Daily Top Current Affairs of the day for 13th January 2026
1. Makar Sankranti Celebrations Across India
Makar Sankranti, the festival of harvest, is being celebrated across India, marking the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign Capricorn. It signifies the end of winter and the beginning of longer days. The festival is known by different names such as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat, Bhogali Bihu in Assam, and Poush Sangkranti in West Bengal, reflecting India’s rich cultural diversity.
2. India Begins Preparations for BRICS Presidency 2026
India has officially started preparations for its BRICS Presidency in 2026 by unveiling the grouping’s logo and dedicated website. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar stated that India will approach its chairship with a “humanity first” and “people-centric” vision. The initiative reflects India’s intention to strengthen cooperation among BRICS nations and promote inclusive global development.
3. Workshop on BHASHINI Language AI Ecosystem
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology organized a workshop titled “BHASHINI Samudaye: Strengthening India’s Language AI Ecosystem” in New Delhi. The event focused on promoting artificial intelligence tools for Indian languages to improve digital inclusion. The BHASHINI initiative aims to bridge language barriers in technology access and strengthen India’s multilingual digital infrastructure for citizens across regions.
4. Odisha to Launch India’s First CKD Registry
Odisha is set to become the first state in India to develop a comprehensive Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) registry, expected to roll out by March 31. The initiative aims to systematically record CKD cases, improve early detection, and strengthen healthcare planning. This pioneering step will help policymakers design targeted medical interventions and enhance disease management at the state and national levels.
5. Commonwealth Conference of Speakers in New Delhi
The 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) commenced in New Delhi, bringing together parliamentary leaders from over 60 Commonwealth nations. The three-day conference aims to promote understanding of parliamentary democracy, share legislative best practices, and strengthen parliamentary institutions. The event highlights India’s role in fostering democratic cooperation among Commonwealth countries.
6. Death of Olympic Snowboarder Kestenholz
Swiss snowboarder Kestenholz, who won an Olympic bronze medal during snowboarding’s debut at the Winter Games, died after being caught in an avalanche in the Swiss Alps. Swiss-Ski confirmed his death on January 13 in canton Valais. At 50 years old, his passing marks a tragic loss to the international sporting community and highlights avalanche risks in alpine sports.
7. National Sports Governance Rules 2026 Notified
The Union Government notified the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026 under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. The new rules mandate athlete representation, increased participation of women, transparent election procedures, defined eligibility norms, and disqualification criteria. The reforms aim to enhance accountability, fairness, and professionalism in sports administration across national sporting bodies.
8. Nissan Appoints Thierry Sabbagh as India President
Automobile giant Nissan has appointed Thierry Sabbagh as President for India, expanding his responsibilities under the Re:Nissan business plan. His appointment comes as the company prepares to launch major new models in the Indian market. The move reflects Nissan’s strategic focus on strengthening its market presence in India and improving operational performance in one of the world’s fastest-growing automobile sectors.
9. Meta Appoints Dina Powell McCormick
Meta has appointed former Trump adviser Dina Powell McCormick as President and Vice Chairman to steer corporate strategy and oversee multi-billion-dollar investments. Her appointment signals Meta’s intent to strengthen leadership in global policy, investment direction, and strategic decision-making. This development comes as the company expands its technological and digital infrastructure initiatives worldwide.
10. Indian Creative Economy’s Growing Role in GDP
Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan stated that India’s creative economy is poised to play a larger role in the country’s GDP in the coming years. He emphasized the increasing global demand for Indian content, digital media, and cultural exports. The statement highlights the government’s focus on supporting creative industries as key drivers of economic growth.