Current Affairs – 23 January 2026
1. National workshop “PreciSense 2026” inaugurated in Pune
Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti, V. L. Kanta Rao, inaugurated the national workshop PreciSense 2026 at the Central Water and Power Research Station, Pune. He emphasised that modern sensor-based data collection is vital for accurate water conservation planning in the climate-change era. The workshop focuses on testing, calibration, and accuracy of hydrometric and meteorological instruments.
2. India’s power transmission network crosses 5 lakh circuit kilometres
India’s national power transmission network has surpassed 5 lakh circuit kilometres and achieved 1,000 GVA transformation capacity, according to the Ministry of Power. Since 2014, transmission lines grew by 71.6%, while inter-regional power transfer capacity reached 1,20,340 MW, successfully realising the vision of One Nation–One Grid–One Frequency.
3. ECINET digital platform launched at Democracy Conference
At the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management in New Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar launched ECINET, a unified digital platform integrating over 40 election-related applications. Developed in 22 Indian languages and English, ECINET enhances citizen participation, connects stakeholders, and modernises India’s electoral service delivery system.
4. Oscar nominations announced; film ‘Sinners’ sets record
Nominations for the 98th Academy Awards were announced, with Ryan Coogler’s Sinners leading with 16 nominations, breaking the long-standing record held by Titanic and La La Land. Other top contenders include One Battle After Another and Marty Supreme. Emma Stone received a Best Actress nomination for Bugonia.
5. Parakram Diwas 2026 celebrations begin in Andaman & Nicobar
The Ministry of Culture is organising Parakram Diwas 2026 to mark the 129th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Events will be held in Andaman & Nicobar Islands and 13 other locations linked to Bose’s legacy. The programme features cultural performances, exhibitions, theatre shows, and displays of island handicrafts and cuisine.
6. India Post sets ₹17,500 crore revenue target
Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia announced that India Post has set a revenue target of ₹17,500 crore for the current financial year. The department has already earned ₹10,155 crore in the first three quarters. The initiative reflects India Post’s expanding role in financial inclusion and logistics modernisation.
7. Foundation stone laid for India’s first private satellite plant in Gujarat
Gujarat’s Science and Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia laid the foundation stone for India’s first integrated private satellite manufacturing plant at Sanand, Gujarat. The Azista Space Electro-Optical Payload Factory, named Palmnaro, will manufacture satellites and advanced optical payloads, marking a major leap in private-sector participation in India’s space ecosystem.
8. NeSDA December 2025 report released
The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances released the 32nd NeSDA Way Forward Report for December 2025. It revealed that over 24,000 e-services are now delivered across States and UTs, with local governance and utility services leading. The report highlights steady progress in India’s digital governance transformation.
9. Assam announces Atal Vichal Agragami Assam scheme
The Assam government launched the Atal Vichal Agragami Assam scheme, offering ₹25,000 monthly assistance to research scholars and ₹40,000 to Divyang scholars from February 2026. The initiative aims to promote innovation, inclusive education, and research excellence in higher academic institutions across the state.
10. Supreme Court permits prayers at Bhojshala site on Basant Panchami
The Supreme Court allowed Hindus to offer prayers from sunrise to sunset at the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Madhya Pradesh on Basant Panchami. Simultaneously, Muslims were permitted to offer namaz from 1 PM to 3 PM, ensuring balanced religious practice under judicial supervision.
11. India responds to UN remarks on Indus Waters Treaty
India strongly rejected Pakistan’s criticism at the United Nations regarding the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. India clarified that while it respected treaty obligations through wars, it cannot tolerate terrorism, signalling a firm diplomatic stance on water security and national sovereignty.
12. Saina Nehwal announces retirement from badminton
Olympic bronze medallist and former World No.1 Saina Nehwal announced her retirement from competitive badminton after a prolonged injury struggle. Her career includes historic global titles, national honours, and path-breaking achievements that transformed Indian badminton’s international stature.
13. SAMPANN pension system integrated with UMANG
The SAMPANN pension management system has been integrated with the UMANG platform, enabling nearly 4 lakh Department of Telecommunications pensioners to access PPO details and life certificate status online. This integration strengthens transparency, convenience, and pensioner-centric digital governance.
14. Indian project shortlisted at Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum
Waves Film Bazaar announced that its project ‘Fishers of Men’ has been shortlisted for the 24th Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum. This selection highlights India’s growing presence in global cinema collaboration platforms and strengthens international opportunities for Indian filmmakers.