Daily Current Affairs – 15-01-2026
Tamil Nadu News
Governor’s Awards for Social Service and Environmental Protection – 2025
The Governor’s Awards for the year 2025 in the categories of Social Service and Environmental Protection were announced on January 13, 2026 by the Governor’s House. In the Social Service (Institutional Category), the Venkatraman Memorial Trust of Chengalpattu district was selected and awarded ₹5 lakh and a certificate of appreciation for its work in improving government schools at Kovalam village near Chennai. In the Social Service (Individual Category), C. Srinivasan (Chennai) and B. Vijayakumar (Tiruchirappalli district) were selected and awarded ₹2 lakh each with certificates. In the Environmental Protection (Institutional Category), the Pasumai Rameswaram Trust of Ramanathapuram district was selected and awarded ₹5 lakh and a certificate. In the Environmental Protection (Individual Category), R. Manikandan of Coimbatore district, founder of the Kovai Kulangal Padhukappu Amaippu, was selected and awarded ₹2 lakh with a certificate. It was announced that all five awards will be presented by the Governor at the Republic Day reception at the Governor’s House.
Vulture Safe Zones to be Established in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Forest Department informed the Madras High Court that the process to establish Vulture Safe Zones (VSZs) has begun in the State to protect vultures from threats caused mainly by toxic veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac.
As per the Vision Document for Vulture Conservation (VDVC) in Tamil Nadu 2025–30, the first Vulture Safe Zone will be established around the Moyar River Valley in the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve.
A field-level monitoring committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of the Field Director, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, with district forest officers from Nilgiris, Gudalur, Coimbatore, and Erode, deputy directors of Mudumalai, Anamalai, and Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserves, and a representative from the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC), Vandalur.
The committee will monitor vulture nesting and habitat areas, collect carcass samples to detect banned NSAIDs, inspect drug retailers with the help of the Drugs Controller, and monitor a 100 km radius around the Moyar region for two years to generate scientific data.
Chief Minister’s Medals for Uniformed Services in Tamil Nadu
On the occasion of the Pongal festival, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin ordered the award of medals to 4,184 personnel for outstanding service in Tamil Nadu’s uniformed services, as announced in Chennai on January 14. To recognise exemplary performance in the Police, Fire and Rescue Services, Prisons and Correctional Services, and Technical and Special Services, the Chief Minister’s Medals were घोषित. For the year 2024, 4,000 police personnel, 120 officers from the Fire and Rescue Services Department, and 58 officers from the Prisons and Correctional Services Department will receive the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Special Service Medals, while 6 officers from the Police Radio Branch, Dog Squad, and Police Photographers units will be awarded the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Police Technical and Special Service Medal, with distribution commencing from February 1.
International News
German Chancellor’s Official Visit to India
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in India on January 11 for a two-day official visit, marking his first visit to India after assuming office. He held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where discussions focused on trade, investment, defence, and key technologies, along with regional and international issues, including peace efforts in Ukraine.
As part of the visit, both leaders visited the Sabarmati Ashram and attended the International Kite Festival and a skill development event.
Germany is India’s most important partner in Europe and India’s largest trading partner in the European Union, with bilateral trade valued at 51.23 billion USD in 2024–25, showing a 12.5% increase over the previous year.
Over the last 25 years, foreign direct investment of 15.40 billion USD has been received from Germany, and more than 2,000 German companies currently operate in India.
The visit also included discussions on defence cooperation, with a possible government-to-government agreement for procurement of six stealth submarines for the Indian Navy.
Cooperation in education, energy, skill development, and people-to-people contacts was also discussed, marking 25 years of the India–Germany Strategic Partnership.
Following this visit, French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit India next month, and these developments are expected to contribute to the early finalisation of the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement.
Israel Withdraws from Key UN and International Bodies
Israel announced its immediate withdrawal from several international organisations, including key United Nations (UN) bodies, following a review conducted after a similar move by the United States. The decision was taken by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs under Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. Israel stated that it would sever ties with the UN Women, the Office of the UN Special Envoy for Children in Armed Conflict, the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). Israel also announced withdrawal from the UN Alliance of Civilizations, initiated by Turkey and Spain, the UN-Energy, and the Global Forum on Migration and Development. The decision cited developments linked to the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023, and the blacklisting of the Israeli military in 2024 by a UN body, and it was stated that Israel may consider exiting additional organisations in the future.
Commonwealth Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference in New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 42nd Commonwealth Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference held at the Parliament Complex, New Delhi, with participation from Speakers and Deputy Speakers of Parliaments from 42 Commonwealth member countries, totalling 61 delegates. The conference was chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and focused on parliamentary leadership–related themes, including the role of presiding officers in democratic institutions, use of artificial intelligence in parliamentary functioning, impact of social media on Members of Parliament, measures to improve public understanding of Parliament, and public participation beyond voting.
Central Government Advisory for Indians in Iran
The Central Government of India has advised Indian nationals residing in Iran to leave the country at the earliest due to the deteriorating security situation, and this advisory was communicated through the Indian Embassy in Iran. Earlier, on January 5, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had advised Indians to avoid non-essential travel to Iran. The advisory applies to Indian students, pilgrims, tourists, and professionals present in Iran, and they have been instructed to avoid areas where protests are taking place. The situation in Iran has remained tense since December last year due to nationwide protests linked to economic issues, and clashes between protesters and security forces have reportedly resulted in over 2,500 deaths. It was also stated that there are more than 10,000 Indians, including students, currently in Iran. In this context, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a telephonic discussion with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regarding the evolving situation in and around Iran.
India–China Trade Trends
India’s exports to China increased by 9.7% during the period January–December 2023, reaching $19.75 billion (₹1.78 lakh crore), according to the annual trade statistics report released by the Chinese Customs Department on January 14, 2024. During the same period, China’s exports to India rose by 12.8% to $135.87 billion (₹12.27 lakh crore). As a result, bilateral trade between India and China touched an all-time high of ₹14 lakh crore ($155.62 billion). However, India’s trade deficit with China widened to a record ₹10 lakh crore ($116 billion), crossing the ₹9 lakh crore ($100 billion) mark for the second time since 2023. The report also noted that China’s global trade continued to expand, with exports of $3.77 trillion, imports of $2.58 trillion, and a trade surplus of $1.2 trillion, which is 20% higher than the previous year.
Economy News
SMBC Gets RBI Approval to Set Up Wholly-Owned Subsidiary in India
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) of Japan has received ‘in-principle’ approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to set up a wholly-owned subsidiary (WOS) in India by converting its existing branch-mode operations. SMBC currently operates through four branches in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru, and the RBI will consider granting a licence for commencement of banking business in WOS mode under Section 22(1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, subject to compliance with prescribed conditions. The subsidiary will be a separate legal entity with its own capital base and local board of directors, with clear separation of assets and liabilities from the foreign parent and ring-fenced capital under RBI supervision. As per Indian regulations, a WOS may undertake mergers and acquisitions with private sector banks in India, subject to approvals and the overall foreign investment limit of 74%. In 2024, SMBC acquired 24.21% stake in Yes Bank, becoming its largest shareholder; SMBC is part of the Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG) and is the second-largest bank in Japan, with $1.72 trillion in total assets across operations in 39 countries.
India’s GDP Growth Projection for FY 2025–26
Economic consulting firm Grant Thornton Bharat projected that India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will grow to 7.3%–7.5% by the end of the 2025–26 financial year, indicating an overall rise to 7.5% by FY 2026.
The projection noted continued growth in India’s exports despite additional US tariffs and restrictions.
Separately, Deloitte India estimated that GDP growth in the current year would be 7.5%–7.8%, supported by festive season demand and strong service sector activity, and further projected economic growth of 6.6%–6.9% in 2026–27, with an expected policy focus on supply-side reforms, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and the development of tier-two and tier-three cities.
Bank of Baroda at Banking Technology Awards 2024–25
Bank of Baroda, one of India’s leading public sector banks, was recognised for its leadership in technology and innovation at the Indian Banks’ Association’s 21st Annual Banking Technology Awards 2024–25. The bank won awards in five categories at this event. Debadatta Chand, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Baroda, was associated with the recognition conferred at the awards ceremony.
Environment News
Ice Memory Vault Launched in Antarctica
Scientists inaugurated the first global repository of mountain ice cores in Antarctica to preserve records of the Earth’s past atmosphere as glaciers melt due to global warming. The frozen vault was established by the Ice Memory Foundation, a consortium of European research institutes, at the Concordia Station on the Antarctic Plateau. The facility stores ice cores, which contain information on past atmospheric conditions, including gases, aerosols, pollutants, and dust. The first ice core samples were collected from Mont Blanc in France and Grand Combin in Switzerland and transported from Trieste, Italy, to Antarctica after a 50-day refrigerated journey. The ice cores are stored in a cave carved into compacted snow at –52°C for long-term preservation and future climate research.
Reports and Indices
2025 Among Hottest Years on Record: WMO
• 2025 was one of the hottest years ever recorded, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
• The last 11 years are the warmest years on record globally.
• The average global surface temperature in 2025 was about 1.44°C higher than the 1850–1900 (pre-industrial) average.
• 2023, 2024, and 2025 are recorded as the three warmest years across all datasets.
• The combined average temperature for 2023–2025 was 1.48°C above pre-industrial levels, with a margin of ±0.13°C.
• Ocean temperatures in 2025 reached some of the highest levels ever recorded.
• Oceans absorb about 90% of the excess heat caused by human activities, making them a key indicator of climate change.
• About 57% of the world’s ocean areas ranked among the five warmest ever recorded.
• Regions affected include the Tropical Oceans, South Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, North Indian Ocean, and Southern Oceans.
• The average sea surface temperature in 2025 was 0.49°C higher than the 1981–2010 average.
• Although 2025 was 0.12°C cooler than 2024, it still became the third warmest year on record.
• The slight cooling was linked to La Niña, but overall ocean warming continues.
• The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) also ranked 2025 as the third warmest year, slightly cooler than 2023 and 2024.
• Main causes of recent warming include greenhouse gas accumulation, high sea temperatures, and changes in aerosol levels.
NITI Aayog Export Preparedness Index 2024
In the 4th edition of the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024 released by NITI Aayog in New Delhi on January 14, Maharashtra secured the first position, Tamil Nadu ranked second, and Gujarat stood third among Indian states. The index evaluates states based on export policies, business environment, quality and infrastructure, and export outcomes, with the objective of promoting exports across states. The report also placed Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Punjab in the subsequent positions. Among smaller states and Union Territories, Uttarakhand ranked first, followed by Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Goa, and Tripura, as per the 2024 Export Preparedness Index issued by NITI Aayog.
Sports News
Amateur Jordan Smith Wins ‘One Point Slam’ Title
Jordan Smith, an amateur tennis player from Sydney, won the ‘One Point Slam’ tournament held ahead of the Australian Open and received a prize money of A$1 million. The event featured amateur players competing against 24 professional players, including Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Iga Swiatek. Smith, who qualified as the New South Wales State champion, defeated Jannik Sinner and Amanda Anisimova during the tournament and beat Joanna Garland in the final to clinch the title.
Virat Kohli Returns to No. 1 in ICC ODI Batting Rankings
Virat Kohli has regained the No. 1 position in the ICC ODI rankings for batters, replacing Rohit Sharma, after scoring a half-century in the first match of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. This marks Kohli’s return to the top spot for the first time since July 2021, while Rohit Sharma has slipped to the third position in the rankings.
U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 Begins in Zimbabwe
The 16th ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup begins on January 15 at Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, with 16 teams participating in the tournament. On the opening day, India vs USA, Zimbabwe vs Scotland, and Tanzania vs West Indies matches are scheduled. Group A consists of India, Bangladesh, New Zealand, and USA, Group B includes England, Pakistan, Scotland, and Zimbabwe, Group C comprises Australia, Ireland, Japan, and Sri Lanka, and Group D features Afghanistan, South Africa, Tanzania, and West Indies. After the group stage, the top three teams from each group will qualify for the Super 6 stage, where 12 teams will be divided into Group 1 and Group 2, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The final match is scheduled to be held on February 6, with India being the most successful team with 5 titles, while Australia enters the tournament as the defending champions.
National News
NLC India Ltd Signs Renewable Energy MoU with Gujarat
NLC India Ltd. (NLCIL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Gujarat for developing large-scale renewable energy projects in the State. The MoU was signed at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference held in Rajkot by Devendra Pratap Singh, Executive Director (Projects and Business Development) and CEO, NLC India Renewables Limited, and Bhakthi Shamal, Joint Secretary, Energy and Petrochemicals Department, Government of Gujarat, in the presence of Union Minister Piyush Goyal.
Rakesh Agarwal Appointed as NIA Chief
Rakesh Agarwal was appointed as the Director General (Chief) of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). He is a 1994-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Himachal Pradesh cadre and was appointed as the Special Director General of NIA in September 2024. Subsequently, in December 2024, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs appointed him as the interim NIA chief. His full-time appointment as NIA chief was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Union Cabinet, and as per the order issued by the Ministry of Personnel, he will hold the post until his superannuation on August 31, 2028.
Introduction of Amrit Bharat Express Trains
It was announced that nine ‘Amrit Bharat’ Express trains will be introduced to improve passenger convenience and connectivity in India. The announcement was made by the Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, stating that these trains will be introduced in West Bengal and Assam. The new Amrit Bharat Express services will connect West Bengal and Assam with Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, thereby strengthening inter-state rail connectivity. The initiative forms part of efforts by the Government of India to enhance rail infrastructure and passenger services across multiple regions.