1. India Ranks 8th Globally in Pharmacovigilance
India has jumped to the 8th position globally in pharmacovigilance contributions to the World Health Organization (WHO). This achievement, announced during the release of the Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026 in New Delhi, reflects improved drug safety monitoring and expanded scientific standards. The Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026 now includes 3,340 monographs, and India has become the first country to include blood component monographs.
Why it matters: Enhances India’s global standing in healthcare governance and supports safer medicines.
2. Pralay Missile Strengthens India’s Tactical Strike Capability
The Pralay missile, an indigenous surface-to-surface quasi-ballistic weapon, successfully completed a salvo launch trial conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur (Odisha). The trial validated its precision, operational readiness, and manoeuvrability, with a strike range between 150 km and 500 km.
Why it matters: Signals a significant boost to India’s defence and deterrence posture.
3. Ganga Water Sharing Treaty Renewal Talks Begin
India and Bangladesh have formally initiated negotiations to renew the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty, originally signed in 1996 and set to expire in December 2026. Authorities from both nations are conducting joint water measurements of the Ganga and Padma rivers to guide discussions on sharing dry-season flows. The treaty has played a key role in stabilising bilateral relations for three decades.
Why it matters: Water diplomacy is crucial for regional cooperation and transboundary resource management.
4. Tamil Nadu Revises District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Rules
The Government of Tamil Nadu has updated the District Mineral Foundation Rules to strengthen community funding mechanisms designed to benefit regions affected by mining activities. These revisions aim to improve transparency and ensure optimal fund utilisation for local development.
Why it matters: Boosts socio-economic support for mining-impacted populations, with implications for state governance and rural policy.
5. National Textiles Ministers’ Conference in Guwahati
The Ministry of Textiles, in partnership with the Government of Assam, will host the National Textiles Ministers’ Conference on 8–9 January 2026 in Guwahati. The meet will focus on strategy, policy, and growth initiatives for the textiles sector, which is vital for employment and exports.
Why it matters: Key for policy direction in one of India’s major industrial sectors.
Practice MCQs
1. India Ranks 8th in Pharmacovigilance
India’s global ranking in pharmacovigilance is currently:
A. 5th B. 8th C. 12th D. 15th
Answer: B — India ranks 8th globally in pharmacovigilance.Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026 included blood component monographs for the first time.
A. True B. False
Answer: A — True; first inclusion of blood component monographs.
2. Pralay Missile Trial
The Pralay missile is categorised as a:
A. Cruise missile B. Quasi-ballistic missile
C. Ballistic missile D. Anti-tank missile
Answer: B — Quasi-ballistic missile.Which organisation conducted the Pralay missile trial?
A. ISRO B. DRDO
C. HAL D. BDL
Answer: B — Defence Research and Development Organisation.
3. Ganga Water Treaty Renewal
The Ganga Water Sharing Treaty was originally signed in:
A. 1986 B. 1996
C. 2006 D. 2016
Answer: B — 1996.The renewal talks are between India and:
A. Nepal B. Bangladesh
C. Bhutan D. Pakistan
Answer: B — Bangladesh.
4. DMF Rules in Tamil Nadu
The recent DMF rules revision aims to improve:
A. Sports policy B. Mining-affected fund utilisation
C. Fisheries D. Road safety
Answer: B — Fund utilisation for mining-affected communities.DMF funds are linked with:
A. Education only B. Community development
C. Highway construction D. Defence
Answer: B — Community development.
5. National Textiles Ministers’ Conference
The National Textiles Ministers’ Conference in Jan 2026 is scheduled in:
A. Delhi B. Bengaluru
C. Guwahati D. Chennai
Answer: C — Guwahati.This conference focuses on which sector?
A. Healthcare B. Textiles
C. Judiciary D. Space
Answer: B — Textiles.
