Current Affairs 21/01/2026
1. When will the 54th Foundation Day of Meghalaya, Manipur and Tripura be celebrated?
Answer : 21 January 2026
54th Foundation Day of Meghalaya, Manipur and Tripura
The 54th Foundation Day of Meghalaya, Manipur and Tripura will be celebrated on 21 January 2026. This day holds historical importance as it marks the completion of fifty-four years since these three North-Eastern states were accorded full statehood in the Indian Union on 21 January 1972, under the North-Eastern Region (Reorganisation) Act, 1971.
Historically, prior to attaining statehood, Manipur and Tripura functioned as Union Territories, while Meghalaya existed as an autonomous state within Assam. The decision to grant full statehood was taken to ensure better administrative efficiency, political stability, and recognition of the distinct cultural and ethnic identities of the region.
The observance of the Foundation Day reflects the constitutional and democratic development of these states. It also underlines the Government of India’s efforts towards strengthening national integration while respecting regional diversity. Over the decades, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Tripura have made notable progress in areas such as education, infrastructure, culture, and socio-economic development.
The day is traditionally observed with official ceremonies, cultural programmes, and public functions, where the achievements of the states are reviewed and future development plans are outlined. Cultural performances showcasing indigenous traditions, folk dances, and music form an integral part of the celebrations.
In essence, the 54th Foundation Day on 21 January 2026 stands as a reminder of the historical journey, administrative evolution, and continuing contribution of Meghalaya, Manipur, and Tripura to the unity and development of the nation.
2. ‘Dosti-17’ exercise is conducted between which countries?
Answer : India–Sri Lanka–Maldives
Dosti-17 Joint Naval Exercise
The ‘Dosti-17’ exercise is a trilateral naval exercise conducted between India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. It forms part of the long-standing DOSTI series of maritime exercises, which aim to strengthen cooperation and mutual understanding among the navies and coast guards of the three Indian Ocean littoral nations.
Originally initiated as a bilateral exercise between India and the Maldives in 1991, the DOSTI exercise was later expanded with the inclusion of Sri Lanka, reflecting the growing need for regional maritime collaboration. Over the years, the exercise has evolved into a significant platform for enhancing interoperability and coordination.
The Dosti-17 exercise focused on areas such as maritime security, search and rescue operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and communication procedures. It also emphasized information sharing and collective response to non-traditional maritime threats, including piracy and illegal activities at sea.
Conducted in the spirit of friendship and cooperation, Dosti-17 reinforced the shared commitment of India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives to maintaining peace, stability, and security in the Indian Ocean Region. The exercise stands as an important example of regional partnership and confidence-building among neighboring maritime nations.
3. Which city will host India’s first city-led initiative showcasing climate action as a fundamental right of children?
Answer : Mumbai
Mumbai to Host India’s First City-Led Initiative on Children’s Climate Rights
Mumbai will host India’s first city-led initiative showcasing climate action as a fundamental right of children, marking an important step in integrating climate responsibility with child rights at the urban governance level. This initiative places cities at the forefront of addressing climate change while emphasizing the long-term impact of environmental policies on future generations.
The initiative aims to recognize that children are among the most vulnerable groups affected by climate change, facing risks related to health, education, safety, and overall well-being. By framing climate action as a fundamental right of children, the programme seeks to encourage inclusive, rights-based, and sustainable urban planning.
Mumbai’s selection as the host city reflects its proactive role in climate resilience, sustainability planning, and civic engagement. As one of India’s largest metropolitan cities, Mumbai provides a significant platform to demonstrate how local governments can lead climate action through policy innovation, community participation, and collaboration with civil society.
The programme will highlight issues such as clean air, safe water, climate-resilient infrastructure, and disaster preparedness, with a special focus on protecting children from climate-related risks. It also aims to inspire other Indian cities to adopt similar child-centric climate approaches.
Overall, this initiative represents a progressive shift in India’s climate discourse, positioning cities as key drivers of change and reinforcing the idea that safeguarding the environment is essential to securing the rights and future of children.
4. Whom has Indian Railways recently honoured with its highest award?
Answer : Chandana Sinha
Indian Railways Honours Chandana Sinha with Its Highest Award
Indian Railways has recently honoured Chandana Sinha with its highest service award, recognising her exceptional contribution to ensuring safety and social responsibility within the railway system. She was conferred the prestigious Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar, the top civilian service honour awarded by Indian Railways.
Chandana Sinha, an officer of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), has been widely acknowledged for her outstanding work in rescuing vulnerable and trafficked children across the railway network. Through her leadership and field-level initiatives, she played a crucial role in identifying, protecting, and rehabilitating children at risk, particularly under Operation Nanhe Farishtey, a flagship RPF programme aimed at child protection.
Her work involved close coordination with state authorities, child welfare committees, and non-governmental organisations, significantly strengthening the mechanism for preventing child trafficking and exploitation at railway stations. Her efforts not only saved hundreds of lives but also enhanced public trust in the humanitarian role of Indian Railways.
The conferment of the Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar on Chandana Sinha highlights Indian Railways’ commitment to recognising exemplary service beyond operational efficiency, especially in areas of human rights, social justice, and public welfare.
This honour stands as a testament to her dedication and serves as an inspiration for security forces and public servants across the country to uphold compassion, vigilance, and integrity in service to society.
5. What rank has India secured in the Responsible Nations Index 2026?
Answer : 16th
India Secures 16th Rank in Responsible Nations Index 2026
India has secured the 16th position in the Responsible Nations Index (RNI) 2026, marking a notable achievement in the global assessment of responsible national conduct. The index evaluates 154 countries on how responsibly they use their power and resources in relation to their citizens, the global community, and the environment.
The Responsible Nations Index goes beyond traditional indicators such as economic strength or military capability. Instead, it focuses on parameters including social inclusion, environmental responsibility, governance quality, international cooperation, and contribution to global well-being. The aim is to measure whether nations act responsibly while exercising influence at national and international levels.
India’s 16th rank reflects its improving performance in areas such as social development initiatives, democratic governance, climate action commitments, and participation in global cooperation frameworks. The ranking highlights India’s efforts to balance growth with responsibility, particularly in addressing sustainability challenges and inclusive development.
By securing a position among the top twenty nations globally, India has emerged ahead of several developed countries, reinforcing its growing role as a responsible global actor. The ranking also strengthens India’s international image as a country committed to ethical governance, sustainable development, and constructive global engagement.
Overall, India’s performance in the Responsible Nations Index 2026 underscores its evolving approach towards responsible leadership and its commitment to contributing positively to global stability and progress.
6. According to IMF, what is India’s projected GDP growth rate for FY 2025–26?
Answer : 7.3%
IMF Projects India’s GDP Growth at 7.3% for FY 2025–26
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), India’s economy is projected to grow at a robust 7.3 per cent in the financial year 2025–26, reaffirming the country’s position as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. This projection was outlined in the IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook assessment.
The upward outlook reflects strong domestic demand, resilient private consumption, sustained public infrastructure spending, and improved investment activity. The IMF has also highlighted India’s macroeconomic stability, structural reforms, and expanding manufacturing and services sectors as key drivers supporting growth momentum.
India’s projected growth rate significantly outpaces that of most advanced and emerging economies, underlining its increasing importance in the global economic landscape. The IMF’s forecast indicates confidence in India’s ability to maintain economic expansion despite global uncertainties such as geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, and financial market volatility.
The projection further suggests that India will continue to play a crucial role in supporting global growth over the coming years. Policymakers are expected to focus on fiscal consolidation, employment generation, and productivity enhancement to sustain long-term economic stability.
Overall, the IMF’s estimate of 7.3 per cent GDP growth for FY 2025–26 highlights the strength and resilience of the Indian economy and reinforces optimism regarding its medium-term growth prospects.
7. Operation Arctic Endurance will be conducted under the leadership of which country?
Answer : Denmark
Operation Arctic Endurance Led by Denmark
Operation Arctic Endurance will be conducted under the leadership of Denmark, highlighting the country’s strategic role and responsibility in the Arctic region. The operation reflects Denmark’s growing commitment to ensuring security, stability, and sustainable governance in the High North.
Denmark holds a unique position in Arctic affairs due to its sovereignty over Greenland and its active participation in Arctic institutions. Through Operation Arctic Endurance, Denmark aims to strengthen operational readiness, surveillance, and cooperation among partner nations in the Arctic environment, which is increasingly gaining geopolitical and strategic importance.
The operation is expected to focus on defence preparedness, environmental monitoring, maritime security, and emergency response capabilities in extreme Arctic conditions. It also underscores the need for coordinated international efforts to address challenges such as climate change, increased shipping activity, and resource exploration in the region.
Denmark’s leadership in Operation Arctic Endurance reinforces its role as a responsible Arctic stakeholder and demonstrates its commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and rule-based order in the Arctic. The initiative also contributes to broader international efforts aimed at ensuring that the Arctic remains a region of cooperation rather than conflict.
Overall, Operation Arctic Endurance stands as a significant example of Denmark’s proactive engagement in Arctic security and multilateral collaboration.