Daily current affairs: 21 January 2026

Long Description : During the visit of the UAE President to India, both nations reviewed their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Bilateral trade has already reached $100 billion in FY 2024–25 following the 2022 CEPA agreement. A significant 10-year LNG supply deal was signed between HPCL and ADNOC Gas for 0.5 million tonnes annually starting in 2028. Key discussions included UAE investment in the Dholera Special Investment Region and the launch of the second NIIF Infrastructure Fund in 2026. The leaders also proposed "Digital Embassies" and a "House of India" in Abu Dhabi, while UAE pledged support for India’s 2026 BRICS Chairmanship.

Long Description : On January 21, 1972, the three Northeastern states of Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura became full-fledged states under the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971. This anniversary highlights the political integration and cultural diversity of the Northeast region. Prime Minister Modi lauded the scenic beauty of Meghalaya and the talent of the people in Manipur and Tripura. These states have become vital contributors to India's growth story, with the government emphasizing infrastructure and peace-building initiatives in the region as part of the "Act East" policy.

Long Description : The latest International Monetary Fund (IMF) report titled "Global Economy: Steady amid Divergent Forces" highlights India's robust domestic demand and rising public investment as key drivers. While global growth is pegged at 3.2% for 2026, India is expected to maintain a 7.3% pace before slightly moderating to 6.4% in the following years. The report notes that while global inflation is expected to fall to 3.8%, India's structural reforms in the manufacturing sector and digital public infrastructure are providing a significant cushion against global volatility and external trade tensions.

Long Description : Speaking at the 22nd Subroto Mukherjee seminar in New Delhi, the IAF Chief asserted that recent global conflicts prove that military power remains the final deciding factor in international relations. He highlighted that while India is growing economically, it must simultaneously modernize its kinetic capabilities to deter aggression. The Chief cited historical and contemporary examples like Iraq and Venezuela to argue that sovereign nations must maintain a credible military edge. This comes amid the IAF's focus on "Atmanirbharta" and the integration of advanced technologies like AI in aerial warfare.

Long Description : To improve transparency and accountability, the RBI has issued new guidelines requiring banks to get their Priority Sector Lending (PSL) achievements certified by statutory auditors. This move aims to eliminate "evergreening" of loans and the inflation of PSL figures by financial institutions. Banks are required to lend a specific percentage of their Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) to sectors such as agriculture, education, housing, and social infrastructure. The new certification process will provide a more accurate picture of how credit is flowing to the weaker sections of the economy.

Long Description : During high-level talks with India’s External Affairs Minister, Spain formally joined the IPOI, an India-led initiative to ensure a safe, secure, and stable maritime domain. The two ministers discussed the expansion of bilateral ties in defense, green hydrogen, and digital transformation. Spain’s entry into the IPOI highlights the growing European interest in the Indo-Pacific region. Both nations also condemned terrorism and called for stronger international cooperation. This partnership is expected to boost maritime security and sustainable use of marine resources through shared technology and intelligence.

Long Description : In a significant move for environmental conservation, the Supreme Court suggested forming a panel comprising experts from various fields to define what constitutes the "Aravallis." Currently, the lack of a standardized definition has led to legal loopholes that mining companies exploit. The Court emphasized that protecting the range is crucial for preventing desertification in North India and maintaining groundwater levels. The proposed panel will help the judiciary and state governments of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi enforce strict conservation laws and identify areas that must remain protected from any commercial activity.

Long Description : The RNI is a first-of-its-kind framework launched at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre to measure how "responsibly" nations act in the global arena. Singapore topped the index, followed by Switzerland and Denmark. India secured the 16th spot with a score of 0.5515. The index evaluates countries on parameters like environmental sustainability, adherence to international law, humanitarian contributions, and global peace efforts. For India, the ranking reflects its growing role as a "Vishwa Bandhu" (Global Friend) and its leadership in climate change initiatives and digital public goods.

Long Description : In a major reshuffle of top security brass, Rakesh Aggarwal has been appointed as the DG of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) until August 2028. Praveen Kumar will take over as the DG of the Border Security Force (BSF) until 2030, and Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor has been named the DG of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). These appointments are crucial for India's internal security and border management, particularly in the context of counter-terrorism and the ongoing challenges along the LAC and the Western borders.

Long Description : India and Japan have expanded their strategic partnership into deep-tech and resource security. The new AI Dialogue will be led by Foreign Ministers to ensure ethical and secure development of AI technologies. Simultaneously, the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Critical Minerals aims to secure supply chains for elements like lithium and cobalt, essential for the EV revolution. This collaboration is part of the broader Economic Security initiative, which seeks to reduce dependence on single-source supply chains and foster public-private cooperation in high-tech manufacturing between the two Quad partners.

Long Description : In a push for digital banking innovation, Canara Bank partnered with NBSL to integrate a plugin-based UPI solution. This technology allows the bank to offer a more seamless and faster UPI payment experience directly within its primary banking app without redirecting to third-party providers. This move is expected to increase transaction success rates and improve user retention for the bank's digital platform. As the first bank to implement this, Canara Bank sets a precedent for other public and private sector lenders to modernize their UPI architecture.

Long Description : To meet its "Net Zero by 2070" goal, India has added four new sectors—likely including chemicals and heavy manufacturing—to its carbon credit and emission monitoring system. This expansion aligns with India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. By mandating emission targets, the government aims to encourage energy efficiency and the adoption of low-carbon technologies. Companies in these sectors can now earn carbon credits for exceeding reduction targets, which can be traded in the domestic carbon market, fostering a green economy while curbing industrial pollution.

Long Description : The survey, conducted under "Project Dolphin," aims to assess the population trends and habitat health of India’s National Aquatic Animal. Covering major river systems including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries, the census uses modern underwater acoustic monitoring to track the mammals even in murky waters. This data is critical for conservation efforts and to evaluate the impact of the "Namami Gange" project on river biodiversity. The Gangetic Dolphin is an indicator species, meaning its health reflects the overall ecological status of the entire river ecosystem.

Long Description : The IAF aircraft experienced a technical malfunction during a routine training sortie. Both pilots on board displayed exceptional skill by landing the craft safely in an open field away from populated areas, preventing any loss of life or property. The IAF has ordered a formal inquiry to determine the exact cause of the malfunction. Microlite aircraft are primarily used by the IAF for adventure training and bird strike monitoring around airbases. This incident highlights the rigorous training pilots undergo to handle in-flight emergencies.

Long Description : This discovery adds a significant chapter to India’s marine biodiversity. The new species belongs to the family Laophontidae within the class Copepoda. It features a unique semi-cylindrical, depressed body and antennae-like appendages. Found in the coral debris of the Kavaratti lagoon, the discovery underscores the ecological importance of the Lakshadweep archipelago. Such findings are vital for understanding marine food webs, as these tiny creatures serve as a primary food source for larger marine life, and they help scientists monitor the health of coral reef ecosystems.

Long Description : Vijender Singh, who won the bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has been inducted into the continental governing body for boxing. His role will involve advising on the development of the sport across Asia and enhancing the professional boxing landscape in India. This appointment is seen as a move to give Indian boxing a stronger voice in international administration. Vijender's experience in both amateur and professional circuits is expected to help in drafting better policies for athlete welfare and tournament organization at the Asian level.