January 2026 current affairs Archives | Page 5 of 9

Why Does the USA Want to Acquire Greenland? Strategic, Economic & Geopolitical Reasons Explained

Why in News?

United States has expressed interest in acquiring Greenland as part of its strategic foreign policy goals.

Greenland:

Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, though it was once a Danish colony. It is the world’s largest island and located in the North Atlantic Ocean, near Canada. The region gained strategic importance during the Cold War due to its proximity to Russia

Importance of Greenland to USA:

Greenland is strategically located between North America and Europe, making it geopolitically crucial.
The US already operates the Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base) in Greenland.
The island is rich in rare earth minerals, essential for modern technology and defense.
Arctic ice melting is opening new trade routes, increasing global competition in the region.
The US aims to counter the growing influence of China and Russia in the Arctic.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c74x4m71pmjo

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Spain Joins Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) – Key Highlights & Exam Notes

Why in News?

Spain has officially joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), enhancing its engagement in the Indo-Pacific region

Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative:

Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) is an India-led, voluntary, and non-treaty-based framework launched in 2019. It aims to promote a free, open, and rules-based maritime order by fostering practical cooperation among like-minded nations.

The IPOI is an extension of India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.

SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region):

SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) is India’s strategic vision and geopolitical framework for maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It aims to promote a safe, stable, and prosperous maritime environment through collective action.

https://www.newsonair.gov.in/india-welcomes-spain-joining-indo-pacific-oceans-initiative/

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OPEC+ Maintains Oil Output Policy Amid Saudi–UAE Tensions Over Yemen | Key Facts for Exams:

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Why in News?

OPEC+ has decided to continue its existing oil production policy. The decision comes despite rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over the Yemen conflict, highlighting geopolitical influences on oil markets.

OPEC:

OPEC+ is an expanded alliance of oil-producing nations that includes the 12 members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and 10 non-OPEC partners.

The alliance comprises two primary groups:

OPEC Members (12): Algeria, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Venezuela.
Non-OPEC Partners (10): Russia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, South Sudan, and Sudan

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India Launches BRICS 2026 Website & Theme Logo – Key Highlights, Members, and Exam Notes

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Why in News?

India has officially launched the website, theme, and logo for its BRICS Presidency 2026.

India will chair the BRICS Summit 2026 and the newly unveiled BRICS 2026 logo reflects:

A blend of tradition and modernity.
Petal design representing diversity of member nations
“Namaste” gesture at the centre, symbolizing unity, respect, and cooperation

BRICS:

BRICS is an informal intergovernmental organization composed of major emerging economies that seek to enhance their global influence. The group currently includes 11 full member countries

Original Members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
New Members (Joined 2024-2025): Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Indonesia.
Additionally, ten Partner Countries were inducted in 2025: Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam

https://www.brics2026.gov.in/

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India Engages with Weimar Triangle: France–Germany–Poland Group Explained for Exams

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Why in News?

India’s External Affairs Minister has participated in India’s first engagement with the Weimar Triangle, marking a new step in India–Europe diplomatic relations.

Weimar Triangle:

Weimar Triangle is a trilateral cooperation platform formed after the Cold War to strengthen cooperation between Western and Central Europe. .Its members include:

France
Germany
Poland

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Bulgaria Adopts Euro in 2026: Eurozone Expands to 21 Members | Key Facts for Exams

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Why in News?

Bulgaria has officially adopted the Euro (€) from January 1, 2026, becoming the 21st member of the Eurozone. This marks a significant step in European economic integration

Euro Zone:

The Eurozone (Euro Area) consists of European Union countries that use the Euro as their official currency.

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BHARATI Initiative by APEDA: Boosting India’s Agri-Exports | Key Facts for Exams

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Why in News?

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority has launched the BHARATI Initiative to strengthen India’s agri-food export ecosystem. The initiative aims to enhance global competitiveness and export growth

Key Highlights:

Full Form: Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement (BHARATI).
Export Target: Achieve $50 billion agri-food exports by 2030
Startup Focus: Support and incubate 100 agri-food startups

About APEDA

Established in 1986 Statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Promotes export of agricultural and processed food products

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2163196&reg=3&lang=2

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PM POSHAN Scheme: Centre Examines Breakfast Inclusion | Mid-Day Meal Scheme Update for Exams

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Why in News?

The Centre is considering proposals from several States/UTs to include breakfast under the PM-POSHAN scheme.

Key facts related to PM POSHAN scheme:

Originally launched as Mid-Day Meal Scheme (1995)
Renamed as PM Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) in 2021
First school meal initiative started in Madras (1920)
Post-independence expansion by K Kamaraj in 1956.
Cost-sharing pattern-60:40 → Centre : States, 90:10 → Northeastern & Himalayan States

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2082323&reg=3&lang=2

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Padma Awards 2026: 131 Awardees Announced | Padma Vibhushan List & Key Facts for Exams

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Why in News?

The Government of India has announced 131 Padma Awards on the eve of Republic Day 2026. The awards include 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri recipients.

Key Highlights:

Conferred by the President of India.

Total Awards (2026)

Padma Vibhushan – 5
Padma Bhushan – 13
Padma Shri – 113

Padma Vibhushan 2026 Awardees:

Dharmendra Singh Deol (Posthumous) – Art – Maharashtra
K T Thomas – Public Affairs – Kerala
N Rajam – Art – Uttar Pradesh
P Narayanan – Literature & Education – Kerala
V S Achuthanandan (Posthumous) – Public Affairs – Kerala

About Padma awards:

Instituted in 1954
Among the highest civilian awards in India, after the Bharat Ratna.
Padma Vibhushan – Exceptional and distinguished service (2nd highest civilian award)
Padma Bhushan – Distinguished service of a high order (3rd highest)
Padma Shri – Distinguished service in any field (4th highest)

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2218547&reg=3&lang=1

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Kaamya Karthikeyan became youngest Indian to reach south pole:

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Why in News?

Kaamya Karthikeyan, an 18-year-old from Mumbai, has become the youngest Indian to reach the South Pole. She has also achieved the remarkable feat of scaling the Seven Summits (highest peaks on each continent)

Seven summits:

The Seven Summits challenge involves climbing the highest mountain on each of the seven continents. The seven summits (Continent-wise Highest Peaks) are:

Asia: Mount Everest (8,848 m / 29,029 ft) – Located on the border of Nepal and China, it is the highest point on Earth.
South America: Aconcagua – Located in Argentina, it is the highest peak in the Western and Southern Hemispheres.
North America: Denali – Formerly known as Mount McKinley, it is located in Alaska, USA.
Africa: Mount Kilimanjaro – A dormant volcano in Tanzania, it is the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
Europe: Mount Elbrus – An inactive volcano in the Caucasus Mountains of Russia.
Antarctica: Vinson Massif – The most remote of the summits, located in the Sentinel Range.

Kaamya Karthikeyan became youngest Indian to reach south pole: Read More »