UPSC Current Affairs 31 January 2026

EthicsGS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Social JusticePrelims

Menstrual health in schools is integral to right to life: SC, Pg1

Supreme Court declares menstrual health a fundamental right, orders schools to provide sanitary napkins and hygiene facilities.

EthicsGS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Social JusticePrelims

Menstrual health in schools is integral to right to life: SC, Pg1

Supreme Court declares menstrual health a fundamental right, orders schools to provide sanitary napkins and hygiene facilities.

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

Deal with EU to be implemented in 2026 itself: Piyush Goyal, Pg1

India-EU Free Trade Agreement set to be implemented in 2026, boosting exports and strengthening ties amidst global trade shifts.

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

Deal with EU to be implemented in 2026 itself: Piyush Goyal, Pg1

India-EU Free Trade Agreement set to be implemented in 2026, boosting exports and strengthening ties amidst global trade shifts.

EthicsGS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

HC raps U.P. police over shooting accused in legs during ‘encounters’, Pg1

Allahabad HC slams U.P. police for routine 'encounter' shootings, violating accused rights, directs strict adherence to SC guidelines.

EthicsGS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

HC raps U.P. police over shooting accused in legs during ‘encounters’, Pg1

Allahabad HC slams U.P. police for routine 'encounter' shootings, violating accused rights, directs strict adherence to SC guidelines.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Green steel can shape India’s climate goals trajectory, Pg6

India's steel sector faces pressure to decarbonize amidst climate goals, with green steel production as a strategic imperative for economic competitiveness.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Green steel can shape India’s climate goals trajectory, Pg6

India's steel sector faces pressure to decarbonize amidst climate goals, with green steel production as a strategic imperative for economic competitiveness.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and EmploymentGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

A job well done, Pg6

Economic Survey 2025-26 emphasizes strategic resilience, fiscal prudence, and addresses emerging risks like rupee depreciation and ethanol's impact.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and EmploymentGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

A job well done, Pg6

Economic Survey 2025-26 emphasizes strategic resilience, fiscal prudence, and addresses emerging risks like rupee depreciation and ethanol's impact.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: Education SectorGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

Stay the course, Pg6

Supreme Court stays UGC's anti-discrimination rules in higher education, deeming them 'too sweeping' amidst concerns of dilution and protests.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: Education SectorGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

Stay the course, Pg6

Supreme Court stays UGC's anti-discrimination rules in higher education, deeming them 'too sweeping' amidst concerns of dilution and protests.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: Role of Civil Services in a DemocracyGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

Norms modified for IPS officers taking up IG posts at Centre, Pg8

MHA mandates two-year central deputation for IPS officers to become eligible for IG posts, impacting 2011 batch onwards.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: Role of Civil Services in a DemocracyGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

Norms modified for IPS officers taking up IG posts at Centre, Pg8

MHA mandates two-year central deputation for IPS officers to become eligible for IG posts, impacting 2011 batch onwards.

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

Stem cell therapy cannot be offered as a clinical service for autism: Supreme Court, Pg10

Supreme Court bans unproven stem cell therapies for autism, directs government to regulate stem cell research and protect vulnerable patients.

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

Stem cell therapy cannot be offered as a clinical service for autism: Supreme Court, Pg10

Supreme Court bans unproven stem cell therapies for autism, directs government to regulate stem cell research and protect vulnerable patients.

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

AI summit is attracting global interest, says Vaishnaw, Pg10

India AI Impact Summit 2024 witnesses global interest with $70 billion investment in AI infrastructure and 200 AI models launch.

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

AI summit is attracting global interest, says Vaishnaw, Pg10

India AI Impact Summit 2024 witnesses global interest with $70 billion investment in AI infrastructure and 200 AI models launch.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 2: E GovernanceGS 2: Vulnerable Sections

UIDAI launches new Aadhaar app for secure age verification, Pg10

UIDAI introduces Aadhaar app for secure age verification under DPDP Act, enhancing data privacy and curbing access to inappropriate online content.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 2: E GovernanceGS 2: Vulnerable Sections

UIDAI launches new Aadhaar app for secure age verification, Pg10

UIDAI introduces Aadhaar app for secure age verification under DPDP Act, enhancing data privacy and curbing access to inappropriate online content.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Vulnerable Sections

High tap coverage under Jal Jeevan scheme, but lower usage, reliability, Pg10

Jal Jeevan Mission achieves 98% tap coverage, but usage and reliability lag, reveals government survey, raising functionality concerns.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Vulnerable Sections

High tap coverage under Jal Jeevan scheme, but lower usage, reliability, Pg10

Jal Jeevan Mission achieves 98% tap coverage, but usage and reliability lag, reveals government survey, raising functionality concerns.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Disaster ManagementGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Disaster and Disaster ManagementGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Sri Lanka to stick to IMF path despite cyclone blow, Pg12

Sri Lanka affirms commitment to IMF program despite Cyclone Ditwah's devastation, securing $200 million aid for recovery efforts.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Disaster ManagementGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Disaster and Disaster ManagementGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Sri Lanka to stick to IMF path despite cyclone blow, Pg12

Sri Lanka affirms commitment to IMF program despite Cyclone Ditwah's devastation, securing $200 million aid for recovery efforts.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

EU deal goes beyond trade... can lift manufacturing: Goyal, Pg1

Piyush Goyal highlights strategic, defence, and financial integration beyond trade in the EU-India FTA, boosting manufacturing and decarbonization efforts.

EU deal goes beyond trade... can lift manufacturing: Goyal, Pg1

Piyush Goyal highlights strategic, defence, and financial integration beyond trade in the EU-India FTA, boosting manufacturing and decarbonization efforts.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure Doctrine

SC: Menstrual health is a part of fundamental right to life (Orders free sanitary pads, separate toilets in all govt and private schools), Pg1

Supreme Court mandates menstrual hygiene measures in all schools, recognizing menstrual health as a fundamental right under Article 21.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure Doctrine

SC: Menstrual health is a part of fundamental right to life (Orders free sanitary pads, separate toilets in all govt and private schools), Pg1

Supreme Court mandates menstrual hygiene measures in all schools, recognizing menstrual health as a fundamental right under Article 21.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 1: Art & CulturePrelimsGS 1: ArchitectureGS 1: Art Forms

US museum to return 3 bronze sculptures removed illegally from temples in TN, Pg2

US museum to return stolen Indian sculptures after probe confirms illegal removal from Tamil Nadu temples, reinforcing cultural heritage preservation.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 1: Art & CulturePrelimsGS 1: ArchitectureGS 1: Art Forms

US museum to return 3 bronze sculptures removed illegally from temples in TN, Pg2

US museum to return stolen Indian sculptures after probe confirms illegal removal from Tamil Nadu temples, reinforcing cultural heritage preservation.

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

Awareness, search for identity drive transgender clinic, Pg3

AIIMS Delhi's transgender clinic witnesses surge in gender-affirming procedures, reflecting rising awareness and demand for inclusive healthcare.

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

Awareness, search for identity drive transgender clinic, Pg3

AIIMS Delhi's transgender clinic witnesses surge in gender-affirming procedures, reflecting rising awareness and demand for inclusive healthcare.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Security Challenges and Management in Border AreasGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

3D Print Push, Pg6

CPWD to explore 3D printing for housing construction in border and coastal regions following PMO suggestion and IIT-Madras visit.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Security Challenges and Management in Border AreasGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

3D Print Push, Pg6

CPWD to explore 3D printing for housing construction in border and coastal regions following PMO suggestion and IIT-Madras visit.

EthicsGS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

'Such encounters becoming routine': HC on man being shot before arrest in UP, Pg8

Allahabad HC slams UP police for routine 'encounter' shootings, demands DGP explanation on alleged extrajudicial actions violating rule of law.

EthicsGS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

'Such encounters becoming routine': HC on man being shot before arrest in UP, Pg8

Allahabad HC slams UP police for routine 'encounter' shootings, demands DGP explanation on alleged extrajudicial actions violating rule of law.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal MechanismsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Supreme Court flags reciprocity concerns in Pfizer-Softgel case, Pg9

Supreme Court raises sovereignty concerns in Pfizer case, questioning reciprocity in honoring Letters Rogatory from foreign courts.

Supreme Court flags reciprocity concerns in Pfizer-Softgel case, Pg9

Supreme Court raises sovereignty concerns in Pfizer case, questioning reciprocity in honoring Letters Rogatory from foreign courts.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

India's next manufacturing leap will be about what it produces, Pg10

India's manufacturing sector poised for strategic growth via technology, R&D, and global value chain integration, enhancing competitiveness and indispensability.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

India's next manufacturing leap will be about what it produces, Pg10

India's manufacturing sector poised for strategic growth via technology, R&D, and global value chain integration, enhancing competitiveness and indispensability.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Signing of FTAs is a start. Their success will be judged by gains in global market, Pg11

India's FTAs with EU, UK, and Australia unlock $3.5 trillion market, but success hinges on domestic reforms.

Signing of FTAs is a start. Their success will be judged by gains in global market, Pg11

India's FTAs with EU, UK, and Australia unlock $3.5 trillion market, but success hinges on domestic reforms.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

India's cheapest power needs new buyers, Pg11

India seeks new buyers for its cheapest renewable power through open access, industrial clusters, and green manufacturing initiatives.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

India's cheapest power needs new buyers, Pg11

India seeks new buyers for its cheapest renewable power through open access, industrial clusters, and green manufacturing initiatives.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

CEA seeks to ease green norms for hydro pumped-storage projects (‘Environmental, forest-related clearances key reasons behind slow pace of PSP development’), Pg13

CEA proposes easing green norms for hydro pumped-storage projects, allowing them in eco-sensitive zones to boost renewable energy storage capacity.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

CEA seeks to ease green norms for hydro pumped-storage projects (‘Environmental, forest-related clearances key reasons behind slow pace of PSP development’), Pg13

CEA proposes easing green norms for hydro pumped-storage projects, allowing them in eco-sensitive zones to boost renewable energy storage capacity.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: IT and Computers

News Analysis

Menstrual health in schools is integral to right to life: SC, Pg1

Menstrual health in schools is integral to right to life: SC, Pg1

Deal with EU to be implemented in 2026 itself: Piyush Goyal, Pg1

Deal with EU to be implemented in 2026 itself: Piyush Goyal, Pg1

HC raps U.P. police over shooting accused in legs during ‘encounters’, Pg1

HC raps U.P. police over shooting accused in legs during ‘encounters’, Pg1

Green steel can shape India’s climate goals trajectory, Pg6

Green steel can shape India’s climate goals trajectory, Pg6

​A job well done, Pg6

​A job well done, Pg6

​Stay the course, Pg6

​Stay the course, Pg6

Norms modified for IPS officers taking up IG posts at Centre, Pg8

Norms modified for IPS officers taking up IG posts at Centre, Pg8

Stem cell therapy cannot be offered as a clinical service for autism: Supreme Court, Pg10

Stem cell therapy cannot be offered as a clinical service for autism: Supreme Court, Pg10

AI summit is attracting global interest, says Vaishnaw, Pg10

AI summit is attracting global interest, says Vaishnaw, Pg10

UIDAI launches new Aadhaar app for secure age verification, Pg10

UIDAI launches new Aadhaar app for secure age verification, Pg10

High tap coverage under Jal Jeevan scheme, but lower usage, reliability, Pg10

High tap coverage under Jal Jeevan scheme, but lower usage, reliability, Pg10

Sri Lanka to stick to IMF path despite cyclone blow, Pg12

Sri Lanka to stick to IMF path despite cyclone blow, Pg12

EU deal goes beyond trade... can lift manufacturing: Goyal, Pg1

EU deal goes beyond trade... can lift manufacturing: Goyal, Pg1

SC: Menstrual health is a part of fundamental right to life (Orders free sanitary pads, separate toilets in all govt and private schools), Pg1

SC: Menstrual health is a part of fundamental right to life (Orders free sanitary pads, separate toilets in all govt and private schools), Pg1

US museum to return 3 bronze sculptures removed illegally from temples in TN, Pg2

US museum to return 3 bronze sculptures removed illegally from temples in TN, Pg2

Awareness, search for identity drive transgender clinic, Pg3

Awareness, search for identity drive transgender clinic, Pg3

3D Print Push, Pg6

3D Print Push, Pg6

'Such encounters becoming routine': HC on man being shot before arrest in UP, Pg8

'Such encounters becoming routine': HC on man being shot before arrest in UP, Pg8

Supreme Court flags reciprocity concerns in Pfizer-Softgel case, Pg9

Supreme Court flags reciprocity concerns in Pfizer-Softgel case, Pg9

India's next manufacturing leap will be about what it produces, Pg10

India's next manufacturing leap will be about what it produces, Pg10

Signing of FTAs is a start. Their success will be judged by gains in global market, Pg11

Signing of FTAs is a start. Their success will be judged by gains in global market, Pg11

India's cheapest power needs new buyers, Pg11

India's cheapest power needs new buyers, Pg11

CEA seeks to ease green norms for hydro pumped-storage projects (‘Environmental, forest-related clearances key reasons behind slow pace of PSP development’), Pg13

CEA seeks to ease green norms for hydro pumped-storage projects (‘Environmental, forest-related clearances key reasons behind slow pace of PSP development’), Pg13

Dell, Nvidia to build Nextgen's India AI factory, Pg13

Dell, Nvidia to build Nextgen's India AI factory, Pg13

‘Sovereign model launch at AI Summit’, Pg13

‘Sovereign model launch at AI Summit’, Pg13

Budget 2026: The 3 big macro worries for India, Pg16

Budget 2026: The 3 big macro worries for India, Pg16

Why Economic Survey has raised India's potential growth rate, Pg16

Why Economic Survey has raised India's potential growth rate, Pg16

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A job well done, Pg6

A job well done, Pg6

Stay the course, Pg6

Stay the course, Pg6