Daily current affairs: 24 January 2026

Long Description : Developed by Azista Space Limited at the Khoraaj Industrial Estate in Sanand, the 'Palmnaro' plant marks a milestone in India's space ecosystem. The facility will focus on the indigenous design, development, and mass manufacturing of satellites and advanced electro-optical payloads. This initiative aligns with the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" vision to reduce dependency on foreign satellite components. By centralizing the manufacturing process under one roof, the plant aims to foster local innovation and position Gujarat as a high-tech aerospace hub, following the legacy of space pioneer Dr. Vikram Sarabhai.

Long Description : The framework establishes a roadmap for the Indian Armed Forces to leverage quantum technologies for secure communications, advanced surveillance, and strategic operations. Recognizing that future warfare will be technology-driven, the policy aims to achieve technological superiority and reduce reliance on foreign military tech. The launch event was attended by the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, emphasizing a joint civil-military partnership between research institutions, government agencies, and defense organizations to fast-track quantum innovation and secure India's digital borders.

Long Description : To achieve India's Net-Zero 2070 goal, the MoEFCC has expanded the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) to include Petroleum Refineries, Petrochemicals, Textiles, and Secondary Aluminium. This notification brings 208 new "Obligated Entities" under the compliance mechanism, raising the total count to 490. These entities must now meet specific emission reduction targets or purchase carbon credits to offset their footprint. This expansion strengthens India’s carbon market, encouraging industries to adopt cleaner technologies and reducing the overall carbon footprint of the manufacturing sector.

Long Description : The Department of Financial Services (DFS) will infuse the capital in three tranches: ₹3,000 crore in FY 2025-26, followed by ₹1,000 crore each in the subsequent two years. This move is designed to expand SIDBI’s lending capacity and maintain its Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR). The government aims to increase MSME support from 76 lakh entities to 102 lakh by 2028. This capital buffer will help bridge the massive ₹25 lakh crore credit gap in the MSME sector, fostering job creation and industrial growth.

Long Description : During a high-level bilateral meeting, India and Spain elevated their ties to a "Strategic Association." Spain’s participation in the IPOI emphasizes global cooperation in maritime security and ecological sustainability. Additionally, 2026 has been declared the "India-Spain Dual Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI." Spain also announced the opening of a new Consulate General in Bengaluru to deepen engagement with South India’s tech ecosystem. This partnership signifies India’s growing influence in European diplomacy and shared interests in regional stability and technological innovation.

Long Description : Launched in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the day aims to address issues like declining child sex ratio and gender inequality. In 2026, the Ministry emphasized the success of the "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao" campaign, which has significantly improved enrollment rates for girls in schools. Various states held workshops and awareness drives focusing on digital literacy for girls and menstrual hygiene. The day coincides with the International Day of Education, highlighting the role of quality learning in empowering the female population.

Long Description : This collaborative health initiative focuses on providing medical facilities and health awareness to villagers living in the rugged border terrains of Uttarakhand. The ITBP will utilize its medical wings to conduct health camps and provide emergency services, while the state government will supply necessary medicines and equipment. The campaign aims to strengthen the bond between security forces and local communities, ensuring that the "Vibrant Villages" program includes robust health security as a component of national security strategy.

Long Description : With the inauguration of its third fresh waste processing plant at Shivari, Lucknow now processes all its daily generated municipal solid waste. This milestone ensures that no "fresh" waste is added to legacy landfills. The city has implemented an integrated system of door-to-door collection, segregation, and scientific treatment, converting waste into compost or energy. This achievement serves as a model for other urban local bodies in India to improve air quality and urban hygiene while fulfilling sustainable development goals.

Long Description : With this approval, Razorpay becomes one of the few fintech firms in India to hold all three major RBI licenses: Online (PA-O), Physical (PA-P), and Cross-border (PA-CB). The PA-P license allows Razorpay to offer seamless payment solutions for large retailers and SMEs at physical points of sale. This integration enables a unified payment experience for merchants across both offline and online channels. It reflects the RBI's ongoing efforts to regulate the fintech sector while promoting a robust and transparent digital payments ecosystem.

Long Description : This authorization allows Payoneer to facilitate export-related transactions for Indian freelancers, small businesses, and e-commerce exporters. The PA-CB license is part of RBI’s regulatory framework to bring cross-border payment entities under direct oversight, ensuring better compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and "Know Your Customer" (KYC) norms. This move is expected to simplify international payments for Indian service providers, reducing transaction costs and improving the ease of doing business in the global digital economy.

Long Description : The MRO hub will provide dedicated technical support for the Indian Army and Air Force’s helicopter fleets stationed in the North-Eastern region. By establishing this facility in Assam, the government aims to reduce the turnaround time for repairs and enhance the operational readiness of the Gajraj Corps. This initiative aligns with the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" policy, ensuring indigenous support for critical defense assets and strengthening the security infrastructure along India’s eastern borders.

Long Description : Launched by CM Bhagwant Mann, the scheme covers both government and empanelled private hospitals across the state. It aims to reduce the out-of-pocket expenditure on health for residents, providing a safety net against catastrophic medical costs. MMSY expands upon existing national health schemes by offering higher coverage and broader eligibility. The initiative is part of the state's vision to provide universal health coverage and improve the quality of public health infrastructure.

Long Description : The 2025 prize recognizes Machel’s lifelong dedication to advocating for the rights of women and children globally. She has been a key figure in international humanitarian efforts and served as Mozambique’s first Education Minister. The award ceremony highlighted her role in promoting peace and social justice in Africa and beyond. The Indira Gandhi Peace Prize is a prestigious international award given by India to individuals or organizations that have made exceptional contributions toward international peace and development.

Long Description : The Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) is an institutional mechanism set up by the RBI to facilitate the discounting of invoices for MSMEs. By declaring a dividend, RXIL demonstrates the financial viability and maturity of the TReDS ecosystem. This move returns capital to stakeholders and underscores the platform's success in providing liquidity to small businesses. It signals a positive trend for the fintech sector, showing that digital platforms for invoice financing can be both impactful for the economy and profitable.

Long Description : The MoU focuses on providing high-speed satellite internet to remote and underserved areas of Goa. This partnership is particularly aimed at ensuring communication stability during natural disasters when traditional fiber networks may fail. By integrating satellite technology, the state aims to boost its digital infrastructure, support e-governance, and provide better internet access for education and tourism. This marks one of the first major state-level collaborations with a global satellite internet provider in India.

Long Description : The tournament features six continental club champions, including teams from Europe (Arsenal), South America (Corinthians), and North America (Gotham FC). The final is scheduled for February 1 at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium. This move is part of FIFA's strategy to professionalize and elevate women's club football globally, acting as a precursor to the full Women's Club World Cup planned for 2028. The significant prize money reflects the growing commercial value and global viewership of women’s sports.