- On 5 January 2026, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) signed agreements with Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) to establish two joint ventures—Bharat Ethane One IFSC Pvt. Ltd. and Bharat Ethane Two IFSC Pvt. Ltd.—in GIFT City, Gandhinagar. Each JV will have a 50:50 equity split, marking ONGC’s strategic entry into the specialised ethane shipping business.
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- On 6 January 2026, Financial Software and Systems (FSS) became the first payments company in India, Middle East, Asia-Pacific (APAC), and South Africa to earn the ISO/IEC 42001 certification. This certification is the world’s first standard for AI management systems, ensuring ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence.
- The Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) held its first meeting on 5 Jan 2026 in Mumbai, chaired by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra. The Board reviewed payment systems, discussed the draft Payments Vision 2028, and examined RBI’s Digital Payments Survey, marking the start of PRB’s role in shaping India’s secure and inclusive payment roadmap.
- IDFC FIRST Bank launched the Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card on 6 Jan 2026 in Mumbai. It offers 0% forex markup on all international spends, a first-of-its-kind benefit in India. Users earn up to 10% value back on hotels, 6.6% on flights, plus lounge and golf privileges. Aimed at premium travellers, it combines global rewards, lifestyle perks, and travel insurance.
- On 5 January 2026, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin (M.K. Stalin) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Women (UN Women) at the Chennai Secretariat. The agreement aims to advance Gender‑Responsive Governance (GRG) and inclusive development, with a strong emphasis on Gender‑Responsive Budgeting (GRB), integrating gender equality into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and building institutional capacity
- Indian scientists at JNCASR, Bengaluru developed the first supercomputer-powered simulation of the Mpemba effect. The effect shows that hot water can freeze faster than cold water, a paradox debated for decades. Announced on 6 Jan 2026, the study was published in Communications Physics.
- Calamaria mizoramensis, a new reed snake species, was first collected in Mizoram in 2008 but misidentified. Later DNA and morphological studies confirmed it as distinct from other Southeast Asian species. On 7 January 2026, it was formally described in the journal Zootaxa by Prof. H.T. Lalremsanga’s team. This non‑venomous, nocturnal snake highlights Northeast India’s rich biodiversity and conservation importance.
- The Indian Army announced the creation of the ‘Bhairav’ modern warfare force on January 7, 2026 at Nasirabad, Rajasthan. This new force comprises over one lakh trained drone operatives, designed to integrate drones into surveillance, targeting, and hybrid warfare operations. It will make its debut at the Army Day Parade in Jaipur on January 15, 2026, showcasing India’s largest defence restructuring initiative.
- On 3 January 2026, the Indian Army signed a ₹293 crore contract with NIBE Limited in Pune. The deal is for the Suryastra Rocket Launch System, India’s first multi‑calibre universal rocket launcher. Developed with Israel’s Elbit Systems, it can strike targets at 150 km and 300 km with high precision. This boosts India’s deep‑strike artillery capability under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
- World Day of War Orphans is observed on 6 January 2026 to highlight the plight of children who lost parents in wars. It raises awareness of their emotional, social, and economic struggles. The day urges governments, NGOs, and society to ensure care, protection, and rehabilitation. It reminds the world that war’s impact continues long after battles end, with children bearing the burden.
- HSBC Private Bank has appointed Ida Liu as its new CEO, effective 5 January 2026. Liu, who previously served as Global Head of Citi Private Bank, brings over 25 years of experience in wealth management and strategic advisory. She will focus on strengthening HSBC’s leadership among ultra-high-net-worth clients and expanding global private banking growth.
- On 6 January 2026, Ramesh Kumar Juneja took charge as Chairman of the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) in Chennai. CLE, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, is India’s apex body for promoting leather and footwear exports. Juneja has been associated with CLE for over 15 years, serving as Regional Chairman (Eastern Region) and later Vice Chairman.
- The General Insurance Council (GI Council) appointed Dr. S Prakash, former Joint Managing Director of Star Health and Allied Insurance, as CEO for the Health Insurance Ecosystem and Strategic Partnerships on 7 January 2026. His mandate is to standardise treatment protocols, curb fraud and abuse, and improve grievance redressal mechanisms.
- On 9 January 2026, Indian Railways held the 70th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar ceremony at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka. 100 employees and officers were honored by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for exemplary service. The awards recognized contributions in innovation, safety, efficiency, project completion, and sports excellence.
- On 5 January 2026, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant launched the new edition of History That India Ignored, authored by veteran journalist and Asian News International (ANI) Chairman Prem Prakash. The book highlights neglected chapters of India’s freedom struggle, including Goa’s liberation, and aims to inspire younger generations with stories of unsung heroes.
- Former Union Minister Suresh Kalmadi passed away in Pune on January 6, 2026, aged 81. He was a former Indian Air Force pilot and long-time Congress MP. Kalmadi also served as President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). His legacy is marked by contributions to sports and the CWG 2010 scam controversy.
- Renowned ecologist Dr. Madhav Gadgil passed away in Pune on 7 Jan 2026 at the age of 83. He was the head of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (Gadgil Commission). Recipient of Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and UN Champions of the Earth Award (2024).
Questions:
Q.1 Who was appointed as the new CEO of HSBC Private Bank, effective 5 January 2026?a) Ida Liu
b) Jane Fraser
c) Noel Quinn
d) Anshuman Jain
Answer: a) HSBC Private Bank has appointed Ida Liu as its new CEO, effective 5 January 2026.
Q.2 Financial Software and Systems (FSS) became the first company in which regions to receive ISO/IEC 42001 certification?
a) Europe and Africa only
b) India, Middle East, APAC, and South Africa
c) India and Europe
d) Only Asia-Pacific
Answer: b) FSS became the first payments company across India, Middle East, APAC and South Africa to receive ISO/IEC 42001.
