I. NATIONAL NEWS
RBI Takes Over Delhi Government Banking & Public Debt Management
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
Under this pact, effective from 09.01.2026, RBI will manage general banking operations, cash flows, and rupee-denominated public debt for Delhi government.
This marks the first time Delhi’s finances are brought fully under a structured central banking framework, enhancing fiscal discipline, transparency, and lowering borrowing costs.
Surplus cash will be professionally managed with automatic investments and access to market borrowings via State Development Loans (SDLs) at competitive rates.
India’s First Space Mission of 2026 – PSLV-C62 Launch
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scheduled the launch of PSLV-C62 mission on 12.01.2026 at 10:17 AM IST from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Primary payload: EOS-N1 Earth Observation Satellite developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to enhance space-based surveillance capability.
Secondary payloads: consortium of domestic & international satellites (approximately 17), including Kestrel Initial Demonstrator (KID) from a Spanish start-up and AayulSAT for onboard refuelling technology experiment — showcasing India’s growing space tech ecosystem.
India-Europe Strategic Outreach & Global Stability Dialogue
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasised deeper India-Europe cooperation to bring stability to the international economy and global politics in 2026.
Jaishankar held strategic discussions with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris, reinforcing diplomatic and economic collaboration.
These engagements are part of India’s broadened diplomatic outreach in Europe, including future visits by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, aimed at strengthening bilateral and multilateral ties.
German Chancellor’s Visit to India (12–13 January 2026)
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled to visit India from 12–13 January 2026.
This high-level engagement intends to boost India-Germany economic cooperation, strategic partnerships, and mutual interests across trade, technology, and geopolitical stability.
II. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Global Diplomacy & Economic Stability Focus
India’s foreign policy emphasises closer alignment with European partners as part of broader strategies to manage global uncertainties, trade negotiations, and multilateral partnerships.
Key International Summits & Visits Scheduled
Several top leaders from European states are set to visit India in early 2026, strengthening ties across economic, defence, and technology domains.
III. BANKING & ECONOMY
RBI’s Central Role in State Finances
The RBI-Delhi MoU reflects increasing centralisation of fiscal oversight for efficient cash and debt management — a pivotal development for banking and public finance reforms.
Delhi’s structured borrowing and cash management under RBI’s framework is expected to improve access to low-cost funds, enhance transparency, and build long-term fiscal stability.
IV. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
ISRO PSLV-C62: Mission Details & Relevance
Mission: PSLV-C62 Multi-Payload Launch (India + International)
Primary Satellite: DRDO’s high-resolution EOS-N1 for surveillance and Earth observation.
International Collaboration: Inclusion of satellites from countries such as Spain, Nepal, Brazil, and the UK reflects India’s global partnerships in space tech.
Technological Showcase: On-orbit refuelling demonstration experiment highlights cutting-edge innovation from Indian startups.
V. SPORTS & NATIONAL EVENTS
85th All India Inter-University Athletics Championship 2026 Begins
Commenced on 12.01.2026 at Swarajya Maidan, Moodbidri (Karnataka).
Organized by Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) & Alva’s Education Foundation.
Around 4,288 athletes from 312+ universities participate.
Inaugurated by Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker Dr. UT Khader.
Features modern synthetic facilities, comprehensive prize money structure, and serves as a benchmark for national & future international athletics meets.
VI. IMPORTANT FACTS & FIGURES FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS
Key Dates & Figures
RBI-Delhi MoU effective from: 09.01.2026
PSLV-C62 Launch: 12 January 2026 @ 10:17 AM IST
85th Inter-University Athletics: 12–16 January 2026
German Chancellor Visit: 12–13 January 2026
Total ISRO payloads on PSLV-C62: ~18 satellites including EOS-N1 + international co-passengers.
People & Positions
Dr. S. Jaishankar: India’s External Affairs Minister driving Europe engagements.
Friedrich Merz: German Chancellor on official visit to India.
Dr. UT Khader: Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker inaugurating the athletics event.
