Current Affairs - January 15, 2026 Current Affairs

Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu emerged as the top performers among large states in NITI Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index 2024. The index evaluates states’ export readiness based on infrastructure, business ecosystem, policy and governance, and export performance. Maharashtra ranked first, followed by Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, reflecting their strong trade infrastructure, supportive business environment, effective policy implementation, and robust export outcomes. By highlighting state-level strengths and gaps, the index guides policy decisions and promotes peer learning, aiming to enhance India’s overall competitiveness in global trade through targeted export strategies and regional economic planning.

Tripura Gramin Bank introduced India’s first fully solar-powered ATM van, named ‘TGB on Wheels’, in January 2026. This innovative mobile banking solution provides uninterrupted ATM and basic banking services to rural and remote areas, especially where electricity supply is unreliable. The initiative, supported by NABARD, aligns with India’s sustainability goals by eliminating dependence on grid electricity or diesel generators. By combining financial inclusion with eco-friendly technology, the solar-powered ATM van enhances accessibility, reliability, and convenience for rural communities while promoting green banking practices and cost-efficient service delivery.

Pawan Kalyan, the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, became the first Indian to be formally inducted into Kenjutsu, an ancient Japanese samurai swordsmanship tradition. This rare honour is traditionally reserved for Japanese practitioners and recognises mastery in discipline, precision, and ethical conduct. His induction highlights India’s growing engagement with global martial arts and cultural traditions. Beyond technical skill, it reflects acceptance into a centuries-old lineage, showcasing dedication to martial arts, personal growth, and cross-cultural respect. Kalyan’s achievement also strengthens India-Japan cultural ties and places him among an elite group of non-Japanese practitioners worldwide.

Kochi has been selected as the host city for the 9th International Spice Conference to be held from February 23 to 26, 2026. Known as India’s spice capital, the city holds historical significance in the global spice trade and continues to play a vital role in spice exports. The conference, organised by the All India Spices Exporters Forum, will bring together policymakers, exporters, scientists and industry leaders from across the world. Discussions will centre on innovation, sustainability, climate risks, trade disruptions and building resilient supply chains to prepare the global spice industry for future challenges.

Israel announced its decision to withdraw from seven United Nations agencies after conducting an internal review of its multilateral engagements. The move was driven by concerns over alleged political bias, repeated hostile positions, and bureaucratic inefficiency within certain UN bodies. The announcement was made by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in January 2026 and reflects a shift toward more selective participation in international forums. Israel had already disengaged from some agencies earlier, including UN Women and offices linked to armed conflict issues, and plans to reassess or exit additional UN-affiliated organisations in the future.

India’s wholesale price inflation recorded a marginal rise to 0.83% in December 2025, marking a return to positive territory after two consecutive months of deflation. This increase was driven mainly by higher prices of manufactured goods, non-food articles, and certain raw materials. While food and fuel categories continued to remain in deflation, the intensity of price decline reduced significantly, supporting the overall upward movement. The data reflects stabilising input costs and improving demand conditions in the economy, even as inflation levels remained much lower compared to the same period in the previous year.

Vikas Chadha has been appointed as the Global CEO of TVS Supply Chain Solutions starting January 22, 2026, as part of a structured succession plan. The transition follows the upcoming retirement of Managing Director Ravi Viswanathan in FY 2026–27. Chadha brings extensive international experience, having previously served as CEO of Jumbo Electronics in Dubai, and is expected to strengthen TVS SCS’s global operations. This leadership change ensures strategic continuity, smooth overlap with existing management, and reinforces investor confidence while positioning the company for growth in the evolving global logistics and supply chain sector.

Bamanwas Kankar Panchayat has achieved the distinction of becoming Rajasthan’s first fully organic village body by completely adopting chemical-free farming practices across its seven hamlets. Farmers in the village have stopped using synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified inputs, relying instead on natural manure, compost, crop rotation, and biological pest control. This collective transition highlights strong community participation and effective implementation of sustainable agricultural methods. The achievement is especially significant given Rajasthan’s challenging agro-climatic conditions, demonstrating that organic farming can improve soil health, support sustainable livelihoods, and align with national climate and organic farming goals.

Indian Army Day is observed annually on January 15 to honour the bravery, discipline, and sacrifice of India’s soldiers. The date marks the historic occasion in 1949 when Gen K. M. Cariappa took over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, symbolizing India’s complete control over its armed forces after Independence. The day is celebrated with parades, exhibitions, and ceremonies across the country, highlighting the Army’s role in national security, disaster response, and peacekeeping. Indian Army Day 2026 is particularly notable as the parade is being held in Jaipur’s public area for the first time outside a cantonment.

Paripoorna Mediclaim Ayush Bima is an optional health insurance scheme launched by the Finance Ministry for beneficiaries of the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). The policy, offered by New India Assurance, provides coverage of ₹10–20 lakh with flexible co-payment options, discounted premiums, and comprehensive hospitalisation benefits. It complements existing CGHS provisions, covering pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses, and includes cumulative bonuses for claim-free years. By combining affordability, flexibility, and financial protection, the scheme enhances access to quality healthcare for central government employees and pensioners while promoting risk mitigation against rising medical costs.