Daily current affairs: 25 January 2026

Long Description : The Ministry of Home Affairs released the 2026 Padma Awards list, featuring 5 Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan, and 109 Padma Shri awardees. Notable names include veteran actors Mammootty and Dharmendra, and former Kerala CM V.S. Achuthanandan. The list emphasizes "Unsung Heroes," recognizing 45 individuals like Anke Gowda (Karnataka) for literature and Armida Fernandes (Maharashtra) for social service. These awards celebrate exceptional contributions in fields ranging from public affairs to environmentalism. The President of India will formally confer these honors at a ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhavan later this year.

Long Description : In a significant diplomatic gesture, India welcomed two top European Union leaders as Chief Guests for the 77th Republic Day. This marks a deepening of the India-EU Strategic Partnership. Ahead of the January 27 Summit, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the potential of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and a new "Mobility and Migration" pact. The visit aims to finalize a five-year roadmap for cooperation in security, clean energy, and defense. Von der Leyen described the upcoming trade deal as the "mother of all trade deals," signaling a pivot toward diversifying supply chains and enhancing market access between the two major economies.

Long Description : On the eve of the 77th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu delivered a televised address reflecting on India’s status as the "birthplace of democracy." She paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel during his 150th birth anniversary year and highlighted the cultural resonance of the national song 'Vande Mataram', which is also marking 150 years of its composition. The President lauded the role of women in nation-building and emphasized that the Constitution remains the foundational document for the world's largest republic. She also noted India's economic resilience, having doubled its GDP in the last decade.

Long Description : President Droupadi Murmu graced the 16th National Voters' Day celebrations in New Delhi. The theme for 2026 is “My India, My Vote – Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy.” During the event, the President presented the Best Electoral Practices Awards. States like Bihar, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu were recognized for the effective use of technology in election management. The ECI also highlighted the "Voter Awareness" campaigns that led to record participation in recent polls. The day commemorates the foundation day of the ECI (January 25, 1950) and aims to maximize enrollment of new voters.

Long Description : A total of 942 personnel were honored with various medals, including 95 Gallantry Medals (GM) for exceptional bravery. Significant awards include 101 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM) and 746 Medals for Meritorious Service (MSM). Notably, 28 of the gallantry awards were for operations in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) areas and another 28 for actions in Jammu and Kashmir. The list includes 85 police personnel and several from the Fire, Civil Defence, and Home Guard services, recognizing their professionalism in maintaining public order and safeguarding the nation against internal security threats.

Long Description : As a pre-event to the India AI Impact Summit 2026, the NHA and IIT Kanpur organized the "Federated Intelligence Hackathon." The initiative focused on "Responsible Health AI," aiming to create secure, scalable AI models that work without centralizing sensitive patient data. Using federated learning architectures, the hackathon encouraged the development of Digital Public Goods (DPGs) that align with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). Over 374 participants worked on solutions for diverse population-scale datasets, ensuring privacy while fostering innovation in medical diagnostics and healthcare management across India's regional and demographic diversity.

Long Description : Speaking at the World Economic Forum, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent termed the reduction in India’s Russian oil imports a "huge success." He suggested a diplomatic path to withdraw the 25% penal tariffs previously imposed on India. While India maintains an "India First" energy policy to ensure affordable fuel for its 1.4 billion citizens, the shift in energy sourcing has eased trade tensions with the US. This development comes as the US Congress debates even steeper duties on countries buying Russian crude, making the potential de-escalation a critical update for India’s trade and energy security.

Long Description : Rajasthan has joined the ranks of tech-forward states by approving the "Rajasthan Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI-ML) Policy-2026." The policy focuses on making public services more transparent and citizen-centric through ethical and secure AI use. It includes the establishment of an "Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence" to support research and startups. Key pillars of the policy are data security, reducing algorithmic bias, and making AI-driven decisions auditable. This move is expected to attract significant investment in the state’s burgeoning tech sector while addressing AI-related cybercrimes.

Long Description : Gujarat has become the first Indian state to establish a national-level AI research institution, the IAIRO. Located in GIFT City, Gandhinagar, the organization began its formal setup phases in January 2026. Operative as a non-profit under the Companies Act, it follows a unique PPP model involving the State Government, Central Government, and the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA). The institution is designed to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application, focusing on AI solutions for healthcare, finance, and urban governance, positioning GIFT City as a global hub for emerging technologies.

Long Description : Surgeons at the Army Hospital (Research and Referral) in Delhi successfully performed India's first 3D Flex Aqueous Angiography with iStent. This breakthrough procedure uses a stand-mounted Spectralis system and a 3D operating microscope to visualize fluid outflow pathways in the eye in real-time. It is a major advancement in treating glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness. By combining advanced imaging with minimally invasive surgery, doctors can now deliver highly targeted interventions. This achievement places the Armed Forces Medical Services at the forefront of global ophthalmic innovation and improves long-term outcomes for patients.

Long Description : The 2026 Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path will feature a significant shift in military display. Moving away from traditional ceremonial marching, Army contingents will showcase "combat-ready battle formations," reflecting modern operational readiness. The Army’s tableau will focus on "Integrated Operations Centres" and technology-driven defense systems. Over 6,000 participants and 30 tableaux will participate. Another highlight includes CRPF Assistant Commandant Simran Bala leading an all-male contingent, symbolizing the growing leadership roles of women in the armed and paramilitary forces.

Long Description : For the first time in over three months, residents of Delhi experienced a significant reprieve from toxic air as the AQI dropped to 192. The improvement is attributed to widespread rainfall across the National Capital Region (NCR) on January 24 and 25, which helped wash away accumulated pollutants. Since October 2025, the city had been grappling with 'Very Poor' and 'Severe' air quality levels. Environmentalists noted that while the rain provided temporary relief, long-term measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) remain essential to prevent a post-Republic Day surge in pollution levels.

Long Description : Tensions in international cricket escalated on January 25 after the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland for the forthcoming T20 World Cup. Following reports that PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi might withdraw the Pakistan team in solidarity with Bangladesh, the ICC has signaled strict repercussions. Potential sanctions include the suspension of all bilateral series involving Pakistan, denial of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for Pakistani players in foreign leagues, and exclusion from the Asia Cup. The standoff highlights the growing geopolitical complexities influencing international sporting schedules and governing body regulations.

Long Description : Under the "Rozgar Mela" initiative, the Prime Minister virtually handed out 61,000 job offers for various central government departments. During his address, PM Modi highlighted that India’s GDP has doubled in the last decade and emphasized the role of government employees in improving the "Ease of Living." He urged the new recruits to act as "servants of the people" and lead small-scale reforms at the local level. The PM also noted that foreign direct investment (FDI) in the last 10 years has been 2.5 times higher than the preceding decade, creating vast opportunities for the youth.

Long Description : Major budget carrier IndiGo issued a notification on January 25 regarding the cancellation of scheduled flights to Tbilisi (Georgia) and Almaty (Kazakhstan), including their return legs. The airline cited operational constraints but did not provide specific details on whether the cancellations were linked to weather conditions or technical issues. Passengers were offered full refunds or alternative flight options. This move affected hundreds of travelers during the busy Republic Day long weekend, highlighting the ongoing volatility in international air travel logistics within the Central Asian and Caucasian sectors.

Long Description : Throughout January 2026, India has been observing commemorative events for the 150th birth anniversary of the "Iron Man of India," Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. President Murmu, in her Republic Day eve address, underscored Patel’s role in the territorial integration of India. These celebrations, which began on October 31 last year, are designed to strengthen national unity. The government has integrated these celebrations with the "Amrit Kaal" vision, focusing on "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat." This milestone is a key topic for competitive exams, focusing on Patel’s contributions to the post-Independence administrative structure and the unification of princely states.