Daily Current Affairs 2025  

20/01/2026

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CA-20/01/2026

• Established: 19 January 2006, following the Disaster Management Act, 2005
• Parent Body: Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
• Motto: Saving Lives & Beyond
• Strength: Sanctioned force of 18,556 personnel
• Presence: 68 locations nationwide, including 28 Regional Response Centres (RRCs) and 24 Tactical Pre-positioning Locations (TPLs)

• Disaster Response: Search, rescue, relief, and rehabilitation during natural and man-made disasters (earthquakes, floods, cyclones, industrial accidents, etc.).
• Specialized Teams: Each battalion has 18 Search and Rescue (SAR) teams with engineers, technicians, electricians, dog squads, and medical/para-medical staff.
• International Missions: NDRF has also participated in rescue operations abroad, showcasing India’s humanitarian commitment.
• Capacity Building: Conducts mock drills, awareness campaigns, and training for local communities to build disaster resilience.

• Lives Saved: Over 1,59,293 lives rescued since inception.
• Evacuations: More than 8,64,316 individuals evacuated from disaster-hit areas.
• Recognition: Admired globally for professionalism, dedication, and selflessness in disaster response.

• NDRF Academy: Established in Nagpur (after merging with National Civil Defence College in 2018).
• Specialized Training: Personnel trained in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies.
• Community Outreach: Regular disaster preparedness programs for schools, colleges, and local bodies.

• Organizers: Election Commission of India (ECI) and IIIDEM, in collaboration with International IDEA
• Global Participation: Nearly 100 international delegates from Election Management Bodies (EMBs), international organizations, foreign missions, and academic experts
• India’s Role: India has assumed the Chair of the Council of Member States of International IDEA for 2026, led by the Chief Election Commissioner
• Focus Areas: Sharing innovations, co-creating strategies, and building collective international stewardship for strengthening democracy and election management

• Strengthen Global Cooperation: Foster collaboration among EMBs worldwide.
• Innovation in Election Management: Showcase new technologies, practices, and frameworks for free and fair elections.
• Democracy Dialogue: Discuss challenges like misinformation, voter participation, and inclusivity.
• Capacity Building: Exchange best practices for training, monitoring, and evaluation in electoral processes

• Largest Global Conference in India: IICDEM 2026 is set to be the biggest international gathering hosted by India in the field of democracy and election management.
• Platform for Collaboration: It provides a forum for knowledge exchange among EMBs worldwide, fostering best practices in electoral integrity, technology adoption, and inclusive participation.
• Strategic Timing: With India chairing International IDEA, the conference underscores India’s leadership in promoting democratic values globally

• Origins & Purpose: Instituted by SKOCH Group, these awards highlight outstanding contributions across government, corporate, and civil society sectors.
• Prestige: Often referred to as “India’s Oscars of Governance”, they are considered one of the highest independent honors in the country.
• Scope: Awards span multiple categories such as Governance, BFSI (Banking, Financial Services & Insurance), Corporate Excellence, Smart Cities, MSMEs, Energy, Water, Health, and Skill Development.

• Governance Awards: Recognize state and central government projects that improve transparency, efficiency, and citizen services.
• Corporate Excellence Awards: Celebrate companies that go beyond profit-making to contribute to sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility.
• BFSI Awards: Honor banks and financial institutions for digital transformation, governance, and customer-centric innovations.
• Sectoral Awards: Cover areas like Smart Cities, Energy, Water, Health, MSMEs, Defence, and Skill Development

• Jio Knowledge Management Platform: Awarded Gold for excellence in digital customer experience.
• JioBrain: Recognized Gold for providing AI/ML as a service and innovating new tech solutions.
• Other Gold Winners: Included Zero-Touch SIM Activation, Helios SuperApp, JioAutomator.AI, JioCloudXP, and the Hospital Intelligence Platform.

• AirFiber Rollout: Awarded Silver for digital operations and efficiency within the Social Excellence category.
• Other Silver Winners: Included JioAssist (AI-powered support), Jio Edge Gateway, and the Jio Collection System. 

• Project ASTRAM (Andhra Pradesh)
  Won the SKOCH Gold Award for sustainable traffic management, praised for its innovative approach to easing congestion.
• Jharkhand Ayushman Arogya Locator
  Honored for improving healthcare accessibility by helping citizens locate Ayushman Bharat services.
• Directorate of Higher Education (Goa)
  Received recognition for the Converge initiative, which streamlined education governance.
• REC Limited
  Awarded for its Corporate Net Zero Transition, highlighting leadership in sustainability.
• NLC India Limited
  Conferred with the SKOCH Gold Award for outstanding financial performance.
• UP Police – Kumbh ICCC & Meta Suicidal Alert Initiative
  Bagged the SKOCH Gold Award for the Integrated Command & Control Centre at Maha Kumbh 2025 and its proactive social media monitoring system.
• IndusInd Bank – Indie for Business App
  Won Gold in Digital Transformation for empowering MSMEs with mobile banking solutions.
• Indian Overseas Bank – Risk Management & IOB SMART
  Secured Platinum in BFSI Governance Excellence, reflecting strong digital governance practices.
• Interarch Building Solutions – Project STAR
  Recognized with Silver in Digital Transformation for SAP-led rejuvenation.

• Digital Governance & Transformation: Banks and corporates were rewarded for leveraging technology to improve efficiency and customer experience.
• Sustainability & Net Zero: Energy and infrastructure companies stood out for climate-conscious initiatives.
• Public Service Delivery: State governments and police forces were recognized for citizen-centric innovations in healthcare, education, and safety.

• Ship & Mission: INS Sudarshini, a sail training ship of the Indian Navy, is leading the voyage.
• Duration: 10 months (January–November 2026).
• Distance: Over 22,000 nautical miles.
• Ports & Countries: Visits to 18 ports in 13 nations, spanning Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
• Events: Participation in major international tall‑ship festivals:
  • Escale à Sète in France.
  • SAIL 250 in the USA.
• Training: More than 200 Navy and Coast Guard trainees will receive intensive sail training during the expedition.
• Diplomatic Role: Acts as a symbol of India’s maritime heritage and cultural diplomacy, strengthening naval and cultural ties globally.

• Sail Training Excellence: Provide hands‑on seamanship and leadership training to naval cadets.
• Maritime Diplomacy: Showcase India’s naval traditions and foster goodwill with partner nations.
• Cultural Exchange: Promote India’s rich maritime history and cultural identity at international forums.
• Global Visibility: Position India as a key participant in international maritime events.

Aspect Significance Naval Training Builds resilience, teamwork, and seamanship among young officers. Soft Power Diplomacy Enhances India’s image as a maritime nation with deep cultural roots. Global Engagement Strengthens ties with 13 countries through port visits and joint activities. Showcasing Heritage Highlights India’s centuries‑old seafaring traditions on a global stage.

• Weather Risks: Long voyages across oceans expose the ship to storms and unpredictable conditions.
• Crew Fatigue: Sustained sailing over 10 months requires careful rotation and morale management.
• Diplomatic Sensitivity: Port visits demand coordination with host nations, ensuring smooth cultural exchanges.
• Maintenance: A sail training ship must be kept in peak condition during such a demanding journey.

• Launched by: World Intellectual Foundation (WIF) in collaboration with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai, and Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC)
• Objective: To evaluate nations not by their economic or military might, but by how responsibly they act towards their citizens, the environment, and the global community
• Scope: Covers 154 countries, making it one of the most comprehensive indices of its kind
• Framework: Built on transparent global data for credibility and comparability

1. Internal Responsibility
   • Governance quality
   • Social well-being of citizens
   • Inclusivity and equity in policies
2. Environmental Responsibility
   • Climate action and sustainability efforts
   • Biodiversity protection
   • Resource management
3. External Responsibility
   • Contribution to global peace and cooperation
   • Humanitarian aid and international solidarity
   • Respect for international norms and treaties

• Moves the narrative from “powerful nations” to “responsible nations”, emphasizing peace, prosperity, and sustainability
• Encourages inter-generational planning and long-term responsibility in policymaking
• Provides a credible benchmark for comparing nations beyond GDP or military strength

• For policymakers: Offers a new lens to evaluate national performance.
• For citizens: Highlights how their country fares in terms of responsibility, not just wealth.
• For global governance: Promotes accountability and cooperation in tackling shared challenges like climate change and inequality.

• Data reliability: Ensuring transparent and unbiased global datasets.
• Acceptance: Nations accustomed to GDP or military-based rankings may resist.
• Implementation: Translating index findings into actionable policies.

• Location: Cato Manor, Durban (also called the Cato Manor Second River Temple).
• Age: Established in 1875, making it the oldest Hindu temple in Africa.
• Unique Ritual: Famous for the annual firewalking ceremony, where devotees walk barefoot across burning embers as an act of faith and spiritual discipline.
• Cultural Significance: The temple is considered the birthplace of firewalking in South Africa, a tradition brought by early Indian settlers.
• Renovations: Recently underwent extensive renovations, including new tiling, to preserve its heritage.
• Community Role: Despite apartheid-era forced removals, devotees from areas like Phoenix and Shallcross continue to gather here for worship and festivals.

• The temple was once a thriving hub of the Indian community in Durban.
• During apartheid, many residents were displaced, but the temple remained a spiritual anchor.
• Today, it stands as a monument of resilience, blending tradition with modern preservation efforts.

• Scientific Name: Bos gaurus
• Common Name: Gaur, Indian Bison
• Conservation Status: Vulnerable (IUCN Red List)
• Distribution: Found across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Malaysia
• Population: Estimated maximum of 21,000 mature individuals globally, with India hosting the largest population

• Size: Adult males stand 1.7–2.2 meters at the shoulder and can weigh up to 1,500 kg.
• Appearance: Dark brown coat, muscular hump, and distinctive white “stockings” on the legs.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Males are about 25% larger and heavier than females.
• Horns: Large, curved horns that add to their imposing presence.

• Preferred Habitat: Dense forests, grasslands, and hilly terrain.
• Strongholds in India: Frequently sighted in national parks such as Nagarhole, Bandipur, Kanha, and Periyar.
• Domesticated Relative: The Gayal or Mithun, domesticated in Northeast India, is partly derived from the wild gaur.

• Threats: Habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
• Conservation Efforts: Protected under CITES Appendix I and safeguarded in several Indian wildlife reserves.
• Importance: As the largest wild bovine, gaurs play a crucial role in maintaining forest ecosystems.

• Named After: Johann Friedrich von Brandt (1836), a zoologist at the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN)
• Distribution: Found in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and parts of Central Asia

• Size: About 25 cm long; weight ranges from 500–1,000 g
• Distinctive Feature: Large ears (similar to the long-eared hedgehog) that help regulate body temperature in hot desert climates
• Spines: Lighter needle protection compared to European hedgehogs, allowing faster running
• Agility: Known as one of the fastest hedgehog species

• Preferred Environment: Arid deserts and mountainous regions
• Lifestyle: Terrestrial, nocturnal, and solitary
• Diet: Insectivorous—feeds on beetles, ants, termites, and occasionally small vertebrates
• Adaptations:
  • Large ears dissipate heat.
  • Speed helps escape predators.
  • Camouflaged spines blend with desert terrain.

• Soft matter refers to materials whose mechanical properties lie between liquids and solids. They are highly sensitive to temperature, pressure, and external fields.
• Examples: Polymers, surfactants, colloids, gels, foams, emulsions, liquid crystals, and biological tissues.
• Key Feature: They exhibit self-assembly and complex phase behavior, often governed by weak interactions (van der Waals, hydrogen bonding, electrostatics).

• Colloids: Suspensions of particles in a fluid; studied for stability, phase transitions, and applications in paints, food, and medicine.
• Polymers: Long-chain molecules with diverse mechanical and thermal properties; central to plastics, rubbers, and biomaterials.
• Liquid Crystals: Materials with properties between liquids and solids; crucial for display technologies.
• Biological Soft Matter: Membranes, proteins, DNA, and cytoskeletal structures; studied to understand cellular mechanics.
• Active Matter: Systems of self-driven particles (e.g., bacterial colonies, synthetic microswimmers) that exhibit collective motion.

Aspect	Impact
Industrial	Development of new materials (plastics, coatings, food products).
Medical	Drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, biomaterials.
Technology	Liquid crystal displays, smart gels, nanomaterials.
Fundamental Science	Understanding phase transitions, self-organization, and non-equilibrium systems.

• Complexity: Soft matter systems often involve many-body interactions and non-linear dynamics.
• Non-equilibrium behavior: Many systems (like active matter) are constantly driven, defying classical thermodynamics.
• Interdisciplinary demands: Requires tools from physics, chemistry, biology, and computational modeling.

• Maritime Surveillance: Extended patrols across India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
• Law Enforcement: Enforcing maritime laws and preventing illegal activities at sea.
• Search & Rescue: Equipped for humanitarian missions and disaster relief.
• Environmental Protection: Monitoring pollution and supporting ecological safety.
• Diplomatic Missions: Participates in overseas deployments, strengthening India’s maritime diplomacy.

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