UPSC Current Affairs 17 January 2026

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth GS3: Investment Models

Highest annual spike saw 44,000 start-ups added last year: Modi, Pg1

India witnesses record 44,000 new start-up registrations in 2025, marking a decade of Startup India initiative success.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth GS3: Investment Models

Highest annual spike saw 44,000 start-ups added last year: Modi, Pg1

India witnesses record 44,000 new start-up registrations in 2025, marking a decade of Startup India initiative success.

GS 2: Social Justice GS 2: Governance GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Vulnerable Sections GS2: Health Sector

Union govt. sets goal to formally recognise one lakh tribal healers as ‘partners in health services’, Pg1

Union Government to recognize one lakh tribal healers, aiming to integrate traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare for tribal communities.

GS 2: Social Justice GS 2: Governance GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Vulnerable Sections GS2: Health Sector

Union govt. sets goal to formally recognise one lakh tribal healers as ‘partners in health services’, Pg1

Union Government to recognize one lakh tribal healers, aiming to integrate traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare for tribal communities.

GS 2: Polity GS 1: Post-Independence India GS2: Pressure Groups and Formal or Informal Associations

The Congress at 140, a crisis of structure, Pg8

Congress grapples with structural issues, contrasting with BJP's cadre-based system, hindering grassroots presence and internal reforms despite decentralization efforts.

GS 2: Polity GS 1: Post-Independence India GS2: Pressure Groups and Formal or Informal Associations

The Congress at 140, a crisis of structure, Pg8

Congress grapples with structural issues, contrasting with BJP's cadre-based system, hindering grassroots presence and internal reforms despite decentralization efforts.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS3: Government Budgeting GS3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Budget 2026-27 must keep the growth momentum, Pg8

Budget 2026-27 eyes growth via defence boost, export incentives, tax reforms, and corporate bond market deepening.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS3: Government Budgeting GS3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Budget 2026-27 must keep the growth momentum, Pg8

Budget 2026-27 eyes growth via defence boost, export incentives, tax reforms, and corporate bond market deepening.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

On mute, Pg8

U.S. pressures India on Iran, Russia trade; India's muted response raises concerns over strategic autonomy and economic impact.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

On mute, Pg8

U.S. pressures India on Iran, Russia trade; India's muted response raises concerns over strategic autonomy and economic impact.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 3: Disaster Management GS 1: Indian GeographyPrelimsGS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation GS3: Disaster and Disaster Management

In Jharkhand, a tusker on a rampage, Pg9

Rogue tusker in Jharkhand claims 20 lives amid shrinking habitats, sparking fear and prompting massive search operation.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 3: Disaster Management GS 1: Indian GeographyPrelimsGS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation GS3: Disaster and Disaster Management

In Jharkhand, a tusker on a rampage, Pg9

Rogue tusker in Jharkhand claims 20 lives amid shrinking habitats, sparking fear and prompting massive search operation.

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

‘Talks on Chabahar will continue with U.S. and Iran’, Pg10

India navigates complex U.S.-Iran relations to sustain Chabahar port operations amidst sanctions, seeking continued waivers for strategic project.

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

‘Talks on Chabahar will continue with U.S. and Iran’, Pg10

India navigates complex U.S.-Iran relations to sustain Chabahar port operations amidst sanctions, seeking continued waivers for strategic project.

GS 2: International Relations GS 2: Polity GS 3: Internal Security GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS2: Indian Diaspora GS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

HC seeks Centre’s reply on Iran’s detention of 16 Indian seafarers, Pg10

Delhi HC directs Centre to respond to plea regarding detention of 16 Indian seafarers by Iranian Revolutionary Guards.

GS 2: International Relations GS 2: Polity GS 3: Internal Security GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS2: Indian Diaspora GS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

HC seeks Centre’s reply on Iran’s detention of 16 Indian seafarers, Pg10

Delhi HC directs Centre to respond to plea regarding detention of 16 Indian seafarers by Iranian Revolutionary Guards.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Expert panel sets norms for religious sites in sanctuaries, Pg12

Environment Ministry panel formulates guidelines for diverting forest land for religious structures within wildlife sanctuaries, addressing encroachment concerns and historical claims.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Expert panel sets norms for religious sites in sanctuaries, Pg12

Environment Ministry panel formulates guidelines for diverting forest land for religious structures within wildlife sanctuaries, addressing encroachment concerns and historical claims.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS2: Parliament and State Legislatures GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

Secretary-General of RS has administrative role only, says court, Pg12

Supreme Court criticizes Rajya Sabha Secretary-General for overstepping administrative role in Justice Varma's removal motion, urging restraint in quasi-adjudicatory functions.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS2: Parliament and State Legislatures GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

Secretary-General of RS has administrative role only, says court, Pg12

Supreme Court criticizes Rajya Sabha Secretary-General for overstepping administrative role in Justice Varma's removal motion, urging restraint in quasi-adjudicatory functions.

GS 2: PolityPrelimsGS2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms GS2: Parliament and State Legislatures GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

SC upholds Speaker's inquiry panel move against Justice Varma (NO ILLEGALITY: BENCH), Pg3

Supreme Court upholds Lok Sabha Speaker's power to form inquiry panel against judges, reinforcing judicial accountability mechanisms.

GS 2: PolityPrelimsGS2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms GS2: Parliament and State Legislatures GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

SC upholds Speaker's inquiry panel move against Justice Varma (NO ILLEGALITY: BENCH), Pg3

Supreme Court upholds Lok Sabha Speaker's power to form inquiry panel against judges, reinforcing judicial accountability mechanisms.

GS 1: Indian Geography GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 3: Disaster ManagementPrelimsGS1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones GS1: Changes in Critical Geographical Features, Water Bodies, Ice Caps, Flora and Fauna GS3: Disaster and Disaster Management

Uttarakhand to Himachal to J&K, why this winter feels snowless (Dry winter for country but northwest region particularly hit, receiving just 8 per cent of rain expected), Pg3

Himalayan states face snowless winter, with rainfall 96% below normal, raising concerns about water security and forest fires.

GS 1: Indian Geography GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 3: Disaster ManagementPrelimsGS1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones GS1: Changes in Critical Geographical Features, Water Bodies, Ice Caps, Flora and Fauna GS3: Disaster and Disaster Management

Uttarakhand to Himachal to J&K, why this winter feels snowless (Dry winter for country but northwest region particularly hit, receiving just 8 per cent of rain expected), Pg3

Himalayan states face snowless winter, with rainfall 96% below normal, raising concerns about water security and forest fires.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

India-EU pact to be 'mother of all trade deals', no member state opposed: Goyal (LIKELY TO BE SIGNED JANUARY 26), Pg3

India-EU FTA, dubbed 'mother of all trade deals', aims for comprehensive, mutually advantageous agreement, likely signed January 26, 2025.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

India-EU pact to be 'mother of all trade deals', no member state opposed: Goyal (LIKELY TO BE SIGNED JANUARY 26), Pg3

India-EU FTA, dubbed 'mother of all trade deals', aims for comprehensive, mutually advantageous agreement, likely signed January 26, 2025.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Air may turn ‘Severe’, GRAP 3 curbs imposed, Pg6

Delhi-NCR enforces GRAP III as air quality plummets; schools shift to hybrid mode, vehicle restrictions imposed amid rising pollution.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Air may turn ‘Severe’, GRAP 3 curbs imposed, Pg6

Delhi-NCR enforces GRAP III as air quality plummets; schools shift to hybrid mode, vehicle restrictions imposed amid rising pollution.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS1: Urbanization, Problems and Remedies GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

CAQM cites Beijing example, says Delhi Metro may need to double operational network (EYE ON REDUCING VEHICULAR POLLUTION), Pg6

Delhi Metro expansion to 900 km proposed by CAQM, inspired by Beijing, to combat vehicular pollution effectively.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS1: Urbanization, Problems and Remedies GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

CAQM cites Beijing example, says Delhi Metro may need to double operational network (EYE ON REDUCING VEHICULAR POLLUTION), Pg6

Delhi Metro expansion to 900 km proposed by CAQM, inspired by Beijing, to combat vehicular pollution effectively.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS1: Distribution of Key Natural Resources GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: IT and Computers

EAM: India, Japan partnership has potential to de-risk global economy, Pg11

India and Japan deepen strategic ties with AI dialogue and critical minerals working group to de-risk global economy.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS1: Distribution of Key Natural Resources GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: IT and Computers

EAM: India, Japan partnership has potential to de-risk global economy, Pg11

India and Japan deepen strategic ties with AI dialogue and critical minerals working group to de-risk global economy.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 1: Indian GeographyPrelimsGS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation GS3: Disaster and Disaster Management

In Assam's Kaziranga, elevated corridor lifts hopes of curbing animal deaths, Pg11

Kaziranga National Park to get 34.5-km elevated corridor worth ₹6,950 cr for safer animal passage across NH-715.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 1: Indian GeographyPrelimsGS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation GS3: Disaster and Disaster Management

In Assam's Kaziranga, elevated corridor lifts hopes of curbing animal deaths, Pg11

Kaziranga National Park to get 34.5-km elevated corridor worth ₹6,950 cr for safer animal passage across NH-715.

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS2: Health Sector

‘Paracetamol use during pregnancy doesn’t increase autism, ADHD risks’, Pg13

Lancet study confirms paracetamol's safety during pregnancy, refuting autism/ADHD link; reassures expectant mothers and obstetricians globally.

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS2: Health Sector

‘Paracetamol use during pregnancy doesn’t increase autism, ADHD risks’, Pg13

Lancet study confirms paracetamol's safety during pregnancy, refuting autism/ADHD link; reassures expectant mothers and obstetricians globally.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies GS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

Praveen Vashista appointed Vigilance Commissioner, Pg14

Praveen Vashista, ex-Special Secretary, appointed as Vigilance Commissioner in CVC following voluntary retirement; tenure set for four years.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies GS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

Praveen Vashista appointed Vigilance Commissioner, Pg14

Praveen Vashista, ex-Special Secretary, appointed as Vigilance Commissioner in CVC following voluntary retirement; tenure set for four years.

GS 2: Governance GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

'Citizens can't be deprived...': HC allows NHAI to end contract of firm 'holding up' Delhi-Mumbai e-way, Pg14

Delhi HC allows NHAI to terminate Delhi-Mumbai Expressway contract, citing public interest, after contractor delays 87-km Gujarat stretch.

GS 2: Governance GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

'Citizens can't be deprived...': HC allows NHAI to end contract of firm 'holding up' Delhi-Mumbai e-way, Pg14

Delhi HC allows NHAI to terminate Delhi-Mumbai Expressway contract, citing public interest, after contractor delays 87-km Gujarat stretch.

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

Multilateralism à la carte, the Washington way, Pg16

US adopts 'multilateralism à la carte,' selectively engaging with global bodies based on its interests, impacting international cooperation and India's rise.

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

Multilateralism à la carte, the Washington way, Pg16

US adopts 'multilateralism à la carte,' selectively engaging with global bodies based on its interests, impacting international cooperation and India's rise.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

India-EU FTA is a pact whose time has come, Pg16

India-EU FTA negotiations near conclusion, aiming for agreement before Republic Day visit, boosting trade and addressing carbon tax concerns.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

India-EU FTA is a pact whose time has come, Pg16

India-EU FTA negotiations near conclusion, aiming for agreement before Republic Day visit, boosting trade and addressing carbon tax concerns.

GS 3: Economy GS 1: Indian Geography GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS1: Poverty and Developmental Issues GS3: Major Crops, Cropping Patterns and Irrigation Systems GS3: Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices

Food habits are changing. Farms must, too, Pg17

Changing Indian food habits necessitate agricultural diversification beyond rice and wheat, impacting farmer incomes and nutritional security.

GS 3: Economy GS 1: Indian Geography GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS1: Poverty and Developmental Issues GS3: Major Crops, Cropping Patterns and Irrigation Systems GS3: Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices

Food habits are changing. Farms must, too, Pg17

Changing Indian food habits necessitate agricultural diversification beyond rice and wheat, impacting farmer incomes and nutritional security.

GS 3: Economy GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS1: Women and Women's Organizations GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Develop indigenous AI on Indian servers, PM urges Indian talent, Pg18

PM Modi urges startups to develop indigenous AI on Indian servers, boost manufacturing, and aim for global leadership.

GS 3: Economy GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS1: Women and Women's Organizations GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

News Analysis

Highest annual spike saw 44,000 start-ups added last year: Modi, Pg1

Highest annual spike saw 44,000 start-ups added last year: Modi, Pg1

Union govt. sets goal to formally recognise one lakh tribal healers as ‘partners in health services’, Pg1

Union govt. sets goal to formally recognise one lakh tribal healers as ‘partners in health services’, Pg1

The Congress at 140, a crisis of structure, Pg8

The Congress at 140, a crisis of structure, Pg8

Budget 2026-27 must keep the growth momentum, Pg8

Budget 2026-27 must keep the growth momentum, Pg8

​On mute, Pg8

​On mute, Pg8

In Jharkhand, a tusker on a rampage, Pg9

In Jharkhand, a tusker on a rampage, Pg9

‘Talks on Chabahar will continue with U.S. and Iran’, Pg10

‘Talks on Chabahar will continue with U.S. and Iran’, Pg10

HC seeks Centre’s reply on Iran’s detention of 16 Indian seafarers, Pg10

HC seeks Centre’s reply on Iran’s detention of 16 Indian seafarers, Pg10

Expert panel sets norms for religious sites in sanctuaries, Pg12

Expert panel sets norms for religious sites in sanctuaries, Pg12

Secretary-General of RS has administrative role only, says court, Pg12

Secretary-General of RS has administrative role only, says court, Pg12

SC upholds Speaker's inquiry panel move against Justice Varma (NO ILLEGALITY: BENCH), Pg3

SC upholds Speaker's inquiry panel move against Justice Varma (NO ILLEGALITY: BENCH), Pg3

Uttarakhand to Himachal to J&K, why this winter feels snowless (Dry winter for country but northwest region particularly hit, receiving just 8 per cent of rain expected), Pg3

Uttarakhand to Himachal to J&K, why this winter feels snowless (Dry winter for country but northwest region particularly hit, receiving just 8 per cent of rain expected), Pg3

India-EU pact to be 'mother of all trade deals', no member state opposed: Goyal (LIKELY TO BE SIGNED JANUARY 26), Pg3

India-EU pact to be 'mother of all trade deals', no member state opposed: Goyal (LIKELY TO BE SIGNED JANUARY 26), Pg3

Air may turn ‘Severe’, GRAP 3 curbs imposed, Pg6

Air may turn ‘Severe’, GRAP 3 curbs imposed, Pg6

CAQM cites Beijing example, says Delhi Metro may need to double operational network (EYE ON REDUCING VEHICULAR POLLUTION), Pg6

CAQM cites Beijing example, says Delhi Metro may need to double operational network (EYE ON REDUCING VEHICULAR POLLUTION), Pg6

EAM: India, Japan partnership has potential to de-risk global economy, Pg11

EAM: India, Japan partnership has potential to de-risk global economy, Pg11

In Assam's Kaziranga, elevated corridor lifts hopes of curbing animal deaths, Pg11

In Assam's Kaziranga, elevated corridor lifts hopes of curbing animal deaths, Pg11

‘Paracetamol use during pregnancy doesn’t increase autism, ADHD risks’, Pg13

‘Paracetamol use during pregnancy doesn’t increase autism, ADHD risks’, Pg13

Praveen Vashista appointed Vigilance Commissioner, Pg14

Praveen Vashista appointed Vigilance Commissioner, Pg14

'Citizens can't be deprived...': HC allows NHAI to end contract of firm 'holding up' Delhi-Mumbai e-way, Pg14

'Citizens can't be deprived...': HC allows NHAI to end contract of firm 'holding up' Delhi-Mumbai e-way, Pg14

Multilateralism à la carte, the Washington way, Pg16

Multilateralism à la carte, the Washington way, Pg16

India-EU FTA is a pact whose time has come, Pg16

India-EU FTA is a pact whose time has come, Pg16

Food habits are changing. Farms must, too, Pg17

Food habits are changing. Farms must, too, Pg17

Develop indigenous AI on Indian servers, PM urges Indian talent, Pg18

Develop indigenous AI on Indian servers, PM urges Indian talent, Pg18

SEBI proposes netting of funds for FPI transactions, Pg18

SEBI proposes netting of funds for FPI transactions, Pg18

Govt blocks 242 illegal betting, gambling website links, Pg18

Govt blocks 242 illegal betting, gambling website links, Pg18

'EPF money withdrawal via UPI by April', Pg18

'EPF money withdrawal via UPI by April', Pg18

India must widen, and deepen, its export pool to offset US tariffs, Pg19

India must widen, and deepen, its export pool to offset US tariffs, Pg19

New Trump tariff could be last straw for basmati exports to Iran, Pg19

New Trump tariff could be last straw for basmati exports to Iran, Pg19

Why SC wants govt to consider a ‘Romeo-Juliet’ exception for POCSO Act, Pg19

Why SC wants govt to consider a ‘Romeo-Juliet’ exception for POCSO Act, Pg19

More News Analysis

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On mute, Pg8

On mute, Pg8