News of The Day : 31st January 2026

(with Syllabus Relevance)

(GS-1: Art & Culture)

• Living root bridges are bio-engineered structures using aerial roots of rubber fig trees.
  • Reflect indigenous knowledge, sustainability, and climate resilience.
• Located in Meghalaya (Khasi & Jaintia Hills).
• Meets UNESCO criteria of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) and cultural landscape heritage.

(GS-2: Polity and Governance)

• About National Leprosy Day 
  • Observed on 30 January to honour Mahatma Gandhi.
• Focus on early detection, stigma reduction, rehabilitation.
• About the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP).
  Aligns with SDG-3 and rights-based healthcare approach.

(GS-2: Polity & Governance)

• SC holds menstrual hygiene as part of Article 21 (Right to Life & Dignity).
• Emphasises access to sanitary products, clean toilets, privacy, and awareness in schools.
• Linked to girls’ education, drop-out reduction, gender equality.
• Reinforces state obligation under Articles 14, 15 & 21 and SDG-3 & SDG-5.

(GS-2: Polity and Governance)

• Despite high tap connection coverage, issues remain in water quality, regular supply, and usage.
• Challenges: source sustainability, groundwater stress, O&M capacity of Panchayats.
• Highlights shift from infrastructure creation to service delivery governance.
• Relevant to SDG-6 and cooperative federalism.

(GS-2: Polity & Governance)

• SC rules that unproven stem cell therapies for autism are unethical and unsafe.
• Emphasises evidence-based medicine and informed consent.
• Strengthens regulatory oversight under ICMR guidelines & clinical trial norms.

(GS-2: Polity and Governance)

• PAIMANA Portal launched for monitoring rehabilitation and welfare of targeted beneficiaries.
• Digital platform improves data integration, service delivery, and transparency.
• Supports evidence-based policymaking and outcome monitoring.
• Example of technology-enabled governance.

(GS 2: IR)

• About World Nuclear Outlook Report
• Report assesses global nuclear energy trends, safety, and investments.
• Highlights nuclear power’s role in low-carbon energy transition.
• Raises concerns on waste management, safety risks, high costs.

(GS-3: Economy)

• Expert Group recommends comprehensive revision of Consumer Price Index (CPI).
• Proposes updating base year, consumption basket, weights, and survey methods.
• Aims to reflect changing consumption patterns (services, digital goods)

(GS-3: Economy )

• Coking coal declared Critical & Strategic Mineral.
• Essential for steel production, infrastructure, defence manufacturing.
• Enables priority allocation, exploration, and policy support.
• About Coking coal and its application.

(GS-3: Economy)

• About Green steel
  • Uses low-carbon technologies (hydrogen-based DRI, renewable energy).
• Supports India’s net-zero 2070, carbon markets, and climate commitments.
• Challenges: high costs, technology readiness, green hydrogen availability.

(GS-3: Science and tech)

• Economic Survey flags digital addiction, excessive screen time, and social media overuse as emerging public health challenges.
• Links prolonged screen exposure to anxiety, depression, attention disorders, especially among youth.
• Calls for behavioural nudges, digital well-being awareness, and parental/school interventions.
• Highlights need to balance Digital India push with mental health safeguards.