15th January 2026 Daily Current Affairs

🗞️ 1. National Affairs (India)

🇮🇳 78th Indian Army Day 2026

India is observing Army Day on 15 January 2026 with a grand parade held in Jaipur, the first time outside a cantonment area. The event honours the transfer of command from British to Indian leadership in 1949, and the Bhairav Battalion made its parade debut.

🇮🇳 Evacuation Plans for Indians in Iran

The Ministry of External Affairs is arranging evacuation flights for Indian citizens from Tehran in response to ongoing unrest and security concerns in Iran. A special flight from Tehran to Delhi is scheduled.

🇮🇳 Bank & School Holiday Advisory

Indian stock exchanges and some banks remained closed due to local municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra (including BMC/Pune). Schools are also observing extended winter vacations in northern states.

🌍 2. International Affairs

🇪🇺 Trade Deal with EU Near Completion

India and the European Union are close to finalising a major trade agreement — one of India’s largest trade pacts — expected to be concluded ahead of a planned high-level meeting in New Delhi later this month. Reuters

🇪🇺 EU Leaders as Republic Day 2026 Chief Guests

The European Council President and European Commission President have been invited as chief guests for Republic Day 2026 in New Delhi, marking significant India-EU diplomatic engagement.

💼 3. Economy & Business

📊 India’s FDI Inflows Remain Strong

India has attracted about $51 billion in FDI over the past six months, indicating robust global investor confidence, especially in manufacturing and startup sectors. A National Startup Day (16 Jan) and “Grand Challenges” initiatives support innovation

🛡️ Appointments in Security Forces

• Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor appointed Director General of ITBP.

• Praveen Kumar named Director General of BSF — strengthening border force leadership.

🪖 4. Defence & Security

✈️ Rafale Jets Manufacturing in India

Around 80% of the planned 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force are set to be manufactured in India, boosting defence indigenisation and MRO capabilities.

🚓 52 Naxalites Surrender in Chhattisgarh

In Bijapur district, 52 Naxalites — including 49 with bounties totalling ₹1.41 crore — surrendered to police, marking a significant internal security development.

📌 5. Other Key Events & Facts

🗳️ Municipal Elections in Maharashtra

Over 3.48 crore voters are polling in elections to 29 municipal corporations including Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Pune Municipal Corporation on 15 January 2026.

📜 Literary & Cultural Activities

The Kerala Legislature International Book Festival (KLIBF 2026) concluded after promoting books, authors, and public discourse in Thiruvananthapuram.

❄️ Cold Wave Continues

Northern India continues to experience severe cold and dense fog, impacting travel and prompting winter school closures.

🧠 Exam-Ready One-Liners (15 Jan 2026)

• 78th Indian Army Day celebrated with parade in Jaipur.

• MEA arranging evacuation flights for Indians from Iran amid unrest.

• India-EU trade deal negotiations near conclusion.

• EU leaders invited as Republic Day 2026 chief guests.

• FDI touches $51 billion, boosting manufacturing & startups.

• Rafale jet manufacturing plan in India to enhance defence indigenisation.

• 52 Naxalites surrender in Chhattisgarh.

• 29 municipal corporation elections, including BMC & Pune

• Cold wave & dense fog persist in northern India

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