Daily Current Affairs — 28 January 2026
6 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
India’s Energy Sector: A $500-Billion Opportunity for Global Investors
Context Recently, the Prime Minister of India, at India Energy Week in Goa, has called on global investors to partner in India’s rapidly expanding energy sector, describing it as a $500-billion investment opportunity. Key Highlights of India Energy Week 2026 Focus on Energy Independence: India outlined its transition from energy security to energy independence, with long-term, sustainable strategies. India as a Reliable Energy Partner: India is among the top five exporters of petroleum products,
New UGC Rules on Caste-Based Discrimination
Context The University Grants Commission (UGC) notified new regulations aimed at addressing discrimination, particularly caste-based discrimination, in higher education institutions. Background As per Regulation 3(c) of the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, “caste-based discrimination” means “discrimination only on the basis of caste or tribe against the members of the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and other backward classes”. It aims to curb cas
Congestion Index
Context According to the latest 2025 TomTom Traffic Index, ranked India as the fifth most traffic-congested country globally and second in Asia. About The index evaluates cities worldwide based on average travel time, congestion levels and vehicle speeds. The index is widely used to track changes in urban mobility and compare congestion trends across regions and countries.
India’s Paper Industry Push for Easing Forest Rules
Context The Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) notified amendments to the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 2023, formerly the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. Background According to 2023 guidelines forest land leased for commercial purposes attracted: Net Present Value (NPV) payments: A one-time charge reflecting the economic value of ecosystem services lost due to diversion of forest land. Compensatory Afforestation (CA) obligations: Mandatory afforesta
International Data Privacy Day
In News International Data Privacy Day is observed annually on 28th January to raise awareness about the importance of protecting personal data and privacy in the digital age. Importance of Data Privacy Data privacy is a foundational pillar of responsible digital governance. It protects and safeguards citizens’ personal information across large-scale digital public platforms.
FTA Concluded Between India and EU
Context India and the European Union (EU) announced the conclusion of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). About The FTA enables deeper market integration between the world’s 4th and 2nd largest economies. Together, India and the EU account for nearly 25% of global GDP and close to one-third of global trade.