Daily Top Current Affairs of the day for 16th January 2026
🌏 Most Important Current Affairs – 16 January 2026
1. PM Modi Marks a Decade of Startup India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in a programme at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, celebrating ten years of the Startup India initiative. Launched on 16 January 2016, Startup India transformed India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by promoting innovation, easing regulations, and encouraging investment-driven growth. Over the decade, the initiative created thousands of startups and unicorns. Consequently, India now ranks among the world’s leading startup hubs.
2. Supreme Court Calls RTE Free Seat Quota a National Mission
The Supreme Court described the 25% free seat quota for economically weaker students in private unaided schools as a “national mission.” It directed central and state governments to frame clear and enforceable rules under the Right to Education Act. Therefore, the ruling aims to ensure real implementation on the ground. This step strengthens inclusive education, social equity, and accountability in private school admissions.
3. Centre Appoints New Chiefs for ITBP and BSF
The central government appointed Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor as the new Director General of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Praveen Kumar as Director General of Border Security Force (BSF). These appointments reinforce leadership in India’s key border guarding forces. Moreover, the move comes amid evolving security challenges along international borders. Hence, the decision strengthens India’s internal and external security management.
4. European Commission and Council Presidents to Attend Republic Day
India will host European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as chief guests at the 77th Republic Day Parade. Their three-day state visit marks a major diplomatic milestone. Furthermore, the visit highlights growing India–European Union strategic partnership in trade, technology, climate action, and global governance cooperation.
5. Singapore Removes Pritam Singh as Leader of Opposition
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong removed Indian-origin Workers’ Party chief Pritam Singh as Leader of the Opposition and requested the party to nominate another MP. This political development reflects evolving opposition dynamics in Singapore’s parliamentary system. Additionally, it marks a significant moment in Singapore’s political restructuring ahead of future electoral and governance reforms.
6. Yemen Appoints New Prime Minister
Yemen’s Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council accepted Prime Minister Salem bin Breik’s resignation and appointed Foreign Minister Shaya Mohsen Zindani as the new Prime Minister. He has been tasked with forming the next cabinet. This transition comes amid Yemen’s ongoing political instability and peace negotiations. Therefore, the move carries significance for regional diplomacy and conflict resolution efforts.
7. Gagan Kumar Thapa Elected Nepali Congress President
Gagan Kumar Thapa was elected unopposed as President of Nepal’s Nepali Congress Party at a Special General Convention. The convention also formed a new Central Working Committee under his leadership. This development reshapes Nepal’s largest democratic party leadership. Moreover, it may influence Nepal’s future political direction and relations with neighboring countries.
8. SpaceX Conducts First Medical Evacuation from ISS
Elon Musk-led SpaceX successfully returned four astronauts from the International Space Station in the first-ever medical evacuation mission. NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov landed safely aboard Dragon capsule. This mission marks a breakthrough in space medical emergency response and strengthens commercial spaceflight reliability.
9. Indian Blind Cricket Team Captain Invited to Republic Day
President Droupadi Murmu invited Deepika, Captain of the Indian Blind Cricket Team, to attend Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. Postal officers delivered the invitation to her village in Andhra Pradesh. This gesture recognizes sporting excellence and inclusivity. Furthermore, it highlights government support for differently-abled athletes and promotes equal representation in national events.
10. World Bank Raises India’s Growth Projection
The World Bank raised India’s GDP growth forecast to 7.2% for FY26 in its Global Economic Prospects report. It cited strong domestic demand and tax reforms as key drivers. Although growth may moderate to 6.5% in FY27, India remains the world’s fastest-growing major economy. This projection reinforces global confidence in India’s economic resilience.
11. India–China Trade Deficit Hits Record High
India’s exports to China rose to $19.75 billion in 2025. However, Chinese exports to India surged faster, pushing the trade deficit to a record $116.12 billion. This highlights persistent structural imbalance in bilateral trade relations. Consequently, policymakers may focus on boosting Indian manufacturing and diversifying export markets to address the widening gap.
12. Karnataka Bank Wins Banking Technology Award
Karnataka Bank secured top honour in the ‘Best Fintech & DPI Adoption’ category at the Indian Banks’ Association Banking Technology Awards. This achievement reflects the bank’s progress in digital transformation and fintech integration. Moreover, it showcases effective use of Digital Public Infrastructure in banking services. Therefore, the recognition strengthens India’s broader digital finance ecosystem.
13. Startup India Completes Ten Transformative Years
Beyond celebrations, Startup India has enabled regulatory reforms, easier funding access, tax incentives, and innovation-friendly policies. Over ten years, India produced a vibrant startup culture with global investor confidence. Furthermore, the initiative aligned with Digital India and Make in India missions. Consequently, Startup India has become a cornerstone of India’s innovation-driven economic strategy.
14. Supreme Court Strengthens Enforcement of RTE Act
In addition to calling free-seat implementation a national mission, the Supreme Court emphasized strict monitoring mechanisms. It asked authorities to ensure transparency in admissions and reimbursements to private schools. This judicial push enhances education governance. Therefore, it strengthens the constitutional vision of equitable and universal access to quality education.
15. India–EU Relations Enter New Diplomatic Phase
The presence of top EU leaders at India’s Republic Day signals a deepening strategic partnership. Discussions will likely focus on trade agreements, green energy cooperation, digital regulation, and global security. Consequently, India–EU ties are set to gain momentum in shaping a multipolar world order and collaborative global governance.
⚡ Quick Exam Memory Keys
• Startup India → 10 years → Bharat Mandapam
• RTE 25% quota → Supreme Court → National Mission
• ITBP Chief → Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor
• BSF Chief → Praveen Kumar
• Republic Day Guests → Ursula von der Leyen + Antonio da Costa
• Singapore LoP removed → Pritam Singh
• Yemen PM → Shaya Mohsen Zindani
• Nepali Congress President → Gagan Kumar Thapa
• SpaceX ISS med-evac → First in history
• World Bank FY26 Growth → 7.2%
• India–China deficit → $116.12 billion
• Karnataka Bank → Best Fintech & DPI Adoption