Today’s current affairs

Art and Culture

Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara – World’s Largest Tribal Gathering

Why in news? The Telangana government has begun preparations for the Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara, scheduled for 28–31 January 2026. Officials aim to...

January 18, 2026 • 2 min read

Geography

Mount Elbrus – Controlled Avalanche and Geological Profile

Why in news? On 17 January 2026, Russian authorities deliberately triggered a controlled avalanche on Mount Elbrus to release built‑up snow after he...

January 18, 2026 • 2 min read

Environment

Irrawaddy Dolphin – Nationwide Survey under Project Dolphin

Why in news? The Indian government has launched the second nationwide survey of riverine and coastal dolphins under Project Dolphin. For the first tim...

January 18, 2026 • 2 min read

Environment

Royle’s Pika – Sentinel of Climate Change

Why in news? Ecologists have raised concerns that warming temperatures and altered snowfall patterns in the Himalayas threaten the survival of the Roy...

January 18, 2026 • 2 min read

Environment

Neknampur Lake – Floating Wetlands and Conservation

Why in news? During the Telangana International Hot Air Balloon Festival held in January 2026, social media posts claimed that a balloon made an emerg...

January 18, 2026 • 2 min read

Science & Technology

Chang’e‑6 Mission – Lunar Samples from the Far Side

Why in news? The Chang’e‑6 mission returned the first soil and rock samples from the Moon’s far side in 2024. Recently, scientists announced tha...

January 18, 2026 • 3 min read

Geography

Dardanelles Strait – Strategic Passage Reopens After Brief Suspension

Why in news? On 16 January 2026 shipping agent Tribeca reported that southbound traffic in Turkey’s Dardanelles Strait would resume at 16:00 GMT aft...

January 17, 2026 • 2 min read

Environment

Kaziranga Elevated Corridor – Balancing Development with Wildlife Protection

Why in news? Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the bhoomi poojan (ground‑breaking ceremony) for a 34.5‑kilometre elevated corridor through th...

January 17, 2026 • 3 min read

Polity

28th CSPOC – A Gathering of Commonwealth Parliamentary Leaders

Why in news? The 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) was held in New Delhi from 14 January to 16 January 20...

January 17, 2026 • 3 min read

Environment

Gegeneophis valmiki: Rare Caecilian from Bihar | UPSC

Why in news? Zoologists from the Zoological Survey of India recently described a new species of legless amphibian from the northern Western Ghats. Nam...

January 17, 2026 • 2 min read

Science & Technology

Vitamin A – Dual Role in Immunity and Nutrition

Why in news? A study published in January 2026 revealed that all‑trans retinoic acid, a metabolite of vitamin A, can suppress anti‑tumour immune r...

January 17, 2026 • 3 min read

Science & Technology

Root Wilt Disease of Coconut – Understanding a Chronic Threat

Why in news? Coconut farmers in Kerala and Tamil Nadu have again raised concerns about declining yields due to root wilt disease. Agricultural advisor...

January 17, 2026 • 2 min read