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Current Affairs – 23 January 2026
Current Affairs – 23 January 2026
PMGSY: A Milestone in Rural Connectivity (25 Years)
Launched in 2000, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has completed 25 years, marking a transformative phase in India’s rural infrastructure development. The scheme aimed to provide all-weather road connectivity to unconnected habitations, especially in remote and backward regions.
With an investment of nearly ₹3.96 lakh crore, PMGSY has significantly improved access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities, and government services, thereby accelerating rural economic growth. The programme has also enhanced women’s mobility, safety, and participation in education and livelihoods.
Way forward: Ensuring timely maintenance, climate-resilient construction, and quality monitoring remains the next critical challenge for sustaining long-term benefits.
India’s First Comprehensive Tailings Policy: Boost to Critical Minerals
The Union Government has launched India’s first comprehensive Tailings Policy, marking a major step towards resource efficiency and mineral security. The policy focuses on extracting critical and strategic minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements from mine waste and tailings.
By recovering minerals from existing waste streams, the policy aims to reduce import dependence, support clean energy transitions, and strengthen domestic supply chains. It also promotes green mining technologies and aligns with India’s broader goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat, especially in the context of electric vehicles, renewable energy, and advanced electronics.
Lucknow Achieves 100% Scientific Waste Processing
Lucknow has become Uttar Pradesh’s first city to achieve 100% scientific processing of municipal solid waste, setting a benchmark in urban sustainability. The city currently processes over 2,100 metric tonnes of waste per day through three modern waste processing plants.
Future plans include setting up a Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plant and large-scale legacy waste remediation, reducing landfill pressure and environmental hazards. The initiative strongly reflects circular economy principles, emphasizing recycling, resource recovery, and sustainable urban governance.
India Ranked 6th in Asia Manufacturing Index (AMI) 2026
India has secured the 6th position in the Asia Manufacturing Index (AMI) 2026, trailing countries such as Malaysia and Singapore. The index assesses manufacturing competitiveness across eight pillars, including infrastructure, logistics, regulatory environment, innovation, and workforce skills.
India’s ranking highlights persistent challenges in logistics efficiency, regulatory complexity, and infrastructure gaps. At the same time, it underscores the urgency for reforms under initiatives like Make in India 2.0, PLI schemes, and supply-chain diversification to remain competitive amid rising regional manufacturing hubs.
Russia–US–Ukraine Trilateral Talks Begin in UAE
In a significant diplomatic development, the first trilateral meeting involving Russia, the United States, and Ukraine has begun in the United Arab Emirates, aimed at exploring pathways to end the prolonged Ukraine conflict.
This rare diplomatic engagement signals a possible breakthrough in conflict resolution, reflecting growing global consensus on the need for dialogue over prolonged warfare. The talks are being closely watched for their implications on global security, energy markets, and geopolitical stability.
Centre to Celebrate Parakram Diwas in Honour of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
The Government of India has commenced Parakram Diwas celebrations to mark the 129th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The day commemorates his extraordinary courage, leadership, and contribution to India’s freedom struggle.
The celebrations aim to inspire national pride, youth participation, and remembrance of Netaji’s ideals of sacrifice, discipline, and uncompromising nationalism, reinforcing his enduring relevance in contemporary India.
Donald Trump Unveils ‘Board of Peace’ Charter
US President Donald Trump has unveiled the ‘Board of Peace’, a new international charter aimed at resolving global conflicts through structured diplomacy and multilateral engagement.
The initiative proposes a framework for peaceful negotiations, mediation mechanisms, and collective conflict resolution, reflecting an attempt to reshape global diplomacy amid rising geopolitical tensions. Its effectiveness will depend on international acceptance and alignment with existing global institutions.
Dr. S. Jaishankar Calls for Stronger India–EU Partnership
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has emphasized the importance of stronger India–EU relations to de-risk the global economy. He highlighted that resilient and diversified supply chains are essential to counter disruptions caused by geopolitical conflicts and economic uncertainties.
Closer India–EU cooperation is seen as crucial for trade stability, technology collaboration, green transitions, and strategic autonomy, positioning India as a reliable partner in the evolving global economic order.
