Daily Current Affairs- 20th January 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 20th January 2026

India Introduces First Tailings Policy to Recover Critical Minerals

In the News: India has introduced its first-ever Tailings Policy aimed at recovering critical minerals from mining waste. This pioneering initiative addresses environmental concerns while extracting valuable resources from tailings, supporting India's strategic mineral security and advancing the circular economy in the mining sector.

Key Points:

• First Tailings Policy Launch: India has unveiled its inaugural Tailings Policy, establishing a comprehensive framework for managing mining waste and recovering critical minerals from tailings accumulated at mining sites across the country.
• What Are Tailings: Tailings are the waste materials left after extracting valuable minerals from ore during mining operations. These residues often contain trace amounts of critical minerals that were previously uneconomical to recover but have become valuable due to technological advancements and rising demand.
• Critical Minerals Recovery: The policy focuses on extracting critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, graphite, nickel, and other strategic materials essential for clean energy technologies, electric vehicle batteries, semiconductors, and defense applications.
• Environmental Benefits: Reprocessing tailings reduces environmental hazards associated with mining waste, including soil contamination, water pollution, and land degradation. The policy promotes sustainable mining practices by minimizing waste accumulation and rehabilitating mining-affected areas.
• Alignment with Global Trends: The policy positions India alongside other nations pursuing circular economy approaches in mining. Countries like Australia, Canada, and the European Union have similar initiatives to recover critical minerals from legacy mining waste.

C-DOT Wins SKOCH Award 2025 for Life-Saving Cell Broadcast Disaster Alert System

In the News: The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has been honored with the prestigious SKOCH Award 2025 for developing India's Cell Broadcast Disaster Alert System. This innovative technology enables instant mass communication during emergencies, potentially saving thousands of lives by delivering critical disaster warnings directly to mobile phones.

Key Points:

• SKOCH Award Recognition: C-DOT received the SKOCH Award 2025 in the category of digital governance and public service innovation for its indigenous Cell Broadcast Disaster Alert System, recognizing its significant contribution to public safety and disaster management.
• About C-DOT: The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) is an autonomous telecom research and development center under the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India. It focuses on developing indigenous telecom technologies and solutions for national requirements.
• Cell Broadcast Technology: The Cell Broadcast Disaster Alert System uses cell broadcast technology to send emergency messages simultaneously to all mobile devices within a specific geographic area, without requiring phone numbers or internet connectivity, ensuring rapid and widespread dissemination.
• Disaster Warning Capabilities: The system can alert citizens about various disasters including earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, cyclones, landslides, industrial accidents, and other emergencies, providing crucial time for evacuation and safety measures.
• Integration with Disaster Management: The Cell Broadcast Alert System is integrated with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), India Meteorological Department (IMD), and other agencies to enable coordinated and timely emergency communications across the country.
• SKOCH Award Significance: The SKOCH Award is one of India's highest independent civilian honors recognizing excellence in governance, technology, and social development. Winning this award highlights C-DOT's commitment to leveraging technology for public welfare and national development.

Tiger Global case: How Supreme Court drew a line between treaty benefits and tax dues

In the News: The Supreme Court of India on January 15, 2026, denied tax relief to Tiger Global on capital gains from its exit from Flipkart, delivering a landmark judgment that clarifies the relationship between tax treaty benefits and outstanding tax liabilities.

Key Points:

• Supreme Court Verdict: The Supreme Court ruled against Tiger Global's claim for tax exemption on capital gains earned from selling its stake in Flipkart, rejecting the investment firm's argument that it was entitled to treaty benefits under the India-Mauritius tax treaty.
• Background of the Case: Tiger Global, a US-based investment firm, had invested in Flipkart through Mauritius-based entities. When Walmart acquired Flipkart in 2018 for $16 billion, Tiger Global sought exemption from capital gains tax in India by claiming benefits under the India-Mauritius DTAA.
• Tax Liability Issue: Indian tax authorities demanded capital gains tax on Tiger Global's profits from the Flipkart exit, arguing that the Mauritius entities were shell companies created primarily to avoid taxes in India, lacking genuine business substance in Mauritius.
• Treaty vs. Tax Dues Distinction: The Supreme Court clarified that while tax treaties provide mechanisms to avoid double taxation and offer certain exemptions, they do not automatically override legitimate tax liabilities, especially when transactions lack economic substance or involve treaty shopping.
• General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR): The judgment reinforced the applicability of GAAR provisions, which allow tax authorities to deny treaty benefits in cases where the primary purpose of a transaction structure is tax avoidance rather than legitimate business objectives.

India Ranks Sixth in Asia Manufacturing Index 2026, Needs Stronger Push

In the News: India has been ranked sixth in the Asia Manufacturing Index 2026, reflecting its growing manufacturing capabilities while highlighting the need for accelerated reforms and investments to compete with leading Asian manufacturing hubs.

Key Points:

• Sixth Position in Asia: India secured the sixth rank in the Asia Manufacturing Index 2026, which evaluates countries based on manufacturing output, productivity, technological advancement, ease of doing business, infrastructure quality, and competitiveness in global markets.
• Top-Ranked Countries: China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore occupy the top five positions in the index, demonstrating advanced manufacturing ecosystems, robust supply chains, technological innovation, and efficient production capabilities that India aspires to match.
• Manufacturing Sector Contribution: Manufacturing contributes approximately 17% to India's GDP, still below the government's target of 25% under the 'Make in India' initiative. Expanding this sector is crucial for job creation, export growth, and economic development.
• Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes: The government's PLI schemes across 14 sectors, including electronics, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and renewable energy, have attracted significant investments and boosted manufacturing activity, contributing to India's improved ranking.
• Global Manufacturing Shift: India has opportunities to benefit from the global trend of supply chain diversification, with companies seeking alternatives to China. Strategic initiatives like the National Logistics Policy, National Infrastructure Pipeline, and investment in technology can position India as a preferred manufacturing destination.

IMF Raises India’s Growth Outlook to 7.3% for FY 2025–26

In the News: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised India's economic growth forecast upward to 7.3% for the fiscal year 2025–26. This upgrade reflects India's resilient economic performance, robust domestic demand, and strong fundamentals, positioning it as one of the fastest-growing major economies globally.

Key Points:

• Revised Growth Projection: The IMF has raised India's GDP growth forecast to 7.3% for FY 2025–26, up from its earlier projection. This upgrade underscores confidence in India's economic trajectory and its ability to sustain high growth rates amid global uncertainties.
• Fastest-Growing Major Economy: India continues to be the fastest-growing major economy in the world, outpacing other large economies including China, the United States, and European nations. This growth momentum reinforces India's position as a key driver of global economic expansion.
• Factors Driving Growth: The upward revision is attributed to several factors, including strong domestic consumption, increased public and private investment in infrastructure, resilient services sector performance, and government reforms aimed at improving the business environment.
• Infrastructure Development: Major government initiatives such as the National Infrastructure Pipeline, Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, and investments in roads, railways, and digital infrastructure are contributing significantly to economic growth and job creation.
• Digital Economy Expansion: India's digital economy continues to thrive, with rapid growth in fintech, e-commerce, digital payments through UPI (Unified Payments Interface), and technology-driven services boosting overall economic activity.
• Manufacturing Boost: The 'Make in India' initiative and PLI schemes across various sectors, including electronics, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy, are attracting both domestic and foreign investments, strengthening the manufacturing sector.

China’s Population Declines for Fourth Year Despite New Birth Incentives

In the News: China's population has declined for the fourth consecutive year, continuing a demographic trend that poses significant challenges for the world's second-largest economy. Despite implementing various birth incentives and policy reforms, the country faces persistent low birth rates, an aging population, and long-term economic implications.

Key Points:

• Fourth Consecutive Decline: China's population decreased for the fourth year in a row, with the total population falling below previous year levels. This ongoing decline marks a historic demographic shift for a nation that was the world's most populous for centuries.
• Birth Rate Statistics: The birth rate remains critically low despite government efforts to encourage families to have more children. The number of newborns continues to drop, with many couples citing economic pressures, career priorities, and high childcare costs as deterrents.
• Government Birth Incentives: Chinese authorities have introduced multiple incentives to boost birth rates, including extended maternity and paternity leave, cash subsidies for families with multiple children, tax breaks, housing benefits, and expanded childcare facilities.
• Three-Child Policy: China officially ended its decades-long one-child policy in 2016, expanded to a two-child policy, and further relaxed restrictions to a three-child policy in 2021. However, these measures have failed to reverse the declining birth trend.
• Aging Population Crisis: The declining birth rate coupled with increasing life expectancy has created a rapidly aging society. The proportion of elderly citizens (aged 60 and above) continues to grow, placing strain on pension systems, healthcare infrastructure, and the working-age population.
• Global Demographic Context: China's population decline mirrors trends in other East Asian nations like Japan and South Korea, which also face similar demographic challenges. India has already surpassed China as the world's most populous country, a position China held for centuries.

India Ranks 16th in Responsible Nations Index 2026

In the News: India has been ranked 16th in the Responsible Nations Index 2026, reflecting its commitment to sustainable development, environmental conservation, social welfare, and responsible governance.

Key Points:

• India's Ranking: India secured the 16th position in the Responsible Nations Index 2026, which evaluates countries based on their environmental sustainability, social equity, governance quality, and commitment to global responsibilities.
• Environmental Initiatives: India's ranking reflects its significant efforts in renewable energy expansion, with the country being one of the world's largest producers of solar and wind energy. Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and commitments to net-zero emissions by 2070 have contributed positively.
• Climate Action Commitments: India has pledged to reduce carbon intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030 and achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity. These commitments under the Paris Agreement have strengthened India's global standing on climate responsibility.
• Social Welfare Programs: The ranking acknowledges India's extensive social welfare schemes, including financial inclusion through Jan Dhan Yojana, healthcare coverage via Ayushman Bharat, and poverty alleviation programs that benefit millions of citizens.
• Global Comparison: Countries with higher rankings in the index typically demonstrate advanced environmental regulations, lower carbon footprints, robust social safety nets, and strong institutional frameworks. India's 16th position places it among emerging economies making significant strides toward responsible development.

Abu Dhabi Named World's Safest City for Tenth Consecutive Year

In the News: Abu Dhabi has been ranked as the world's safest city for the tenth consecutive year in the Numbeo Global Safety Index 2026. The UAE capital topped the rankings among 400 cities across more than 150 countries, demonstrating exceptional standards in public safety, security infrastructure, and quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Key Points:

• Tenth Consecutive Recognition: Abu Dhabi has maintained its position as the world's safest city since 2017, marking an unbroken decade-long reign at the top of global safety rankings, outpacing major cities worldwide.
• Numbeo Global Safety Index 2026: The ranking was based on the Numbeo Global Safety Index, which evaluated 400 cities across more than 150 countries using crowdsourced data on crime perception, public safety, and quality of life indicators.
• Top Safety Metrics: Abu Dhabi achieved the number one ranking for overall safety, including highest scores in "safety when walking alone during the day" and "safety when walking alone at night," reflecting widespread public confidence among residents, expatriates, and tourists.
• Technology-Driven Security: The city's safety model integrates cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and real-time surveillance systems that help authorities anticipate and prevent security incidents before they escalate.
• Proactive Policing Strategy: Major General Ahmed Saif bin Zaitoon Al Muhairi, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police, attributes the success to advanced digital tools, data-driven approaches, and forward-leaning policing strategies that combine technology with human intelligence.
• Systematic Approach: Unlike cities with fluctuating safety rankings, Abu Dhabi's consistent top position stems from a systematic approach that blends technology, human policing, community engagement, and thoughtful urban design to create secure public spaces.

India–Germany Joint Declaration of Intent(JDI)

In the News: India and Germany signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) to strengthen bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including green energy, technology, defense, and trade. This partnership reflects the deepening strategic ties between the two nations and their commitment to addressing global challenges collaboratively.

Key Points:

• Green and Sustainable Development Partnership: The JDI emphasizes cooperation on renewable energy, green hydrogen, and sustainable development. Both nations aim to accelerate the clean energy transition and work toward achieving climate goals under the Paris Agreement.
• Skill Development and Migration: Germany and India agreed to facilitate skilled worker migration through the Indo-German Migration and Mobility Partnership. This initiative aims to address labor shortages in Germany while providing employment opportunities for skilled Indian professionals.
• Defense and Security Cooperation: Both countries committed to enhancing defense ties through joint military exercises, defense technology transfers, and strategic dialogue on regional and global security challenges.
• Trade and Investment Enhancement: The JDI aims to boost bilateral trade beyond the current levels, with a focus on reducing trade barriers and encouraging investments in manufacturing, infrastructure, and services sectors.
• Educational and Cultural Exchange: India and Germany will expand academic collaboration, student exchange programs, and cultural initiatives to strengthen people-to-people connections and mutual understanding.
• Strategic Partnership Framework: The Joint Declaration of Intent builds upon the existing India-Germany Strategic Partnership established in 2000 and upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reinforcing long-term cooperation across economic, political, and social domains.

Ilaiyaraaja to Receive Padmapani Award at Ajanta–Ellora International Film Festival 2026

In the News: Legendary Indian music composer Ilaiyaraaja is set to receive the prestigious Padmapani Award at the Ajanta–Ellora International Film Festival (AEIFF) 2026. This honor recognizes his monumental contributions to Indian cinema and music over a career spanning more than five decades.

Key Points:

• Award Recipient: Ilaiyaraaja, renowned music composer with over 7,000 songs and 1,000+ film scores across multiple Indian languages, will be honored with the Padmapani Award at AEIFF 2026.
• Padmapani Award Significance: The award is named after the famous Padmapani fresco at the Ajanta Caves, symbolizing artistic excellence and cultural heritage. It is given to artists who have made exceptional contributions to cinema and the arts.
• Festival Details: The Ajanta–Ellora International Film Festival celebrates cinema, culture, and heritage, named after the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra.
• Ilaiyaraaja's Legacy: Known as "Isaignani" (The Musical Genius), Ilaiyaraaja revolutionized Indian film music by blending classical Indian music with Western orchestration. He has worked across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema.
• National Recognition: Ilaiyaraaja has previously received India's highest civilian honors, including the Padma Bhushan (2010) and Padma Vibhushan (2018), for his contributions to music and arts.
• Global Impact: He is the first Asian composer to score a symphony for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London and has been recognized internationally for his innovative compositions.
• Career Milestones: Starting his career in 1976 with the Tamil film "Annakili," Ilaiyaraaja has composed music for over 1,000 films and created timeless melodies that continue to influence generations of musicians.