Daily Current Affairs (CA ) for UPSC 15th Jan 2026

S.No	Topic
Daily Hindu Analysis (YouTube)
Daily Current Affairs (App)
1.	Hatti Tribe
2.	Indian Giant Squirrel
3.	UAE Passport Ranks Fifth in Henley Passport Index 2026
4.	Kochi to host International Spice Conference 2026
5.	Odisha to plan India’s first comprehensive CKD registry

Hatti Tribe

Syllabus:

GS 1: Indian Society – Tribes in India

Context:

The Boda Tyohar, the biggest annual festival of the Hatti tribe, has recently commenced in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district, drawing attention to the culture and traditions of this Scheduled Tribe. Key Points

Nomenclature

• The Hattis derive their name from ‘Haat’, local markets where they traditionally sold homegrown agricultural produce.
  
  
  

Location

• They inhabit the Himachal Pradesh–Uttarakhand border region, mainly in the Giri and Tons river basins, tributaries of the Yamuna.
  
  
  

Social Structure

• The community follows a rigid caste hierarchy, broadly divided into upper castes (Bhat, Khash) and lower castes (Badhois).
  
  
  

Clans and Distribution

• Two major clans exist:
  
  
• Trans-Giri region of Sirmaur district in Himachal Pradesh
  
  
• Jaunsar Bawar region of Uttarakhand
  
  
• Intermarriage between the two clans is common due to shared customs.
  
  
  

Marriage Practice

• Jodidara, a form of polyandrous marriage where a woman marries two or more brothers, is traditionally practised.
  
  
• Polyandry is legally recognised in Himachal Pradesh under revenue laws.
  
  
  

Attire

• Hatti men traditionally wear distinctive white headgear during ceremonial occasions.
  
  
  

Traditional Governance

• Community affairs are decided by a traditional council known as Khumbli.
  
  
  

Economy

• Agriculture is the main livelihood, with a focus on cash crops, supported by favourable climatic conditions.
  
  
  

Festival

• Boda Tyohar, also called Magho ko Tyohar, is the most important annual festival of the Hatti community.
  
  
  

Population

• Around 2.5 lakh as per Census 2011; current estimates suggest nearly 3 lakh.
  
  
  

Scheduled Tribe Status

• The Hatti community in Himachal Pradesh was granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status in 2023.
  
  
  

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Hatti tribe:

1. The Hatti tribe inhabits the border regions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand along the Giri and Tons river basins.

2. Polyandrous marriage among the Hatti tribe is traditionally practised and legally recognised in Himachal Pradesh.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) Both 1 and 2Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: The Hatti tribe resides along the Himachal–Uttarakhand border in the Giri and Tons river basins.
• Statement 2 is correct: Jodidara polyandry is a recognised traditional practice and has legal recognition under Himachal Pradesh’s revenue laws.
  
  
  

Source: Hindustan Times

Indian Giant Squirrel

Syllabus: GS 3: Environment and Ecology – Wildlife Conservation Context:
During the ongoing All India Tiger Estimation 2026, the Indian Giant Squirrel was sighted in the Atwan region of the Pune forest division, highlighting the biodiversity richness of the area. Key PointsScientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Ratufa indica
  
  
• Also known as the Malabar Giant Squirrel
  
  
  

Nature and Size

• A large arboreal rodent native to India
  
  
• Among the largest squirrels in the world
  
  
  

Distribution

• Found mainly in the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and Satpura Range
  
  
• Present in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu
  
  
  

Significance

• State animal of Maharashtra
  
  
• Locally known as Shekru
  
  
  

Habitat and Behaviour

• Arboreal in nature, spending most of its life on trees
  
  
• Shelters in tree hollows
  
  
• Capable of leaping up to 20 feet
  
  
  

Physical Features

• Body length: 254–457 mm; tail longer than body
  
  
• Weight: 1.5–2 kg
  
  
• Short round ears, strong claws, and broadened paws for gripping branches
  
  
  

Sexual Dimorphism

• Females are generally larger than males by about three centimetres
  
  
• Females possess mammae for nursing young
  
  
  

Mating Pattern

• Usually solitary, seen in pairs mainly during the breeding season
  
  
  

Distinctive Appearance

• Known for striking multi-coloured fur
  
  
• Colour combinations include white/cream, brown, black, red, maroon, and dark fuchsia
  
  
• Dark shades dominate the body, lighter colours appear on the underside and tail
  
  
  

Conservation Status

• Classified as Least Concern under the IUCN Red List
  
  
  

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Giant Squirrel:

1. It is an arboreal species primarily found in the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and Satpura Range.

2. It is classified as Endangered under the IUCN Red List.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: (a) 1 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: The Indian Giant Squirrel is an arboreal species distributed across the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and Satpura Range.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: It is classified as Least Concern, not Endangered, by the IUCN.
  
  
  

Source: The Indian Express

UAE Passport Ranks Fifth in Henley Passport Index 2026

Syllabus: GS 2: International Relations – Soft Power, Global Indices Context:
The United Arab Emirates achieved its highest-ever global mobility ranking by securing 5th place in the Henley Passport Index 2026, emerging as the strongest passport in the Middle East. 

Key PointsHistoric Ranking Achievement

• UAE passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 destinations
  
  
• Ranked 5th globally, ahead of the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand
  
  
  

Unprecedented Long-Term Rise

• UAE climbed 57 places since 2006, the largest rise recorded by any country
  
  
• Emirati citizens gained access to 149 additional destinations over two decades
  
  
  

Drivers of Passport Strength

• Sustained proactive diplomacy and visa liberalisation agreements
  
  
• Strong political stability and long-term governance vision
  
  
• Strategic bilateral and multilateral partnerships
  
  
  

Soft Power and Global Standing

• Passport strength reflects enhanced international trust and influence
  
  
• Expanding travel freedom strengthens UAE’s global soft power
  
  
  

About Henley Passport Index

• Ranks passports by number of destinations accessible without prior visa
  
  
• Based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA)
  
  
• Covers 199 passports and 227 destinations worldwide
  
  
• Launched in 2006 as the Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index
  
  
  

Key Highlights: Henley Passport Index 2026

• Singapore ranks first globally
  
  
• Japan and South Korea jointly rank second
  
  
• India improved to 80th position, up five places
  
  
• Afghanistan ranks last with access to 24 destinations
  
  
  

UPSC Prelims Practice QuestionConsider the following statements regarding the Henley Passport Index 2026:

1. The UAE passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 180 destinations.

2. The Henley Passport Index rankings are based on data provided by the World Economic Forum.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: (a) 1 onlyExplanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: UAE passport provides access to 184 destinations.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The index is based on data from IATA, not the World Economic Forum.
  
  
  

Source: The Economic Times
Kochi to host International Spice Conference 2026

Syllabus: GS 3: Agriculture and Allied Activities – Agricultural Marketing, Exports Context:
Kochi will host the 9th International Spice Conference (ISC 2026) from February 23–26, bringing global stakeholders together to deliberate on the future of the spice economy and India’s role in global spice trade. Key Points

About International Spice Conference (ISC 2026)

• Organised by All India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF)
  
  
• Venue: Kochi, Kerala
  
  
• Theme: Spice 360 – Getting Future Ready
  
  
• Focuses on trade, sustainability, innovation, climate resilience, and consumer trends
  
  
  

Global Platform for Spice Sector

• Recognised international forum covering the entire spice value chain
  
  
• Brings together policymakers, exporters, researchers, farmers, and innovators
  
  
• Addresses challenges from farm-level production to global markets
  
  
  

Leadership and Keynote

• Inaugurated by Amitabh Kant, former G20 Sherpa and ex-CEO of NITI Aayog
  
  
• Emphasis on competitiveness, exports, and future-ready supply chains
  
  
  

Spices Board of India

• Statutory body constituted in 1987 under the Spices Board Act, 1986
  
  
• Formed by merging Cardamom Board (1968) and Spices Export Promotion Council (1960)
  
  
• Functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
  
  
• Responsible for development of cardamom and export promotion of 52 scheduled spices
  
  
• Regulates quality of spices for export and acts as a global link between exporters and importers
  
  
• Undertakes research through the Indian Cardamom Research Institute
  
  

UPSC Prelims Practice QuestionConsider the following statements regarding the International Spice Conference and Spices Board of India:

1. The International Spice Conference is organised by the All India Spices Exporters Forum.

2. The Spices Board of India functions under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.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 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: ISC is organised by AISEF.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The Spices Board functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, not Agriculture.
  
  
  

Source: The Hindu

Odisha to plan India’s first comprehensive CKD registry

Syllabus: GS 2: Governance and Social Justice – Health, Public Health Systems Context:
Odisha is set to become the first Indian state to plan a comprehensive Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) registry, aimed at generating reliable data to address the rising burden of kidney diseases through evidence-based policymaking. 

Key PointsObjective of the CKD Registry

• To create a state-wide structured database on CKD prevalence
  
  
• To support early detection, treatment planning, and long-term disease management
  
  
• To overcome gaps due to the inactive national-level CKD registry
  
  
  

Why it matters

• No Indian state currently has complete CKD data coverage
  
  
• Existing data largely captures dialysis patients, missing early-stage cases
  
  
• Reliable data is essential for targeted interventions and resource allocation
  
  
  

Institutional Framework

• A 12-member State Task Force chaired by the Chief Secretary of Odisha
  
  
• A 17-member Technical Sub-Committee (State Working Group)
  
  
• Experts drawn from AIIMS, Indian Council of Medical Research, health institutions, Pollution Control Board, and departments of drinking water, geology, and Panchayati Raj
  
  
  

Technical and Administrative Support

• National Informatics Centre developing dedicated registry software
  
  
• Funds already earmarked to ensure time-bound rollout
  
  
  

Data Coverage and Disease Profile

• Registry to cover all levels of healthcare, from PHCs to medical colleges
  
  
• About 90% CKD patients are in early stages and currently underreported
  
  
• 60% of CKD cases linked to diabetes and hypertension
  
  
• Remaining 40% classified as CKD of unknown origin
  
  
  

Important Facts for Exams

• Odisha will be India’s first state with a planned complete CKD registry
  
  
• CKD prevalence in Odisha is ~14% among people above 15 years
  
  
• NIC is responsible for software development for the registry
  
  
  

UPSC Prelims 

Practice QuestionConsider the following statements regarding the Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) registry in Odisha:

1. Odisha will be the first Indian state to plan a comprehensive CKD registry covering all levels of healthcare.

2. The CKD registry software is being developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research.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: Odisha is the first state to plan a comprehensive CKD registry.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The software is being developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), not ICMR.
  
  
  

Source: The Hindu