“IMPORTANT DAYS”

9th Siddha Day 2026: Celebrating India’s Ancient Medical Heritage

India will observe the 9th Siddha Day on January 6, 2026, celebrating one of the oldest traditional systems of medicine. as the Ayilyam star falls on this date in the Tamil month of Margazhi. The event will be organised in Chennai with the support of the Ministry of AYUSH. Siddha medicine, deeply rooted in Tamil culture, focuses on holistic health and prevention of disease. The observance highlights India’s efforts to preserve and promote its rich traditional medical knowledge in modern healthcare.

World Day of War Orphans

World Day of War Orphans is observed every year on January 6 to draw attention to the suffering of children who lose one or both parents due to wars and armed conflicts. The day focuses on their emotional trauma, lack of care, and the urgent need for protection, rehabilitation, and social support. The day highlights the global crisis of children orphaned due to wars and reinforces the need for governments and societies to provide care, security, and rehabilitation.

“APPOINTMENTS”

Karthikeyan Manickam Appointed Chairman of ESAF Small Finance Bank

ESAF Small Finance Bank has appointed Karthikeyan Manickam as its new Chairman, aiming to strengthen leadership with his decades of experience in banking, risk management, and regulatory compliance. A former Executive Director of Bank of India, Manickam will provide strategic guidance and independent oversight to the board, with expertise in banking operations, credit monitoring, risk management, regulatory compliance, and human resource management. 

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

India’s Largest Inland Rainbow Trout Farm Launched in Telangana

India’s fisheries sector marked a major technological milestone with the launch of a large-scale trout farming project in Telangana. Traditionally limited to cold Himalayan regions, trout cultivation has now been successfully adapted to a warm inland climate. The initiative reflects India’s push toward innovation-driven aquaculture, value addition, and export-oriented growth in fisheries.

Punjab to Launch ‘Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna’ on January 15

Punjab to launch ‘Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna’ on January 15, 2026, offering free cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh per family for all 65 lakh families in the State. Any resident of Punjab with a valid Aadhaar card and voter ID can avail the benefits; the scheme aims to cover 100% of the state’s population. Over 9,000 camps will be conducted for issuing scheme cards; after enrolment, beneficiaries will be eligible for free treatment covering around 2,200 medical procedures.

Bulgaria Officially Joins Eurozone, Adopts Euro as National Currency

Bulgaria officially joined the Eurozone on 1 January 2026, adopting the euro as its official currency, replacing the Bulgarian lev after a long transition process. With this move, Bulgaria becomes the 21st member of the euro area, deepening its economic and monetary integration with the European Union. The switch to the euro follows approval of required legal acts by the Council of the European Union and fulfilment of convergence criteria set by the European Commission and European Central Bank.