Daily Top Current Affairs of the Day for 8th January 2026
1. Government Seeks Public Feedback on Draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025
The Union Government invited public comments on the Draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025, which will replace the Insecticides Act, 1968. The Bill aims to ensure the supply of quality pesticides, promote farmer safety, decriminalise minor offences, and improve Ease of Doing Business in the agri-input sector.
2. ISRO to Launch PSLV-C62 as First Mission of 2026
Indian Space Research Organisation will launch PSLV-C62 on 12 January 2026 from Sriharikota. ISRO is also studying the feasibility of in-orbit AI data centres, signalling a shift towards space-based edge computing and advanced satellite data processing.
3. ISRO Adopts Industry-Centric Model for Next Generation Launch Vehicle
ISRO adopted an industry-led development model for the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV – Soorya), marking a structural shift in India’s space ecosystem by integrating private sector participation from the design stage.
4. Parliament Passes SHANTI Bill, Opening Nuclear Sector to Private Players
Parliament passed the SHANTI Bill (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy in India), ending the monopoly of NPCIL and allowing private Indian companies to build and operate nuclear power plants, marking a historic reform in India’s nuclear energy policy.
5. Haryana to Launch India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train
Haryana will launch India’s first hydrogen-powered train on the Jind–Sonipat route. The Indian Railways pilot project uses green hydrogen and marks a major step towards low-carbon and sustainable rail transport.
6. Indian Railways Achieves Over 99% Electrification
Indian Railways completed electrification of over 99% of its broad-gauge network, making it one of the most electrified rail systems globally. The achievement reduces fuel imports, lowers emissions, and improves operational efficiency.
7. Government Removes Three-Year Rule for Deep-Tech Startup Recognition
The Government removed the mandatory three-year existence condition for deep-tech startups to receive recognition under DSIR’s Industrial R&D Promotion Programme, encouraging early-stage innovation and indigenous R&D.
8. Permanent Naval Facility to Come Up at Haldia
India approved the establishment of a permanent naval facility at Haldia, West Bengal, to support Fast Interceptor Crafts and Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts, strengthening maritime security in the Bay of Bengal.
9. Indian Navy to Commission 19 Warships in 2026
The Indian Navy plans to commission 19 warships in 2026, representing the largest single-year force accretion, significantly enhancing maritime combat readiness and indigenous shipbuilding capacity.
10. Extended-Range BrahMos Naval Missile Test Planned
India issued a NOTAM for testing the extended-range BrahMos missile (~500 km) in the Bay of Bengal. The 800 km variant is under advanced development, strengthening India’s naval strike capability.
11. Tejas LCA Completes 25 Years Since Maiden Flight
The Indian Air Force commemorated 25 years of the Tejas LCA’s maiden flight, highlighting progress in indigenous defence aviation under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
12. NCB Reports Major Drug Seizures in 2025
Narcotics Control Bureau seized 1.33 lakh kg of narcotics worth ₹1,980 crore in 2025 and arrested 994 traffickers, reflecting intensified enforcement against drug trafficking.
13. Government Approves NBS Rates for Rabi 2025–26
The Union Government approved Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for Rabi 2025–26, ensuring affordability of P&K fertilisers like DAP and supporting balanced nutrient use in agriculture.
14. RBI Cancels Registration of 35 NBFCs
Reserve Bank of India cancelled the registration of 35 NBFCs for regulatory non-compliance, reinforcing financial discipline and consumer protection.
15. India’s GDP Growth Estimated at 7.4% for FY26
India’s real GDP growth is estimated at 7.4% in FY26, with GDP projected at over ₹201 lakh crore, reflecting strong macroeconomic fundamentals and recovery momentum.
🧠 LAST-MINUTE EXAM QUICK REVISION
Pesticides Bill 2025 → Replaces 1968 Act
PSLV-C62 → First ISRO launch of 2026
NGLV (Soorya) → Industry-led model
SHANTI Bill → Private entry in nuclear power
Hydrogen Train → Jind–Sonipat
Rail Electrification → 99% complete
Deep-tech startups → DSIR rule relaxed
Haldia Naval Base → Bay of Bengal security
Navy 2026 → 19 warships
BrahMos ER → 500–800 km
Tejas LCA → 25 years
NCB → ₹1,980 crore seizure
NBS Rabi → Fertiliser support
RBI–NBFCs → Regulatory action
GDP FY26 → 7.4%
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