Daily Current Affairs – January 18, 2026

India-US trade deal: US senators are urging Trump to push India to remove tariffs on American pulse exports. This demand touches upon India's agricultural policies and its goal of self-reliance in pulses. India's decision to impose tariffs was to protect its farmers. This could complicate the ongoing trade deal negotiations.

Industry leaders are urging the government to use the upcoming Union Budget for 2026-27. They want reforms in infrastructure, innovation, digital systems, and finance. This aims to keep India as the world's fastest-growing economy. Business confidence is high, driven by domestic demand. The budget proposals focus on capital expenditure and talent attraction.

What would be the functions of the Arbitration Council of India? Why have there been concerns with respect to institutional impartiality? What are some of the criticisms of the amendments? What does the draft Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2024 propose?

The rare criticism from Israel of its close ally in Washington says the Gaza executive committee “was not coordinated with Israel and is contrary to its policy,” without details

What began as a shopkeepers’ strike transformed into one of the largest anti-government protests the Islamic Republic has seen, triggering a violent state crackdown in which thousands are feared killed; Tehran says Western intelligence agencies hijacked the protest and unleashed ‘domestic terror’

Markets are poised for a volatile week influenced by Q3 earnings, with over 230 companies set to announce results. Geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran are expected to weigh on global sentiment, while FII outflows continue. Technical indicators suggest a consolidative bias with immediate support at 25,550–25,600.

Indian markets enter 2026 balancing growth optimism with risks from a massive IPO pipeline and weak FII flows. HDFC Securities sees policy support, domestic liquidity, easing global risks and valuation corrections driving a potential Goldilocks recovery, with 16% earnings growth.

Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have dominated the market until now, but this year is set to bring oral drugs, generics, and a fight for global dominance.

Bank holiday today, 17 January: Banks in some states across India will be closed on Saturday, 17 January. Bank holidays are decided by the Reserve Bank of India.

Manisha had earlier made history by becoming the first Indian footballer to compete in the UEFA Women's Champions League

Vijender, India's first Olympic medallist in boxing, brings with him nearly two decades of experience at the highest level of the sport, both in amateur and professional boxing