Daily Current Affairs & GK Updates

Meta Appoints Dina Powell McCormick as President and Vice ChairmanOn January 12, 2026, Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Meta Platforms Inc., (the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger and Threads), announced the appointment of Dina Powell McCormick as its new President and Vice Chairman, as part of a leadership restructuring to accelerate its Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy.What? Meta Platforms Inc. Appoints President and Vice ChairmanWho? Dina Powell McCormickPurpose: Part of leadership restructuring to accelerate Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategyAbout Dina Powell McCormick:Experience: She has over 25 years of experience in global finance, national security, and economic development.Goldman Sachs: She spent 16 years at Goldman Sachs as a partner, management committee member, and head of Global Sovereign Investment Banking.Public Service: She served as Deputy National Security Advisor(NSA) under President Donald Trump and held senior White House and State Department roles under President George W. Bush.Board Experience: She has held board positions at major corporations, including Meta and Exxon Mobil.Recent Role: She previously served as Vice Chair, President, and Head of Global Client Services at BDT & MSD Partners.

14 Jan, 2026

Meta Appoints Dina Powell McCormick as President and Vice ChairmanOn January 12, 2026, Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Meta Platforms Inc., (the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger and Threads), announced the appointment of Dina Powell McCormick as its new President and Vice Chairman, as part of a leadership restructuring to accelerate its Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy.What? Meta Platforms Inc. Appoints President and Vice ChairmanWho? Dina Powell McCormickPurpose: Part of leadership restructuring to accelerate Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategyAbout Dina Powell McCormick:Experience: She has over 25 years of experience in global finance, national security, and economic development.Goldman Sachs: She spent 16 years at Goldman Sachs as a partner, management committee member, and head of Global Sovereign Investment Banking.Public Service: She served as Deputy National Security Advisor(NSA) under President Donald Trump and held senior White House and State Department roles under President George W. Bush.Board Experience: She has held board positions at major corporations, including Meta and Exxon Mobil.Recent Role: She previously served as Vice Chair, President, and Head of Global Client Services at BDT & MSD Partners.

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Indian Mountaineer Aritra Roy Summits Mt. Aconcagua in ArgentinaIn January 2026, Indian mountaineer Aritra Roy summited Mount (Mt.) Aconcagua in Argentina (in South America), the highest peak outside Asia at 6,967.15 meters (m) above mean sea level, marks the fourth milestone in his ongoing Seven Summits challenge.What? Successful summit of Mount AconcaguaWho? Indian mountaineer Aritra RoyWhere? Argentina, South AmericaSponsor: HALSignificance: Highest peak outside Asia (6,967.15 m); fourth milestone in Seven Summits challengePrevious Summits: Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa), Mount Elbrus (Europe), Mount Everest (Asia).About Mt. Aconcagua ExpeditionSummit: He summited after a 10.5-hour push, spent 45 minutes at the peak, and completed a 44-kilometre (km) climb in minus 40 degrees Celsius (–40°C) temperatures, snowstorms, and blizzards.Camps: The route included Confluencia (3,340 meter, m), Plaza de Mulas (4,350 m), and three high camps at 5,050 m, 5,650 m, and 6,000 m.Sponsor: The solo expedition was fully sponsored by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD).Previous Expedition: He previously summited Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa), Mount Elbrus (Europe), and Mount Everest (Asia), completing a solo ascent of Everest on May 19, 2025.About Mt Aconcagua: Location: Mt. Aconcagua is a towering mountain situated in the Principal Cordillera of the Andes, in Mendoza Province, Argentina, close to the Argentina–Chile border.Significance: Mt Aconcagua, known as the “Stone Sentinel,” is the highest peak in the Southern and Western Hemispheres, noted for its extreme altitude and rapidly changing weather.Seven Summits: Mt. Aconcagua is one of the Seven Summits which include Mount Everest (Asia), Aconcagua (South America), Denali (North America), Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa), Mount Elbrus (Europe), Mount Vinson (Antarctica), and Mount Kosciuszko (Australia).About Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL):HAL was originally established as Hindustan Aircraft on 22 December 1940 and restructured as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in 1964.Chairman and Managing Director (CMD)– Dr. D.K. SunilHeadquarters– Bengaluru, Karnataka

14 Jan, 2026

Indian Mountaineer Aritra Roy Summits Mt. Aconcagua in ArgentinaIn January 2026, Indian mountaineer Aritra Roy summited Mount (Mt.) Aconcagua in Argentina (in South America), the highest peak outside Asia at 6,967.15 meters (m) above mean sea level, marks the fourth milestone in his ongoing Seven Summits challenge.What? Successful summit of Mount AconcaguaWho? Indian mountaineer Aritra RoyWhere? Argentina, South AmericaSponsor: HALSignificance: Highest peak outside Asia (6,967.15 m); fourth milestone in Seven Summits challengePrevious Summits: Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa), Mount Elbrus (Europe), Mount Everest (Asia).About Mt. Aconcagua ExpeditionSummit: He summited after a 10.5-hour push, spent 45 minutes at the peak, and completed a 44-kilometre (km) climb in minus 40 degrees Celsius (–40°C) temperatures, snowstorms, and blizzards.Camps: The route included Confluencia (3,340 meter, m), Plaza de Mulas (4,350 m), and three high camps at 5,050 m, 5,650 m, and 6,000 m.Sponsor: The solo expedition was fully sponsored by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD).Previous Expedition: He previously summited Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa), Mount Elbrus (Europe), and Mount Everest (Asia), completing a solo ascent of Everest on May 19, 2025.About Mt Aconcagua: Location: Mt. Aconcagua is a towering mountain situated in the Principal Cordillera of the Andes, in Mendoza Province, Argentina, close to the Argentina–Chile border.Significance: Mt Aconcagua, known as the “Stone Sentinel,” is the highest peak in the Southern and Western Hemispheres, noted for its extreme altitude and rapidly changing weather.Seven Summits: Mt. Aconcagua is one of the Seven Summits which include Mount Everest (Asia), Aconcagua (South America), Denali (North America), Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa), Mount Elbrus (Europe), Mount Vinson (Antarctica), and Mount Kosciuszko (Australia).About Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL):HAL was originally established as Hindustan Aircraft on 22 December 1940 and restructured as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in 1964.Chairman and Managing Director (CMD)– Dr. D.K. SunilHeadquarters– Bengaluru, Karnataka

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NSO Data: Inflation Increases to 3-month High of 1.33% in December 2025In January 2026, National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for rural, urban and combined for the month of December 2025.As per NSO’s latest data, India’s retail inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), climbed to a three-month high of 1.33% in December 2025, rising from 0.71% in November 2025, while remaining below the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s lower tolerance threshold of 2% for the fourth consecutive month.What? Release of CPI data for December 2025Released by: NSO, MoSPIRetail Inflation (CPI): 1.33%Food Inflation (CFPI): –2.71%Core Inflation: 4.45%Key Findings:Food Inflation: The food inflation rate, based on the All India Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI), registered negative growth for the 7th consecutive month, declining by 120 basis points (bps) from -3.91%(in November 2025) to -2.71% (in December 2025).While, food inflation rates for rural and urban areas of the country are at -3.08% and -2.09%, respectively in December 2025.Core Inflation: As per NSO’s data, Core inflation, excluding volatile items like food and energy, surged to a 27-month high of 4.45% in December 2025, compared to 4.23% in November 2025.Top 5 States: Among all major states, Kerala registered the highest Year-over-Year (YoY) inflation rate i.e. at 9.49%; followed by Karnataka (2.99%); Andhra Pradesh, AP (2.71%); Tamil Nadu, TN(2.67%); and Jammu & Kashmir (J&K)(2.26%).

14 Jan, 2026

NSO Data: Inflation Increases to 3-month High of 1.33% in December 2025In January 2026, National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for rural, urban and combined for the month of December 2025.As per NSO’s latest data, India’s retail inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), climbed to a three-month high of 1.33% in December 2025, rising from 0.71% in November 2025, while remaining below the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s lower tolerance threshold of 2% for the fourth consecutive month.What? Release of CPI data for December 2025Released by: NSO, MoSPIRetail Inflation (CPI): 1.33%Food Inflation (CFPI): –2.71%Core Inflation: 4.45%Key Findings:Food Inflation: The food inflation rate, based on the All India Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI), registered negative growth for the 7th consecutive month, declining by 120 basis points (bps) from -3.91%(in November 2025) to -2.71% (in December 2025).While, food inflation rates for rural and urban areas of the country are at -3.08% and -2.09%, respectively in December 2025.Core Inflation: As per NSO’s data, Core inflation, excluding volatile items like food and energy, surged to a 27-month high of 4.45% in December 2025, compared to 4.23% in November 2025.Top 5 States: Among all major states, Kerala registered the highest Year-over-Year (YoY) inflation rate i.e. at 9.49%; followed by Karnataka (2.99%); Andhra Pradesh, AP (2.71%); Tamil Nadu, TN(2.67%); and Jammu & Kashmir (J&K)(2.26%).

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Innoviti Receives RBI Nod for Online and Offline Payment AggregationOn January 13, 2026, Innoviti Technologies Private Limited, a payments-centric retail Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, received a Certificate of Authorization from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payment Aggregator (PA) under the Payments and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act, 2007, to manage both online and physical (in-store) payment transactions across India.What? Innoviti authorized as Payment Aggregator for online and offline paymentsBy Whom? Reserve Bank of India (RBI)Act: Payments and Settlement Systems Act, 2007Platform: Payments-centric retail SaaS enabling secure and scalable transactionsPrevious Authorization: Online payment aggregation in March 2024About RBI Authorisation:Expanded Authorisation: Innoviti was initially authorised by the RBI in March 2024 to operate as an online PA, and the newly expanded licence now includes offline (in‑store) payments.Impact: The RBI authorisation allows Innoviti to facilitate seamless and compliant payment processing across both digital and offline channels, benefiting enterprises as well as Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).Platforms: Innoviti currently runs India’s largest offline payments platform under the brand Innoviti UniPay, serving leading enterprise clients across the country.

14 Jan, 2026

Innoviti Receives RBI Nod for Online and Offline Payment AggregationOn January 13, 2026, Innoviti Technologies Private Limited, a payments-centric retail Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, received a Certificate of Authorization from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payment Aggregator (PA) under the Payments and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act, 2007, to manage both online and physical (in-store) payment transactions across India.What? Innoviti authorized as Payment Aggregator for online and offline paymentsBy Whom? Reserve Bank of India (RBI)Act: Payments and Settlement Systems Act, 2007Platform: Payments-centric retail SaaS enabling secure and scalable transactionsPrevious Authorization: Online payment aggregation in March 2024About RBI Authorisation:Expanded Authorisation: Innoviti was initially authorised by the RBI in March 2024 to operate as an online PA, and the newly expanded licence now includes offline (in‑store) payments.Impact: The RBI authorisation allows Innoviti to facilitate seamless and compliant payment processing across both digital and offline channels, benefiting enterprises as well as Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).Platforms: Innoviti currently runs India’s largest offline payments platform under the brand Innoviti UniPay, serving leading enterprise clients across the country.

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Tripura Gramin Bank Introduces India’s 1st Solar-powered ATM VanIn January 2026, Tripura Gramin Bank (TGB) achieved a national milestone by becoming the 1st Regional Rural Bank (RRB) in India to introduce India’s 1st fully solar-powered mobile Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) van, ‘TGB on Wheels’.This marks a major step towards sustainable and inclusive banking services in the rural areas of the country.What? Introduction of India’s 1st solar-powered ATM VanIntroduced by: Tripura Gramin Bank (TGB)Name: TGB on WheelsSupported by: NABARDCurrent Status: 3 solar-powered ATM vans operational in TripuraAbout TGB on Wheels:Background: In July 2023, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Ministry of Finance (MoF) formally inaugurated the pioneering ATM Van initiative of TGB, during her visit to Tripura.Banking Services: It offers eco-friendly, uninterrupted mobile ATM and banking services even in areas with limited electricity supply.Supported by: TGB launched this project with the support of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).Current Status: As of now, TGB operates 3 solar-powered ATM vans in Tripura.Recognition: Due to this innovative initiative, TGB was honoured with SKOCH Silver Award, one of India’s most respected awards for excellence in governance and innovation.

14 Jan, 2026

Tripura Gramin Bank Introduces India’s 1st Solar-powered ATM VanIn January 2026, Tripura Gramin Bank (TGB) achieved a national milestone by becoming the 1st Regional Rural Bank (RRB) in India to introduce India’s 1st fully solar-powered mobile Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) van, ‘TGB on Wheels’.This marks a major step towards sustainable and inclusive banking services in the rural areas of the country.What? Introduction of India’s 1st solar-powered ATM VanIntroduced by: Tripura Gramin Bank (TGB)Name: TGB on WheelsSupported by: NABARDCurrent Status: 3 solar-powered ATM vans operational in TripuraAbout TGB on Wheels:Background: In July 2023, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Ministry of Finance (MoF) formally inaugurated the pioneering ATM Van initiative of TGB, during her visit to Tripura.Banking Services: It offers eco-friendly, uninterrupted mobile ATM and banking services even in areas with limited electricity supply.Supported by: TGB launched this project with the support of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).Current Status: As of now, TGB operates 3 solar-powered ATM vans in Tripura.Recognition: Due to this innovative initiative, TGB was honoured with SKOCH Silver Award, one of India’s most respected awards for excellence in governance and innovation.

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GOI Revokes Quality Control order on Flux Cored Solder WireOn January 12, 2026, Government of India (GOI) revoked the Quality Control Order on Flux Cored Solder Wire, a key material used in industries, including electronics, automotive, electrical equipment, and general manufacturing.What? Revocation of Flux Cored Solder Wire Quality Control OrderWho? GOIAuthority: BIS Act 2016 (Sec 16)Sectors: Electronics, automobilesWithdrawal of Quality Control Order: With this move, no compulsory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification is currently required for Flux Cored Solder Wire.The removal of the regulatory requirement will reduce costs and delays for manufacturers and importers.Background: In 2023, GOI notified the Flux Cored Solder Wire (Quality Control) Order, 2023, to bring this product under mandatory quality regulation.The order mandated that all flux cored solder wire sold, imported or stocked in India conform to Indian Standard (IS) 1921:2005 and bear a BIS mark before being legally marked.About QCO: QCO is a statutory regulation issued by GOI under the BIS Act, 2016. It makes BIS certification mandatory for certain products to ensure they meet prescribed quality and safety standards.

14 Jan, 2026

GOI Revokes Quality Control order on Flux Cored Solder WireOn January 12, 2026, Government of India (GOI) revoked the Quality Control Order on Flux Cored Solder Wire, a key material used in industries, including electronics, automotive, electrical equipment, and general manufacturing.What? Revocation of Flux Cored Solder Wire Quality Control OrderWho? GOIAuthority: BIS Act 2016 (Sec 16)Sectors: Electronics, automobilesWithdrawal of Quality Control Order: With this move, no compulsory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification is currently required for Flux Cored Solder Wire.The removal of the regulatory requirement will reduce costs and delays for manufacturers and importers.Background: In 2023, GOI notified the Flux Cored Solder Wire (Quality Control) Order, 2023, to bring this product under mandatory quality regulation.The order mandated that all flux cored solder wire sold, imported or stocked in India conform to Indian Standard (IS) 1921:2005 and bear a BIS mark before being legally marked.About QCO: QCO is a statutory regulation issued by GOI under the BIS Act, 2016. It makes BIS certification mandatory for certain products to ensure they meet prescribed quality and safety standards.

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IOA Launches National Olympic Education & Development Programme and Reactivated NOAOn January 12, 2026, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) launched the National Olympic Education and Development Programme (NOEDP), and reactivated the National Olympic Academy (NOA), a nationwide framework, aimed at strengthening India’s Olympic ecosystem through structured education and development.What? Launch of NOEDP and reactivation of National Olympic AcademyWho launched? Indian Olympic Association (IOA)Where: Ahmedabad, GujaratNOA President: PT UshaNOA Director: Gagan NarangGlobal Collaboration: International Olympic Academy (Olympia)Implementation: NSFs and SOAsBackground: On January 8, 2026, the initiative was approved by the IOA Executive Council. On January 9, 2026, it was unanimously supported by the IOA General House at its Annual General Meeting in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.About NOEDP:Key Goals: The programme is designed to support the Olympic movement in India, from grassroots to elite levels, focusing on Olympic values, education & ethics, holistic athlete development, capacity building, strengthening governance, leadership & professionalism, and long-term athlete development models.Implementation: The programme will be implemented in partnership with National Sports Federations (NSFs) and State Olympic Associations (SOAs).International Collaboration: The National Olympic Academy (NOA) will collaborate with the International Olympic Academy in Olympia to ensure education programmes align with the Olympic Charter and international standards.NOA Reactivation: The NOA has been reactivated. Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil (P.T.) Usha, President of IOA, has been named President of the NOA. Gagan Narang, Olympic medalist and IOA Vice President(VP), has been appointed as the Director of the NOA.

14 Jan, 2026

IOA Launches National Olympic Education & Development Programme and Reactivated NOAOn January 12, 2026, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) launched the National Olympic Education and Development Programme (NOEDP), and reactivated the National Olympic Academy (NOA), a nationwide framework, aimed at strengthening India’s Olympic ecosystem through structured education and development.What? Launch of NOEDP and reactivation of National Olympic AcademyWho launched? Indian Olympic Association (IOA)Where: Ahmedabad, GujaratNOA President: PT UshaNOA Director: Gagan NarangGlobal Collaboration: International Olympic Academy (Olympia)Implementation: NSFs and SOAsBackground: On January 8, 2026, the initiative was approved by the IOA Executive Council. On January 9, 2026, it was unanimously supported by the IOA General House at its Annual General Meeting in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.About NOEDP:Key Goals: The programme is designed to support the Olympic movement in India, from grassroots to elite levels, focusing on Olympic values, education & ethics, holistic athlete development, capacity building, strengthening governance, leadership & professionalism, and long-term athlete development models.Implementation: The programme will be implemented in partnership with National Sports Federations (NSFs) and State Olympic Associations (SOAs).International Collaboration: The National Olympic Academy (NOA) will collaborate with the International Olympic Academy in Olympia to ensure education programmes align with the Olympic Charter and international standards.NOA Reactivation: The NOA has been reactivated. Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil (P.T.) Usha, President of IOA, has been named President of the NOA. Gagan Narang, Olympic medalist and IOA Vice President(VP), has been appointed as the Director of the NOA.

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Coromandel International Signs MoU with IIT Madras to Set Up Corporate Research CentreIn January 2026, Coromandel International Limited, an agri-solutions provider, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M), Chennai(Tamil Nadu, TN), to establish a Corporate Research Centre at the IIT Madras Research Park, Chennai.The MoU was exchanged between Narayanan Vellayan, Whole-time Director – Strategic Sourcing, Coromandel International, and Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras.What? MoU signedWho? Coromandel International Limited and IIT MadrasFor: To establish Corporate Research CentreWhere? IIT Madras Research Park, Chennai (Tamil Nadu)Objective: Convert laboratory research into scalable, commercially viable solutions for farmersAbout Corporate Research Centre:Purpose: The centre will serve as a hub for joint research programmes, technology incubation, talent development, and international collaboration.Focus: The initiative will drive translational research in agriculture, sustainability, crop nutrition, and advanced agri-input technologies.Impact: The centre is designed to translate laboratory-level research into scalable and commercially viable solutions, delivering tangible benefits to farmers and strengthening the agricultural sector.

14 Jan, 2026

Coromandel International Signs MoU with IIT Madras to Set Up Corporate Research CentreIn January 2026, Coromandel International Limited, an agri-solutions provider, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M), Chennai(Tamil Nadu, TN), to establish a Corporate Research Centre at the IIT Madras Research Park, Chennai.The MoU was exchanged between Narayanan Vellayan, Whole-time Director – Strategic Sourcing, Coromandel International, and Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras.What? MoU signedWho? Coromandel International Limited and IIT MadrasFor: To establish Corporate Research CentreWhere? IIT Madras Research Park, Chennai (Tamil Nadu)Objective: Convert laboratory research into scalable, commercially viable solutions for farmersAbout Corporate Research Centre:Purpose: The centre will serve as a hub for joint research programmes, technology incubation, talent development, and international collaboration.Focus: The initiative will drive translational research in agriculture, sustainability, crop nutrition, and advanced agri-input technologies.Impact: The centre is designed to translate laboratory-level research into scalable and commercially viable solutions, delivering tangible benefits to farmers and strengthening the agricultural sector.

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CBIC Secretary Surjit Bhujabal Inaugurates ICEGATE-LPMS Integration in Agartala, TripuraOn January 12, 2026, Surjit Bhujabal, Special Secretary & Member (Customs), Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), inaugurated the integration of Indian Customs Electronic Gateway – Land Port Management System (ICEGATE – LPMS) at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Agartala, Tripura.What? Inauguration of ICEGATE-LPMS IntegrationWho? Surjit Bhujabal (CBIC Special Secretary)Where? Agartala (Tripura)Purpose: Enables real-time digital data exchangeKey Coverage: Bill of Entry, Shipping Bill, Out of Charge (OOC), Let Export Order (LEO), cargo movement updatesAbout ICEGATE-LPMS Integration:Digital Data Exchange: The integration connects the ICEGATE with the LPMS, enabling real-time, two-way data flow between customs electronic systems and land port operations.Customs Processes: The integration covers major customs documents and events, including Bill of Entry, Shipping Bill, Out of Charge (OOC), Let Export Order (LEO), and Cargo movement updates such as slot booking, gate-in and gate-out.Border Management: It enables coordinated, data-driven border management, reducing costs, improving compliance, and allowing targeted checks with minimal disruption to legitimate trade.Collaborative Efforts: The inauguration reflects collaborative efforts by the CBIC and Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) to make India’s trade infrastructure future-ready and digitally streamlined.

14 Jan, 2026

CBIC Secretary Surjit Bhujabal Inaugurates ICEGATE-LPMS Integration in Agartala, TripuraOn January 12, 2026, Surjit Bhujabal, Special Secretary & Member (Customs), Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), inaugurated the integration of Indian Customs Electronic Gateway – Land Port Management System (ICEGATE – LPMS) at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Agartala, Tripura.What? Inauguration of ICEGATE-LPMS IntegrationWho? Surjit Bhujabal (CBIC Special Secretary)Where? Agartala (Tripura)Purpose: Enables real-time digital data exchangeKey Coverage: Bill of Entry, Shipping Bill, Out of Charge (OOC), Let Export Order (LEO), cargo movement updatesAbout ICEGATE-LPMS Integration:Digital Data Exchange: The integration connects the ICEGATE with the LPMS, enabling real-time, two-way data flow between customs electronic systems and land port operations.Customs Processes: The integration covers major customs documents and events, including Bill of Entry, Shipping Bill, Out of Charge (OOC), Let Export Order (LEO), and Cargo movement updates such as slot booking, gate-in and gate-out.Border Management: It enables coordinated, data-driven border management, reducing costs, improving compliance, and allowing targeted checks with minimal disruption to legitimate trade.Collaborative Efforts: The inauguration reflects collaborative efforts by the CBIC and Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) to make India’s trade infrastructure future-ready and digitally streamlined.

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IndiaAI Mission Signs MoU with UPDESCO to Build India’s Largest State-Level AI Skilling EcosystemsOn January 12, 2026, the IndiaAI Mission, an initiative under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Uttar Pradesh Development Systems Corporation Limited (UPDESCO), aimed at building one of India’s largest state-level Artificial Intelligence (AI) skilling ecosystems.The MoU was exchanged by Anurag Yadav, Principal Secretary, Information Technology(IT) & Electronics Department, Government of UP; and Abhishek Singh, Chief Executive Officer(CEO), IndiaAI Mission.What? MoU signedEntities: IndiaAI Mission & UPDESCOObjective: Establish 65 Data & AI Labs across Uttar PradeshTraining Focus: Hands-on AI training using tools, datasets, and real-time problem statements.About AI Skilling Ecosystem:Data & AI Lab: Under this MoU, a total of 65 Data and AI Labs are planned across UP. The labs are equipped with modern computing infrastructure.Upcoming Labs: Two labs at National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) Lucknow and Gorakhpur are operational, one lab in Pilibhit is industry‑led, 49 labs are approved and under implementation, and 13 more will be identified to complete the network.AI Training: Through these labs, students will undergo hands-on training using AI tools, datasets, and real-time problem statements.

14 Jan, 2026

IndiaAI Mission Signs MoU with UPDESCO to Build India’s Largest State-Level AI Skilling EcosystemsOn January 12, 2026, the IndiaAI Mission, an initiative under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Uttar Pradesh Development Systems Corporation Limited (UPDESCO), aimed at building one of India’s largest state-level Artificial Intelligence (AI) skilling ecosystems.The MoU was exchanged by Anurag Yadav, Principal Secretary, Information Technology(IT) & Electronics Department, Government of UP; and Abhishek Singh, Chief Executive Officer(CEO), IndiaAI Mission.What? MoU signedEntities: IndiaAI Mission & UPDESCOObjective: Establish 65 Data & AI Labs across Uttar PradeshTraining Focus: Hands-on AI training using tools, datasets, and real-time problem statements.About AI Skilling Ecosystem:Data & AI Lab: Under this MoU, a total of 65 Data and AI Labs are planned across UP. The labs are equipped with modern computing infrastructure.Upcoming Labs: Two labs at National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) Lucknow and Gorakhpur are operational, one lab in Pilibhit is industry‑led, 49 labs are approved and under implementation, and 13 more will be identified to complete the network.AI Training: Through these labs, students will undergo hands-on training using AI tools, datasets, and real-time problem statements.

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