Current Affairs 08/01/2026
1. Which IIT has launched a global initiative to become the world’s first multinational IIT?
Answer : IIT Madras
IIT Madras and Its Vision to Become the World’s First Multinational IIT
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has launched an ambitious global initiative aimed at becoming the world’s first multinational IIT. This landmark vision reflects India’s growing emphasis on internationalization of higher education and global knowledge leadership.
Under this initiative, IIT Madras seeks to establish an extensive international footprint through overseas campuses, global research centers, academic collaborations, and industry partnerships. The objective is to create a globally connected ecosystem that integrates education, cutting-edge research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across multiple countries.
A key focus of the initiative is to promote cross-border knowledge exchange, enabling students and faculty to engage in international learning experiences, joint degree programs, and collaborative research projects. IIT Madras also aims to support global startups and innovation networks by leveraging its strong incubation and technology transfer ecosystem.
By positioning itself as a multinational institution, IIT Madras intends to enhance India’s soft power in science, technology, and education, while setting a new benchmark for globally integrated public universities. This initiative marks a significant step in transforming IIT Madras from a national center of excellence into a globally influential academic and research institution.
2. India’s first Braille library for visually impaired people has been opened in which state?
Answer : Uttar Pradesh
India’s First Braille Library for the Visually Impaired
India has taken a significant step toward inclusive education with the opening of its first Braille library for visually impaired people in Uttar Pradesh. This pioneering initiative reflects the government’s commitment to accessibility, equality, and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
The Braille library has been established at Dr. Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University (DSMNRU) in Lucknow. It is equipped with thousands of books printed in Braille, covering academic subjects, competitive examinations, literature, and general knowledge. The facility is designed to support visually impaired students in pursuing higher education and skill development without barriers.
Beyond books, the library aims to serve as a knowledge and resource center, encouraging independent learning and intellectual growth among visually challenged individuals. It also promotes awareness about assistive technologies and inclusive learning methods.
The launch of this Braille library marks an important milestone in India’s journey toward an inclusive and accessible education system, setting an example for other states to replicate similar initiatives for the welfare and empowerment of visually impaired citizens.
3. Which air-launched cruise missile was recently tested by Pakistan?
Answer : Taimoor
Pakistan’s Test of the Taimoor Air-Launched Cruise Missile
Pakistan has recently conducted a successful test of the Taimoor air-launched cruise missile (ALCM), marking an important development in its aerial strike and precision warfare capabilities. The test was carried out by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) as part of efforts to enhance stand-off attack options and modernize its conventional weapons systems.
The Taimoor missile is an indigenously developed air-launched cruise missile designed for long-range, precision strikes against high-value targets. It is capable of being launched from fighter aircraft, allowing the launch platform to strike targets from a safe distance without entering heavily defended airspace. The missile is believed to feature terrain-hugging flight capability and low-observable characteristics, improving its survivability against air defense systems.
Developed by Pakistan’s defense research and production organizations, the Taimoor missile strengthens the country’s conventional deterrence posture and reflects progress in indigenous missile technology. The successful test also demonstrates Pakistan’s growing focus on integrating advanced weapons with its air platforms.
Overall, the testing of the Taimoor ALCM highlights Pakistan’s continued emphasis on enhancing its precision strike capabilities and aerial combat readiness within the evolving regional security environment.
4. Manoj Kothari was associated with which sport?
Answer : Billiards
Manoj Kothari and His Association with Billiards
Manoj Kothari was a prominent figure associated with the sport of billiards, in which he earned national recognition for his skill and achievements. He was regarded as one of India’s accomplished cue sports players, particularly in English billiards, a discipline that demands precision, strategy, and consistency.
Throughout his career, Manoj Kothari represented India in several national and international tournaments and was known for his calm temperament and technical excellence. His contributions helped strengthen India’s presence in the global billiards arena and inspired younger players to take up the sport professionally.
Manoj Kothari’s association with billiards reflects India’s rich tradition in cue sports and his legacy continues to be remembered as an important chapter in the country’s sporting history.
5. Who has been awarded the Sangita Kalanidhi Award 2026?
Answer : R. K. Shriramkumar
R. K. Shriramkumar Awarded the Sangita Kalanidhi Award 2026
Renowned Carnatic violinist R. K. Shriramkumar has been selected for the prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi Award 2026, one of the highest honors in Indian classical music. The award is conferred annually by The Music Academy, Chennai, in recognition of outstanding and lifelong contributions to Carnatic music.
R. K. Shriramkumar is widely respected for his artistic excellence, deep musical scholarship, and refined violin technique. Belonging to the illustrious Rudrapatna musical lineage, he has been a torchbearer of traditional Carnatic values while also bringing clarity and innovation to classical interpretation. Over the decades, he has performed extensively as a soloist and as an accompanist to many legendary vocalists, earning acclaim for his sensitivity and intellectual depth.
Beyond performance, Shriramkumar is known for his role as a teacher, researcher, and custodian of musical heritage, contributing significantly to the preservation and transmission of Carnatic music. His selection for the Sangita Kalanidhi Award 2026 highlights his enduring influence on the art form and his commitment to maintaining its highest standards.
The award will be formally presented during The Music Academy’s Annual Conference and Music Festival, where the recipient traditionally presides over concerts and scholarly sessions, marking a pinnacle of recognition in a Carnatic musician’s career.
6. Who won the men’s title of the 44th Junior National Kho-Kho Championship?
Answer : Karnataka
Karnataka Wins Men’s Title at the 44th Junior National Kho-Kho Championship
Karnataka clinched the men’s (boys’) title at the 44th Junior National Kho-Kho Championship, delivering a disciplined and technically sound performance throughout the tournament. The team displayed excellent agility, coordination, and strategic execution, which are hallmarks of Karnataka’s strong kho-kho tradition.
Throughout the championship, Karnataka dominated key matches with effective attacking dives and well-organized defending, outplaying several strong contenders. Their consistent performance reflected the state’s robust grassroots training system and emphasis on nurturing young talent in traditional Indian sports.
The victory at the junior national level not only adds another prestigious title to Karnataka’s sporting achievements but also highlights the state’s role in shaping future national-level kho-kho players. This triumph is expected to inspire greater participation and development of kho-kho among young athletes across the region.
7. Who launched the book ‘Khutbat-e-Modi: Lal Qile Ki Faseel Se’?
Answer : Dharmendra Pradhan
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Launches ‘Khutbat-e‑Modi: Lal Qile Ki Faseel Se’
In a significant literary event, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the book ‘Khutbat-e‑Modi: Lal Qile Ki Faseel Se’ in New Delhi. The book is a carefully compiled collection of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speeches delivered from the Red Fort between 2014 and 2025, translated into Urdu to reach a wider audience.
The compilation provides readers with a comprehensive insight into the Prime Minister’s vision for India, highlighting themes of national development, unity, and cultural heritage. By presenting these speeches in Urdu, the book aims to make the messages accessible to diverse linguistic communities across the country, fostering greater engagement with national discourse.
Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized the importance of documenting and sharing the Prime Minister’s addresses, noting that such compilations serve as both historical records and sources of inspiration for citizens, students, and policymakers alike. The launch underscores the government’s efforts to promote literary initiatives that bridge language and culture while celebrating India’s democratic traditions.
This publication is expected to become a reference point for scholars, students, and general readers interested in contemporary Indian political thought and governance.