Daily Current Affairs- 27th January 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 27th January 2026

UGC’s new regulations to deal with caste-based discrimination and the opposition to them

In the News: The University Grants Commission (UGC) notified the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, aimed at tackling caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions (HEIs). The regulations establish enforceable mechanisms with strict penalties for non-compliance, marking a shift from advisory guidelines to legally binding rules.

Key Points:

• Broad Coverage of Discrimination: The regulations define caste-based discrimination as any unfair or biased treatment against Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). This explicitly extends legal protection to OBCs, correcting a major omission in the earlier draft framework.
• Mandatory Equal Opportunity Centres (EOCs): Every higher education institution must establish an Equal Opportunity Centre (EOC) to promote equity, social inclusion, and equal access. Each institution must form an Equity Committee under the EOC, chaired by the head of the institution, with mandatory representation from SCs, STs, OBCs, persons with disabilities, and women, ensuring inclusive decision-making and grievance redressal.
• Reporting and Compliance Framework: EOCs must submit bi-annual reports, while institutions are required to file an annual report on equity-related measures to the UGC, strengthening institutional accountability.
• National-Level Monitoring Mechanism: UGC will establish a national monitoring committee comprising representatives from statutory bodies and civil society to oversee implementation, review complaints, and suggest preventive measures.
• Strict Penalties for Non-Compliance: Institutions violating the regulations may face debarment from UGC schemes, prohibition on offering degree, distance, or online programmes, or even removal from UGC recognition.

US Withdraws from the World Health Organization: Reasons, Process and Global Impact

In the News: The United States has formally exited the World Health Organization (WHO) after completing a mandatory notice period, following an executive order issued by President Donald Trump on the first day of his presidency in 2025.

Key Points:

• Reasons for Withdrawal: President Trump announced the decision to leave the WHO on the first day of his presidency in 2025, citing alleged failures by the organization in handling the COVID-19 pandemic. US officials claimed that WHO's management decisions caused severe economic and public health consequences for the United States
• Dispute Over Outstanding Membership Fees: Outstanding US dues to WHO are estimated at around $260 million for 2024 and 2025. However, the US State Department disputed the interpretation that payment was a precondition for exit.
• WHO's Financial Crisis: The withdrawal has triggered a severe financial crisis for WHO, as the US traditionally contributed around 18% of WHO's total funding (accounting for 18% of the agency's budget in 2023), making it the organization's largest single donor.
• Global Health Impact: UN humanitarian affairs office (OCHA) spokesperson Jens Laerke highlighted WHO's indispensable role, noting that the world lives longer, healthier, perhaps a little bit happier because of WHO.

India–EU Free Trade Agreement Called 'Mother of All Deals' Signed at 16th Summit: Explained

In the News: At the 16th India–EU Summit held in New Delhi on January 27, 2026, India and the European Union announced the conclusion of long-pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, dubbed the "mother of all deals" by EU leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, marking a major diplomatic and economic breakthrough after nearly two decades of negotiations.

Key Points:

• Historic Agreement Concluded: India and the EU formally announced the conclusion of FTA negotiations on January , 2026, ending a negotiation process that began in 2007 and stalled in 2013 due to differences over tariffs, services, and regulatory standards. The negotiations were relaunched in June 2022, and the 2026 conclusion finally ends a nearly 20-year-long process, making it one of the largest trade deals in the world.
• Scale and Economic Significance: The India–EU FTA creates a free trade zone of two billion people, representing 25% of global GDP and nearly one-third of global trade. With bilateral trade already exceeding $136 billion, the agreement is expected to further expand exports in textiles, gems and jewellery, leather, footwear, services, and manufacturing while improving investor confidence in India.
• Tariff Reductions and Benefits: According to the EU, the agreement will save €4 billion every year in duties as India has agreed to cut down, and in some cases eliminate, tariffs on nearly 97% of goods imported from Europe.
• Security and Defence Partnership (SDP): Alongside the FTA, India and the EU signed a Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) to enhance cooperation in defence production, maritime security, cyber security, and interoperability between forces. The pact will allow Indian companies to participate in the EU's SAFE (Security Action for Europe) programme, a €150 billion defence financing initiative, and talks will begin on a Security of Information Agreement (SOIA) to deepen defence industrial collaboration.
• Implementation Timeline: While India and the EU have finalized negotiations and signed the agreement, the trade deal will take effect sometime in 2027. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal stated that legal scrubbing of the text will take 5-6 months, with formal signing to be done after that process is completed.

BAFTA Awards 2026 Nomination for Manipuri Film Boong

In the News: "Boong", a Manipuri-language film directed by debutante filmmaker Lakshmipriya Devi, has secured a nomination in the Best Children's and Family Film category at the BAFTA Awards 2026. The nominations for the EE BAFTA Film Awards were announced by the British Academy in London on January 27, 2026, marking a significant milestone for Indian regional cinema and rare global acknowledgement for a Manipuri-language production.

Key Points:

• BAFTA Nomination: "Boong" has been nominated in the Best Children's and Family Film category at the BAFTA Awards 2026, competing against major international titles including Disney hits "Lilo & Stitch" and "Zootopia 2" (also called "Zootropolis 2"), as well as the animated science fantasy film "Arco". This recognition highlights the growing acceptance of culturally rooted Asian narratives at major Western award platforms.
• Film Storyline and Cultural Context: The film had premiere at the 2024 and was released theatrically in India on September 2025.  The coming-of-age film follows the story of a young boy named Boong (played by Gugun Kipgen) from the valley of Manipur, who plans to surprise his mother with a gift. In his innocence, he believes bringing his father back home would be the most special gift.
• Director's Background: "Boong" is the first feature film from Lakshmipriya Devi, who previously served as first assistant director on Excel Entertainment movies such as "Luck by Chance" and "Talaash", besides Aamir Khan-starrer "PK" and Mira Nair's series "A Suitable Boy". Devi shared the nomination news on Instagram Stories, expressing gratitude and shock at the recognition.
• Festival Journey and Recognition: The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024 and was later named Spotlight Film at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025. It was also showcased at prestigious festivals including the Warsaw International Film Festival 2024, MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024, and the 55th International Film Festival of India.
• BAFTA Awards 2026 Schedule: The BAFTA Awards 2026 ceremony will take place at London's Royal Festival Hall on February 22, 2026, where "Boong" will compete for the honour in the Best Children's and Family Film category.

Victoria Beckham Receives French Knighthood in Paris

In the News: Fashion designer and former pop star Victoria Beckham has been honoured with the title of Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French Ministry of Culture. The prestigious distinction was conferred at an intimate ceremony in Paris, attended by her family including husband David Beckham and their children, marking a defining moment in her creative career and recognizing her significant contribution to fashion and the arts.

Key Points:

• The Honour: Victoria Beckham was awarded the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, one of France's most prestigious cultural distinctions. The Order is among France's highest honours for artists and cultural figures who have significantly influenced global creative industries, recognizing contributions to art, literature, and cultural influence worldwide.
• About the Order of Arts and Letters: Established in 1957, the Order of Arts and Letters is a French cultural honour with Knight being the entry-level grade of the order.
• Recognition for Fashion Contribution: The knighthood was awarded by the French Ministry of Culture in recognition of Victoria Beckham's contribution to fashion and the arts.
• Paris Ceremony: The ceremony took place in Paris, a city closely associated with Beckham's evolution as a luxury fashion designer.

Trump Raises South Korea Tariffs to 25 Percent

In the News: US President Donald Trump announced a sharp increase in tariffs on South Korean exports, raising them from 15 percent to 25 percent. The decision was announced via Trump's Truth Social platform on Monday, accusing South Korea's legislature of failing to ratify a bilateral trade deal struck between Washington and Seoul fast enough, marking a significant escalation in trade tensions with a major US ally.

Key Points:

• Tariff Hike Details: President Trump increased tariffs on South Korean goods from 15 percent to 25 percent, marking one of the most significant tariff hikes imposed on a major US ally in recent.
• Background of US-South Korea Trade Deal: Washington and Seoul reached a $350 billion trade framework agreement in July 2025, which was further extended during Trump's summit with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung at the APEC forum in Gyeongju, South Korea, in October 2025.
• Rationale for Tariff Increase: President Trump accused South Korea's legislature of "not living up to its Deal with the United States" and questioned why the Korean Legislature had not approved the agreement. Trump claimed that while the US moved quickly to reduce its own tariffs from 25 percent to 15 percent as agreed.
• Legal Status of Implementation: As of Monday night, the White House had not issued an executive order giving the higher tariffs legal effect. This suggests the announcement may be part of negotiating pressure rather than an immediately enforceable policy change, though the situation remains fluid.

Indian Doctor Wins Wiley Research Heroes Prize 2025

In the News: Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya, an Indian public health expert, has won the Wiley Research Heroes Prize 2025 in the 'Impact Beyond Academia' category. He is the first Indian to receive this prestigious global recognition, which honors researchers whose work directly influences policy, programmes, and societal outcomes rather than remaining confined to academic publications.

Key Points:

• Award Recognition: Dr. Lahariya was selected from over 2,000 nominations worldwide and is among only five researchers globally honored in 2025. The Wiley Research Heroes Prize recognizes researchers who ensure that their work is inclusive, innovative, and impactful, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world policy implementation.
• Category: Impact Beyond Academia: Dr. Lahariya won the award specifically in the 'Impact Beyond Academia' category for his sustained contribution to public health policy and implementation. This category emphasizes research that goes beyond scholarly publications to create measurable policy impact and societal benefit.
• Professional Background: Dr. Lahariya is a health policy researcher, academician, and practicing medical professional. He previously served as a staff member of the World Health Organization (WHO), where he worked on public health programmes and policy frameworks, consistently operating at the intersection of research and governance.
• Key Research Areas: His primary research spans crucial public health domains including vaccination programmes and immunization coverage, conditional cash transfer schemes for maternal and child health services, and strengthening primary healthcare delivery systems. These areas directly influence national health outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Adani–Embraer Pact to Manufacture Aircraft in India: Explained

In the News: The Adani Group and Brazil's Embraer S.A. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish India's first aircraft manufacturing facility in collaboration with a major global aircraft manufacturer.

Key Points:

• Partnership Overview: Adani Defence and Aerospace (a subsidiary of Adani Enterprise Ltd) has partnered with Embraer to set up a regional aircraft manufacturing facility in India, covering aircraft manufacturing, component production, aftermarket services, and pilot training. This will be Embraer's first Final-Line Assembly (FLA) production facility in Asia, and the first such facility in India by any of the world's top three aircraft manufacturers (Boeing, Airbus, Embraer).
• About Embraer: Embraer is the world's third-largest aircraft manufacturer after Airbus and Boeing, specializing in regional jets carrying 70 to 140 passengers through its E2 family of aircraft. The company manufactures narrow-body, short- to medium-range passenger aircraft, private jets, defence aircraft, and agricultural planes, making it ideal for India's regional connectivity needs.
• Aircraft Models Under Consideration: The facility will likely produce either the E-175 (a 76-seater regional jet) or the Embraer E195-E2 (up to 146 seats), both suited for India's regional connectivity plans. Initially, components will be sourced from Brazil, but a complete supply chain will be developed in India over time, involving local MSMEs and component manufacturers.
• Project Timeline and Location: Adani Group director Jeet Adani announced that the project site will be finalized "over the next couple of months," with details on investment and specific aircraft type to follow. However, aviation experts suggest it certified for India, given the complexity of setting up production lines and certification processes.