Summary of UPSC Current Affairs – 1 January 2026
This document provides an overview of significant current affairs as of January 1, 2026, emphasizing their relevance for various competitive exams like UPSC.
Urbanization and Gig Economy: The Call to Ban 10-Minute Deliveries
Gig workers from popular food and grocery delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato have demanded a ban on the ultra-fast 10-minute delivery models. These models rely on rigorous algorithmic management, fostering unsafe work conditions. Issues highlighted include:
- Public Safety: The demand for rapid delivery often leads to traffic rule violations, as seen in Bengaluru where police reports document reckless driving behaviors during peak hours.
- Worker Health: Prolonged exposure to stress and physical strain contributes to health crises among delivery workers.
- Labor Rights: The model jeopardizes workers’ dignity, stripping them of necessary rest and basic workplace amenities.
- Regulatory Gaps: Current laws fail to protect workers, with platforms avoiding responsibilities towards safety and fair compensation.
Efforts to regulate this model propose measures such as mandatory safety windows for deliveries and algorithmic accountability, which would require platforms to disclose their operational incentives.
Agrarian Distress: Farmer Suicides in India
An analysis of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data reveals a persistent crisis of farmer suicides in India, exacerbated by factors like crop instability and indebtedness. Key insights include:
- A total of 3.94 lakh suicides among farmers and agricultural laborers from 1995 to 2023, with Maharashtra and Karnataka as major hotspots.
- A resurgence in suicides was evident in 2023, partly due to adverse climatic conditions and price crashes post-COVID-19.
- The issue reflects broader themes of societal vulnerability and the need for effective social protections and governance, highlighting the importance of welfare schemes like MGNREGA.
Key Developments in Defense and Agricultural Policies
- Pralay Missile: India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully launched two Pralay missiles, enhancing the country’s tactical deterrence and rapid-response capability with a range of 150 to 500 km.
- Market Access Support (MAS) Intervention: The Indian government initiated MAS to aid exporters, predominantly MSMEs, by providing institutional assistance for global market access and enhancing export diversification.
- Banning of Nimesulide: A ban on the sale and distribution of oral formulations of the NSAID Nimesulide was enforced due to potential health risks, particularly liver toxicity.
Environmental and Climatic Concerns
- Amazonian Stingless Bees: In a landmark decision, municipalities in Peru granted legal rights to stingless bees, the first instance globally where insects have been recognized legally. This initiative aims to bolster conservation efforts in the Amazon rainforest.
- Bomb Cyclone: A powerful winter storm in the US intensified into a bomb cyclone, highlighting the disruptive impact of extreme weather events and the need for enhanced preparedness.
Geographic Insight: Baltic Sea
The Baltic Sea, a critical maritime corridor in Northern Europe, has heightened geopolitical significance amid recent threats to critical undersea infrastructure. It is characterized by low salinity and shallow waters, making it vulnerable to damage.
Conclusion
This overview underscores pressing socio-economic issues in India, the evolving landscape of gig work and regulations, critical developments in defense, and the interplay of environmental and climatic conditions affecting various sectors. Understanding these multifaceted topics is crucial for informed examination preparation.
