Current Affairs 29/01/2026
1. Who has become the first Indian to win the Wiley Research Heroes Award?
Answer : Chandrakant Lahariya
Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya Becomes First Indian to Win Wiley Research Heroes Award
Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya has made history by becoming the first Indian recipient of the prestigious Wiley Research Heroes Award. This international recognition highlights researchers whose work has created a significant impact beyond academia, influencing public policy, practice, and society at large.
A renowned public health expert, epidemiologist, and health policy specialist, Dr. Lahariya has spent decades working on critical issues such as universal health coverage, immunization, nutrition, maternal and child health, and health systems strengthening. His research is widely acknowledged for bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world implementation.
The Wiley Research Heroes Award honors individuals who use research to drive meaningful change. Dr. Lahariya received this award for his consistent efforts in translating evidence-based research into actionable health policies and programs, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. His work has supported governments, international organizations, and civil society in improving healthcare delivery and equity.
Beyond research, Dr. Lahariya is also known for his contributions as an author, educator, and public communicator. Through books, articles, policy briefs, and public engagement, he has played a key role in improving health literacy and advocating for data-driven decision-making in public health.
This achievement not only recognizes Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya’s individual excellence but also underscores India’s growing contribution to global health research and policy innovation.
2. Which country has launched the world’s largest compressed-air energy storage plant?
Answer : China
China Launches the World’s Largest Compressed-Air Energy Storage Plant
China has achieved a major milestone in the global clean-energy transition by launching the world’s largest compressed-air energy storage (CAES) plant. The project marks a significant advancement in large-scale energy storage technology and strengthens China’s efforts to build a stable, low-carbon power system.
Compressed-air energy storage works by using surplus electricity—often generated from renewable sources such as wind and solar—to compress air and store it in underground facilities. When electricity demand rises, the compressed air is released to drive turbines and generate power. This process helps balance supply and demand, addressing the intermittency challenges associated with renewable energy.
The newly launched CAES plant in China has a large storage capacity and high power output, enabling it to supply electricity to hundreds of thousands of households during peak demand periods. By providing long-duration energy storage, the facility enhances grid reliability and reduces dependence on fossil-fuel-based backup power.
This project is also notable for its technological innovation and environmental benefits. Compared to traditional energy storage methods, CAES systems have a long operational life, use abundant natural resources, and produce minimal environmental impact. The plant demonstrates how advanced storage solutions can support the integration of renewable energy at scale.
China’s launch of the world’s largest compressed-air energy storage plant reinforces its position as a global leader in energy infrastructure and clean-technology innovation, while offering a viable model for other countries seeking sustainable solutions for future energy demands.
3. Which state has implemented the Uniform Civil Code (Amendment) Ordinance 2026?
Answer : Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand Implements the Uniform Civil Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026
The state of Uttarakhand has taken a landmark legislative step by implementing the Uniform Civil Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, becoming a frontrunner in the adoption of uniform personal laws in India. This move reflects the state government’s commitment to ensuring legal uniformity, social justice, and equality among citizens.
The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to provide a common set of civil laws governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and succession, irrespective of religion or community. The 2026 amendment ordinance further refines and strengthens the existing legal framework to address implementation challenges and ensure clarity in legal procedures.
According to the state government, the ordinance is designed to promote gender equality, protect individual rights, and reduce legal disparities arising from different personal laws. It emphasizes transparency, fairness, and consistency in civil matters while aligning with constitutional values such as equality before the law.
The implementation of the UCC (Amendment) Ordinance has also sparked nationwide debate and policy discussions, as it is closely linked to Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, which envisions a uniform civil code for all citizens. Uttarakhand’s initiative is being closely observed as a potential model for other states.
Overall, the ordinance marks a significant reform in India’s civil law landscape, highlighting Uttarakhand’s role in advancing legal uniformity and modern governance while balancing social and constitutional considerations.
4. Who has become the first player to achieve 400 Grand Slam wins?
Answer : Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic Becomes the First Player to Achieve 400 Grand Slam Wins
Serbian tennis icon Novak Djokovic has created history by becoming the first player ever to record 400 match victories in Grand Slam tournaments. This remarkable milestone further cements his status as one of the greatest and most consistent players in the history of the sport.
Djokovic’s 400 Grand Slam wins span all four major tournaments—the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open—highlighting his extraordinary adaptability across different playing surfaces and conditions. Achieving this feat over more than two decades reflects not only his technical excellence but also his physical endurance, mental strength, and sustained competitiveness at the highest level.
Widely regarded as one of the most successful players of the Open Era, Djokovic already holds numerous records, including the most Grand Slam singles titles, extended periods as world number one, and the highest number of weeks ranked at the top. The 400-win milestone places him ahead of other legendary players, underscoring his unparalleled consistency in major tournaments.
This achievement is also a testament to Djokovic’s longevity in professional tennis. Even in the later stages of his career, he continues to perform at an elite level, competing against younger generations while setting new benchmarks for excellence.
Novak Djokovic’s historic 400 Grand Slam wins not only mark a personal triumph but also represent a defining moment in tennis history, reinforcing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
5. Padma Bhushan awardee Mark Tully was associated with which field?
Answer : Journalism
Padma Bhushan Awardee Mark Tully and His Contribution to Journalism
Mark Tully, a distinguished Padma Bhushan awardee, is widely recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field of journalism. He is best known for his long and influential career as a foreign correspondent in India, where he played a pivotal role in shaping international understanding of the country’s political, social, and cultural landscape.
Tully served for several decades with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), including as the Chief of the BBC’s New Delhi Bureau. His reporting was marked by depth, balance, and sensitivity, especially during critical periods of Indian history such as the Emergency, economic reforms, and major political transitions. His ability to explain complex Indian realities to a global audience earned him immense credibility and respect.
Beyond broadcast journalism, Mark Tully is also an accomplished author and commentator. His books and essays reflect keen insights into Indian society, governance, and rural life, further strengthening his reputation as a thoughtful observer of contemporary India.
In recognition of his exceptional service to journalism and his contribution to strengthening understanding between India and the world, the Government of India conferred upon him the Padma Bhushan, one of the country’s highest civilian honors. His career stands as a benchmark for ethical, insightful, and impactful journalism.
6. Who became the first woman to score a century in WPL 2026?
Answer : Nat Sciver-Brunt
Nat Sciver-Brunt Becomes First Woman to Score a Century in WPL 2026
England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt created history by becoming the first woman to score a century in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) during the 2026 season. This landmark achievement marked a defining moment in the evolution of women’s franchise cricket and highlighted the growing competitiveness and quality of the league.
Representing the Mumbai Indians, Sciver-Brunt produced a commanding and composed innings, combining power with precision. Her century not only set a new individual benchmark in the WPL but also played a crucial role in strengthening her team’s position in the tournament. The knock was widely praised for its technical excellence, match awareness, and impact under pressure.
Prior to this achievement, several players had come close to the three-figure mark in earlier WPL seasons, but Sciver-Brunt’s innings finally broke the barrier, establishing a historic first for the competition. The feat underlined her status as one of the world’s premier all-rounders and a key figure in modern women’s cricket.
Nat Sciver-Brunt’s record-breaking century is regarded as a milestone for the WPL, symbolizing the league’s maturity and its role in providing a global platform for elite women cricketers. The achievement is expected to inspire future generations and further elevate the profile of women’s T20 cricket worldwide.
7. The book ‘Red Lines Redrawn: Operation Sindoor and India’s New Normal’ is related to which theme?
Answer : National Security
‘Red Lines Redrawn: Operation Sindoor and India’s New Normal’ and Its Core Theme
The book ‘Red Lines Redrawn: Operation Sindoor and India’s New Normal’ is centered on the theme of National Security. It examines the evolving security doctrine of India and the changing nature of its strategic, military, and diplomatic responses to emerging threats.
Through the lens of Operation Sindoor, the book analyzes how India has recalibrated its approach to national defense, deterrence, and counter-terrorism. It highlights a shift from traditional restraint to a more assertive and proactive security posture, redefining what constitutes acceptable responses to security challenges.
The narrative also explores broader aspects of national security, including strategic decision-making, military preparedness, intelligence coordination, and geopolitical signaling. By contextualizing these developments, the book explains how India’s “new normal” in national security is shaped by regional dynamics, global power shifts, and internal security concerns.
Overall, the book serves as an important contribution to contemporary discussions on India’s national security strategy, offering insights for policymakers, analysts, and readers interested in understanding the country’s evolving defense and security framework.