- On January 21, 2026, the SAMPANN portal was integrated with the UMANG app, benefiting over 4 lakh telecom pensioners. It enables instant access to PPO details and Life Certificate validity through a unified digital interface. Spearheaded by the CGCA, the initiative promotes transparency and ease of living for retired employees. With DigiLocker support, it ensures a paperless, mobile-first pension management experience.
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- On January 20, 2026, a 233-year-old Valmiki Ramayana manuscript (1792 CE) was handed over in Ayodhya. It will be displayed at the Ram Katha Museum near the newly inaugurated Ram Temple. The manuscript, in Sanskrit and Devanagari script, includes the commentary Tattvadipikatika by Maheshvara Tirtha.
- On 23 January 2026, Hindus celebrated Vasant Panchami, dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. It marks the arrival of spring (Vasant Ritu) and symbolizes wisdom, learning, and arts. Devotees wear yellow attire, offer flowers, sweets, and worship books and instruments. In regions like Punjab, Bihar, and Bengal, it is observed with kite flying and Saraswati Puja.
- On January 21, 2026, Lucknow became Uttar Pradesh’s first city to achieve 100% scientific waste processing. With the third Shivri Plant unit, it now handles 2,100 MT/day, converting waste into compost, fuel, biogas, and electricity. The initiative reclaimed 25 acres of dumpsites and raised door-to-door collection efficiency to 96%, making Lucknow a national model for the circular economy.
- On January 19–20, 2026, India and Namibia held the 5th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in New Delhi, deepening ties in defense and critical minerals. The talks built on PM Modi’s July 2025 Namibia visit, advancing South-South cooperation and resource security. Key areas included critical minerals (lithium, cobalt, rare earths), defense training & maritime security, and digital infrastructure like UPI rollout.
- On January 22, 2026, RBI gave Payoneer India in-principle approval to operate as a Payment Aggregator–Cross Border (PA-CB). The license allows inward and outward international transactions for Indian merchants and SMBs. It integrates Payoneer into India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) with streamlined KYC and payment tools. This strengthens support for India’s export economy, projected at $850 billion in 2026.
- On January 21, 2026, fintech firm ZET received NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) approval to operate as a TPAP (Third-Party Application Provider). Its new UPI feature lets users link RuPay credit cards for daily payments with 2% cashback. Supported by RBL Bank and Juspay, it aims to help “credit-invisible” users build credit scores.
- On January 20, 2026, Odisha and Meghalaya signed an MoU in Bhubaneswar to strengthen Early Childhood Care, Education and Development (ECCED). The pact focuses on nutrition, health, early learning, caregiving, community engagement, and institutional capacity, aiming to improve outcomes for children, caregivers, and educators in both states.
- On January 20, 2026, Digital India BHASHINI and the Survey of India signed an MoU in New Delhi. The aim is to digitize toponymic data (place names) and make them accessible in multiple Indian languages. It will create a digital repository of standardized place names for maps, navigation, and governance. The initiative supports Digital India and Smart Cities Mission, enhancing inclusivity and citizen services.
- On January 19, 2026, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and the World Trade Centre (WTC) Mumbai signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bridge the gap between small-scale Indian suppliers and the vast public procurement market. This strategic partnership aims to transform GeM into a globally benchmarked platform while ensuring that MSMEs have a stronger voice in government buying.
- On January 21, 2026, the Assam Government announced the ‘Atal Vichal Agragami Assam Scheme’ for research scholars. The scheme will be formally launched on February 11, 2026. It provides ₹25,000 per month to research scholars and ₹40,000 per month to Divyang (differently-abled) scholars. The aim is to reduce financial burden, promote innovation, and strengthen Assam’s academic ecosystem.
- On 23 January, India observes the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (1897–1945), one of the greatest freedom fighters and nationalist leaders. He was born in Cuttack, Odisha in 1897 and is remembered for founding the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army). The day is celebrated as Parakram Diwas (Day of Valor) to honor his courage and vision for India’s independence.
- On January 20, 2026, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) appointed Amelia Valverde as head coach of the senior Indian Women’s Football Team. The 39-year-old Costa Rican coach previously led her national side in multiple FIFA Women’s World Cups. She joined the Indian camp in Antalya, Turkiye, to prepare for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Australia.
- On January 21, 2026, Deepinder Goyal resigned as CEO of Eternal Group, effective February 1, 2026. Albinder Dhindsa, CEO of Blinkit, will take over as the new Group CEO. Goyal is set to become Vice Chairman, focusing on new ventures like Temple and Pixxel. This marks a major leadership transition in the parent company of Zomato and Blinkit.
- On January 21, 2026, Tata Communications appointed Ganesh Lakshminarayanan as its new MD & CEO. He succeeds A.S. Lakshminarayanan, who will retire on April 13, 2026. Ganesh brings over 30 years of global leadership experience in telecom and digital services.
- On January 22, 2026, Guardian India Operations Pvt Ltd appointed Karunakaran Azhisur as its new Country Head. He will continue to serve as Chief Information Officer (CIO) alongside this role. Azhisur reports to Michael Prestileo, Chief Strategy Officer and Chair of the Guardian India Board.
- On January 21, 2026, Taylor Swift was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (SHOF) Class of 2026, marking a historic milestone. At 36 years old, she became the youngest woman ever and the second youngest overall inductee after Stevie Wonder. She is also the first Hal David Starlight Award (2010) winner to later graduate into full Hall of Fame membership.
- Mozambican humanitarian and women’s rights advocate Graça Machel has been awarded the prestigious Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development (2025), announced on January 21, 2026, by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust in New Delhi. She was recognized for her path‑breaking work in education, health, nutrition, economic empowerment, and humanitarian action.
Questions:
Q.1 A 233-year-old Valmiki Ramayana manuscript (dated 1792 CE) was handed over in Ayodhya for display at which location?a) Ram Janmabhoomi Temple
b) Ram Katha Museum
c) Archaeological Survey of India Museum
d) Lucknow Museum
Answer: b) A Sanskrit manuscript with Maheshvara Tirtha’s Tattvadipikatika was handed over on Jan 20, 2026, for display at the Ram Katha Museum near the new Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Q.2 The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development (2025) was awarded to:
a) Malala Yousafzai
b) Graça Machel
c) Greta Thunberg
d) Kailash Satyarthi
Answer: b) Mozambican humanitarian Graça Machel received the award (announced January 21, 2026) for her pioneering work in education, health, nutrition, economic empowerment, and humanitarian action.
