24 January 2026 Current Affairs

• 7.5 tonnes humanitarian aid.

• Reinforces:

  • Health diplomacy

  • Soft power

  • Regional responsibility

Odisha Tobacco Ban

• Complete ban on gutkha & pan masala.

• Exam relevance:

  • Public health governance

  • Preventive healthcare

  • State powers under public health

9️⃣ Urban Governance & Waste Management

Lucknow Scientific Waste Management System

• Covers ~40 lakh population.

• Example of:

  • Urban local body reform

  • Scientific solid waste management

  • Swachh Bharat + urban sustainability

🔟 Culture, Literature & Soft Power

Semmozhi Illakiya Virudhu (Tamil Nadu)

• Annual state literary award.

• Promotes:

  • Classical languages

  • Cultural federalism

  • Literary heritage

Banaras Lit Fest Book Awards

• Recognises multilingual literary excellence.

• Relevant for:

  • Cultural current affairs

  • Soft power through literature

1️⃣1️⃣ Governance, Federal Cooperation & Skills

Odisha–Meghalaya ECCED MoU

• Inter-state collaboration on early childhood development.

• Exam angle:

  • Cooperative federalism

  • Foundational learning & nutrition

MSDE – WEF MoU

• Strengthens:

  • Vocational education

  • Future skills

  • Industry-aligned skilling