Daily Current Affairs- 8th January 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 8th January 2026

Uttarakhand Police Ranks First in ICJS 2.0 National Rankings

In the News: Uttarakhand Police secured the top position in the India Criminal Justice System (ICJS) 2.0 National Rankings, recognizing the state's excellence in criminal justice administration, technological integration, and efficient case management. This achievement highlights Uttarakhand's commitment to modernizing its police force and improving the delivery of justice to citizens.

Key Points:

• Top Ranking: Uttarakhand Police achieved the first rank in the ICJS 2.0 (India Criminal Justice System 2.0) National Rankings, establishing itself as the best-performing state police force in the country for criminal justice delivery.
• About ICJS 2.0: The India Criminal Justice System 2.0 is a comprehensive platform designed to integrate and streamline various aspects of the criminal justice system, including police, prosecution, courts, and prisons, through digital connectivity and data sharing.
• Technological Integration: Uttarakhand Police's success is attributed to effective implementation of digital platforms, online FIR registration systems, real-time crime tracking, and seamless data sharing with courts and prosecution departments.
• Efficient Case Management: The state has demonstrated excellence in timely investigation, charge-sheet filing, case monitoring, and coordination with judicial authorities, leading to improved conviction rates and faster justice delivery.
• Citizen-Centric Services: Uttarakhand Police has prioritized public-friendly initiatives including online complaint registration, grievance redressal mechanisms, transparency in police operations, and accessible citizen services.

CJI Surya Kant Inaugurates India’s First Fully Paperless District Court in Kalpetta, Kerala

In the News: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant inaugurated India's first fully paperless district court in Kalpetta, Wayanad district, Kerala. This landmark initiative represents a significant milestone in judicial reform and digital transformation, aiming to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in the Indian justice delivery system while promoting environmental sustainability.

Key Points:

• Historic Inauguration: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant formally inaugurated India's first completely paperless district court at Kalpetta in Wayanad district, Kerala, marking a transformative step in the digitalization of the Indian judiciary.
• Location: Kalpetta is the district headquarters of Wayanad, a hilly district in Kerala known for its scenic beauty and biodiversity. The district court now serves as a model for judicial digitalization across the country.
• Digital Infrastructure: The court is equipped with advanced digital infrastructure including e-filing systems, electronic case management software, digital display boards, video conferencing facilities, and secure cloud-based storage for all judicial records.
• Key Features: The paperless court system includes online case filing, digital hearing processes, electronic service of summons and notices, virtual court proceedings, digital signatures for orders and judgments, and automated case tracking for litigants.
• E-Courts Mission Mode Project: This achievement is part of the broader e-Courts Mission Mode Project, a pan-India initiative by the Supreme Court's e-Committee to digitalize the Indian judiciary and improve justice delivery through information and communication technology.

India Becomes First Country to Commercially Produce Bio-Bitumen

In the News: India achieved a global milestone by becoming the first country to commercially produce bio-bitumen, a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based bitumen used in road construction. This breakthrough innovation marks a significant advancement in green technology and positions India as a leader in sustainable infrastructure development while reducing dependence on imported crude oil.

Key Points:

• Global First: India has become the world's first country to achieve commercial-scale production of bio-bitumen, setting a precedent for sustainable road construction materials and green infrastructure development globally.
• What is Bio-Bitumen: Bio-bitumen is an eco-friendly, sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based bitumen, produced from organic and renewable sources such as agricultural waste, lignin, vegetable oils, and biomass instead of crude oil derivatives.
• Environmental Benefits: Bio-bitumen production significantly reduces carbon emissions, decreases dependency on fossil fuels, utilizes agricultural and industrial waste, and contributes to circular economy principles while maintaining comparable performance to traditional bitumen.
• Production Technology: The bio-bitumen is manufactured using indigenous technology developed by Indian research institutions and companies, involving advanced processes to convert renewable biomass into high-quality binding material suitable for road construction.
• Raw Materials: The production utilizes various organic sources including agricultural residues like rice husk and sugarcane bagasse, forestry waste, industrial lignin byproducts, and other plant-based materials abundantly available in India.
• Performance Characteristics: Bio-bitumen demonstrates performance properties comparable to or better than conventional bitumen, including adequate binding strength, durability, weather resistance, and suitability for various climatic conditions across India.

DRDO Celebrates 68th Foundation Day 2026: Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Cyber, Space & AI Leadership

In the News: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) celebrated its 68th Foundation Day, commemorating nearly seven decades of pioneering contributions to India's defence capabilities. The celebrations highlighted DRDO's achievements in advancing self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) in defence technology, with special emphasis on emerging domains including cybersecurity, space technology, and artificial intelligence leadership.

Key Points:

• Foundation Day: DRDO marked its 68th Foundation Day on January 1, 2026, celebrating its establishment in 1958 through the merger of the Technical Development Establishment and the Directorate of Technical Development and Production.
• About DRDO: The Defence Research and Development Organisation functions under the Ministry of Defence and is responsible for developing cutting-edge defence technologies across various domains including aeronautics, armaments, electronics, combat vehicles, missiles, and naval systems.
• Cybersecurity Advancements: DRDO highlighted significant progress in developing indigenous cyber defence systems, encryption technologies, cyber threat detection platforms, and secure communication networks to protect critical military and national infrastructure.
• Artificial Intelligence Integration: DRDO emphasized its leadership in AI-driven defence solutions including autonomous systems, intelligent surveillance, predictive analytics for threat assessment, AI-powered drones, and machine learning applications for strategic decision-making.
• Major Achievements: Recent accomplishments include successful missile tests, development of advanced radar systems, indigenous aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles, naval platforms, battlefield management systems, and next-generation weapons technology.
• Network of Laboratories: DRDO operates through a network of over 50 specialized laboratories and establishments across India, employing thousands of scientists and engineers working on diverse defence research projects.

Bengaluru Tops 2025 Ranking as Best Indian City for Women

In the News: Bengaluru was ranked as the best Indian city for women, according to a comprehensive assessment evaluating safety, economic opportunities, healthcare access, education, and social infrastructure. This recognition highlights the Karnataka capital's progressive policies, inclusive work culture, and commitment to gender equality, positioning it as a benchmark for women's empowerment in urban India.

Key Points:

• Top Ranking: Bengaluru secured the first position in the 2025 ranking of best Indian cities for women, outperforming other major metropolitan areas in providing a conducive environment for women's safety, professional growth, and overall quality of life.
• Evaluation Parameters: The ranking assessed cities across multiple criteria including women's safety and security, economic opportunities and workforce participation, healthcare facilities, educational access, public infrastructure, gender-responsive policies, and social support systems.
• Safety Measures: Bengaluru demonstrated strong performance in women's safety through well-lit streets, effective CCTV surveillance networks, women-only transport services, active police patrolling, functional women's helplines, and swift response mechanisms for emergency situations.
• Government Initiatives: The Karnataka government and Bengaluru municipal authorities have implemented various schemes focused on women's safety, entrepreneurship support, skill development programs, and gender-responsive urban planning.
• Social Environment: The city's cosmopolitan culture, progressive social attitudes, active women's organizations, community support networks, and inclusive public spaces contribute to creating an empowering environment for women.

U.S. Withdraws from 66 International Organizations Under Trump Order

In the News: President Donald Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from 66 international organizations, marking a significant escalation in America's retreat from multilateral global cooperation. This comprehensive recalibration primarily targets UN-affiliated bodies focused on climate action, labor standards, and social development, representing a fundamental shift toward unilateral and selectively multilateral approaches to international engagement.

Key Points:

• Executive Order Details: Signed on January 7, 2026, the order suspends U.S. support for 66 organizations, agencies, and commissions, most affiliated with the United Nations. The withdrawals followed extensive review of U.S. participation metrics, funding contributions, and alignment with administration priorities.
• Primary Targets: UN-affiliated bodies focusing on climate change, labor standards, and social development were central targets. The administration characterized these institutions as redundant, inefficient, or misaligned with U.S. national interests and sovereignty.
• UNFCCC Withdrawal: The U.S. exited the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), adopted in 1992. This foundational treaty underpins the Paris Agreement and represents the primary international legal framework for global climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.
• International Solar Alliance Exit: The U.S. withdrew from the India-France led International Solar Alliance, launched in 2015 to promote renewable solar energy development, technology transfer, and climate action. This marks a significant retreat from renewable energy cooperation.
• Historical Context: The U.S. is among the world's largest historical greenhouse gas emitters. Previous withdrawals under the Trump administration included the WHO, UN Human Rights Council, and UNESCO, establishing a pattern of disengagement from multilateral institutions.

UN Declares 2026 International Year for Rangelands and Pastoralists

In the News: The United Nations has declared 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists to raise global awareness about the critical importance of rangelands and the communities that depend on them. This designation aims to highlight sustainable rangeland management, pastoral livelihoods, and their vital role in biodiversity conservation, climate action, and food security.

Key Points:

• UN Declaration: The United Nations General Assembly officially proclaimed 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, recognizing the ecological, economic, and cultural significance of rangelands and pastoral communities worldwide.
• What are Rangelands: Rangelands are vast landscapes including grasslands, shrublands, savannas, and tundra that cover approximately 54% of the world's land surface. They support diverse ecosystems and provide grazing lands for livestock and wildlife.
• Global Significance: Rangelands are home to over 1 billion people globally, including pastoralists, agro-pastoralists, and Indigenous communities. They store significant amounts of carbon, support biodiversity, and provide essential ecosystem services.
• Pastoralist Communities: Pastoralists are communities whose livelihoods depend on raising and herding livestock on rangelands. They practice sustainable, mobile grazing systems that have been developed over centuries and are adapted to variable environmental conditions.
• Food Security Contribution: Rangelands produce meat, milk, and other animal products that contribute significantly to global food security, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where crop agriculture is not viable.
• India's Relevance: India has extensive rangelands across states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the Himalayan regions, supporting millions of pastoralists and agro-pastoralists. Communities such as Rabaris, Gujjars, Bhotiyas, and Gaddi shepherds depend on these ecosystems.
• Sustainable Development Goals: The International Year aligns with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, including those related to poverty reduction, food security, climate action, and life on land (SDGs 1, 2, 13, and 15).

Keyi Panyor to Become India's First Bio-Happy District

In the News: The newly formed Keyi Panyor district in Arunachal Pradesh is set to become India's first Bio-Happy District, marking a pioneering experiment in integrating biodiversity conservation with human well-being. This initiative, led by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation in collaboration with the district administration, revives the concept of "Biohappiness" coined by legendary agricultural scientist M.S. Swaminathan, aiming to build a sustainable development model rooted in ecology, livelihoods, and public health.

Key Points:

• Historic Achievement: Keyi Panyor district in Arunachal Pradesh has been designated as India's first Bio-Happy District, setting a precedent for ecological and sustainable development models that harmonize biodiversity conservation with community well-being across the country.
• Location and Significance: Keyi Panyor officially became the 26th district of Arunachal Pradesh on March 1, 2024, and is located in the eastern part of India. The district is known for its rich biodiversity, pristine forests, and indigenous communities, making it an ideal setting for testing this bottom-up development approach.
• Biohappiness Concept: The initiative revives the concept of "Biohappiness" coined by M.S. Swaminathan, which refers to a state of well-being achieved when biodiversity is conserved and sustainably used to improve nutrition, health, and income, fostering harmony between people and nature.
• Implementing Agency: The project is being implemented by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation in collaboration with the Keyi Panyor district administration. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of the Foundation, is leading the initiative to assess livelihoods, agro-biodiversity, and ecological systems within the district.
• Focus Areas: The Bio-Happy District project will study local farming systems, traditional knowledge, and biodiversity-rich landscapes of the region. The findings are expected to guide policies on sustainable rural development, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions.

A.K. Balasubrahmanian Appointed AERB Chairman 2026   (Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB))

In the News:  The Government of India appointed A.K. Balasubrahmanian as the new Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). This appointment marks a significant leadership transition in India's nuclear regulatory framework, with Balasubrahmanian bringing extensive experience in nuclear safety and regulatory oversight to the position.

Key Points:

• New Appointment: A.K. Balasubrahmanian has been designated as the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), the apex regulatory body for nuclear and radiation safety in India.
• About AERB: The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board was constituted in 1983 by the Government of India under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962. It functions as an independent regulatory authority responsible for ensuring the safe use of ionizing radiation and nuclear energy in the country.
• AERB's Mandate: The board regulates nuclear facilities, radiation facilities, and radioactive sources to protect public health, worker safety, and the environment. It issues licenses, conducts safety reviews, and enforces compliance with nuclear safety standards.
• Regulatory Framework: AERB operates under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) administratively but maintains functional independence in regulatory decisions. It formulates safety codes, guides, and standards for various nuclear and radiation facilities.
• Headquarters: AERB is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, with regional offices supporting regulatory activities across India's nuclear installations.

Why Oxford University Press had to apologise over a two decade-old book on Chhatrapati Shivaji Mahar

In the News: Oxford University Press (OUP) issued an apology and withdrew a book about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj following widespread criticism over alleged derogatory references to the revered 17th-century Maratha warrior king. The book, originally published over two decades ago, sparked outrage among political leaders, historians, and citizens who deemed certain passages as disrespectful to the iconic historical figure.

Key Points:

• The Controversy: The book in question contained passages that were perceived as derogatory and disrespectful towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, one of India's most celebrated historical figures and the founder of the Maratha Empire in the 17th century.
• Public Outcry: The controversy erupted after social media users and political leaders highlighted objectionable content in the book. Maharashtra-based politicians, activists, and citizens expressed strong disapproval, demanding action against the publisher.
• Oxford University Press Response: OUP India issued a formal apology acknowledging that certain content in the book was inappropriate and hurt sentiments. The publisher announced the immediate withdrawal of the book from circulation and digital platforms.
• Historical Significance of Shivaji Maharaj: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630-1680) is revered across India, particularly in Maharashtra, as a symbol of valor, strategic genius, and progressive governance. He is celebrated for establishing Hindavi Swarajya (self-rule) and his resistance against Mughal and Adilshahi forces.