Daily Current Affairs — 14 January 2026
4 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
RBI Proposes Reopening Licensing Window for Urban Co-operative Banks
Context Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed reopening the licensing window for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) after two decades of halt. About the Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) They are co-operative societies that engage in banking activities, including accepting deposits and lending money, mainly to members of the co-operative and the general public within urban and semi-urban areas. UCBs are member-owned, operating on the principle of ‘one member, one vote’, regardless of
Delay in Constituting Arbitration Council of India
Context The Union Government has not yet constituted the Arbitration Council of India (ACI) despite amendments to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act in 2019. What is the Arbitration Council of India (ACI)? The ACI was proposed under the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act, 2019.
38th India-France Strategic Dialogue
Context India and France reaffirmed their strategic partnership during the 38th India-France Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by National Security Adviser and Diplomatic Adviser to the French President. About India and France discussed ongoing bilateral initiatives spanning the domains of security, defence, technology, space, and civil nuclear cooperation. Opportunities were explored for joint-development and collaboration in the spirit of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Section 17A of Prevention of Corruption Act
Context The Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on the legality of a provision in an anti-corruption law which mandates prior sanction before prosecuting public servants. About Justice B.V. Nagarathna concluded that Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 was plainly unconstitutional, while Justice K.V.