Current Affairs 21 January 2026

India Sets Record with $47 Billion Electronics Exports in FY2025.

• India achieved $47 billion in electronics exports in 2025, with nearly $30 billion from PLI-driven smartphone manufacturing, marking electronics as the country’s third-largest export category.
• Electronics exports have accelerated 11x since 2014–15, generating 25 lakh new jobs—many for women and MSME, boosting domestic production six-fold.
• Success driven by Make in India & other initiatives.

India Unveils First Tailings Policy to Boost Critical Mineral Recovery.

• The central government launched India’s first tailings policy, setting guidelines for recovering critical minerals from primary and secondary sources, including mine dumps and tailings.
• Aims to recover companion metals like Selenium from copper, Germanium from zinc, reducing import dependence.
• Promotes a coordinated approach among ministries for resource evaluation, boosting self-reliance.

ADNOC Gas Signs 10-Year LNG Deal Worth Up to $3 Billion with HPCL.

• Abu Dhabi National Oil Company Gas & HPCL signed a 10-year LNG deal worth $2.5-3 bn for 0.5 MTPA supply from Das Island.
• This reinforces India in supporting its 2030 goal of 15% natural gas in its energy mix.
• By 2029, ADNOC Gas expects 3.2 MTPA LNG contracted to Indian firms, strengthening bilateral energy ties.

EPFO to Launch UPI-Based EPF Withdrawals for Faster, Simpler Access.

• EPFO is set to enable Unified Payment Interface (UPI)–based EPF withdrawals effective from April 2026, allowing subscribers direct, hassle-free fund access with minimal paperwork.
• The initial cap may be ₹25,000 per UPI transaction, with at least 25% of the EPF balance (75%) to be frozen as per the new rules.
• It streamlines claim settlements with greater speed and convenience.

IREDA's Arm Sanctions First International Green Energy Loan.

• IREDA Global Green Energy Finance IFSC (IGGEFIL), a subsidiary of IREDA, has sanctioned its first international green loan of $22.5 million to Swarna Solar.
• The funding will support a 100 MW photovoltaic solar project in Serenje District in Zambia.
• This milestone aims to expand India’s green financing footprint and supports sustainable energy development in the global markets.