Daily Current Affairs (CA ) for UPSC 9th Jan 2026

Index
S.No	Topic
Daily Current Affairs (App)
1.	The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority launches BHARATI Initiative
2.	Tamil Nadu unveils India’s first Deep-Tech Startup Policy
3.	Renowned ecologist Madhav Gadgil passes away
4.	GI tag granted to Nagauri Ashwagandha
5.	OPEC Plus
6.	National Investigation Agency (NIA)

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority launches BHARATI Initiative

Syllabus: GS Paper III – Agriculture & External Sector (Agricultural Marketing, Exports) 

Context

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has launched a new initiative to strengthen India’s agri-food and agri-tech startup ecosystem, with an emphasis on innovation-driven export growth amid changing global trade conditions. Key Points

• Name of Initiative: BHARATI – Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement.
  
  
• Purpose: To link innovation with export readiness for agri-sector startups.
  
  
• Leadership: Announced under the guidance of APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev.
  
  
• Startup Selection: Top 10 agri-food and agri-tech startups will be shortlisted.
  
  
• Global Exposure: Selected startups will showcase products on international platforms.
  
  
• Expected Benefits: Access to foreign buyers, investors, and strategic partners.
  
  
• Export Promotion: Supports branding of value-added Indian agricultural products.
  
  
• Ecosystem Development: Encourages resilience, incubation, and technology adoption in agriculture.
  
  
• Export Performance: APEDA-promoted exports grew by about 7% during April–November 2025–26.
  
  
• Export Value: Exports reached $18.6 billion in the same period.
  
  
• Outlook: Total APEDA exports are expected to cross $30 billion in the current fiscal year.
  
  
  

Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding the BHARATI initiative:

1. BHARATI aims to connect agri-tech innovation with global export markets.

2. The initiative plans to provide international exposure to 50 agri-startups every year.Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a)Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct as BHARATI focuses on innovation-led export enablement.
Statement 2 is incorrect because only the top 10 startups are selected under the programme. 

Source: PIB

The Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS)

Syllabus: GS Paper II – Governance (Ministries & Departments of the Government) 

Context

The Directorate General of Mines Safety marked its 125th Foundation Day in 2026, reaffirming its mandate to ensure safety, health, and welfare of mine workers across India. 

Key Points

• Statutory Authority: DGMS functions under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India.
  
  
• Establishment: Founded in 1902, it is among India’s oldest labour safety institutions.
  
  
• Headquarters: Located at Dhanbad, Jharkhand.
  
  
• Core Objective: Ensure risk- and hazard-free mining aligned with the vision of “First Safety.”
  
  
• Legal Enforcement: Administers the Mines Act, 1952 and rules made thereunder.
  
  
• Regulation & Inspection: Conducts inspections, audits, approvals, and compliance checks.
  
  
• Accident Control: Investigates mine accidents and prescribes preventive measures.
  
  
• Occupational Health: Oversees worker health, disease prevention, and exposure risks.
  
  
• Capacity Building: Promotes training, safety culture, and adoption of modern technologies.
  
  
• Constitutional Basis: Mining safety falls under Entry 55, Union List (Article 246).
  
  
• Institutional Status: Recognised as a Science & Technology Institution (1987) with specialist cadres and labs.
  
  
  

Prelims Practice QuestionConsider the following statements about the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS):

1. DGMS is a statutory body under the Ministry of Labour & Employment.

2. Mining safety is a State subject under the Constitution of India.

Which of the statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a)Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because mining safety is under Entry 55 of the Union List, making it a Central subject. Source: PIB

Tamil Nadu unveils India’s first Deep-Tech Startup Policy

Syllabus: GS Paper III – Science & Technology (Innovation, Startups, Emerging Technologies)

Context

Tamil Nadu has unveiled India’s first dedicated deeptech startup policy, aimed at transforming advanced scientific research into scalable commercial solutions and positioning the State as a national hub for frontier technologies.

Key Points

• Policy Name: Tamil Nadu Deep-Tech Startup Policy 2025–26.
  
  
• Core Vision: Bridge the gap between laboratory research and market-ready products.
  
  
• Financial Outlay: ₹100 crore earmarked to support 100 deeptech startups.
  
  
• Focus Sectors: Artificial Intelligence, advanced computing, semiconductors, biotechnology, space tech, and clean energy.
  
  
• Support Framework: Access to funding, infrastructure, mentorship, and industry partnerships.
  
  
• Innovation Goal: Encourage commercialisation of deep science and frontier technologies.
  
  
• Policy Launch: Unveiled by M. K. Stalin.
  
  
• Event Venue: Announced at the Umagine technology conference.
  
  
• Strategic Aim: Position Tamil Nadu as a preferred destination for future-ready technologies.
  
  
  

Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Tamil Nadu Deep-Tech Startup Policy 2025–26:

1. The policy allocates ₹100 crore to support deeptech startups in the State.

2. The policy exclusively focuses on software-based startups and excludes hardware-intensive sectors.

Which of the statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a)Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct as the policy earmarks ₹100 crore for 100 startups.
Statement 2 is incorrect because the policy includes hardware-intensive sectors like semiconductors, space technologies, and clean energy. 

Source: The Hindu

Renowned ecologist Madhav Gadgil passes away

Syllabus: GS Paper III – Environment & Ecology (Conservation, Sustainable Development) 

Context

Renowned ecologist Madhav Gadgil passed away in Pune on January 7, 2026, at the age of 83. He was a leading voice in India’s environmental discourse, especially on people-centric conservation and the Western Ghats. Key Points

• Early Life: Born in 1942 in the Western Ghats region.
  
  
• Academic Background: Studied in Pune and Mumbai; earned a PhD in mathematical ecology from Harvard University.
  
  
• Scientific Approach: Integrated ecology and anthropology; described himself as a “people’s scientist.”
  
  
• Gadgil Report: Chaired the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel.
  
  
• Core Recommendation: Protection of ecologically sensitive zones across the Western Ghats.
  
  
• Major Proposal: Classifying about 75% of the Western Ghats as environmentally sensitive.
  
  
• Policy Impact: Sparked strong political debate and resistance from States.
  
  
• National Role: Contributed to drafting India’s Biological Diversity Act.
  
  
• Global Engagement: Chaired the Science & Technology Advisory Panel of the Global Environment Facility.
  
  
• International Recognition: Named ‘Champion of the Earth’ (2024) by the United Nations Environment Programme.
  
  
  

Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements about Madhav Gadgil:1. He chaired the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel.2. The Gadgil Report recommended unrestricted industrial development in the Western Ghats.Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2Answer: (a)Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Gadgil Report advocated strict ecological protection, not unrestricted development. Source: The Hindu

GI tag granted to Nagauri Ashwagandha

Syllabus: GS Paper III – Agriculture & Allied Activities (Agricultural Marketing, GI Tags) 

Context The Centre has granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Nagauri Ashwagandha, providing a distinct global identity to

  Nagaur district in Rajasthan and marking a major milestone for farmers of the Marwar region. 

Key Points

• GI Recognition: Nagauri Ashwagandha receives legal protection under the GI framework.
  
  
• State Milestone: It is Rajasthan’s second GI-tagged agricultural product after Sojat Mehendi.
  
  
• Agricultural Branding: Establishes Nagaur as a hub for high-quality medicinal crops.
  
  
• Export Advantage: Prevents misuse of the product name and boosts international market access.
  
  
• Farmer Benefits: Ensures premium pricing, income security, and reduced role of middlemen.
  
  
• Agro-climatic Uniqueness: Dry climate and sandy soil of Nagaur favour superior crop quality.
  
  
• Distinct Features: Longer, thicker roots rich in medicinal alkaloids.
  
  
• Quality Marker: Berries have a dark, bright red colour, indicating high potency.
  
  
• Sectoral Impact: Encourages research, innovation, and youth participation in medicinal farming.
  
  
• Quality Assurance: GI tag acts as final official validation of purity and authenticity.
  
  
  

Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding Nagauri Ashwagandha:1. It is Rajasthan’s second GI-tagged agricultural product.2. The GI tag helps prevent adulteration and misuse of the product name.Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c)Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct as Sojat Mehendi was the first GI-tagged agricultural product of Rajasthan.
Statement 2 is correct because GI registration provides legal protection and prevents misuse. 

Source: The Hindu

OPEC Plus 

Syllabus: GS Paper II – International Relations (International Organisations, Global Energy Governance)

 Context 

OPEC Plus has agreed in principle to maintain steady oil output despite rising political differences among members and growing geopolitical uncertainty affecting global energy markets. 

Key Points: OPEC Plus

• Nature: An alliance of major oil-exporting countries coordinating crude oil production.
  
  
• Members: 22 countries – 12 OPEC members and 10 non-OPEC producers.
  
  
• Core Objective: Adjust oil output to ensure stability in global oil markets.
  
  
• Formation: Established in 2016 through the Declaration of Cooperation.
  
  
• Background Trigger: Response to falling oil prices due to U.S. shale oil expansion.
  
  
• Headquarters: Located in Vienna, Austria.
  
  
• Strategic Weight: Controls around 40% of global oil production.
  
  
• Reserve Share: Accounts for nearly 80% of proven global oil reserves.
  
  
  

Key Points: OPEC

• Nature: A permanent intergovernmental organisation of oil-exporting nations.
  
  
• Established: Founded in 1960 by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela.
  
  
• Main Aim: Coordinate petroleum policies for stable prices and reliable supply.
  
  
• Membership: Currently has 12 member countries.
  
  
• Headquarters: Based in Vienna, Austria.
  
  
• Key Publications: World Oil Outlook and Monthly Oil Market Report.
  
  
  

Prelims Practice QuestionConsider the following statements regarding OPEC Plus:

1. OPEC Plus was formed in 2016 through the Declaration of Cooperation to stabilise global oil prices.

2. OPEC Plus includes both OPEC member countries and major non-OPEC oil-producing nations.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c)Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct as OPEC Plus was established in 2016 via the Declaration of Cooperation.
• Statement 2 is correct because the grouping combines OPEC members with non-OPEC producers such as Russia and Kazakhstan.

National Investigation Agency (NIA)

Syllabus: GS Paper III – Internal Security (Security Agencies, Terrorism) Context

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) reported that 2025 witnessed several milestone achievements, with a conviction rate exceeding 92%, reflecting strengthened investigation and prosecution mechanisms in terror-related cases. 

Key Points

• Nature: India’s premier federal counter-terrorism agency.
  
  
• Nodal Ministry: Functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
  
  
• Establishment: Set up in 2009 under the NIA Act, 2008.
  
  
• Background: Created after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks for a unified national response.
  
  
• Legal Status: A statutory body empowered to investigate Scheduled Offences.
  
  
• Suo-motu Powers: Can investigate cases across States without State consent.
  
  
• Jurisdiction: Covers offences related to terrorism, terror financing, hijacking, and nuclear facilities.
  
  
• Special Courts: Cases are tried in designated NIA Special Courts for speedy justice.
  
  
• 2019 Amendment: Expanded mandate and strengthened operational reach.
  
  
• Extra-Territorial Power: Can probe terror attacks against Indians abroad.
  
  
  

Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding the National Investigation Agency (NIA):1. The NIA can take up investigation of scheduled offences across States without prior permission of the State Government.2. The NIA (Amendment) Act, 2019 expanded the agency’s jurisdiction to investigate certain offences committed outside India.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct due to the NIA’s suo-motu investigative powers.
• Statement 2 is correct as the 2019 amendment enabled extra-territorial jurisdiction.
  
  
  

Source: The Hindu