Current Affairs 16/01/2026
1. Which bank launched India’s first solar-powered ATM van?
Answer : Tripura Gramin Bank
Tripura Gramin Bank Launches India’s First Solar-Powered ATM Van
Tripura Gramin Bank has created a milestone in India’s banking sector by launching the country’s first solar-powered ATM van. This innovative initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to sustainable development, financial inclusion, and the use of green technology in public services.
The solar-powered ATM van is designed to deliver essential banking services to remote, rural, and underserved areas, where access to regular bank branches and reliable electricity remains a challenge. Powered by solar energy, the van ensures uninterrupted ATM services while significantly reducing dependence on conventional power sources.
This mobile ATM facility enables customers to withdraw cash, check account balances, and access basic banking services closer to their villages. By taking banking services directly to the people, Tripura Gramin Bank aims to bridge the rural-urban financial gap and strengthen trust in the formal banking system.
The initiative also aligns with India’s broader goals of renewable energy adoption and environmental sustainability. By integrating solar power with banking infrastructure, Tripura Gramin Bank has set an example for other regional and rural banks to follow.
Overall, the launch of India’s first solar-powered ATM van highlights Tripura Gramin Bank’s forward-looking approach and reinforces its role in promoting inclusive, accessible, and eco-friendly banking solutions across the country.
2. Mount Aconcagua is located in which country?
Answer : Argentina
Mount Aconcagua: The Highest Peak of the Americas
Mount Aconcagua, the highest mountain in South America, is located in Argentina, within the Andes Mountain Range near the border with Chile. Standing at an impressive height of approximately 6,961 meters (22,838 feet), it is also the highest peak outside the Asian continent, making it a significant landmark in global geography.
Aconcagua is situated in the Mendoza Province, inside the Aconcagua Provincial Park. The mountain attracts climbers, trekkers, and adventure enthusiasts from across the world. While it is considered one of the “Seven Summits” and does not require technical mountaineering skills on its normal route, the extreme altitude and harsh weather conditions make the climb physically demanding.
The mountain holds immense scientific and environmental importance as well. Its glaciers serve as a vital freshwater source for surrounding regions, and the area supports unique high-altitude ecosystems. Additionally, Aconcagua is a key contributor to tourism in Argentina, boosting local economies and promoting adventure tourism.
Overall, Mount Aconcagua stands as a symbol of natural grandeur and geographical significance, reinforcing Argentina’s prominence on the world’s mountain map.
3. Who became the first Indian to receive the rare Samurai Martial Art honour?
Answer : Pawan Kalyan
Pawan Kalyan Becomes the First Indian to Receive the Rare Samurai Martial Art Honour
Actor and politician Pawan Kalyan has achieved a unique international distinction by becoming the first Indian to receive the rare Samurai Martial Art honour. This prestigious recognition highlights his long-standing dedication to martial arts, discipline, and traditional combat training.
Pawan Kalyan has been deeply associated with martial arts for several decades and is known to have trained in various forms of combat disciplines, including ancient warrior techniques inspired by Samurai traditions. The honour is conferred only on individuals who demonstrate exceptional mastery, commitment, and respect for the philosophical values of Samurai martial arts, such as courage, self-control, and integrity.
Receiving this rare honour places Pawan Kalyan among a select global group of practitioners recognized for preserving and promoting traditional martial art values beyond national boundaries. It also reflects the growing international acknowledgment of Indian practitioners in classical and combat art forms.
This achievement adds a significant cultural and personal milestone to Pawan Kalyan’s profile, reinforcing his image as not only a public figure but also a disciplined martial artist who embodies the spirit of dedication and lifelong learning.
4. Ueli Kestenholz was associated with which sport?
Answer : Snowboarding
Ueli Kestenholz: A Prominent Figure in Snowboarding
Ueli Kestenholz is a well-known personality associated with the sport of snowboarding. Hailing from Switzerland, he earned international recognition for his achievements in this extreme winter sport, representing his country at the highest competitive levels.
Kestenholz competed in snowboard cross, a discipline that combines speed, agility, and technical skill, where multiple riders race simultaneously on a challenging course filled with jumps, turns, and obstacles. His most notable achievement came at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, where he won a bronze medal, bringing pride to Switzerland and contributing to the global popularity of snowboarding.
Beyond his competitive success, Ueli Kestenholz played an important role in promoting snowboarding as a mainstream sport during its early Olympic years. His performances showcased the athleticism, excitement, and competitive spirit of snowboarding, helping it gain wider acceptance alongside traditional winter sports.
Overall, Ueli Kestenholz is remembered as a significant figure in snowboarding history, whose contributions helped elevate the sport on the international stage.
5. Israel withdrew from how many UN agencies citing discrimination?
Answer : Seven
Israel Withdraws from Seven UN Agencies Citing Discrimination
Israel has withdrawn from seven United Nations agencies, citing what it described as systematic bias and discriminatory treatment against the country within these international bodies. The decision reflects Israel’s long-standing concerns over what it perceives as unfair resolutions, selective scrutiny, and politicization of UN platforms.
According to Israeli officials, several UN agencies have repeatedly passed resolutions and taken positions that disproportionately target Israel, while overlooking or downplaying actions by other countries. Israel argues that such practices undermine the credibility, neutrality, and founding principles of the United Nations.
The withdrawal from these agencies is seen as a strong diplomatic statement, signaling Israel’s dissatisfaction with multilateral institutions that, in its view, fail to operate objectively. At the same time, Israel has emphasized that it remains committed to international cooperation where dialogue is balanced and free from prejudice.
This move has generated mixed reactions globally. Supporters view it as a justified response to institutional bias, while critics argue that disengagement may limit constructive dialogue within the UN system. Overall, Israel’s withdrawal from seven UN agencies highlights ongoing tensions between the country and parts of the international multilateral framework.
6. Which has become the first organic panchayat of Rajasthan?
Answer : Bamanwas Kankar
Bamanwas Kankar Becomes Rajasthan’s First Organic Panchayat
Bamanwas Kankar has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first organic panchayat of Rajasthan, marking an important step toward sustainable agriculture and eco-friendly rural development in the state.
Located in Rajasthan, the panchayat earned this status by fully adopting organic farming practices, eliminating the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and synthetic inputs. Farmers in the village have shifted to natural alternatives such as compost, bio-fertilizers, and traditional pest-control methods, ensuring healthier soil and improved crop quality.
The transformation of Bamanwas Kankar into an organic panchayat has brought multiple benefits. It has helped enhance soil fertility, protect groundwater from chemical contamination, and promote biodiversity. At the same time, organic produce from the village has improved farmers’ income by attracting better market prices and increasing consumer trust.
This achievement aligns with Rajasthan’s broader goals of sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and rural empowerment. Bamanwas Kankar now serves as a model for other panchayats in the state, demonstrating that community participation and eco-conscious practices can lead to long-term agricultural and economic resilience.
Overall, the recognition of Bamanwas Kankar as Rajasthan’s first organic panchayat highlights the growing momentum of organic farming in India and its role in building a healthier and more sustainable future.
7. Which state will launch India’s first Chronic Kidney Disease registry?
Answer : Odisha
Odisha to Launch India’s First Chronic Kidney Disease Registry
The state of Odisha has taken a pioneering step in public health by initiating India’s first Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) registry. This registry is aimed at creating a comprehensive database of CKD patients across the state to improve disease monitoring, management, and healthcare planning.
Chronic Kidney Disease has emerged as a significant health concern in India, with increasing prevalence due to factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and lifestyle changes. Establishing a CKD registry will help authorities track patient trends, outcomes, risk factors, and treatment patterns in a systematic manner.
The database is expected to support:
• Early detection and diagnosis of CKD through better surveillance.
• Improved patient care and follow-up via structured records.
• Evidence-based policy planning, enabling targeted interventions and resource allocation.
• Research opportunities that can contribute to understanding disease progression and effective therapies.
Odisha’s initiative sets a precedent for other states to develop similar registries, reflecting the growing focus on data-driven healthcare solutions in India. By prioritizing structured data collection and patient monitoring, the state is advancing efforts to combat CKD and enhance overall public health outcomes.