Education & Governance
Supreme Court Stays UGC Regulations
The Supreme Court stayed the new UGC regulations, terming them “too sweeping, vague and capable of misuse.” UGC has been directed to re-draft the regulations, with the next hearing scheduled for 19th March 2026.
Environment
Solid Waste Management Rules 2026
The SWM Rules 2026 mandate bulk waste generators (producing 100 kg/day) to segregate waste into four streams: wet, dry, sanitary, and special care waste. Source-level processing becomes mandatory from 1st April 2026.
Global Affairs
Doomsday Clock at 85 Seconds
The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists set the Doomsday Clock to 85 seconds to midnight on 29th January 2026, reflecting heightened global risks from nuclear proliferation, climate change, and other existential threats.
Geopolitics
EU Designates IRGC as Terrorist Organisation
The European Union designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation in January 2026, responding to violent crackdowns on protests in Iran. This marks a significant escalation in Iran-EU relations.
Monetary Policy
RBI’s Rs 2 Lakh Crore OMO Purchases
RBI conducted Open Market Operations (OMO) to purchase government securities worth Rs 2 lakh crore (US$ 22.30 billion) in four tranches. Bond purchases were advanced to ease liquidity pressure in the banking system.
Space & Science
Gaganyaan Programme Funding Boost
ISRO received an additional Rs 11,170 crore funding for the Gaganyaan programme, bringing the total budget to Rs 20,193 crore (US$2.4 billion). Four missions are scheduled under this ambitious human spaceflight programme by 2026.
Banking & Finance
SCBs’ GNPA at Multi-Decadal Low
RBI’s Financial Stability Report shows Scheduled Commercial Banks’ GNPA ratio declined to a multi-decadal low of 2.2% as of September 2025. The report also flagged fintech lending risks with 36.1% growth.
Wildlife & Conservation
Sunabeda Sanctuary Declared Maoist-Free
Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha’s Nuapada district was declared ‘Maoist-free’ in January 2026. Camera trap data reveals a flourishing leopard population (70+), marking its transition to a potential Leopard Haven.
International
Spain’s Immigration Amnesty
Spain announced amnesty for nearly 500,000 undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers. Eligible individuals (arrived before 31st December 2025, residing 5+ months) will receive up to one year of legal residency and work permission.
Trade & Economy
India-EU Free Trade Agreement
The India-EU FTA will eliminate or reduce tariffs on 96.6% of EU goods exports to India, saving up to 4 billion euros annually. This creates a free trade zone of 2 billion people covering 25% of global GDP.