Daily current affairs: 23 January 2026

Long Description : The Ministry of Culture organized Parakram Diwas 2026 at 14 iconic locations, with the central celebration at Netaji Stadium in Sri Vijaya Puram. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Netaji’s legacy, emphasizing his vision for a modern India. The event included a spectacular drone show, theatrical performances by the National School of Drama, and exhibitions showcasing Netaji’s life. The location is significant as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were the first Indian territory liberated by the INA in 1943. This day aims to inspire the youth with ideals of selfless service and patriotism.

Long Description : Ahead of the India-EU leaders' summit, Dr. Jaishankar discussed the "new normal" of global volatility. He highlighted that India and the EU, as like-minded democracies, must cooperate on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and anti-piracy. The meeting focused on establishing "unimpeachable supply chains" to ensure sustainable economic resilience. European Council President António Costa and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are expected to visit India for Republic Day. This dialogue strengthens multilateralism at a time of geopolitical uncertainty and shifting US trade policies.

Long Description : To manage a noticeable cash crunch, the RBI outlined a multi-pronged strategy. This includes Open Market Operations (OMO) to purchase Government Securities worth ₹1 trillion in two tranches (Feb 5 and Feb 12). Additionally, a 90-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) of ₹25,000 crore is scheduled for Jan 30 to provide longer-term funds to banks. The RBI also planned a $10 billion USD/INR buy-sell swap for Feb 4 to curb currency volatility. This proactive move aims to ensure a smooth credit flow without altering the core monetary policy stance.

Long Description : The rupee experienced its steepest weekly decline in six months, losing 1.18% over the week. The decline is attributed to sustained selling by foreign institutional investors in domestic equities and increased hedging by importers. Despite occasional intervention by the RBI in the spot and forward markets, the currency remained under pressure. This trend reflects broader global uncertainty, including potential shifts in US trade policies. The rupee’s underperformance contrasted with some Asian peers, highlighting specific domestic concerns regarding capital outflows and the trade deficit.

Long Description : This equity support is designed to enhance SIDBI’s lending capacity and maintain its Capital to Risk-weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) above the required 10.50% even under stress scenarios. The funding will support collateral-free digital credit and venture debt for the MSME sector, which contributes nearly 30% to India’s GDP. The Department of Financial Services will implement the infusion, helping SIDBI protect its credit rating while expanding its balance sheet. This move aligns with the government's goal to strengthen the backbone of India's manufacturing and export sectors.

Long Description : The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the rollout of e-passports featuring an encrypted electronic chip. These passports are designed to be forgery-resistant and allow for faster, contactless immigration clearance at automated e-gates globally. The transition to e-passports is part of a broader plan to modernize India's travel documents, with a target to complete the national transition by June 2035. The biometric attributes stored in the chip prevent identity impersonation, ensuring higher security for Indian citizens traveling abroad while improving the ease of international movement.

Long Description : The framework aims to leverage the National Quantum Mission to prepare the military for future battlefields. It focuses on developing secure quantum communications, quantum-based sensing, and advanced computing capabilities for defense applications. By integrating these technologies, the armed forces seek to achieve technological dominance and operational readiness against emerging cyber and electronic threats. The policy encourages collaboration between the defense sector, academia, and private industry to build a robust quantum ecosystem, ensuring that India remains competitive in high-tech warfare and strategic intelligence.

Long Description : The index, released by Dezan Shira & Associates, evaluated countries based on labor costs, infrastructure, and ease of doing business. While China retained the top spot, followed by Malaysia and Vietnam, India's 6th position reflects its growing but challenging manufacturing landscape. The report highlights India's potential in sectors like electronics and EVs but points to the need for better logistics and streamlined regulations. This ranking serves as a benchmark for the 'Make in India' initiative, highlighting the progress made in attracting global supply chains and the areas requiring further reform.

Long Description : The awards were announced during the Banaras Literature Festival, celebrating excellence in Indian literature across multiple languages and genres. Namita Gokhale was recognized for her enduring impact on the literary scene, while Mahadev Toppo and Peggy Mohan were lauded for their unique perspectives and cultural storytelling. These awards highlight the importance of regional and English literature in preserving India’s diverse heritage. The festival serves as a platform for intellectual exchange, bringing together writers, scholars, and readers to discuss the evolving narrative of Indian society through books and poetry.

Long Description : This decision aims to improve public health and reduce the prevalence of oral cancer and other tobacco-related diseases in the state. The ban covers all tobacco-based chewable products, including those sold in separate pouches but intended to be consumed together. Authorities have been directed to conduct regular raids and impose heavy penalties on violators. This move aligns with various Supreme Court directives and health guidelines to curb tobacco consumption. The state government plans to launch awareness campaigns alongside the enforcement to educate the public on the dangers of smokeless tobacco.

Long Description : The medical aid was handed over to the Indira Gandhi Children's Hospital in Kabul. This initiative is part of India’s ongoing commitment to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, focusing on healthcare and food security. Despite the absence of formal diplomatic recognition of the current regime, India has consistently sent wheat, vaccines, and life-saving drugs to address the dire humanitarian crisis. The shipment of oncology medicines specifically targets the shortage of specialized care in the region, reflecting India's "people-centric" approach to its neighborhood policy and its role as a regional first responder.

Long Description : Launched in 2015, the BBBP flagship program has completed 11 years of addressing gender discrimination and promoting girls' education. Recent government data indicates a positive shift in the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) in many districts. The anniversary celebrations included awareness workshops and felicitations for "girl child champions" across various states. The program's evolution now includes a focus on skill development and financial literacy for young women. While challenges remain in certain regions, the initiative is credited with bringing female empowerment to the forefront of the national developmental agenda.

Long Description : The proposal aims to promote a circular economy by integrating E-waste and Lithium-ion battery scrap management into the mainstream manufacturing process. By incentivizing the use of recycled minerals like Lithium, Cobalt, and Nickel, India seeks to reduce its import dependency and lower the environmental footprint of the EV sector. This move aligns with the national goal of achieving sustainable and clean-tech leadership. The policy adjustment would require manufacturers to meet specific "recycled content" thresholds to qualify for subsidies, fostering a domestic ecosystem for battery urban mining and resource efficiency.

Long Description : Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel inaugurated the conference at the UP Vidhan Sabha. The gathering brought together Speakers and Chairpersons from various State Legislatures and the Parliament. Key discussions focused on improving the productivity of legislative sessions, the use of technology in assembly proceedings, and maintaining the decorum of the House. The conference serves as a vital forum for sharing best practices and addressing challenges faced by presiding officers in ensuring the effective functioning of India’s parliamentary democracy. It emphasized the role of legislatures in the 'Amrit Kaal' era of national development.

Long Description : The Court clarified that Section 69, which deals with sexual intercourse through deceitful means or promise to marry, should not be applied retrospectively to criminalize consensual relationships that later break down. The ruling emphasizes that the law must distinguish between a "false promise to marry" and a "breach of promise." This judgment is significant for the interpretation of the new BNS provisions, ensuring that legal statutes are not misused in personal disputes. It reinforces the principle of individual liberty and prevents the weaponization of criminal law in matters of private adult consent.

Long Description : The festival is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil and to pray for world peace and prosperity. A key highlight is the performance by monks wearing colorful masks representing various guardian deities. The festival also involves the unveiling of a giant thangka (religious painting) and specific rituals to ward off bad luck for the coming year. It draws large numbers of devotees and tourists despite the harsh winter conditions. This cultural event is crucial for preserving the unique Himalayan Buddhist traditions and boosting local tourism during the off-season.