9 January 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

We bring you the most relevant and important news updates from around the world and India, specially curated for competitive exams and different entrance exams. Today's Current Affairs cover all significant national and international headlines, legal updates, economic news, and environmental highlights to boost your preparation. With our crisp, to-the-point coverage, you can confidently tackle current affairs questions in your exams

Draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025

The Government of India has invited public comments on the Draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025, proposing a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s pesticide regulation regime.

Background and Rationale

• The proposed Bill seeks to replace the Insecticides Act, 1968 and the Insecticides Rules, 1971, which are considered outdated in the context of modern agriculture, new chemical formulations, and emerging health and environmental concerns.
• The objective is to create a science-based, transparent, and technology-driven regulatory framework that balances farmer needs, public health, and environmental safety.

Key Provisions of the Draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025

1. Institutional Framework:

• Central Pesticides Board (CPB): A multi-disciplinary advisory body.
• Advises the Central Government on: Safety standards and risk assessment, Criteria for disposal of pesticides, Inclusion of new pesticide molecules in the official Schedule
• Registration Committee: A specialized technical body responsible for evaluating applications for pesticide registration.
• All applications to be examined through a mandatory digital platform before granting a registration certificate.

2. Digital Transparency and Traceability:

• National Register of Pesticides: Creation of a centralized digital database of all registered pesticides.
• End-to-End Digital Tracking: Online monitoring of manufacture, stock movement, and sales records.
• Aims to curb Counterfeit and substandard pesticides & Illegal distribution channels

3. Deemed Registration Provision:

• To reduce procedural delays: If the Registration Committee fails to decide on a complete application for a “generic pesticide” within 18 months,
• The registration certificate shall be deemed to have been granted.
• This provision seeks to balance regulatory oversight with ease of doing business.

4. Surveillance, Health and Safety Measures:

• Poisoning Surveillance Framework: Institutional mechanism for reporting, recording, and analysing pesticide poisoning incidents.
• Medical Preparedness: Dedicated protocols for healthcare facilities to manage pesticide-related emergencies effectively.

5. Quality Control and Testing:

• Accreditation of Testing Laboratories: Mandatory accreditation of pesticide testing labs.
• Ensures that only quality-assured and standard-compliant pesticides reach farmers.

6. Worker Welfare and Occupational Safety:

• Introduces statutory standards for Training of workers handling hazardous pesticides & Safe working conditions and protective measures
• Addresses long-standing gaps in occupational health and safety in the pesticide sector.

Pesticides and Their Usage in India

• Chemical or biological substances used to prevent, destroy, repel, or control pests.
• Major categories include: Insecticides, Fungicides, Herbicides, Bio-pesticides

• Herbicides account for the largest share (≈44%) of India’s pesticide market (2023).
• Per hectare consumption: India: ~0.5 kg/hectare

• States with High Consumption: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana

Union Government Relaxes Norms for Private Afforestation on Leased Forest Land

The Union Government has eased regulatory requirements for private and assisted afforestation activities on leased forest land by amending the consolidated guidelines issued under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980 (earlier the Forest Conservation Act, 1980).

Key Changes Introduced

1. Recognition of Afforestation as Forestry Activity:

• Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR), including afforestation and plantation activities, whether undertaken by Government agencies, or Non-government/private entities is now formally classified as a “forestry activity.”

2. Exemption from Compensatory Obligations:

• As a result of this reclassification; Compensatory Afforestation (CA) is not required, and Net Present Value (NPV) payments are waived for such afforestation activities on leased forest land.

Key Concepts Explained

1. Compensatory Afforestation (CA):

• Refers to plantation or afforestation carried out in exchange for diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.
• Aims to compensate for Loss of forest land (“land for land”), and Loss of tree cover (“tree for tree”).
• Typically undertaken on non-forest land.

2. Net Present Value (NPV):

• A statutory monetary charge imposed to offset the loss of Ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, Water regulation, and Biodiversity conservation.
• CA and NPV funds are deposited in the State CAMPA.

3. CAMPA Framework:

• Funds collected are managed under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Act, 2016.
• State governments may now Frame guidelines for utilisation of such plantations, and Decide revenue-sharing arrangements arising from them.

Legal Background: Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980

The Act was renamed through the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023, with significant structural changes:

Major Amendments under the 2023 Law:

• Restricted Applicability:Applies only to land officially notified as forest under the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
• Strategic Exemptions:Forest land within 100 km of international borders exempted for national security and strategic projects.
• Expanded Definition of Forestry Activities:Eco-tourism, zoos, silvicultural operations, and now afforestation/ANR are treated as forestry uses, reducing regulatory barriers.

Significance of the Move

• Encourages private sector participation in forest regeneration.
• Promotes green cover expansion without procedural delays.
• Aligns forest governance with climate goals and sustainable land-use practices, while reducing compliance costs.

Centre Issues Notification for First Phase of Census 2027

The Union Government has issued the notification for the first phase of Census 2027, formally initiating the decennial population exercise after a delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Timeline of Census 2027

1. Phase I: House Listing Operations (HLO):

• Period: April – September 2026
• Coverage: All States and Union Territories
• Purpose: Collection of data on housing conditions, household amenities and assets.

2. Phase II: Population Enumeration (PE):

• Period: February 2027
• Special Schedule: September 2026 for Union Territory of Ladakh, and Snow-bound non-synchronous areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand

Key Features of the 16th Census (2027)

1. India’s First Fully Digital Census:

• Enumerators will primarily collect data using mobile applications, marking a shift from paper-based enumeration.

2. Historic Nationwide Caste Enumeration:

• First comprehensive caste census since 1931, covering all communities, not limited to SCs and STs.

3. Major Digital Innovations:

• Self-Enumeration Portal: Enables citizens to securely fill in census details themselves.
• Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS): Allows real-time monitoring of progress by supervisors and district officials.
• Houselisting Block (HLB) Creator: A satellite-based web mapping tool to create precise digital enumeration blocks.
• Census as a Service (CaaS): Provides ministries access to clean, machine-readable and queryable census datasets for evidence-based policymaking.

Census in India: Key Facts

• Conducting Authority: Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner (Ministry of Home Affairs)
• Periodicity: Decennial
• Legal Framework: Census Act, 1948 & Census Rules, 1990
• Census 2027: 16th Census overall & 8th Census after Independence
• Historical Note: First synchronous Census conducted in 1881 under W.C. Plowden.

India Assumes BRICS Chairmanship; 18th BRICS Summit to be Hosted in 2026

Brazil has formally transferred the BRICS presidency to India for the year 2026. As Chair, India will also host the 18th BRICS Summit, steering the group’s agenda at a time of shifting global power equations.

Theme of India’s BRICS Chairmanship (2026)

India’s leadership will be guided by four core pillars:

• Resilience: Strengthening collective capacity to withstand global economic, health and security shocks.
• Innovation: Leveraging technology, research and digital public infrastructure for inclusive growth.
• Cooperation: Enhancing collaboration across political, economic and socio-cultural domains.
• Environmental Stability & Sustainability: Promoting climate-resilient development and green transitions.

Significance of India’s BRICS Presidency

1. Reform of Global Governance Institutions:

• India advocates reforming, not dismantling, existing global institutions such as the IMF, World Bank and UNSC.
• Emphasis on making these bodies more representative, transparent and inclusive, rather than replacing them with parallel structures.

2. Leadership of the Global South:

• Positions India as a credible voice and bridge between the Global South and developed economies.
• Enables articulation of development priorities related to finance, technology access and climate justice.

3. Promotion of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI):

• India is expected to showcase its DPI model (Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker) as a scalable and affordable development pathway for emerging economies.

4. Strategic Autonomy and Multi-alignment:

• India will seek to balance Engagement with Western-led institutions, and Cooperation within BRICS, which includes China and Russia, while preserving its independent foreign policy choices.

About BRICS

• Origin of the term: Coined in 2001 by economist Jim O’Neill as “BRIC” (Brazil, Russia, India, China).
• Institutionalisation: Began functioning as a grouping in 2006 on the sidelines of the G8 Outreach Summit.
• First BRIC Summit: Russia, 2009.
• Expansion: South Africa joined in 2010, transforming BRIC into BRICS.
• Objectives: Reform global governance structures & Provide alternatives to Western-dominated financial and political institutions.
• Chairmanship: Rotates annually among member states.
• Pillars of BRICS Cooperation: Political and Security Cooperation, Economic and Financial Cooperation, Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges
• Membership and Global Footprint: Founding Members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa.Expanded BRICS (BRICS+): Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates.
• Accounts for: ~49.5% of the world’s population, ~40% of global GDP, ~26% of global trade

Why India’s Chairmanship Matters

India’s BRICS presidency comes at a critical juncture marked by geopolitical fragmentation, economic uncertainty and demands for equitable global governance. Its leadership will test BRICS’ ability to move from a forum of coordination to a platform for credible collective action.

U.S. Presidential Memorandum on Withdrawal from International Organisations

The United States issued a presidential memorandum directing its agencies to discontinue participation in and funding for 66 international organisations, comprising 31 UN bodies and 35 non-UN entities, citing concerns over national interest, sovereignty, and strategic priorities.

Key Details of the Memorandum

1. Scope of Withdrawal:

• Total organisations: 66 (UN-affiliated entities: 31 & Non-UN international organisations: 35)

2. Official Rationale:

• The U.S. government stated that several of these organisations:
• Operate inconsistently with U.S. national interests
• Undermine security, economic competitiveness, or sovereign decision-making

3. Continuity with Past Actions:

• This decision aligns with earlier U.S. exits from: Paris Climate Agreement, World Health Organization , UN Human Rights Council

 Major Organisations Affected

1. United Nations–Related Bodies:

• UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
• UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
• Peacebuilding Commission
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
• UN Register of Conventional Arms

2. Non-UN International Organisations:

• International Energy Forum
• International Solar Alliance
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
• 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Compact

Potential Global Implications

1. Climate Action:

• Reduced U.S. engagement may Weaken collective efforts to mitigate climate change & Encourage delays or dilution of commitments by other countries

2. Multilateralism Under Strain:

• The move could Further fragment global governance frameworks, Intensify power rivalries, Accelerate shifts toward regional blocs and protectionist approaches

3. Development & Humanitarian Assistance:

• U.S. funding withdrawals may Deepen resource constraints in international development institutions & Adversely affect humanitarian and development programmes, particularly in vulnerable regions

4. Peace and Security:

• Absence of U.S. participation in peace-oriented bodies, such as the Peacebuilding Commission, may Undermine conflict prevention and post-conflict reconstruction efforts & Impact fragile regions, including parts of Africa and the Caribbean

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

Current Issue in News

• 97% of penalties imposed by TRAI remain unpaid in FY25
• Reason:
  - TRAI’s penal powers are limited (mainly spam violations, QoS issues).
  - Telecom operators challenge penalties before TDSAT (Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal).
  - Penalty recovery gets stayed/delayed during appellate proceedings.

About TRAI

• Established in 1997
• Under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997

Nature

• Statutory, independent regulatory authority
• Operates under the Ministry of Communications
• Quasi-judicial in limited aspects

Key Functions of TRAI

1. Regulatory Functions:

• Regulates the telecommunications sector in India
• Ensures fair competition and prevents monopolistic practices

2. Licensing & Recommendations:

• Recommends (does not grant) licensing terms for Access services, Data services, Carrier services, Unified licensing
• Licensing powers lie with Department of Telecommunications (DoT)

3. Consumer Protection:

• Protects consumer interests by Monitoring Quality of Service, Regulating unsolicited commercial communications, Issuing tariff regulations

Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS)

The Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) marked its 125th Foundation Day, highlighting over a century of India’s institutional framework for ensuring safety, health, and welfare in the mining sector.

About DGMS

1. Historical Background:

• Established: 1902
  - Initially constituted as the “Bureau of Mines Inspection” during the colonial period.
• Re-designation: Renamed as the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) in 1967, reflecting its expanded regulatory mandate.

2. Administrative Status:

• Ministry: Ministry of Labour and Employment
• Nature: Statutory regulatory authority for mine safety
• Headquarters: Dhanbad, Jharkhand
• Head: Director-General of Mines Safety

3. Mandate and Jurisdiction:

• DGMS is responsible for regulating occupational safety, health, and welfare of workers employed in Coal mines, Metalliferous mines, Oil mines

ICGS Samudra Pratap

ICGS Samudra Pratap, India’s first indigenously designed Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), has been commissioned at Goa, strengthening India’s maritime environmental protection capabilities.

About ICGS Samudra Pratap

• Type: Pollution Control Vessel (PCV)
• Builder: Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL)
• Status: First of two PCVs under construction for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
• Distinction: Largest ship in the Indian Coast Guard fleet
• Design Philosophy: Indigenous design aligned with India’s maritime safety and environmental response needs

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