13th January 2026 Daily Current Affairs
🗞️ 1. National Affairs (India)
• India–Germany Strategic & Trade Engagements
India and Germany deepened cooperation with enhanced postal/logistics agreements, aiding cross-border e-commerce, express deliveries and MSME growth. India Post and Deutsche Post DHL are launching premium express services to improve reliability and export competitiveness.\
• A CPI Rebase & Inflation Update
India concluded the CPI 2012 base series and will begin a new CPI 2024 base soon. Retail inflation in December 2025 rose to a three-month high of 1.33 %, though still within RBI’s tolerance band.
• India’s Direct Tax Collections Growth
Net direct tax collections increased by ~8.8 % to ₹18.38 lakh crore, showing strong revenue buoyancy in FY 2025-26 so far.
🌍 2. International Affairs
• Afghan Envoy Meets Indian MEA Official
Afghanistan’s diplomat Noor Ahmad Noor met India’s MEA Joint Secretary in New Delhi, marking ongoing engagement with Afghanistan’s embassy missions.
• Global Protests & Middle East News
Anti-government protests in Iran remain intense, with thousands of arrests and significant unrest internationally.
📊 3. Economy & Policy
• RBI Takes Over Delhi Government Banking Operations
From 9 Jan 2026, the RBI assumed control of general banking operations and public debt management of the Delhi government under Section 21A of the RBI Act, underscoring fiscal oversight norms.
• Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 in Lucknow
Uttar Pradesh hosted a conference on January 12-13 to boost responsible and inclusive AI adoption across regions, organised with IndiaAI and MeitY.
• India’s Kestrel Initial Demonstrator (KID) in Orbit
OrbitAid Aerospace deployed commercial in-orbit propellant transfer technology on PSLV-C62, indicating private space innovation and satellite servicing capabilities.
🧩 4. Bilateral & Cooperation
• India-Fiji Agriculture MoU Extended
India and Fiji agreed to extend their agriculture cooperation MoU by five years, enhancing training, student exchanges, and agri-tech cooperation.
• Regional AI Engagements
Strengthening state-level AI policy platforms show focus on localised digital transformation ecosystems.
📌 5. Important Days & Culture
• Lohri Celebrated on 13 January
Lohri (a major winter harvest festival celebrated predominantly in North India) was observed on 13 January 2026 featuring bonfires, seasonal offerings, folk songs and cultural gatherings symbolising the end of winter and agricultural gratitude.
• BRICS India 2026 Logo Launched
India launched the BRICS 2026 logo and website in New Delhi, reflecting the lotus motif as a central theme for its chairmanship, which will shape India’s multilateral engagement in 2026.
✈️ 6. Travel & Transport
• Republic Day Airspace Closure Advisory
Delhi’s airspace will be temporarily closed from 21 January 2026 for Republic Day rehearsals, potentially affecting ~600 flights — important for travel planning.
📌 Exam-Ready One-Liners (13 Jan 2026)
India and Germany expand postal & logistics cooperation for premium express services.
India’s retail inflation rises to a 3-month high; CPI base updated.
RBI takes over Delhi govt banking operations under RBI Act Section 21A.
OrbitAid’s Kestrel Demonstrator for orbit servicing launched on PSLV-C62
India-Fiji agriculture cooperation extended for 5 years.
Lohri 2026 festival celebrated across North India.
BRICS 2026 logo unveiled in New Delhi to mark India’s chairship.
Delhi airspace closure advisory for Republic Day rehearsals from 21 Jan.
