IMPORTANT DAYS
Statehood Day of Manipur, Tripura and Meghalaya
• 21 January is observed as the Statehood Day of Manipur, Tripura and Meghalaya each year.
• All three states formally became full-fledged states in 1972.
• Their statehood was granted under the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971.
• The Act came into force on 21 January 1972, marking a major administrative reorganisation of the Northeast.
• Manipur and Tripura, once princely states, acceded to India in October 1949.
• After accession, both were initially administered as Union Territories.
• Meghalaya was created as an autonomous state within Assam in 1970.
• In 1972, Manipur, Tripura and Meghalaya were elevated to full statehood, strengthening federal governance in the region.
RANKING AND INDEX
India Launches Responsible Nations Index (RNI)
• India unveiled the Responsible Nations Index (RNI) on 19 January to measure national performance beyond economic and military strength.
• The index evaluates countries on ethical governance, social welfare, environmental care and global responsibility.
• The launch took place at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, under the banner of the World Intellectual Foundation.
• Former President Ram Nath Kovind, the chief guest, highlighted the importance of values-based and inclusive governance.
• RNI is the result of a three-year research initiative, with academic inputs from JNU and IIM Mumbai.
• An expert panel on responsibility-driven development was chaired by N. K. Singh, former Finance Commission Chairman.
• The index aims to redefine how national success is measured in an interconnected world.
• India ranked 16th among 154 countries, ahead of the US and China, while Singapore topped the list, followed by Switzerland and Denmark.
NATIONAL NEWS
Amendment of Central Motor Vehicles Rules to Strengthen Toll Compliance
• The Central Motor Vehicles (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026 have been notified, introducing key changes to the 1989 rules.
• The amendments aim to enhance toll collection efficiency and reduce fee evasion at National Highway toll plazas.
• A clear definition of “unpaid user fee” has been added for cases where electronic toll passage is recorded but payment is not received.
• Pending toll dues are now linked to vehicle-related services, tightening enforcement mechanisms.
• Transfer of vehicle ownership or inter-State transfer will be denied if unpaid toll fees remain outstanding.
• Fitness Certificate renewal or issuance will not be permitted unless toll dues are cleared.
• Commercial vehicles must settle pending toll charges to obtain or renew National Permits.
• The changes support barrier-free tolling under the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system, enabling seamless electronic toll collection.
AWARDS
C-DOT Wins SKOCH Award 2025 for Disaster Alert Innovation
• C-DOT has received the SKOCH Award 2025 for its advanced Cell Broadcast Solution.
• The award was presented during the 104th SKOCH Summit, themed “Resourcing Viksit Bharat”.
• The solution was recognised for strengthening emergency and disaster communication systems.
• It functions as a single integrated platform for rapid public alert dissemination.
• Key agencies like IMD and NDMA are connected through this unified system.
• The platform enables instant, real-time alerts for weather and disaster-related situations.
• The initiative enhances public safety and preparedness through technology-driven governance.
• C-DOT, under the Department of Telecommunications, is India’s premier telecom R&D organisation.
SPORTS
Vidarbha Clinches Maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy Title
• Vidarbha lifted the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 for the first time in its history.
• The title was sealed with a 38-run win over Saurashtra in the final.
• The match was played at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
• Vidarbha posted a strong total of 317/—, setting a challenging target of 318 runs.
• Atharva Taide starred in the final, scoring a brilliant 128 runs.
• This century was his first of the tournament, coming at the most crucial stage.
• Saurashtra fought back but was restricted to 279, falling short of the target.
• The Vijay Hazare Trophy began in 2002–03, with Tamil Nadu and Karnataka being the most successful teams, while Karnataka were the defending champions (2024–25).
SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE
Round Table Conference on Fisheries with Global Diplomats
• India hosted a high-level round table on fisheries in New Delhi on 21 January, bringing together ambassadors and high commissioners.
• The meet saw participation from 83 partner countries, representing every major region of the world.
• It was organised by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
• Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh chaired the conference and led the deliberations.
• Discussions focused on boosting bilateral cooperation, seafood trade and export potential.
• Emphasis was laid on market access, regulatory coordination and smoother trade practices.
• The forum highlighted sustainable, traceable and value-added seafood as future priorities.
• Scope for investment, technology transfer, joint ventures and capacity building in fisheries was actively explored.
