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Daily Current Affairs – 19 January, 2026

    Agricultural Subsidies and Need for Reform

    Context

  • The food subsidy is likely to touch Rs 2.25 trillion and the fertiliser subsidy may go up to Rs 2 trillion, in a total budget of around Rs 51 trillion.

    • Agricultural Subsidies in India

  • Agricultural subsidies refer to financial support and incentives provided by the government to farmers to reduce production costs, stabilise farm incomes, ensure food security, and promote adoption of modern inputs and sustainable practices.
  • Price Support: Government supports farmers by setting Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for certain crops. 
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    China’s Declining Birthrate and Impacts

    In News

  • The Chinese population has been consistently declining since 2022

    • Status of China’s Population

  • China’s population fell for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, dropping by 3.39 million to 1.405 billion.
  • Births fell to 7.92 million in 2025, down 17% from 9.54 million in 2024.
  • Crude Birth Rate declined to 5.63 per 1,000 people, the lowest in decades.
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    India & Global Stock Market Surge

    Context

  • India’s Nifty50 and Sensex indices have slipped about 1%, underperforming nearly every major global benchmark, while markets in South Korea, Japan, China, and the US have surged in recent months, rising between 2% and 21%.

    • About the India’s Stock Market

  • It operates under a robust and transparent regulatory framework overseen by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). It comprises two major exchanges:
  • Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE): Established in 1875, the BSE is Asia’s oldest stock exchange.
  • It lists over 5,000 companies, with the Sensex serving as its benchmark index.
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    Power Distribution Utilities Post Profit After Years of Losses

    Context

  • India’s power distribution utilities have recorded a collective Profit After Tax (PAT) of ₹2,701 crore in FY 2024–25. 

    • About

  • The distribution utilities have been reporting PAT losses for the past several years since unbundling and corporatization of State Electricity Boards.
  • This marks a new chapter for the distribution sector and is a result of several steps that have been taken to redress the concerns of the distribution sector.
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    News In Short 19-01-2026

    In News

  • India skipped the BRICS Plus naval exercise "Will for Peace 2026" hosted by South Africa, opting out entirely despite holding the BRICS chair this year.

    • What are BRICS Plus Naval Exercises?

  • BRICS Plus naval exercises are ad-hoc maritime drills involving BRICS members and selected non-BRICS partner countries.
  • They are not mandated under the BRICS framework and do not form part of official BRICS mechanisms.
  • Led by China, the exercise features active naval participation from Russia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and South Africa.
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