UPSC Current Affairs 29 January 2026

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 1: ArchitectureGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

India, the beautiful — but first, India the functional, Pg8

India's tourism sector lags behind despite rich offerings; revamp needed in image, infrastructure, and visitor experience to boost growth.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 1: ArchitectureGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

India, the beautiful — but first, India the functional, Pg8

India's tourism sector lags behind despite rich offerings; revamp needed in image, infrastructure, and visitor experience to boost growth.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

The new logic of the Chinese economy, Pg8

China's economy shows resilience with 5% growth in 2025, driven by domestic demand and high-tech exports.

The new logic of the Chinese economy, Pg8

China's economy shows resilience with 5% growth in 2025, driven by domestic demand and high-tech exports.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Disaster ManagementPrelimsGS 3: Disaster and Disaster ManagementGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Abysmal failure, Pg8

Kolkata warehouse fire kills 11 migrant workers due to safety lapses and administrative negligence before assembly elections.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Disaster ManagementPrelimsGS 3: Disaster and Disaster ManagementGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Abysmal failure, Pg8

Kolkata warehouse fire kills 11 migrant workers due to safety lapses and administrative negligence before assembly elections.

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

Mature and pragmatic, Pg8

India-EU FTA: EU to drop tariffs on 99.5% of Indian exports, boosting trade and economic ties.

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

Mature and pragmatic, Pg8

India-EU FTA: EU to drop tariffs on 99.5% of Indian exports, boosting trade and economic ties.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyPrelimsGS 2: Representation of the People's ActGS 1: Women and Women's Organizations

Voters increasingly link their choices with policies, delivery, Pg9

Voter turnout stable, women's participation rises, and independent decision-making persists, showing resilience in India's electoral institutions.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyPrelimsGS 2: Representation of the People's ActGS 1: Women and Women's Organizations

Voters increasingly link their choices with policies, delivery, Pg9

Voter turnout stable, women's participation rises, and independent decision-making persists, showing resilience in India's electoral institutions.

GS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial BodiesGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure DoctrineGS 2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms

Can the ED file writ petitions before Courts?, Pg10

Supreme Court to examine if ED can file writ petitions; Kerala and Tamil Nadu challenge ED's authority.

Can the ED file writ petitions before Courts?, Pg10

Supreme Court to examine if ED can file writ petitions; Kerala and Tamil Nadu challenge ED's authority.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Linkages of Organized Crime with TerrorismGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

India holds security dialogue with Saudi Arabia, Pg12

India and Saudi Arabia strengthen security cooperation, addressing terrorism and regional threats amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in West Asia.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Linkages of Organized Crime with TerrorismGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

India holds security dialogue with Saudi Arabia, Pg12

India and Saudi Arabia strengthen security cooperation, addressing terrorism and regional threats amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in West Asia.

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

Govt. streamlines process to get green consent, Pg12

Environment Ministry streamlines green consent process via single application, reduces approval times, and extends validity, easing compliance for industries.

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

Govt. streamlines process to get green consent, Pg12

Environment Ministry streamlines green consent process via single application, reduces approval times, and extends validity, easing compliance for industries.

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

Health Ministry eases drug trial norms; cuts licence requirement, Pg14

Health Ministry eases drug trial norms, replacing test license with intimation for non-commercial manufacture, boosting pharmaceutical research and innovation.

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

Health Ministry eases drug trial norms; cuts licence requirement, Pg14

Health Ministry eases drug trial norms, replacing test license with intimation for non-commercial manufacture, boosting pharmaceutical research and innovation.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and AccountabilityGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

66% sanitation workers in Central govt. from SC, ST, OBC groups: DoPT report, Pg14

DoPT report reveals 66% of sanitation workers in Central government are from SC, ST, and OBC groups.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and AccountabilityGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

66% sanitation workers in Central govt. from SC, ST, OBC groups: DoPT report, Pg14

DoPT report reveals 66% of sanitation workers in Central government are from SC, ST, and OBC groups.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and ForaGS 3: Intellectual Property Rights, IPR

Can international patent law handle a permanent presence in space?, PgII

Article examines the complexities of international patent law in space, highlighting jurisdictional challenges and the need for updated legal frameworks.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and ForaGS 3: Intellectual Property Rights, IPR

Can international patent law handle a permanent presence in space?, PgII

Article examines the complexities of international patent law in space, highlighting jurisdictional challenges and the need for updated legal frameworks.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Railways plans to manufacture 24-coach Vande Bharat sleeper, Pg2

Indian Railways to introduce 24-coach Vande Bharat sleeper trains by 2026, boosting passenger capacity by 49%.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Railways plans to manufacture 24-coach Vande Bharat sleeper, Pg2

Indian Railways to introduce 24-coach Vande Bharat sleeper trains by 2026, boosting passenger capacity by 49%.

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

New Solid Waste Management Rules notified, larger onus on bulk generators, Pg2

New Solid Waste Management Rules 2026 mandate waste segregation at source, placing greater responsibility on bulk waste generators.

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

New Solid Waste Management Rules notified, larger onus on bulk generators, Pg2

New Solid Waste Management Rules 2026 mandate waste segregation at source, placing greater responsibility on bulk waste generators.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and JudiciaryGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

Rajasthan Gov returns Bill seeking to curb honour killings, Pg6

Rajasthan Governor returns anti-honour killing Bill citing IPC/CrPC repeal and BNS sufficiency, mirroring lynching bill rejection rationale.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and JudiciaryGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

Rajasthan Gov returns Bill seeking to curb honour killings, Pg6

Rajasthan Governor returns anti-honour killing Bill citing IPC/CrPC repeal and BNS sufficiency, mirroring lynching bill rejection rationale.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Jaishankar to attend minerals meet hosted by Rubio on Feb 4, Pg9

Jaishankar to attend US-hosted critical minerals meet amid efforts to mend strained India-US ties over trade tariffs.

Jaishankar to attend minerals meet hosted by Rubio on Feb 4, Pg9

Jaishankar to attend US-hosted critical minerals meet amid efforts to mend strained India-US ties over trade tariffs.

GS 1: Post-Independence IndiaGS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Inclusive Growth

Last decade was about the plumbing. Now it's pipeline, Pg11

India's economy transitions to capital expenditure, digital rails, and institutional resilience, but job quality and manufacturing diversification are crucial.

GS 1: Post-Independence IndiaGS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Inclusive Growth

Last decade was about the plumbing. Now it's pipeline, Pg11

India's economy transitions to capital expenditure, digital rails, and institutional resilience, but job quality and manufacturing diversification are crucial.

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

Most European luxury cars won't get cheaper in India, Pg14

India-EU FTA slashes car tariffs to 10%, but luxury car prices may not fall significantly due to CKD duties.

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

Most European luxury cars won't get cheaper in India, Pg14

India-EU FTA slashes car tariffs to 10%, but luxury car prices may not fall significantly due to CKD duties.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

House Panel flagged safety gaps in charter planes months ago, Pg14

Parliamentary panel reveals critical safety oversight gaps in India's rapidly expanding private and charter aviation sector, raising concerns after Baramati air crash.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

House Panel flagged safety gaps in charter planes months ago, Pg14

Parliamentary panel reveals critical safety oversight gaps in India's rapidly expanding private and charter aviation sector, raising concerns after Baramati air crash.

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

India’s consumption story and the underlying wage growth problem, Pg15

India's consumption story faces wage growth challenges despite tax cuts and GST rationalization, impacting household finances and private investment.

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

India’s consumption story and the underlying wage growth problem, Pg15

India's consumption story faces wage growth challenges despite tax cuts and GST rationalization, impacting household finances and private investment.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

India-EU trade deal: What it means for pharma sector, Pg15

India-EU FTA set to reshape pharma sector with tariff reductions, increased access, and IP debates, impacting costs and regulations.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

India-EU trade deal: What it means for pharma sector, Pg15

India-EU FTA set to reshape pharma sector with tariff reductions, increased access, and IP debates, impacting costs and regulations.

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

ONGC, RIL sign pact for offshore resources, Pg15

ONGC and RIL collaborate to share offshore resources in Krishna Godavari basin and Andaman, aiming optimized capital deployment.

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

ONGC, RIL sign pact for offshore resources, Pg15

ONGC and RIL collaborate to share offshore resources in Krishna Godavari basin and Andaman, aiming optimized capital deployment.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 2: E GovernanceGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

‘Can verify age on Aadhaar app under DPDP Act’, Pg15

UIDAI introduces Aadhaar app enabling age verification under DPDP Act, enhancing data privacy and security for citizens.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 2: E GovernanceGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

‘Can verify age on Aadhaar app under DPDP Act’, Pg15

UIDAI introduces Aadhaar app enabling age verification under DPDP Act, enhancing data privacy and security for citizens.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

Bangladesh signs defence deal with China to set up UAV production plant, Pg16

Bangladesh partners with China to establish UAV production facility, enhancing defence capabilities and regional strategic dynamics amidst geopolitical shifts.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

Bangladesh signs defence deal with China to set up UAV production plant, Pg16

Bangladesh partners with China to establish UAV production facility, enhancing defence capabilities and regional strategic dynamics amidst geopolitical shifts.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 3: Basics of Cyber Security

How computer warfare is becoming a lethal part of Pentagon’s arsenal, Pg16

Pentagon integrates lethal cyberwarfare into military operations, deploying cyberweapons in Venezuela to disrupt infrastructure and gain strategic advantage.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 3: Basics of Cyber Security

How computer warfare is becoming a lethal part of Pentagon’s arsenal, Pg16

Pentagon integrates lethal cyberwarfare into military operations, deploying cyberweapons in Venezuela to disrupt infrastructure and gain strategic advantage.

News Analysis

India, the beautiful — but first, India the functional, Pg8

India, the beautiful — but first, India the functional, Pg8

The new logic of the Chinese economy, Pg8

The new logic of the Chinese economy, Pg8

Abysmal failure, Pg8

Abysmal failure, Pg8

Mature and pragmatic, Pg8

Mature and pragmatic, Pg8

Voters increasingly link their choices with policies, delivery, Pg9

Voters increasingly link their choices with policies, delivery, Pg9

Can the ED file writ petitions before Courts?, Pg10

Can the ED file writ petitions before Courts?, Pg10

India holds security dialogue with Saudi Arabia, Pg12

India holds security dialogue with Saudi Arabia, Pg12

Govt. streamlines process to get green consent, Pg12

Govt. streamlines process to get green consent, Pg12

Health Ministry eases drug trial norms; cuts licence requirement, Pg14

Health Ministry eases drug trial norms; cuts licence requirement, Pg14

66% sanitation workers in Central govt. from SC, ST, OBC groups: DoPT report, Pg14

66% sanitation workers in Central govt. from SC, ST, OBC groups: DoPT report, Pg14

Can international patent law handle a permanent presence in space?, PgII

Can international patent law handle a permanent presence in space?, PgII

Railways plans to manufacture 24-coach Vande Bharat sleeper, Pg2

Railways plans to manufacture 24-coach Vande Bharat sleeper, Pg2

New Solid Waste Management Rules notified, larger onus on bulk generators, Pg2

New Solid Waste Management Rules notified, larger onus on bulk generators, Pg2

Rajasthan Gov returns Bill seeking to curb honour killings, Pg6

Rajasthan Gov returns Bill seeking to curb honour killings, Pg6

Jaishankar to attend minerals meet hosted by Rubio on Feb 4, Pg9

Jaishankar to attend minerals meet hosted by Rubio on Feb 4, Pg9

Last decade was about the plumbing. Now it's pipeline, Pg11

Last decade was about the plumbing. Now it's pipeline, Pg11

Most European luxury cars won't get cheaper in India, Pg14

Most European luxury cars won't get cheaper in India, Pg14

House Panel flagged safety gaps in charter planes months ago, Pg14

House Panel flagged safety gaps in charter planes months ago, Pg14

India’s consumption story and the underlying wage growth problem, Pg15

India’s consumption story and the underlying wage growth problem, Pg15

India-EU trade deal: What it means for pharma sector, Pg15

India-EU trade deal: What it means for pharma sector, Pg15

ONGC, RIL sign pact for offshore resources, Pg15

ONGC, RIL sign pact for offshore resources, Pg15

‘Can verify age on Aadhaar app under DPDP Act’, Pg15

‘Can verify age on Aadhaar app under DPDP Act’, Pg15

Bangladesh signs defence deal with China to set up UAV production plant, Pg16

Bangladesh signs defence deal with China to set up UAV production plant, Pg16

How computer warfare is becoming a lethal part of Pentagon’s arsenal, Pg16

How computer warfare is becoming a lethal part of Pentagon’s arsenal, Pg16

More News Analysis

Download the App