Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 27 & 28 January, 2026

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
27 & 28 January, 2026

International Affairs

1. First SCO Council of National Coordinators Meeting 2026 Held in Beijing

Why in News?

The first meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of National Coordinators (CNC) for 2026 was held in Beijing, under the chairmanship of the Kyrgyz Republic, to finalize the agenda for upcoming high-level SCO summits later this year.

Council of National Coordinators (CNC)

What is it?

• The primary coordination and management mechanism of the SCO.
• Acts as a link between SCO standing bodies and member states.

Core Functions

• Coordination: Synchronises multilateral cooperation among member states in line with the SCO Charter.
• Preparation: Conducts groundwork for meetings of:
  • Council of Heads of State (CHS)
  • Council of Heads of Government (CHG)
• Implementation: Oversees execution of decisions and agreements adopted at previous SCO summits.

About Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

• A permanent intergovernmental international organisation
• The world’s largest regional organisation by geographic area and population
• Accounts for:
  • ~42% of global population
  • ~23% of global nominal GDP

Key Facts

• Established: 15 June 2001
• Predecessor: Shanghai Five (1996)
• Headquarters (Secretariat): Beijing, China
• Official Languages: Russian and Chinese

Member States (10)

1. China
2. Russia
3. India (Joined 2017)
4. Pakistan (Joined 2017)
5. Kazakhstan
6. Kyrgyz Republic
7. Tajikistan
8. Uzbekistan
9. Iran (Joined 2023)
10. Belarus (Joined 2024)

Permanent Bodies

• SCO Secretariat (Beijing): Main executive and administrative body
• RATS (Tashkent): Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure dealing with:
  • Terrorism
  • Separatism
  • Extremism (“Three Evils”)

National Affairs

1. Enhancing Circular Economy of ELVs in India: NITI Aayog Report

Source: TH

Context:

A NITI Aayog report has warned that End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) in India could double to nearly 50 million by 2030, posing serious risks related to road safety, pollution, and waste management, while also highlighting the untapped resource potential of vehicle scrapping.

What are End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs)?

• Vehicles that are:
  • No longer roadworthy
  • Invalidly registered
  • Voluntarily declared as waste by owners
• Scientific ELV management enables:
  • Recovery of valuable materials (steel, aluminium)
  • Reduction of environmental and safety hazards

Key Trends & Data

• Rising ELV stock:
  • 23 million (2025) → ~50 million (2030)
• Pollution impact:
  • BS-I vehicles emit up to 8× more pollutants than BS-VI vehicles
• Resource recovery potential:
  • ~98 million tonnes of steel recoverable from vehicles made between 2005–2023
• Infrastructure gap:
  • Required ATS by 2027: 500
  • Operational ATS (Sept 2025): 156
• Informal sector dominance:
  • Informal yards: 2–3 lakh ELVs/year
  • Formal RVSFs (FY25): 72,000 vehicles

Regulatory Framework for ELVs

1. Voluntary Vehicle-Fleet Modernisation Programme (2021)
   • Mandatory fitness tests:
     • Private vehicles >20 years
     • Commercial vehicles >15 years
2. Motor Vehicles (RVSF) Rules, 2021
   • Legal framework for Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities
   • Introduction of Certificate of Deposit (CoD)
3. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Rules, 2025
   • OEMs mandated to meet material recovery targets
   • Steel recovery target:
     • 8% (2025–2030)
4. Mandatory ATS Testing (from Oct 2024)
   • Fitness tests only via Automated Testing Stations
5. Incentive Scheme (SASCI)
   • Over ₹2,000 crore provided to States
   • Supports ATS and scrapping infrastructure

Key Challenges Identified

1. Informal vs Formal Price Gap

• Informal scrappers evade:
  • GST
  • Environmental norms
• Example:
  • Dzire-class car:
    • Informal offer: ₹38,000
    • RVSF offer: ₹23,000
  • ₹15,000 incentive to choose informal route

2. Regional Infrastructure Imbalance

• ATS & RVSFs concentrated in few States
• Example:
  • Gujarat: ~56 ATS
  • Sikkim / Arunachal Pradesh: negligible facilities

3. De-registration Bottlenecks

• Paper-heavy processes
• No penalty for non-de-registration
• Result:
  • “Ghost vehicles” remain active on VAHAN database

4. Poor Financial Viability of RVSFs

• High capital cost
• <20% capacity utilisation
• Break-even may take ~10 years

5. Compromised Fitness Testing

• Improper issuance of fitness certificates
• Vehicles certified without physical inspection
• Undermines road safety and environmental goals

NITI Aayog Recommendations

1. Infrastructure Expansion

• Target: One ATS per district
• PSU-led RVSFs in commercially unviable regions

2. Formalisation of Informal Sector

• Integrate informal units via Udyam Assist Platform
• One-time waiver for legacy environmental violations

3. Strengthening EPR

• Raise steel recovery targets:
  • Up to 35% by 2035
• Exclude production scrap from ELV recovery targets

4. Digital Reforms

• Aadhaar-based ownership transfer
• De-registration only after valid Certificate of Deposit

5. Financial Innovation

• Allow carbon credits from formal scrapping
• Potential gain: ₹2,000 per vehicle

2. Tap Water Coverage in Urban India

Source: IE

Context:

Urban tap water coverage in India has increased significantly from 49% in 2011 to about 77% in 2025–26, largely due to the implementation of AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0 under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).

What is Tap Water Coverage?

• Proportion of urban households receiving piped water supply within premises
• Ensures reliable, safe, and affordable drinking water access

AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation)

AMRUT 1.0 (2015–)

• Projects approved: 6,008
• Total outlay: ₹83,470.84 crore
• Focus: Basic urban infrastructure (water supply, sewerage, green spaces)

AMRUT 2.0 (2021–)

• Projects approved: ~9,000
• Total outlay: ₹1.89 lakh crore
• Key focus:
  • Universal water supply coverage
  • Water security
  • Reuse of treated wastewater

Jal Hi Amrit Initiative

• Water Resource Recovery Cells set up in 25 States/UTs
• AMRUT Mitras:
  • 28,000+ women SHG members engaged
• Promotes:
  • Circular water economy
  • Community participation

3. The 16th India–European Union (EU) Summit

Source: TOI

Context:

The 16th India–European Union (EU) Summit begins today, with both sides set to upgrade their strategic partnership by signing a Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) and advancing talks on trade, climate, and global security.

Key Participants

• India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• European Union:
  • Ursula von der Leyen (President, European Commission)
  • Antonio Costa (President, European Council)

Key Outcomes Expected

1. Security & Defence Cooperation

• Signing of India–EU Security and Defence Partnership (SDP)
• Explores Indian participation in European defence initiatives
• Possible Security of Information Agreement (SOIA)

2. Trade & Economy

• Finalisation / firming up of India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
• India–EU Business Forum held alongside the summit

3. Strategic Agenda

• Adoption of a new strategic roadmap
• Strengthening a rules-based global order

4. MoPR Facilitates Panchayat Leaders & Launches Key Initiatives

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) honoured elected Panchayat representatives and launched multiple governance-related initiatives during a special event held ahead of Republic Day 2026.

Initiatives & Publications Launched

• PANCHAM – Panchayat Assistance & Messaging Chatbot
• PESA State Rankings 2024–25
• Gramoday Sankalp Magazine (17th Edition)
• Compendium of Basic Statistics on Panchayati Raj Institutions – 2025
• Expert Committee Report on Service Delivery at Panchayat Level

About PANCHAM

• Developed by: MoPR in collaboration with UNICEF
• Purpose: Digital governance support tool for Panchayats
• Functions:
  • Real-time guidance
  • Simplified workflows
  • Easy access to governance information
• Coverage: Direct digital connect with over 30 lakh Panchayat representatives & functionaries
• Significance: Enhances last-mile governance and service delivery

PESA State Rankings 2024–25

About PESA

• Full Form: Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996
• Objective: Empower Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas

Top Performing States

1. Maharashtra – Rank 1
2. Madhya Pradesh – Rank 2
3. Himachal Pradesh – Rank 3

5. Rajasthan Launches RAJ-UNNATI Digital Governance Platform

Source: IE

Why in News?

Rajasthan launched RAJ-UNNATI, becoming the first Indian state to replicate the PRAGATI model at the state level.

About RAJ-UNNATI

• Inspired by: PRAGATI (GoI)
• Type: State-level digital governance platform
• Objectives:
  • Fast-track development projects
  • Resolve long-pending issues
  • Reduce administrative delays
  • Monitor Central & State schemes
  • Structured grievance redressal
• Key Features:
  • Real-time data integration
  • Performance monitoring
  • Inter-departmental coordination

About PRAGATI

• Launched: 2014
• Initiated by: Government of India
• Purpose: Real-time monitoring of major infrastructure & development projects

6. Wings India 2026 – Asia’s Largest Civil Aviation Event

Source: News on Air

Context:

Wings India 2026, Asia’s largest civil aviation exhibition and conference, will be held from 28–31 January 2026 at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad, highlighting India’s emergence as a global aviation hub.

What is Wings India?

• A biennial global civil aviation exhibition and conference
• Combines:
  • Flying and static aircraft displays
  • B2B and B2G meetings
  • Policy dialogues and investor sessions
• Covers the entire aviation ecosystem

Organisers & Venue

• Organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation
• Hyderabad designated as the permanent venue
• Hosted at Begumpet Airport

7. Humanoid Robot ‘ASC ARJUN’ Deployed by Indian Railways

Source: IE

Context:

Indian Railways has deployed an AI-powered humanoid robot named ‘ASC ARJUN’ at Visakhapatnam Railway Station, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative across the railway network.

What is ‘ASC ARJUN’?

• An AI-enabled humanoid robot
• Assists the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in:
  • Station surveillance
  • Crowd management
  • Passenger assistance

Developed By

• Indigenously designed and developed in Visakhapatnam
• Created by a dedicated Indian Railways technical team
• Uses home-grown technology

Aim

• Enhance passenger safety and security
• Optimise manpower deployment
• Improve service delivery using emerging technologies

Key Functions

Function Area	Key Features / Description
Security & Surveillance	Face Recognition System (FRS) for intrusion detection; AI-based crowd monitoring
Real-Time Alerts	Sends instant alerts to RPF control rooms during suspicious activities and emergencies
Emergency Response	Fire and smoke detection system for early warning
Passenger Assistance	Automated announcements in English, Hindi, and Telugu
Autonomous Patrolling	Semi-autonomous navigation; obstacle avoidance; 24×7 platform patrols
Human Interaction	Friendly gestures such as Namaste for passengers and salutes for RPF personnel

8. Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary

Source: The Hindu

Context:

The Kerala government has officially renamed Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, making it the first butterfly sanctuary in Kerala.

What is Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary?

• A protected area in the Western Ghats
• Exclusively recognised for butterfly conservation
• Aims to protect:
  • Butterfly species
  • Host plants
  • Nectar-rich habitats

Location

• Kannur district, Kerala
• On the western slopes of the Western Ghats
• Borders:
  • Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary (Karnataka)
  • Adjoins Kottiyoor Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala)

Ecological Significance

• Part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot
• Known for exceptional butterfly diversity
• Supports endemic and rare species
• Acts as an ecological corridor with adjoining sanctuaries

9. Buddhist Diamond Triangle Added to UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Source: The Times of India

Why in News?

The UNESCO World Heritage Centre has added Odisha’s Buddhist Diamond Triangle—Lalitgiri, Udayagiri, and Ratnagiri—to India’s Tentative List for World Heritage Sites.

About Buddhist Diamond Triangle

• A serial cultural nomination comprising three interconnected Buddhist monastic complexes
• Located in Jajpur and Cuttack districts of Odisha
• Documents 1,500 years of continuous Buddhist history
• Showcases the evolution of Buddhism through:
  • Theravada (Hinayana)
  • Mahayana
  • Vajrayana (Esoteric Buddhism)

Key Sites

Lalitgiri – The Ancient Spiritual Hub

• Location: Cuttack district
• Period: 2nd–3rd Century BCE (oldest site)
• Key Discovery:
  • Massive stupa with gold, silver, and stone relic caskets, believed to contain relics of Lord Buddha
• Architectural Importance:
  • East-facing apsidal chaityagriha (first of its kind in Odisha)
• Historical Evidence:
  • Inscriptions mentioning “Sri Chandraditya Vihara”

Udayagiri – The Sunrise Hill of Monasteries

• Largest complex in the triangle
• Period: 1st–13th Century CE
• Architectural Features:
  • Unique double-storeyed monastery
  • Madhavapura Mahavihara
• Artistic Significance:
  • Colossal images of Avalokiteswara
  • Pancha Dhyani Buddhas
• Buddhist School: Mahayana (artistic peak)

Ratnagiri – Epicentre of Vajrayana Buddhism

• Often compared to Nalanda
• Major centre of Vajrayana (Tantric) Buddhism
• Iconography:
  • Sculptures of Tara, Vajrapani, Jambhala
• Unique Aspect:
  • Strong evidence of female patronage, including Queen Karpurashri
• Architecture:
  • Stupas combining Buddhist and Brahmanical motifs
• Distinctiveness: Unique architectural syncretism found nowhere else

Banking/Finance

1. RBI Proposes Reopening Licensing Window for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs)

Source: IE

Context:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed reopening the licensing window for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) after a gap of over 20 years, and has invited stakeholder feedback on the proposal.

About Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs)

• Member-owned, community-based banks
• Operate mainly in urban and semi-urban areas
• Provide banking and credit services to:
  • Small borrowers
  • Traders
  • Salaried employees
  • MSMEs
• Governed by co-operative principles:
  • Mutual help
  • Democratic control (one member, one vote)
  • Local participation

Origin & Evolution

• Late 19th century: Co-operative credit movement inspired by Britain & Germany
• 1904: First urban co-operative credit society registered in Kanchipuram
• 1966: UCBs brought under Banking Regulation Act, 1949
  • Resulted in dual control:
    • RBI (banking functions)
    • State Governments (management & incorporation)
• 1990s: Rapid licensing led to:
  • Weak governance
  • Financial instability
• 2004: RBI stopped issuing new UCB licences

Reform Phase

• Banking Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2020
  • Strengthened RBI’s supervisory powers
• National Urban Co-operative Finance and Development Corporation (NUCFDC), 2024
  • Focus on:
    • Technology adoption
    • Professional governance
    • Financial resilience

Key Functions of UCBs

• Mobilisation of local deposits
• Credit to:
  • MSMEs
  • Urban informal sector
  • Small traders & professionals
• Promotion of financial inclusion
• Relationship-based banking at affordable rates

2. Economic Survey of India 2026

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran will present the Economic Survey of India 2026 on January 29, 2026, ahead of the Union Budget 2026–27 scheduled for February 1, 2026.

About the Economic Survey of India

• The flagship annual document of the Ministry of Finance.
• Provides an official review of India’s economic performance over the past 12 months.
• Acts as a background document and analytical foundation for the Union Budget.
• Offers a roadmap for future economic reforms.

Origin & History

• First presented: 1950–51
• Initially: Part of the Union Budget documents
• Since 1964: De-linked from the Budget and presented one day prior to it to inform budgetary decisions.

Who Prepares the Survey?

• Prepared by the Economics Division, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA).
• Authored under the overall guidance of the Chief Economic Advisor (CEA).
• Released after approval of the Union Finance Minister.

Aim & Objectives

• Sectoral Review: Performance analysis of:
  • Agriculture
  • Industry
  • Services
  • Infrastructure
• Macroeconomic Assessment:
  • GDP growth
  • Inflation (CPI & WPI)
  • Fiscal deficit
  • Trade balance
• Future Outlook:
  • Growth projections for the upcoming fiscal year
  • Policy recommendations and reform priorities

Structure of the Economic Survey

Part A

• Major macroeconomic developments
• Broad review of the economy
• Outlook for the next financial year

Part B

• In-depth, data-driven analysis of key socio-economic issues such as:
  • Health
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Climate change
  • Social sector outcomes

3. ESMA–RBI Renew Information-Sharing Pact

Source: ET

Context:

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have signed a new information-sharing agreement, ending a three-year impasse over the recognition of Indian central counterparties (CCPs) by the European Union.

Background

• ESMA is the EU’s financial markets regulator.
• Indian CCPs clear and settle trades, reducing systemic risk.
• In October 2022, ESMA withdrew recognition of six Indian clearing houses after the earlier MoU expired in March 2022.
• Core dispute:
  • ESMA sought direct supervisory access
  • Indian regulators opposed foreign inspection of domestic clearing entities

Key Developments

• ESMA and RBI signed a new pact to exchange supervisory information
• Replaces the 2017 MoU
• Allows ESMA to rely on RBI’s regulatory and supervisory framework
• Enables Clearing Corporation of India Ltd (CCIL) to re-apply for ESMA recognition

Indian Clearing Houses Affected Earlier

• Clearing Corporation of India Ltd (CCIL)
• Indian Clearing Corporation Ltd
• India International Clearing Corporation Ltd
• NSE Clearing Ltd
• NSE IFSC Clearing Corporation Ltd
• Multi Commodity Exchange Clearing Corporation Ltd

Agriculture

1. New Plant Species Discovered: Hoya nagaensis

Source: The Hindu (TH)

Why in News?

Researchers from Nagaland University have recorded a new plant species, Hoya nagaensis, from a community-managed forest in Nagaland.

About Hoya nagaensis

• A previously undocumented flowering plant species
• Belongs to the Hoya genus, known for ornamental, waxy flowers
• Identified through detailed taxonomic research

Region Found

• Kavünhou Community Reserved Forest
• Phek district, Nagaland
• Part of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity region

Key Features

• Distinctive leaf morphology and floral characteristics differentiating it from other Hoya species
• Grows in high-altitude temperate forest ecosystems
• Habitat is scientifically underexplored
• Extremely restricted distribution, recorded from a single location

Conservation Status

• Provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered
• Threats include:
  • Limited geographic range
  • Habitat pressure despite community protection

2. Smart & Integrated Fishing Harbour Sanctioned at Mayabunder

Source: News on Air

Why in News?

The Union Department of Fisheries has sanctioned the development of a Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour at Mayabunder, giving a major boost to maritime and fisheries infrastructure in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Smart Fishing Harbour at Mayabunder

• A technology-enabled, integrated fishing harbour
• Designed not only as a landing site but as a complete fisheries value-chain ecosystem

Key Features

• Fish Handling Capacity: ~9,900 tonnes annually
• Vessel Capacity: Safe berthing facilities for 430 fishing vessels
• IoT-enabled systems:
  • Digital traceability
  • Real-time monitoring of landings
• Sustainable Fisheries Management:
  • Measures to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing
• Energy Efficiency:
  • Use of green energy
  • Eco-friendly post-harvest handling to reduce fish losses

Facts To Remember

1. Indian Railways deploys humanoid robot ‘ASC ARJUN’

Indian Railways introduced its first AI-powered humanoid robot at Visakhapatnam station to enhance passenger safety, surveillance, and service delivery.

2. MSDE signs MoU with World Economic Forum

MSDE partnered with WEF to strengthen India’s TVET ecosystem through a Skills Accelerator aligning skilling with industry and global needs.

3. DARPG releases 32nd NeSDA Way Forward Report

The report reviews digital service delivery across States/UTs, noting 24,090 e-services and high saturation of mandatory services.

4. BHASHINI signs MoU with Survey of India

The agreement aims to digitise and standardise India’s geographical place names using AI-based multilingual language technologies.

5. Gujarat and Odisha discoms top power utility rankings

Gujarat’s public and Odisha’s private power utilities emerged as top performers in the Power Ministry’s 14th integrated ranking report.

6. India–Namibia Foreign Office Consultations held

India and Namibia agreed to deepen cooperation in defence, critical minerals, health, agriculture, and digital public infrastructure.

7. India ranks 8th globally in AI investment: WEF

WEF report shows India’s AI investments lag advanced economies, accounting for 1.2–1.8% of 2024 GDP.

8. Payoneer India gets RBI in-principle PA-CB approval

Payoneer India received approval to operate as a cross-border payment aggregator for merchants and exporters.

9. Ganesh Lakshminarayanan appointed MD & CEO-Designate of Tata Communications

Tata Communications named Ganesh Lakshminarayanan to lead the company, bringing over three decades of global experience.

10. Arijit Basu appointed Chairman of IndusInd Bank

RBI approved Arijit Basu as Chairman of IndusInd Bank, effective January 31, 2026.

11. Switzerland to host 2027 global artificial intelligence summit

Days before India hosts the global artificial intelligence (AI) summit of 2026, Switzerland on Wednesday said it intends to organize the next edition in Geneva in 2027.

12. Veteran Journalist Mark Tully Passed Away

Veteran journalist and Padma awardee Sir William Mark Tully passed away in January 2026 at the age of 90 in New Delhi.
He was BBC’s “voice of India”, served as its New Delhi Bureau Chief for 22 years, and was awarded Padma Shri (1992) and Padma Bhushan (2005).

13. Former BCCI President Inderjit Singh Bindra Passed Away

Former BCCI President Inderjit Singh Bindra passed away in January 2026 at the age of 84 in New Delhi.
An IAS officer of Punjab cadre, he modernised Indian cricket administration and played a key role in hosting the 1987 and 1996 Cricket World Cups.

14. National Voters’ Day 2026 Observed on January 25

India observed the 16th National Voters’ Day (NVD) on January 25, 2026.
The theme was “My India, My Vote”, marking 76 years of the Election Commission of India, established on 25 January 1950 under Article 324.

15. President Droupadi Murmu Attends 16th National Voters’ Day Event

The Election Commission of India celebrated NVD-2026 in New Delhi on January 26, 2026.
President Droupadi Murmu was the Chief Guest and conferred the Best Electoral Practices Awards 2025.

16. National Tourism Day 2026 Observed on January 25

National Tourism Day was observed across India on 25 January 2026 to promote tourism and cultural heritage.
The day commemorates the formation of the Ministry of Tourism in 1949 and highlights tourism’s role in economic growth.

17. UN Observes World Tourism Day on September 27

World Tourism Day is celebrated annually on 27 September by the United Nations.
It marks the adoption of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Statutes in 1970.

18. Madhya Pradesh Declares 2026 as ‘Year of Agriculture’

MP Governor Mangubhai Patel declared 2026 as the ‘Year of Agriculture’ during Republic Day celebrations in Bhopal.
The initiative focuses on farmers’ welfare, natural farming, technology adoption, income enhancement, and agri-exports.

19. Maharashtra Launches India’s First Dedicated Menopause Clinics

The Government of Maharashtra has launched the country’s first dedicated menopause clinics across government hospitals and urban health facilities to address the physical and mental health needs of women during menopause.