Current Affairs One - Liner : 17th January 2026

National:

• On 17 January 2026, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train at Malda Town, West Bengal. The train connects Howrah and Kamakhya, reducing travel time by nearly 2.5 hours. It introduces modern sleeper berths with premium comfort for overnight journeys.

• Mizoram has officially been declared the ‘Ginger Capital of India’ by NITI Aayog in December 2025, recognizing its rapid growth and high-quality ginger production. The announcement was followed by the inauguration of a Ginger Processing Unit at Sairang Horticulture Centre by Chief Minister Lalduhoma in January 2026.

Banking:

• The Finance Ministry launched the Paripoorna Mediclaim Ayush Bima on 14 January 2026 as an optional health insurance plan for CGHS beneficiaries, offering enhanced coverage of ₹10–20 lakh, cashless treatment, and full AYUSH coverage. It is designed to complement existing CGHS facilities and expand access to modern treatments across India.

Economy:

• India’s wholesale price inflation rose to 0.83% in December 2025, marking a return to positive territory after two months of deflation. The increase was driven by higher costs in manufacturing, minerals, textiles, food products, and machinery. In November, inflation stood at -0.32%, while October recorded -1.02%, showing a clear upward shift.

MoUs:

• On 15 January 2026, the Ministry of Coal signed agreements with Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC). The MoUs covered three commercial coal blocks – Dhulia North, Mandakini B, and Pirpainti Barahat. Together, these blocks have a capacity of 49 MTPA with revenue potential of ₹4,621 crore annually. The move strengthens India’s energy security, boosts industrial growth, and supports Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Sports:

• The ICC announced the December 2025 Player of the Month awards on 15 January 2026. Australia’s Mitchell Starc won the men’s award for his Ashes heroics, taking 16 wickets and scoring two fifties to seal a 4–1 victory. South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt claimed the women’s award after smashing three centuries and 392 runs across formats against Ireland.

Important Days:

• National Road Safety Week 2026 was observed across India from 11–17 January, organized by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The theme was “Safety First, Life First,” focusing on awareness, enforcement, and community participation. Various activities such as workshops, rallies, training programs, and social media campaigns were conducted nationwide.
• On 16 January 2026, Thiruvalluvar Day was celebrated in Tamil Nadu. It honors Thiruvalluvar, the saint-poet who authored the Thirukkural. The day is observed as part of Pongal festivities across the state. It highlights Tamil culture and values of virtue, wealth, and love.

Appointments:

• Praveen Vashista, a 1991-batch IPS officer of the Bihar cadre, has been appointed as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). He took oath on 16 January 2026, administered by the Central Vigilance Commissioner on behalf of the President of India. His tenure will last four years or until he turns 65, as mandated by the CVC Act, 2003.
• On 15 January 2026, Yemen’s Prime Minister Salem bin Breik tendered his resignation. The Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council swiftly accepted his decision, signaling a major political shift. Soon after, Foreign Minister Shaya Mohsen al-Zindani was appointed as the new Prime Minister.
• MS Dhoni has been appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the Pune Grand Tour 2026. The event will be held in Pune from 19–23 January 2026. It is India’s first international multi-stage professional cycling race covering 437 km. Dhoni’s role will inspire youth and boost the event’s global visibility.

Awards & Honours:

• Toby Kiers was announced as the 2026 Tyler Prize winner on January 14, 2026. She is honored for uncovering the hidden power of fungal networks in ecosystems. The award ceremony will be held on April 23, 2026 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. She is the youngest woman ever to receive this “Nobel Prize for the Environment.”

Questions:

Q.1 India’s wholesale price inflation (WPI) in December 2025 stood at:
a) –1.02%
b) –0.32%
c) 0.83%
d) 1.54%

Answer: c) India’s WPI inflation rose to 0.83% in December 2025, returning to positive territory after two months of deflation, mainly due to higher prices in manufacturing, minerals, textiles, and food products.

Q.2 Who won the 2026 Tyler Prize, often called the ‘Nobel Prize for the Environment’?
a) Jane Goodall
b) Sylvia Earle
c) Vandana Shiva
d) Toby Kiers

Answer: d)Toby Kiers won the 2026 Tyler Prize for her work on fungal networks in ecosystems. She is the youngest woman to receive this award.