Indian Current Affairs News Digest

Date: January 12, 2026

Compiled from 15+ leading Indian news sources

Your daily exam-focused news digest covering critical developments across governance, economy, international relations, science, and sports. Every article verified from original newspaper sources.

Today’s Top 10 Recall Points (Snapshot)

Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference: PM Modi inaugurated the Kutch-Saurashtra edition in Rajkot.
ISRO Mission: Countdown began for PSLV-C62 carrying EOS-N1 (Anvesha) for January 12 launch.
Somnath Swabhiman Parv: PM Modi addressed devotees at Somnath, emphasizing “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi.”
Kerala High Court: Declared Section 9 of the Devaswom Recruitment Board Act unconstitutional.
National Boxing: Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) and Nikhat Zareen (52kg) clinched gold in Noida.
Debt Recovery: Finance Ministry plans RDB Act amendments in Budget 2026 for high-value cases.
WPL 2026: Gujarat Giants defeated UP Warriorz by 10 runs in Navi Mumbai.
India-NZ Cricket: 1st ODI began in Vadodara; Mohammed Siraj led the bowling attack.
AI Summit 2026: NDMC initiated a Delhi civic revamp for the India AI Impact Summit in February.
Rubber Board MoU: Agreement signed with Nagaland for a Nodal Center for rubber training.

1. STATE AFFAIRS

PM Modi Launches Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot

Summary: Prime Minister inaugurates a two-day regional investment summit focusing on Kutch and Saurashtra.

On January 11, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) at Marwadi University in Rajkot. The event, tailored for the Kutch and Saurashtra regions, saw the participation of nearly 4,000 industrialists. During the summit, the PM laid the foundation stones for 13 greenfield smart industrial estates under the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC). These estates span over 3,540 acres across seven districts, including Amreli, Bhavnagar, and Morbi. The PM stated that the summit has evolved from a local investment meet into a “global benchmark” for growth and partnership.

Exam Angle: Crucial for questions on regional economic development and the “Vibrant Gujarat” model of cooperative federalism.

Related Information: The 13 new GIDC estates aim to boost MSME manufacturing and local employment.

Source: IANS

Nagaland Partners with Rubber Board for Nodal Training Centre

Summary: MoU signed to boost rubber cultivation and rural economy in Nagaland.

On January 11, 2026, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Rubber Board of India and the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Government of Nagaland. The agreement facilitates the establishment of a Nodal Centre of the National Institute for Rubber Training (NIRT) at Rüzaphema in Chümoukedima. Nagaland currently has over 4 lakh hectares suitable for rubber, but only 20,000 hectares are developed. Additional Director C. Vanchamo Ngullie highlighted that the initiative aims to enhance the rural economy and ecological conservation. The signing took place in the presence of Union Minister George Kurian during the NIRT silver jubilee in Kottayam.

Exam Angle: Relevant for Geography and Economics sections concerning plantation crops and North-East development.

Related Information: Rubber cultivation is a key focus under the central government’s “Act East” and sustainable agriculture policies.

Source: Nagaland Tribune

2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Kerala High Court Declares Section 9 of Devaswom Act Unconstitutional

Summary: Court rules that temple management has the right to appoint staff under Article 26.

In a landmark judgment on January 11, 2026, a Division Bench of the Kerala High Court, comprising Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice Syam Kumar V.M., struck down Section 9 of the Kerala Devaswom Recruitment Board Act, 2015. The court declared the provision unconstitutional as it applied to the Guruvayoor Devaswom, stating that the right to appoint staff is integral to the “management of religious affairs” protected under Article 26 of the Constitution. The ruling restores the power of appointment to the Guruvayoor Devaswom Managing Committee, as per the 1978 Act. The court quashed ongoing recruitment processes by the Board but left past appointments undisturbed.

Exam Angle: Significant for Indian Polity (Fundamental Rights vs. State Control of Temples).

Related Information: Article 26 guarantees religious denominations the right to manage their own affairs in matters of religion.

Source: Verdictum

PM Modi Addresses Somnath Swabhiman Parv in Gujarat

Summary: Prime Minister emphasizes the integration of heritage and modern development at Somnath.

On January 11, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the “Somnath Swabhiman Parv” at the Somnath Temple in Gujarat. Highlighting the theme “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi,” the PM spoke about the temple’s resilience as a symbol of Indian identity. He emphasized that the development of spiritual hubs like Somnath not only preserves culture but also drives local tourism and economic growth. The PM’s visit to the temple preceded his engagement at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference. He reiterated that modern 21st-century India is built on a foundation of “unshakable belief” and heritage-driven progress.

Exam Angle: Important for Art & Culture and Governance sections regarding the PRASHAD scheme and heritage management.

Related Information: The Somnath Temple is the first of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva.

Source: Press Information Bureau

3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

NDMC Revamps Delhi for India AI Impact Summit 2026

Summary: New Delhi prepares for a global AI summit featuring world leaders in February.

On January 11, 2026, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) announced a large-scale civic makeover to prepare for the “India AI Impact Summit 2026,” scheduled for February. The summit is envisioned as a major global platform for inclusive artificial intelligence. Preparations include infrastructure upgrades around Bharat Mandapam, where the inaugural event will take place on February 19. Under the directions of the Chief Secretary of Delhi, 41 avenue roads are being inspected for beautification and enhanced lighting. The initiative aims to project India’s technological leadership and provide a “G20-level experience” to visiting international delegates and AI experts.

Exam Angle: Relevant for International Relations and S&T (India’s role in global AI governance).

Related Information: India currently chairs several global AI initiatives, focusing on “AI for All” and ethical tech.

Source: ANI

4. ECONOMY & FINANCE

Government to Amend Debt Recovery Laws in Budget 2026-27

Summary: Amendments to the RDB Act aimed at speeding up high-value litigation.

On January 11, 2026, reports emerged that the Central Government is likely to amend the Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy (RDB) Act in the upcoming FY27 Budget. The proposed changes aim to earmark specific Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRTs) exclusively for high-value cases. This move is designed to prevent the clogging of the legal system by low-ticket litigation and to drastically reduce the pendency of bank recovery cases. Finance Ministry sources indicate that the amendment will streamline the recovery process, helping banks clean up their balance sheets more efficiently and improving the overall ease of doing business in India.

Exam Angle: Critical for Banking and Economy sections (NPAs and legal reforms).

Related Information: DRTs were established under the RDDBFI Act, 1993, to provide expeditious adjudication and recovery of debts.

Source: Business Standard

5. SPORTS

Lovlina and Nikhat Secure Gold at National Boxing Championships

Summary: Top Indian pugilists dominate the 2026 Nationals in Noida.

On January 11, 2026, the results of the National Boxing Championships in Noida confirmed that Tokyo Olympic medalist Lovlina Borgohain and world champion Nikhat Zareen clinched gold medals in their respective categories. Lovlina won the title in the women’s 75kg category, while Nikhat Zareen emerged victorious in the 52kg category. The championships serve as a crucial selection ground for the upcoming international season. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya lauded the athletes for their consistency. This victory cements their positions as India’s primary contenders for the 2026 Asian Games and other global events.

Exam Angle: Important for Sports and Awards sections in competitive exams.

Related Information: Boxing is one of India’s most successful sports at the Olympic and Commonwealth levels.

Source: DD News

Siraj Leads India’s Charge in 1st ODI Against New Zealand

Summary: India begins the 2026 cricket season with a three-match series in Vadodara.

On January 11, 2026, India faced New Zealand in the first match of a three-match ODI series at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Vadodara. In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj led the pace attack with precision, utilizing slower balls and cutters to stall the New Zealand batting lineup. At one stage, New Zealand were 180 for 4 after 35 overs, but Siraj’s tactical adjustments helped India regain control. This match marks the beginning of India’s 2026 home season, with several young seamers being tested ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.

Exam Angle: General awareness regarding major bilateral sporting events.

Related Information: The BCCI has scheduled this series as a preparation ground for the busy 2026 international calendar.

Source: Indian Express

6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT

ISRO Starts Countdown for First Launch of 2026

Summary: PSLV-C62 to carry EOS-N1 satellite and 14 international co-passengers.

On January 11, 2026, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) commenced the 22-hour 30-minute countdown for the PSLV-C62 mission. Scheduled to lift off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on January 12 at 10:18 a.m., the rocket will carry the EOS-N1 (Anvesha) Earth observation satellite. The mission also includes 14 co-passenger satellites for domestic and international clients through NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL). A unique feature of this mission is the in-orbit demonstration of a re-entry capsule from a Spanish startup and the de-boost testing of the PS4 rocket stage.

Exam Angle: Highly relevant for S&T (Space Missions and Commercial Launches).

Related Information: PSLV is known as the “workhorse” of ISRO due to its high success rate and versatility.

Source: Hindustan Times

7. QUICK REVISION TOOLKIT (Core Recall Points)

1. National & State Governance

Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC): PM Modi inaugurated Kutch-Saurashtra edition in Rajkot with 13 GIDC estates across 3,540 acres.
- Significance: Tests knowledge of regional industrialization models and cooperative federalism.
Kerala High Court Ruling: Struck down Section 9 of Kerala Devaswom Recruitment Board Act, 2015 as unconstitutional under Article 26.
- Significance: Crucial for Fundamental Rights (Article 26) and religious denomination rights vs. state control.
Somnath Swabhiman Parv: PM Modi addressed devotees emphasizing “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi” theme.
- Significance: Relevant for Art & Culture, PRASHAD scheme, and heritage-based tourism development.
Nagaland Rubber Training Centre: MoU signed between Rubber Board and Nagaland DoLR for NIRT Nodal Centre at Rüzaphema.
- Significance: North-East development, plantation crops, and Act East Policy implementation.

2. Economy & Finance

RDB Act Amendment (Budget 2026-27): Finance Ministry to amend Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act for dedicated high-value case DRTs.
- Significance: Banking sector reforms, NPA management, and judicial efficiency in debt recovery.

3. International Relations & Technology

India AI Impact Summit 2026: NDMC preparing Delhi civic infrastructure for February summit at Bharat Mandapam.
- Significance: India’s global AI leadership, technological diplomacy, and “AI for All” initiatives.

4. Science, Environment & Sports

ISRO PSLV-C62 Mission: Countdown started for January 12 launch carrying EOS-N1 (Anvesha) and 14 co-passenger satellites.
- Significance: India’s space commercialization, PSLV reliability, and NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) role.
National Boxing Championships: Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) and Nikhat Zareen (52kg) won gold medals in Noida.
- Significance: National sporting achievements and preparation for 2026 Asian Games.
India-NZ ODI Series: Mohammed Siraj led pace attack in 1st ODI at Vadodara, showcasing tactical bowling variations.
- Significance: Bilateral cricket series and ICC Champions Trophy preparation.

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