Current Affairs — 20 January 2026
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Tue, 20 Jan 2026
Eight core industries grow 3.7% in December 2025
The combined Index of Eight Core Industries rose 3.7% (provisional) in December 2025 over December 2024, data released on 20 January 2026 show.
CAQM revokes GRAP Stage IV in Delhi-NCR as air quality improves
The CAQM sub-committee on GRAP revoked all Stage IV curbs across Delhi-NCR on 20 January 2026, three days after invoking them; Stages I–III stayed in force.
INS Sudarshini sets sail on Lokayan 26 expedition from Kochi
The Indian Navy's sail training ship INS Sudarshini was flagged off from Kochi on 20 January 2026 for Lokayan 26, a ten-month transoceanic expedition covering about 22,000 nautical miles.
Motor vehicle rules amended: no NOC, fitness or permit with unpaid toll
The Centre notified the Central Motor Vehicles (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026, linking unpaid National Highway user fees to vehicle transfers, fitness certificates and National Permits, the Road Transport Ministry said on 20 January 2026.
Khelo India Winter Games 2026 open in Leh
The sixth Khelo India Winter Games opened at NDS Stadium, Leh, on 20 January 2026, with Ladakh hosting the ice-sports leg for the third time.
CCI approves Emirates NBD's acquisition of up to 74% in RBL Bank
The Competition Commission of India on 20 January 2026 approved Emirates NBD Bank's proposed acquisition of between 51% and 74% of RBL Bank.
233-year-old Valmiki Ramayana manuscript gifted to Ram Katha Museum, Ayodhya
A rare 233-year-old Sanskrit manuscript of the Valmiki Ramayana, dated 1792 CE, was permanently gifted to the International Ram Katha Museum in Ayodhya, the Culture Ministry said on 20 January 2026.
11th meeting of the National Committee on Dam Safety held
The National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS), constituted under Section 5 of the Dam Safety Act, 2021, held its 11th meeting in New Delhi on 20 January 2026.
TDB signs pact for commercial production of steel-slag pothole mix ECOFIX
The Technology Development Board signed an agreement with Visakhapatnam-based Ramuka Global Eco Work Pvt Ltd for commercial production of ECOFIX, a ready-to-use pothole repair mix made from steel slag, on 20 January 2026.
Navy's First Training Squadron makes port call at Belawan, Indonesia
Ships of the Indian Navy's First Training Squadron — INS Tir, INS Shardul and INS Sujata, with ICGS Sarathi — made a port call at Belawan, Indonesia, on 20 January 2026.
Department of Posts activates 887 ATMs at post offices
The Department of Posts said on 20 January 2026 that it has revamped its ATM network, with 887 ATMs now active at post offices across India.
APEDA holds organic conclave and buyer-seller meet in Guwahati
APEDA, with the Government of Assam, held an Organic Conclave-cum-Buyer Seller Meet in Guwahati to boost agri-exports from Assam, the Commerce Ministry said on 20 January 2026.