Current Affairs - January 10, 2026 Current Affairs

World Hindi Day is observed annually on January 10 to highlight the growing international presence and importance of the Hindi language. The date holds historical significance as Hindi was first used in the United Nations General Assembly on January 10, 1949, marking its entry into global diplomacy. The observance began officially in 2006 and is celebrated worldwide to promote Hindi in areas such as education, literature, technology, and cultural exchange. By recognizing Hindi as a widely spoken global language, the day supports linguistic diversity and preserves India’s cultural heritage for future generations.

Federal Bank introduced the ‘Fortuna Wave’ brand identity to refresh its image and reinforce its positioning as a digital-first, pan-India banking institution. The launch, held in Mumbai, was aimed at attracting younger and tech-savvy customers while maintaining trust among existing users. Federal Bank emphasized core values such as authenticity, prosperity, and togetherness through this new identity. By creating a unified visual language across both digital platforms and physical branches, Federal Bank seeks to strengthen brand recognition, enhance customer engagement, and align itself with the evolving landscape of modern banking in India.

Skydo received final authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India to operate as a Payment Aggregator–Cross Border, marking a major regulatory milestone in India’s fintech sector. This approval enables Skydo to provide regulated cross-border payment services, particularly benefiting MSMEs, exporters, startups, and freelancers. The licence strengthens trust, transparency, and compliance in international transactions, which involve foreign exchange and regulatory oversight. Skydo supports collections in multiple foreign currencies, offers a flat-fee pricing model without forex markups, and ensures faster settlements. The development also contributes to strengthening India’s digital payments ecosystem and export-oriented financial infrastructure.

The ‘Asha Van’ mobile unit was launched to strengthen early detection and diagnosis of cancers, especially in underserved and rural areas. Equipped with advanced EVA-Pro diagnostic systems, mammography facilities, and teleconsultation services, the unit is capable of screening for ten different types of cancer, including lung, breast, and cervical cancers. By enabling early screening, the initiative aims to improve treatment outcomes and reduce mortality. Handed over to the Indian Red Cross Society, the mobile unit aligns with the broader goal of accessible healthcare and supports the vision of universal health coverage.

India has achieved a global first by commercially producing and using bio-bitumen as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional crude-oil-based bitumen in road construction. This innovation helps reduce environmental pollution by utilizing agricultural crop residue that would otherwise be burnt, contributing to air quality improvement. Announced at a CSIR technology transfer event, the initiative aligns with national priorities such as Viksit Bharat 2047, Waste-to-Wealth, and Atma Nirbhar Bharat. The development highlights India’s growing leadership in sustainable infrastructure, green technologies, and circular economy-driven solutions.

The Third International Conference on Indian Languages was inaugurated in New Delhi by the Vice President of India, highlighting the city’s role as a major centre for national and international academic and cultural dialogue. The conference brought together scholars, language experts, and global delegates to discuss the preservation, promotion, and study of Indian languages. The event emphasized the cultural, constitutional, and democratic importance of linguistic diversity in India, along with the role of education policies and modern technology such as digital archives and AI tools in safeguarding language heritage for future generations.

Uttarakhand achieved the highest ranking in the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System 2.0 by scoring 93.46, reflecting strong performance in digital policing and integration of the criminal justice system. The NCRB dashboard placed the state ahead of Haryana and Assam, with most ICJS modules completed well before the 2026 target timeline. This accomplishment highlights effective use of technology, coordination among justice institutions, and administrative efficiency. Additionally, the Uttarakhand State Disaster Response Force earned recognition for its exemplary role in rescue operations, safety management, and crowd control during Prayagraj Mahakumbh-2025, further underscoring the state’s institutional competence.

The wildlife exchange pact was signed between Assam and Madhya Pradesh with the objective of enhancing biodiversity and reviving species that have disappeared locally. As part of this agreement, Assam will send wild water buffaloes, a pair of one-horned rhinoceroses, and king cobras to Madhya Pradesh. In return, Madhya Pradesh will provide tigers and mugger crocodiles to Assam. This collaborative initiative highlights the importance of inter-state cooperation in wildlife conservation and ecosystem restoration, with Kanha Tiger Reserve playing a key role in reintroducing buffaloes.

The joint military exercise “Gulf Shield 2026” was launched in Saudi Arabia as part of efforts by Gulf Cooperation Council member states to enhance regional security. The exercise focuses on improving collective defence capabilities, operational coordination, and combat readiness among participating forces. Through field-based scenarios, joint planning sessions, and interoperability tests, the drills aim to strengthen deterrence against emerging security challenges. Hosting such a large-scale exercise highlights Saudi Arabia’s central role in regional defence cooperation and underscores the importance of unified military preparedness within the GCC framework.

Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court, marking an important transition in the state’s judicial leadership. He is currently serving as a judge of the Allahabad High Court and was recommended for the position by the Supreme Court Collegium. He will assume charge after the retirement of the incumbent Chief Justice upon attaining the age of 62. The appointment reflects the functioning of the collegium system in judicial appointments and ensures continuity in court administration, effective case management, and constitutional oversight within the Uttarakhand High Court.

A K Balasubrahmanian has taken charge as the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, marking an important leadership transition in India’s nuclear regulatory framework. He brings with him around four decades of experience as a nuclear engineer and is widely recognized for his expertise in Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) safety, ageing management, and reactor technologies. Prior to this appointment, he chaired the PHWR Project Design Safety Committee and served on multiple AERB safety review panels. His appointment reflects continuity and depth of technical leadership in nuclear safety regulation.