National Affairs

• Prasar Bharati initiated steps to resume live radio broadcasts in Thadou language from AIR Imphal, suspended during Manipur ethnic violence (2023).

• Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, with MyGov, announced winners of four creative challenges under the Badalta Bharat Mera Anubhav campaign.

• Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to release 55 literary works developed by Centres of Excellence for Classical Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam & Odia, including Tirukkural editions and sign-language books.

• AYUSH systems formally recognised in India–Oman CEPA and India–New Zealand FTA (finalised Dec 2025).

National Affairs

• Republic Day 2026 (26 Jan) is expected to have strong diplomatic significance, with EU leaders likely as Chief Guests, highlighting India–EU strategic ties.

• RBI held the first meeting of the Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) in Mumbai, chaired by Governor Sanjay Malhotra.

• RBI signed an agreement with GNCTD under Section 21A(1) of the RBI Act, 1934, strengthening cooperation in government banking operations.

• Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) partnered with TechFini to strengthen UPI acquiring and issuing capabilities.

🏛️ National Affairs & Governance

• PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics in New Delhi, showcasing rare Buddhist relics linked to Bhagwan Buddha.

• Delhi PWD made QR codes mandatory on all new road signages (from 1 Jan 2026) to improve transparency, accountability, and quality monitoring.

• Small Savings Scheme (SSS) interest rates were kept unchanged for Q4 FY26 (Jan–Mar 2026) by the DEA, Ministry of Finance.

• States & UTs are expected to borrow around ₹5 lakh crore in Q4 FY26, higher than Q4 FY25 borrowings.

🛣️ Infrastructure & Transport

• NHAI withdrew the Know Your Vehicle (KYV) requirement for Car/Jeep/Van FASTag category to ease compliance for users.

• National Test House (NTH) signed an MoU with NHAI to enhance quality control and safety in national highway construction.

🏛️ Governance, Policy & Economy

• India recorded its highest-ever trademark registrations in a single financial year during FY 2024–25, reflecting a surge in innovation and business formalisation.

• India surpassed Japan to become the world’s 4th-largest economy with a GDP of USD 4.18 trillion, and is projected to overtake Germany by 2030.

• RBI released the “Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2024–25” under Section 36(2) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, analysing FY25 & H1 FY26 banking performance.