Daily Current Affairs for CAT, XAT & MBA GDPI – January 14, 2026
Indian Economy & Policy
India unfazed as US slaps 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran
Trump Tariffs India: US President Trump announced a 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran, aiming to pressure Tehran amidst anti-government protests. However, the move is expected to have a limited impact on India's overall trade, as most of its exports to Iran are humanitarian in nature and already compliant with US sanctions.
Budget 2026 may be high on highways: Faster clearances, InvIT push expected
India's national highway network has surged by over 61% to 146,560 km, driven by the Bharatmala Pariyojana. The government plans a Rs 2.87 lakh crore budget for 2025-26, focusing on access-controlled highways and a Rs 8.3 lakh crore PPP pipeline. A public InvIT, Raajmarg InvIT, will also be launched to fund future development.
Indian Politics & Governance

Former Minister and INLD leader Sampat Singh accuses Haryana govt of neglecting the education sector in budgets over the years
According to the latest education department report, 40,671 posts of school teachers out of the sanctioned 1,22,359 posts were vacant at present, he said

Are India’s small towns being increasingly urbanised? | Explained
Are small towns an alternative to the over-accumulation witnessed in the country’s metro cities?
Geopolitics (India Focus)
Iran Protests LIVE: Trump calls on Tehran to show protesters humanity amid reports of rising death toll
Iran’s government accused the United States of seeking to manufacture a pretext for military intervention

Henley Passport Index 2026: Singapore Japan and South Korea have the world’s most powerful passports, India improves ranking
Indian Stock Market & IPOs
Indian Overseas Bank shares in focus after overnight MCLR cut by 5 bps
Indian Overseas Bank shares are set to draw investor attention after the public-sector lender cut its overnight MCLR by 5 basis points, effective January 15, even as markets track the government’s ongoing Offer For Sale and assess the limited impact of the rate move on existing borrowers.
Geopolitics, oil and AI: What could shape US markets in 2026, says Amit Khosla
A potential shift in Venezuela's oil supply could influence crude prices and inflation, potentially leading to a more dovish stance from the Federal Reserve. While AI-driven capex and earnings growth underpin market fundamentals, selective stock picking in cash-generating, AI-linked businesses is advised for 2026, as market leadership may narrow.
Marketing, Brands & Consumer Trends
Bank holiday today, 14 January: Are banks open or closed today for Makar Sankranti 2026? Check state-wise list here
Bank holiday today, 14 January: There will be a bank holiday in many states due to festivities like Makar Sankranti and Magh Bihu on Wednesday, 14 January. Bank holidays are decided as per the bank holiday calendar by the Reserve Bank of India.
Rohit Jain takes charge of Lionsgate Play in Starz Asia reset
Starz Entertainment sells Lionsgate Play in South and Southeast Asia to Asia president Rohit Jain, placing the OTT platform under founder-led ownership amid intensifying competition in India’s streaming market.
Sports (Business & Governance)

WPL 2026: Harmanpreet Kaur rescues Mumbai Indians again, ensures seven-wicket win over Gujarat Giants