Daily Current Affairs January 29
Table of Contents
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January 29 | Daily Current Affairs 2025
Important Days – Daily Current Affairs January 29
1. On which date is Indian Newspaper Day observed annually to honour the legacy of print journalism in India?
A) January 23
B) January 26
C) January 29
D) February 1
E) February 3
Answer: C) January 29
Event and Location:
- Event: Indian Newspaper Day 2026 observed to celebrate the legacy of print journalism
- Location: Nationwide (India)
- Date: January 29, 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: Indian Newspaper Day is observed annually to honour the historical, social, and cultural role of print media in India’s democratic and journalistic journey.
- Objectives: To commemorate the contribution of newspapers in India’s freedom movement and democratic development, reaffirm public trust in print journalism, and recognise its continued relevance in the digital age.
Important Terms Explained:
- Print Journalism: A form of traditional media that includes newspapers and magazines, which deliver verified, edited news content and offer credibility, depth, and permanence in contrast to fast-paced digital feeds.
- Indian Newspaper Day: Celebrated every January 29, it symbolises the enduring emotional and informative value of newspapers in Indian households and public life.
- Misinformation vs. Verified News: In the age of viral posts and fake news, newspapers are seen as more credible sources due to structured editorial processes and fact-checking norms.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Indian Newspaper Day 2026 |
| Announcement date | January 29, 2026 |
| Location | India |
| Issuing authority | Celebrated by media houses, journalism institutions, and civil society |
| Policy/series name | Annual observance celebrating print media |
| Key figures | Journalists, editors, readers, press bodies |
| Purpose/reason | To recognise the legacy, credibility, and emotional connection of newspapers |
| Feature details | Celebrates the role of newspapers in education, democracy, and social unity |
| Validity or status | Observed annually on January 29 |
| Strategic/significant value | Highlights enduring trust in print media amid growing digital consumption |
Ranking – Daily Current Affairs January 29
2. Who is the richest cricketer in the world as of 2026?
A) Virat Kohli
B) MS Dhoni
C) Ricky Ponting
D) Brian Lara
E) Sachin Tendulkar
Answer: E) Sachin Tendulkar
Event and Location:
- Event: Ranking of the world’s richest cricketers in 2026
- Location: Global
- Date: January 29, 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: Identify the top-10 wealthiest cricketers in the world and highlight how they earned their fortunes.
- Objectives: To assess wealth accumulation trends in cricket, especially through endorsements, investments, and franchise earnings.
Top-10 Richest Cricketers in 2026:
| Rank | Cricketer | Country | Net Worth (Est.) |
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | $170 Million |
| 2 | MS Dhoni | India | $127 Million |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | India | $125 Million |
| 4 | Ricky Ponting | Australia | $70 Million |
| 5 | Brian Lara | West Indies | $60 Million |
| 6 | Shane Warne (posthumous) | Australia | $50 Million |
| 7 | Jacques Kallis | South Africa | $48 Million |
| 8 | Chris Gayle | West Indies | $45 Million |
| 9 | Virender Sehwag | India | $40 Million |
| 10 | Shane Watson | Australia | $40 Million |
Important Terms Explained:
- Net Worth: The total value of a person’s assets minus liabilities; used to rank the wealthiest cricketers.
- Brand Endorsements: Commercial deals where celebrities promote products in exchange for payment or equity.
- Franchise Leagues: Domestic cricket tournaments like IPL or Big Bash that offer lucrative contracts to players.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Richest Cricketer Ranking 2026 |
| Announcement date | January 29, 2026 |
| Location | Global |
| Issuing authority | Media/Analytical Reports |
| Policy/series name | Top-10 Wealthiest Cricketers (2026) |
| Key figures | Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli |
| Purpose/reason | To highlight earnings, wealth sources, and career returns of cricket legends |
| Feature details | Includes retired and active cricketers, revenue from cricket, endorsements, and investments |
| Validity or status | Current as of 2026 |
| Strategic/significant value | Reflects financial dominance of Indian cricketers in the global cricket economy |
Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs January 29
3. What is the projected real GDP growth for India in FY26 according to the Economic Survey 2025–26?
A) 6.8%
B) 7.4%
C) 8.1%
D) 6.0%
E) 7.0%
Answer: B) 7.4%
Event and Location:
- Event: Release of Economic Survey 2025–26
- Location: India
- Date: January 29, 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The Economic Survey 2025–26 was tabled in Parliament to provide a comprehensive analysis of the country’s economic performance in FY25 and outlook for FY26.
- Objectives: To inform policy planning by highlighting trends in GDP, inflation, trade, employment, sectoral growth, fiscal performance, and reforms supporting long-term economic resilience.
Economic Survey 2025–26 – Key Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Release of Economic Survey 2025–26 |
| Announcement date | January 29, 2026 |
| Location | India |
| Issuing authority | Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance |
| Chief Economic Advisor | Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran |
| GDP Growth Projection (FY26) | 7.4% (Real GDP), 7.3% (GVA) |
| FY27 GDP Growth Outlook | 6.8–7.2% |
| Inflation (Apr–Dec FY26) | 1.7% (historic low) |
| Forex Reserves | $701.4 billion (11 months import cover) |
| Services Exports (FY25) | $387.6 billion (13.6% YoY growth) |
| Banking GNPA Ratio (Sep 2025) | 2.2% (multi-decadal low) |
| Financial Inclusion | 55.02 crore PMJDY accounts, 12 crore unique investors |
| Credit Ratings Upgraded By | Morningstar DBRS, S&P Global, R&I Inc. |
| Private Consumption (FY26) | 7.0% growth (61.5% of GDP) |
| Gross Fixed Capital Formation | 7.8% growth (30% of GDP) |
| Fiscal Deficit (States) | 3.2% of GDP in FY25 |
| GST Collections (Apr–Dec FY25) | ₹17.4 lakh crore (6.7% growth) |
| Capital Expenditure (Centre) | 4% of GDP |
| Credit Growth (Dec 2025) | 14.5% YoY |
| Total Demat Accounts (Dec 2025) | 21.6+ crore |
| Total Exports (FY25) | $825.3 billion |
| Merchandise Export Share (2024) | 1.8% of global exports |
| Services Export Share (2024) | 4.3% of global services |
| Remittances (FY25) | $135.4 billion |
| Current Account Deficit (Q2 FY26) | ~1.3% of GDP |
| FDI (Apr–Nov FY25) | $64.7 billion |
| Foodgrain Production (AY 2024–25) | 3,577.3 LMT |
| Horticulture Production | 362.08 million tonnes |
| GVA from Services (FY26) | 9.1% |
| Industry GVA (H1 FY26) | 7.0% |
| PLI Investment Realized | ₹2+ lakh crore |
| PLI-Linked Jobs Created | 12.6+ lakh |
| Power Sector Installed Capacity | 509.74 GW (Nov 2025) |
| Renewable Energy Share | 49.83% of installed capacity |
| National Highways Network | 1,46,572 km (Dec 2025) |
| Aviation Expansion | 164 airports (up from 74 in 2014) |
| School Enrolment | 24.69 crore students |
| HEIs in India (2025) | 70,018 |
| Under-5 Mortality Rate Drop (1990–2023) | 78% |
| e-Shram Registrations | 31+ crore (54% women) |
| Jobs Created (Q2 FY26) | 8.7 lakh (vs Q1) |
| Extreme Poverty (2022–23) | 5.3% |
| NITI Aayog MPI (2005–06 to 2022–23) | Reduced from 55.3% to 11.28% |
| SVAMITVA Drone Survey | 3.28 lakh villages |
| AI Ecosystem | Localized models for healthcare, agriculture, disaster readiness |
| Space Infrastructure Milestone | 4th country to achieve autonomous satellite docking |
Important Terms Explained:
- GDP (Gross Domestic Product): It measures the total value of goods and services produced in a country during a specific period and indicates economic health.
- GVA (Gross Value Added): Represents the value of goods and services produced in an area, sector, or economy, less the cost of inputs and raw materials.
- PMJDY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana): A financial inclusion scheme launched in 2014 to provide universal access to banking facilities, with zero-balance accounts, debit cards, and insurance coverage.
- PLI (Production Linked Incentive) Scheme: A government initiative to boost domestic manufacturing through performance-based financial incentives across 14 sectors.
- FSAP (Financial Sector Assessment Program): A joint IMF-World Bank initiative that evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of a country’s financial system.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Release of Economic Survey 2025–26 |
| Announcement date | January 29, 2026 |
| Location | India |
| Issuing authority | Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) |
| Policy/series name | Economic Survey |
| Key figures | Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran (Chief Economic Advisor) |
| Purpose/reason | To assess economic trends and recommend policy direction |
| Feature details | Covered GDP, inflation, trade, banking health, services, infrastructure, and poverty metrics |
| Validity or status | FY2025–26; relevant for policy and budget planning |
| Strategic/significant value | Sets the foundation for Budget 2026–27 and long-term growth strategy |
Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs January 29
4. What was the key reason behind India’s industrial production growth hitting a two-year high of 7.8% in December 2025?
A) Weak base effect
B) Strong services output
C) High crude oil exports
D) Broad-based recovery in manufacturing, mining, electricity
E) Fiscal deficit reduction
Answer: D) Broad-based recovery in manufacturing, mining, electricity
Event and Location:
- Event: India’s industrial production growth reached a two-year high
- Location: India
- Date: December 2025 (data released January 2026)
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) data showing 7.8% growth in December 2025.
- Objectives: To monitor industrial performance and assess short-term changes in production across key sectors—manufacturing, mining, and electricity.
Important Terms Explained:
- Index of Industrial Production (IIP): A monthly indicator measuring the volume of production in India’s industrial sector, comprising manufacturing, mining, and electricity.
- Manufacturing Sector: The largest contributor to IIP, representing production of goods in industries such as automobiles, electronics, and textiles.
- Electricity Output: A key indicator of industrial activity and power demand, often reflecting factory utilisation and commercial expansion.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Industrial Production Growth – December 2025 |
| Announcement date | January 2026 |
| Location | India |
| Issuing authority | Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) |
| Policy/series name | Index of Industrial Production (IIP) |
| Key figures | Manufacturing (8.1%), Mining (6.8%), Electricity (6.3%) |
| Purpose/reason | To assess the strength of industrial recovery |
| Feature details | Strong growth across all major IIP sectors |
| Validity or status | Data for December 2025 |
| Strategic/significant value | Indicates improving demand and industrial momentum |
Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs January 29
5. Which minister launched the new Aadhaar App in January 2026 to promote frictionless and privacy-first governance?
A) Rajeev Chandrasekhar
B) Ashwini Vaishnaw
C) Jitin Prasada
D) Dharmendra Pradhan
E) Nirmala Sitharaman
Answer: C) Jitin Prasada
Event and Location:
- Event: Launch of new Aadhaar App to support privacy-first digital governance
- Location: New Delhi, India
- Date: January 29, 2026 (UIDAI Day)
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: Launch of a new Aadhaar App offering digital Aadhaar management, secure verification, and online updates for address and mobile number.
- Objectives: To promote paperless, consent-based citizen services, reduce physical Aadhaar centre dependence, and enhance digital access through secure, user-controlled Aadhaar utilities.
Important Terms Explained:
- Aadhaar App: A newly launched mobile application by UIDAI that allows Aadhaar holders to update information, verify identities securely, and manage multiple Aadhaar profiles from one device. It supports online address and mobile number updates.
- UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India): The statutory authority responsible for Aadhaar under the Aadhaar Act, 2016, functioning under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY).
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): A framework of open, interoperable platforms such as Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, that deliver secure, scalable, and citizen-first services, globally admired for digital inclusion.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Launch of New Aadhaar App |
| Announcement date | January 29, 2026 (UIDAI Day) |
| Location | New Delhi |
| Issuing authority | UIDAI under Ministry of Electronics & IT |
| Policy/series name | Aadhaar Digital Access Services |
| Key figures | MoS Jitin Prasada, UIDAI CEO Saurabh Garg |
| Purpose/reason | Enhance secure, frictionless access to Aadhaar services |
| Feature details | Online updates, QR-based verification, multi-profile Aadhaar management |
| Validity or status | Officially launched and live for all users |
| Strategic/significant value | Boosts citizen-centric digital governance and strengthens India’s DPI model |
6. What is the primary innovation of AlphaGenome, launched by Google DeepMind in 2026?
A) CRISPR-based DNA editing
B) Prediction of mutation effects in DNA including non-coding regions
C) Real-time human genome sequencing
D) Protein synthesis in vitro
E) Gene cloning for agriculture
Answer: B) Prediction of mutation effects in DNA including non-coding regions
Event and Location:
- Event: Launch of AlphaGenome AI tool for DNA mutation prediction
- Location: Global (developed by Google DeepMind, UK-based)
- Date: January 29, 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: Launch of AlphaGenome, an advanced AI model trained to analyse long DNA sequences and predict the effects of mutations, including in non-coding (dark genome) regions.
- Objectives: To enable personalised medicine, improve gene therapy precision, understand the “dark genome,” and aid the creation of synthetic designer DNA for tissue-specific genetic control.
Important Terms Explained:
- AlphaGenome: An AI model by Google DeepMind that predicts the biological effects of mutations across coding and non-coding DNA regions by analysing up to one million base pairs.
- Designer DNA: Artificial DNA sequences engineered to control gene activity in specific tissues, offering precision in gene therapy.
- Dark Genome: The non-coding portion of human DNA (~98%), previously termed “junk DNA”, now known to regulate gene expression and influence disease development.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Launch of AlphaGenome |
| Announcement date | January 29, 2026 |
| Location | Global (Developed by Google DeepMind) |
| Issuing authority | Google DeepMind |
| Policy/series name | AlphaGenome AI Platform |
| Key figures | Demis Hassabis (CEO, DeepMind) |
| Purpose/reason | To decode DNA mutations and support personalised medicine |
| Feature details | Predicts mutations across coding and non-coding DNA; enables synthetic DNA design |
| Validity or status | Newly launched, published in Nature |
| Strategic/significant value | Advances in genetic therapy, disease diagnosis, biotechnology |
Schemes – Daily Current Affairs January 29
7. What is the primary objective of NITI Aayog’s Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 launched in January 2026?
A) Promote urban digital literacy
B) Create jobs for migrant workers
C) Achieve saturation in basic public service delivery
D) Improve export competitiveness
E) Build 100 new smart cities
Answer: C) Achieve saturation in basic public service delivery
Event and Location:
- Event: Launch of Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 by NITI Aayog
- Location: Across 112 Aspirational Districts and 513 Aspirational Blocks in India
- Date: January 28, 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The campaign is a three-month nationwide mission to ensure full coverage of essential public services in India’s most underdeveloped regions.
- Objectives: To close last-mile delivery gaps in health, nutrition, sanitation, and education indicators by achieving saturation-level outcomes, meaning that no eligible beneficiary is left out.
Important Terms Explained:
- Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0: A time-bound, outcome-based campaign by NITI Aayog focused on achieving full service delivery in Aspirational Districts and Blocks through rapid local action plans and KPIs.
- Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP): Launched in 2018, it targets 112 backward districts using real-time data, competition, and convergence across sectors to improve key human development indicators.
- Aspirational Blocks Programme: Launched in 2023, this initiative extends the ADP model to the block level, covering 513 underdeveloped blocks for more granular and localised intervention.
- Saturation Approach: A policy delivery method where every eligible person receives the intended benefit or service — no partial or selective implementation.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Launch of Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 |
| Announcement date | January 28, 2026 |
| Location | 112 Aspirational Districts, 513 Aspirational Blocks across India |
| Issuing authority | NITI Aayog, with support from central and state agencies |
| Policy/series name | Sampoornata Abhiyan under Aspirational Districts/Blocks Programme |
| Key figures | NITI Aayog Vice Chairperson, State and District Collectors |
| Purpose/reason | Achieve saturation in key public service indicators within 90 days |
| Feature details | Action plans, monthly tracking, KPI-based review, community involvement |
| Validity or status | Active: January 28 – April 14, 2026 |
| Strategic/significant value | Strengthens grassroots governance and outcome-based delivery in underserved areas |
8. Which Indian police agency became the first to integrate Aadhaar verification with PATHIK guest monitoring software in 2026?
A) Delhi Police
B) Mumbai Crime Branch
C) Bengaluru Cyber Cell
D) Ahmedabad City Crime Branch
E) Hyderabad Intelligence Unit
Answer: D) Ahmedabad City Crime Branch
Event and Location:
- Event: First-ever Aadhaar-integrated police guest verification system launched in India
- Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Date: January 29, 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The Ahmedabad City Crime Branch, in partnership with UIDAI, launched India’s first Aadhaar-integrated PATHIK system to digitise and secure guest verification in hotels and PGs.
- Objectives: To enable instant, paperless guest identity verification using QR-code-based Aadhaar authentication, enhance police traceability for crime prevention, and uphold citizen privacy through minimal data usage.
Important Terms Explained:
- PATHIK: A guest monitoring software used by hotels, PGs, and homestays to digitally record and verify visitor details for security purposes. It supports law enforcement through real-time data access and traceability.
- QR-based Aadhaar Verification: A privacy-focused identity authentication method that uses the Aadhaar mobile app to scan QR codes without storing Aadhaar numbers. Only digitally signed demographic details and photographs are used.
- UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India): The statutory authority responsible for issuing Aadhaar numbers and managing digital identity infrastructure under the Ministry of Electronics and IT.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Aadhaar-Linked PATHIK System in Policing |
| Announcement date | January 29, 2026 |
| Location | Ahmedabad, Gujarat |
| Issuing authority | Ahmedabad City Crime Branch with UIDAI support |
| Policy/series name | PATHIK – Guest Monitoring and Verification Software |
| Key figures | Gujarat Police, UIDAI, Hotel Associations |
| Purpose/reason | Enable smart, secure, and privacy-compliant guest verification |
| Feature details | QR-based Aadhaar scan, no data storage, consent-based demographic use |
| Validity or status | Live across 9,000+ hotel establishments in Gujarat |
| Strategic/significant value | National model for smart policing and privacy-aware digital governance |
National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 29
9. Which key group was explicitly included for protection in UGC’s 2026 anti-discrimination regulations but not in the 2012 version?
A) SC students
B) OBCs
C) Foreign students
D) Teaching staff
E) Women
Answer: B) OBCs
Event and Location:
- Event: UGC notified new anti-discrimination rules titled Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026
- Location: Nationwide (Applicable across all Indian higher education institutions)
- Date: January 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The University Grants Commission (UGC) introduced revised equity regulations replacing the 2012 rules, with expanded protections and enforceable penalties against discrimination in colleges and universities.
- Objectives: To prevent caste-, gender-, and disability-based discrimination, promote equity and dignity, and establish accountable enforcement mechanisms in higher education institutions.
Important Terms Explained:
- UGC (University Grants Commission): The apex regulatory body for higher education in India, responsible for maintaining standards and framing policies for universities and colleges.
- Equity Committee: A multi-member internal body introduced in 2026 to handle discrimination complaints and ensure timely resolution with legal authority.
- Equity Helpline: A 24-hour grievance redressal facility introduced in the 2026 rules, allowing students and staff to register discrimination complaints anytime.
- Ombudsperson: An independent authority under the 2026 rules for appeals and oversight beyond the institutional level, to enhance accountability in grievance resolution.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | UGC Anti-Discrimination Rules Revised (Equity Regulations 2026) |
| Announcement date | January 2026 |
| Location | All Indian Higher Education Institutions |
| Issuing authority | University Grants Commission (UGC) |
| Policy/series name | Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026 |
| Key figures | Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, UGC Chairman |
| Purpose/reason | To address caste, gender, disability discrimination with stricter regulation |
| Feature details | Equity Committees, 24-hr helpline, OBC inclusion, penalties for non-compliance |
| Validity or status | Effective from January 2026 |
| Strategic/significant value | Expands legal protection across communities and enforces accountability |
10. Which new rule under the Solid Waste Management Rules 2026 mandates citizens to segregate waste into four specific categories?
A) Resource Recycling Rule
B) Polluter Pays Act
C) Extended Producer Mandate
D) Four-Stream Segregation Rule
E) National Sanitation Directive
Answer: D) Four-Stream Segregation Rule
Event and Location:
- Event: Notification of new Solid Waste Management Rules 2026
- Location: Nationwide (India)
- Date: April 1, 2026 (Effective Date)
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: Citizens, bulk generators, institutions must segregate waste into four categories—biodegradable, recyclable, domestic hazardous, and sanitary/inert; enforce Polluter Pays principle and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
- Objectives: To minimize landfill use, promote recycling efficiency, ensure waste accountability, and foster a circular economy in urban waste management.
Important Terms Explained:
- Four-Stream Segregation: Mandatory waste separation at source into four types to improve downstream processing and reduce contamination.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): A policy approach under which producers are responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including post-consumer waste.
- Polluter Pays Principle: An environmental policy where the entity that causes pollution bears the cost of managing it, including penalties for non-compliance.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Notification of Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules 2026 |
| Announcement date | January 2026 |
| Location | All India (urban and semi-urban areas) |
| Issuing authority | Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change |
| Policy/series name | SWM Rules 2026 |
| Key figures | Bhupender Yadav (MoEFCC), Urban Local Bodies, Producers |
| Purpose/reason | Strengthen urban sanitation, reduce landfills, enforce accountability |
| Feature details | Four-stream segregation, EPR, environmental compensation, infra development |
| Validity or status | To be implemented from April 1, 2026 |
| Strategic/significant value | Promotes sustainable urban living and circular economy |
11. What interim decision did the Supreme Court take regarding the UGC Equity Regulations 2026?
A) Approved nationwide implementation
B) Referred matter to Parliament
C) Replaced them with state laws
D) Stayed the regulations and restored 2012 rules
E) Ordered immediate amendment
Answer: D) Stayed the regulations and restored 2012 rules
Event and Location:
- Event: Supreme Court stayed the UGC Equity Regulations 2026 and allowed older rules to continue
- Location: India (All higher education institutions)
- Date: January 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The Supreme Court of India issued an interim stay on the implementation of the UGC Equity Regulations 2026 and directed that the 2012 UGC anti-discrimination rules remain in force until further hearing.
- Objectives: To prevent legal uncertainty in universities, ensure continued grievance redressal for students, and examine concerns regarding vague provisions and potential misuse before final adjudication.
Important Terms Explained:
- UGC Equity Regulations 2026: New rules framed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to strengthen anti-discrimination mechanisms in higher education institutions, now stayed by the Supreme Court due to concerns over clarity and safeguards.
- UGC Anti-Discrimination Regulations 2012: The earlier framework that provides mechanisms for addressing caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions and continues to operate after the court’s interim order.
- Interim Stay: A temporary judicial order that suspends the operation of a law or regulation until a final decision is made after detailed hearings.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Supreme Court stay on UGC Equity Regulations 2026 |
| Announcement date | January 2026 |
| Location | India |
| Issuing authority | Supreme Court of India |
| Policy/series name | UGC Equity Regulations 2026 |
| Key figures | Chief Justice Surya Kant, University Grants Commission |
| Purpose/reason | To review concerns over vague provisions and potential misuse |
| Feature details | 2012 anti-discrimination rules reinstated temporarily |
| Validity or status | Interim stay in force until next hearing |
| Strategic/significant value | Ensures continuity of grievance redressal while legal scrutiny continues |
12. What is the funding source for Karnataka’s Gig Workers Welfare Development Board as per the 2025 Act?
A) Only Central Government Grant
B) Direct Tax from Workers
C) Welfare Fee, Worker Contributions, and Govt Grants
D) Monthly Subscription by Workers
E) CSR Contributions from Companies
Answer: C) Welfare Fee, Worker Contributions, and Govt Grants
Event and Location:
- Event: Notification of Gig Workers Welfare Development Board
- Location: Karnataka, India
- Date: January 29, 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: Constitution of a statutory board to register gig workers and aggregator platforms, collect welfare contributions, and deliver social security benefits.
- Objectives: To provide formal identity, protection, and welfare coverage to gig and platform-based workers in Karnataka.
Important Terms Explained:
- Gig Workers: Individuals who engage in income-earning activities outside traditional employer-employee arrangements, often through app-based platforms.
- Aggregator Platforms: Digital intermediaries like Zomato, Uber, Amazon, and Porter that facilitate services provided by gig workers.
- Welfare Fee: A percentage-based charge (1%–1.5%) levied on aggregator platforms to fund social security for gig workers, with a cap of up to 5% under the law.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Notification of Gig Workers Welfare Development Board |
| Announcement date | January 29, 2026 |
| Location | Karnataka |
| Issuing authority | Government of Karnataka |
| Policy/series name | Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers Act, 2025 |
| Key figures | Santosh Lad (Labour Minister, Board President) |
| Purpose/reason | To institutionalize welfare protection for gig workers |
| Feature details | Mandatory registration, unique worker IDs, tripartite board |
| Validity or status | Statutory board notified and operational |
| Strategic/significant value | Sets template for national-level gig economy reform |
13. Why has Madhya Pradesh declared 2026 as the ‘Year of Agriculture’?
A) To boost urban employment
B) To develop new irrigation dams
C) To strengthen farming and allied rural sectors
D) To privatize agricultural markets
E) To promote only organic farming
Answer: C) To strengthen farming and allied rural sectors
Event and Location:
- Event: Declaration of 2026 as the Year of Agriculture
- Location: Madhya Pradesh
- Date: January 26, 2026 (Republic Day Announcement)
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: Madhya Pradesh government will increase agriculture sector funding, expand e-Mandi reforms, support dairy cooperatives, and boost rural infrastructure under a comprehensive agricultural push.
- Objectives: To enhance rural incomes, improve agricultural profitability, promote allied sectors like dairy, and transform farming into a resilient, technology-driven, and market-oriented occupation.
Important Terms Explained:
- e-Mandi: A digital agricultural market platform allowing farmers to sell produce transparently and directly to buyers, enhancing price discovery and reducing middlemen.
- Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Kamdhenu Yojana: A dairy development scheme aimed at increasing milk production and profitability for rural dairy farmers in Madhya Pradesh.
- Cow Shelter Grants: Government financial aid provided to Gaushalas (cow shelters) for the care of destitute cattle; now doubled from ₹20 to ₹40 per animal in MP.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Declaration of 2026 as Year of Agriculture |
| Announcement date | January 26, 2026 |
| Location | Madhya Pradesh |
| Issuing authority | Government of Madhya Pradesh |
| Policy/series name | State Agriculture Development Vision |
| Key figures | Governor Mangubhai Patel, CM Mohan Yadav |
| Purpose/reason | To enhance rural prosperity through agriculture and dairy |
| Feature details | e-Mandi reform, Kamdhenu Yojana, cow shelter support |
| Validity or status | Officially announced and active for the year 2026 |
| Strategic/significant value | Supports long-term rural growth, farm incomes, and food security |
14. Why have Meghalaya’s living root bridges been nominated for UNESCO’s World Heritage list?
A) For their British-era architecture
B) For being the oldest stone bridges in India
C) For showcasing sustainable indigenous bioengineering
D) For being the longest suspension bridges
E) For connecting trade routes to Bangladesh
Answer: C) For showcasing sustainable indigenous bioengineering
Event and Location:
- Event: Nomination of Meghalaya’s living root bridges to UNESCO World Heritage List
- Location: Meghalaya, India
- Date: January 2026 (Nomination submission)
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: India has submitted the nomination dossier for the living root bridges of Meghalaya to UNESCO for the 2026–27 evaluation cycle.
- Objectives: To recognize and preserve traditional ecological knowledge, promote sustainable heritage, and enhance cultural tourism through global recognition.
Important Terms Explained:
- Living Root Bridges: Natural structures formed by guiding the aerial roots of rubber fig trees across rivers, maintained and strengthened over decades by tribal communities.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: A designation given by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to sites of outstanding cultural or natural value.
- Khasi and Jaintia Tribes: Indigenous ethnic communities of Meghalaya known for their eco-centric lifestyles, traditional knowledge, and unique heritage practices.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | UNESCO nomination of Meghalaya’s living root bridges |
| Announcement date | January 2026 |
| Location | Khasi and Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya |
| Issuing authority | Government of India & UNESCO |
| Policy/series name | UNESCO World Heritage Nomination 2026–27 |
| Key figures | Khasi & Jaintia tribal communities |
| Purpose/reason | To highlight indigenous sustainability and cultural bioengineering |
| Feature details | Living root bridges grown from rubber fig trees using traditional knowledge |
| Validity or status | Under UNESCO review for the 2026–27 cycle |
| Strategic/significant value | Promotes eco-tourism, conserves biodiversity, preserves cultural heritage |
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