{"id":3902,"date":"2026-01-23T07:27:24","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T07:27:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/?p=3902"},"modified":"2026-01-27T12:26:22","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T12:26:22","slug":"current-affairs-23rd-january-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/2026\/01\/23\/current-affairs-23rd-january-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Current Affairs 23rd January 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

1. Secondary particulate matter<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

GS paper III-Environment<\/p>\n

Context :<\/strong>The Supreme Court on 6 Jan 2026 directed CAQM to file a scientific report on major causes of worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR.<\/p>\n

    \n
  • The report is a meta-analysis of studies from 2015\u20132025 to arrive at a \u201cunanimous opinion\u201d on pollution sources.<\/li>\n
  • It is now in focus as it exposes data gaps, weak enforcement, and the need for a high-resolution, science-based clean-air roadmap.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Major Findings: Winter Contribution Share<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Secondary particulate matter is the largest single contributor \u2013 about 27% \u2013 in Delhi-NCR\u2019s winter pollution.<\/li>\n
    • Vehicular transport contributes roughly 23% to winter PM2.5 levels in the region.<\/li>\n
    • Biomass and waste burning (including crop residue and garbage) account for around 20%.<\/li>\n
    • Road dust and soil dust together contribute about 15% to winter pollution.<\/li>\n
    • Industrial emissions (including power plants and factories) make up about 9%.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Secondary Particulate Matter (PM) Explained<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Primary PM is emitted directly as solids\/liquids from sources like vehicles, construction, or burning.<\/li>\n
      • Secondary PM is not directly emitted; it forms in the atmosphere through chemical reactions of gases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        How Secondary PM Forms<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        • Gases like SO\u2082 and NO\u2093 from industries and vehicles undergo oxidation in the air.<\/li>\n
        • These oxidized acidic gases react with alkaline ammonia (NH\u2083) to form new compounds.<\/li>\n
        • Ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate then condense into fine solid\/liquid particles (PM2.5).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Why Ammonia (NH\u2083) is Crucial<\/strong><\/p>\n

            \n
          • Ammonia acts as the main \u201cneutralizer\u201d that converts acidic gases into stable solid particles.<\/li>\n
          • Over 80% of NH\u2083 in India comes from fertilizers and livestock waste in agriculture.<\/li>\n
          • This makes rural agricultural emissions a major indirect driver of urban secondary PM in Delhi-NCR.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Health Impact of Secondary PM2.5<\/strong><\/p>\n

              \n
            • Secondary PM2.5 is very fine and can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.<\/li>\n
            • It causes chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, harming multiple organs.<\/li>\n
            • Linked to aggravated asthma, COPD, lung cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and eye diseases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Why the Report Was Framed .<\/strong><\/p>\n

                \n
              • Past regulatory actions failed due to reliance on coarse or unreliable emissions data.<\/li>\n
              • Policies often focused only on local sources (like dust) while ignoring large regional secondary pollution.<\/li>\n
              • CAQM identified the need for a high-resolution (500m \u00d7 500m grid) emissions inventory to identify hotspot-specific solutions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                 <\/p>\n

                2. Upscaling Udhampur\u2019s Kaladi<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

                Context :<\/strong>Union MoS for Science & Technology has asked to upscale Kaladi for wider use in food products and modern recipes.<\/p>\n

                  \n
                • The push is to transform this traditional mountain cheese into a commercially viable and nationally recognised food item.<\/li>\n
                • Kaladi already has a GI tag, making it a protected geographical product of Jammu & Kashmir\u2019s Udhampur region.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  What is Kaladi?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • Kaladi is a famous traditional dairy product from the Dogra cuisine of Jammu & Kashmir.\"\"<\/li>\n
                  • It is a traditional stretched-curd cheese made in the Udhampur district of Jammu division.<\/li>\n
                  • Kaladi has been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognising its unique regional identity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    How is Kaladi Made?<\/strong><\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • Traditionally prepared from raw, full-fat milk using whey water as a coagulant.<\/li>\n
                    • Milk is vigorously churned in an iron pot with a wooden plunger-like tool.<\/li>\n
                    • The molten milk solids are separated by adding sour milk or curd (locally called mathar).<\/li>\n
                    • The cheese is then stretched, flattened, and cooled directly on the hot black iron pot.<\/li>\n
                    • After cooling, the flattened cheese is kept in a bowl to solidify and then sun-dried to remove moisture.<\/li>\n
                    • In Udhampur\u2019s mountainous climate, strong sun dries the outside while the inside stays moist and soft.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      About the GI Tag<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • GI stands for Geographical Indication and is given to products with a specific geographical origin and unique qualities.<\/li>\n
                      • It is used for agricultural, food, handicraft, and industrial goods associated with a particular region.<\/li>\n
                      • In India, GI tags are governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.<\/li>\n
                      • A GI tag is valid for 10 years and can be renewed thereafter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                         <\/p>\n

                        3. Long range Anti-ship hypersonic missile (LR-AShM)<\/span><\/h2>\n

                        GS paper III-Science and technology<\/p>\n

                        Context :<\/strong>LR-AShM will be showcased publicly for the first time at Kartavya Path during Republic Day 2026.<\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • The display follows successful flight tests in late 2024 and 2025 that validated its terminal maneuvers and high accuracy.<\/li>\n
                        • With this debut, India joins the small club of nations (US, Russia, China) with operational hypersonic glide missile technology.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                          What is LR-AShM? (Key Features)<\/strong><\/p>\n

                            \n
                          • It is a long-range air-to-surface hypersonic missile developed by DRDO.<\/li>\n
                          • Reaches speeds of Mach 10 (~3.37 km\/s) and maintains an average speed of Mach 5.0.<\/li>\n
                          • Can strike targets up to 1,500 km away, giving Indian forces a large stand\u2011off distance.<\/li>\n
                          • Uses a two-stage solid-propulsion rocket motor to achieve hypersonic velocity before releasing the glide vehicle.<\/li>\n
                          • Features indigenous X-band SAR and high-accuracy seekers to hit moving ship targets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                            Understanding \u201cHypersonic Glide Missile\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

                              \n
                            • Follows a boost-glide architecture: rocket lifts the vehicle to high altitude, after which it glides in the upper atmosphere.<\/li>\n
                            • Glide vehicle can perform sharp mid-course and terminal maneuvers, unlike ballistic missiles with fixed paths.<\/li>\n
                            • Its ability to change direction and altitude makes it extremely difficult for current air defense systems to intercept.<\/li>\n
                            • Follows a quasi-ballistic trajectory that stays below traditional radar horizons for most of the flight, adding stealth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                              Strategic Importance for India<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                \n
                              • Enables strong A2\/AD (anti-access\/area denial) in the Indian Ocean, especially against hostile aircraft carriers.<\/li>\n
                              • Helps secure key maritime chokepoints like the Malacca Strait from shore-based mobile launchers.<\/li>\n
                              • Showcases fully indigenous avionics and guidance, marking a major step toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defense.<\/li>\n
                              • Creates cost asymmetry: a relatively low-cost missile can threaten or disable a multi-billion dollar carrier.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                Policy & Border Defense Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                  \n
                                • Republic Day display signals India\u2019s technological sovereignty and military readiness to the world.<\/li>\n
                                • Acts as a reciprocal deterrent against adversarial \u201ccarrier-killer\u201d missiles targeted near India\u2019s borders.<\/li>\n
                                • Designed for all three services, with land-based and future ship-launched variants planned.<\/li>\n
                                • Helps future-proof India\u2019s defences by neutralizing advanced mid-course defence systems being developed by adversaries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                   <\/p>\n

                                  4. World\u2019s oldest cave art discovered in Indonesia\u2019s Muna island<\/span><\/h2>\n

                                  GS paper I-Art &culture<\/p>\n

                                  Context :<\/strong>A hand stencil in a cave on Muna Island, Indonesia, has been dated to at least 67,800 years ago.\"\"<\/p>\n

                                    \n
                                  • This makes it the oldest securely dated rock art known globally, older than any previously known cave art.<\/li>\n
                                  • The discovery is significant for understanding early human cognition and the spread of Homo sapiens across Island Southeast Asia.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                    About Muna Island<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                      \n
                                    • Muna Island lies in the Southeast Sulawesi province of Indonesia, across the Strait of Buton from Buton Island.<\/li>\n
                                    • It has an area of about 1,704 sq km and a hilly terrain, with forests, beaches, and coastal plains.<\/li>\n
                                    • The main town and port is Raha, located on the northeastern coast.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                      The Rock Art Discovery<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                        \n
                                      • The artwork is a red hand stencil in Liang Metanduno cave, made by blowing pigment over a hand pressed against the wall.<\/li>\n
                                      • Uranium-series dating of calcite layers over the pigment gives a minimum age of 67,800 years for the hand stencil.<\/li>\n
                                      • This predates the previous oldest known rock art (from Spain and other Sulawesi sites) and is now considered the world\u2019s oldest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                        Cultural and Natural Features<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                          \n
                                        • Muna is home to the Muna people, who have a rich cultural heritage with traditional dances, crafts, and social customs.<\/li>\n
                                        • The island\u2019s economy relies mainly on agriculture, fishing, and local handicrafts.<\/li>\n
                                        • Famous natural attractions include Liangkobori Cave (with prehistoric paintings) and Napabale Lake, which has a natural tunnel to the sea.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                           <\/p>\n

                                          5. A dangerpus march towards a Himalayan ecocide<\/span><\/h2>\n

                                          GS PAPER III-Environment<\/p>\n

                                          Context :<\/strong>The Char Dham Road Widening Project has become a central point of conflict in 2025-2026 due to a series of disasters in Uttarakhand (like the Dharali flash flood) and the government\u2019s push for wider roads despite expert warnings.<\/p>\n

                                          Why the Himalayas are at Risk<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                            \n
                                          • Young Mountains:<\/strong> The Himalayas are tectonically active and still rising, making them naturally unstable.<\/li>\n
                                          • Seismic Sensitivity:<\/strong> The region falls under Zones IV and V<\/strong>, meaning it is highly prone to high-magnitude earthquakes.<\/li>\n
                                          • Fragile Geology:<\/strong> Slopes consist of loose soil and fractured rocks that cannot support heavy, vertical cutting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                            The Controversial Char Dham Road Project<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                              \n
                                            • Project Scope:<\/strong> A ~900 km project to provide all-weather connectivity to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.<\/li>\n
                                            • National Security vs. Ecology:<\/strong> The Ministry of Defence demands 10m wide roads for troop movement, while environmentalists warn of collapse.<\/li>\n
                                            • Width Standards:<\/strong> The project ignores the 5.5m Intermediate Lane<\/strong> standard recommended for hilly terrains by the 2018 MoRTH circular.<\/li>\n
                                            • Legal Conflict:<\/strong> In 2025, activists filed for a review of the 2021 SC judgment that allowed 10m widths, citing increased landslides<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                              Why the Engineering Approach is Problematic<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                \n
                                              • Wrong Road Standards:<\/strong> 10-12m wide roads require massive “hill-side cutting” which removes the “toe” support of the mountain.<\/li>\n
                                              • Geologically Sensitive Zones:<\/strong> Construction occurs in the Main Central Thrust (MCT)<\/strong>, where the earth’s crust is most broken.<\/li>\n
                                              • Muck Dumping:<\/strong> Debris (muck) is often dumped into rivers like the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, raising river beds and causing floods.<\/li>\n
                                              • Engineering Failures:<\/strong> Frequent use of vertical cuts<\/strong> instead of gentle slopes leads to immediate and recurring landslides.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                Irreplaceable Deodar Forests<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                  \n
                                                • Ecological Anchors:<\/strong> Deodar roots act as natural “nails,” binding the soil and preventing mass soil erosion.<\/li>\n
                                                • Microclimatic Regulation:<\/strong> These forests maintain local moisture levels and cool the air, preventing “heat islands” in the valleys.<\/li>\n
                                                • Irreplaceable Functions:<\/strong> They act as primary carbon sinks and are essential for the survival of endangered species like the Western Tragopan.<\/li>\n
                                                • Flawed Tree Translocation:<\/strong> Old-growth Deodars have deep, complex root systems; moving them has a near-zero survival rate<\/strong> in this terrain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                  Consequences & Policy Contradictions<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                    \n
                                                  • Risk Multiplier:<\/strong> Climate change causes intense “cloudbursts,” which, combined with weakened slopes, create catastrophic “mud-floods.”<\/li>\n
                                                  • Water Insecurity:<\/strong> Heavy construction destroys underground springs, which are the only source of water for thousands of Himalayan villages.<\/li>\n
                                                  • Policy Contradiction:<\/strong> While the government promotes “Green Growth,” it simultaneously bypasses Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)<\/strong> protections.<\/li>\n
                                                  • Governance Failure:<\/strong> Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are often segmented into small pieces to avoid stringent scrutiny.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                     <\/p>\n

                                                    6. BRICS India summit needs a green and resilient agenda<\/span><\/h2>\n

                                                    GS PPAER II-IR<\/p>\n

                                                    Context :<\/strong>India is hosting the BRICS Summit in 2026, making it a major diplomatic moment to shape the group\u2019s future path.<\/p>\n

                                                      \n
                                                    • The summit is being seen as a chance to present BRICS as a climate\u2011resilient, development\u2011focused bloc amid global uncertainty.<\/li>\n
                                                    • India is using its G\u201120 experience to promote a green, inclusive, and resilient BRICS agenda that speaks to the Global South.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                      Global Climate Leadership Vacuum<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                        \n
                                                      • Climate governance is weakening due to geopolitical tensions and shifting priorities among major powers.<\/li>\n
                                                      • The US has scaled back climate action, expanded fossil fuels, and weakened multilateral commitments.<\/li>\n
                                                      • Europe, once climate leaders, are now focusing more on security and economic concerns than on climate ambition.<\/li>\n
                                                      • This disengagement by developed nations has created a leadership gap that developing countries must now fill.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                        BRICS as a Climate Action Platform<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                          \n
                                                        • BRICS brings together major developing economies that all face climate risks, though in different ways.<\/li>\n
                                                        • Shared vulnerabilities (infrastructure, health, agriculture, livelihoods) make climate resilience a unifying BRICS theme.<\/li>\n
                                                        • India can use its balancing diplomacy to advance climate cooperation without harming key bilateral ties.<\/li>\n
                                                        • A BRICS green agenda can focus on adaptation, equity, and sustainable growth, not just emissions cuts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                          Strengthening Climate Coalitions<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                            \n
                                                          • BRICS has more economic and political weight than older groups like BASIC, so its voice on climate is stronger.<\/li>\n
                                                          • BRICS can help coordinate developing countries\u2019 positions in UN climate talks and protect their development space.<\/li>\n
                                                          • Several BRICS members have hosted major climate COPs, proving their role in sustaining the global climate process after Paris.<\/li>\n
                                                          • BRICS can collectively oppose unilateral climate\u2011linked trade measures that harm developing economies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                            Climate Finance: The Key Enabler<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                              \n
                                                            • Without adequate finance, developing countries cannot scale up climate action, adaptation, or clean energy.<\/li>\n
                                                            • The 2025 BRICS Climate Finance Declaration stressed urgent need for more funds for developing nations.<\/li>\n
                                                            • India insists climate commitments must be matched by financial support based on historical responsibility and capacity.<\/li>\n
                                                            • Effective climate finance needs engagement beyond the New Development Bank, including with the World Bank and IMF.<\/li>\n
                                                            • As private ESG flows slow, BRICS must help keep international finance flowing to climate projects in the Global South.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                              India\u2019s Strategic Opportunity<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                \n
                                                              • Expanded BRICS now covers a large share of global population, GDP, and trade, giving it real influence.<\/li>\n
                                                              • As host, India can shape a BRICS agenda that combines climate resilience with inclusive and equitable growth.<\/li>\n
                                                              • Leading a green BRICS agenda will boost India\u2019s global standing and its role as a leader of the Global South.<\/li>\n
                                                              • A strong BRICS climate initiative can help balance China\u2019s growing influence in global climate leadership.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                  \n
                                                                • The BRICS Summit is a strategic moment for India to influence global climate governance toward resilience and equity.<\/li>\n
                                                                • By putting green, inclusive development at the centre, India can help make BRICS a stable, development\u2011friendly force in global climate politics.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                   <\/p>\n

                                                                  7. Roadmap for Green Transition of MSMEs\u201d<\/span><\/h2>\n

                                                                  Context :<\/strong>NITI Aayog released the report \u201cRoadmap for Green Transition of MSMEs\u201d along with decarbonisation plans for cement and aluminium.<\/p>\n

                                                                    \n
                                                                  • It is a key document to guide India\u2019s 69 million MSMEs toward low\u2011carbon, sustainable growth over the next decade.<\/li>\n
                                                                  • The roadmap is in focus as it links the MSME sector\u2019s modernisation with India\u2019s pledge to reach net\u2011zero emissions by 2070.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                    About the MSME Green Transition Roadmap<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                                      \n
                                                                    • The roadmap is a 10\u2011year strategic action plan for green transformation of India\u2019s MSME sector.<\/li>\n
                                                                    • It identifies three main levers: energy efficiency, green electricity, and alternative fuels.<\/li>\n
                                                                    • A proposed National Project Management Agency (NPMA) will drive implementation through clusters, demand aggregation and finance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                      Key Data on Indian MSMEs<\/strong><\/p>\n