- Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the National IED (Improvised Explosive Device) Data Management System (NIDMS) on 9 Jan 2026. Developed by the NSG (National Security Guard), it serves as a national repository of IED‑related data. It strengthens terrorism investigations, forensic analysis, and inter‑agency coordination across India.
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- On January 8, 2026, the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (OPSA) to the Government of India and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) announced a strategic partnership to launch the inaugural edition of the Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI). This new platform will be integrated into the Raisina Dialogue, India's premier conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, set to take place from March 5–7, 2026, in New Delhi.
- The National Workshop on Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats was held on 8–9 Jan 2026 at YASHADA, Pune, organized by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj with Maharashtra’s support. It focused on gender-responsive governance and women’s empowerment at the grassroots. The initiative, launched on 5 Mar 2025, covers 744 Gram Panchayats in 32 States/UTs. Progress is tracked through 35 indicators, aiming to make each district a model of inclusivity.
- On Jan 8, 2026, the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) earned an “Excellent” MoU rating for FY 2024–25, scoring 96.42/100 under the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE). This is its fifth consecutive top grade, reinforcing IREDA’s role as a Navratna PSU in renewable energy financing.
- On 8 January 2026, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin unveiled India’s first Deep‑Tech Startup Policy at the 4th Umagine TN, held at Chennai Trade Centre. The policy, called the Tamil Nadu Deep‑Tech Startup Policy 2025–26 (TNDTSP), earmarks ₹100 crore to support 100 deep‑tech startups over five years, aiming to bridge the lab‑to‑market gap for high‑risk, research‑driven ventures.
- On 8 Jan 2026, the Centre unveiled ₹235‑crore port and digital governance projects in Tamil Nadu. Projects were launched at Chennai Port Authority (₹129.36 cr) and Kamarajar Port Limited (₹105.64 cr). Aim: To enhance maritime infrastructure, safety, resilience, and digital efficiency under Viksit Bharat, Viksit Ports. Key highlights include Enterprise Business System, e‑port clearance portal, and coastal revetment upgrades.
- Akasa Air joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on 9 Jan 2026 after clearing the IOSA safety audit. It became the fifth Indian airline in IATA, alongside Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, and SpiceJet. The membership grants access to global aviation standards and partnerships, strengthening India’s presence in world aviation.
- Axis Finance launched the Vyapar Business Loan on 8 Jan 2026 for MSMEs. It offers collateral‑free loans up to ₹10 lakh with flexible repayment options. The scheme targets semi‑urban and rural entrepreneurs in retail, service, and trading sectors. It aims to empower small businesses with easy credit access and faster disbursal.
- On 8 Jan 2026, State Bank of India (SBI) Research projected India’s FY26 GDP growth at 7.5%. This is slightly higher than the National Statistical Office (NSO) estimate of 7.4%. Drivers: public investment, private consumption, Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, and strong services sector.
- The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) signed its MoU with IIT Kanpur on 9 January 2026 in New Delhi. The aim is to jointly conduct research, technical studies, testing, and standardisation in next‑generation telecom technologies, strengthening India’s role in global telecom standards. Key highlights include focus on 5G/6G, satellite communications, optical fibre networks, cybersecurity, and AI‑enabled telecom solutions.
- On 9 Jan 2026, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN‑DESA) released its World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 report. It projected India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 6.6% for 2026, among the fastest globally. Drivers: Private Consumption, Public Investment, Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, and supportive fiscal policies.
- The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) inaugurated Param Shakti at IIT Madras, Chennai on 3 Jan 2026. It houses the PARAM RUDRA supercomputer with a capacity of 3.1 Petaflops, built by C-DAC. Developed under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) of MeitY and DST. It boosts research in AI, climate, defence, biotech, and big data analytics.
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested its scramjet engine at Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad on 9 Jan 2026. The Actively Cooled Scramjet Full‑Scale Combustor ran continuously for 12+ minutes, a record milestone.
- Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta was appointed as the 15th Chief Justice of Uttarakhand High Court. The appointment notification was issued on 8 January 2026, and he took oath on 10 January 2026. He succeeded Justice Guhanathan Narendar, who retired on 9 January 2026. Earlier, Justice Gupta served as a senior judge at the Allahabad High Court since 2013.
- Italy has honoured Goa industrialist Shrinivas Dempo with the prestigious civilian award Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia (Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy) on 10 January 2026. The award was conferred at a ceremony in Goa by Walter Ferrara, Consul General of Italy in Mumbai, recognising Dempo’s contributions to strengthening India‑Italy ties and supporting Italian citizens in India.
Questions:
Q.1 According to the UN-DESA's World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 report, India's projected GDP growth for 2026 is:a) 7.5%
b) 6.6%
c) 7.4%
d) 6.9%
Answer: b) It projected India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 6.6% for 2026
Q.2 Which state/UT recently launched India's first dedicated Deep-Tech Startup Policy?
a) Karnataka
b) Telangana
c) Tamil Nadu
d) Delhi
Answer: c) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin unveiled India’s first Deep‑Tech Startup Policy at the 4th Umagine TN, held at Chennai Trade Centre.
