27 January 2026 – Current Affairs Round-Up

27 January 2026 – Current Affairs Round-Up

Article 176 Row Over Governors’ Walkouts

A constitutional debate has resurfaced after Governors in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala either walked out of or selectively read portions of the Assembly address under Article 176. Constitutionally, the Governor’s address is not a personal speech, but the policy statement of the elected government, drafted by the Council of Ministers. Supreme Court rulings, especially Shamsher Singh vs State of Punjab (1974), clarify that Governors must act on aid and advice, except in limited discretionary areas. Any deviation raises concerns over federal balance and parliamentary democracy.

Ladakh’s Bactrian Camels Debut at Republic Day Parade

For the first time, double-humped Bactrian camels from Ladakh—Galwan and Nubra—participated in the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path. Native to cold deserts, this rare species symbolizes Ladakh’s Silk Route heritage, high-altitude adaptability, and strategic logistical importance in border areas. The display also highlighted conservation awareness of an endangered and region-specific animal.

New Arunachal Flowering Plant Documented

Scientists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and Agharkar Research Institute documented a new flowering plant species, Strobilanthes riteshii (family Acanthaceae), from Chayangtajo, East Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh. Known only from its type locality, the species shows extremely narrow distribution, underlining India’s biodiversity richness and the need for habitat protection in the Eastern Himalayas.

Ashoka Chakra for Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla

On Republic Day 2026, IAF Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla was awarded the Ashoka Chakra for extraordinary bravery during the Axiom Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station. This marks the first time an Indian astronaut has received India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, recognizing courage beyond traditional battlefields—now extending to space missions.

Dhole Spotted for First Time in Ratapani Tiger Reserve

An endangered dhole (Asiatic wild dog) was recorded for the first time in Ratapani Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, through camera traps. This sighting signals improving habitat quality, prey base recovery, and effective wildlife monitoring. Dholes are classified as Endangered by the IUCN and are key indicators of ecosystem health.

Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ Signed at Davos

At the World Economic Forum, Davos, several countries signed former US President Donald Trump’s proposed ‘Board of Peace’ pact, aimed at conflict mediation. While India and Russia are studying its implications, Norway and Sweden raised concerns regarding compatibility with the UN Charter. The move reflects shifting global approaches to multilateral diplomacy and power structures.

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Notified Eco-Sensitive Zone

The Union Environment Ministry notified Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The notification restricts mining and environmentally harmful activities, helping protect the Aravalli ecosystem, one of India’s oldest mountain ranges and a critical ecological barrier against desertification.

Punjab Objects to BBMB’s Pandoh Dam Silt Release

Punjab objected to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) for releasing silt-laden water from Pandoh Dam into the Sutlej River, allegedly violating decisions taken by partner states. Pandoh Dam diverts Beas River water through tunnels to the Dehar Power House, after which it flows into the Sutlej. The issue highlights inter-state river water governance, federal coordination, and environmental impacts.