- On January 18, 2026, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a state-of-the-art Medium Caliber Ammunition Manufacturing Facility in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The facility was established by Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited (SDAL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries India, marking a major milestone in India’s drive for Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in the defense sector.
.png "Current Affairs One - Liner : 21st January 2026")
- On 16 January 2026 in Mumbai, Air India and Singapore Airlines signed a Commercial Cooperation Framework Agreement. This pact aims to expand codeshare arrangements, align flight schedules, and enhance customer benefits. It strengthens bilateral ties by boosting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between India and Singapore.
- More than 1 lakh artisans have benefited from the One Station One Product (OSOP) scheme of Indian Railways. The scheme provides stalls at railway stations for artisans to showcase and sell local products. It aims to promote handicrafts, traditional skills, and self-reliance, while boosting rural employment. This initiative enhances visibility, income, and preservation of indigenous crafts across India.
- On 19–20 January 2026, Suryoday Small Finance Bank partnered with HyperVerge. The collaboration introduced an AI-powered Video KYC solution for secure digital onboarding. It aims to boost regulatory compliance, efficiency, and customer experience. Agents can now complete twice as many verification calls per day with this system.
- On 13 January 2026, Canara Bank partnered with NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL). It integrated a white-label UPI plugin into its Canara ai1Pe app. Users, both customers and non-customers, can access UPI Circle and UPI Lite instantly. The move boosts security, speed, and competitiveness against third-party payment apps.
- On 19 January 2026, scientists discovered a new crustacean genus and species Indiaphonte bijoyi in Lakshadweep. It was found in the Kavaratti lagoon and belongs to the copepod family Laophontidae. The species was named after Prof. S. Bijoy Nandan for his marine research contributions.
- The PLI Annual Performance Review 2025 was released by DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry on 18 January 2026. It highlighted electronics manufacturing, especially mobile phones, as the top-performing sector under the scheme. Production rose from ₹2.13 lakh crore in FY21 to ₹5.45 lakh crore in FY25 (146% growth). The report noted $4 billion FDI inflows and India’s rise as a global mobile phone hub.
- The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference 2026 was held in Rajkot from 11–15 January, organised by the Government of Gujarat and inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi at Marwadi University. With the theme “Regional Aspirations, Global Ambitions”, it aimed to boost regional growth, MSMEs, startups, and global investments in Kutch and Saurashtra. Key highlights included 5,492 MoUs worth ₹5.78 lakh crore, partnerships with Japan, South Korea, Rwanda, and Ukraine, and the launch of 14 smart industrial estates.
- The 86th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference was held from 19–21 January 2026 at the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, Lucknow. It was inaugurated by Governor Anandiben Patel and addressed by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The theme of the conference was “Strong Legislature – Prosperous Nation”, with participation from 36 Presiding Officers across 24 States and UTs. Six key resolutions were adopted, including minimum 30 sittings per year, use of technology, and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
- 21 January 1972 marks the Statehood Day of Manipur, Tripura, and Meghalaya. They attained full statehood under the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971. The day celebrates their political recognition and cultural identity within the Indian Union. It is observed annually with official functions and cultural programs in all three states.
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Raising Day is celebrated every year on 19 January. It marks the formation of NDRF in 2006 under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The force has grown to 16 battalions, 68 bases, and 18,500+ personnel nationwide. The day honors NDRF’s 20 years of service in disaster rescue and relief.
- Nitin Nabin has been elected unopposed as the new National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and formally took charge on 20 January 2026 at the party headquarters in New Delhi, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior Union ministers, and party leaders.
- On 20 January 2026, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan launched the book “Chalice of Ambrosia: Ram Janmabhoomi – Challenge and Response” in New Delhi. The book highlights the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, its challenges, and India’s cultural response. It documents the journey leading to the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
Questions:
Q.1 Who was elected unopposed as the National President of BJP in January 2026?a) J. P. Nadda
b) Nitin Nabin
c) Amit Shah
d) Dharmendra Pradhan
Answer: b) Nitin Nabin has been elected unopposed as the new National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Q.2 The Medium Caliber Ammunition Manufacturing Facility in Nagpur was established by which company?
a) Bharat Dynamics Limited
b) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
c) Larsen & Toubro Defence
d) Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited
Answer: d) The plant was set up by Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited (SDAL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries India, supporting Aatmanirbharta in defence.
