Daily Current Affairs — 19 January 2026
4 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
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.
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 st
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.
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 Supp