Daily Current Affairs (01 – Jan – 26)

Daily Current Affairs (01 – Jan – 26)

1. HAL Launches Dhruv NG for Civil Aviation –

• Recently, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) conducted the maiden flight of the Dhruv–New Generation (NG) in Bengaluru, marking its formal push into the civil and export helicopter markets.
• Positioning:The Dhruv Civil NG is being projected as a cost-effective indigenous alternative to imported twin-engine helicopters, with lifecycle support spanning manufacturing, maintenance, and upgrades.
• Logistics: HAL plans to ensure higher fleet availability through integrated support models such as Power-By-Hour and performance-based logistics.
• Design: Dhruv NG is a 5.5-tonne, indigenously developed, twin-engine, multi-role helicopter, capable of day-night, all-weather operations, and derived from the Dhruv ALH Mk-III civil platform.
• Capability:Powered by indigenous Shakti engines with Cat-A performance and AS4-compliant systems, it is suitable for demanding roles including offshore operations of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).
• Certification:HAL secured Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) type certification for indigenous manufacture of the Shakti civil engine (a national first) and restricted certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2023.
• Significance:Building on a proven Dhruv platform with over 3.75 lakh flying hours, Dhruv NG strengthens Aatmanirbhar Bharat, reduces import dependence, and anchors India’s indigenous civil helicopter ecosystem.

2. Rashtra Prerna Sthal –

• The Prime Minister (PM) inaugurated the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow on the 101st birth anniversary of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, dedicating it to the ideals of unity, self-respect, and service.
• Multi-Leader Tribute: The site honors Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, and Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee with 65-feet bronze statues and a lotus-shaped museum.
• Atal Bihari Vajpayee: He served as India’s PM 3 times—in 1996, 1998–1999, and 1999–2004—and was awarded the Padma Vibhushan (1994) and the Bharat Ratna (2015). His birth anniversary (25th December) is observed as Good Governance Day.
• Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay: He was an Indian politician and ideologue of  RSS  and Bharatiya Jana Sangh, focused on Antyodaya—uplifting the most disadvantaged. His philosophy of Integral Humanism emphasized social justice and self-reliance, and his birth anniversary (25th September) is observed as Antyodaya Diwas.
• Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee: He was an Indian politician, the youngest Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University (1934), and founder of the Bharatiya Jan Sangh (1951), which later evolved into the Bharatiya Janata Party. He famously opposed Article 370, arguing one nation cannot have two constitutions, two heads, or two flags, and was known for his sharp parliamentary debates, earning the title The Lion of Parliament.

3. Goa Announces Third District Kushavati –

• Goa is set to get its third district, named Kushavati, marking a major administrative reorganisation in the coastal state. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who said the new district would be named after the ancient Kushavati river that flows through parts of the region. At present, Goa has only two districts—North Goa and South Goa.

Composition and Administrative Structure

• The proposed Kushavati district will be carved entirely out of South Goa. It will comprise four talukas—Dharbandora, Quepem, Sanguem and Canacona. Until the required infrastructure is created, all administrative work of the new district will continue to be managed from the South Goa district headquarters. The South Goa collector will temporarily oversee district administration until a full-time collector is appointed.

4. Indian Women’s Hockey End 2025 With Asia Cup Silver –

• The Indian women’s hockey team signed off 2025 with a silver medal at the Women’s Asia Cup, reaffirming their status among Asia’s leading teams even as the year exposed gaps against elite global opposition. The continental podium finish provided a timely boost after a demanding season marked by mixed results across tours and international competitions.

Strong Start After Asian Champions Trophy Triumph

• India began the year riding confidence from their 2024 Women’s Asian Champions Trophy title in Rajgir, where they edged China 1–0 in the final. That victory had underlined India’s growing tactical maturity and resilience in high-pressure matches. However, carrying that momentum into a packed 2025 calendar proved challenging as the team encountered stronger and more varied opposition.

5. Delhi Cabinet Clears Jan Vishwas Bill to Decriminalise Minor Offences –

• The Delhi Cabinet has approved the Delhi Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, a major reform initiative aimed at decriminalising minor offences and simplifying compliance requirements to enhance ease of doing business and ease of living in the National Capital.

Policy Rationale and Governance Approach

• Addressing the media, Chief Minister “Rekha Gupta” said the Bill draws inspiration from the governance philosophy of Prime Minister “Narendra Modi”. The proposed legislation seeks to reduce the burden on courts, curb unnecessary criminalisation and improve overall administrative efficiency. It aligns with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act enacted by the Centre, which decriminalised minor and procedural offences under several central laws.

MCQ Quiz

Q1. As of 2025, Santhali, one of India’s oldest tribal languages, was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution through which Constitutional Amendment ?

1. a) 86th Amendment Act, 2002
2. b) 92nd Amendment Act, 2003
3. c) 94th Amendment Act, 2005
4. d) 101st Amendment Act, 2016

Q2. As of 2025, P.V. Sindhu has been elected Chair of which commission for the 2026–2029 term ?

1. a) Indian Olympic Association Athletes’ Commission
2. b) Badminton World Federation Athletes’ Commission
3. c) International Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission
4. d) Asian Badminton Federation Executive Committee

Q3. The Rashtra Prerna Sthal inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lucknow primarily commemorates which of the following leaders ?

1. a) Mahatma Gandhi
2. b) Jawaharlal Nehru
3. c) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
4. d) Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Q4. With reference to the location of Lothal, consider the following statements:

• Lothal is situated between the Sabarmati River and its tributary, the Bhogavo, in Gujarat.
• The site provided evidence of a bead-making factory and a sophisticated drainage system.

Which of the above statements are correct ?

1. a) 1 only
2. b) 2 only
3. c) Both 1 and 2
4. d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation-

• Lothal’s geography was key to its success as a port. Statement 1 is correct; it is located in the Saragwala village in Ahmedabad district, positioned in the fertile Bhal regionbetween the Sabarmati and Bhogavo rivers. Statement 2 is correct; archaeological excavations revealed that Lothal was an industrial powerhouse of the Harappan civilization, featuring a large bead-making factory and the same advanced urban planning (including drainage) seen in Mohenjo-daro.

Q5. With reference to the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025, which of the following statements are correct ?

• It replaces both the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010.
• The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has been granted statutory status under this Act.
• The Atomic Energy Redressal Advisory Council serves as the final appellate body, with no further appeal possible.
• Foreign-incorporated companies are now allowed to own and operate nuclear plants in India.

Select the correct answer code:

1. a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
2. b) 2 and 3 only
3. c) 1, 2 and 4 only
4. d) 1 and 2 only

Explanation-

• Statement 1 is correct; the Act creates a unified framework by repealing the two major previous legislations.
• Statement 2 is correct; the AERBhas finally been given legal backing, enhancing its independence and authority to ensure nuclear safety.
• Statement 3 is incorrect because while the Redressal Advisory Council is a new appellate body, its decisions can be further challenged in the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity.
• Statement 4 is incorrect; while the sector is opened to non-government entities like Indian private firms and JVs, foreign-incorporated companies remain excluded from owning or operating plants to safeguard national interests.
• The Act also retains the no-fault liability principle, meaning the operator is liable for damage regardless of fault, ensuring victims are compensated quickly through compulsory insurance.