CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 JANUARY 2026 | TOP 5 BIG UPDATES

1. Two Former First Ladies Receive Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

Graça Machel, who has been First Lady of both Mozambique and South Africa, has been awarded the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2025.

Honoured for her work in human rights, social justice, women and child welfare.

Award presented by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust.

2. Kashmiri Officer Simran Bala to Lead Republic Day Parade

Indian Army officer Simran Bala, from Jammu & Kashmir, has been selected as the Parade Commander for the 2026 Republic Day celebrations.

One of the few women to receive this honour.

Marks a significant step toward increased representation of women in defence leadership roles.

3. India–EU Defence Agreement Gets Clearance

The long-awaited India–European Union Defence and Security Cooperation Framework has been approved.

Focus areas: maritime security, defence tech sharing, cyber security, joint military training.

Seen as a major step in balancing China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.

4. India Issues Wildlife Conservation Push: New Sanctuary Additions Under Review

The government has initiated a review to expand protection zones in multiple wildlife sanctuaries, including Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

Aim: strengthen anti-poaching measures and biodiversity protection.

New proposals include eco-sensitive zones and stricter tourism guidelines.

5. Global Diplomacy: UN Calls for New Peace Framework in Conflict Zones

The United Nations has appealed for a new global peace roadmap amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Focus on preventing civilian casualties in conflict-ridden regions.

India emphasised multilateral cooperation and humanitarian aid mechanisms.