• 15 Jan 2026

Justice Mahesh Sharadchandra Sonak Takes Oath as Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court

Why in News? 

Justice Mahesh Sharadchandra Sonak was sworn in as the 18th Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court. 

Key Points 

• Appointment: The appointment was made by the President of India under Article 217 of the Constitution on the advice of the Union Law Ministry, following the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium. 
• Oath Administration: The oath of office was administered by Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar at a ceremony held in the Birsa Munda Mandap at Lok Bhavan, Ranchi. 
• Predecessor: He succeeded Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan. 
• Tenure: He will serve as Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court until his retirement on November 28, 2026. 
• Previous Position: He served as a judge of the Bombay High Court before elevation.

Read More: Collegium System,  President of India,  Governor , High Court, Supreme Court, Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court 

Ratapani Tiger Reserve Named After Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar

Why in News? 

The Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, announced that the Ratapani Tiger Reserve will be named in honour of renowned archaeologist and Padma Shri awardee Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar. 

Key Points 

• V. S. Wakankar: He was a renowned archaeologist best known for the discovery of Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
  • Major Contribution: Established India’s importance in prehistoric human history through rock art research. 
  • Award: Padma Shri (1975).  
• Ratapani Tiger Reserve: Madhya Pradesh’s eighth tiger reserve.  
  • India’s 57th tiger reserve.  
  • Rich in biodiversity including tigers, leopards, sloth bears and diverse flora. 
• Notified Under: Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Government of India. 
  • Enhancing habitat protection and wildlife corridors in central India. 
• Location: It is located in Raisen and Sehore districts of Madhya Pradesh, near Bhopal. 
• Eco-Tourism Impact: Renaming the reserve is expected to promote eco-tourism, increase public awareness, and provide international recognition to both the reserve and India’s archaeological legacy.

Read More: Ratapani Tiger Reserve, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, UNESCO, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters 

Akka Pade Initiative Launched in Karnataka

Why in News? 

The Government of Karnataka has launched the ‘Akka Pade’ initiative, also referred as ‘Akka Force’, a dedicated team to curb rising child pregnancies, child marriages, and related offences in Karnataka. 

• The initiative will begin operations on a pilot basis in Mysuru, Belagavi, and Mangaluru starting 15th August 2026. 

Key Points 

• Akka Force is a protective and preventive framework aimed at safeguarding women and children. 
  • About Akka Pade: The term “Akka” means elder sister in Kannada. 
  • Composition of Akka Force: The force will comprise women police personnel and senior NCC cadets. 
• Launch: The initiative was announced by the Women and Child Development Minister. 
• Rising Child Pregnancy Concern: Recent report from Child Welfare Committees showed significant increases in child pregnancies over the past few years in Karnataka, prompting the government response. 
  • Karnataka recorded 405 cases of child pregnancy in 2022–23, 709 cases in 2023–24, and 685 cases so far in 2024–25. 
• Objective of the Initiative: Akka Pade aims to reduce incidents of child marriages, teenage pregnancies, and sexual assault, through community engagement, patrolling, and awareness campaigns in public spaces like colleges and transit areas. 
• Support Mechanisms: The state operates the 1098 child helpline on a 24×7 basis for reporting distress cases and facilitating rapid interventions for at-risk children.

CAQM Inspects Faridabad Roads for Dust Mitigation Compliance

Why in News? 

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) conducted a high-level inspection of 127 road stretches in Faridabad, Haryana, to monitor dust control measures.

Key Points: 

• Curb Pollution: This is part of Operation Clean Air under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to fight air pollution in the NCR region. 
• Violations: Inspection revealed high visible dust, accumulation of construction waste, unpaved roadsides, and failure to use mechanical sweepers or water sprinklers. 
  • Road Dust: Contributes significantly to PM2.5 and PM10 levels; GRAP mandates mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling during high-pollution months. 
• Directive: CAQM has mandated immediate remedial action under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to prevent localized air quality deterioration. 
• CAQM: A statutory body established in 2021 to coordinate air quality management in the NCR and adjoining areas. 

Read More: Graded Response Action Plan, CAQM 

Regional Labour & Employment Conference Inaugurated in Jaipur

Why in News?

A two-day (14th - 15th January 2026)  Regional Labour & Employment Conference was inaugurated in Jaipur, Rajasthan, focusing on the implementation of India’s four new labour codes. 

Key Points: 

• Jaipur conference: It is part of a series of six regional consultations to ensure that the new labour regulatory regime is implemented effectively across the country. 
• Participants: Labour and Industry Secretaries from North-Western States/UTs gathered to discuss the Ease of Doing Business. 
• Purpose of Conference: The main aim is to facilitate smooth implementation of the four labour codes,transition to a web-based inspection system and the universalization of social security. 
  • These codes are designed to modernise and streamline India’s labour and employment regulatory framework. 
• Labour Reforms: The 29 central labor laws have been amalgamated into four codes to simplify compliance and protect workers' rights. 
• E-Shram Portal: Discussions also covered the integration of the e-Shram portal with other databases to provide seamless benefits to unorganized workers. 
• Significance: Strengthening federal coordination on labour reforms, ensuring that rules under the new codes are finalised quickly, and enhancing labour governance and employment services across states. 

Read More: Labour Codes, E-Shram Portal 

Sone River Water-Sharing Agreement Approved

Why in News? 

The Bihar Cabinet has approved the construction of the Indrapuri Reservoir Project after resolving the Sone River water-sharing dispute with Jharkhand through a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two states. 

Key Points 

• CWC Clearance: The Central Water Commission (CWC) approved the draft water-sharing agreement. 
• Cabinet Approval: The Bihar Cabinet also approved the Water Resources Department’s proposal to sign a draft MoU with Jharkhand. 
  • Enabling the construction of the Indrapuri Reservoir Project, Rohtas district (Bihar). 
• Background of Dispute: Under the 1973 Bansagar Agreement, undivided Bihar was allocated 7.75 million acre feet (MAF) of Sone water. 
  • Post-bifurcation: Jharkhand demanded a defined share, leading to prolonged negotiations. 
• Water Allocation Formula: As per the approved arrangement, Bihar will receive 5.75 MAF and Jharkhand 2.0 MAF from the share earlier allocated to undivided Bihar. 
• Irrigation Benefits: The project is expected to enhance irrigation potential in eight districts of Bihar. 
  • Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, Kaimur, Aurangabad, Arwal, Gaya and Patna—supporting agriculture and rural livelihoods. 
• Federal Coordination: The agreement was facilitated through discussions in the Eastern Zonal Council, which functions under Article 263 of the Indian Constitution. 
• Economic and Social Impact: Improved water availability will support agricultural productivity, food security and regional development in water-stress areas of Bihar. 

Read More:  Sone River, Central Water Commission (CWC),  Bansagar Dam, Eastern Zonal Council,  Indian Constitution. 

Uttarakhand Tops NITI Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index Among Small States

Why in News? 

Uttarakhand has secured the first position among small states, North-Eastern states & Union Territories category in the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024 released by NITI Aayog. 

Key Points 

• Strategic Initiatives: The Uttarakhand achieved this status by implementing new initiatives like Export and Logistics Policy and selecting two products per district to promote under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. 
• Top Small States/UTs: After Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir and Nagaland are among the top ranked regions, followed by Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu, and Goa. 
• Top Large States: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat are the leading large states in export preparedness. 
• Significance: The EPI helps identify strengths and gaps in export ecosystems across states, enabling policymakers to formulate targeted strategies to boost exports, enhance global integration and accelerate economic growth. 
• EPI: The Export Preparedness Index (EPI) is a comprehensive assessment tool that benchmarks states/UTs on their export readiness across several pillars including export policies, business environment, export ecosystem, infrastructure and export outcomes. 

Read More: Export Preparedness Index (EPI), NITI Aayog 

Chhattisgarh steps up three-year action plan for Bastar development

Why in News? 

Chhattisgarh has set up a three-year action plan for the development of the Bastar region, aiming to strengthen infrastructure, livelihoods, and public services while supporting peace and security in Maoist-affected areas. 

Key Points 

• Focus: The plan emphasises the rapid expansion of essential services such as education, healthcare, employment, roads, drinking water, electricity, and communication to reach the remotest habitations. 
  • Public Engagement: Strong participation in cultural events like the Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum shows local communities’ support for peace and development over violence. 
• Tourism development: Promotion of homestays, development of sites under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, and creation of a Bastar Tourism Corridor to boost livelihoods for local youth. 
• Van Dhan Kendra: For better collection and processing of minor forest produce. 
  • Linking tribal communities to market opportunities. 
• Education and Health Infrastructure: Expansion of Navodaya and PM Shri schools. 
• Anganwadi & Employment Initiatives: Implementation of schemes such as PM‑ABHIM, bike ambulance services, rural bus scheme, and other employment and livelihood initiatives were also emphasised. 

Read More: Bastar Olympics, Bastar Tourism Corridor, Swadesh Darshan Scheme, Minor forest produce,  PM Shri schools, PM‑ABHIM. 

Indian Lighthouse Festival Inaugurated in Visakhapatnam

Why in News? 

The 3rd Indian Lighthouse Festival was inaugurated in Visakhapatnam on January 9, 2026, by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

Key Points: 

• Tourism Push: The festival aims to transform historical lighthouses into vibrant tourist hubs to boost local economies. 
• New Projects: Plans were unveiled for Andhra Pradesh's first Lighthouse Museum in Vizag and four new lighthouses in the riverine areas of Assam. 
• MGM Park: The event featured cultural showcases, highlighting the maritime heritage of the "City of Destiny". 
• Maritime India Vision 2030: The festival aligns with Maritime India Vision 2030 and the government’s strategy for tourism-led coastal development. 
• Sagarmala Programme: The transformation of lighthouses is a sub-component of port-led development and coastal community empowerment. 
• Significance: It reinforces the concept of lighthouse tourism as a unique niche, enhancing local livelihoods, cultural exchange, and sustainable tourism around India’s extensive shoreline.

Read More: Sagarmala Programme, Maritime India Vision 2030, Lighthouse Museum 

Aquatic Biodiversity Initiatives Launched under Namami Gange

Why in News? 

On 14 January 2026, Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri C. R. Paatil inaugurated a suite of aquatic biodiversity conservation projects under Namami Gange at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun.

Key Points:

• New Center: A dedicated national hub, Aqua Life Conservation Monitoring Centre for Ganga and Other Rivers, established to support scientific monitoring, research, and policy guidance for freshwater biodiversity. 
  • New Facilities: The centre houses labs for ecotoxicology, aquatic ecology, spatial ecology, and microplastics analysis. 
• Dolphin Rescue Ambulance: A specially equipped Dolphin Rescue Ambulance (operated by TSAFI) was launched to provide rapid, scientific emergency response for distressed Ganga dolphins. 
• Indian Skimmer Conservation Project: Formally launched in collaboration with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) to provide a structured conservation plan for this rare bird species along the Ganga basin. 
• Species Protection: New conservation plans were launched for the Gangetic Dolphin and the Hilsa fish, focusing on habitat restoration. 
  • Biodiversity: The Ganga basin is home to over 2,500 species of flora and fauna. 
• Namami Gange Phase II: Shifts focus from just "Aviral" (continuous flow) and "Nirmal" (unpolluted flow) to include Gyan Ganga (research) and Arth Ganga (economic sustainability). 
• Significance: It will serve as a scientific hub for long-term monitoring of aquatic species, research on freshwater ecology and policy support and evidence-based decision-making. 

Read More: Namami Gange, Bombay Natural History Society,Gangetic Dolphin,Wildlife Institute of India (WII)