🏛️ Polity & Governance

🔷 PM Modi launches development projects in Assam and West Bengal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Hooghly (West Bengal) and Kaliabor (Assam) on January 18 to launch several infrastructure projects.
In Assam, he laid the foundation stone for the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project, designed to protect wildlife and reduce animal-vehicle collisions.
He flagged off 2 new Amrit Bharat Express trains, enhancing rail connectivity for the common man.
In West Bengal, the PM inaugurated multiple projects and emphasized the need for "Syndicate-free" development in the state.

🪖 Defence & Security

🔷 Republic Day 2026 to showcase "Battle Array" for the first time

The Ministry of Defence announced that the 2026 Republic Day Parade will feature a "Phased Battle Array" format.
This new format will display military assets (tanks, troops, and artillery) in the actual sequence they would appear during combat.
The parade will highlight the newly raised Bhairav Light Commando Battalion and the 61 Cavalry (mounted column).
Theme for 2026: The overarching theme is "150 Years of Vande Mataram".

🌐 International Relations & Agreements

🔷 India invited to join Trump’s "Board of Peace for Gaza"

U.S. President Donald Trump has invited India to be part of the Board of Peace for Gaza, reflecting India’s rising global influence.
The invitation was formally shared by the U.S. Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, through a letter to PM Modi.
Additionally, the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is visiting India on January 19 for high-level talks on trade and regional security.

💰 Economy & Banking

🔷 DGCA imposes ₹22.2 Crore fine on IndiGo

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has slapped a penalty of ₹22.2 crore on IndiGo Airlines.
The fine was issued due to persistent flight disruptions and violations of Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) for pilots.
This is one of the largest fines ever imposed on an Indian carrier for operational and safety mismanagement.

🔬 Science & Technology

🔷 India’s first Green Ammonia Complex to be set up in Andhra Pradesh

The government has announced that Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh) will host India’s first (and world’s largest) Green Ammonia Complex.
The plant aims to reach a full capacity of 1.5 million tonnes per annum by 2030.
Usage: Green ammonia will serve as a clean fuel for shipping and power generation, helping India achieve its Net Zero targets.

🌿 Environment & Ecology

🔷 Scientist Toby Kiers wins the "Tyler Prize" 2026

The Tyler Prize, famously known as the "Nobel Prize for the Environment", has been awarded to Toby Kiers.
She was recognized for her groundbreaking research on Underground Fungal Networks (Mycorrhizal networks) that help plants survive and absorb carbon.
These networks are responsible for drawing down approximately 13.12 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.

📢 PIB / Government Reports & Schemes

🔷 PM Vishwakarma Haat organized at Dilli Haat

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises is organizing the PM Vishwakarma Haat in New Delhi.
More than 117 artisans (Vishwakarmas) from all over India are participating to showcase traditional crafts.
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme provides end-to-end support to artisans, including credit, training, and brand promotion.

🏅 Sports

🔷 Aaryan Varshney becomes India's 92nd Chess Grandmaster

Young talent Aaryan Varshney has achieved the title of 92nd Grandmaster (GM) of India.
He crossed the required Elo rating and norms on January 15, further cementing India’s position as a global chess powerhouse.
India now has the second-highest number of Grandmasters in the world.

🎭 Culture & Important Events

🔷 Tripura celebrates 48th Kokborok Day

January 19 is observed as Kokborok Day in Tripura to celebrate the native language of the state.
The date marks the official recognition of Kokborok as a state language in 1979.
In Assam, PM Modi also participated in “Bagurumba Dwhou 2026”, a cultural event celebrating the rich heritage of the Bodo community.

📌 January 19, 2026 General Knowledge

First Female PM: In 1966, Indira Gandhi was elected as the first female Prime Minister of India on this day.
Kashmiri Pandit Exodus: This day in 1990 marks the mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Kashmir Valley due to rising militancy.
Maharana Pratap: Today is the death anniversary (1597) of Maharana Pratap, the legendary Rajput ruler of Mewar known for his resistance against the Mughal Empire.
James Watt: The Scottish inventor James Watt, famous for improving the Steam Engine, was born on this day in 1736.
Kokborok Day: Celebrated annually on January 19 to honor the development of the Kokborok language in Tripura.