Daily Current Affairs – 21-01-2026
Tamil Nadu News
Tamil Nadu to Host International Tourism Investors’ Conference in Mamallapuram
The Government of Tamil Nadu will host the International Tourism Investors’ Conference at Mamallapuram on February 2 and 3, under the leadership of M. K. Stalin, as announced by R. Rajendran, Tourism Minister. The State has formulated a dedicated tourism policy to develop 300 tourist destinations, with a target to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030, wherein tourism is projected to contribute 12%. Investors from various Indian States and multiple countries are expected to participate, with focus areas including medical tourism, eco-tourism, and adventure tourism. As part of a new initiative, SIPCOT will identify land for tourism development, and 40 new locations have been identified; the State’s 1,076 km coastline has been noted for tourism development. The conference logo was unveiled by T. R. B. Rajaa, Industries Minister, in the presence of K. Manivasan, Tourism Secretary, and J. Innocent Divya, Tourism Commissioner.
Startup Singam Season 2 Launched
The second edition of Startup Singam was launched in Chennai by Tamil Nadu Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa on Tuesday. The programme has a funding target of over ₹100 crore and will feature more than 75 startups across 26 episodes over a duration of six months. The initiative is designed as a structured platform focused on facilitating startup funding and investment engagement.
Basic Education under New India Literacy Programme
Under the New India Literacy Programme, basic literacy education has been provided to more than 30 lakh people in Tamil Nadu since 2022. The scheme was introduced by the Central Government to provide literacy training to non-literate persons above 15 years of age, with a national target of educating 5 crore people by 2027. In Tamil Nadu, the programme is implemented through the Directorate of School Education, under which about 15 lakh beneficiaries received basic literacy education during the first three years. During 2025–26, a basic literacy examination was conducted in the first phase for 5,37,876 learners, who were issued certificates. In the second phase, teaching activities were carried out for 9,63,169 learners through 39,250 learner literacy centres, and examinations were conducted in December. Over the last four years, more than 30 lakh people have attained basic literacy in the state. For their effective performance, 342 literacy centres were identified and conferred the State Literacy Award, which was presented by School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh in Chennai.
Action to Avoid Governor’s Address
The Tamil Nadu Government, led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, announced that it will initiate steps to bring a constitutional amendment in Parliament to avoid the practice of the Governor’s address in the State Legislative Assembly, as similar incidents of Governors not reading the address prepared by state governments have occurred in several states.
A resolution was moved in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly to record in the proceedings that the Governor did not read the address, and it was passed through a voice vote.
The government cited Article 176 of the Constitution of India, which mandates that the address prepared by the State Government must be read fully by the Governor, without any changes or personal views.
Sports News
Google’s Gemini AI Signs ₹270 Crore Sponsorship Deal with BCCI for IPL
For the Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 cricket tournament, Gemini AI, an artificial intelligence platform by Google, has signed a ₹270 crore sponsorship agreement with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The agreement will be valid for three years. Following the central government ban on online gaming platforms such as Dream 11 in 2024, the BCCI was required to look for new sponsors for the IPL. Subsequently, Byju’s secured the jersey sponsorship rights for ₹579 crore, replacing Dream 11. The Tata Group continues to hold the title sponsorship rights of the IPL, which is recognised as the world’s largest T20 league. The sponsorship agreement with Gemini AI highlights the growing involvement of artificial intelligence companies in Indian cricket.
Amelia Valverde Appointed Indian Women’s Football Head Coach
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced the appointment of Amelia Valverde of Costa Rica as the Head Coach of the Indian Senior Women’s Football Team. Amelia Valverde (39 years) has joined the Indian team camp in Antalya, where the national women’s team, known as the Blue Tigresses, is preparing for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup scheduled in March. She has joined the existing coaching staff comprising Crispin Chettri, Priya PV., and Mario Aguiar.
Fastest Century in ICC Under-19 World Cup
Australia Under-19 opener Will Malajczuk created a record in the ICC Under-19 World Cup by scoring the fastest fifty in 23 balls and the fastest century in 51 balls in the tournament’s history. The achievement came during the match against Japan held in Windhoek on Tuesday. In the match, Japan scored 201 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 50 overs, while Australia chased the target by scoring 204 runs for 2 wickets in 29.1 overs, registering an eight-wicket victory. Will Malajczuk scored 102 runs, and Nitesh Samuel remained not out on 60 runs.
Gael Monfils Retirement from Tennis
French tennis player Gael Monfils, aged 39 years, exited the Australian Open after losing to Australia’s Dane Sweeny in a four-hour match with a score of 6–7, 7–5, 6–4, 7–5. Gael Monfils, who has been active in professional tennis since 2004, has won 13 ATP titles during his career. He had earlier announced in October 2025 that he would retire from professional tennis after the Australian Open, marking the conclusion of a career spanning more than two decades.
National News
Indian Navy to Showcase 5th Century Ship at Republic Day Parade
At the Republic Day Parade, the Indian Navy tableau will feature a stitched ship from the 5th century CE, now named INSV Kaundinya, along with frontline indigenous platforms including the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. The Navy’s marching contingent will consist of 144 naval personnel, parading on the historic Kartavya Path. The contingent will be led by Lt Karan Nagyal as Contingent Commander, with Lt Pawan Kumar Gandi, Lt Priti Kumari, and Lt Varun Dreveriya serving as Platoon Commanders. The tableau and contingent will be presented during the Republic Day celebrations on January 20 in New Delhi.
Centre’s Non-Tax Revenue from CPSEs Crosses ₹77,000 Crore
Despite sluggish tax collections, the Union Government’s non-tax revenue has crossed ₹77,000 crore mainly through dividends from Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), stake sales, and InvIT earnings, against a Budget target of ₹1.16 lakh crore. The Union Budget had set targets of ₹69,000 crore from CPSE dividends and ₹47,000 crore from Miscellaneous Capital Receipts, and dividend collections have already reached ₹49,600 crore (72% of the Budget Estimate), with expectations of crossing ₹70,000 crore. Oil, power, and coal sectors are the major contributors to CPSE dividends. Under the 2024 CPSE dividend policy, companies are required to pay the higher of 30% of Profit After Tax (PAT) or 4% of net worth, while financial sector CPSEs such as NBFCs must pay 30% of PAT, marking a shift from the earlier policy linked to government equity and reserves. CPSE stake sales are classified under Miscellaneous Capital Receipts, and stake sale and remittance from the Specified Undertaking of the Unit Trust of India (SUUTI) generated over ₹8,700 crore, while InvIT earnings of about ₹18,800 crore raised total receipts to ₹27,600 crore (59% of the Budget Estimate).
Digital Attendance System in Parliament Budget Session
The Budget Session of Parliament, scheduled to begin on January 28, will introduce a digital attendance system for the first time through the Lok Sabha Secretariat. Under this system, Members of Parliament (MPs) must mark their attendance using digital consoles installed on their designated seats inside the House, with attendance recorded only when members are physically present in the chamber. The earlier manual attendance register kept outside the House will be discontinued. If an MP arrives after the House has been adjourned, attendance will not be recorded, resulting in the loss of one day’s salary and allowances. The system uses thumb impression–based digital tools and was announced by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The change aims to ensure attendance is marked only from inside the House during parliamentary proceedings.
Nitin Naveen as BJP National President
Nitin Naveen was elected unopposed as the National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and assumed office on January 20 at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi. At the age of 45 years, he became the youngest National President of the BJP. The election was officially announced by K. Lakshman, the BJP National Election Officer, stating that Nitin Naveen, who earlier served as the National Working President, was chosen without contest. He became the 12th National President of the BJP, succeeding Union Minister J.P. Nadda. The charge-taking ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and senior BJP leaders. Following his appointment, the Union Home Ministry directed the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to extend ‘Z’ category armed security to Nitin Naveen, similar to the security earlier provided to J.P. Nadda.
Article 176 – Governor’s Address
Article 176 of the Constitution of India deals with the Governor’s address to the State Legislature.
It states that at the beginning of the first session each year and after every general election to the State Legislative Assembly, the Governor shall address the Legislative Assembly or both Houses in states having a Legislative Council.
The address is prepared by the State Government and outlines the policies and programmes of the government for the coming year.
Under this article, the Governor is constitutionally required to read the address in full, and the content represents the views of the elected government, not the personal opinion of the Governor.
This provision ensures legislative accountability and forms an important part of the parliamentary system at the state level.
International News
Australia Passes Anti-Hate Speech and Gun Laws After Bondi Beach Attack
Australia’s Parliament passed anti-hate speech laws and gun control laws on January 20 following the Bondi Beach attack in Sydney, where 15 people were killed during a Jewish festival on December 14. The attack was stated to be inspired by the Islamic State group. The gun laws introduce new restrictions on firearm ownership and establish a government-funded gun buyback programme to compensate individuals required to surrender firearms. The anti-hate speech laws allow the government to outlaw extremist groups that do not fall under Australia’s formal terrorist organisation definition, including Hizbut-Tahrir, which is already banned in some countries. The government introduced two separate bills in the House of Representatives, both of which were passed, where the Labour Party government holds a majority. In the Senate, the firearms bill was passed by a 38–26 vote, followed by the anti-hate speech bill by a 38–22 vote in the 76-member upper house. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that the accused shooters Sajid Akram (50) and Naveed Akram (24) would not have been permitted to own firearms under the new laws, and Naveed Akram faces 15 murder charges and a charge of committing a terrorist act.
China and India Lead CBDC Adoption among BRICS
As India serves as the BRICS Chair in 2025, reports indicate it may propose an mBridge-like system using Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) to settle cross-border trade without the US dollar. Recent data show that China and India are significantly ahead of other BRICS countries in CBDC innovation and adoption. China remains the global leader, with cross-border CBDC transactions exceeding $980 billion by 2024, enabled through the mBridge system involving central banks from China, Hong Kong, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand. India has developed the world’s second-largest CBDC pilot, crossing $111.8 million in transaction value by March 2025, largely driven by domestic retail usage. In comparison, Brazil and South Africa are in early planning or pilot stages, while Russia’s e-ruble transactions grew from 17,500 in 2023 to 57,000 in 2024, despite a 226% year-on-year increase. CBDCs, issued by central banks, are digital versions of sovereign currency that can reduce transaction costs, improve settlement speed, and enhance transparency. India’s e₹ pilot, driven mainly by retail adoption, differs from China’s digital yuan, which focuses on wholesale and institutional use, and the value of India’s e₹ transactions increased from $26 million in 2024 to $112 million in 2025. Globally, the number of countries considering CBDCs rose from 35 in 2020 to 137 in 2025, indicating a major shift in trade and payment systems.
Resignation of Bulgarian President
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev resigned from his post on January 20 in Sofia. Following his resignation, Vice President Iliana Yotova assumed charge as the acting President of Bulgaria. This marked the first instance of a Bulgarian President stepping down before completing the term since the end of communist rule and the establishment of democracy in the country. Bulgaria, which is a member of the European Union and NATO, has witnessed around eight parliamentary elections since 2021, highlighting continued political instability.
Economy News
UST Acquires Texas-Based Fintech Firm Tailwind
UST, a leading artificial intelligence and technology transformation solutions company, has acquired Texas-based fintech firm Tailwind Business Ventures for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition will strengthen UST’s position in the digital banking solutions sector and expand its presence in South America. With the digital banking market continuing to grow, demand for implementation and support services is expected to increase, and through this acquisition, UST aims to enhance its share in providing digital banking solutions for banks and credit unions. Tailwind was founded in 2003 as Integritas Solutions Group, with offices in Austin, Texas (USA) and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). The company expanded operations to Sri Lanka in 2009 and added a Portugal delivery centre in 2019. With over 220 employees globally, Tailwind has proven expertise in the banking and financial services domain, offering AI-based digital banking solutions, modernisation of legacy systems, and customisation of products for financial institutions worldwide.
Jio BlackRock AMC Investor Growth
Jio BlackRock Asset Management, which began its operations in May, has built an investor base of 10 lakh investors. Nearly 18% of these investors are first-time mutual fund investors. The asset management company is a joint venture between Jio Financial Services and BlackRock. A significant portion of its retail participation has come from non-metro regions, with 40% of retail investors belonging to B-30 cities, which is higher than the industry average of 28%. The information was stated by Sid Swaminathan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Jio BlackRock Asset Management.
PhonePe Receives SEBI Approval for IPO
PhonePe, a leading digital payments company in India, has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to proceed with its Initial Public Offering (IPO). The company will soon file its Updated Draft Red Herring Prospectus (UDRHP). The proposed IPO will be conducted as an Offer For Sale (OFS) by existing shareholders, and no fresh primary capital will be raised through the issue. PhonePe holds over 45% market share in Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions, making it the market leader in India’s digital payments sector.
Personalities, Awards and Events
City Union Bank Bags Six Awards at IBA Technology Awards
City Union Bank has been awarded six accolades at the IBA Technology Awards, presented during the 21st Annual Technology Conference, Expo & Citations 2024–2025, held on January 9 in Mumbai.
The awards were presented to the bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, N. Kamakodi, by T. Rabi Sankar, Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.
The Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) recognises banks whose ideas, initiatives, risk leadership qualities, and implementation of various technology initiatives have kept them ahead of their competitors.
City Union Bank won awards in several categories, including Best Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Adoption, Best Technology Bank, Best Digital Financial Inclusion, Best Digital Sales, and Best Information Technology Risk Management.
This marks the third consecutive year in which the bank has received six or more awards at the IBA Technology Awards.
Important Days
January 22 – National Polio Day
January 22 is observed in India as National Polio Day to promote awareness about polio eradication and the importance of immunisation among children below five years of age. The day marks the launch of the Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme in 1995, under which Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) is administered nationwide. India was officially declared polio-free in 2014 by the World Health Organization (WHO), making this day significant in public health history.