Politics

Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to WB & Assam from January 17-18, 2026 • Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a two-day official visit to West Bengal and Assam on January 17-18, 2026, focusing on infrastructure development, cultural engagement and regional connectivity initiatives across the two states. • In West Bengal, PM Modi visited Malda on January 17, 2026, to dedicate projects worth Rs.3,250 crore to the nation and flagged off India’s 1st Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Howrah (WB) and Guwahati (Kamakhya) (Assam) at Malda town railway station. • He laid the foundation stone of 4 major railway projects in WB and dedicated the electrification of the New Coochbehar-Bamanhat rail sections to the nation, enabling cleaner and energy-efficient train operations. He also virtually flagged off 4 new Amrit Bharat Express trains and two new train services equipped with Link Hofmann-Busch (LHB) coaches. • PM Modi launched a 50-passenger hybrid electric aluminium catamaran developed at a cost of Rs 12 crore and laid the foundation stone of the Extended Port Gate System at Balagarh, including an Inland Water Transport terminal and a Road Over Bridge. • In Assam, PM Modi attended the ‘Bagurumba Dwhou 2026’ at Sarusajai stadium in Guwahati on January 17, 2026, and performed Bhoomi Pujan of the 86 km-long Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project worth over Rs 6,950 crore on January 18, 2026, during an event held in Kaliabor, Assam.

Economy

MoSPI: India’s Unemployment Rate Remains Stable at 4.8% in December 2025 • In January 2026, the National Statistical Office under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released the 9th edition of ‘Periodic Labour Force Survey Monthly Bulletin – December 2025’. • As per the report, Unemployment Rate among persons aged 15 years and above remained stable at 4.8% in December 2025, compared to 4.7% in November 2025. • The December 2025 PLFS monthly estimates are based on a total of 3,73,990 individuals surveyed, comprising 2,13,216 from rural areas and 1,60,774 from urban areas. The rural UR remained stagnant at 3.9%, while the urban UR increased to 6.7% from 6.5% in the previous month. • The overall Labour Force Participation Rate among persons of age 15 years and above observed as 56.1% in December 2025 compared to 55.8% in November 2025, showing an upward trend. • The overall Worker Population Ratio for individuals aged 15 years and above increased from 53.2% in November 2025 to 53.4% in December 2025.

Agriculture

MoAFW: India’s Rabi Sowing Rises 2.8% to 64.42 Million Hectares • In January 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare released data related to the total area coverage under Rabi crops as on January 09, 2026, showing total area sown under rabi crops has increased by 2.8% to 64.42 million hectares. • The total area sown under rabi crops increased by 1.76 million hectares to 64.42 Mn ha, compared to 62.6 mn ha recorded in the same period last year. The current sown area has also surpassed the seasonal average of 63.78 Mn ha. • The expansion in sown area was mainly attributed to higher acreage under wheat, rice, pulses and oilseeds. The total area sown under Wheat increased by 6.13 lakh hectares to 33.42 Mn ha in 2025-26 rabi season, while the total area under Rice stood at 2.17 Mn ha. • The total area under Pulses increased by 3.74 lh from 13.2 Mn ha (2024-25) to 13.64 Mn ha (2025-26), mainly driven by chana as total area under it touched 9.58 Mn ha during 2025-26 season over 9.12 Mn ha in 2024-25. • The total area under Oilseeds has increased to 9.68 Mn ha, registering an increase of 3.53 lh compared to last year, while the total area covered under Coarse cereals has expanded to 5.52 Mn ha during 2025-26 season.

Science & Technology

Union MoS Dr Jitendra Singh Announces Deployment of 200 Automatic Weather Stations Across 4 Cities • On 15th January 2026, Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Earth Sciences and Ministry of Science & Technology, announced the expansion of India’s urban weather observation infrastructure with the deployment of 200 Automatic Weather Stations across four major metropolitan cities. • The announcement was made at the 151st Foundation Day celebrations of the India Meteorological Department held at Mausam Bhawan in New Delhi. Out of the total 200 AWS, 50 each will be installed in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Pune during 2026, under Mission Mausam Phase II. • The weather Stations will provide granular and high-resolution spatial data, enabling more accurate prediction of sudden downpours, thunderstorms, extreme heat events, and rapid pressure changes. At present, India operates a network of about 1,000 AWS. • Union MoS Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated several key facilities at the IMD campus, including a Model Observatory, a three-dimensional-Printed AWS, and an Agro-AWS, showcasing India’s focus on indigenously developed, cost-effective, and modular meteorological technologies. • India’s weather forecasting capabilities has transformed significantly with cyclone track prediction accuracy increasing by nearly 35% to 40%, while errors in monthly and seasonal forecasts have reduced sharply from around 7.5% to nearly 2.5%. The number of weather radars has nearly tripled over the past decade, now covering close to 87% of the country’s geographical area.

Agriculture and Rural Development

Union Minister Jitendra Singh Launches India’s First Open-Sea Marine Fish Farming Project in A & N Islands • On 13 January 2026, Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science and Technology, launched India’s first open-sea Marine Fish Farming project in the Andaman Sea, at North Bay, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. • It is a pilot project designed to promote India’s Blue Economy by utilizing ocean resources for sustainable development and creating livelihood opportunities for local communities. • The project is being implemented through collaboration between the Ministry of Earth Sciences, its technical arm National Institute of Ocean Technology and the Union Territory Administration of A&N Islands. • The pilot initiative emphasizes open-sea farming of marine finfish and seaweed under natural ocean conditions, combining scientific innovation with opportunities for livelihood generation. • The project includes marine finfish cultivation using open‑sea cages developed by NIOT for rearing species such as seabass and cobia in natural ocean environments, and seaweed farming through distribution of seaweed seeds to local fishers to encourage deep‑water seaweed cultivation.

Environment and Wildlife

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav Launches Second Nationwide Dolphin Survey in Bijnor, UP • In January 2026, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, launched the second nationwide range-wide estimation of riverine and estuarine dolphins under Project Dolphin, flagged off from Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh. • The programme builds on the results of India’s first nationwide dolphin population survey conducted during 2021–23 and is led by the Wildlife Institute of India in collaboration with State Forest Departments and partner conservation organizations. • The survey began with 26 researchers operating from three boats, collecting ecological and habitat data while employing technologies like hydrophones for underwater acoustic monitoring. • The first phase focuses on the main stem of the Ganga from Bijnor to Ganga Sagar and the Indus River, while the second phase will extend to the Brahmaputra, Ganga tributaries, the Sundarbans, and Odisha. • The previous survey conducted during 2021–23 recorded approximately 6,327 riverine dolphins nationwide, with highest populations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, followed by West Bengal and Assam.

Business

MoMSME Approved Establishment of MSME Technology Centre at Pandoga & Parwanoo, HP • In January 2026, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises approved two MSME Technology Centres at Pandoga area in Una district, and in Parwanoo industrial area in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. • These TCs have been approved as part of the 13 new Technology Centre-Extension Centres which are being established across the country. The newly approved TCs will be established at a cost of nearly Rs 10 crore each. • These MSME TCs are designed to provide MSMEs with access to advanced technology, skilled manpower and specialized technical services to enhance competitiveness, modernization and growth in manufacturing sectors. • These centres are expected to benefit manufacturing sectors like engineering, plastics and automation, and offer training, tool and die design facilities and access to emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence and robotics. • The key facilities enhance product quality and operational efficiency by providing access to advanced technology, skilled manpower and specialized technical services for MSMEs across various manufacturing sectors.

Defence/Military Exercise

India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives Conducts 17th Trilateral Coast Guard Exercise ‘DOSTI 17’ in Maldives • On 17 January 2026, the 17th edition of the biennial trilateral Coast Guard exercise ‘DOSTI 17’ involving the Indian Coast Guard, Sri Lanka Coast Guard, and the Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard, commenced in Male, Maldives. • The biennial maritime exercise was held from 17 to 19 January 2026. Exercise DOSTI was initiated in 1991 as a bilateral exercise between the ICG and the MNDF Coast Guard, and expanded into a trilateral exercise including Sri Lanka in 2012. • India is represented by a four-member ICG delegation led by Director General Paramesh Sivamani, while Sri Lanka is represented by Admiral Rohan Joseph, DG of the SLCG. The harbour phase was held from 17–19 January 2026 and was followed by an operational sea phase. • The exercise emphasizes collaborative MARPOL-based marine pollution response drills while promoting reciprocal learning and strengthening operational capabilities among participants. It conducts joint Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure drills and develops cross-boarding Standard Operating Procedures. • The exercise supports India’s SAGAR vision and Neighbourhood First policy by fostering regional maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. ICG ships and aircraft participated to test operational coordination in open-sea conditions.

Economy/Finance

World Bank Approves USD286 Million for West Bengal Healthcare • In January 2026, The World Bank approved USD286 million financing for the West Bengal Health System Reform Program, targeting improved quality of life and life expectancy for over 90 million people through equitable access to quality healthcare services. • The International Bank of Reconstruction and Development approved a loan with a maturity of 16.5 years, including a grace period of 3 years. The WB approved WBHSRP will support delivery of personalized healthcare services across the state for people over 30 years. • West Bengal has made sustainable health gains in the past 20 years, with Infant Mortality Rates declining from 32 deaths per 1000 births in 2018 to 2012 to 19 deaths in 2018 to 2020. Life expectancy in the state has reached 72 years, above the national average. • Despite improvements, West Bengal has the second-highest rate of adolescent pregnancies in India at 16%, contributing to a Maternal Mortality Ratio of 103 deaths per 1,00,000 live births in 2018. • The Programme will enhance access to quality healthcare services and reduce inequities in maternal and adolescent health in the districts of Purulia, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Maldah and Uttar Dinajpur, and also support strengthening gender-based violence services.

Insurance

SBI Life Launches ‘Smart Platina Advantage’ Guaranteed Savings Plan • In January 2026, SBI Life Insurance launched ‘SBI Life – Smart Platina Advantage’, an individual, non-linked, non-participating life insurance savings plan offering long-term guaranteed benefits and life insurance protection. • The plan supports financial goals across life stages, such as children’s education, retirement, and wealth creation, providing a savings-oriented life insurance plan with guaranteed benefits and financial protection. • The plan features limited premium payment terms of 7 or 10 years with coverage for 15, 20, or 30 years, available from Rs.50,000 annual premiums with tax benefits under Income Tax Act provisions. • It provides guaranteed additions that accrue annually to boost maturity value, with higher additions for larger premiums and longer terms, and offers flexibility to receive maturity proceeds in installments up to 7 years for post-maturity liquidity. • The plan ensures predictable outcomes with guaranteed additions and protection regardless of market fluctuations, providing security for the family throughout the policy term in case of the life assured’s death.

Energy & Environment

IGGEFIL Sanctions First International Green Loan for Zambia Solar Project • In January 2026, IREDA Global Green Energy Finance IFSC Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited, sanctioned its first international green energy loan of USD 22.5 million to Swarna Solar Limited. • The loan is for developing a 100 Megawatt Photovoltaic Solar Power Project in Serenje District, Central Province of Zambia. This sanction marks IGGEFIL’s inaugural international loan since its incorporation at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. • Operating from GIFT City enables access to foreign-currency loans, reducing hedging costs and improving global competitiveness for international renewable energy projects. • The loan was approved to leverage competitive international capital for global renewable energy development, positioning IREDA as a global catalyst for clean energy financing. • The move supports the Government of India’s vision of promoting cross-border investments in renewable energy and strengthening India’s role in global clean energy financing.

Defense & Security

BSNL & Viasat Collaborate for Indian Navy’s SatCom Upgrade • In January 2026, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited and Viasat, Inc., an American satellite communications firm, announced a partnership to support the next phase of the Indian Navy’s Satellite Communications upgrade programme. • Viasat’s Ka‑band systems will integrate with BSNL’s L‑band network, enabling the Indian Navy’s multi‑band SATCOM connectivity, strengthening coverage and providing dependable communication for vital naval operations. • Viasat will deploy an international government team to manage the program under the Communication Services segment, while BSNL will provide gateway infrastructure, integration, and strategic support for naval SATCOM. • The partnership focuses on multi-band, multi-constellation SatCom with enhanced coverage and reliability through integration of Viasat Ka-band systems with BSNL L-band network. • Viasat’s equipment has reached India, with installation scheduled to start in late January 2026, utilizing BSNL Gateway Earth Station and Viasat’s global satellite network infrastructure.

Politics

Shaea Muhssin Mohammed Al-Zindani Appointed as PM of Yemen • On January 15, 2026, Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council appointed Shaea Muhssin Mohammed Al-Zindani, Foreign Minister of Yemen, as the new Prime Minister of Yemen, succeeding Salem bin Braik. • He is a senior Yemeni diplomat and politician, widely recognized for his extensive diplomatic experience and key role in representing Yemen internationally during a critical phase in the country’s political transition. • He has had an extensive career in diplomacy and foreign service, serving as Deputy Foreign Minister of Yemen during the early 1990s, followed by key ambassadorial assignments as Yemen’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Italy, and Jordan. • He also represented Yemen as Ambassador to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations from 2008 to 2010, and served as Yemen’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates from 2024. • Before his appointment as PM, he brought more than 30 years of expertise in diplomacy, foreign service, and representing Yemen at international forums and organizations.

Government & Politics

President Droupadi Murmu Appoints Praveen Vashista as Vigilance Commissioner in CVC • On 16 January 2026, President of India, Droupadi Murmu, appointed Praveen Vashista as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission for four years or until the incumbent attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. • The appointment was made through a warrant dated 12 December 2025 under Section 4(1) of the CVC Act, 2003. He brings more than 30 years of expertise in law enforcement, criminal investigations, and internal security management. • He is an Indian Police Service officer from the 1991 batch, belonging to the Bihar cadre, and held key positions in Bihar, including Inspector General roles in the Economic Offences Wing and the Criminal Investigation Department. • At the central level, he served in the Central Bureau of Investigation as Superintendent of Police and Deputy Inspector General, demonstrating his expertise in criminal investigations. • He occupied senior roles in the Ministry of Home Affairs, including Joint Secretary, Additional Secretary, Officer on Special Duty, and Special Secretary (Internal Security), showcasing his capabilities in internal security management.

Banking & Finance

ICICI Bank Re-appointed Sandeep Bakshi as MD & CEO till 2028 • In January 2026, ICICI Bank Limited re-appointed Sandeep Bakshi as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for another two years, with effect from October 04, 2026 to October 03, 2028. • His reappointment is subject to further approval from the Reserve Bank of India, stakeholders, and such other approvals as may be required. The Board of Directors also re-appointed Ajay Kumar Gupta as Executive Director of the bank from November 27, 2026 to November 26, 2028. • Bakshi was appointed as the MD and CEO of the bank for the 1st time in October 2018 and later, his term was extended until October 2026. Prior to his appointment as MD & CEO, he served as a Whole-time Director and the Chief Operating Officer of the bank. • Bakshi has been associated with the ICICI Group since 1996 and has held various senior positions across the group in ICICI Limited, ICICI Lombard General Insurance, ICICI Bank and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance. • His extensive experience across multiple entities of the ICICI Group demonstrates his deep understanding of the financial services sector and his capability to lead the bank’s operations effectively.

National Events

Indian Army Day 2026 – January 15 • Indian Army Day also known as Bhartiya Sena Diwas is celebrated annually across India on 15th January to honour the courage, discipline and sacrifice of Indian Army personnel. 15 January 2026 marks the 78th Indian Army Day. • The day marks the appointment of General K.M. Cariappa as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949, succeeding General Sir Francis Robert Roy Bucher, the last British C-in-C of independent India. • On 15th January 2026, the Indian Army celebrated its 78th Army Day with a grand parade held at Mahal Road in Jaipur, Rajasthan, making it the fourth time the event was held outside New Delhi and the first time outside a military cantonment. • The Army Day Parade was hosted for the first time by the South Western Command, also known as the Sapta Shakti Command. Sena Medals (Posthumous) were awarded to the Next of Kin of five soldiers for acts of bravery. • The parade featured over 30 contingents, including seven major marching units, and the Nepal Army Band participated, underscoring strong India–Nepal defence cooperation. The newly raised Bhairav Battalion made its first public appearance as an agile combat force designed for rapid response and multi-domain operations.