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CURRENT AFFAIRS — 19 JANUARY 2026

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Current Affairs - 19.01.2026.

NATIONAL AFFAIRS — INDIA

  1. IMF Revises India’s FY26 GDP Growth Forecast

    • The International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised India’s economic growth forecast for Fiscal Year 2026 to 7.3%, up from earlier estimates.

    • This revision reflects stronger macro-economic performance and resilient domestic demand.

    • The IMF projects slower growth to 6.4% in subsequent years due to moderating drivers.

  2. PM Modi Receives UAE President in Delhi

    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally welcomed UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a short official visit on 19 January 2026.

    • The visit underscores strengthening ties and cooperation between India and the UAE.

  3. Nitin Nabin Elected BJP National President

    • Nitin Nabin was elected unopposed as the National President of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

    • He is scheduled to assume office on 20 January 2026, with PM Modi expected to attend the investiture ceremony.

  4. India’s First UCI Cycling Stage Race Begins

    • The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour, the first UCI-sanctioned cycling stage race in India, commenced on 19 January 2026.

    • The 5-day competition runs through 19–23 January 2026 with 171 riders from 35 countries and 29 teams participating.

  5. Child Trafficking Legal and Institutional Focus

    • India has intensified its legal and institutional measures against child trafficking, highlighting judicial directives and enforcement enhancements to protect vulnerable populations.

  6. Telecommunications Cooperation with Germany

    • India and Germany signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to boost cooperation in telecommunications and ICT sectors.

    • The agreement emphasizes policy exchange, regulatory collaboration, and technological partnership.

ECONOMY & BANKING

  1. RBI Monetary Policy Impact Zone

    • As part of macro-economic developments, the Reserve Bank of India’s repo rate adjustments remain key for banking and financial sector aspirants.

  2. Trade Deal with European Union Nearing Conclusion

    • India is poised to finalize a major trade agreement with the EU, which will be one of India’s largest bilateral economic pacts.

    • This is expected to further open markets and support trade diversification.

  3. Rice Production Milestone

    • India has become the world’s largest rice producer in 2024–25, with estimated production around 150 million tonnes.

    • Higher production affects commodity markets, food security policy, and export dynamics.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

  1. Invitation to Join ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza

    • The United States has invited India to join a proposed governance and conflict-management mechanism for Gaza, reflecting India’s evolving diplomatic footprint.

  2. Student Protests in Serbia

    • Ongoing student-led protests continue in Serbia, highlighting political and socio-economic unrest in the region.

  3. Tariff Tensions Between US and Europe

    • Elevated trade tensions between the United States and European Union over tariffs and protectionist policies are affecting global commerce.

  4. Guatemala Prison Unrest

    • Reports indicate significant unrest in Guatemala’s prison system, drawing international concern over human rights and governance.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT

  1. Global High Seas Biodiversity Treaty in Force

    • A landmark High Seas Biodiversity Treaty (BBNJ) came into effect, representing multilateral commitment to ocean conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.

  2. India Launches Open-Sea Fish Farming Projects

    • India initiated first open-sea marine fish farming under national Blue Economy strategies, increasing marine aquaculture potential.

APPOINTMENTS & HONOURS

  1. C-DOT Wins SKOCH Award-2025

    • The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) received the SKOCH Award-2025 for impactful contributions in telecommunications technology.

SPORTS UPDATES

  1. Bangladesh Uncertainty in 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup Participation

    • The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has yet to confirm participation in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (7 Feb – 8 Mar 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka).

    • If Bangladesh withdraws, Scotland is likely to replace them.

  2. Upcoming 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

    • The 10th ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will feature 20 teams and 55 matches across Indian and Sri Lankan venues.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

  1. Chess Milestones

    • India’s 92nd Chess Grandmaster, Aaryan Varshney, achieved the title in mid-January 2026.

KEY FACTS FOR EXAMS

  • IMF Growth Forecast for India (FY26): 7.3%

  • BJP National President: Nitin Nabin (takes charge 20.01.2026)

  • UCI Cycling Event in India: Bajaj Pune Grand Tour (19–23 January 2026)

  • World’s Largest Rice Producer (2024-25): India (~150 million tonnes)

  • ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: 20 teams, 55 matches, 7 Feb – 8 Mar 2026

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