News of The Day: 9th January 2026

News of The Day – 09th 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 )

• CDSCO issued guidelines/SOPs for compounding minor offences under Drugs and Cosmetics Rules 2025 (via Jan Vishwas Act).
• Allows monetary penalties and corrective actions instead of court proceedings for minor violations.
• Promoting ease of doing business but with risks of misuse.
• About CDSCO and its role.

(GS-2: Polity and  Governance)

• About  Aadhaar mascot Udai.
• To simplify and make relatable communication about Aadhaar services, updates, authentication, privacy, and responsible usage.
• Chosen via national design/name contest on MyGov.

(GS-2:Polity and Governance)

• About Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign
• To eradicate child marriage, with a 100-day intensive phase (Nov 2025-Mar 2026) including awareness drives. 
• January 2026 focuses on engaging faith leaders and influencers
• Aims for 10% reduction by 2026 and child marriage-free India by 2030.

(GS-2: IR)

• US withdrew from UNFCCC, Paris Agreement (effective Jan 20), IPCC, ISA (India-headquartered), IRENA, etc.
• Relief for India: Less pressure on India’s emissions
• Challenges:
• Reduced global funding/tech for climate action
• Potential instability in multilateral efforts impacting India’s adaptation needs.

(GS-2: International Relations)

• India and Iran are marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.
• Ties are based on shared heritage, energy cooperation, connectivity (e.g., Chabahar Port), and strategic interests in a multipolar world.
• India’s Position in Current Scenario of Iran Protest.

(GS-3: Economy)

• Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) contribution as a proxy for tax accrual in Finance Commission devolution formulas (for 2026-31 period).
• Argues for indirect proxies to reward efficiency while maintaining equity in central transfers to States.

• About the Finance Commission and its role.

(GS-3: Environment)

• Madhav Gadgil (1942-2026) died in January 2026. 
• About Madhav Gadgil and his Contributions.
• Pioneered the concept of India’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, 1986)
• Conducted foundational research on Western Ghats ecology, and influenced conservation policies, including the Gadgil Committee on Western Ghats.

(GS-3: Environment)

• First Olive Ridley turtle satellite-tagged in Chennai (Jan 8, 2026) as part of 2025-2027 radio telemetry study by WII and AIWC.
• Tracks migration, nesting patterns, and fishing interactions to identify conservation zones and reduce bycatch along Tamil Nadu coast.

• About the Olive Ridley turtle.

(GS-3: Environment)

• New study on Thwaites Glacier (“Doomsday Glacier”) shows increased fracturing patterns on its ice shelf
• About Doomsday glacier.

(GS 4: Ethics)

• About “friction-maxxing” in 2026 
• intentionally adding discomfort (e.g., real-world interactions over seamless digital ones) for personal growth.
• Role of discomfort in Personality development.