Current Affairs - January 18, 2026 Current Affairs

Karnataka Bank has integrated Khajane‑2 e-receipt payments into its Internet banking platform, allowing citizens to pay Karnataka state taxes and fees securely. The system operates via the Khajane‑2 IFMS and RBI’s e-Kuber infrastructure, ensuring safe and efficient online transactions. This initiative enhances digital convenience by providing seamless access for customers to fulfill their government payment obligations. By adopting this technology, Karnataka Bank supports the government’s push for digitization, simplifies payment processes, and strengthens the accessibility of state financial services for residents.

Shri Praveen Vashista, a 1991-batch IPS officer of the Bihar cadre, has been appointed as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). He assumed office on 16 January 2026, bringing over three decades of experience in policing, the CBI, internal security, and economic offence investigations. His career includes key roles in Bihar’s law enforcement as SP and IG, as well as central deputation positions in the Ministry of Home Affairs involving internal security and national policy. This appointment strengthens India’s anti-corruption framework, ensuring experienced oversight and integrity administration at the national level.

The Finke River, located in Australia’s Northern Territory and parts of South Australia, is recognised as the world’s oldest surviving river system, with origins dating back 300–400 million years. Flowing through the MacDonnell Ranges, it provides unique insights into Earth’s geological history. Despite its intermittent flow, the river maintains a continuous ancient course, cutting through hard quartzite mountains due to the geological phenomenon of antecedence. Its survival over hundreds of millions of years highlights slow geological changes in central Australia and its role as a rare natural archive of deep-time erosion patterns, sediments, and climate history.

Former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni has been appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador for the Pune Grand Tour 2026, India’s first UCI-recognised multi-stage professional road cycling race. The five-day international event spans 437 km across Maharashtra’s Deccan Plateau and Sahyadri Range, testing endurance, strategy, and technical skill. Dhoni’s leadership, discipline, fitness, and mental resilience bring credibility and visibility to the event. His involvement is expected to inspire young athletes, promote cycling as a professional sport in India, and attract attention from the public and corporate sectors, supporting India’s emergence on the global professional cycling map.

Madhya Pradesh partnered with the Digital India BHASHINI Division to implement multilingual and voice-based AI solutions across state digital platforms. The collaboration, formalized at the Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 in Bhopal, aims to improve accessibility and last-mile delivery of public services in multiple Indian languages. BHASHINI’s AI-powered language technologies, including translation APIs and voice-first tools, will enable citizens—including rural and digitally less literate populations—to access government services more easily. This initiative aligns with the state’s vision for citizen-centric AI governance and strengthens India’s broader goal of inclusive, technology-driven public service delivery.

Andhra Pradesh will host the world’s largest green ammonia project at Kakinada, developed by AM Green with a $10 billion investment. The project aims for a production capacity of 1.5 million tonnes per annum by 2030 and will enable India’s first green ammonia exports to countries like Germany, Japan, and Singapore. The facility will use integrated renewable energy, including 7.5 GW of solar and wind power and around 1,950 MW of electrolyser capacity, ensuring zero-carbon production. This initiative will generate thousands of jobs, strengthen the coastal economy, and contribute to India’s climate goals and energy transition.

Aaryan Varshney, a 21-year-old chess player from Delhi, became India’s 92nd Grandmaster after securing his final GM norm at the Andranik Margaryan Memorial Tournament in Armenia. He achieved the milestone with a round to spare, demonstrating remarkable consistency and composure against international competition. This achievement marks him as the eighth Grandmaster from Delhi and reflects the city’s growing contribution to Indian chess. Varshney’s success highlights India’s expanding presence in global chess, supported by structured training, grassroots programs, and international tournament exposure that develop young players into elite-level Grandmasters.

Kerala emerged as the leader in personal electric vehicle (EV) adoption in 2025, surpassing larger industrial states. Strong participation from middle-class households, early EV policy initiatives from 2019, and rapid expansion of home and public charging infrastructure contributed to this success. Unlike other states where fleet EVs dominate, Kerala’s growth is largely consumer-driven, reflecting high individual ownership of electric four-wheelers. The state also ranks joint highest in overall EV adoption, including two-wheelers, and second only to Delhi in EV-to-internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle penetration, highlighting a significant shift toward sustainable and environmentally conscious personal mobility.

The Lokpal of India observed its Foundation Day on January 16, 2026, marking 12 years since the establishment of the institution under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. The event, held at the Lokpal office in New Delhi, highlighted the institution’s commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability in public life. The occasion served as a reflection on its progress, challenges, and role in strengthening democratic governance and anti-corruption mechanisms. Leadership, including Chairperson Justice A. M. Khanwilkar, emphasized the Lokpal’s constitutional responsibility and the importance of public trust in ensuring ethical and fair administration.

Major Swathi Shantha Kumar from Bengaluru received the UN Secretary General’s Award 2025 for her project “Equal Partners, Lasting Peace” in South Sudan. Her work focused on integrating women into local-level peacekeeping operations and enhancing their participation in decision-making processes. Leading the Indian Engagement Team under the UN Mission in South Sudan, she promoted gender parity and grassroots engagement, ensuring women played a meaningful role in sustaining peace. This recognition highlights her contribution to advancing gender equality in international peace operations and the impact of inclusive approaches in conflict resolution.