21st January, 2026 Current Affairs (Daily GK Update)

Economy

International Year of Cooperatives 2025: India’s Cooperative Push for Inclusive Growth • The year 2025 was declared the International Year of Cooperatives with the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World” • India strengthened its cooperative ecosystem through PACS digitalisation, multipurpose cooperatives expansion, grain storage facilities, and White Revolution 2.0 • The country has over 8.5 lakh cooperatives serving approximately 32 crore members across various sectors • Reforms under the Sahkar se Samriddhi initiative have enhanced rural livelihoods, increased women’s participation, improved market access, and promoted sustainable development • The initiatives showcase cooperatives as a fundamental pillar for inclusive economic growth in India

Culture

233-Year-Old Valmiki Ramayana Gifted to Ram Katha Museum in Ayodhya • A rare 233-year-old Sanskrit manuscript of the Valmiki Ramayana dating back to 1792 CE has been permanently donated to the International Ram Katha Museum in Ayodhya • The manuscript contains the Tattvadipikatika commentary and preserves five major kāṇḍas of the epic • Central Sanskrit University gifted this valuable historical document to enhance cultural preservation • The donation provides scholars and devotees with wider access to this ancient text for research and devotional purposes • This addition reinforces Ayodhya’s position as a global centre for Ramayana tradition and cultural heritage

Environment

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Declared Eco-Sensitive Zone • The Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan has been officially declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone covering 0–1 km around the sanctuary • The ESZ designation aims to protect the fragile Aravalli ecology and regulate development, mining, and industrial activities in the surrounding areas • The sanctuary is home to diverse wildlife including leopards, hyenas, pangolins, and various bird species • The notification promotes sustainable livelihoods for local communities through organic farming, agroforestry, and eco-friendly practices • This initiative balances environmental conservation with the development needs of local populations

Animal Welfare

Punjab Launches First Dog Sanctuary in Ludhiana to Tackle Stray Dog Menace • Punjab has inaugurated its first-ever Dog Sanctuary in Ludhiana as a pilot project to manage stray dog populations humanely • The sanctuary operates following Supreme Court guidelines and the Animal Birth Control Rules to address dog bite incidents • Key focus areas include sterilisation, vaccination, and providing shelter facilities for stray dogs • The initiative aims to ensure public safety while maintaining high standards of animal welfare • This model will be replicated across the state if successful, combining responsible urban governance with humane animal management

International Relations

India-EU Summit 2026: Trade, Defense and Mobility Talks Enter a Decisive Phase • The India-EU Summit is scheduled for January 27, 2026, in New Delhi, with European leaders attending India’s Republic Day celebrations • Major announcements expected include significant progress toward concluding the long-pending India-EU Free Trade Agreement • New cooperation areas will cover security and defense, including India’s access to the EU’s SAFE defence programme • A mobility framework for Indian workers will be discussed to strengthen people-to-people ties • The summit signals a deepening strategic partnership encompassing trade, security, climate-linked challenges, and cultural exchanges

Energy/Trade

UAE Becomes India’s Second-Largest LNG Supplier After New Agreement • India and the UAE signed a long-term LNG supply agreement during President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit in January 2026 • Under the agreement, the UAE will supply 0.5 million metric tonnes of LNG annually to India • This deal makes the UAE India’s second-largest LNG supplier after Qatar, significantly strengthening energy security • The agreement supports India’s clean energy transition goals and reduces dependence on traditional energy sources • The partnership extends beyond energy to include cooperation in trade, defence, nuclear energy, food safety, and investment sectors

Safety & Security

Abu Dhabi Ranked World’s Safest City for 10th Consecutive Year • Abu Dhabi has retained the top position as the world’s safest city for the 10th consecutive year according to Numbeo’s global safety rankings • The UAE capital has been topping the safety index continuously since 2017, demonstrating consistent performance • The achievement reflects consistently low crime rates, strict law enforcement, advanced smart surveillance systems, and strong governance • This recognition significantly enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors • The safety record reinforces Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a secure destination for international investment, tourism, and attracting global talent

Science & Technology

Sun Unleashes Strongest Solar Radiation Storm in Over 20 Years • The Sun has unleashed a Level-4 (severe) solar radiation storm, the strongest event since October 2003, according to space weather experts • The storm was triggered by an X-class solar flare and a coronal mass ejection (CME) directed toward Earth • Upon reaching Earth, the storm caused brilliant auroras across Europe and temporary GPS disruptions in various regions • Alerts were issued for satellites, aviation systems, astronauts on the International Space Station, and power infrastructure • Though largely managed due to preparedness measures, the event highlights rising solar activity and potential impacts on modern technology and space missions

Insurance

SBI Life Smart Platina Advantage Launched for Long Term Financial Security • SBI Life Insurance has launched Smart Platina Advantage, a non-linked, guaranteed savings and life insurance plan • The plan offers long-term financial certainty with limited premium payment options, comprehensive life cover, and flexible maturity benefits • Key features include tax benefits under applicable sections and predictable returns for conservative investors • The product is designed for major life goals such as children’s education, retirement planning, and wealth creation • Optional riders are available for enhanced protection, providing peace of mind amid market uncertainties through disciplined, risk-free savings

Politics

Government Names New Envoys to New Zealand and Georgia • India has announced key diplomatic appointments to strengthen global engagement and bilateral relations • Muanpuii Saiawi, an IFS officer from the 2005 batch, has been appointed as India’s next High Commissioner to New Zealand • Amit Kumar Mishra, an IFS officer from the 2004 batch, will serve as India’s Ambassador to Georgia • Both senior diplomats are expected to assume their charges shortly with mandates to deepen bilateral cooperation • Their focus areas will include trade enhancement, educational exchanges, and strengthening people-to-people ties in their respective regions

Government Appointments

Ravi Shankar Chhabi Appointed DIG in CRPF on Central Deputation • Ravi Shankar Chhabi, an IPS officer from the 2007 batch of Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as DIG in CRPF • The Ministry of Home Affairs has approved this central deputation posting • The UP government has been requested to relieve him from his current position as DIG Public Grievances in Lucknow • He brings significant experience in managing elections and prison administration to his new role • This appointment strengthens the central leadership of CRPF, which handles crucial internal security operations

Defense

Exercise DOSTI Begins: India, Maldives and Sri Lanka Strengthen Indian Ocean Security • Exercise DOSTI is a trilateral naval drill involving India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, launched in Male to enhance maritime cooperation • The exercise focuses on strengthening maritime security, coordination, and trust building in the Indian Ocean region • Key training areas include search and rescue operations, maritime surveillance, and communication drills • The exercise addresses non-traditional security threats such as piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing activities • Aligned with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, it enhances regional cooperation, naval interoperability, and maritime domain awareness

Technology

India AI Impact Summit 2026: Shaping Inclusive and Responsible AI for the World • India will host the India AI Impact Summit 2026 from February 16–20 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi • The five-day global event will bring together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, startups, and civil society organizations • The summit focuses on inclusive, ethical, and people-centric AI for development guided by principles of People, Planet, and Progress • Seven key impact areas will be covered including healthcare, agriculture, education, and governance applications • The event will feature exhibitions, thematic pavilions, flagship challenges, and the AI Compendium showcasing real-world AI applications for social and economic benefit

Sports

BCCI Signs ₹270 Crore Gemini Sponsorship Deal Ahead of IPL 2026 • The BCCI has signed a ₹270 crore, three-year sponsorship deal with Google’s AI platform Gemini for the Indian Premier League • The partnership begins from the 2026 IPL season, highlighting the league’s massive commercial appeal globally • This deal reflects the growing role of artificial intelligence companies in Indian cricket sponsorship • The partnership strengthens the IPL’s global brand value and demonstrates tech-driven sports sponsorship trends • The IPL 2026 season is scheduled to be played from March 26 to May 31, 2026

Science & Technology

NASA Prepares Historic Artemis II Mission to Orbit the Moon • Artemis II is NASA’s first crewed mission under the Artemis programme, designed to send humans beyond low Earth orbit for the first time since 1972 • The 10-day mission will carry four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft on a lunar flyby, orbiting the Moon without landing • Primary objectives include testing critical deep-space systems such as life support, navigation, and communications for future missions • The crew comprises Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch from NASA, and Jeremy Hansen from Canada • This marks the first time a Canadian astronaut will travel to the Moon, paving the way for future Moon-landing missions

Space & Astronomy

NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams Retires: Here Looking At Her Remarkable Journey • NASA astronaut Sunita Williams retired after 27 years of distinguished service in human spaceflight and space exploration • A former U.S. Navy pilot selected as an astronaut in 1998, she flew three space missions and spent 608 days in space • She completed nine spacewalks totaling over 62 hours, holding the record for the most spacewalks by any woman • Williams served as Commander of the International Space Station and became the first person to run a marathon in space • Beyond missions, she contributed to astronaut training, played leadership roles at NASA, and supported the Artemis programme for future Moon and Mars exploration

Space/Science

First Medical Evacuation from the International Space Station: Explained • NASA conducted the first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station on January 15, 2026 • The SpaceX Crew-11 mission returned early due to a non-critical medical issue affecting one astronaut • Although the medical condition was manageable in orbit, NASA opted for precautionary return to enable advanced medical evaluation on Earth • The crew splashed down safely off the coast of Florida, and ISS operations continued without interruption • This historic event marked a major milestone in space medicine, astronaut safety protocols, and preparedness for long-duration missions

Politics

Tripura, Manipur and Meghalaya Foundation Day 2026: Marking 54 Years of Statehood • Tripura, Manipur and Meghalaya celebrate their Foundation Day on January 21, 2026, marking 54 years of statehood • These states were elevated to full statehood in 1972 under the North Eastern Areas Reorganisation Act, 1971 • The day commemorates their transition from Union Territories or parts of Assam to full-fledged states with greater autonomy • The statehood granted these regions greater political autonomy and protection of their distinct cultures and languages • The foundation day symbolizes balanced regional development and cultural preservation in Northeast India