Prelims Mantra – (09th and 10th /01/2026)

Polity and Governance

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2026:

• • 9 Jan is observed as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), celebrating the contributions of the Indian diaspora to nation-building.
  • It marks Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa on the same date in 1915.
  • PBD fosters engagement between overseas Indians and India’s socio-economic development.
  • Themes often include investment partnership, knowledge transfer, cultural diplomacy.
  • The event broadens India’s soft power and global diaspora outreach.
  • Leaders from various countries attended PBD 2026 forums.
  • Discussions emphasized diaspora’s role in technology and entrepreneurship.
  • PBD complements schemes like OCI Card and diaspora investment cell.

 

(PMO)

ICJS 2.0 Rankings & Digital Justice:

• • The Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) 2.0 national rankings were released, with Uttarakhand Police securing first position.
  • Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) is a flagship e-governance initiative aimed at integrating India’s criminal justice institutions digitally.
  • ICJS 2.0 is the advanced phase of the system, focusing on real-time data exchange among criminal justice stakeholders.
  • The system integrates Police, Courts, Prosecution, Prisons and Forensic laboratories on a single digital platform.
  • ICJS operates on the principle of “One Nation – One Data – One Entry”, reducing duplication and manual errors.
  • It builds upon existing platforms such as CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems), e-Courts, e-Prisons, and e-Forensics.
  • ICJS 2.0 aims to improve speedy justice, transparency, and accountability across investigation, trial, and correctional stages.
  • The initiative is implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in coordination with the Ministry of Law & Justice.
  • State and UT performance rankings under ICJS 2.0 are released to incentivise digital adoption and interoperability.

 

 

 

(BS+PIB)

Economy

First Advance Estimates (FAE) of National Income – FY 2025–26:

• • First Advance Estimates (FAE) of national income are released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
  • FAE are released before the Union Budget, primarily to provide a macroeconomic base for fiscal planning and policy announcements.
  • For FY 2025–26, India’s Real GDP growth was estimated at around 7.4%, indicating resilient economic momentum despite global uncertainty.
  • Real GDP is measured at constant prices and reflects actual volume of production, unlike nominal GDP which includes price effects.
  • Nominal GDP growth was estimated to be lower than previous year, suggesting moderation in inflationary pressures.
  • Gross Value Added (GVA) growth closely tracks GDP growth but excludes net taxes on products (GDP = GVA + taxes – subsidies).
  • Sector-wise, services and industry remained key growth drivers, while agriculture performance was dependent on monsoon and allied activities.

 

(TH)

MoUs for Rural Logistics & Inclusion:

• • On 7 Jan 2026, Department of Posts signed MoUs with MoRD (Rural Development) and MoAFW (Agriculture & Farmers Welfare) to establish a national logistics mechanism.
  • The collaboration aims to leverage the India Post network for last-mile delivery of services for rural households and SHGs.
  • Key focus areas include financial inclusion, digital services, logistics support for farmers and marketing of rural products.
  • India Post’s reach (over 1.5 lakh rural post offices; large workforce) provides logistical scalability unmatched by other networks.
  • IPPB (India Post Payments Bank) will support doorstep banking, remittances, savings and digital payments.
  • The move dovetails with budget emphasis on inclusivity, rural empowerment & digital rollout.
  • Such MoUs can reduce costs and improve market access for SHG products, including exports via “Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras”

 

(PIB)

Defence and security

National Improvised Explosive Device Data Management System (NIDMS):

• • National Improvised Explosive Device Data Management System (NIDMS) was launched to create a centralised national database on IED-related incidents in India.
  • The system is developed and managed by the National Security Guard (NSG), India’s federal counter-terrorism force.
  • NIDMS compiles historical and real-time data on IED incidents, including location, materials used, triggering mechanisms, and impact patterns.
  • The database covers incidents dating back to 1999, enabling long-term trend and pattern analysis.
  • Artificial Intelligence and data analytics are used to identify recurring patterns, link cases, and assist predictive threat assessment.
  • NIDMS supports law-enforcement agencies, CAPFs, bomb disposal squads, and intelligence agencies during investigations and preventive planning.
  • The system improves inter-agency coordination, reducing duplication of efforts and information silos.
  • It strengthens India’s counter-terror and counter-insurgency architecture, especially in Left-Wing Extremism and cross-border terrorism affected regions.

 

(IE)

History, Art and Culture

 New Delhi World Book Fair 2026:

• • 53rd edition of the New Delhi World Book Fair begins 10 Jan 2026.
  • Bharat Mandapam hosts publishers from ~35+ countries.
  • Themes include “Valour and Wisdom in Indian Military History.”
  • Qatar is Guest of Honour; Spain is Focus Country.
  • Free entry improves public access and reading culture.
  • Children’s Pavilion encourages early reading habits.
  • Fair strengthens literary diplomacy and cultural exchange.
  • Showcases scholarly works and policy literature editions.

 

(HT+TOI)

Science and Technology

ISO/IEC 42001: Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS):

• • ISO/IEC 42001 is the world’s first international standard specifically designed for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems (AIMS).
  • It provides a framework for responsible development, deployment, and use of AI systems within organisations.
  • The standard focuses on risk management, transparency, accountability, fairness, and human oversight in AI usage.
  • It applies to both public and private organisations, irrespective of sector, size, or geography.
  • ISO/IEC 42001 does not regulate AI models directly; instead, it governs organisational processes and controls related to AI.
  • India gained attention when an Indian fintech company (Financial Software and Systems (FSS) became one of the first globally to receive ISO/IEC 42001 certification.
  • The standard complements global AI governance efforts such as OECD AI Principles and UNESCO’s AI ethics framework.

 

 

(BS)

Miscellaneous

Women’s Premier League 2026:

• • WPL 2026 – the fourth season of India’s premier women’s T20 league – started on 9 Jan 2026.
  • Organised by BCCI with five franchise teams.
  • Double round-robin followed by playoffs format.
  • Teams include Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, etc.
  • Enhances women’s sports visibility and professional pathways.
  • Strengthens India’s position in global women’s cricket.
  • Spurs related economic opportunities and youth engagement.
  • Aligns with gender equity in sports policy.

 

(HT)

Spread the Word