In Current Affairs for 16 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 16 January 2026
Thiruvalluvar Day: Celebrating Tamil Wisdom and Universal Values
Thiruvalluvar Day was observed on 16 January as part of the Pongal festivities to honour the legacy of the revered Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. Believed to have lived in Mylapore, present-day Chennai, Thiruvalluvar made timeless contributions to Tamil literature and ethical thought.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that Thiruvalluvar envisioned a society based on compassion, harmony, and moral integrity—principles that remain highly relevant in the modern world. He described Thiruvalluvar as a symbol of the finest values of Tamil culture and a unifying force for humanity.
Thiruvalluvar is best known for authoring the Tirukkural, a celebrated collection of couplets addressing ethics, governance, economics, and human relationships. The text is regarded as one of the greatest works of Tamil literature and continues to inspire readers across cultures and generations.
National Startup Day 2026: A Decade of India’s Startup Revolution
National Startup Day 2026 was marked on 16 January to acknowledge the growing contribution of startups to India’s economy and innovation landscape. The day commemorates the launch of the Startup India Initiative in 2016 by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
Over the past ten years, the initiative has evolved into a nationwide platform supporting entrepreneurs, investors, incubators, and policymakers. It has played a critical role in fostering innovation, generating employment, promoting digital transformation, and encouraging inclusive growth.
Key achievements of Startup India include the recognition of over two lakh startups, more than 6.6 lakh users on the Startup India portal, and the support of over 240 incubators through the Seed Fund Scheme. Startups have mobilised funding exceeding ₹27,000 crore, with more than half emerging from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Women-led enterprises have also gained prominence, with nearly half of recognised startups having at least one woman director. The initiative reflects the government’s sustained efforts to build a supportive and business-friendly startup ecosystem.
Yemen Prime Minister’s Resignation Signals Political Recalibration
Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council has accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Salem bin Breik and appointed Foreign Minister Shaya Mohsen Zindani as the new Prime Minister. The Saudi-backed council swiftly approved the resignation and entrusted Zindani with the responsibility of forming a new cabinet.
The move aims to maintain administrative continuity amid Yemen’s ongoing political instability and security challenges. The Presidential Leadership Council, established to unite anti-Houthi factions, holds executive authority, including cabinet appointments.
Recent developments have underscored rising tensions within the country, particularly after the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council expanded control over parts of southern and eastern Yemen in December. This advance, close to Saudi Arabia’s border, has heightened regional security concerns, making the leadership transition strategically significant.
MS Dhoni Named Goodwill Ambassador for Pune Grand Tour 2026
Former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni has been appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the Pune Grand Tour 2026, India’s first UCI-recognised multi-stage professional road cycling event. The race will be classified as a Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) 2.2 category Continental Road Cycling Race for men.
Spanning five stages and covering a total distance of 437 kilometres, the event places India on the global cycling calendar. The competition will test riders’ endurance, strategy, and technical expertise at an international standard.
India’s national challenge will be spearheaded by seasoned cyclist Naveen John. The host nation will field 12 riders, including an Indian Development Team, offering valuable exposure to emerging talent. The route will pass through nine talukas and over 150 villages, combining elite sport with cultural outreach and tourism promotion.
GeM’s Womaniya Initiative Marks Seven Years of Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has completed seven successful years of its Womaniya Initiative, through which women-led micro and small enterprises have secured government procurement orders worth over ₹80,000 crore—significantly surpassing mandated targets.
Launched on 14 January 2019, the initiative was designed to improve access for women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups to public procurement opportunities. By offering a transparent, fully digital platform, Womaniya eliminated intermediaries and reduced traditional barriers to entry.
GeM officials note that the initiative has evolved into a scalable and structured ecosystem supporting women-led businesses. Digital procurement has enabled fair price discovery, product comparison, and wider market reach. Awareness of Government Financial Rules and procurement patterns has been identified as key to maximising benefits. Overall, Womaniya demonstrates how targeted digital interventions can promote inclusivity and long-term economic resilience.
Review Questions
Q1. Thiruvalluvar Day is observed on which date every year?
A. 14 January
B. 15 January
C. 16 January
D. 17 January
Answer: C
Q2. Thiruvalluvar is best known for authoring which literary work?
A. Silappadikaram
B. Tirukkural
C. Tholkappiyam
D. Manimekalai
Answer: B
Q3. National Startup Day commemorates the launch of which government initiative?
A. Make in India
B. Digital India
C. Startup India
D. Skill India
Answer: C
Q4. Which government department leads the Startup India Initiative?
A. Ministry of MSME
B. NITI Aayog
C. DPIIT
D. Ministry of Finance
Answer: C
Q5. Approximately what percentage of recognised startups in India are from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities?
A. 35%
B. 45%
C. 53%
D. 65%
Answer: C
Q6. Who was appointed as the new Prime Minister of Yemen after the resignation of Salem bin Breik?
A. Rashad al-Alimi
B. Aidarus al-Zoubaidi
C. Shaya Mohsen Zindani
D. Mohammed Ali al-Houthi
Answer: C
Q7. Yemen is currently governed by which executive body?
A. National Unity Government
B. Transitional Military Council
C. Supreme Political Council
D. Presidential Leadership Council
Answer: D
Q8. MS Dhoni has been appointed Goodwill Ambassador for which sporting event?
A. Tour of Rajasthan Cycling Race
B. National Cycling League
C. Pune Grand Tour 2026
D. India Cycling Championship
Answer: C
Q9. The Pune Grand Tour 2026 is recognised under which international cycling body?
A. International Olympic Committee (IOC)
B. Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC)
C. Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)
D. Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF)
Answer: C
Q10. The Womaniya Initiative is associated with which government platform?
A. Udyam Portal
B. Government e-Marketplace (GeM)
C. National Skill Portal
D. MSME Sampark
Answer: B
