Daily Current Affairs January 16

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January 16 | Daily Current Affairs 2025

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs January 16

1. What was the key highlight of National Startup Day 2026 celebrated in India?
A) Launch of a new unicorn index
B) Inauguration of MAARG Portal
C) Completion of 10 years of Startup India Initiative
D) Merger of SIDBI with NITI Aayog
E) Launch of Viksit Bharat Startup Scheme
Answer: C) Completion of 10 years of Startup India Initiative

Event and Location:

• Event: National Startup Day 2026 celebrated marking 10 years of Startup India
• Location: India (Nationwide)
• Date: 16 January 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Government of India observed National Startup Day to commemorate a decade since the launch of the Startup India Initiative, celebrating its achievements and highlighting policy and financial support for innovation-led growth.
• Objectives: To emphasize the role of startups in transforming India into a global innovation hub, driving economic growth, employment generation, digital access, financial inclusion, and contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Important Terms Explained:

• Startup India Initiative: Launched in 2016 by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), this program provides a policy and financial ecosystem to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment generation.
• Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS): A ₹10,000 crore fund managed by SIDBI to support startups indirectly by funding Alternate Investment Funds (AIFs), which then invest in startups.
• Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS): A ₹945 crore scheme offering financial assistance to early-stage startups for proof of concept, prototype development, and market entry.
• Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS): Enables startups to access collateral-free loans, with over ₹800 crore in credit guaranteed for 330+ startups.
• Startup India Hub: A digital platform facilitating connections between startups, investors, incubators, mentors, and government bodies.
• States’ Startup Ranking Framework (SRF): A ranking system encouraging states and UTs to adopt startup-friendly policies, promoting competitive federalism.
• MAARG Portal: Mentorship, Advisory, Assistance, Resilience, and Growth portal launched to connect startups with national-level expert mentors.
• Atal Innovation Mission: An initiative by NITI Aayog that promotes innovation and entrepreneurship via Atal Tinkering Labs, especially among school students.
• Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP): A rural entrepreneurship program under DAY-NRLM supporting over 3.74 lakh rural businesses by June 2025.

Tabular Summary:

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Sports – Daily Current Affairs January 16

2. Who was named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for December 2025?
A) Smriti Mandhana
B) Alyssa Healy
C) Laura Wolvaardt
D) Sune Luus
E) Shafali Verma
Answer: C) Laura Wolvaardt

Event and Location:

• Event: Laura Wolvaardt wins ICC Women’s Player of the Month award
• Location: International (South Africa vs Ireland series)
• Date: January 16, 2026 (award announcement for December 2025 performance)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The International Cricket Council (ICC) named South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt as the Women’s Player of the Month for December 2025, recognizing her outstanding all-format performances during the bilateral series against Ireland.
• Objectives: To honour consistent excellence in international cricket and highlight top-performing individuals who contribute significantly to their national teams across formats.

Important Terms Explained:

• ICC Player of the Month: A monthly award presented by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to recognize outstanding individual performances in international cricket, based on both expert panel review and fan voting.
• Laura Wolvaardt: South African women’s cricket team captain, known for her elegant stroke play and consistency; delivered three centuries in December 2025 across T20I and ODI formats.
• T20I and ODI Formats: Limited-overs international cricket formats—T20I (Twenty20 International) involves 20 overs per side; ODI (One Day International) involves 50 overs per side.
• Century: A score of 100 or more runs by a batter in a single innings—a key milestone in individual batting performance.

Tabular Summary:

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3. Which Australian cricketer won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for December 2025?
A) Pat Cummins
B) David Warner
C) Mitchell Starc
D) Steve Smith
E) Josh Hazlewood
Answer: C) Mitchell Starc

Event and Location:

• Event: Mitchell Starc named ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December 2025
• Location: Australia (performance during the Ashes series)
• Date: January 16, 2026 (award announcement)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The International Cricket Council (ICC) awarded Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc the Men’s Player of the Month title for December 2025, recognizing his exceptional bowling performances during the Ashes.
• Objectives: To celebrate and highlight consistent, match-winning performances in international cricket, particularly in high-pressure series like the Ashes, where Starc emerged as a key contributor to Australia’s 4–1 victory.

Important Terms Explained:

• ICC Player of the Month: A monthly recognition by the International Cricket Council for the best male and female players in international cricket, based on performance, expert panel reviews, and fan votes.
• Mitchell Starc: A senior Australian fast bowler known for his pace, swing, and match-winning abilities; he took 31 wickets in the Ashes series and was named Player of the Series.
• The Ashes: One of cricket’s oldest and most prestigious bilateral series played between Australia and England in the Test format; known for intense rivalry and historic significance.
• Ten-Wicket Haul: When a bowler takes 10 or more wickets in a Test match, considered a remarkable feat of skill and endurance.

Tabular Summary:

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Ranking – Daily Current Affairs January 16

4. According to the WEF Global Risks Report 2026, which of the following is identified as the most likely global crisis trigger in the near term?
A) Cyber insecurity
B) Armed conflict
C) Geoeconomic confrontation
D) Climate change
E) AI job displacement
Answer: C) Geoeconomic confrontation

Event and Location:

• Event: Release of World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2026 (21st Edition)
• Location: Global
• Date: January 16, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The World Economic Forum (WEF) released its Global Risks Report 2026, highlighting key global risks across two timeframes—near-term (2 years) and long-term (10 years).
• Objectives: To assess expert perceptions of global threats, understand how risks are interconnected, and provide insight into global preparedness in an increasingly fragmented and competitive world.

Important Terms Explained:

• Geoeconomic Confrontation: Strategic use of economic tools—like sanctions, tariffs, and trade barriers—to exert power in global rivalries, affecting trade, supply chains, and global markets.
• Global Risk: A threat that can cause large-scale negative impact across borders, affecting populations, economies, natural resources, or ecosystems.
• Cyber Insecurity: Risks related to the exploitation of digital systems, including threats to infrastructure, data privacy, financial networks, and national security.
• Misinformation and Disinformation: The spread of false or misleading content—intentionally or unintentionally—resulting in societal division, unrest, and reduced trust in institutions.
• AI Risk: Potential dangers posed by artificial intelligence, such as job loss, algorithmic bias, misuse in warfare, deepfakes, and excessive control by few entities.
• Environmental Risks: Long-term threats like climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and resource scarcity that can trigger widespread instability and humanitarian crises.

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5. According to PLFS December 2025 data, what was the recorded Female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), marking a yearly high?
A) 33.1%
B) 35.3%
C) 38.6%
D) 40.1%
E) 23.0%
Answer: B) 35.3%

Event and Location:

• Event: Female LFPR and WPR reached yearly highs as per PLFS December 2025
• Location: India (Nationwide – Urban and Rural coverage)
• Date: January 16, 2026 (report release date)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Monthly Bulletin for December 2025, published by the National Statistical Office (NSO), reported significant improvements in female labour market participation indicators, with LFPR and WPR hitting their highest levels for the year.
• Objectives: To present updated monthly labour market data including Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR), and Unemployment Rate (UR) to assess economic engagement and employment conditions across India.

Important Terms Explained:

• Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS): A national survey conducted by the NSO to measure key employment-related indicators, including LFPR, WPR, and UR. Since January 2025, it also provides monthly and quarterly estimates.
• Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): The percentage of the population aged 15 years and above that is either working or actively looking for work.
• Worker Population Ratio (WPR): The share of the working-age population (15+) that is actually employed.
• Unemployment Rate (UR): The proportion of the labour force that is without work but seeking employment.
• Current Weekly Status (CWS): A method used by PLFS to determine employment status based on activity in the 7 days preceding the survey.

Tabular Summary:

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6. What does the trending “Pentagon Pizza Index” unofficially claim to indicate?
A) Government food rationing during conflict
B) Pentagon’s official emergency meal protocol
C) Rising food prices near US defense sites
D) Increased military activity based on pizza orders
E) Surveillance on food delivery apps by intelligence agencies
Answer: D) Increased military activity based on pizza orders

Event and Location:

• Event: Pentagon Pizza Index trends online amid rising US–Iran tensions
• Location: United States (Pentagon vicinity, Washington D.C.)
• Date: January 16, 2026 (viral resurgence date)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Pentagon Pizza Index, an internet theory linking increased late-night pizza orders near the Pentagon to rising military activity, resurfaced on social media during a period of escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran.
• Objectives: Although not a real intelligence tool, the trend highlights how the public seeks signals or cues during uncertain times and reflects collective anxiety over possible military action.

Important Terms Explained:

• Pentagon Pizza Index: An informal, meme-based theory suggesting that spikes in food delivery—particularly pizza—around the Pentagon signal increased military activity due to officials working late during crises.
• Geopolitical Anxiety: Heightened public concern during international tensions; in this context, the index reflects public nervousness over a potential US military response to Iran.
• Social Media Speculation: Viral online behavior where unverified trends or patterns are interpreted as indicators of real-world events, often without factual basis.
• Cold War Origins: The idea dates back to journalists observing late-night Pentagon activity during global crises in the Cold War era, later evolving into a humorous online theory.

Tabular Summary:

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7. Which Indian state recorded the highest share of personal four-wheeler EV adoption among leading EV states in 2025?
A) Delhi
B) Karnataka
C) Maharashtra
D) Kerala
E) Tamil Nadu
Answer: D) Kerala

Event and Location:

• Event: Kerala emerges as the leading state in personal EV adoption in 2025
• Location: Kerala, India
• Date: January 16, 2026 (reported milestone)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Kerala recorded the highest share of personal electric four-wheeler adoption among leading EV-selling states in 2025, driven by strong household uptake, early EV policy, and expanding home-based charging infrastructure.
• Objectives: To promote consumer-led clean mobility, reduce dependence on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, enhance charging accessibility, and support India’s broader electric mobility and energy transition goals.

Important Terms Explained:

• Personal EV Adoption: Refers to the individual ownership of electric vehicles (EVs), such as two-wheelers and four-wheelers, rather than fleet-based or commercial ownership. Kerala’s surge is largely driven by middle-class households.
• EV Policy (Kerala – 2019): One of India’s first state-level EV policies, focused on charging infrastructure, consumer incentives, and public awareness, paving the way for steady adoption.
• EV-to-ICE Penetration Ratio: A metric comparing electric vehicles to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. Kerala ranks second only to Delhi, indicating a significant structural transition in the vehicle ownership pattern.
• Home Charging Infrastructure: Private, residential charging setups that allow users to charge EVs at home. Kerala saw record private charger installations, reducing dependence on public infrastructure.

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs January 16

8. MS Dhoni was recently appointed Goodwill Ambassador for which of the following international sports events scheduled in India?
A) India Cycling Championship
B) Pune Grand Tour 2026
C) Tour of Maharashtra
D) Bharat Velodrome Race
E) UCI India Challenge
Answer: B) Pune Grand Tour 2026

Event and Location:

• Event: MS Dhoni appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Pune Grand Tour 2026
• Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
• Date: January 16, 2026 (announcement), event scheduled from January 19–23, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Former India cricket captain MS Dhoni has been named Goodwill Ambassador for the Pune Grand Tour 2026, India’s first UCI-recognised multi-stage road cycling race, placing the country on the global cycling map.
• Objectives: To promote professional cycling in India, encourage youth participation in non-mainstream sports, increase international sporting engagement, and highlight Pune’s legacy as India’s ‘Cycle Capital’.

Important Terms Explained:

• Pune Grand Tour 2026: India’s first-ever UCI 2.2 category Continental Road Cycling Race, featuring five stages over 437 km across Maharashtra’s terrain; scheduled from January 19 to 23, 2026.
• UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale): The global governing body for cycling based in Switzerland, responsible for regulating competitive cycling events and international rankings.
• UCI 2.2 Continental Race: A classification under UCI’s road racing structure, designed to allow emerging cycling nations to host international-level multi-stage competitions and integrate into the global calendar.
• Goodwill Ambassador: A public figure who promotes awareness and visibility for an event or cause; MS Dhoni’s role is to inspire participation, attract sponsors, and elevate the event’s profile.
• Cycling Federation of India: The national body responsible for organizing and regulating cycling competitions in India under the framework of UCI.

Tabular Summary:

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9. Who was appointed as the new Prime Minister of Yemen in January 2026 following the resignation of Salem bin Breik?
A) Rashad al-Alimi
B) Abdulrahman Al-Sulami
C) Mohammed al-Jaber
D) Shaya Mohsen Zindani
E) Tareq Saleh
Answer: D) Shaya Mohsen Zindani

Event and Location:

• Event: Resignation of Yemeni PM Salem bin Breik and appointment of Shaya Mohsen Zindani as new Prime Minister
• Location: Yemen
• Date: January 16, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Salem bin Breik and appointed Shaya Mohsen Zindani, the then Foreign Minister, as the new Prime Minister.
• Objectives: To maintain administrative continuity and manage internal governance during a period of ongoing civil unrest, regional tensions, and geopolitical complexity involving Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Important Terms Explained:

• Presidential Leadership Council (PLC): Yemen’s Saudi-backed executive authority formed to unify anti-Houthi political factions; holds powers including appointment of the prime minister and cabinet formation.
• Southern Transitional Council (STC): A UAE-supported separatist political and military group seeking an independent South Yemen; recently expanded territorial control, heightening regional tensions.
• Yemen Civil War: An ongoing conflict since 2015 between the Iran-backed Houthi rebels and the Saudi-led coalition-backed Yemeni government, leading to a major humanitarian crisis.
• Saudi-UAE Rivalry in Yemen: Though initially allies against the Houthis, Saudi Arabia and UAE now support rival factions in Yemen, creating internal fractures in the anti-Houthi front.

Tabular Summary:

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Awards – Daily Current Affairs January 16

10. Which biologist won the 2026 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement for her research on mycorrhizal fungal networks?
A) Suzanne Simard
B) Jane Goodall
C) Toby Kiers
D) Rachel Carson
E) Vandana Shiva
Answer: C) Toby Kiers

Event and Location:

• Event: Toby Kiers wins the 2026 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement
• Location: United States (Award presented by USC)
• Date: January 16, 2026 (announcement)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Recognition of Toby Kiers for her research on underground mycorrhizal fungal networks, particularly their role in nutrient exchange and climate regulation.
• Objectives: To highlight the ecological and climate significance of fungal networks, position them as key carbon sequestration systems, and shift global attention toward underground ecosystems in biodiversity and climate strategies.

Important Terms Explained:

• Mycorrhizal Fungal Networks: Symbiotic networks formed between plant roots and fungi underground. Fungi provide plants with nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, while plants give fungi carbon compounds. These networks form a “wood wide web” that connects entire ecosystems.
• Carbon Sequestration: The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂). Mycorrhizal fungi collectively sequester more than 13 billion tonnes of CO₂ per year, making them vital to climate mitigation.
• Biological Marketplace: A theory proposed by Kiers in 2011 showing that fungi engage in resource exchange behavior—allocating nutrients to plants offering the best carbon “payment”, showing complex, brainless decision-making.
• Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement: Often called the “Nobel Prize for the Environment”, it honors major environmental contributions globally. Comes with $250,000 prize money and a medallion.

Tabular Summary:

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 16

11. Which country recently announced an indefinite freeze on immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, citing concerns over welfare misuse?
A) United Kingdom
B) United States
C) Canada
D) Germany
E) Australia
Answer: B) United States

Event and Location:

• Event: US freezes immigrant visa processing for 75 countries
• Location: United States (global impact on 75 countries)
• Date: Effective from January 21, 2026 (announced on January 16, 2026)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • The Trump administration has suspended immigrant visa processing indefinitely for citizens of 75 countries.
  • Applies only to permanent immigration (Green Card category), not to tourist, student, business, or temporary worker visas.
• Objectives:
  • To prevent misuse of U.S. welfare systems by denying immigrant visas to nationals deemed at risk of public charge.
  • Part of the administration’s broader “America First” policy focused on immigration restriction and resource protection.

Important Terms Explained:

• Immigrant Visa:
  • A visa that allows a person to live and work permanently in the United States, eventually leading to permanent residency (Green Card).
• Public Charge Rule:
  • A legal standard allowing the U.S. to deny visas if the applicant is likely to become dependent on public benefits like Medicaid or food stamps.
• Nationality-Based Suspension:
  • A controversial immigration policy that denies entry or immigration privileges based solely on an individual’s nationality, rather than specific case assessment.
• America First Policy:
  • A political and foreign policy doctrine prioritizing U.S. national interests, self-reliance, and immigration restrictions under former President Donald Trump.

Tabular Summary:

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Schemes – Daily Current Affairs January 16

12. What milestone was achieved by the Womaniya Initiative on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform in January 2026?
A) Achieved 10% procurement from women-led MSEs
B) Launched GeM 2.0 Portal
C) Completed 7 years with ₹80,000+ crore in orders for women MSEs
D) Introduced MSME Rating Framework
E) Achieved 50 lakh vendor registrations
Answer: C) Completed 7 years with ₹80,000+ crore in orders for women MSEs

Event and Location:

• Event: Completion of 7 years of the Womaniya Initiative under GeM
• Location: India (National platform), event held in New Delhi
• Date: January 14, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Womaniya Initiative under the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) completed 7 years, celebrating over ₹80,000 crore in procurement orders secured by women-led MSEs and over 2 lakh women enterprises registered on the platform.
• Objectives: To promote gender-inclusive growth by enabling women-led Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to access government procurement opportunities through a transparent, digital, and barrier-free platform.

Important Terms Explained:

• Womaniya Initiative: A flagship program launched in 2019 on the GeM portal, aimed at increasing participation of women-led MSEs and SHGs in public procurement by offering a digital marketplace that removes intermediaries and enhances market visibility.
• Government e-Marketplace (GeM): India’s national public procurement platform providing a unified, digital, and transparent system for procurement by government departments, PSUs, and other agencies, launched to improve efficiency and inclusivity.
• Gender-Responsive Public Procurement: A policy approach that integrates gender considerations into procurement processes, ensuring greater access and benefits for women entrepreneurs and promoting economic empowerment.
• Government Financial Rules (GFR): Guidelines issued by the Government of India to regulate financial transactions, procurement, and expenditure across departments, critical for understanding procurement patterns and compliance.

Tabular Summary:

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13. Which Indian state signed an MoU with Digital India BHASHINI to enable multilingual AI-driven governance?
A) Maharashtra
B) Gujarat
C) Madhya Pradesh
D) Karnataka
E) Telangana
Answer: C) Madhya Pradesh

Event and Location:

• Event: MoU signed between Madhya Pradesh Government and Digital India BHASHINI Division
• Location: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh (Regional AI Impact Conference 2026)
• Date: January 16, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Madhya Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Digital India BHASHINI to embed multilingual AI technologies and voice-first solutions across state government platforms.
• Objectives: To promote inclusive, citizen-centric governance by making digital public services accessible in multiple Indian languages, enhancing last-mile service delivery through AI-driven tools.

Important Terms Explained:

• Digital India BHASHINI: A national platform under the Digital India Programme that offers AI-based multilingual translation and voice services, enabling seamless access to government services in various Indian languages.
• Multilingual AI Governance: Use of artificial intelligence tools, including speech and text translation, to deliver digital services in diverse regional languages to promote inclusion and accessibility.
• Voice-First AI Solutions: AI technologies that allow users to interact with digital systems using voice commands, improving usability for the elderly, rural citizens, and those with low literacy or digital skills.
• State AI Policy (Madhya Pradesh): An upcoming initiative announced during the conference, focused on structured adoption of responsible and inclusive AI systems across government departments in MP.

Tabular Summary:

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14. Which organization recently delivered its first order through the ONDC platform as a Logistics Service Provider?
A) Delhivery
B) India Post
C) Blue Dart
D) IndiaMart
E) Indian Railways
Answer: B) India Post

Event and Location:

• Event: India Post delivers its first-ever ONDC order as a Logistics Service Provider
• Location: India (nationwide digital logistics coverage)
• Date: January 15, 2026 (first delivery completed)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Department of Posts successfully completed its first ONDC order delivery, marking its entry into digitally integrated logistics under the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
• Objectives: To empower MSMEs, rural entrepreneurs, and small sellers by offering inclusive, interoperable, and technology-driven last-mile logistics services via India’s vast postal network integrated with ONDC.

Important Terms Explained:

• ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce): A Government of India-backed initiative to democratize digital commerce by creating an open, interoperable network of buyers and sellers, independent of platform monopolies.
• India Post – Logistics Service Provider (LSP): India Post now functions as a Logistics Service Provider within ONDC, handling pickup, transport, and delivery of parcels for e-commerce orders.
• Click & Book Model: A digital logistics model where sellers can raise pickup requests, choose India Post for delivery, and complete shipping processes seamlessly through online systems—postage is paid at pickup.
• UdyamWell: An ONDC-enabled platform supporting rural entrepreneurs (Bharatpreneurs), artisans, and farmers by offering them access to digital commerce channels.

Tabular Summary:

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 16

15. Where will the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 be held from March 19–22?
A) India Expo Centre, Noida
B) Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
C) Yashobhoomi, New Delhi
D) Mumbai Convention Centre
E) BIEC, Bengaluru
Answer: C) Yashobhoomi, New Delhi

Event and Location:

• Event: Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 – India’s global power sector summit
• Location: Yashobhoomi, New Delhi
• Date: March 19–22, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 was officially announced by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal as a global conference-cum-exhibition to be held in March 2026, positioning India as a key leader in the global power and energy transition landscape.
• Objectives: To facilitate dialogue on clean energy transition, grid resilience, cross-border collaboration, and innovative electricity systems, while attracting global investment and enabling technology exchange in the power sector.

Important Terms Explained:

• Bharat Electricity Summit 2026: A flagship international event organised by India to bring together global stakeholders from the electricity and energy sector, with a focus on clean energy, sustainable growth, and international cooperation.
• Yashobhoomi (India International Convention & Expo Centre): India’s largest convention centre located in Dwarka, New Delhi, known for hosting high-level global events and summits.
• Theme – “Electrifying Growth. Empowering Sustainability. Connecting Globally.”: Emphasizes India’s ambition to scale up sustainable electricity infrastructure while driving global partnerships and inclusive growth.
• Buyer-Seller Meet: A focused B2B platform within the summit designed to promote global partnerships, supply chain integration, and investment opportunities across the electricity sector.

Tabular Summary:

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16. Where is the world’s largest green ammonia project being developed with a $10 billion investment by AM Green?
A) Mundra, Gujarat
B) Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh
C) Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu
D) Paradeep, Odisha
E) Hazira, Gujarat
Answer: B) Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh

Event and Location:

• Event: World’s largest green ammonia project announced by AM Green
• Location: Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh
• Date: January 16, 2026 (announcement)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: AM Green announced a $10 billion investment to develop a 1.5 MTPA green ammonia production facility in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, to be commissioned in phases by 2030.
• Objectives: To support India’s first green ammonia exports, enable decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors, boost renewable energy integration, and align with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and global climate commitments.

Important Terms Explained:

• Green Ammonia: Ammonia produced using renewable electricity and green hydrogen, with zero carbon emissions. It is used as a clean fuel for shipping, power generation, and as a carrier for hydrogen exports.
• National Green Hydrogen Mission: A Government of India initiative launched to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production and export. It promotes use of green hydrogen and derivatives like green ammonia to reduce emissions and import dependency.
• Electrolyser: A device that uses electricity (preferably from renewable sources) to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, forming the base for green hydrogen and green ammonia production.
• Pumped Hydro Storage: A form of energy storage that uses gravity to store and release electricity, ensuring round-the-clock renewable energy supply by balancing solar and wind variability.

Tabular Summary:

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17. Which CSIR institute celebrated its 5th Foundation Day in January 2026, launching the SVASTIK portal and highlighting traditional knowledge and science communication?
A) CSIR-NIScPR
B) CSIR-CEERI
C) CSIR-NPL
D) CSIR-NEERI
E) CSIR-CMERI
Answer: A) CSIR-NIScPR

Event and Location:

• Event: 5th Foundation Day of CSIR–NIScPR
• Location: New Delhi, India (Headquarters)
• Date: January 14, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • Celebrating 5 years of CSIR-NIScPR’s role in science communication, evidence-based policy research, and traditional knowledge validation.
  • Launch of the SVASTIK portal for dissemination of scientifically validated traditional knowledge.
• Objectives:
  • To enhance science–policy integration through AI-enabled tools, expand regional language outreach, promote digital traditional knowledge systems, and support India’s global leadership in science and innovation.

Important Terms Explained:

• CSIR-NIScPR:
  • The National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research under CSIR. It focuses on bridging science and society through communication, science policy studies, and validation of traditional Indian knowledge systems.
• SVASTIK:
  • Scientific Validation and Advancement of Indigenous Knowledge (SVASTIK) is a portal launched to promote evidence-based traditional knowledge. Available in English, 19 Indian languages, and 5 foreign languages, it aims to enhance accessibility and global outreach.
• TKDL (Traditional Knowledge Digital Library):
  • An internationally acclaimed digitised repository of India’s traditional medicinal and wellness practices. It is now fully digitised and used to prevent biopiracy and support scientific validation.
• ANRF (Anusandhan National Research Foundation):
  • A research funding and coordination body under the Department of Science and Technology. It supports interdisciplinary research, global collaborations, and AI-based research tools like Saral AI.

Tabular Summary:

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Over All Review

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