UPSC Current Affairs 12 Jan 2026: ISRO PSLV-C62, Judicial Appointments & ED Powers

UPSC Current Affairs 12 January 2026:  Analysis of ISRO’s PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 mission, Supreme Court Collegium issues, India-Germany/US ties, SEBI-NSE IPO, and ED’s PMLA mandate

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1. ISRO’s PSLV-C62 Mission: Success Amidst Challenges | UPSC Current Affairs 12 Jan 2026

Syllabus Mapping: GS-3: Science and Technology (Space Exploration, Indigenization of Technology)

Why in News? The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) kicked off its 2026 calendar with the PSLV-C62 mission. The mission successfully placed the EOS-N1 Earth Observation Satellite into orbit, despite reports of a deviation in the flight path during the third stage.

Key Analysis

• Mission Overview: This was ISRO’s inaugural launch for 2026, utilizing its workhorse, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The PSLV is a third-generation launch vehicle known for its reliability.
• Payload:
  • Primary: EOS-N1, an advanced Earth Observation Satellite.
  • Secondary: Multiple co-passenger satellites.
• The Anomaly: A deviation was reported during the third stage of the rocket’s trajectory. However, the mission eventually achieved its primary objective of satellite injection.
• Significance of EOS-N1:
  • Disaster Management: Real-time monitoring of floods and cyclones.
  • Agriculture: Crop health monitoring and yield estimation.
  • Urban Planning: Mapping urban sprawl and infrastructure.
  • Environment: Monitoring forest cover and water bodies.

Prelims Practice: With reference to ISRO’s PSLV-C62 mission, consider the following statements:

1. It marked ISRO’s first space mission for the year 2026.
2. The primary satellite launched, EOS-N1, is an advanced Earth Observation Satellite.
3. A flight path anomaly was reported during the initial launch phase of the mission.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 and 2 only 
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 
Answer: (a) (The anomaly was in the third stage, not the initial phase).

Mains Question: “Despite a reported flight path deviation during its third stage, ISRO’s PSLV-C62 mission successfully launched the EOS-N1 Earth Observation Satellite. Discuss the strategic importance of such missions for India and critically analyze the challenges and institutional safeguards required to uphold the reliability and future of India’s ambitious space program.”

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2. Judicial Appointments & Federal Tensions | UPSC Current Affairs 12 Jan 2026

Syllabus Mapping: GS-2: Polity & Constitution (Judiciary, Centre-State Relations)

Why in News? The elevation of Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra to the Supreme Court and an Enforcement Directorate (ED) petition against the West Bengal Chief Minister have reignited debates on federalism and the separation of powers.

Key Analysis

• Supreme Court Appointments:
  • Process: Governed by Article 124(2) and the Collegium System (evolved via the Three Judges Cases).
  • The Collegium: Comprises the Chief Justice of India (CJI) + 4 senior-most SC judges. Their recommendation is binding on the President (Executive), though the Executive can ask for reconsideration once.
  • Context: Justice Mishra was elevated from the position of Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
• Federal Friction (ED vs. State):
  • The Incident: The ED filed a plea alleging obstruction of its raids (linked to a PMLA/FEMA probe) by the West Bengal state machinery.
  • Constitutional Angle: This highlights the conflict between a Central Agency’s (ED) jurisdiction to investigate federal crimes (money laundering) and the State’s control over “Public Order” and “Police” (State List subjects).
  • SC’s Role: As the federal arbiter, the Supreme Court must balance the autonomy of investigative agencies with the federal rights of states.

Prelims Practice: Which of the following statements regarding the appointment of Supreme Court Judges in India is/are correct?

1. The Chief Justice of India is appointed by the President after consultation with necessary Judges.
2. Other SC Judges are appointed by the President after consultation with the CJI.
3. The Collegium system is the primary mechanism for recommending names.

Select the correct answer: 
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

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3. India’s Diplomatic Compass: US, Germany & Afghanistan | UPSC Current Affairs 12 Jan 2026

Syllabus Mapping: GS-2: International Relations (Bilateral & Regional Groupings)

Why in News? Recent diplomatic engagements involve a new US envoy’s statement, a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (indirect reference: “high-level meeting with German Chancellor”), and the appointment of a Taliban-appointed envoy from Afghanistan.

Key Analysis

• India-US: Focus on Defense & Critical Tech (iCET). The partnership remains anchored in a free and open Indo-Pacific.
• India-Germany:
  • Trade: Germany is India’s largest trading partner in Europe.
  • Green Partnership: Focus on clean energy and mobility of skilled labor.
  • Leadership: Engagement continues robustly with the German leadership under Chancellor Merz.
• India-Afghanistan:
  • Shift: Accepting a Taliban-appointed envoy marks a pragmatic shift from “non-engagement” to “functional engagement.”
  • Priorities: Humanitarian aid (wheat, medicines) and ensuring Afghan soil isn’t used for terror.
• Strategy: India is pursuing Multi-alignment—balancing the West (US/Germany) while engaging pragmatic realities in its neighborhood (Afghanistan).

Mains Question: “To what extent is India’s current foreign policy a ‘balancing act’—deepening ties with major powers while managing unstable neighbourhood realities? Analyze critically using examples from India’s recent interactions with the United States, Germany, and Afghanistan.”

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4. SEBI & The NSE IPO Saga | UPSC Current Affairs 12 Jan 2026

Syllabus Mapping: GS-3: Indian Economy (Financial Markets, Regulators)

Why in News? SEBI is reportedly resolving regulatory hurdles to clear the National Stock Exchange’s (NSE) long-awaited Initial Public Offering (IPO).

Key Analysis

• The Delay: The IPO was stalled due to the co-location scam and governance lapses at NSE.
• SEBI’s Role: As the regulator, SEBI must ensure the exchange is “fit and proper” before it lists. A stock exchange is a Market Infrastructure Institution (MII); its failure poses systemic risks.
• Significance: The listing will improve transparency at the NSE (as listed companies have stricter disclosure norms) and allow investors to own a piece of India’s financial growth story.

Prelims Practice: Which is the primary regulatory body for stock exchanges and IPOs in India? (a) RBI (b) MCA (c) SEBI (d) NCLT

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5. The Enforcement Directorate (ED): Powers & Challenges | UPSC Current Affairs 12 Jan 2026

Syllabus Mapping: GS-3: Money Laundering & GS-2: Statutory Bodies

Why in News? ED raids in a Kolkata coal mining probe have brought the agency’s expanding ambit into the spotlight.

Key Analysis

• Mandate:
  1. FEMA, 1999 (Civil): Regulating foreign exchange.
  2. PMLA, 2002 (Criminal): Preventing money laundering and confiscating “proceeds of crime.”
  3. FEOA, 2018: Dealing with fugitive economic offenders.
• Parent Ministry: Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
• Powers:
  • Attachment: Can provisionally attach property believed to be bought with dirty money.
  • Arrest: Stringent bail conditions under PMLA (guilty until proven innocent burden on accused for bail).
• Concerns: Allegations of political misuse and the “federal overreach” debate (as seen in the West Bengal case).

Prelims Practice: Consider the following regarding the ED:

1. It functions under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. (Incorrect – Ministry of Finance)
2. It enforces FEMA. (Correct)
3. It can attach properties under PMLA. (Correct)

Correct Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

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6. India’s Russian Oil Strategy: Fiscal Impact | UPSC Current Affairs 12 Jan 2026

Syllabus Mapping: GS-3: Energy Security & Economy

Why in News? Experts are debating the impact of a potential reduction in discounted Russian crude imports.

Key Analysis

• The Shift: Post-2022, Russia became India’s top supplier (from <2% to >30%), replacing traditional Middle East partners.
• Benefits:
  • Current Account Deficit (CAD): Lower oil bills helped manage the CAD.
  • Inflation: Cheaper inputs kept domestic fuel prices stable despite global volatility.
• Risks of Reduction:
  • Fiscal Deficit: Buying from expensive alternatives (Saudi/US) will increase the import bill.
  • Rupee: Higher dollar outflow could weaken the INR.
• Conclusion: India must balance its “strategic autonomy” (buying from Russia) with diversifying sources to prevent over-dependence.

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Note for Aspirants: This blog integrates static syllabus concepts (like Collegium, Scramjet, PMLA) with dynamic news to help you write holistic Mains answers.