Daily Current Affairs- 10th January 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 10th January 2026

Akasa Air Enters IATA, Becomes India's Fifth Member of Global Airline Body

In the News: Akasa Air, India's youngest airline, announced its membership in the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the prestigious global trade association representing over 360 airlines worldwide that account for more than 80% of global air traffic. This milestone, achieved just over three years after commencing operations in August 2022, makes Akasa Air the fifth Indian carrier to join IATA's ranks, following Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, and SpiceJet.

Key Points:

• About IATA: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is the global trade association for the world's airlines, representing over 360 carriers that collectively account for more than 80% of total global air traffic. IATA supports aviation with global standards for airline safety, security, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Fifth Indian Member: With this achievement, Akasa Air becomes the fifth Indian airline to join IATA's prestigious ranks. The other Indian members are Air India, Air India Express (both owned by the Tata Group), IndiGo (India's largest carrier by market share), and SpiceJet.
• Mandatory IOSA Completion: The membership followed Akasa Air's successful completion of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) in December 2025, which is a mandatory prerequisite for IATA membership. IOSA is one of the most rigorous global safety assessments for airline operations, ensuring adherence to internationally benchmarked safety and operational standards.
• Akasa Air's Background: Akasa Air was founded in 2020 by aviation veteran Vinay Dube, with late billionaire investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala having invested $35 million for nearly a 40% stake in the airline.
• Current Fleet and Network: As of January 2026, Akasa Air operates a modern fleet of 31 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in Indian aviation. The airline currently connects 26 domestic cities across India, including key hubs in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

PIB Approved Kamala Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh

In the News: The Public Investment Board (PIB) approved an expenditure of Rs 26,069.50 crore for the proposed 1,720 MW Kamala Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh. This landmark approval marks a significant milestone for the state's clean energy ambitions and India's renewable energy transition, as the project will generate 6,869.92 million units (MU) of green energy annually while providing crucial flood moderation benefits to the Brahmaputra valley.

Key Points:

• Project Approval and Investment: The Public Investment Board approved the Kamala Hydroelectric Project on January 8, 2026, with a total expenditure of Rs 26,069.50 crore. The completion cost includes Interest During Construction (IDC) and financing charges of Rs 4,815.64 crore. The project is scheduled to be completed within 8 years from commencement.
• Project Capacity and Energy Generation: The Kamala Hydroelectric Project will have an installed capacity of 1,720 MW and will generate 6,869.92 million units of green energy annually. The project will contribute significantly to India's energy transition initiatives and the country's Net Zero target by 2070.
• Location and River Basin: The project is a storage-based scheme with a flood moderation component, proposed on the Kamala River, which is a major tributary of the Subansiri River. It will be located across Kamle, Kra Daadi, and Kurung Kumey districts of Arunachal Pradesh in the Lower Subansiri region. The location leverages the hydropower potential of Arunachal Pradesh's river systems.
• Implementation Model and Ownership: The project will be implemented on a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) basis through a joint venture company. NHPC (National Hydroelectric Power Corporation) will hold 74% equity, while the Government of Arunachal Pradesh will own the remaining 26% stake
• Benefits to Arunachal Pradesh - Free Power: Under the project framework, the Arunachal Pradesh government will receive 12% free power from the total generation.
• Local Area Development Fund: The project will contribute Rs 40 crore annually to the Local Area Development Fund (LADF). These funds will be utilized for infrastructure development, public services, and community welfare programs in the project-affected areas and surrounding regions.

Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967

In the News: The Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark judgment in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, denying bail to student activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam while granting bail to five other accused persons. The Court relied on an expansive interpretation of the definition of a "terrorist act" under Section 15 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, holding that it extends beyond conventional violence to include conduct that disrupts civic life or essential services, even in the absence of immediate physical violence.

Key Points:

• About UAPA: The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 is a special statute enacted by the Parliament of India to provide effective prevention of unlawful activities associations, deal with terrorist activities, and address matters connected with national security.
• Supreme Court Judgment - January 5, 2026: A Division Bench comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice N.V. Anjaria delivered a judgment in the bail pleas of seven individuals accused under UAPA in connection with the 2020 North East Delhi communal riots. The Court granted bail to five accused - Gulfisha Fatima, Shifa ur Rehman, Meeran Haider, Saleem Khan, and Shadab Ahmad - but denied bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, categorizing them as "architects" of the alleged conspiracy.
• Expanded Definition of "Terrorist Act" Under Section 15: The Supreme Court interpreted Section 15 of UAPA broadly, holding that a "terrorist act" is not confined to conventional violence but extends to acts intended to threaten national unity or security through the deliberate disruption of essential services and civic life.
• What Constitutes a Terrorist Act (Section 15): Section 15 of UAPA defines a terrorist act as any act committed with intent to threaten the unity, integrity, security, economic security, or sovereignty of India, or to strike terror among the people. The Court held that culpability under the Act is not limited to the final execution of a violent act but extends to preparatory conduct, facilitation, abetment, and the conspiracy itself.
• Bail Provisions Under Section 43D(5): Section 43D(5) of UAPA imposes stringent restrictions on the grant of bail. Under Section 43D(5) of UAPA, bail is barred if accusations appear prima facie true.
• Case Background - 2020 Delhi Riots: The case relates to FIR 59/2020 filed under UAPA concerning the alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 North East Delhi communal riots. The prosecution alleged that Umar Khalid progressed from being a propagator of protest slogans to assuming a central role in the formulation and execution of a conspiracy alleged to constitute a terrorist act under Section 15 of UAPA.

From Kolkata to Goa: How Rs 2,742 Cr Coal Scam Funds Allegedly Fueled I-PAC's Election Machine

In the News: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted coordinated raids at multiple locations in West Bengal and Delhi linked to the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), the prominent political consultancy firm.

Key Points:

• ED Raids on I-PAC: On January 8, 2026, the Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at approximately 10 locations, including six in West Bengal and four in Delhi. Key locations raided included I-PAC's Salt Lake office in Kolkata, the residence of I-PAC co-founder and director Pratik Jain on Loudon Street in Kolkata, and premises of a trader in Burrabazar's Posta area.
• Scale of the Coal Scam: The case involves an alleged massive coal pilferage racket operating in West Bengal's Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) leasehold areas, particularly in Kunustoria and Kajora areas around Asansol. According to ED findings, the syndicate illegally excavated approximately 25.51 lakh metric tonnes of coal valued at over Rs 1,114 crore between December 2017 and October 2020.
• The Mastermind - Anup Majee (Lala): At the center of the coal syndicate is Anup Majee, also known as "Lala," whom investigators identify as the mastermind. Majee has a criminal history spanning decades, with at least 16 FIRs registered against him between 2000 and 2015. The CBI registered a fresh case against him in November 2020, focusing on illegal mining and theft from ECL's leasehold areas.
• Money Trail from Kolkata to Goa: The ED alleges that Rs 20 crore from the coal scam proceeds was transferred from Kolkata to Goa through a complex hawala network specifically to support I-PAC's election-related activities during the 2021–2022 Goa Assembly elections.
• Pratik Jain's Alleged Involvement: The ED claims in its court filing that Pratik Jain, co-founder and director of I-PAC (an IIT-Bombay alumnus), personally handled I-PAC's operations in Goa where the laundered funds were allegedly utilized for election-related activities. The agency has cited specific evidence against Jain related to hawala transactions and cash deals.
• CBI Investigation Background: The ED's money laundering case stems from a November 2020 FIR filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which alleged the multi-crore rupee coal pilferage scam. The CBI chargesheet has named at least 41 people in connection with the case.
• I-PAC's Political Consultancy Work: I-PAC (Indian Political Action Committee) is a prominent political consultancy firm that has provided services to multiple political parties, including the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) since 2019, the DMK in Tamil Nadu, and other regional parties. The firm specializes in election strategy, digital campaigns, and event management.

Oscars 2026: Five Indian Films Eligible for Best Picture at 98th Academy Awards

In the News: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) released its "Reminder List of Productions Eligible for the 98th Academy Awards," featuring five Indian films among the 201 feature films eligible to compete for the prestigious Best Picture category.

Key Points:

• Five Indian Films Eligible: The Indian films that have made it to the Best Picture eligibility list are: (1) Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 (Kannada), (2) Tanvi The Great (Hindi), (3) Mahavatar Narsimha (multilingual animated film), (4) Tourist Family (Tamil), and (5) Sister Midnight (Hindi-language UK-India co-production starring Radhika Apte). These films are among 201 titles that meet the additional eligibility requirements for Best Picture consideration.
• Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1: Directed by and starring Rishabh Shetty, this Kannada-language period action-thriller serves as a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster hit Kantara.
• Tanvi The Great: Directed by veteran actor Anupam Kher in his directorial venture, this Hindi film was released on May 1, 2025. The film showcases Kher's directorial vision and represents mainstream Hindi cinema's entry into the Oscar race for Best Picture consideration.
• Mahavatar Narsimha: This multilingual animated mythological epic, directed by Ashwin Kumar and presented by Hombale Films (the same studio behind Kantara), depicts Lord Vishnu's fourth avatar.
• Tourist Family: This Tamil-language film marks the directorial debut of Abishan Jeevinth and stars M. Sasikumar as Dharmadas and Simran as Vasanthi.
• Sister Midnight: A UK-India co-production in Hindi language, this film stars Radhika Apte and represents international collaborative cinema involving Indian talent and themes.
• Total Eligible Films: In total, 317 feature films are eligible for the 98th Academy Awards across all categories. Of these, only 201 films meet the strict additional eligibility requirements for the Best Picture category, demonstrating the selective nature of this prestigious recognition.
• Oscars 2026 Timeline: Nomination voting will take place from January 12 to 16, 2026. Official nominations for all 24 categories will be announced on January 22, 2026. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

India, Australia Invited to G7 Talks on Critical Minerals

In the News: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that India and Australia have been invited to join a special G7 finance ministers meeting in Washington on January 13, 2026, focused on critical minerals. The meeting aims to address global supply chain challenges and reduce dependence on China's dominance in critical minerals refining.

Key Points:

• Meeting Details: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is hosting the G7 finance ministers meeting in Washington on Monday, January 13, 2026, dedicated to discussing critical minerals. Bessent had been advocating for a focused meeting on this topic since the G7 leaders' summit last summer, and finance ministers previously held a virtual meeting in December 2025.
• Invitations to India and Australia: India and Australia were invited to participate in the meeting alongside several other countries. Bessent mentioned uncertainty about India's acceptance of the invitation at the time of his announcement. The complete list of invited countries beyond G7 members was not immediately disclosed.
• G7 Membership: The G7 comprises the United States, Britain, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, and Canada, along with the European Union, and most members rely heavily on China for rare earth supplies.
• Western Response to China's Market Control: Western countries have been working to reduce their dependence on China's critical minerals in recent years, particularly following China's implementation of strict export controls on rare earths. In June 2025, the G7 agreed on an action plan to secure their supply chains and strengthen their economies.
• Australia-US Strategic Partnership: Australia signed an agreement with the United States in October 2025 aimed at countering China's dominance in critical minerals, which included an $8.5 billion project pipeline. The agreement leverages Australia's proposed strategic reserve to supply metals such as rare earths and lithium that are vulnerable to supply disruptions. Subsequently, Australia has received interest from Europe, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.
• Current US-China Trade Relations: Bessent stated that China continues to fulfill its commitments to purchase US soybeans and ship critical minerals to US firms.

World Hindi Day 2026: Date, History, Significance, Theme & Quotes (Vishwa Hindi Diwas)

In the News: World Hindi Day (Vishwa Hindi Diwas) is observed annually on January 10 to promote the Hindi language globally. In 2026, this day continues to celebrate Hindi's rich literary heritage, cultural significance, and its role in uniting millions of speakers worldwide.

Key Points:

• Date of Observance: World Hindi Day is celebrated on January 10 every year. The day marks the anniversary of the first World Hindi Conference held in Nagpur, Maharashtra, in 1975.
• Historical Background: The first World Hindi Conference was inaugurated by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on January 10, 1975. The event brought together Hindi scholars, writers, and enthusiasts from around 122 countries to discuss the promotion and development of the Hindi language globally.
• Official Recognition: World Hindi Day was first officially celebrated on January 10, 2006, following a decision by former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's government to commemorate the language's global significance.
• Distinction from National Hindi Day: World Hindi Day (January 10) differs from National Hindi Day (September 14). National Hindi Day commemorates the adoption of Hindi in the Devanagari script as one of India's official languages by the Constituent Assembly on September 14, 1949.
• Language Statistics: Hindi is spoken by approximately 600 million people worldwide, making it one of the most widely spoken languages globally. It is the official language of India and is recognized in countries like Fiji, Mauritius, and Trinidad and Tobago.