The last week of January 2026 witnessed important developments in governance, energy security, climate diplomacy, health financing, and technology law. India reaffirmed its global energy leadership during India Energy Week 2026, while concerns emerged over declining public health spending and the US withdrawal from the International Solar Alliance. The National Commission for Women celebrated its foundation day, highlighting women’s empowerment initiatives. Emerging legal challenges in space patent law and national data protection efforts were also significant. These developments are highly relevant for APSC, Assam TET, UPSC, SSC, and Banking exams due to their constitutional, economic, and scientific importance.
1. Assam State News
No major Assam-specific verified government announcement was reported in the provided official sources during 29–31 January 2026.
However, national initiatives such as Skill India, Digital Personal Data Protection Act, and renewable energy programmes are directly applicable to Assam through centrally sponsored schemes and federal governance frameworks. Candidates preparing for APSC examinations should study these national developments as they affect Assam’s administrative, energy, and governance systems.
Why important for exams
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Assam implements centrally sponsored schemes.
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National constitutional and statutory bodies operate in Assam.
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Renewable energy and skill development programmes benefit Assam.
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Important for APSC polity, economy, and governance topics.
2. National Politics & Government
National Commission for Women observed its 34th Foundation Day
Date: 31 January 2026
Location: New Delhi
Organisation: National Commission for Women
The National Commission for Women celebrated its 34th Foundation Day reaffirming its statutory mandate to protect women's rights. Established under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, the commission began functioning on 31 January 1992. It reviews constitutional safeguards, recommends legislative reforms, and investigates complaints related to women’s rights violations. The Commission has powers of a civil court such as summoning witnesses and requesting documents. It conducts research, inspects custodial institutions, and recommends legal reforms. Initiatives include helplines, cyber safety campaigns, and leadership training programmes for women.
Why important for exams
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Established in 1992 under NCW Act 1990.
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Statutory and quasi-judicial body.
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Protects women's constitutional safeguards.
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Important for Polity and Governance.
India’s Public Health Spending remains below National Health Policy targets
Date: 31 January 2026
Location: India
Organisation: Government of India
India’s public health spending remains below the National Health Policy (2017) target of 2.5 percent of GDP. Union government spending declined from 0.37 percent in 2020–21 to 0.29 percent in 2025–26. States increased spending to 1.1 percent of GDP. The policy aims to provide universal healthcare, reduce out-of-pocket expenditure, and improve access to primary care. It promotes preventive healthcare, free drugs, and improved infrastructure. Experts emphasise fiscal reforms, improved tax collection, and stronger policy implementation.
Why important for exams
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National Health Policy launched in 2017.
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Target is 2.5 percent of GDP spending.
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Important for health governance questions.
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Relevant for Economy and Social Sector.
International Data Privacy Day observed globally
Date: 28 January 2026
Organisation: Council of Europe
International Data Privacy Day promotes privacy protection and awareness. It commemorates Convention 108, the first international data protection treaty. India strengthened privacy protection through the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. The Data Protection Board regulates compliance and protects citizens' digital rights. Cybersecurity initiatives include CERT-In and cyber awareness campaigns.
Why important for exams
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Observed on 28 January annually.
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Related to digital governance and privacy.
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Important for cyber security questions.
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Relevant for governance and IT laws.
Skill India Mission achieved major milestones
Date: 29 January 2026
Organisation: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
The Ministry reported over 27 lakh candidates trained under PMKVY 4.0. The Skill India Digital Hub registered over 1.6 crore users. The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme trained 49 lakh apprentices. The PM Vishwakarma scheme trained over 23 lakh artisans. These initiatives enhance employability and economic growth.
Why important for exams
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PMKVY and Skill India key schemes.
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Important for employment and economy.
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Relevant for government schemes questions.
3. Economy & Banking
India Energy Week 2026 highlighted India’s energy leadership
Date: January 2026
Location: Goa
Organisation: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
India Energy Week highlighted India’s strategy of “energy addition” combining fossil fuels and renewable energy. India achieved 50 percent non fossil fuel electricity capacity ahead of its 2030 target. India ranks third globally in solar capacity. UAE reaffirmed its position as a major energy supplier.
Why important for exams
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India ranks third in solar capacity.
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Important global energy platform.
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Relevant for energy security questions.
UAE reaffirmed energy partnership with India
Date: January 2026
Location: Goa
Countries involved: India and UAE
UAE remains India's fourth largest oil supplier and third largest trading partner. Both countries aim to increase bilateral trade to USD 200 billion by 2032. This strengthens India’s energy security.
Why important for exams
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UAE is major oil supplier.
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Important bilateral economic relation.
4. Science & Technology
Patent law faces challenges in outer space governance
Date: January 2026
Treaty: Outer Space Treaty, 1967
Patent law is based on territorial jurisdiction, but space is governed by non sovereignty principles. Article II prohibits national claims in space. Article VIII allows jurisdiction based on registration of space objects. This creates legal conflicts in multinational space missions.
Why important for exams
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Outer Space Treaty signed in 1967.
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Important for space law and governance.
Digital Personal Data Protection Act strengthened cybersecurity
Date: January 2026
Organisation: Government of India
India’s data protection framework protects citizens’ personal information. It regulates data processing and establishes regulatory authorities. It enhances digital governance and cybersecurity.
Why important for exams
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Important cybersecurity law.
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Relevant for IT governance.
5. Environment & Geography
US withdrew from International Solar Alliance
Date: January 2026
Organisation: International Solar Alliance
The US withdrew from the International Solar Alliance, an intergovernmental organisation launched by India and France in 2015. ISA promotes solar energy deployment globally. It aims to mobilise USD 1000 billion investment and install 1000 GW solar capacity by 2030. The withdrawal impacts climate diplomacy and global solar cooperation.
Why important for exams
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ISA launched in 2015.
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Headquartered in Gurugram India.
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Important for climate diplomacy.
6. Awards & Honours
No major verified awards were reported in the provided sources during this period.
7. Sports
No major verified sports events were reported in the provided sources during this period.