- On January 4, 2026, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveiled 184 new crop varieties across 25 crops in New Delhi, developed by ICAR, agricultural universities, and private seed companies. These varieties aim to boost productivity, reduce input costs, and enhance climate resilience, with farmers expected to access them within three years.
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- On Jan 4, 2026, the 42nd Foundation Day of DSIR (Department of Scientific and Industrial Research) was celebrated in New Delhi. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced relaxation of the 3‑year eligibility norm for deep‑tech startups. Startups can now access up to ₹1 crore under IRDPP (Industrial Research and Development Promotion Programme) for R&D support.
- On 5 January 2026, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj) inaugurated the Smart Green Aquaculture (SGA) Farm and Research Institute along with India’s first commercial‑scale tropical Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS)‑based Rainbow Trout facility in Hyderabad, Telangana.
- Indian scientists, led by IITM Pune under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, have developed indigenously manufactured 3D‑printed Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) as part of the ₹2,000 crore Mission Mausam. The first batch will be deployed in Delhi starting February 2026, marking a major step in strengthening India’s weather observation and forecasting network.
- On January 5, 2026, Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya inaugurated Sanskaar Shaala in Guwahati. Organized by the Marwari Sammelan (Kamrup Shakha), it targets children aged 4–14 years. The program focuses on value-based education, cultural heritage, and moral development. Governor emphasized that values are the foundation of virtues, citing Vedas and Bhagavad Gita.
- In January 2026, an ultra‑rare Sandalwood Leopard was recorded for the first time in MM Hills, Karnataka. It is a unique color morph with a sandalwood‑golden coat, captured through camera traps. This marks the first documentation of such a leopard in the state. The sighting highlights Karnataka’s role as a biodiversity hotspot with rare big‑cat variants.
- On Jan 6, 2026, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan released 41 literary works in New Delhi. The initiative promotes Indian knowledge traditions and multilingual learning under NEP‑2020. The works include translations, compilations, and original writings across Indian languages. It aims to enrich education and culture, fostering inclusivity and literary growth.
- On January 1, 2026, India and Pakistan exchanged lists of their nuclear installations for the 35th consecutive year under the 1988 bilateral agreement prohibiting attacks on each other’s nuclear facilities. This annual ritual, despite tense relations, remains a rare confidence-building measure between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
- Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) announced on January 5–6, 2026, that it has partnered with fintech solutions provider TechFini to strengthen its UPI acquiring and issuing capabilities. The collaboration will expand UPI use cases, including automated EMI and loan repayments via UPI Autopay, and deliver a faster, secure, and scalable payments framework for merchants, NBFCs, and fintech partners across India.
- On 6 January 2026, WaveX, the Ministry of I&B’s startup accelerator, signed an MoU with FITT-IIT Delhi at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi. The agreement, witnessed by Secretary Sanjay Jaju, aims to boost innovation and entrepreneurship in broadcasting, media, and entertainment technologies. It will expand incubation centres nationwide, offering mentorship, IP support, and access to IIT Delhi’s expertise.
- On January 5, 2026, the Supreme Court of India signed an MoU with the Supreme Court of Bhutan in New Delhi. The agreement aims to strengthen judicial cooperation through the exchange of young legal professionals. Two Bhutanese law clerks will work at the Supreme Court of India for three months. They will receive the same honorarium as Indian clerks, with travel expenses covered by the Court.
- On January 5, 2026, India commissioned its first indigenous Pollution Control Vessel ‘Samudra Pratap’ at Goa Shipyard. It was inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for the Indian Coast Guard. The vessel is equipped to tackle oil spills, chemical leaks, and marine pollution in India’s EEZ. It marks a milestone in Atmanirbhar Bharat, boosting environmental protection and maritime security.
- National Siddha Day 2026 was celebrated on January 6 to honor Sage Agathiyar, with the theme “Siddha for Global Health.” It was inaugurated in Chennai by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, and the Ministry of Ayush did felicitate five eminent personalities for their contributions to Siddha research and practice.
- World Day of War Orphans is observed every year on January 6 to highlight the struggles of children who lose their parents due to armed conflicts. Initiated by SOS Enfants en Détresse (France), the day focuses on ensuring protection, care, and rehabilitation for war orphans. It raises awareness about their challenges such as poverty, trauma, and lack of education.
- Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque was sworn in as the 24th Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court on January 4, 2026, at Lok Bhawan in Gangtok. The oath was administered by Governor Om Prakash Mathur, with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and senior officials in attendance. He succeeds Justice Biswanath Somadder, who retired recently.
- Former World Billiards Champion and India’s Chief National Coach, Manoj Kothari, passed away on 5 January 2026 at the age of 67 following a cardiac arrest in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. He was undergoing treatment for a liver transplant and battled for 10 days before his demise.
Questions:
Q.1 The indigenous 3D-printed Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), to be deployed from February 2026, are a part of which major mission?a) Mission Amrit Sarovar
b) Mission Mausam
c) National Green Hydrogen Mission
d) Deep Ocean Mission
Answer: b) Indian scientists, led by IITM Pune under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, have developed indigenously manufactured 3D‑printed Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) as part of the ₹2,000 crore Mission Mausam.
Q.2 India’s first commercial-scale tropical RAS-based Rainbow Trout facility has been set up in —
a) Kerala
b) Andhra Pradesh
c) Telangana
d) Tamil Nadu
Answer: c) It was inaugurated in Hyderabad, Telangana.