- On 22 January 2026, Indian Railways deployed its first humanoid robot ‘ASC ARJUN’ at Visakhapatnam Railway Station. Developed by the Railway Protection Force (RPF), it features AI-driven facial recognition, crowd monitoring, and smoke detection. The robot provides 24/7 semi-autonomous patrolling with multilingual announcements in English, Hindi, and Telugu.
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- On 23 January 2026, the Government of India announced the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2026. This award recognizes outstanding contributions in the field of disaster risk reduction and management. It is presented annually on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary (23 January) by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- On 22 January 2026, the United States officially withdrew from the World Health Organization (WHO). The decision was announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the State Department. Washington cited WHO’s alleged failures during the COVID-19 pandemic and lack of reforms as reasons. WHO warned the move weakens global health security and leaves behind unpaid U.S. dues of $130–260 million.
- On 23 January 2026, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (DPIIT) announced the selection of five companies in the 4th round of the PLI Scheme for White Goods (Air Conditioners & LED Lights). These firms — Kirloskar Pneumatic, Indo Asia Copper, Kryon Technology, Godrej & Boyce, and Pranav Vikas — will manufacture key AC components like compressors, motors, copper tubes, heat exchangers, and fans. Together, they have committed an investment of ₹863 crore.
- Buyforex, a subsidiary of EbixCash World Money, received in-principle approval from the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) on 22 January 2026. The approval allows it to operate as a Payment Service Provider (PSP) at GIFT IFSC, Gandhinagar. It is the first AD-II licensed entity to secure PSP authorization at GIFT City.
- On 23 January 2026, in Bengaluru, the Indian Army partnered with IISc Bengaluru and startup Indy Astra to develop an indigenous AI-based defence system. The aim was to strengthen India’s self-reliance in defence technology under Atmanirbhar Bharat. The highlights include AI-driven surveillance, logistics, autonomous systems, and cybersecurity for modern battlefields.
- On 28 January 2026, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal chaired the 3rd Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) meeting in Kochi, Kerala. The meeting reviewed progress on India’s 111 National Waterways, focusing on infrastructure, cargo movement, and integration with coastal and port logistics. Key discussions included boosting green shipping, tourism potential, and private sector participation in inland waterways.
- On 25 January 2026, India celebrated National Tourism Day with the theme “Rural and Community-Centric Tourism.” The focus was on sustainable and inclusive growth, empowering villages and promoting eco-friendly travel practices. Events like Bharat Parv at the Red Fort showcased handicrafts, cuisines, and folk performances reflecting India’s diversity.
- International Customs Day 2026 was observed on 26 January by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and its 183 member countries. The theme was “Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment,” highlighting the role of customs in border security and safe trade. It emphasized customs’ contribution to preventing smuggling, ensuring revenue collection, and facilitating global commerce.
- National Geographic Day 2026 was celebrated on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, marking the anniversary of the founding of the National Geographic Society in 1888. The theme for 2026 was “The Future of Learning, The Future of Our Planet,” reflecting a strategic pivot toward Planetary Stewardship. The focus was on how science and storytelling can empower the next generation to address global challenges.
- Arijit Basu, former SBI Managing Director, has been appointed Part-Time Chairman of IndusInd Bank. His three-year tenure begins on 31 January 2026, succeeding Sunil Mehta. The move comes as IndusInd Bank returns to profitability after recent losses.
- On 22 January 2026, Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya, a renowned public health expert and former WHO staff member, was announced as the first Indian to receive the Wiley Research Heroes Prize 2025. He was honoured in the Impact Beyond Academia category for research that shaped health policies and benefited millions. Dr. Lahariya was selected from over 2,000 nominations worldwide.
- On 26 January 2026 (Republic Day), President Droupadi Murmu approved Gallantry Awards for 70 Armed Forces personnel. These include 6 Kirti Chakra, 16 Shaurya Chakra, 4 Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), 52 Sena Medal (Gallantry), 1 Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry), and 1 Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry). The awards honour acts of exceptional bravery, courage, and sacrifice by personnel of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- On 26 Jan 2026, President Droupadi Murmu awarded the Ashok Chakra to IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. He became the first Indian to set foot on the ISS during the Axiom-4 mission (2025). Shukla conducted scientific and agricultural experiments in space, including growing fenugreek and mung beans.
- COAS (Chief of Army Staff) General Upendra Dwivedi released the book “Red Lines Redrawn: Operation Sindoor and India’s New Normal” on 22 January 2026 at the India International Centre, New Delhi. The book, co-authored by Army officers, an Air Force officer, and a diplomat, narrates the 88-hour Operation Sindoor (May 2025) that reshaped India’s military doctrine.
- Inderjit Singh Bindra, former BCCI president and legendary cricket administrator, passed away on 25 January 2026 at the age of 84. He was instrumental in hosting the 1987 and 1996 Cricket World Cups in India. Bindra also built the iconic Mohali Stadium, later renamed the I.S. Bindra Stadium.
Questions:
Q.1 Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya became the first Indian to receive which international prize?a) Lasker Award
b) Prince Mahidol Award
c) Gates Global Health Award
d) Wiley Research Heroes Prize
Answer: d) He received the Wiley Research Heroes Prize 2025 in the Impact Beyond Academia category.
Q.2 Which country officially withdrew from the World Health Organization (WHO) on 22 January 2026?
a) United Kingdom
b) United States
c) Russia
d) Brazil
Answer: b) The United States officially withdrew from WHO, citing failures during the COVID-19 pandemic and lack of reforms.
