General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - January 2025

Jan 2025

Jan 23, 2026

IAF Band Rehearses in Delhi for 150 Years of Vande Mataram Ahead of Republic Day

Ahead of Republic Day celebrations, an Indian Air Force band performed in Delhi’s Central Park, celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram through a concert blending patriotic renditions with jazz and modern orchestration. The ensemble’s program highlighted national pride, musical fusion, and military heritage during formal events in the capital. Organisers described the performance as a morale booster and a showcase of Indian music’s diverse influences. The event underlined the role of ceremonial music in reinforcing national identity during key national holidays and public commemorations.

IAF band performance in Delhi for Republic Day countdown.
Celebrates 150 years of Vande Mataram including fusion elements.
Event linked to national pride and ceremonial traditions.
Highlights IAF’s role in public diplomacy and culture.

Delhi–Gurugram Traffic Advisory Ahead of Republic Day; AI Glasses to Aid Security

Ahead of Republic Day, Delhi and Gurugram police issued traffic advisories detailing route restrictions, no‑fly zones near airports, and phased closures around key parade routes. The advisory also notes that, for the first time, Delhi Police will deploy AI‑powered smart glasses with facial recognition and thermal imaging to assist officers in crowd management and suspect identification. The measures aim to minimize disruption while maintaining high security during Republic Day rehearsals and events. Motorists were urged to plan alternative routes and stay updated with official alerts.

Traffic advisories for Delhi–Gurugram near Republic Day events.
No‑fly zones and route restrictions implemented.
Introduction of AI‑powered smart glasses for security.

Nitin Nabin Becomes BJP National President, Youngest Leader to Hold Post

Nitin Nabin was elected unopposed as the Bharatiya Janata Party's national president and took charge amid a broader party reorganization. At 45 years old, he becomes the youngest leader to hold the post, succeeding J. P. Nadda. The transition occurred with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders in attendance. The leadership change is part of the party's ongoing organizational renewal ahead of state elections, with a focus on youth representation and structural reforms. Analysts view the development as a signal of generational shift within the party's broader strategy.

Nitin Nabin elected unopposed as BJP national president.
Becomes youngest holder of the post at 45.
Took charge with PM Modi present; successor to J. P. Nadda.
Part of BJP’s organizational renewal ahead of elections.

Punjab Police Launches 72-hour Operation Parhar to Dismantle Gang Networks

Punjab police launched Operation Parhar on Tuesday, a 72‑hour effort to dismantle the state's organised crime ecosystem. Officials said the operation targets networks of gangsters operating from abroad and their Punjabi associates, with a focus on weapon supply chains, logistics, safe houses and communication links. About 12,000 police personnel have been deployed to raid about 2,000 locations, including 600 houses linked to gangsters’ families and hundreds of suspected hideouts. The operation aims to neutralise 60 identified criminals overseas and 1,200 associates in the state. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said the raids are intelligence‑driven and coordinated across districts to disrupt the syndicates.

72-hour crackdown named Operation Parhar.
12,000 police personnel deployed across ~2,000 locations.
Targets 60 gangsters abroad and 1,200 associates in Punjab.
Focus on weapon supply chains, logistics, safe houses, and communications.
600 houses of family members targeted; hundreds of hideouts identified.
Officials call the operation intelligence‑driven and cross‑regional.

Republic Day Security Alert: 26‑26 Channelled Threats Prompt Mobilisation Across Delhi and Ayodhya

Security agencies issued a heightened alert ahead of Republic Day, citing online chatter using the code '26‑26' linked to potential attacks. Delhi and Ayodhya were among locations with intensified surveillance, posters of wanted individuals were distributed, and counter‑terror units prepared for rapid deployment. Intelligence inputs suggested possible threats targeting major temples and public spaces. Police sources emphasised coordination across central and state forces, with preventive measures including checkpoints, crowd management, and contingency plans for high‑risk events as Republic Day approaches on January 26. Investigations continue to assess the credibility of the threat and actionable leads.

Security alert issued for Republic Day due to '26‑26' chatter.
Delhi and Ayodhya among high‑risk locations.
Posters of wanted terrorists distributed; counter‑terror units activated.
Coordinated action across central and state forces.

Jan 22, 2026

Vice President launches Chalice of Ambrosia on Ram Janmabhoomi discourse

New Delhi, 22 January 2026 — Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, launched the book Chalice of Ambrosia: Ram Janmabhoomi-Challenge and Response in New Delhi. The work is authored by Surendra Kumar Pachauri, a former secretary to the Government of India. In his remarks, the Vice President described the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya as a defining moment in India’s civilisational journey, where faith, law and democracy converge with dignity. He asserted that the 2019 Supreme Court verdict fulfilled aspirations of millions and demonstrated the strength of Indian democracy. The event emphasised scholarly examination of sacred heritage within constitutional and democratic frameworks.

Book title and author: Chalice of Ambrosia by Surendra Kumar Pachauri
Event location and date: New Delhi, 22 January 2026
Subject: Ram Mandir at Ayodhya and its constitutional-democratic implications
Key claim: 2019 Supreme Court verdict fulfilled public aspirations
Context: Emphasis on balance of faith, law and democracy

Ravi Shankar Chhabi appointed DIG in CRPF on central deputation

New Delhi, 21 January 2026 — The Centre named Ravi Shankar Chhabi, a 2007-batch IPS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on central deputation. The Home Affairs Ministry approved the appointment, strengthening leadership within the CRPF at a time of heightened security responsibilities. Chhabi’s senior role will oversee operational and administrative duties across CRPF formations. The appointment aligns with ongoing efforts to bolster internal security management through experienced police leadership drawn from central deputation.

Officer: Ravi Shankar Chhabi, 2007 batch IPS, UP cadre
Position: Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in CRPF
Authority: Central deputation approved by MHA
Context: Strengthening CRPF leadership amid security duties
Implication: Experienced personnel in central forces

Jan 20, 2026

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
PM Modi expected to attend transition
Seen as part of leadership refresh

Jan 19, 2026

Speaker Om Birla to Address Inaugural Session of 86th AIPOC

The 86th All India Presiding Officers Conference will begin at the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha in Lucknow. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will offer the inaugural address. The three day event will discuss legislative procedures, parliamentary traditions, and governance, with sessions on technology use for transparency, efficiency, and citizen centric processes. Participants include presiding officers, secretaries, and other dignitaries. The conference will close on 21 January 2026 with a valedictory address by Speaker Birla. The gathering aims to strengthen democratic governance and capacity building for legislators.

Venue: Lucknow, UP
Key speaker: Om Birla
Dates: 19–21 January 2026
Focus areas: transparency, efficiency, citizen centric processes
Outcome: governance capacity building

Modi Lays Foundation for Kaziranga Corridor and Flags off Trains

On 18 January 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor in Assam, a project valued at Rs 6,957 crore. He virtually flagged off two Amrit Bharat trains in Nagao district and performed Bhoomi Poojan for the corridor. Officials describe the project as a milestone for northeast connectivity, tourism, and regional development, aligning with broader infrastructure goals. The event underscores the emphasis on improved transport links, economic activity, and social progress in border regions.

Date: 18 January 2026
Project: Kaziranga Elevated Corridor
Value: Rs 6,957 crore
Additional action: Amrit Bharat trains flag off
Impact: northeast connectivity and growth

Jan 17, 2026

PM Modi to inaugurate Rs 3,250 crore development works in Malda; Vande Bharat train launch

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate development works worth Rs 3,250 crore in Malda, West Bengal, on 17 January 2026. The programme will also flag off the first Vande Bharat sleeper train between Howrah and Guwahati. The events form part of a broader infrastructure push ahead of Republic Day. Projects include roads, healthcare facilities, and sanitation, aiming to boost employment and regional development. The PM’s visit underscores the government’s focus on improving connectivity and delivering development promises in eastern India, with local leaders welcoming the moves as transformative for the district.

PM Modi to inaugurate Rs 3,250 crore development works in Malda.
First Vande Bharat sleeper train to be flagged off (Howrah–Guwahati).
Projects include roads, healthcare, sanitation; employment boost expected.
Visit signals emphasis on eastern India development and connectivity.
Local leaders view as transformative for Malda.

President Murmu appoints Praveen Vashista as Vigilance Commissioner

President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Praveen Vashista as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission. Vashista, a former Indian Police Service officer of the 1991 Bihar cadre, has over three decades of experience in law enforcement, investigation, and internal security. He took the oath in a formal ceremony, following key roles at the Union Home Ministry during central deputation. His appointment is expected to strengthen the Commission’s oversight and anti-corruption work. The decision aligns with ongoing governance reforms and efforts to enhance accountability across central administration.

Praveen Vashista appointed Vigilance Commissioner in CVC.
Former IPS officer from 1991 Bihar cadre; 30+ years’ experience.
Oath taken before Central Vigilance Commissioner in formal ceremony.
Appointment strengthens oversight and anti-corruption efforts.
Part of broader governance reforms for public accountability.

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