Daily current affairs: 27 January 2026

Long Description : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU leaders officially announced the conclusion of the FTA negotiations on January 27, 2026. Under this "mother of all deals," the EU will eliminate tariffs on 99.5% of Indian export items, while India has granted concessions on 97.5% of the traded value. This landmark pact is expected to significantly boost India’s manufacturing, textiles, and services sectors by providing unprecedented market access. It also includes provisions for easier access to EU steel scrap to mitigate the impact of carbon-linked import duties. This agreement marks India's largest trade deal to date, strengthening strategic economic ties with its second-largest trading partner.

Long Description : Hosted by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas from January 27–30, 2026, IEW 2026 has convened over 6,500 delegates from 120 countries. The event highlights India's achievements, including reaching a 19.05% ethanol blending rate and expanding the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) to 10.41 crore households. Key discussions center on investment mobilization, hydrogen energy, and carbon capture. The summit underscores India's role as a leader in the Global South’s energy transition while ensuring energy affordability. It serves as a critical platform for policymakers and global energy majors to collaborate on future mobility and sustainable aviation fuels.

Long Description : The 77th Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path featured the debut of several indigenous defense systems. Highlights included the "Suryastra" long-range rocket launcher and the newly raised "Bhairav Battalion," specializing in high-altitude warfare. The parade also showcased weaponry used in "Operation Sindoor," emphasizing India's growing indigenous capabilities. President Droupadi Murmu, along with EU leaders as Chief Guests, witnessed the display of BrahMos missiles and the Arjun Main Battle Tank. The inclusion of these advanced systems reflects India’s shift toward Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defense, showcasing modern deterrence capabilities against evolving regional security threats.

Long Description : On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Ashoka Chakra upon Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. This prestigious honor recognizes his conspicuous gallantry and "act of self-sacrifice" in a high-stakes operation. Shukla, who is also part of India’s Gaganyaan mission pool, was cited for his extraordinary presence of mind and courage. Simultaneously, the Kirti Chakra was awarded to Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair. These awards highlight the valor of the Indian Armed Forces in maintaining internal security and conducting daring rescue operations, serving as a significant inspiration for defense aspirants.

Long Description : Bank employees from major lenders like SBI, PNB, and Bank of Baroda participated in a 24-hour strike ending midnight January 27. The primary demand of the UFBU is the implementation of a 5-day work week, a reform agreed upon during the March 2024 wage revision but pending government notification. The unions argue that most government offices and the RBI already follow this schedule. While digital services like UPI and ATMs remained functional, physical branch operations and cheque clearances were severely hit. This industrial action highlights the ongoing friction between banking unions and the Department of Financial Services regarding labor reforms and employee well-being.

Long Description : Parallel to the FTA, India signed a landmark security pact with the EU on January 27, 2026. The agreement focuses on strengthening collaboration in maritime security, counter-terrorism, and cyber defense. This move aligns with India's "Indo-Pacific" vision and the EU's growing interest in the region's stability. Both parties agreed to increase joint naval exercises and exchange intelligence on cross-border threats. This partnership signals a strategic shift, as India diversifies its security allies and the EU seeks a more robust role in Asian security architecture. It marks a new chapter in the "India-EU Strategic Partnership" beyond traditional trade and investment.

Long Description : Utilizing high-resolution satellite imagery and digital elevation models, IIT Guwahati researchers have mapped nearly 500 potential sites for future glacial lakes. This study is crucial for disaster management, as it helps predict Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which have recently caused devastation in states like Sikkim. The framework provides a risk-assessment tool for infrastructure planning in high-altitude zones. By identifying these "hotspots," the government can implement early warning systems and mitigate risks to downstream communities. This scientific advancement is a significant step in climate change adaptation for the sensitive Himalayan ecosystem and water resource management.

Long Description : On the eve of Republic Day, the Ministry of Home Affairs released the list of 132 Padma awardees. Former Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan and legendary actor Dharmendra received the Padma Vibhushan (posthumously for the former). Malayalam superstar Mammootty was honored with the Padma Bhushan. The Padma Shri list included diverse figures like cricketer Rohit Sharma, actor R. Madhavan, and several unsung heroes in the fields of social work and traditional arts. These awards recognize distinguished service in various disciplines, reflecting the government's focus on honoring both national icons and grassroots contributors to Indian society.

Long Description : India’s participation as a partner country at Gulfood 2026 (January 26–30) in Dubai highlights its rising stature as a global food supplier. Over 300 Indian companies are showcasing processed foods, organic produce, and GI-tagged products like Basmati rice. This platform is vital for the "Make in India" initiative in the food processing sector, aiming to double India's share in global food trade. The partnership facilitates high-level B2B meetings and investment opportunities in India’s mega food parks. It also aligns with India's goal of enhancing food security in the Middle East, further strengthening economic ties with the UAE under the CEPA framework.

Long Description : In a major boost to "Space 2.0," the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) signed an agreement with a consortium led by Pixxel Space on January 20, with operational phases starting Jan 27, 2026. This Public-Private Partnership (PPP) aims to build a constellation of 12 satellites for hyperspectral and radar imaging. These satellites will provide data for agriculture, maritime security, and disaster response. This is the first time a private entity will manage an entire satellite ecosystem in India under a "zero-bid" model. It marks a transition from ISRO-led missions to a market-driven space economy, inviting massive private investment into orbit.

Long Description : Organized by the Ministry of Tourism, the 25th Bharat Parv (January 23–31, 2026) at Red Fort features "150 Years of Vande Mataram" as its central theme. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting pavilion is showcasing rare journals and the "Bharat Year Book 2026." The event includes West Bengal's tableau, which pays tribute to Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. This celebration emphasizes the song's role as a catalyst during India's freedom struggle. By integrating culture and history, Bharat Parv aims to promote "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat," showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of India through traditional crafts, cuisines, and folk performances.

Long Description : Under the newly signed India-EU FTA, India has agreed to a phased reduction of import tariffs on automobiles from the European Union. Currently, India imposes duties of 60% on cars under $40,000 and 100% on those above. These rates are expected to drop to 15%–30% over a 10-year period. This move is intended to provide European manufacturers like Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz better market access while encouraging them to manufacture locally under the "Phased Manufacturing Program." For aspirants, this highlights a significant shift in India’s protectionist trade stance, balancing consumer choice with domestic manufacturing interests.

Long Description : In a high-level meeting chaired by Jay Shah in Dubai, the ICC confirmed on January 27, 2026, that Scotland will take Bangladesh's spot in the T20 World Cup. This decision followed administrative and security concerns raised by the ICC regarding the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Scotland, having shown consistent performance in qualifying rounds, was elevated to the main draw. This change significantly alters the tournament's group dynamics. For sports current affairs, this is a rare instance of a major team being replaced just months before a global event, reflecting the ICC's stringent compliance and security standards for participating nations.

Long Description : In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the East Coast Railway has deployed 'ASC ARJUN' (Assistant for Security and Care) at Visakhapatnam. The robot is equipped with motion sensors, cameras, and a two-way communication system. It assists Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel in patrolling, mask-detection, and thermal screening. Additionally, it helps passengers with station navigation and grievance redressal via a touch-screen interface. This deployment marks a significant step toward integrating Artificial Intelligence and robotics into public service delivery. The project is expected to be scaled to other major A1-category stations to enhance security and passenger experience.

Long Description : In the case of Ranthi Kumari Devi v. Suresh Kumar Sahu, the Supreme Court upheld a Family Court decision to dissolve a marriage on January 27, 2026. The Court observed that the wife had concealed her actual age and a prior life imprisonment conviction in a murder case. The bench ruled that such a significant "suppression of material facts" destroys the foundation of trust in a marital relationship and amounts to mental cruelty under the Hindu Marriage Act. This judgment reinforces the legal principle of uberrima fides (utmost good faith) in matrimonial contracts and provides clarity on grounds for annulment.

Long Description : During the World Economic Forum at Davos, the IMF announced a revised growth forecast for India, pegging it at over 7% for FY27. This makes India the fastest-growing major economy for the fourth consecutive year. IMF Chief Economist Gita Gopinath attributed this momentum to robust public infrastructure spending, digital transformation, and resilient private consumption. While global growth remains sluggish due to geopolitical tensions, India’s internal reforms, like GST simplification and labor law updates, have provided a "cushion." This forecast bolsters India’s ambition to become the world's third-largest economy by 2028, as highlighted by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at Davos.