Daily Current Affairs 2025  

CA-26/01/2026


Contents
1. Padma Awards 2026
2. Bhajan clubbing
3. Matabari Tourism Circuit
4. Jeevan Raksha Padak Series
5. WASH Warriors
6. Samriddh Didi se Samriddh Rashtra
 
 
Padma Awards 2026
 
Why in news?
The Padma Awards for 2026 were announced on January 25, 2026, ahead of India's Republic Day, honoring 131 distinguished individuals across fields like arts, public affairs, sports, and social work. This includes five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards, with 19 women recipients and 16 posthumous honors.
 

About Padma Awards
  • Categories:
    • Padma Vibhushan: Exceptional and distinguished service.
    • Padma Bhushan: Distinguished service of high order.
    • Padma Shri: Distinguished service in any field.
  • Fields Covered: Art, literature, education, medicine, public affairs, social work, science & engineering, trade & industry, civil service, sports, etc.
  • Ceremony: Conferred by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan, usually in March/April.
Prominent Recipients in 2026
Category Awardee Field
Padma Vibhushan Dharmendra (posthumous) Cinema
Padma Bhushan Shibu Soren (posthumous) Public Affairs
Padma Shri Rohit Sharma Sports (Cricket)
Padma Shri R. Madhavan Cinema
Padma Shri Mammootty Cinema
 
Key Considerations
  • Prestige: Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honors, second only to the Bharat Ratna.
  • Selection Process: Over 39,000 nominations were reviewed, with rigorous scrutiny and consultations.
  • Impact: Recognizes both celebrated figures and lesser-known contributors, balancing visibility with inclusivity.
 
 
 
Bhajan clubbing
 
Why in news?
Bhajan clubbing is a rising trend among India's Gen Z, blending traditional devotional bhajans and kirtans with modern club elements like electronic beats, laser lights, and high-energy concert vibes.
PM Modi recently praised it in Mann Ki Baat episode, calling it a powerful fusion of spirituality and modernity that's "no less than global concerts."​
 

About Bhajan Clubbing
  • A fusion of traditional devotional music (bhajans, kirtans, chants) with modern club culture—DJ sets, EDM beats, laser shows, and high-energy stage setups.
  • Audiences are primarily Gen Z and millennials, who want spirituality in formats that resonate with their lifestyle.
  • Atmosphere is less like a quiet temple session, more like a concert or festival, with dancing, swaying, and collective chanting.
Key Features
  • Remixed classics: Hanuman Chalisa, Radhe Krishna chants, Achyutam Keshavam set to techno, lo-fi, or EDM beats.
  • Stage design: Concert-style lighting, laser beams, and sound systems.
  • Community vibe: Large gatherings in urban spaces, creating a sense of collective devotion.
  • Mindful highs: Unlike typical clubbing, the focus is on spiritual upliftment, mindfulness, and sober joy.
Why It’s Trending Among Gen Z?
  • Cultural reinvention: Youth are reimagining traditions to fit modern sensibilities.
  • Social media amplification: Viral videos of bhajan clubbing events have boosted popularity.
  • Balance of devotion and fun: Offers spirituality without austerity, making it more accessible.
  • Identity expression: A way for young Indians to stay connected to heritage while embracing global music culture.
 
 
 
Matabari Tourism Circuit
 
Why in news?
The Matabari Tourism Circuit is a β‚Ή450 crore project launched in Tripura in January 2026, designed to transform the Matabari–Dumboor Lake belt into a major spiritual and eco-tourism destination. It highlights key attractions like Maa Tripura Sundari Temple, Neermahal, Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, and the scenic Dumbur Lake.
 

About Matabari Tourism Circuit
  • Location: Tripura, India (foundation stone laid at Narkel Kunja near Dumbur Lake).
  • Investment: β‚Ή450 crore under central government initiative.
  • Objective: Boost tourism, employment, and infrastructure in Tripura.
  • Launch Date: January 25, 2026, inaugurated by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
Key Attractions in the Circuit
Attraction Significance Highlights
Maa Tripura Sundari Temple (Matabari) One of the 51 Shakti Peethas Major pilgrimage site
Neermahal Historic water palace Blend of Hindu & Mughal architecture
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary Biodiversity hotspot Clouded leopards, migratory birds
Dumbur Lake Scenic lake with 48 islands Eco-tourism, boating, birdwatching
Narkel Kunja Cultural & recreational hub Venue for foundation ceremony
 
Broader Impact
  • Regional Growth: Part of β‚Ή750 crore development projects announced for Tripura.
  • Tourism Boost: Aims to attract both domestic and international visitors.
  • Cultural Promotion: Showcases Tripura’s heritage, temples, and natural beauty.
Challenges & Considerations
  • Sustainability: Balancing eco-tourism with conservation of Dumbur Lake’s fragile ecosystem.
  • Accessibility: Ensuring smooth transport links from Agartala and other hubs.
  • Community Involvement: Success depends on local participation and livelihood integration.
 
 
 
Jeevan Raksha Padak Series
 
Why in news?
President Droupadi Murmu approved the Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards for 2025, honoring 30 individuals for exceptional bravery in saving lives. The awards were conferred around Republic Day 2026, recognizing acts from various states, Jammu & Kashmir, and defense personnel.​
 

About Jeevan Raksha Padak Series
The Jeevan Raksha Padak Series is a set of civilian life-saving gallantry awards, recognizing acts of exceptional courage in saving lives. It has three categories: Sarvottam, Uttam, and Jeevan Raksha Padak.
  • Purpose: To honor meritorious acts of humane nature involving personal risk to save another person’s life.
  • Established: 1961, as an offshoot of the Ashoka Chakra series of Gallantry Awards.
  • Eligibility: Open to all persons, regardless of profession or background. Can be awarded posthumously.
Categories of Awards
Category Criteria Medal Color/Design Example (2025 Awardees)
Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak Conspicuous courage in saving life under very great danger to the rescuer Gold medal with red ribbon Shri Manohar Singh Chouhan (Posthumous), Madhya Pradesh
Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak Courage and promptitude under great danger to the rescuer Silver medal with blue ribbon Shri Sumit Yadav, NCT Delhi
Jeevan Raksha Padak Courage in saving life under circumstances of grave bodily injury to the rescuer Bronze medal with green ribbon Shri K Ummer Farooqe, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
 
2025 Awards
  • Total Honorees: 30 individuals.
  • Distribution: 6 Sarvottam, 6 Uttam, 18 Jeevan Raksha Padaks.
  • Posthumous Awards: 6 recipients.
  • Presented By: President of India, Droupadi Murmu, on 25 January 2026.
Significance
  • These awards highlight civilian bravery outside the battlefield, focusing on humanitarian acts such as saving people from drowning, fire accidents, natural disasters, or other life-threatening situations.
  • They serve as India’s highest civilian recognition for life-saving acts, parallel to military gallantry awards but dedicated to everyday heroes.
Key Considerations
  • Risk Factor: The awards emphasize personal risk—recipients often put their own lives in grave danger.
  • Inclusivity: Unlike military honors, these are open to all citizens, making them a symbol of collective courage.
  • Legacy: Since 1961, they have built a tradition of recognizing unsung heroes across India.
 
 
 
WASH Warriors
 
Why in news?
The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, has invited 58 WASH Warriors as special guests to the 77th Republic Day Parade 2026 at Kartavya Path. This honors their contributions to national WASH goals like Swachh Bharat Mission.
 

About WASH Warriors
WASH Warriors are celebrated individuals or groups who make exceptional contributions to India’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) mission. They’re often recognized for their grassroots impact working directly with communities to improve sanitation, promote hygiene practices, and ensure access to clean water.
 

Key Highlights
  • Community Champions: They mobilize rural populations to adopt safe sanitation practices, often overcoming cultural and social barriers.
  • Innovators: Many introduce low-cost, sustainable solutions—like eco-friendly toilets, water filtration methods, or behavior-change campaigns.
  • Public Health Advocates: Their work reduces waterborne diseases, improves child health, and supports maternal well-being.
  • Recognition: They’re honored by government bodies, NGOs, and international organizations for their dedication to the Swachh Bharat Mission and broader WASH goals
 
 
 
Samriddh Didi se Samriddh Rashtra
 
Why in news?
"Samriddh Didi se Samriddh Rashtra" is a felicitation event on Republic Day 2026 honoring Lakhpati Didis and Self-Help Group (SHG) women under India's rural development schemes. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan participated, praising their role in economic empowerment and Viksit Bharat. The initiative ties into DAY-NRLM, aiming for 3 crore Lakhpati Didis through credit access and livelihoods.
 

Core Idea
  • The slogan “Samriddh Didi se Samriddh Rashtra” translates to “Prosperous Sisters for a Prosperous Nation”.
  • It underscores how empowering rural women through SHGs directly strengthens household income, community resilience, and national development.
Link to DAY-NRLM
  • Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) is the backbone of this initiative.
  • Target: Create 3 crore Lakhpati Didis (women earning β‚Ή1 lakh+ annually).
  • Strategy:
    • Expanding credit access via banks and financial institutions.
    • Promoting livelihood diversification (farm, non-farm, micro-enterprises).
    • Building entrepreneurial capacity among rural women.
Broader Impact
  • Economic Empowerment: Women gain financial independence, boosting household decision-making.
  • Social Transformation: SHGs foster solidarity, confidence, and leadership among rural women.
  • National Development: Aligns with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, where inclusive growth is central.




Question & Answer
 
Q1. With reference to the Padma Awards, consider the following statements:
  1. Padma Awards are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day.
  2. Padma Shri is awarded for distinguished service of a high order.
  3. Padma Awards are conferred by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
 
Explanation:
  • Statement 1  Correct (announced on Jan 25 every year).
  • Statement 2  Incorrect (this is for Padma Bhushan; Padma Shri is for distinguished service).
  • Statement 3  Correct.
 
 
Q2. Bhajan clubbing, recently praised by the Prime Minister in Mann Ki Baat, is best described as:
A. A revival of classical temple music in rural India
B. A fusion of devotional music with contemporary electronic and concert elements
C. A government-sponsored cultural exchange programme
D. A traditional folk dance form from North India
 
Explanation:
Bhajan clubbing blends bhajans/kirtans with EDM beats, DJ setups, and concert lighting, attracting Gen Z audiences.


 
Q3. The Matabari Tourism Circuit, recently launched, is located in which of the following States?
A. Assam
B. Tripura
C. Meghalaya
D. Manipur
 
Explanation:
The β‚Ή450-crore circuit is in Tripura, covering Maa Tripura Sundari Temple, Dumbur Lake, Neermahal, and Sepahijala Sanctuary.


 
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the Jeevan Raksha Padak Series:
  1. It recognizes acts of civilian bravery in saving lives.
  2. It has three categories: Sarvottam, Uttam, and Jeevan Raksha Padak.
  3. It is awarded only to civilians and not to defence personnel.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
 
Explanation:
  • Statement 3 Incorrect (defence personnel can also receive it).
     
 
Q5. WASH Warriors, recently invited to the Republic Day Parade 2026, are primarily associated with which of the following objectives?
A. Rural electrification
B. Drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene promotion
C. Urban waste management
D. Climate-resilient agriculture
 
Explanation:
WASH Warriors work under Swachh Bharat Mission & Jal Jeevan Mission, improving sanitation and hygiene at the grassroots.


 
Q6. “Samriddh Didi se Samriddh Rashtra” is most closely linked with which government initiative?
A. PM-KISAN
B. National Health Mission
C. DAY-NRLM
D. PM-SVANidhi
 
Explanation:
The slogan is tied to DAY-NRLM, aiming to create 3 crore Lakhpati Didis through SHGs, credit access, and livelihoods.


 

Download Pdf
Get in Touch
logo Get in Touch