In Current Affairs for 13 January 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 13 January 2026
India Unveils Logo and Website for BRICS Presidency 2026
India has formally initiated preparations for assuming the BRICS Presidency in 2026 with the launch of a new logo and an exclusive official website for the grouping. The announcement was made by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, marking the beginning of India’s chairship planning amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.
India has chosen the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” reflecting its vision of a people-focused and inclusive BRICS agenda. The dedicated website will function as a central digital hub during India’s presidency, offering updates on meetings, initiatives, priorities, and outcomes. This platform aims to enhance transparency, accessibility, and global engagement.
BRICS, established in 2006, is a coalition of major emerging economies that collaborates on economic, political, and developmental issues. It plays a crucial role in amplifying the voice of the Global South in international decision-making processes.
Jio Announces People-First Artificial Intelligence Platform
Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani has unveiled plans for a people-centric artificial intelligence platform under Jio. The announcement was made at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference held in Rajkot.
Ambani highlighted that the upcoming AI ecosystem will be developed in India, for India, and for the world, enabling citizens to access AI-driven services in their native languages and on personal digital devices. To support this ambitious initiative, Jio is setting up India’s largest AI-ready data centre in Jamnagar.
The initiative is part of Reliance’s broader investment plan of ₹7 lakh crore in Gujarat over the next five years. Alongside AI, the group is focusing on clean energy leadership and digital expansion, positioning Gujarat as a hub for artificial intelligence innovation.
YUVA AI for All: Empowering Youth with AI Literacy
On the occasion of National Youth Day on 12 January 2026, the Government of India reaffirmed its focus on youth empowerment by highlighting the National AI Literacy Program and its flagship course, YUVA AI for All. The initiative aligns Swami Vivekananda’s vision of enlightened youth with the demands of a technology-driven future.
The program supports the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat, strengthens Digital Public Infrastructure, and promotes the ethical and inclusive use of artificial intelligence. The curriculum introduces learners to AI fundamentals, underlying technologies, creative and practical applications, ethical considerations, and future trends.
YUVA AI for All is a significant step toward making AI education accessible to all, especially young citizens, equipping them with the skills and awareness required in an AI-powered world.
India to Host 28th Conference of Commonwealth Speakers
India will host the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) in New Delhi, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening parliamentary democracy across the Commonwealth.
The three-day conference will begin on 15 January 2026, bringing together Speakers and Presiding Officers from more than 60 Commonwealth nations and autonomous legislatures. CSPOC serves as a vital platform for dialogue, experience-sharing, and cooperation among parliamentary institutions.
A key focus area of the conference will be the use of Artificial Intelligence in parliamentary functioning, exploring how AI can enhance legislative research, transparency, efficiency, and decision-making processes.
Lohri 2026: Festival of Harvest and Hope
Lohri will be celebrated on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, a day before Makar Sankranti. The festival marks the Sun’s northward journey and the gradual shift from winter to spring.
Primarily observed in North India, Lohri is deeply rooted in agrarian traditions and celebrates the harvesting of rabi crops such as wheat, mustard, and sugarcane. People express gratitude to nature, the Sun, and the earth while praying for prosperity and abundance.
Beyond agriculture, Lohri symbolizes warmth, renewal, optimism, and new beginnings, bringing communities together through bonfires, music, and traditional festivities.
India Joins G7 Discussions on Critical Minerals
India has stepped up its engagement with the G7 nations by participating in high-level discussions on critical minerals in Washington, aiming to strengthen supply chains and reduce reliance on China-dominated processing networks.
Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw attended a critical minerals ministerial meeting hosted by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, alongside finance ministers from G7 countries. India and Australia were invited as strategic partners.
Vaishnaw emphasized that secure and diversified critical mineral supply chains are essential for achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat. According to the International Energy Agency, China currently controls nearly 70% of global refining capacity for key minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and rare earth elements.
This concentration poses strategic risks for global economies, especially with rising demand driven by clean energy transitions and AI-powered data centres. India’s participation reflects its growing role in shaping resilient and sustainable global supply chains.
Review Questions
Q1. India’s theme for its BRICS Presidency 2026 is:
A. Growth through Global Cooperation
B. Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
C. Partnership for Inclusive Development
D. Strengthening Global South Leadership
Answer: B
Q2. Who announced the launch of the official logo and website for India’s BRICS Presidency 2026?
A. Narendra Modi
B. Nirmala Sitharaman
C. S. Jaishankar
D. Rajnath Singh
Answer: C
Q3. What is the primary purpose of the BRICS India website launched for 2026?
A. Promoting tourism
B. Hosting financial transactions
C. Serving as a central digital platform for meetings and initiatives
D. Publishing academic research only
Answer: C
Q4. Where did Mukesh Ambani announce Jio’s people-first AI platform?
A. Davos World Economic Forum
B. India Mobile Congress
C. Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference, Rajkot
D. Startup India Summit
Answer: C
Q5. Which location is set to host India’s largest AI-ready data centre being built by Jio?
A. Bengaluru
B. Hyderabad
C. Jamnagar
D. Pune
Answer: C
Q6. The YUVA AI for All initiative was highlighted on which occasion?
A. Republic Day
B. National Youth Day
C. Digital India Day
D. Teachers’ Day
Answer: B
Q7. Which of the following topics is included in the YUVA AI for All curriculum?
A. AI-based stock trading
B. Military applications of AI
C. Artificial Intelligence ethics
D. Quantum cryptography
Answer: C
Q8. India will host the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) in:
A. Mumbai
B. Bengaluru
C. New Delhi
D. Kolkata
Answer: C
Q9. A key theme of the CSPOC conference in 2026 will focus on the use of:
A. Blockchain in governance
B. Artificial Intelligence in Parliament
C. Social media regulation
D. Cyber warfare strategies
Answer: B
Q10. According to the International Energy Agency, China’s average global market share in refining major critical minerals is around:
A. 30%
B. 45%
C. 55%
D. 70%
Answer: D
