Current Affairs 26 January 2026

Gubernatorial Walkouts and Constitutional Limits

Recent walkouts by Governors during the inaugural sessions of State Legislative Assemblies in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala have triggered a constitutional debate on the role, discretion, and limits of gubernatorial powers. These incidents occurred when Governors either selectively read or refused to read parts of the Governor’s Address, which constitutionally reflects the policies of the elected State Cabinet.

Under Article 176(1) of the Constitution, the Governor “shall” address the Legislative Assembly at the commencement of the first session each year. Constitutional experts and State governments argue that the Governor has no discretion to alter, skip, or abort the address, as it is delivered on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.

The Supreme Court, in several landmark judgments such as:

• Shamsher Singh vs State of Punjab (1974)
• Nabam Rebia case (2016)
• Tamil Nadu Governor case

has consistently held that Governors cannot act independently of the elected government, except in clearly defined discretionary areas (e.g., Article 356 reports, appointment of CM, assent to Bills).

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, during the Constituent Assembly Debates, emphasized that the Governor is not a political authority but a constitutional head, representing the people as a whole. Any deviation beyond constitutional limits is seen as undermining parliamentary democracy.

State festival of Andhra Pradesh

The Andhra Pradesh government has declared the Ratha Saptami as a State festival for three days at the Sri Suryanarayana Swamy temple at Arasavalli in Srikakulam district.

16th National Voters’ Day – 25 January

The Election Commission of India (ECI) will celebrate the 16th National Voters’ Day (NVD) on January 25, 2026, in New Delhi. The theme for NVD-2026 is “My India, My Vote” with the tagline “Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy.”

PANCHAM (Panchayat Assistance and Messaging Chatbot)

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj will organise a felicitation function on 25 January 2026 in New Delhi to honour elected Panchayat representatives invited as Special Guests for the Republic Day Parade 2026 at Kartavya Path. Around 240 Panchayat leaders—including Sarpanches, Mukhiyas, Gram Pradhans, and Block/District Panchayat Presidents are being recognised for achieving saturation in flagship Central Government schemes and for their grassroots contribution towards Viksit Bharat.

The event will be chaired by Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, and will also see the launch of several key initiatives and publications, including PANCHAM (Panchayat Assistance and Messaging Chatbot) developed with UNICEF, the 17th issue of Gramoday Sankalp, and the PESA Performance and Implementation Rank Indicators. The Ministry’s tableau at the Republic Day Parade will be themed “SVAMITVA Scheme: Aatmanirbhar Panchayat se Samriddh evam Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”

₹80 Crore Agarwood Value Chain Development Scheme Launched in Tripura

Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia laid the foundation stone of the ₹80 crore Agarwood Value Chain Development Scheme at North Fulkabari, Tripura, aimed at strengthening the entire agarwood ecosystem from cultivation to global marketing.

RBI Report: Demographic Transition in India

A recent Reserve Bank of India (RBI) report titled “State Finances: A Study of Budgets 2025–26 – Demographic Transition in India” highlights a rapid ageing trend in several Indian States.

According to the report:

• Kerala will have 22.8% of its population aged above 60 years by 2036, making it the most aged State in India.
• Tamil Nadu is expected to enter the ageing category by 2026, with 15.8% of its population above 60 years.
• A State is classified as ageing if 15% or more of its population is aged 60+.
• Kerala’s working-age population (15–64 years) is projected to decline steadily, signalling the early closure of its demographic dividend.
• The RBI recommends that ageing States shift policy focus from employment generation to old-age support systems, healthcare financing reforms, and preventive healthcare.

The report underscores the need for States like Kerala to build a “silver economy”, focusing on healthy ageing, elderly care infrastructure, and productivity of older workers.

Genetic study finds shared DNA links between schizophrenia and bone health

A large international genetic study has found shared genetic patterns between schizophrenia and osteoporosis-related traits, suggesting a biological overlap between mental health and bone health. The study analysed genetic data from over 5 lakh individuals and was led by researchers from Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, China. The findings showed that the strongest genetic overlap was linked to heel bone strength, while other skeletal sites showed weaker connections.

Forever Chemicals

Forever chemicals are a group of man-made chemicals called PFAS that do not break down easily in nature or the human body. Because they remain in the environment, water, food, and blood for many years, they are called “forever chemicals”. These chemicals are commonly used in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, fire-fighting foams, and industrial products. Over time, PFAS can accumulate in the body and may cause health problems, which is why their growing use is a serious concern.

However, a recent scientific study detected new replacement PFAS chemicals, particularly 9Cl-PF3ONS, in 68% of the people tested, along with another compound, Cl-PFNPA, which was identified in human blood for the first time.

Matabari Tourism Circuit

Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, laid the foundation stone of the ₹450 crore Matabari Tourism Circuit at Dumbur Lake, Tripura, marking a major push to eco-tourism and spiritual tourism in the Northeast.

The project will integrate key attractions such as the Tripura Sundari Temple, Chabimura rock carvings, and Dumbur Lake, positioning Tripura as a global destination for spiritual and eco-tourism. Of the total cost, ₹276 crore is being funded by the Ministry of DoNER.

Committee for Strategic Asset Allocation and Risk Governance

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has constituted a high-level committee titled Strategic Asset Allocation and Risk Governance (SAARG) to review and modernize the investment framework of the National Pension System (NPS).

Operation Sahyadri Checkmate

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has successfully dismantled a clandestine mobile mephedrone manufacturing laboratory in the Sahyadri ranges under a special operation named “Operation Sahyadri Checkmate.” The illegal lab was camouflaged as a poultry farm and was designed to frequently shift locations to evade law enforcement agencies.

Lepakshi Handicrafts Gain International Recognition

The Lepakshi handicrafts of Andhra Pradesh have received fresh international recognition as the Indian High Commission in Singapore decided to present specially curated Lepakshi gift boxes during India’s Republic Day celebrations. An order for 400 gift boxes has been placed, each showcasing traditional Andhra Pradesh crafts such as leather puppetry, elephant-shaped baggage tags, and hand-painted elephant-themed coasters.

The committee is chaired by Shri Narayan Ramachandran, former Country Head and CEO of Morgan Stanley India, and includes nine eminent experts from capital markets, asset management, and securities law.

Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards – 2025

The President of India has approved the conferment of the Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards – 2025 on 30 individuals for their meritorious acts of bravery and humanity in saving lives. Among the awardees, six honours have been conferred posthumously, recognising supreme sacrifice in life-saving efforts.

The awards are given in three categories:

• Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak
• Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak
• Jeevan Raksha Padak

From Andhra Pradesh, Netala Madhu and Potluri Krishnanjaneyulu are among the recipients of the Jeevan Raksha Padak

Padma Awards – 2026

The Padma Awards, among the highest civilian honours of India, are conferred annually in three categories — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri — to recognise distinguished service across diverse fields such as art, literature, education, science, medicine, social work, public affairs, sports, trade and industry, and civil service.

• Padma Vibhushan: Exceptional and distinguished service
• Padma Bhushan: Distinguished service of a high order
• Padma Shri: Distinguished service in any field

The awards are announced on Republic Day every year and are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, usually during March–April. For Padma Awards 2026, the President of India has approved 131 awards, including:

• 5 Padma Vibhushan
• 13 Padma Bhushan
• 113 Padma Shri

The list includes 19 women awardees, 6 foreign/NRI/PIO/OCI recipients, and 16 posthumous awards.

Padma Shri Awardees from Andhra Pradesh (2026)

• Shri Gadde Babu Rajendra Prasad – Art
• Shri Garimella Balakrishna Prasad (Posthumous) – Art
• Shri Maganti Murali Mohan – Art
• Shri Vempaty Kutumba Sastry – Literature and Education

Padma Shri Awardees from Telangana (2026)

• Ms. Deepika Reddy – Art
• Shri Palkonda Vijay Anand Reddy – Medicine
• Shri Guduru Venkat Rao – Medicine
• Shri Chandramouli Gaddamanugu – Science and Engineering
• Shri Krishnamurty Balasubramanian – Science and Engineering
• Shri Kumarasamy Thangaraj – Science and Engineering
• Shri Rama Reddy Mamidi (Posthumous) – Animal Husbandry

Padma Vibhushan Awardees list (2026)

• Shri Dharmendra Singh Deol (Posthumous) – Art (Maharashtra)
• Shri K T Thomas – Public Affairs (Kerala)
• Ms. N Rajam – Art (Uttar Pradesh)
• Shri P Narayanan – Literature and Education (Kerala)
• Shri V S Achuthanandhan (Posthumous) – Public Affairs (Kerala)

Disclaimer: This article is prepared for competitive exam preparation using publicly available information.