Daily Current Affairs- 15th January 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 15th January 2026

Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu Lead NITI Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index 2024

In the News: NITI Aayog released the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024, the fourth edition since its inception in August 2020, providing a comprehensive assessment of export readiness across India's States and Union Territories. The index aligns with India's goal of achieving USD 1 trillion in merchandise exports by 2030 and the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.

Key Points:

• Index Overview and Purpose: The Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024 evaluates the strength, resilience, and inclusiveness of subnational export ecosystems across Indian states and UTs.
• Framework Structure: The EPI 2024 is structured around four main pillars with 13 sub-pillars and 70 indicators. The four pillars are: Export Infrastructure (20% weightage) covering logistics and utilities, Business Ecosystem including macroeconomy, cost competitiveness, human capital, finance accessibility, MSME ecosystem, and industrial environment, Policy & Governance, and Export Performance (20% weightage) measuring export outcomes, diversification, and global integration.
• Top Performers - Large States: Among large states, Maharashtra secured first position, followed by Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Top Performers - Small States and UTs: In the small states, North Eastern states, and Union Territories category, Uttarakhand emerged as the leader, followed by Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu, and Goa. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attributed the state's success to focus on creating an enabling environment for industry, improving infrastructure, and simplifying procedures.
• Classification System: States and UTs are categorized into Large States, Small States, North East States, and Union Territories. Within each category, they are further classified as Leaders (demonstrating high export preparedness), Challengers (moderate preparedness with scope for improvement), and Aspirers (at early stages of export ecosystem development), enabling comparative assessment and peer learning.

IOA Launches National Olympic Education Programme

In the News: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) launched the National Olympic Education and Development Programme (NOEDP) and formally reactivated the National Olympic Academy (NOA) during its Executive Council meeting on January 8, 2026, with decisions unanimously endorsed at the Annual General Meeting on January 9, 2026, in Ahmedabad.

Key Points:

• Programme Launch: The IOA launched the National Olympic Education and Development Programme (NOEDP) as a comprehensive national framework to deliver structured education and development programmes across India's Olympic ecosystem.
• NOEDP Framework: The NOEDP is designed to provide education and development opportunities from grassroots to elite levels, implemented in collaboration with National Sports Federations (NSFs) and State Olympic Associations (SOAs).
• National Olympic Academy Reactivation: The National Olympic Academy (NOA) has been formally reactivated to serve as the central institution for Olympic education, learning, research, and dialogue in India.
• Leadership Appointments: PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, was unanimously approved as the President of the National Olympic Academy. Gagan Narang, Vice President of the IOA and Olympic medallist, was appointed as the Director of the National Olympic Academy, bringing Olympic experience and leadership to the institution.
• International Collaboration: The National Olympic Academy will collaborate closely with the International Olympic Academy in Olympia to align India's Olympic education programmes with the Olympic Charter and international best practices.

China rejects India’s claim over Shaksgam valley in Kashmir, asserts territory belongs to Beijing

In the News: China rejected India's territorial claim over the Shaksgam Valley in Kashmir, asserting that the region belongs to Beijing.

Key Points:

• Chinese Assertion: China's foreign ministry spokesperson rejected India's claim over the Shaksgam Valley, stating that the region is Chinese territory. Beijing asserted that the boundary question between China and India does not involve the Shaksgam Valley, which it considers part of the Xinjiang region.
• India's Position: India maintains that the Shaksgam Valley, covering approximately 5,180 square kilometers, is an integral part of Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian government consistently asserts that Pakistan illegally ceded this region to China through the 1963 Sino-Pakistan Boundary Agreement, which India has never recognized.
• Historical Background: The Shaksgam Valley was under Pakistani control after the 1947-48 India-Pakistan war and was subsequently ceded to China by Pakistan in 1963. The agreement demarcated the border between China's Xinjiang region and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, transferring the valley to Chinese control despite India's protests.
• Strategic Significance: The Shaksgam Valley holds strategic importance as it connects China's Xinjiang region with Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and provides access to the Karakoram Highway. The region is also significant for its proximity to the Siachen Glacier and its role in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
• Broader Border Dispute Context: This development comes amid ongoing border tensions between India and China, particularly following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. The two countries have been engaged in military and diplomatic talks to resolve standoffs along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

India Surpasses China in Rice Production

In the News: India has overtaken China to become the world's largest rice producer, marking a significant milestone in global agriculture. The development has major implications for global food security and India's position in international rice trade.

Key Points:

• Production Figures: India's annual rice production has crossed approximately 150 million tonnes, while China's production has remained around 145 million tonnes but with declining trends. India's consistent growth in rice cultivation, particularly in states like West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh, has contributed to this achievement.
• Contributing Factors: The surge in India's rice production is attributed to several factors including expanded cultivation area, adoption of high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, improved irrigation facilities, and government support through minimum support price (MSP) mechanisms.
• Agricultural Reforms: Government initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and various state-level irrigation projects have enhanced water availability for paddy cultivation. The promotion of direct seeded rice (DSR) technology and the use of modern farming equipment have improved productivity and efficiency.
• Export Implications: India is already the world's largest rice exporter, accounting for over 40% of global rice trade. The increased production strengthens India's position in international markets, particularly in exporting basmati and non-basmati varieties to countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

RBI Recognizes FEDAI as Self-Regulatory Organisation for Forex Dealers

In the News: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) officially recognized the Foreign Exchange Dealers' Association of India (FEDAI) as a Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) for forex dealers. This recognition empowers FEDAI to oversee and regulate foreign exchange market practices, ensuring compliance, ethical standards, and market discipline.

Key Points:

• SRO Recognition: The RBI granted Self-Regulatory Organisation status to FEDAI, marking a significant step in strengthening the governance framework of India's foreign exchange market. This recognition enables FEDAI to formulate and enforce rules, codes of conduct, and best practices for forex dealers operating in India.
• About FEDAI: The Foreign Exchange Dealers' Association of India is the primary association of banks dealing in foreign exchange in India, established in 1958.
• Roles and Responsibilities: As an SRO, FEDAI will be responsible for framing regulations for member banks, monitoring compliance with forex guidelines, resolving disputes among members, and promoting transparency in foreign exchange transactions.
• Regulatory Framework: FEDAI will work in coordination with the RBI to ensure adherence to Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) provisions and other regulatory requirements. The SRO status allows FEDAI to implement self-governance mechanisms, reducing the regulatory burden on the central bank while maintaining market integrity.

Karnataka Bank Bags IBA Award for Best Fintech & DPI Adoption

In the News: Karnataka Bank received the prestigious Indian Banks' Association (IBA) Award for Best Fintech & Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Adoption.

Key Points:

• Award Recognition: Karnataka Bank was honored with the IBA Award for Best Fintech & DPI Adoption, recognizing its exemplary implementation of digital technologies and integration with India's Digital Public Infrastructure. The award was presented by the Indian Banks' Association, the apex body representing banks in India.
• Bank Profile: Karnataka Bank is a leading private sector bank headquartered in Mangaluru, Karnataka, with a network spanning across India. Established in 1924, the bank has been at the forefront of adopting technology-driven banking solutions to serve its diverse customer base.
• Digital Public Infrastructure Integration: The bank has successfully integrated key DPI platforms including Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Account Aggregator framework, and the Open Credit Enablement Network (OCEN).
• Fintech Innovations: Karnataka Bank has implemented various fintech solutions including AI-powered chatbots for customer service, blockchain-based remittance systems, and advanced data analytics for personalized banking services.
• Customer Impact: The bank's digital initiatives have significantly improved customer convenience through features such as 24/7 digital banking services, instant fund transfers, paperless account operations, and enhanced security protocols. The adoption has resulted in increased transaction volumes and improved customer satisfaction scores.

First Indian Appointed to Chair the ABDM

In the News: Senior Indian diplomat DB Venkatesh Varma has been nominated by the UN Secretary General to chair the Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters (ABDM) for the 2026–27 term. This historic appointment marks the first time an Indian has been selected to lead this prestigious UN advisory body.

Key Points:

• Historic Appointment: DB Venkatesh Varma becomes the first Indian diplomat to chair the Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters (ABDM), appointed by the UN Secretary General for the 2026–27 term. This milestone underscores India's significant role in international peace and security matters and recognition of its expertise in disarmament issues.
• About DB Venkatesh Varma: DB Venkatesh Varma is a distinguished Indian Foreign Service officer with extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy and disarmament affairs.
• ABDM Overview: The Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters is a high-level advisory body established by the UN Secretary General to provide expert advice on disarmament and arms control issues.
• Key Responsibilities: As Chair, Varma will lead ABDM's deliberations on critical disarmament issues including nuclear weapons control, conventional arms regulation, weapons of mass destruction and emerging technologies in warfare.
• India's Disarmament Position: India has consistently advocated for universal, non-discriminatory, and verifiable nuclear disarmament while maintaining its strategic autonomy. The country supports the complete elimination of nuclear weapons through a step-by-step process and has maintained a credible minimum deterrence doctrine with a no-first-use policy.

Centre Appoints Rakesh Aggarwal as New Director General of NIA

In the News: The Central Government appointed Rakesh Aggarwal as the new Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), India's premier counter-terrorism investigation agency.

Key Points:

• Appointment Details: Rakesh Aggarwal has been appointed as the Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) by the Central Government. The appointment was made through the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), following established protocols for selecting heads of premier investigative agencies.
• About NIA: The National Investigation Agency is India's central counter-terrorism law enforcement agency, established in 2009 following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. The NIA operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and has jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute offences related to terrorism, cross-border crimes, organized crime, and threats to national security across India.
• Key Responsibilities: As Director General, Aggarwal will oversee NIA's investigations into terror-related activities, cross-border smuggling networks, narco-terrorism, cyber terrorism, and radicalization cases.
• Operational Mandate: Under Aggarwal's leadership, the NIA will continue to strengthen its investigative capabilities, enhance inter-agency coordination, and leverage technology for intelligence gathering and evidence collection. The agency works closely with the Intelligence Bureau, Research and Analysis Wing, and state Anti-Terrorism Squads.

Centre Appoints Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor as ITBP Chief; Praveen Kumar to Head BSF

In the News: The Central Government announced key appointments in the leadership of two major Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor has been appointed as the Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), while Praveen Kumar will assume charge as the Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF).

Key Points:

• ITBP Appointment: Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor, a senior IPS officer, has been appointed as the Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). The appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) and places Kapoor at the helm of the force responsible for guarding India's border with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
• BSF Appointment: Praveen Kumar has been designated as the Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF), India's largest border guarding force. Kumar will lead the BSF in its critical role of securing India's international borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh, spanning over 6,300 kilometers.
• About ITBP: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police is a specialized mountain warfare force established in 1962, primarily tasked with guarding the 3,488-kilometer-long India-China border from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh.
• About BSF: The Border Security Force, established in 1965, is India's primary border guarding organization deployed along the international borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. With over 2.65 lakh personnel, the BSF is responsible for preventing cross-border infiltration, smuggling, and other transnational crimes while maintaining border security.
• Strategic Challenges: Both appointments come amid ongoing border tensions with China along the LAC and continuing security concerns along the Pakistan and Bangladesh borders. Kapoor and Kumar will be responsible for managing complex operational challenges including border infrastructure development, modernization of forces, and coordination with intelligence agencies.

Indian Army Day 2026: History, Significance, Parade Highlights, Quotes

In the News: India celebrated its 78th Army Day on January 15, 2026, commemorating the historic occasion when Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa took over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949.

Key Points:

• Historical Significance: Army Day is celebrated annually on January 15 to mark the day in 1949 when Lieutenant General (later Field Marshal) K.M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, replacing General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British officer to hold the position. This transition symbolized India's complete military independence following independence in 1947.
• 2026 Parade Location: The highlight of the day will be the 78th Army Day Parade, being organised in Jaipur for the first time. The parade will be held on Mahal Road, and entry to the venue will be strictly restricted to those who have completed prior registration.
• Chief Guest and Attendees: General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff, presided over the Army Day celebrations and reviewed the parade.
• Parade Highlights: The 2026 parade featured impressive displays including marching contingents from various regiments, mechanized columns showcasing advanced tanks and artillery systems, demonstrations of indigenous weapon systems under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, helicopter flypasts, and special performances by Army bands. The parade also highlighted women's participation in combat roles.
• Awards and Gallantry Honors: Army Day 2026 included the presentation of gallantry awards and Sena Medals to distinguished soldiers for their exceptional bravery and service.
• Themes: The 2026 celebrations emphasized themes of modernization, technological advancement, and self-reliance in defense manufacturing.