🇮🇳 National News – India

🏦 RBI & BRICS Digital Currency Proposal

• India’s central bank (RBI) has proposed linking BRICS countries’ official digital currencies to foster smoother cross-border trade and enhanced financial cooperation among member nations.

📈 IMF Raises India’s Growth Forecast

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised India’s FY2026 GDP growth forecast upward to 7.3 %, though it cautioned slower growth beyond this year.

🗳 SC Directs Election Commission in Bengal SIR Case

• The Supreme Court ordered the Election Commission of India to publish names of voters with alleged “logical discrepancies” tied to the State of India Register (SIR) process, enhancing transparency ahead of elections.

📊 Other Key National Highlights

• Daily current affairs compilations list infrastructure projects, policy updates, and social events (e.g., fish farming projects, global risks frameworks).

🌍 International News

🇺🇸 Martin Luther King Jr. Day – USA

• January 19, 2026 is observed as Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the United States — a federal holiday commemorating the civil rights leader’s legacy. Many federal services and some businesses are closed or operate limited hours.

🌐 Environment & Weather

🌫 Severe Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR

• Cities such as New Delhi are experiencing severe air quality levels (AQI classified as “Severe”), prompting health advisories and potential school and activity restrictions.

🏥 Science, Sports & Culture

🏆 Global & Regional Events

• World Indoor Bowls Championships 2026 continues at Potters Resorts with international participation.

⚽ SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship

• The 2026 SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship is underway in Bangkok, featuring South Asian national teams and efforts to grow women’s futsal.

🚴 Pune Grand Tour Begins

• The Pune Grand Tour, India’s new multi-day UCI Asia Tour cycling event, kicks off on 19 January 2026.

📌 Other Notable Developments

📊 Gold Rate Movement (India)

• Gold prices surged ~1.9 % with 24K reaching around ₹145,580/10g due to global market uncertainties and safe-haven demand.

📋 India Rail & Governance Updates

• National bulletins highlight railway infrastructure plans, job scams probe developments, and BJP internal nominations.