INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Uganda Presidential Election 2026: Museveni Retains Power

• Yoweri Museveni secured a seventh presidential term, winning over 71% of votes.

• Official results were announced on 17 January 2026.

• Polling took place amid a multi-day nationwide internet shutdown.

• Opposition leader Bobi Wine (Kyagulanyi Ssentamu) finished second with about 25% votes.

• Wine rejected the outcome, alleging electoral irregularities and abductions of agents.

• Biometric failures caused voting delays, especially in urban opposition areas.

• Voter turnout fell to 52%, the lowest since multiparty politics resumed in 2006.

• Uganda continues its trend of no peaceful presidential power transfer since independence.

India–Germany Sign Telecom Cooperation Declaration

• India and Germany signed a Joint Declaration on Telecommunications Cooperation.

• The agreement focuses on information sharing and best practices.

• Collaboration will extend to emerging and future technologies.

• Joint efforts will cover policy, regulation, manufacturing and ease of business.

• The declaration was signed during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s India visit.

• It supports inclusive and sustainable digital transformation goals.

• India–Germany ties have been a strategic partnership since 2000.

• Germany remains among India’s key trading partners globally.

NATIONAL NEWS

Republic Day Parade 2026: 150 Years of Vande Mataram

• Republic Day 2026 will mark 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram.

• Celebrations at Kartavya Path on 26 January will feature EU leaders as guests.

• A phased Army battle array display will debut for the first time.

• The theme will reflect across tableaux, music, visuals and performances.

• Historic Vande Mataram paintings (1923) will line Kartavya Path.

• Pan-India band events will run nationwide from 19–26 January.

• Modern tanks, artillery and missile systems will be showcased.

• Bharat Parv at Red Fort will follow from 26–31 January.

PM Vishwakarma Haat 2026 at Dilli Haat

• PM Vishwakarma Haat 2026 is being held at Dilli Haat, INA, from 18–31 January.

• The event is organised by the Ministry of MSME.

• It was inaugurated by Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi.

• The platform celebrates traditional crafts under PM Vishwakarma Scheme.

• Over 117 artisans from all States and UTs are participating.

• Artisans can directly market products to buyers and visitors.

• Live demonstrations and cultural showcases add to the experience.

• The theme promotes artisan-led growth towards Viksit Bharat.

India’s First Open-Sea Marine Fish Farming Project Launched

• India inaugurated its first open-sea marine fish farming project in the Andaman Sea.

• The launch was led by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh at North Bay.

• The initiative supports India’s Blue Economy vision using ocean resources.

• It is a joint effort of MoES, NIOT and Andaman & Nicobar UT Administration.

• Finfish and seaweed cultivation is being carried out in natural ocean conditions.

• Seeds were distributed to local fishers to boost coastal livelihoods.

• The project blends marine science, technology and sustainable income models.

• Future expansion may involve public–private partnerships.

AWARDS

Tyler Prize Honours Research on Hidden Fungal Networks

• Toby Kiers won the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement.

• The award recognises her work on mycorrhizal fungal networks.

• These underground systems enable nutrient exchange among plants.

• They absorb over 13 billion tonnes of CO₂ annually.

• Her team developed a Global Underground Atlas of fungal networks.

• Research redefined fungi as critical planetary circulatory systems.

• Findings support soil biodiversity conservation strategies.

• Kiers is a leading scientist at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE

86th All India Presiding Officers Conference Begins in Lucknow

• The 86th AIPOC commenced on 19 January 2026 in Lucknow.

• The venue is the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha.

• Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the conference.

• Presiding officers from across India are participating.

• Discussions focus on legislative procedures and parliamentary traditions.

• Emphasis is placed on technology in legislative functioning.

• Senior leaders including Harivansh and Satish Mahana addressed the event.

• The conference will conclude on 21 January 2026.