22nd January, 2026 Current Affairs (Daily GK Update)

Business

Cabinet Approves ₹5,000 Crore Capital Support to SIDBI to Strengthen MSME Credit Flow • The Union Cabinet has approved a substantial equity infusion of ₹5,000 crore into the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to strengthen its capital base and enhance credit flow to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector. • This financial support will be provided in a phased manner spanning three fiscal years from FY26 to FY28, ensuring systematic implementation and effective utilization of funds. • The initiative is expected to benefit approximately 1.02 crore MSMEs across the country by improving their access to affordable finance and credit facilities. • The capital infusion is projected to generate about 1.12 crore employment opportunities while ensuring capital adequacy, financial stability, and promoting inclusive economic growth across various sectors.

Technology

SAMPANN Pension Portal Integrated with UMANG for Easy Access to Pension Services • India has significantly strengthened its digital governance framework by integrating the SAMPANN pension system with the Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance (UMANG) platform. • This integration enables around 4 lakh pensioners from the Department of Telecommunications to conveniently access their Pension Payment Order (PPO) details and Life Certificate validity status online. • The digital initiative enhances transparency, convenience, and pensioner-centric service delivery, particularly benefiting senior citizens by eliminating the need for physical visits to government offices. • Pensioners can now seamlessly access essential pension services anytime and anywhere through their mobile devices, ensuring better service delivery and improved user experience.

Technology

Andhra Pradesh to Get New Spaceport at Hope Island for Private Launches • Andhra Pradesh has announced ambitious plans to establish a new spaceport at Hope Island to support private and commercial space launches, marking a significant boost to India’s rapidly growing private space ecosystem. • Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu made this announcement, stating that the facility will primarily cater to small and medium-lift launch vehicles and enhance India’s space launch capabilities. • The new spaceport will complement the existing spaceports at Sriharikota and Kulasekharapatnam, creating a comprehensive space infrastructure network along India’s eastern coastline. • This initiative aligns with India’s strategic push to expand commercial space activities, leverage its advantageous eastern coastline location, and strengthen its competitive position in the global space economy.

Business & Economy

UAE-Telangana Partnership to Develop Bharat Future City as Global Urban Hub • At the World Economic Forum 2026, Telangana and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) agreed to explore collaborative opportunities for developing Bharat Future City, envisioned as India’s first net-zero greenfield smart city and a global urban hub. • The partnership focuses on sustainable infrastructure development, innovation, and long-term economic growth under the ambitious Telangana Rising 2047 vision framework. • The collaboration proposals include establishing a joint task force, creating investment partnerships, and fostering cooperation in diverse areas such as food clusters, skills development, and technology advancement. • This strategic partnership reinforces Telangana’s expanding global engagement and positions the state as a leader in sustainable urban development and smart city initiatives.

International Relations

Israel Joins Trump’s Board of Peace to Oversee Gaza Ceasefire Plan • Israel has agreed to join US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, an international body established to oversee the Gaza ceasefire and post-war reconstruction efforts, marking a significant shift from its earlier reservations. • The board includes participation from multiple countries including the UAE, Morocco, Vietnam, Belarus, Hungary, Kazakhstan, and Argentina, creating a diverse international coalition. • The board’s responsibilities include supervising the Gaza executive committee, handling the disarmament of Hamas, deploying international security forces, and overseeing comprehensive reconstruction efforts in the region. • This decision has sparked considerable domestic political debate within Israel and generated global controversy, particularly over Trump’s suggestion that the board could potentially replace the United Nations, which France strongly opposed.

International Relations

India, Namibia Agree to Deepen Cooperation in Defense and Critical Minerals • During the fifth round of Foreign Office Consultations held on 19-20 January 2026, India and Namibia agreed to significantly deepen bilateral cooperation in defense, critical minerals, health, agriculture, and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). • The discussions emphasized the strategic importance of securing critical mineral supply chains and sharing India’s extensive expertise in digital governance with Namibian counterparts. • The consultations promoted inclusive development and reflected a strong South-South cooperation framework, strengthening ties between the two nations in multiple strategic sectors. • Both countries agreed that the next round of consultations will be held in Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia, ensuring continued engagement and partnership development.

Education

Odisha-Meghalaya MoU to Boost Early Childhood Care and Development • Odisha and Meghalaya have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on Early Childhood Care, Education, and Development (ECCED), aiming to improve health, nutrition, early learning, and caregiving services for young children. • The partnership will focus on comprehensive knowledge sharing, capacity building initiatives, joint research projects, and exposure visits to facilitate learning and implementation of best practices. • The collaboration strategically combines Odisha’s expertise in community-based programs with Meghalaya’s innovative approaches specifically designed for tribal and remote areas. • By fostering mutual learning between the two states, this initiative seeks to strengthen early childhood services, promote inclusive solutions, and lay a strong foundation for children’s lifelong well-being and development.

Education

Assam Launches ₹25,000 Monthly Support Scheme for Research Scholars • The Assam government will launch the Atal Vichal Agragami Assam scheme on February 11, 2026, providing substantial monthly financial assistance of ₹25,000 to research scholars pursuing advanced studies. • The scheme demonstrates inclusive approach by providing enhanced support of ₹40,000 per month to Divyang (differently-abled) scholars, ensuring equal opportunities for all. • The initiative is aimed at promoting innovation, fostering high-quality research, and strengthening inclusive higher education across Assam’s academic institutions. • This scheme seeks to ease financial burdens on young researchers, empower emerging talent, and strengthen Assam’s academic ecosystem while ensuring equal opportunities and comprehensive support for scholars with disabilities.

Banking and Finance

RBI Approves Reappointment of Kaizad Bharucha as Whole-Time Director of HDFC Bank • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the reappointment of Kaizad Bharucha as Whole-Time Director (Deputy Managing Director) of HDFC Bank for a three-year term starting from April 2026. • This approval reflects strong regulatory confidence in Bharucha’s leadership capabilities and his contributions to the bank’s growth and stability over the years. • The reappointment ensures continuity and stability at the top management level of HDFC Bank, India’s largest private sector bank by assets and market capitalization. • Bharucha will continue to oversee key business verticals, risk management functions, and compliance operations, reinforcing strong governance practices and strategic direction at the bank.

Corporate Leadership Change

Albinder Dhindsa to Take Charge as Eternal Group CEO, Deepinder Goyal Steps Down • Deepinder Goyal has stepped down from his position as CEO of Eternal Group, citing his personal interest in pursuing high-risk and experimental business ideas and innovative ventures. • Goyal will continue to be associated with the company as Vice Chairman, subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming general meeting. • Albinder Dhindsa will take over as the new Group CEO, bringing his experience and focus on operational stability, sustainable growth, and corporate governance. • This marks a significant leadership transition as the company seeks to balance innovation and experimentation with professional management practices and operational excellence.

Leadership Appointment

Guardian India Appoints Karunakaran Azhisur as Country Head • Guardian India has appointed Karunakaran Azhisur as Country Head – India while he continues to serve in his existing role as Chief Information Officer, strengthening leadership at its Indian operations. • In his dual role, Azhisur will oversee overall operations in India, drive technology-led innovation initiatives, and provide support to global business functions from the India hub. • The appointment emphasizes people-centric growth, team development, and strategic execution as key priorities for Guardian’s operations in the Indian market. • This leadership move reflects Guardian’s strategic focus on aligning business leadership with digital transformation initiatives to enhance operational excellence and create long-term value.

Defense and Security

India to Launch Over 50 Spy Satellites After Operation Sindoor Lessons • India is set to launch over 50 advanced surveillance satellites under Phase 3 of its Space-Based Surveillance programme, following intelligence gaps revealed during Operation Sindoor. • The new constellation will include advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems that provide all-weather, day-and-night imaging capabilities regardless of cloud cover or lighting conditions. • These satellites will strengthen real-time battlefield intelligence, enhance national security surveillance, and provide critical information for military and strategic operations. • The comprehensive initiative also includes inter-satellite data transfer capabilities, establishment of overseas ground stations, and deployment of protective “bodyguard satellites,” reflecting India’s push for modernized, resilient, and secure space-based military capabilities.

Safety & Security

Mangaluru Tops India, Qingdao Ranks First Worldwide in Numbeo Safety Index 2026 • The Numbeo Safety Index 2026 has ranked 304 cities worldwide based on safety perceptions derived from crowd-sourced data, with Qingdao in China emerging as the world’s safest city. • Mangaluru in Karnataka has topped the safety rankings among Indian cities, demonstrating strong performance in crime prevention and public safety measures. • The rankings are based on comprehensive crowd-sourced crime and safety surveys that assess various parameters including crime rates, safety perceptions, and security infrastructure. • While India overall falls in the moderate safety category, select cities like Mangaluru and Ahmedabad have shown strong performance, highlighting variations in urban safety across different Indian cities.

Government Policy

Atal Pension Yojana Extended Till 2030-31 to Secure Old-Age Income • The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of Atal Pension Yojana (APY) till FY 2030–31, ensuring sustained government support for awareness campaigns, capacity building, and gap funding initiatives. • APY, launched in 2015, provides guaranteed monthly pensions ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 to workers in the unorganized sector, promoting old-age income security and financial inclusion. • The scheme has achieved remarkable success with over 8.66 crore subscribers enrolled, demonstrating widespread acceptance and trust among the target beneficiaries. • The extension strengthens long-term social security infrastructure and reduces reliance on family support or state assistance during retirement years, ensuring dignified living for senior citizens.

Infrastructure and Construction

Steel Slag Technology Proposed for Sustainable Roads in Hilly Regions • Steel slag-based road construction technology, including the innovative ECOFIX pothole repair mix, is being actively promoted for wider adoption in hilly and Himalayan regions to improve road durability and sustainability. • Supported by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Technology Development Board, this technology reuses industrial steel slag waste, enhancing road strength, water resistance, and resilience. • The technology is particularly beneficial for landslide-prone and high-rainfall areas in mountainous regions, offering superior performance compared to conventional road construction materials. • Workshops and capacity-building programs are being organized to raise awareness among engineers and government officials, encouraging systematic adoption of this circular-economy solution for faster repairs and long-lasting infrastructure development.

Sports

National Paralympic Powerlifting Championship Inaugurated in Uttarakhand • Uttarakhand hosted the National Paralympic Powerlifting Championship in January 2026, highlighting the importance of inclusive sports and empowering para-athletes across the country. • The championship was virtually inaugurated by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami from Roorkee, demonstrating government support for differently-abled athletes. • The event showcased strength, resilience, and discipline among para-athletes while providing national exposure and opportunities for talent identification for future international competitions. • This championship underscores India’s growing focus on sports for persons with disabilities, promotes equal participation in competitive sports, and positions Uttarakhand as a key destination for hosting national-level sporting events.

Sports

Saina Nehwal Retires from Badminton After Historic Career and Injury Battle • Saina Nehwal, India’s badminton icon and Olympic bronze medallist, has announced her retirement from competitive badminton after battling chronic knee injuries for nearly two years. • Nehwal became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic badminton medal, capturing bronze at the London 2012 Games, and also achieved the milestone of becoming World No.1 in the BWF rankings. • Her illustrious career transformed Indian badminton on the global stage, bringing unprecedented attention and investment to the sport in India and inspiring generations of young players. • The retirement marks the end of a golden era for Indian badminton, as Nehwal’s achievements include multiple Commonwealth Games medals, Super Series titles, and consistent top-10 rankings over more than a decade.