Responsible Nations Index 2026 ranks nations by governance and ethics
The 2026 Responsible Nations Index, published January 19, 2026 by the World Intellectual Foundation, ranks 154 countries on governance, responsibility, and ethical leadership rather than purely economic metrics. Singapore leads the index, followed by Switzerland and Denmark, signaling a shift toward values-based international leadership. The report arrives amid rising global tensions and climate concerns, underscoring the importance of transparent institutions, climate governance, and inclusive development. Analysts note the index’s potential to influence foreign policy and investment decisions, especially for countries seeking to balance growth with responsible governance.
Index covers 154 countries; published January 19, 2026.
Singapore, Switzerland, Denmark lead the rankings.
Emphasizes governance and ethical leadership over GDP alone.
Gujarat leads India in renewable energy capacity with 42.583 GW by December 2025
Gujarat emerged as India’s leading state in renewable energy capacity by December 2025, accounting for 16.50 percent of the national total with an installed capacity of 42.583 gigawatts. Under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat topped wind and overall installed capacity, while ranking second in solar. The state’s renewable growth supports India’s climate commitments and energy security goals. The data underscores the accelerated clean-energy transition in western India and highlights Gujarat’s role in meeting national targets for decarbonisation, grid stability, and affordable electricity for industries and households.
Gujarat installed 42.583 GW by Dec 2025.
16.50% of national renewable capacity.
Leads in wind; second in solar capacity.
Supports India’s climate commitments.
CIAL to operate hydrogen-powered buses as part of green mobility push
Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) will become India’s first airport to operate hydrogen-powered buses for passenger transport, signaling a notable step in green mobility. The project is aligned with Kerala’s broader push toward clean energy and low-emission transport. A memorandum of agreement with the Kerala Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster Foundation was exchanged in Kochi, with officials from the National Green Hydrogen Mission participating. The initiative is expected to reduce emissions, showcase hydrogen as a viable transport fuel, and accelerate the adoption of sustainable public mobility at major transport hubs.
Hydrogen-powered buses planned for airport use.
MOA with Kerala Hydrogen Valley Foundation.
Part of National Green Hydrogen Mission goals.
Aims to cut emissions at airport operations.
Government targets zero dumpsites under DRAP by October 2026
India’s urban cleanliness drive, under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, includes the Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme (DRAP) with a Lakshya of eliminating legacy dumpsites by October 2026. MoHUA launched DRAP at the National Urban Conclave, prioritising 214 high-impact sites across 202 urban local bodies. The programme has already remediated many dumpsites and reclaimed land for parks and infrastructure. DRAP allocates funding on a per-tonne remediation basis and supports capacity-building through the National Institute of Urban Affairs. The initiative aligns with broader waste management and public health objectives, aiming to modernise Indian cities and reduce environmental risks.
DRAP launched Nov 2025; target: Lakshya Zero Dumpsites by Oct 2026.
Focus on 214 high-impact sites; 202 ULBs involved.
Financial support per tonne of legacy waste remediation.
Sarvesh Ranjan named Chief General Manager at Union Bank of India
Union Bank of India announced the promotion of Sarvesh Ranjan to Chief General Manager, following the retirement of Bhaskara Rao Kare on January 31, 2026. The leadership transition reflects ongoing efforts to ensure continuity in operations and governance. Ranjan’s appointment comes amid a broader push to strengthen the bank’s strategic capabilities, including digitalization, risk management, and customer service improvements. The bank highlighted his track record in steering major projects and his experience across retail and corporate banking. The move is part of a wider pattern of leadership changes in Indian public sector banks.
Sarvesh Ranjan appointed CGM on January 31, 2026.
Predecessor Bhaskara Rao Kare retired Jan 31, 2026.
Photo-rechargeable supercapacitor enables solar energy storage on a single unit
Indian scientists have developed a solar-powered energy storage device that can both capture and store energy within a single unit, a breakthrough in clean, portable power. The device, a photo-rechargeable supercapacitor, blends photovoltaic capture with energy storage, potentially reducing system costs and enabling off-grid use in rural and remote settings. Researchers from the Department of Science and Technology oversaw the project, which aims to improve efficiency and broaden access to decentralized energy. If scaled, the technology could support lightweight, compact power packs for devices ranging from sensors to emergency lighting.
New photo-rechargeable supercapacitor combines capture and storage.
Developed under the Department of Science and Technology framework.
Targets off-grid, portable energy solutions.
Potential for reduced cost and increased efficiency in energy storage.
India AI Impact Summit 2026 set for New Delhi with global participation
India will host the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi from February 19 to 20, 2026, showcasing responsible and inclusive AI development. The event aims to translate global AI vision into concrete policy and industry actions, with participation from governments, industry leaders, researchers, and civil society. The summit follows earlier parallel initiatives and includes a dedicated research symposium on AI and its impact on February 18. Organizers expect thousands of attendees and a stream of policy-focused discussions on governance, ethics, and sustainable AI deployment that benefits people and the planet. The event underscores India’s role in shaping global AI discourse.
Summit dates: 19–20 February 2026; pre-symposium on 18 February.
Global participation from governments, industry, and researchers.
Focus on responsible, inclusive AI and governance.
Haryana Thunders win Pro Wrestling League 2026 title in dramatic final
The Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026 concluded with the Haryana Thunders clinching the championship after a dramatic final against the Delhi Dangal Warriors at Noida Indoor Stadium. With eight bouts completed, the teams were tied 4-4, and the title ride hinged on the women’s 62 kg clash. Paris Olympic silver medallist Iryna Koliadenko produced a patient, masterful performance under pressure, securing a 5-4 victory and the championship for Haryana. The final was one of the most tightly contested in PWL history. Turan Bayramov of Delhi earned Player of the Tournament honors for seven wins in the 57 kg category, while Chandermohan of Punjab Royals topped the tournament in points.
Final was tied 4-4 after eight bouts.
Iryna Koliadenko sealed the win in the women’s 62 kg bout.
Haryana Thunders claimed the PWL 2026 title.
Turan Bayramov was Player of the Tournament (7–0 in 57 kg).
Chandermohan finished as the highest point scorer.
Elena Rybakina wins Australian Open title with comeback over Sabalenka
Elena Rybakina captured the Australian Open women’s singles title in Melbourne, beating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in two hours and 18 minutes. The 26-year-old Kazakh, known for her composed demeanor, secured her second major crown and first at Melbourne Park after a 2022 Wimbledon triumph. Rybakina recovered after losing the second set and used precise serving and aggressive baseline play to control key moments late in the decider. The victory marked a rare reversal of the 2023 final outcome and underscored Rybakina’s continued ascent among tennis’s elite.
Final lasted 2h18m; score 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.
Rybakina’s second major title; first Australian Open crown.
Defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
Prev. won 2022 Wimbledon; ongoing major contender.
Indian mountaineer Kabak Yano summits Mount Aconcagua in Argentina
Indian mountaineer Kabak Yano from Arunachal Pradesh successfully summited Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, part of a 7-summit expedition. Standing at 22,831 feet, Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere. The achievement marks another milestone in Yano’s endurance journey and serves as inspiration for regional explorers. Arunachal Governor Lieutenant General K. T. Parnaik (Retd.) congratulated Yano and lauded her perseverance and preparation. The ascent highlights ongoing Indian participation in high-altitude expeditions and the expanding profile of Indian climbers on the global stage.
Kiara Advani named India brand ambassador for Maybelline New York
Maybelline New York announced actress Kiara Advani as its India brand ambassador, signaling a strategic shift toward celebrating individuality and self-expression. The collaboration will drive upcoming campaigns, digital storytelling, and product-led narratives targeted at India’s urban and youthful consumer segments. Advani’s public profile and appeal across film and social media will be leveraged to strengthen the cosmetics brand’s Indian market presence. The appointment aligns with global marketing strategies that emphasize authentic storytelling and cultural resonance in local markets.
Kiara Advani appointed India brand ambassador for Maybelline NY.
Campaigns will focus on individuality and self-expression.
Digital storytelling and product-led narratives planned.
World Wetlands Day 2026 celebrated with events and awareness campaigns
World Wetlands Day 2026 was observed on 2 February, with the theme 'Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage.' Events across India and internationally highlighted the role of wetlands in biodiversity, climate resilience, water security, and cultural practices linked to water ecosystems. Activities included community walks, educational outreach, and conservation pledges, aligning with the Ramsar Convention’s longstanding emphasis on wise use of wetlands. The day also coincided with related international events and ongoing biodiversity campaigns stressing local action and traditional knowledge in wetland stewardship.
Date: 2 February 2026; theme emphasises traditional knowledge.
Events and campaigns educate on wetlands’ cultural and ecological value.
Ramsar-aligned emphasis on sustainable wetland use.
NSO to conduct nationwide Migration Survey in 2026–27 to update mobility data
The National Statistics Office (NSO) announced a nationwide Migration Survey for 2026–27 to refresh data on population mobility, urban-rural movement, and inter-state patterns. Conducted under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, the survey will document drivers behind migration, including socio-economic status, education, and employment trends. Data collection will cover return migration, seasonal shifts, and the experiences of migrants in different states. The NSO intends to strengthen policymaking with granular evidence on labor dynamics, housing, urban planning, and social welfare needs, ensuring policy responses align with evolving migration patterns across India.
Migration Survey planned for July 2026–June 2027.
Focus on rural-urban movement and inter-state migration.
Data to include socio-economic and employment profiles.
Aims to strengthen evidence base for policy.
Andhra Pradesh launches Pilloo AI, a voice-based accounting app for MSMEs
Andhra Pradesh launched Pilloo AI, a voice-based accounting and billing platform designed to simplify financial tasks for micro, small, and medium enterprises. The application, unveiled at the state Secretariat in Amaravati by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, supports native-language commands and real-time invoicing. The launch was attended by legislators, tech entrepreneurs, and investors. Pilloo AI aims to improve business efficiency, reduce compliance burdens, and encourage digital adoption among small businesses. Demonstrations highlighted the app’s natural-language capabilities and potential for integration with existing state-level e-governance tools.
Aims to boost digital empowerment for small businesses.
IHMCL and NFSU sign MoU to strengthen cyber forensics for highways
Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on cyber forensics, digital evidence integrity, and advanced technologies relevant to national highway management. The MoU, signed in the presence of senior highway officials, aims to build research, training, and advisory capacity in digital security for road networks. The collaboration will support traffic management, incident response, and data protection for critical infrastructure. The partnership aligns with broader efforts to secure digital systems in public works and transport sectors.
MoU between IHMCL and NFSU for cyber forensics.
Focus on digital evidence integrity in highways.
Joint research, training, and consultancy activities.
Part of wider efforts to secure infrastructure data.
Gyan Bharatam to preserve India’s manuscript heritage with ₹491.66 crore funding
Gyan Bharatam, a flagship Union Budget 2025–26 initiative, seeks to preserve and revitalise India’s manuscript heritage. Implemented by the Ministry of Culture, the program aligns with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision by integrating cultural conservation with human capital development. The Standing Finance Committee has approved ₹491.66 crore for 2025–2031 to support digitisation, conservation, and research. The initiative targets thousands of manuscripts across languages, with centres and clusters contributing to a national digital repository. The government emphasises combining traditional knowledge with modern technology to safeguard manuscripts for future generations.
Budget allocation: ₹491.66 crore (2025–2031).
Aims to preserve and digitise India’s manuscript heritage.
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