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09/01/2026

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CA-09/01/2026

• Date of AO release: January 6, 2026 (marking the 2nd anniversary of Aditya-L1 reaching L1 point).
• Purpose: To maximize scientific returns by inviting proposals from the Indian solar physics community for observation time.
• Data availability: More than 23 terabytes of mission data are already public, with several results published in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Eligibility: Primarily Indian researchers in solar physics, though data remains globally accessible.
• Observation cycle: This AO marks the first cycle of proposals, opening Aditya-L1 to structured community-driven science.

• Mission Objective: To study the Sun’s atmosphere, magnetic field, solar wind, and space weather phenomena.
• Launch Details: Launched aboard PSLV-C57 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre on 2 September 2023.
• Orbit: Positioned in a halo orbit around L1, about 1.5 million km from Earth, ensuring uninterrupted solar observation.
• Payloads: Equipped with 7 scientific instruments including:
  • SUIT (Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope): Captures full-disk UV images of the Sun.
  • HEL1OS: Observes high-energy X-rays from solar flares.
  • ASPEX (Aditya Solar wind Particle Experiment): Studies solar wind particles.
  • Magnetometer: Measures interplanetary magnetic fields.
• Data Contribution: Over 23 TB of solar data already released publicly, enabling global scientific research.

• Space Weather Prediction: Helps forecast solar storms that can disrupt satellites, GPS, and power grids.
• Solar Physics: Provides insights into coronal heating, solar flares, and CMEs (Coronal Mass Ejections).
• Global Collaboration: Data is open to international researchers, strengthening India’s role in solar science.

• Harsh Environment: Instruments must withstand extreme radiation and temperature variations.
• Data Management: With terabytes of data generated, efficient analysis pipelines are crucial.
• Long-Term Mission: Planned duration of 5+ years, requiring sustained spacecraft health monitoring.

• Udai is the newly introduced mascot for Aadhaar, unveiled by UIDAI in January 2026.
• It was chosen through a national design and naming competition on the MyGov platform, with hundreds of entries submitted.
• The mascot is designed as a resident-facing communication companion, helping citizens better understand Aadhaar services and processes.

• The mascot emerged from a nationwide contest on the MyGov platform in 2025, receiving 875 entries.
• Arun Gokul from Thrissur, Kerala, won first prize for design, while Riya Jain from Bhopal took top honors for the name.​

• Simplify communication: Aadhaar involves technical processes like authentication, updates, and offline verification. Udai makes these easier to grasp.
• Promote responsible use: It encourages citizens to use Aadhaar safely, with awareness about selective sharing of personal information.
• Build trust & inclusion: By giving Aadhaar a friendly face, UIDAI aims to make the system more approachable for all age groups.
• Visual storytelling: Udai will be used across platforms to explain Aadhaar services in a clear, engaging way.

• The SWAMIH Fund (Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing) is a government-backed initiative launched in 2019 to provide last-mile financing for stalled housing projects.
• As of December 2025, it has successfully completed over 61,000 homes and is expected to deliver more than 1 lakh homes, benefiting over 4 lakh people.

• Backed by the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance.

• Homes delivered: 61,000 completed till December 15, 2025; target of 1 lakh homes.
• Beneficiaries: Over 4 lakh homebuyers across India.
• Projects covered: More than 145 projects across 30 cities.
• Capital unlocked: ₹37,400 crore across 127 projects.
• Jobs created: Around 36,000 employment opportunities in the construction ecosystem.
• Affordable housing share: 44% of projects fall under affordable housing.

• Protects homebuyers: Many buyers were stuck in delayed projects; SWAMIH ensures delivery.
• Boosts real estate sector: Revives confidence in housing markets and developers.
• Economic impact: Generates jobs, stimulates demand in allied industries (cement, steel, etc.).
• Largest stress resolution platform: SWAMIH is India’s biggest residential-focused stress fund.

• Limited scope: Focuses only on affordable and mid-income housing, not luxury projects.
• Dependence on governance: Success relies on disciplined capital deployment and strong oversight.
• Time-bound: Investment period ends December 2025, so future continuity depends on government policy.

• Purpose: To advise ministries/departments on the progressive use of Hindi in official work, in line with policies set by the Department of Official Language, Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Structure:
  • Chairperson: The Union Cabinet Minister of the concerned ministry.
  • Vice-Chairperson: The Minister of State of the ministry (ex-officio).
  • Members: Up to 15 non-government members, along with officials from the ministry.
• Mandate: Ensure Hindi is used in administration, law, drafting, publicity, and communication, making governance more accessible to the common citizen.

• Accessibility: Simplifies government communication for Hindi-speaking citizens.
• Inclusivity: Strengthens Hindi’s role while balancing multilingual governance.
• Legal Impact: Ensures laws and legal documents are more understandable to the public.

• Organizer: Ministry of Mines, Government of India.
• Dates & Venue: 8–10 January 2026 at Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Objective:
  • Structured discussions on regulatory and developmental issues in mining.
  • Strengthening Centre–State coordination for sustainable mineral development.
• Inauguration: Done by Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister for Coal and Mines, on 9 January 2026.
• Other Dignitaries:
  • Shri C. R. Patil, Union Minister for Jal Shakti.
  • Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Labour & Employment (as per reports).
• Focus Areas:
  • Policy reforms for mineral exploration and production.
  • Environmental sustainability in mining.
  • Leveraging technology for efficiency and transparency.
  • Enhancing investment opportunities and ease of doing business.

Aspect	Significance
Policy Reforms	Helps align mining regulations with modern sustainability and global competitiveness.
Centre–State Coordination	Ensures smoother implementation of mining projects across states.
Economic Impact	Mining contributes significantly to GDP, employment, and industrial growth.
Sustainability	Discussions on balancing resource extraction with environmental protection.
Technology Adoption	Push for digital monitoring, AI-driven exploration, and transparency in licensing.

• Environmental Concerns: Mining often leads to ecological degradation; balancing growth with sustainability is critical.

• State vs. Centre Interests: States seek greater autonomy in resource management, while the Centre emphasizes national policy alignment.
• Global Competition: India must adapt to international standards in mineral exploration and green steel production.
• Investment Risks: Regulatory uncertainty can deter private and foreign investment.

• Shift from Rule-based to Role-based Training
  Focuses on equipping civil servants with skills and competencies relevant to their roles rather than rigid rules.
• iGOT-Karmayogi Digital Platform
  A central hub offering thousands of courses in areas like administration, technology, law, and leadership. Over 1.26 crore users are registered, with 3.8 crore course completions.
• Capacity Building Commission (CBC)
  Established to oversee training standards, competency frameworks, and ensure quality across ministries.
• Integration of Indian Ethos with Global Outlook
  Training modules emphasize cultural values while preparing officers for global challenges.
• Decentralized Implementation
  Ministries and departments design their own capacity-building plans, tailored to their needs.

• Improves Governance Efficiency: By training officials in modern skills like AI, project management, and digital safety, governance becomes more responsive and accountable.
• Citizen-Centric Approach: Ensures public service delivery is faster, transparent, and tailored to citizens’ needs.
• Future-Ready Workforce: Prepares civil servants for challenges like digital transformation, climate change, and global cooperation.

• Implementation Gaps: Success depends on consistent adoption across states and ministries.
• Digital Divide: Officers in rural or resource-poor areas may face difficulties accessing online training.
• Quality Assurance: Ensuring all courses meet high standards is critical to avoid superficial learning.

• Timeline: Calendar year 2026 – one reform every week.
• Objective: Systemic improvements in efficiency, governance, and service delivery.
• Leadership: Announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in January 2026, with support from MoS V. Somanna and Ravneet Singh.

• Safety:
  • Target to reduce train accidents to single-digit figures (from 11 in 2025–26).
  • Enhanced infrastructure maintenance and monitoring systems.
• Technology & AI:
  • Leveraging AI and advanced tech for predictive maintenance, scheduling, and passenger services.
  • Smart ticketing and digital platforms for seamless travel.
• Passenger Amenities:
  • Food and catering upgrades for better hygiene and variety.
  • Improved station facilities, comfort, and accessibility.
• Workforce Development:
  • Revamped training programs to build a skilled workforce.
  • Talent management initiatives to modernize HR practices.
• Governance & Efficiency:
  • Streamlined processes for faster decision-making.
  • Transparent service delivery and accountability.

• Implementation Pace: One reform per week requires strong coordination and monitoring.
• Funding & Resources: Large-scale modernization demands sustained investment.
• Resistance to Change: Workforce adaptation to AI and new systems may face hurdles.
• Passenger Expectations: Delivering visible improvements quickly is critical to public trust.

• Location: Paradip, Jagatsinghpur district, Odisha, India
• Opened: 12 March 1966
• Operated by: Paradip Port Authority (PPA), under the Government of India
• Type: Artificial harbour with deep-water facilities
• Draft depth: 16 metres, capable of handling Cape-size vessels
• Berths: 21 operational berths
• Annual cargo tonnage: Over 150 million metric tons (2024–25)
• Chairman: P.L. Haranadh, IRTS

• Gateway for Eastern India: Paradip Port is the primary maritime hub for Odisha and nearby states, supporting industries in steel, coal, and petroleum.
• Energy & Industry: It handles crude oil imports for refineries and exports of iron ore and coal, making it vital for India’s energy and manufacturing sectors.
• Connectivity: Linked by rail and road to major industrial belts in Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh.

• Cyclone Risk: Odisha’s coast is prone to cyclones, requiring strong disaster management systems.
• Environmental Concerns: Industrial activity and oil handling raise risks of pollution in the Bay of Bengal.
• Competition: Paradip competes with Visakhapatnam and Dhamra ports for cargo traffic.

• Full form: Textiles-focused Research, Assessment, Monitoring, Planning and Start-Up (Tex-RAMPS).
• Launched by: Ministry of Textiles, Government of India (2025).
• Nature: Central sector scheme (fully funded by the Union Government).
• Objective: To build robust textile data systems, foster innovation, and enable evidence-based policy decisions.

• Strengthen Data Systems: Improve coverage, quality, timeliness, and credibility of textile-related statistics.
• Evidence-Based Planning: Conduct diagnostics like India-Size survey, employment trend analysis, and supply chain mapping.
• Boost Innovation: Support start-ups and R&D in textiles, technical textiles, and apparel.
• Integrated Approach: Drive planning at cluster and district levels for handlooms, handicrafts, apparel, and technical textiles.
• Collaboration: Enhance cooperation between states, industry, academia, and government institutions.

• Economic Role: Textiles contribute ~2% to India’s GDP, 11% to industrial output, and 13% to export earnings.
• Employment: Provides jobs to over 45 million workers, making it the second-largest employer after agriculture.
• Global Competitiveness: Tex-RAMPS aims to help India reach a USD 350 billion textile industry target by 2030.

• MoUs with States: Agreements signed with 15 states to strengthen textile data systems.
• Focus Areas: Handlooms, handicrafts, apparel, technical textiles, and emerging textile clusters.
• Financial Support: Central assistance for structural reforms and capacity building.

• Data Integration: Ensuring uniformity across diverse states and textile clusters.
• Start-up Ecosystem: Need for sustained funding and mentorship for textile-focused start-ups.
• Global Competition: Competing with established textile hubs like China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam.
• Technology Adoption: Bridging gaps in digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.

• Launch Date: January 8, 2026
• Launched By: Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annpurna Devi
• Purpose: To facilitate contributions and partnerships for early childhood care, nutrition, protection, and women empowerment.
• Nature: A non-monetary, transparent, and result-oriented platform — meaning it focuses on resources, expertise, and services rather than direct financial donations.

• Single-window access: Streamlines collaboration between individuals, NRIs, NGOs, CSR contributors, corporates, and government agencies.
• Transparency: Contributors can track progress and monitor impact of their involvement.
• Technology-enabled: Uses digital tools to unify voluntary and institutional contributions across thematic areas like nutrition, education, skill development, and protection.
• CSR Integration: Makes it easier for companies to align their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts with government-led welfare programs.
• Outcome-oriented: Focuses on measurable results rather than symbolic participation.

• Awareness & Adoption: Success depends on how widely NGOs, corporates, and individuals adopt the portal.
• Monitoring Quality: While transparency is promised, ensuring robust tracking mechanisms will be critical.
• Non-monetary focus: Since it doesn’t directly handle funds, impact relies on effective mobilization of services, expertise, and resources.

• A bio-based binder used in road construction, replacing part of conventional petroleum bitumen.
• Source: Produced via pyrolysis of agricultural residues (especially rice straw and other farm waste).
• Replacement capacity: Can substitute 20–30% of petroleum bitumen without compromising road performance.

• Environmental benefits:
  • Reduces stubble burning, a major cause of air pollution in North India.
  • Cuts reliance on fossil fuels and lowers carbon emissions.
• Economic benefits:
  • Lowers import costs of petroleum bitumen.
  • Creates value from agricultural waste, supporting farmers.
• Infrastructure benefits:
  • Roads built with bio-bitumen are expected to be more durable and cost-effective.

• First country to commercialize bio-bitumen.
• Developed by CSIR–Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) and CSIR–Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP).
• A 100-metre trial stretch has already been laid on the Jorabat–Shillong Expressway (NH-40) to demonstrate feasibility.
• Seen as the start of an era of “Clean, Green Highways”.

• Scaling production: Large-scale adoption requires consistent supply of farm waste and efficient pyrolysis plants.
• Performance validation: Long-term durability under diverse climates must be monitored.
• Policy support: Incentives for farmers and contractors will be crucial to mainstream adoption.

• Full name: Dust EXperiment (DEX), also called India’s Cosmic Dust Experiment.
• Developer: Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, under ISRO.
• Weight & Power: Compact 3 kg instrument, consuming only 4.5 W of power.
• Launch: Flown on the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) during the PSLV-C58 XPoSat mission in January 2024.
• Purpose: Detect and study interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) — microscopic fragments from comets and asteroids that form the Earth’s “meteor layer” and appear as shooting stars.

• Constant bombardment: DEX found that satellites in low Earth orbit are hit by space dust roughly every 1000 seconds.
• Origins of dust: These particles are remnants of comets and asteroids, offering clues about the early solar system.
• Real-time data: For the first time, Indian scientists are receiving direct measurements of cosmic dust impacts in orbit.
• Safety implications: Data helps design safer spacecraft by understanding how high-speed dust collisions affect satellites.

Feature	Importance
First Indian-made dust detector	Strengthens India’s independent space science capabilities
Detects hypervelocity impacts	Provides insights into how dust particles collide with spacecraft
Supports deep-space missions	Helps chart safer paths for future human exploration
Solar system clues	Dust particles carry information about comets, asteroids, and planetary formation

• Spacecraft vulnerability: Even microscopic dust can damage sensitive instruments over time.
• Data interpretation: Differentiating natural dust from man-made debris is complex.
• Scaling experiments: Larger missions may need more advanced detectors to study dust beyond Earth’s orbit.

• Launch Date & Time: 12 January 2026, 10:17 AM IST
• Launch Site: First Launch Pad (FLP), Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota
• Rocket Variant: PSLV-DL (two solid strap-on motors)
• Flight Number: 64th flight of PSLV, marking its return-to-flight after PSLV-C61 setback

• Type: Hyperspectral Earth Observation Satellite
• Purpose: Advanced environmental monitoring, disaster management, agriculture, and resource mapping
• Capabilities:
  • Captures data across hundreds of spectral bands
  • Enables detailed analysis of vegetation health, soil composition, water quality, and climate indicators
• Strategic Role: Built with inputs from DRDO, enhancing both civilian and surveillance capabilities

• Total: 18 co-passenger satellites
• Examples:
  • Kestrel Initial Demonstrator (KID): A Spanish startup’s prototype re-entry vehicle, slated to splash down in the South Pacific Ocean
  • AayulSAT & other commercial payloads: From startups and institutions across India, Mauritius, Luxembourg, UAE, Singapore, Europe, and the US

• National Security: EOS-N1 strengthens India’s surveillance and strategic imaging capabilities
• Environmental Monitoring: Hyperspectral data supports climate studies, agriculture, and disaster response
• Commercial Innovation: Demonstrates India’s growing role in rideshare launches, with payloads from multiple countries
• Return-to-Flight Confidence: Restores PSLV’s reliability after the PSLV-C61 failure in May 2025

• Hyperspectral Data Complexity: Requires advanced ground processing systems to fully utilize EOS-N1’s capabilities.
• Re-entry Demonstrator (KID): Though experimental, its success could pave the way for reusable technologies, but failure risks reputational impact.
• Global Competition: India’s commercial launch market faces increasing competition from SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and Chinese providers.

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