Daily Current Affairs Brief: January 15, 2026

Authored By: K Shiva

1. International News

Escalating Iran-U.S. Tensions: The head of Iran's judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, has defied warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump, signaling swift trials and executions for those detained in nationwide anti-government protests. At least 2,571 people have been killed in the crackdown so far.

U.S. Strategic Interest in Greenland: President Trump reiterated that U.S. control of Greenland is "vital" for his proposed "Golden Dome" air and missile defense system. He stated the U.S. needs the island for national security purposes, sharpening rhetoric ahead of talks with Danish officials.

India-U.S. Strategic Dialogue: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Discussions focused on trade, critical minerals, nuclear energy, and defense cooperation, marking an effort to stabilize ties after the U.S. imposed heavy tariffs on Indian goods.

Thailand Rail Accident: A construction crane fell onto a moving passenger train in northeastern Thailand, causing a fiery derailment that killed at least 30 people.

2. National Current Affairs

India's GDP Growth Projections: Deloitte India projects India's GDP to grow by 7.5-7.8% in FY26, driven by resilient domestic demand. Meanwhile, the World Bank has raised its projection to 7.2% for the same period.

Henley Passport Index 2026: The Indian passport has been ranked 80th, an improvement of five places from the previous year. Indian citizens can now travel visa-free or get visa-on-arrival in 55 countries.

UGC Anti-Discrimination Rules: The University Grants Commission (UGC) is set to establish campus equity committees and has expanded the definition of caste-based discrimination to include Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

West Bengal Legal Battle: The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear an Enforcement Directorate (ED) petition seeking a CBI probe into alleged obstruction of searches by West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee during a money laundering investigation.

3. Science & Technology

Small Modular Reactors (SMR): AP-Genco is planning to set up a Small Modular Reactor to diversify its power mix and explore sustainable energy options.

Topological Physics Review: Researchers have been urged to rethink "smoking gun" signals in topological physics, emphasizing the need for sharing all experimental data to avoid misinterpreting nanoscopic quirks as fundamental physical phenomena.

Infosys Financial Hit: Infosys reported a one-time exceptional hit of ₹1,289 crore due to the implementation of new labor codes in the third quarter of FY26.

4. State Current Affairs (Telangana & Andhra Pradesh)

Telangana NextGen Life Sciences Policy: CM A. Revanth Reddy will launch a new life sciences policy (2026-30) at the World Economic Forum in Davos next week. The state aims to build a $250 billion life sciences economy by 2030.

Andhra Pradesh PPP Focus: The Union Health Ministry has urged the A.P. government to adopt Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to expand healthcare services, including nuclear medicine and dental care.

Local Body Reservations: The Telangana government has finalized reservations for municipal wards, chairpersons, and mayors for 121 municipalities and 10 corporations ahead of upcoming elections.

A.P. Genco Sustainable Storage: AP-Genco is constructing Pumped Storage Hydro Projects (PSHP) as long-term sustainable storage options, expected to last at least 50 years.

5. District & Local News

Kite Manja Fatality: A 38-year-old farmer in Sangareddy, Telangana, died after his throat was slit by a kite string (manja) while he was riding a motorcycle.

Bhu Bharati Scam: A land registration scam in Telangana involving the Bhu Bharati e-challan system has caused an estimated loss of ₹52 crore to the state exchequer.

Guinness Record in Tirupati: The Sri Sakthi Peetam achieved a Guinness World Record for the largest congregation of married women (10,000) at the 'Dasa Sahasra Suvasini Puja'.

Hot Air Balloon Festival: Hyderabad is set to host a Hot Air Balloon Festival from January 16 to 18, with test flights already conducted at Gandipet.

6. Sports and Games

India-NZ ODI Series: New Zealand drew level in the series with a comfortable seven-wicket victory in the second ODI.

WPL 2026: Delhi Capitals secured a seven-wicket win over UP Warriorz, with Shafali Verma delivering a game-changing performance.

India Open Badminton: Kidambi Srikanth and H.S. Prannoy progressed to the second round, while P.V. Sindhu faced an early exit. Anders Antonsen pulled out of the tournament citing Delhi's extreme pollution.

7. Cinema & Entertainment

Battle of Galwan: Actor Salman Khan is preparing for a high-profile film based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, scheduled for release on April 17.

The Hindu Lit for Life 2026: The sharpest literature festival in India begins in Chennai on January 17, featuring over 100 speakers including former CJI Y. Chandrachud.

8. General Knowledge Points (GK Zone)

1. On which date is Indian Army Day observed annually across the country? Answer: 15 January (It marks the 78th anniversary of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa taking command as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief in 1949.)

2. Where is the grand parade for the 78th Indian Army Day being held for the first time in 2026? Answer: Jaipur (Rajasthan) (The event was moved to Jaipur to connect with the civilian population, specifically in the "Pink City.")

3. What is the theme for Indian Army Day 2026? Answer: "Year of Networking and Data Centricity" (The theme highlights the Army's shift toward AI-driven warfare and digital transformation.)

4. According to the Henley Passport Index 2026 released today, what is the current rank of the Indian passport? Answer: 80th (The Indian passport climbed five places, showing improved global mobility for Indian citizens.)

5. Who has been nominated to chair the United Nations Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters for the 2026–27 term? Answer: D.B. Venkatesh Varma (This is the first time an Indian national has been appointed to head this prestigious board since 1978.)

6. Which Indian state has activated the "Karuna Abhiyan" to protect birds during the Uttarayan festival? Answer: Gujarat (The campaign focuses on treating birds injured by kite strings during the kite-flying season.)

7. Which private sector bank recently appointed Anup Kumar Saha as its Whole-Time Director? Answer: Kotak Mahindra Bank (His appointment is subject to regulatory approval, and he will oversee the consumer banking vertical.)

8. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh is visiting which country from Jan 13–15 to participate in the Global Blue Food Security Summit? Answer: Israel (The summit focuses on fisheries, aquaculture, and the global blue economy.)

9. Which bank has set a national benchmark by launching India's first solar-powered ATM van? Answer: Tripura Gramin Bank (This initiative aims to improve digital banking access in remote rural areas of Northeast India.)

10. Why were the Indian stock markets (BSE and NSE) closed for trading today, 15 January 2026? Answer: Municipal Corporation Elections in Maharashtra (Trading was suspended across all segments due to polling in 29 municipal corporations.)

11. First Indian Commander-in-Chief: Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa took over from Gen. Sir Francis Butcher in 1949.

12. Viksit Bharat (VB-GRAM G) Act: A new rural employment and livelihood mission act passed in 2025.

9. Do You Know?

• Army Day History: Though we celebrate today, the Indian Army actually dates back to 1776, when it was formed under the East India Company in Kolkata.

• The Jaipur Parade: Holding the parade in Jaipur is part of the "Out of Delhi" initiative to showcase military prowess in different states.

• Solar ATMs: Solar-powered mobile ATMs can save up to 40% in operational costs compared to traditional grid-connected machines.

• Henley Index: The rank of 80 allows Indian citizens to travel to 62 countries either visa-free or with visa-on-arrival.

• Possible vs. Probable: "Possible" implies a chance of happening, while "Probable" indicates a strong likelihood supported by evidence.

• Extempore: A term meaning speech or action performed without prior preparation or forethought.

• Sankranti Rituals: Traditional Bhogi bonfires symbolize discarding old, negative energies and welcoming positivity.

10. Job & Educational Topics

Australia Visa Alert: Australia has flagged Indian students as "high risk" for student visa applications, requiring stricter financial proof and tougher interviews.

Armed Forces Tribunal Recruitment: Applications are invited for the posts of Registrar and Joint Registrar on a deputation basis.

JIPMER Senior Residents: JIPMER Puducherry has issued a rolling advertisement for the post of Senior Resident across various departments.

11. Day Special: 78th Indian Army Day (January 15)

• Theme 2026: "Year of Networking & Data Centricity".

• Motto: "Service Before Self".

• Significance: To honor the bravery of the soldiers of the Indian Army. It commemorates the day in 1949 when Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa (then Lt Gen) became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.

• Current Leaders:

  • CDS: Lt Gen. Anil Chauhan.

  • Army Chief: General Upendra Dwivedi.

  • Air Chief: Amar Preet Singh.

  • Naval Chief: Dinesh Kumar Tripathi.

• Recent Achievement: The Indian Army has created a modern warfare force named 'Bhairav' comprising over 1 lakh drone operatives to enhance its combat capabilities.