Daily Current Affairs Quiz11&12 January, 2026 National Affairs 1. Aditya-L1 Solar Mission ISRO Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that its Aditya-L1 solar mission has provided crucial insights into how intense solar storms affect Earth’s magnetosphere, especially during extreme space-weather events. Key findings of the study About the Mission 2. Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) Source: BS Context: India is set to deepen maritime security engagement in Asia through closer cooperation with Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP). The move aims to promote safe and secure seas amid evolving maritime security threats. Key Developments About ReCAAP 3. PSLV-C62 / EOS-N1 Mission Source: ET Context: The 22.5-hour countdown has begun for the launch of PSLV-C62 / EOS-N1 mission from Sriharikota. Launch scheduled at 10:17 a.m. from the first launch pad. Launch Details Mission Nature 4. Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS): India’s Space Station Source: TOI Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has taken a formal step towards establishing India’s own space station by inviting Indian industry to develop the first module of the proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). BAS-01 Module Key Features of Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) 5. Govt May Mandate Source Code Access for Smartphone Security Source: TH Context: The Union government is considering mandating smartphone manufacturers to share source code and comply with new software security requirements. The proposal has triggered concerns from global tech firms such as Apple and Samsung, according to a Reuters report. What is Proposed? 6. AyulSat Source: ET Context: India is a step closer to becoming the second country in the world to demonstrate on-orbit satellite refuelling, with the launch of AyulSat aboard PSLV-C62. The mission is led by Indian space start-up OrbitAid, in collaboration with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). What is AyulSat? Mission Objective 7. TERI Report on India’s PV Manufacturing Context: The The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) released the report “India’s PV Manufacturing & Its Strategic Inflection Points” at the Bharat Climate Forum 2026, alongside the launch of the National Cleantech Manufacturing Implementation Plan. The report examines how India can capture higher domestic value from its rapidly expanding solar deployment by strengthening upstream and midstream manufacturing. What the TERI Report Is About It is a strategic policy-and-industry assessment of India’s solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing value chain, covering: The report identifies “strategic inflection points” where targeted interventions in policy, finance, R&D, and skilling can make India globally competitive, resilient, and less import-dependent. Key Trends Highlighted Theme Key Highlights Global Solar PV Scale (2024–25) • Global cumulative PV capacity: ~2.2 TW (end-2024) • Global module manufacturing capacity: ~1.8 TW (projected end-2025) Global Manufacturing Concentration • ~80% of PV manufacturing capacity concentrated in China across the value chain China’s Upstream Dominance • Wafers: ~98% • Polysilicon: ~92% • Cells: ~91.8% • Modules: ~84.6% Systemic Risks • High geographic concentration creates supply-chain vulnerabilities • Energy-importing countries face risks from price shocks, export controls, and geopolitical disruptions India’s Current Manufacturing Profile • Manufacturing base is downstream-heavy • Dominated by module assembly, limited upstream integration India’s Installed Capacity (FY2025) • Module manufacturing capacity: ~120 GW per year Policy Drivers of Scale-Up in India • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes • High import duties on finished solar panels • ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) creating domestic demand-pull India’s 2030 Manufacturing Ambition • Module capacity: >280 GW/year • Cell capacity: ~171 GW/year (from ~30 GW currently) Key Bottleneck: Finance • Upstream segments are capital-intensive and high-risk • Limited access to low-cost, long-tenure finance Proposed Financial Innovation (TERI) • Issuance of sovereign Green PV Bonds • Objective: Lower borrowing costs and de-risk upstream investments Need for a Full Manufacturing Ecosystem • Solar Manufacturing Technology Parks • Dedicated PV–Semiconductor Skill Council • Structured recycling and circular economy frameworks Stakeholder Involvement Required • Central & State Governments • OEMs and developers • MSMEs • Financial institutions and long-term investors 8. Indian Army Launches DIME Platform Source: ET Context: On 8 January 2026, the Indian Army launched Depot Integration Management Edition (DIME), a new digital platform aimed at modernising and digitising military logistics management. What is DIME? DIME is a comprehensive digital logistics platform designed to provide commanders with real-time, data-driven visibility of spares, equipment, and inventory across the Army’s logistics chain. Development Details Purpose of DIME 9. Indian Army Procures Solar-Powered MAPSS UAV Context: In January 2026, the Indian Army placed a Rs 168 crore order with NewSpace Research & Technologies (NRT) for the Medium Altitude Persistent Surveillance System (MAPSS) UAV. This marks the first deployment of solar-powered UAVs by the Indian Army, beyond battery-powered and tethered drones. About MAPSS UAV Indigenous Development Long Endurance Capability Operational Roles Advanced Mission Autonomy Low Detectability Banking/Finance 1. Bank of Baroda Gets RBI Approval to Set Up SPD Subsidiary Source: BL Context: In January 2026, Bank of Baroda (BoB) received in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to switch from its existing Bank Primary Dealer (PD) business to a wholly-owned subsidiary for undertaking Standalone Primary Dealer (SPD) business. This marks a key step in the strategic restructuring of Public Sector Banks (PSBs). What Does the Approval Mean? Regulatory Background and Policy Context RBI Liquidity Support to SPD About Primary Dealers (PDs) Primary Dealers are RBI-registered NBFCs that act as intermediaries in the Government Securities market, ensuring liquidity and smooth debt issuance. Functions Types of PDs in India Bank PDs Standalone Primary Dealers (SPDs) About Bank of Baroda 2. Skydo Gets RBI Authorization as PA-CB Source: BL Context: On 9 January 2026, Skydo, a cross-border payments platform, received final authorization from the RBI to operate as a Payment Aggregator – Cross Border (PA-CB) entity. What does a Payment Aggregator – Cross Border (PA-CB)? Why did RBI introduce PA-CB? What is a PA-CB License? A PA-CB license allows an entity to: About Skydo 3. Stricter KYC Norms for Crypto Exchanges in India Source: ET Context: India has tightened Know Your Customer (KYC)