Daily Top Current Affairs of the day for 22nd January 2026
1. Republic Day theme: 150 Years of Vande Mataram
India has officially selected “150 Years of Vande Mataram” as the Republic Day 2026 theme, honouring Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s 1876 composition. The theme celebrates national unity, courage and patriotism. Consequently, cultural programmes and tableaux will foreground the song’s historical and emotional impact during India’s freedom movement.
2. Atal Pension Yojana continued till 2030-31
The Government has extended the Atal Pension Yojana till 2030-31 to strengthen social security, especially for unorganised workers. It also approved ₹5,000 crore equity support for the Small Industries Development Bank of India. This move aims to broaden pension coverage while boosting MSME growth and financial inclusion.
3. Draft National Electricity Policy 2026 released
The Ministry of Power unveiled the Draft National Electricity Policy 2026 to transform India’s power sector for Viksit Bharat @2047. The policy envisions reliable 24×7 power, financial viability, sustainability and increased per-capita consumption targets. Stakeholders will provide feedback before finalising the blueprint.
4. First dog sanctuary opens in Ludhiana, Punjab
Punjab inaugurated its first dog sanctuary in Ludhiana as a pilot initiative to reduce bite incidents and advance animal welfare. The sanctuary will provide shelter, treatment and rehabilitation for stray dogs. It reflects growing state focus on humane animal management and public safety.
5. Graca Machel wins 2025 Indira Gandhi Peace Prize
The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development 2025 was awarded to Mozambican rights activist Graça Machel. The jury recognised her lifelong contributions to human rights and development. The award highlights her impact on education, women’s rights and peace efforts on the global stage.
6. First Indian Navy woman fighter pilot: Aastha Poonia
Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia made history in 2025 as the Indian Navy’s first woman fighter pilot. She earned her “Wings of Gold” at INS Dega, signalling progress in gender inclusion. Her achievement marks a landmark step for women’s participation in naval aviation excellence.
7. Simran Bala to lead CRPF contingent on Republic Day
Assistant Commandant Simran Bala, aged 26 from Jammu and Kashmir, will become the first woman officer to lead an all-male CRPF contingent at the Republic Day Parade on 26 January. Her leadership exemplifies evolving norms in India’s security forces regarding gender equality.
8. 2025 declared International Year of Cooperatives
The United Nations declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives under the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World”. India highlighted cooperative successes, including PACS digitalisation, exports, organic farming, grain storage, White Revolution 2.0 and policy reforms, showcasing Sahkar se Samriddhi achievements.
9. India International Conference on Democracy underway
The three-day India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management began at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Heads of over 40 election management bodies are participating, focusing on electoral integrity, voter inclusion and democratic resilience. The event strengthens global cooperation on election best practices.
10. Sunita Williams retires from NASA after 27 years
Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams retired from NASA following an illustrious 27-year career. Williams, renowned for multiple space missions, contributed significantly to human spaceflight operations, research and training. Her retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Indian representation in global space exploration.
11. Russian FM comments on Greenland’s status
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov asserted that Greenland is not a natural part of Denmark. He stated that it a colonial legacy in violation of the UN Charter’s spirit. His remarks reflect ongoing geopolitical debate over territorial sovereignty and Arctic interests.
12. Japan restarts Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear reactor
Japan has restarted a reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Plant, the world’s largest nuclear facility. This restart comes nearly 15 years after the Fukushima disaster. It’s a significant step for Japan’s energy policy and nuclear safety restoration.
13. AIFF appoints Amelia Valverde coach of Indian women’s team
The All India Football Federation named Amelia Valverde of Costa Rica as head coach of the senior Indian women’s football team. Valverde, aged 39 who joined the training camp in Antalya. He is aiming to strengthen India’s competitive edge ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
14. BCCI signs ₹270 crore sponsorship with Google Gemini
The BCCI signed a ₹270 crore, three-year sponsorship deal with Google’s AI platform Gemini ahead of IPL 2026. The partnership highlights rising AI integration in Indian cricket. Tata Group as title sponsor and Apollo Tyres on team jerseys.