15 January 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

We bring you the most relevant and important news updates from around the world and India, specially curated for competitive exams and different entrance exams. Today's Current Affairs cover all significant national and international headlines, legal updates, economic news, and environmental highlights to boost your preparation. With our crisp, to-the-point coverage, you can confidently tackle current affairs questions in your exams

Supreme Court Split Verdict on Prevention of Corruption Act Amendment (Section 17A)

Why in News

In Centre for Public Interest Litigation v. Union of India (2026), the Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on Constitutional Validity of Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, inserted by 2018 Amendment.

What is Section 17A?

• Mandates prior approval/sanction of the Government before initiating investigation or inquiry against a public servant for offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
• Objective: Protect honest decision-making by public servants from frivolous or vexatious investigations.

Key Aspects of the Judgment

Split Verdict

1. Justice P.S. Narasimha (Viswanathan):

• Held Section 17A constitutionally valid, subject to safeguards.
• Ruled that the sanctioning authority must be Lokpal (Centre) or Lokayukta (State) to ensure independence and prevent executive misuse.

2. Justice B.V. Nagarathna:

• Held Section 17A unconstitutional as it violates Article 14 (Right to Equality).
• Reason: It creates unreasonable classification by granting special protection only to a class of public servants, potentially shielding corruption.

3. Current Status:

• Matter has been placed before the Chief Justice of India for constitution of an appropriate larger bench to resolve the issue.

About the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988

• Definition of Corruption: Acceptance or solicitation of gratification (other than legal remuneration) by a public servant for official acts.
• Punishment: Imprisonment up to 5 years (enhanced in aggravated cases by later amendments).

Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018

• Introduced Section 17A (prior sanction for investigation).
• Criminalised bribery of foreign public officials.
• Sought to balance: Accountability vs protection of honest officers from harassment.

Other Institutional and Legal Anti-Corruption Frameworks

• Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 Independent anti-corruption ombudsman; covers PM, Ministers, MPs, senior officials.
• Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) Act, 2003 Supervisory body for vigilance administration in central government.
• Right to Information Act, 2005 Enhances transparency and citizen oversight.
• United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) Ratified by India in 2011; legally binding global anti-corruption treaty.

Supreme Court Ruling on the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009

Why in News

The Supreme Court issued important directions to operationalise Section 12(1)(c) of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, mandating 25% free seats in schools for children from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Disadvantaged Groups (DG).

What is Section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act?

• Requires unaided private schools (excluding minority institutions) to reserve at least 25% seats at the entry level for EWS/DG children.
• State governments must reimburse per-child expenditure to such schools.

Key Directions Issued by the Supreme Court

1. Mandatory Rule-Making:

• Central and State Governments must frame and notify rules under Section 38 of the RTE Act to effectively implement Section 12(1)(c).

2. Consultative Rulemaking Process:

Rule formulation must be done in consultation with:

• National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)
• State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCRs)
• National and State Advisory Councils under the RTE Act.

3. Monitoring & Grievance Redressal:

NCPCR and SCPCRs, constituted under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005, are responsible for:

• Monitoring RTE implementation
• Reviewing compliance
• Addressing grievances under the RTE Act, 2009.

About the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009

1. Constitutional Basis

• Article 21A (Fundamental Right): Free and compulsory education for all children aged 6–14 years.
• Article 51A(k) (Fundamental Duty): Parents/guardians must provide opportunities for education to children (6–14 years).
• Article 45 (DPSP): State to provide early childhood care and education for children below 6 years.

2. Key Provisions of the Act

• Section 3: Every child (6–14 years) has the right to free and compulsory education in a neighbourhood school till completion of elementary education.
• State & Local Authority Duties:
  - Establish neighbourhood schools
  - Provide infrastructure, trained teachers, and learning facilities
• Reimbursement: Schools admitting EWS/DG students under Section 12(1)(c) are entitled to reimbursement by the State.

Significance of the Supreme Court Ruling

• Substantive Equality: Moves beyond formal equality by ensuring meaningful access to quality education.
• Social Integration: Encourages early interaction among children from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
• Fraternity as a Constitutional Value: Gives operational meaning to fraternity under the Preamble.
• Common School System: Reinforces the vision of the Kothari Commission (1964–66) for a unified education system reducing social divides.

IRENA Assembly 2026: Call for Faster Renewable Energy Transition

Why in News

The 16th Session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly concluded on 14 January 2026 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, with a strong call to accelerate the global renewable energy transition.

Key Outcomes of the Assembly

• Adoption of IRENA’s Medium-term Strategy (2023–2027) Evaluation and Work Programme.
• Emphasis on Faster scaling of renewable energy; Bridging policy, finance, and technology gaps; Aligning national transitions with global climate goals

Renewable Energy and Jobs – Annual Review 2025

(Jointly released by IRENA and International Labour Organization – ILO)

1. Global Highlights:

• Global RE employment (2024): 16.6 million jobs
• Largest employer: Solar Photovoltaic (PV) sector
• Dominant country: China

2. India-specific Findings:

• Total RE jobs: 1.3 million
• Global share: 7.7%
• Sectoral Rankings: 2nd globally in Solar PV and Hydropower employment (after China)
  - 4th globally in Liquid Biofuels and Wind energy employment
• Solar Manufacturing:
  - 4.8% share of global PV module manufacturing
  - State-wise leadership: Gujarat: 42% of India’s module manufacturing capacity

About International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

• Nature: Intergovernmental organization
• Objective: Support countries in transitioning to renewable energy for:
  - Sustainable development
  - Universal energy access
  - Climate action
• Genesis: Established in 2009
• Statute entered into force: 2010
• Headquarters: Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, UAE
• Membership: 170+ countries and the European Union
  - India is a founding member

Key Functions

• Promotes renewable energy adoption worldwide
• Provides:
  - Policy advice
  - Capacity building
  - Technical assistance
• Official custodian for tracking progress on “UAE Consensus” targets adopted at COP28

Major Reports

• World Energy Transitions Outlook
• Renewable Energy and Jobs – Annual Review (with ILO)

Global Economic Prospects

About the Report

• Publisher: World Bank
• Frequency: Biannual (January & June)
• Purpose: Assesses global, regional, and country-wise economic growth prospects, risks, and policy challenges.

Key Highlights (January 2026 Edition)

1. India

• Growth Forecast Revised Upward: 7.2% for FY 2025–26, up from 6.3% projected in June 2025.
• Drivers of Growth: Robust domestic demand, Strong private consumption, Tax reforms, Rising real household incomes, especially in rural areas

2. Global Economy

• Global Trade Growth: Expected to slow down from 3.4% (2025) to 2.2% (2026)
  - Reflects weakening demand, trade fragmentation, and geopolitical uncertainties.
• Debt Concerns in EMDEs: Government debt in Emerging Market and Developing Economies has reached a 55-year high, nearing 70% of GDP.
  - Raises concerns over fiscal sustainability, debt servicing capacity, and vulnerability to external shocks.

Significance

• Highlights India as a key growth engine amid global slowdown.
• Flags rising debt risks and slowing trade as major headwinds to global recovery.
• Underscores the need for structural reforms, fiscal prudence, and productivity-enhancing investments.

NPS Vatsalya Scheme, 2025

Why in News

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has issued operational guidelines for the NPS Vatsalya Scheme, 2025, aimed at promoting early pension savings among children.

NPS Vatsalya Scheme, 2025

1. Administrative Framework:

• Nodal Ministry: Union Ministry of Finance
• Regulator: Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)

2. Core Objective:

• To inculcate early, disciplined, and long-term savings habits among children.
• To ensure financial security and pension preparedness from a young age.

3. Eligibility:

• Open to all Indian citizens below 18 years of age
• Includes NRI and OCI children

4. Beneficiary:

• The minor child is the sole beneficiary under the scheme

5. Account Operation:

• Account opened in the name of the minor
• Operated by parent or legal guardian until the child attains majority

6. Contributions:

• Minimum initial contribution: ₹250
• Minimum annual contribution: ₹250
• Maximum contribution: No upper limit

Significance

• Encourages early financial literacy and retirement planning
• Expands the coverage of the National Pension System (NPS) to a younger demographic
• Aligns with the objective of building a robust and inclusive pension ecosystem in India

Deflation

Food prices have slipped into deflation (-0.2%) for the first time since 2014, indicating a rare and sustained decline in food price levels.

• Definition: Also known as negative inflation, deflation refers to a persistent fall in the general price level of goods and services in an economy.
• Measurement: Reflected when inflation indices (such as CPI) register negative growth over a sustained period.

Major Causes of Deflation

• Decline in Aggregate Demand: Reduced consumption and investment leading to excess supply.
• Increased Productivity: Technological improvements lower production costs, reducing prices.
• Monetary Policy Shifts: Tight monetary conditions or reduced money supply.
• Supply-Side Factors (Food Deflation): Improved harvests, better supply chains, or lower input costs.

Economic Implications

• Positive: Higher real purchasing power in the short term.
• Negative: Can discourage spending and investment, increase real debt burden, and slow economic growth if prolonged.

Henley Passport Index 2026

India’s global passport strength improved in the Henley Passport Index 2026, with the country climbing to 80th rank, up from 85th rank in 2025, reflecting a modest expansion in visa-free or visa-on-arrival access for Indian passport holders.

• Nature: The world’s original and most authoritative ranking of passports.
• Basis of Ranking: Number of destinations that passport holders can access without a prior visa (visa-free or visa-on-arrival).
• Data Source: Exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
• Coverage: Ranks all passports globally in terms of travel freedom. 
• Top-ranked passport: Singapore, retainng its position as the world’s most powerful passport in the 2026 edition.

   

All Set with 15 January Current Affairs? Let’s Quiz!

Ready to put your knowledge to the test? Take our daily quiz now and reinforce what you learned!

 15 January 2026 Current Affair Quiz
 

Why is 15 January 2026 Current Affairs Important for You?

• Essential for Exams: The Current Affairs of 15 January 2026 cover topics that are often asked in competitive exams.
• Boosts Your Knowledge: Helps you stay informed about the latest events and updates.
• Improves Accuracy: Daily practice with Current Affairs of 15 January 2026 improves your speed and accuracy in exams.
• Quick Revision: Acts as a daily revision tool for upcoming exams.
• Saves Time: You don’t need to search multiple sources; everything is here in one place!
• Helps in Interviews: Being updated with Current Affairs of 15 January 2026 gives you confidence for personal interviews and group discussions.

How to Use 15 January 2026 Current Affairs for Exam Preparation? 

• Read Properly: Go through the 15 January 2026 Current Affairs to stay updated.
• Make Notes: Summarize key points and important updates in your own words.
• Link with Syllabus: Identify topics relevant to your exam and connect them with your syllabus.
• Practice Daily Quizzes: Test your knowledge by taking daily quizzes based on 15 January 2026 Current Affairs.
• Revise Often: Review the updates multiple times to boost your recall and confidence.
• Discuss with Peers: Join discussions and share insights to deepen your understanding.

Get Daily Updates and Stay Ahead!

Law Prep Tutorial is committed to giving you the best daily current affairs updates to help you excel in various exams. Our platform is trusted by thousands of toppers for timely, accurate, and concise updates that matter most for your exams. Explore our dedicated sections below: