5 January 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

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Drinking Water Contamination Triggers Health Crisis in Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Indore witnessed a public health emergency after sewage reportedly mixed with drinking water supplies, leading to outbreaks of water-borne illnesses.

The incident has drawn attention to systemic weaknesses in urban wastewater management (UWM) in Indian cities and its direct implications for public health.

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Urban Wastewater Management (UWM) in India: Current Status

1. Scale of the Problem:

• Wastewater Generation: Urban India generated around 72,368 million litres per day (MLD) of wastewater in 2020–21 (NITI Aayog).
• Treatment Gap: Nearly 72% of this wastewater remains untreated, eventually contaminating Rivers and lakes & Groundwater aquifers.

2. Public Health Risks:

• Untreated sewage is a major carrier of pathogens causing: Cholera, Diarrhoea and dysentery, Hepatitis A, Typhoid and polio
• Drinking water contamination can quickly escalate into large-scale disease outbreaks, especially in densely populated urban areas.

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Wastewater Treatment Systems in Urban Areas

1. On-Site Treatment Systems:

• Wastewater is contained near the toilet in Septic tanks & Soak pits
• Sludge requires periodic removal and safe disposal.
• Common in peri-urban areas and informal settlements.

2. Off-Site (Centralised) Treatment Systems:

• Sewage is transported through underground sewer networks to Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs)
• Requires extensive infrastructure, regular maintenance, and reliable power supply.

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Key Challenges in Urban Wastewater Management

1. Institutional Constraints:

• Fragmented governance with multiple departments working in silos.
• Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), despite being primary custodians, suffer from Capacity shortages & Technical skill gaps

2. Infrastructure Deficits:

• Ageing sewer networks prone to leaks and cross-contamination.
• Inadequate maintenance and rehabilitation.
• Land scarcity for new STPs in expanding cities.

3. Financial Stress:

• High levels of non-revenue water.
• Unrealistic tariffs and poor cost recovery.
• Low user charges and weak billing/collection systems.

4. Technological Gaps:

• Limited adoption of cost-effective, decentralised technologies.
• Inadequate mapping of sewerage and drainage connectivity.
• Weak real-time monitoring of water quality.

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Pathways for Sustainable Urban Wastewater Management

1. Decentralised Wastewater Treatment:

• Treating sewage close to the source reduces Transport costs & Infrastructure pressure
• Suitable for New urban extensions & Informal settlements

2. Urban and Industrial Waste Reforms:

• Enforce Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) norms where feasible.
• Strict regulation of landfills and industrial effluents.
• Penalise illegal sewage discharges into stormwater drains.

3. Modern Monitoring and Early Warning:

• Integrate water quality surveillance with public health databases like Health Management Information System (HMIS)
• Enables early detection of contamination-linked disease outbreaks.

4. Nature-Based Solutions:

• Promote eco-friendly, low-energy options such as Constructed wetlands, Waste stabilisation ponds, Vermifiltration, Green roofs and living walls

 

Two Credit-Linked Sub-Schemes under Export Promotion Mission

The Government has launched two pilot, credit-linked sub-schemes under the Niryat Protsahan component of the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) to improve export credit access and reduce financing costs, especially for MSME exporters.

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Newly Launched Sub-Schemes

1. Interest Subvention for Pre- and Post-Shipment Export Credit:

• Purpose: Reduce the cost of rupee-denominated export credit.
• Interest Support: Base interest subvention of 2.75%.
  - Additional incentive for exports to notified under-represented or emerging markets.
• Financial Limit: Maximum benefit capped at ₹50 lakh per exporter for FY 2025–26.
• Eligibility Criteria: Applicable only to exports under a notified positive list of tariff lines.
  - Coverage extends to around 75% of India’s HS 6-digit tariff lines.

2. Collateral Support for Export Credit:

• Implementation Partner:Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE).
• Guarantee Coverage:
  - Up to 85% for Micro and Small exporters.
  - Up to 65% for Medium exporters.
• Exposure Limit:Maximum guaranteed outstanding credit of ₹10 crore per exporter per financial year.
• Eligibility:Same positive-list-based eligibility as the interest subvention scheme.

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About Export Promotion Mission (EPM)

Overview

• Launch: November 2025
• Duration: 6 years (FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31)
• Total Outlay: ₹25,060 crore
• Core Objective:Provide affordable and accessible trade finance, with special focus on MSMEs and labour-intensive sectors such as textiles.

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Mission Structure

1. Niryat Protsahan (Financial Support):

• Interest subvention on export credit
• Collateral-free or collateral-supported credit guarantees
• Export credit cards for e-commerce exporters

2. Niryat Disha (Non-Financial Support):

• Export quality and standards compliance
• Certification and regulatory support
• International branding and market access
• Logistics and trade facilitation assistance

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Significance of the Initiative:

• Improves Export Competitiveness: Lowers financing costs and credit constraints.
• Market Diversification: Encourages penetration into emerging and under-served markets.
• MSME Empowerment: Expands access to institutional finance without heavy collateral burdens.
• Employment Generation: Supports labour-intensive industries and first-time exporters.
• Brand India Push: Strengthens compliance, quality, and global visibility of Indian exports.

 

Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS)

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has approved 22 proposals under the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS).

These proposals span cross-sectoral electronics components used in mobiles, telecom, consumer electronics, automotive, strategic electronics, and IT hardware.

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About Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS)

1. Background:

• Notified: April 2025
• Total Outlay: ₹22,919 crore
• Tenure: 6 years + optional 1-year gestation period

2. Objective:

• To build a robust domestic electronics component ecosystem.
• Attract global and domestic investments across the electronics value chain.
• Integrate Indian electronics manufacturing with Global Value Chains (GVCs).
• Reduce import dependence on critical components and deepen value addition in India.

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Target Segments under ECMS

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Incentive Structure under ECMS

1. Turnover-Linked Incentive (TLI):

• Applicable to Segments A, B & E
• Based on incremental turnover/sales
• Tenure: 6 years (+ optional 1-year gestation)

2. Capex Incentive:

• Applicable to Segment D
• Linked to eligible capital investment
• Tenure: 5 years

3. Hybrid Incentive:

• Applicable to Segment C
• Combination of turnover-linked + capex incentives
• Designed for capital-intensive, technology-heavy components

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India’s Electronics Industry: Key Facts

1. Production Growth:

• ₹1.9 lakh crore (2014–15) → ₹11.3 lakh crore (2024–25)
• Six-fold growth in a decade
• India is now the world’s 2nd largest mobile phone manufacturer

2. Export Performance:

• ₹38,000 crore (2014–15) → ₹3.27 lakh crore (2024–25)
• Electronics are India’s 3rd largest and fastest-growing export category

3. Long-Term Vision:

• $500 billion electronics manufacturing ecosystem by 2030–31

 

Centre Issues Notice to Social Media Platform ‘X’ over Misuse of AI Tool ‘Grok’

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a notice to social media platform ‘X’ over the alleged misuse of its AI tool ‘Grok’.

The tool was reportedly used to generate obscene, indecent, and sexually explicit synthetic images/videos, particularly targeting women and children.

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Key Issues Flagged by the Government

1. Non-Compliance with Indian IT Laws:

• Failure to meet due diligence obligations under: Information Technology Act, 2000 & IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021

2. Violation of Privacy and Dignity:

• AI-generated sexually explicit content undermines: Privacy, Dignity, Safety of women and children
• Raises serious concerns related to deepfakes and synthetic sexual abuse.

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Legal Framework for Regulation of Social Media in India

Information Technology Act, 2000

• Section 66E: Punishes violation of privacy, including capturing or transmitting private images without consent.
• Section 67: Punishes publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form.
• Section 67A: Punishes sexually explicit content in electronic form.
• Section 67B: Specifically criminalises sexual content involving children.

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IT Rules, 2021 (Intermediary Guidelines & Digital Media Ethics Code)

1. Rule 3 – Due Diligence by Intermediaries:

• Mandatory removal of unlawful, obscene, and sexually explicit content.
• Obligation to prevent hosting or transmission of prohibited content.

2. Rule 4 – Additional Obligations for Significant Social Media Intermediaries:

• Appointment of Chief Compliance Officer, Nodal Contact Person, Grievance Officer
• Enable traceability of originators of unlawful content when required.

Non-compliance may result in loss of ‘Safe Harbour’ protection, making the platform legally liable for user-generated content.

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Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023

Requires digital platforms to inform police authorities upon detection of serious cognisable offences, especially those involving Women & Children

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Broader Significance

• Highlights emerging governance challenges posed by Generative AI and deepfakes.
• Reinforces the principle that platforms are responsible for AI tools they deploy, not just user content.
• Strengthens India’s stance on digital safety, gender justice, and child protection.

 

Geo-Economics: The New Frontier in International Politics

The global balance of power is increasingly shaped by economic instruments, not just military or territorial control.

For India, this shift presents strategic vulnerabilities and opportunities, especially in trade, technology, and critical resources.

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Geopolitics vs Geo-economics

1. Geopolitics:

• Exercise of power through: Geography, Military strength, Alliances and territorial control

2. Geo-economics:

• Strategic use of economic tools to achieve geopolitical outcomes: Trade policy, Sanctions, Control over supply chains, Technology standards and finance

 Core idea: Economic leverage now determines political influence.

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How Geo-economics is Reshaping Global Politics

1. Energy & Resource Diplomacy:

• Control over critical minerals, semiconductors, AI inputs is central.
• Example: US-led “Pax Silica” initiative to secure semiconductor and critical mineral supply chains. India’s exclusion reflects emerging tech-centric power blocs.

2. Weaponisation of Interdependence:

• Deep economic integration is used as coercion.
• Example: US financial sanctions, including excluding Russian banks from SWIFT, crippling economic activity without direct military action.

3. Trade Policy as a Strategic Tool:

• Trade disputes increasingly target technological dominance.
• Example: US–China trade war focused on semiconductors, AI, and advanced manufacturing rather than just tariffs.

4. Geo-economic Fragmentation:

• Global rules increasingly favour advanced economies.
• Example: EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) shifts emission-reduction costs to exporters from the Global South.

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India’s Key Challenges in the Geo-economic Arena

1. Critical Mineral & Technology Deficit:

• Despite geological potential comparable to Australia:
  - Only 25–30% of India’s mineral potential explored.
  - Near-total import dependence for lithium and other critical minerals.

2. Weak R&D and Innovation Ecosystem:

• India spends only 0.6–0.7% of GDP on R&D.
• Contrast: China & USA: 2.5–3% of GDP
• Limits indigenous technological capacity and strategic autonomy.

3. Policy and Governance Bottlenecks:

• Bureaucratic red-tapism.
• Limited private sector participation in: Mineral exploration, Advanced manufacturing, Deep-tech innovation

 

Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) disbursed ₹45 lakh to red sanders farmers in Andhra Pradesh under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism, recognising community contributions to conservation and sustainable use of biological resources.

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About Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus)

• Status: Endemic tree species native to India
• Geographical Range: Restricted to the Eastern Ghats, primarily in Andhra Pradesh
• Conservation Status: Endangered (IUCN)
• Significance: High medicinal and commercial value & SVulnerable to illegal logging and overexploitation
• Role of Local Communities: Traditional custodians involved in protection, cultivation, and sustainable use

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Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)

1. Concept:

• Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) is a global framework to ensure equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of Genetic resources & Associated traditional knowledge

2. International Framework:

• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 1992
• Nagoya Protocol, 2010: Emphasises fairness, equity, and community participation

3. ABS Framework in India:

• Legal Basis: Biological Diversity Act, 2002 & Access and Benefit Sharing Regulations, 2025
• Implementing Authority: National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)

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Key Objectives

• Ensure monetary and non-monetary benefits flow back to Local communities, Farmers, Traditional knowledge holders
• Promote: Conservation of biodiversity & Sustainable utilisation of biological resources
• Prevent biopiracy and unauthorised exploitation

 

India–Pakistan Non-Attack Agreement on Nuclear Installations

India and Pakistan exchanged the annual lists of nuclear installations and facilities, in accordance with the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities.

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About the India–Pakistan Non-Attack Agreement

• Signed: 31 December 1988
• Entered into Force: 27 January 1991

1. Core Provision:

• Both countries are required to exchange details of their nuclear installations every year on 1 January.

2. Scope of the Agreement:

• Prohibits direct or indirect attacks on: Nuclear installations & Nuclear facilities
• Applies during peace as well as conflict situations.

3. Objective:

• To prevent intentional or accidental damage to nuclear facilities.
• To reduce the risk of escalation in a nuclearised South Asian region.

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Significance

• Confidence-Building Measure (CBM): One of the earliest and most durable nuclear risk-reduction mechanisms between India and Pakistan.
• Strategic Stability: Enhances predictability and restraint in bilateral relations.
• Nuclear Safety: Minimises chances of radioactive fallout and humanitarian consequences.
• Continuity Despite Tensions: Annual exchange continues even during periods of diplomatic strain, underlining its institutional importance.

 

Board of Trade (BoT)

The Board of Trade (BoT) flagged concerns over slowing Indian exports, attributing the trend to steep US tariffs of up to 50%, which have affected export competitiveness in key sectors.

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About Board of Trade (BoT)

• Nature: Apex advisory body on matters related to Foreign Trade Policy (FTP).
• Purpose: Advises the government on policy measures to Strengthen India’s trade ecosystem, Boost exports, Address emerging global trade challenges

1. Composition:

• Chairperson: Union Minister for Commerce and Industry
• Members include: Ministers in charge of trade and commerce from States and Union Territories
  - Representatives from Export Promotion Councils
  - Industry bodies and trade associations

2. Institutional Background:

• Reconstituted in 2019 through the merger of Council for Trade Development and Promotion & Board of Trade
• Restructuring aimed to ensure better Centre–State coordination and more inclusive trade policymaking.

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Significance

• Acts as a key platform for Policy feedback from states and industry & Aligning domestic trade priorities with global trade dynamics
• Plays a critical role in navigating challenges such as Protectionist tariffs, Market access barriers, Export diversification needs

 

PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation)

Prime Minister chaired the 50th meeting of PRAGATI, which continues to accelerate the implementation of mega projects and key welfare schemes.

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About PRAGATI

• Launched: 2015
• Type: Three-tier monitoring and grievance redressal platform

1. Three-Tier Structure:

• Prime Minister’s Office (PMO): Provides overall oversight and guidance.
• Union Government Secretaries: Coordinate between central ministries and departments.
• Chief Secretaries of States: Ensure state-level implementation and reporting.

2. Key Objectives:

• Programme Implementation: Facilitates coordination between multiple agencies and ministries for smooth execution of schemes and projects.
• Project Monitoring: Technology-enabled platform tracks status of mega projects, timelines, and bottlenecks.
• Grievance Redressal: Integrates with CPGRAMS (Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System) to address citizens’ grievances efficiently.

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Significance

• Accountability: Direct involvement of the PM ensures timely escalation and resolution of issues.
• Transparency: Tech-based tracking enables real-time monitoring of projects and schemes.
• Efficiency: Speeds up decision-making and reduces bureaucratic delays.
• Inclusive Governance: Covers both development projects and public grievance redressal.

 

Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN)

The Government of India has released draft guidelines for the Battery Pack Aadhaar System, aiming to strengthen battery traceability, recycling, and circular economy practices.

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About Battery Pack Aadhaar System

• Nature: Indigenous digital identification and data storage system for batteries
• Core Purpose: Ensure end-to-end traceability of battery packs across their entire lifecycle

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Key Features

1. Unique Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN):

• Assigned to each battery pack
• Functions as a permanent digital identity

2. Lifecycle Coverage:

• Raw material sourcing
• Manufacturing & assembly
• Usage and ownership changes
• Second-life deployment
• Recycling and final disposal

3. Electronic Record:

• Centralised database capturing technical, environmental, and compliance data

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Battery Categories Covered

Battery packs required to maintain a Battery Pack Aadhaar include: Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries & Industrial batteries with capacity greater than 2 kWh

 

World Health Organization’s Pharmacovigilance Database

India has moved up to 8th position in 2025 (from 123rd in 2014) in contributions to WHO’s pharmacovigilance database under the WHO Programme for International Drug Monitoring (PIDM).

Improvement credited to India’s Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI).

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About Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI)

1. Launched:

• 2010

2. Objective:

• Government of India’s flagship programme for drug safety monitoring.

3. Function:

• Collects and analyses reports of adverse drug reactions (ADRs).
• Provides recommendations to Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for regulatory actions.

4. Significance:

• Ensures safety of medicines and vaccines in India, reducing health risks and improving public confidence.

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About WHO Programme for International Drug Monitoring (WHO PIDM)

1. Established:

• 1968

2. Aim:

• Place medicine and vaccine safety at the centre of global healthcare.

3. Global Database – VigiBase:

• Contains worldwide adverse event reports for drugs and vaccines.
• Helps identify safety signals and emerging risks.

 

Personality in News: Rani Velu Nachiyar

The Prime Minister paid tribute to Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary, recognising her role in India’s early resistance against British colonial rule.

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About Rani Velu Nachiyar (1730–1796)

1. Born:

• 1730

2. Region:

• Ramnad (Ramanathapuram), present-day Tamil Nadu

3. Status:

• Princess of the Ramnad kingdom

4. Military Training & Skills:

• Trained in: Horse riding, Archery, Martial arts such as Silambam and Valari
• One of the earliest Indian queens with formal military training.

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Key Contributions & Achievements

1. Anti-British Resistance:

• Led armed resistance against the British East India Company.
• Recaptured Sivaganga in 1780, defeating British forces: Nearly 77 years before the Revolt of 1857.

2. Strategic Alliances:

• Forged a crucial alliance with Hyder Ali of Mysore, gaining: Military support & Arms and logistics

3. Udaiyaal Battalion:

• Established the “Udaiyaal” battalion: Among the first all-women military units in world history.
• Symbol of organised female participation in warfare.

4. Pioneer of Suicide Tactics:

• Her commander Kuyili: Carried out the first recorded suicide attack in Indian history.
• Set herself on fire to destroy a British ammunition depot (1780).

 

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