IMPORTANT DAYS

International Data Privacy Day 2026 observed on 28 January

• International Data Privacy Day, also called Data Protection Day, is observed annually on 28 January to highlight the need for protecting personal information.

• The day marks the signing of Convention 108 by the Council of Europe, the world’s first legally binding treaty on data protection.

• It underlines the growing risks to privacy in an era driven by digital platforms, data sharing, and online services.

• The observance stresses collective responsibility of governments, technology companies, and citizens in ensuring digital trust.

• India ranks as the world’s third-largest digitalised economy, reflecting rapid digital adoption.

• As of September 2025, India had over 101.7 crore broadband users, increasing the importance of data security.

• The Union Budget 2025–26 allocated ₹782 crore for cybersecurity to safeguard digital public infrastructure.

• The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 forms the backbone of India’s data privacy framework, regulating digital data processing.

• The legal framework was further strengthened with the notification of Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 in November 2025.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

France Moves to Restrict Social Media Access for Children

• France has approved a proposed ban on social media use for children below 15 years to address concerns over mental health and screen addiction.

• The bill was passed by the National Assembly with a strong majority (130–21 votes) after extended deliberations.

• It will now be sent to the French Senate for final approval before becoming law.

• The government plans to enforce the rules from the 2026 school year, initially targeting newly created accounts.

• President Emmanuel Macron has described the move as a crucial step to protect minors from addictive digital platforms.

• The legislation also proposes a complete ban on mobile phones in high schools, extending earlier restrictions imposed in 2018.

• Social media companies will be required to verify users’ ages and deactivate non-compliant accounts by end-2026.

• The European Commission has supported the intent, while stressing that implementation must comply with EU-wide legal frameworks.

STATE NEWS

Uniform Civil Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026 – Uttarakhand

• Uttarakhand has enforced the Uniform Civil Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026 after receiving the Governor’s assent.

• The ordinance was issued under Article 213 of the Constitution and took effect immediately.

• Amendments focus on clearer procedures, stronger administration, and updated penalties for smooth implementation.

• The reforms emphasise gender justice, child protection, and equality in personal civil matters.

• A key change is the complete digitisation and simplification of marriage registration.

• Earlier, registrations were governed by the Uttarakhand Compulsory Marriage Registration Act, 2010, involving an offline process.

• Physical presence of couples and witnesses at registrar offices is now largely no longer required.

• Nearly all marriage registrations are being processed online, marking a major shift in governance.

• Over 4.7 lakh marriages have been registered within a year of UCC enforcement.

• Penal and appellate provisions have been aligned with new criminal laws for consistency.

• To mark one year of implementation, “UCC Day” was observed on 27 January with statewide awareness drives.

Maharashtra Launches India’s First Menopause Clinics in Public Healthcare

• Maharashtra has become the first Indian state to set up exclusive menopause clinics in government hospitals and urban health centres.

• The initiative focuses on women-centric healthcare, addressing both physical and mental health needs during menopause.

• Clinics provide integrated care at one point, including medical consultation, counselling, and lifestyle guidance.

• Women are offered screening for hormonal balance, bone health, and heart-related risks.

• Essential medicines are made available to ensure continuous and affordable treatment.

• The move recognises menopause as a critical yet neglected life stage, often linked with anxiety, sleep issues, and osteoporosis.

• The programme was launched on 14 January (Makar Sankranti) under the guidance of MoS Health Meghna Bordikar.

• The initiative strengthens preventive and dignified healthcare policies aimed at improving long-term quality of life for women.

Goa Exploring Age-Based Restrictions on Social Media Use

• Goa is considering a ban on social media for users below 16, citing concerns over children’s mental health and online safety.

• The proposal is inspired by Australia’s pioneering law, which strictly restricts social media access for minors.

• Goa’s IT Minister Rohan Khaunte confirmed that the state is closely studying the Australian legal model.

• Australia’s law led to the deactivation of nearly 4.7 million teenage accounts within a month of enforcement.

• Despite being a major digital market, India has no nationwide law regulating children’s access to social media platforms.

• Platforms like Meta, YouTube, and X have a large under-18 user base in India, but lack specific federal restrictions.

• Andhra Pradesh has also shown interest and formed a ministerial panel to examine global regulatory practices.

• With a small population and compact size, Goa could serve as a pilot state for testing such digital regulations.

AWARDS

President’s Police Colour Award for Sikkim Police

• Sikkim Police has been awarded the President’s Police Colour in recognition of its outstanding professionalism and service record.

• Popularly called the Nishaan, the award reflects values of courage, discipline, and unwavering dedication to duty.

• The insignia is proudly displayed on the left sleeve of the police uniform as a symbol of honour.

• With this achievement, Sikkim becomes the 15th Indian state to receive this rare distinction since Independence.

• It is also the third state from the North-East to be conferred with this prestigious recognition.

• The official flag and insignia will be presented during a ceremonial Colour Presentation Parade.

• The President’s Colours, also known as “Rashtrapati ka Nishan”, is the highest honour granted to military and state police forces.

• The tradition dates back to 27 May 1951, when Dr. Rajendra Prasad awarded the first President’s Colour to the Indian Navy.

Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards-2025

• The President of India has approved the Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards-2025 to recognise acts of exceptional courage in saving human lives.

• 30 individuals from different parts of the country have been selected across three award categories.

• Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak has been awarded to 6 persons for the highest degree of gallantry in life-saving situations.

• Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak has been conferred on 6 awardees for distinguished acts of bravery.

• Jeevan Raksha Padak has been approved for 18 individuals for rescuing people from incidents such as drowning, fire, and mine accidents.

• Six awards will be conferred posthumously, honouring supreme sacrifice in saving lives.

• The awardees include civilians, armed forces personnel, children, and government employees, reflecting broad participation.

• Recipients come from multiple States and Union Territories, including Kerala, Jammu & Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Mizoram, Maharashtra, and Lakshadweep.

• The awards underline the nation’s respect for selfless courage, humanitarian spirit, and presence of mind in critical situations.

MISCELLANEOUS

India–EU Free Trade Agreement: A Historic Economic Milestone

• India and the European Union concluded a landmark Free Trade Agreement in New Delhi on 27 January after high-level delegation talks.

• The negotiations involved Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Council President Antonio Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

• Seven key agreements were exchanged, spanning trade, defence and security cooperation, mobility, disaster risk reduction, and green hydrogen collaboration.

• The Prime Minister described the deal as a new framework for shared prosperity between India and Europe.

• It has emerged as India’s largest-ever free trade pact, covering the 27-member European Union.

• Leaders from both sides termed the agreement the “mother of all deals,” underlining its strategic importance.

• The signing marks the start of a new phase in India–EU relations, with strong economic and strategic alignment.

• The pact is expected to strengthen investment flows, innovation ties, supply chains, and build on the EU’s position as India’s largest goods trading partner, with bilateral trade valued at USD 136 billion in 2024–25.