Current Affairs 27/01/2026
1. How many Padma Awards has the Ministry of Home Affairs announced for the year 2026?
Answer : 131
Ministry of Home Affairs Announces Padma Awards 2026
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced a total of 131 Padma Awards for the year 2026, one of India’s highest civilian honours. These prestigious awards were approved by the President of India and were announced on the eve of Republic Day.
The Padma Awards are conferred in three categories—Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri—and recognize distinguished and exceptional service in diverse fields such as art, literature and education, sports, medicine, social work, science and engineering, public affairs, civil service, and trade and industry.
The 2026 list reflects the Government of India’s continued emphasis on honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to society, including unsung heroes and grassroots contributors. The awards also highlight diversity, with recipients coming from different regions, professions, and backgrounds, reinforcing the inclusive spirit of the Padma honours.
The formal Padma Awards ceremony will be held later at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the honours will be presented by the President of India in the presence of senior dignitaries.
2. In which state will Asia’s largest civil aviation event, Wings India 2026, be held?
Answer : Telangana
Wings India 2026 to Be Held in Telangana
Wings India 2026, Asia’s largest civil aviation event, will be held in the state of Telangana. The prestigious international aviation exhibition and conference is scheduled to take place at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad, reaffirming Telangana’s growing prominence as a key hub in India’s aviation ecosystem.
Organized jointly by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India (AAI), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), and other aviation stakeholders, Wings India serves as a major platform for global aviation leaders, policymakers, manufacturers, airlines, and service providers to come together under one roof.
Wings India 2026 will showcase advancements across the civil aviation sector, including aircraft manufacturing, airport infrastructure, aviation technology, maintenance and repair (MRO), drones, sustainability, and skill development. The event will feature aircraft displays, exhibitions, conferences, business-to-business meetings, and knowledge sessions, encouraging international collaboration and investment.
Hosting Wings India 2026 highlights Telangana’s strong aviation infrastructure, investor-friendly policies, and commitment to supporting innovation and growth in the aerospace and civil aviation sectors. The event is expected to significantly boost regional economic activity and reinforce India’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.
3. Who has been elected as the President of the Olympic Council of Asia?
Answer : Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani
Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani Elected President of the Olympic Council of Asia
Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani has been elected as the President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), marking an important development in the leadership of Asian sports administration. His election took place during the 46th OCA General Assembly held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Sheikh Joaan is a prominent sports administrator and currently serves as the President of the Qatar Olympic Committee. He also holds key international roles, including Senior Vice President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC). His extensive experience in sports governance and international collaboration has positioned him as a strong leader for the Olympic movement in Asia.
As President of the OCA, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani will oversee the activities of 45 National Olympic Committees across Asia. The Council plays a crucial role in organizing major continental sporting events such as the Asian Games, Asian Youth Games, and other multi-sport competitions, while also promoting Olympic values and athlete development.
Under his leadership, the OCA is expected to focus on unity among Asian nations, good governance, athlete-centric policies, and sustainable development of sports across the continent. His vision aims to strengthen cooperation among member countries and enhance Asia’s contribution to the global Olympic movement.
4. In which state was Operation Megaburu carried out against Maoists?
Answer : Jharkhand
Operation Megaburu Conducted Against Maoists in Jharkhand
Operation Megaburu, a major anti-Maoist security operation, was carried out in the state of Jharkhand as part of intensified efforts to curb Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in the region. The operation reflects the government’s continued focus on strengthening internal security and restoring peace in Maoist-affected areas.
Jharkhand has long been identified as one of the states impacted by Maoist insurgency due to its dense forest cover, difficult terrain, and socio-economic challenges. Operation Megaburu was launched by security forces, including specialized police units and central armed forces, based on specific intelligence inputs regarding Maoist movement and hideouts.
The operation aimed at neutralizing armed Maoist cadres, dismantling their logistical networks, and preventing future violent activities. It also emphasized area domination, search operations, and improving security presence in vulnerable regions to protect civilians and development infrastructure.
Operation Megaburu highlights the government’s multi-pronged strategy against Maoism, combining strong security action with development initiatives and welfare schemes. Such operations play a crucial role in reducing extremist influence and supporting long-term stability and development in affected districts of Jharkhand.
5. In which state has the World Economic Forum announced the establishment of the Fourth Industrial Revolution Centre?
Answer : Andhra Pradesh
World Economic Forum to Establish Fourth Industrial Revolution Centre in Andhra Pradesh
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has announced the establishment of a Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in India’s engagement with global technology governance and innovation frameworks.
The Centre will become part of the WEF’s global C4IR network, which focuses on shaping policies and accelerating the responsible adoption of emerging technologies. It is expected to work on critical areas such as artificial intelligence, digital governance, advanced manufacturing, energy transition, sustainability, and cyber resilience, aligning global best practices with regional and national priorities.
Andhra Pradesh was selected due to its progressive digital policies, strong institutional capacity, and emphasis on technology-driven development. The state government has been actively promoting innovation ecosystems, startups, and public–private partnerships, making it well-positioned to host a global technology collaboration platform.
The C4IR in Andhra Pradesh will facilitate policy experimentation, pilot projects, and multi-stakeholder collaboration involving governments, industry leaders, academia, and civil society. It is expected to contribute to inclusive economic growth, improve governance outcomes, and strengthen India’s role in shaping the future of emerging technologies at a global level.
This initiative underscores India’s growing influence in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and highlights Andhra Pradesh’s emergence as a key hub for advanced technology and innovation.
6. Which country has been included by the ICC in the T20 World Cup 2026 in place of Bangladesh?
Answer : Scotland
Scotland Replaces Bangladesh in ICC T20 World Cup 2026
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that Scotland will participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, replacing Bangladesh in the tournament. This decision has added a new dimension to the competition, bringing in Scotland’s growing cricketing talent and international experience.
Scotland has been placed in Group C, joining established cricketing nations such as England, West Indies, Italy, and Nepal. The inclusion of Scotland provides an exciting opportunity for the team to compete at the highest level of T20 cricket and showcase its progress on the global stage.
The ICC’s decision to adjust the lineup was influenced by scheduling and qualification considerations, ensuring the tournament maintains a competitive balance. Scotland’s inclusion also reflects the ICC’s commitment to promoting cricket development among emerging cricketing nations.
The T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to commence on 7 February 2026, with matches taking place across multiple venues. Scotland’s participation is expected to bring new rivalries and fan engagement, further enhancing the tournament’s global appeal and providing a platform for emerging players to gain international exposure.
7. Which country has been selected as the focus country at the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair?
Answer : Argentina
Argentina to Be Focus Country at the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair
The 49th International Kolkata Book Fair, Asia’s largest book fair, has designated Argentina as the focus country for its 2026 edition. The event, held annually in Kolkata, is a prominent platform for literary exchange, cultural dialogue, and global publishing collaboration, attracting publishers, authors, and literary enthusiasts from around the world.
As the focus country, Argentina will feature a dedicated pavilion highlighting its rich literary heritage, contemporary writers, and cultural traditions. The pavilion will host book launches, author interactions, literary discussions, and cultural performances, providing Indian audiences with insights into Argentine literature and arts. This recognition also strengthens cultural diplomacy between India and Argentina, promoting mutual understanding through literature and creative expression.
The Kolkata Book Fair, scheduled from January 22 to February 3, 2026, will include participation from over 20 countries, making it a truly international literary event. With Argentina in the spotlight, the fair aims to foster cross-cultural collaborations, translation projects, and publishing opportunities, while celebrating global literary diversity.
By showcasing Argentina’s literary and cultural richness, the fair reinforces Kolkata’s reputation as a vibrant hub of intellectual and artistic exchange, inspiring readers, writers, and scholars to engage with international perspectives and narratives.