists.

16. PANKHUDI Digital Portal Launched for Women and Child Development [8 January 2026]

• The Ministry of Women and Child Development launched PANKHUDI, a digital portal connecting government agencies, citizens, NGOs, and corporate contributors to coordinate efforts for women and child welfare programs across India.
• The portal was inaugurated on January 8, 2026, by Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi and provides a single-window platform for transparent, accountable contributions to nutrition, health, childcare, and women’s empowerment initiatives.
• PANKHUDI supports flagship programs including Mission Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0 (nutrition care), Mission Vatsalya (child welfare), and Mission Shakti (women’s safety), serving 14 lakh Anganwadi Centres and 5,000 Child Care Institutions nationwide.
• Contributors can register organizations, identify funding needs, submit proposals, and monitor progress through non-cash modes ensuring financial transparency and accountability in all social development initiatives.
• The portal strengthens coordination between government, NGOs, corporates, and civil society, enabling efficient resource allocation and monitoring of 800 One Stop Centres, 500 Shakhi Niwas, and 400 Shakti Sadan across India.

17. Akasa Air Joins IATA, Targets Top 30 Airlines Globally [2026]

• Akasa Air, India’s youngest airline founded in 2020, became a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), representing over 360 airlines handling 80%+ of global air traffic, marking a milestone for the fast-growing Indian carrier.
• The airline qualified for IATA’s Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) in December 2025, confirming adherence to global safety standards and operational excellence required for international airline association membership.
• Founded by Vinay Dube with strategic investment from late investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala (approximately $35 million for 40% stake), Akasa began commercial operations on August 7, 2022, and now serves 26 domestic and six international cities.
• India now has five IATA member airlines: Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet, positioning the nation as a major aviation hub with strong global connectivity and flight operations standards.
• Akasa targets becoming one of the world’s top 30 airlines by 2030 with a planned fleet of 226 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, planning 30%+ capacity growth in FY26 and 5+ additional aircraft acquisitions.