Current Affairs — 21 January 2026
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Wed, 21 Jan 2026
Draft National Electricity Policy 2026 released for consultation
The Ministry of Power released the Draft National Electricity Policy 2026 on 21 January 2026; once final, it will replace the policy notified in 2005.
Cabinet approves ₹5,000 crore equity support to SIDBI
The Union Cabinet on 21 January 2026 approved equity support of ₹5,000 crore to the Small Industries Development Bank of India, to be infused in three tranches up to FY 2027-28.
Cabinet extends Atal Pension Yojana up to 2030-31
The Union Cabinet on 21 January 2026 approved continuing the Atal Pension Yojana up to FY 2030-31, with funding support for promotion, development and gap funding.
9th India–Myanmar Joint Trade Committee meets in Nay Pyi Taw
India and Myanmar held the ninth meeting of their Joint Trade Committee in Nay Pyi Taw on 21 January 2026 and aim to raise bilateral trade from USD 2.15 billion to USD 5 billion by 2030.
Lucknow becomes UP's first 'zero fresh waste dump' city
With the new 700 TPD Shivari Solid Waste Management Plant, Lucknow became the first city in Uttar Pradesh to scientifically process 100% of its municipal solid waste under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban.
NITI Aayog releases decarbonisation roadmaps for cement, aluminium and MSMEs
NITI Aayog on 21 January 2026 released three reports on green transition roadmaps for the cement, aluminium and MSME sectors, consistent with Viksit Bharat 2047 and net zero by 2070.
IICDEM-2026 opens at Bharat Mandapam with 42 election bodies
The Election Commission of India's three-day International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 began at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 21 January 2026.
DGCA launches Electronic Personnel Licence for Airline Transport Pilot Licence
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation launched Electronic Personnel Licence (EPL) services for the Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) on 21 January 2026.
GI-tagged Kaladi of Udhampur to be upscaled with food technology
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on 21 January 2026 directed CSIR labs to upscale Kaladi, the GI-tagged traditional dairy product of Udhampur district in Jammu & Kashmir, for wider food uses.
GSI plans 1,068 projects for Field Season 2026-27 with critical-mineral focus
At the 65th Central Geological Programming Board meeting on 21 January 2026, the Geological Survey of India presented a 1,068-project annual programme for Field Season 2026-27, including 236 critical-mineral projects.
Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura mark Statehood Day
Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura celebrated their Statehood Day on 21 January 2026, with greetings from the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister.
₹512.27 crore XV Finance Commission grants released to Gujarat's rural local bodies
The Centre released ₹512.27 crore of Fifteenth Finance Commission grants for rural local bodies in Gujarat for FY 2025-26, announced on 21 January 2026.