UPSC Current Affairs Weekly Digest: Key Insights for Competitive Exams
This weekly compilation provides crucial current affairs updates from January 26 to February 1, 2026, tailored for aspirants preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, state PSCs, and other competitive tests. The past week witnessed significant developments across polity, economy, international relations, and environment, offering rich material for both prelims and mains preparation.
Polity and Governance Highlights
Landmark Supreme Court Verdict on Menstrual Hygiene
The Supreme Court of India delivered a groundbreaking judgment, recognizing access to menstrual hygiene as a fundamental constitutional right under Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. The court emphasized that this right is integral to living with dignity and issued a continuing mandamus, directing the central and state governments to ensure the provision of free sanitary napkins and functional toilets in all educational institutions. This ruling marks a pivotal step in addressing gender equality and health issues in India.
Republic Day 2026 Celebrations and Awards
India celebrated its 77th Republic Day with grandeur, showcasing the nation's military prowess and cultural diversity. The parade, a tradition since 1950, highlighted achievements across states and union territories. In the tableau competition, Maharashtra secured first place for its depiction of "Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta," while Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala won second and third places, respectively. The Ministry of Culture triumphed in the central ministries category, and the Indian Navy was adjudged the best marching contingent among the services.
Budget Session and Presidential Address
The Budget session for 2026-27 commenced with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint sitting of Parliament. As per Article 87 of the Constitution, the President addresses the first session each year and after general elections, a practice modified by the First Amendment Act of 1951. This address sets the tone for the legislative agenda, focusing on national priorities and governance frameworks.
Economic Developments: Survey and Budget 2026
Economic Survey 2025-26 Projections
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey in Parliament, projecting a growth rate of 6.8-7.2% for the upcoming financial year, a slight slowdown from the current fiscal's 7.4%. The survey, prepared under Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran, outlined potential for 7.5% GDP growth in FY27, driven by manufacturing improvements and land reforms. It cautioned against fiscal populism and highlighted concerns over rising revenue deficits in states, with the number of revenue surplus states declining from 19 in FY19 to 11 in FY25.
Union Budget 2026-27 Key Initiatives
Presenting her ninth budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a "Yuva Shakti Driven Budget" aimed at empowering the youth and marginalized sections. Key announcements include:
- Biopharma SHAKTI: A Rs 10,000 crore initiative over five years to establish India as a global bio-pharma manufacturing hub.
- Rare-Earth Mineral Corridors: Dedicated corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu to boost mineral processing.
- Orange Economy: Content creator labs in 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges to promote the Animation, Visual effects, Gaming, and Comic (AVGC) sector.
- Bharat-VISTAAR: A multilingual AI tool integrating AgriStack portals and ICAR agricultural practices for enhanced farming efficiency.
Budget estimates for FY 2026-27 include a fiscal deficit of 4.3%, revenue deficit of 1.5%, and total expenditure matching receipts at Rs 53.47 lakh crore.
International Relations and Agreements
India-EU Free Trade Agreement and Summit
During the 16th India-EU Annual Summit, leaders finalized 13 key outcomes, including a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) dubbed the "mother of all deals." The FTA adopts a graded approach on contentious issues like automobiles and spirits, excluding agriculture, and aims to position India competitively with nations like Vietnam. Additionally, a Comprehensive Framework of Cooperation on Mobility was established to facilitate the movement of Indian students and professionals across EU countries, with the EU committing to uncapped mobility for students.
Second India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting
India hosted the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting after a decade, co-chaired with the UAE. This institutional dialogue, formalized in 2002, strengthens partnerships with the 22-member Arab League, focusing on economic and military cooperation amid evolving global dynamics.
Environmental and Scientific Updates
New Ramsar Sites in India
Patna Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand in Gujarat have been designated as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. Patna Bird Sanctuary features freshwater marshes and woodlands, while Chhari-Dhand is a seasonal saline wetland in Kutch. This addition brings India's total Ramsar sites to 98, underscoring the country's commitment to wetland conservation.
Solid Waste Management Rules 2026
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified new Solid Waste Management Rules, emphasizing a waste hierarchy that prioritizes prevention, reuse, and recycling. The rules mandate segregation into four streams—wet, dry, sanitary, and special care waste—and impose stringent responsibilities on bulk generators, defined as entities with significant floor area, water consumption, or waste generation. This framework aims to promote a circular economy and reduce landfill dependency.
Science, Technology, and Health
Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) Safety Technology
The government plans to introduce V2V technology to enhance road safety and reduce traffic congestion. This wireless system enables vehicles to communicate real-time data on speed, location, and braking, alerting drivers to hazards within a 300-meter range. As part of the Intelligent Transport System, V2V technology represents a proactive step toward minimizing accident fatalities.
Nipah Virus Alert
Following reports of Nipah virus cases in India, airports in Thailand, Taiwan, and Nepal have reinstated health checks reminiscent of COVID-19 protocols. Nipah, a zoonotic virus transmitted from animals like bats and pigs, poses serious health risks with no specific antiviral treatment available, highlighting the importance of surveillance and preventive measures.
Persons in News and Sports
Notable Personalities
Renowned broadcaster Sir Mark Tully passed away at 90, leaving a legacy as a trusted interpreter of India through his BBC reporting. Author Arundhati Roy won the Mathrubhumi Book of the Year Award 2026 for her novel "Mother Mary Comes to Me," while educationist Father Thomas V Kunnunkal, a Padma Shri awardee and former CBSE chairman, died at 99.
Australian Open 2026 Winners
In tennis, Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan clinched the women's singles title, defeating Aryna Sabalenka, while Carlos Alcaraz of Spain won the men's singles, overcoming Novak Djokovic. These results underscore the dynamic nature of global sports, relevant for competitive exam preparation.
Key Terms and Test Your Knowledge
Discombobulator in Military Context
Recent discussions have emerged around the "discombobulator," a weapon mentioned by former U.S. President Donald Trump, believed to include systems that disorient through high-pitched sounds and blinding effects. This term highlights evolving military technologies and their implications for international security.
MCQs for Self-Assessment
- Who won the Mathrubhumi Book of the Year Award 2026? (Answer: Arundhati Roy)
- Which article specifies the President's address to Parliament? (Answer: Article 87)
- How many Ramsar sites does India have after the latest additions? (Answer: 98)
Regular practice through such questions aids in retaining crucial facts for exam success.
