In Current Affairs for 22 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 22 January 2026
India and Namibia Strengthen Bilateral Engagement
India and Namibia reaffirmed their commitment to expand cooperation across strategic and economic sectors during the fifth round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held on January 19–20, 2026. The talks reviewed the full range of bilateral relations and explored ways to enhance collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and cultural exchanges.
A major outcome of the consultations was the decision to deepen cooperation in defence and critical minerals. This is particularly significant amid global disruptions in supply chains for rare earths and strategic minerals, driven partly by tightening export controls from major producers. Namibia’s rich mineral reserves, crucial for clean energy, electronics, and defence technologies, make it an important partner for India. Both sides expressed satisfaction with progress achieved since earlier high-level interactions and agreed to hold the next round of consultations in Windhoek at a mutually convenient time.
BCCI Signs Major Sponsorship Deal with Gemini
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has secured a ₹270 crore sponsorship agreement with Gemini for the Indian Premier League, starting from the 2026 season. The three-year deal adds significant value to the IPL’s already strong commercial portfolio and underlines its global appeal.
The partnership reflects a growing trend of artificial intelligence companies associating with Indian cricket to expand their user base. With AI brands increasingly viewing sports as a powerful engagement platform, the deal highlights the convergence of technology, entertainment, and sports marketing. Notably, another AI platform, ChatGPT, is already associated with the Women’s Premier League, indicating rising competition among tech firms for visibility through cricket.
National Paralympic Powerlifting Championship Launched
The National Paralympic Powerlifting Championship was inaugurated in January 2026 by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami through a virtual ceremony from COER University, Roorkee. The championship is a prestigious national-level event that provides para-athletes an opportunity to showcase strength, discipline, and resilience.
Addressing participants and organisers, the Chief Minister highlighted the role of sports in building confidence, character, and self-belief among persons with disabilities. The virtual inauguration demonstrated how technology can be effectively used to support inclusive participation in large-scale sporting events, while promoting empowerment and national recognition for para-athletes.
Cabinet Approves ₹5,000 Crore Capital Infusion for SIDBI
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved an equity infusion of ₹5,000 crore into the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to support growing credit needs in the MSME sector. The funding aims to strengthen SIDBI’s capital base and ensure adequate lending capacity for micro, small, and medium enterprises.
The infusion will be provided by the Department of Financial Services over three years. Of the total amount, ₹3,000 crore will be released in FY26, followed by ₹1,000 crore each in FY27 and FY28. As India’s principal financial institution for MSMEs, SIDBI plays a critical role in refinancing banks and non-bank lenders, as well as providing direct credit at competitive rates.
About SIDBI:
Established on April 2, 1990, under an Act of Parliament, SIDBI functions under the Ministry of Finance. Headquartered in Lucknow, it is owned by the Government of India along with public sector banks, insurance companies, and other central government-controlled institutions. Its core objective is to promote, finance, and develop the MSME sector while coordinating institutions engaged in MSME financing.
SAMPANN Pension Portal Integrated with UMANG
The SAMPANN pension portal has been integrated with the UMANG platform, enabling nearly four lakh pensioners of the Department of Telecommunications to access essential pension services digitally. Developed by the Office of the Controller General of Communication Accounts, SAMPANN manages the complete pension lifecycle, from processing to disbursement and grievance redressal.
With UMANG integration, pensioners can now retrieve their Pension Payment Order (PPO) number and check the validity of their Life Certificate through a single interface. Combined with DigiLocker support, the initiative enhances transparency, accessibility, and service efficiency, particularly benefiting elderly pensioners by reducing the risk of pension delays or interruptions.
Israel Joins Trump-Led Board of Peace
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed Israel’s participation in the US-led Board of Peace proposed and chaired by former President Donald Trump. The initiative aims to oversee the Gaza ceasefire and manage future governance arrangements in the region.
Initially conceived as a small group of international leaders, the board has expanded into a broader coalition. Israel’s decision marks a shift from its earlier objections, which were related to the composition of the Gaza executive committee and the inclusion of Turkey. However, the move could generate internal political tensions, particularly with far-right coalition partners who remain sceptical of international oversight mechanisms.
Review Questions
1. The fifth round of India–Namibia Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) was held in which month and year?
A. December 2025
B. January 2026
C. February 2026
D. March 2026
Answer: B
2. A major highlight of the India–Namibia consultations was cooperation in which sectors?
A. Tourism and culture
B. Space and nuclear energy
C. Defence and critical minerals
D. Banking and insurance
Answer: C
3. Strengthening cooperation in critical minerals between India and Namibia is important mainly due to:
A. Rising oil prices
B. Climate change agreements
C. Stress in global supply chains for rare earths
D. Decline in agricultural output
Answer: C
4. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) signed a ₹270 crore sponsorship deal with which company for IPL?
A. Google DeepMind
B. OpenAI
C. Gemini
D. Microsoft Azure
Answer: C
5. The Gemini–BCCI sponsorship agreement for IPL is valid for how many years?
A. One year
B. Two years
C. Three years
D. Five years
Answer: C
6. The National Paralympic Powerlifting Championship 2026 was inaugurated by:
A. Narendra Modi
B. Amit Shah
C. Pushkar Singh Dhami
D. Anurag Thakur
Answer: C
7. The Union Cabinet approved a ₹5,000 crore equity infusion into which institution?
A. NABARD
B. SIDBI
C. RBI
D. EXIM Bank
Answer: B
8. SIDBI functions under the administrative control of which ministry?
A. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
B. Ministry of Corporate Affairs
C. Ministry of Finance
D. Ministry of MSME
Answer: C
9. Integration of the SAMPANN pension portal with UMANG benefits which group directly?
A. Railway employees
B. Defence pensioners
C. Telecom pensioners
D. State government employees
Answer: C
10. Israel agreed to join which US-led initiative to oversee the Gaza ceasefire?
A. Quartet for West Asia
B. Abraham Accord Council
C. Board of Peace
D. Middle East Stability Forum
Answer: C
