In a significant move to reform the country's sports ecosystem, the Government of India has notified the National Sports Governance Rules, 2026. Issued under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, these rules aim to overhaul the administration of National Sports Bodies (NSBs) by mandating stricter compliance with governance standards. Key highlights include the introduction of fixed tenures for office bearers, mandatory representation of athletes in decision-making bodies, and enhanced financial transparency through regular audits.
Other Significant News Events (Jan 13ā14, 2026):
- Diplomatic Engagement: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a high-level phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussion focused on strengthening the India-U.S. strategic partnership, specifically in sectors such as critical minerals, nuclear energy, defense, and trade.
- Public Health Alert: West Bengal has been placed on high alert after two samples tested positive for the Nipah virus. The state government has initiated containment protocols following confirmation from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune.
- Healthcare Innovation: Odisha is set to become the first state in India to launch a comprehensive Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Registry. This initiative aims to track patient data systematically to improve treatment outcomes and research in renal health.
- Climate & Weather: New Delhi recorded its coldest January morning in three years, with the mercury dipping to 3Ā°C. A 'yellow alert' remains in place as cold wave conditions persist across Northern India.
- Judicial Ruling: The Delhi High Court observed that the PM CARES Fund retains a right to privacy under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, even if it were assumed to be a "public authority," citing the protection of donor information.
- Science & Technology: ISRO reported a rare outcome following the PSLV-C62 mission failure, where a small foreign satellite briefly survived to transmit data despite the launch vehicle veering off course.
These developments mark a crucial period for India, spanning governance reforms, diplomatic maneuvering, and public health challenges. Students are advised to note the National Sports Governance Rules and the Jaishankar-Rubio talks as high-priority topics for upcoming competitive examinations.