Current Affairs 2026: Weekly current affairs form an essential part of UPSC preparation, as the exam increasingly focuses on governance, policy developments, institutional updates, and national security. This week's highlights cover key constitutional appointments, labour reforms, defence advancements, environmental regulation, global payment linkages, internal security findings, and changes in international mobility rules.
What Lies Ahead for Venezuela After Maduro's Arrest? Five Possible Outcomes
1. Trump claims success and disengages
2. Mass uprising ends Chavismo
3. US intensifies intervention to back opposition
4. US-led transitional administration
5. Prolonged hybrid conflict and controlled instability
UPSC Relevance Keywords:
International Relations, Latin America, Regime Change, US Foreign Policy, Political Stability, Geopolitics, Hybrid Warfare
Power Banks Banned for Use During Flights Under New Aviation Safety Rules
India has tightened aviation safety norms, prohibiting the use of power banks for charging devices during flights due to fire risks linked to lithium batteries.
UPSC Relevance Keywords:
Aviation Safety, DGCA, Disaster Management, Internal Security, Public Safety Regulations, Technology Risks
India's First Government AI Clinic Launched to Transform Public Healthcare
India has inaugurated its first government-run AI clinic in Greater Noida to enable early disease detection using artificial intelligence and genetic screening.
UPSC Relevance Keywords:
Health Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Health, Biotechnology, Public Healthcare, Science & Technology, Governance Innovation
Centre's Fiscal Deficit Reaches Over 62% of Annual Target by November
Government data shows India's fiscal deficit has crossed 62% of the full-year budget estimate within the first eight months of FY 2025-26.
UPSC Relevance Keywords:
Public Finance, Fiscal Policy, Budget Management, Macroeconomics, Economic Governance, FRBM Act
Army Permits Instagram Access for Monitoring, Posting Still Restricted
The Indian Army has allowed personnel to access Instagram only for viewing and reporting purposes, while strict restrictions on engagement remain.
UPSC Relevance Keywords:
Internal Security, Cyber Security, Armed Forces Discipline, Social Media Governance, Information Warfare
Delhi Government Denies Assigning Teachers Stray Dog Census Duties
The Delhi government clarified that teachers have not been directed to count or manage stray dogs, countering misinterpretations of official circulars.
UPSC Relevance Keywords:
Urban Governance, Animal Welfare, Judiciary-Executive Relations, Education Administration, Public Policy, Federal Governance
Citizens In 19 States Can Now Download Digital, Valid Land Records At Home
Citizens in 19 states can now download digitally signed, legally valid land records from home, and banks in 406 districts can verify mortgages online, significantly speeding up credit access, according to the government.
The Department of Land Resources has achieved near-total saturation in the core components of land record digitisation, effectively shifting land administration from "in-line" to "online".