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| PHOTO OF THE DAY: President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Granth Kutir at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 23, 2026. (PIB) |
India Pulse | January 23, 2026: Your Daily Digest of India's Governance, Progress, and Vision
Harrdiip Bedii
The India Pulse Newsletter for January 23, 2026 covers Vaishnaw stating global manufacturers turning to India for design capabilities, talent and consistent policies, India hosting fourth edition of India Energy Week in Goa, ECI issuing directions for disciplinary action against BLOs for dereliction of duty and misconduct, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurating Granth Kutir at Rashtrapati Bhavan, government selecting five companies in fourth round of PLI Scheme for white goods, Amit Shah participating in Uttar Pradesh Day celebrations as chief guest, and preparations underway for 77th Republic Day Parade in national capital.
NEWS IN DETAIL
Vaishnaw Says Global Manufacturers Turning to India for Design Capabilities, Talent & Consistent Policies
The global equipment manufacturers are looking towards India to establish a base due to the country’s design capabilities, large talent pool, and the consistent policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said this while interacting with the media during his visit to Advanced Semiconductor Materials Lithography (ASML) Headquarters in the Netherlands.
Mr Vaishnaw said that his visit is aimed at understanding advanced technologies related to lithography.
He said that India’s upcoming semiconductor fabrication facility in Dholera, Gujarat, will be using equipment from ASML, which is the world’s leading provider of lithographic tools.
The Minister underscored the significance of advanced lithography technology for India’s emerging semiconductor industry.
Emphasising the nation’s growing role in the semiconductor ecosystem, he said that such engagements will accelerate the country’s goal in high-tech manufacturing and innovation.
India to Host Fourth Edition of India Energy Week in Goa
India will host the fourth edition of India Energy Week from 27th to 30th January in Goa.
Addressing a curtain-raiser press conference in New Delhi , Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that over 75 thousand participants are expected to attend the first major international energy event of the year.
He informed that more than 6 hundred exhibitors, including 180 international exhibitors, will take part in the four-day event.
The Minister informed that ministers or deputy ministers from 17 countries, including Canada, the UAE, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Trinidad and Tobago, Oman and Brunei, will participate in the event.
The event will also bring together government leaders, industry executives and innovators to advance a secure, sustainable and affordable energy future.
ECI Issues Directions for Disciplinary Action Against BLOs for Dereliction of Duty & Misconduct
The Election Commission of India has issued directions to Chief Electoral Officers of all States and Union Territories regarding disciplinary action against Booth Level Officers in case of dereliction of duty and misconduct.
In a letter to the CEOs, the Commission stated that cases involving dereliction of duty, negligence, misconduct, wilful non-compliance with its instructions, or violation of the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, will invite strict action, including suspension.
It further said that any act or omission by a Booth Level Officer that adversely affects the accuracy, integrity, or credibility of the electoral roll while discharging official duties will be dealt with strictly.
The Commission also added that instances of criminal misconduct may lead to the registration of an FIR, as applicable.
President Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates Granth Kutir at Rashtrapati Bhavan
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Granth Kutir at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The Kutir has a collection of around 50 manuscripts and two thousand three hundred books in 11 Indian classical languages.
The collection covers a wide range of subjects such as epics, philosophy, linguistics, history, governance, science, and devotional literature, as well as the Constitution of India in these languages. The aim of developing this Kutir is to enhance awareness among the citizens regarding the rich cultural and literary heritage of India while promoting the spirit of unity in diversity.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, President Murmu said, the Granth Kutir is part of a collective effort by Rashtrapati Bhavan towards the preservation and promotion of India’s classical languages.
Talking about the Indian classical languages, the President said, these languages have made a significant contribution to the development of modern Indian languages. She also noted that knowledge of science, yoga, Ayurveda, and literature composed in these languages has guided the world for centuries.
She stressed promoting the study of classical languages in universities and encouraging young people to learn at least one classical language. President Murmu also emphasised that making more books in these languages available in libraries is crucial to preserving and promoting them.
Granth Kutir is an attempt to support the vision of Gyan Bharatam Mission, a national initiative to preserve, digitise, and disseminate India’s vast manuscript heritage. It has been developed through collaboration with the central government, state governments, universities, research institutions, cultural organisations, and individual donors from across the country.
Govt Selects Five Companies in Fourth Round of PLI Scheme for White Goods
The Government has selected five companies in the fourth round of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for White Goods, with a committed investment of 863 crore rupees.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated that these five companies are engaged in the manufacturing of air conditioner (AC) components and are expected to achieve a total production of over 8 thousand 300 crore rupees and generate 1,799 additional direct jobs by the Financial Year 2027-28.
The Ministry said the five firms were picked provisionally after evaluation of 13 applications received in the fourth round under the PLI Scheme for White Goods.
It is informed that with the latest round, a total of 85 companies have now been selected under the PLI Scheme for White Goods, covering air conditioners and LED lights.
These firms are expected to make investments of 11 thousand 198 crore rupees and achieve a cumulative production of 1 lakh 90 thousand crore rupees over the scheme period.
As per the Ministry, this initiative is expected to significantly strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and drive economic growth in the sector.
Under the scheme, manufacturers of Air Conditioners will produce components such as compressors, copper tubes, control assemblies for IDUs and ODUs, heat exchangers, and BLDC motors, among others.
Amit Shah to Participate in ‘Uttar Pradesh Day’ Celebrations as Chief Guest
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will address the ‘Uttar Pradesh Day’ celebrations as the Chief Guest in Lucknow on January 24, 2026. The event will be held at Rashtra Prerna Sthal.
On the occasion, Mr Shah will launch the ‘One District One Cuisine’ (ODOC) scheme.
Under the initiative, the distinctive traditional cuisine of each district of Uttar Pradesh will be identified and linked with quality improvement, branding, and market access, so that local flavours gain not only regional but also national and global recognition.
During the celebrations, the Union Minister will also inaugurate the Sardar Patel Industrial Zone Programme.
Mr Shah will present awards to districts that have performed excellently under the Uttar Pradesh Government’s Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Yojana scheme.
He will also confer the Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman 2025-26 on the occasion.
Preparations Underway for 77th Republic Day Parade in National Capital
Preparations for the 77th Republic Day Parade celebrations are in full swing in the national capital. The parade at Kartavya Path will exhibit a unique blend of the country’s culture, its military prowess and its celebrated legacy.
A full dress rehearsal of the Republic Day Parade took place on Kartavya Path in the national capital today amid rainfall.
The rehearsal showcased India’s rich heritage, military prowess, and cultural diversity. As the nation gears up for the Republic Day, the rehearsal had a captivating preview of the celebrations to come. Different marching contingents of the Armed Forces and tableaux from different states will present glimpses of diverse strengths and cultural inclusiveness.
Delhi Metro will commence its services at 3:00 AM on all lines on Monday to facilitate the movement of people to Kartavya Path and enable them to witness the Republic Day ceremony