Welcome to today’s TNPSC Daily Current Affairs for January 21, 2026.
This comprehensive compilation covers all important events across national politics,
international relations, science & technology, economy, sports, and more.
Sourced from The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, and other reputed media.
Perfect for TNPSC Group 1, Group 2, Group 2A, and Group 4 exam preparation.

📌 Read in Tamil: தமிழில் படிக்க இங்கே கிளிக் செய்யவும்

🏛️ National Politics & Government

1. Overview of 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth Held in New Delhi

• What happened: Overview of 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth Held in New DelhiThe Government of India(GoI) hosted the28thConference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth(CSPOC),organized by the Parliament of India, from January 14 to 16, 2026 at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, part of the Parliament House Complex in New Delhi, Delhi. Highlights of CSPOC 2026:Standing Committee Meeting:The CSPOC 2026 commenced on 14 January 2026 with a meeting of theCSPOC Standing Committee,which oversaw the organisation’s activities and comprised 15 members, with five members constituting the quorum.Inauguration ofCSPOC 2026:On 15 January 2026, the conference was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Key details: Participation:The 2026 event witnessed the largest participation, with 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth Countries and representatives of 4 semi-autonomous parliaments.Other Events:Lok Sabha SpeakerOm Birlaalso chaired the Lightning Round, the Special Plenary, and the Closing Plenary, and delivered the keynote address during the Special Plenary on “The Role of Speakers and Presiding Officers in Maintaining Strong Democratic Institutions.”Chairmanship Handover:During the event, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla handed over the chairmanship of the 29th CSPOC toLindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the United Kingdom (UK) House of Commons. >>Read Full News.
• Key points: The conference was chaired by Lok Sabha SpeakerOm Birla.; India hosted the conference for thefourth time,after earlier editions in 1970–71, 1986, and 2010.; He also inaugurated the 9th Group of Twenty (G20) Parliamentary Speakers’ (P20) Summit, held on the sidelines of CSPOC 2026 in New Delhi.; The 29th CSPOC will be held in London (UK) in 2028.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

2. Responsible Nations Index 2026: Singapore Leads, India Ranked at 16th Spot

• What happened: Responsible Nations Index 2026: Singapore Leads, India Ranked at 16th SpotIn January 2026, Former President of IndiaRam Nath Kovindlaunched the inaugural edition of theResponsible Nations Index(RNI),a 1st-of-its-kind global framework at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC) in New Delhi, Delhi.
• Key details: Key Findings of RNI 2026:Top 10 Performers:Cyprus secured 4th place with a score of 0.57737, followed by Sweden in 5th with 0.57397, Czechia in 6th with 0.57037, Belgium in 7th with 0.56900, Austria in 8th with 0.56645, Ireland in 9th with 0.56336, and Georgia in 10th place with a score of 0.55805.India’s Performance:RNI has ranked India at16thposition globally , ahead of European countries like: France, Albania, and Poland, which featured among the top 20 countries in the index.Major Economies:The index has ranked major economies like:Japan,the United States of America(USA),andChinaat38th, 66th,and68thpositions, respectively.Lowest-Ranked Countries:The bottom three nations in the RNI 2026 were Central African Republic (154th, 0.35715), Syria (153rd, 0.37254), and South Sudan (152nd, 0.37389).>>Read Full News.
• Key points: Indiawas ranked16thglobally in the RNI 2026 with an overall score of 0.551513.; Singaporetopped the ranking among 154 countries with an overall score of 0.61945, followed by Switzerland(0.58692) in second place and Denmark(0.58372) in third place.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

3. Overview of Japan’s FM

• What happened: Overview of Japan’s FMToshimitsuMotegi 3-Day Visit to India from January 15 to 17, 2026Japan’sForeign Minister(FM) Toshimitsu Motegiundertook a 3-day official visit to India from January 15 to 17, 2026. Exam Hints:What?Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi Visited IndiaDates of Visit:January 15 to 17, 2026Key Highlights:Reviewed the Delhi Metro Project;Participated in the 18th India-Japan Strategic DialogueKey Outcomes:Launch of AI Dialogue (led by FMs);JWG on Critical Minerals (in early 2026); Key Highlights of Visit:Metro Project:During his visit to India, Japanese FM Motegi, along withJapanese Ambassador to IndiaOno Keiichitook a ride on the Delhi Metro in New Delhi, Delhi.
• Key details: Dialogue: Union Minister S. Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) along with Japanese FM Motegi participated in the18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogueheld in New Delhi, Delhi.Key Outcomes :Both countries will convene the private security dialogue under the Economic Security initiative, aimed to strengthen public-private cooperation in the field of economic security.
• Key points: Also, Japan International Cooperation Agency(JICA)has committed to provide financial support to the Delhi Metro Project since Phase-I.; India and Japan launched the Artificial Intelligence(AI) Dialogueto be led by FMs.; Both countries have agreed to convene the Joint Working Group(JWG) on critical mineralsin early 2026.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

4. Economic Security Dialogue:

• What happened: Economic Security Dialogue:The second round of the Economic Security Dialogue, co‑led by the Foreign Secretary of India and the Japanese Vice Minister, was scheduled to take place in the 1st half of 2026.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

5. Overview of Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference 2026 Held in Rajkot, Gujarat

• What happened: Overview of Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference 2026 Held in Rajkot, GujaratIn January 2026, Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modiinaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference(VGRC) 2026for Kutch and Saurashtra Region, held from January 11 to 15, 2026, at Marwadi University in Rajkot, Gujarat. Highlights ofVibrant Gujarat Regional Conference(VGRC) 2026:Participants:The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, investors, MSMEs, startups, artisans, academia, export bodies, and international delegates.Partner Countries:It includes Japan, South Korea, Rwanda, Ukraine.Key Investments:Reliance Industries:During the conference, Reliance Industries Limited(RIL)committed to double its investment toRs.7 lakh croresin Gujarat over the next five years.Adani Group:Adani Group will investRs.1.50 lakh croreover the next five years in Mundra and Kutch (Gujarat), primarily to develop a 37 Gigawatt(GW) Renewable Energy (RE) park, one of the largest RE facilities in India.Welspun Group:It will investRs.5000 croresin Gujarat to establish the world’s largest pipeline manufacturing facility, strengthening industrial diversification and infrastructure supply chains in Gujarat.Jyoti CNC Industries:It will investRs.10,000crores over the next five years in Gujarat in manufacturing, Research and Development (R&D), and skill development.MoUsSigned:Overview:During the VGRC 2026,5,492Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) worthRs.5.78 lakh crores(approximately USD 70 billion) were signed, aimed at developing Saurashtra and Kutch regions as key economic engines aligned with the Government of India (GoI)’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.Hydrogen Integration:An MoU was signed by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board(PNGRB),under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), andDVGW (German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water) of Germany.
• Key details: >>Read Full News.
• Key points: The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Exhibition (VGRE) was conducted in Rajkot  as an integral part of VGRC 2026.; The MoU aims to create a framework for cooperation on integrating hydrogen into India’s natural gas network.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

6. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Ammunition Facility in Nagpur, Maharashtra

• What happened: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Ammunition Facility in Nagpur, MaharashtraIn January 2026,Union Minister Rajnath Singh,Ministry of Defence (MoD), inaugurated aMedium Calibre Ammunition Manufacturing Facilityat the Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited(SDAL) inNagpur, Maharashtra. Exam Hints:What?Inauguration of Medium Calibre Ammunition Manufacturing FacilityInaugurated by:Union Minister Rajnath Singh, MoDWhere?Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), Nagpur, MaharashtraPurpose:Manufacture 30 mm ammunition for IA and INKey Highlights:Reviewed Pinaka Rocket manufacturing facilityFlagged off the 1st tranche of Guided Pinaka rockets to Armenia Key Details:Facility:The new fully automated facility will manufacture30millimeter (mm)ammunition, which is extensively used by the Indian Army (IA) and the Indian Navy (IN).Pinaka Rocket Facility:During his visit, Union Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the Pinaka Rocket manufacturing facility at the Solar Group and flagged off the 1st tranche ofGuided Pinaka rocketsexported toArmenia.Key Progress Made in India’s Defence Sector:Domestic Defence Production:India’s domestic defence production has surged from Rs 46,425 crore (in 2014) to a record approximately Rs 1.51 lakh crore (2025-26), of which, more than Rs 33,000 was contributed by the private sector.Defence Exports:India’s defence exports have risen sharply to Rs.24,000 crore from less than Rs.1,000 crore ten years ago.
• Key details: 5th Edition of INSSagardhwaniFlagged Off forSagarMaitriV (SM-5) InitiativeIn January 2026, India’s oceanographic research vessel, Indian Navy Ship(INS)Sagardhwani, operated by the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) under Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO),was flagged offfrom Southern Naval Command,Kochi, Kerala, for the fifth edition of the Sagar Maitri(SM-5) initiative. Exam Hints:What?INS Sagardhwani flagged off for Sagar Maitri VBy Whom?Radha Mohan Singh, MP and Chairperson, Parliamentary Standing Committee on DefenceImplementer:NPOL, Kochi under DRDOObjective:Scientific cooperation and ocean research in the Indian Ocean Rim (IOR)Countries Involved:Oman, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, MyanmarMission Significance:Enhances Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) for the Indian Navy AboutSagarMaitriProgramme:Vision:Aligned with the Government of India’s MAHASAGAR goal—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.Focus:Promotes scientific research, socio-economic engagement, capacity building, and professional exchanges among 8 Indian Ocean Rim (IOR) nations (Oman, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Myanmar).MAITRI:The Marine & Allied Interdisciplinary Training and Research Initiative (MAITRI) acts as the scientific pillar for long-term ocean research partnerships.Platform:INS Sagardhwani conducts oceanographic missions, retracing historic INS Kistna routes from the International Indian Ocean Expedition (1962–65).SM-5:The fifth mission engages eight IOR countries and begins collaborative oceanographic studies with the Maldives.Objective:Collect oceanographic and acoustic data to enhance Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) for the Indian Navy(IN).INSSagardhwani:Type:INS Sagardhwani is a specialised Marine Acoustic Research Ship (MARS) for oceanographic and acoustic studies.Management:The vessel is designed and owned by DRDO’s NPOL and operated by the IN.Construction:It was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, West Bengal (WB), and commissioned in July 1994.
• Key points: The new facility reinforces India’s push for self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in defence production.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

💰 Economy & Banking

7. RBIRecognisesFEDAI as Self-RegulatoryOrganisationforAuthorisedDealersIn January 2026, the Reserve Ba

• What happened: RBIRecognisesFEDAI as Self-RegulatoryOrganisationforAuthorisedDealersIn January 2026, the Reserve Bank of India(RBI)recognised the Foreign Exchange Dealers’ Association of India(FEDAI)as a Self-Regulatory Organisation(SRO)for all Authorised Dealers(ADs)under the Omnibus Framework for Self-Regulatory Organisations(SROs)of the RBI.RBI Recognition of FEDAI as SRO:Recognition:RBI formally recognised FEDAI as a SRO based on its long-standing role in governing conduct in the foreign exchange (Forex) market.Role:As an SRO, FEDAI will frame standards, promote best practices, ensure ethical conduct, and monitor compliance among Authorised Dealers.Framework:The Omnibus SRO Framework aims to strengthen self-regulation, enhance accountability, ensure consistency, and reduce RBI’s regulatory burden.Transition:RBI has granted FEDAI one year to align its governance and operations with Omnibus SRO requirements, including system upgrades and transparency enhancements.RBI Approves Japan’s SMBC to Set Up Wholly Owned Subsidiary in IndiaIn January 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) grantedin-principle approvalto Japan-based Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation(SMBC)to establish a wholly owned subsidiary(WOS)in India under theRBI (Setting Up of Wholly Owned Subsidiaries by Foreign Banks) Guidelines, 2025. AboutForeign Exchange Dealers’ Association of India (FEDAI):Chairman –Srinivasa Panigrahi (Chief General Manager (CGM), Global Markets at State Bank of India, SBI)Headquarters– Mumbai, MaharashtraEstablished –1958>>Read Full News.
• Key points: Regulation:The final banking licence will be issued under Section 22(1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, upon fulfillment of RBI conditions.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

8. Canara Bank Partners with NBSL to Integrate UPI into its Payment App Canara

• What happened: Canara Bank Partners with NBSL to Integrate UPI into its Payment App CanaraaiPeIn January 2026,Canara Bankhas partnered with NPCI BHIM(Bharat Interface for Money) Services Limited(NBSL),a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), to integrate Unified Payments Interface(UPI)technology into its banking payments application(app),Canara ai1Pe. Exam Hints:What?Partnership announcedEntities:Canara Bank and NBSLPurpose:To integrate UPI into Canara ai1PeSignificance:Canara Bank becomes 1st bank to adopt NBSL’s plugin-based UPI solution Key Details of UPI Integration:Integration:Under this collaboration, NBSL’s bank plugin technology has been integrated into the Canara ai1Pe app, enabling secure, compliant, and scalable UPI-based digital payments for both Canara Bank customers and non-customers.Significance: With this move, Canara Bank becomes thefirst bankto implement NBSL’s plugin-based UPI solution.Feature Upgrades:The integration provides access to the latest UPI features from the BHIM Payments App, enhancing security and operational resilience while reducing costs of maintaining a standalone UPI platform.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

9. IMF Raises India’s Economic Growth Forecast to 7.3% in FY26

• What happened: IMF Raises India’s Economic Growth Forecast to 7.3% in FY26In January 2026, the International Monetary Fund (IMF)released its World Economic Outlook (WEO)titled, “Global Economy: Steady amid Divergent Forces”, in which it has upwardly revised India’s growth outlook for Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26) to7.3%,from 6.6% in October 2025. Exam Hints:What?World Economic Outlook releasedTitle:Global Economy: Steady amid Divergent ForcesReleased by:IMFIndia Growth:7.3% – FY26; 6.4% – FY27 & FY28Global Growth:3.3% – CY25; 3.2% CY26 & CY 27Global Inflation:3.8% – CY26, 3.4% – CY27 Key Findings:Reason for Revision:The upward revision reflects stronger corporate earnings in 3rd quarter(Q3) and robust economic momentum in Q4.
• Key points: The IMF’s prediction was just marginally lower than India’s government projection of7.4%for the same period.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

10. Upcoming Fiscal Years:

• What happened: Upcoming Fiscal Years:The IMF has also projected that India’s growth would moderate to6.4%in bothFY27 and FY28, citing softening of cyclical and temporary factors.Inflation Outlook:India’s inflation is projected to approach the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) target range of 2% to 6%, after a significant drop in 2025, largely due to easing food prices.India Leads:Among emerging and developing Asian economies, India continues to lead, outpacing regional peers and contributing significantly to Asia’s projected 5.0% growth in 2026.Global Economic Outlook:Global growth:The IMF projected global growth at 3.3% for Calendar Year 2025 (CY25) and 3.2% for CY26, with the same 3.2% growth expected in 2027. Global Inflation:The global inflation is projected to decline from an estimated4.1%in CY25 to3.8%in CY26 and further to3.4%in CY27.Global Trade Outlook:Global trade volume growth is projected to fall from 4.1% in CY25 to 2.6% in CY26, before rebounding to 3.1% in CY27, reflecting front-loading effects and adjustments in trade flows due to new policies.Drivers of Global Growth:The IMF stated that steady global growth has been driven by a balance between challenges from uncertain trade policies and gains from increased AI and technology investments in North America and Asia.About International Monetary Fund(IMF):Managing Director (MD) –Kristalina GeorgievaHeadquarters– Washington DC, the United States of America (USA)Member Nations– 191Established– 1944.
• Key points: The growth is supported by easing trade tensions, accommodative financial conditions and a surge in technology-driven investment.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

11. Air India and Singapore Airlines Sign Commercial Cooperation Agreement

• What happened: Air India and Singapore Airlines Sign Commercial Cooperation Agreementto Strengthen PartnershipIn January 2026,Air IndiaandSingapore Airlines(SIA) signed acommercial cooperation framework agreementto deepen their long-standing partnership and explore joint business opportunities. Exam Hints:What?Commercial cooperation framework agreement signedSigned Between:Air India and Singapore Airlines (SIA)Signatories:Campbell Wilson (Air India) and Goh Choon Phong (SIA)Objective: Strengthen partnership and expand India–Singapore air connectivity AboutCommercial Cooperation Agreement:ImprovedConnectivity:Air India and SIA plan to offer integrated bookings, expanded route options, and improved connectivity through coordinated flight schedules, enabling passengers to travel across both airlines as a single, seamless journey.Enhanced Benefits:The agreement envisages expanded collaboration in corporate travel programmes and the gradual enhancement of frequent flyer privileges, extending benefits for Air India’s Maharaja Club and SIA’s KrisFlyer members beyond existing Star Alliance offerings.Expanded Codeshare Network:Air India and SIA currently codeshare across61 destinationsin 20 countries and territories, with a major expansion in October 2024 adding 51 international and domestic destinations to their combined networks.
• Key points: The agreement was signed by Campbell Wilson, Managing Director(MD) and Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Air India; and Goh Choon Phong, CEO, SIA in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

12. APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

• What happened: APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS ACC Appoints NewDirectors Generalof NIA, BSF & ITBPIn January 2026, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet(ACC),headed by Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi, approved the proposal of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for the appointments ofRakesh Aggarwalas Director General (DG) of the National Investigation Agency (NIA),Praveen Kumaras DG of the Border Security Force (BSF), andShatrujeetSingh Kapooras DG of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Exam Hints:What?Appointment of New DGs for NIA, BSF, and ITBPApproved by:Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)DG of NIA:Rakesh Aggarwal (up to August 31, 2028)DG of BSF:Praveen Kumar (up to September 30, 2030)DG of ITBP:Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor (up to October 31, 2026).
• Key details: About Rakesh Aggarwal:Profile: He is a 1994-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Himachal Pradesh (HP) cadre.Tenure:He will serve as DG of NIA until his superannuation on 31 August 2028.Previous Role:He served as Special DG in the NIA, held additional charge as DG, and took interim charge of the agency following the repatriation ofSadanandDate(1990-batch IPS, Maharashtra cadre).About NIA:Established in 2008 after the Mumbai(Maharashtra) terror attacks; motto –RashtraraksanamAdyakartavyam(Protection of the nation is the first duty); headquartered in New Delhi, Delhi.About Praveen Kumar:Profile:He is a 1993-batch IPS officer of the West Bengal (WB) cadre.Tenure:Appointed as DG of BSF until 30 September 2030 or further orders.Predecessor:He succeededDaljitSinghChawdhary(1990 Batch IPS officer from Uttar Pradesh, UP) as BSF DG, taking interim charge before his formal appointment on 1 December 2025.About BSF:Established on 1 December 1965; motto – Duty Unto Death (Jeevan Paryant Kartavya); headquartered in New Delhi.AboutShatrujeetSingh Kapoor:Profile:He is a 1990-batch IPS officer of the Haryana cadreTenure:Appointed as DG of ITBP until 31 October 2026 or further orders.Predecessor:He succeedsPraveen Kumar, who was appointed as DG of BSF.Previous Role:Before becoming ITBP DG, he was the Director General of Police (DGP) of HaryanaAbout ITBP:Established on 24 October 1962 after the India-China war; motto – ‘Shaurya, Dridhata, Karm Nishtha’ (Valor, Steadfastness, and Commitment); headquartered in New Delhi.About Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA):Union Minister-Amit Shah (Constituency- Gandhinagar, Gujarat)Minister of State(MoS)-Nityanand Rai (Constituency- Ujiarpur, Bihar); Bandi Sanjay Kumar (Constituency- Karimnagar, Telangana) YoweriMuseveni Re-elected as President of Uganda for Seventh TermIn January 2026,Uganda’s Electoral Commission announced that 81-year old incumbent PresidentYoweriMuseveniof the National Resistance Movement won the presidential election with 71.65% of the vote, securing aseventh termin office for5 yearsfrom2026 to 2031. Exam Hints:What?Re-elected as President of UgandaWho?Yoweri MuseveniVote Share:71.65 percent (Museveni) and 24.72 percent (Wine).Term?Seventh termTenure:5 years from 2026 to 2031Known for: Longest-serving African leaders; regional diplomacy AboutYoweriMuseveni:Tenure: Yoweri Museveni has been serving as the leader of Uganda since 1986 and is one of the world’s longest-serving leaders.Rebellion: He led a rebellion against the dictator Idi Amin in 1979.Presidency: He won Uganda’s first direct presidential election and became President in 1996.Awards & Honours About Uganda:Prime Minister (PM) – Robinah NabbanjaCapital– KampalaCurrency– Ugandan Shilling (UGX).
• Key points: Opposition leader Bobi Wine, a 43-year-old singer-turned-politician representing the National Unity Platform and Uganda’s youthful demographic, received 24.72% of the vote in the 2026 presidential election.; Order of Katonga(2023): Uganda’s highest military decoration (Nishani ya Katonga), a rare honour recognising extraordinary heroism.; Global Peace Award(2018): Conferred by the Global Peace Foundation for his role in promoting peace in the Great Lakes region and across Africa.; AfrikaVerein Award(2016): Awarded by the German-Africa Business Association in Berlin for leadership excellence; first African president to receive it.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

13. India’s Olympic Medallist Vijender Singh Appointed as Member of ABCO

• What happened: India’s Olympic Medallist Vijender Singh Appointed as Member of ABCOIn January 2026, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) announced the appointment ofIndia’s Olympic Medallistand professional boxerVijender Singhas a member of the Asian Boxing Council(ABCO). Exam Hints:What?Appointment of New Member to Asian Boxing CouncilWho?Vijender SinghAnnounced by:BFIKey Accomplishment:India’s 1st Olympic Medallist in BoxingOlympic Career:Bronze Medal (2008 Beijing Olympic Games ) About Vijender Singh:Olympic Medal:He scripted history by winningIndia’s 1st Olympic Medal in Boxing(Bronze medal) at the 2008 Olympic Games held in Beijing, China.Asian Games:He also won a bronze medal at the 2006 Asian Games held in Doha, Qatar and a gold medal at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.CWG Performance:He is a 3-time Commonwealth Games (CWG) medallist, winning silver medal at Melbourne CWG 2006 (Australia), Bronze at Delhi CWG 2010 (India) and Silver at Glasgow 2014 (Scotland).About Asian Boxing Council(ABCO):Operated by:Established in 1985 and headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, the ABCO functions under the World Boxing Council (WBC).Key Function:It plays a pivotal role in shaping the sport’s competitive and developmental framework and operates across the Asian and Australasian regions.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

🌿 Environment & Geography

14. New Crustacean Genus Indiaphonte bijoyi Discovered in Lakshadweep

• What happened: New Crustacean Genus Indiaphonte bijoyi Discovered in LakshadweepIn January 2026, Researchers from Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) have discovered anIndiaphonte bijoyi,a new genus and species of microscopic harpacticoid copepod from theKavaratti lagoonin the islands of Union Territory (UT)Lakshadweep. Exam Hints:What?Discovery of new microscopic (or, tiny) crustaceanWhere?Kavaratti lagoon in Lakshadweep islandsFamily:Laophontidae within Copepoda className:‘Indiaphonte bijoyi’Significance:A new genus and a new speciesKey Features:semi-cylindrical, depressed body; antennae-like appendages at the front About New Crustacean:Family:It belongs to the familyLaophontidaeunder the‘Copepoda’class.
• Key details: Species Name:This newly discovered crustacean has been named‘Indiaphonte bijoyi’. Key Features:This crustacean is essentially anmeiofaunathat are tiny invertebrate animals less than 1 millimetre (mm) in size living in sediments in aquatic ecosystems.
• Key points: The new discovery has been published in a paper in‘Zootaxa’,a major international journal for animal taxonomy.; It is considered a new genus because it exhibits unique morphological features that do not match any previously recorded genus with the Laophontidae family.; Its genus name‘Indiaphonete’is named to honour India while its species name ‘bijoyi ’named afterS. Bijoy Nandan,Dean, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) in Kerala  and former Vice-Chancellor of Kannur University.; It has a semi-cylindrical, depressed body (wider in the middle and tapering towards the posterior) and antennae-like appendages at the front.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Environment & Ecology (GS Paper 3). Conservation and geography.

📘 General Knowledge & Miscellaneous

15. Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan Releases Hindi Edition of

• What happened: Vice-President C. P.
• Key details: Radhakrishnan Releases Hindi Edition ofAutobiography‘PalaniveluGUTS’:In January 2026, the Vice-President (VP) of India,C. P. Radhakrishnan, released the Hindi edition of‘PalaniveluGUTS’, the autobiography of eminent surgeon Dr.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: General Knowledge. Important for TNPSC prelims.

16. National Disaster Response Force Raising Day 2026 – January 19

• What happened: National Disaster Response Force Raising Day 2026 – January 19National Disaster Response Force(NDRF) Raising Dayis observed annually across India on19 Januaryto commemorate the establishment of the NDRF, a specialized disaster response force under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Exam Hints:What?National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Raising Day 2026When?January 19, 2026Why?To commemorate the establishment of NDRF on January 19, 2006Act:Disaster Management Act (DMA), 2005.Nodal Ministry:Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)Motto:Aapada Seva Sadaiv Sarvatra (Service to Humanity Always, Everywhere).
• Key details: Background:Disasters:India experienced a series of devastating natural disasters between 1990 and 2004, which led to the creation of the Disaster Management(DM) Act, 2005on 26 December, 2005.Legislation:The DM Act provided for the establishment of the NDRF under Section 44, and the force was officially raised on19 January 2006as India’s premier disaster response unit. 2026 Event:The21stRaising Day of the NDRF was observed on January 19, 2026, with PM Narendra Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah, MHA, extended their greetings to NDRF personnel, paid tribute to the martyrs of the force. About National Disaster Response Force (NDRF):Mandate:NDRF is India’s specialized disaster response agency and the world’s largest force dedicated exclusively to disaster management.Administrative Control:The NDRF operates under the MHA, with strategic direction and policy guidance provided by the National Disaster Management Authority(NDMA) chaired by the Prime Minister (PM) of India (Narendra Modi).Force Composition:The NDRF follows a deputation-based model with approximately 16 battalions drawn from Central Armed Police Forces including Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Assam Rifles(AR).Operational Structure:Each battalion has about 1,149 personnel and is organized into 18 specialized Search and Rescue(SAR) teams of 45–47 members comprising engineers, technicians, dog squads, and medical/paramedic staff.Motto:The force operates under the motto‘AapadaSevaSadaivSarvatra’.Response Capability:Floods, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides, industrial accidents, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) emergencies.Director General (DG) – Piyush AnandHeadquarters– New Delhi, Delhi.
• Key points: January 19, 2026 marks the observance of the21st NDRF Raising Day.; Since its inception, January 19 has been observed annually as NDRF Raising Day.; NDRF organised a Blood Donation Camp at the NDRF Academy, Nagpur (Maharashtra), highlighting its commitment to humanitarian service and social responsibility.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: General Knowledge. Important for TNPSC prelims.

17. Current Affairs Today (AffairsCloud Today)

• What happened: Current Affairs Today (AffairsCloud Today).
• Why it matters for TNPSC: General Knowledge. Important for TNPSC prelims.

18. Current Affairs 21 January 2026

• What happened: Current Affairs 21 January 2026Overview of 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth Held in New DelhiResponsible Nations Index 2026: Singapore Leads, India Ranked at 16th SpotOverview of Japan’s FM Toshimitsu Motegi 3-Day Visit to India from January 15 to 17, 2026Overview of Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference 2026 Held in Rajkot, GujaratUnion Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Ammunition Facility in Nagpur, Maharashtra5th Edition of INS Sagardhwani Flagged Off for Sagar Maitri V (SM-5) InitiativeRBI Recognises FEDAI as Self-Regulatory Organisation for Authorised DealersCanara Bank Partners with NBSL to Integrate UPI into its Payment App Canara aiPeIMF Raises India’s Economic Growth Forecast to 7.3% in FY26Air India and Singapore Airlines Sign Commercial Cooperation Agreement to Strengthen PartnershipACC Appoints New Directors General of NIA, BSF & ITBPYoweri Museveni Re-elected as President of Uganda for Seventh TermIndia’s Olympic Medallist Vijender Singh Appointed as Member of ABCONew Crustacean Genus Indiaphonte bijoyi Discovered in LakshadweepVice-President C. P.
• Key details: Radhakrishnan Releases Hindi Edition of Autobiography ‘Palanivelu GUTS’:National Disaster Response Force Raising Day 2026 – January 19Aspirant:Does Affairscloud covers all the Current affairs topics related to examinations?Affairscloud:We Guaranteed All the Important topics related to examination are covered in Our Daily CA content and Daily CA Quizzes.Aspirant:Why is there a delayal in news?Affairscloud:As some of the major news sites doesn’t provide the required data on the exact day, we take extra time for important data to be presented to the aspirants on the examination basis to ensure nothing is missed.Example:In ‘Important Days’ topics the International Organisations publish their reports and Rankings in the evenings, to make sure every data is covered, we delay the topics to the next day.Candidates appearing for Competitive Exams. Kindly Share the General Awareness questions,which asked in their respective exams to“[email protected]”Dear Aspirants,We would like to inform you that, startingJanuary 2025,all Current Affairs Hindi Contentwill be accessible only through theCareersCloud app and CareersCloud.in website. Make sure to download the app or visit the website to continue accessing the content seamlessly.Thank you for your understanding and continued support! AffairsCloud Recommends Oliveboard Mock TestIBPS RRB Officer – Free Mock TestIBPS RRB Assistant – Free Mock TestSBI Clerk – Free Mock TestSBI PO – Free Mock TestIBPS Clerk – Free Mock TestRBI Grade B – Free Mock Test AffairsCloud Ebook – Support Us to GrowDownload Current Affairs APPWe are Hiring: Subject Matter Expert (English/Reasoning/Aptitude) – Freelancer/Full Time Govt Jobs by CategoryBank Jobs 2026- Various VacanciesGovernment Jobs 2026- Various VacanciesRailway Jobs 2026- Various VacanciesSSC Recruitment 2026- Various VacanciesSarkari Result 2026 Bank Jobs NotificationNIACL AO Recruitment 2024 – 170 Vacancies | Check Eligibility & Vacancy NowIOB Apprentice Recruitment 2024 – 550 Posts | Apply NowUnion Bank of India Apprentice Recruitment 2024 – 500 Posts | Apply NowIBPS SO 2024 Online Registration Last Date Extended – Check NowIBPS PO 2024 Online Registration Last Date Extended – Check Now.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: General Knowledge. Important for TNPSC prelims.

📝 Practice Questions (MCQs)

Test your knowledge with these questions based on today’s current affairs:

Q1. Which of the following is related to: Overview of 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth Held in New Delhi?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details

Q2. Which of the following is related to: Responsible Nations Index 2026: Singapore Leads, India Ranked at 16th Spot?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details

Q3. Which of the following is related to: Overview of Japan’s FM?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details

Q4. Which of the following is related to: Economic Security Dialogue:?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details

Q5. Which of the following is related to: Overview of Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference 2026 Held in Rajkot, Gujarat?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details