January 28, 2026 - Current Affairs

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.

Bilateral trade in goods and services currently stands at around €190 billion annually, including €120 billion in goods and more than €80 billion in services.

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.

It builds public trust by strengthening confidence in government-led digital services.

India’s Paper Industry Push for Easing Forest Rules

Context

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) 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 afforestation undertaken to compensate for diverted forest land.

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.

Bengaluru emerged as India’s most traffic-congested city, recording an average congestion level of 74.4%

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 caste-based discrimination on campuses and ensure a safe, dignified and inclusive academic environment for students, teachers and non-teaching staff.

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, supplying over 150 countries, making it a reliable global energy partner.

News In Short 28-01-2026

Context

PM Modi addressed the Shikshapatri Dwishatabdi Mahotsav.

What is the Shikshapatri?

The Shikshapatri is a sacred text authored by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in 1826.

It consists of 212 concise Sanskrit verses that lay down moral, social, spiritual, and civic codes of conduct.

The text serves as a practical guide for righteous living, addressing personal discipline, family life, social responsibilities, and devotion.