Daily Current Affairs — 17 January 2026
4 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
Decoding Digital Public Infrastructure
In News Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s readiness to share its digital public infrastructure with Commonwealth nations, viewing technology as a global public good that strengthens democracy. Digital Public Infrastructure(DPI) They are secure, interoperable digital systems built on open standards to provide equitable access to public and private services at scale. They are guided by rules that promote development, inclusion, innovation, trust, competition, and respect for human rights.
Seed Act 2026 and Its Impact on Farmers
Context Recently, the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoAFW) briefed in detail about the features of the Seed Act 2026 and its impact on farmers. Key Reasons For Bringing New Seed Act (Seed Act 2026) Outdated Nature of the Seed Act, 1966: The Seed Act of 1966 was enacted when seed market was largely public-sector driven; hybrid and genetically improved varieties were limited; and digital systems and traceability were non-existent. Today, the seed sector is vast, private-sect
UN High Seas Treaty Comes Into Effect
Context A UN-backed treaty on biodiversity in international waters, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty, has entered into force, creating the first legally binding global framework to conserve and sustainably use the high seas. What are the High Seas? High seas refer to ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction, i.e., beyond 200 nautical miles (Exclusive Economic Zones – EEZs).
18th Japan-India Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue
In News/Context At the 18th India–Japan Strategic Dialogue, India and Japan reaffirmed the upward trajectory of their Special Strategic and Global Partnership, with a strong focus on economic security, resilient supply chains, critical technologies, and defence cooperation. Key Highlights Announced the launch of Japan–India Private-Sector Dialogue on Economic Security (B2B) in early 2026. It will help in identification of five priority areas: semiconductors, critical minerals, ICT, clean energy,