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
PFRDA sets up SAARG to Modernise NPS Investment Framework
Source: TOI Why in News? The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has constituted a high-level expert committee to overhaul and modernise the investment framework of the National Pension System (NPS) in line with global best practices. About the Committee Mandate of SAARG Core Objectives Composition of the Panel The committee includes experts from:
Buyforex Secures In-Principle PSP Approval at GIFT IFSC
Source: TH Why in News? In January 2026, Buyforex, a wholly owned entity of EbixCash World Money (subsidiary of Eraaya Lifespaces Ltd.), received in-principle approval for Payment Service Provider (PSP) authorisation from the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) at GIFT IFSC. Key Significance What is a Payment Service Provider (PSP)? A Payment Service Provider (PSP) is an entity authorised by a financial regulator to offer, facilitate, and manage payment services, including digital payments, e-money, merchant payments, and cross-border fund transfers, in a regulated and secure manner. PSP Authorisation in India Regulatory Authorities Permitted Services under PSP Approval Buyforex is authorised to provide four regulated payment services:
President inaugurates Granth Kutir at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Source: TH Why in News? In January 2026, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated “Granth Kutir”, a cultural and literary space at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, aimed at preserving and showcasing India’s rich intellectual and literary heritage. About Granth Kutir Key Objectives Classical Languages Represented
Indian Army–IISc MoU on Indigenous AI Defence System
Source: PIB Why in News? On 23 January 2026, the Indian Army signed an MoU with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru to develop an indigenous AI-based defence system. Purpose of the AI System Key Features of the Collaboration
Indian Railways’ First Humanoid Robot – ‘ASC ARJUN’
Source: IE Why in News? Indian Railways deployed its first humanoid robot ‘ASC ARJUN’ at Visakhapatnam Railway Station, Andhra Pradesh, in January 2026. About ‘ASC ARJUN’ Key Capabilities 1. Security & Surveillance 2. Crowd Management 3. Platform Patrolling
