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DAILY DOSE 18^th& 19^th JAN – 2026 CURRENT AFFAIRS

Topic: National News

India and Germany signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (DoI) on Telecommunications Cooperation.
Aim: Strengthen cooperation through regular exchange of information and best practices.
Focus areas:
- Emerging & future technologies
- Policy and regulatory frameworks
- Manufacturing
- Ease of doing business in Telecom & ICT sectors
Signed during the official visit of German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz to India (12–13 January).
Supports the shared goal of inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.
Reflects commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in Telecom & ICT.

India–Germany Relations (Static Add-on):

Topic: National News

Republic Day 2026 (26 January) to feature a battle array display for the first time.
Central theme: “150 Years of Vande Mataram”.
Venue: Kartavya Path, New Delhi.
Chief Guests:
- António Costa – President of the European Council
- Ursula von der Leyen – President of the European Commission

Key Highlights:

Phased battle array display by Indian Army showcasing combat readiness.
Mounted column of 61 Cavalry and 7 marching contingents.
Mechanised column to include:
- T-90 & Arjun tanks
- BMP-II
- ATAGS & Dhanush artillery
- BrahMos, Akash & MRSAM missiles
30 tableaux from States, UTs & Ministries.
Tableaux themes:
- “स्वतंत्रता का मंत्र – वंदे मातरम”
- “समृद्धि का मंत्र – आत्मनिर्भर भारत”
Display of 1923 paintings by Tejendra Kumar Mitra illustrating Vande Mataram.
Pan-India band performances from 19–26 January by Armed Forces & CAPFs.
Around 2,500 artists to perform in cultural programmes.
Bharat Parv at Red Fort: 26–31 January.

Topic: National News

Organised by Ministry of MSME at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi.
Dates: 18–31 January 2026.
Inaugurated by Union MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi.
Theme: “Vishwakarma Ka Abhiyaan, Viksit Bharat Ka Nirman”.
Objective:
- Promote traditional crafts & artisans
- Enhance market access and visibility
Participation:
- 117+ artisans from all States & UTs
- Representatives from foreign missions invited
Features:
- Handcrafted products
- Live craft demonstrations
- Cultural experiences
Supports beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme.

🏆 SPORTS & AWARDS

Topic: Sports

Aaryan Varshney became India’s 92nd Chess Grandmaster on 15 January.
Achieved title in Armenia by winning the Andranik Margaryan Memorial Tournament.
Final GM norm secured after a draw vs FM Tyhran Ambartsumian.
Age: 21 years.
8th Grandmaster from Delhi.

Grandmaster Criteria (Exam Static):

Topic: Awards and Prizes

Awarded to Toby Kiers (USA).
Known as the “Nobel Prize for the Environment”.
Awarded for research on mycorrhizal fungal networks.
Findings:
- Underground fungal networks act as nutrient-trading systems
- Absorb ~13.12 billion tonnes of CO₂ annually
Launched Global Underground Atlas.
Position:
- University Research Chair
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Significance:
- Highlights soil ecosystems’ role in climate regulation & carbon storage.

🏛️ STATE CURRENT AFFAIRS – ANDHRA PRADESH

Topic: State News – Andhra Pradesh

AM Green to establish India’s first & world’s largest green ammonia complex at Kakinada.
Foundation stone to be laid on 18 January.
Presided by:
- CM N. Chandrababu Naidu
- Dy CM Pawan Kalyan
Investment: ₹83,000 crore.
Capacity:
- 0.5 MTPA by 2027
- 1.0 MTPA by 2028
- 1.5 MTPA by 2030
Developed via brownfield conversion of Nagarjuna Fertilizers plant.
Employment:
- ~8,000 jobs during construction
Usage:
- Clean shipping fuel
- Power generation
- Green hydrogen pathway
Strategic advantage: Proximity to Kakinada Port.
Aligns with Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024.