Current Affairs 17 January 2026

Karnataka Launches Gruha Lakshmi Portal for Women Entrepreneurs.

• Karnataka launched the Gruha Lakshmi Digital Marketing portal to showcase and market products of women entrepreneurs.
• The portal empowers rural artisans, offers a diverse product range, and features a user-friendly interface.
• The initiative aims at supporting inclusive economic growth.
• Women entrepreneurs are encouraged to register, expanding their reach to a global audience.

Gujarat CM reviews Karuna Abhiyan wildlife rescue drive.

• CM Bhupendra Patel reviewed rescue operations at Ahmedabad’s Wildlife Care Centre under Karuna Abhiyan during the Uttarayan festival.
• Over 728 vets, 8,620 volunteers and 1,036 centres are active statewide to treat birds injured by kite strings from Jan 10–20.
• Launched in 2017, the initiative has saved over 1.12 lakh animals and birds, making it one of India’s largest wildlife rescue drives.

Madhya Pradesh Hosts Regional AI Impact Conference 2026.

• The Madhya Pradesh Regional AI Impact Conference 2026, organised by IndiaAI Mission, MeitY, and the State Government, concluded in Bhopal.
• An MoU was signed to set up 30 Data and AI Labs in MP, supporting education, skilling, and innovation as part of a 570-lab national rollout.
• The event featured AI use cases, announced contest winners, and detailed the IndiaAI Mission’s pillars.

Coromandel Signs MoU with IIT Madras for Research Centre.

• Coromandel International Ltd signed an MoU with IIT Madras Research Park to set up a Corporate Research Centre.
• The Centre will act as a hub for joint research programmes, technology incubation, talent development, and international collaboration.
• This partnership is expected to drive research, technology development, and strengthen agricultural sector advancements.

Sikkim Gets First XV Finance Commission Grants for Rural Local Bodies.

• The Centre released the first instalment of XV Finance Commission Untied Grants worth ₹643.50 lakh to 5 District Panchayats and 199 Gram Panchayats in Sikkim for FY 2025‑26.
• An additional ₹17.50 lakh from the withheld FY 2024‑25 portion has been released to one eligible District Panchayat.
• Grants enable Panchayats to address local priorities except for salaries and other establishment costs.