08th January, 2026 Current Affairs (Daily GK Update)

National News

1. India Becomes First Country to Commercially Produce Bio-Bitumen [2026]

• India has achieved a historic global milestone by becoming the first country in the world to commercially produce bio-bitumen for use in road construction, representing a transformative step toward sustainable highways.
• Announcement made by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari at the CSIR Technology Transfer Ceremony in New Delhi; CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) translated laboratory research into commercial reality.
• Bio-bitumen is produced from biomass and agricultural waste, eliminating the practice of crop residue burning, a major contributor to seasonal air pollution, particularly in northern India affecting millions of citizens.
• The innovation aligns with Viksit Bharat 2047 and Atma Nirbhar Bharat, converting agricultural waste into valuable construction inputs while reducing dependence on imported bitumen and petroleum-derived materials.
• Benefits include reduced fossil fuel dependence, lower carbon footprint compared to petroleum-derived bitumen, and circular economy development where waste streams become valuable resources in India’s sustainable infrastructure development.

International News

2. Earth’s Rotation Day 2026: 175th Anniversary of Léon Foucault’s Historic Pendulum Experiment [2026]

• Earth’s Rotation Day is observed globally on January 8 each year to commemorate French physicist Léon Foucault’s historic 1851 pendulum experiment, which first publicly demonstrated conclusive evidence of Earth’s rotation.
• On January 8, 2026, the world observes the 175th anniversary of this groundbreaking scientific demonstration conducted at the Panthéon in Paris using a 28 kg brass bob suspended from a 67-meter wire.
• The Foucault Pendulum provided the first direct laboratory proof of Earth’s rotation, observing that the plane of oscillation appeared to rotate gradually—not because the pendulum rotated, but because Earth beneath it was rotating.
• Earth rotates on an axis tilted at 23.5 degrees to its orbital plane, completing one rotation every 24 hours at approximately 1,670 km/h at the equator, with polar diameter 12,714 km and equatorial diameter 12,756 km.
• Earth’s rotation underlies day-night cycles, seasonal changes, and the Coriolis effect, making it fundamental to understanding planetary phenomena and climate systems globally.

3. UN Declares 2026 International Year for Rangelands and Pastoralists [2026]

• The United Nations declared 2026 as the ‘International Year for Rangelands and Pastoralists’, spotlighting overlooked ecosystems critical for carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.
• Declaration addresses critical imbalance: while forests receive disproportionate attention and funding, grasslands and savannahs remain marginalized in international climate negotiations and national climate strategies despite scientific evidence of their carbon sink capacity.
• In 2022, international scientists published an open letter in “Science” urging UNFCCC parties to broaden climate goals beyond forests; COP30 in Belém, Brazil (2023) ended without concrete grassland conservation roadmap.
• Grasslands face multiple threats: agricultural conversion, invasive species, fossil fuel extraction, and fire suppression policies; Indigenous land management practices (controlled burning, adaptive grazing) have been marginalized, paradoxically worsening wildfire intensity and emissions.
• Regional case studies: Australian desert grasslands face droughts, floods, and invasive buffel grass; Brazil’s Cerrado savannah faces higher land-use pressure than Amazon; integration into Paris Agreement’s NDCs essential for equivalent policy priority and financial support.

4. U.S. Withdraws from 66 International Organizations: Major Retreat from Multilateralism [2026]

• The United States announced withdrawal from 66 international organisations through an executive order signed on January 7, 2026, marking significant escalation in retreat from multilateral cooperation under Trump administration.
• Primary targets: UN-affiliated bodies focusing on climate action (UNFCCC), labour standards, social development, and advisory functions; administration characterizes institutions as redundant, inefficient, or misaligned with U.S. national interests.
• Central feature: U.S. exit from UNFCCC (foundational treaty for Paris Agreement adopted 1992) and International Solar Alliance (India-France led, launched 2015) for promoting renewable energy and climate action.
• Historical pattern: Continues previous withdrawals from WHO, UN Human Rights Council, UNESCO; decision has forced international organizations to cut programs and staff due to reduced U.S. funding.
• Selective engagement: U.S. maintains participation in strategic sectors aligned with competition with China: International Telecommunications Union, International Maritime Organization, International Labour Organization; further reviews ongoing, signaling continued recalibration rather than complete disengagement.

State News

5. Calamaria mizoramensis: New Reed Snake Species Discovered in Mizoram [2026]

• Scientists from Mizoram University, collaborating with researchers from Russia, Germany, and Vietnam, discovered a previously unknown reed snake species named Calamaria mizoramensis in January 2026.
• The species was formally documented in the prestigious international journal Zootaxa, correcting a 2008 taxonomic misidentification after genetic analysis revealed 15% divergence from closest relatives.
• The snake is small, dark brown to blackish with faint stripes and yellow underside; nocturnal and semi-fossorial, inhabiting humid forested regions between 670-1,295 meters elevation.
• Confirmed in six Mizoram locations: Aizawl, Reiek, Sihphir, Sawlêng, Mamit, and Kolasib; conservation status is Least Concern (IUCN tentative assessment).
• Discovery brings global Calamaria species count to 70 worldwide and updates Mizoram’s herpetofauna to 169 species, strengthening India’s reptilian biodiversity inventory.

6. Tamil Nadu Signs MoU with UN Women: Gender-Responsive Governance Initiative [2026]

• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UN Women in Chennai, Tamil Nadu in January 2026 to strengthen gender-responsive governance and promote inclusive development across the state.
• MoU objectives: strengthen institutional capacities for gender-responsive planning and budgeting, women’s economic empowerment, and inclusive development; aligns with SDG Goal 5 – Gender Equality.
• Implementing departments: Department of Social Welfare and Women Empowerment, Department of Home, Prohibition and Excise, Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (Tamil Nadu), ensuring cross-sectoral coordination and mainstreaming gender concerns.
• Tamil Nadu selected as India’s first state to participate in UNICEF–Office of Innovation national-level initiative; six-month tripartite cooperation agreement signed between TNPSC, OECD-OPSI, and UNICEF–OoI to promote public sector innovation and evidence-based policymaking.
• Strategic importance: leveraging innovation, data, and technology for improved service delivery and social outcomes; connecting democratic governance with environmental and social sustainability objectives at state and global levels.

7. Rajasthan AI Impact Conference 2026: India’s AI Democratization Journey [2026]

• The Rajasthan Regional AI Impact Conference held on January 6, 2026, marked a major milestone in India’s inclusive, ethical, and responsible AI journey, serving as precursor to India AI Impact Summit 2026 (February 15-20).
• High-level participation: Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw (Electronics & IT), Jitin Prasada (MoS Electronics & IT), Rajyavardhan Rathore (Cabinet Minister IT & Communication, Rajasthan); demonstrated Centre–State collaboration.
• Ashwini Vaishnaw announced programme to train 1 million youth in AI skills, emphasizing AI democratization — ensuring AI-powered intelligence reaches every individual, household, and enterprise; compared AI to civilizational-scale transformations (electricity, internet, mobile).
• ₹10,000 crore India AI Mission launched under Jitin Prasada’s direction; deployment across agriculture, healthcare, education, and environment with goals to enhance citizens’ income, improve ease of living, and boost national productivity.
• Rajasthan AI/ML Policy 2026 launched; initiatives include YUVA AI for All (National AI Literacy Program), iStart Learning Management System for skill development, Rajasthan AVGC-XR Portal (Animation, VFX, Gaming), and MoUs signed with Google, IIT Delhi, NLU Jodhpur, Wadhwani Foundation.

Defence News

8. DRDO Celebrates 68th Foundation Day: Record Milestones in Defence R&D [2026]

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) celebrated its 68th Foundation Day on January 1, 2026, marking nearly seven decades of contributions to India’s defence and security infrastructure.
• Major achievements: 22 Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) approvals worth approximately ₹1.30 lakh crore, 11 defence contracts worth ₹26,000 crore, and 245 Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) signed in 2025 (total: 2,201).
• DRDO has expanded from an initial network of 10 laboratories to 52 laboratories under the strategic vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, focusing on Cyber, Space, and Artificial Intelligence as future technology pillars.
• User Evaluation Trials completed/nearing completion for critical systems: Pralay, Akash NG, Guided Pinaka, MPATGM, ALWT, BOSS, SDR, and CBRN water systems; developmental trials ongoing for Indian Light Tank, VSHORADS, NASM-SR, Rudram-2, and LCA systems.
• 15 Industry–Academia Centres of Excellence operational; 66 new projects sanctioned in 2025 worth ₹228 crore; 13 new Defence Corridor Production partnerships added (total: 145); over 4,000 industry tests conducted for private sector and DPSUs.

Banking News

9. Federal Bank Unveils ‘The Fortuna Wave’: Modern Brand Identity for Digital Banking [2026]

• Federal Bank Limited unveiled its refreshed brand identity ‘The Fortuna Wave’ on January 7, 2026, in Mumbai, signaling modernization, digital transformation, and future-readiness in India’s banking landscape.
• The new visual insignia features three wave elements symbolizing Authenticity (transparency and integrity), Togetherness (community and collaboration), and Prosperity (growth and wealth creation).
• Design innovations include fluid, rounded typeface for the FEDERAL BANK wordmark, signature yellow underline preserved for brand continuity, and vibrant, digital-friendly color palette optimized for mobile and online platforms.
• The refreshed identity abandons the older boxed structure in favor of a more fluid and adaptable design, significantly improving visibility across both digital and physical platforms.
• Established in 1931 in Aluva, Kerala, Federal Bank offers comprehensive services: retail banking, lending solutions, digital banking, NRI services, and corporate banking to maintain relevance in an increasingly digital banking environment.

Appointments News

10. A.K. Balasubrahmanian Appointed AERB Chairman: Nuclear Safety Leadership [2026]

• Distinguished scientist A.K. Balasubrahmanian was appointed as Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) for a three-year tenure by the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by PM Modi in January 2026.
• Succeeds Dr. D.K. Shukla, whose term ended December 31, 2025; Balasubrahmanian brings nearly 40 years of comprehensive experience in nuclear power plant design, development, safety assessment, construction, and commissioning.
• Held prestigious positions: Director (Technical) at NPCIL, Chairman of Project Design Safety Committee for PHWR-based nuclear plants, and member of Safety Review Committee for Operating Plants (SARCOP) of the AERB.
• Pioneered first-of-a-kind systems with indigenous safety features, advanced India’s technological self-reliance in nuclear reactor design, and promoted indigenous nuclear technology development while reducing dependence on imports.
• AERB was established on November 15, 1983, under the Atomic Energy Act (AEA), 1962, headquartered in Mumbai; Balasubrahmanian’s appointment ensures continuity in world-class nuclear safety standards as India expands nuclear capacity.

Conferences News

11. National Textiles Ministers’ Conference 2026: ‘Weaving Growth, Heritage & Innovation’ [2026]

• The National Textiles Ministers’ Conference 2026 commenced on January 8 in Guwahati, Assam, organized by the Ministry of Textiles and Government of Assam, bringing together textile ministers and officials from all States and Union Territories.
• Held under the theme “India’s Textiles: Weaving Growth, Heritage & Innovation” with the guiding ethos of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” (Development and Heritage), emphasizing simultaneous economic growth and cultural preservation.
• Strategic vision: Position India as a global textile manufacturing hub by 2030 through flagship initiatives like PM MITRA Parks (Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel Parks) creating integrated textile value chains.
• Key deliberations covered: infrastructure and investment, export expansion, raw materials and fibres, technical textiles, new-age fibres, handlooms and handicrafts preservation, sustainability, and integrated value-chain development.
• Dedicated North-Eastern Textile Conclave focused on regional specialties: Eri, Muga, and Mulberry silk, bamboo-based textiles, handlooms, women-led enterprises, branding, and market access for connecting North-Eastern artisans with national and international markets.

12. IICDEM 2026: India’s Global Leadership in Democracy and Election Management [2026]

• The Election Commission of India will host the inaugural India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 from January 21-23 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• Nearly 100 international delegates from Election Management Bodies (EMBs) across global democracies, international organizations, foreign missions, and academic experts will participate in this largest global electoral conference hosted by India.
• Conference theme: “Democracy for an inclusive, peaceful, resilient and sustainable world” reflecting India’s emphasis on democratic resilience, inclusive governance, peace-building, and sustainable development connections.
• India’s Chairship of the Council of Member States of International IDEA for 2026 provides the institutional framework; 36 thematic groups from IITs, IIMs, NLUs, and IIMCs will contribute; over 40 bilateral meetings scheduled.
• Programme includes: Inaugural Session, EMB Leaders’ Plenary, Working Group Meetings, thematic sessions on international electoral standards, ECINet launch (India’s electoral information network), and showcasing IIIDEM Dwarka campus for global capacity building.

13. Goa CM Launches ‘History That India Ignored’: Second Edition of Important Historical Work [2026]

• Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant launched the second edition of ‘History That India Ignored’, authored by Prem Prakash (veteran journalist and Chairman of Asian News International–ANI), in Panaji, Goa in January 2026.
• Book originally published in April 2025 by Vitasta Publishing Private Limited; the work highlights neglected aspects of India’s freedom struggle and ensures these truths reach younger generations of students and history enthusiasts.
• Content challenges mainstream narratives: Unsung heroes and revolutionary movements, Indian National Army (INA) — Subhas Chandra Bose’s alternative independence path emphasizing armed resistance, Vellore Mutiny (1806), Battle of Imphal, and marginalized contributors.
• Prem Prakash’s position as ANI Chairman demonstrates credibility and commitment to factual reporting; his authorship reflects dedication to uncovering and presenting overlooked historical truths.
• Particularly valuable for UPSC and state-level examinations, covering lesser-known but examinable topics including the INA, regional uprisings, and revolutionary movements that frequently appear in competitive examinations studying Indian history.

14. HSBC Private Bank Appoints Ida Liu as New CEO: Global Banking Leadership [2026]

• HSBC Private Bank officially appointed Ida Liu as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective January 5, 2026, succeeding Gabriel Castello, who served as Interim CEO since December 2024.
• Ida Liu brings over 25 years of global experience across wealth management, strategic advisory, business transformation, and advisory services for Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) individuals; expertise includes investment planning, liquidity management, and legacy solutions.
• Previously served as Global Head of Citi Private Bank since 2007, holding roles including Head of Citi Private Bank–North America, Head of Citi Private Bank–New York, and Head of Asian Clients Group, managing diverse global client portfolios.
• Leadership change reflects HSBC’s strategic focus on strengthening global private banking and wealth management operations to maintain competitive advantage in rapidly evolving financial services sector.
• Appointment represents significant development in global banking and wealth management sector, with implications for private banking strategy, client service delivery, and institutional leadership in a digitally transforming financial landscape.

Obituaries News

15. Renowned Ecologist Madhav Gadgil Passes Away at 82 [2026]

• Madhav Gadgil, one of India’s most influential ecologists, passed away at his residence in Pune on January 7, 2026, after a brief illness; he was 82 years old.
• A pioneer in Western Ghats conservation, Gadgil headed the Western Ghats panel and classified the region into zones of high, medium, and low ecological sensitivity in his landmark 2011 report.
• He received the United Nations’ highest environmental honour in recognition of his exceptional contributions to environmental science and conservation advocacy at the global level.
• Gadgil was instrumental in establishing world-class research centres at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore and authored the autobiography “A Walk Up the Hill — Living with People and Nature.”
• He consistently advocated for integrating ecological protection with social justice, emphasizing that climate change impacts fall disproportionately on marginalized communities.

16. Manoj Kothari: Former World Billiards Champion Passes Away at 67 [2026]

• Manoj Kothari, former World Billiards Champion and Chief National Coach of Indian billiards team, passed away in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, at age 67 in January 2026.
• Two-time IBSF World Billiards Champion: won maiden title in 1990 and World Doubles Billiards Championship in 1997 with England’s Ian Williamson, establishing India’s credibility in international cue sports.
• Captured State Champion title 16 times during his playing career, demonstrating sustained excellence and dominance in Indian billiards championships over several decades.
• Served as National Coach of Indian billiards team from 2011 onwards for more than 15 years, mentoring and developing the next generation of Indian billiards players.
• Received Major Dhyan Chand Award in 2005 (India’s highest sports lifetime achievement award) and IBSF Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025, cementing his legacy as a transformational figure in Indian cue sports.

Sports News

17. Australia Shatters 134-Year-Old Ashes Record With Historic Batting Feat [2026]

• Australia produced a once-in-a-century batting performance on Day 3 of the fifth Ashes Test at Sydney Cricket Ground, creating seven partnerships of 50+ runs in a single innings—unprecedented in Ashes cricket history.
• This historic achievement resets a 134-year-old record; England’s six partnerships at Adelaide in 1892 had stood as the benchmark for 134 years; India achieved the same feat in 2007 at The Oval.
• Travis Head blazed 163 runs, providing the aggressive impetus; Steve Smith remained unbeaten on 129 (his 37th Test century), anchoring Australia’s innings; Joe Root scored 160 for England.
• Australia reached 529 for 7, holding a commanding 134-run first-innings lead over England’s 384, with three wickets still in hand and series lead of 3-1.
• This dominant display places Australia on course for a 4–1 series victory, underlining the exceptional depth and consistency of their batting lineup in Test cricket’s longest format.