UPSC Current Affairs 1 January 2026

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

Vodafone-Idea gets relief on AGR dues, Pg1

Vodafone Idea receives five-year AGR dues freeze, offering partial relief and protecting government's 49% stake in the struggling telecom firm.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

Vodafone-Idea gets relief on AGR dues, Pg1

Vodafone Idea receives five-year AGR dues freeze, offering partial relief and protecting government's 49% stake in the struggling telecom firm.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

India’s space programme, a people’s space journey, Pg10

India's space program propels forward with ambitious goals: lunar missions, space station, and global collaborations, fostering national pride and technological advancement.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

India’s space programme, a people’s space journey, Pg10

India's space program propels forward with ambitious goals: lunar missions, space station, and global collaborations, fostering national pride and technological advancement.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

The U.S. tariff shock, India’s pharma future, Pg10

US tariffs threaten India's pharma exports; India seeks diversification, domestic reforms, and eastern alliances to maintain global pharmacy status.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

The U.S. tariff shock, India’s pharma future, Pg10

US tariffs threaten India's pharma exports; India seeks diversification, domestic reforms, and eastern alliances to maintain global pharmacy status.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 2: Parliament and State LegislaturesGS 2: Representation of the People's Act

Descent into farce, Pg10

ECI's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls faces criticism for procedural chaos, inconsistencies, and potential disenfranchisement before key state elections.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 2: Parliament and State LegislaturesGS 2: Representation of the People's Act

Descent into farce, Pg10

ECI's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls faces criticism for procedural chaos, inconsistencies, and potential disenfranchisement before key state elections.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood RelationsGS 1: Post Independence Consolidation and Reorganization

Hold the centre, Pg10

Bangladesh faces political uncertainty after Khaleda Zia's death and Sheikh Hasina's exile, amid rising instability and controversial elections.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood RelationsGS 1: Post Independence Consolidation and Reorganization

Hold the centre, Pg10

Bangladesh faces political uncertainty after Khaleda Zia's death and Sheikh Hasina's exile, amid rising instability and controversial elections.

EthicsGS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 4: Contributions of Moral Thinkers and PhilosophersGS 4: Laws, Rules and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance

Ensuring that the value of all lives is the same, Pg11

Legal analysis reveals disparities in compensation for road accident fatalities, advocating for a universal 'dignity floor' to ensure equality.

EthicsGS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 4: Contributions of Moral Thinkers and PhilosophersGS 4: Laws, Rules and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance

Ensuring that the value of all lives is the same, Pg11

Legal analysis reveals disparities in compensation for road accident fatalities, advocating for a universal 'dignity floor' to ensure equality.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyGS 2: E Governance

On property registration and title, Pg12

Supreme Court pushes for land record reforms, suggests blockchain for secure, transparent property registration amidst 'traumatic' property transactions.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyGS 2: E Governance

On property registration and title, Pg12

Supreme Court pushes for land record reforms, suggests blockchain for secure, transparent property registration amidst 'traumatic' property transactions.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

Decade after GMR’s ouster, AAI to study Maldives request to run airport, Pg14

Maldives seeks Indian assistance to manage Hanimaadhoo Airport, a decade after GMR's controversial ouster from Male airport project.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

Decade after GMR’s ouster, AAI to study Maldives request to run airport, Pg14

Maldives seeks Indian assistance to manage Hanimaadhoo Airport, a decade after GMR's controversial ouster from Male airport project.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their MandateGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Army’s animal contingent to debut at Republic Day parade, Pg15

Indian Army's animal contingent, including Bactrian camels and indigenous dog breeds, to debut at Republic Day parade, showcasing unique capabilities.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their MandateGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Army’s animal contingent to debut at Republic Day parade, Pg15

Indian Army's animal contingent, including Bactrian camels and indigenous dog breeds, to debut at Republic Day parade, showcasing unique capabilities.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

National drug survey to examine indigenous substance use patterns, Pg16

National Drug Use Survey 2026 to assess indigenous substance use, socio-economic impacts across 20 lakh individuals nationwide.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

National drug survey to examine indigenous substance use patterns, Pg16

National Drug Use Survey 2026 to assess indigenous substance use, socio-economic impacts across 20 lakh individuals nationwide.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Ban on oral formulations of nimesulide over 100 mg, Pg16

Health Ministry bans oral nimesulide formulations above 100mg due to potential liver toxicity risks, effective immediately under Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Ban on oral formulations of nimesulide over 100 mg, Pg16

Health Ministry bans oral nimesulide formulations above 100mg due to potential liver toxicity risks, effective immediately under Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Centre pre-publishes draft Rules for four Labour Codes, Pg16

Centre's draft Labour Codes mandate 48-hour work week, address women's night shift safety, and redefine wage/social security norms.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Centre pre-publishes draft Rules for four Labour Codes, Pg16

Centre's draft Labour Codes mandate 48-hour work week, address women's night shift safety, and redefine wage/social security norms.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support PricesGS 3: Major Crops, Cropping Patterns and Irrigation Systems

India’s status as world’s rice leader augurs a water crisis, PgII

India's rice production boom triggers water crisis; unsustainable groundwater depletion threatens agricultural heartlands despite government subsidies and strong monsoons.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support PricesGS 3: Major Crops, Cropping Patterns and Irrigation Systems

India’s status as world’s rice leader augurs a water crisis, PgII

India's rice production boom triggers water crisis; unsustainable groundwater depletion threatens agricultural heartlands despite government subsidies and strong monsoons.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Sex systems boost mitochondrial evolution in many kinds of insects, PgII

Research reveals insect sex determination systems influence mitochondrial DNA evolution rates, impacting biodiversity tracking and species identification accuracy.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Sex systems boost mitochondrial evolution in many kinds of insects, PgII

Research reveals insect sex determination systems influence mitochondrial DNA evolution rates, impacting biodiversity tracking and species identification accuracy.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

Govt freezes Vodafone Idea's AGR dues of Rs 87,695 crore for 5 years, Pg4

Government approves relief package freezing Vodafone Idea's Rs 87,695 crore AGR dues, rescheduling payments to ensure viability and protect government stake.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

Govt freezes Vodafone Idea's AGR dues of Rs 87,695 crore for 5 years, Pg4

Government approves relief package freezing Vodafone Idea's Rs 87,695 crore AGR dues, rescheduling payments to ensure viability and protect government stake.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 1: Poverty and Developmental Issues

Behind gig workers' strike on New Year's eve: A call for ban on 10-minute deliveries, Pg4

Gig workers strike against 10-minute deliveries, demanding fair wages, safety, and regulation under labour codes.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 1: Poverty and Developmental Issues

Behind gig workers' strike on New Year's eve: A call for ban on 10-minute deliveries, Pg4

Gig workers strike against 10-minute deliveries, demanding fair wages, safety, and regulation under labour codes.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Banks' gross NPAs likely to improve to 1.9% by FY27, Pg4

RBI stress test projects banks' gross NPAs improving to 1.9% by FY27, even under adverse macroeconomic conditions.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Banks' gross NPAs likely to improve to 1.9% by FY27, Pg4

RBI stress test projects banks' gross NPAs improving to 1.9% by FY27, even under adverse macroeconomic conditions.

GS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

From Jan 1, star ratings must for appliances, Pg4

Energy efficiency star ratings made mandatory for refrigerators, TVs, LPG stoves, and other appliances starting January 1st, 2025.

GS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

From Jan 1, star ratings must for appliances, Pg4

Energy efficiency star ratings made mandatory for refrigerators, TVs, LPG stoves, and other appliances starting January 1st, 2025.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Government Budgeting

GST cut impact: Fiscal deficit widens on lagging tax collections, Pg4

India's fiscal deficit widens to 62.3% due to GST cuts, lagging tax collections, despite record RBI dividend transfer.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Government Budgeting

GST cut impact: Fiscal deficit widens on lagging tax collections, Pg4

India's fiscal deficit widens to 62.3% due to GST cuts, lagging tax collections, despite record RBI dividend transfer.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Night shift for women to safety net: Rules are out, Pg5

New labour codes mandate 48-hour workweek, allow women's night shifts with safety measures, and ensure gratuity for fixed-term employees.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Night shift for women to safety net: Rules are out, Pg5

New labour codes mandate 48-hour workweek, allow women's night shifts with safety measures, and ensure gratuity for fixed-term employees.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Nimesulide over 100 mg banned, cough syrup counter sale may stop, Pg5

Nimesulide dosages over 100mg banned due to health risks; cough syrups may require prescriptions, enhancing drug regulation.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Nimesulide over 100 mg banned, cough syrup counter sale may stop, Pg5

Nimesulide dosages over 100mg banned due to health risks; cough syrups may require prescriptions, enhancing drug regulation.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

New year of hope for disabled military cadets: A new health cover that cuts costs, Pg5

Supreme Court extends ECHS benefits to disabled military cadets, offering free treatment and reducing financial burden, disability pension consideration is underway.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

New year of hope for disabled military cadets: A new health cover that cuts costs, Pg5

Supreme Court extends ECHS benefits to disabled military cadets, offering free treatment and reducing financial burden, disability pension consideration is underway.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

US firm & NTPC to team up, fuel India's thorium ambitions, Pg5

US firm Clean Core and NTPC collaborate to fuel India's thorium ambitions, enhancing energy security and reducing nuclear waste.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

US firm & NTPC to team up, fuel India's thorium ambitions, Pg5

US firm Clean Core and NTPC collaborate to fuel India's thorium ambitions, enhancing energy security and reducing nuclear waste.

GS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 1: Urbanization, Problems and Remedies

Farm fires over, Delhi still choked: Report, Pg7

Delhi's PM2.5 levels surge 30% post-farm fires, CSE report reveals local emissions and regional inflows as key culprits.

GS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 1: Urbanization, Problems and Remedies

Farm fires over, Delhi still choked: Report, Pg7

Delhi's PM2.5 levels surge 30% post-farm fires, CSE report reveals local emissions and regional inflows as key culprits.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Need to tackle all pollution sources, change approach, Pg8

Delhi's air pollution crisis demands year-round action, source control, and health-focused strategies to achieve National Clean Air Programme targets.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Need to tackle all pollution sources, change approach, Pg8

Delhi's air pollution crisis demands year-round action, source control, and health-focused strategies to achieve National Clean Air Programme targets.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Tariffs are gone. Now, let's build on India-Australia pact, Pg10

Australia eliminates all tariffs on Indian goods, boosting bilateral trade to Rs 3 lakh crore under ECTA agreement.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Tariffs are gone. Now, let's build on India-Australia pact, Pg10

Australia eliminates all tariffs on Indian goods, boosting bilateral trade to Rs 3 lakh crore under ECTA agreement.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Despite Trump, no turning back on climate, Pg10

Despite US skepticism, global climate diplomacy advances with increased renewable energy use and adaptation finance commitments by developed nations.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Despite Trump, no turning back on climate, Pg10

Despite US skepticism, global climate diplomacy advances with increased renewable energy use and adaptation finance commitments by developed nations.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Behind copper's record 2025 rally: Tariffs, supply hit, AI demand, Pg15

Copper prices surge to record highs in 2025 due to Trump's tariffs, supply disruptions, AI demand, and a weakening dollar.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Behind copper's record 2025 rally: Tariffs, supply hit, AI demand, Pg15

Copper prices surge to record highs in 2025 due to Trump's tariffs, supply disruptions, AI demand, and a weakening dollar.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure DoctrineGS 2: Representation of the People's Act

Before top court in 2026: Matters of religion, citizenship, liberty, Pg15

India's Supreme Court faces scrutiny over judicial conduct, Collegium transparency, and key cases involving religion, free speech, and citizenship in 2026.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure DoctrineGS 2: Representation of the People's Act

Before top court in 2026: Matters of religion, citizenship, liberty, Pg15

India's Supreme Court faces scrutiny over judicial conduct, Collegium transparency, and key cases involving religion, free speech, and citizenship in 2026.

News Analysis

Vodafone-Idea gets relief on AGR dues, Pg1

Vodafone-Idea gets relief on AGR dues, Pg1

India’s space programme, a people’s space journey, Pg10

India’s space programme, a people’s space journey, Pg10

The U.S. tariff shock, India’s pharma future, Pg10

The U.S. tariff shock, India’s pharma future, Pg10

Descent into farce, Pg10

Descent into farce, Pg10

Hold the centre, Pg10

Hold the centre, Pg10

Ensuring that the value of all lives is the same, Pg11

Ensuring that the value of all lives is the same, Pg11

On property registration and title, Pg12

On property registration and title, Pg12

Decade after GMR’s ouster, AAI to study Maldives request to run airport, Pg14

Decade after GMR’s ouster, AAI to study Maldives request to run airport, Pg14

Army’s animal contingent to debut at Republic Day parade, Pg15

Army’s animal contingent to debut at Republic Day parade, Pg15

National drug survey to examine indigenous substance use patterns, Pg16

National drug survey to examine indigenous substance use patterns, Pg16

Ban on oral formulations of nimesulide over 100 mg, Pg16

Ban on oral formulations of nimesulide over 100 mg, Pg16

Centre pre-publishes draft Rules for four Labour Codes, Pg16

Centre pre-publishes draft Rules for four Labour Codes, Pg16

India’s status as world’s rice leader augurs a water crisis, PgII

India’s status as world’s rice leader augurs a water crisis, PgII

Sex systems boost mitochondrial evolution in many kinds of insects, PgII

Sex systems boost mitochondrial evolution in many kinds of insects, PgII

Govt freezes Vodafone Idea's AGR dues of Rs 87,695 crore for 5 years, Pg4

Govt freezes Vodafone Idea's AGR dues of Rs 87,695 crore for 5 years, Pg4

Behind gig workers' strike on New Year's eve: A call for ban on 10-minute deliveries, Pg4

Behind gig workers' strike on New Year's eve: A call for ban on 10-minute deliveries, Pg4

Banks' gross NPAs likely to improve to 1.9% by FY27, Pg4

Banks' gross NPAs likely to improve to 1.9% by FY27, Pg4

From Jan 1, star ratings must for appliances, Pg4

From Jan 1, star ratings must for appliances, Pg4

GST cut impact: Fiscal deficit widens on lagging tax collections, Pg4

GST cut impact: Fiscal deficit widens on lagging tax collections, Pg4

Night shift for women to safety net: Rules are out, Pg5

Night shift for women to safety net: Rules are out, Pg5

Nimesulide over 100 mg banned, cough syrup counter sale may stop, Pg5

Nimesulide over 100 mg banned, cough syrup counter sale may stop, Pg5

New year of hope for disabled military cadets: A new health cover that cuts costs, Pg5

New year of hope for disabled military cadets: A new health cover that cuts costs, Pg5

US firm & NTPC to team up, fuel India's thorium ambitions, Pg5

US firm & NTPC to team up, fuel India's thorium ambitions, Pg5

Farm fires over, Delhi still choked: Report, Pg7

Farm fires over, Delhi still choked: Report, Pg7

Need to tackle all pollution sources, change approach, Pg8

Need to tackle all pollution sources, change approach, Pg8

Tariffs are gone. Now, let's build on India-Australia pact, Pg10

Tariffs are gone. Now, let's build on India-Australia pact, Pg10

Despite Trump, no turning back on climate, Pg10

Despite Trump, no turning back on climate, Pg10

Behind copper's record 2025 rally: Tariffs, supply hit, AI demand, Pg15

Behind copper's record 2025 rally: Tariffs, supply hit, AI demand, Pg15

Before top court in 2026: Matters of religion, citizenship, liberty, Pg15

Before top court in 2026: Matters of religion, citizenship, liberty, Pg15

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