Daily Current Affairs (CA ) for UPSC 17th Jan 2026

The Union Commerce Minister stated that the proposed free trade agreement between India and the European Union would be the most significant deal signed by India so far, highlighting its scale and economic impact. 

Key PointsIndia–EU Free Trade Agreement· The proposed FTA with the European Union is described as the largest and most comprehensive trade deal for India.· It is expected to surpass the seven FTAs India has already signed with developed countries.  Government’s Position· The statement was made by Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry.· The Minister described the deal as a win-win arrangement for both India and the EU. Comparison with Earlier FTAs· Since 2014, India has signed FTAs with:· United Kingdom· Mauritius· United Arab Emirates· Australia· EFTA countries (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein)· An early harvest deal has also been signed with Oman.· The India–EU FTA is expected to be more comprehensive than all these agreements. Sectoral Complementarity· India and the EU have different economic strengths, reducing direct competition.· Sectors of interest to India receive strong market access, while EU priorities are addressed separately, ensuring balance. Timeline and Negotiations· The Minister neither confirmed nor denied the January 27 deadline for concluding the deal.· Negotiations are ongoing, indicating complexity and depth of the agreement. Importance of the Deal· Enhances market access for Indian goods and services.· Strengthens India’s position in global value chains.· Reinforces India’s strategy of deepening trade ties with developed economies.

Highest annual spike saw 44,000 start-ups added last year: Modi 

  Context

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that nearly 44,000 start-ups were registered in 2025, marking the highest annual addition since the launch of the Startup India mission, while addressing an event commemorating its 10th anniversary. Key PointsRecord Growth in Start-ups· Nearly 44,000 new start-ups were added in 2025.· This is the highest annual spike since the inception of Startup India.· Reflects growing entrepreneurial momentum across sectors. Startup India Mission· Launched on January 16, 2016.· Aims to:· Foster innovation· Promote entrepreneurship· Enable investment-driven growth Global Standing of India· India has emerged as the third-largest start-up ecosystem in the world.· Growth driven by:· Rising number of unicorns· Increased IPOs by start-ups· Expansion of job creation Economic Impact· Start-ups are:· Creating large-scale employment· Supporting technology-driven solutions· Strengthening India’s position in the global innovation landscape Startup India· Flagship initiative of the Government of India.· Provides:· Regulatory support· Tax incentives· Funding and incubation ecosystem· Focuses on building a robust start-up and innovation culture. UPSC Prelims Practice QuestionQ. Consider the following statements regarding the Startup India initiative:1.Startup India was launched in 2016 to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.2.India currently ranks as the largest start-up ecosystem in the world.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 only

Gharial

Syllabus: GS 3: Environment and Ecology – Biodiversity and Conservation

Context:
A recent comprehensive survey across the Ganga River basin recorded 3,037 gharials in 13 rivers, highlighting both conservation gains and continuing threats to this critically endangered species.

Key Points

About Gharial
• A freshwater crocodilian belonging to the Order Crocodylia and Family Crocodylidae.
• Scientific name: Gavialis gangeticus.
• Name derived from Hindi word ghara, referring to the pot-shaped bulb on adult males’ snouts.

Distribution
• Historically found in rivers of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
• Present strongholds in Chambal and Girwa rivers (India) and Rapti–Narayani river (Nepal).
• Gharial reserves in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

Physical Features
• One of the largest crocodilians; males reach 5–6 m, females 3.5–4.5 m.
• Long, narrow snout adapted for fish-eating.
• Adult males possess a bulbous structure called ghara.
• Most aquatic crocodilian; rarely leaves water except for basking and nesting.

Ecology and Behaviour
• Primarily piscivorous, playing a key role in riverine ecosystems.
• Mating season: November–January.
• Egg-laying period: March–May, on sandy riverbanks.

Conservation Status
• Listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
• Threats include river pollution, sand mining, fishing nets, and habitat fragmentation.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Gharial:

1. It is the most aquatic among all crocodilian species.

2. Its major surviving populations are concentrated in the Ganga river system.

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: Gharials are highly aquatic and rarely move far from water.
• Statement 2 is correct: The main surviving populations are found in tributaries of the Ganga basin.

Source: NIE

Export Preparedness Index 2024

Syllabus: GS 3: Economy – External Trade, Industrial Policy

Context:
NITI Aayog recently released the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024 to assess how well Indian States and Union Territories are positioned to boost exports and contribute to India’s global trade ambitions.

Key Points

What is Export Preparedness Index (EPI)
• A comprehensive tool to evaluate export readiness of States and UTs.
• Highlights subnational role in strengthening India’s export ecosystem.

Editions and Coverage
• First edition released in August 2020.
• EPI 2024 is the fourth edition.

Framework and Structure
• Based on 4 pillars, 13 sub-pillars and 70 indicators.
• Weightage distribution:
– Business Ecosystem – 40%
– Export Infrastructure – 20%
– Policy and Governance – 20%
– Export Performance – 20%

Classification of States and UTs
• Categorised into Large States, Small States, North Eastern States, and UTs.
• Performance grouped as Leaders, Challengers, and Aspirers.

Leading Performers – EPI 2024
• Large States: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh.
• Small States / NE States / UTs: Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu, Goa.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024:

1. The Export Preparedness Index is released by NITI Aayog to assess export readiness of States and Union Territories.

2. In EPI 2024, Export Performance carries the highest weightage among all pillars.

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)

Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: EPI is released by NITI Aayog to assess subnational export preparedness.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The Business Ecosystem pillar has the highest weightage (40%), not Export Performance.

Source: PIB

NPS Vatsalya Scheme

Syllabus: GS 2: Governance, Polity, and International Relations – Government Policies and Interventions

Context:
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) recently issued guidelines for the NPS Vatsalya Scheme 2025, a contributory savings and long-term financial security scheme designed for minors in India.

Key Points

About NPS Vatsalya Scheme
• A scheme introduced for minors to provide long-term financial security.
• Exclusively targeted at minor Indian citizens, including NRIs and OCIs.

Eligibility
• Available for all Indian citizens, including NRIs/OCIs, under the age of 18 years.
• The account is opened in the minor’s name but operated by their guardian.

Contributions
• Minimum contribution of ₹250 initially and annually, with no upper limit on contributions.
• Contributions can be made by the minor, guardian, or even gifted by relatives and friends.

Pension Fund Selection
• The guardian selects any Pension Fund registered with PFRDA.

Partial Withdrawal Provisions
• Partial withdrawal allowed after 3 years from account opening.
• Up to 25% of own contributions (excluding returns) can be withdrawn for:

• Education,
• Medical treatment,
• Specified disabilities.
  • Withdrawals can occur twice before 18 years and twice between 18-21 years, subject to conditions.
  
  
  

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding the NPS Vatsalya Scheme:

1. The scheme is open to Indian citizens, NRIs, and OCIs under the age of 18.

2. The guardian is not allowed to choose a pension fund for the minor.

3. Partial withdrawal is allowed after 3 years for education, medical treatment, and disabilities.

Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) All of the above

Answer: (a)

Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: The scheme is available for Indian citizens, NRIs, and OCIs under 18 years.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The guardian is allowed to select a pension fund.
• Statement 3 is correct: Partial withdrawals are allowed for specified purposes like education and medical treatment after 3 years.

Source: PIB

Vultures in India

Syllabus: GS 3: Environment, Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change – Conservation, Environmental Pollution, and Degradation

Context:
Tamil Nadu has informed the Madras High Court about the creation of Vulture Safe Zones (VSZs), starting with the Moyar River Valley in the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve. This initiative aims to protect vultures from harmful veterinary drugs like diclofenac, which has contributed to their rapid decline.

Key Points

What are Vultures?

• Vultures are large scavenging birds of prey that primarily feed on animal carcasses.
• They play an ecological role by preventing the spread of diseases, recycling nutrients, and maintaining clean landscapes.
  
  

Types of Vultures in India

1. Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus)

o IUCN Status: Critically Endangered

o Features: Medium-sized, pale body with dark wings, nests on cliffs and trees. Primarily feeds on livestock carcasses.

o Threats: Poisoning from veterinary drugs like diclofenac.

2. Slender-billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris)

o IUCN Status: Critically Endangered

o Features: Thin bill, narrow neck, prefers forested river valleys, and grasslands. Highly sensitive to NSAID poisoning.

3. White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis)

o IUCN Status: Critically Endangered

o Features: Dark body with a white rump patch, common near villages and slaughterhouses, heavily impacted by diclofenac poisoning.

4. Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus)

o IUCN Status: Critically Endangered

o Features: Bare red head, black body, solitary nature, feeds on large carcasses in forests and scrublands.

5. Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus)

o IUCN Status: Endangered

o Features: Small with yellow face, white-black plumage, often found near human settlements, feeds on carrion and garbage.

6. Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus)

o IUCN Status: Least Concern

o Features: Large pale-brown vulture with white neck ruff, common in north-western India, adapted to open and rocky habitats.

7. Himalayan Vulture (Gyps himalayensis)

o IUCN Status: Near Threatened

o Features: Very large with pale plumage, inhabits high-altitude Himalayan cliffs, dominant scavenger in mountain ecosystems.

8. Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus)

o IUCN Status: Near Threatened

o Features: One of the heaviest vultures, dark brown-black body, massive beak, feeds on large carcasses.

9. Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus)

o IUCN Status: Near Threatened

o Features: Long tail, feathered face, red eye rings, feeds mainly on bones, found in rocky Himalayan terrain.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding Vultures in India:

1. The IUCN status of the Indian Vulture is Critically Endangered.

2. The Bearded Vulture is found in the rocky terrain of the Himalayan region and feeds mainly on bones.

3. All species of vultures in India are listed as either Least Concern or Near Threatened.

Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 3
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 only

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: The Indian Vulture is indeed Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List.
• Statement 2 is correct: The Bearded Vulture is found in the Himalayan rocky terrains and feeds primarily on bones.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The Egyptian Vulture is listed as Endangered, and several other species are Critically Endangered.

Source: The Hindu

Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission: National Campaign on Entrepreneurship

Syllabus: GS 2: Social Justice – Government Policies and Interventions for Development in Various Sectors

Context:
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) has launched a National Campaign on Entrepreneurship to scale up non-farm livelihood opportunities for rural women. This initiative aims to transform rural incomes and work towards the government’s goal of creating three crore Lakhpati Didis across India.

Key Points

Focus on Non-Farm Rural Livelihoods

• DAY-NRLM aims to improve rural women’s incomes by promoting diversified livelihoods, particularly non-farm enterprises, which are essential in complementing agriculture.
  
  
• Programs like the Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) highlight the success of community-led enterprise models, supported by grassroots-trained cadres.
  
  

Role of Community Resource Persons (CRPs)

• Community Resource Persons are key to identifying viable enterprises, mentoring entrepreneurs, and supporting start-ups.
  
  
• They help achieve the Lakhpati Didi target, wherein women members of self-help groups (SHGs) are expected to earn ₹1 lakh annually.
  
  
• Expanding the cadre of CRPs is vital for the successful implementation of the campaign.
  
  

Launch of the National Campaign on Entrepreneurship

• Launched on January 12, 2026, by the Additional Secretary (Rural Development), the campaign aims to foster entrepreneurship in rural areas.
  
  
• The launch event saw participation from key figures, including the NITI Aayog Advisor, the Chairman of NABARD, and representatives from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, IFMR LEAD, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park.
  
  

Scale, Targets, and Expected Impact

• The campaign has ambitious targets, including training 50,000 CRPs and providing entrepreneurship development training to 50 lakh SHG members.
  
  
• By fostering local economic growth, strengthening financial linkages, and promoting women-led non-farm enterprises, the initiative aims to create a resilient and self-reliant rural economy.
  
  

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM):

1. DAY-NRLM exclusively promotes agricultural livelihoods for rural women.

2. The Lakhpati Didi initiative aims for SHG women to earn ₹1 lakh annually.

3. The DAY-NRLM campaign focuses only on providing credit facilities to rural women.

Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (b) 2 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect because DAY-NRLM promotes both agricultural and non-farm livelihoods for rural women.
• Statement 2 is correct: The Lakhpati Didi initiative aims for SHG women to earn ₹1 lakh annually.
• Statement 3 is incorrect because DAY-NRLM does not only focus on credit but also on enterprise development, training, and capacity building.
  
  
  

Source: The Hindu

Responsible Nations Index: A New Global Initiative

Syllabus: GS 2: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations

Context:
The Responsible Nations Index (RNI) is set to be launched on January 19, 2026, by the World Intellectual Foundation. This initiative aims to assess how countries perform across key dimensions of responsibility in domestic governance, environmental stewardship, and international engagement. The launch highlights the growing global focus on ethical governance, sustainability, and cooperative global behaviour.

Key Points

Institutions and Launch Details

• The Responsible Nations Index will be launched by the World Intellectual Foundation, in collaboration with Jawaharlal Nehru University, Indian Institute of Management Mumbai, and Dr. Ambedkar International Centre.
  
  
• The official unveiling will take place in New Delhi, with the former President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, in attendance.
  
  

Vision Behind the Index

• According to Jagdish Mukhi, Chairperson of the World Intellectual Foundation, the Index aims to provide a structured, objective assessment of national responsibility.
  
  
• The Index goes beyond traditional economic indicators and focuses on how nations balance citizen welfare, environmental sustainability, and global cooperation.
  
  

Three Core Dimensions of Assessment

1. Internal Responsibility

o Focuses on dignity, justice, and the overall well-being of citizens.

2. Environmental Responsibility

o Evaluates stewardship of natural resources and climate action efforts.

3. External Responsibility

o Assesses peace, international cooperation, and a nation’s contribution to global stability.

These dimensions aim to present a holistic picture of responsible nationhood.

Coverage and Methodological Approach

• The Responsible Nations Index covers 154 countries, relying on globally sourced, transparent datasets to ensure credibility, comparability, and objectivity.
  
  
• The Index provides policymakers, researchers, and institutions with a framework to benchmark national performance, identify areas requiring reform, cooperation, or policy innovation, and work towards responsible and sustainable development.
  
  
  

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements about the Responsible Nations Index (RNI):

1. The RNI will assess the internal, environmental, and external responsibility of nations.

2. It only covers economic performance and does not focus on social or environmental dimensions.

3. The RNI is based on data sourced solely from government reports.

Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (b) 1 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: The RNI indeed assesses internal, environmental, and external responsibility.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The RNI includes assessments of social and environmental dimensions, not just economic performance.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The RNI uses globally sourced data, not only from government reports, ensuring credibility and transparency.
  
  
  

Source: The Hindu