Day 2 — UPSC Prelims 2026 Rapid Current Affairs Revision
32 current affairs events across 13 domains. 6 priority topics with three depths per event, NCERT links, and UPSC-style practice questions.
1. Draft National Labour and Employment Policy Released
Domain: Polity & Governance
What happened
The Ministry of Labour and Employment released the draft National Labour and Employment Policy (Shram Shakti Niti 2025) on October 8, 2025, for public consultation. Rooted in the concept of 'śrama dharma' (dignity of labour), the policy outlines a digital-first approach to integrate existing schemes like EPFO, ESIC, PM-JAY, and e-SHRAM into a Universal Social Security Account (USSA) by 2030.
Why it matters: With nearly 90% of India's 500 million-strong workforce in the informal sector and a rapidly expanding gig economy, existing labour laws fail to provide adequate safety nets. This policy marks a historic shift in governance from mere regulatory enforcement to active employment facilitation, aiming to provide portable benefits, achieve a 35% female labour force participation rate, and ensure future-ready social protections.
2. SC Rules Maintenance Rights Supersede IBC and SARFAESI Creditors
Domain: Judiciary
What happened
On December 10, 2024, the Supreme Court ruled in the case of Apurva v. Dolly that the right to maintenance for a wife and children overrides the statutory claims of creditors. The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, declared that maintenance is an extension of the fundamental right to life and dignity. Consequently, it takes absolute precedence over recovery proceedings initiated under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and the SARFAESI Act.
Why it matters: This is a landmark judgment for gender justice and human rights in India, ensuring that financial bankruptcy or business distress cannot be used as a shield to deny basic sustenance to dependents. It establishes a clear legal hierarchy where fundamental human dignity legally trumps corporate or banking debt recovery processes.
3. Economic Survey 2025-26 Tabled in Parliament
Domain: Economy & Budget
What happened
On January 29, 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey 2025-26 in Parliament ahead of the Union Budget. Prepared by the Department of Economic Affairs under Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran, the document officially assessed India's macroeconomic performance, estimating a real GDP growth of 7.4% for FY26.
Why it matters: The Survey validates India's position as the fastest-growing major economy amid global geopolitical fragmentation. By highlighting a rare 'Goldilocks' moment of high growth alongside historically low retail inflation (1.7%), it signals India's strategic shift from merely building resilience to becoming systemically indispensable in global value chains.
4. Discovery of Tilari Hairy Snail in Maharashtra
Domain: Geography & Biodiversity
What happened
In October 2025, researchers discovered a new snail species, the Tilari hairy snail (Lagocheilus hayaomiyazakii), in the semi-evergreen Tilari forest region of Kolhapur, Maharashtra. The findings were formally published in the Journal of Conchology. The species was named in honor of the renowned Japanese animator and filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki.
Why it matters: This discovery extends the known geographical range of the Lagocheilus genus by 540 km northwards into the Indian Peninsula. It highlights the vast, unexplored microhabitat diversity of the Western Ghats and emphasizes the critical need for localized conservation efforts.
5. Commissioning of INAS 335 MH-60R Squadron
Domain: Defence & Security
What happened
On December 17, 2025, the Indian Navy commissioned its second MH-60R Seahawk multi-role helicopter squadron, designated INAS 335 'The Ospreys', at INS Hansa in Goa. These U.S.-manufactured helicopters are specifically equipped for advanced anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare operations.
Why it matters: This deployment significantly strengthens India's maritime surveillance and combat capabilities along the Western Seaboard, ensuring a robust deterrent against regional underwater threats in the Arabian Sea.
6. WEF Global Risks Report 2025 Published
Domain: International Reports
What happened
On January 15, 2025, the World Economic Forum released the 20th edition of its Global Risks Report ahead of its annual Davos meeting. Based on the Global Risks Perception Survey of over 900 experts, it identifies state-based armed conflict, extreme weather, and disinformation as the top immediate threats for 2025. Meanwhile, environmental crises, particularly extreme weather and biodiversity loss, completely dominate the list of severe risks over the ten-year horizon.
Why it matters: The report specifically highlights India for the second consecutive year as a top country at severe risk from misinformation and disinformation. This underscores the urgent need for India to strengthen its digital regulatory frameworks, combat AI-generated deepfakes, and build societal resilience to protect its democratic processes and digital economy.
7. NITI Aayog Report on Women's Financial Participation
Domain: Reports & Indices
What happened
On March 3, 2025, NITI Aayog released a report documenting the rising financial inclusion of Indian women. The report highlighted a 42% increase in women actively monitoring their credit, with non-metro areas showing faster growth than urban centers. It also emphasized the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) as a crucial initiative for bridging the gender credit gap.
Why it matters: This highlights a critical shift from basic financial access to active financial literacy and empowerment among women, which is essential for driving inclusive economic growth and fostering grassroots entrepreneurship in India.
8. India Constitutes National Designated Authority For Carbon Markets
Domain: Environment & Climate
What happened
On August 22, 2025, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) issued a gazette notification under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, establishing the National Designated Authority (NDA). The NDA is a 21-member committee chaired by the Environment Secretary. It is tasked with implementing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which governs international carbon markets.
Why it matters: The creation of the NDA allows India to officially participate in the global carbon market by evaluating, approving, and authorizing carbon credit projects. It ensures that international trading of emission reduction units brings financial incentives for green projects while aligning with India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and preventing double counting.
9. MoSPI Releases September 2024 IIP Data
Domain: Reports & Indices
What happened
In November 2024, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) data for September 2024. The index rebounded with a 3.1% growth rate, recovering from a slight contraction in August. This positive trajectory was primarily driven by the manufacturing sector, specifically intermediate goods and consumer durables.
Why it matters: The IIP is a crucial macroeconomic indicator for tracking industrial performance. This rebound signals recovering industrial momentum and improving domestic demand, which are vital for broader economic growth.
10. National Youth Festival Restructured to Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue
Domain: Sports & Awards
What happened
In January 2025, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports restructured the traditional National Youth Festival into the 'Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue'. The event transitions from a cultural celebration to a merit-based, dialogue-driven forum.
Why it matters: It shifts the government's youth engagement strategy from cultural participation to active policy contribution, allowing young Indians to directly pitch ideas for national development.
11. WHO Prequalification for nOPV2 Vaccine
Domain: Science & Technology
What happened
On February 12, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) granted Phase II Prequalification to India's Biological E. Limited for its novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2). This elevates the company from merely bottling the vaccine to fully manufacturing both the active drug substance and the final product at a single site in Hyderabad. Biological E is now the world's second full end-to-end manufacturer of this vaccine.
Why it matters: This breakthrough provides a massive, reliable global supply of nOPV2, with Biological E expected to produce 600 million doses annually. It gives United Nations agencies like UNICEF and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) a critical, stabilized tool to fight circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) outbreaks, predominantly in Africa, while cementing India's status as a leader in global vaccine manufacturing.
12. SC Issues Fresh Directions Restricting Adjournment Circulation
Domain: Judiciary
What happened
On March 18, 2026, the Supreme Court of India issued a strict new circular under the directions of Chief Justice Surya Kant to restrict the circulation of letters seeking case adjournments. The directive completely bans such letters in regular matters and permits them only under exceptional circumstances in fresh cases. It also introduces mandatory procedural safeguards, including advance notice to opposing counsel and a strict time-bound objection process.
Why it matters: This administrative crackdown on routine delays is crucial to reducing India's massive judicial backlog and lowering case pendency. By forcing discipline on court schedules, the Supreme Court aims to uphold citizens' fundamental right to a speedy trial and enhance overall national judicial efficiency.
13. MoD Inks ₹1,220 Crore Contract for Coast Guard SDRs
Domain: Defence & Security
What happened
On February 20, 2025, the Ministry of Defence signed a ₹1,220.12 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to procure 149 Software Defined Radios (SDR) for the Indian Coast Guard. The acquisition was made under the 'Buy (Indian-IDDM)' category. The radios are indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured in Bengaluru.
Why it matters: This modernization leapfrogs the Coast Guard's communication capabilities, transitioning them to a secure, network-centric paradigm. It strengthens maritime law enforcement, ensures interoperability with the Indian Navy, and protects India's expanding Blue Economy interests while boosting domestic defense manufacturing.
14. Seventh Session of the ISA Assembly
Domain: International Relations
What happened
At the 7th Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) held in New Delhi in November 2024, India and France were elected as President and Co-President for the 2024-2026 term. The assembly appointed India's Ashish Khanna as the new Director General of the ISA. Additionally, the 3rd edition of the World Solar Report series was launched, highlighting explosive global solar capacity growth and green hydrogen potential in Africa.
Why it matters: India's unanimous re-election as President cements its leadership role in the global transition to renewable energy and climate change mitigation. Retaining key leadership positions and hosting the assembly strengthens India's geopolitical influence, particularly in championing clean energy access, technology transfer, and financing for the Global South.
15. Municipal Bonds Permitted in RBI Repo Transactions
Domain: Economy & Budget
What happened
On November 11, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) updated its Master Direction on Repurchase Transactions to allow municipal debt securities as eligible collateral for repo and reverse repo transactions. This permits banks and money market participants to use municipal bonds to borrow or lend funds in the overnight market.
Why it matters: This policy aims to deepen the secondary market for municipal bonds and enhance liquidity for urban local bodies (ULBs). By increasing the acceptability of local-body debt, it lowers borrowing costs for municipalities, enabling them to finance public infrastructure and smart city projects more efficiently.
16. 20th G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg
Domain: International Relations
What happened
The 20th G20 Leaders' Summit took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, on November 22, 2025, marking the first time the forum was hosted on the African continent. Operating under the theme 'Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability', world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, convened to address pressing issues facing the developing world. The agenda heavily prioritised Global South advocacy, focusing on structural debt relief and climate adaptation financing.
Why it matters: The summit is crucial for India as it solidifies its strategic position as a leading voice for the Global South, a role championed during its own 2023 presidency. By pushing for reformed multilateral development banks and equitable climate finance, India continues to secure economic and developmental safeguards vital for emerging economies.
17. WHO Releases World Malaria Report 2025
Domain: International Reports
What happened
In December 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) released the World Malaria Report 2025, detailing global malaria trends. The report highlighted a global rise in malaria cases to 282 million in 2024, alongside a severe threat of artemisinin drug resistance in Africa. Conversely, the WHO South-East Asia Region, which includes India, was noted as being on track to achieve its 75% incidence reduction target by 2025.
Why it matters: For India, this report validates the ongoing success of the National Framework for Malaria Elimination (2016-2030). However, the rising global threat of antimalarial drug resistance and the spread of urban vectors like Anopheles stephensi serve as critical early warnings for India's public health surveillance systems.
18. MSP Revision for Copra 2026
Domain: Agriculture & Food
What happened
In December 2025, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for copra for the 2026 season. The MSP was raised to ₹12,027 per quintal for milling copra and ₹12,500 per quintal for ball copra. NAFED and NCCF will continue to act as the Central Nodal Agencies for its procurement.
Why it matters: This revision fulfills the government's mandate to provide farmers a minimum return of 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production, directly ensuring income security for coconut growers.
19. GI Tags for Sikkim Lepcha Musical Instruments
Domain: Geography & Biodiversity
What happened
In November 2025, the Government of India awarded Geographical Indication (GI) tags to two traditional Lepcha musical instruments from Sikkim: the three-stringed 'Tungbuk' and the bamboo flute 'Pumtong Pulit'. The certificates were presented at the 1st Tribal Business Conclave in New Delhi following an application process supported by NABARD.
Why it matters: This recognition formally protects the indigenous craftsmanship and cultural heritage of Sikkim's Lepcha tribe while providing a platform to boost economic opportunities for traditional artisans.
20. India-Ireland Joint Economic Commission Established
Domain: International Relations
What happened
In March 2025, during the first-ever visit by an Indian External Affairs Minister to Ireland, the two nations agreed to establish a Joint Economic Commission (JEC). Additionally, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a bilateral Diplomatic Exchange programme aimed at strengthening political and administrative networks.
Why it matters: Establishing the JEC institutionalizes economic cooperation with a major European technology and pharmaceutical hub, providing India a structured mechanism to boost bilateral trade and investment in the post-Brexit European landscape.
21. INS Sutlej Completes Mauritius Hydrographic Survey
Domain: Geography & Biodiversity
What happened
On October 26, 2025, the Indian Navy's specialised hydrographic vessel, INS Sutlej, completed a major joint survey of 35,000 square nautical miles with the Mauritius Hydrographic Service. During this 18th joint mission, the ship also trained Mauritian personnel and conducted joint anti-piracy patrols. The final cartographic document, known as the 'fair-sheet', was officially handed over to the Mauritian government.
Why it matters: This extensive mapping is essential for safe navigation and unlocking Mauritius's 'Blue Economy' potential. For India, it translates the newly launched MAHASAGAR vision into operational reality, solidifying its role as the primary security and development partner in the Indian Ocean.
22. Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park Approved in Assam
Domain: Environment & Climate
What happened
On February 16, 2025, the Assam Cabinet approved the creation of Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park, which was subsequently notified in March 2025. Covering 316.29 square kilometers across the Chirang and Kokrajhar districts, the park was carved out of the Chirang-Ripu Elephant Reserve. It is the eighth national park in Assam and the third within the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).
Why it matters: The park secures a critical wildlife corridor connecting Manas National Park and Raimona National Park, facilitating safe animal movement across the Greater Manas Conservation Landscape. It provides strict legal protection to flagship endangered species like the Golden Langur, while honoring indigenous Bodo heritage by naming the park after a legendary local warrior.
23. Passage of the Indian Ports Act, 2025
Domain: Polity & Governance
What happened
On August 21, 2025, the President of India gave assent to the Indian Ports Act, 2025, completely replacing the colonial-era Indian Ports Act of 1908. The new legislation provides statutory backing to the Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) and empowers State Maritime Boards to govern non-major ports. It was passed by the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha earlier in August 2025 as part of a sweeping maritime governance overhaul.
Why it matters: This law is a critical catalyst for India's 'blue economy', shifting port governance from a highly fragmented, outdated system to one of cooperative federalism. By decentralizing non-major port management while enforcing global environmental treaties and modern dispute resolution, it drastically improves the ease of doing business and prepares India's 7,500 km coastline for integrated global trade.
24. ISRO Inaugurates HOPE Analog Mission Setup in Ladakh
Domain: Science & Technology
What happened
On July 31, 2025, ISRO inaugurated the Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration (HOPE) analog mission in the high-altitude Tso Kar Valley of Ladakh. Operated in collaboration with academic and industry partners, the facility consists of interconnected habitat and utility modules to house a crew in total isolation. The 10-day mission simulates the harsh, extraterrestrial conditions of the Moon and Mars.
Why it matters: This is India's first full-scale analogue simulation mission, marking a strategic leap in indigenous human spaceflight capabilities. It generates crucial data on human psychological resilience, life support systems, and equipment performance, directly supporting the upcoming Gaganyaan mission, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), and future crewed interplanetary missions.
25. India and Denmark Renew Clean Energy Cooperation MoU
Domain: International Relations
What happened
In May 2025, India's Ministry of Power and Denmark's Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Utilities officially renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on energy cooperation. The agreement was signed in New Delhi by India's Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal and the Danish Ambassador, in the presence of Union Power Minister Manohar Lal. This proactive renewal extends the bilateral energy partnership for another five years to ensure seamless continuity in joint initiatives.
Why it matters: The partnership is critical for supporting India's ambitious target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. By leveraging Denmark's global leadership in wind energy and grid optimization, India can accelerate its clean energy transition, enhance domestic grid stability, and tackle urgent climate change challenges.
26. Cabinet Approves Startup India FoF 2.0
Domain: Economy & Budget
What happened
On February 14, 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the Startup India Fund of Funds (FoF) 2.0 with a total corpus of ₹10,000 crore. Managed by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), the fund is designed to mobilize venture capital into the Indian startup ecosystem. It shifts to a targeted approach, specifically prioritizing deep tech, innovative manufacturing, and early-growth stage startups.
Why it matters: This initiative is crucial for addressing the severe funding gaps in high-risk, capital-intensive sectors like deep tech and advanced manufacturing. By leveraging a fund-of-funds model to catalyze private venture capital, it aims to reduce India's reliance on foreign capital for strategic technologies and bolster domestic innovation.
27. 3rd India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise Cyclone
Domain: Defence & Security
What happened
The Indian and Egyptian Army special forces commenced the 3rd edition of the joint military exercise 'Cyclone 2025' in February 2025. Held at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, the drill focused on counter-terrorism, survival techniques, and high-intensity combat in desert environments.
Why it matters: This exercise strengthens bilateral defense cooperation and interoperability between India and Egypt, advancing their shared strategic interests in countering regional terrorism and stabilizing the region.
28. CDSCO Approves Durvalumab Monotherapy for Liver Cancer
Domain: Science & Technology
What happened
In March 2026, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) approved an additional indication for AstraZeneca's Durvalumab as a monotherapy for liver cancer in India. Specifically, it was approved for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) who have not received prior systemic therapy. This decision officially sanctions the use of this monoclonal antibody for a new group of cancer patients.
Why it matters: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and carries a very high mortality rate due to late diagnoses and limited treatment alternatives. The approval of Durvalumab provides a critical, much-needed immunotherapy option in India, directly addressing a major unmet medical need and potentially improving overall survival rates for advanced liver cancer patients.
29. PM Modi Conferred Cyprus's Highest Civilian Honour
Domain: International Relations
What happened
In June 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian PM to visit Cyprus in over two decades. During the visit, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides awarded PM Modi the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III', the nation's highest civilian honour. The two leaders also launched the India-Greece-Cyprus (IGC) Business and Investment Council to promote trilateral economic cooperation.
Why it matters: The visit strengthens India's diplomatic and strategic footprint in the Mediterranean region. Furthermore, the new trilateral council opens up enhanced trade, investment, and economic linkages between India and Europe.
30. ECI Announces 2026 Assembly Poll Schedule
Domain: Polity & Governance
What happened
On March 15, 2026, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the schedule for the Legislative Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry. Alongside the schedule announcement, which immediately enforced the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), the ECI explicitly invoked Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, directing employers to grant a mandatory paid holiday to all workers on polling day.
Why it matters: This ensures that economic constraints do not disenfranchise the working class. By legally protecting the daily wages of vulnerable workers while they cast their ballot, the state practically operationalizes the constitutional ideal of universal adult franchise, promoting higher voter turnout and a more inclusive democratic process.
31. SC Restores POCSO Attempt Charge and Directs Sensitization
Domain: Judiciary
What happened
In February 2026, the Supreme Court of India set aside an Allahabad High Court order that had downgraded a sexual assault case involving a minor from an 'attempt to rape' to mere 'preparation'. The Supreme Court restored the trial court's original summons against the accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Additionally, the apex court directed the National Judicial Academy to form an expert committee, chaired by its Director Justice Aniruddha Bose, to frame comprehensive guidelines for judicial sensitivity during sexual offence trials.
Why it matters: This ruling reinforces the stringent protective framework of the POCSO Act, ensuring that severe crimes against minors are not arbitrarily diluted by technical judicial interpretations of criminal stages. It also highlights the critical need for gender and trauma sensitization among judges, aiming to protect victims from secondary trauma during court proceedings.
32. India at 69th Session of UNCSW
Domain: Health & Social
What happened
A delegation led by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development represented India at the 69th UN Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) in New York in March 2025. The session reviewed global progress on gender equality to mark the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
Why it matters: The event provides a crucial platform for India to showcase its policy shift towards 'women-led development' and reaffirm its commitment to the global gender equality goals established by the Beijing framework.