Banking and Finance News

Union Budget of India 2026–27: Date, Time, Constitutional Basis and Key Details

• The Union Budget 2026-27 is scheduled to be presented on February 1, 2026, representing the annual financial statement of the Government of India that outlines projected revenues and expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year.
• The comprehensive budget preparation process commenced in August 2025, with various ministries and departments submitting their detailed financial estimates and requirements, followed by extensive inter-ministerial consultations to align spending priorities with national development goals.
• The Economic Survey, which provides a detailed review of the country’s current economic performance, macroeconomic indicators, and sectoral analysis, will precede the budget presentation, offering critical insights into growth patterns, inflation trends, and fiscal health.
• The traditional Halwa Ceremony marks the beginning of the final and most sensitive phase of budget preparation, after which officials and staff involved in the printing and finalization of budget documents enter a mandatory lock-in period to maintain complete confidentiality and prevent any information leakage.
• This budget holds historical significance as it will determine the nation’s fiscal policy direction, tax structures, public spending allocations, and economic reforms, directly impacting citizens’ daily lives, business operations, and India’s overall economic trajectory in a crucial development phase.

National News

PM CARES Fund Has Right to Privacy Under RTI Act: Delhi High Court

• The Delhi High Court delivered a significant judgment regarding the PM CARES Fund’s right to privacy, ruling that the fund is entitled to withhold information about third-party donors under the Right to Information Act provisions.
• The court specifically cited Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, which protects personal information and privacy rights of individuals, establishing that this privacy protection extends to third parties even when the primary entity may be classified as a public authority.
• The judgment clarified that being designated as a public authority does not automatically eliminate or override the fundamental privacy rights of third-party stakeholders, donors, or beneficiaries associated with that authority.
• The ruling effectively set aside an earlier order by the Central Information Commission (CIC) that had directed disclosure of certain information, with the appeal having been filed by Girish Mittal seeking transparency in the fund’s operations.
• The court emphasized the delicate balance between transparency in public affairs and individual privacy rights under the RTI framework, with further hearings scheduled to address additional aspects of information disclosure and public interest considerations.

State News

Rajasthan’s First Fully Organic Village: Bamanwas Kankar Sets a Green Milestone

• Bamanwas Kankar Panchayat has achieved the historic distinction of becoming Rajasthan’s first fully organic village body, encompassing seven hamlets where chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides have been completely eliminated from agricultural practices.
• The transition involved adopting natural farming inputs including organic compost, vermicompost, biofertilizers, and traditional agricultural methods that have resulted in steadily improving soil health, enhanced microbial activity, and better water retention capacity in farmlands.
• The initiative has generated multiple benefits including significant reduction in environmental pollution, decreased groundwater contamination, lower input costs for farmers who no longer purchase expensive chemical fertilizers, and substantially increased food safety through chemical-free produce.
• Various government schemes and programs have supported this transition through technical training, financial assistance for organic certification, provision of organic inputs, and market linkages for premium pricing of organic produce, making the shift economically viable for farmers.
• This pioneering model supports India’s climate commitments and sustainable development goals while strengthening the foundation of sustainable agriculture, offering a replicable template for other rural communities across India seeking to balance productivity with environmental conservation.

International News

India-Germany Sign 19 Strategic Deals to Boost Defence, Tech and Minerals Cooperation

• India and Germany have formalized their strategic partnership by signing 19 comprehensive agreements covering crucial sectors including defence technology, semiconductors, critical minerals, and advanced manufacturing, marking a significant deepening of bilateral relations between the two democracies.
• Semiconductor cooperation has emerged as a major pillar of this partnership, with both nations collaborating on developing resilient supply chains, technology transfer, and establishing manufacturing facilities to reduce dependence on concentrated sources and enhance technological sovereignty.
• The agreements prioritize the development of critical mineral supply chains essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and advanced electronics, while defence co-production initiatives will enable joint development and manufacturing of military equipment and technologies.
• Bilateral trade between the two nations has crossed the significant milestone of $50 billion, reflecting robust economic engagement, while Indian travellers have gained the additional convenience of visa-free airport transit through Germany, facilitating easier connectivity to other European destinations.
• This multifaceted partnership reflects mutual trust, shared democratic values, and convergent strategic interests, with both nations committed to long-term cooperation that supports innovation, enhances global competitiveness, and contributes to a stable, multipolar world order.

International News

Israel Withdraws from Seven UN Agencies Over Alleged Bias

• Israel announced its withdrawal from seven United Nations agencies in January 2026 following an internal review of its multilateral engagement, citing persistent institutional bias, disproportionate criticism, and operational inefficiencies that undermine the organizations’ stated objectives.
• The decision was influenced by the United States’ earlier exit from several UN bodies, with Israel specifically mentioning concerns about politicization of humanitarian and development work, selective application of international standards, and what it perceives as systemic discrimination against the Jewish state.
• Israel had previously severed ties with UN Women and subsequently exited the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), with indications that additional withdrawals from other UN specialized agencies may follow.
• Israeli officials defended the move by highlighting instances where UN agencies have passed resolutions focusing disproportionately on Israel while overlooking severe human rights violations in other regions, arguing this pattern demonstrates systemic bias rather than objective assessment.
• Despite these targeted withdrawals from specific agencies, Israel maintains its fundamental membership in the United Nations as a member state, representing an emerging trend of selective multilateralism where countries choose to engage only with international institutions they perceive as fair and effective.

Banking and Finance News

Tripura Gramin Bank Launches India’s First Solar-Powered ATM Van

• Tripura Gramin Bank made history in January 2026 by launching India’s first solar-powered ATM van service branded as “TGB on Wheels,” representing a groundbreaking initiative that combines financial inclusion with environmental sustainability in rural banking operations.
• The innovative mobile ATM operates entirely on solar energy, eliminating dependence on conventional electricity or diesel generators, thereby ensuring uninterrupted banking services in remote areas that frequently experience power disruptions or lack reliable electrical infrastructure.
• The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) provided crucial technical and financial support for this pioneering project, which currently operates three solar-powered ATM vans that travel to underserved villages on predetermined schedules, bringing essential banking services to customers’ doorsteps.
• This initiative significantly advances green banking practices by reducing carbon emissions and operating costs while strengthening financial inclusion by enabling rural populations to access cash withdrawal, balance inquiry, and other basic banking services without traveling long distances to urban branches.
• The project’s innovative approach and demonstrated impact earned recognition through the prestigious SKOCH Silver Award, validating its potential as a replicable model for rural banking institutions across India seeking to balance commercial viability, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability.

Banking and Finance News

Wholesale Inflation Inches Up to 0.83% in December 2025

• India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation rose to 0.83% in December 2025, marking a return to positive territory after experiencing two consecutive months of deflation that had raised concerns about weakening demand and pricing power in the economy.
• The increase in wholesale inflation was primarily driven by rising prices in food articles and manufactured goods categories, while vegetable prices showed a sharp narrowing of deflationary trends, though fuel and power segments remained in negative territory, continuing to exert downward pressure on overall inflation.
• Retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), also registered an uptick to 1.33%, reflecting similar price pressures at the consumer level, though both wholesale and retail inflation rates remain comfortably within the Reserve Bank of India’s tolerance band.
• The Reserve Bank of India has responded to the sustained low inflation environment by implementing interest rate cuts aimed at stimulating economic activity, supporting credit growth, and maintaining momentum in private investment and consumption spending.
• Economic analysts interpret these inflation trends alongside robust GDP growth projections as indicating a favorable macroeconomic scenario characterized by strong growth momentum coupled with well-anchored inflation, providing policy flexibility for continued focus on growth acceleration without compromising price stability.

Banking and Finance News

Deloitte Forecasts Robust GDP Growth for India in FY26, Slower Pace in FY27

• Deloitte’s comprehensive economic analysis projects India’s GDP growth in the range of 7.5% to 7.8% for the fiscal year 2026, driven by sustained expansion in the services sector, festive season consumption demand, and continued momentum in manufacturing and construction activities.
• The growth trajectory has been supported by policy reforms implemented over recent years including digitalization initiatives, infrastructure development programs, production-linked incentive schemes, and favorable inflation trends that have enhanced real income growth and consumer purchasing power.
• India has successfully negotiated trade agreements with multiple countries and regional blocs, diversifying export destinations and reducing dependence on traditional markets, though external risks including global economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and potential slowdown in major economies persist as significant challenges.
• The projection indicates potential moderation in growth during fiscal year 2027, attributed to high base effects from the previous year’s strong performance, ongoing global uncertainties affecting export demand, and the natural cyclical patterns of economic expansion that may require consolidation.
• Future growth sustainability increasingly depends on supply-side reforms that enhance productivity, support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that generate employment, and leveraging the economic potential of smaller cities and towns that represent untapped consumption and production centers beyond metropolitan areas.

Awards and Recognitions News

Pawan Kalyan Becomes First Indian to Receive Rare Samurai Martial Arts Honour

• Pawan Kalyan, the prominent Indian actor and political leader, received an extraordinary and historically rare martial arts honor by being inducted into Kenjutsu, the ancient samurai sword-fighting tradition that dates back centuries in Japanese warrior culture and is typically reserved for practitioners within Japan.
• This unprecedented recognition makes Pawan Kalyan the first Indian citizen to receive this distinguished honor in Kenjutsu, a martial art form that embodies not merely combat techniques but also the philosophical principles of discipline, honor, strategic thinking, and spiritual development central to samurai tradition.
• The honor follows his earlier induction into the prestigious Takeda Shingen Clan, named after the legendary 16th-century Japanese warlord, with his training conducted under the guidance of Dr. Siddiq Mahmoodi, a recognized master in traditional Japanese martial arts with international teaching credentials.
• This recognition has been celebrated as a significant moment in cultural exchange between India and Japan, demonstrating how martial arts transcend national boundaries and serve as bridges for mutual understanding, respect, and appreciation of diverse warrior traditions.
• The honor highlights the universal appeal of samurai philosophy emphasizing self-discipline, continuous improvement, loyalty, and ethical conduct, while bringing global recognition to Indian practitioners of traditional martial arts and encouraging greater cross-cultural exchange in martial disciplines.

Awards and Recognitions News

Golden Globes 2026: Full List of Winners and Key Highlights

• The Golden Globes 2026 ceremony celebrated excellence in cinema and television with “One Battle After Another” emerging as the top film winner of the night, while “Hamnet” secured the Best Drama Film award, reflecting the awards’ recognition of both commercial success and artistic merit.
• In the television categories, “Adolescence” dominated with multiple wins, showcasing the Golden Globes’ acknowledgment of compelling storytelling in serialized formats that explore complex human experiences and contemporary social themes through extended narrative arcs.
• Acting honors were distributed across international talent with Wagner Moura and Jessie Buckley winning prestigious awards in dramatic categories, while Timothée Chalamet led the comedy film acting awards, demonstrating the continuing globalization of entertainment recognition beyond Hollywood-centric narratives.
• The 2026 ceremony notably avoided overtly political themes or controversial statements that had characterized some previous years, instead maintaining focus on the craft of storytelling, technical achievements, and the collaborative nature of filmmaking and television production.
• The awards ceremony highlighted evolving global entertainment trends including increased representation of international cinema, recognition of streaming platform productions alongside traditional studio releases, and celebration of diverse storytelling voices that reflect the changing demographics and preferences of worldwide audiences.

Rank and Reports News

India Ranks 80th in World’s Strongest Passport Index

• India’s passport ranking on the Henley Passport Index has shown improvement in 2026, advancing to the 80th position globally with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 55 destinations, reflecting gradual progress in India’s diplomatic relations and bilateral agreements with various nations.
• Indian passport holders enjoy relatively easier travel access primarily across Asian countries, several African nations, and island nations in the Caribbean and Pacific regions, where visa requirements have been relaxed or eliminated through reciprocal agreements and tourism promotion initiatives.
• However, significant limitations persist as major economic powerhouses including the United States, United Kingdom, most European Union countries, Canada, Australia, and Japan still require Indian travelers to obtain prior visas through lengthy application processes, substantially affecting travel planning, costs, and spontaneous mobility.
• The continued visa requirements for major economies create practical challenges for Indian business travelers, tourists, and students, involving considerable documentation, processing fees ranging from hundreds to thousands of rupees, waiting periods for appointments and approvals, and potential rejection risks.
• While the ranking improvement represents diplomatic gains and expanding bilateral relationships, it simultaneously highlights the substantial gap between India’s passport strength and top-ranking passports from countries like Singapore, Japan, and Germany that offer visa-free access to 190+ destinations, indicating the ongoing need for stronger economic diplomacy and reciprocal travel agreements.

Rank and Reports News

Responsible Nations Index to Debut on January 19

• The inaugural Responsible Nations Index is scheduled for launch on January 19, developed by the World Intellectual Foundation as a comprehensive framework to assess and rank nations based on their commitment to responsible governance across multiple dimensions rather than purely economic metrics.
• The index encompasses 154 countries worldwide, evaluating them across three distinct but interconnected dimensions: internal responsibility focusing on how governments treat their own citizens including human rights, social welfare, and democratic freedoms; environmental responsibility covering climate action, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource management; and external responsibility measuring contributions to global peace, international cooperation, and humanitarian assistance.
• The high-profile launch event will be conducted in New Delhi, with former President of India Ram Nath Kovind scheduled to attend as the chief guest, lending constitutional gravitas to the initiative and underscoring India’s commitment to responsible global citizenship.
• Several prominent Indian academic institutions, think tanks, and research organizations have collaborated in developing the methodology, data collection frameworks, and analytical tools for the index, contributing Indian perspectives on responsible nationhood to this global assessment framework.
• The Responsible Nations Index aims to provide an alternative assessment mechanism for global governance that moves beyond GDP-centric measurements, encouraging nations to prioritize citizen welfare, environmental sustainability, and peaceful international engagement as equally important indicators of national success and global standing.

Summit and Conference News

Kochi to Host International Spice Conference 2026 on Future of Global Spice Trade

• Kochi, Kerala, will serve as the host city for the International Spice Conference (ISC) 2026 in February, marking the 9th edition of this prestigious gathering organized by the All India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF), which brings together global stakeholders in the spice industry.
• The conference theme emphasizes “future readiness” of the global spice trade, focusing on emerging challenges and opportunities including climate change impacts on spice cultivation, evolving quality standards, technological innovations in processing and packaging, and shifting consumption patterns in international markets.
• Distinguished participants will include spice farmers, exporters, importers, processors, quality certification agencies, government policymakers, and research institutions from major spice-producing and consuming nations, facilitating comprehensive discussions on trade dynamics, climate-related production risks, and supply chain resilience.
• Key areas of deliberation will encompass innovation in cultivation practices, post-harvest technologies, supply chain optimization, traceability systems, organic and sustainable certification, and strategies to address market disruptions caused by climate variability, geopolitical tensions, and pandemic-like events.
• Kerala’s selection as the venue holds special significance given the state’s historical legacy as the “spice coast of India” dating back millennia, its continued prominence in spice production particularly pepper, cardamom, and turmeric, and Kochi’s role as a major spice trading hub with modern infrastructure for international commerce.

Sports News

Alyssa Healy Announces Retirement After India Series

• Alyssa Healy, one of Australia’s most accomplished cricketers, announced her retirement from international cricket in January 2026, with plans to conclude her illustrious career after completing the ongoing series against India, though she will skip T20 International matches while continuing to captain in One Day Internationals and Test matches.
• Healy’s international career spanning from her debut in 2010 includes over 160 T20 International appearances where she established herself as a destructive opening batter and agile wicketkeeper, revolutionizing the role of wicketkeeper-batters in women’s cricket through her aggressive batting approach and consistent match-winning performances.
• Her trophy cabinet includes an extraordinary eight World Cup victories across different formats, making her one of the most decorated cricketers in the history of women’s cricket, with contributions spanning the 2012, 2014, and 2020 T20 World Cups, and multiple ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and World T20 titles.
• After assuming the captaincy of the Australian women’s cricket team in 2023, Healy led her team to remarkable success including an Ashes whitewash against England, demonstrating her leadership capabilities, tactical acumen, and ability to inspire teammates while maintaining her own high performance standards.
• Beyond international cricket, Healy has flourished in domestic competitions and franchise-based leagues worldwide including the Women’s Big Bash League, The Hundred, and Women’s Premier League, where her explosive batting, safe glovework, and professional approach have made her a sought-after player and mentor whose legacy will reshape women’s cricket for generations.

Important Days News

Makar Sankranti 2026: Date, Meaning and Rituals Explained

• Makar Sankranti 2026 will be celebrated on January 14, with the precise Sankranti moment—when the Sun transitions into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar Rashi)—occurring at 3:13 PM, marking an astronomically significant event that has been celebrated in India for thousands of years as a major harvest festival.
• The festival signifies the Sun’s entry into Uttarayan, the northward journey that marks the gradual end of winter season, progressively longer daylight hours, and the beginning of the auspicious period in the Hindu calendar, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
• Makar Sankranti embodies multiple layers of significance including harvest gratitude where farmers express thankfulness for bountiful crops, spiritual renewal through holy dips in sacred rivers particularly at Prayagraj, Haridwar, and Varanasi, charitable acts of giving food and clothes to the needy, and prayers for prosperity and well-being.
• Traditional rituals practiced across India include taking holy baths at rivers or sacred water bodies during dawn, performing prayers to the Sun god, preparing and distributing sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery which are believed to provide warmth and energy during winter, flying colorful kites in many regions, and engaging in community feasts.
• The festival is celebrated with remarkable regional variations throughout India including Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in Punjab, Bihu in Assam, Uttarayan in Gujarat, and Maghi in Haryana, each with unique customs and names, yet all reflecting the harmonious relationship between nature’s seasonal cycles, agricultural rhythms, and human life.

Science and Technology News

Punjabi Singer Kaka Launches ‘Friendo’ App to Strengthen Women’s Safety

• Popular Punjabi singer Kaka launched “Friendo,” a comprehensive women’s safety mobile application in January 2026, leveraging his celebrity platform and social influence to address the critical issue of women’s safety through accessible technology that empowers women with emergency response tools.
• The application offers multiple safety features including instant SOS alerts that can be sent to pre-selected emergency contacts with a single button press, real-time location sharing that enables trusted contacts to track the user’s movement during potentially unsafe situations, and audio and video recording capabilities that can document threatening situations as potential evidence.
• Advanced functionality includes a stealth mode that allows discreet activation of safety features without alerting potential perpetrators, community forums where women can share safety tips and experiences, seek advice, and provide mutual support, and comprehensive databases of legal resources and self-defence tutorials empowering women with knowledge and practical skills.
• The Friendo app is available as a free download on Android platforms making it accessible to millions of women across economic backgrounds, with an iOS version expected to launch in the coming months to ensure comprehensive coverage across smartphone ecosystems.
• This initiative reflects Kaka’s commitment to social responsibility beyond entertainment, addressing a serious societal concern through practical technological solutions, and potentially inspiring other celebrities and public figures to leverage their influence for developing safety infrastructure and promoting women’s empowerment across India.

Sports News

Indian Mountaineer Aritra Roy Conquers Mount Aconcagua in Argentina

• Indian mountaineer Aritra Roy successfully summited Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, which stands at 6,961 meters (22,838 feet) as the highest peak in South America and the tallest mountain outside the Asian continent, representing a significant achievement in high-altitude mountaineering.
• This challenging ascent forms part of Roy’s ambitious quest to complete the Seven Summits challenge, which involves climbing the highest mountain on each of the seven continents—a feat accomplished by fewer than 500 people worldwide and considered one of mountaineering’s most prestigious achievements.
• The expedition required Roy to overcome extreme weather conditions including temperatures dropping below minus 30 degrees Celsius, powerful winds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour, severe altitude challenges including acute mountain sickness risks, and technical climbing sections that demand exceptional physical endurance and mental resilience.
• Roy’s achievement brings recognition to Indian mountaineering on the global stage, demonstrating that Indian climbers possess the technical skills, physical conditioning, determination, and resourcefulness to compete at the highest levels of international mountaineering alongside climbers from traditional mountaineering nations.
• The successful summit serves as inspiration for young Indians interested in adventure sports and mountaineering, highlighting the importance of physical fitness, mental strength, systematic training, proper equipment, and unwavering determination in achieving seemingly impossible goals and pushing human boundaries.

Obituary News

Olympic Snowboarding Pioneer Ueli Kestenholz Dies in Swiss Avalanche

• Ueli Kestenholz, a pioneering figure in Olympic snowboarding, tragically died in an avalanche in Switzerland at the age of 50, marking the loss of an athlete who played a crucial role in establishing snowboarding as a legitimate and respected Olympic sport.
• Kestenholz achieved historic significance by winning the bronze medal in snowboard giant slalom at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics in Japan, which represented snowboarding’s debut as an official Olympic sport, helping validate the discipline after years of struggle for recognition by the International Olympic Committee.
• Beyond his Olympic bronze, Kestenholz demonstrated sustained excellence by competing in two additional Winter Olympic Games, winning multiple gold medals at the prestigious X Games which showcase extreme sports, and earning respect as both a competitive athlete and ambassador for snowboarding culture worldwide.
• After retiring from competitive snowboarding, Kestenholz transitioned to freeride snowboarding, pursuing the pure joy of riding in backcountry terrain away from competition pressures, exploring steep mountain faces and untouched powder in the Swiss Alps where he continued to push boundaries and inspire younger generations of riders.
• The fatal incident occurred in Valais canton in the Swiss Alps, with local authorities conducting a thorough investigation into the avalanche conditions, safety protocols, and circumstances surrounding the tragedy, while the global snowboarding community mourns the loss of a true pioneer who helped transform their sport from counterculture activity to Olympic discipline.

Obituary News

Dilbert Creator Scott Adams Dies at 68, Leaving Behind a Complex Legacy

• Scott Adams, the creator of the internationally syndicated comic strip Dilbert, died in January 2026 at the age of 68, leaving behind a complicated legacy that combines influential satirical work with controversial public statements that significantly altered his reputation in later years.
• Adams launched Dilbert in 1989, and the comic strip quickly gained massive popularity for its incisive mockery of corporate culture, pointless meetings, incompetent management, absurd workplace policies, and the soul-crushing aspects of cubicle life, resonating deeply with office workers worldwide and appearing in thousands of newspapers across multiple countries.
• The strip’s success earned Adams numerous accolades including the prestigious Reuben Award from the National Cartoonists Society, spawned merchandise, books, and a television series, and established Dilbert’s pointed-haired boss and hapless engineer protagonist as iconic symbols of modern workplace dysfunction.
• However, Adams’ career took a dramatic turn in 2023 when controversial remarks he made during a video podcast led to widespread condemnation, resulting in hundreds of newspapers dropping the Dilbert comic strip from their publications, effectively ending its traditional syndication though Adams continued producing content through online platforms.
• Adams had been battling prostate cancer, and while his death marks the end of a significant voice in satirical commentary on American workplace culture, his legacy remains deeply contested, with some celebrating his satirical genius while others cannot separate his creative contributions from his controversial public statements in later years.