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Daily Current Affairs 30th January 2026 Daily GK Update
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National News
Ayush Ministry Partners with Zepto to Boost Online Access to AYUSH Medicines and Wellness Products
- The Ayush Ministry signed an MoU with Zepto Limited via its Export Promotion Council to facilitate online access to Ayush medicines and wellness products across India.
- The partnership aims to strengthen digital discovery, ensure quality compliance, and build consumer trust in traditional healthcare products.
- Zepto, a quick-commerce platform, will help connect AYUSH manufacturers—especially MSMEs—to digital consumers, improving last-mile access to trusted wellness products.
Recent MoU
- GeM and WTC Mumbai Sign MoU to Boost MSME Participation and Global Outreach in Public Procurement
- Digital India BHASHINI Division Signs MoU with Survey of India for AI-Based Toponym Data Digitisation
- MSDE Signs Landmark MoU with World Economic Forum to Strengthen India’s TVET and Skills Ecosystem
- BCCI Inks ₹270 Crore Gemini Sponsorship Deal Ahead of IPL 2026
- Essar Signs ₹5,100 Crore MoU with Gujarat for Large-Scale Bio-Fuel Project
NITI Aayog Launches Reports to Boost Circular Economy for ELVs, E-Waste, Tyres, and Lithium-ion Batteries
- NITI Aayog launched three reports at the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) during the International Material Recycling Conference (IMRC) in Jaipur, focusing on End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs), Waste Tyres, E-waste, and Lithium-ion Batteries.
- The reports highlight challenges in India’s circular economy and provide recommendations for infrastructure development, sector formalisation, strengthening the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, and boosting revenue potential.
- With the rise of electric vehicles and digitalisation, India’s Lithium-ion battery demand is projected to surge from 29 GWh in 2025 to 248 GWh by 2035, while ELVs are expected to grow from 23 million in 2025 to 50 million by 2030.
- E-waste in India is expected to increase from 6.19 MMT in 2024 to 14 MMT by 2030, highlighting the urgent need for effective circular economy practices to manage resources sustainably.
Swiggy Integrates AI Tools Like ChatGPT, Claude, and Google Gemini for Grocery, Food, and Dining Orders
- Swiggy now allows users to order groceries, food, and make dining reservations through popular AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Google Gemini, with current transactions supporting cash on delivery.
- Model Context Protocol (MCP) integration enables Swiggy Food, Instamart, and Dineout to interact seamlessly with AI agents, acting as a “universal connector” standardising API communication.
- Similar pilot projects have been tested by BigBasket, allowing grocery purchases via ChatGPT using UPI payments, where the AI agent checks the catalogue, presents options, and completes the order with a single confirmation.
International News
India–EU Free Trade Agreement Concluded: A Strategic Breakthrough in India’s Global Trade Engagement
- PM Narendra Modi and European Commission President H.E. Ms Ursula von der Leyen, jointly announced the conclusion of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement at the 16th India–EU Summit, held during the visit of the European leaders to India.
- The FTA comes after intense negotiations since the re-launch of negotiations in 2022. India and the EU are the 4th and 2nd largest economies, comprising 25% of Global GDP, and account for one third of global trade. India has secured unprecedented market access for more than 99% of Indian exports by trade value to the EU that also bolsters the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
- The European Union is India’s one of the largest trading partner, with bilateral trade in goods and services growing steadily over the years. In 2024–25, India’s bilateral trade in goods with the EU stood at INR 11.5 Lakh Crore (USD 136.54 billion) with exports worth INR 6.4 Lakh Crore (USD 75.85 billion) and imports amounting to INR 5.1 Lakh Crore (USD 60.68 billion).
- The FTA secures expanded and commercially significant commitments from the EU across key sectors of Indian strength, including IT and IT-enabled services, professional services, education, financial services, tourism, construction, and other business sectors.
Banking And Financial News
PFRDA Launches NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme As Proof Of Concept For Medical Expenses
- The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has notified the launch of the ‘NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme’ as a Proof of Concept (PoC) under its Regulatory Sandbox Framework.
- This innovative sector-specific scheme is designed to integrate health-related financial support with the existing National Pension System (NPS) architecture. It allows Indian citizens to voluntarily contribute toward a dedicated fund intended exclusively for out-patient (OPD) and in-patient (IPD) medical expenses.
- The PoC will be managed by Pension Funds (PFs) in collaboration with FinTechs and Health Benefit Administrators (HBAs) to test operational and technological feasibility.
Contribution and Fund Management Mechanics
- Corpus Transfers: Subscribers over 40 years of age (excluding Government sector employees) can transfer up to 30% of their self or employee contributions from their Common Scheme Account to the Swasthya Account.
- Investment Strategy: Contributions will be managed by PFs according to Multiple Scheme Framework (MSF) investment guidelines.
- Mandatory Dual Accounts: Every subscriber must hold a Common Scheme Account alongside the Swasthya Pension Scheme Account.
Withdrawal and Claim Settlement Protocols
- Partial Withdrawals: Subscribers can withdraw up to 25% of their own contributions for medical needs once the corpus reaches a minimum of ₹50,000. There is no minimum waiting period or limit on the number of withdrawals.
- Premature Exit: If a single medical instance exceeds 70% of the Swasthya corpus, a 100% lump sum exit is permitted for treatment.
- Direct Settlement: Payments are remitted directly to the HBA, TPA, or hospital based on valid invoices, with any surplus returning to the subscriber’s Common Scheme Account.
What is a “Regulatory Sandbox Framework” in the context of pension reforms?
- A Regulatory Sandbox allows PFRDA to conduct live, limited-scale testing of new pension products or innovations, such as the Swasthya Pension Scheme, by relaxing certain regulatory requirements.
- It helps the Authority evaluate the feasibility, risks, and technological readiness of a product before considering a full-scale national rollout.
Bharti AXA Life Insurance launches deferred annuity “Swabhimaan Retirement” plan
- Bharti AXA Life Insurance launches “Swabhimaan Retirement” deferred annuity plan, offering customers the ability to plan early, lock in current annuity rates, and secure guaranteed lifetime income, with an Atmanirbhar option for emergency withdrawals.
- The plan provides Premium Payment Terms (2, 3, or 5 years), deferment of up to 7 years, and the option to withdraw part of the surrender value after all premiums are paid, subject to policy conditions.
World Bank Approves Rs 5,700 Crore for ‘Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Project’
- World Bank approves Rs 5,700 crore for the ‘Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Project’ to make Haryana self-reliant in the water sector, including restoration of 115 canals with WB funding, 284 canals from the state budget, and 279 canals through NABARD.
- Micro-irrigation systems will be implemented over 70,000 acres of agricultural land with Rs 900 crore support from the World Bank, along with promotion of sustainable agriculture practices like crop diversification and direct seeding of rice (Rs 866 crore assistance).
- Treated water from four major sewage treatment plants in Jind, Kaithal, and Gurugram will be reused to irrigate 28,000 acres, with Rs 600 crore financial support from the World Bank.
Awards News
President Murmu honors 30 individuals with Jeevan Raksha Padak Awards
- President Droupadi Murmu has approved the conferment of the Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards-2025 on 30 persons.
- This includes the Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak to six persons, the Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak to six persons, and the Jeevan Raksha Padak to 18 persons. Six of the awardees are being honoured posthumously.
- Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards is given to individuals for meritorious acts of human nature in saving the life of a person.
- The awards are given in three categories, namely, Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak, Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak and Jeevan Raksha Padak. Persons of all walks of life are eligible for these awards. The award can also be conferred posthumously.
Defence News
Adani and Embraer Sign MoU to Set Up India’s First Commercial Aircraft Assembly Line
- Adani Defence & Aerospace and Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer signed an MoU to establish India’s first commercial aircraft final assembly line (FAL).
- Embraer currently operates FALs in the US (Melbourne and Jacksonville, Florida) for business jets and defence aircraft, and will bring its expertise to India for commercial aircraft manufacturing.
- With India’s civil aviation market rapidly expanding—800 aircraft in operation and 1,700 on order—Embraer is already in talks with airlines like Star Air, IndiGo, and Air India for potential future sales and fleet expansion.
Important Days
25 January – Himachal Pradesh Statehood Day
- Himachal Pradesh Statehood Day is observed every year on 25 January, marking the formation of the state in 1971.
- On this day in 1971, Himachal Pradesh became the 18th state of India under the State of Himachal Pradesh Act, 1970.
- The day is celebrated with official functions, cultural programmes, and tributes highlighting the state’s history, culture, and development.
27 January – International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust
- International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust is observed every year on 27 January.
- The day marks the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi concentration and extermination camp in 1945.
- The observance promotes remembrance, education, and awareness to prevent genocide and crimes against humanity in the future.
28 January – International Day of Peaceful Coexistence
- International Day of Peaceful Coexistence is observed every year on 28 January to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, and understanding among people of different cultures and societies.
- The day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly to encourage living together in peace despite differences in religion, culture, or ethnicity.
28 January – International Data Privacy Day
- International Data Privacy Day is observed every year on 28 January to raise awareness about the importance of protecting personal and sensitive data online.
- Theme 2026 – Take Control of Your Data
- The day emphasizes digital privacy, cybersecurity, and responsible data handling for individuals, businesses, and governments.
Obituary News
Veteran Journalist William Mark Tully Passed Away
- Veteran BBC journalist Sir William Mark Tully has passed away at the age of 90 in New Delhi.
- Tully was widely known as the “voice of India” for his long tenure as BBC’s New Delhi bureau chief and his authoritative, trusted reporting on major South Asian events over decades.
- He was honoured by both nations, receiving the Knight Commander of the British Empire in 2002 and India’s Padma Shri in 2005.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Dies in Plane Crash Near Baramati
- Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar tragically died in a plane crash near Baramati in Pune district, when the aircraft he was travelling in caught fire and crashed while landing.
- Pawar, a key political leader and long‑serving Deputy CM, was on his way for public engagements ahead of local polls.
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