CURRENT-AFFAIRS

News

• Mozambican rights activist and humanitarian Graca Machel has been selected for the 'Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development' for the year 2025.
• The Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust made the official announcement on Wednesday (January 21, 2026).
• An international jury, chaired by former National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon, selected her for this honor in recognition of her transformative contributions to education, health, and humanitarian work (especially in conflict-affected areas).

Key Features of this Prize

• Prize Money: It includes a cash award of ₹1 crore, a trophy, and a citation.
• Specialty of the Trophy: The trophy is made of 'Banded Haematite Jasper' stone, which is estimated to be approximately 2,000 million years old.
• History: This prize was instituted in 1986 in memory of Indira Gandhi.

Why was Graca Machel selected?

Graca Machel is a global-level politician and activist who has dedicated her life to raising the voice of the marginalized:

• Educational Reform: As the first Education Minister of Mozambique (1975-1989), she increased the school enrollment rate from 40% to over 90% for boys and more than 75% for girls.
• Child Protection: In the 1990s, she led a significant United Nations (UN) study on the 'Impact of Armed Conflict on Children', which changed the global rules for the protection of children affected by war.
• Global Leadership: She is a founding member of 'The Elders' and works towards the economic empowerment of women through the 'Graca Machel Trust'.

Historical Pride

Graca Machel holds a unique record—she is the only woman in the world to have served as the 'First Lady' of two different countries:

1. Mozambique: As the wife of President Samora Machel.
2. South Africa: As the wife of President Nelson Mandela.

This award is a tribute to her lifelong struggle for self-rule, social justice, and the creation of a just world.

News

• It is about "Day Zero" and the warning issued by the United Nations (UN), which states that the world—especially India—is heading towards a severe water crisis.
• According to reports and UN data released recently (January 2026), this problem is no longer just a matter of the future, but has become a current reality. The main essence of this entire news is given below:

What is Day Zero?

"Day Zero" refers to the day when the water level of a city or region falls so low that water stops coming from the taps.

• In this situation, authorities have to cut off the tap supply.
• People have to queue at public taps or emergency distribution centers for water, where the quantity of water is fixed at a limited amount (a few liters per person).

Why is it in the news?

• Global Water Bankruptcy: The UN warned in January 2026 that the world has entered an era of "Global Water Bankruptcy." This means we are using water much faster than its recharge capacity.
• Threat to India: According to the latest UN report, major Indian cities like Chennai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata are closest to 'Day Zero'.

Why is this crisis occurring?

According to UN reports of 2023 and 2026, there is no single reason behind this, but several factors:

• Over-exploitation of Groundwater: India is the world's largest consumer of groundwater. We are extracting so much water from the ground that it is unable to refill.
• Urbanization: Rapidly growing cities without planning have destroyed lakes and water bodies (for example, in Bengaluru, lakes have reduced from 1400+ to only about 190).
• Climate Change: Rainfall patterns have changed—sometimes extreme rain, sometimes prolonged drought.
• Poor Management: Water wastage and leakage in pipelines is a major problem.

What will be its serious consequences?

According to the UN, 'Day Zero' is not just a water problem; it is a social and economic disaster:

• Public Health: Diseases (such as cholera) will increase due to the lack of sanitation and clean drinking water.
• Food and Power Crisis: There will be no water for farming, and power generation plants could come to a standstill.
• Social Unrest: Riots for water and conflicts between communities could increase.

Can it be prevented?

The UN says that 'Day Zero' is not inevitable; it can be prevented by these steps:

• Rainwater Harvesting: Conserving rainwater.
• Wastewater Recycling: Cleaning and reusing used water.
• Efficient Irrigation: Using techniques like drip irrigation in farming.
• Awareness: Changes in the way water is used.

Conclusion

According to the UN warning, by 2030, about 40-50% of India's urban population could face a severe water crisis. This decade (2020-2030) is very crucial to determine whether we will escape this crisis or face it.

General Studies Paper – II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations

General Studies Paper – III: Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management

Context

The history of road accidents in India has been a tragic story of development and displacement. Where the number of vehicles was limited in the 1960s, the explosion of vehicles in the 21st century has turned roads into 'death traps.' In the last decade, India has made unprecedented progress in infrastructure (Expressways and Highways), but the rate of accidents has not decreased in the same proportion. Despite signing the 'Brasilia Declaration,' India remains at the top in global road mortality, reflecting our policy and behavioral failures.

Road Accidents in India:

• Road accidents have emerged as the biggest cause of premature death in India.
• India has only 1% of the world's total vehicles, but 11% of the world's total road accident deaths occur in India.
• This indicates that our roads are the most unsafe in the world on a per-vehicle basis.

Why in Discussion?

January 1, 2026, was like a day of national mourning for India. During New Year celebrations, more than 400 road accidents were recorded across the country, in which more than 150 people lost their lives.

• Madhya Pradesh: More than 100 accidents occurred in MP alone, where 8 people, including innocent children, died in Katni and Seoni.
• North India: Due to dense fog, dozens of vehicles collided with each other on NH-44 and Yamuna Expressway.
• Key Reasons: Drunk driving, overspeeding, and ignoring safety standards during fog remained the main center of discussion on this day.

Mirror of Statistics: NCRB and Other Reports

Based on the annual reports of the National Crime Records Bureau and the Ministry of Road Transport, the situation is as follows:

• Annual Deaths: Every year in India, approximately 1.5 lakh to 1.7 lakh people die in road accidents.
• Daily Average: Approximately 450-500 people die on the road every day in India, meaning one death every 3 minutes.
• Most Affected Group: 70% of those who die are in the age group of 18 to 45 years (the nation's productive population).
• Type of Vehicle: Two-wheeler riders (45%) are the most unsafe, followed by pedestrians.

Causes of Accidents and Multidimensional Impact

Causes:

• Human Error: Overspeeding (cause of more than 60% of accidents), not wearing helmets/seat belts, and using phones while driving.
• Road Engineering: 'Black Spots' (unsafe turns), faulty road design, and poor lighting.
• Environmental Factors: Fog, heavy rain, and stray animals.

Socio-Economic Impact: The death of a human being is not just a number. When the sole breadwinner of a family dies, the entire family sinks into financial crisis and mental trauma.

• Economic Impact: Due to road accidents, India's GDP suffers a loss of 3% to 5% every year.
• Human Impact: Children become orphans, the elderly become destitute, and a vicious cycle of poverty begins.

Government Steps

• Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019: Provision for a massive increase in penalty fees and strict rules.
• National Road Safety Month: Conducting awareness campaigns every year in January.
• Integrated Road Accident Database (iRAD): Identifying black spots by analyzing accident data.
• Black Spot Improvement: The government has allocated a special budget to improve thousands of unsafe turns.

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 21: The 'Right to Life' also includes the right to walk on safe roads. It is the duty of the State to protect the lives of its citizens.
• Seventh Schedule: Road transport is a subject of the 'Concurrent List,' therefore the responsibility of both the Center and the States is equal.

Supreme Court Decisions and Guidelines

• S. Rajaseekharan vs. Union of India: The SC constituted a standing committee on road safety (Justice Radhakrishnan Committee).
• Good Samaritan Law: The Court directed that a person helping accident victims will not be harassed by the police or hospital.
• Ban on Liquor Shops: Historic decision to remove liquor shops within a 500-meter radius of highways.

Deep Analysis

the problem in India is not a 'lack of law,' but rather the 'enforcement of law.' Despite technology (CCTV, speed sensors), corruption and the limitations of manual checking encourage accidents. Additionally, there is a massive lack of 'road etiquette' in Indian society. We view the road as a competitive arena rather than a shared resource.

Way Forward

• Emphasis on 4E Strategy: Engineering (road and vehicle), Emergency Care (treatment in the Golden Hour), Enforcement (strict penalties), and Education (awareness).
• Smart Highway: Use of AI-based traffic management systems.
• Airbags and Safety Standards: Mandating a minimum of 6 airbags and better crash test ratings for all vehicles.
• Community First Aid: Providing first aid training to dhaba owners and local people.

Conclusion

Road accidents are not a 'divine act,' but rather the result of human and systemic failures. India's goal is to reduce road deaths by 50% by 2030, but this is not possible through government efforts alone. Until every citizen makes road rules a part of their lifestyle, our roads will continue to be blood-stained. A safe road is not just an infrastructure, but the identity of a civilized nation.

Wings India 2026

'Wings India 2026' is Asia’s largest civil aviation event. It was organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and FICCI. The event was held at the historic Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad from January 28 to 31, 2026. Its main objective is to make India a major global aviation hub and to provide a global platform to all stakeholders of the industry.

Current News and Major Headlines

The recent and most significant news related to Wings India 2026 are as follows:

• Inaugural Session: Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu formally inaugurated the program. He announced that India is now moving towards becoming a 'manufacturer' rather than just a buyer of aircraft.
• Russian Participation: Russia showcased its state-of-the-art aircraft SJ-100 and Il-114-300, opening new avenues for India-Russia aviation cooperation.
• Air India’s Big Deal: Air India has placed an order for 30 additional Boeing narrow-body aircraft, bringing its total order to nearly 600 aircraft.
• Make in India: 'Shakti Group' and 'Omnipol' signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the manufacturing of 19-seater aircraft in India.

Award Distribution: Uttarakhand Conferred "Best State" Award

Uttarakhand emerged victorious in this year's 'Wings India Awards':

• Honor: Uttarakhand was conferred the national award for the “Best State for Promotion of Aviation Ecosystem.”
• Reason: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state successfully implemented the 'UDAN' scheme, built new heliports, and made air connectivity accessible in difficult mountainous regions.
• Other Awards: Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) received the 'Best Airport' award.

Key Highlights of the Event

• Theme: "Indian Aviation: Paving the Future – From Design to Deployment, Manufacturing to Maintenance, Inclusivity to Innovation and Safety to Sustainability."
• Aerobatic Display: The Indian Air Force's 'Surya Kiran' team and the UK's 'Mark Jefferies Global Stars' team showcased thrilling stunts in the sky.
• Display: A 'static display' of more than 34 aircraft and helicopters was featured in the event.
• Global Participation: Ministers and representatives from more than 20 countries participated in this summit.

Future Focus

Wings India 2026 has set the future direction for Indian aviation:

• MRO Hub: Developing India as a global center for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) of aircraft.
• Sustainability: Reducing carbon emissions by promoting 'Sustainable Aviation Fuel' (SAF) and green airports.
• Advanced Air Mobility (AAM): Developing infrastructure for drone taxis and electric vertical take-off (eVTOL) aircraft.
• Skill Development: Training more than 115 aviation professionals for global leadership over the next 5 years.

Conclusion:

Wings India 2026 has made it clear that the Indian sky is now full of 'infinite possibilities' and India is fully ready to lead in the global aviation sector.

Context

A tiny creature is rapidly vanishing from India’s grasslands, known to us as the Pygmy Hog. According to recent reports and data from the 'Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme' (PHCP), this animal is now confined to only a few limited areas of Assam. Given its importance to the ecosystem, conservationists are working in "mission mode" to save it.

About Pygmy Hog: Unique Features

• Smallest in the World: It is the world's smallest and rarest species of wild pig. The height of an adult Pygmy Hog is only about 25 cm (approximately 10 inches).
• Engineer and Builder: It is one of the very few mammals that builds its own home or 'nest', complete with a full 'roof' of grass.
• Indicator Species: The presence of the Pygmy Hog is evidence of the health of the grasslands in that area. If the Pygmy Hog is safe, it means the ecosystem there is balanced.

Why in the News?

• Restoration Program: According to reports up to January 2026, the 'Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme' (PHCP) has so far successfully released more than 179 captive-bred Pygmy Hogs back into the wild in the protected areas of Assam.
• Threat of African Swine Fever (ASF): Currently, these creatures face a major threat from 'African Swine Fever', leading to fears of their entire population being destroyed. The administration is implementing strict 'bio-security' at their conservation centers.

Habitat and Current Status

The Pygmy Hog prefers riverine grasslands where human intervention is minimal and where tall, dense grass (such as elephant grass) is present.

• Current Location: Historically, it was found from Uttar Pradesh to Assam in the Himalayan foothills, but currently, it is confined only to the Manas and Orang National Parks of Assam.

Ecological Role

This tiny creature is no less than a 'gardener' for the grasslands:

• Soil Aeration: It digs for roots, tubers, and insects using its snout, which increases air circulation in the soil and improves its quality.
• Seed Dispersal: It eats various wild fruits and seeds, helping in the dispersal of seeds and the growth of new vegetation.

Conservation Status

The Pygmy Hog has been granted the highest level of protection to save it from extinction:

• IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule-I This is the highest legal protection given to any wildlife in India.
• CITES: Appendix-I

Threats to Existence

• Habitat Destruction: Constant clearing of grasslands for agriculture and settlements.
• Illegal Grazing: Excessive exploitation of grasslands by livestock.
• Burning of Grass: Uncontrolled fires in the grasslands during the dry season destroy their nests and lives.

Conclusion

The Pygmy Hog is not just an animal, but a "barometer" of the health of our grasslands. If it becomes extinct, the entire grassland ecosystem will be in danger. Conservation initiatives underway in regions like Cuddalore or Assam show that through collective efforts, we can bring these 'invisible heroes' back from the brink of extinction

Context:

India's Economic Survey 2025–26 has sparked a serious debate on India's global standing by citing the 'Power Gap Index' for the first time. According to the Survey, India is facing a 'Strategic Paradox'.

What is the Power Gap Index?

• It is an analytical component of the 'Asia Power Index' released by the Sydney-based Lowy Institute.
• This index measures a country’s 'Power Efficiency'. It indicates how efficiently a country can convert its resources (wealth and military) into actual regional influence (diplomacy and networks).
• Power Gap = Comprehensive Power Score – Expected Power Score
• Significance:
  • Positive (+) Score: 'Smart Power' or an overperformer relative to its capacity (e.g., Australia +8.0).
  • Negative (-) Score: 'Unrealized Potential' or an underperformer relative to its capacity.

India’s Current Status: 'Major Power' vs. 'Underperformance'

India's data in the Asia Power Index 2025 presents a mixed picture:

Strategic Paradox:

India is now a 'Major Power', but its negative score (-4.0) indicates that the nation is unable to utilize its full strategic potential.

Primary Reasons for India Lagging Behind

According to the Survey, India is strong in terms of resources but weak in terms of influence:

• Lack of Economic Connectivity (Ranked 9th): India's GDP is large, but we are not as integrated into global supply chains and trade relationships as China or Vietnam.
• Weakness in Defense Networks (Ranked 11th): Despite a massive military, India's influence in regional defense alliances and military diplomacy is still evolving.
• Decline in Soft Power: India has slipped to 32nd place in the Global Soft Power Index 2026. The reason is attributed to slow progress in governance and sustainable development indicators.

Economic Survey 2025-26: A 'Call to Action'

The Economic Survey has suggested a future roadmap for India:

• Provider of Stability: India must transition from being a mere recipient of external shocks to becoming a 'Net Security Provider' that offers stability and opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Goal of Viksit Bharat: To become a developed nation by 2047, it is mandatory to integrate domestic capabilities with global production systems.
• Diplomatic Focus: Improving defense networks and economic relationships must now be India’s priority.

Conclusion

The Power Gap Index makes it clear that economic or military size alone is not enough. The real challenge for India lies in converting its 'Hard Power' (Resources) into 'Smart Power' (Influence). Until India reduces its negative gap (-4.0), it will not be able to derive the full benefit of its true strategic potential.

News

• Recently, 22 States and Union Territories, responding to suggestions from the Ministry of Education, have urged the Central Government to increase the honorarium of cooks and helpers working under the PM POSHAN Scheme.
• Currently, this honorarium has remained stagnant for a long time, and state governments argue that revising it is mandatory due to rising inflation.
• Keeping inflation in view, the government provided for a 9.5% increase in the 'material cost' for the PM POSHAN basket, which is applicable for the financial year 2025-26.
• Before the new budget session, this cost and the fund-sharing ratio between the Centre and States (60:40) were being reviewed.

Pradhan Mantri POSHAN Scheme

• Full Name and Restructuring: Its full name is 'Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman'. In September 2021, the Central Government rebranded the erstwhile 'Mid-Day Meal Scheme' by giving it a new form for the next 5 years (2021-22 to 2025-26).
• Nodal Ministry: This is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme operated by the Ministry of Education. The cost-sharing ratio between the Centre and States is 60:40 for general states and 90:10 for North-Eastern/Himalayan states.
• Beneficiaries: This scheme covers children from Classes 1 to 8 in government and government-aided schools. In the new format, children of 'Balvatika' (pre-primary classes) have also been included.
• Key Features:
  • Tithi Bhojan: Promoting community participation, where people provide additional nutritious food to children on special occasions.
  • Poshan Vatika (Nutrition Gardens): Developing small gardens in schools to grow fresh vegetables and fruits.
  • Social Audit: Mandatory auditing by external agencies has been established to ensure transparent implementation of the scheme.
  • DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer): Ensuring the payment of cooking costs and honorariums directly into the respective bank accounts.

Conclusion

The goal of the PM POSHAN scheme is not only to increase school attendance and enrollment of children but also to eradicate the problem of malnutrition among the nation's future (children) at the root. An increase in its allocation in the upcoming budget will further strengthen India's resolve of 'Saksham Bharat-Sashakt Bharat' (Capable India-Strong India).

Context

Recently, in the context of global geopolitics and maritime security, reports of China aggressively increasing its military presence in disputed waters have become a subject of intense discussion.

Current News

• According to reports from state media (CCTV), the Chinese Coast Guard has organized a total of 134 patrols around the Senkaku Islands over the past five years.
• During this period, China deployed a massive force of 550,000 vessels and 6,000 aircraft. Specifically, in the year 2025, China patrolled this area for 357 days of the year, reflecting Beijing's calculated strategy to establish dominance over this disputed territory.

Senkaku Island: Location and Administrative Status

• It is a group of uninhabited islands located in the East China Sea. It lies to the west of Japan's Okinawa and to the east of the Chinese mainland.
• These are called 'Senkaku' in Japan, while China refers to them as 'Diaoyu' and Taiwan calls them 'Diaoyutai'.
• Currently, these islands are under the administrative control of Japan. Japan argues that they have been part of its territory since 1895, whereas China has been presenting its historical claim over them since the 1970s.

Significance of the Islands

• Strategic Position: This island group is located near major maritime trade routes (Sea Lines of Communication), making it strategically extremely important.
• Natural Resources: The seas surrounding these islands are rich fishing grounds. Additionally, there is a possibility of vast reserves of oil and natural gas beneath the seabed.
• Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): Control over these islands grants rights to a massive Exclusive Economic Zone, which can enhance the economic power of any nation.

India and the Senkaku Island

• Although India is not directly involved in this regional dispute, the stability of the 'Indo-Pacific' region is of paramount importance to India.
• China's 'Salami Slicing' (a strategy of gradual territorial occupation) is a matter of concern for India, as similar aggressive behavior is observed on India's Himalayan borders and in the Indian Ocean.

Conclusion

The rising tension over the Senkaku Islands is a challenge to the international rules-based maritime order. India stands for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Given India's deep strategic partnership with Japan, India supports a peaceful resolution and the maintenance of the 'Status Quo' in this region, so that global trade and security continue uninterrupted.