UPSC January Month Current Affairs 2026 Subject-Wise

UPSC January Month Current Affairs 2026 covered major themes across history, society, governance, environment, economy, and science. Environmental concerns such as the Himalayan Ecocide, Arctic thawing, groundwater crisis, and the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism were significant.

In polity and international relations, discussions focused on the India-EU FTA, reforms in POCSO and RTE implementation, and immunity provisions for Election Commissioners. Economic updates included AI startups, revised startup definitions, state finance reports, and priority sector lending reforms.

Internal security developments included quantum military policy and indigenous missile systems, while ethics discussions centred on governance failures highlighted by the Noida tragedy.

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UPSC January Month Current Affairs 2026: History, Art & Culture 

January 2026 brought forth significant discussions and commemorations in history, art, and culture. From celebrating the birth anniversary of a spiritual leader to acknowledging resilience through historical landmarks and traditional arts, these events underscore India’s rich heritage and ongoing cultural discourse.

• National Youth Day (12 January): Celebrates birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda (born 1863 as Narendranath Datta).
  
• Represented India at the 1893 World Parliament of Religions, Chicago; famous speech began with “Sisters and Brothers of America.”
  
• Founded Ramakrishna Mission (1897) and Belur Math (1899) to promote Vedanta and social service.
  
• Somnath Swabhiman Parv: Marks 1000 years of the 1026 CE destruction of Somnath Temple by Mahmud of Ghazni.
  
• Somnath Temple: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, located at Prabhas Patan, Gujarat, built in Maru-Gurjara (Solanki) style.
  
• Kathputli Puppetry: Traditional string puppetry from Rajasthan; over 1000 years old.
  
• ‘Kath’ = wood, ‘Putli’ = doll; controlled by strings, voice created using ‘boli.’
  
• Indian puppetry types: String, Shadow, Rod, and Glove.
  
• Prakash Utsav (Prakash Parv): Celebrates birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji (born 1666, Patna Sahib).
  
• Founded Khalsa (1699); authored Dasam Granth; his four sons (Char Sahibzade) were martyred.
  
• Veer Bal Diwas (26 December): Commemorates martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji.
  
• Promotes bravery, sacrifice, and integrity among children; linked with Bal Shakti Puraskar.

UPSC January Month Current Affairs 2026: Society & Social Issues 

In January 2026, India’s social landscape was marked by crucial legal debates on equity in education, significant achievements in improving sex ratios, and ongoing efforts to combat social ills like child marriage. These topics reflect the nation’s commitment to social justice and welfare.

• UGC (Higher Education) Regulations, 2023 introduced to curb discrimination in HEIs and ensure zero tolerance.
  
• Supreme Court stayed the regulations citing Article 14 concerns, vague provisions, and institutional burden.
  
• Haryana’s sex ratio at birth improved to 923 (from 834 in 2011) due to strong policy interventions.
  
• India’s overall sex ratio increased to 972; NFHS reports 1020 females per 1000 males.
  
• Kerala and Puducherry have the highest sex ratio; Haryana and Delhi remain among the lowest.
  
• Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign targets elimination of child marriage nationwide.
  
• 23% of women aged 20–24 were married before 18, highest in West Bengal, UP, and Bihar.
  
• Campaign includes 100-day drive and awards for child marriage-free villages and districts.
  
• Pankhudi Portal connects CSR donors with NGOs for women and child development initiatives.
  
• Portal supports funding for Anganwadi centers and One-Stop Centers across India.

UPSC January Month Current Affairs 2026: Geography & Disaster Management 

The Himalayas, a vital ecological zone, face escalating threats from climate change and human activities. January 2026 highlights the urgent need to address this “Himalayan Ecocide” and the broader crisis of water governance in India.

Himalayan Ecocide: Refers to large-scale, long-term ecological destruction in the Himalayas due to climate change and unregulated development, causing 4,000+ deaths in 2025.

• The region lies in Seismic Zones IV and V, is warming 50% faster than the global average, and GLOFs have risen by 200% since 2010.
  
• Deforestation, mining, vertical hill cutting, and encroachment near the Main Central Thrust (MCT) destabilize slopes.
  
• Poor disaster preparedness, unregulated tourism, and fragmented governance worsen the crisis.
  
• The Himalayas are the “Water Tower of Asia”, vital for climate regulation, biodiversity, economy, and strategic security.
  
• Water Governance Crisis: India faces “water schizophrenia” with separate management of surface and groundwater.
  
• India is the largest groundwater consumer, with 90% used for agriculture.
  
• 62% irrigation, 85% rural drinking water, and 50% urban water depend on groundwater.
  
• Over-extraction driven by water-intensive crops, electricity subsidies, weak regulation, and rapid urbanization.
  
• Groundwater contamination includes arsenic, fluoride, and uranium.
  
• India’s average annual disaster loss is 0.4% of GDP, mainly from floods and landslides.
  
• Doomsday Glacier (Thwaites): Antarctic glacier showing fractures, posing risk of irreversible sea-level rise.
  
• Koleru Lake: Ramsar site between Krishna and Godavari deltas, famous for Black Dried Fish export (90 tons annually).

UPSC January Month Current Affairs 2026: Polity & Governance 

January 2026 witnessed intense debates and crucial Supreme Court interventions across various aspects of Indian polity and governance. From the powers of the Governor to the integrity of electoral processes and the implementation of social welfare laws, these discussions shaped the legal and administrative landscape.

• Section 17A, Prevention of Corruption Act (1988): Requires prior government sanction before investigating or prosecuting public officials; split Supreme Court verdict on its validity.
  
• POCSO Act Reforms: Supreme Court in State of UP vs. Aniruddh flagged misuse in consensual adolescent cases (16–18 years) and urged reforms without weakening child protection.
  
• IT Rules, 2021: MeitY directed removal of “pornographic and obscene” content, raising concerns over ambiguity and Article 19(1)(a).
  
• Platforms may lose safe harbour protection (Section 79, IT Act) for non-compliance.
  
• Hicklin Test (1964): Obscenity judged by tendency to corrupt susceptible minds.
  
• Community Standards Test (2014): Obscenity based on contemporary societal standards.
  
• Recent SC View: Mere profanity does not amount to obscenity.
  
• Governor’s Address (Article 176): SC in Nabam Rebia (2016) held Governor is bound by Council of Ministers’ advice, with no discretion.
  
• Related constitutional provisions include Articles 163, 168, 200, and 201.
  
• CEC & EC Immunity Issue: 2023 Act granting lifelong immunity challenged for violating Article 14 and independence of Election Commission.
  
• Selection committee change replaced CJI with a Union Minister, raising constitutional concerns.
  
• Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009: SC directed strict implementation of 25% EWS quota in private unaided schools.
  
• Rooted in 86th Constitutional Amendment (Article 21A, Article 45, Article 51A(k)).
  
• SC upheld 25% quota under Article 19(6) as a reasonable restriction in public interest.
  

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UPSC January Month Current Affairs 2026: International Relations 

January 2026 underscored the complexities of global diplomacy, trade, and strategic alliances. From landmark free trade agreements to geopolitical interventions and regional power dynamics, nations navigated a landscape of shifting allegiances and economic imperatives.

• India–EU FTA: Aims to remove tariffs on 90%+ traded goods; boosts Indian textiles/leather and EU machinery exports; supports movement of Indian professionals.
  
• Drivers: US protectionism, China’s dominance, and push for strategic autonomy.
  
• Venezuela Crisis: US “Operation Absolute Resolve” removed Nicolás Maduro; linked to oil reserves (Orinoco Belt) and countering China/Russia.
  
• India’s Stand: Supports sovereignty and non-intervention; watches oil prospects.
  
• Pax Silica: US-led initiative to counter China in silicon, rare earths, and critical minerals supply chains.
  
• 16th IRENA Assembly (Abu Dhabi): Adopted UAE Consensus goals—tripling renewables, doubling efficiency; India is a founding member.
  
• Board for Peace of Gaza: US-chaired, UNSC-backed body for post-conflict stability; India invited.
  
• GSP (EU): Tariff concessions scheme (1971); EU suspended India’s benefits after FTA finalization.
  
• 56th WEF Meeting (Davos): Theme—“Spirit of Dialogue”; publishes Global Gender Gap, Future of Jobs, Global Risk Reports.
  
• Kimberley Process: India chairs (3rd time); prevents trade in conflict diamonds; major relevance due to Surat’s diamond industry.
  
• BRICS 2026 (India): Theme—“Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability”; expanded BRICS+ includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, and Indonesia.

UPSC January Month Current Affairs 2026 : Economic

The Indian economy in January 2026 showcased dynamic shifts in policy, governance, and technological integration. Key discussions centered on the burgeoning AI startup ecosystem, revised definitions for ‘startups,’ insights into state finances, and critical reforms in cooperative banking and priority sector lending.

• Global AI Summit 2026 (New Delhi): Hosted by MeitY; focus on Responsible, Ethical, and Human-Centric AI aligned with PM’s vision.
  
• Key AI Themes: Data sovereignty (MANAV), “Made in India, Made for the World,” inclusivity, and DPI leverage.
  
• Government Push: IndiaAI Mission (2024) and NITI Aayog’s “AI for All” strategy.
  
• AI Challenges: Data scarcity, high GPU/cloud costs, talent gap (2.3M demand vs. 1.2M supply by 2027), ethical risks.
  
• Startup India (10 Years): National Startup Day – 16 January; growth from <1,000 to >2,00,000 startups.
  
• Budget 2026 Update: New definition distinguishing ‘Normal’ and ‘Deep Tech’ startups.
  
• CAG Report on State Finances (2023–24): >83% revenue expenditure; low capital expenditure; many states breached FRBM targets.
  
• Revenue Sources: ~50% from States’ Own Tax Revenue (SOTR); ~30% from central tax devolution.
  
• CAG Recommendation: Shift from universal subsidies to targeted DBT for fiscal efficiency.
  
• Broad vs Targeted Subsidies: Universal handouts vs need-based benefits for better resource allocation.
  
• Capital vs Revenue Expenditure: CapEx creates assets; multiplier effect (~₹1 infra → ₹2.5 GSDP rise).
  
• Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs): 2020 amendment strengthened RBI control; proposed CAR 12%, Net NPA ≤3%.
  
• FIU-IND (2004): Central agency for financial intelligence; combats money laundering; reports to EIC; non-statutory body.
  
• Viksit Bharat 2047 Focus: State planning targets, ZED manufacturing model, GCCs, self-reliance, sports & tourism growth.
  
• Quick Commerce: Ultra-fast delivery model (e.g., Blinkit, Zepto); gig economy-based; market projected $10B by 2029.
  
• Catastrophe Bonds: Disaster-risk transfer tool; investors lose principal if catastrophe occurs; ensures pre-funded relief.
  
• Fishery Sector: 2nd largest producer globally; 197 lakh tonnes output; 7.43% of agricultural GVA.
  
• Top Fish-Producing States: West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Kerala.
  
• Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024: By NITI Aayog; pillars—Policy, Ecosystem, Infrastructure, Performance; leaders: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat.
  
• Priority Sector Lending (PSL): Targets—40% (commercial banks), 75% (RRBs), 60% (SFBs/UCBs); RBI tightened norms to prevent misuse.

UPSC January Month Current Affairs 2026: Environment Introduction

January 2026 brought critical environmental discussions to the forefront, highlighting the profound impacts of climate change, the escalating costs of technological advancements like AI, and global efforts to protect natural ecosystems and biodiversity.

• US Withdrawal from UNFCCC & IPCC: Weakens multilateral climate negotiations; reduces accountability of a major emitter; creates scientific data gaps.
  
• Impact on Paris Agreement: Makes achieving global mitigation targets more difficult.
  
• Effect on ISA & IRENA: Symbolic setback; limited financial impact on ISA.
  
• Implications for India – Benefits: Reduced emission pressure; leadership opportunity (e.g., ISA); stronger South-South cooperation.
  
• Implications for India – Challenges: Climate finance uncertainty ($100B pledge gap); disruption in India–US clean energy ties; rising Chinese influence; fragmented climate rules like EU CBAM.
  
• IPBES: “IPCC for biodiversity”; identifies climate change, invasive species, habitat loss, co-extinction (evil quartet), plus pollution and land-use change as drivers of biodiversity loss.
  
• Environmental Cost of AI – Positives: Supports pollution tracking, precision farming, wildlife monitoring (e.g., Kerala Forest Dept.), climate and disaster management.
  
• AI Carbon Footprint: Training GPT-3 used ~256,000 kWh; increases GHG emissions.
  
• Resource Use: Data centers may consume 4.2–6.6 billion m³ water by 2027; rare earth mining harms ecosystems.
  
• E-Waste: AI hardware obsolescence may generate 1.2–5 million metric tons by 2030.
  
• AI Challenges: Agentic AI energy use, ignored Scope 3 emissions, rebound effect, regulatory gaps.
  
• India’s Green AI Push: PLANET framework; Green Compute under IndiaAI Mission; focus on frugal training for Indic models.
  
• High Seas Treaty (BBNJ): Legally binding pact for biodiversity beyond EEZ; supports 30×30 ocean protection goal; covers MPAs, EIAs, marine genetic resources.
  
• International Year of Rangelands & Pastoralists: Highlights grasslands as carbon sinks; promotes indigenous pastoral communities like Maasai, Gaddi, Rebaris.
  
• CBAM (EU Carbon Border Tax): Levy on carbon-intensive imports (steel, aluminum) to prevent carbon leakage.
  
• Secondary Pollutants in Delhi: Ammonium Sulfate & Ammonium Nitrate dominate PM2.5; formed from ammonia (80% agriculture) reacting with SO₂ and NOx.
  
• State of Finance for Nature 2023: $7.3T to nature-negative vs $200B to nature-based solutions; calls for tripling NbS investment by 2030.
  
• National Environmental Standards Laboratory (India): CSIR-led apex lab for standardized, traceable pollution monitoring calibration.
  

UPSC January Month Current Affairs 2026: Science & Technology 

January 2026 marked significant advancements in India’s science and technology landscape. From defining AI and its rapid breakthroughs to bolstering the nation’s space capabilities and tackling critical health challenges, these developments underscore India’s push towards technological leadership and self-reliance.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Technology enabling machines to perform human-like decision-making using data and algorithms.
  
• Generative AI: AI that creates new content such as text, images, music, and code.
  
• AI in India: India ranks 3rd globally in AI competitiveness, with 89% startups integrating AI.
  
• AI Challenges: Data privacy gaps, GPU dependency, digital divide, and algorithmic bias hinder growth.
  
• Marine Biotechnology: Utilizes marine organisms for pharmaceuticals, bio-products, and industrial applications.
  
• Space Biotechnology: Studies biological processes in space to support missions like Gaganyaan.
  
• Iron Deficiency: Major cause of anemia in India, affecting immunity and productivity.
  
• India’s Space-Tech Economy: Projected to reach $40 billion by 2033 with growing private participation.
  
• PSLV Failure: Third-stage motor fault prevented satellite from achieving required orbital velocity.
  
• OSIRIS-REx: NASA mission that returned life-building compounds from asteroid Bennu.
  
• Nanobots: Nanoscale programmable devices used for targeted drug delivery and microsurgery.
  
• Param Shakti: Indigenous 3.1 petaflop supercomputer at IIT Madras under NSM.
  
• Rabies: 100% fatal after symptoms but fully preventable through timely vaccination and PEP.
  
• Bacillus subtilis: Kerala’s State Microbe used as probiotic and biofertilizer.
  
• EAST Reactor: China’s artificial sun achieved plasma density beyond Greenwald Limit, advancing fusion research.
  
• Biomaterials: Sustainable, bio-based alternatives to conventional plastics.

UPSC January Month Current Affairs 2026: Internal

• Internal Security (Jan 2026): Focus on quantum integration, anti-narcotics action, and indigenous defence capability enhancement.
  
• Global Risk Report 2024 (WEF): Global top risk – geo-economic confrontation; India’s top risk – cyber insecurity.
  
• NCORD (2016): MHA-led mechanism coordinating anti-drug trafficking via NCORD Portal and NIDAAN database.
  
• Sudarshan Chakra: Indigenous air defence system (S-400 equivalent) targeted for completion by 2035.
  
• INSV Koudinya: Indian Naval Sailing Vessel showcasing maritime heritage using Tankai stitched shipbuilding method.
  
• Dhruv Helicopter: HAL-made multi-role helicopter; civil variant under development; operational up to 6,000 m altitude.
  
• Samudra Pratap: Indigenous Pollution Control Vessel for oil spill response under Indian Coast Guard.
  
• INS Vagsheer: Sixth Scorpene-class stealth submarine built at Mazagon Dock with torpedo capability.
  
• K-4 (Kalam-4): 3,500 km range SLBM strengthening India’s nuclear triad and sea-based second-strike capability.
  
• Pralay Missile: 150–500 km range quasi-ballistic tactical surface-to-surface missile.
  
• Pinaka MBRLS: Rocket artillery system firing 12 rockets in under a minute; range up to 120 km.
  
• Suryastra: Indigenous long-range rocket launcher (150–300 km) developed with Israeli collaboration.
  

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UPSC January Month Current Affairs 2026: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude 

The Noida tragedy in January 2026 served as a stark reminder of critical gaps in urban governance and emergency response. This case study deeply explores themes of institutional negligence, state apathy, and the profound ethical responsibilities of public authorities.

• Noida Tragedy: A 27-year-old drowned in an unbarricaded construction pit, exposing severe urban governance negligence.
  
• Institutional Apathy: Officials failed to act promptly, citing procedural and logistical constraints.
  
• Citizen’s Courage: A gig worker risked his life, highlighting moral courage over state inaction.
  
• Urban Safety Failure: Neglect of construction norms and public safety compliance.
  
• Emergency Breakdown: Lack of rescue equipment and trained responders in a “smart city.”
  
• Two-Fold Failure: Logistical incompetence and moral collapse of administration.
  
• Article 21 Violation: Denial of timely rescue breached the Right to Life.
  
• Constitutional Tort: Administrative negligence shielding injustice through procedure.
  
• Procedural Paralysis: Fear of inquiry led officials to prioritize rules over life-saving action.
  
• Ethics of Care: Citizen action reflected compassion absent in institutional response.
  
• Governance Crisis: Economic growth prioritized over human-centric development.
  
• Systemic Incentive Failure: Officials rewarded for compliance, not initiative.
  
• Way Forward: Enforce strict safety norms and codify legal duty to act in emergencies.
  
• Accountability Reform: Fix responsibility for omissions, not just commissions.
  
• Life First Protocol: Redefine smart cities around human security and proactive governance.
  

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