Daily Current Affairs - 2026-01-13
The Daily Gazette
The Core Update: The Indian government is contemplating rigorous cybersecurity regulations for smartphone manufacturers, mandating enhanced data protection and indigenous testing to safeguard national security amid rising digital threats.
This move stems from vulnerabilities exposed in global supply chains, echoing the 2020 Galwan clash's lessons on tech sovereignty. Crucially, it aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat by bolstering the National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS). What next? Expect mandatory audits and penalties, potentially reshaping India's $50 billion mobile market while deterring foreign espionage. However, implementation challenges could strain SMEs.
- National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) reforms
- DoT's push for indigenous manufacturing
The Core Update: Sergio Gor has taken oath as the United States Ambassador to India, signaling a fresh chapter in bilateral ties amid Trump's 'America First' resurgence and India's multi-alignment strategy.
In this context, Gor's appointment—linked to Trump's inner circle—heralds intensified Quad engagements and defence pacts. Why now? Post-2024 US elections, it counters China's assertiveness. What comes next? Accelerated iCET initiatives, but trade frictions over tariffs loom. This continuum of Nehru's non-alignment tests India's strategic autonomy.
- US-India iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology)
- Quad framework strengthening
The Core Update: ISRO's trusted PSLV rocket malfunctioned post-launch, resulting in the loss of 16 satellites, marking back-to-back setbacks for the workhorse launcher.
However, this isn't systemic failure but isolated anomalies, reminiscent of early Chandrayaan hurdles. Crucially, it underscores the need for diversified launch capabilities amid China's space dominance. What next? Accelerated LVM3 upgrades and private sector infusion via IN-SPACe, ensuring India's Gaganyaan timeline holds.
- PSLV vs LVM3 comparison
- IN-SPACe reforms
The Core Update: India's retail inflation surged to 1.33% in December 2025, driven by food prices, prompting watchful eyes on RBI's monetary stance.
Conversely, this mild uptick from sub-1% lows reflects supply chain stabilizations post-monsoon. Why? Vegetable price volatility amid El Niño echoes. What next? RBI may pause rate cuts, balancing growth with the 4% target under Flexible Inflation Targeting. Links to farm reforms remain pivotal.
- RBI's 4% ±2% inflation target
- Food inflation components (CPI basket)
The Core Update: Serious crimes like murders and riots in Bihar plummeted to their lowest in 20+ years, crediting robust policing under Nitish Kumar's administration.
This transformation from 'jungle raj' narratives mirrors post-2005 governance shifts. Crucially, tech-enabled surveillance and community policing worked. What next? Sustaining via Smart Policing for BPSC aspirants to note in state polity. Ties to federalism debates.
- Bihar Police Modernization Scheme
- Decline in cognizable crimes data
The Core Update: Police dismantled a cyber fraud syndicate spanning Bihar, Jharkhand, Kerala, and Odisha, arresting key operatives in a multi-state crackdown.
In this context, Jharkhand's mineral-rich belts fuel digital money laundering. Why? Porous borders and unemployment. What next? Enhanced INTERPOL ties and Cyber Swachhta Kendra expansion, vital for JPSC's security syllabus.
- IT Act 2000 amendments
- Multi-state cyber coordination
The Core Update: Iran's crackdown on week-long protests claimed over 500 lives, prompting Trump to demand talks and threaten tariffs on Tehran's trade partners.
However, this fuses domestic unrest with nuclear shadows, akin to 1979 Revolution. Crucially, impacts India's oil imports (10% from Iran). What next? OPEC volatility and Chabahar revival pressures India's West Asia policy.
- Iran's role in INSTC
- US secondary sanctions
The Core Update: PM Modi and German Chancellor Merz sealed 19 agreements spanning defence sourcing, trade, and green tech during high-level talks.
This non-ideological pivot builds on 2022 2+2 dialogue. Why? EU diversification post-Russia-Ukraine. What next? Submarine co-production, elevating India-EU FTA prospects.
- India-Germany Defence Roadmap
- Green Hydrogen corridors
The Core Update: PM Modi engaged youth leaders on themes like Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Green Viksit Bharat at the VBYLD 2026 in New Delhi.
Crucially, this platforms 2047 vision, drawing from Ambedkar's youth emphasis. What next? Policy incorporation, mirroring NYV schemes for demographic dividend.
- 10 priority themes listed
- Viksit Bharat@2047
The Core Update: India's banking sector saw credit-deposit ratio hit 82%, fueled by robust loan growth outpacing deposits.
However, this risks liquidity crunches like 2018 IL&FS. Why? Post-COVID credit boom. What next? RBI's SLR tweaks to balance, key for financial stability essays.
- 82% CD Ratio benchmark
- RBI liquidity measures
