Daily Current Affairs and GK | 14 January 2026

Topic: MoUs/Agreements

1. India and Germany made eight key announcements and signed 19 MoUs.

• The announcements include a joint declaration of intent to strengthen bilateral defence industrial cooperation.
• The establishment of a Chief Executive Officers’ Forum to improve trade and investment has also been announced.    
• During German Chancellor’s visit to India, two countries focused on enhancing cooperation in sectors such as defence, Trade, skill, green energy and people-to-people ties.
• Visa-free transit has been announced for Indian passport holders through Germany.
• A new framework for the recruitment of Indian healthcare professionals has also been announced.
• As per the announcement, Germany will also provide funding of  1.24 billion euros under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership.
• This will support renewable energy, green hydrogen and climate-resilient urban infrastructure.
• India and Germany completed 25 years of strategic partnership last year.
• They are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations this year.
• India Germany Relations:
  • India and Germany have strategic partnership since May 2000.
  • In September 2006, bilateral Defence Cooperation Agreement was signed between India and Germany. It provides the framework for bilateral defence ties.
  • Germany was India's 12th largest trading partner in 2023-24. It was Indiaʼs 7th largest trading partner in 2020-21.

Topic: Sports

2. Telangana Government and Hockey India signed MoU to host Women’s 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers.

• The Women’s 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers will be held in Hyderabad from 8 to 14 March 2026.
• This event will highlight India's growing role in international hockey.
• The tournament will have eight teams, which include India, England, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales and Austria. 
• The top three teams will qualify for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026.
• FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 is scheduled from 15 August to 30.