Daily Current Affairs- 31st January 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 31st January 2026

Sunetra Pawar, Set to Take Oath as Maharashtra’s Deputy CM in 2026

In the News: Sunetra Pawar took oath as Maharashtra's first woman Deputy Chief Minister, creating a historic milestone in the state's political history. The 62-year-old leader was unanimously elected as the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Legislature Party leader following the tragic death of her husband, Ajit Pawar, the former Deputy Chief Minister and NCP supremo, in a plane crash at Baramati on January 28, 2026.

Key Points:

• Oath Ceremony and Political Process: Sunetra Pawar was sworn in by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat at Raj Bhavan in a ceremony attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and senior NCP leaders including Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, and Chhagan Bhujbal.
• Cabinet Portfolios Assigned: Sunetra Pawar has been entrusted with three key portfolios: Excise, Sports and Youth Welfare, and Minority Affairs (Minorities Development and Auqaf/Waqf departments).
• Background and Political Journey: Sunetra Pawar is a senior NCP leader and sitting Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, though she is not currently a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council. Until the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, she had largely remained out of the public spotlight. In 2024, she contested from Baramati on the NCP ticket but lost to her sister-in-law, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule, in a high-profile electoral contest.
• Political Significance and Historic Milestone: The appointment carries strong political symbolism as Sunetra Pawar becomes Maharashtra's first woman Deputy Chief Minister in the state's history, marking a landmark moment for women's representation in leadership roles.

The Supreme Court Declared Menstrual Health a Fundamental Right

In the News: The Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark verdict in Dr. Jaya Thakur vs Government of India, declaring the right to menstrual health a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. A bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan issued a continuing mandamus directing the Central and state governments to ensure free sanitary napkins and functional toilets in all schools.

Key Points:

• Constitutional Framework and Substantive Equality: The Supreme Court anchored its reasoning in the concept of "substantive equality," expanding the interpretation of Article 14 (Right to Equality), Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty), and Article 21A (Right to Free and Compulsory Education). The bench observed that treating everyone exactly the same may perpetuate inequality, noting that "equal consideration for all may demand very unequal treatment in favour of the disadvantaged.
• Mandatory Provision of Free Sanitary Napkins: All government and private schools must provide free oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins (meeting ASTM D-6954 standard) to girl students in Classes 6 through 12. These should be dispensed preferably through vending machines within toilet premises or via a designated school authority.
• Infrastructure and Toilet Facilities: Schools in both urban and rural areas must maintain functional, gender-segregated toilets with usable water connectivity, designed to ensure privacy and accessibility for children with disabilities. The Court emphasized that Section 19 of the Right to Education Act's requirement for separate toilets is not merely infrastructural but substantive, as lack of such facilities leads to absenteeism and dropout.
• Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Corners: Schools have been directed to establish dedicated Menstrual Hygiene Management corners equipped with emergency essentials including spare innerwear, spare uniforms, and disposable bags to handle menstruation-related exigencies such as staining or leakage.
• Destigmatization Through Education and Training: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) have been directed to incorporate age-appropriate, gender-responsive curricula on puberty and menstruation for all students.

Why a Red Bag Became the Symbol of the Budget: The History Behind It

In the News: Every year on Budget Day, the Finance Minister's appearance outside Parliament carrying Budget documents attracts significant public attention. The red bag or pouch has evolved from a colonial-era briefcase into a powerful symbol representing India's financial governance, cultural identity, and the nation's transition from traditional to digital practices.

Key Points:

• British Origins of the Red Budget Box: The red color tradition in Budget presentations traces back to British parliamentary practice dating to 1860, when British Chancellor William E. Gladstone introduced a red leather briefcase decorated with the Queen's monogram, later known as the "Gladstone Box." Red was chosen because it appeared prominently in royal symbols and was favored by Prince Albert, establishing a lasting feature of British Budget Day. The term "budget" itself comes from the French word bougette, meaning a small leather bag, explaining why finance ministers traditionally pose with a bag before entering Parliament.
• Adoption of the Tradition in Post-Independence India: India adopted the Budget bag tradition after independence, with the country's first Finance Minister R.K. Shanmukham Chetty presenting the first Union Budget in 1947 while carrying a bag, initiating a custom that continues today. For decades, Indian finance ministers followed the British precedent of carrying Budget papers in a red or leather briefcase, symbolizing authority but also serving as a reminder of India's colonial past.
• Historic Break from Colonial Custom in 2019: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made history in 2019 by breaking the long-standing colonial custom, choosing to carry Budget documents wrapped in a traditional Indian bahi-khata instead of a leather briefcase.
• Cultural Significance of Red Cloth and Bahi-Khata: The red cloth used by Sitharaman was a deliberate choice rooted in Indian tradition, where red is considered auspicious and often used to cover sacred books and important documents. The bahi-khata is a traditional red cloth ledger historically used by Indian traders and shopkeepers for keeping accounts, making it culturally relevant and symbolically meaningful.
• Transition to Paperless and Digital Budget: From 2021 onwards, Nirmala Sitharaman introduced another major innovation by presenting a paperless Budget using a digital tablet instead of printed documents. To maintain tradition while embracing modernity, the tablet was placed inside a traditional bahi-khata style cover wrapped in red cloth.

34th Foundation Day of National Commission for Women

In the News: The National Commission for Women (NCW) celebrated its 34th Foundation Day on January 30, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, commemorating over three decades of commitment towards safeguarding and advancing women's rights and dignity across India. The event was organized around the theme "Swasthya hi Sashaktikaran" (Health is Empowerment), reinforcing that women's health lies at the core of empowerment, social equity, and national development. Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda served as Chief Guest, while Women and Child Development Minister Annpurna Devi and Minister of State Savitri Thakur graced the occasion as Guests of Honour.

Key Points:

• Establishment and Constitutional Framework: The NCW is a statutory body established on January 31, 1992, under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, making it India's apex statutory body for protecting women's rights, so the 34th Foundation Day would be January 31, 2026, but the celebration was held on January 30. Its establishment resulted from recommendations by the Committee on the Status of Women in India (CSWI) and the National Perspective Plan for Women (1988-2000).
• Commission Structure and Composition: The Central Government nominates the NCW body to ensure representation from various fields relevant to women's welfare. The structure includes a Chairperson committed to women's causes, five Members with experience in law, trade unionism, management, women's voluntary organizations, administration, or social welfare (with at least one member each from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes), and a Member-Secretary expert in management, sociology, or an experienced civil servant. All members hold office for three years or until age 65, whichever is earlier. The current Chairperson is Vijaya Rahatkar.
• Theme and Central Message - "Swasthya hi Sashaktikaran": The Foundation Day celebrations emphasized women's health as the cornerstone of empowerment and nation-building.
• Honors and Recognitions: Eminent scientists from ISRO and DRDO featured in the NCW Calendar 2026 were honored for their outstanding contributions to nation-building. Dr. Tessy Thomas, widely known as the "Missile Woman of India," was felicitated for her exemplary service and leadership in defence science. The Commission also honored V. Kamakoti, Padma Shri awardee and Director of IIT Madras, for his invaluable support in developing the AI module for "Tere Mere Sapne," a flagship NCW programme aimed at strengthening pre-marital communication and counselling.
• Key Initiatives and Programmes: NCW has launched multiple initiatives including a WhatsApp helpline and 24x7 Women Helpline providing online support, psychological counseling, and links to police and hospitals. Mahila Jan Sunwai is a pilot project facilitating speedy disposal of complaints via in-person and online hearings.
• New Launches and Continued Commitment: Several initiatives were launched during the Foundation Day event, including a monthly Jagriti magazine, a book on empowering motherhood, and a digital training module for Tere Mere Sapne Pre-Marital Communication Centres. Minister Nadda reaffirmed that women-centric policies will continue to be a national priority.

The World Bank Pledged USD 8-10 Billion Annually to India

In the News: The World Bank Group announced a massive financial commitment of USD 8-10 billion annually to India for the next five years under a newly agreed Country Partnership Framework (CPF). This strategic partnership, aligned with India's Viksit Bharat (Developed India by 2047) vision, aims to accelerate India's growth trajectory and support its ambition of becoming a developed nation.

Key Points:

• Country Partnership Framework (CPF) – Strategic Roadmap: The Country Partnership Framework is a strategic roadmap that guides cooperation between India and the World Bank Group. The new CPF outlines priority areas where financial support, technical assistance, and global expertise will be combined to deliver large-scale development outcomes
• India's Development Partnership Approach: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman welcomed the CPF during discussions with the World Bank delegation led by its President in New Delhi. She stressed that India values a development partnership beyond monetary assistance, highlighting the importance of knowledge sharing, technical assistance, and global experience brought by the World Bank Group.
• World Bank Group Institutional Reforms: The framework benefits from significant internal reforms undertaken by the World Bank Group since 2023 to become faster, simpler, and more impact-oriented. Many of these reforms were influenced during India's G20 presidency, reflecting India's growing voice in shaping global development architecture.
• World Bank Group – Institutional Background: The World Bank Group is a global development institution headquartered in Washington D.C., USA, founded in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference. The organization comprises five core institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) providing loans to middle-income countries, the International Development Association (IDA) offering concessional loans and grants to the poorest countries, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) supporting private sector development, the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) providing political risk insurance, and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) resolving investment disputes.

How Trump’s America First approach is fracturing transatlantic unity

In the News: President Donald Trump's second term is creating unprecedented fractures in transatlantic unity, challenging the foundational principles of NATO and post-World War II Western solidarity. Trump's "America First" agenda, coupled with demands for drastically increased European defense spending, unwillingness to steadfastly support Ukraine against Russia, and territorial ambitions toward Greenland and Canada, has raised serious concerns in Europe.

Key Points

• Historical Context of NATO and Transatlantic Unity: NATO was created post-World War II as the bedrock of transatlantic unity, colloquially meant to "keep the Russians out, the Americans in, and the Germans down." The alliance's core is Article 5, which states that an attack on any member is an attack on all, affirming collective self-defense. The UK, victorious in WWII, ensured the US would not retreat to its Monroe Doctrine of 1823, which focused American interests solely on the Americas. However, Trump 2.0 appears to embrace a rechristened "Donroe Doctrine," believing US core interests lie primarily in the Americas rather than maintaining European security commitments.
• Economic Disparity and Defense Spending Imbalance: The US GDP is approximately USD 31 trillion with a population of 345 million, while European nations collectively contribute USD 28 trillion with around 600 million people.
• Evolution of Defense Spending Demands: During Trump's first term, he demanded European NATO members increase defense spending to 2 percent of their GDP, noting that Germany, the largest European economy, spent only slightly more than 1 percent in 2014. NATO members agreed to a 5% target at the June 2025 Hague Summit, to be reached by 2035 (not already increased).The target comprises 3.5% on defense + 1.5% on defense-related spending
• Territorial Ambitions and the "Board of Peace": Trump 2.0's agenda includes territorial ambitions that alarm European allies. President Trump has publicly articulated desires to acquire Greenland, a Danish territory and fellow NATO member, despite Denmark having no objections to strengthened US military presence there for defense purposes.. Trump's Administration also supported UNSC Resolution 2803 creating a Board of Peace, ostensibly for Gaza but appearing as a model for global intervention replacing the UN, with President Donald Trump personally noted as chair in the annex, not the US President institutionally.

Pechora Missile System and Why Has India Digitised It?

In the News: The Indian Air Force successfully completed full digitization of its vintage Pechora surface-to-air missile (SAM) system through an indigenous upgrade programme. The Pechora, inducted in the 1970s and of Russian origin, has been a cornerstone of India's air defence network for nearly five decades.

Key Points:

• About the Pechora Missile System: The Pechora, officially known as the S-125 Neva/Pechora, is a Soviet-origin, medium-range surface-to-air missile system designed to intercept low- to medium-altitude aerial threats. Inducted into the Indian Air Force during the 1970s, it has been a key element of India's air defence architecture for nearly five decades. The system consists of radar-guided missile launchers and fire control units, typically employing the V-600 missile, and uses the 4R90 Yatagan radar equipped with five parabolic antennas to detect, track, and lock onto targets.
• Technical Specifications and Capabilities: The Pechora system has an operational firing range of 30–35.4 km and can engage targets flying at altitudes from as low as 20 meters up to 20–25 km, making it versatile for both low and medium-altitude threats. Its radar can detect targets up to 100 km away, providing early warning and engagement capability.
• Indigenous Upgrade Programme: The modernization was executed by Alpha Design Technologies (ADTL), a Bengaluru-based private defence firm that signed a Rs 591.3 crore contract on September 25, 2020. This project marked a major milestone as it became one of the first instances where an Indian private company successfully modernized a vintage Russian-origin weapon system.
• Successful Validation at Pokhran: The first fully upgraded Pechora system underwent successful firing trials at the Pokhran test range in Rajasthan between November 6 and December 6, 2025. These user trials validated the system's performance under real field conditions and confirmed operational readiness

Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand Added to Ramsar Important Wetland

In the News: Ahead of World Wetlands Day on February 2, 2026, two ecologically significant wetlands—Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch district, Gujarat—were designated as Ramsar sites of international importance under the global Ramsar Convention. This recognition takes India's total Ramsar wetlands to 98, reflecting the nation's strong commitment to environmental conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable wetland management.

Key Points:

• Ramsar Designation and National Commitment: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced the inclusion of both wetlands in the Ramsar sites list, stating that "the international recognition reflects India's strong commitment to protecting the environment and conserving its wetlands." India became a signatory to the Ramsar Convention in 1982 and has since expanded its network from 26 sites in 2014 to 98 in 2026, representing an increase of over 276 percent.
• Patna Bird Sanctuary - Avian Biodiversity Hotspot: Located in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, Patna Bird Sanctuary is a freshwater wetland comprising marshes, woodlands, and grasslands surrounded by agricultural landscapes. The sanctuary has been designated an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. It supports 178 bird species and 252 plant species, creating diverse habitats with exceptional biodiversity.
• Chhari-Dhand - Unique Desert Wetland Ecosystem: Chhari-Dhand is a seasonal saline wetland located between the famous Banni grasslands and salt flats of Kutch, Gujarat. Despite its arid landscape and harsh climatic conditions, it supports rich wildlife including chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats, and desert foxes.
• Ramsar Convention Framework: The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, dedicated to the conservation and wise use of wetlands worldwide.

Djokovic Rewrote Australian Open Records at 38

In the News: Novak Djokovic made tennis history at the Australian Open by defeating world number two Jannik Sinner in an epic semifinal battle. The 24-time Grand Slam champion became the oldest man in the Open Era to reach an Australian Open final, breaking a 53-year-old record previously held by Ken Rosewall. The victory showcased Djokovic's exceptional longevity, elite fitness, and unwavering determination as he chases his record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.

Key Points:

• Historic Record Broken: Djokovic surpassed Ken Rosewall's 53-year-old record from 1972, when Rosewall reached the Australian Open final at 37 years, two months, and one day old. At 38, Djokovic became the oldest finalist in the Open Era at the Australian Open, a remarkable achievement in modern tennis where physical demands are higher than ever.
• Epic Semifinal Battle: Djokovic defeated Jannik Sinner 3–6, 6–3, 4–6, 6–4, 6–4 in a grueling five-set marathon lasting over four hours at Rod Laver Arena. The match finished close to 2 am local time and featured intense rallies and dramatic momentum swings. Despite Sinner firing 26 aces (a career high) and creating 18 break point opportunities, Djokovic saved an astonishing 16 of them, including all eight break points in the deciding fifth set.
• Career Significance: The Serbian star is chasing his 11th Australian Open title and a record-extending 25th Grand Slam crown. His last Grand Slam victory came at the 2023 US Open, and his most recent final appearance was at Wimbledon 2024, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz. This semifinal win demonstrates that Djokovic remains fiercely competitive against the new generation of tennis players.
• Final Showdown with Alcaraz: Djokovic will face world number one Carlos Alcaraz in the final, marking his 38th Grand Slam final appearance and the 10th career meeting between the two champions. Djokovic currently leads their head-to-head 5–4, though Alcaraz won their last Grand Slam final at Wimbledon 2024. The match represents a classic clash between experience and youth, making it one of the most anticipated Australian Open finals in recent history.