Legal Current Affairs for 20 January 2026

Nature: Proposed International Organization and Transitional Governing Administration.
Proposed Mandate: Overseeing working of the NCAG and the ISF, mobilizing international resources, and ensuring accountability as Gaza transitions from conflict to peace and development.
Membership Structure:
Chair: US President Donald Trump
Executive Board to include world leaders and key global personalities. E.g. World Bank President Ajay Banga
Potential Global Membership: Invitations sent to India, Argentina, Canada, Egypt, Turkey etc.
Countries may serve 3-year terms without contribution, paid permanent membership for reported $1 billion contribution.
The Board of Peace is being seen as a new approach to resolving Global Conflict, beyond its role in Gaza and the Middle East. It can be seen as a shift toward minilateral, leader-centric institutions over universal multilateralism.

Ganges river dolphin (P. gangetica):
Occurs in Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna, and Sangu-Karnaphuli River systems in India, Bangladesh and Nepal.
Locally called ‘susu’, it is endemic and India’s National Aquatic Animal.
Protection Status: Endangered (IUCN), Schedule–I (Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972)
Indus river dolphin (P. minor):
Occur in Indus basin (Beas River in India).
Locally called ‘Bhulan’, it is Punjab’s State Aquatic Animal
Protection Status: Endangered (IUCN), Schedule–I (WPA, 1972)
Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris):
Occur in marine, brackish, and freshwater environments throughout southeast Asia.
Slow swimmers, have unique water spitting behavior.
Protection Status: Endangered (IUCN)

Violent wildfire raging in Southern Chile forced evacuation of more than twenty thousand people.
Political Features
Location: Long narrow country in South America, with maximum width of 110 miles.
Neighbouring Countries: Peru and Bolivia (North), Argentina (East).
Bordered by Pacific Ocean on the West.
Geographical Features
Landforms: Andes Mountains (longest mountain chain in the world) to the east; the intermediate depression or longitudinal valley to the centre; and the coastal ranges to the west.
Desert: Atacama.
Longest River: Loa (rising from Andes).
Part of the Lithium triangle, along with Argentina and Bolivia.
Highest Peak: Ojos De Salado.

Genesis: Statutory body under Right to Information Act, 2005 to ensure greater information access to citizens.
Functions: Receive and inquire into complaints from any citizen regarding RTI act, etc.
Members: One Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and not exceeding 10 Information Commissioners (IC).
Appointment: By President on recommendation of a committee consisting of
Prime Minister (PM) (Chairperson)
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha
Union Cabinet Minister nominated by PM.

Relatively young island, 16-kilometre-long sand spit from the sand carried by waters of Godavari delta.
Protects Kakinada city from strong storm surges and acts as sort of natural break water providing tranquillity to ships making Kakinada Port one of the safest natural ports.
About Coringa WLS
Location: East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, at the confluence of Godavari River with Bay of Bengal
Part of Godavari Mangroves, was declared a wildlife sanctuary by Andhra Pradesh in 1978.

Traditional folk dance of the Bodo community of Assam.
Inspired by nature, symbolises blooming flowers, reflects harmony between human life and the natural world.
Traditionally performed by young Bodo women, men accompany as musicians, playing traditional instruments.
Usually performed in groups, forming circles or lines that enhance its visual elegance.
Cultural Significance: Dance represents peace, fertility, joy and collective harmony, and is closely associated with festivals such as Bwisagu, the Bodo New Year, and Domasi.