Daily Current Affairs – January 19, 2026

The National Highway Builders Federation has urged the finance ministry to clarify its order ending arbitration for highway projects. The federation warns this change discourages investment and increases project costs. It suggests the new dispute resolution framework could make projects unbankable. This impacts ongoing projects and future infrastructure development. The federation is also flagging concerns with bankers and financial lenders.

Business confidence in India is soaring, reaching a five-quarter high. Firms are optimistic about demand, profitability, and investment. GST rate cuts and festive spending are boosting sales. The industry expects the Reserve Bank of India to cut repo rates. CII suggests continued reforms and infrastructure investment for sustained growth.

What is the Palermo Protocol? How does the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 define trafficking? How does the Constitution of India protect children from exploitation? How has the Supreme Court reacted? Why is a strong Centre-State relationship important for countering exploitation?

Why did Chinese President Xi Jinping abolish the one-child policy in 2016? Why has Beijing increased its age of retirement? What are some of the policies China is implementing to increase child birth?

Navarro’s comments came as ties between New Delhi and Washington are reeling under strain on several other issues apart from tariffs

Shares of Dixon, Kaynes, and PG Electroplast have fallen sharply. This correction follows a period of strong growth driven by government policies and global supply chain shifts. Investors are now evaluating if the current stock prices offer value. Experts hold differing views on whether the sector is undervalued. Upcoming earnings reports will be crucial for future performance.

Polycab India’s December-quarter results delivered strong revenue and profit growth but also exposed margin pressures from higher costs. While the stock fell ahead of the results, most brokerages remain bullish, citing robust volumes and structural demand tailwinds, even as a few flag margins as the key risk going forward.

Music labels are investing in film studios to address weak monetization in streaming. By acquiring stakes, they gain control over content creation and diversify revenue streams, transitioning from passive rights holders to active ecosystem owners in India's evolving entertainment landscape.

Indian agriculture is leaning more heavily on fertilizer imports. Urea imports jumped 120% and DAP 54% between April and November FY26 as domestic output lagged demand. Mint explains the impact on farms and the exchequer.