22 January 2026 Current Affairs

1️⃣ Infrastructure, Transport & Regional Development

India’s First Sleeper Vande Bharat Train

• Connects Howrah (Kolkata) – Kamakhya (Guwahati)

• Marks next phase of rail modernisation for long-distance travel

• Exam relevance:

  • Semi-high-speed rail evolution

  • Connectivity to North-East India

  • Railway reforms & passenger comfort upgrades

Kaziranga Elevated Corridor (₹6,957 crore)

• Balances infrastructure + wildlife conservation

• Reduces human-animal conflict near Kaziranga National Park

• Exam angle:

  • Environment–development trade-off

  • Eco-sensitive infrastructure

  • Sustainable tourism & employment

Amrit Bharat Express Trains

• Focus on affordable, modern rail services

• Improves regional mobility & economic integration

2️⃣ MSMEs, Technology & Industrial Capacity

MSME Technology Centres – Himachal Pradesh

• Locations: Pandoga (Una) & Parwanoo (Solan)

• Aim: Skill development, manufacturing support, MSME competitiveness

• Exam relevance:

  • MSME cluster development

  • Skill-linked industrial growth

  • Regional industrialisation

3️⃣ Disaster Management, Digital Governance & Awards

C-DOT’s Cell Broadcast Solution (CBS)

• National disaster & emergency alert platform

• Won SKOCH Award 2025

• Exam angle:

  • Disaster preparedness

  • Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

  • Early warning systems & resilience

4️⃣ Culture, Arts & Soft Power

Ilaiyaraaja – Padmapani Award

• Conferred at Ajanta–Ellora International Film Festival

• Recognises contribution to Indian music & cultural diplomacy