Uganda’s President Museveni wins seventh term amid tense campaign
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has been re‑elected for a seventh term, according to the electoral commission. Museveni, aged 81, secured about 71.65 percent of the vote, defeating main challenger Bobi Wine who received around 24.72 percent. The campaign was marked by opposition restrictions and internet blackouts. Museveni has led Uganda since 1986 and his latest victory maintains continuity in East African politics. International observers voiced concerns about media restrictions and electoral integrity, though the official results confirmed the incumbent’s long‑standing leadership.
Museveni re‑elected for a seventh term
Vote share approximately 71.65% to 24.72% for Bobi Wine
Election followed by reported opposition crackdowns
Museveni has led Uganda since 1986
International observers cited concerns on media freedom
High Seas Treaty enters into force; nations commit to marine protection
An international agreement to safeguard marine life in international waters has come into force. The High Seas Treaty enables countries to establish environmentally protected zones beyond national jurisdictions and supports new ocean industries. Negotiations began in 2017 under the United Nations framework. The treaty requires member states to implement conservation measures and coordinate with global bodies. India remains a signatory and supports robust marine governance to protect biodiversity, fisheries, and climate resilience. The agreement marks a major step in global ocean conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.
High Seas Treaty enters into force
Allows protected zones in international waters
Negotiations concluded under UN in 2017–2024
India is a signatory; supports marine governance
Aims to protect biodiversity and climate resilience
India ranked 16th in new Responsible Nations Index; global leadership framework
India has secured 16th place among 154 nations in the new Responsible Nations Index (RNI), a framework assessing how nations balance power with citizens, environment, and global responsibilities. Singapore tops the index, followed by Switzerland and Denmark. The RNI shifts focus from economic size to responsible governance, with outcomes linked to sustainable development and international cooperation. Indian policymakers view the ranking as a signal to strengthen accountability, climate action, and inclusive growth while maintaining strategic autonomy on the global stage.
India ranks 16th in Responsible Nations Index
RNI emphasizes responsibility over power; 154 nations evaluated
Top three: Singapore, Switzerland, Denmark
Focus on governance, environment, and global responsibility
Implications for policy emphasis on accountability and climate action
Six-day tiger census in KMTR to commence on January 19; visitors barred till January 24
The Kalakkad–Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) will conduct a six‑day national tiger census starting January 19, with visitors prohibited until January 24 to facilitate training and field work. Deputy Director Srikant said the exercise, led by the National Tiger Conservation Authority, aims to determine tiger numbers in sanctuaries and nearby forests. Researchers will collect scat, pug marks, and use direct sightings, supplemented by camera traps. The census follows a nationwide protocol adopted after 2021. Findings will inform conservation planning and habitat management, contributing to India’s wildlife monitoring efforts.
Census runs January 19–24, visitors restricted
Led by National Tiger Conservation Authority
Methods include scat, pug marks, direct sighting
Cameras to be installed for data collection
Part of ongoing national tiger population assessment
Maha approves Bembla river project funding to revive irrigation
Maharashtra cabinet approved ₹4,775 crore for the Bembla river irrigation project in Yavatmal district, reviving a scheme that faced delays and cost overruns for over five decades. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis chaired the cabinet meeting. The initiative is expected to ease irrigation shortages in the Vidarbha region, where farmers have faced repeated distress. Officials noted that the project’s revival aligns with ongoing efforts to accelerate irrigation infrastructure and agricultural resilience in drought-prone areas, supporting sustained rural livelihoods.
₹4,775 crore approved for Bembla river project
Revival after decades of delay and budget overruns
Vivek Abrol appointed MD & CEO of Luminous Power Technologies
Vivek Abrol has been named Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Luminous Power Technologies, effective January 19, 2026. He replaces Preeti Bajaj, who will move to a global role at Schneider Electric as Executive Vice President of Global Home Solutions. Abrol brings over 25 years of experience across consumer goods, electricals, and appliances. In his new role, he will guide Luminous toward a broader energy‑solutions platform with a stronger emphasis on solar power and sustainable energy. The company aims for deeper market penetration in residential and commercial energy segments as demand for cleaner power grows.
Vivek Abrol named MD & CEO of Luminous
Effective January 19, 2026
Preeti Bajaj moves to Schneider Electric
Abrol has 25+ years of leadership experience
Strategic focus on solar and sustainable energy
ICICI Bank board approves Sandeep Bakhshi’s reappointment as MD & CEO till 2028
ICICI Bank’s board approved the reappointment of Sandeep Bakhshi as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for a two‑year term from October 4, 2026 to October 3, 2028. The appointment needs RBI clearance, shareholder approval, and other statutory approvals. Bakhshi has been MD & CEO since October 2018, credited with strengthening risk controls, improving asset quality, and delivering consistent growth across retail and corporate banking. The extension aligns leadership continuity with ICICI Bank’s strategy to expand digital banking and financial services in a competitive private sector environment.
Sandeep Bakhshi reappointed MD & CEO till 2028
Requires RBI and shareholder approvals
Tenure from Oct 4, 2026 to Oct 3, 2028
Bakhshi since 2018; credited with risk controls and growth
Supports continued digital banking expansion
India‑UAE LNG deal; strengthen trade and defence ties
India signed a $3 billion LNG deal with the United Arab Emirates, making the UAE a top LNG supplier. ADNOC Gas will supply 0.5 million metric tonnes per year for ten years to Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). The visit by the UAE President emphasized a broader strategic partnership, with plans to double bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032 and explore defence collaboration. The agreement strengthens energy security for India while expanding trade and strategic alignment with the UAE across multiple sectors.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla inaugurates virtual reality theatre on space exploration in New Delhi
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla today inaugurated the Virtual Reality Theatre and Panel Exhibition titled From Earth to Orbit: Exploring space together in New Delhi. Shukla shared experiences from the Axiom-4 mission, including life in space, astronaut training, and the challenges of orbital operations. He interacted with around 400 students from different schools, encouraging them to pursue careers in space and technology. He stressed that young minds will play a crucial role in shaping the future of space exploration and Indian contributions to human spaceflight, international missions, and global scientific collaboration. The panel exhibition remains open to the public from today, highlighting India’s space ambitions.
Inauguration by Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
Event features spaceflight experiences and training insights
About 400 students engaged from multiple schools
Emphasis on youth roles in space exploration
Exhibition open to the public from Jan 20
C-DOT’s Cell Broadcast Solution awarded SKOCH Award 2025 for disaster alert system
The Centre for Development of Telematics (C‑DOT) received the SKOCH Award 2025 for its Cell Broadcast Solution (CBS), presented at the 104th SKOCH Summit themed Resourcing Viksit Bharat. CBS is an indigenous platform for near real‑time disaster alerts via cellular networks. It integrates agencies such as IMD, Central Water Commission, INCOIS, Defence Geo‑informatics Research Establishment, and Forest Survey of India, and collaborates with mobile operators and State Disaster Management Authorities for rapid dissemination. CBS supports 21 Indian languages and aligns with international early‑warning frameworks to enhance disaster risk reduction.
CBS awarded SKOCH Award 2025
Indigenous near‑real‑time disaster alert system
Integrates IMD, CWC, INCOIS, DGRE, FSI
Works with mobile operators and State DMAs
Supports 21 Indian languages and UN/ITU frameworks
Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations title with a 1‑0 extra‑time victory over hosts Morocco. Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal after a tense match that saw a controversial Panenka penalty by Brahim Diaz misfired for Morocco. Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved the shoot for a second title in three editions, following their 2022 triumph. The final was marked by spirited defense and late drama as Senegal claimed the continental championship, adding to their recent achievements on African football’s biggest stage.
Senegal beat Morocco 1–0 after extra time
Pape Gueye scored the winner; Diaz missed a late penalty
Edouard Mendy key saves for Senegal
Senegal’s second AFCON title in three editions
Final featured dramatic late moments
Khelo India Winter Games 2026 open in Leh; many states compete
The sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games began in Leh, Ladakh, with 21 states and union territories participating. About 1,000 participants, including 472 athletes, are competing in ice hockey and skating events. The events are hosted at the NDS Ice Hockey Rink and the Guphuk Frozen Pond, with figure skating introduced this year. Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta visited venues to review arrangements and ensure smooth conduct. The games, part of the Khelo India framework since 2020, run until January 26, showcasing India’s winter sports talent and regional potential.
Khelo India Winter Games 2026 open in Leh
21 states/UTs participate; 1,000 participants
Events: hockey and skating; figure skating added
Venues: NDS Ice Hockey Rink, Guphuk Frozen Pond
LG Kavinder Gupta inspected arrangements
Mukesh Choudhary to lead Rajasthan in Santosh Trophy
Forward Mukesh Choudhary will captain Rajasthan in the Santosh Trophy National Football Championship. The event runs from January 21 to February 8 in Dibrugarh, Assam. Rajasthan qualified for the final round after beating Maharashtra and Gujarat in the group stage. The team opens its campaign against Uttarakhand, with subsequent fixtures against Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, and Nagaland. The Rajasthan Football Association secretary Dilip Singh Shekhawat stated the squad’s readiness for the competition, which showcases domestic football talent and serves as a platform for players to attract professional opportunities.
Mukesh Choudhary captains Rajasthan at Santosh Trophy
Tournament: Jan 21–Feb 8 in Dibrugarh, Assam
Rajasthan qualified after group wins over Maharashtra and Gujarat
Opening match vs Uttarakhand; other fixtures listed
Muanpuii Saiawi appointed India’s next High Commissioner to New Zealand
The Ministry of External Affairs announced on January 19, 2026 that Muanpuii Saiawi, IFS 2005 batch and currently Joint Secretary in MEA, has been appointed as India’s next High Commissioner to New Zealand. Saiawi will replace Neeta Bhushan, who has served since 2022. Saiawi has experience in cyber diplomacy and international security; she will oversee political, economic, and cultural ties with New Zealand and play a role in potential Free Trade Agreement discussions.
Muanpuii Saiawi named High Commissioner to New Zealand
Current role: MEA Joint Secretary (Disarmament/International Security)
Succeeding Neeta Bhushan (since 2022)
Saiawi’s focus includes cyber diplomacy and strategic technologies
Mea press release dated January 19, 2026
Nitin Nabin elected BJP president unopposed; to assume charge January 20
Nitin Nabin has been elected unopposed as the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party and will formally take charge on January 20, 2026. The party’s nomination process concluded on January 19, with 37 sets of papers filed in support of Nabin. The transition is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders. Analysts view the move as part of a broader leadership refresh ahead of upcoming elections, reflecting a shift toward younger leadership within the party.
Nitin Nabin elected unopposed as BJP president
Takes charge January 20, 2026
Nomination process completed Jan 19 with 37 papers
INS Sudarshini sets off on Lokayan 26 voyage; training and diplomacy
Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini began its Lokayan 26 flagship voyage, a 10‑month transoceanic mission starting January 20, 2026. The vessel will cover more than 22,000 nautical miles and visit 18 ports across 13 countries, with 200+ trainees undergoing advanced seamanship and navigation training. The voyage includes participation in Escale à Sète (France) and SAIL 250 (New York, USA), showcasing India’s maritime heritage and international naval cooperation. The mission supports government strategic goals of MAHASAGAR and expands international naval exchanges with partner nations.
86th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference opens in Lucknow
The 86th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference began in Lucknow with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla flagging concerns about the declining duration of Assembly sessions. Birla stressed impartiality and the need for longer discussions to reflect the will of the people. The three‑day conference hosts presiding officers from 28 states, 3 Union Territories, and 6 Legislative Councils. Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel inaugurated the event, and the opening included greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The conference aims to discuss legislative procedures, time management, and reforms to strengthen state legislatures.
86th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference begins
Birla highlights shrinking assembly durations
Participants: 28 states, 3 UTs, 6 Councils
Inauguration by UP Governor; PM Modi’s greetings read
Focus on time management and reform in legislatures
Chandana Sinha receives Ati Vishisht Sewa Puruskar for child rescue work
Railway Protection Force inspector Chandana Sinha was honoured with the Ati Vishisht Sewa Puruskar, the Indian Railways’ highest service award, for leading the rescue of more than 1,500 children at risk of trafficking across Uttar Pradesh rail networks. Her quiet, persistent work over three years involved covertly tracking vulnerable children and intervening at stations before trafficking routes could take hold. The award ceremony in Delhi on January 9 recognised her dedication, courage, and impact on safeguarding children. Sinha’s work highlights the vital role of railway personnel in child protection and public safety.
Chandana Sinha awarded Ati Vishisht Sewa Puruskar
Rescued/assisted over 1,500 children from trafficking
Karnataka inks MoU with Azim Premji Foundation for 1,000-bed organ transplant hospital in Bengaluru
The Karnataka medical education department signed an MoU with the Azim Premji Foundation to construct a 1,000-bed charitable hospital for multi‑organ transplantation in Bengaluru. The signing took place in Bengaluru with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Medical Education Minister Sharanprakash Patil, and Azim Premji Foundation CEO Anurag Behar in attendance. The government granted 10 acres on a 99-year lease at Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases for the project, while the Foundation will invest over ₹4,000 crore over coming years. The facility aims to make organ transplants more affordable and accessible to the public.
MoU signed between Karnataka government and Azim Premji Foundation
10 acres leased for 99 years near Rajiv Gandhi Institute
Project investment: over ₹4,000 crore
Goal: make transplants affordable and accessible
GeM and WTC Mumbai sign MoU to boost MSME procurement
GeM and World Trade Centre Mumbai signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen MSME participation in public procurement. The collaboration will focus on capacity building, supplier outreach, and knowledge sharing in AI, sustainability, and green procurement. GeM’s CEO and CFO highlighted the platform’s growing scale, with over one crore registered users, as a basis for wider market access. WTC Mumbai’s chairman said the partnership supports Atmanirbhar Bharat by improving transparency and efficiency in public procurement, particularly for startups, women entrepreneurs, and smaller enterprises.
GeM–WTC Mumbai MoU signed to boost MSMEs
Focus on capacity building and supplier outreach
Includes AI, sustainability, and green procurement
Nagaland University researchers unveil eco-friendly corrosion shield
Researchers from Nagaland University and University of Science and Technology Beijing shown carbon quantum dots derived from discarded apple leaves can protect metals against corrosion in acidic environments. The apple‑leaf carbon quantum dots demonstrated inhibition efficiencies around 94–96% over extended exposure. This eco-friendly approach could replace toxic traditional inhibitors in infrastructure and manufacturing. Led by Prof Ambrish Singh and Prof Yujie Qiang, the study highlights a sustainable path for industrial corrosion protection, with potential applications across multiple sectors, reducing environmental impact while extending the lifespan of metal structures and components.
Apple leaf carbon quantum dots inhibit corrosion
Efficiency around 94–96%; eco-friendly approach
Study by Nagaland University and UST Beijing
Potential applications in infrastructure and manufacturing
Valentino Garavani, renowned fashion designer, dies at 93
Valentino Garavani, the iconic Italian fashion designer widely known simply as Valentino, has died at 93. The foundation announced his death and noted his influence on haute couture and fashion branding, including the famed Valentino Red. Garavani’s career spanned decades of innovation, luxury fashion houses, and a global influence on style. His funeral was scheduled in Rome, with public tributes and a state of repose planned. The designer’s legacy remains significant in fashion history and contemporary couture discussions.
Valentino Garavani passes away at 93
Founder of the Valentino fashion house; iconic designer
Known for prestigious haute couture and Valentino Red
Vice President releases Hindi edition of Dr. C. Palanivelu’s autobiography
Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu released the Hindi edition of Dr. C. Palanivelu’s autobiography Palanivelu GUTS in New Delhi, highlighting the surgeon’s early role in popularizing laparoscopic surgery in the 1990s. The event underscored Palanivelu’s contributions to medical innovation and his influence on modern Indian surgery. The Vice President praised Palanivelu’s ethical approach and perseverance in advancing minimally invasive techniques, noting the book as an inspiring testament for students and professionals in medicine.
Hindi edition of Palanivelu’s autobiography released
Dr. C. Palanivelu pioneered laparoscopic surgery in India
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