In Current Affairs for 17 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 17 January 2026
India Registers Key Achievements Across Sports, Diplomacy, Governance, and Infrastructure
India continues to strengthen its global standing through notable accomplishments in sports, international cooperation, administrative reforms, and infrastructure development, reflecting steady progress across diverse sectors.
Aaryan Varshney Becomes India’s 92nd Chess Grandmaster
Indian chess witnessed another milestone as Aaryan Varshney earned the prestigious Grandmaster (GM) title, becoming the country’s 92nd Grandmaster. The 21-year-old achieved his final GM norm at the Andranik Margaryan Memorial Tournament in Armenia, where he clinched the tournament title even before the final round. A crucial draw in the eighth round secured his third and decisive norm, highlighting his calm approach and consistent performance at the international level. The GM title, awarded by FIDE, requires exceptional standards, including three norms and a minimum Elo rating, making Varshney’s achievement a testament to India’s growing dominance in global chess.
India and Germany Deepen Telecom Cooperation
India and Germany further reinforced their strategic partnership with the signing of a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on Telecommunications Cooperation during the visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in January 2026. The declaration was signed between India’s Department of Telecommunications and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation. The agreement underlines the shared commitment of both nations to expand collaboration in telecommunications and ICT, encouraging innovation-led growth and fostering inclusive, sustainable digital transformation.
Praveen Vashista Appointed Vigilance Commissioner
In a significant administrative development, the President of India appointed Shri Praveen Vashista as a Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) under the provisions of the CVC Act, 2003. His appointment, formalised through a Presidential warrant, was followed by the oath of office administered in January 2026. The CVC, India’s apex anti-corruption body, plays a vital role in promoting transparency, monitoring vigilance activities, and advising central government institutions to uphold integrity in public administration.
Laura Wolvaardt Honoured with ICC Women’s Player of the Month
South African captain Laura Wolvaardt was named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for December 2025 following her outstanding performances against Ireland. This marked her second such recognition within three months, reflecting her exceptional consistency, leadership, and batting excellence. By surpassing notable competitors, she further established herself among the leading figures in women’s international cricket.
Mitchell Starc Claims ICC Men’s Player of the Month
Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc secured the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for December 2025 after a dominant display in the Ashes series. His match-winning bowling performances included a ten-wicket haul in the opening Test and sustained impact in subsequent matches. Starc’s contributions played a decisive role in Australia’s success, reaffirming his status as one of the world’s premier fast bowlers.
GAIL Completes Landmark Mumbai–Nagpur Gas Pipeline
In a major infrastructure breakthrough, GAIL successfully completed the 694-km Mumbai–Nagpur Natural Gas Pipeline, largely constructed within a narrow 3-metre corridor along the Samruddhi Mahamarg Expressway. Executed under the PM GatiShakti framework, the project demonstrated innovative engineering by installing a high-capacity pipeline in space typically unsuitable for such infrastructure. With a capacity of 16.5 million standard cubic metres per day, the pipeline will enhance city gas distribution, support millions of households, fuel CNG stations, and promote cleaner energy use while stimulating industrial growth across Maharashtra.
Review Questions
Q1. Aaryan Varshney became India’s 92nd Chess Grandmaster after securing his final GM norm at which tournament?
A. Tata Steel Chess Tournament
B. Reykjavik Open
C. Andranik Margaryan Memorial Tournament
D. Abu Dhabi Masters
Answer: C
Q2. The Grandmaster (GM) title in chess is awarded by which organization?
A. Asian Chess Federation
B. International Olympic Committee
C. World Chess Council
D. International Chess Federation (FIDE)
Answer: D
Q3. India and Germany signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on cooperation in which sector?
A. Renewable Energy
B. Telecommunications and ICT
C. Defence Manufacturing
D. Space Technology
Answer: B
Q4. The Joint Declaration of Intent on Telecommunications Cooperation was signed during the visit of which German leader to India?
A. Angela Merkel
B. Olaf Scholz
C. Frank-Walter Steinmeier
D. Friedrich Merz
Answer: D
Q5. Shri Praveen Vashista was appointed as Vigilance Commissioner under which Act?
A. Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
B. Right to Information Act, 2005
C. Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003
D. Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013
Answer: C
Q6. The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) primarily functions as:
A. A criminal investigation agency
B. A judicial body for corruption cases
C. An advisory and supervisory vigilance body
D. A prosecution authority
Answer: C
Q7. Who was named ICC Women’s Player of the Month for December 2025?
A. Shafali Verma
B. Smriti Mandhana
C. Sune Luus
D. Laura Wolvaardt
Answer: D
Q8. Mitchell Starc received the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for his performance in which series?
A. Border-Gavaskar Trophy
B. Ashes Series
C. ICC World Cup
D. T20 World Cup
Answer: B
Q9. The Mumbai–Nagpur Natural Gas Pipeline project was executed under which government framework?
A. National Infrastructure Pipeline
B. Make in India
C. PM GatiShakti
D. Sagarmala Programme
Answer: C
Q10. The capacity of GAIL’s Mumbai–Nagpur Natural Gas Pipeline is approximately:
A. 5 million standard cubic metres per day
B. 10 million standard cubic metres per day
C. 12.5 million standard cubic metres per day
D. 16.5 million standard cubic metres per day
Answer: D
