NATIONAL NEWS
Aquatic Biodiversity Initiatives under Namami Gange Mission
Union Jal Shakti Minister inaugurated Aqua Life Conservation Monitoring Centre for Ganga and other rivers.
Centre includes ecotoxicology, aquatic ecology, spatial ecology and microplastic labs.
Dolphin Rescue Ambulance launched for emergency response for Ganga dolphins.
Indian Skimmer Conservation Project initiated.
Conservation action plan released for endangered Gharial.
Publication titled “Millets for Life” released linking biodiversity with food & nutrition goals.
National Campaign to Boost Women-Led Enterprises
Ministry of Rural Development launched a National Campaign on Entrepreneurship.
Targets training 50,000 Community Resource Persons (CRPs) and providing EDP training to 50 lakh women SHG members under DAY-NRLM.
Objective to create 3 crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’ earning ₹1 lakh annually.
Mizoram Declared ‘Ginger Capital of India’
NITI Aayog declared Mizoram as the Ginger Capital due to high production and quality.
Over 3.38 crore kg of ginger procured in 2025.
Chief Minister inaugurated a Ginger Processing Unit at Sairang Horticulture Centre.
Gandhinagar Kite Festival 2026
Uttarayan kite festival inaugurated by Gujarat Chief Minister on 14 January 2026.
Major cultural event attracting kite enthusiasts across Gujarat.
Election Commission Extends SIR Schedule
Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls extended up to 19 January 2026 in Goa, Lakshadweep, Rajasthan, Puducherry and West Bengal.
Objective: ensure comprehensive and updated voter lists ahead of elections.
Bank Holiday – 16 January 2026
Thiruvalluvar Day is notified as a statutory bank holiday by RBI.
Many regional RBI offices show banks closed on this date, though digital banking remains functional.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
India-EU Diplomatic Engagement
European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to visit India from 25–27 January 2026 as Republic Day Chief Guests.
Indian Evacuation from Iran
Ongoing unrest in Iran leads MEA to prepare evacuation of Indians.
First evacuation flight scheduled from Tehran to Delhi on 17 January 2026.
SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship 2026
Inaugural tournament underway in Bangkok, Thailand (13–25 Jan).
7 teams, 6 matches, 32 goals scored; Khushbu Saroj top scorer with 4 goals.
SAFF Futsal Championship 2026
Men’s edition held in Bangkok from 14–26 January 2026; 7 teams compete.
Global Geopolitical Narrative
International commentary highlights rising global instability linked to major power policies, mass protests and geopolitical realignment.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Amazon Great Republic Day Sale 2026
Major online sale launched on 16 January with significant bank discounts.
Deals available across smartphones, laptops and consumer electronics including iPhone 17 Pro offers.
Stock Market Picks for 16 January 2026
RBL Bank and UPL recommended as top stocks to buy by market analysts.
NIFTY index showing consolidation near key support and resistance zones.
APPOINTMENTS & HONOURS
MS Dhoni – Goodwill Ambassador
Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Pune Grand Tour 2026.
Cycling race scheduled from 19–23 January 2026; first international multi-stage professional road cycling event in India.
SPORTS NEWS
Australia Captain Alyssa Healy Announces Retirement
Australia women’s captain Alyssa Healy announced retirement post India series.
Career spanned nearly 15 years with 2 ODI World Cups and 6 T20 World Cup titles.
Upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
10th ICC Men’s T20 World Cup scheduled from 7 Feb – 8 Mar 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
20 teams, 55 matches; opening match: Netherlands vs Pakistan.
SCIENCE, TECH & INFRASTRUCTURE
Rail Transport Updates – 16 Jan 2026
Line 6 of Ningbo Rail Transit opens between Gulin and Honglian on 16 January.
Multiple metro expansions planned globally including lines in Mumbai and Indore Metro systems.
Vande Bharat Sleeper announced between Guwahati and Kolkata.
CULTURE & FESTIVALS
BLR Habba Festival Begins
Bengaluru’s 10-day cultural festival – BLR Habba – commenced on 16 January 2026.
Over 350 events planned celebrating art, music, food and civic pride.
IMPORTANT OBSERVANCES – 16 JANUARY 2026
National Startup Day
Celebrated across India to recognize the achievements and growth of startups over a decade.
Focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth.
