Daily Current Affairs (CA ) for UPSC 14th Jan 2026

S.No	Topic
Daily Current Affairs (App)
1.	Tirukkural
2.	Kruger National Park
3.	Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters
4.	Split verdict in Supreme Court on Section 17A of Prevention of Corruption Act

Tirukkural

Syllabus: 

GS 1: Art and Culture – Ancient Indian Literature and Philosophy Context:

The Prime Minister of India paid homage to Thiruvalluvar on Thiruvalluvar Day and urged citizens to read the Tirukkural, highlighting its enduring ethical, social, and governance-related values. Key PointsAbout Thiruvalluvar

• Who he was: A celebrated Tamil poet–philosopher associated with the Sangam/post-Sangam tradition
  
  
• Historical period: Dates debated, generally placed between 300 BCE and 600 CE
  
  
• Associated region: Traditionally linked with Mylapore, present-day Chennai
  
  
  

Core Ideas of Thiruvalluvar

• Ethical philosophy: Practical moral guidance for individuals, society, and rulers
  
  
• Governance and statecraft: Emphasised just rule, good administration, and public welfare
  
  
• Universal humanism: Advocated truth, compassion, non-violence, self-discipline, and social harmony
  
  
  

About Tirukkural

• Nature: A classical Tamil text consisting of 1,330 couplets (kurals)
  
  
• Authorship: Traditionally attributed to Thiruvalluvar
  
  
• Structure:
  
  
• Aram – Virtue and ethical conduct
  
  
• Porul – Wealth, polity, and governance
  
  
• Inbam – Love and human relationships
  
  
  

Key Features

• Style: Extremely concise aphoristic couplets with deep meaning
  
  
• Scope: Covers personal conduct, family life, friendship, justice, leadership, and governance
  
  
• Universal appeal: Secular and widely applicable moral framework
  
  
  

Significance

• Public ethics: Influences thinking on integrity, justice, and welfare-oriented governance
  
  
• Cultural heritage: A cornerstone of Tamil literary and civilisational tradition
  
  
• Global reach: One of the most translated Tamil works in the world
  
  
  

UPSC Prelims Practice QuestionConsider the following statements about the Tirukkural:

1. It is divided into three books dealing with virtue, polity/wealth, and love.

2. It was composed during the Bhakti movement period and primarily focuses on devotional themes.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2Answer: (a) 1 onlyExplanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: Tirukkural is structured into Aram, Porul, and Inbam.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: It is not a Bhakti text and focuses on ethical and secular values rather than devotion.
  
  
  

Source: DD News

Kruger National Park

Syllabus: GS 1: World Geography – Mapping (Important National Parks and Biosphere Reserves) 

Context:
Kruger National Park was temporarily closed to day visitors after severe flooding caused several rivers inside the park to overflow following prolonged heavy rainfall. 

Key Points What it is

• Largest and oldest national park in South Africa
  
  
• One of Africa’s most renowned wildlife reserves and eco-tourism hubs
  
  
  

Location

• Northeastern South Africa
  
  
• Spreads across Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces
  
  
• Borders Mozambique to the east and Zimbabwe to the north
  
  
  

Historical Background

• Proclaimed as Sabi Game Reserve in 1898
  
  
• Declared a national park in 1926
  
  
• Named after Paul Kruger, former President of the South African Republic
  
  
• South Africa’s first national park
  
  
  

Geographical Features

• Area: ~19,623 sq km, extending about 360 km north–south
  
  
• Ecosystems: Savannah grasslands, bushveld, riverine forests
  
  
• Major rivers: Limpopo, Letaba, Olifants, Sabie, Crocodile
  
  
• Part of the Kruger-to-Canyons Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO-recognised)
  
  
  

Ecological and Global Significance

• Home to the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo
  
  
• Supports rich biodiversity of birds, reptiles, and mammals
  
  
• Important centre for conservation science, anti-poaching, and transboundary biodiversity corridors
  
  
  

UPSC Prelims Practice QuestionKruger National Park is located in which of the following countries?
(a) Kenya
(b) Tanzania
(c) South Africa
(d) Botswana

Answer: (c) South AfricaExplanation:
Kruger National Park lies in northeastern South Africa, across Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, and is the country’s largest national park. Source: RT
Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – International Relations (International Organisations, UN and its Bodies) 

Context

Recently, an Indian diplomat was nominated by the UN Secretary-General as Chair of the Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters for 2026–27, reflecting India’s growing role in global disarmament and security discourse. Key Points

About the Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters

• Established: 1978
  
  
• It is a UN advisory body providing expert inputs on disarmament and international security.
  
  
• Members are appointed by the UN Secretary-General based on expertise and regional representation.
  
  
  

Composition

• Total Members: 15
  
  
• Director of UNIDIR is an ex officio member.
  
  
• Members are drawn from all regions of the world.
  
  
• Chairmanship rotates regionally every year.
  
  
  

Meetings

• The Board meets twice a year.
  
  
• Sessions are held alternately in New York and Geneva.
  
  
• Agenda is based on Secretary-General’s requests and Board’s own recommendations.
  
  
  

Functions

• Advises the UN Secretary-General on arms limitation and disarmament issues.
  
  
• Acts as the Board of Trustees of UNIDIR.
  
  
• Advises on the implementation of the UN Disarmament Information Programme.
  
  
  

Headquarters

• New York

Prelims Practice QuestionWith reference to the Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters, consider the following statements:1. It advises the UN Secretary-General on arms limitation and disarmament issues.2. It functions as the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR).Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c)Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct as advising the Secretary-General on disarmament is a core function.
• Statement 2 is correct because the Board also serves as the Board of Trustees of UNIDIR.
  
  
  

Source: The Hindu / PIB / Indian Express

Split verdict in Supreme Court on Section 17A of Prevention of Corruption Act

Syllabus: GS 2: Polity and Governance – Judiciary, Accountability, Anti-Corruption Framework

Context:
The Supreme Court of India delivered a split verdict on the constitutional validity of Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, which mandates prior sanction before probing public servants for official decisions. The matter will now go before a larger Bench. 

Key PointsWhat is Section 17A

• Inserted through the 2018 amendment to the Prevention of Corruption Act
  
  
• Requires prior approval of the competent authority before enquiry or investigation
  
  
• Applies when allegations relate to recommendations or decisions taken in official capacity
  
  
  

Why Section 17A was challenged

• PIL filed by Centre for Public Interest Litigation
  
  
• Argued that mandatory prior sanction weakens independent anti-corruption investigations
  
  
• Alleged to dilute the core objective of the anti-corruption law
  
  
  

View of Justice B V Nagarathna

• Held Section 17A unconstitutional
  
  
• Observed that prior sanction at the threshold forecloses inquiry
  
  
• Said it ends up shielding corrupt officials and undermines accountability
  
  
  

View of Justice K V Viswanathan

• Upheld the constitutional validity of Section 17A
  
  
• Emphasised protection of honest officers from frivolous or motivated probes
  
  
• Warned that striking it down could harm bona fide administrative decision-making
  
  
  

What happens after a split verdict

• Case referred to the Chief Justice of India
  
  
• A larger Bench will be constituted to settle the issue
  
  
• Final ruling will shape the balance between bureaucratic protection and anti-corruption enforcement
  
  
  

Important Facts for Exams

• Section 17A mandates prior sanction before probing public servants for official acts
  
  
• It was introduced by the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018
  
  
• A split verdict in the Supreme Court leads to reference to a larger Bench
  
  
  

UPSC Prelims Practice QuestionConsider the following statements regarding Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act:1. Section 17A requires prior sanction before enquiry or investigation against a public servant for decisions taken in official capacity.2. In case of a split verdict in the Supreme Court, the decision of the senior-most judge automatically prevails.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2Answer: (a) 1 onlyExplanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: Section 17A mandates prior approval before probing official decisions.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: In a split verdict, the matter is referred to a larger Bench, not decided by seniority.
  
  
  

Source: The Hindu