Indian Polity and Governance
National Girl Child Day:
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- Context: 24 January is celebrated as National Girl Child Day in India to promote awareness about the rights, education, health, and empowerment of girls, aligning with gender equity goals under national policies.
- National Girl Child Day is observed annually on 24 January.
- The day highlights issues such as gender discrimination, child marriage, and access to education.
- It reinforces government initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao for girl child welfare.
- Promotes health, nutrition, and safety of girls from birth to adolescence.
- Encourages community and institutional support systems for girls.
- Recognises the socio-economic potential of girls as agents of change.
- Celebrations include cultural events, awareness campaigns, and policy dialogues.
(ET)
16th National Voters’ Day 2026:
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- Context: India observed the 16th National Voters’ Day on 25 January 2026 to strengthen electoral participation, highlight voter rights and responsibilities, and celebrate democracy in the world’s largest electoral exercise.
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- National Voters’ Day is observed annually on 25 January to commemorate the foundation of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in 1950.
- The theme for 2026 was “My India, My Vote: Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy.”
- The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, presided over the national celebration in New Delhi and delivered an address.
- The President emphasized that voting is not merely a political expression but a reflection of citizens’ faith in the democratic process.
- New eligible young voters received Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) to mark inclusion into the electoral process.
- National awards for best electoral practices were conferred to states and electoral officers.
- The day reinforces the constitutional principle of universal adult suffrage under Article 324.
- It promotes awareness about voter registration, turnout, and democratic accountability among citizens.
(PIB)
77th Republic Day 2026:
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- Context: 26 January 2026 marked India’s 77th Republic Day, celebrating the enactment of the Constitution and India’s democratic identity as a Sovereign, Democratic Republic.
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- Republic Day commemorates the coming into force of the Constitution of India on 26 January 1950.
- It marks the transition from colonial rule to constitutional self-governance.
- The Republic Day Parade is held at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, showcasing military might and cultural diversity.
- The 2026 parade celebrated the 150th anniversary of the national song “Vande Mataram” as a central theme.
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- Dignitaries included European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
- Parade highlights included military contingents, indigenous weapons, and cultural tableaux from states.
- The event reinforces constitutional values of secularism, democracy, and unity in diversity.
- Part of extended celebrations is Bharat Parv, showcasing handicrafts, cuisine, and cultural heritage by the Ministry of Tourism (26–31 January).
(PIB)
International Developments
India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Finalised:
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- Context: Negotiations between India and the European Union (EU) on a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement were concluded during the Republic Day period, marking a major development in bilateral economic relations.
- India and the EU agreed to conclude talks on a landmark Free Trade Agreement, to be formally announced on 27 January 2026.
- The FTA is described as the “mother of all trade deals” given its scale and economic significance.
- It aims to liberalise trade in goods, services, investments, and geographical indications.
- EU has been one of India’s largest trading partners, accounting for a significant share of bilateral commerce.
- The deal is expected to cover nearly 99 % of Indian exports and 97 % of EU exports under tariff liberalisation.
- Tariff reductions are expected on key sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles.
- India will maintain some protections for sensitive sectors (e.g., agriculture) while offering phased cuts.
- The deal signals economic diplomacy and diversification of India’s trade relations amid global protectionist trends.
(TH+ET)
Science & Technology
White Paper on Strengthening AI Governance – Techno-Legal Framework:
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- Context: On 24 January 2026, the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (OPSA) released a White Paper on Strengthening AI Governance Through a Techno-Legal Framework, laying the foundation for responsible, risk-responsive AI development in India.
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- The White Paper outlines India’s techno-legal approach to govern AI systems.
- Aims to balance innovation with risk mitigation and ethical safeguards.
- Proposes baseline legal safeguards integrated with technical controls.
- Includes sector-specific regulatory mechanisms for AI (e.g., agriculture, health, education).
- Encourages institutional mechanisms for oversight and compliance.
- Emphasises accountability, transparency, and trust in AI deployment.
- Supports India’s broader AI policy ecosystem, including the forthcoming India-AI Impact Summit 2026.
(PIB)
Defence & Security
DRDO’s Hypersonic Glide Missile:
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- Context: At the 77th Republic Day parade, DRDO’s Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) was showcased, highlighting key advancements in India’s defence technology.
- The LR-AShM, developed by DRDO, was part of the parade’s technological display.
- It is a hypersonic glide missile capable of high speeds (above Mach 5) and long range.
- Designed primarily for the Indian Navy to enhance maritime strike capabilities.
- Hypersonic weapons are difficult to intercept due to high speed and maneuverability.
- Demonstrates progress in indigenous defence technologies under “Make in India” and defence R&D priorities.
- Represents India’s entry into the hypersonic weapons domain, which has strategic implications.
(IE)
Miscellaneous
International Day of Education (Observed Globally on 24 January):
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- International Day of Education is celebrated on 24 January worldwide.
- Proclaimed by the UN to promote inclusive and equitable quality education.
- Highlights education’s role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4).
- Focuses on lifelong learning opportunities for all.
- Encourages policy actions to address education gaps and inequalities.
- Recognises teachers, innovators, learners, and institutions shaping education.
(WB+UNESCO)
Padma Awards 2026 Announced:
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- Context: Ahead of Republic Day 2026, Padma Awards, one of India’s highest civilian honours were announced, recognising contributions across arts, science, public affairs, sports, and more.
- Padma Awards include Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.
- Announced around Republic Day every year.
- 2026 list included notable figures from arts, sports, science, public affairs.
- Recognised personalities include leading names in cinema, education and sports sectors.
- Padma Shri was awarded to contributors like athletes and cultural ambassadors.
- Padma Bhushan recognised distinguished professionals in national service.
- These awards reflect the nation’s acknowledgement of exceptional service.
(ET)
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