Few other handy points to know of

A few other handy points of 2026 need to know of  ..

=>Name of the military operation of USA on Iran: "Epic Fury"

=> Controversial book of General Narvade: "Four Stars of Destiny."💆

Indian States Special 2026

Indian States Special 2026 

=>Kerala declared state microbe: In January 2026, Kerala became the first Indian state to declare an official "State Microbe," selecting Bacillus subtilis to promote scientific awareness, biotechnology, and biodiversity. As a non-pathogenic, probiotic soil bacterium, B. subtilis is widely used in agriculture, food, and health sectors due to its beneficial properties. 

Budget 2026-27

Budget 2026-27

The government is estimated to spend Rs 53,47,315 crore in 2026-27, 7.7% higher than the revised estimate of 2025-26. Interest payments account for 26% of the total expenditure, and 40% of revenue receipts.

The base rate of the Wage Subsidy Scheme for people with disabilities will increase by €1.20 to €7.50. A new middle rate will be introduced of €8.50. July 2026: The weekly Carer's Allowance income disregard will rise to €1,000 for a single person (up from €625) and €2,000 for a couple (up from €1,250).

Awards 2026

Awards 2026 

=>Dr. Nambi Narayan: Dr. Nambi Narayanan Receives the Bhavya Bharat Bhushan Award

Dr. Nambi Narayanan is a symbol of resilience whose scientific contributions remained steadfast even in challenging situations. His deep technical mastery and unwavering determination pushed Indian rocketry into a new era, and his pioneering space research laid the foundation for engines that continue to carry India’s hopes into space.

Republic Day Celebration 2026

 Republic Day Celebration 2026

 # Republic Day 2026 - Complete Details

## Overview
India's 77th Republic Day parade in 2026 at Kartavya Path showcased India's military strength, cultural diversity, Operation Sindoor achievements, and 150 years of "Vande Mataram".
## Basic Facts

- **Date:** 26 January 2026 (77th Republic Day)
- **Venue:** Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath), New Delhi
- **Parade Start Time:** Approximately 10:30 AM
- **Duration:** Around 90 minutes
- **Focus:** Constitution, democracy, military capability, cultural richness, and economic progress
## Chief Guests and Dignitaries
### International Chief Guests
- **Ursula von der Leyen** - President of the European Commission
- **Antonio Costa** - President of the European Council and former Prime Minister of Portugal

**Significance:** First time two top EU leaders were jointly invited, highlighting strengthening India–EU ties and an expected trade deal.

### Indian Dignitaries Present
- President Droupadi Murmu
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
- Service Chiefs, Ministers, Diplomats and Officials
## Theme and Major Highlights

### Overall Theme
- Celebration of 150 years of "Vande Mataram"
- Showcase of joint military power, especially equipment used in Operation Sindoor

### Military Display
- March-past by contingents of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force
- Participation of paramilitary forces (CRPF, SSB)
- All-women bike display team performing formations and stunts (notably on bullet bikes with Surya Namaskar)
- Auxiliary forces: NCC and NSS contingents

### Air Show
- **Aircraft:** Rafale, Sukhoi, and MiG-29
- **Formation:** "Sindoor" formation symbolising Operation Sindoor and valour
- Spectacular aerial display over Kartavya Path.

### Cultural Segment
- Tableaux depicting India's cultural diversity
- Performances showcasing progress and democratic values
- Celebrations linked with the "Vande Mataram" milestone
- Unique blend of traditions and modernity
## Ceremony Flow

### Pre-Parade
- PM Narendra Modi paid homage at the National War Memorial

### Arrival and Honours
- President Murmu arrived in a traditional horse-drawn ceremonial buggy
- Escorted by the President's Bodyguard alongside Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa
- National Flag unfurled at Kartavya Path
- National Anthem performed
- 21-gun salute using indigenous 105 mm Light Field Guns by 1721 Ceremonial Battery

### Main Parade
- Military march-past formations
- Cultural tableaux and performances
- Air force fly-past with "Sindoor" formation

### Conclusion
- Thousands of tricolour balloons released into the sky
- Public celebration and patriotic fervor along Kartavya Path
## Public Attendance and Entry Rules

### Venue Access
- Gates opened from around 7:00 AM
- Entry on first-come, first-served basis
- Gates could close once enclosures reached capacity

### Requirements for Spectators
- Mandatory government-issued photo ID
- Valid physical or digital ticket/pass for the parade
- Only limited personal items allowed
- Prohibited items list printed on tickets/passes

### Special Attendance
- Around 10,000 special guests from different walks of life
- Beneficiaries of government schemes
- Representatives from across India
- Cross-section of society reflecting India's diversity
## Key Operational Highlights

### Security and Organization
- Extensive security arrangements
- Traffic management across Kartavya Path
- Crowd management protocols
- Medical and emergency services on standby.

### Cultural Representation
- Multiple state tableaux
- Representation of India's 28 states and 8 union territories through cultural performances
- Showcase of regional traditions, achievements, and progress

### Military Demonstrations
- Display of India's indigenous defence capabilities
- Showcase of modern warfare equipment
- Demonstration of special operations through Operation Sindoor reference
- Display of women empowerment in armed forces
## Significance for 2026.

1. **Diplomatic:** Strengthening of India-EU relations with top leaders as chief guests
2. **Military:** Demonstration of India's enhanced defence capabilities and indigenous equipment
3. **Cultural:** Celebration of India's constitutional democracy and 150 years of Vande Mataram
4. **National:** Reaffirmation of India's commitment to democracy, unity, and progress
5. **International:** Message of India as a rising global power with strong military and cultural heritage
## Quick Facts Checklist

✓ 77th Republic Day celebration
✓ Venue: Kartavya Path, New Delhi
✓ Chief Guests: EU leaders (von der Leyen & Costa)
✓ Theme: 150 years of Vande Mataram + Operation Sindoor
✓ Military: All three services showcased
✓ Air Show: Rafale, Sukhoi, MiG-29 formations
✓ Special Moment: All-women bike team with Surya Namaskar
✓ Public: ~10,000 special guests
✓ Duration: ~90 minutes
✓ Time: 10:30 AM start

Constitutional or Legal matters 2026

Constitutional or Legal matters 2026.

=>Govt. issued guidelines on Vande Mataram: 

The government has issued detailed guidelines on the observance of India's National Song, Vande Mataram, directing that all six stanzas of the official version must be rendered first whenever the National Song and the National Anthem are performed together.

Ecology 2026

 Ecology 2026

=>Recently, 2 more RAMSAR sites were added from India 2026: As of January 30, 2026, India has added two new wetlands to its Ramsar list, bringing the total to 98. The newly added sites are Patna Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand in Gujarat. These additions boost wetland conservation and biodiversity efforts under the Amrit Dharohar initiative just ahead of World Wetlands Day 2026.

=>UNEP methane status report: The UNEP Global Methane Status Report 2025 (GMSR 2025), released in late 2025, shows methane emissions at record levels, rising towards 369 Mt by 2030, undermining climate goals despite pledges. Key findings highlight China, India, and the U.S. as top emitters, with agriculture (livestock, rice) and waste being major sources in India, and fossil fuels globally. While low-cost solutions exist, investment gaps persist, though new regulations offer some positive signs, 

Appointments 2026

Appointments 2026

=>Central Vigilance Commissioner: Shri Praveen Vashista, an Indian Police Service officer of Bihar Cadre of 1991 batch, has been appointed as Vigilance Commissioner by the Hon'ble President of India on December 12, 2025. He joined the Central Vigilance Commission on 16.01. 2026 as Vigilance Commissione

External Affairs (Indian) 2026

 External Affairs (Indian) 2026

=>UAE president Visits India: UAE President makes a visit to India as Trump peace plan for Gaza takes shape.The visit acquires added significance as it will start two days after the UAE welcomed President Trump’s announcement on the formation of the ‘Board of Peace’ for which India has also received an invite.

PM Narendra Modi personally receives UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at airport. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is set to visit India for a brief but high-level meeting with PM Modi in New Delhi, before departing within around 2 hours.

Ranking/Indices(Global) 2026

Ranking/Indices(Global) 2026

=>Hanley Passport Index 2026 (Revised): In the revised 2026 Henley Passport Index, 

the Indian passport significantly improved to 75th place with visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to 56 destinations, rising 10 spots from 85th in 2025. Despite a slight reduction in total visa-free access by one country, the overall ranking improved due to greater relative mobility. 

Key Findings in the 2026 Henley Passport Index (Revised Q1/Early 2026):

• Indian Passport Performance: Ranked 75th, with access to 56 destinations (visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or e-visa).
• Ranking Shift: Moved up from 85th place in 2025, marking a significant upward trend.
• Global Top Spots: Singapore holds the top spot with access to 195 destinations. Japan and South Korea rank second.
• Other Rankings: The lowest-ranked, Afghanistan, provides access to 26 countries

Obituaries 2026

Obituaries 2026 

=>Mark Tully: Sir Mark was widely regarded as the BBC's "voice of India" and was one of the most admired foreign correspondents of his generation. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Sir Mark as "a towering voice of journalism", adding that "his connection with India and the people of our nation was reflected in his works.

Moments of Pride 2026

Moments of Pride 2026

=>India becomes top rice producing nation: India has become the world’s largest producer of rice, surpassing China. This was stated by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi. He said India’s rice production has reached 150.18 million tonnes, compared to China’s 145.28 million tonnes. Mr Chouhan said India is now supplying rice in overseas markets.

Infrastructure Boost in India 2026

Infrastructure Boost in India 2026 

=>India To Build Its 1st Underwater Road-Rail Tunnel:  project to build a four-lane access-controlled greenfield corridor between Gohpur and Numaligarh, featuring India's first road-and-rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra river in Assam.

Defence 2026

 Defence 2026

 =>Moran Emergency Landing Facility: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aircraft landed at the Northeast’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in Assam’s Moran on Saturday morning, marking a major milestone in the state’s strategic and infrastructure development.

The specially designed stretch of national highway has been developed to enable Indian Air Force fighter jets to take off and land during emergencies. The Prime Minister inaugurated the facility in the poll-bound state by making the first landing on the 4.2-km stretch.

Meets, Conferences And Summits 2026

Meets, Conferences And Summits 2026 

=>AI impact summit 2026:The AI Impact Summit is an international summit on artificial intelligence scheduled to be held in New Delhi from 16 to 20 February 2026. It follows the AI Action Summit in Paris in February 2025, the 2024 AI Seoul Summit in 2024 and the Bletchley Park AI Safety Summit in 2023.

Its Motto: 

External Affairs (globally) 2026

External Affairs (globally) 2026 

=>Russia bans social media platforms: Russia has moved to ban access to major social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram, as part of a broader push to tighten internet control and push users toward domestic services.

Technology boosts 2026

 Technology boosts 2026

=>Hydrogen powered train in India:  India's First Indigenous Hydrogen Train is set to revolutionize rail transport! With a 1,200 HP engine (the world's most powerful hydrogen engine), zero emissions, and a 140 km/h speed, it marks a major leap toward sustainable transportation. The first trial run starts in January 2025 on the Jind-Sonipat route!

Places in the News 2026

Places in the News 2026 

=>Assam is the 1st state in India to adopt 8th pay commission: Assam Leads the Nation with 8th State Pay Commission, Bringing Timely Relief to Employees Assam has taken a decisive and forward-looking step in public administration by becoming the first state in India to constitute the 8th State Pay Commission, well ahead of the expiry of the 7th Pay Commission provisions in January.

Person in the News 2026

Person in the News 2026 

=>Saina Nehwal retires: Indian badminton legend Saina Nehwal has confirmed her retirement from competitive badminton!! 🇮🇳🥹 The 2012 Olympics bronze medallist was last in action in 2023. Happy Retirement Saina 🙏 A great badminton Ace says quits, after about 2 years lay off due to injuries

 

=>Astronaut Sunita Williams retires:  NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has retired from the space agency, capping a stellar 27-year career during which she completed three missions aboard the International Space Station and set various human spaceflight records. Ms. Williams, 60, is currently visiting India. On Tuesday (January 20, 2026) afternoon, she participated in an interactive session hosted at the American Center here.

Economy 2026

Economy 2026 

=>comparing global GDPs: 

Debt on each economy(as % of GDP):