Current Affairs - January 14, 2026 Current Affairs

The partnership between Digital India Corporation’s IndiaAI initiative and Uttar Pradesh Development Systems Corporation Limited aims to significantly strengthen the artificial intelligence ecosystem within Uttar Pradesh. As part of this collaboration, 65 Data and AI Labs are planned across the state to provide AI-ready infrastructure, skill development opportunities, and hands-on experiential learning. The initiative supports digital inclusion by making advanced technology accessible to a wider population and is aligned with the IndiaAI Mission. It also positions Uttar Pradesh as an emerging hub for AI innovation, research, and talent development at the national level.

Germany partnered with India by signing 19 strategic agreements aimed at expanding cooperation across defence manufacturing, advanced technology, semiconductors, critical minerals, and trade. These agreements were finalized following high-level discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The partnership focuses on co-development and co-production in defence, strengthening supply chains, and boosting innovation-led economic growth. Additional areas include digitalisation, telecommunications, health, and the bio-economy. The collaboration also reflects deepening trust between the two nations, supported by strong trade ties, growing industrial presence, and enhanced people-to-people mobility.

The India Open Badminton Super 750 tournament commenced at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, a major sporting venue located in New Delhi. The event marked an important return for several Indian shuttlers, including PV Sindhu, who led the national campaign after recovering from injury. Alongside her, emerging players and experienced athletes competed across singles and doubles categories. The tournament also served as crucial preparation for the upcoming BWF World Championships, which are scheduled to be held at the same venue, making New Delhi a central hub for international badminton during this period.

The 16th ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Counter Terrorism is being co-chaired by India and Malaysia, highlighting strong defence cooperation between the two nations. The meeting is scheduled to take place in New Delhi from January 14 to 16, 2026, and will involve ASEAN member states along with dialogue partner countries. Discussions during the event will focus on reviewing ongoing initiatives and planning future activities aimed at strengthening multilateral counter-terrorism cooperation. As part of the agreed roadmap, Malaysia will host a Table Top Exercise in 2026, followed by a Field Training Exercise hosted by India in 2027.

VCare launched the Bengaluru Centre of Excellence to introduce a breakthrough approach in aesthetic care through its Single-Day Facial Architecture. The centre brings together a Korean-inspired treatment protocol that integrates seven advanced laser technologies using a 3D methodology. This innovation is designed to deliver visible improvements starting from the first day, with sustained results over a 90-day period. The initiative is led by founder E Carolin Praba and aligns with the brand’s broader vision of expanding its network of over 80 clinics across major cities, including Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

The Drug Free Campus Campaign was launched at Delhi University by Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan as part of a national effort to promote substance-free educational environments. Along with the campaign, an e-pledge portal and a mobile application under the Nasha Mukt Parisar Abhiyaan were introduced to encourage participation from students and institutions. The initiative is designed to be extended across all Central Higher Educational Institutions and aligns with broader national programs such as the MY Bharat Portal and the PM Anusandhan Yojana, supporting responsible youth development, nation-building, and innovation.

IIM Ahmedabad is the institution where the ₹40-crore DST–NIDHI Centre of Excellence was inaugurated to strengthen India’s deep-tech startup ecosystem. The large 59,000 sq ft facility is designed to function as a national hub that supports technology translation, venture creation, and collaboration among scientists, management professionals, and industry leaders. The initiative also introduced “Translation Endeavours,” a platform aimed at connecting academia, investors, and government bodies to accelerate the commercialisation of indigenous innovations. This development highlights IIM Ahmedabad’s growing role in fostering innovation-led entrepreneurship and advanced research-driven enterprises.

Alyssa Healy announced her decision to retire from all formats of international cricket following the home series against India scheduled for February–March 2026. One of the most influential wicketkeeper-batters in women’s cricket, she enjoyed a distinguished career marked by aggressive batting, record-breaking dismissals, and leadership success. Healy captained Australia after Meg Lanning’s retirement and led the team through several major tournaments. Her career includes multiple ICC World Cup victories across ODI and T20 formats, individual awards, and a lasting impact on redefining the role of a wicketkeeper-batter in modern women’s cricket.

The BSL-4 Biocontainment Facility is being developed at the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre in Gandhinagar, where the foundation stone was laid by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This advanced laboratory will become India’s second-largest BSL-4 facility after Pune and is expected to play a major role in strengthening national health security. It will also support high-end research in areas such as antimicrobial resistance. The initiative aligns with India’s rapidly expanding bioeconomy, which has seen substantial growth over the last decade due to innovation, startups, incubators, and increased patent activity.

India is placed at the 80th position in the Henley Passport Index 2026, which evaluates passport strength based on the number of destinations accessible without a prior visa. Indian passport holders currently have visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or e-visa access to 55 destinations, reflecting a modest improvement compared to the previous year. Despite this progress, significant travel restrictions remain for regions such as Europe and North America. The ranking highlights disparities in global mobility, especially within South Asia, and underscores the influence of diplomatic relations, stability, and international agreements on travel freedom.