Current Affairs 17/01/2026
1. Who has been appointed as the Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA)?
Answer : Rakesh Aggarwal
Rakesh Aggarwal Appointed as Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA)
Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Rakesh Aggarwal has been appointed as the Director General (DG) of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), India’s premier federal counter-terrorism and national security investigation body. His appointment underscores the government’s focus on experienced leadership to address complex and evolving internal security challenges.
A 1994-batch IPS officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, Rakesh Aggarwal brings with him over three decades of distinguished service in policing, intelligence, and internal security. Prior to assuming charge as DG, he served as Special Director General in the NIA, where he was closely involved in supervising high-profile terrorism and national security-related investigations.
As Director General, Aggarwal is responsible for providing strategic direction to the agency, strengthening inter-agency coordination, and enhancing the NIA’s capabilities in counter-terrorism, terror financing, and transnational crime investigations. His tenure is expected to ensure continuity, operational efficiency, and institutional stability at a time when national security threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Under his leadership, the NIA is anticipated to further reinforce its role as a key pillar of India’s internal security architecture, safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and integrity through professional, technology-driven, and legally robust investigations.
2. Which state ranked first among large states in the Export Preparedness Index 2024?
Answer : Maharashtra
Maharashtra Tops Large States in Export Preparedness Index 2024
Maharashtra has secured the first position among large states in the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024, reaffirming its leadership in India’s export ecosystem. The index, released by NITI Aayog, evaluates the export readiness of Indian states and Union Territories based on a comprehensive framework covering policy, infrastructure, business environment, and export performance.
The top ranking reflects Maharashtra’s strong and diversified industrial base, robust logistics and port infrastructure, and proactive export-oriented policies. The state benefits from major ports such as Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), extensive road and rail connectivity, and well-developed industrial corridors, all of which significantly enhance trade facilitation and global market access.
Maharashtra’s consistent focus on ease of doing business, sector-specific export promotion, and support to MSMEs has strengthened its position as a key driver of India’s export growth. The state has also leveraged technology, streamlined regulatory processes, and encouraged foreign investment to boost competitiveness across manufacturing and services sectors.
The Export Preparedness Index serves as an important policy tool by highlighting best practices and identifying gaps in export capabilities across states. Maharashtra’s top ranking among large states in EPI 2024 highlights its role as a benchmark for export-led development and underscores its contribution to India’s ambition of becoming a global manufacturing and trading hub.
3. Which ministry launched the ‘Paripoorn Mediclaim Ayush Insurance’?
Answer : Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Finance Launches ‘Paripoorn Mediclaim Ayush Insurance’
The Ministry of Finance, through the Department of Financial Services (DFS), has launched the ‘Paripoorn Mediclaim Ayush Insurance’, a comprehensive health insurance initiative aimed at enhancing medical coverage and financial security for beneficiaries. The scheme reflects the government’s continued focus on strengthening India’s healthcare financing framework through inclusive and affordable insurance solutions.
The Paripoorn Mediclaim Ayush Insurance has been designed to provide extensive health coverage, including cashless hospitalisation, coverage for modern medical treatments, and AYUSH therapies (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy). By integrating both conventional and traditional systems of medicine, the scheme promotes holistic healthcare while reducing out-of-pocket expenditure for insured individuals.
Launched under the guidance of the Ministry of Finance, the initiative also aims to improve access to quality healthcare services by offering enhanced sum insured options, streamlined claim settlement mechanisms, and competitive premium structures. It supports the broader national objective of expanding health insurance penetration and ensuring financial protection against rising medical costs.
Overall, the introduction of the Paripoorn Mediclaim Ayush Insurance underscores the government’s commitment to building a resilient and inclusive healthcare ecosystem, while encouraging the adoption of AYUSH systems alongside modern medicine within India’s health insurance landscape.
4. When will the 10th anniversary of Startup India be celebrated?
Answer : 16 January 2026
10th Anniversary of Startup India to Be Celebrated on 16 January 2026
The 10th anniversary of the Startup India initiative will be celebrated on 16 January 2026, marking a decade since the landmark programme was launched by the Government of India on 16 January 2016. Over the past ten years, Startup India has emerged as a cornerstone of India’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Launched with the objective of fostering a culture of innovation, supporting startups, and simplifying regulatory frameworks, Startup India has played a transformative role in nurturing new enterprises across sectors such as technology, manufacturing, healthcare, fintech, agritech, and clean energy. The initiative has focused on key pillars including ease of doing business, access to funding, industry–academia collaboration, and capacity building.
As of its tenth year, India has grown into one of the world’s largest startup ecosystems, with tens of thousands of DPIIT-recognised startups, a rapidly expanding unicorn base, and increasing global investor confidence. Policy measures such as tax incentives, fund-of-funds support, incubation programmes, and innovation missions have significantly strengthened entrepreneurial activity across metropolitan as well as tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
The celebration of the 10th anniversary on 16 January 2026, also observed as National Startup Day, will serve as an important milestone to reflect on achievements, recognise successful entrepreneurs, and outline the future roadmap for India’s startup ecosystem. It underscores the government’s continued commitment to positioning India as a global hub for innovation, startups, and technology-driven economic growth.
5. From which state was the third-generation MPATGM tested?
Answer : Maharashtra
Third-Generation MPATGM Successfully Tested from Maharashtra
India achieved a significant milestone in indigenous defence technology with the successful testing of the third-generation Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) from Maharashtra. The trial was conducted at the K.K. Ranges in Ahilya Nagar, under the supervision of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The MPATGM is a state-of-the-art, fire-and-forget anti-tank missile system, designed to enhance the Indian Army’s infantry combat capabilities. Equipped with an advanced imaging infrared (IIR) seeker, the missile is capable of engaging modern armoured targets with high precision, even in low-visibility conditions. The successful test validated the missile’s accuracy, guidance system, range performance, and overall operational effectiveness.
The development of the MPATGM is a key component of India’s broader push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. Once inducted, the system is expected to replace older anti-tank missile platforms and significantly strengthen India’s infantry firepower against armoured threats.
The successful test from Maharashtra highlights India’s growing expertise in advanced missile technologies and reinforces DRDO’s role in delivering cutting-edge, indigenous solutions to meet the strategic requirements of the armed forces.
6. Who has been appointed as the Director General of ITBP?
Answer : Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor
Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor Appointed as Director General of ITBP
Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor has been appointed as the Director General (DG) of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), one of India’s key Central Armed Police Forces responsible for guarding the country’s northern frontiers. His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on the recommendation of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor is a 1990-batch IPS officer of the Haryana cadre and brings with him more than three decades of extensive experience in policing, internal security, and border management. Prior to taking charge as DG, ITBP, he served in several senior leadership roles at both the state and central levels, where he was involved in strategic planning, operations, and administration.
As the head of the ITBP, Kapoor will oversee the force’s critical mandate of securing India’s borders along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), particularly in challenging high-altitude and extreme weather conditions. The ITBP also plays a vital role in internal security duties, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance, in addition to its primary border-guarding responsibilities.
His appointment comes at a strategically important time, as the ITBP continues to modernise its capabilities, enhance infrastructure in border areas, and strengthen operational preparedness. Under Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor’s leadership, the force is expected to further reinforce its professionalism, operational efficiency, and readiness to meet emerging security challenges, contributing significantly to India’s national security framework.
7. India’s first sovereign AI park will be established in which state?
Answer : Tamil Nadu
India’s First Sovereign AI Park to Be Established in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is set to host India’s first Sovereign Artificial Intelligence (AI) Park, marking a major milestone in the country’s journey toward technological self-reliance and digital leadership. The initiative reflects India’s strategic focus on building indigenous, secure, and scalable AI infrastructure aligned with national priorities.
The proposed Sovereign AI Park aims to create a full-stack AI ecosystem, encompassing high-performance computing infrastructure, secure data storage, AI model development platforms, and advanced research and innovation facilities. A key objective of the project is to ensure data sovereignty, where sensitive data, AI models, and computing resources remain within India’s trusted and regulated environment.
Tamil Nadu was selected due to its strong industrial base, advanced digital infrastructure, skilled talent pool, and proactive technology policies. The state has emerged as a leading hub for electronics manufacturing, IT services, deep-tech startups, and research institutions, making it well-positioned to support large-scale AI innovation.
The Sovereign AI Park is expected to play a crucial role in accelerating AI adoption across sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, governance, finance, education, and smart infrastructure. It will also support startups, academia, and industry by providing access to world-class AI resources while reducing dependence on foreign technology platforms.
Overall, the establishment of India’s first Sovereign AI Park in Tamil Nadu represents a significant step toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat in advanced technologies, strengthening India’s global competitiveness in artificial intelligence while safeguarding national data and strategic interests.