Economy
India Energy Week (IEW) 2026:
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- Context: India Energy Week 2026, a premier global energy platform was inaugurated on 27 January 2026 to foster international cooperation on energy security, clean energy transition, and investment.
- IEW 2026 is held in Goa (South Goa) and will run from 27–30 January.
- Focuses on energy security, clean energy transition, investment, technology, and global cooperation.
- Hosted by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, the platform brings together energy ministers, industry leaders, investors, and technology providers from over 120 countries.
- India is among the fastest-growing major energy consumers globally, and IEW enhances energy diplomacy.
- Natural gas pipeline coverage exceeds 25,400 km, supporting close to complete City Gas Distribution (CGD) geographical coverage.
- Ethanol blending reached ~19.05%, nearing the 20% target, aligning with energy security and sustainable fuels.
- Platforms like IEW help address global energy market volatility and climate challenges by sharing transition pathways.
- India’s participation supports its leadership role in forums like the G20 Energy Transitions Working Group and Global Biofuel Alliance.
- The event has strategic implications for India’s Economic and Strategic Diplomacy, linking energy markets with sustainable growth.
- Energy transition is crucial for India’s economic growth, industrial production, and climate commitments under global frameworks.
(PIB)
Enhancing Circular Economy for End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs):
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- Context: A NITI Aayog report on Enhancing the Circular Economy of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) highlighted emerging environmental and waste-management challenges due to high ELV accumulation.
- ELVs are vehicles that are no longer roadworthy, de-registered, or declared as waste.
- India’s ELV stock could grow from ~23 million in 2025 to ~50 million by 2030.
- Older vehicles (BS-I) emit up to eight times more pollutants than modern BS-VI vehicles.
- Proper ELV management can recover valuable resources like steel, aluminium and plastics.
- The informal scrapping sector remains dominant due to higher immediate cash offers and regulatory avoidance.
- Incentive schemes (SASCI) funded with over ₹2,000 cr aim to support formal scrapping and Automated Treatment Facilities (ATS).
- Regional skew in infrastructure means ATS and RVSF units are concentrated in a few states, leaving gaps.
- Paper-heavy de-registration procedures deter owners from the formal route.
- Without formal ELV management, safety hazards and pollution risks increase.
- Circular economy approach aims to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
(PIB)
Wings India 2026:
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- Context: “Wings India 2026,” Asia’s largest civil aviation event, is scheduled from 28–31 January 2026 in Hyderabad, underscoring India’s push to become a global aviation and aerospace hub.
- Wings India is a biennial global civil aviation show organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
- The theme focuses on aviation innovation, sustainability, manufacturing, and safety.
- It includes air displays, exhibitions, B2B and B2G meetings across the aviation ecosystem.
- Hyderabad is the permanent venue for this flagship event.
- The event promotes India’s civil aviation capabilities and global industry partnerships.
- India aims to expand aircraft manufacturing and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) services.
- It attracts aerospace companies, carriers, regulators and investor delegates worldwide.
- India’s civil aviation market is one of the fastest-growing globally.
- The show advances discussions on aviation sustainability and green fuels.
(TH)
Geography, Mapping, Ecology & Environment
Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary (Kerala):
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- Context: Kerala officially renamed Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, indicating ecological conservation emphasis.
- Located in Kannur district, Kerala, on the Western Ghats.
- Now designated Kerala’s first butterfly sanctuary.
- Conserves rich butterfly biodiversity and habitat.
- Western Ghats is a global biodiversity hotspot (part of biodiversity priority regions).
- Sanctuary hosts evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, enhancing ecological balance.
- It is adjacent to Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary (Karnataka) and Kottiyoor Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Important for pollination ecology and ecosystem services.
- Supports conservation awareness and eco-tourism.
(TH)
“Day Zero”:
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- Context: The concept of “Day Zero,” indicating critical water scarcity, has re-emerged due to climate change, groundwater depletion, and poor water governance concerns.
- Day Zero refers to when usable water supply drops below critical needs.
- First gained attention during Cape Town crisis (2018).
- Triggers suspension of regular tap water, prioritising essential services.
- May lead to rationing through emergency distribution points.
- Caused by long-term issues, not just short drought spells.
- Linked to groundwater over-extraction and climate variability.
- Has implications for public health, sanitation, and economic activity.
- Affects vulnerable populations disproportionately.
(IT)
National Animal Husbandry & White Revolution 2.0 Review:
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- Context: On 27 January 2026, the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying reviewed progress of key schemes under White Revolution 2.0.
- The meeting was chaired by the Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
- Reviewed progress of schemes like National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) and Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM).
- White Revolution 2.0 focuses on boosting dairy productivity and farmer incomes.
- Also reviewed National Livestock Mission (NLM) and National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM).
- Emphasis on timely fund utilization and efficient implementation at state levels.
- Schemes contribute to rural development and economy.
- Dairy sector supports millions of farmers, especially in rural India.
- Coordination across States/UTs was stressed for achieving objectives.
(PIB)
Science & Technology
Humanoid Robot ‘ASC ARJUN’ Deployment in Railways:
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- Context: Indian Railways deployed an AI-powered humanoid robot (‘ASC ARJUN’) at Visakhapatnam Railway Station to enhance safety and crowd management.
- ASC ARJUN is an AI-enabled humanoid assisting RPF (Railway Protection Force).
- Provides security and surveillance using Face Recognition Systems.
- Has real-time alerts for suspicious activities.
- Equipped with fire and smoke detection for emergency response.
- Enables automated public announcements (multi-lingual).
- Demonstrates India’s push for emerging tech in public services.
- Deployments aim to optimise manpower and reduce human workload.
- Represents a shift toward indigenised, tech-driven solutions in transport security.
(PIB)
Miscellaneous
India–EU Engagements:
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- Context: On 27 January 2026, significant diplomatic engagements highlighted deepening ties between India and the European Union (EU), coinciding with Republic Day celebrations.
- President of India hosted President of the European Council (António Costa) and President of the European Commission (Ursula von der Leyen) in New Delhi.
- The diplomatic reception underscored shared values of democracy and pluralism.
- India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) discussions/projected deal described as having the potential for a “’mother of all deals’,” expanding access to a USD ~263.5 billion textile & apparel market on a zero-duty basis.
- The engagements coincide with enhanced strategic cooperation in security and defence industries.
- Both sides discussed cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region and joint military synergies.
- The EU leadership acted as chief guests at Republic Day 2026, highlighting elevated bilateral ties.
- The FTAs are expected to complement existing agreements with the UK and European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
- Economic engagement signals expansion of India’s trade and investment footprint globally.
- High-level meetings in Parliament on budget session issues reflect domestic political coordination alongside international diplomacy.
(PIB+ET)
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