Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 08 January, 2026

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
08 January, 2026

National Affairs

1. ISRO to Launch EOS-N1 Earth Observation Satellite

Source: TH

Context:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to carry out its first mission of 2026 with the launch of the PSLV-C62 / EOS-N1 mission on January 12, 2026, at 10:17 AM IST.

The launch will take place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

About the EOS-N1 Satellite

• EOS-N1 is an Earth Observation (EO) imaging satellite
• Designed primarily for strategic purposes
• ISRO has not disclosed detailed specifications, indicating its security-sensitive nature
• Likely applications include:
  • High-resolution earth imaging
  • Surveillance and reconnaissance
  • Monitoring of borders, maritime zones, and strategic assets

Launch Vehicle & Mission Profile

• Launch Vehicle: PSLV
• Mission designation: PSLV-C62
• This will be the 105th launch from Sriharikota
• Also carries multiple secondary payloads developed by:
  • Indian start-ups
  • Academic institutions
  • International collaborators

2. India’s Progress on its Climate Targets

Source: TH

Context:

Recent analyses show that India is doing well on some climate promises, but big challenges remain, especially on coal use and total emissions.

What are India’s climate targets?

India’s climate goals come from its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement.
They are based on the idea that developing countries need space to grow while still acting on climate change.

India’s main targets (by 2030):

1. Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45% (from 2005 level)
2. 50% of power capacity from non-fossil sources
3. 500 GW renewable energy capacity
4. Create extra forest carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes CO₂
5. Net-zero emissions by 2070

Where India is doing well

1. Emissions intensity reduction — On track

• India already reduced emissions intensity by ~36% by 2020
• Original Paris target was met 10 years early
• Shows India is producing more GDP per unit of emissions

2. Non-fossil power capacity — Target achieved early

• By 2025, over 50% of installed power capacity is non-fossil
• Solar and wind are the biggest contributors

3. Renewable energy growth — Strong but uneven

• Solar grew rapidly: 3 GW (2014) → 110+ GW (2025)
• Wind growth has been slower
• 175 GW (2022) target missed, but 500 GW (2030) still possible

Where the real problems lie

1. Absolute emissions are still rising

• India’s total emissions are now ~3.3–3.4 Gt CO₂e
• Even if intensity falls, total emissions rise due to fast growth
• This eats into India’s future carbon budget

2. Heavy dependence on coal continues

• Coal provides 65–70% of electricity generation
• Installed coal capacity ~219 GW
• Plan to add ~80 GW more coal capacity by 2031–32

3. Weak storage & grid infrastructure

• Solar capacity is high, but:
  • Battery storage is very low (<0.3 GWh)
  • Transmission expansion is behind schedule
• Without storage and grids, renewables can’t replace coal fully

4. Forest carbon sink quality is questionable

• Forest targets are close on paper
• But:
  • Reliance on plantations, not natural forests
  • Poor use of CAMPA funds
  • Forests vulnerable to droughts and fires

3. New Species Discovered in India (2025)

Context:

In December 2025, Indian scientists announced the discovery of several new species across diverse ecosystems, ranging from the Eastern Himalayas to the Western Ghats and Northeast India. These findings highlight India’s rich biodiversity and the importance of habitat conservation.

Key New Species Discovered

1. Bridgeoporus kanadii – Colossal Fungi

• Type: Macro fungus
• Location: West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh
• Habitat: Old-growth fir (Abies) forests
• Key Feature:
  • Thick, leathery, extremely large fruiting body
  • Strong enough for a human to sit on

2. Rhinophis siruvaniensis – Siruvani Shieldtail Snake

• Type: Non-venomous, burrowing snake (Uropeltidae family)
• Location: Siruvani Hills, Palakkad district, Kerala
• Habitat: High-rainfall rainforests of the Western Ghats
• Key Feature:
  • Fossorial lifestyle
  • Specialised tail shield for digging and protection

3. Neelus sikkimensis – High-Altitude Springtail

• Type: Tiny arthropod (Collembola / springtail)
• Location: Sikkim, Eastern Himalayas
• Habitat: Cold desert, high-altitude soils
• Key Feature:
  • Possesses a “furcula” (jumping organ)
• Significance:
  • First record of genus Neelus in India
  • Only the 8th known species globally

4. Parasynnemellisia khasiana – Bamboo Forest Fungus

• Type: New genus and species of fungus
• Location: Mawsynram, Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
• Habitat: Extremely wet bamboo forests
• Key Feature:
  • Could not be classified under any existing fungal genus

5. Dolomedes indicus – Indian Fishing Spider

• Type: Semi-aquatic spider
• Location: Wayanad and Lakkidi, Kerala
• Habitat: Streams and rainforests
• Key Feature:
  • Can “skate” on water
  • Hunts small fish and aquatic insects

6. Ophiorrhiza mizoramensis – Coffee Family Plant

• Type: Flowering shrub (Rubiaceae family)
• Location: Murlen National Park, Mizoram
• Habitat: Indo-Myanmar biodiversity zone
• Key Feature:
  • Dark purplish-pink tubular flowers
  • Unique stigma structure

4. National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)

Context:

Recent reports point to a major expansion of the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), including its integration with the National Population Register (NPR) and wider access for State police, reviving debates on privacy, oversight, and surveillance in India.

What is NATGRID?

National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) is a technology-based intelligence-sharing platform created after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks to overcome information silos among security agencies.

Core Idea

• It does not store data
• It acts as a secure middleware
• Authorised agencies can query multiple databases in real time

Key Features of NATGRID

• Multi-database access
  Connects 21 types of datasets, including:
  • Travel records
  • Bank & financial data
  • Telecom metadata
  • Identity documents
  • Vehicle & property records
• Agency access
  • Initially limited to central agencies
  • Now extended to State police up to SP rank
• Tiered sensitivity
  • Non-sensitive
  • Sensitive
  • Highly sensitive data
• Advanced analytics
  • AI tools for:
    • Entity resolution
    • Pattern recognition
    • Facial recognition

Recent Expansion of NATGRID

1. Integration with NPR

• Linking with National Population Register
• Enables family-tree and household-based identity verification
• Covers about 119 crore residents
• Strengthens suspect verification across databases

2. Wider State-Level Access

• State police (SP rank) can now access NATGRID
• Makes it a routine Centre–State investigative tool
• No longer limited to counter-terrorism alone

3. AI Tool – GANDIVA

• Links suspects across:
  • KYC
  • Vehicle
  • Licence databases
• Cuts investigation time from days to minutes
• Raises risks of automated errors

5. India becomes first country to commercially produce bio-bitumen

Source: News on Air

Context:

India has become the first country in the world to commercially produce bio-bitumen for road construction, marking a major milestone in green infrastructure and sustainable transport.

What is Bio-bitumen?

Bio-bitumen is a bio-based alternative to conventional petroleum bitumen, used as a binding material in road construction.

• Made mainly from agricultural residues, especially rice straw
• Can partially replace fossil-fuel-based bitumen without reducing road quality
• Helps convert farm waste into a valuable infrastructure input

Institutions involved

• Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
• CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), New Delhi
• CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP), Dehradun

Key features of Bio-bitumen

• Partial fossil fuel replacement
  • 20–30% of conventional bitumen can be replaced safely
• Performance assured
  • Successfully tested for:
    • Rutting (surface deformation)
    • Cracking
    • Moisture damage
    • Durability and rheology
• Environment-friendly
  • Reduces stubble burning
  • Lowers overall carbon footprint of road construction
• Cost-effective
  • Lower construction costs
  • Longer service life of roads
• Field tested
  • A 100-metre trial road stretch laid on NH-40 (Jorabat–Shillong Expressway, Meghalaya) proved real-world feasibility

6. ISRO’s EOS-N1 (Anvesha) Mission

Source: TOI

Context:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will begin 2026 with the PSLV-C62 mission, which will launch the advanced Earth Observation Satellite EOS-N1, also known by its codename “Anvesha”, along with 18 co-passenger payloads.

The launch will take place from Sriharikota in January 2026.

What is EOS-N1 (Anvesha)?

• EOS-N1 is an advanced Earth observation and surveillance satellite
• It uses hyperspectral imaging technology
• Designed to serve both strategic (security) and civilian purposes
• Part of India’s next-generation remote sensing and reconnaissance capability

Launch Details

• Mission: PSLV-C62
• Launch vehicle: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
• Payloads: EOS-N1 + 18 co-passenger satellites
• Launch site: Sriharikota
• Timeline: January 2026

7. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Releases 55 Literary Works in Classical Indian Languages

Source: TH

Context:

On 6 January 2026, Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Ministry of Education, released 55 scholarly literary works in classical Indian languages at an event in New Delhi.
The initiative aims to promote India’s rich linguistic heritage and ensure wider and more inclusive access to classical knowledge.

Languages Covered

The released works include texts in:

• Classical Kannada
• Telugu
• Malayalam
• Odia
• Tamil

In addition, an Indian Sign Language (ISL) interpretation of the Tirukkural was also launched.

Publications by CIIL

Out of the 55 works, 41 books were prepared by the Centres of Excellence for Classical Languages under the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education.

These books focus on Classical Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia.
Notable releases include:

• English and Hindi translations of Madalapanji
• English translation of Rudrasudhanidhi
• Shilpa Shabdabali
• Charyapada

These translations aim to make classical literature accessible to a wider audience.

8. NITI Aayog Launches 5th Edition of Trade Watch Quarterly

Source: News on Air

Context:

In January 2026, NITI Aayog released the 5th edition of the Trade Watch Quarterly (TWQ) report for Q1 (April–June 2025) of FY26.
The report was launched in New Delhi by Arvind Virmani, Member, NITI Aayog.

The report provides a data-driven assessment of India’s trade performance amid changing global economic conditions.

Key Highlights of the Report

Focus Area: Automotive Exports

• The main focus of this edition is India’s automotive exports, including vehicles and auto components.
• It analyses global demand, tariff structures, and India’s participation in global value chains.

Auto-Components Market

• The global auto-components market was valued at USD 856 billion in 2024, growing at a 3% CAGR since 2015.
• India’s auto-component exports nearly doubled from USD 8.2 billion to USD 16.9 billion, growing at a 7% CAGR, faster than the global average.

Automotive Exports Performance

• Since 2015, India’s share in global automotive imports has remained around 1%.
• India’s automotive exports grew at 3.5% CAGR, slightly below the global average of 3.9%.
• In 2024, India contributed about USD 30 billion (1.4%) to the USD 2.2 trillion global automotive import market, showing large untapped potential.

Global Trade Trends

• Global trade in goods and services grew by about 2.5% (quarter-on-quarter) in Q1 FY26.
• Growth was mainly driven by developing economies and South-South trade, while US trade slowed overall growth.
• Goods trade growth increased from 2% to 2.5%, and services trade rebounded.

India’s Trade Numbers (Q1 FY26)

• Exports: USD 209 billion
• Imports: USD 230 billion
• Trade deficit: USD 21 billion
• Both exports and imports grew by 3–4% year-on-year.

Banking/Finance

1. Federal Bank Unveils Refreshed Brand Identity ‘The Fortuna Wave’

Context:

On January 7, 2026, Federal Bank launched a refreshed brand identity called ‘The Fortuna Wave’ in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
The launch took place in the presence of Vidya Balan, the brand ambassador of the bank.

The rebranding reflects the bank’s focus on modernisation, digital readiness, and future growth.

About ‘The Fortuna Wave’

• Core Symbol: A new visual insignia featuring three waves
• Meaning of Waves:
  • Authenticity
  • Togetherness
  • Prosperity
• Design Philosophy:
  • More fluid and adaptable than the earlier boxed logo
  • Improved visibility across digital and physical platforms
• Visual Features:
  • Dynamic wave motif
  • Rounded, modern wordmark for “FEDERAL BANK”
  • Retention of the signature yellow underline
  • Bright, digital-friendly colour palette

About Federal Bank

• Founded: 1931
• Headquarters: Aluva, Kerala
• Type: Private sector bank
• Services:
  • Savings and current accounts
  • Loans
  • Digital banking services
  • NRI banking services

2. RBI Proposes 3-Year Cooling-Off Period for Co-operative Bank Directors

Context:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed that directors of co-operative banks must take a 3-year break after completing 10 continuous years on the board.

Key Points

• A director who serves 10 years continuously on a co-operative bank board:
  • Cannot be re-appointed for 3 years
  • Cannot hold any role in the same bank during this period (except as a normal member or customer)
• During the cooling-off period:
  • The person can become a director in another co-operative bank
• While calculating the 10-year tenure:
  • All service periods are counted
  • Breaks shorter than 3 years do not reset tenure
  • Only a break of 3 years or more resets the count

Legal Background

• The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Act increased the maximum continuous tenure of co-operative bank directors from 8 years to 10 years
• RBI’s proposal operationalises this limit through a cooling-off rule

3. RBI Considering New Relief Measures for Exporters

Context:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is thinking about new ways to support Indian exporters who are facing losses due to high U.S. import tariffs. This comes after an earlier RBI relief measure — a loan repayment moratorium — saw very low participation.

What Is the Problem Exporters Are Facing?

• The U.S. has imposed tariffs of up to 50% on some Indian goods
• This includes a 25% tariff linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil
• Affected sectors include:
  • Garments
  • Jewellery
  • Leather goods
  • Chemicals

Recently, Donald Trump also warned that tariffs could rise further if India does not reduce Russian oil imports.

What Relief Did RBI Offer Earlier? Why Didn’t It Work?

Earlier Measure (November)

• Exporters with U.S. exposure were allowed to defer term-loan repayments
• Covered repayments due between September and December
• Banks required exporters to prove revenue loss

Outcome

• Less than 20% of eligible exporters applied
• Many firms could not document losses quickly
• As a result, the scheme had limited impact

What New Options Is RBI Considering?

RBI is now exploring:

• Relaxing eligibility conditions for loan moratorium
• Allowing fresh loans at subsidised interest rates

Bankers have also suggested that:

• Direct cash subsidies may work better than loan relief
• This would help exporters absorb losses and reduced profit margins

4. SEBI Extends Timeline for Mutual Fund Distributor Incentives

Source: Mint

Context:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has extended the deadline to 11 March for implementing an additional incentive structure for mutual fund (MF) distributors.

Earlier, this new incentive system was supposed to start from 1 February.

What Is This Incentive Scheme About?

The incentive scheme is meant to:

• Encourage MF distributors to bring in new individual investors from B-30 cities
  (cities other than the top 30 major cities)
• Promote greater participation of women investors from any city

Purpose of the Incentive Scheme

• To increase mutual fund penetration:
  • In B-30 cities (cities beyond the top 30 by MF assets)
  • Among women investors across all cities

Key Features of the Incentive Structure

• Eligibility for distributors:
  • New individual investors (new PAN) from B-30 cities
  • New women investors (new PAN) from T-30 and B-30 cities
• Incentive amount:
  • 1% of first lump-sum investment or first-year SIP
  • Maximum ₹2,000 per investor
• Condition:
  • Investor must remain invested for at least one year
• Funding source:
  • Paid from the 2 basis points already earmarked for investor education
  • Paid over and above trail commissions

Important Exclusions

• No dual incentive for the same woman investor from B-30 cities
• Incentive not applicable to:
  • ETFs
  • Certain Fund of Funds
  • Overnight, liquid, ultra-short, and low-duration schemes

Facts To Remember

1. 2018 Asian Games 1,500m gold-winner Johnson retires

National record-holder and Asian Games gold-winning Indian middle-distance runner Jinson Johnson announced his retirement after a 15-year career shaped by “relentless training, quiet struggles, and painful injuries”.

2. Markets Fall 1% Amid Uncertainty Over U.S. Tariffs

Indian stock markets saw their sharpest one-day fall in over four months due to fresh worries about U.S. trade tariffs linked to Russia.

• Sensex fell 780 points (0.9%) to close at 84,181
• Nifty 50 dropped 264 points (1.01%) to 25,877

This was the biggest single-day decline since August 26, 2025.

3. Indian Railways Becomes the World’s Largest Electrified Rail Network

Indian Railways has become the largest electrified railway system in the world, with about 99.2% of its broad-gauge network electrified as of November 2025.

This milestone places India ahead of all other countries in railway electrification.

4. Census 2027: First Phase to Begin from April 1, 2026

India’s long-delayed Census 2027 will begin with its first phase — Houselisting Operations (HLO) — from April 1 to September 30, 2026, across all States and Union Territories, according to a notification issued by the Registrar-General and Census Commissioner of India.

5. IRFC Secures ‘Excellent’ Rating from DPE for 5th Consecutive Year

In January 2026, Indian Railways Finance Corporation (IRFC) received an ‘Excellent’ performance rating from the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) for FY 2024–25. This is the fifth consecutive year that IRFC has achieved the highest rating since its stock market listing in FY21.

6. K. Balasubrahmanian Appointed Chairman of AERB

In January 2026, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) appointed A K Balasubrahmanian as the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) for a three-year tenure.

About AERB

• Established in 1983 under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Apex body for nuclear and radiation safety regulation in India

7. Government Extends Abhishek Dev’s Tenure as APEDA Chairman

On January 6, 2026, the ACC approved a one-year extension of Abhishek Dev as Chairman of APEDA, effective from February 8, 2026.

About APEDA

• Established in 1985 under APEDA Act
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Promotes exports of agricultural and processed food products

8. NASA’s Hubble Discovers Starless Gas Cloud ‘Cloud-9’

In January 2026, NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope discovered a starless, dark-matter-dominated gas cloud named Cloud-9, near Messier-94, about 14 million light-years from Earth.

Key Facts

• Nickname: Cloud-9
• Type: Starless hydrogen gas cloud
• Diameter: ~4,900 light-years
• Dark Matter Mass: ~5 billion solar masses
• Special Feature: Invisible in visible light, detected only through hydrogen

9. Earth’s Rotation Day – 8 January 2026

Earth’s Rotation Day is observed every year on 8 January to commemorate Léon Foucault’s 1851 pendulum experiment, which proved that the Earth rotates.

10. India Likely to Grow at 6.6% in FY27: UN Explained Simply

The United Nations has projected that India’s economy will grow by 6.6% in FY 2026–27, according to its report World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026, released by UN DESA.