Current Affairs One - Liner : 11th & 12th January 2026

National:

• Tamil Nadu signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with German firm XeedQ GmbH on January 9, 2026. The pact launches a Quantum Computing Programme to boost research, innovation, and industry applications. It focuses on infrastructure, training, startups, and Indo-German collaboration in quantum technologies.

• On January 9, 2026, Prasar Bharati launched a new 30-minute prime-time segment called “Creator’s Corner” on DD News to showcase short reels and videos (2–10 minutes) produced by independent digital creators. The initiative aims to promote India’s growing creator economy and empower content producers with national visibility.
• The 25th All India Major Port Cultural Meet 2025–26 was held at Paradip Port, Odisha from 7–11 January 2026. Around 200 artistes from 9 major ports showcased music, dance, and drama performances. The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority emerged as the overall champion, with Mumbai Port as runner-up. The event promoted unity, inclusivity, and cultural exchange among India’s major port communities.
• Keyi Panyor district of Arunachal Pradesh was declared India’s first Bio-Happy District. The announcement was made on 7 January 2026 at the Sustainability Dialogues in Chennai. It revives Dr. M.S. Swaminathan’s idea of “Biohappiness” = well-being through biodiversity and ecology. Implemented by MSSRF with district administration, it’s a model for sustainable, nature-linked development.

Banking:

• On January 9, 2026, RBI gave Bank of Baroda in-principle approval. It allows BoB to shift from a Bank Primary Dealer (PD) to a wholly-owned subsidiary. The new entity will function as a Standalone Primary Dealer (SPD). This move strengthens India’s G-Sec market and risk management framework.
• On January 9, 2026, Skydo received final authorization from the RBI. It is now a licensed Payment Aggregator–Cross Border (PA-CB) entity. Skydo will simplify global collections for MSMEs, freelancers, and exporters. This strengthens India’s fintech ecosystem and cross-border payments framework.
• On January 10, 2026, PayG received RBI approval. It is licensed as both PA-P (Payment Aggregator–Physical) and PA-CB (Payment Aggregator–Cross Border). This enables PayG to handle offline and international payment transactions. The move strengthens India’s digital payments and fintech ecosystem.
• Choice Wealth Pvt Ltd secured a contract from India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) on January 8, 2026. The deal is to launch a digital investment platform offering mutual funds and robo-advisory services. It will be accessible via mobile apps, web portals, and IPPB’s mATM devices to 11 crore customers.

Economy:

• On January 8, 2026, Morgan Stanley projected India’s GDP growth at 7.6% for FY26. The estimate is slightly above the NSO’s first advance forecast of 7.4%. Drivers include strong domestic demand, infrastructure investment, and resilient services. This positions India as one of the fastest-growing major economies globally.

MoUs:

• India and Fiji extended their Agriculture Cooperation MoU on January 9, 2026 in New Delhi. The pact will now run for five more years (2026–2031). It focuses on research, training, digital farming, and climate-resilient practices. This strengthens food security and Indo-Pacific agricultural ties.

Science & Technology:

• Two new frog species were found in Arunachal Pradesh in January 2026. They are Leptobrachium somani (named after journalist E. Somanath) and Leptobrachium mechuka (named after Mechuka Valley). India’s slender-armed frog count rose from 4 to 6 species with this discovery.

Defence:

• On Jan 8–9, 2026, L&T signed a contract with the Indian Army. It covers upgrade, overhaul, and obsolescence management of Pinaka MLRS. The pilot project begins at 510 Army Base Workshop (ABW). This partnership ensures lifecycle support and modernization of indigenous rocket artillery.

Apps & Portals:

• The Indian Army launched the Depot Integration Management Edition (DIME) on January 10, 2026. It is a digital logistics platform providing real-time visibility of assets across all levels. DIME uses predictive analytics and dashboards to streamline supply chains and reduce paperwork. This marks a major step in modernizing Army logistics and strengthening operational readiness.

Govt.Schemes:

• The Karnataka Cabinet approved the Akka Pade scheme on January 9, 2026. It will cover 31 districts and 5 commissionerates to safeguard women and minor girls. The scheme targets child marriages, sexual abuse, cyber traps, and drug abuse. Funded under the Nirbhaya Fund, it is Karnataka’s first women-led statewide safety initiative.

Appointments:

• Meta appointed Dina Powell McCormick as its President & Vice Chairman on January 12, 2026. She is a former Trump administration Deputy National Security Advisor and ex-Goldman Sachs partner. Powell McCormick will report directly to Mark Zuckerberg, shaping Meta’s AI and global strategy.

Questions:

Q.1 Which state/UT in India was declared the country’s first Bio-Happy District in January 2026?
a) Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
b) Keyi Panyor, Arunachal Pradesh
c) West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh
d) Papum Pare, Arunachal Pradesh

Answer: b) Keyi Panyor district of Arunachal Pradesh was officially declared India’s first Bio-Happy District on 7 January 2026 during the Sustainability Dialogues in Chennai.

Q.2 Morgan Stanley projected India’s GDP growth for FY26 at:
a) 7.2%
b) 7.4%
c) 7.3%
d) 7.6%

Answer: d) Morgan Stanley pegged India’s FY26 growth at 7.6%, slightly above NSO’s 7.4% estimate.