UPSC Current Affairs 15 January 2026

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 4: Laws, Rules and Conscience as Sources of Ethical GuidanceGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

The continued custody in Delhi Riots cases, an injustice, Pg6

Supreme Court's Delhi Riots case order raises concerns over prolonged detentions, UAPA interpretation, and individual liberties, impacting justice.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 4: Laws, Rules and Conscience as Sources of Ethical GuidanceGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

The continued custody in Delhi Riots cases, an injustice, Pg6

Supreme Court's Delhi Riots case order raises concerns over prolonged detentions, UAPA interpretation, and individual liberties, impacting justice.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

An exploration of India’s minerals diplomacy, Pg6

India pursues critical mineral diplomacy amid China's export controls, forging partnerships with Australia, Japan, and African nations for resource security.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

An exploration of India’s minerals diplomacy, Pg6

India pursues critical mineral diplomacy amid China's export controls, forging partnerships with Australia, Japan, and African nations for resource security.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and EmploymentGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

Moving on, Pg6

CPI's outdated base year (2012) misrepresents current inflation; new CPI series with 2024 base year launching February 12.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and EmploymentGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

Moving on, Pg6

CPI's outdated base year (2012) misrepresents current inflation; new CPI series with 2024 base year launching February 12.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: World HistoryGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 1: Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization and Decolonization

The great reckoning, Pg6

Iran faces gravest challenge since 1979 due to internal unrest, economic distress, and external threats of intervention.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: World HistoryGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 1: Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization and Decolonization

The great reckoning, Pg6

Iran faces gravest challenge since 1979 due to internal unrest, economic distress, and external threats of intervention.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Why India needs a mentoring movement, Pg7

India poised to launch national mentoring movement, bridging education-employment gap, empowering youth with skills and networks for success.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Why India needs a mentoring movement, Pg7

India poised to launch national mentoring movement, bridging education-employment gap, empowering youth with skills and networks for success.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Over 77% of Rajasthan’s illegal mining FIRs filed in Aravalli districts, Pg7

Rajasthan's Aravalli range faces illegal mining crisis; flawed reclassification threatens ecological integrity despite Supreme Court intervention and ongoing legal disputes.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Over 77% of Rajasthan’s illegal mining FIRs filed in Aravalli districts, Pg7

Rajasthan's Aravalli range faces illegal mining crisis; flawed reclassification threatens ecological integrity despite Supreme Court intervention and ongoing legal disputes.

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

What is futuristic marine and space biotechnology?, Pg8

India explores futuristic marine and space biotechnology for biomanufacturing, food, and health advancements, aiming to reduce import dependency.

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

What is futuristic marine and space biotechnology?, Pg8

India explores futuristic marine and space biotechnology for biomanufacturing, food, and health advancements, aiming to reduce import dependency.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

Government appoints new chiefs for BSF, ITBP and NIA, Pg10

Senior IPS officers appointed as new chiefs of BSF, ITBP, and NIA, impacting India's border security and investigation agencies.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

Government appoints new chiefs for BSF, ITBP and NIA, Pg10

Senior IPS officers appointed as new chiefs of BSF, ITBP, and NIA, impacting India's border security and investigation agencies.

EthicsGS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 4: Ethical Issues in International Relations and Funding

SC to decide today on plea for passive euthanasia of man, Pg10

Supreme Court to decide on passive euthanasia plea for man in vegetative state after emotional family appeal.

EthicsGS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 4: Ethical Issues in International Relations and Funding

SC to decide today on plea for passive euthanasia of man, Pg10

Supreme Court to decide on passive euthanasia plea for man in vegetative state after emotional family appeal.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Education SectorGS 2: Health Sector

18,000 seats remain vacant, NEET-PG cut-off lowered after second round of counselling, Pg12

NEET-PG cut-off lowered to zero after 18,000 seats remain vacant, raising concerns about medical education standards.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Education SectorGS 2: Health Sector

18,000 seats remain vacant, NEET-PG cut-off lowered after second round of counselling, Pg12

NEET-PG cut-off lowered to zero after 18,000 seats remain vacant, raising concerns about medical education standards.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Education SectorGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

UGC brings out new rules against caste discrimination, Pg12

UGC strengthens anti-caste discrimination rules in higher education, mandates equity committees and includes OBCs, addressing previous criticisms.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Education SectorGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

UGC brings out new rules against caste discrimination, Pg12

UGC strengthens anti-caste discrimination rules in higher education, mandates equity committees and includes OBCs, addressing previous criticisms.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

NGT issues notice to 3 States over contamination of water, Pg12

NGT addresses critical water contamination in Rajasthan, MP, and UP, citing grave health risks and seeking state responses.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

NGT issues notice to 3 States over contamination of water, Pg12

NGT addresses critical water contamination in Rajasthan, MP, and UP, citing grave health risks and seeking state responses.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Scientists urged to rethink ‘smoking gun’ signals in topological physics, PgII

Scientists urged to exercise caution while interpreting 'smoking gun' signals in topological physics research, emphasizing reproducibility and transparency.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Scientists urged to rethink ‘smoking gun’ signals in topological physics, PgII

Scientists urged to exercise caution while interpreting 'smoking gun' signals in topological physics research, emphasizing reproducibility and transparency.

GS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Disaster ManagementGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Disaster and Disaster Management

‘Losses due to disasters drop in 2025, picture still alarming’, PgII

Global natural disaster losses drop to $224 billion in 2025, but climate change-driven extreme weather events remain alarming.

GS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Disaster ManagementGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Disaster and Disaster Management

‘Losses due to disasters drop in 2025, picture still alarming’, PgII

Global natural disaster losses drop to $224 billion in 2025, but climate change-driven extreme weather events remain alarming.

GS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 1: Changes in Critical Geographical Features, Water Bodies, Ice Caps, Flora and Fauna

After seed vault, an ice vault: First repository of mountain ice cores built, Pg2

Scientists inaugurate world's first mountain ice core repository in Antarctica, preserving Earth's atmospheric history amidst rapid glacial melting.

GS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 1: Changes in Critical Geographical Features, Water Bodies, Ice Caps, Flora and Fauna

After seed vault, an ice vault: First repository of mountain ice cores built, Pg2

Scientists inaugurate world's first mountain ice core repository in Antarctica, preserving Earth's atmospheric history amidst rapid glacial melting.

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

Pinaka Rockets to Gain Extended Strike Range, Pg6

Indian Army to upgrade Pinaka rocket systems, extending strike range to 150km and boosting indigenous artillery capabilities by 2026.

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

Pinaka Rockets to Gain Extended Strike Range, Pg6

Indian Army to upgrade Pinaka rocket systems, extending strike range to 150km and boosting indigenous artillery capabilities by 2026.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their MandateGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Indian Army's Military Diplomacy and Joint Exercises in 2025, Pg7

Indian Army bolsters global partnerships via joint military exercises in 2025, enhancing interoperability and counter-terror capabilities across diverse regions.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their MandateGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Indian Army's Military Diplomacy and Joint Exercises in 2025, Pg7

Indian Army bolsters global partnerships via joint military exercises in 2025, enhancing interoperability and counter-terror capabilities across diverse regions.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

How new policy will generate revenue from carbon credits (CARBON CREDIT MONETISATION), Pg8

Delhi government approves carbon credit monetization policy, aiming to generate revenue through emission reduction projects sold in international markets.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

How new policy will generate revenue from carbon credits (CARBON CREDIT MONETISATION), Pg8

Delhi government approves carbon credit monetization policy, aiming to generate revenue through emission reduction projects sold in international markets.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Disaster ManagementGS 3: Role of External State and Non State ActorsGS 3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

Indian Army Fully Prepared; Security Situation Under Firm Control: Chief of the Army Staff, Pg10

Army Chief reports 29 terrorists neutralized, infiltration down, and security firm on Northern, Western fronts, and Manipur.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Disaster ManagementGS 3: Role of External State and Non State ActorsGS 3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

Indian Army Fully Prepared; Security Situation Under Firm Control: Chief of the Army Staff, Pg10

Army Chief reports 29 terrorists neutralized, infiltration down, and security firm on Northern, Western fronts, and Manipur.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Delhi and Berlin, stability amid turbulence, Pg11

German Chancellor's visit to India strengthens strategic partnership amid global instability, focusing on trade, technology, and defence cooperation.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Delhi and Berlin, stability amid turbulence, Pg11

German Chancellor's visit to India strengthens strategic partnership amid global instability, focusing on trade, technology, and defence cooperation.

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

On climate, India, China are doing their fair share, Pg11

India and China lead global renewable energy expansion in 2025, reducing coal power generation for the first time in 50 years.

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

On climate, India, China are doing their fair share, Pg11

India and China lead global renewable energy expansion in 2025, reducing coal power generation for the first time in 50 years.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

Sergio Gor's arrival signals that a reset of India-US ties is within reach, Pg12

New US ambassador's arrival signals potential reset of India-US ties amid trade friction and strategic realignments.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

Sergio Gor's arrival signals that a reset of India-US ties is within reach, Pg12

New US ambassador's arrival signals potential reset of India-US ties amid trade friction and strategic realignments.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and EmploymentGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Investment Models

To become a developed economy, four reforms, Pg12

India aims developed economy by 2047, prioritising domestic savings, market-based financing, capital efficiency, and tech-driven productivity for sustainable growth.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and EmploymentGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Investment Models

To become a developed economy, four reforms, Pg12

India aims developed economy by 2047, prioritising domestic savings, market-based financing, capital efficiency, and tech-driven productivity for sustainable growth.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

Govt appoints Rakesh Aggarwal as NIA chief, former Haryana DGP to head ITBP, Pg14

Rakesh Aggarwal appointed NIA Director General, Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor to lead ITBP, Praveen Kumar heads BSF in key reshuffle.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

Govt appoints Rakesh Aggarwal as NIA chief, former Haryana DGP to head ITBP, Pg14

Rakesh Aggarwal appointed NIA Director General, Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor to lead ITBP, Praveen Kumar heads BSF in key reshuffle.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: E Governance

Cyber fraud cases: MHA’s new SOP allows refund below Rs 50,000 without court order, Pg22

MHA's new SOP expedites cyber fraud refunds below Rs 50,000 via NCRP, enhancing digital payment security and grievance redressal.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: E Governance

Cyber fraud cases: MHA’s new SOP allows refund below Rs 50,000 without court order, Pg22

MHA's new SOP expedites cyber fraud refunds below Rs 50,000 via NCRP, enhancing digital payment security and grievance redressal.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

India-US trade negotiators return to the table after Christmas break: Official, Pg24

India and US resume trade talks after holiday break amid tariff concerns and strategic mineral initiatives.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

News Analysis

The continued custody in Delhi Riots cases, an injustice, Pg6

The continued custody in Delhi Riots cases, an injustice, Pg6

An exploration of India’s minerals diplomacy, Pg6

An exploration of India’s minerals diplomacy, Pg6

​Moving on, Pg6

​Moving on, Pg6

The great reckoning, Pg6

The great reckoning, Pg6

Why India needs a mentoring movement, Pg7

Why India needs a mentoring movement, Pg7

Over 77% of Rajasthan’s illegal mining FIRs filed in Aravalli districts, Pg7

Over 77% of Rajasthan’s illegal mining FIRs filed in Aravalli districts, Pg7

What is futuristic marine and space biotechnology?, Pg8

What is futuristic marine and space biotechnology?, Pg8

Government appoints new chiefs for BSF, ITBP and NIA, Pg10

Government appoints new chiefs for BSF, ITBP and NIA, Pg10

SC to decide today on plea for passive euthanasia of man, Pg10

SC to decide today on plea for passive euthanasia of man, Pg10

18,000 seats remain vacant, NEET-PG cut-off lowered after second round of counselling, Pg12

18,000 seats remain vacant, NEET-PG cut-off lowered after second round of counselling, Pg12

UGC brings out new rules against caste discrimination, Pg12

UGC brings out new rules against caste discrimination, Pg12

NGT issues notice to 3 States over contamination of water, Pg12

NGT issues notice to 3 States over contamination of water, Pg12

Scientists urged to rethink ‘smoking gun’ signals in topological physics, PgII

Scientists urged to rethink ‘smoking gun’ signals in topological physics, PgII

‘Losses due to disasters drop in 2025, picture still alarming’, PgII

‘Losses due to disasters drop in 2025, picture still alarming’, PgII

After seed vault, an ice vault: First repository of mountain ice cores built, Pg2

After seed vault, an ice vault: First repository of mountain ice cores built, Pg2

Pinaka Rockets to Gain Extended Strike Range, Pg6

Pinaka Rockets to Gain Extended Strike Range, Pg6

Indian Army's Military Diplomacy and Joint Exercises in 2025, Pg7

Indian Army's Military Diplomacy and Joint Exercises in 2025, Pg7

How new policy will generate revenue from carbon credits (CARBON CREDIT MONETISATION), Pg8

How new policy will generate revenue from carbon credits (CARBON CREDIT MONETISATION), Pg8

Indian Army Fully Prepared; Security Situation Under Firm Control: Chief of the Army Staff, Pg10

Indian Army Fully Prepared; Security Situation Under Firm Control: Chief of the Army Staff, Pg10

Delhi and Berlin, stability amid turbulence, Pg11

Delhi and Berlin, stability amid turbulence, Pg11

On climate, India, China are doing their fair share, Pg11

On climate, India, China are doing their fair share, Pg11

Sergio Gor's arrival signals that a reset of India-US ties is within reach, Pg12

Sergio Gor's arrival signals that a reset of India-US ties is within reach, Pg12

To become a developed economy, four reforms, Pg12

To become a developed economy, four reforms, Pg12

Govt appoints Rakesh Aggarwal as NIA chief, former Haryana DGP to head ITBP, Pg14

Govt appoints Rakesh Aggarwal as NIA chief, former Haryana DGP to head ITBP, Pg14

Cyber fraud cases: MHA’s new SOP allows refund below Rs 50,000 without court order, Pg22

Cyber fraud cases: MHA’s new SOP allows refund below Rs 50,000 without court order, Pg22

India-US trade negotiators return to the table after Christmas break: Official, Pg24

India-US trade negotiators return to the table after Christmas break: Official, Pg24

Younger borrowers drive new credit growth, mid-age segment anchors loan portfolios: Report, Pg24

Younger borrowers drive new credit growth, mid-age segment anchors loan portfolios: Report, Pg24

China ends 2025 with record $1.2-tn trade surplus despite Trump tariff jolt, Pg24

China ends 2025 with record $1.2-tn trade surplus despite Trump tariff jolt, Pg24

IOC, BPCL arm announce oil discoveries in Abu Dhabi onshore block, Pg24

IOC, BPCL arm announce oil discoveries in Abu Dhabi onshore block, Pg24

RBI grants 'in-principle' nod to Japan's SMBC for setting up wholly owned subsidiary, Pg24

RBI grants 'in-principle' nod to Japan's SMBC for setting up wholly owned subsidiary, Pg24

US options in Iran could unsettle region, hurt India, Pg25

US options in Iran could unsettle region, hurt India, Pg25

Graft law: Shielding honest officers vs unmasking the corrupt, Pg25

Graft law: Shielding honest officers vs unmasking the corrupt, Pg25

Trump tariffs cut China's surplus with US, and made it the world's headache, Pg25

Trump tariffs cut China's surplus with US, and made it the world's headache, Pg25

More News Analysis

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Moving on, Pg6

Moving on, Pg6