Current Affairs 22/01/2026
1. Till which financial year has the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) been approved to continue?
Answer : 2030–31
Continuation of Atal Pension Yojana (APY) till FY 2030–31
The Government of India has approved the continuation of the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) up to the financial year 2030–31, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening social security for the unorganised sector. Launched in 2015 and administered by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), APY aims to provide a stable and assured pension to workers who do not have access to formal retirement benefits.
Under the scheme, subscribers contribute a fixed amount during their working years and receive a guaranteed monthly pension ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 after attaining the age of 60 years, depending on their contribution. The extension ensures continued government support, including funding for promotional and developmental activities, thereby enhancing awareness and enrollment across the country.
The approval to continue APY till 2030–31 is expected to deepen pension coverage, encourage long-term savings, and provide financial security to millions of workers in the informal sector. It aligns with the broader objective of inclusive growth and social protection, particularly for economically vulnerable sections of society.
2. Where will the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 be held?
Answer : New Delhi
India-AI Impact Summit 2026 to be Held in New Delhi
The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 will be held in New Delhi, positioning the national capital as a global hub for dialogue on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. The summit is a flagship initiative under the Government of India’s IndiaAI Mission, aimed at promoting responsible, inclusive, and innovation-driven adoption of AI.
The event will bring together policymakers, global technology leaders, researchers, startups, industry experts, and international delegations to discuss the transformative impact of artificial intelligence across key sectors such as governance, healthcare, education, agriculture, climate action, and economic development. Special emphasis will be placed on ethical AI, data governance, skill development, and AI for social good.
By hosting the summit in New Delhi, India underscores its growing leadership role in the global AI ecosystem. The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 is expected to foster international collaboration, showcase India’s AI capabilities, and contribute to shaping global frameworks for the safe and equitable use of artificial intelligence.
3. By defeating which team did Vidarbha win the Vijay Hazare Trophy?
Answer : Saurashtra
Vidarbha Clinches Vijay Hazare Trophy with Victory over Saurashtra
Vidarbha secured the Vijay Hazare Trophy by defeating Saurashtra, marking a significant achievement in India’s premier domestic one-day cricket tournament. The final showcased Vidarbha’s strong all-round performance, reflecting their consistency and depth throughout the competition.
Facing a competitive Saurashtra side known for its disciplined bowling attack and resilient batting, Vidarbha displayed composure under pressure. Their players executed well-planned strategies in both batting and bowling, enabling them to control crucial phases of the match and emerge victorious.
The triumph over Saurashtra not only highlights Vidarbha’s growing stature in Indian domestic cricket but also reinforces the effectiveness of their talent development system. Winning the Vijay Hazare Trophy adds to Vidarbha’s impressive domestic record and underlines their status as one of the strongest teams in the limited-overs format.
4. What rank did India secure in the Asia Manufacturing Index 2026?
Answer : Sixth
India Ranks Sixth in the Asia Manufacturing Index 2026
India has secured the sixth position in the Asia Manufacturing Index 2026, reflecting its steady progress as a key manufacturing hub in the Asian region. The index evaluates countries based on parameters such as manufacturing output, infrastructure, supply chain efficiency, technological adoption, workforce capability, and policy environment.
India’s ranking highlights the positive impact of government initiatives such as Make in India, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, and reforms aimed at improving ease of doing business. Strengthening industrial infrastructure, rising domestic demand, and increased foreign direct investment have contributed to enhancing India’s manufacturing competitiveness.
While the sixth rank indicates notable improvement, it also underscores the need for continued focus on innovation, advanced manufacturing technologies, skill development, and logistics efficiency. Overall, India’s position in the Asia Manufacturing Index 2026 reinforces its growing role in regional and global manufacturing value chains.
5. Which two states signed an MoU for early childhood development?
Answer : Odisha & Meghalaya
Odisha and Meghalaya Sign MoU for Early Childhood Development
The states of Odisha and Meghalaya have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on early childhood development (ECD), marking an important step toward strengthening child welfare and foundational learning outcomes. The partnership focuses on sharing best practices, policy frameworks, and implementation strategies to improve the health, nutrition, learning, and overall development of children in their formative years.
Under the MoU, both states will work together on areas such as early childhood care and education (ECCE), capacity building of frontline workers, community engagement, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure effective service delivery. The collaboration aims to enhance outcomes under national programmes related to nutrition, education, and child development.
This inter-state cooperation reflects a growing recognition of early childhood development as a critical foundation for human capital formation. By pooling knowledge and experiences, Odisha and Meghalaya seek to build scalable and sustainable models that can contribute to long-term social and economic development.
6. Which state will develop the satellite launch facility at Hope Island?
Answer : Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh to Develop Satellite Launch Facility at Hope Island
Andhra Pradesh will develop a satellite launch facility at Hope Island, marking a significant milestone in India’s expanding space and aerospace infrastructure. The initiative is expected to strengthen the state’s position as an emerging hub for space technology, satellite manufacturing, and launch-related services.
The proposed facility at Hope Island will support small satellite and commercial launch operations, catering to the growing demand for low-earth orbit missions and private sector participation in space activities. It aligns with India’s broader push to encourage private investment and innovation in the space sector under reforms led by ISRO and IN-SPACe.
The development of the launch facility is also anticipated to generate high-skilled employment, boost ancillary industries, and enhance regional economic growth. By establishing this infrastructure, Andhra Pradesh aims to play a strategic role in India’s space ecosystem while contributing to the country’s ambitions in the global space market.
7. By which year have India and the UAE targeted to double their trade?
Answer : 2032
India and UAE Target to Double Bilateral Trade by 2032
India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have set an ambitious target to double their bilateral trade by the year 2032, reflecting the deepening strategic and economic partnership between the two countries. This goal builds upon the strong momentum generated after the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into force in 2022.
The trade expansion strategy focuses on key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, logistics, fintech, food security, renewable energy, and digital trade. Both nations have emphasized reducing trade barriers, enhancing investment flows, and strengthening supply chain integration to achieve sustained growth in bilateral commerce.
The 2032 trade target highlights the shared vision of India and the UAE to position their partnership as a model for South–South cooperation. By leveraging complementary economic strengths and fostering private-sector collaboration, the two countries aim to create long-term economic value and regional stability.