Current Affairs – Latest Highlights
National (India)
- India became the first country in the world to commercially produce bio-bitumen, a sustainable road material.
- Government has officially notified the first phase of the Census of India 2027.
- Parliament continued winter session debates on agriculture reforms and rural employment schemes. 0
International
- Reports say a Yemeni separatist leader fled to the UAE via Somaliland, according to the Saudi-led coalition.
- A major fraud suspect alleged to have led one of Asia’s largest criminal networks was extradited to China after arrest in Cambodia.
- European and US talks continue on support and peace negotiations for Ukraine conflict efforts.
- Global strategic shifts noted in international policy, including foreign policy orientation after Venezuela developments. 1
Who’s Who – 5 Latest Facts
- Prime Minister: Narendra Modi (continuing leadership of key national policy directions). 2
- President of India: Droupadi Murmu (state ceremonial head with ongoing public engagements). 3
- Administrator of Lakshadweep: Praful Khoda Patel. 4
- Chief of Defence Staff (India): Gen. Anil Chauhan (leading defence modernisation).
- UN Secretary-General: António Guterres (global diplomacy and climate focus).
Abbreviations – 5 Useful Ones
- GDP – Gross Domestic Product
- UN – United Nations
- BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (major emerging economies) 5
- AI – Artificial Intelligence
- MSME – Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises
Latest 5 Awards & Honours
- France’s Legion of Honor awarded to Shashi Tharoor (international recognition). 6
- Upcoming national sporting honours announced (to be conferred during Republic Day week).
- Civil service excellence awards by Government of India for public service contributions.
- Science excellence awards by national research bodies.
- Youth leadership awards in innovation by national educational councils.
Latest 5 – Science & Technology
- India AI Impact Summit 2026 scheduled in New Delhi with global CEOs, boosting India’s AI leadership. 7
- ISRO continues space exploration and mission progress as part of long-term lunar and satellite programs. 8
- National Technology Readiness Assessment Framework being discussed in policy space (education & industry). 9
- QR Code-enabled road signage introduced in Delhi (tech in urban management). 10
- Export-linked digital infrastructure platforms announced to support land governance. 11
Latest 5 – Economy
- India’s economic policy is shifting toward diversified global engagement and resilience. 12
- Government announced twin credit support measures for MSME exporters. 13
- Winter session discussions included evaluation of rural employment schemes affecting economic outputs. 14
- Interest rate and export policy updates impacting trade balances.
- Informal sector support measures rolled out for skill development and credit access.
Latest 5 – Indian Polity
- Lok Sabha debated agricultural reforms in winter session. 15
- Delhi Cabinet cleared new bill to streamline services and compliance norms. 16
- Land Stack portal launched under Digital India to improve land governance. 17
- Parliament Museum initiatives announced for public awareness. 18
- Policy focus on digital public infrastructure continues with new governance portals. 19
Latest 5 – International Polity
- India–EU Strategic Partnership flagged ahead of Republic Day diplomatic engagements. 20
- Global multipolar policy emphasis in foreign relations. 21
- UN engagements in climate, peace, and development programs.
- Peace negotiations on Ukraine continue with European and US involvement.
- Regional cooperation dialogues in Middle East security contexts.
Latest 5 – Sports Facts
- India Open Badminton Tournament scheduled mid-January in Delhi.
- Indian athletes preparing for upcoming world championships.
- National youth sports quota reforms debated for talent development.
- Cricket leagues initiating pre-season camps.
- Chess remains strong with multiple titles and tournaments lined up.
Latest 5 – Important Places
- New Delhi – Hosts major national events and diplomatic summits.
- Thiruvananthapuram – Venue of Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters 2026. 22
- Indira Gandhi Arena – Key sporting venue in Delhi.
- Kolkata – Cultural and literary festivals ongoing.
- Mumbai – Financial capital with key economic policy forums.
Latest 5 – Days and Festivals
- 26 January – Republic Day (national holiday with parade). 23
- 15 January – National Army Day (celebrating armed forces achievements).
- National Technology Day initiatives flagged across institutions.
- Local cultural festivals in different states ongoing this month.
- Literature and arts festivals through January across major Indian cities.