In Current Affairs for 20 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 20 January 2026
Penguin Awareness Day: Protecting Nature’s Unique Marine Birds
Penguin Awareness Day is observed every year on January 20, focusing attention on one of the most distinctive bird species on Earth. The day aims to spread awareness about the growing threats penguins face, including climate change, ocean pollution, habitat loss and excessive fishing. Many penguin species are now classified as vulnerable or endangered due to shrinking ice habitats and declining fish populations.
Beyond celebration, the day highlights the vital role penguins play in maintaining marine ecosystem balance. It also reinforces the urgent need for global conservation initiatives, complementing efforts such as World Penguin Day observed on April 25.
China’s Population Shrinks for the Fourth Consecutive Year
China recorded a population decline for the fourth year in a row, with numbers falling by nearly three million in 2025. The country’s population dropped to around 1.404 billion, reflecting a sharp fall in birth rates despite government incentives to encourage families.
Births declined to 7.92 million, marking the lowest number ever recorded and a significant drop compared to the previous year. The national birth rate also reached a historic low. Experts point out that China’s fertility rate is now well below the replacement level, raising concerns about long-term economic growth, workforce shortages and an ageing population.
India Notifies Its First Tailings Policy
India has introduced its first-ever Tailings Policy, a major step towards sustainable mining and resource efficiency. The policy provides a framework for extracting critical and strategic minerals from mining waste, also known as tailings.
Tailings are the leftover materials produced after mineral extraction, traditionally stored as waste in ponds or dumps. With rising demand for minerals used in clean energy and advanced technologies, these tailings are now viewed as valuable secondary resources. The policy aims to reduce environmental damage while boosting domestic mineral availability without opening new mines.
Responsible Nations Index Unveiled
The Responsible Nations Index (RNI) has been launched to redefine how countries are evaluated on the global stage. Unlike traditional rankings based on wealth or power, the RNI measures nations on ethical governance, environmental responsibility and citizen-centric policies.
Developed by the World Intellectual Foundation in collaboration with Jawaharlal Nehru University, the index emphasizes moral accountability and sustainable development. It seeks to encourage governments to focus on inclusive progress, social welfare and responsible global engagement.
India and UAE Set Ambitious Trade Goal
India and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to double their bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032, reflecting strengthening economic ties. The decision was announced during high-level discussions between leaders of both nations in New Delhi.
The partnership aims to expand cooperation beyond traditional trade areas into manufacturing, energy, logistics, technology and services. In addition, both countries signed agreements to enhance collaboration in defence and space infrastructure, underscoring growing trust and shared strategic interests.
Tropical Storm Nokaen Triggers Lahar Concerns in the Philippines
Tropical Storm Nokaen, locally called Ada, has become the first cyclone of 2026 to affect the Philippines. The storm is moving near Luzon and is bringing heavy rainfall to several regions.
Authorities have warned that intense rains could trigger lahars around Mayon Volcano, one of the country’s most active volcanoes. Recent volcanic activity has left loose ash and debris on the slopes, which can turn into dangerous mudflows during heavy rain. These lahars pose serious threats to nearby communities, infrastructure and river systems.
Review Questions
1. Penguin Awareness Day is observed every year on which date?
A. January 15
B. January 20
C. April 25
D. December 5
Answer: B. January 20
2. The primary objective of Penguin Awareness Day is to:
A. Promote tourism in polar regions
B. Celebrate marine biodiversity
C. Spread awareness about threats to penguins and conservation
D. Study penguin migration patterns
Answer: C. Spread awareness about threats to penguins and conservation
3. China’s population declined by approximately how many people in 2025?
A. 1 million
B. 2 million
C. 3 million
D. 5 million
Answer: C. 3 million
4. What was China’s approximate total population in 2025?
A. 1.35 billion
B. 1.38 billion
C. 1.40 billion
D. 1.45 billion
Answer: C. 1.40 billion
5. India’s first Tailings Policy is mainly aimed at:
A. Expanding coal mining
B. Managing nuclear waste
C. Recovering critical minerals from mining waste
D. Reducing mining employment
Answer: C. Recovering critical minerals from mining waste
6. Tailings are best described as:
A. Freshly mined mineral ores
B. Waste material left after mineral extraction
C. Underground water reserves
D. Forest by-products
Answer: B. Waste material left after mineral extraction
7. The Responsible Nations Index focuses on evaluating countries based on:
A. Military power and GDP
B. Population size
C. Ethical governance and sustainability
D. Technological advancement only
Answer: C. Ethical governance and sustainability
8. The Responsible Nations Index has been developed by the World Intellectual Foundation in collaboration with:
A. IIT Delhi
B. United Nations University
C. Jawaharlal Nehru University
D. World Bank
Answer: C. Jawaharlal Nehru University
9. India and the UAE aim to increase bilateral trade to how much by 2032?
A. $100 billion
B. $150 billion
C. $180 billion
D. $200 billion
Answer: D. $200 billion
10. Lahars associated with Tropical Storm Nokaen pose a risk mainly around which volcano?
A. Mount Pinatubo
B. Mount Taal
C. Mayon Volcano
D. Mount Apo
Answer: C. Mayon Volcano
