Daily Current Affairs - 8th January 2026
- TPP
- Jan 8
- 15 min read
Updated: Jan 9
Comprehensive UPSC Current Affairs Summary | India’s BRICS Chairmanship 2026, US Withdrawal from Global Institutions, Draft Pesticides Management Bill 2025, Advance Estimates of GDP 2025–26, Census 2027, ICGS Samudra Pratap Pollution Control Vessel, Bio-Bitumen, Biomaterials & Silver Trade Concerns, Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act 2023, Bannerghatta ESZ Issue and more.
If you missed Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP) | Sept - Oct 2025, read it here.Table of Content
SECURITY / DEFENCE
India will host the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026
India has assumed the BRICS Chairmanship for 2026, marking a significant diplomatic responsibility.
Brazil has formally handed over the presidency to India, ensuring continuity in leadership.
India will host the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026, strengthening its role in global multilateral diplomacy.
Theme and Pillars of India’s Chairmanship
India’s chairmanship is structured around four core pillars that guide its agenda.
The pillar of Resilience focuses on strengthening economies and societies against global shocks.
The pillar of Innovation emphasizes technological advancement and knowledge-driven growth.
The pillar of Cooperation highlights collective action and collaboration among member states.
The pillar of Environmental Stability / Sustainability stresses development without ecological degradation.
Significance of India’s BRICS Presidency
India has called for reform of global governance, rather than dismantling existing institutions.
Reform and not replacement aims to avoid continued Western dominance in global institutions.
India’s presidency enhances its leadership role within the Global South.
The Global South refers to developing and emerging economies across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
India supports a multipolar world order, where power is distributed among multiple centers.
India positions itself as a bridge between the Global South and the West.
India seeks to articulate and represent the concerns of developing countries on global platforms.
Promotion of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is a key developmental focus.
Digital Public Infrastructure refers to digital systems like Aadhaar and UPI that enable inclusive governance.
India presents DPI as a scalable development model for countries of the Global South.
India’s approach reflects its emphasis on strategic autonomy in foreign policy.
Strategic autonomy means maintaining independent decision-making without formal alliances.
India follows a policy of multi-alignment, engaging with multiple power blocs simultaneously.
India balances engagement with Western-led groupings and China while preserving autonomy.
About BRICS
The acronym BRIC was coined in 2001 by British economist Jim O’Neill.
BRIC represented the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
The grouping began functioning formally in 2006 on the margins of the G8 Outreach Summit.
The first BRIC Summit was held in Russia in 2009, institutionalizing leader-level engagement.
South Africa joined the grouping in 2010, expanding its geographical reach.
The inclusion of South Africa led to the formation of BRICS.
Aims and Structure of BRICS
BRICS aims to reform global governance institutions to make them more representative.
The grouping seeks alternatives to Western-dominated institutions such as the IMF and World Bank.
Reform of the UN Security Council (UNSC) is also a shared objective.
The chairmanship of BRICS rotates annually among member countries.
BRICS cooperation is organized around three pillars.
The political and security pillar focuses on diplomacy, peace, and strategic coordination.
The economic and financial pillar emphasizes trade, investment, and financial cooperation.
The cultural and people-to-people pillar promotes social and cultural exchanges.
Global Representation of BRICS
BRICS countries together represent approximately 49.5% of the global population.
BRICS accounts for around 40% of global GDP, reflecting economic weight.
BRICS contributes nearly 26% of global trade, underlining its global relevance.
Membership of BRICS
The original BRICS members are Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
The expanded framework is referred to as BRICS+.
Egypt has joined BRICS, strengthening African representation.
Ethiopia’s inclusion enhances representation from East Africa.
Iran’s membership expands BRICS’ presence in West Asia.
Indonesia has joined, adding Southeast Asian representation.
Saudi Arabia’s inclusion strengthens energy-related cooperation.
The United Arab Emirates has joined, enhancing financial and trade engagement.
US Withdrawal from International Organisations
A US Presidential Memorandum has directed the withdrawal of the United States from multiple international organisations.
The order instructs US agencies and departments to cease participation and funding in these bodies.
The withdrawal covers a total of 66 international organisations.
This includes 35 non-UN organisations and 31 United Nations–linked entities.
Rationale Provided by the United States
According to the US, these organisations operate contrary to US national interests.
The US argues that participation in these bodies undermines its national security.
The decision is also justified on grounds of economic prosperity.
The US has stated that continued engagement affects its sovereignty, meaning independent decision-making authority.
Previous US Withdrawals from Multilateral Bodies
The US had earlier withdrawn from the Paris Climate Agreement.
The Paris Climate Agreement aims to limit global temperature rise by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The US had also exited the World Health Organization (WHO).
WHO is the UN’s specialized agency responsible for global public health.
The US had withdrawn from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
UNHRC monitors and promotes human rights across countries.
You might like this: US withdraws from Paris Agreement For 2nd Time, Have countries withdrawn from the WHO before?
Important UN Organisations Affected
The US is withdrawing from key United Nations organisations.
The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is among the affected bodies.
UNFCCC provides the global framework for climate negotiations and emission reduction commitments.
The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is also included.
UNCTAD supports developing countries in trade, finance, and development issues.
The Peacebuilding Commission will no longer receive US participation.
The Peacebuilding Commission supports post-conflict recovery and stability.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is part of the withdrawal.
IPCC assesses scientific knowledge related to climate change.
The UN Register of Conventional Arms is also affected.
This register promotes transparency in international arms transfers.
Important Non-UN Organisations Affected
The withdrawal also includes several non-UN international organisations.
The International Energy Forum is among the organisations affected.
The International Energy Forum facilitates dialogue between energy-producing and consuming countries.
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is included in the withdrawal.
ISA promotes solar energy deployment, especially in tropical countries.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is affected.
IUCN works on biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource use.
The 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Compact is also part of the withdrawal.
This initiative promotes continuous use of clean energy sources.
Potential Impact of US Withdrawal
Climate Change
US withdrawal may hinder global efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
The absence of US leadership may provide other nations an excuse to delay commitments.
Fragmentation of Multilateralism
The decision is likely to further weaken multilateral institutions.
Multilateralism refers to cooperation among multiple countries through shared institutions.
The withdrawal may intensify power rivalries among major nations.
This could encourage a shift towards protectionism, meaning trade restrictions to protect domestic interests.
Countries may increasingly rely on smaller ad-hoc regional blocs instead of global platforms.
Halting Development Assistance
The US has historically played a dominant role in global institutions.
Funding cuts following withdrawal will reduce international humanitarian assistance.
Development aid, already declining, may further deteriorate in vulnerable regions.
Global Peace and Stability
The absence of US support for the Peacebuilding Commission may weaken peace efforts.
Peacebuilding efforts focus on preventing relapse into conflict after wars.
Conflict-prone regions such as Africa and the Caribbean may be particularly affected.
Draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025
The Government has invited public comments on the Draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025.
The draft Bill aims to modernize India’s pesticide regulatory framework.
The Bill proposes to replace the Insecticides Act, 1968.
It also seeks to replace the Insecticides Rules, 1971, creating a unified legal framework.
Key Provisions of the Draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025
The Bill provides for the establishment of a Central Pesticides Board.
The Central Pesticides Board will function as a multi-sectoral advisory body.
The Board will advise the government on pesticide safety standards.
The Board will recommend disposal criteria for pesticides.
The Board will guide the inclusion of new pesticide molecules in the official Schedule.
A Registration Committee is proposed under the Bill.
The Registration Committee will be a technical body.
The Committee will scrutinize pesticide applications before approval.
Scrutiny of applications will take place through a mandatory digital mode.
Registration certificates will be granted only after due examination by the Committee.
Digital Governance and Transparency Measures
The Bill introduces digital transparency in pesticide regulation.
It provides for the creation of a National Register of Pesticides.
The National Register will act as an official database of approved pesticides.
The Bill mandates online tracking of manufacture, stock, and sales records.
These measures aim to curb the distribution of falsified pesticides.
Deemed Registration Provision
The Bill introduces the concept of Deemed Registration.
Deemed Registration seeks to prevent bureaucratic delays in approvals.
A generic pesticide refers to a product whose active ingredient is already registered.
If the Registration Committee fails to decide on a complete application within 18 months, approval is automatic.
In such cases, the certificate of registration is deemed to have been granted.
Surveillance, Safety, and Health Protection
The Bill establishes a surveillance and protection framework.
This framework enables systematic reporting of pesticide poisoning incidents.
It also provides for analysis of poisoning occurrences.
The Bill includes a dedicated plan for medical facilities.
Medical facilities will be prepared to manage pesticide-related health emergencies.
Ensuring Quality of Pesticides
The Bill focuses on improving the quality of pesticides available in the market.
It mandates accreditation of pesticide testing laboratories.
Accreditation ensures that laboratories meet prescribed technical standards.
This provision aims to ensure that only quality pesticides reach farmers.
Worker Welfare and Occupational Safety
The Bill includes provisions for worker welfare.
It mandates training standards for workers handling toxic pesticides.
It also prescribes safe working conditions for such workers.
These measures address a critical gap in occupational health and safety.
Pesticides and Their Usage in India
Pesticides are substances used to kill, prevent, reduce, destroy, or repel pests.
Pests include insects, weeds, fungi, and other harmful organisms.
Pesticides broadly include insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and bio-pesticides.
Herbicides are chemicals used to kill or control the growth of weeds.
Herbicides account for the largest market share at 44% as of 2023.
India’s pesticide consumption stands at 0.5 kg per hectare in 2023.
Some countries use as much as 17 kg per hectare, indicating a global contrast.
The states with the highest pesticide consumption are Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Telangana.
Advance Estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
The National Statistics Office (NSO) has released the First Advance Estimates of GDP for the Financial Year (FY) 2025-26.
Key Highlights
Real GDP is estimated to grow by 7.4% in FY 2025-26.
In comparison, Real GDP growth during FY 2024-25 was 6.5%.
Real GDP, also called GDP at Constant Prices, measures the value of goods and services adjusted for inflation.
Real GDP for FY 2025-26 is estimated to reach a level of ₹201 lakh crore.
Nominal GDP is estimated to grow at 8.0% in FY 2025-26.
Nominal GDP, also called GDP at Current Prices, measures the value of goods and services without adjusting for inflation.
Nominal GDP for FY 2025-26 is projected to attain a level of ₹357 lakh crore.
ICGS Samudra Pratap
ICGS Samudra Pratap is India’s first indigenously designed Pollution Control Vessel (PCV).
The ship was commissioned in Goa, officially joining the Indian Coast Guard fleet.
It is the first of two PCVs being built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
Goa Shipyard Limited is a state-owned shipbuilding company that constructs naval and coast guard vessels.
ICGS Samudra Pratap is the largest ship in the Indian Coast Guard fleet.
The vessel is equipped with advanced pollution detection systems to monitor environmental hazards.
It carries dedicated pollution response boats to manage and contain marine pollution incidents.
The ship features a pollution control laboratory for on-board analysis of contaminants.
It also has modern firefighting capabilities to respond to fire emergencies at sea.
First phase of Census 2027
The Centre has issued a notification for the first phase of Census 2027.
Census 2027 will be conducted in two distinct phases.
The first phase is known as House Listing Operations (HLO).
House listing operations will be conducted between April and September 2026.
This phase will cover all States and Union Territories.
Population Enumeration Phase
The second phase of the Census is called Population Enumeration. Population Enumeration involves the actual counting of individuals.
This phase is scheduled for February 2027. For the Union Territory of Ladakh, population enumeration will follow a different timeline.
Enumeration in Ladakh will be conducted in September 2026.
Certain regions follow non-synchronous enumeration due to climatic conditions.
Snow-bound non-synchronous areas include parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Population enumeration in these areas will be conducted in September 2026.
Key Features of the 16th Census (2027)
Census 2027 will be India’s first digital Census.
Enumerators will primarily use mobile applications for data collection.
Historic Caste Enumeration
Census 2027 will include nationwide caste enumeration.
This will be the first caste enumeration in independent India.
The last nationwide caste census was conducted in 1931.
The enumeration will cover all communities.
Earlier censuses recorded caste data mainly for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Digital Innovations in Census 2027
Census 2027 will incorporate several digital features.
A Self-Enumeration Portal will be introduced.
The portal will allow citizens to independently fill Census questionnaires.
The Self-Enumeration Portal will function on a secure digital platform.
A Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) will be implemented.
CMMS is a digital portal for real-time monitoring of enumeration progress.
The system will be used by supervisors and district-level officers.
A Houselisting Block (HLB) Creator will be deployed. HLB Creator is a satellite-based web mapping application.
It will enable Charge Officers to create precise digital enumeration blocks.
Census 2027 will introduce Census as a Service (CaaS). CaaS will provide ministries with clean and machine-readable data.
The database under CaaS will be queryable for analysis.
This will support evidence-based policy planning.
About Census in India
The Census in India is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner.
This office functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Census is conducted decennially, meaning once every ten years.
The legal basis for the Census is the Census Act, 1948.
The Census is also governed by the Census Rules, 1990.
Census 2027 will be the 16th Census in India.
It will be the 8th Census after independence.
The first synchronous Census in India was conducted in 1881.
The 1881 Census was conducted under W.C. Plowden.
First Country to Commercially Produce Bio-bitumen: India
India has become the first country in the world to commercially produce bio-bitumen for road construction.
About Bio-bitumen
Bio-bitumen is an alternative form of bitumen manufactured from organic elements.
Examples of these organic elements include agricultural waste, lignin, bio-char, and bio-oil.
Bitumen is a black, sticky substance produced through the distillation of crude oil.
Bitumen is known for its adhesive and binding properties, making it essential in road construction.
Benefits of Bio-bitumen
Bio-bitumen helps in reducing crude oil imports.
It addresses the issue of stubble burning, a major environmental concern in India.
The use of bio-bitumen contributes to boosting the bio-economy.
It can be added to conventional bitumen or used to reduce the quantity of bitumen in the binder mixture.
Applications of Bio-bitumen
Bio-bitumen is primarily used in paving roads.
It can also be used for waterproofing applications.
Bio-Materials
Biomaterials provide sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based products.
About Biomaterials
Biomaterials are materials derived entirely or partially from biological sources.
They can also be created through biological processes, such as fermentation or biopolymer synthesis.
Biomaterials have diverse applications across multiple sectors.
These include bioengineering and biomedicine, where they are used for medical devices and tissue engineering.
They are used in packaging as eco-friendly replacements for plastics.
Biomaterials are applied in agriculture, for example as biodegradable films or controlled-release fertilizers.
They also find use in healthcare, such as implants or wound dressings.
Textiles is another sector using biomaterials for sustainable fabrics.
Classification of Biomaterials
Biomaterials are classified into Drop-in, Drop-out, and Novel Biomaterials:
Drop-in Biomaterials
Drop-in Biomaterials are chemically identical to petroleum-based materials.
They can be used in existing manufacturing systems without modifications.
An example of a Drop-in Biomaterial is bio-PET, used in packaging bottles.
Drop-out Biomaterials
Drop-out Biomaterials are chemically different from traditional materials.
They require updated processing or disposal systems for proper utilization.
An example of a Drop-out Biomaterial is polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable polymer.
Novel Biomaterials
Novel Biomaterials offer unique properties not found in conventional materials.
Examples include materials with self-healing capabilities, which can repair themselves after damage.
They also include bioactive implants, which interact with biological tissues for enhanced functionality
India must enhance silver processing
The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has highlighted that India must enhance silver processing.
GTRI also recommends that India diversify silver imports to reduce reliance on finished silver.
In 2024, India imported about 21.4% of global silver trade.
This makes India the world's largest consumer of finished silver.
About Silver
Silver is a relatively soft, shiny metal.
It has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity among metals.
These properties make silver indispensable in electronics, circuit boards, connectors, batteries, and automotive systems.
Silver also has antibacterial properties, which allow it to be used in healthcare applications.
Applications include wound dressings, medical-device coatings, catheters, surgical instruments, water purification systems, and pharmaceutical compounds.
Natural Abundance
Silver occurs naturally in ores such as argentite.
It also occurs in chlorargyrite, commonly called horn silver.
Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 / Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980
The change was enacted by amending the consolidated guidelines of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, formerly known as the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
Key Amendments
The amendment allows assisted natural regeneration, including afforestation and plantation, carried out by government or non-government entities, to be treated as forestry activities.
Consequently, activities classified as forestry activities are exempted from Compensatory Afforestation (CA) requirements.
Such activities are also exempted from payment of Net Present Value (NPV).
Compensatory Afforestation (CA)
Compensatory Afforestation refers to afforestation done in lieu of diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.
CA compensates for loss of land “by land” and loss of trees “by trees”.
It is generally carried out on non-forest land.
Net Present Value (NPV)
Net Present Value (NPV) is a mandatory fee imposed to compensate for the loss of ecosystem services.
Ecosystem services include carbon sequestration, water recharge, and biodiversity conservation.
Funds collected through CA and NPV are deposited in the State Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).
CAMPA was established under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Act, 2016.
State governments can devise a framework for utilization of plantations and share revenue generated from them.
About Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam 1980
The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 officially renames the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
The Act now applies only to land declared or notified as forest under the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
Strategic exemptions remove restrictions on forest land within 100 km of international borders for national security projects.
Certain activities are now reclassified as forestry activities.
These include eco-tourism, zoos, and silvicultural operations.
Reclassification exempts these activities from restrictions on non-forest use.
Bannerghatta National Park
The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has recommended the withdrawal of the 2020 government notification related to Bannerghatta National Park (BNP).
The 2020 notification had diluted the Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the park.
The CEC recommends restoring the wider ESZ as provided in the 2016 draft notification.
About Eco Sensitive Zones (ESZ)
Eco Sensitive Zones (ESZ) are areas notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
ESZs are designated around Protected Areas, National Parks, and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
They act as “shock absorbers” for protected areas by regulating and managing activities in surrounding regions.
About Bannerghatta National Park
Bannerghatta National Park is located near Bengaluru, Karnataka.
The park is divided into four wildlife ranges: Anekal, Bannerghatta, Harohalli, and Kodihalli.
Flora: The park’s vegetation includes medri bamboo, a type of bamboo native to the region.
Fauna: Bannerghatta National Park is home to panthers, elephants, and sloth bears.
Other mammals include spotted deer, grey langur, bonnet macaque, wild boar, and jackal.
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
In FY25, 97% of penalties imposed by TRAI remained unpaid.
TRAI can impose penalties only for specific violations, such as spam or poor quality of service.
Many of these fines go unpaid because operators approach the appellate tribunal to challenge the penalties.
About Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
TRAI was established in 1997 under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.
It is a statutory and regulatory body, meaning it is created by law to regulate a sector.
Functions of TRAI
TRAI regulates the telecommunication sector in India.
It enables licensing of telecommunication technologies, including data services, carrier services, access services, and unified licensing.
TRAI is also responsible for protecting the interests of consumers in the telecommunications sector.
Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS)
The Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) recently celebrated its 125th Foundation Day.
About DGMS
DGMS was originally established in 1902 as the Bureau of Mines Inspection.
Since 1967, the office has been redesignated as DGMS.
It functions as the regulatory agency under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
DGMS deals with occupational safety, health, and welfare of persons employed in mines.
The mines regulated include coal mines, metalliferous mines, and oil-mines.
The headquarters of DGMS is in Dhanbad, Jharkhand. The agency is headed by the Director-General of Mines Safety.
Role and Functions
DGMS is responsible for the inspection of mines to ensure compliance with safety standards.
It conducts investigations into accidents and dangerous occurrences.
It also manages emergency response in case of mining incidents.
DGMS grants statutory permissions, exemptions, and relaxations for mining operations.
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