CURRENT AFFAIRS 23-24 January, 2026

CURRENT AFFAIRS 23-24 January, 2026

1. INDIA’S POWER SECTOR MILESTONES 2025 –

• The year 2025 proved to be a landmark period for the Ministry of Power, as India’s power sector achieved record milestones, establishing a strong foundation for sustainable growth and enhanced energy security.

What are the Key Achievements of the Ministry of Power in the Year 2025 ?

• Record Supply & Reliability: Successfully met an all-time peak power demand of 242.49 GW in FY 2025-26, reducing national energy shortages to a mere 0.03% from 4.2% in 2013-14. It significantly increased rural and urban power availability to 22.6 and 23.4 hours, respectively.
• India’s power sector is poised for massive growth with a projected investment of USD 450 billion by 2032.
• Massive Capacity Expansion: Total installed power generation capacity surged to around 509 GW (as of November, 2025), a 104.4% increase since 2014, with 55.57 GW added in 2025.
• Renewable energy capacity additions since 2014 stand at 178 GW, including 130 GW solar and 33 GW wind.

2. GOA GOVERNMENT SIGNS MOU WITH STARLINK TO BOOST INTERNET CONNECTIVITY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS –

• The Goa government has recently signed an important agreement with Starlink Satellite Communications, the company led by Elon Musk, to improve internet and digital services in the state. This partnership aims to bring faster, reliable, and wider digital access to citizens, public services, and key infrastructure across Goa.

Partnership Aims to Strengthen Digital Infrastructure

• The agreement, or Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), between Goa’s Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C) and Starlink focuses on enhancing connectivity solutions. The main goals include supporting digital inclusion, improving public services, ensuring coastal safety, and enhancing emergency response systems.
• Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant said this move will help Goa achieve its vision of becoming a digitally empowered state, benefiting citizens, businesses, and government operations.

Benefits for Citizens and Governance

• According to Rohan Khaunte, Minister for ITE&C, the partnership will help modernize Goa’s governance. It will:
• Improve public services through better connectivity.
• Bridge the digital divide, ensuring remote areas have internet access.
• Promote tourism, investment, and talent growth by making Goa more digitally advanced.
• The collaboration will use modern technology to make government services faster, smarter, and more efficient.

3. GUJARAT WITNESSES LAUNCH OF INDIA’S FIRST INTEGRATED PRIVATE SATELLITE MANUFACTURING UNIT AT SANAND –

• India has taken a big step in space technology with the start of its first integrated private satellite manufacturing facility. The foundation stone was laid at Khoraj in Sanand, Gujarat, marking a new chapter in the country’s growing space sector. This development highlights the increasing role of private companies in strengthening India’s space capabilities.

Azista Space Launches Advanced Space Facility

• The new facility is being set up by Azista Space and will focus on building satellites and high-end electro-optical payloads. The plant, named Palmnaro, is designed to support end-to-end satellite manufacturing under one roof. It will help India reduce dependence on imports and encourage local innovation in space technologies.

Foundation Stone Laid in Presence of State Leadership

• The groundbreaking ceremony was held in the presence of Gujarat’s Minister for Science and Technology, Arjun Modhwadia. His participation underlined the state government’s strong support for space research and advanced manufacturing. The event reflected Gujarat’s ambition to become a key hub for futuristic technologies.

4. NATIONAL TOURISM DAY 2026 – DATE, HISTORY, SIGNIFICANCE AND CELEBRATION –

• National Tourism Day is observed every year in India on January 25 to recognize the importance of tourism in the country’s growth and development. Tourism is not just about travel and leisure — it plays a major role in boosting the economy, preserving heritage, and promoting cultural exchange. This day encourages people to explore the rich diversity of India while promoting responsible and sustainable travel practices.
• In 2026, National Tourism Day once again draws attention to how tourism connects communities and strengthens India’s identity on the global stage.

Date of National Tourism Day 2026

• National Tourism Day 2026 will be observed on Sunday, January 25 across the country. Various events and awareness programs will be organized by tourism departments, educational institutions, and cultural organizations to celebrate the day.

History of National Tourism Day

• The idea of promoting tourism in India dates back to the post-independence period, when the government recognized tourism as an important sector for economic and cultural development. Over time, India began focusing on showcasing its historical monuments, natural landscapes, wildlife, traditions, and festivals to both domestic and international travelers.
• January 25 was chosen to mark the importance of tourism and to encourage citizens to appreciate India’s travel potential. Since then, National Tourism Day has become a platform to highlight the need for organized, sustainable, and inclusive tourism development.

5. NATIONAL VOTERS DAY 2026: MEANING, DATE, HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE –

• National Voters Day is an important national observance in India dedicated to celebrating the power and responsibility of citizens in a democracy. The day highlights the importance of voting, voter registration, and informed participation in elections. It encourages every eligible citizen, especially young and first-time voters, to take pride in their right to vote and use it responsibly.
• In 2026, India will celebrate the 16th National Voters Day, reinforcing the idea that every vote counts in shaping the nation’s future.

Date of National Voters Day 2026

• National Voters Day is observed every year on January 25 across India. In 2026, the day will fall on Sunday, January 25. The date is significant because it marks the foundation day of the Election Commission of India (ECI), the constitutional body responsible for conducting free and fair elections in the country.

History of National Voters Day

• National Voters Day was first celebrated in 2011. The Government of India decided to observe this day to increase awareness about the importance of electoral participation and to encourage more citizens to register as voters.
• The day commemorates the establishment of the Election Commission of India on January 25, 1950, just one day before India became a Republic. Since then, the Election Commission has played a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and transparency of elections in the world’s largest democracy.
• The initiative was launched mainly to address the issue of low voter registration, particularly among young people who had newly become eligible to vote.

MCQ QUIZ

Q1.   Phulkari embroidery, that was recently seen in news, originated in which region ?

1. a) Rajasthan and Gujarat
2. b) Maharashtra and Karnataka
3. c) Punjab and Haryana
4. d) Uttar Pradesh and Bihar

Q2.   The Liberalised Remittances Scheme (LRS) operates under which Indian law ?

1. a) Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934
2. b) Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1973
3. c) Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999
4. d) Companies Act, 2013

Q3.   ‘Parakram Diwas’ is observed to commemorate the birth anniversary of which freedom fighter ?

1. a) Mahatma Gandhi
2. b) Bhagat Singh
3. c) Subhas Chandra Bose
4. d) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Q4.   With reference to the C-295 aircraft, consider the following statements:

1. It is a medium-range, twin-engine turboprop tactical transport aircraft.
2. It was originally designed by Airbus Defence and Space.
3. It is capable of operating from short and unprepared runways.

          Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1. a) 1 and 2 only
2. b) 1 and 3 only
3. c) 2 and 3 only
4. d) 1, 2, and 3

Explanation-

• Statement 1 – Correct: The C-295 is explicitly described as a medium-range, twin-engine turboprop tactical transport aircraft.
• Statement 2 – Incorrect: The aircraft was originally designed by CASA (Spain), which is now part of Airbus Defence and Space.
• Statement 3 – Correct: Its ability to perform across varied environments and runway conditions includes short and semi-prepared runways.

Q5.   With reference to Net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), consider the following statements:

1. Net FDI is calculated as gross FDI inflows minus FDI outflows.
2. A negative Net FDI implies that foreign portfolio investments exceed foreign direct investments.
3. Repatriation of profits by foreign companies is counted as FDI outflow.

          Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1. a) 1 and 2 only
2. b) 2 only
3. c) 1 and 3 only
4. d) 1, 2, and 3

Explanation-

• Statement 1 – Correct: Net FDI = FDI inflows – FDI outflows (including repatriation and outward investments).
• Statement 2 – Incorrect: Negative Net FDI does not relate to portfolio flows; it indicates FDI outflows exceeding FDI inflows.
• Statement 3 – Correct: Profit repatriation and divestments are counted under FDI outflows.

Answer Key