Current Affairs 26/01/2026
1. India’s first integrated private satellite manufacturing unit has been launched in which state?
Answer : Gujarat
India’s First Integrated Private Satellite Manufacturing Unit Launched in Gujarat
India has marked a major milestone in its space and manufacturing journey with the launch of its first integrated private satellite manufacturing unit in Gujarat. The facility has been established at Sanand, near Ahmedabad, strengthening the state’s position as a growing hub for advanced technology and aerospace manufacturing.
This state-of-the-art unit is designed to undertake end-to-end satellite manufacturing, including design, assembly, integration, and testing under one roof. It represents a significant step in the privatization and commercialization of India’s space sector, aligning with the Government of India’s vision of promoting private participation through reforms led by ISRO and IN-SPACe.
The manufacturing unit is expected to cater to domestic as well as international demand for satellites, particularly small satellites and satellite subsystems used for communication, earth observation, navigation, and defense applications. By reducing dependence on imports, the facility will enhance self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in high-end space technologies.
Beyond technological advancement, the project is also poised to generate high-skilled employment, encourage innovation, and attract further investments into India’s space ecosystem. The launch of this unit underscores Gujarat’s growing role in strategic industries and highlights India’s emergence as a global player in private satellite manufacturing.
2. When was the 56th Foundation Day of Himachal Pradesh celebrated?
Answer : 25 January
56th Foundation Day of Himachal Pradesh Celebrated on 25 January
The 56th Foundation Day of Himachal Pradesh was celebrated on 25 January, marking the state’s attainment of full statehood in 1971. This important occasion commemorates Himachal Pradesh’s journey as a full-fledged state within the Indian Union and highlights its political, administrative, and socio-economic development over the decades.
Foundation Day celebrations are held across the state with cultural programs, official ceremonies, and public events, showcasing Himachal Pradesh’s rich heritage, traditions, and achievements. The day also serves as an opportunity for the state government to reflect on progress in areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, tourism, and environmental conservation.
Observing the Foundation Day on 25 January, a day before Republic Day, holds special significance as it emphasizes the spirit of democratic values and federal unity. The occasion reinforces the identity of Himachal Pradesh and its contribution to India’s national development.
3. Who has been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose National Disaster Management Award 2026 (Individual Category)?
Answer : Seeta Shelke
Lt Col Seeta Ashok Shelke Selected for Subhash Chandra Bose National Disaster Management Award 2026 (Individual Category)
Lieutenant Colonel Seeta Ashok Shelke has been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose National Disaster Management Award 2026 in the Individual Category, in recognition of her exceptional leadership and outstanding contributions to disaster management and humanitarian relief operations in India.
The award honors her exemplary role in planning, coordination, and execution of large-scale rescue and relief missions during natural disasters. Lt Col Shelke demonstrated remarkable professionalism and courage while leading operations in challenging and high-risk environments, ensuring timely assistance to affected communities and minimizing loss of life and property.
Her work reflects a strong commitment to disaster preparedness, rapid response, and community-centric relief efforts, aligning with national priorities for building resilience against natural and man-made disasters. The recognition also highlights the growing role of the armed forces and trained professionals in strengthening India’s disaster management framework.
Instituted by the Government of India, the Subhash Chandra Bose National Disaster Management Award is one of the country’s highest civilian honors in the field of disaster management. Lt Col Seeta Ashok Shelke’s selection for the 2026 award underscores her dedication, leadership, and significant contribution to safeguarding lives during emergencies, serving as an inspiration for professionals across the disaster management ecosystem.
4. Where has Granth Kutir been inaugurated?
Answer : New Delhi
Granth Kutir Inaugurated in New Delhi
Granth Kutir has been inaugurated in New Delhi, marking an important step towards the preservation and promotion of India’s rich literary and intellectual heritage. Located at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the initiative reflects a strong commitment to safeguarding classical knowledge, manuscripts, and literary works that represent India’s civilizational legacy.
Granth Kutir serves as a dedicated repository of rare books, manuscripts, and scholarly works, encompassing multiple Indian languages and knowledge traditions. The collection highlights India’s contributions to fields such as philosophy, science, literature, culture, and governance, offering visitors insight into the depth and diversity of the country’s intellectual history.
The inauguration underscores the importance of cultural conservation and knowledge dissemination, especially for future generations. By making these valuable resources accessible in an organized and secure environment, Granth Kutir aims to encourage academic research, promote reading culture, and strengthen awareness of India’s classical and modern literary achievements.
Overall, the establishment of Granth Kutir in New Delhi symbolizes India’s continued efforts to honor its knowledge traditions while fostering learning, scholarship, and cultural pride at the national level.
5. Who will receive the Bharatendu Harishchandra Lifetime Achievement Award at Banaras Literature Festival 2026?
Answer : Namita Gokhale
Namita Gokhale to Receive Bharatendu Harishchandra Lifetime Achievement Award at Banaras Literature Festival 2026
Renowned author, editor, and literary curator Namita Gokhale has been selected to receive the Bharatendu Harishchandra Lifetime Achievement Award at the Banaras Literature Festival 2026. The award recognizes her outstanding and sustained contribution to Indian literature and her pivotal role in shaping contemporary literary discourse in the country.
Namita Gokhale is widely regarded as one of India’s most influential literary figures. With a career spanning several decades, she has authored numerous acclaimed novels, non-fiction works, and essays that explore themes of culture, identity, tradition, and modernity. Beyond her writing, she has played a transformative role as a publisher and literary organizer, most notably as a co-founder and director of the Jaipur Literature Festival, one of the world’s largest and most respected literary events.
The Bharatendu Harishchandra Lifetime Achievement Award, named after the pioneer of modern Hindi literature, is conferred on individuals who have made a lasting impact on Indian literary and cultural life. Gokhale’s selection reflects her dedication to promoting multilingual literary traditions, nurturing emerging voices, and fostering dialogue between Indian and global literature.
The award will be formally presented during the Banaras Literature Festival 2026, held in Varanasi, a city deeply associated with India’s literary and cultural heritage. This recognition underscores Namita Gokhale’s enduring influence and her significant contribution to enriching India’s literary landscape.
6. The Chief Minister Sehat Scheme has been launched in which state?
Answer : Punjab
Chief Minister Sehat Scheme Launched in Punjab
The Chief Minister Sehat Scheme has been launched in the state of Punjab as a major public healthcare initiative aimed at strengthening access to quality medical services for all residents. Introduced by the Government of Punjab, the scheme reflects the state’s commitment to providing affordable and inclusive healthcare.
Under the Chief Minister Sehat Scheme, beneficiaries are entitled to cashless and comprehensive medical treatment, covering a wide range of diseases and procedures. The scheme is designed to reduce the financial burden of healthcare on families, particularly those from economically vulnerable sections, by ensuring treatment at government as well as empanelled private hospitals.
A key objective of the scheme is to move towards universal health coverage in Punjab by expanding the reach of free medical services and improving health outcomes. It also aims to strengthen the state’s healthcare infrastructure by increasing hospital utilization, encouraging preventive care, and ensuring timely treatment.
Overall, the launch of the Chief Minister Sehat Scheme marks an important step in Punjab’s social welfare agenda, reinforcing the principle that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of sustainable development.
7. Which country has recently announced its withdrawal from the WHO?
Answer : United States
United States Announces Withdrawal from the World Health Organization
The United States of America has recently announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), marking a significant development in global health governance. The decision ends decades of U.S. participation in the WHO, where it had been one of the founding members and a major financial contributor.
The withdrawal was announced by the U.S. government citing concerns related to the functioning, transparency, and governance structure of the organization, along with disagreements over its handling of global health emergencies. As per WHO rules, member countries are required to follow a formal withdrawal process, which includes notice and settlement of financial obligations.
The exit of the United States is considered consequential, as the country has historically played a key role in funding global health programs, supporting disease surveillance, vaccination drives, and emergency response mechanisms. Its departure may have implications for international cooperation in areas such as pandemic preparedness, public health research, and disease control, especially in developing regions.
This move has generated widespread debate among global health experts and policymakers. While some view it as a sovereign policy decision, others express concern that it could weaken collective global efforts to address cross-border health challenges. The development underscores the evolving dynamics of international health diplomacy and the need for strengthened multilateral collaboration.