Current Affairs · 12–18 January 2026
TNPSC current affairs for the week of 12–18 January 2026, grouped by day.
18 January 2026
3 storiesIndia ranks first among founders of US unicorn startups: startup ecosystem fact for TNPSC
India topped the list of founders of US unicorn startups, a useful startup ecosystem fact for exams.
BHEL wins international refinery contract in Nigeria; key PSU export order for TNPSC economy and industry
BHEL secured a major international refinery project contract in Nigeria, making it a relevant PSU and industrial export development.
Marine microfossils and Antarctica’s climate history: science fact
Marine microfossils were highlighted for helping understand Antarctica’s climate history, a science-and-environment topic.
17 January 2026
7 storiesBHEL wins major international refinery contract in Nigeria: defence-industrial and economy relevance
BHEL secured a major international contract for a refinery project in Nigeria, a useful fact for economy and industry revision.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit appointed next Vice Chief of the Air Staff
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit was named the next Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force, a defence appointment relevant for exams.
Sangeet Natak Akademi honours 51 artists in Lucknow: awards update
The Sangeet Natak Akademi conferred honours on 51 artists in Lucknow, an awards-related current affairs item.
PM Modi to launch ₹12,421 crore national highway projects in Surat, Gujarat in January 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate national highway projects worth ₹12,421 crore in Surat, Gujarat, in January 2026.
Antarctic climate history: marine microfossils as a key scientific tool
Marine microfossils were highlighted as important for understanding Antarctica’s climate history, a science topic for exams.
India ranks top among founders of US unicorn startups, a startup ecosystem fact for TNPSC
India has been reported to rank first among founders of US unicorn startups, a useful fact for economy and innovation questions.
NASA ends MAVEN mission in 2026; key Mars exploration milestone for science and technology
NASA has declared the MAVEN mission ended in 2026, making it a notable space-science development for exam preparation.
16 January 2026
3 storiesLadakh’s Fotu La tunnel project approved: year-round connectivity and strategic infrastructure facts
The Fotu La tunnel project in Ladakh has been approved, a key infrastructure and connectivity development for the region.
India tops founders of US unicorn startups: startup ecosystem and innovation facts
India ranks top among founders of US unicorn startups, a useful current-affairs fact for innovation and entrepreneurship.
NASA ends MAVEN mission: key facts on Mars orbiter, year, and space science
NASA has declared the MAVEN mission ended, making it a science and technology current-affairs item on Mars exploration.
15 January 2026
2 storiesIndian Army Day Observed (15 January)
Indian Army Day was observed on 15 January, marking the day in 1949 when Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Army.
Sangeet Natak Akademi honours 51 artists in Lucknow: awards and culture fact
The Sangeet Natak Akademi conferred honours on 51 artists in Lucknow, an important awards-and-culture current-affairs item.
14 January 2026
3 storiesPongal Celebrated in Tamil Nadu (14 January)
Pongal, the four-day Tamil harvest festival, was celebrated in Tamil Nadu beginning 14 January, thanking the Sun God for a bountiful harvest.
Makar Sankranti Observed (14 January)
Makar Sankranti, marking the sun's transit into Capricorn (Makara), was celebrated across India on 14 January with regional harvest festivities.
Marine microfossils and Antarctica’s climate history: science fact for exams
Marine microfossils were highlighted for helping understand Antarctica’s climate history, a science-and-environment concept.
13 January 2026
6 storiesSangeet Natak Akademi honours 51 artists in Lucknow: awards fact for TNPSC
Fifty-one artists were honoured by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in Lucknow, a useful awards-and-culture fact.
Ladakh’s Fotu La tunnel project approved to strengthen all-weather connectivity; key infrastructure and geography fact
The Fotu La tunnel project in Ladakh was approved to improve year-round connectivity in a strategic region.
PM Modi to launch ₹12,421 crore national highway projects in Surat, Gujarat; infrastructure and connectivity current affairs
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch national highway projects worth ₹12,421 crore in Surat, Gujarat.
India tops founders of US unicorn startups; important entrepreneurship and economy fact for current affairs
India ranked first among founders of US unicorn startups, a useful entrepreneurship and economy fact.
NASA ends MAVEN mission in 2026; Mars orbiter becomes a key science and technology current-affairs fact
NASA announced the end of the MAVEN mission, a notable space science current-affairs item for 2026.
BHEL wins international refinery contract for Nigeria project; key PSU engineering order for TNPSC economy and defence-linked industry
BHEL secured a major international contract for Nigeria’s refinery project, making it a testable PSU and industrial order item.
12 January 2026
3 storiesNational Youth Day Observed (12 January)
National Youth Day was observed on 12 January, the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, to inspire the youth with his ideals.
51 artists receive Sangeet Natak Akademi honours in Lucknow
Fifty-one artists were honoured by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in Lucknow, a culture and awards fact useful for exams.
BHEL wins major international refinery contract in Nigeria
BHEL secured a major international contract for a refinery project in Nigeria, an exam-relevant industry and international business fact.