Daily Current Affairs Quiz08 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 Launch Vehicle & Mission Profile 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): Where India is doing well 1. Emissions intensity reduction — On track 2. Non-fossil power capacity — Target achieved early 3. Renewable energy growth — Strong but uneven Where the real problems lie 1. Absolute emissions are still rising 2. Heavy dependence on coal continues 3. Weak storage & grid infrastructure 4. Forest carbon sink quality is questionable 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 2. Rhinophis siruvaniensis – Siruvani Shieldtail Snake 3. Neelus sikkimensis – High-Altitude Springtail 4. Parasynnemellisia khasiana – Bamboo Forest Fungus 5. Dolomedes indicus – Indian Fishing Spider 6. Ophiorrhiza mizoramensis – Coffee Family Plant 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 Key Features of NATGRID Recent Expansion of NATGRID 1. Integration with NPR 2. Wider State-Level Access 3. AI Tool – GANDIVA 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. Institutions involved Key features of Bio-bitumen 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)? Launch Details 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: 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: 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 Auto-Components Market Automotive Exports Performance Global Trade Trends India’s Trade Numbers (Q1 FY26) 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’ About Federal Bank 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 Legal Background 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? 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) Outcome What New Options Is RBI Considering? RBI is now exploring: Bankers have also suggested that: 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

Daily Current Affairs Quiz06 & 07 January, 2026 National Affairs 1. Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act – UAPA Source: The Hindu Context: The Supreme Court refused bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots case. Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act – UAPA The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is India’s main anti-terror law.Its purpose is to protect the sovereignty, unity, and security of India by preventing activities linked to terrorism, secession, and unlawful organizations. Why was UAPA made? What does UAPA do? 1. Defines “Unlawful Activities” Any action that: 2. Deals with Terrorist Activities UAPA covers: 3. Bans Organizations 4. Individuals Can Be Declared Terrorists (After 2019 amendment) 5. Special Powers to Investigating Agencies Legal basis used 2. ICGS Samudra Pratap Commissioned Source: TH What is the news? The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has commissioned ICGS Samudra Pratap, the first of two indigenously designed Pollution Control Vessels (PCVs), significantly enhancing India’s maritime pollution response and safety capabilities. Key highlights Built by Goa Shipyard Limited, it is: Capabilities of ICGS Samudra Pratap 3. India launches e-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4) for Chinese nationals Source: TH What is the news? India has introduced a new e-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4 Visa) for Chinese nationals, allowing them to travel to India for specific business and investment-related activities. Key features of the e-B-4 Visa Permitted activities The e-B-4 Visa allows travel for: The visa is tailored for manufacturing and production ecosystems, rather than general tourism or employment. 4. Aditya-L1 Solar Mission Source: The Hindu What is the news? On the second anniversary of Aditya-L1 reaching the Sun–Earth Lagrange Point-1 (L1), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has released an Announcement of Opportunity (AO) inviting Indian scientists to submit proposals for the first AO cycle observations using Aditya-L1 data About Aditya-L1 mission Why is the L1 point important? What is the Announcement of Opportunity (AO)? 5. Ministry Proposes Doubling Auto PLI Allocation to ₹5,800 Crore Source: TH What is the news? The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has proposed doubling the allocation for the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for automobiles and auto components to ₹5,800 crore in the upcoming financial year. About the Auto PLI Scheme Key features 6. Somnath Temple Context: The Prime Minister of India highlighted the thousand-year survival of the Somnath Temple, marking 1,000 years since the 1026 CE attack by Mahmud of Ghazni, underscoring the temple’s civilisational resilience and cultural continuity. About the Somnath Temple The Somnath Temple is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, revered across Hindu traditions. It is popularly known as the “Eternal Shrine” due to its repeated destruction and reconstruction over centuries. Location Historical Evolution Ancient Origins 1026 CE: Mahmud of Ghazni’s Attack Medieval Reconstructions This repeated cycle reinforced Somnath’s image as a symbol of resilience and faith. Modern Reconstruction Architectural Features 7. India Inaugurates National Environmental Standard Laboratory (NESL) Source: PIB Context: India has inaugurated the world’s second National Environmental Standard Laboratory (NESL) at CSIR–National Physical Laboratory (NPL), New Delhi, strengthening the country’s environmental monitoring and standards ecosystem. Alongside, India also operationalised the world’s fifth National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration. About National Environmental Standard Laboratory (NESL) The National Environmental Standard Laboratory (NESL) is an apex national facility for: of air pollution monitoring instruments, specifically validated under Indian climatic and environmental conditions. Location Institutions Involved 8. PM Inaugurates Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics Source: News on Air Context: On January 3, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics titled “The Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One” in New Delhi. What are the Piprahwa Relics? The Piprahwa relics are believed to be mortal remains of Lord Buddha, discovered in 1898 at Piprahwa (present-day Uttar Pradesh). 9. India Develops 3D-Printed Automatic Weather Stations under Mission Mausam Context: In January 2026, Indian scientists led by Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, developed India’s first 3D-printed Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) under Mission Mausam. What is Mission Mausam? Mission Mausam is a national initiative led by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to: What are Automatic Weather Stations (AWS)? AWS are unmanned systems that automatically measure and transmit: They send real-time data to weather centres for forecasting and alerts. Banking/Finance 1. TMB Partners with TechFini to Strengthen UPI Infrastructure Context: On January 5, 2026, Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) entered into a strategic partnership with TechFini to enhance its UPI acquiring and issuing capabilities. UPI (Unified Payments Interface) UPI is a real-time digital payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) that allows instant bank-to-bank money transfers using a mobile phone. Who launched UPI? UPI Autopay & Lending Automation TechFini UPI Platform – Features 2. SEBI Proposes New Norm for Sharing Price Data for Educational Use Source: The Hindu What is the news? The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed a revised framework for sharing price data for educational purposes, introducing a 30-day time lag to balance data security with academic relevance. What is the proposed change? New proposal Current regulation Why is SEBI proposing this change? SEBI cited stakeholder feedback and internal deliberations: 3. RBI Draft Rules to Tighten Dividend Payouts by Banks Source: TOI What is the news? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued draft rules to tighten dividend payouts by banks, linking distributions to capital adequacy, asset quality, and profit quality. The uniform prudential framework will be effective from FY27. Why has RBI moved this proposal? Who will be covered? Included Excluded Key Elements of the Draft Framework 1. Capital Adequacy-Based Restrictions Capital Adequacy Ratio is a measure of a bank’s financial strength. It shows how much capital a bank has to absorb losses compared to the risk in its assets (mainly loans). Banks will be permitted to distribute dividends only if they meet minimum regulatory capital ratios, including buffers, both before and after dividend payout. This ensures that capital levels are not weakened due to shareholder distributions. 2. Asset