Indian Polity
Draft National Electricity Policy 2026:
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- Context: Govt released Draft National Electricity Policy 2026.
- Roadmap for power sector sustainability and reliability.
- Focus on decarbonisation, renewables integration.
- Sets target of 2,000 kWh per capita consumption by 2030.
- Emphasis on affordable and quality power.
- Aligns with Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
- Proposes reforms for distribution and transmission.
- Importance for economy and growth.
(TOI+ET)
India’s New Digital Electoral Platform – ECINET:
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- Context: ECINET is a one-stop digital platform for election-related information and services.
- Launched at the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026.
- Conference ran from 21–23 January 2026 in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
- Platform integrates 40+ ECI applications and portals into a seamless interface.
- Available in 22 scheduled languages + English.
- Aims to improve electoral information access and transparency.
- Enhances ease of compliance for voters and stakeholders.
- Strengthens digital electoral governance and citizen engagement.
(TOI)
International Developments
India–UAE Strategic Deepening at World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026:
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- Context: India and UAE agreed to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership at WEF Davos.
- Discussions included energy, defence cooperation, trade and investment opportunities.
- A 10-year LNG sales agreement between ADNOC Gas and HPCL signed – supports India’s gas utilisation goals.
- Agreement aids India’s ambition to raise natural gas share to 15% of energy mix by 2030.
- Strategic partnership aligns with India’s energy security and economic diplomacy.
- Focus on technological cooperation, sustainable infrastructure, and future industry linkages.
- Boosts India’s presence in West Asian geopolitics.
- Cross-sector MoUs reinforce bilateral linkage in defence and space cooperation.
(TH+IE)
Global Safety Ranking:
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- Context: Abu Dhabi ranked world’s safest city for the 10th consecutive year per Numbeo Safety Index.
- Rankings based on crime data and safety perceptions.
- Reflects effective governance and law enforcement.
- Enhances investment and tourism appeal.
- Comparisons with other global cities.
- Policy implications for urban safety planning.
- Role of technology and surveillance in reducing crime.
- Urban safety as part of sustainable development goals.
(TOI)
Economy
Union Cabinet Approves ₹5,000 Cr Equity Infusion for SIDBI:
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- Context: The Union Cabinet approved a ₹5,000 crore equity infusion into the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
- This capital boost will be provided in phased tranches from FY26 to FY28.
- Strengthens SIDBI’s capital base to improve lending capacity to MSMEs.
- Aims to benefit ~1.02 crore MSMEs across the country.
- Expected to generate ~1.12 crore jobs by stimulating enterprise growth.
- Enhances access to affordable finance for small and micro industries.
- Helps address credit gaps and liquidity constraints in the MSME sector.
- Policy aligns with economic growth, employment generation, and inclusive development.
(TH)
RBI to Manage Delhi Government’s Banking & Debt Operations:
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- Context: RBI will manage the Delhi government’s banking operations and public debt from 9 January 2026.
- Arrangement is under Section 21A of the RBI Act, 1934.
- Similar frameworks exist between the RBI and other State Governments.
- Covers government routine banking needs and cash balances.
- Aims to enhance financial discipline and cash-flow management.
- Supports transparent handling of receipts, payments, and debt servicing.
- Helps in aligning State fiscal operations with national monetary policy.
- Strengthens institutional coordination between the Centre and state finance functions.
(ET)
Geography, Mapping, Ecology & Environment
INDIA ENERGY WEEK 2026 – GOA:
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- Context: India Energy Week 2026 returns in Goa, inaugurated virtually by PM Modi.
- An energy sector event focused on energy transition and sustainability.
- Brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and investors from national and global energy sectors.
- Key themes: renewable energy, energy security, investment, clean energy technology.
- Aligns with India’s climate commitments and net-zero emission pathways.
- Opportunity for international partnerships and foreign direct investment in energy.
- Discusses future fuels, green hydrogen, and grid integration strategies.
- Helps reinforce India’s position as a major energy market.
(HT)
Discovery of Two Rare Ant-Fly Species in India:
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- Context: Two rare ant fly species – Metadon ghorpadei and Metadon reemeri, were discovered in India.
- Metadon ghorpadei was found in Delhi’s Northern Ridge Forest.
- Metadon reemeri was discovered in Siruvani Hills of Western Ghats.
- Belong to the subfamily Microdontinae (hoverflies).
- Ant-flies have myrmecophilous larvae that live in ant nests.
- India’s count of Metadon species increased to 8 from 6.
- Highlights hidden biodiversity in urban and biodiversity-rich ecosystems.
- Emphasizes importance of habitat protection and ecological surveys.
(TH)
Science & Technology
Solar Radiation Storm:
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- Context: A Level-4 severe solar radiation storm, strongest in ~20+ years, occurred due to an X-class solar flare.
- Generated widespread auroras over high latitudes.
- GPS disruptions noted transiently.
- Space weather impacts satellites and communication systems.
- Highlights need for space infrastructure resilience.
- Solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
- Associated risk to aviation routes near poles.
(IE)
Government Schemes
Continuation of Atal Pension Yojana (APY):
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- Context: Atal Pension Yojana extended till 2030–31 by Union Cabinet.
- Enhances outreach and awareness funding.
- Aims to strengthen old-age income security for the unorganised sector.
- APY launched in 2015.
- Guaranteed monthly pension ₹1,000–₹5,000 depending on contributions.
- Over 8.66 crore subscribers.
- Supports long-term financial inclusion.
(PMO)
Personalities in news
NETAJI SUBHAS CHANDRA BOSE JAYANTI / PARAKRAM DIWAS:
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- Context: 23 January is celebrated as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti/Parakram Diwas in India.
- Commemorates the birth anniversary of the Indian nationalist leader who founded the Indian National Army (INA).
- Designated Parakram Diwas by the Government of India to honour his courage and contributions to India’s freedom struggle.
- Netaji’s famous slogan “‘Jai Hind” became a unifying cry during the independence movement.
- Netaji’s disappearance in 1945 remains controversial and part of historical debate.
(IE)
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