News of The Day: 3rd January 2026

News of The Day – 3rd January 2026

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

(with Syllabus Relevance)

(GS-1: Modern History)

• About Mannathu Padmanabhan
• Founder of Nair Service Society (NSS), key figure in social reforms, temple entry movements in Kerala. 
• His contributions to education, upliftment of backward communities, caste reform.
• Relevance to social justice, community organisation in India.

(GS-2: Polity and Governance)

• About Roadmap to transform India’s sports governance
  • Abhinav Bindra-led task force submitted a report.
• Gaps in the Sports ecosystem.
• Recommends establishing National Council for Sports Education and Capacity Building (NCSECB)
  • For professional training, India-specific curriculum, dual career pathways for athletes, and integration into civil services training.
• Aims to build sustainable ecosystems for consistent Olympic success beyond individual talent.

(GS-2: Polity and Governance)

• Major tribal organizations in Assam oppose granting Scheduled Tribe status to six communities (e.g., Moran, Matak, Tai Ahom).
• Concerns over dilution of existing ST benefits, identity preservation. 
• Inclusion criteria for Scheduled Tribes.

(GS-3: Economy)

• Under Export Promotion Mission’s Niryat Protsahan sub-scheme:
• (1) Interest subvention (2.75% base, floating with repo) on pre/post-shipment rupee export credit for MSMEs (outlay ₹5,181 cr over FY26-31).
• (2) Collateral guarantee support via CGTMSE (up to 85% for micro/small, 65% for medium; max ₹10 cr/exporter/year; outlay ₹2,114 cr).

• Aims to reduce credit costs, ease working capital access, support first-time/small exporters.

(GS-3: Economy)

• About the Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS).
• Aims to boost domestic production of electronic components, reduce import dependence, strengthen electronics supply chain.
• Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat in electronics.

(GS-3: Economy)

• • About the LARR Act and persisting Gaps.
• Need for faster clearances, fair compensation, rehabilitation; state-centre coordination.
• Impacts highways, railways, airports; suggestions for digital land banks, consensual acquisition.

(GS-3:Economy)

• Climate change impacts: erratic rainfall, extreme weather, rising temperatures reducing yields.
• What is climate-resilient agriculture ?
• Need for resilient varieties, water-efficient practices, crop diversification, insurance, early warning systems.
• Links to food security, farmer livelihoods
• Government initiatives like climate-smart villages, PM-KUSUM.

(GS-2: International Relations)

• Gambia’s coastal geography/ecology or India-Gambia ties (e.g., development aid, maritime cooperation).
• Strategic location in West Africa, River Gambia, biodiversity, tourism potential.

(GS-3: Environment)

• Urban India generates massive waste; challenges in segregation, collection, processing.
• Push for zero-waste cities, circular economy, reducing landfills, plastic ban enforcement.
• Role of Swachh Bharat 2.0, extended producer responsibility, community involvement.

(GS-3: Environment)

• About Secondary aerosol
  • Ammonium sulfate contributes ~33% of Delhi’s annual PM2.5; rises to 49% in post-monsoon and 41% in winter. 
• Explains severe smog even when local primary sources (vehicles, dust) are controlled.
• Calls for shift in policy focus from PM10/dust to controlling gaseous precursors, including stricter SO2 norms for coal plants.