20th January, 2026 Current Affairs (Daily GK Update)

Agriculture and Rural Development

India Launches First Open-Sea Marine Fish Farming Project • India has initiated its first open-sea marine fish farming pilot project in the Andaman Sea, utilizing advanced cages and deep-water cultivation techniques. • The project focuses on finfish and seaweed cultivation to enhance marine productivity in open ocean environments. • Implementation is being carried out through collaboration between NIOT, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and the Andaman administration. • The initiative aims to boost coastal livelihoods, promote sustainable ocean resource utilization, and strengthen India’s Blue Economy framework.

Politics

Responsible Nations Index Launched to Measure Ethical and Inclusive Governance • Former President Ram Nath Kovind officially launched the Responsible Nations Index at a ceremony in New Delhi. • The index evaluates countries based on ethical governance, inclusive development, and responsibility toward citizens, environment, and knowledge systems. • Developed through collaboration between the World Intellectual Foundation and Jawaharlal Nehru University, the RNI offers an alternative to traditional economic or geopolitical rankings. • The initiative encourages nations to redefine progress by prioritizing moral responsibility, sustainability, and human-centric governance approaches.

International Relations

India Ranks 16th in Responsible Nations Index 2026 • India has secured the 16th position among 154 countries evaluated in the Responsible Nations Index, demonstrating strong performance in governance and environmental stewardship. • The World Intellectual Foundation-launched index assesses how responsibly nations exercise power toward citizens, the environment, and the international community. • India’s ranking places it ahead of several economically wealthier nations, reflecting its balanced approach to citizen welfare and climate action. • This position reinforces India’s image as a responsible global actor committed to international cooperation and sustainable development.

Environment and Mining Policy

India Introduces First Tailings Policy to Recover Critical Minerals • India has announced its pioneering Tailings Policy aimed at recovering critical minerals from mining waste materials left after ore processing. • The policy focuses on extracting valuable minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths from mine dumps and tailing ponds across the country. • Implementation involves coordination among multiple ministries and scientific evaluation of waste sites, with agencies tasked to map and assess recoverability potential. • The initiative supports clean energy goals, reduces import dependence, strengthens mineral security, and promotes sustainable mining practices.

International Relations

Key Outcomes of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s Visit to India • UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to India in January 2026 significantly strengthened bilateral strategic ties through multiple high-level agreements. • Key outcomes included investment cooperation in Gujarat’s Dholera Special Investment Region, partnerships in defence and space sectors, and long-term LNG supply arrangements. • Both nations announced agreements on food trade facilitation, AI and supercomputing collaboration, civil nuclear cooperation, and cultural initiatives including the House of India in Abu Dhabi. • The countries set an ambitious target to double bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032, reinforcing their comprehensive strategic partnership across economic, technological, energy, and people-to-people domains.

Demographics

China’s Population Declines for Fourth Year Despite New Birth Incentives • China’s population declined for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, falling by approximately 3 million people as births dropped to a record low of 7.92 million. • The birth rate fell to 5.63 per 1,000 people, reflecting a deepening fertility crisis driven by high living costs, job insecurity, and social pressures. • Despite policy shifts allowing more children and various incentives including cash subsidies and tax breaks, fertility remains far below replacement level. • The continued decline highlights the limited impact of pro-birth measures and signals growing long-term demographic and economic challenges for the nation.

Business

India on Track to Become an Upper-Middle-Income Nation • India is projected to enter the upper-middle-income category by the end of this decade, with per capita income expected to reach approximately $4,000 by 2030, according to a State Bank of India report. • This shift reflects steady improvements in living standards driven by strong GDP growth, structural reforms, digitalization, and infrastructure expansion. • India’s per capita income has risen sharply since 2007, while its economy crossed the $4 trillion mark by 2025 and is expected to become the world’s third-largest by 2028. • Sustained economic growth above 7% annually and rising productivity continue to strengthen India’s global economic position and competitiveness.

Economy

IMF Raises India’s Growth Outlook to 7.3% for FY 2025-26 • The International Monetary Fund has raised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY 2025-26 to 7.3%, representing an upward revision of 0.7 percentage points from earlier projections. • The revision reflects strong domestic demand, resilient investment activity, easing inflation pressures, and supportive macroeconomic policies. • Despite a slight moderation to 6.4% projected for FY 2026-27, India remains among the fastest-growing major economies globally. • India’s growth momentum benefits from structural reforms, digital expansion, demographic advantages, and a rapidly growing technology ecosystem.

Business

IMF Forecasts Steady Global Growth in 2026 as AI Boom Counters Trade Pressures • The International Monetary Fund has raised its global growth forecast for 2026 to 3.3%, up 0.2 percentage points, reflecting AI-driven investment, easing trade tensions, and improving supply chain adaptation. • Key drivers include massive spending on AI infrastructure, semiconductor chips, and data centers, which boost productivity and asset wealth across global economies. • Country-specific projections include the US at 2.4% growth, China at 4.5%, and the euro zone at 1.3% for the year. • Global inflation is expected to ease from 4.1% in 2025 to 3.8% in 2026, allowing central banks to adopt more accommodative monetary policies.

Business

India and UAE Set $200 Billion Trade Target by 2032, Deepen Strategic Partnership • India and the UAE have agreed to double bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032 during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in New Delhi. • Several agreements were signed covering diverse sectors including defence, space, energy, nuclear cooperation, infrastructure, and finance. • The UAE committed to invest in Dholera’s special investment region, while banking and logistics firms will expand operations in GIFT City. • Cultural ties will be strengthened through initiatives like establishing the House of India in Abu Dhabi to enhance people-to-people connections.

Science and Technology

C-DOT Wins SKOCH Award 2025 for Life-Saving Cell Broadcast Disaster Alert System • C-DOT has been honored with the SKOCH Award 2025 for developing an indigenous Cell Broadcast Solution that serves as a unified disaster alert platform. • The system delivers real-time, geo-targeted emergency warnings to mobile phones in 21 Indian languages, functioning even during network congestion. • The platform integrates multiple agencies including IMD, CWC, INCOIS, and NDMA to provide coordinated disaster response capabilities. • Aligned with the UN’s Early Warnings for All initiative, the solution strengthens India’s disaster preparedness, reduces loss of life and property, and showcases self-reliant telecom capabilities.

Entertainment

Ilaiyaraaja to Receive Padmapani Award at Ajanta–Ellora International Film Festival 2026 • Legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja will be honored with the prestigious Padmapani Award at the 11th Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival in early 2026. • The award recognizes his timeless contribution to Indian film music spanning a four-decade-long illustrious career. • The honor includes a memento, citation, and ₹2 lakh cash prize for his innovative blending of Indian and Western musical traditions. • His work has transformed cinema music and continues to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers across the country.

Corporate Appointments

Raymond Lifestyle Appoints Satyaki Ghosh as New CEO • Raymond Lifestyle has appointed Satyaki Ghosh as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 19, 2026, following board approval. • Ghosh brings over 25 years of industry experience across FMCG, textiles, retail, and consumer businesses to his new role. • He has held senior leadership positions at prominent organizations including Aditya Birla Group, Grasim Industries, L’Oréal India, and PepsiCo. • His appointment reflects Raymond’s strategic focus on strengthening leadership and accelerating growth in its lifestyle and consumer-focused business segments.

Biography/Literature

Vice-President Releases Hindi Edition of ‘Palanivelu GUTS’ • India’s Vice-President released the Hindi edition of Palanivelu GUTS, the autobiography of renowned surgeon Dr. C. Palanivelu, at an event in New Delhi. • The book chronicles Dr. Palanivelu’s journey from humble beginnings to achieving global recognition in the medical field, emphasizing themes of courage, unity, and service. • The Vice-President praised his pioneering contributions to laparoscopic and robotic surgery, his respect for mentors, and efforts to expand affordable healthcare access. • The Hindi edition is expected to inspire a wider audience beyond the medical community with its message of ethical innovation and perseverance.

Defence

Indian Navy Signs Contract for Indigenous Bottom Opening Barges • The Indian Navy has signed a contract with Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane, for constructing three 200-tonne Bottom Opening Non-Propelled Barges. • The contract, concluded on January 16, 2026, reinforces India’s push for indigenous defence manufacturing and supports MSME shipyards. • The barges will be built entirely in India under Indian Register of Shipping rules, aligning with Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. • The project will strengthen naval logistics capabilities while boosting domestic shipbuilding capacity, skilled employment, and self-reliance in the maritime sector under Maritime India Vision 2030.

Business

India Ranks Sixth in Asia Manufacturing Index 2026, Needs Stronger Push • India ranked sixth among 11 Asian countries in the Asia Manufacturing Index 2026 released by Dezan Shira & Associates, showing steady progress with remaining competitiveness gaps. • India benefits from a large domestic market, improving infrastructure, and a growing workforce, but lags leading Asian peers in execution speed and policy stability. • The country also faces challenges in innovation depth, logistics efficiency, and technology adoption compared to regional manufacturing leaders. • The index underscores the need for faster manufacturing reforms, better logistics infrastructure, skill development programs, and enhanced technology adoption to improve India’s competitive position.

Fashion

Valentino Garavani Passes Away at 93: End of an Era in Global Fashion • Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian fashion designer, passed away at the age of 93, marking the end of an era in global fashion. • He founded the iconic Valentino fashion house in 1960 and became globally renowned for luxury couture and his signature Valentino Red color. • His elegant designs dressed royalty, celebrities, and fashion icons worldwide throughout his career until his retirement in 2008 after decades of influence. • Valentino’s work blended timeless elegance with exceptional craftsmanship, helping shape modern haute couture, and his legacy continues through the Valentino brand as a symbol of style and sophistication.