Daily Current Affairs: 9 January 2026

Ashwini Vaishnaw conferred 70th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar on 100 rail officials

Key Updates:

• Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw conferred the 70th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar on 100 employees and officers for their exemplary service.
• The awardees include personnel who played a critical role in ensuring safe and seamless Railway operations during large-scale events such as the Mahakumbh.
• 26 Shields were awarded to the best-performing Railway Zones across various categories, acknowledging their outstanding achievements and overall excellence.
• Officers were also recognised for contributions during Operation Sindoor and for introducing advanced Ballast Cleaning Machines in difficult sections.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma rules wife's earning capacity cannot be presumed for interim maintenance.

Key Updates:

• Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court enhanced a woman's interim maintenance from ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 per month.
• The court held that a wife cannot be presumed to be earning or capable of maintaining herself without prima facie evidence.
• The husband's claim that the woman worked as a nursery teacher was rejected for lack of documented proof.
• The court assessed the husband's income on the basis of minimum wages for a graduate skilled worker in Uttar Pradesh.

Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi reached the summit of Mount Vinson

Key Updates:

• Emirati mountaineer Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi reached the summit of Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica, on 6 January 2026.
• At the age of 18, she became the youngest and first Arab to reach the summit of the 4,892-metre peak.
• This ascent marks the third major peak in her quest to conquer the Seven Summits and achieve the Explorer’s Grand Slam.
• The expedition was sponsored by Palms Sports and Dar Al Takaful Finance.
• Al Awadhi previously became the youngest Emirati to reach the summit of Mount Elbrus, Europe’s highest peak, on 6 July 2025.
• She is currently a university student majoring in Economics.

Agnivesh Agarwal dies as Vedanta Group director

[Vedanta Group]

Key Updates:

• Agnivesh Agarwal, son of metals tycoon Anil Agarwal, passed away at the age of 49 following a cardiac arrest after a skiing accident in the US.
• He had been recovering at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York before the sudden cardiac arrest.
• He was the chairman of Talwandi Sabo Power (TSPL), a subsidiary of Vedanta.
• He previously served as chairman of Hindustan Zinc from November 2005 to February 2019.
• He studied at Mayo College in Ajmer and later set up Fujairah Gold, a metal refinery in the UAE.

Kabindra Purkayastha passes away at 95; former Union Minister and BJP stalwart.

Key Updates:

• Kabindra Purkayastha, former Union Minister and veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, died at Silchar Medical College and Hospital after prolonged illness.
• He joined BJP in 1980 and led the party to its first-ever Lok Sabha seats from Assam in 1991.
• Born in Kamarkhal village, now in Bangladesh’s Sunamganj district, he migrated to Silchar post-Partition.
• He is survived by son Kanad Purkayastha, Rajya Sabha MP, a daughter, and grandchildren.

Jensen Huang awarded 2026 IEEE Medal of Honor

[NVIDIA]

Key Updates:

• Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA, has been named the recipient of the 2026 IEEE Medal of Honor.
• The award carries a USD 2 million prize and is the highest accolade of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
• He is recognized for visionary leadership and pioneering work in accelerated computing that propelled NVIDIA to the forefront of technological innovation.
• Under his guidance, NVIDIA invented the first graphics processing unit (GPU) in 1999, revolutionizing computing and enabling advancements across medicine, engineering, robotics, autonomous vehicles, and manufacturing.
• Huang joins past laureates such as Vinton G. Cerf, Robert Kahn, Bradford W. Parkinson, and Morris Chang.

Madhav Gadgil passes away, recipient of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Champions of the Earth award

[United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations]

Key Updates:

• Madhav Gadgil chaired the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), later known as the Gadgil Commission.
• He was a key architect of India’s Biological Diversity Act and contributed to the implementation of the Forest Rights Act.
• Gadgil established India’s first biosphere reserve, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, in 1986.
• In 2024, he was named a laureate of the United Nations Environment Programme’s Champions of the Earth award.

Finance Ministry (MoF) plans to scrap curbs on Chinese firms bidding for Indian government contracts.

[China]

Key Updates:

• The Finance Ministry (MoF) is working to remove the registration requirement for bidders from bordering nations.
• The restrictions, imposed in 2020 after a deadly clash, required Chinese bidders to register with an Indian government committee and obtain political and security clearances.
• The measures effectively barred Chinese firms from competing for Indian government contracts estimated to be worth $700 billion to $750 billion.
• China's state-owned CRRC was disqualified from bidding for a $216 million train-manufacturing contract months after the restrictions were unveiled.
• The value of new projects awarded to Chinese bidders fell 27% from a year earlier to $1.67 billion in 2021.
• Curbs on imports from China of equipment for the power sector have hindered India's plans to raise its thermal power capacity to about 307 GW over the next decade.
• A high-level committee headed by former cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba has recommended easing the restrictions.
• India and China restarted direct flights and New Delhi cut red tape to speed approvals for business visas for Chinese professionals after Modi visited China last year.

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) estimates Real GDP growth at 7.4% for FY 2025-26

[Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)]

Key Updates:

• The National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the First Advance Estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the Financial Year (FY) 2025-26.
• Real GDP is estimated to grow by 7.4% in FY 2025-26, compared to a growth rate of 6.5% in FY 2024-25.
• Nominal GDP is projected to grow at 8.0% in FY 2025-26, reaching an estimated level of ₹357.14 lakh crore.
• Real Gross Value Added (GVA) is estimated to grow by 7.3% to reach ₹184.50 lakh crore in FY 2025-26.
• Nominal GVA is estimated to attain a level of ₹323.48 lakh crore, registering a growth rate of 7.7%.
• Financial, Real Estate & Professional Services and Public Administration, Defence & Other Services are estimated to achieve a growth rate of 9.9% at constant prices.
• Trade, Hotels, Transport, Communication & Services related to Broadcasting sector is estimated to grow by 7.5% at constant prices.
• Manufacturing and Construction sectors in the secondary sector are estimated to achieve a growth rate of 7.0% at constant prices.
• Agriculture & Allied Sector is estimated to grow by 3.1%, while Electricity, Gas, Water Supply & Other Utility Services is estimated at 2.1%.
• Real Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) is estimated to attain a growth rate of 7.0% during FY 2025-26.
• Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) is estimated to grow by 7.8% at constant prices, compared to 7.1% in the previous financial year.
• MoSPI is currently revising the base year of National Accounts from FY 2011-12 to FY 2022-23.
• The Second Advance Estimates of GDP for FY 2025-26 under the new base year are scheduled for release on 27.02.2026.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancels registration of 35 NBFCs and accepts surrender from 16 others.

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]

Key Updates:

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the Certificate of Registration of 35 NBFCs including Satya Prakash Capital Investment Limited and Sunlife Securities Private Limited for regulatory non-compliance.
• The cancellations were effective between December 9, 2025, and December 31, 2025, under Section 45-IA(6) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
• The affected companies are no longer permitted to carry out the business of non-banking financial institutions.
• 16 NBFCs voluntarily surrendered their Certificate of Registration to RBI leading to its cancellation for reasons including exit from NBFC business, meeting criteria for unregistered Core Investment Companies (CICs), and ceasing to be a legal entity due to merger, amalgamation, dissolution, or voluntary strike-off.

UIDAI launches Udai mascot to simplify Aadhaar services

[UIDAI]

Key Updates:

• UIDAI launched the Aadhaar mascot 'Udai' as a resident-facing communication companion to simplify public understanding of Aadhaar services.
• The mascot will support clearer communication on services such as Aadhaar updates, authentication, offline verification, selective data sharing, adoption of new technologies, and responsible usage.
• UIDAI selected the mascot through an open national design and naming competition conducted on the MyGov platform, receiving 875 entries from across the country.
• Arun Gokul from Thrissur, Kerala, won the first prize in the mascot design competition, and Riya Jain from Bhopal won the first prize in the naming competition.

Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat: National Pledge for Child Marriage-Free India

Key Updates:

• Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat (BVMB) was launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development on November 27, 2024.
• BVMB deploys dedicated Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) mandated under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
• UNICEF provides technical support for data-driven interventions and capacity-building workshops for CMPOs and One Stop Centres.
• An intensive 100-day awareness drive under BVMB is running until March 2026.

BHARATI Initiative to Showcase Top 10 Agri-Food & Agri-Tech Startups on Global Platforms

Key Updates:

• APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) launched BHARATI—Bharat's Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement—to empower agri sector start-ups.
• Top 10 startups under BHARATI will get the opportunity to showcase their products at international platforms.
• APEDA-promoted agri exports grew 7% during April-November 2025-26 to USD 18.6 billion and are expected to cross USD 30 billion this fiscal.

Keyi Panyor Bio-Happiness Project

Key Updates:

• The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation has begun work on a Biohappiness project in Keyi Panyor district, Arunachal Pradesh.
• The project will examine livelihoods, agro-biodiversity and other ecological aspects within the district.
• Biohappiness, coined by late Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, is the state of well-being arising when biodiversity is conserved and utilised to enhance human health, nutrition and livelihoods.

Tamil Nadu Deep Tech Startup Policy 2025-26 to mobilise Rs 100 crore and support 100 deep-tech startups

[Tamil Nadu]

Key Updates:

• The policy ‘aims to support 100 deep tech startups, mobilise Rs 100 crore of public and private investments including venture capital’.
• It will ‘facilitate training of students and professionals through a specialised skilling programme and research fellowships’.
• Government plans to establish a ‘Govt as Early Adopter Programme’, supporting pilot deployment and field validation.

Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) System: Strengthening Consumer Trust and India's Quality Ecosystem

[Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)]

Key Updates:

• The Ministry of Consumer Affairs (MoCA) through the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has expanded Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID)-based gold and silver hallmarking, with more than 20 lakh silver articles already hallmarked.
• India's standards regime has achieved significant global alignment, with about 94% of Indian Standards harmonised with ISO and IEC to help products gain wider acceptance in international markets.
• BIS standards now cover renewable energy, electric mobility, energy storage and electric agricultural tractors, reflecting India's transition towards clean energy and sustainable growth.
• The MoCA is focusing on modernising laboratories, expanding digital platforms, and empowering women through initiatives such as Manak Mitra.
• The implementation of hallmarking has brought a significant change in the bullion market, protecting consumers in rural areas from the sale of substandard gold.

DoP-DA&FW MoU: PAN-India Sample Logistics for Agri-Input Quality Control

[Ministry of Communications, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare]

Key Updates:

• Department of Posts (DoP) and Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) signed an MoU to create a nationwide logistics mechanism for transporting pesticide, seed and fertiliser samples to designated laboratories.
• India Post will provide end-to-end logistics support for secure, traceable and time-bound movement of samples collected by Pesticide, Seed and Fertiliser Inspectors.
• The collaboration is part of the PAN-India Online Pesticide, Seed and Fertiliser Quality Management System being developed by the Centre for Research and Industrial Staff Performance (CRISP).

Kerala's Wayanad becomes India's first fully paperless district court

[Kerala]

Key Updates:

• Kerala's Kalpetta in Wayanad becomes India's first fully paperless district court, using AI tools and digital records to deliver faster, greener and more accessible justice.
• Every stage of a case, from institution and pre-trial proceedings to evidence recording, interim applications, and final adjudication, is conducted electronically.
• AI-based judicial assistance tools generate structured summaries from electronic case records and enable judges to interact with the system through question-and-answer features.
• Court orders and judgments are authenticated using secure digital signatures, granting them full legal validity while ensuring integrity and authenticity.

Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System 2.0 (ICJS 2.0) Integration

Key Updates:

• The Central Home Ministry has set a target of fully implementing ICJS 2.0 by 2026, under which states are required to integrate police, courts, prosecution, prisons, forensic, and fingerprint databases onto a single digital platform.
• Uttarakhand has received 93.46 points in the ICJS 2.0 ranking released by the National Crime Records Bureau, securing the first position nationwide.
• Through ICJS 2.0 implementation, key modules have been successfully integrated in all districts of Uttarakhand, enabling case diaries, charge sheets, digital evidence, and judicial processes to be coordinated on a single digital platform.

Election Commission of India (ECI) to host India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management

Key Updates:

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) will host the inaugural India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management from January 21 to 23 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
• The three-day conference is organised by the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) under the aegis of the ECI.
• Representatives from 42 election management bodies and over 90 international delegates, including from the United States and Bhutan, will participate.
• The conference will discuss voter roll management, technological interventions, and Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercises.
• India assumes the chair of the Council of Member States of International IDEA for 2026.
• The conference theme is 'Democracy for an inclusive, peaceful, resilient and sustainable world.'
• Over 40 bilateral meetings are scheduled between the Chief Election Commissioner and heads of participating election authorities.
• The conference will launch ECINet, the ECI’s integrated digital platform.
• Thematic sessions will cover seven global electoral themes, 11 model international electoral standards, and 25 sessions on best practices.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) celebrates 68th Foundation Day with record AoN worth Rs 1.30 lakh crore

[Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)]

Key Updates:

• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) celebrated its 68th Foundation Day on January 01, 2026.
• 22 Acceptance of Necessity accorded by Defence Acquisition Council & Services Procurement Board for DRDO systems worth approx. Rs 1.30 lakh crore to be manufactured by Indian Industries in 2025, highest in any single year in history.
• 11 contracts for acquisitions valued at Rs 26,000 crore signed with DRDO production partners.
• Notable systems for which AoN accorded: Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS), Conventional Ballistic Missile System, Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile System ‘Anant Shastra’, Long Range Air to Surface Supersonic Cruise Missile (LRASSCM), Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS) MK II, Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) Astra Mk-II, Anti-Tank NAG Missile System (Tracked) Mk-2, Advanced Light Weight Torpedo, Processor-based Moored Mine – Next Generation (PBMM NG), Air-borne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Mk-1A, Mountain Radars, Full Mission Simulator for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A.
• Contracts signed for Nag Missile System, Ashwini Low Level Transportable Radar, Air Defence Fire Control Radar (ADFCR), Electronic Warfare Suite for Mi-17 V5 Helicopter, Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type-1, High Explosive Pre-Fragmented (HEPF) Mk-I (Enhanced) for Pinaka MLRS, Infantry Foot Bridge Floating, Wargaming System, Automatic Chemical Agent Detector & Alarm (ACADA), Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS).

Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (OPSA) and Observer Research Foundation (ORF) launch Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative 2026

[Observer Research Foundation (ORF)]

Key Updates:

• OPSA and ORF partner to create a dedicated global platform on science, technology, and geopolitics at Raisina Dialogue.
• The inaugural Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI) 2026 will be held alongside the Raisina Dialogue from 5–7 March 2026 in New Delhi.
• SDI 2026 will focus on science and technology diplomacy in an era of strategic autonomy, governance of disruptive technologies, and evolving models of scientific partnerships in a multipolar world.
• The initiative will engage emerging scientific leaders, researchers, and deep-tech innovators with global policymakers and diplomats to foster cross-border collaboration and innovation partnerships.
• Insights from SDI 2026 are expected to add fresh perspectives from India and the Global South to global debates on governance of science and technology.

India Establishes Joint Counter Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) Grid in New Delhi to Strengthen Air Defence Shield

Key Updates:

• The Indian defence forces are working towards creating a joint Counter Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) grid to foil any enemy drone attacks.
• The joint CUAS grid being created by networking all the CUAS systems of the forces will be separate from the existing air defence networks of the defence forces, such as the Integrated Air Command and Control Systems (IACCS) of the Indian Air Force.
• The joint CUAS grid would be established with the existing Joint Air Defence Centres (JADC), including the three services, and deployed to monitor all drone movements.
• The Centre is working on Mission Sudarshan Chakra to create a massive air defence shield.
• During Operation Sindoor, the Pakistan Army tried to target Indian civilian and military installations in a big way by using Turkish and Chinese-origin drones.
• Major damage to small drones was caused by the L-70 and ZU-23 air-defence guns of the Indian Army.
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed laser counter UAS system.
• The Chief of the Defence Staff is responsible for integrating the three forces and enhancing jointness among them.

India hosts National Textiles Ministers’ Conference in Guwahati to weave growth, heritage and innovation

Key Updates:

• The two-day National Textiles Ministers’ Conference commenced in Guwahati, Assam, organised by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
• Theme of the Conference: “India’s Textiles: Weaving Growth, Heritage & Innovation”.
• Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh urged States and UTs to formulate investor-friendly policies to attract greater investment in the textile sector.
• Minister of State for Textiles Shri Pabitra Margherita stated India has set an ambitious target of building a USD 350 billion textile economy.
• Handloom Census 2019–20 highlighted that the Northeastern region contributes around 52 per cent of the country’s total handloom output.
• Report released: India’s Textile Atlas: State Compendium 2025.

Election Commission of India (ECI) to host India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management

[Election Commission of India (ECI)]

Key Updates:

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) will host the inaugural India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management from January 21 to 23 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
• The three-day conference is organised by the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) under the aegis of the ECI.
• Representatives from 42 election management bodies and over 90 international delegates, including from the United States and Bhutan, will participate.
• The conference will discuss voter roll management, technological interventions, and Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercises.
• India assumes the chair of the Council of Member States of International IDEA for 2026.
• The conference will launch ECINet, the ECI’s integrated digital platform.
• Thematic sessions will cover seven global electoral themes, 11 model international electoral standards, and 25 best-practice sessions.

India establishes new naval detachment at Haldia for Fast Interceptor Craft and New Water Jet Fast Attack Craft

Key Updates:

• The Indian Navy has begun work on a new base in Haldia, West Bengal, close to Bangladesh.
• The base will be a detachment for small warships like the Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) and the New Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (NWJFAC).
• The Defence Acquisition Council cleared the Navy's request for 120 FICs and 31 NWJFACs in 2024.
• The FICs are about 100 tonnes, have a speed of 45 knots, and are armed with machine-guns.
• The Haldia base will help keep an eye on activities in Bangladesh.
• In November, the Pakistan Navy sent PNS Saif, a Chinese-built guided missile frigate, to Bangladesh.
• Two-star level staff talks between the navies of Pakistan and Bangladesh were held for the first time in November.
• China handed over two submarines to the Bangladesh Navy and is completing a submarine base off Chittagong.

Indian Navy First Training Squadron embarks on long-range training deployment to Southeast Asia

Key Updates:

• Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron embarks on a long-range deployment to Southeast Asia, combining officer training with port calls, joint exercises and maritime diplomacy under India’s Act East Policy.
• Three naval ships and an ICG vessel of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron will be part of the long range training deployment to South East Asia.
• The ships of the First Training Squadron (1TS) of the Indian Navy — INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ship Sarathi — will be proceeding on an LRTD to South East Asia as part of a training curriculum of the 110th Integrated Officers’ Training Course (IOTC).
• The squadron is scheduled to undertake port calls at Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand.
• The 110th Integrated Officers’ Training Course includes six international officer trainees.
• Personnel from the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force have also embarked for the deployment.

United States exits India-headquartered International Solar Alliance following Trump executive order

[United States, International Solar Alliance]

Key Updates:

• United States President Donald Trump withdrew the country from 66 international organisations — including 31 United Nations Organisations — via an executive order.
• The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is the only India-headquartered organisation among the 60-plus institutions that the United States has now exited.
• The ISA was conceptualised on the sidelines of the COP21 in Paris in 2015, when the landmark Paris Agreement was signed to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and limit the rise in average global temperature.
• The ISA is headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana.
• The ISA’s key theme is the ‘Towards 1000’ strategy, aimed at mobilising "$1,000 billion of investments in solar energy solutions by 2030 while delivering energy access to 1,000 million people using clean energy solutions and resulting in the installation of 1,000 GW of solar energy capacity."
• According to the official website, more than 100 countries are currently its signatories, with over 90 countries having ratified to become full members.

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Proclaims 2026 as International Year for Rangelands, Volunteers, and Women Farmers

[United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), United Nations]

Key Updates:

• The United Nations (UN) declared 2026 as the 'International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP)' to highlight ecosystems that cover about half the world’s land.
• Through Resolution 78/127, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 2026 as the 'International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY)'.
• The United Nations (UN) declared 2026 the 'International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026)' to spotlight roles in agrifood systems.
• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared the first-ever 'United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport' to run from 2026 to 2035.
• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reported a 'historic 10% decline in freedom of expression globally between 2012 and 2024'.
• The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released the 'Global Environment Outlook, Seventh Edition: A Future We Choose (GEO-7)' on 9 December 2025, involving 287 scientists from 82 countries.
• Slovenia, acting as President of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for December 2025, held an open debate on 'Leadership for peace' on 15 December 2025.
• The Republic of Sierra Leone, as President of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for November 2025, held a briefing on 18 November 2025 regarding 'Enhancing regional counter-terrorism cooperation in West Africa and the Sahel'.
• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) released a new safety guide titled 'Monitoring for Protection of the Public and the Environment' to help countries design radiation monitoring programmes.
• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/79/137 proclaiming 'World Meditation Day'.
• The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) launched a database compiling national laws and decrees governing meteorology and hydrology across all member nations.
• The World Bank released the 'World Development Report 2025: Standards for Development' to assess how standards accelerate economic development.

Raman Research Institute (RRI) unveils Raman Driven Spin Noise Spectroscopy (RDSNS) for real-time, non-invasive imaging of cold atoms

[Raman Research Institute (RRI)]

Key Updates:

• RDSNS combines spin noise spectroscopy with coherent Raman laser beams that amplify the signal without heating or disturbing the atoms.
• The Raman beams boost the detectable signal by nearly one million times, enabling precise density measurements from a probing volume as small as 0.01 mm³.
• Using RDSNS, the RRI team studied potassium atoms trapped in a magneto-optical trap (MOT) and uncovered insights invisible to conventional methods.
• The probe is far-detuned and operates at very low power, making the technique effectively non-invasive, achieving density measurements with only a few percent uncertainty on microsecond timescales.
• Fast, precise, and non-destructive density measurements are essential for technologies such as quantum gravimeters, magnetometers, atomic clocks, and neutral-atom quantum computers.

All-India Tiger Estimation-2026 kicks off in Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Key Updates:

• The first phase of All-India Tiger Estimation-2026 commenced in Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary under Erode Forest Division.
• Census teams are using the line transect method to record pugmarks, animal droppings, and direct sightings.
• Wildlife species enumerated include tigers, leopards, gaur, elephants, and bears.
• Large herbivores such as elephants, gaur, and deer will be enumerated in the subsequent three days.
• Scavenging birds like vultures and vegetation details including tree species, grass varieties, weeds, shrubs, and undergrowth are also documented.
• Field-level survey data will be compiled and submitted to the National Tiger Conservation Authority by January 31.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Dust Detector Records Constant Cosmic Particle Bombardment

[Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)]

Key Updates:

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) stated that the Dust EXperiment (DEX) "successfully recorded multiple impacts from orbital debris and cosmic dust, confirming that it can identify and measure such events in low-Earth orbit."
• Developed by the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, DEX was flown aboard the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) during the PSLV-C58 XPoSat mission, launched on Jan 1, 2024.
• At the heart of DEX is a 3-kg dust detector based on the hypervelocity impact principle.
• Despite its sensitivity, the system consumes just 4.5 W of power, making it suitable for long-duration missions.
• Scientists derived a dust flux of about 6.5 × 10?³ particles per square metre per second, confirming that Earth is under constant bombardment from interplanetary debris.
• Such measurements help refine models of the near-Earth space environment, which are essential for protecting satellites and other space assets from high-speed micro-impacts.
• Interplanetary Dust Particles (IDPs) are microscopic fragments shed by comets and asteroids.
• After being placed at an altitude of about 350km, the instrument operated between Jan 1 and Feb 9, 2024.

CSIR-CRRI and CSIR-IIP transfer indigenous bio-bitumen technology to industry

[CSIR-CRRI, CSIR-IIP]

Key Updates:

• Bio-bitumen is produced by converting farm residue, like paddy straw, through a process called pyrolysis.
• A 100-metre trial stretch using bio-bitumen has already been laid on the Jorabat–Shillong Expressway (NH-40) in Meghalaya.
• The pyrolysis process also yields energy-efficient gas and high-grade carbon for applications from batteries to water purification.

SAI launches four-day Sports Sciences Workshop for combat sports coaches

Key Updates:

• The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has launched a four-day Sports Sciences Workshop for combat sports coaches at its Sports Science Division in New Delhi.
• The workshop is being attended by SAI coaches from Boxing, Wrestling and Judo disciplines.
• The inaugural session was addressed by Prof. (Dr.) Deepak Joshi, Director, Sports Injury Centre (SIC), Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi.
• SAI and the Sports Injury Centre (SIC) are set to sign a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) following in-principle approval from the Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports.

India U19 crush South Africa U19 to seal 3-0 Youth ODI clean sweep

[South Africa]

Key Updates:

• India U19 defeated South Africa U19 by 233 runs in the third Youth ODI at Benoni.
• India U19 posted 393/7 in 50 overs, with twin centuries from openers Aaron George and skipper Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
• South Africa U19 were bowled out for 160 in 35 overs, with Kishan Singh taking 3/15.

Jinson Johnson announces retirement from competitive athletics

Key Updates:

• Jinson Johnson set the current 1500m Indian National Record (3:35.24) in 2019 at the ISTAF Berlin meet.
• The 34-year-old is a three-time Asian Games medallist – gold (1500m) in 2018, silver (800m) in 2018 and bronze (1500m) in 2023.
• In 2018, Jinson had broken Sriram Singh’s 42-year-old National Record in men’s 800m by clocking 1:45.65.
• He represented India in the 2016 Olympics, making him the first Indian man to take part in the 800m race in 36 years, after Sriram in 1980.
• Jinson has also won two medals in the 800m event at the Asian Athletics Championships – a silver in 2015 and a bronze in 2017.
• His 800m mark was later eclipsed by Mohammed Afsal in 2025.

Australia wins Sydney test to seal Ashes 2025-26 series

[Australia]

Key Updates:

• Usman Khawaja announced his retirement from international cricket, stating the upcoming New Year’s Ashes Test in Sydney will be his final one.
• In his career of 87 Tests, Khawaja scored 6206 runs at an average of 43.39 with 16 tons and 28 half-centuries to his name.
• In the Ashes 2025-26 tournament, Australia wins Sydney test by 5 wickets, seal series by 4-1.
• In the Hockey India League (HIL), Ranchi Royals come alive in a dead rubber to beat final-bound SG Pipers 5-2.
• PV Sindhu progressed at the Malaysia Open after defeating World No 9 Tomoka Miyazaki.

Swabhiman Parv: January 5, 2026 - 1,000 Years of Somnath Temple's Invasion

Key Updates:

• Swabhiman Parv is marked on January 5, 2026, to reflect on 1,000 years since the first invasion of the revered temple of Somnath.
• The Somnath Temple is located in Prabhas Patan, near Veraval, in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, situated on the western coast by the Arabian Sea.
• In January 1026, Mahmud of Ghazni attacked the temple in a violent and barbaric assault aimed at dismantling a symbol of faith and civilisation.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel announced the rebuilding of the temple at the same place after a visit during Diwali in 1947.
• On May 11, 1951, the restored temple opened its doors to devotees in the presence of then President Rajendra Prasad.
• KM Munshi authored the book "Somanatha: The Shrine Eternal," which played a crucial role in preserving the temple's legacy.
• Ahilyabai Holkar is remembered for her historical "efforts to restore worship and dignity to Somnath."
• Swami Vivekananda visited Somnath in the 1890s and delivered a lecture in Chennai in 1897 regarding the temple's resilience.

Top Cities for Women in India 2025 report released on 07-01-2026

Key Updates:

• In an eye-opening study by Avtar Group, the fourth edition of 'Top Cities for Women in India' has been unveiled.
• The 2025 rankings place Bengaluru at the pinnacle for women, backed by robust industrial growth and career enablement.
• Chennai and Pune follow closely with excellent social inclusion attributes, showcasing safety and public services as pivotal factors for women.
• The longitudinal inclusivity index highlights key cities across India, evaluating their performance on social and industrial inclusion parameters essential to women's empowerment.
• The increased presence of tier-2 cities in top rankings signifies a new era in women-friendly urban ecosystems.

Book 'History That India Ignored' by Prem Prakash launched in Goa

Key Updates:

• The book 'History That India Ignored' was formally launched by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
• The launch was organised by the Prabha Khaitan Foundation under its literary initiative 'Kitaab'.
• The event was hosted at Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage with support from Ehsaas Woman of Goa.
• Prem Prakash emphasised the importance of acknowledging overlooked historical voices and unsung heroes.