Silambam exponent K. Pajanivel of Puducherry has been conferred the Padma Shri — India’s fourth-highest civilian award — in recognition of his outstanding contribution to traditional martial arts, particularly the ancient Tamil martial art of Silambam, which he has preserved and promoted nationally and internationally.

Key Points

• K. Pajanivel was awarded the Padma Shri in 2026 for his lifelong dedication to Silambam, a centuries-old traditional martial art form known for its use of bamboo staff techniques.
• Born on 30 January 1973 in Pooranankuppam, Puducherry, Pajanivel trained under Master Rajaram and has spent over four decades practising, teaching, and popularising Silambam.
• He has trained numerous students free of cost to ensure the transmission of Silambam to future generations and represented the art through performances, demonstrations, and competitions across India and abroad.
• Prior recognitions include the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Martial Arts (2023), Kalaimamani Award (2012) from the Government of Puducherry, Best Youth Award (2004) by Nehru Yuva Kendra, and the Silambam International Award (2002).
• Pajanivel said the Padma Shri encourages his mission to take Tamil heritage to the world and urged that Silambam be introduced in school education with governmental support.

President Droupadi Murmu approved the Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards-2025 to 30 individuals in recognition of their acts of exceptional courage and humanity in saving lives. The awards, conferred in three categories, honour both living and posthumous recipients for selfless bravery and prompt action in life-saving situations.

Key Points

• The Jeevan Raksha Padak Awards were approved for 30 persons for the year 2025, covering acts of courage involved in saving lives under challenging circumstances.
• The awards are presented in three categories: Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak, Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak, and Jeevan Raksha Padak, based on the degree of risk and bravery involved.
• Among the 30 awardees, six persons were honoured posthumously, recognising their ultimate sacrifice while saving others.
• The Jeevan Raksha Padak Series acknowledges acts of meritorious human nature, including rescuing individuals from fire, drowning, accidents, or other life-threatening situations.
• Persons from all walks of life — civilians, government personnel, and responders — are eligible, and the award highlights the spirit of selflessness and bravery in ordinary citizens and service members alike.

The Government of India announced the Padma Awards 2026 ahead of Republic Day, recognising individuals for their distinguished and exceptional service in various fields. The awards highlight both celebrated personalities and lesser-known contributors whose work has created a lasting social impact.

Key Points

• A total of 131 Padma Awards were approved for 2026, comprising 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards.
• Padma Vibhushan awardees include Dharmendra (posthumous) for cinema, V. S. Achuthanandan (posthumous) for public affairs, N. Rajam for art, K. T. Thomas for public service, and P. Narayanan for literature and education.
• Prominent Padma Bhushan recipients include Alka Yagnik for music, Mammootty for cinema, Uday Kotak for trade and industry, Vijay Amritraj for sports, and Nori Dattatreyudu for medicine.
• Notable Padma Shri awardees include Rohit Sharma for cricket, Harmanpreet Kaur for women’s cricket, Savita Punia for hockey, R. Madhavan for cinema, and Prosenjit Chatterjee for arts.
• The 2026 Padma Awards place special emphasis on grassroots achievers and unsung heroes, along with recognition of individuals from diverse states and the Indian diaspora.

On the occasion of Republic Day 2026, President Droupadi Murmu approved the conferment of the Ashok Chakra — India’s highest peacetime gallantry award — on Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force. The honour recognises his exceptional courage and historic achievements during a high-risk space mission, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s defence and space exploration efforts.

Key Points

• Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was conferred the Ashok Chakra, the highest peacetime gallantry award in India, approved by President Droupadi Murmu for his heroic and pioneering service.
• Shukla made history by becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) and only the second Indian to travel to space, participating in the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) in June 2025.
• The award recognises his exceptional courage and operational excellence amidst the challenges of spaceflight, conducting scientific experiments and mission operations in microgravity.
• The President approved gallantry awards for 70 Armed Forces personnel on the eve of the 77th Republic Day, with Shukla’s Ashok Chakra being the sole award of its category this year.
• Shukla’s achievement highlights the growing strategic importance of India’s human spaceflight programme and serves as an inspiration for future missions, including the indigenous Gaganyaan crewed spaceflight.

India has taken a significant step in transforming higher education by launching its first AI-enabled university pilot at Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU) in Meerut. The initiative, developed in partnership with Google Cloud and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, aims to integrate artificial intelligence across academics, campus operations, and personalized student learning.

Key Points:

• India’s first AI-powered university pilot has been launched at Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, where AI tools will support education, administration, and student engagement.
• The project was unveiled by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) in collaboration with Google Cloud, highlighting government-industry cooperation to modernize education.
• The AI systems are designed to enhance learning through AI tutors capable of supporting regional languages, personalized academic guidance, and smart campus management.
• This initiative marks a shift toward technology-driven, efficient, and inclusive higher education in India, leveraging AI to expand accessibility and improve student outcomes.
• The pilot at CCSU sets a precedent for future AI-enabled university models nationwide, aligning with India’s broader goals to scale AI integration in education and workforce preparation.

The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), in collaboration with the Central Sanskrit University, has launched a Manuscript Revival Initiative to preserve, digitize, and promote ancient Sanskrit manuscripts. The project aims to safeguard India’s traditional knowledge and make it accessible for research and education.

Key Points:

• The initiative focuses on reviving ancient Sanskrit manuscripts related to Ayurveda, philosophy, and traditional sciences.
• Digitization and cataloguing of manuscripts will ensure preservation of fragile texts and facilitate wider access to scholars and students.
• The project promotes research in traditional knowledge systems, bridging classical wisdom with modern scientific inquiry.
• Training programs and workshops are planned to develop expertise in manuscript preservation and interpretation.
• The initiative strengthens collaboration between CCRAS and Central Sanskrit University, reinforcing India’s commitment to conserving cultural and scientific heritage.

India celebrated its 77th Republic Day Parade on 26 January 2026 at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, marking the adoption of the Constitution with a grand display of military strength, cultural diversity, and historic firsts. The event also featured international dignitaries as chief guests, underscoring India’s growing global partnerships.

Key Points

• The parade’s theme for 2026 combined unity in diversity and the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram”, with cultural performances by artists depicting India’s heritage across various states.
• Chief Guests at the celebrations were Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and António Costa, President of the European Council, marking the first time both top leaders of the European Union attended together as Republic Day chief guests — highlighting deepening India-EU strategic ties.
• Historic first-time elements included the debut of the Suryastra Universal Rocket Launcher System, the Bhairav Light Commando Battalion, a symbolic animal contingent, and modern phased battle array formations demonstrating operational readiness.
• The Indian Air Force aerial display featured a flypast by 29 aircraft — including Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, and Apache helicopters — showcasing India’s air capability.
• Advanced military platforms such as BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Akash surface-to-air missiles, MRSAM systems, ATAGS artillery, and Dhanush guns were showcased, underlining indigenous defense manufacturing and combat readiness.

India marked its 77th Republic Day on 26 January 2026 with grand celebrations at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, highlighting the nation’s cultural diversity, economic progress, and military strength. The parade was attended by key dignitaries and featured vibrant tableaux, military displays, and cultural performances that reflected India’s unity and achievements.

Key Points:

• The 77th Republic Day parade took place at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions through colourful tableaux and performances.
• President Droupadi Murmu presided over the celebrations, and the ceremony began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying tribute to fallen heroes at the National War Memorial.
• Chief guests included Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, highlighting international diplomatic engagement.
• The parade featured impressive displays of India’s defence capabilities, including weapon systems like BrahMos, Akash, and the rocket launcher Suryastra, along with a flypast by 29 Indian Air Force aircraft.
• Cultural performances by over 2,500 artists and the theme of ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram’ celebrated India’s journey of unity, progress, and self-reliance.

President Droupadi Murmu presided over the National Voters’ Day 2026 programme in New Delhi, emphasising that voting is more than a political act — it reflects citizens’ faith in India’s democratic process and serves as a way for people to express their aspirations. National Voters’ Day is observed every year on 25th January to encourage young and first-time voters to participate in the electoral process. The event was held under the theme “My India, My Vote: Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy” and included awards and recognition for effective electoral practices. 

Key Points

• President Murmu said that voting is not just a political expression but a reflection of citizens’ faith in democracy, urging all eligible adults to exercise their right responsibly while keeping constitutional duties in mind. 
• She highlighted India’s chairship of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and noted participation by 42 election management bodies and representatives from several countries at a recent international conference. 
• The theme for the year’s celebration was “My India, My Vote: Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy” and aimed to strengthen voter awareness and participation. 
• On the occasion, the President handed over Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) to newly enrolled young electors and presented Best Electoral Practices Awards in categories such as technology use, voter awareness and election management. 
• Best Election District Awards went to districts including East Champaran (Bihar), Kasaragod (Kerala), Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu), and others received accolades for election management and innovative voter initiatives. 

The Economic Survey 2025–26, tabled in Parliament ahead of the Union Budget, provides a comprehensive review of India’s economic performance, growth outlook, and policy priorities. It highlights strong GDP growth, historically low inflation, rising consumption and investment, infrastructure expansion, digital innovation, and challenges to sustain inclusive and resilient growth.

Key Points:

• The Survey projects real GDP growth at around 7.4% and GVA growth at about 7.3% for FY26, reaffirming India as one of the fastest-growing major economies.
• Inflation remained at historic lows, with headline CPI averaging nearly 1.7% during April–December 2025, enhancing macroeconomic stability.
• Private consumption remained the main growth driver, contributing over 60% of GDP, supported by rising incomes and stable employment.
• Investment activity strengthened, with Gross Fixed Capital Formation supported by public capital expenditure and a revival in private investment.
• The external sector remained resilient, backed by strong services exports, diversified trade partners, and robust remittance inflows.
• The Survey highlights improved fiscal performance, with higher tax revenues, strong GST collections, and better compliance.
• The services sector continued to lead growth, driven by IT, financial services, tourism, and digital services.
• Agriculture and allied sectors performed well, supported by record foodgrain production, livestock growth, and policy support mechanisms.
• The manufacturing sector gained momentum through PLI schemes, supply-chain diversification, and increased domestic production capacity.
• Significant progress was recorded in infrastructure development, including highways, railways, power capacity, and rural connectivity.
• The Survey notes improvements in education and health outcomes, supported by reforms under the National Education Policy and enhanced healthcare access.
• Poverty reduction and rural development efforts showed positive results, aided by targeted welfare schemes and asset-creation programmes.
• The report highlights urban transformation, with advances in transport, waste management, and smart city initiatives.
• It emphasises India’s growing digital and AI ecosystem, focusing on innovation, data governance, and skill development.
• The Survey also flags key challenges, including global economic uncertainty, climate risks, productivity gaps, and the need for continued structural reforms.

The Economic Survey 2025-26, presented ahead of the Union Budget, assesses India’s economic performance, key trends, and future prospects. It highlights robust economic growth, stable macroeconomic indicators, strong services expansion, structural reforms, and recommendations to sustain long-term development and global integration.

Key Points:

• The Survey projected India’s real GDP growth at 7.4% for FY26 with GVA growth around 7.3%, underlining India’s position as the fastest-growing major economy.
• Headline inflation averaged at a historic low of 1.7% between April–December 2025, contributing to improved consumer purchasing power and macro stability.
• The services sector remained a key growth driver, with services GVA expanding above 9%, supported by trade, finance, and digital services.
• The Survey highlighted continued fiscal consolidation, expanding tax base with rising income tax returns and GST collections, and sovereign credit rating upgrades in 2025.
• Banking sector health improved with non-performing assets at multi-decade low levels, while financial inclusion and investment deepened through schemes like PMJDY and enhanced investor participation.

Inderjit Singh Bindra, a legendary cricket administrator and former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), passed away on 25 January 2026 in New Delhi at the age of 84. Bindra was widely respected for his transformative role in Indian cricket’s growth, both on the administrative front and in expanding India’s global prominence in the sport.

Key Points

• Inderjit Singh Bindra died at the age of 84 in New Delhi, where he was residing, leaving behind a rich legacy in cricket administration.
• He served as BCCI president from 1993 to 1996 and was instrumental in ushering in major commercial and structural reforms in Indian cricket.
• Bindra also led the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) for over three decades (1978–2014), and the PCA stadium in Mohali was named IS Bindra Stadium in his honour.
• His contributions included helping bring the Cricket World Cup to the subcontinent and modernising broadcast rights and marketing, which greatly increased the sport’s revenues and popularity.
• Tributes poured in from the BCCI, cricket fraternity including players and administrators, and events like Ranji Trophy matches observed a minute’s silence in his memory, reflecting his profound impact on Indian cricket.

Veteran journalist, broadcaster, and author Mark Tully — widely known as the BBC’s “voice of India” — passed away in New Delhi at the age of 90. Tully spent decades reporting on India’s major historical and social events, earning respect for his insightful journalism and deep engagement with the country.

Key Points

• Sir Mark Tully, a renowned journalist and former BBC New Delhi bureau chief, died on 25 January 2026 in New Delhi at the age of 90 after a brief illness.
• Born in Kolkata on 24 October 1935, Tully joined the BBC in the 1960s and served as its India correspondent and bureau chief for over two decades, becoming one of the most respected foreign journalists covering Indian affairs.
• Tully was known for reporting on key events such as the 1971 India-Pakistan war, Operation Blue Star, and social and political developments, bringing India’s stories to global audiences.
• Apart from journalism, he was an acclaimed author of books on India, including No Full Stops in India, India in Slow Motion, and The Heart of India. He also presented the BBC Radio 4 programme Something Understood.
• Tully was knighted in 2002 and honoured by the Government of India with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, reflecting his enduring impact on journalism and cultural understanding.

Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan clinched the Australian Open 2026 Women’s Singles championship after a hard-fought final at Melbourne Park. The victory marks a major milestone in her career and further establishes her among the elite players in women’s tennis.

Key Points:

• Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the final with a scoreline of 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to win the Australian Open 2026 Women’s Singles title.
• This triumph is Rybakina’s first Australian Open title and her second Grand Slam victory, following her Wimbledon win in 2022.
• The final showcased Rybakina’s powerful serve, calm temperament, and consistency under pressure, especially during the decisive third set.
• By winning the title, Rybakina avenged her earlier defeat against Sabalenka in the Australian Open final in previous editions.
• The victory strengthened her position in the global WTA rankings and highlighted her status as one of the most formidable players on hard courts.

Michael Nobbs, former head coach of the Indian men’s hockey team, passed away at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness. He is remembered for his contribution to Indian hockey, including leading the team at the 2012 London Olympics.

Key Points:

• Michael Nobbs was an Australian former international hockey player before transitioning into coaching.
• He was appointed as the head coach of the Indian men’s hockey team in 2011.
• Under his guidance, India qualified for and competed in the 2012 London Olympic Games, returning to the Olympics after an eight-year gap.
• Nobbs also contributed to hockey development by coaching teams in other countries, including Japan.
• His passing marks the loss of an experienced coach who played a role in shaping modern Indian hockey during a transitional phase.

The 6th National Crop Nutrition Summit & B2B Expo is scheduled for 5th–6th February 2026 in Mumbai, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, scientists and innovators to discuss advancements in crop nutrition, agri-input policy, manufacturing and sustainable farming. The summit, organized by the Indian Micro-Fertilizers Manufacturers Association (IMMA), will focus on collaboration and innovation to strengthen India’s role in global agriculture.

Key Points:

• The 6th National Crop Nutrition Summit & B2B Expo will be held on 5–6 February 2026 at the National Stock Exchange (NSE), Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai.
• It is organized by the Indian Micro-Fertilizers Manufacturers Association (IMMA), a national body representing micronutrient and specialty fertilizer manufacturers in India.
• The event’s theme “Converge, Collaborate & Co-create” highlights a focus on policy dialogue, innovation, science and industry cooperation to boost crop nutrition practices and agri-input manufacturing.
• The summit will feature sessions on regulatory frameworks like One Nation, One License, the integration of micronutrients and biologicals, and strategies for improved business environments and export competitiveness.
• Participants will include central and state agriculture policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, startups and global experts, facilitating networking, B2B meetings and masterclasses on topics such as international trade and AI in agribusiness.

India is hosting the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on 31 January 2026, co-chaired with the United Arab Emirates, after nearly 10 years since the first one held in Bahrain in 2016.

Key Points

• The meeting is being held after a 10-year gap since the first such meeting in Bahrain (2016).
• Foreign Ministers of the 22 Arab League member states and the Secretary General of the Arab League will participate.
• The IAFMM serves as the highest institutional mechanism for cooperation between India and the Arab League, building on previous engagements and a long-standing partnership.
• The meeting will expand and deepen cooperation across multiple priority areas identified earlier, including economy, energy, education, media and culture.
• India serves as an Observer to the League of Arab States.
• The ministerial meeting is preceded by the 4th India-Arab Senior Officials’ Meeting (30 January 2026).