Daily Current Affairs - 2026-01-14
The Daily Gazette
The Core Update: The Supreme Court designated Sunaina Sharma as Special Judge to expedite coal scam trials, amid government clarification on not seeking phone source codes and directives to quick commerce firms like Blinkit to drop '10-minute delivery' claims over worker safety concerns.
Crucially, this appointment revives stalled probes from the UPA-era scams, underscoring judicial oversight in high-profile corruption cases—a recurring theme since the 2G and coal allocations exposed systemic graft. Why now? With elections looming, it reinforces institutional accountability. What next? Expect faster convictions, potentially influencing governance reforms, but challenges persist in witness protection and political interference. Conversely, the quick commerce pivot addresses gig economy perils, echoing labour rights debates under Article 23.
- Coal scam trials: Linked to CAG's 2012 report on ₹1.86 lakh crore presumptive loss
- Judicial activism via special benches (as in hawala cases)
The Core Update: Defying India's objections, China declared Shaksgam Valley as its territory, part of the ceded Pakistan-occupied Kashmir region, amid ongoing LAC frictions.
However, this provocation isn't isolated—it's a tactical assertion post-Galwan, testing India's resolve on unresolved 1963 boundaries. Historically, Shaksgam was illegally ceded by Pakistan, violating Indus Waters Treaty spirit. What next? Diplomatic pushback via QUAD, but risk of militarisation rises. In this context, it mirrors 1962 prelude, demanding strategic restraint.
- Shaksgam Valley: Ceded in 1963 Sino-Pak agreement
- Links to McMahon Line disputes
The Core Update: Trump administration slaps 25% tariffs on countries trading with Iran amid protests killing over 2,000; separately, G7 discusses reducing Chinese rare earth dominance.
This tariff salvo pressures India's oil imports from Iran, potentially hiking energy costs and fuelling inflation. Why? US aims to isolate Tehran post-nuclear deal collapse. Crucially, G7's rare earths pivot addresses supply chain vulnerabilities exposed in COVID, linking to critical minerals for EVs/defence. What next? India must diversify via Australia deals, averting economic chokepoints.
- India's Iran oil imports: ~10% of total crude
- Rare earths: China controls 80% global supply
The Core Update: As Union Budget nears, stakeholders demand focus on skill-building over enrolment, leveraging India's youth bulge.
Conversely, rote expansion risks unemployment trap, as seen in post-90s liberalisation mismatches. Why critical? With 65% under 35, quality aligns with NEP 2020's vocational push. What next? Expect allocations for AI/digital skilling, but implementation hinges on federal coordination—a polity challenge.
- NEP 2020: 50% GER target by 2035
- Demographic dividend window: 2020-2030
The Core Update: Government mandates National Sports Federations to form 'Make in India in Sports' and international relations committees, alongside notifying new governance rules.
In this context, it operationalises Khelo India reforms, addressing NSFs' autonomy excesses post-Sarangpurwala case. Why? To indigenise equipment, cutting import reliance. What next? Enhanced medals via structured global ties, mirroring Olympic Task Force success.
- National Sports Code 2011 foundation
- Targets: Paris Olympics legacy
The Core Update: North India's cold snap grips Bihar-Rajasthan-Haryana, with temperatures near freezing, fog halting transport.
However, this Western Disturbance pattern, tied to jet stream shifts, exacerbates agrarian distress in Bihar's flood-prone Gangetic plains. Why recurrent? Climate change amplifies extremes. What next? State must scale disaster-resilient crops, linking to Bihar's geography syllabus.
- Western Disturbances: Origin in Mediterranean
- Bihar vulnerability: Indo-Gangetic plains
The Core Update: Gen Dwivedi urges Pak restraint on drones over Jharkhand-Bihar borders; India accelerates missile force creation.
Crucially, Jharkhand's tribal belts face cross-border smuggling, echoing Naxal-era insecurities. Why? Tech-enabled incursions test defences. What next? Integrated rocket force bolsters deterrence, akin to Agni series evolution.
- Drone threats post-2021 Punjab incidents
- Jharkhand: Chotanagpur plateau security
The Core Update: Another milestone with tiger deaths below 5%, crediting Project Tiger's habitat focus.
This validates NTCA's core-area strategy since 1973 launch, reversing poaching declines. However, human-wildlife conflicts rise in buffer zones. What next? Tech like camera traps for monitoring, vital for biodiversity hotspots.
- Project Tiger: 53 reserves, 3,167 tigers (2022)
- Global rank: 1st in wild tigers
The Core Update: Blinkit, Zepto, Zomato comply with govt order to remove unrealistic promises, following Raghav Chadha's Rajya Sabha raise.
In this context, it spotlights Code on Social Security gaps for 20 lakh gig workers. Why? Accidents from speed pressures. What next? Labour ministry regulations, balancing innovation with rights.
- Gig economy: 8% workforce by 2025
- Article 21 extension to dignified work
