UPSC Current Affairs 1 February 2026

GS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones

El Nino might occur after July; a clear picture will emerge after April: IMD, Pg11

IMD forecasts potential El Nino development post-July, raising concerns about monsoon rainfall, with clearer predictions expected in April.

GS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones

El Nino might occur after July; a clear picture will emerge after April: IMD, Pg11

IMD forecasts potential El Nino development post-July, raising concerns about monsoon rainfall, with clearer predictions expected in April.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Health Sector

Panel to provide guidance on healthcare for trans people, Pg11

Government forms expert panel to address transgender healthcare, following Supreme Court directive in Jane Kaushik case, aiming for inclusive policies.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Health Sector

Panel to provide guidance on healthcare for trans people, Pg11

Government forms expert panel to address transgender healthcare, following Supreme Court directive in Jane Kaushik case, aiming for inclusive policies.

GS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Security Challenges and Management in Border AreasGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

Indian Coast Guard marks 50 years of maritime service, Pg11

Indian Coast Guard celebrates 50th Raising Day, bolstering maritime security with 155 ships and 80 aircraft.

GS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Security Challenges and Management in Border AreasGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

Indian Coast Guard marks 50 years of maritime service, Pg11

Indian Coast Guard celebrates 50th Raising Day, bolstering maritime security with 155 ships and 80 aircraft.

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

Virus hijacks caterpillar’s gut-brain link to spread, Pg14

HearNPV virus manipulates caterpillar behavior via tachykinin release, compelling upward climb for enhanced viral dispersal, study reveals.

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

Virus hijacks caterpillar’s gut-brain link to spread, Pg14

HearNPV virus manipulates caterpillar behavior via tachykinin release, compelling upward climb for enhanced viral dispersal, study reveals.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 3: BiotechnologyGS 2: Health Sector

PRIYA trial links B12 intake to long-term health in babies, Pg14

PRIYA trial reveals B12's crucial role in gene expression, impacting long-term health and potentially reducing diabesity risk in offspring.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 3: BiotechnologyGS 2: Health Sector

PRIYA trial links B12 intake to long-term health in babies, Pg14

PRIYA trial reveals B12's crucial role in gene expression, impacting long-term health and potentially reducing diabesity risk in offspring.

GS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Achievements of Indians in Science and TechnologyGS 3: Space Technology

IIT-Kanpur team develops new way to predict solar cycles, Pg14

IIT-Kanpur develops innovative data-driven model predicting solar cycles by reconstructing invisible magnetic fields, enhancing space weather forecasting accuracy significantly.

GS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Achievements of Indians in Science and TechnologyGS 3: Space Technology

IIT-Kanpur team develops new way to predict solar cycles, Pg14

IIT-Kanpur develops innovative data-driven model predicting solar cycles by reconstructing invisible magnetic fields, enhancing space weather forecasting accuracy significantly.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday LifeGS 3: Space Technology

Ultra-thin electronics better survive space radiation, Pg14

Molybdenum disulphide electronics withstands space radiation, lasting 270 years compared to silicon's two, revolutionizing space communication durability.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday LifeGS 3: Space Technology

Ultra-thin electronics better survive space radiation, Pg14

Molybdenum disulphide electronics withstands space radiation, lasting 270 years compared to silicon's two, revolutionizing space communication durability.

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

Why is India-EU trade agreement significant?, Pg15

India-EU FTA concludes after two decades, promising tariff reductions and boosting trade in key sectors by 2026.

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

Why is India-EU trade agreement significant?, Pg15

India-EU FTA concludes after two decades, promising tariff reductions and boosting trade in key sectors by 2026.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial BodiesGS 2: Education Sector

Why have the new UGC regulations been stayed?, Pg15

Supreme Court stays UGC's 2026 equity regulations amid concerns of vagueness and potential misuse, especially regarding caste-based discrimination redressal.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial BodiesGS 2: Education Sector

Why have the new UGC regulations been stayed?, Pg15

Supreme Court stays UGC's 2026 equity regulations amid concerns of vagueness and potential misuse, especially regarding caste-based discrimination redressal.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

New debt-GDP fiscal anchor will likely open space for higher capex, Pg1

Centre shifts fiscal target to debt-GDP ratio, aiming 55% by FY27, allowing higher capex and gradual consolidation.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

New debt-GDP fiscal anchor will likely open space for higher capex, Pg1

Centre shifts fiscal target to debt-GDP ratio, aiming 55% by FY27, allowing higher capex and gradual consolidation.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Where elephants & trains cross path, an AI-enabled system prevents accidents, Pg1

AI-enabled Intrusion Detection System prevents elephant-train collisions by detecting movement via underground optical fibres, alerting train operators.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Where elephants & trains cross path, an AI-enabled system prevents accidents, Pg1

AI-enabled Intrusion Detection System prevents elephant-train collisions by detecting movement via underground optical fibres, alerting train operators.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

India backs people of Palestine, Gaza peace plan, PM tells Arab leaders, Pg1

India reaffirms support for Palestine, welcomes Gaza peace plan during Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting, emphasizing commitment to regional stability.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

India backs people of Palestine, Gaza peace plan, PM tells Arab leaders, Pg1

India reaffirms support for Palestine, welcomes Gaza peace plan during Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting, emphasizing commitment to regional stability.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and ForaGS 2: Indian Diaspora

PM meets Arab leaders, Pg2

PM Modi engages Arab League, Jaishankar advocates Gaza peace plan based on UNSC resolution amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and ForaGS 2: Indian Diaspora

PM meets Arab leaders, Pg2

PM Modi engages Arab League, Jaishankar advocates Gaza peace plan based on UNSC resolution amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Rural Ministry spending hits new low in FY26: Data, Pg6

Rural Ministry's expenditure plummets to a 9-year low, utilizing only 51% of allocated funds amid new spending norms.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Rural Ministry spending hits new low in FY26: Data, Pg6

Rural Ministry's expenditure plummets to a 9-year low, utilizing only 51% of allocated funds amid new spending norms.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: Role of Civil Services in a DemocracyGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

For IPS officers, Central stint must for IG-level posting: Govt, Pg6

Central government mandates two-year central deputation for IPS officers to qualify for IG-level empanelment, effective from the 2011 batch.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: Role of Civil Services in a DemocracyGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

For IPS officers, Central stint must for IG-level posting: Govt, Pg6

Central government mandates two-year central deputation for IPS officers to qualify for IG-level empanelment, effective from the 2011 batch.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Linkages of Organized Crime with TerrorismGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

India, Arab League seek lasting peace in Middle East, avoid naming Israel, Pg8

India and Arab League seek lasting Middle East peace, omitting direct criticism of Israel, while condemning Pathalgam terror attack.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Linkages of Organized Crime with TerrorismGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

India, Arab League seek lasting peace in Middle East, avoid naming Israel, Pg8

India and Arab League seek lasting Middle East peace, omitting direct criticism of Israel, while condemning Pathalgam terror attack.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Education Sector

Most states and UTs advised Centre to hike midday meal workers' wages, Pg9

States urge Centre to hike midday meal workers' wages under PM-POSHAN scheme, citing poor remuneration and demanding revisions before scheme extension.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Education Sector

Most states and UTs advised Centre to hike midday meal workers' wages, Pg9

States urge Centre to hike midday meal workers' wages under PM-POSHAN scheme, citing poor remuneration and demanding revisions before scheme extension.

GS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

Ahead of World Wetlands Day, Kutch, Etah sites get Ramsar tag, Pg9

India adds Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand to Ramsar list, boosting wetland conservation efforts ahead of World Wetlands Day.

GS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

Ahead of World Wetlands Day, Kutch, Etah sites get Ramsar tag, Pg9

India adds Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand to Ramsar list, boosting wetland conservation efforts ahead of World Wetlands Day.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Investment Models

SBI's CHAKRA facility to finance 8 sunrise sectors, Pg11

SBI's CHAKRA initiative aims to finance ₹100 lakh crore investments in eight sunrise sectors over five years.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Investment Models

SBI's CHAKRA facility to finance 8 sunrise sectors, Pg11

SBI's CHAKRA initiative aims to finance ₹100 lakh crore investments in eight sunrise sectors over five years.

News Analysis

El Nino might occur after July; a clear picture will emerge after April: IMD, Pg11

El Nino might occur after July; a clear picture will emerge after April: IMD, Pg11

Panel to provide guidance on healthcare for trans people, Pg11

Panel to provide guidance on healthcare for trans people, Pg11

Indian Coast Guard marks 50 years of maritime service, Pg11

Indian Coast Guard marks 50 years of maritime service, Pg11

Virus hijacks caterpillar’s gut-brain link to spread, Pg14

Virus hijacks caterpillar’s gut-brain link to spread, Pg14

PRIYA trial links B12 intake to long-term health in babies, Pg14

PRIYA trial links B12 intake to long-term health in babies, Pg14

IIT-Kanpur team develops new way to predict solar cycles, Pg14

IIT-Kanpur team develops new way to predict solar cycles, Pg14

Ultra-thin electronics better survive space radiation, Pg14

Ultra-thin electronics better survive space radiation, Pg14

Why is India-EU trade agreement significant?, Pg15

Why is India-EU trade agreement significant?, Pg15

Why have the new UGC regulations been stayed?, Pg15

Why have the new UGC regulations been stayed?, Pg15

New debt-GDP fiscal anchor will likely open space for higher capex, Pg1

New debt-GDP fiscal anchor will likely open space for higher capex, Pg1

Where elephants & trains cross path, an AI-enabled system prevents accidents, Pg1

Where elephants & trains cross path, an AI-enabled system prevents accidents, Pg1

India backs people of Palestine, Gaza peace plan, PM tells Arab leaders, Pg1

India backs people of Palestine, Gaza peace plan, PM tells Arab leaders, Pg1

PM meets Arab leaders, Pg2

PM meets Arab leaders, Pg2

Rural Ministry spending hits new low in FY26: Data, Pg6

Rural Ministry spending hits new low in FY26: Data, Pg6

For IPS officers, Central stint must for IG-level posting: Govt, Pg6

For IPS officers, Central stint must for IG-level posting: Govt, Pg6

India, Arab League seek lasting peace in Middle East, avoid naming Israel, Pg8

India, Arab League seek lasting peace in Middle East, avoid naming Israel, Pg8

Most states and UTs advised Centre to hike midday meal workers' wages, Pg9

Most states and UTs advised Centre to hike midday meal workers' wages, Pg9

Ahead of World Wetlands Day, Kutch, Etah sites get Ramsar tag, Pg9

Ahead of World Wetlands Day, Kutch, Etah sites get Ramsar tag, Pg9

SBI's CHAKRA facility to finance 8 sunrise sectors, Pg11

SBI's CHAKRA facility to finance 8 sunrise sectors, Pg11

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