Current Affairs - January 19, 2026 Current Affairs

Odisha introduced the ‘Aame Padhiba Aama Bhasare’ scheme as a five-year initiative aimed at strengthening early childhood education by using mother tongues as the medium of learning for children aged three to six years. The programme initially focuses on tribal languages across six districts and relies on trained anganwadi workers supported by audio-visual teaching tools. Alongside this education-focused effort, Odisha also implemented complementary social initiatives, including a 100-day campaign against child marriage and a pilot programme to prevent teenage pregnancy and support young mothers.

The decision to resume sand mining came after the High Court lifted its earlier stay once the government implemented the PESA Rules, 2025. In Jharkhand, sand mining had been halted due to concerns over the protection of tribal rights in Scheduled Areas. The approval of the PESA rules by the state cabinet assured the court that local self-governance and tribal consent mechanisms were being respected. This move helped resolve a prolonged legal impasse in Jharkhand, balancing economic activity like sand mining with constitutional safeguards for tribal communities.

IIM Rohtak gained global recognition when its Director, Prof. Dheeraj Sharma, received the Exemplary Governance Leadership Award at the 46th World Management Congress in New Delhi. The award acknowledged outstanding contributions to institution-building and governance, selected from over 1,400 nominations worldwide. During his tenure, IIM Rohtak achieved prestigious international accreditations such as AMBA and BGA, marking quality benchmarks in management education. The institute also transitioned to a permanent campus and introduced integrated programmes in management and law, strengthening its academic profile and global standing.

Nagpur emerged as a key centre for defence manufacturing with the inauguration of a fully automated 30 mm ammunition facility at Solar Defence & Aerospace. The event highlighted the government’s focus on strengthening indigenous defence production and promoting self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The Defence Minister stressed the goal of increasing private sector participation to over 50 percent to transform India into a global defence manufacturing hub. The occasion also reflected India’s changing defence posture, symbolized by the export of Pinaka rocket systems, signalling a shift from arms import dependence to export capability.

INS Sagardhwani is a DRDO-operated oceanographic research vessel that plays a key role in India’s maritime scientific outreach. It was flagged off from Kochi for the fifth edition of the ‘Sagar Maitri’ mission, a Navy–DRDO initiative aligned with the MAHASAGAR vision. The mission focuses on strengthening scientific collaboration and capacity-building among Indian Ocean Rim countries. By retracing historic sea routes and undertaking joint ocean research with eight regional partners, beginning with the Maldives, the mission reinforces India’s role as a trusted maritime partner and a leader in cooperative ocean science.

The large-scale skill development initiative was carried out by CSIR through its Integrated Skill Initiative, which leveraged its extensive network of laboratories across India. The program focused on building industry-ready skills by offering hands-on training, internships, and certifications across 18 key sectors. With more than 5,200 training programs conducted, the initiative aimed to enhance employability and practical expertise. Phase III of the mission, launched in June 2025, further expanded its reach by training over 14,000 individuals through hundreds of targeted programs, reinforcing CSIR’s role in national skill development efforts.

India’s first open-sea marine fish farming project represents a significant milestone in the country’s Blue Economy strategy. The project was launched in the Andaman Sea and implemented in collaboration with the Andaman & Nicobar administration. Using advanced cages developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), the initiative focuses on finfish farming along with open-sea seaweed cultivation. By tapping offshore marine resources around Andaman, the project aims to promote sustainable aquaculture, enhance seafood production, and improve the livelihoods of local fishing communities while reducing pressure on coastal ecosystems.

Kokborok Day is observed annually on January 19 to celebrate the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Kokborok language spoken by the Tripuri community in Tripura. The date marks the historic recognition of Kokborok as an official language of the state in 1979. The observance highlights the long struggle for tribal identity, linguistic rights, and cultural preservation. Through cultural programmes, seminars, and literary events, the day promotes awareness about indigenous languages and their role in preserving traditions, history, and community knowledge in the face of globalization.

Yoweri Museveni secured a seventh term as President of Uganda after winning the 2026 elections with 71.65 percent of the total votes cast. His victory extended a rule that began in 1986, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. The election outcome drew controversy as opposition leader Bobi Wine rejected the results, alleging fraud, internet shutdowns, and irregularities during polling. Despite these claims, the electoral commission declared Museveni the winner. The results have reignited global debates about democratic space, political competition, and electoral transparency in Uganda.

India’s first sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train marks a major advancement in long-distance rail travel by connecting Kolkata and Guwahati. Designed for overnight journeys, the train covers the route in around 14 hours and links eastern India with the Northeast. The sleeper configuration offers improved comfort, modern interiors, and enhanced safety features compared to chair-car versions. This connectivity is expected to boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between West Bengal and Assam, while also strengthening Indian Railways’ push towards modernization, self-reliance, and improved passenger experience.

The multimodal infrastructure projects worth over ₹830 crore were launched at Singur in the Hooghly district of West Bengal. These initiatives include the Balagarh Extended Port Gate System with an Inland Water Transport terminal and a road over bridge, designed to handle 2.7 million tonnes of cargo annually across a vast area. The projects aim to decongest Kolkata, reduce pollution, and improve logistics efficiency. By strengthening connectivity and transport infrastructure in West Bengal, the initiatives are expected to support MSMEs, agriculture, and generate large-scale local employment.