Current Affairs - January 28, 2026 Current Affairs

The high-altitude rescue and road restoration operation at Chatergala Pass was executed by the Border Roads Organisation, showcasing its critical role in maintaining connectivity in strategically important and inhospitable regions. Operating under Project Sampark, BRO personnel cleared massive snowfall ranging from 5 to 6 feet, reopening nearly 38 km of blocked roads. The mission enabled the safe evacuation of stranded civilians and Rashtriya Rifles troops without any casualties. Conducted under extreme weather and sub-zero temperatures, the operation highlighted BRO’s expertise in infrastructure resilience, humanitarian assistance, and close coordination with the Indian Army in sensitive border areas.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence conducted a major crackdown under Operation Sahyadri Checkmate, leading to the busting of a mobile mephedrone manufacturing laboratory hidden as a poultry farm. The operation took place in the Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra, an area exploited by traffickers due to its difficult terrain and remoteness. Authorities seized nearly 22 kg of mephedrone in various forms along with 71.5 kg of raw materials used for production. The lab was designed to frequently relocate to avoid detection, highlighting the sophistication of the drug network. The seized NDPS substances were valued at approximately ₹55 crore, and five individuals were arrested.

France has moved decisively to regulate digital access for minors by approving legislation that bans children below the age of 15 from using social media platforms. The decision is driven by growing concerns over online bullying, mental health challenges, sleep disruption, and youth violence linked to excessive screen time. The bill mandates strict age-verification systems and extends existing smartphone restrictions in schools. Passed with strong political and public backing, the proposal reflects France’s intent to set firm boundaries on children’s digital exposure and aligns with a broader European debate on safeguarding minors in the online environment.

Kerala has made a pioneering move by officially adopting Bacillus subtilis as its State Microbe, marking the first such recognition by any Indian state. This decision reflects Kerala’s strong emphasis on science, research, and sustainability-driven development. Bacillus subtilis is a beneficial microorganism known for its role in human health, agriculture, and environmental balance. The announcement coincided with the launch of the Centre of Excellence in Microbiome, which aims to advance research across health, agriculture, fisheries, and environmental conservation. The initiative highlights the growing importance of microbiome research in addressing global challenges such as disease resistance, soil health, and climate resilience.

Gulfood 2026 is being hosted in Dubai, marking a significant milestone for India as it participates as a Partner Country for the first time in the event’s 31-year history. The exhibition is taking place across two major venues—the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai. India’s participation, led by APEDA, showcases the country’s growing agri-food export strength through a large and diverse pavilion featuring exhibitors from across India. This engagement highlights deepening India–UAE trade relations and reinforces Dubai’s role as a global hub for food, beverage, and agri-trade connectivity.

The President’s Police Colour Award, also known as the Nishaan, is among the highest collective honours bestowed on police forces in India for sustained excellence, discipline, and professionalism. Sikkim Police earned this prestigious recognition, making Sikkim the 15th state in India and the third in the North-East to receive the award since Independence. The honour reflects the force’s long-term commitment to public service, integrity, and effective law enforcement in a strategically sensitive border state. The ceremonial presentation of the flag and insignia during a Colour Presentation Parade symbolises national pride and institutional achievement.

The United States formally exited the World Health Organisation following a one-year withdrawal process initiated through an executive order. The decision marked a major shift in global health diplomacy, as the country had been the largest contributor to WHO funding, providing nearly 18% of its budget. The withdrawal was driven by disagreements over the organisation’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns about financial obligations. This move has had wide-ranging implications, including funding shortfalls for the WHO, workforce reductions, and changes in global disease surveillance and public health coordination mechanisms.

China has taken a major step in advancing large-scale energy storage by commissioning the world’s largest compressed-air energy storage plant in Jiangsu province. The facility, developed by Harbin Electric Corp., is designed to support renewable energy integration by providing long-duration and cost-effective storage solutions. With a massive storage capacity of 2,400 MWh and a power generation capability of 600 MW, the plant can supply electricity to around 600,000 households each year. This project reflects China’s broader strategy to strengthen its green energy infrastructure and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron, comprising INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata, and ICGS Sarathi, made a port call at Phuket Deep Sea Port in Thailand. This visit is significant as it coincides with the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation and highlights India’s efforts to enhance maritime engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. The port call involved professional interactions, joint naval exercises, sports events, and yoga sessions with the Royal Thai Navy. Such engagements strengthen bilateral naval cooperation and align with India’s MAHASAGAR vision, reinforcing collaborative maritime security and regional partnerships ahead of India assuming the IONS Chair in 2026.

The rare mushroom species Hemileccinum indicum was discovered in the oak forests of Uttarakhand, specifically in the Dhakuri region of Bageshwar district at elevations above 2,600 metres. This finding is scientifically significant as it marks the first recorded presence of the genus Hemileccinum in India. The discovery was made through systematic macrofungal surveys and confirmed using advanced molecular phylogenetic analysis. Beyond taxonomy, the species plays an important ecological role by forming symbiotic relationships with oak trees, enhancing nutrient cycling and forest health, and highlighting the rich yet underexplored fungal biodiversity of the Himalayan region.

IIT Guwahati has developed an advanced predictive framework to assess glacial hazards in the Eastern Himalayas, addressing rising risks linked to climate change and glacier retreat. By combining high-resolution satellite imagery with digital elevation models, researchers identified 492 locations where glacial lakes may form in the future. The study used sophisticated predictive models, including Bayesian Neural Networks, to improve accuracy and handle uncertainty in complex mountainous terrain. This research supports early warning systems for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods, strengthens disaster preparedness, and aids climate-resilient planning, making it valuable for policymakers, disaster managers, and infrastructure planners in fragile Himalayan regions.

International Data Privacy Day is observed annually on January 28 to promote awareness about the protection of personal information in an increasingly digital world. The observance traces its origin to the signing of Convention 108 by the Council of Europe, the first legally binding international treaty on data protection. For countries with large digital ecosystems, the day serves as a reminder that trust in digital services depends on strong privacy safeguards. In India’s context, where platforms handle data related to identity, finance, healthcare, and welfare, January 28 underscores the need for robust laws, responsible governance, and informed citizens to ensure secure and inclusive digital growth.