Current Affairs One - Liner : 20th January 2026

National:

• On January 15, 2026, Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the deployment of 200 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) to enhance hyper-local weather forecasting. The announcement was made during the 151st Foundation Day celebrations of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in New Delhi.

• In January 2026, MoMSME approved two new MSME Technology Centres in Himachal Pradesh. The centres will be set up at Pandoga (Una) and Parwanoo (Solan) districts. They aim to provide skill training, technology support, and incubation facilities for MSMEs. This will boost industrial growth, jobs, and innovation, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) and Viasat Inc. (Video & Satellite Systems) collaborated on 15–16 January 2026. Aim: Upgrade the Indian Navy’s SatCom (Satellite Communication) systems. Uses Ka-band (Kurtz-above band) + L-band (Long band) hybrid technology for secure, resilient, high-speed connectivity. Covers ships, submarines, and aircraft, boosting India’s naval communication capability.

International:

• On 17 January 2026, IREDA’s subsidiary IGGEFIL (IREDA Global Green Energy Finance IFSC Ltd) sanctioned its first international green loan worth USD 22.5 million to Swarna Solar Limited for developing a 100 MW photovoltaic solar power plant in Serenje District, Central Province of Zambia. This marks India’s entry into overseas renewable energy financing.

Banking:

• The World Bank approved a USD 286 million loan on 15 January 2026 for West Bengal. It will fund the West Bengal Health System Reform Program Operation. The project targets 90+ million people, focusing on NCDs like hypertension and diabetes. Aim: strengthen primary healthcare, digital tracking, and equitable access across the state.
• Public Sector Banks (PSBs) have sanctioned over 3.96 lakh loan applications for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in FY 2025–26. This initiative is aimed at boosting credit flow, entrepreneurship, and employment generation across the country. By strengthening access to formal finance, the loans will help MSMEs expand operations and contribute significantly to GDP growth and exports.
• SBI Life launched the Smart Platina Advantage plan on 14 January 2026. It is a non-linked, non-participating guaranteed savings plan. Provides assured returns with life cover for financial milestones. Aims to give long-term financial confidence and protection.

Economy:

• The IMF has raised India’s GDP growth forecast for the current fiscal year to 7.3%. This is an increase from its earlier projection of 6.8%, driven by strong domestic demand. Key factors include robust investment, infrastructure push, and resilient consumption trends. India thus remains the fastest-growing major economy, reinforcing its global economic leadership.

MoUs:

• On 19 January 2026 in Mumbai, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) signed an MoU with the World Trade Centre (WTC) Mumbai. The agreement aims to strengthen MSME participation in public procurement, especially for startups and women entrepreneurs. It focuses on capacity building, supplier outreach, and knowledge sharing in AI, sustainability, and global procurement practices.

Sports:

• On 18 January 2026, Vidarbha won their maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy final in Bengaluru. They defeated Saurashtra by 38 runs, scoring 317/8 against 279 all out. Atharva Taide’s century (128) powered Vidarbha’s innings, earning him Player of the Match. This historic win marked Vidarbha’s first-ever triumph in domestic one-day cricket.
• On 20 January 2026, BCCI signed a ₹270 crore sponsorship deal with Google’s AI platform Gemini. The partnership begins with IPL 2026 and will run for three years. It marks one of the most significant AI brand entries into global sports marketing. This deal strengthens IPL’s status as the world’s most-watched T20 league.

Defence:

• On 17 January 2026, INS Sagardhwani was flagged off from Kochi. It marked the 5th edition of the Sagar Maitri initiative by DRDO. The mission focuses on oceanographic research and data collection in the Indian Ocean Region. It strengthens scientific cooperation and India’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

Important Days:

• Kokborok Day 2026 was celebrated on 19 January in Tripura. It marked the 48th anniversary of Kokborok’s recognition as an official language in 1979. Events included cultural programs, seminars, and community gatherings across the state. The day highlights efforts to preserve Tripuri identity and promote indigenous language learning.

Appointments:

• On 21 January 2026, the Government of India announced new envoy appointments. Neeta Bhushan was named High Commissioner to New Zealand. Amit Kumar Mishra, a 2004-batch IFS officer, was appointed Ambassador to Georgia. These postings aim to strengthen India’s ties in the Asia-Pacific and Eurasia regions.
• On 19 January 2026, IPS officer Ravi Shankar Chhabi (UP cadre, 2007 batch) was appointed DIG in the CRPF. His posting comes on central deputation, approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs. He previously served as DIG, Public Grievances at DGP Headquarters, Lucknow.
• ICICI Bank re-appointed Sandeep Bakshi as MD & CEO on 17 January 2026. His new tenure will run from October 4, 2026 to October 3, 2028. Bakshi has led ICICI Bank since October 2018, stabilizing governance and growth. The re-appointment ensures leadership continuity and RBI approval is awaited.
• Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni won a seventh term in the 15 January 2026 elections. He secured 71.65% of votes, while opposition leader Bobi Wine got 24.72%. Museveni, aged 81, has ruled Uganda since 1986. The win extends his rule to over 40 years, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
• Additional Director General (ADG) M.V. Pathak was officially assumed charge as the Coast Guard Commander of the Western Seaboard in Mumbai on 19 January 2026. He is a highly decorated officer of the Indian Coast Guard, serving since July 1989, and recipient of the President’s Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) and Tatrakshak Medal (TM).

Obituaries:

• Legendary Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, founder of the iconic Valentino brand and creator of the famous “Valentino red,” passed away on 19 January 2026 at his home in Rome at the age of 93. His death marks the end of an era in global haute couture.

Questions:

Q.1 Which company’s AI platform signed a ₹270 crore sponsorship deal with BCCI for three years starting with IPL 2026?
a) Microsoft Copilot
b) Google Gemini
c) OpenAI ChatGPT
d) Meta AI

Answer: b) The deal is with Google’s AI platform Gemini, valued at ₹270 crore, beginning with IPL 2026 — a landmark AI entry into sports sponsorship.

Q.2 The World Bank approved a USD 286 million loan on 15 January 2026 for which Indian state and which specific purpose?
a) Uttar Pradesh – Education reform
b) West Bengal – Health System Reform (focus on NCDs)
c) Tamil Nadu – Urban infrastructure
d) Maharashtra – Water supply

Answer: b) The World Bank approved a USD 286 million loan on 15 January 2026 for West Bengal. It will fund the West Bengal Healxth System Reform Program Operation.