Daily Top Current Affairs of the day for 13th January 2026
1. Lohri Celebrated Across Northern India
The harvest festival Lohri was celebrated on 11 January 2026 in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and nearby regions. People lit bonfires, sang traditional songs, and shared sweets to mark the joy of ripened crops and the sun’s northward movement. Moreover, the festival promoted social unity and gratitude for nature’s bounty. Lohri remains an important cultural event reflecting India’s agrarian heritage.
2. National Youth Day Tributes to Swami Vivekananda
India observed National Youth Day on 11 January 2026, paying homage to Swami Vivekananda. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered tributes. Leaders highlighted his teachings on inner strength, self-discipline, and service to humanity. Moreover, they described him as a lasting inspiration for India’s youth and nation-building efforts.
3. BHASHINI Workshop to Strengthen Language AI Ecosystem
The Ministry of Electronics and IT announced the BHASHINI Samudaye Workshop in New Delhi to strengthen India’s Language AI ecosystem. The initiative brings together language experts, academic institutions, and civil society to co-create multilingual AI solutions. Furthermore, the workshop focuses on scaling digital public infrastructure that remains accessible and inclusive. This marks a key step in India’s AI-driven linguistic empowerment.
4. DRDO Successfully Tests Third-Generation MPATGM
DRDO successfully flight-tested the Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) with fire-and-forget and top-attack capability in Maharashtra. The indigenously developed missile features an imaging infrared seeker, tandem warhead, and all-electric control system. Moreover, it can operate day and night against modern battle tanks. This achievement strengthens India’s self-reliance in defence technology.
5. India’s EV Market Records Strong Growth
India’s electric vehicle market reached 23 lakh unit sales in 2025, accounting for 8% of new vehicle registrations. Electric two-wheelers led sales, followed by three-wheelers and four-wheelers. Uttar Pradesh emerged as the largest EV market. Furthermore, rising adoption highlights India’s transition toward green mobility and reduced fossil-fuel dependence.
6. NHAI Extends ‘Clean Toilet Picture Challenge’
The National Highways Authority of India extended its Clean Toilet Picture Challenge till June 2026. Highway users can upload clean toilet pictures to earn FASTag recharge rewards. Additionally, daily assessment ensures transparency and improved public participation. This initiative enhances cleanliness and user experience along national highways, supporting citizen-centric governance.
7. India and Germany Deepen Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held high-level talks in Gandhinagar. They strengthened cooperation in trade, defence production, green energy, and technology. Germany announced new funding for sustainable development projects, while both sides launched a CEO Forum for investment growth. This visit marked 25 years of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership.
8. RBI Issues New FEMA Guarantee Regulations
The Reserve Bank of India introduced Foreign Exchange Management (Guarantees) Regulations, 2026. The new framework mandates comprehensive reporting of guarantees involving non-residents and amends earlier directions. Moreover, it enhances regulatory compliance for authorised dealer banks. This reform strengthens transparency in foreign exchange transactions and financial governance.
9. ICAR and NDDB Sign MoU for Dairy Research
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research signed an MoU with the National Dairy Development Board to enhance dairy sector research and innovation. The partnership focuses on climate resilience, productivity improvement, and value-chain development. Furthermore, it promotes training and technology transfer for farmers. This collaboration supports sustainable growth in India’s dairy economy.
10. DRDO, Sports Governance Rules and Global Cultural Events
The Government notified the National Sports Governance Rules 2026 to ensure transparency in sports bodies and greater athlete representation. Meanwhile, the Golden Globe Awards introduced AI-based film recognition, and the UAE expanded polar research cooperation. Together, these developments highlight reforms in sports administration, creative technology, and international scientific collaboration.
QUICK EXAM REVISION
• Lohri – Harvest festival of North India
• National Youth Day – Birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda
• BHASHINI – Language AI ecosystem initiative
• MPATGM – DRDO fire-and-forget missile
• EV sales – 23 lakh units in 2025
• Clean Toilet Challenge – NHAI initiative
• India-Germany strategic cooperation
• RBI FEMA Guarantee Regulations 2026
• ICAR-NDDB Dairy MoU
• National Sports Governance Rules 2026