January 22, 2026 - Current Affairs

India Flags the Indigenous Light Water Reactor (LWR) as Nuclear Priority

Context

As India opens its nuclear power sector to private players and explores export opportunities, the nuclear establishment has stressed the need to fast-track the fabrication of indigenous Light Water Reactors (LWR).

Light Water Reactors

Light Water Reactors form a mainstay of the global nuclear program currently account for over 85% of the civil nuclear reactor capacity in the world.

They use ordinary (light) water as both a coolant and a neutron moderator.

Freebies’ Different from Investing in Welfare for the Marginalised: SC

Context

The SC has distinguished welfare schemes from freebies, stating that large-scale distribution of state money to individuals is different from investing in public welfare.

About

A batch of petitions seek a judicial declaration that irrational freebies offered by political parties to lure voters during poll time should be considered a “corrupt practice”.

SC Observations: Welfare schemes like free healthcare and education are a constitutional obligation under the Directive Principles of State Policy.

China’s Military Drill Around Taiwan & India’s Strategic Interests

Context

Recently, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) conducted a large-scale military exercise around Taiwan named ‘Justice Mission-2025’.

About the ‘Justice Mission-2025’

It was a large-scale military exercise conducted by China’s PLA around Taiwan.

It was the second major drill of the year, launched to demonstrate China’s resolve to defend its sovereignty and national unity while sending a warning to Taiwanese separatist forces and foreign interference, particularly the USA.

Border fence issue and Farmers concerns

In News

The Union government has agreed in principle to shift the border security fence in Punjab closer to the International Border.

Present status

Punjab shares a 532-kilometre-long border with Pakistan and is fenced with barbed wire, with the distance from the International Border varying from a few feet to 2 km.

The electrified barbed wire fence was first installed in 1988 in Gurdaspur, Amritsar, and Ferozepur to prevent infiltration, militancy, and drug smuggling during Punjab’s militancy.

Bombay High Court Quashes Detention of Adult Trafficking Victim

Context

The Bombay High Court quashed a one-year detention order of an adult woman rescued during a police raid under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (PITA).

The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (PITA)

Section 17: PITA lays down strict timelines to ensure that rescue does not result in prolonged or arbitrary confinement. Immediately after rescue;

A person may be kept in temporary safe custody for a maximum of 10 days if production before a magistrate is not immediately possible.

NITI Aayog Reports on Green Transition in Cement, Aluminium and MSME Sectors

Context

NITI Aayog has released three reports outlining decarbonisation roadmaps for the cement, aluminum and MSME sectors.

Decarbonisation of Cement Sector

Growth: Cement production is projected to increase from 391 million tonnes in 2023 to about 2,100 million tonnes by 2070, reflecting India’s infrastructure and urbanisation needs.

India is the world’s second‑largest cement producer after China, contributing about 13% of global annual cement output.

News In Short 22-01-2026

In News

India’s 2025 agricultural year benefited from a rare “Goldilocks” combination of surplus monsoon rainfall and moderate temperatures, unlike 2024, which was the warmest year on record despite a good monsoon.

Goldilocks economy

It is an ideal but temporary state of balanced growth, low inflation, and full employment, supported by stable interest rates.

It offers a favorable environment for investment, particularly in equities