17th January 2026 Daily Current Affairs

🗞️ 1. National Affairs (India)

🇮🇳 Lokpal Foundation Day Observed

India marked Lokpal Foundation Day, reaffirming its commitment to anti-corruption, transparency and accountability in governance.

🇮🇳 Illegal Betting Websites Blocked

Government blocked 242 illegal betting & gambling websites as part of digital enforcement after enactment of the Online Gaming Act.

🌍 2. International Affairs

🌏 UAE Solidarity Day & Sky Parade

UAE is celebrating ‘Day of Solidarity’ (17 Jan) with a nationwide air display across all seven emirates, showcasing unity and national pride.

📊 3. Economy & Policy

🇮🇳 India 5G Adoption Milestone

India has surpassed 400 million 5G users, becoming the second-largest 5G subscriber base globally after China — a major telecom sector achievement.

🇮🇳 India’s GDP Growth Forecast (World Bank)

The World Bank projected India’s GDP at ~7.2% for FY26, driven by strong domestic demand and investment, though slowing to ~5% in FY27.

🛠️ 4. Infrastructure & Government Schemes

🚆 Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Flagged Off

PM Narendra Modi launched the first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on the Howrah–Guwahati route, improving long-distance travel comfort and connectivity.

🇰🇷 Finke River Declared World’s Oldest

The Finke River in Australia, estimated to be 300–400 million years old, was declared the world’s oldest surviving river system — significant for geological studies.

👩‍💼 5. Social & Corporate Events

🇮🇳 Telecom Pact with Germany

India and Germany signed a Joint Declaration on telecom cooperation focusing on policy, regulation, manufacturing and innovation in ICT sectors.

🇮🇳 Aaryan Varshney Becomes Chess Grandmaster

Aaryan Varshney achieved the title of India’s 92nd Chess Grandmaster, securing the final norm at an international tournament in Armenia

🌦️ 6. Weather & Natural Conditions

🌨️ IMD Forecast: Western Disturbance

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of a western disturbance bringing rain, snow and dense fog across north India between 17–22 Jan 2026 — affecting travel and daily life.

✈️ 7. Travel Alerts

🛫 Republic Day Airspace & Flight Disruptions

Authorities issued advisories on possible flight disruptions at Delhi’s IGI Airport from 21–26 Jan 2026 due to airspace restrictions for Republic Day rehearsals and celebrations.

🛡️ Republic Day Security Alert

Intelligence agencies put out a high alert ahead of Republic Day, warning of potential terror threats from extremist groups in cities including Delhi, prompting heightened security measures.

🧠 8. One-Line Current Affairs (17 January 2026)

Lokpal Foundation Day observed to strengthen anti-corruption governance.

Govt blocks 242 illegal betting websites under Online Gaming Act enforcement.

India has 400M+ 5G users, second only to China.

World Bank projects India GDP ~7.2% in FY26.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Train flagged off on Howrah–Guwahati route.

Finke River in Australia identified as the world’s oldest flowing river.

Telecom cooperation pact signed with Germany.

Aaryan Varshney becomes India’s 92nd Chess GM.

IMD issues weather warnings: snow, rain, dense fog in North India.

Republic Day flight & security alerts issued.