UPSC Daily Current Affairs for 17 January 2026

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, and pharmaceuticals.

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).

They cover nearly two-thirds of the global ocean and about half of the Earth’s surface.

Earlier governed mainly by general principles under UNCLOS, with limited biodiversity-specific regulation.

Seed Act 2026 and Its Impact on Farmers

Context

Recently, the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) 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Outdated Nature of the Seed Act, 1966: The Seed Act of 1966 was enacted when seed market was largely public-sector driven; hybrid and genetically improved varieties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-sector dominated, and technologically advanced.

The old law lacks provisions for digital monitoring, modern certification standards, and effective enforcement mechanisms.

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.

News In Short 17-01-2026

In News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Thiruvalluvar, acknowledging the enduring influence of his timeless works and ideals across generations.

Thiruvalluvar

He flourished around two thousand years ago in Mylapore, present-day Chennai. He was a born Siddha and poet, known simply as Valluvar, or more commonly as Thiruvalluvar, meaning ‘the devotee of the Valluva caste’.

The Valluvas traditionally belonged to the Pariah community, now referred to as Harijans, and their vocation involved proclaiming royal orders by beating drums.