- Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda released the 10th Edition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP 2026) on 2 January 2026 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The updated compendium adds 121 new monographs, raising the total to 3,340, and strengthens India’s global leadership in pharmaceutical standards.
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- The Indian Army has declared 2026 as the “Year of Networking & Data Centricity” to strengthen its transformation drive. This initiative focuses on building a data-driven, connected, and agile force through indigenous technologies. By enabling real-time decision-making and joint operations, it aims to enhance combat effectiveness and reduce risks like friendly fire.
- On 2 January 2026, Union Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar launched the IITM Global Research Foundation at IIT Madras. The initiative aims to make IIT Madras the world’s first multinational IIT with global campuses. It will focus on AI, quantum tech, data science, startups, and innovation collaborations worldwide. This step strengthens India’s role in global education, research, and knowledge diplomacy.
- The Information & Broadcasting Ministry, in collaboration with MyGov, announced the winners of the Badalta Bharat Mera Anubhav creative challenges. The initiative invited citizens to share their experiences of India’s transformation over the past 11 years, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. Winners were selected across categories such as Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Short AVs, and Blog Writing.
- On 3 January 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth ₹373 crore in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The projects include a ₹229 crore Integrated Command and Control Centre, a new district hospital, a forensic science lab, and several infrastructure schemes aimed at boosting security, healthcare, and tourism.
- On 5 January 2026, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that India has become the world’s largest rice producer. India’s output in 2024–25 stood at 150.18 million tonnes, surpassing China’s 145.28 million tonnes. The announcement was made during the release of 184 new crop varieties developed by ICAR.
- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned a ₹4,100 crore loan for the Musi Riverfront Development Project in Telangana. This funding supports Phase-I, covering a 21 km stretch of the river to rejuvenate and restore ecology. Telangana has also sought ₹3,188 crore from the Ministry of Jal Shakti under the National River Conservation Plan.
- ICICI Bank has officially launched the Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS) effective 1 January 2026, allowing taxpayers to deposit unutilised long-term capital gains and claim tax exemptions while earning interest. The scheme is available to resident individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), with plans to extend to NRIs and non-individual entities later.
- SpaceX successfully launched Italy’s COSMO‑SkyMed Second Generation (CSG) satellite on 2 January 2026 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The mission carried the third satellite in the constellation, built by Thales Alenia Space for the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and Ministry of Defence, marking SpaceX’s first mission of 2026.
- On 6 January 2026, organizers confirmed that Venus Williams, at age 45, will play in the Australian Open main draw. This makes her the oldest woman ever to compete in the tournament, surpassing Kimiko Date’s 2015 record at 44. Venus enters through a wildcard, marking her 22nd AO appearance since debuting in 1998.
- DRDO (Defence Laboratory Jodhpur) launched SWaDeS – Sea Water Desalination System on January 3, 2026. It provides potable water in 2–3 minutes from seawater, using nano‑porous membrane technology. Available in hand‑operated and engine‑powered versions, reducing 35,000 mg/L TDS → <500 mg/L TDS. Supports 20–25 soldiers at once, ensuring safe water in remote, coastal, and high‑altitude areas under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- The Government of India has launched the Market Access Support (MAS) Scheme with an outlay of ₹4,531 crore for FY26–31. It will help exporters, especially MSMEs, join global fairs, exhibitions, and buyer–seller meets. As part of the ₹25,060 crore Export Promotion Mission, the scheme shifts focus from subsidies to structured facilitation. Its aim is to strengthen India’s export competitiveness amid rising global tariffs.
- The Government of India (GoI) has extended the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles up to 31 March 2026. This extension gives more time for companies to apply and invest in MMF (Man-Made Fibres) apparel, fabrics, and technical textiles. The scheme, originally launched in 2021, aims to boost domestic manufacturing, exports, and job creation in the textile sector.
- On January 2, 2026, ESAF Small Finance Bank announced the appointment of Karthikeyan Manickam as its new Chairman. He is a former Executive Director of the Bank of India and brings decades of expertise in banking operations, risk management, regulatory compliance, and credit monitoring.
- Justice Mahesh Sharadchandra Sonak, a judge of the Bombay High Court, has been appointed as the new Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court. He took charge on 8 January 2026, following the retirement of Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan. The appointment was notified by the Law Ministry on 2 January 2026, under Article 217(1) of the Constitution.
Questions:
Q.1 The Asian Development Bank’s ₹4,100 crore assistance is meant for which urban ecological project?a) Ganga rejuvenation
b) Musi river restoration
c) Yamuna cleaning mission
d) Godavari waterfront
Answer: b) The loan is for the Musi Riverfront Development Project.
Q.2 The SWaDeS system developed by DRDO is intended to solve which operational problem?
a) Secure battlefield communication
b) Detection of underwater mines
c) Supply of potable water from seawater
d) Autonomous navigation
Answer: c) SWaDeS converts seawater into drinkable water.
