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Current Affairs: Key Events of 21st January 2026
Current Affairs: Key Events of 21st January 2026
1. India-EU FTA: A Landmark Agreement at Davos
At the ongoing World Economic Forum in Davos, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, hailed the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as the “mother of all agreements.” The deal, covering nearly 25% of global GDP, was described as a game-changer for global trade. As part of the finalization process, both von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, the President of the European Council, are set to be the Chief Guests at India’s Republic Day celebrations. This agreement is expected to bolster economic relations between India and the European Union, providing mutual benefits in terms of trade, investment, and economic growth.
2. Celebrating Statehood Day: PM Modi, President Murmu, and VP Radhakrishnan Greet Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur
On the occasion of Statehood Day, President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm greetings to the states of Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur. These northeastern states attained full state status on January 21, 1972, under the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971. This landmark event in Indian political history is being remembered as a crucial step towards the integration of India’s northeastern region into the national mainstream.
3. NASA’s Artemis II Mission: A Step Toward Lunar Exploration
NASA has set its sights on February 6, 2026, for the launch of Artemis II, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. This mission, which will send the first woman and Black astronaut on a historic 230,000-mile lunar flyby, is hailed as a “momentous step” in the space agency’s plans to return humans to the Moon. Artemis II will be the first crewed mission since Apollo 17, and it symbolizes NASA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as its ambition to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon.
4. Sunita Williams Retires After 27 Years of Pioneering Space Achievements
In a significant development, NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has retired after 27 years of groundbreaking service. A true pioneer in space exploration, Williams logged an incredible 608 days in orbit, setting a female record for nine spacewalks. She also became the first astronaut to run a marathon in space. Her contributions to space science and her leadership in the International Space Station missions have left an indelible mark on the field, inspiring future generations of scientists and astronauts.
5. Rajasthan’s Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Declared Eco-Sensitive Zone
In a bid to protect the fragile Aravalli ecosystem, India’s Ministry of Environment has notified Rajasthan’s Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). This designation, made under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, will create a buffer to prevent mining and other destructive activities in the area. The sanctuary, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, is a critical part of India’s ecological heritage. The ESZ status ensures enhanced conservation efforts and will help preserve the sanctuary’s biodiversity for future generations.
6. AI Impact Summit: A First for the Global South
India is set to host the first-ever AI Impact Summit in the Global South at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from February 16 to 20, 2026. The summit will bring together world leaders, policymakers, and AI experts to explore how artificial intelligence can be aligned with sustainable development goals and governance. As the world’s largest democracy, India’s leadership in hosting such a global summit signifies the country’s commitment to harnessing AI for the betterment of society, addressing challenges such as healthcare, education, and climate change.
7. India Hosts Largest Global Electoral Governance Summit
In a historic move, India is hosting the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management in New Delhi. This three-day summit, set to be the largest global gathering on electoral governance ever hosted by India, aims to provide a platform for discussing and addressing challenges in democratic processes and election management worldwide. The conference will include leading international experts and officials from election commissions, focusing on promoting transparency, accessibility, and inclusivity in electoral systems.
8. Indian Railways’ One Station One Product Scheme Expands to 2,000 Stations
In line with India’s ‘Vocal for Local’ vision, Indian Railways’ One Station One Product (OSOP) scheme has expanded to 2,000 stations. The initiative, which was first introduced in Budget 2022-23, aims to promote local handicrafts and empower 1.32 lakh artisans by transforming transit hubs into cultural marketplaces. The scheme supports the growth of regional products, boosts local economies, and provides a platform for artisans to showcase their unique creations to travelers across the country.
