1 India and Germany sign 19 important MoUs
India and Germany further strengthened their strategic partnership following high-level delegation talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Gandhinagar , Gujarat . The visit, held to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the bilateral strategic partnership , resulted in the exchange of 19 MoUs and eight important declarations in the defense, technology, and clean energy sectors . Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz reiterated their support for concluding an India-EU Free Trade Agreement as a key outcome of the upcoming EU-India Summit. The German Chancellor indicated that the EU and India could sign a free trade agreement by the end of this month. Several joint declarations of intent were signed between the two countries during the visit, covering areas such as semiconductors, critical minerals cooperation, telecommunications, and the Defense Industrial Cooperation Roadmap , which focuses on co-development and co-production of military hardware. The announcement of visa-free transit for Indian passport holders through Germany and a new mechanism for the recruitment of Indian healthcare professionals are major milestones for mobility.
2 DRDO successfully flight tests manned anti-tank guided missile with highest strike capability against moving targets
DRDO ‘s Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad, successfully flight-tested the highly capable third-generation, fire-and-forget Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) at the KK Ranges in Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra , on January 11, 2026. The indigenously developed MPATGM incorporates cutting-edge indigenous technologies such as an Imaging Infrared (IIR) homing seeker, an all-electric control actuation system, a fire control system, a tandem warhead, a propulsion system, and a high-performance targeting system , developed by DRDO’s sister laboratories, including Research Centre Imarat (Hyderabad), Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (Chandigarh), High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (Pune), and Instruments Research and Development Establishment (Dehradun). The thermal targeting system was developed by the Jodhpur-based Defence Laboratory to simulate a target tank . The IIR seeker is capable of day and night combat operations. Its warhead is capable of destroying modern main battle tanks. Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited are the development-cum-production partners (DCPPs) for this weapon system. The missile can be launched from a tripod or military vehicle launcher.
3 History is being made in North East India, ADBU to launch its first satellite ‘Lachit-1’
Assam Don Bosco University (ADBU) is about to add a new chapter to the history of Northeast India . The university is preparing to launch its first satellite mission , which is being seen as a major leap forward in space research and innovation in the region. The satellite, named “Lachit-1,” is being developed entirely by university students under the guidance of faculty members. With this, ADBU will become the first university in Northeast India to launch such an ambitious space mission. This landmark project was launched in 2022 under the leadership of Professor Bikramjit Kakati. The satellite, “Lachit-1,” is named after the great Ahom general Lachit Borphukan , who defended Assam against the Mughal army. The Lachit-1 satellite is designed to monitor landslides, floods, weather patterns, and environmental changes . This satellite will provide crucial data to strengthen disaster management, climate research and environmental protection efforts in Northeast India, enabling timely and effective action.
4 PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 mission fails, third stage malfunction prevents ‘Anvesha’ satellite from being placed in orbit
The Indian Space Research Organization ‘s (ISRO) PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 mission was declared a failure on Sunday due to a technical glitch. The mission was carrying the highly classified hyperspectral surveillance satellite “Anvesha,” developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) . However, a malfunction in the rocket’s third stage (PS3) prevented the satellite from being placed in its intended orbit. ISRO’s 64th PSLV mission (PSLV-C62/EOS-N1) launched at 10:18 a.m. from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Several satellites were to be sent into space through this flight, with “Anvesha,” developed by the DRDO, being the most important payload. ISRO had previously stated that “Anvesha,” a state-of-the-art hyperspectral imaging satellite, is capable of detecting tiny objects from the depths of forests to the battlefield. It is worth noting that this was ISRO’s first launch in the year 2026. It was also New Space India Limited’s (NSIL) 9th commercial mission, which failed due to a technical snag.
5 Meghalaya gets its first woman Chief Justice
Justice Revati Mohite Dere was sworn in as the first woman Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court . She succeeded Justice Soumen Sen, who has been transferred to the Kerala High Court. The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Durbar Hall of Lok Bhavan in Shillong. Chandrashekhar H. Vijayshankar administered the oath of office and secrecy to her.
6 Italy confers prestigious civilian award on Goa industrialist Srinivas Dempo
Italy has conferred one of its highest civilian titles, “Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia,” on Shrinivas Dempo, a prominent Goa-based industrialist . The honor recognizes his long-standing support to Italian citizens living in India and his role in promoting India-Italy bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, culture, and community. The recognition underscores the crucial role that, in today’s international relations, businesses and non-state actors, in addition to governments, play in strengthening diplomatic ties.
7 Indian Army officer Swati Shanta Kumar honoured with the 2025 UN Secretary-General’s Award
Indian Army officer Major Swati Santa Kumar has brought international recognition to India for her outstanding contributions to gender-inclusive peacebuilding . She has been awarded the United Nations Secretary-General’s Award 2025. She currently serves with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) . Her work demonstrates how inclusive leadership can strengthen community trust, women’s participation, and long-term peace in conflict-affected areas. Announcing the award, UN Secretary-General António Guterres specifically praised Major Swati Santa Kumar’s initiative, ” Equal Partners, Lasting Peace .” This project was launched to strengthen a gender-inclusive approach within UNMISS. The award recognizes initiatives that promote gender equality and women-friendly peacebuilding.
8 NHAI sets four Guinness World Records
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI ) has successfully achieved four Guinness World Records on the Bengaluru-Kadapa-Vijayawada Economic Corridor under the implementation of National Highway 544G . On January 6th, two Guinness World Records were achieved near Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh. The first was for the longest continuous laying of bituminous concrete within 24 hours, covering a 3-lane wide stretch of approximately 10 kilometers. The second was for the largest quantity of bituminous concrete laid in 24 hours, at 10,655 metric tons. Subsequently, two more Guinness World Records were achieved: the continuous laying of 57,500 metric tons of bituminous concrete and the continuous paving of a 3-lane wide 52-kilometer stretch.
9. ‘Shared Power’ exercise held at Dighi Hills to strengthen disaster response preparedness
The Indian Army conducted the ‘Shared Power’ exercise at the Dighi Hills Range in Pune, Maharashtra to strengthen coordination between the armed forces and civil agencies . The exercise was conducted under the Southern Command and its main objective was to improve emergency response, disaster management and public safety in complex security situations.
10 Tri-Service Veterans Day celebrated with a parade at Marine Drive in Mumbai
A proud and emotional celebration of India’s military heritage took place in Mumbai on January 11, 2026. The fifth edition of the Tri-Services Veterans Day Parade was held at the city’s iconic Marine Drive, with veterans from the Army, Navy and Air Force participating. The event symbolised the nation’s gratitude to the brave soldiers who have served for India’s sovereignty and security. Mumbai hosted the fifth Tri-Services Veterans Day Parade at Marine Drive. The parade was held ahead of Veterans Day (January 14) , which is celebrated every year.
11 Women’s Premier League: Nandani Sharma equals Deepti Sharma
Although Delhi Capitals lost the Women’s Premier League 2026 match between Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants in Navi Mumbai on Sunday , the team’s fast bowler Nandani Sharma caught everyone’s attention with her brilliant performance. Nandani took 5 wickets in this match, including a hat-trick . Nandani Sharma was born on 20 September 2001 in Chandigarh. Right-arm fast bowler Nandani was bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs 20 lakh in the Women’s Premier League auction. Nandani Sharma has become the second Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in the history of the Women’s Premier League . Before this, Deepti Sharma has achieved this feat. Apart from her, England’s Issy Wong and Australia’s Grace Harris have also taken hat-tricks in the Women’s Premier League.
12 Central Government notifies National Sports Administration Rules, 2026 under National Sports Administration Act, 2025
The Central Government has notified the National Sports Administration Rules, 2026 under the National Sports Administration Act, 2025. These rules provide the framework for the inclusion of outstanding talent athletes, the composition of the Executive Committee, and disqualification criteria for members of national sports bodies and regional sports federations . The rules also provide the procedure for registration of affiliated units with the National Sports Election Panel and the National Sports Board. One of the key provisions is that the general bodies of national sports bodies must include at least four outstanding talent athletes. To ensure women’s representation, the rules also specifically provide for fifty percent of the general bodies to be comprised of women outstanding talent athletes.
13 Virat Kohli becomes the second highest run-scorer in international cricket
Virat Kohli has become the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket . He achieved this feat by surpassing Kumar Sangakkara during the first ODI against New Zealand played in Vadodara. Virat Kohli surpassed Kumar Sangakkara’s tally of 28,016 international runs during his brilliant 93-run innings . With this, Kohli now has 28,068 runs in Tests, ODIs and T20 Internationals combined. He is now only behind Sachin Tendulkar (34,357 runs) in this list , who remains at the top.
14 National Youth Day 2026
National Youth Day in India is celebrated every year on January 12th to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, the great philosopher, spiritual leader, and inspiration for youth . This day is not just a memorial day, but a powerful platform to inspire youth to embrace positive values and play an active role in nation-building. The Government of India officially declared January 12th as National Youth Day in 1984. Its purpose is to connect youth with the thoughts, ideals, and teachings of Swami Vivekananda and encourage their active participation in shaping the country’s future. Swami Vivekananda was born Narendra Nath Dutt on January 12th, 1863, in Kolkata . He was raised in a progressive family where education and social service were given special importance. A turning point in his life came when he met the great spiritual guru Ramakrishna Paramhansa. Vivekananda became his devoted disciple and closest follower. Swami Vivekananda’s most famous moment came on September 10th, 1893, at the Parliament of the World’s Religions held in Chicago .