Daily current affairs: 9 January 2026

Long Description : The Public Investment Board has approved an expenditure of ₹26,069.50 crore for the 1,720 MW Kamala hydro project, located on the Kamala River, a major tributary of the Subansiri. The project is a storage-based scheme designed to generate 6,869.92 million units of green energy annually, supporting India’s Net Zero 2070 target. It will be implemented on a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) basis through a joint venture between NHPC (74%) and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh (26%). Beyond power, the project will provide significant flood relief in the Brahmaputra valley and generate approximately 2,800 jobs during its peak construction phase.

Long Description : Prasar Bharati has introduced "Creator's Corner," a dedicated segment on DD News to showcase content from independent digital creators across India. This initiative is part of a broader restructuring of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting planned for 2026. The move aims to empower the "Orange Economy" (creative economy) and integrate new-generation technology into public broadcasting. The Minister noted that the WAVES platform, launched previously, has already contributed nearly ₹5,000 crore to the ecosystem. This reform focuses on shifting institutions like Doordarshan and All India Radio toward industry participation and technology-driven processes to engage younger audiences.

Long Description : The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs has finalized the tentative schedule for the upcoming Budget session. President Droupadi Murmu will address a joint sitting of both Houses on January 28, marking the start of the session. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to present the Union Budget on February 1, which notably falls on a Sunday this year. This session is critical as it will outline the government’s fiscal roadmap for sustaining India’s growth amid global economic volatility. Key focus areas are expected to include manufacturing incentives, rural development, and tax reforms to bolster the middle class.

Long Description : India officially rejected claims made by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who suggested that a bilateral trade deal fell through because Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not communicate with U.S. President Donald Trump at a critical juncture. The MEA spokesperson termed these comments as "inaccurate," clarifying that the two leaders have maintained robust communication, having spoken eight times during 2025 alone. The refutation comes at a time of heightened trade sensitivity, as the U.S. administration has recently signaled potential tariff increases on various global imports, making diplomatic clarity essential for Indian exporters.

Long Description : PANKHUDI (Platform for Partnerships, Knowledge, and Holistic Development Initiatives) is a new single-window digital interface designed to facilitate CSR and voluntary contributions for women and child development. The portal aims to bring transparency and convergence between the government, corporate entities, NGOs, and NRIs. It will support major national schemes like Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya, and Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0. By providing end-to-end workflow—from registration to proposal approval—the platform seeks to reduce fragmentation in welfare delivery and ensure better outcome-based monitoring across 14 lakh Anganwadi centres and various shelter homes.

Long Description : As part of the "Hydrogen for Heritage" initiative, Indian Railways has started technical trials of its first hydrogen-fueled train. This pilot project is central to India's push for green mobility and decarbonizing the rail network. Unlike traditional diesel engines, hydrogen trains emit only water vapor and no harmful pollutants. Regular passenger services are expected to roll out by late 2026 once safety clearances and technical evaluations are completed. The initiative aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission and positions India among a select group of nations, like Germany and China, utilizing hydrogen technology for mass transit.

Long Description : The Union Government has decided to end the ASI's exclusive control over the conservation and maintenance of protected monuments. From the coming weeks, private agencies and specialized heritage organizations will be permitted to undertake conservation work under a new regulatory framework. This move is intended to improve the upkeep and efficiency of India's vast heritage sites by leveraging private expertise and funds. While the ASI will continue to provide oversight and set standards, this shift has sparked debates regarding the balance between commercial efficiency and the preservation of historical integrity.

Long Description : In its latest economic update, the United Nations has projected India's GDP growth for 2026 at 6.6%, a significant endorsement of the country's macroeconomic stability. This follows a trend of steady growth where India remains the fastest-growing major economy globally. The report attributes this resilience to strong private consumption, government-led capital expenditure, and a robust services sector. However, the UN also warned of potential headwinds, including global trade tensions and fluctuating commodity prices. The forecast suggests that India will continue to lead global growth rankings, outpacing other emerging markets and developed economies.

Long Description : Hosted by Paradip Port, the 25th All India Major Port Cultural Meet saw participation from over 200 employees representing nine major ports across India. Organized under the Major Ports Sports Control Board, the event emphasizes "soft power" and cultural integration within the strategic maritime sector. The meet includes various traditional and classical performances, showcasing the diverse heritage of India’s coastal regions. Such events are part of the government's broader "humanizing public administration" approach, aimed at boosting morale and institutional cohesion among workers in vital infrastructure sectors.

Long Description : Financial Software and Systems (FSS), a leader in payment technology, has secured the ISO/IEC 42001 certification. This is a globally recognized standard for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems (AIMS), focusing on the ethical and responsible use of AI. FSS is the first payment company in India, the Middle East, and Africa to attain this status. The certification, independently assessed by TÜV SÜD, signifies that FSS has transitioned from ad-hoc AI usage to a structured, enterprise-wide governance model. This is highly relevant for the banking sector, ensuring that AI-driven financial services are secure, transparent, and compliant with international standards.

Long Description : The Third International Bharatiya Languages Conference was launched in New Delhi with an emphasis on the complementary nature of Indian languages. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan highlighted that India's diverse languages are not contradictory but enrich one another. The conference brings together linguists, educators, and technology experts to discuss the preservation of regional dialects and the integration of Indian languages into digital platforms and AI. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes mother-tongue education and the use of technology to bridge the linguistic divide in the country.

Long Description : The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 season commenced today, featuring a high-octane clash between the defending champions Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The tournament is being hosted across Navi Mumbai and Vadodara. In the opening match, Mumbai Indians set a target of 155 runs, fueled by a brilliant 45-run knock from Sajeevan Sajana. This edition of the WPL is particularly significant as it serves as a crucial preparation ground for the Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled for June 2026. The league continues to be a major catalyst for the growth of women's cricket in India and globally.

Long Description : In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court held that heavy industrial and construction machinery—such as dumpers, excavators, and surface miners—cannot be classified as motor vehicles if they are operated solely within closed industrial premises like mines or factories. Consequently, these vehicles are exempt from the road tax typically levied by state governments. The court clarified that road tax is a compensatory tax for the use of public roads; since these vehicles do not utilize public infrastructure, the tax is not applicable. This ruling provides significant financial relief to the mining, construction, and manufacturing sectors.

Long Description : The Ministry of Food Processing Industries has launched IndusFood 2026 at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida. This event is one of South Asia’s largest integrated food and beverage trade fairs. Minister Chirag Paswan emphasized that the fair serves as a vital bridge between Indian exporters and global buyers, promoting "Brand India" in the global food market. The 2026 edition focuses on sustainable food packaging, organic products, and processed ethnic Indian foods. The event is expected to facilitate multi-billion dollar trade deals and help India achieve its target of doubling its share in global food exports by 2030.

Long Description : A special CBI court in Delhi has formally framed charges against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, and daughters Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav. The case involves allegations that during Lalu Prasad's tenure as Union Railway Minister (2004–2009), individuals were appointed to group-D positions in various railway zones in exchange for land parcels transferred to his family members at highly undervalued rates. The framing of charges signifies that the court has found sufficient evidence to proceed with the trial, a major development in this long-standing high-profile corruption investigation.

Long Description : Tensions in the neighborhood have escalated as Bangladesh announced the suspension of visa services for Indian nationals through its major consular missions in Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai. This move follows a period of diplomatic friction and internal instability in Bangladesh. The suspension is expected to severely impact cross-border travel, medical tourism, and trade relations between the two nations. Indian authorities are closely monitoring the situation, while many Indian travelers and business owners have expressed concern over the lack of clarity regarding the duration of these restrictions.