UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 January 2026

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 January 2026 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles

InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.

Table of Contents

GS Paper 2:

• Right to Menstrual Health as a Fundamental Right

Right to Menstrual Health as a Fundamental Right

• Supreme Court Stays UGC Equity Regulations 2026

Supreme Court Stays UGC Equity Regulations 2026

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• BHARAT SAMPARK – Engaging India’s Young Minds

BHARAT SAMPARK – Engaging India’s Young Minds

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• National Commission for Women marks its 34th Foundation Day

National Commission for Women marks its 34th Foundation Day

• Stealth Coronal Mass Ejection (CME)

Stealth Coronal Mass Ejection (CME)

• New Consumer Price Index (CPI) series

New Consumer Price Index (CPI) series

• New START nuclear treaty

New START nuclear treaty

• NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme

NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme

Mapping:

• UAE central bank approves first USD-backed stable coin

UAE central bank approves first USD-backed stable coin

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 January 2026

GS Paper 2:

Right to Menstrual Health as a Fundamental Right

Source: LL

Subject: Health

Context: The Supreme Court of India, in a landmark verdict Dr. Jaya Thakur vs Government Of India, declared the right to menstrual health a fundamental right under Article 21, ordering all schools to provide free sanitary pads and gender-segregated toilets.

About Right to Menstrual Health as a Fundamental Right:

What it is?

• The Supreme Court has expanded the scope of the Right to Life to include menstrual hygiene management (MHM). It ruled that menstruation is a biological reality that should not lead to structural exclusion or the loss of educational opportunities.

• By elevating it to a fundamental right, the Court established that providing pads and toilets is not an act of charity by the State, but a constitutional obligation to ensure dignity, privacy, and equality for girl students.

Constitutional Articles Involved:

• Article 21: Right to life and personal dignity. The court held that dignity is violated when girls face humiliation or absenteeism due to lack of facilities.

• Article 14: Right to equality. Inaccessible MHM creates a gender-specific barrier that prevents girls from competing equally with boys.

• Article 21A: Right to free and compulsory education. The ruling ensures that menstrual poverty does not force girls to drop out of the education system.

Supreme Court Judgment Outcome:

• Mandatory Free Pads: All government and private schools must provide free, bio-degradable (ASTM D-6954 standard) sanitary napkins to girls in Classes 6–12.

• Infrastructure Mandate: Schools must ensure functional, gender-segregated, and disabled-friendly toilets with consistent water supply and soap.

• MHM Corners: Establishment of Menstrual Hygiene Management Corners in schools equipped with spare uniforms, innerwear, and disposal bags for emergencies.

• Enforcement & Accountability: District Education Officers (DEOs) must conduct annual inspections and collect anonymous student feedback; non-compliant private schools face de-recognition.

Importance of Recognizing Menstrual Rights:

• Ensuring Educational Continuity: Prevents girls from falling behind due to monthly absences.

E.g. Recent 2025 reports indicate girls in rural India miss 2–5 days of school monthly; this ruling aims to end such punctuated schooling.

• Upholding Human Dignity: Protects girls from the shame and biological burden associated with lack of privacy.

E.g. The Court noted that girls often hesitate to ask for help, and this legal recognition empowers them to claim their rights without stigma.

• Improving Health Outcomes: Prevents Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs) caused by using unhygienic alternatives like old rags.

E.g. Studies in 2024-25 show a direct link between poor MHM and rising cases of bacterial vaginosis among adolescent girls in urban slums.

• Promoting Gender Equality: Levels the playing field by removing a barrier that only affects female students.

E.g. Addressing menstrual poverty ensures that a girl’s biology does not dictate her economic and social mobility compared to male peers.

• Environmental Sustainability: Mandating biodegradable products prevents massive plastic waste in school sanitation systems.

E.g. The 2026 directive specifically mentions oxo-biodegradable pads to align with India’s Green Initiatives and Solid Waste Management Rules.

Challenges in Implementation:

• Infrastructure Maintenance: Building toilets is easier than ensuring they remain functional and clean over time.

E.g. 2025 surveys found that while many schools have separate toilets on paper, many lack water connectivity or working locks.

• Deep-Rooted Social Stigma: Cultural taboos often prevent students and even teachers from discussing or utilizing provided facilities.

E.g. In parts of Rajasthan and Odisha, girls are still restricted from communal spaces during periods, affecting their willingness to use school MHM corners.

• Last-Mile Supply Chain: Ensuring a consistent supply of pads to remote, tribal, or hilly regions remains a logistical hurdle.

E.g. Implementation gaps in the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme have previously led to months of stock-outs in rural Bihar and Jharkhand.

• Sensitivity of Male Staff: A lack of awareness among male teachers can lead to insensitive questioning of girls needing breaks.

E.g. The SC specifically highlighted that male students and teachers must be sensitized to prevent harassment or invasive questioning.

• Disposal Mechanisms: Improper disposal can lead to clogged drains and health hazards if incinerators or bins aren’t maintained.

E.g. Several urban schools in 2024 reported unsafe disposal (flushing pads) due to a lack of discrete, functional dustbins in stalls.

Way Ahead:

• Curriculum Integration: NCERT/SCERT should include age-appropriate menstrual education for all genders to normalize the topic.

• Vending Machines & Incinerators: Prioritize automated dispensing and safe disposal units within toilet stalls to ensure maximum privacy.

• Community Engagement: Involve ASHAs and Anganwadi workers to educate parents, ensuring the silence at home is broken alongside the school.

• Digital Monitoring: Develop a real-time portal for schools to report stock levels and for DEOs to upload inspection photos.

• Incentivizing Local Production: Support Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to manufacture biodegradable pads locally to reduce costs and ensure supply.

Conclusion:

The Supreme Court’s verdict marks a shift from viewing menstruation as a private hygiene issue to a public constitutional right. By setting a three-month deadline for compliance, the judiciary has sent a clear message: a girl’s period should end a sentence, not her education. Success now depends on turning these legal words into functional school infrastructure.

Q. Menstrual hygiene is vital for women’s health, but many lack access to proper products or facilities due to cost, sanitation limitations, and stigma. Explain. (250 words)

Supreme Court Stays UGC Equity Regulations 2026

Source: NDTV

Subject: Governance

Context: The Supreme Court of India, stayed the implementation of the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026.

• The court directed that the previous 2012 guidelines remain in force while expressing concerns that the new rules were vague and capable of dividing society.

About Supreme Court Stays UGC Equity Regulations 2026:

What is the issue?

• The controversy stems from the UGC’s attempt to replace the 14-year-old equity framework with a more stringent, enforceable set of rules.While intended to curb caste-based discrimination following high-profile tragedies (like those of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi), the 2026 regulations sparked a massive backlash.

Key Features of the 2026 Guidelines:

• Separate Definitions: It distinguishes between general discrimination and caste-based discrimination, specifically identifying SC, ST, and OBC groups.

• Mandatory Infrastructure: Every institution must establish an Equal Opportunity Centre (EOC) and appoint Equity Ambassadors and Equity Squads.

• Strict Timelines: Mandatory 24-hour response to complaints and a 15-day window for completing detailed investigations.

• Punitive Action: Non-compliant institutions face de-recognition, loss of grants, and debarment from UGC schemes.

• Direct Accountability: The Head of the Institution is personally responsible for ensuring a discrimination-free environment.

• 24/7 Support: Compulsory operation of a round-the-clock Equity Helpline and an online portal for reporting incidents.

Need for Strong UGC Rules:

Curbing the rising trend of caste-based discrimination: Weak, advisory-only 2012 guidelines failed to create deterrence, allowing exclusionary practices to persist across campuses without accountability.

E.g. UGC data (2026) shows a 118.4% rise in reported caste-discrimination cases in five years, exposing the ineffectiveness of voluntary compliance.

Addressing the epidemic of student suicides: Structural discrimination often manifests as social isolation and academic marginalisation, requiring time-bound intervention rather than slow grievance redressal.

E.g. In 2025, the Supreme Court flagged a disturbing suicide pattern at IIT Delhi, linking Dalit students’ deaths to sustained institutional neglect.

· Ensuring financial justice and scholarship timelines: Delays in scholarships compound vulnerability, pushing marginalised students into debt, dropout, or psychological distress.

E.g. The 2026 SC directions imposed a four-month deadline for clearing scholarship backlogs, recognising financial stress as a suicide trigger.

· Fixing paper-only redressal mechanisms: SC/ST Cells without autonomy often hesitate to act against senior faculty, turning grievance systems into procedural formalities.

E.g. Prof. N. Sukumar (2026) noted that administration-nominated cells lack credibility, resulting in biased resolutions and low student trust.

· Combating epistemic and invisible bias: Discrimination increasingly occurs through subtle academic practices—grading, vivas, and intellectual exclusion—beyond formal misconduct.

· E.g. 2025 studies documented epistemic caste bias, where Dalit students’ ideas were systematically devalued, necessitating Equity Squads.

Challenges Associated:

• Exclusionary Scope: The definition of caste-based discrimination excludes General Category students, denying them equal protection under the law.

E.g. Petitioners cited 2022 JNU incidents where Brahmins Leave Campus graffiti appeared, arguing that the 2026 rules would offer no specific remedy for such targeted harassment.

• Potential for Misuse: The lack of safeguards or penalties for false or malicious complaints raises fears of the law being used as a tool for vendettas.

• Vagueness in Language: The Supreme Court noted that terms like segregation in hostels or mentorship groups were poorly defined and could lead to arbitrary implementation.

• Omission of Ragging: Unlike the 2012 version, the 2026 rules do not explicitly detail ragging as a form of discrimination, which remains a primary threat on Indian campuses.

• Social Polarization: There is a growing concern that the rules institutionalize caste identities rather than fostering a casteless academic environment.

E.g. The CJI warned that separate hostels or wards (if interpreted as such) would reverse 75 years of progress toward social assimilation.

Way Ahead:

• Inclusive Redrafting: Redesign the definition of discrimination to be universal, ensuring any student, regardless of caste or category, can seek redressal.

• Expert Panel Review: Follow the SC’s suggestion to form a committee of eminent academicians and jurists to modulate the language for clarity.

• Anti-Misuse Guardrails: Incorporate specific provisions to penalize false or malicious complaints to build trust among all stakeholders.

• Holistic Protection: Re-integrate specific mentions of ragging, regional discrimination, and cultural bias (North-South divide) into the equity framework.

• Focus on Sensitization: Shift from a purely punitive model to one that prioritizes mandatory orientation and empathy-building programs for both students and faculty.

Conclusion:

The 2026 UGC Regulations represent a well-intentioned but legally flawed attempt to legislate social equity on Indian campuses. By staying the rules, the Supreme Court has underscored that a protective law must be inclusive and precise to avoid becoming an instrument of further division. The path forward lies in creating a framework that protects the marginalized without alienating the general student body.

Q. Why India’s education system fails marginalised communities?

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 January 2026 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

BHARAT SAMPARK – Engaging India’s Young Minds

Context: The Economic Survey–linked outreach initiative BHARAT SAMPARK – Engaging India’s Young Minds gained prominence after Union minster interacted with students at Indian Institute of Technology Delhi.

About BHARAT SAMPARK – Engaging India’s Young Minds:

What is BHARAT SAMPARK?

• BHARAT SAMPARK – Engaging India’s Young Minds is a government outreach and engagement initiative aimed at connecting India’s youth, especially students of premier institutions, with public institutions, policy processes, and nation-building

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Communications

Key features of BHARAT SAMPARK:

• Youth–Government Interface: Enables direct interaction between students and Union Ministers on technology, logistics, innovation, and public sector careers.

• India Post Modernisation Focus: Showcases India Post’s transition into a digitally enabled logistics and service platform, supporting e-commerce, financial inclusion, and citizen services.

• N-Gen (Next Generation) Campus Post Offices:

• Youth-centric, digitally upgraded post offices on campuses Student-designed interiors, free Wi-Fi, QR-based services, digital payments Discounted Speed Post and parcel facilities for students Hands-on student engagement in postal operations

• Youth-centric, digitally upgraded post offices on campuses

• Student-designed interiors, free Wi-Fi, QR-based services, digital payments

• Discounted Speed Post and parcel facilities for students

• Hands-on student engagement in postal operations

• Deep-Tech and Innovation Exposure: Platform for students to present cutting-edge research, such as tactile internet and haptic robotics, supporting India’s Internet of Skills and deep-tech ecosystem.

Relevance for UPSC examination

• GS Paper II – Governance & Public Policy Citizen-centric service delivery Youth participation in governance Institutional reforms and public sector modernization

• Citizen-centric service delivery

• Youth participation in governance

• Institutional reforms and public sector modernization

• GS Paper III – Technology & Infrastructure Digital public infrastructure Logistics, e-commerce ecosystem Deep-tech, innovation, and skill-based technologies

• Digital public infrastructure

• Logistics, e-commerce ecosystem

• Deep-tech, innovation, and skill-based technologies

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30 January 2026 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

National Commission for Women marks its 34th Foundation Day

Source: PIB

Subject: Polity

Context: The National Commission for Women (NCW) marked its 34th Foundation Day at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, reaffirming its commitment to women’s rights and empowerment.

About National Commission for Women marks its 34th Foundation Day:

What is the National Commission for Women (NCW)?

• The National Commission for Women (NCW) is a statutory, apex body of the Government of India tasked with protecting, promoting, and safeguarding the constitutional and legal rights of women.

• It acts as a watchdog, advisory body, and grievance redressal mechanism on issues affecting women.

When was NCW established?

• Established: 31 January 1992

• Statutory basis: National Commission for Women Act, 1990 (Act No. 20 of 1990)

• Nature: Statutory body (not a constitutional body)

Historical background:

• The Committee on the Status of Women in India (CSWI) first recommended an apex body to monitor safeguards for women.

• The idea was reinforced by the National Perspective Plan for Women (1988–2000).

• After extensive consultations with NGOs, social workers, and experts, the NCW Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha in May 1990.

• The Act received Presidential assent on 30 August 1990, and the first Commission was constituted in January 1992.

Structure of the National Commission for Women:

As per Section 3 of the NCW Act, 1990, the Commission consists of:

• Chairperson: nominated by the Central Government, committed to the cause of women

• Five Members: from fields such as law, administration, education, health, social welfare, labour, or women’s movements *Mandatory representation*: At least one member each from SC and ST communities

• *Mandatory representation*: At least one member each from SC and ST communities

Key functions of the NCW:

The NCW performs wide-ranging quasi-judicial, advisory, and investigative functions, including:

• Review of safeguards: Examines constitutional and legal provisions for women and their implementation.

• Policy advisory role: Advises the Central and State governments on laws and policies affecting women.

• Grievance redressal & suo motu action: Takes up complaints and suo motu cases related to deprivation of women’s rights and non-implementation of laws.

• Legislative review & reform: Recommends amendments to existing laws to address gaps and shortcomings.

• Civil court powers: Has powers of a civil court, including summoning, examining witnesses, and requisitioning documents.

• Monitoring institutions: Inspects jails, remand homes, and women’s institutions where women are kept in custody.

• Research & advocacy: Conducts studies, promotes awareness, and supports litigation affecting large groups of women.

• Reporting to Parliament: Submits annual and special reports, which are laid before Parliament with Action Taken Reports.

Stealth Coronal Mass Ejection (CME)

Source: DD News

Subject: Science and Technology

Context: Astronomers have linked an intense geomagnetic storm that struck Earth in March 2023 to a Stealth Coronal Mass Ejection (CME)—a faint solar eruption with no obvious warning signals.

About Stealth Coronal Mass Ejection (CME):

What are Stealth CMEs?

• Stealth Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are solar eruptions that lack clear low-coronal signatures, such as solar flares, X-ray bursts, or strong radio emissions.

• Unlike typical CMEs, they appear optically weak or invisible in standard solar observations, yet can still travel to Earth and trigger severe geomagnetic storms.

Origin of Stealth CMEs:

Stealth CMEs generally originate from:

• Active regions on the Sun with weak or slowly evolving magnetic fields

• Areas close to coronal holes—regions where the Sun’s magnetic field is open

Unlike explosive eruptions, stealth CMEs emerge from gradual magnetic restructuring, making them difficult to detect in real time.

How do Stealth CMEs form?

The formation of stealth CMEs involves a subtle sequence of processes:

• Magnetic flux rope buildup: A twisted magnetic structure forms in the Sun’s corona without producing flares.

• Low-energy magnetic reconnection: Weak reconnection releases plasma slowly, leaving minimal electromagnetic signatures.

• Acceleration via coronal holes: Nearby coronal holes emit high-speed solar wind, which can accelerate the CME and guide it toward Earth.

• Interplanetary evolution: As the CME travels through space, it may expand, rotate its magnetic field, and align in a way that strongly interacts with Earth’s magnetosphere—especially if the magnetic field turns southward.

Why are Stealth CMEs geoeffective?

Despite being slow and faint, stealth CMEs can cause intense geomagnetic storms because:

• They may travel behind high-speed solar wind streams, increasing impact energy

• Their magnetic clouds can expand significantly en route to Earth

• A southward-oriented magnetic field enhances magnetic reconnection with Earth’s magnetosphere.

Implications of Stealth CMEs:

· Space weather forecasting challenge: Current early-warning systems rely on visible solar flares and radio bursts, which stealth CMEs often lack.

· Risks to modern infrastructure:

• They can disrupt: Satellites and GPS systems Radio communications Power grids and aviation routes

• Satellites and GPS systems

• Radio communications

• Power grids and aviation routes

· Need for multi-point observation: The study used data from NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory, Solar Orbiter, STEREO-A, and WIND, showing that multi-spacecraft monitoring is essential.

· Strategic importance for India: As India expands space assets, navigation systems, and digital infrastructure, accurate space weather prediction becomes a national resilience issue.

New Consumer Price Index (CPI) series

Source: IE

Subject: Economy

Context: The Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released details of a new Consumer Price Index (CPI) series, revising the base year from 2011–12 to 2023–24 and cutting the weight of food and beverages from ~46% to ~37%.

About New Consumer Price Index (CPI) series:

What is the new CPI series?

The new CPI series is an updated framework for measuring retail inflation in India, with:

• Base year revised from 2011–12 to 2023–24

• Revised item weights based on the latest Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023–24

• Expanded item coverage and improved methodology to better capture current consumption behaviour, including digital services.

CPI is India’s headline inflation measure and the anchor for monetary policy under the inflation targeting framework.

Organisations involved:

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)

• Data source: Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023–24

Historical background of CPI in India:

• CPI (Combined: Rural + Urban) introduced in 2011–12 as the primary inflation indicator.

• The basket weights were earlier based on 2011–12 consumption patterns, which became outdated due to: Rising incomes Urbanisation Shift towards services, housing, transport, and digital consumption

• Rising incomes

• Urbanisation

• Shift towards services, housing, transport, and digital consumption

• Periodic base-year revision is standard international practice to maintain accuracy.

Criteria / methodology of the new CPI series:

The revised CPI is constructed using:

• HCES 2023–24 consumption shares (rural & urban)

• Expanded market coverage: 1,465 rural markets and 1,395 urban markets across 434 towns Addition of 12 online markets in large cities

• 1,465 rural markets and 1,395 urban markets across 434 towns

• Addition of 12 online markets in large cities

• Item basket expanded from 299 to 358 items

• Improved House Rent Index methodology, including: Extension of rent coverage to rural areas Exclusion of employer-provided accommodation

• Extension of rent coverage to rural areas

• Exclusion of employer-provided accommodation

• Inclusion of e-commerce prices (airfares, OTT subscriptions, telecom plans)

Key features of the new CPI series:

• Reduced food weight: Food + beverages weight falls from 86% to ~36.5–36.75% Reflects Engel’s Law: rising incomes → lower food share in expenditure

• Food + beverages weight falls from 86% to ~36.5–36.75%

• Reflects Engel’s Law: rising incomes → lower food share in expenditure

• Higher housing weight: Housing (including water, electricity, gas) rises from 07% to 17.66%

• Greater services representation: Transport, health, education, communication gain prominence

• Digital economy inclusion: Prices from OTT platforms, telecom plans, online airfares included

• Lower inflation volatility: Reduced sensitivity of headline inflation to weather-driven food shocks

Significance of the new CPI series:

· Better inflation measurement: Captures current consumption realities, making inflation data more credible.

· Relief for monetary policy: Lower food weight reduces noise from supply-side shocks, aiding RBI’s interest-rate decisions.

· Reflects structural transformation: Signals India’s transition from food-dominated consumption to housing- and services-led spending.

New START nuclear treaty

Source: DD News

Subject: International Relations

Context: The New START nuclear treaty, the last remaining arms control agreement between the United States and Russia, is set to expire on 5 February 2026, with no successor treaty in place.

About New START nuclear treaty:

What is the New START nuclear treaty?

• The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) is a bilateral nuclear arms control agreement between the United States and Russia that places legally binding limits on strategic nuclear weapons.

• It governs weapons designed to strike an adversary’s core political, military, and industrial centres in the event of a nuclear war.

Background:

• Signed: April 2010

• Entered into force: February 2011

• Signed by: US President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev

• Duration: 10 years, with a single five-year extension, exercised in 2021

In February 2023, Russia suspended participation in New START following the Ukraine conflict, halting inspections and data exchanges, though both sides continued to observe core numerical limits.

Aim of the New START treaty:

The treaty was designed to:

• Prevent a strategic nuclear arms race

• Enhance predictability and transparency between the two largest nuclear powers

• Reduce the risk of miscalculation or accidental escalation

• Contribute to global strategic stability and nuclear risk reduction

Key features of the New START treaty:

• Warhead limits: Caps each side at 1,550 deployed strategic nuclear warheads.

• Delivery system limits: Maximum 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and heavy bombers 800 total launchers, deployed and non-deployed combined

• Maximum 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and heavy bombers

• 800 total launchers, deployed and non-deployed combined

• Verification and transparency: On-site inspections Regular data exchanges Notifications on movements and deployments

• On-site inspections

• Regular data exchanges

• Notifications on movements and deployments

• Predictability mechanism: Creates shared expectations that shape nuclear force planning even during political hostility.

Why does the expiry of New START matter?

· End of nuclear limits: Its expiry would remove the last formal constraint on US–Russia strategic nuclear forces.

· Risk of a new arms race:

Without limits, both sides could:

• Upload additional warheads onto existing missiles

• Expand delivery systems based on worst-case assumptions

NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme

Source: TOI

Subject: Economy

Context: The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has launched the NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme as a pilot project under its Regulatory Sandbox Framework to integrate healthcare expense coverage with pension savings.

About NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme:

What is the NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme?

• The NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme is a sector-specific scheme under the National Pension System (NPS) designed to provide financial support for medical expenses—both outpatient (OPD) and inpatient (IPD)—using pension-linked savings.

• It is being introduced as a Proof of Concept (PoC) on a limited scale under PFRDA’s Regulatory Sandbox, allowing controlled experimentation before any full-scale rollout.

Nodal Authority: The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).

Aim of the scheme:

• Integrate healthcare financing with long-term retirement planning

• Reduce out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) on medical care

• Test the operational, technological, and regulatory feasibility of health-linked pension products

• Enhance subscriber-centric innovation within the NPS ecosystem

Key features of the NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme:

• Voluntary & contributory: Open to all Indian citizens on a voluntary basis, with flexible contribution amounts.

• Multiple Scheme Framework (MSF): Contributions are invested as per MSF guidelines, ensuring regulated asset allocation.

• Medical expense withdrawals: Partial withdrawals allowed for OPD and IPD expenses Up to 25% of subscriber’s own contributions can be withdrawn No cap on the number of withdrawals First withdrawal allowed after a minimum corpus of ₹50,000

• Partial withdrawals allowed for OPD and IPD expenses

• Up to 25% of subscriber’s own contributions can be withdrawn

• No cap on the number of withdrawals

• First withdrawal allowed after a minimum corpus of ₹50,000

• Critical illness protection: If a single inpatient treatment exceeds 70% of total corpus, Subscriber can exit prematurely with 100% lump-sum withdrawal exclusively for medical treatment

• If a single inpatient treatment exceeds 70% of total corpus,

• Transfer from Common Scheme Account: Subscribers above 40 years (excluding government sector) can transfer up to 30% of their contributions into the Swasthya Scheme.

• Claim settlement mechanism: Medical claims are paid directly to HBA/TPA or hospitals Any surplus after settlement is credited back to the subscriber’s NPS account.

• Medical claims are paid directly to HBA/TPA or hospitals

• Any surplus after settlement is credited back to the subscriber’s NPS account.

• Strong governance safeguards: Mandatory disclosures on benefits, fees, claims, exits Robust grievance redressal mechanism Explicit digital consent as per the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023

• Mandatory disclosures on benefits, fees, claims, exits

• Robust grievance redressal mechanism

• Explicit digital consent as per the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023

Significance of the scheme:

• Health–Pension convergence: First structured attempt to link retirement savings with healthcare financing in India.

• Reduced medical impoverishment: Helps households manage health shocks without liquidating assets.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 January 2026 Mapping:

UAE central bank approves first USD-backed stable coin

Source: News on Air

Subject: Mapping

Context: The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates has approved the first USD-backed stable coin (USDU) under its Payment Token Services Regulation, marking a major step in regulating digital assets.

About UAE central bank approves first USD-backed stable coin:

What is the USD-backed stablecoin (USDU)?

• A USD-backed stablecoin is a cryptocurrency pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, designed to maintain price stability while operating on blockchain networks.

• The newly approved USDU stablecoin is issued by Universal Digital, a crypto firm regulated by the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), making it the first foreign payment token issuer registered with the UAE central bank.

Key features of the USDU stablecoin:

• Full USD backing: Each token is backed by US dollar reserves, ensuring price stability.

• Regulated framework: Approved under the UAE’s Payment Token Services Regulation.

• Blockchain-based settlement: Enables faster, cheaper, and transparent digital payments.

• Cross-border utility: Suitable for international transfers, trade settlement, and remittances.

• Financial innovation: Bridges traditional finance with digital asset infrastructure.

About the United Arab Emirates (UAE):

What is the UAE?

• The United Arab Emirates is a federal union of seven emirates located along the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.

• It is one of the Middle East’s most influential economies, known for oil wealth, global finance, logistics, and technological innovation.

Capital: Abu Dhabi – political centre and hub of the oil industry.

Neighbouring countries:

• Saudi Arabia – west and south

• Oman – east and northeast

• Maritime proximity to Iran across the Strait of Hormuz

Key geographical and geological features:

• Predominantly arid desert landscape with extensive sand dunes.

• Hajar Mountains in the northeast (shared with Oman), rising to ~2,000 m.

• Long coastlines along: Persian Gulf (west) Gulf of Oman (east – Fujairah is the only emirate here)

• Persian Gulf (west)

• Gulf of Oman (east – Fujairah is the only emirate here)

• Strategic location near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit chokepoint.

• Absence of perennial rivers; drainage through seasonal wadis.

Strategic importance of the UAE:

• Controls vital maritime routes connecting the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf.

• Major player in global energy markets, logistics, aviation, and finance.

• Rapidly diversifying into digital economy, fintech, AI, and blockchain governance.

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