Daily Current Affairs- 21st January 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 21st January 2026

BCCI Signs ₹270 Crore Gemini Sponsorship Deal Ahead of IPL 2026

In the News: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has secured a major sponsorship agreement worth ₹270 crore with Google's artificial intelligence platform Gemini ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). This three-year deal highlights the growing interest of AI platforms in Indian cricket and reinforces the IPL's global commercial appeal.

Key Points:

• Deal Value and Duration: The sponsorship agreement between BCCI and Gemini is valued at ₹270 crore for a three-year period. A BCCI official confirmed that the deal reinforces IPL's status as a premier global sporting property with massive marketing potential.
• AI Platforms in Cricket: Gemini's entry follows rival AI platform ChatGPT's sponsorship of the ongoing Women's Premier League (WPL), demonstrating growing competition among AI companies for visibility in Indian cricket. The involvement of major tech platforms underscores cricket's value as a marketing channel in India's digital economy.
• Current Title Sponsorship: Tata Group currently holds the title sponsorship rights for the IPL, the world's biggest T20 cricket league. The tournament attracts multiple corporate sponsors across various categories, generating substantial revenue for BCCI.
• ChatGPT and WPL Partnership: BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had emphasized the significance of diverse partnerships when ChatGPT's WPL sponsorship was announced in November. He noted that the mix of global AI leaders, manufacturing companies, and Indian consumer brands plays a critical role in enhancing fan experience and supporting women's cricket growth.
• IPL 2026 Schedule: IPL 2026 is scheduled to commence on Thursday, March 26, 2026, with the final match on Sunday, May 31, 2026. The tournament will feature matches across various Indian cities over approximately two months.

233-Year-Old Valmiki Ramayana Gifted to Ram Katha Museum in Ayodhya

In the News: A rare 233-year-old manuscript of the Valmiki Ramayana has been gifted to the Ram Katha Museum in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. This ancient manuscript, dating back to 1792, represents a significant addition to the museum's collection of religious and historical artifacts related to the Ramayana epic.

Key Points:

• Manuscript Details: The Valmiki Ramayana manuscript is 233 years old, having been written in 1792 during the late 18th century. The ancient text is written in Sanskrit and features traditional calligraphy and illustrations characteristic of that historical period.
• Donation and Donor: The rare manuscript was donated to the Ram Katha Museum by a private collector or family who preserved it for generations. The gift enhances the museum's repository of Ramayana-related texts and artifacts from different eras.
• Historical Significance: Dating back to the late 18th century, the manuscript provides insights into the textual transmission and preservation of the Ramayana across centuries. It represents the reverence for Valmiki's epic and the tradition of hand-copying sacred texts before the printing era.
• Ram Katha Museum: The museum is located in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram and a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus worldwide. It houses various manuscripts, paintings, sculptures, and artifacts depicting stories and episodes from the Ramayana.
• Preservation Efforts: The museum authorities have implemented special conservation measures to protect the fragile 233-year-old manuscript from environmental degradation. Climate-controlled display cases and restricted handling protocols ensure the manuscript's longevity for future generations.

Republic Day 2026: What is the Theme of Republic Day 2026?

In the News: India will celebrate its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, marking the day when the Indian Constitution came into effect in 1950, transforming India into a sovereign republic. The Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path in New Delhi will feature the theme commemorating 150 years of the national song 'Vande Mataram', showcasing India's military strength alongside its rich cultural heritage.

Key Points:

• 77th Republic Day: India will observe its 77th Republic Day on Monday, January 26, 2026, commemorating the adoption of the Constitution on January 26, 1950. The day marks the transition of India from a British dominion to a sovereign democratic republic.
• Theme: 150 Years of 'Vande Mataram': The central theme of Republic Day 2026 celebrates 150 years of the national song 'Vande Mataram', originally composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1876. The theme honors this iconic patriotic song that played a crucial role in India's freedom struggle and continues to inspire national pride.
• Chief Guests: Mr. Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, will be the chief guests for the Republic Day Parade 2026. Their presence reflects the strengthening ties between India and the European Union.
• Constitutional History: India gained independence on August 15, 1947, and approximately 14 days later, a Drafting Committee was formed under the chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to design the Indian Constitution. The meticulous drafting process took over two years to complete.
• Constitution Day: The Indian Constitution was completed and enacted on November 26, 1949, a date now celebrated as "Constitution Day" or "Samvidhan Divas". However, it came into effect on January 26, 1950, which is why this date was chosen to celebrate Republic Day.
• Significance of January 26: The date January 26 was specifically chosen because it coincided with the anniversary of the 1930 Declaration of Indian Independence (Purna Swaraj), proclaimed by the Indian National Congress. This historical connection made it a fitting day to establish the Republic.

Exercise DOSTI-17 Begins: India, Maldives and Sri Lanka Strengthen Indian Ocean Security

In the News: The 17th edition of Exercise DOSTI, a trilateral maritime exercise involving the Indian Navy, Maldives National Defence Force, and Sri Lankan Navy, has commenced to enhance maritime cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean Region. The exercise aims to strengthen operational coordination, promote interoperability, and address common security challenges among the three neighboring nations.

Key Points:

• Exercise Overview: Exercise DOSTI-17 is a trilateral maritime exercise conducted biennially among India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. The name "DOSTI" means "friendship" in Hindi and Urdu, symbolizing the strong bonds and cooperative spirit among the participating nations.
• Participating Forces: The Indian Navy deployed warships, maritime patrol aircraft, and specialized personnel for the exercise. The Maldives National Defence Force and Sri Lankan Navy contributed their naval assets and personnel to participate in joint operations and training modules.
• Exercise Location and Duration: The exercise is being conducted in the Indian Ocean Region, with both harbor and sea phases planned.
• India's Neighborhood First Policy: Exercise DOSTI reflects India's commitment to its "Neighborhood First" and "SAGAR" (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policies. The exercise demonstrates India's role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean and strengthens regional maritime partnerships.
• Historical Context: Exercise DOSTI was first conducted in 1991 as a bilateral exercise between India and Maldives, with Sri Lanka joining in 2012 to make it trilateral. The 17th edition builds on decades of maritime cooperation and mutual trust among the three Indian Ocean littoral states.

India-EU Summit 2026

In the News: The 16th India-European Union Summit will be held in New Delhi on January 27, 2026, co-chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa. The summit marks a significant deepening of India-EU strategic partnership, with key agreements expected on security, trade, and mobility, alongside the EU leaders serving as Chief Guests at India's 77th Republic Day celebrations.

Key Points:

• Summit Schedule and Leadership: The 16th India-EU Summit will take place on January 27, 2026, in New Delhi, following a three-day State Visit by EU leaders from January 25-27. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa will co-chair the summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and serve as Chief Guests at Republic Day celebrations on January 26.
• Security and Defence Partnership: India and the EU have agreed to sign a new Security and Defence Partnership covering maritime security, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism cooperation. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas announced that the agreement will be signed during the summit, marking a significant expansion of bilateral security cooperation.
• Free Trade Agreement (FTA): The India-EU Free Trade Agreement, described by von der Leyen as "the mother of all deals," is at an advanced stage and expected to be finalized during the visit. The agreement would create a market of two billion people and account for nearly a quarter of global GDP, representing a historic trade deal between the two partners.
• Comprehensive Strategic Agenda 2030: A new comprehensive strategic agenda using a 2030 planning horizon will be adopted during the summit, setting long-term goals for India-EU cooperation. The agenda is being developed mindfully of the geopolitical landscape and aims to ensure the partnership delivers concrete results.
• Strategic Partnership Evolution: India and the EU have been strategic partners since 2004, with the last summit held virtually on July 15, 2020. This in-person summit and the participation of EU leaders at Republic Day celebrations signal the deepening commitment to strengthen cooperation across political, economic, security, and cultural domains.

UAE Becomes India’s Second-Largest LNG Supplier After New Agreement

In the News: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as India's second-largest supplier of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) following a new long-term supply agreement between the two nations.

Key Points:

• New LNG Agreement: India and the UAE signed a major long-term LNG supply agreement to ensure steady energy supplies for India's growing economy. The deal involves Indian energy companies procuring substantial volumes of LNG from UAE-based suppliers, including the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).
• UAE's Position as Second-Largest Supplier: With this agreement, the UAE has become India's second-largest LNG supplier, surpassing traditional suppliers like Australia and the United States. Qatar remains India's largest LNG supplier, but the UAE's growing role diversifies India's energy import sources.
• Supply Volume and Duration: The agreement covers multi-million tons of LNG annually over a long-term contract period extending 10-15 years. The steady supply ensures energy security for India while providing the UAE with a reliable export market for its natural gas resources.
• Energy Security for India: India, as the world's third-largest energy consumer, relies heavily on LNG imports to meet approximately 50% of its natural gas requirements. Diversifying LNG sources through partnerships with the UAE reduces dependency on any single supplier and enhances energy security.
• India-UAE Strategic Partnership: This energy agreement reflects the deepening strategic and economic ties between India and the UAE under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Energy cooperation complements bilateral trade, investment, and defense partnerships between the two nations.

First Medical Evacuation from the International Space Station: Explained

In the News: The International Space Station (ISS) witnessed its first-ever medical evacuation when an astronaut required emergency return to Earth due to a serious health issue. This unprecedented event highlighted the challenges of providing medical care in space and the protocols established for handling critical health emergencies in orbit.

Key Points:

• Historic Medical Emergency: For the first time in ISS history, an astronaut required emergency medical evacuation from the space station to Earth.
• Nature of Medical Issue: While specific details were not fully disclosed due to medical privacy, the astronaut experienced a serious health condition requiring immediate intervention beyond ISS medical capabilities.
• Evacuation Protocol: The medical evacuation involved activating emergency procedures that have been planned but never previously executed at the ISS. A spacecraft docked at the station was prepared for rapid departure, with the mission timeline accelerated to facilitate the astronaut's urgent return.
• Spacecraft and Crew: The evacuation utilized either a Russian Soyuz spacecraft or SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, depending on availability and the astronaut's nationality. Additional crew members accompanied the affected astronaut to assist during descent and ensure safe landing operations.
• Medical Capabilities on ISS: The ISS is equipped with medical equipment including diagnostic tools, medications, and telemedicine capabilities for consulting with Earth-based doctors. However, serious medical emergencies requiring surgery, advanced imaging, or intensive care necessitate return to Earth.
• Re-entry and Recovery: The spacecraft executed an expedited undocking and de-orbit burn to minimize time before landing. Upon splashdown or landing, medical teams were immediately available to transport the astronaut to specialized facilities for treatment.

NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams Retires: Here Looking At Her Remarkable Journey

In the News: NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has announced her retirement after an illustrious career spanning multiple decades in space exploration. The Indian-American astronaut, who became a global icon and inspiration for millions, leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking achievements, record-breaking missions, and pioneering contributions to human spaceflight.

Key Points:

• Military and Aviation Career: Before joining NASA, Williams served as a U.S. Navy officer and was a test pilot with over 3,000 flight hours in more than 30 different aircraft. She graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1987 and later earned a Master's degree in Engineering Management from Florida Institute of Technology.
• NASA Selection and Training: Williams was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in June 1998 as part of the 17th astronaut class. She completed rigorous training in spacecraft systems, spacewalking techniques, robotics, and scientific procedures, preparing for long-duration missions.
• Space Missions and Duration: Williams flew two long-duration missions to the International Space Station, first in 2006-2007 (Expedition 14/15) and again in 2012 (Expedition 32/33). She accumulated 322 days in space across her missions, ranking among the most experienced female astronauts in history.
• Spacewalk Records: Williams held the record for most spacewalks by a woman (seven spacewalks) and the longest cumulative spacewalk time for a female astronaut at 50 hours and 40 minutes. These extravehicular activities involved critical station maintenance, equipment installation, and scientific experiments.
• Historic Achievements: She became the first woman of Indian origin to go to space and served as Commander of the International Space Station during Expedition 33 in 2012. Williams also ran the Boston Marathon while aboard the ISS in 2007, completing it on a treadmill in orbit.
• Cultural Ambassador: Throughout her career, Williams carried items representing her Indian heritage to space, including the Bhagavad Gita and a statue of Lord Ganesh. She became a cultural icon, inspiring countless young people, particularly girls and minorities, to pursue careers in STEM fields.

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Declared Eco-Sensitive Zone

In the News: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan. The notification aims to protect the sanctuary's biodiversity and regulate activities in the surrounding areas to prevent ecological degradation.

Key Points:

• Location and Extent: Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Rajsamand, Pali, and Udaipur districts of Rajasthan. The Eco-Sensitive Zone extends around the sanctuary's boundaries to create a buffer area for conservation.
• Purpose of ESZ Declaration: The ESZ aims to protect the sanctuary from potential threats arising from unregulated development activities. It serves as a transition zone between areas of high protection and those requiring lesser protection, minimizing human-wildlife conflict.
• Prohibited Activities: Commercial mining, stone quarrying, and crushing units are completely prohibited within the ESZ. Establishment of new saw mills, brick kilns, and industries causing pollution are banned in the designated area.
• Biodiversity Significance: Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is home to diverse wildlife including wolves, leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, and jungle cats. The sanctuary also supports rich floral diversity with dense forests of dhok, bamboo, and various medicinal plants.
• Historical Importance: The sanctuary surrounds the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kumbhalgarh Fort, built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha. The fort's walls extend over 36 kilometers, making it the second-longest continuous wall after the Great Wall of China.