Current Affairs

Brazil handed BRICS presidency to India for 2026; India will host the 18th BRICS Summit and base its chairmanship on Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Environmental Stability/Sustainability. “BRIC” was coined by Jim O’Neill (2001); grouping formalised at the 2006 G8 Outreach Summit; first summit in Russia (2009); South Africa joined in 2010. BRICS seeks global governance reforms and alternatives to IMF, World Bank and UNSC; chair rotates annually; cooperation spans political-security, economic-financial and cultural people-to-people; represents ~49.5% population, ~40% GDP, ~26% trade; members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa; BRICS+ includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, UAE.

A US Presidential Memorandum directs US agencies and departments to cease participation in and funding for 66 international bodies (35 non-UN organisations and 31 UN entities), citing conflict with US national interests, security, economic prosperity, or sovereignty. Named UN entities include UNFCCC, UNCTAD, Peacebuilding Commission, IPCC, and UN Register of Conventional Arms; non-UN bodies include International Energy Forum, International Solar Alliance, IUCN, and 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Compact. Earlier exits: Paris Agreement, WHO, UNHRC.

Madras High Court Division Bench allowed lighting of Karthigai Deepam at Thiruparankundram hill (Madurai) using the “Deepathoon”, holding it is not a survey marker, but barred public entry to the hilltop and limited access to a Devasthanam team once a year. Modifying a Single Judge order on appeals by State, HR&CE and dargah representatives, it directed District Collector coordination with ASI protected-monument conditions; earlier rulings include 1996 location constraints, a 1923 property finding, and prohibition of animal sacrifice.

Supercomputer simulations by the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, provide evidence for the Mpemba Effect, wherein hotter water may freeze faster than colder water under certain conditions. Named after Erasto Mpemba and referenced by Aristotle, the first ice-formation simulation links the effect to intermediate molecular states and faster nucleation pathways, suggesting applicability to other fluid-to-solid transitions and potential thermal-management insights.

Scientists generated the first 3D images of Popocatépetl’s interior using AI and five years of seismic data, identifying magma accumulation zones. Popocatépetl is an active stratovolcano in central Mexico, active since 1994 with daily smoke, gas and ash plumes. It is Mexico’s second-highest peak (5,426 m), part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, above Cocos Plate subduction beneath the North American Plate, and monitored due to ~30 million nearby people.

Biomaterials are wholly/partly bio-derived or engineered materials using biological processes to replace/interact with conventional materials; examples include plant sugars/starch, bio-based textile fibres, biodegradable sutures and tissue scaffolds. Drop-in biomaterials (e.g., bio-PET) are chemically identical to petroleum-based materials; drop-out (e.g., PLA) need new systems. Novel biomaterials include self-healing materials and bioactive implants. India’s bioplastics market is ~$500 million (2024), with domestic innovation investment but some technology dependence; benefits include reduced fossil-import dependence, waste reduction, farmer incomes and low-carbon competitiveness. EU has a binding Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation recognising compostable packaging; UAE is developing the world’s largest PLA facility; U.S. uses USDA BioPreferred federal procurement.

The United Nations declared 2026 as the International Year for Rangelands and Pastoralists, highlighting their role in ecosystem services, biodiversity preservation and food security. Rangelands cover about half of Earth’s land surface and include grasslands, savannas and shrublands, deserts, wetlands and mountain areas (e.g., Central Asian steppes, African savanna, Alps, Pyrenees, Andes, US Great Plains). They support carbon storage and water regulation. Pastoralists raise animals, contributing to food security, cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge.

ISRO’s maiden indigenous dust detector, Dust EXperiment (DEX), has detected interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) striking Earth about every 1,000 seconds. DEX is India’s first instrument designed to detect and study high-speed IDPs, which are microscopic fragments originating from comets and asteroids. It is flown on the POEM (PSLV Orbital Experimental Module) of PSLV-C58 and was developed by the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad.

NOAA’s Arctic Report Card 2025 states Arctic surface air temperature (Oct 2024–Sep 2025) is highest since 1900; past 10 years are the 10 warmest, with Arctic warming faster than global. It flags atlantification (lower-latitude water/biota influx) weakening stratification, enhancing heat transfer, sea-ice melt, circulation risks. In Arctic Alaska, “rusting rivers” (orange waters) affect 200+ watersheds due iron from thawing permafrost, impacting fish and water supply. “Greening” since late 1990s alters tundra productivity, habitats, permafrost, livelihoods. Melting boosts Northern Sea Route (Kara Sea–Bering Strait) viability and Arctic Council relevance; Council (1996) has eight members (Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, USA). India cites Himadri station and Arctic Policy for engagement.

NITI Aayog released a report proposing a working definition of affordable housing using carpet area and value caps: up to 60 sq m and ₹60 lakh (metropolitan) and up to 90 sq m and ₹45 lakh (non-metropolitan). PMAY-U 2.0 (2024) uses similar areas with value ≤₹45 lakh. It recommends Affordable Housing Zones (≥10% residential land), TOD mixed-use near mass transit, 10–15% EWS/LIG reservation in large projects, and State rental housing PPP policies aligned to PMAY-U 2.0 ARH.

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) commissioned a state-of-the-art Residue Upgradation Facility (RUF) in Andhra Pradesh. The facility enables heavy oil conversion capacity of 3.55 million metric tonnes per annum using advanced residue hydrocracking. Hydrocracking is a catalytic refinery process that breaks high molecular weight molecules to convert heavy oil fractions into high-quality middle distillates and light products such as diesel, naphtha and LPG.

On 4 January 2026, the Indian Air Force marked 25 years since Tejas LCA’s maiden flight (4 January 2001). Launched in 1983, the programme aims to replace ageing IAF fighters with an indigenous lightweight multi-role aircraft. Technology Demonstrator-1 flew from HAL Airport, Bengaluru, piloted by Wg Cdr Rajiv Kothiyal. Tejas Mk-1A adds improved avionics, radar/EW and maintainability; HAL has an order for 97 Mk-1A worth over ₹62,370 crore. VEM Technologies supplied centre fuselage assemblies to HAL in May and September 2025 from Hyderabad.

On 6 January 2026, Financial Software and Systems (FSS), a payment solutions and transaction processing firm, received ISO/IEC 42001 certification for responsible AI use, becoming the first payments company across India, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and South Africa to do so. ISO/IEC 42001, developed by ISO and IEC, sets AI Management Systems governance for ethical, transparent, accountable and explainable AI, addressing bias, harmful outcomes and compliance failures in fraud detection, transaction monitoring, risk assessment and customer authentication.

In 2024–25, Gujarat is India’s top okra (bhindi/lady’s finger; Abelmoschus esculentus, Malvaceae; annual from Ethiopia) producer by area and output; Saurashtra–Kutch has ~15% area and ~13% output. Crop needs warm, humid 20–35°C, frost-free, well-drained loams; harvest 60–70 days. Major threat: YVMV spread by whiteflies. India produces ~70% globally. Gujarat horticulture: 7.66% of India’s vegetables; ~20% farmland; Saurashtra–Kutch 47.91 lakh tonnes; supported by state incentives, MIDH and NHM.

Jharkhand Cabinet approved and notified PESA Rules, operationalising the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 in the state’s Fifth Schedule areas and widening Gram Sabha decision-making. PESA, based on the Bhuria Committee (1995), extends 73rd Amendment panchayat provisions to scheduled areas in 10 states, empowering Gram Sabhas to protect culture/resources, approve plans/beneficiaries, certify funds, and regulate MFP, intoxicants, markets, land alienation, minor water bodies, mining recommendations, and land acquisition/rehabilitation consultations. Government initiatives include 2024–25 training (1 lakh+), PESA-GPDP portal, tribal-language manuals, Centres of Excellence (e.g., IGNTU Amarkantak), and PESA Day on 24 December 2024 (MoPR).

China conducted “Justice Mission 2025”, a large-scale inter-service joint military drill around Taiwan, deploying army, navy, air force, artillery and missile units. Activities included sea-air combat readiness patrols, joint seizure of superiority, blockade of key ports/areas and all-dimensional deterrence beyond the island chain. It tested joint combat capability, warned against “Taiwan independence” and external interference, and asserted sovereignty; triggered by US arms sales to Taiwan exceeding USD 10 billion.

Tiger cub PKT7CP1, rescued three years ago, has been sent for rewilding to Dnyanganga Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district, near the Dnyanganga River. The ~205 sq km sanctuary, part of Melghat Tiger Reserve, has two lakes, undulating hillock terrain, extreme summers-winters, southern tropical dry deciduous forests (teak, anjan), leopards, sloth bears, deer, nilgai, hyenas, small carnivores, occasional tigers, and 150+ bird species; bordered by Western Ghats (UNESCO).

OPEC+ agreed in principle to maintain steady oil output amid political tensions among key members and wider geopolitical uncertainty. OPEC+ is a 2016 extension of OPEC, comprising 22 oil-exporting countries; it holds regular meetings to decide crude oil sales on the world market. It includes 12 OPEC members plus Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Russia, Mexico, Malaysia, South Sudan, Sudan and Oman. OPEC, founded in 1960 by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, is headquartered in Vienna; it has 12 members, with a membership change effective 1 January 2024.

Government relaxed recognition norms for deep-tech startups under DSIR’s Industrial Research and Development Promotion Program. DSIR (established 1985) under Ministry of Science and Technology promotes indigenous technology development, utilisation and transfer, enabling collaboration with industry, academia, research bodies and government. The programme covers engineering, environment, natural/applied, agricultural, medical and social sciences. Earlier eligibility: Companies Act 1956/2013 registration, 3 financial years, income in last 2 years, in-house R&D for manufacture/production, and non-residential R&D location.

Archaeologists found rare Kushana-era coins and decorative stones (including lapis lazuli) at a UNESCO-listed site near Takshashila, Pakistan, highlighting Kushana material culture. The Kushana period spans 1st century BCE–3rd century CE; the dynasty originated from the Central Asian Yueh-chi. It ruled Gandhara, Kashmir, Mathura and influenced the Ganga–Yamuna Doab up to parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar via satrapies. Kanishka I promoted Buddhism, convened the 4th Buddhist Council and strengthened Silk Route trade; extensive gold coinage reflects a monetised economy and long-distance commerce.

The RBI Governor chaired the first meeting of the Payments Regulatory Board (PRB), set up by the Reserve Bank of India in 2025 under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. The PRB regulates and supervises all payment systems, electronic and non-electronic, including domestic and cross-border systems. It replaces the BPSS and comprises the RBI Governor, two RBI representatives, and three Central Government nominees.

India has introduced an e-Production Investment Business Visa regime, the e-B-4 Visa, for Chinese businessmen. The visa is processed in about 45–50 days and permits stay in India for up to six months. Permitted activities include installation and commissioning of equipment, quality checks and essential maintenance, and supply chain development for empanelling vendors.

The first supermoon of 2026, the Wolf Moon supermoon, will be visible in India on 3 January 2026 shortly after sunset. 

“Wolf Moon” is the traditional January full moon, rooted in seasonal folklore used to track seasons/agricultural cycles (e.g., Hunter’s, Harvest, Flower Moon) and also called “Moon after Yule.” 

A supermoon occurs when full moon coincides with perigee (~220,000 miles; apogee ~250,000), appearing ~14% larger and ~30% brighter; may show orange-yellow near horizon; distance ~362,641 km. Typically 3-4 occur annually.

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released “Know Your Survey: A User Guide to the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE)”, published by the National Statistics Office. First-of-its-kind, it explains ASUSE in non-technical language for data users (policymakers, researchers, public), aligned with global best practices and standards. It enables verification of enumerators (name, designation, survey type, official ID), preventing impersonation, fraud and misuse, and addresses respondent queries to build confidence and transparency.

PM marked 1000 years since Somnath’s first attack (1026 CE). The Somnath Jyotirlinga shrine at Prabhas Patan near Veraval, Gujarat, was raided by Mahmud of Ghazni (1025–26); ~70,000 defenders died; it was looted and demolished. Further destructions occurred in 1297, 1394 and 1706. The present temple was reconstructed in Chaulukya (Solanki) style, completed May 1951; sanctum houses a black Shiva lingam.

Indian Army signed a ₹293 crore contract with private defence manufacturer NIBE Limited, in collaboration with Israel, to supply the Suryastra long-range precision strike rocket launcher system. Claimed as India’s first Made-in-India universal multi-calibre rocket launcher, it enables surface-to-surface strikes up to 300 km, can engage multiple targets simultaneously at varying ranges, integrates multiple rocket types, offers <5 m accuracy, and supports loitering munitions up to 100 km.