Current General Knowledge Digest.

Current General Knowledge Digest

 Important Events from 1 January to 21 January

Governance & Policy

1. The Cabinet approved ₹5,000 crore equity infusion into SIDBI to boost MSME lending and financial inclusion across India. This move aims to enhance credit flow to small businesses amid economic recovery. Implementation begins in Q1 2026.
2. Cabinet extends Atal Pension Yojana till 2030-31, ensuring guaranteed pension benefits for unorganized sector workers. Over 6 crore subscribers expected to benefit from enhanced coverage. Focus on low-income groups in rural areas.
3. Centre notifies first phase of Census 2027, including caste enumeration for better social justice data. Two-phase rollout starts mid-2027 with digital integration. Aims to update demographic profiles post-2021 delay.
4. SEBI mandates NISM certification for AIF compliance officers from January 2027 to strengthen regulatory oversight. Enhances professionalism in alternative investment funds. Training programs to roll out nationwide.
5. RBI grants final PA-CB authorisation to BRISKPE, enabling full digital banking operations. Boosts fintech innovation in payments and lending. Expected to serve underserved regions effectively.
6. Promoting cooperative federalism, Zonal Councils resolved over 80% inter-state issues. Bharatiya Bhasha Anubhag established for Indian languages in governance. Strengthens Centre-state coordination.
7. PANKHUDI Digital Portal launched for seamless pension disbursement to freedom fighters’ kin. Digitizes claims and verification processes. Covers thousands of eligible families nationwide.
8. India’s first fully paperless court system implemented in select high courts. Reduces backlog through e-filing and virtual hearings. Expands to district levels by mid-2026.
9. Single Emergency Number ‘112’ goes live in Delhi under ERSS 2.0 framework. Integrates police, fire, and medical services for faster response. Nationwide rollout planned.
10. President Murmu to visit Ayodhya on March 19 for Ram Temple events. Highlights cultural and spiritual significance post-pran pratishtha. Security and logistics finalized.

Appointments & Leadership

11. BJP elects Nitin Nabin as youngest national president; PM Modi attends ceremony. Signals youth infusion in party leadership. Focus on 2026 state polls.
12. R. Venkataramani re-appointed Attorney General for two-year term from October 2025. Continues legal advisory role to government. Expertise in constitutional matters.
13. Vijayendra Singh appointed as Asian Boxing Council member. Olympic bronze medalist brings two decades of experience. Enhances India’s boxing governance.
14. Jay Shah elected to MCC’s World Cricket Connects Advisory Board. Strengthens India’s global cricket influence. Focus on development programs.

Economy & Infrastructure

15. India overtakes Japan as world’s 4th largest economy at USD 4.18 trillion. Driven by robust GDP growth and manufacturing push. Projections for top 3 by 2030.
16. Rupee hits record low of 91.74 against USD amid global pressures. RBI intervenes to stabilize forex market. Impacts imports and inflation outlook.
17. NHAI sets two Guinness World Records for fastest highway construction. Highlights infra efficiency under Bharatmala Pariyojana. Boosts connectivity in remote areas.
18. West Bengal solar firm wins ₹64.95 crore power contract from Maharashtra. Promotes inter-state renewable energy trade. Supports green transition goals.
19. UPITEX 2026 expo to boost North India’s MSMEs with global exposure. Features tech and export stalls. Expected footfall over 50,000.
20. Air India signs codeshare with airBaltic for India-Baltic connectivity. Enhances travel options to Europe. Effective from early 2026.

Security & Defense

21. Security forces resume operations in Kishtwar after terrorist grenade attack injures 8 soldiers. Hunt for hideouts in upper reaches continues. Reinforces J&K anti-terror grid.
22. ED raids 21 locations in Kerala, TN, Karnataka over Sabarimala gold misappropriation. Probes temple fund diversion worth crores. Arrests expected soon.
23. Indian Army launches SANJAY battlefield surveillance system. Indigenously developed for real-time intel. Deployed along borders.
24. Military Combat Parachute System tested for high-altitude ops. Fully indigenous design enhances special forces capability. Ready for induction.
25. Gujarat deploys AI-CCTV network to control stray cattle in Ahmedabad. Reduces road accidents and farm damage. Pilot success leads to expansion.

Sports Achievements

26. India defeats Pakistan to win ninth Asia Cup title in cricket. Dominant performance in finals. Boosts team’s confidence for World Cup.
27. Wriddhiman Saha announces retirement from international cricket. Storied career with key Test contributions. Honored by BCCI.
28. Vijay Hazare Trophy title clinched amid domestic season highlights. Showcases emerging talents. Preps for IPL auctions.
29. Wrestling Federation suspension lifted by Youth Affairs Ministry. Allows national championships to proceed. Athletes relieved.
30. 38th National Games to inaugurate in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun. Multi-sport event with state participation. Focus on grassroots talent.

Culture & Awards

31. 139 Padma Awards announced for 2026, spanning arts and social service. Posthumous honors included. Ceremony in March.
32. World Hindi Day observed with events promoting language globally. Prasar Bharati launches ‘Creator’s Corner’ for content. Ties to UN recognition.
33. PM Modi inaugurates Utkarsh Odisha investment summit in Bhubaneswar. Attracts ₹10 lakh crore pledges. Focus on eastern growth.
34. Republic Day preparations underway with grand parade theme on Viksit Bharat. Cultural tableaus from all states. Chief guest announcement pending.
35. Makar Sankranti festivals celebrated across India with kites and sweets. Harvest joy in Punjab, Tamil Nadu Pongal. Regional variations highlighted.

Social & Health

36. Unified Pension Scheme notified for central employees. Assured returns post-retirement. Covers 60 lakh subscribers.
37. ‘Live Cases’ Dashboard by Law Ministry tracks judicial pendency. Real-time data for reforms. Improves access to justice.
38. Odisha-Meghalaya sign MoU for cultural and trade cooperation. Boosts northeastern ties. Tourism promotion key.
39. Two new rare ant-fly species discovered in Western Ghats. Biodiversity hotspot yields unique finds. Research published.
40. India-Fiji discuss agricultural cooperation for tech transfer. Focus on climate-resilient crops. Strengthens bilateral ties.