Current Affairs 18/01/2026
1. With whom has the Uttar Pradesh government signed an agreement to promote public services in Indian languages ?
Answer : Digital India Bhashini Division
Uttar Pradesh Government Signs Agreement with Digital India Bhashini Division
The Government of Uttar Pradesh has signed a significant agreement with the Digital India Bhashini Division (DIBD), functioning under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), to promote the delivery of public services in Indian languages.
This collaboration aims to strengthen inclusive and citizen-centric governance by enabling multilingual access to government services through advanced language technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. Under the Bhashini initiative, digital platforms will support translation, voice-based interaction, and real-time language processing, ensuring that citizens can access services in their mother tongue.
The agreement aligns with the broader vision of Digital India, focusing on reducing the language barrier in governance and improving accessibility for rural and non-English-speaking populations. By integrating Bhashini’s AI-powered language solutions into state portals and applications, Uttar Pradesh seeks to enhance transparency, efficiency, and ease of service delivery.
This initiative is expected to play a crucial role in digital empowerment, fostering wider participation in e-governance and setting an example for other states to adopt Indian-language-based public service systems.
2. Who has recently been appointed as the Prime Minister of Yemen?
Answer : Shaya Zindani
Shaya Mohsen Zindani Appointed as Prime Minister of Yemen
Shaya Mohsen Zindani has recently been appointed as the Prime Minister of Yemen, marking an important political development in the country’s ongoing efforts toward stability and governance. His appointment comes at a critical time, as Yemen continues to navigate complex political, economic, and humanitarian challenges.
Before assuming the role of Prime Minister, Shaya Mohsen Zindani served as Yemen’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, where he played a key role in managing the country’s diplomatic relations and engaging with the international community. His experience in foreign policy and international diplomacy is seen as a valuable asset for Yemen, particularly in strengthening global cooperation and support.
As Prime Minister, Zindani is tasked with forming a new government and leading administrative reforms, while working closely with the Presidential Leadership Council. His leadership is expected to focus on improving governance, addressing economic difficulties, and supporting peace and reconciliation efforts in the war-affected nation.
His appointment reflects Yemen’s intent to bring experienced leadership to the forefront during a decisive phase in its political transition, with hopes of restoring institutional stability and advancing the country toward long-term peace and development.
3. Who has been appointed as the goodwill ambassador for Pune Grand Tour 2026?
Answer : Mahendra Singh Dhoni
Mahendra Singh Dhoni Appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Pune Grand Tour 2026
Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador for the Pune Grand Tour 2026, a landmark international cycling event to be hosted in Maharashtra. His association with the event is expected to significantly enhance its visibility and public engagement, both nationally and internationally.
The Pune Grand Tour 2026 is India’s first international multi-stage professional road cycling race, held under the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) 2.2 category. The event aims to position India on the global cycling map by attracting elite cyclists and professional teams from across the world, while showcasing Pune’s geography, culture, and sporting infrastructure.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, known for his leadership, discipline, and commitment to sports development, brings immense credibility to the initiative. As Goodwill Ambassador, he will play a key role in promoting cycling as a competitive sport, encouraging youth participation, and supporting the broader objective of fitness and sustainable mobility.
Dhoni’s appointment reflects the organizers’ intent to blend sporting excellence with mass appeal. His influence is expected to inspire young athletes, boost tourism, and strengthen India’s growing presence in international endurance sports. The Pune Grand Tour 2026 is anticipated to be a major milestone in the evolution of professional cycling in the country.
4. Ratapani Tiger Reserve will be renamed after whom?
Answer : Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar
Ratapani Tiger Reserve to Be Renamed After Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar
The Ratapani Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh will be renamed in honour of Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar, a renowned Indian archaeologist and Padma Shri awardee. The decision reflects the state government’s initiative to recognize individuals who have made exceptional contributions to India’s cultural and historical legacy.
Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar is best known for the discovery of the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains some of the world’s oldest prehistoric cave paintings. Notably, the Bhimbetka rock shelters are located within the broader Ratapani forest region, creating a strong historical and geographical connection between Dr. Wakankar’s work and the reserve.
Ratapani Tiger Reserve, recently notified as Madhya Pradesh’s eighth tiger reserve, holds ecological significance due to its rich biodiversity and strategic role in tiger conservation. Renaming the reserve after Dr. Wakankar symbolically links wildlife conservation with archaeological heritage, highlighting the region’s dual importance in natural and cultural preservation.
The move is expected to enhance eco-tourism, educational awareness, and heritage-based conservation, while paying tribute to a scholar whose work brought global recognition to India’s prehistoric history. This initiative underscores Madhya Pradesh’s commitment to honoring national icons alongside strengthening environmental protection efforts.
5. Where will the India Electricity Summit 2026 be held?
Answer : New Delhi
India Electricity Summit 2026 to Be Held in New Delhi
The India Electricity Summit 2026 will be held in New Delhi, reaffirming the capital’s role as a central hub for national and international policy dialogue in the power and energy sector. The summit is expected to bring together key stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and global energy organizations.
The event will focus on critical issues shaping the future of India’s electricity sector, including energy transition, grid modernization, renewable energy integration, power sector reforms, and sustainability. It will provide a platform for policymakers and industry leaders to deliberate on strategies for ensuring reliable, affordable, and clean electricity to meet India’s growing energy demands.
With India aiming to achieve ambitious targets in renewable energy capacity, net-zero commitments, and power infrastructure expansion, the summit will facilitate knowledge exchange, showcase technological innovations, and promote collaboration between domestic and international participants.
Hosting the India Electricity Summit 2026 in New Delhi highlights the government’s commitment to driving policy-driven growth, innovation, and investment in the electricity sector, while supporting India’s long-term vision of energy security and sustainable development.
6. In which state will the world’s largest green ammonia project be set up?
Answer : Andhra Pradesh
World’s Largest Green Ammonia Project to Be Set Up in Andhra Pradesh
The world’s largest green ammonia project will be established in Andhra Pradesh, marking a major milestone in India’s clean energy and green hydrogen journey. The project is proposed to be set up at Kakinada, a strategically important coastal location with access to port infrastructure and renewable energy resources.
The mega project aims to produce green ammonia using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to conventional ammonia production. Green ammonia is emerging as a key solution for decarbonising industries, particularly fertilizers, shipping, and energy storage, and is also gaining importance as a clean fuel for global exports.
This initiative aligns with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, which seeks to position the country as a global hub for green hydrogen and its derivatives. The project is expected to attract substantial foreign and domestic investment, generate employment, and strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s role as a leader in sustainable industrial development.
By hosting the world’s largest green ammonia facility, Andhra Pradesh is set to play a crucial role in advancing energy transition, climate commitments, and green exports, reinforcing India’s standing in the global clean energy landscape.
7. Who won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for December 2025?
Answer : Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc Wins ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award for December 2025
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has been awarded the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December 2025, recognizing his exceptional performances on the international stage. The accolade highlights Starc’s impact during a crucial phase of the cricketing calendar, where his consistency and match-winning abilities stood out among elite competitors.
During the month, Starc played a decisive role in Australia’s success, particularly with his lethal pace, swing, and accuracy. His ability to deliver breakthroughs at key moments and maintain pressure on opposing batters was instrumental in shaping match outcomes. Beyond wickets, his overall contribution reflected experience, discipline, and leadership within the bowling attack.
The ICC Men’s Player of the Month award is determined through a combination of global fan voting and expert panel evaluation, making it a prestigious recognition of excellence. Starc’s selection underscores his status as one of the most formidable fast bowlers of the modern era.
This achievement further adds to Mitchell Starc’s illustrious career and reaffirms his importance to Australian cricket, especially in high-stakes international contests.