News of The Day: 1st January 2026

News of The Day – 1st January 2026

SOURCES: The Hindu, Indian Express, Live Mint, Business Standard, Economic Times, PIB and AIR, etc

(with Syllabus Relevance)

(GS-2: Polity and Governance)

• Legal provisions for suspending sentences
• Context from recent cases involving convicts in high-profile crimes.

(GS-2: Polity and Governance)

• New policy aims to make Rajasthan AI hub
• Focuses on ethical AI, data security, Centre of Excellence, innovation in public services and economy.
• Role of AI in governance.

(GS-2: Polity and Governance)

• About oral Nimesulide formulations and its impact.
• Immediate ban on oral Nimesulide formulations >100mg due to health risks (liver toxicity)
• Safer alternatives available; follows ICMR recommendations.

(GS-2: International Relations)

• Finnish authorities seized a cargo vessel (Fitburg) suspected of dragging anchor and damaging undersea telecom cable between Helsinki and Tallinn
• Baltic incidents amid heightened NATO vigilance.

• Protection of Underwater Cable Network.

(GS-2: International Relations)

• Bangladesh’s political stability post-Khaleda Zia’s death
• Interim government under Muhammad Yunus;
• Implications for India-Bangladesh ties amid regional dynamics.

(GS-3: Economy)

• Review of ISRO’s 2025 milestones and public engagement.
• Emphasises democratisation of space tech, upcoming missions.
• About Global Space Economy
• India’s growing role in the global space economy.

(GS-3: Economy)

• Copper prices hit all-time highs driven by supply disruptions.
• About Copper Production and Applications.
  • AI/data centre demand, electrification
• Forecasts suggest sustained rally into 2026 amid deficits.

(GS-3: Science & Tech)

• Successful salvo test of two indigenous Pralay quasi-ballistic missiles from same launcher
• About  Pralay missiles
• Enhances precision strike capability (range ~500km)
• Paves way for early induction into armed forces.

(GS-3:Environment)

• India’s Rice production and associated Challenges.
• India’s rice exports strain groundwater; intensive farming in Punjab/Haryana depletes aquifers
• Risking long-term food security and ecological balance.

(GS-3: Environment )

• Ongoing crisis from sewage contamination in Indore’s water supply.
  • At least 5-10 deaths were reported, hundreds hospitalised.
• Authorities investigating pipeline leakage near improperly built toilet; compensation announced for victims.
• About Sewage composition and its health impacts.