In Current Affairs for 23 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 23 January 2026
Parakram Diwas 2026: Honouring the Spirit of Courage
Parakram Diwas 2026 will be observed across India on Friday, 23 January, commemorating the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The occasion will be marked by patriotic events, cultural programmes, and educational activities that highlight the ideals of courage, sacrifice, and nationalism. The date remains unchanged each year as it coincides with Netaji’s birthday.
The term Parakram signifies bravery and valour, making the day a tribute to Netaji’s fearless leadership and unwavering commitment to India’s freedom struggle. Born on 23 January 1897 in Cuttack, Odisha, Subhas Chandra Bose was an exceptional student who successfully cleared the prestigious Indian Civil Service (ICS) examination in England. However, driven by patriotism, he chose to resign from the service to dedicate his life to the cause of independence.
Netaji later emerged as the leader of the Indian National Army (INA) and gave the iconic call of “Delhi Chalo,” energising Indians both at home and abroad. Recognising his immense contribution, the Government of India officially announced Parakram Diwas on 19 January 2021, during the celebrations of his 125th birth anniversary. Since then, the day has served as a reminder of fearless leadership and national pride.
Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2026: Celebrating Theatre on a Global Stage
The National School of Drama (NSD) will organise the 25th edition of Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) 2026, the world’s largest international theatre festival, from 27 January to 20 February 2026. This landmark edition is expected to be the most inclusive and expansive theatre celebration ever held in India.
BRM 2026 will be hosted across 40 venues nationwide, ensuring access to theatre in metropolitan cities as well as remote regions. In a historic first, productions from all seven continents will be showcased, reinforcing the festival’s truly global character.
The festival will feature several specialised segments aimed at promoting diverse theatrical traditions. These include Adirang Mahotsav, focusing on tribal theatre, dance, and crafts; Jashne Bachpan, dedicated to children’s theatre; Bal Sangam, highlighting folk performances by children; and Poorvottar Natya Samaroh, showcasing theatre from India’s North-Eastern states. Through BRM 2026, India continues to strengthen cultural exchange and artistic expression on the world stage.
Saina Nehwal Retires: End of a Glorious Badminton Era
Indian badminton icon Saina Nehwal has announced her retirement from competitive badminton after struggling with severe knee injuries for nearly two years. Conditions such as cartilage degeneration and arthritis made high-intensity training unsustainable, ultimately forcing her to step away from the sport.
Saina revealed that elite badminton demands eight to nine hours of daily training, but persistent pain and swelling restricted her ability to train beyond a couple of hours. Accepting physical limitations, she decided to conclude her illustrious career.
Saina created history at the London 2012 Olympics by winning a bronze medal in women’s singles, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve this feat in badminton. In 2015, she reached the pinnacle of the sport by attaining the World No.1 ranking, only the second Indian after Prakash Padukone to do so. Her achievements include winning the Indonesia Open Super Series (2009), silver at the 2015 World Championships, bronze in 2017, and gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Her contribution to Indian sports has been honoured with prestigious awards such as the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Khel Ratna, and Arjuna Award. Saina Nehwal’s journey remains a symbol of resilience and inspiration for future athletes.
Government Expands Carbon Credit Trading Scheme
The Government of India has expanded the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme by notifying Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) targets for additional carbon-intensive sectors. With this move, 208 new entities have been brought under the compliance framework of the Indian Carbon Market.
GEI measures the amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated per unit of output. Unlike absolute emission limits, GEI-based targets encourage industries to improve efficiency while allowing economic growth to continue. This approach promotes gradual reduction in emissions without restricting industrial expansion.
By implementing GEI targets, the government aims to push emission-heavy industries towards cleaner technologies, enhanced energy efficiency, and sustainable practices. Such regulation is especially relevant for developing economies like India, where balancing development and environmental responsibility is crucial. The expansion of the scheme marks an important step toward achieving India’s long-term climate and sustainability goals.
Review Questions
Q1. Parakram Diwas is observed every year on which date?
A. 26 January
B. 15 August
C. 23 January
D. 19 January
✅ Answer: C. 23 January
Q2. Parakram Diwas commemorates the birth anniversary of which freedom fighter?
A. Mahatma Gandhi
B. Bhagat Singh
C. Sardar Patel
D. Subhas Chandra Bose
✅ Answer: D. Subhas Chandra Bose
Q3. Parakram Diwas was officially announced by the Government of India in which year?
A. 2019
B. 2020
C. 2021
D. 2022
✅ Answer: C. 2021
Q4. Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2026 is organised by which institution?
A. Ministry of Culture
B. Sangeet Natak Akademi
C. National School of Drama
D. ICCR
✅ Answer: C. National School of Drama
Q5. Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2026 will be held from:
A. 20 January – 10 February 2026
B. 23 January – 15 February 2026
C. 25 January – 18 February 2026
D. 27 January – 20 February 2026
✅ Answer: D. 27 January – 20 February 2026
Q6. Which special segment of Bharat Rang Mahotsav focuses on tribal theatre and crafts?
A. Jashne Bachpan
B. Bal Sangam
C. Adirang Mahotsav
D. Poorvottar Natya Samaroh
✅ Answer: C. Adirang Mahotsav
Q7. Saina Nehwal became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in badminton at which event?
A. Beijing 2008
B. London 2012
C. Rio 2016
D. Tokyo 2020
✅ Answer: B. London 2012
Q8. Saina Nehwal achieved the World No.1 ranking in badminton in which year?
A. 2012
B. 2013
C. 2014
D. 2015
✅ Answer: D. 2015
Q9. GEI, recently notified under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, stands for:
A. Green Energy Index
B. Greenhouse Emission Indicator
C. Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity
D. Global Emission Initiative
✅ Answer: C. Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity
Q10. GEI-based regulation is preferred because it:
A. Sets fixed emission limits for industries
B. Stops industrial expansion
C. Encourages efficiency while allowing growth
D. Applies only to developed countries
✅ Answer: C. Encourages efficiency while allowing growth
