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TODAY NEWS HIGHLIGHT
➤ AIFF condoles the demise of former Indian defender Ilyas Pasha
➤ Rajasthan’s Alwar to develop a mega biological park with 81 wildlife species
➤ RBI issued operational guidelines for interest subsidy on export credit under export promotion
➤ India’s first integrated private satellite manufacturing unit launched in Sanand, Gujarat
➤ President approves award of Ashok Chakra to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
➤ Suryoday Small Finance Bank has partnered with HyperVerge to launch AI-powered video KYC
➤ Graça Machel of Mozambique was awarded the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize
➤ Lala Lajpat Rai Birth Anniversary
1. AIFF Mourns the Passing of Former Indian Defender Ilyas Pasha
Former India and East Bengal football legend Ilyas Pasha passed away on January 22, 2026, after a prolonged illness, sending shockwaves through the Indian football world. He was known for his calm, disciplined, and precise defense and was considered one of the best footballers from Karnataka. Ilyas Pasha was born and raised in the Vyalikaval area of Bengaluru.
2. Alwar, Rajasthan to Develop a Large Biological Park with 81 Wildlife Species
The Rajasthan government is developing a new biological park in the Kati Ghati area of Alwar district, establishing an integrated model for wildlife conservation, animal care, and tourism. Upon completion, it will be the first biological park of its kind in the National Capital Region.
3. RBI Issues Operational Guidelines for Interest Subvention on Export Credit under Export Promotion Scheme
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued operational guidelines for providing interest subvention on pre-shipment and post-shipment export credit under the NIRYAT PROTSAHAN scheme, a component of the Export Promotion Mission. This initiative aims to reduce the financial costs of MSME exporters by making affordable rupee-denominated export credit available to them.
4. India’s First Integrated Private Satellite Manufacturing Unit Launched in Sanand, Gujarat
India has achieved a major milestone in the field of space technology with the laying of the foundation stone for the country’s first integrated private satellite manufacturing unit in Khoraj, Sanand, Gujarat. This initiative reflects the growing participation and capabilities of private companies in India’s space sector.
5. President Approves Ashok Chakra for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
Indian President Droupadi Murmu has approved the conferment of gallantry awards to a total of 70 armed forces personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, recognizing their courage and dedication in the service of the nation. This announcement is particularly significant as it includes the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award.
6. Suryoday Small Finance Bank Partners with HyperVerge to Launch AI-Powered Video KYC
Suryoday Small Finance Bank has partnered with HyperVerge to implement an AI-powered Video KYC (VKYC) solution to strengthen its digital banking capabilities. This initiative aims to make customer onboarding more modern, faster, and regulatory compliant.
7. Graça Machel of Mozambique Awarded the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize
Graça Machel, the renowned human rights activist from Mozambique, has been awarded the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development 2025, as announced by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust. This award is given for exceptional contributions to peace, development, social justice, and human dignity and includes a cash prize of one crore rupees, a trophy, and a citation.
8. Lala Lajpat Rai Jayanti
The birth anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai, a great freedom fighter of India, is being celebrated across the country, commemorating his nationalist contributions and sacrifices. He was one of the prominent leaders of the Indian national movement and was widely respected for his fearless views. Lala Lajpat Rai was born on January 28, 1865, in the Punjab region, which is now part of Haryana.
QUIZ WITH EXPLANATIONS
1. Ilyas Pasha was associated with which sport?
A - Hockey
B - Cricket
C - Football
D - Badminton
Former Indian and East Bengal football legend Ilyas Pasha passed away on January 22, 2026, after a prolonged illness. He was known for his calm, disciplined, and precise defending and was considered one of the finest footballers from Karnataka.
2. In which district of Rajasthan will the new biological park be developed?
A - Jaipur
B - Bharatpur
C - Alwar
D - Sikar
The Rajasthan government is set to develop a new biological park in the Kati Ghati area of Alwar district.
3. What type of loans has the RBI issued interest subvention guidelines for under the NIRYAT PROTSAHAN scheme?
A - Only agricultural loans
B - Only domestic trade loans
C - Pre-shipment and post-shipment export credit
D - Only consumer loans
The RBI issued guidelines to support MSME exporters through affordable export credit.
4. Where is India’s first integrated private satellite manufacturing unit being established?
A - Bengaluru
B - Hyderabad
C - Sriharikota
D - Khoraj, Sanand (Gujarat)
The facility will manufacture satellites and advanced electro-optical payloads in a single complex.
5. Who was awarded the Ashok Chakra in 2026?
A - Major Arshdeep Singh
B - Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
C - Naib Subedar Doleshwar Singh
D - Group Captain Prashant Nair
The Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, was approved for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla.
6. With which company has Suryoday Small Finance Bank implemented an AI-powered Video KYC solution?
A - Infosys
B - TCS
C - HyperVerge
D - Paytm
The partnership aims to strengthen digital banking services.
7. Who was awarded the Indira Gandhi Peace, Disarmament and Development Prize 2025?
A - Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
B - Graça Machel
C - Malala Yousafzai
D - Michelle Bachelet
The award recognizes exceptional contributions to peace and human dignity.
8. By what nickname is Lala Lajpat Rai known?
A - Bharat Kesari
B - Punjab Kesari
C - Singh Kesari
D - Rashtra Kesari
Lala Lajpat Rai was a prominent extremist nationalist leader.
ONE LINER
During which movement did Lala Lajpat Rai, popularly known as “Punjab Kesari,” die due to a lathi charge? – Simon Commission protest movement
With which fintech company has Suryoday Small Finance Bank partnered to launch AI-powered Video KYC? – HyperVerge
Which ministry did Graça Machel head after Mozambique’s independence? – Ministry of Education and Culture
Which country’s human rights activist was awarded the Indira Gandhi Peace, Disarmament and Development Award 2025? – Graça Machel of Mozambique
What is the biggest feature of the Palmnaro Satellite Manufacturing Unit? – End-to-end satellite manufacturing in a single complex
How many wildlife species will the Rajasthan government include in the biological park in Alwar district? – 81 species
Which Air Force officer was approved for India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, the Ashok Chakra? – Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
What is the maximum interest subsidy under the NIRYAT PROTSAHAN scheme? – 7.5 percent per annum
Which former Indian and East Bengal football legend’s death was mourned by the AIFF? – Ilyas Pasha
Which company is establishing India’s first integrated private satellite manufacturing unit in Sanand, Gujarat? – Azista Space