Source: Press Information Bureau Context: The Union Budget 2026–27 accords a major policy and fiscal push to livestock and fisheries, with allocations rising by 26.7%, recognising these allied sectors as the primary drivers of agricultural growth.While crop agriculture grew at ~3.5%, livestock and fisheries expanded at ~7.1%, contributing nearly 16% of total farm income and sustaining overall agricultural growth of 4.6% in FY 2025–26. What Is the Budgetary Shift? This approach aligns with: I. Livestock Sector: From Subsistence to Professional Value Chains The Budget emphasises “Saturation + Professionalisation” to improve animal health, productivity, and farmer incomes. 1. Veterinary Workforce Expansion Loan-Linked Capital Subsidy (New) 2. Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) 3. Entrepreneurship & Livestock FPOs 4. Tax Relief for Cooperatives II. Fisheries Sector: Blue Economy and Export Orientation The fisheries sector receives its highest-ever allocation of ₹2,761.80 crore, positioning it as a key pillar of the Blue Economy. 1. Inland & Coastal Fisheries Infrastructure Reservoir and Amrit Sarovar Development 2. Empowerment through FPOs & Startups III. Radical Export Reforms: Making Indian Seafood Globally Competitive To counter global trade headwinds and enhance export competitiveness, the Budget introduces transformational tax and logistics reforms. Key Export Reforms and Their Impact Reform Impact Duty-Free Input Imports Limit raised from 1% → 3% of export turnover for seafood processing EEZ Catch Exemption Fish caught in Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) or high seas made duty-free Foreign Port Landings Fish landed at foreign ports treated as exports, easing deep-sea operations Courier Export Cap Removed Removal of ₹10 lakh cap, enabling fisheries startups to access global e-commerce
Union Budget 2026–27
Context: The Union Budget 2026–27, presented by Nirmala Sitharaman, announced a decisive push to scale up manufacturing in seven strategic and frontier sectors under the First Kartavya—accelerating and sustaining economic growth.This marks a shift from assembly-led growth to deep manufacturing, emphasising technology depth, supply-chain resilience, and global competitiveness. What is the Manufacturing Strategy in Budget 2026–27? The Budget outlines a comprehensive industrial strategy to strengthen India’s manufacturing ecosystem across seven high-impact sectors, chosen for their role in: The seven sectors are: Sector-Wise Budget Announcements and Analysis 1. Biopharma – Biopharma SHAKTI Budget Provision 2. Semiconductors – India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0 Budget Provision 3. Electronics Components Manufacturing Budget Provision 4. Rare Earth Corridors Budget Provision 5. Chemicals – Plug-and-Play Chemical Parks Budget Provision 6. Capital Goods & Containers Budget Provision 7. Textiles & Sports Goods Budget Provision
Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 31 January, 2026
Daily Current Affairs Quiz31 January, 2026 National Affairs 1. BHARAT SAMPARK Source: PIB Context: BHARAT SAMPARK – Engaging India’s Young Minds is an Economic Survey–linked outreach initiative that gained prominence after a Union Minister interacted with students at Indian Institute of Technology Delhi.The initiative reflects the government’s effort to bridge policy-making with youth participation, especially in technology and innovation domains. What is BHARAT SAMPARK? BHARAT SAMPARK is a government outreach and engagement programme aimed at: Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Communications Key Features of BHARAT SAMPARK 1. Youth–Government Interface 2. India Post Modernisation Focus 3. N-Gen (Next Generation) Campus Post Offices Youth-centric postal facilities established within educational campuses: 4. Deep-Tech and Innovation Exposure 2. National Commission for Women marks its 34th Foundation Day Source: PIB Context: The National Commission for Women (NCW) marked its 34th Foundation Day at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, reaffirming its commitment to women’s rights, protection, and empowerment. What is the National Commission for Women (NCW)? Establishment and Legal Basis Composition of the NCW (As per Section 3 of the NCW Act, 1990) 3. India’s First Mega Shipbuilding Cluster in Tamil Nadu Source: ET Context: On 29 January 2026, the Government of India (GoI), in collaboration with the Government of Tamil Nadu, established NSHIP—a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)—to develop India’s first mega shipbuilding cluster at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. About the NSHIP SPV Background Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS) Overview Operational Framework Banking/Finance 1. New Consumer Price Index (CPI) Series Source: The Indian Express Context: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released details of a new Consumer Price Index (CPI) series, revising the base year from 2011–12 to 2023–24 and reducing the weight of food and beverages from ~46% to ~37%. What is the New CPI Series? The new CPI series is an updated framework for measuring retail inflation in India, featuring: Organisations Involved Historical Background of CPI in India Methodology / Criteria of the New CPI Series The revised CPI is constructed using: Key Features of the New CPI Series 1. Reduced Food Weight 2. Higher Housing Weight 3. Greater Services Representation 4. Digital Economy Inclusion 5. Lower Inflation Volatility 2. Slice Introduces India’s First UPI-Centric Digital Banking Ecosystem Source: BS Context: On 29 January 2026, Slice Small Finance Bank (Slice SFB) launched a UPI-centric digital banking ecosystem, introducing three innovative products: Financial Products Launched 1. Digital Savings Bank Account (Repo-Linked) 2. UPI-Integrated Credit Card 3. Digital Fixed Deposits (FDs) Background About Slice Small Finance Bank (Slice SFB) 3. Paysharp Secures PA-P Licence from RBI Source: BS Context: In January 2026, fintech startup Paysharp received the Payment Aggregator–Physical (PA-P) licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).Earlier, in August 2024, Paysharp had obtained the Payment Aggregator–Online (PA-O) licence. What is the PA-P Licence? Key Implications of the Licence 1. Unified Online–Offline Payments 2. Omnichannel Capability About Paysharp 4. UAE Central Bank Approves First USD-Backed Stablecoin Source: News on Air Context: The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates has approved the first USD-backed stablecoin (USDU) under its Payment Token Services Regulation, marking a significant step in regulating digital assets and blockchain-based payments. What is the USD-Backed Stablecoin (USDU)? Key Features of the USDU Stablecoin 5. NSE receives SEBI approval for IPO Source: ET Why in News? The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has received a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the market regulator, clearing the way for it to initiate the process for its long-awaited Initial Public Offering (IPO). What Does the NOC Mean? About NSE Facts To Remember 1. Shaheed Diwas / Martyrs’ Day 2026 – January 30 Observed across India to honour national martyrs and mark the 78th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, assassinated on January 30, 1948, at Birla House (now Gandhi Smriti), New Delhi. 2. World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2026 – January 30 The 7th observance of WNTDD highlighted global efforts to eliminate neglected tropical diseases under the theme “Unite. Act. Eliminate,” aligned with WHO’s NTD Roadmap (2021–2030). 3. Kerala Budget FY27 Presented by FM K N Balagopal Kerala’s Finance Minister presented a people-centric FY27 budget of about ₹2.40 lakh crore, focusing on social security, elderly welfare, women-centric schemes, and fiscal consolidation. 4. Andhra Pradesh Signs MoU with FICCI-FLO for Women Entrepreneurs’ Industrial Park Andhra Pradesh signed an MoU with FICCI-FLO to establish a 30-acre Women Entrepreneurs’ Industrial Park in Amaravati to promote women-led MSMEs and industrial self-reliance. 5. Civil Aviation Minister Inaugurates Wings India 2026 Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu inaugurated Wings India 2026 at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad, a biennial aviation event themed “Indian Aviation: Paving the Future,” hosted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation with Telangana government support. 6. Bharat Parv 2026 Inaugurated at Red Fort Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated the six-day Bharat Parv 2026 at Red Fort, New Delhi, to showcase India’s cultural diversity, promote tourism, and support Aatmanirbhar Bharat. 7. 12th SIFFCY 2026 Begins in New Delhi The 12th Smile International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFFCY) 2026 began in New Delhi, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion through socially relevant films, including works by disabled children. 8. 11th Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival Commences The 11th Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival started in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, honouring composer Ilaiyaraaja with the Padmapani Award and opening with the Spanish film ‘Siret’. 9. Assam Launches Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme Assam Chief Minister launched the Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat scheme to mark 200 years of the tea industry, providing ₹5,000 financial aid and welfare benefits to over 6 lakh tea garden workers. 10. Department of Posts Partners with Stock Holding Services Ltd The Department of Posts signed an agreement with Stock Holding Services Limited to expand access to regulated capital market services such as demat accounts, mutual funds, and IPOs through post offices and digital platforms. 11. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani Elected OCA President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani was elected as the new President of the Olympic Council of Asia during the
Governor’s Power to Address the State Legislature
What is the issue? Several States have witnessed disputes over the Governor’s Address to the State Legislature, raising concerns about constitutional propriety, the limits of gubernatorial discretion, and adherence to the principle of responsible government. What is the Governor’s Address? Constitutional Provisions Involved Nature of the Governor’s Powers
Operation Megaburu
Source: The Times of India (TOI) What is the news? Operation Megaburu, a major anti-Maoist counter-insurgency operation in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district, led to the killing of 16 Maoists, including senior CPI (Maoist) leader Anal alias Patiram Manjhi. The operation marks one of the most significant blows to Maoist leadership in the State in recent years. What is Operation Megaburu? Key Details
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
Source: IE Context: Parakram Diwas–2026 being organised in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to mark the 129th Birth Anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Who was Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose? Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was a revolutionary nationalist leader who championed complete independence (Purna Swaraj) through assertive and military means, offering a decisive ideological alternative to the predominantly non-violent strategy of India’s freedom movement. Early Life Role in the Freedom Movement 1. Radical Congress Leadership 2. Demand for Purna Swaraj 3. Socialist Economic Vision 4. Ideological Challenge within INC 5. Forward Bloc
Global Water Bankruptcy Report
Source: Down To Earth (DTE) What is the news? The UNU-INWEH has released a flagship report titled “Global Water Bankruptcy: Living Beyond Our Hydrological Means in the Post-Crisis Era”, warning that large parts of the world have entered a permanent state of water insolvency, where water use exceeds renewable and safe limits. What is “Water Bankruptcy”? Key Data & Findings Major Causes Identified
United States Set to Formally Withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO)
Source: TH What is the news? The United States is set to formally withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) after completing the mandatory one-year notice period, despite widespread concerns over the impact on global health governance, pandemic preparedness, and U.S. public health interests. About the World Health Organization (WHO) Establishment & Headquarters Historical Background Core Functions of WHO
RBI Updates Priority Sector Lending (PSL) Rules
Source: Economic Times Why in News? In January 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revised the Priority Sector Lending (PSL) framework to improve regulatory compliance, transparency, and risk alignment, especially in on-lending arrangements and reporting practices. What is Priority Sector Lending (PSL)? PSL is a mandatory credit allocation framework under which banks must lend a fixed share of their Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) to priority sectors such as: Its objective is inclusive growth and financial deepening. Key Changes Introduced by RBI 1. Stronger Compliance & Audit Oversight 2. Alignment with Prudential Risk Norms 3. Clarification of ANBC Calculation 4. Standardised Treatment of Off-Balance Sheet Exposures 5. Inclusion of NCDC Loans 6. Rationalisation for Small Finance Banks 7. Enhanced Disclosure & Reporting
PFRDA Introduces ‘NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme’
Source: Business Standard Why in News? The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has allowed the launch of the NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme as a Proof of Concept (PoC) under its Regulatory Sandbox Framework, marking a first attempt to integrate health-related benefits with India’s pension system. What is the NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme? Key Objectives Key Features of the Pilot Scheme 1. Regulatory Sandbox & PoC 2. Partial Withdrawals for Medical Needs 3. Premature Exit for Critical Treatment 4. Transfer from Existing NPS Accounts 5. Exit Safeguards
