Daily current affairs: 6 January 2026

Long Description : Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that India's rice production reached a record 150.18 million tonnes, surpassing China's output of 145.28 MT. This shift highlights India's growing agricultural productivity and its role in global food security. The achievement is attributed to the adoption of high-yielding crop varieties and improved irrigation infrastructure. This milestone is crucial for India’s export potential and domestic buffer stock management, especially as the country continues to navigate international trade restrictions on rice to stabilize local prices.

Long Description : The SHANTI Bill marks a historic shift in India’s energy policy by opening the nuclear energy sector to private and foreign investments. Previously, nuclear power was a strictly state-controlled domain. The bill aims to accelerate India's transition to clean energy and achieve its "Net Zero" targets by attracting massive capital and advanced technology. While the government will maintain strict oversight and regulatory control over nuclear fuel and security, private entities can now build and operate nuclear plants, significantly boosting the country's installed power capacity.

Long Description : Built by Goa Shipyard Limited, ICGS Samudra Pratap is a specialized vessel designed to tackle oil spills and maritime pollution. It is the largest ship in the Indian Coast Guard fleet and is equipped with advanced containment and recovery equipment. A significant aspect of this commissioning is the inclusion of women officers in key operational roles, highlighting the government’s commitment to gender inclusivity in the armed forces. The vessel will enhance India's maritime environmental protection capabilities along its vast coastline and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Long Description : The Mpemba effect is a counterintuitive physical phenomenon where hot water freezes faster than cold water. Using high-performance computing, Indian scientists provided the first-ever simulation of ice formation to capture this paradox. The study, published in the Journal of Communication Physics, demonstrates that this effect is not limited to water but can occur in various fluid-to-solid transitions. This breakthrough helps in understanding non-equilibrium thermodynamics and has potential applications in industrial freezing processes and materials science.

Long Description : The Ministry of External Affairs launched the e-B-4 visa category to streamline the entry of Chinese business professionals. This move follows a period of strict visa restrictions and is aimed at supporting Indian industries that depend on Chinese expertise and raw materials. By simplifying the application process, the government hopes to balance national security concerns with the economic necessity of maintaining supply chains. This development is seen as a tactical step toward normalizing trade ties despite ongoing geopolitical tensions at the border.

Long Description : Held at the National Tribal Research Institute, the workshop focused on integrating AI-powered archives and a claimant-centric chatbot into a single digital ecosystem for FRA implementation. The platform includes an "FRA Atlas" for real-time spatial monitoring of land rights. By digitizing the application and verification process, the government aims to increase transparency, reduce delays in granting land titles to tribal communities, and provide a robust Decision Support System (DSS) for evidence-based policymaking regarding tribal welfare and forest conservation.

Long Description : A Bench comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi expressed strong displeasure over CAQM's request for a two-month adjournment on the issue of toll plaza relocation. The court observed that the watchdog had failed to identify and act on the root causes of seasonal pollution spikes. The SC directed the CAQM to convene an expert meeting within two weeks and submit a comprehensive report on vehicular emissions and long-term solutions. The court emphasized that the health of citizens cannot be compromised due to administrative delays.

Long Description : The demonstration involved the Toyota Mirai, a second-generation hydrogen-powered car that emits only water vapor. The drive from Bharat Mandapam aimed to showcase India's commitment to the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Hydrogen fuel cells offer a range of 650 km with a refueling time of under five minutes, making them a viable alternative to traditional battery EVs for long-haul transport. The government is pushing for the adoption of such zero-emission technologies to reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports and meet climate targets.

Long Description : The survey highlighted that 45% of Indian respondents believe tax revenues are effectively used for the public good, significantly higher than many Western counterparts. Furthermore, 80% of Indians expressed a willingness to pay more taxes to support sustainable development and social progress. This high tax morale is a positive indicator for the government’s fiscal policy and suggests that recent reforms like GST and faceless assessment have improved transparency. For banking and SSC exams, this reflects the stability of India’s internal revenue generation mechanisms.

Long Description : National Siddha Day is celebrated annually on the birth star of Agathiyar, the father of Siddha medicine. The 2026 theme emphasizes the role of traditional medicine in addressing modern global health challenges. The event featured the distribution of "Siddha Awards" to practitioners for their contributions to research and public health. The government is actively promoting the Siddha system as part of its "Integrative Medicine" approach, aiming to export traditional wellness practices under the "Heal in India" and "Heal by India" initiatives.

Long Description : The event, organized by the UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, aims to promote beach sports and tourism. The games include six medal sports: beach soccer, volleyball, sepak takraw, kabaddi, pencak silat, and open water swimming. Non-medal events like Mallakhamb and tug-of-war are also featured to showcase indigenous sports. This initiative is part of the broader Khelo India scheme to create a robust sports culture and identify talent at the grassroots level in diverse sporting disciplines.

Long Description : Recognizing the rapid growth of the live entertainment industry, the LEDC will facilitate the organized growth of concerts, festivals, and exhibitions. The cell aims to streamline permissions, attract international artists, and create employment opportunities in logistics, hospitality, and event management. By positioning India as a global hub for live events, the government seeks to leverage the "passion economy" to drive domestic tourism and enhance the country’s soft power on the international stage.

Long Description : Organized as a precursor to the India AI Impact Summit, the conference focused on "AI for All." Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the role of AI in improving service delivery in rural areas and addressing the "digital divide." Discussions centered on ethical AI, data privacy, and the future of employment in the age of automation. Rajasthan's growing startup ecosystem was also showcased, positioning the state as a hub for deep-tech innovation. This is highly relevant for exams focusing on digital governance and technology policy.

Long Description : Despite pressure from consuming nations, OPEC+ members agreed to maintain their current output quotas to ensure "market stability." For India, which imports over 80% of its oil, this decision means continued high energy costs. Analysts predict that India's CAD will remain around 1% of GDP. The situation is further complicated by reduced discounts on Russian oil due to Western sanctions. This decision underscores the urgency for India to accelerate its shift toward renewable energy and expand its Strategic Petroleum Reserves.

Long Description : The Court clarified that the individual role of an accused should be weighed more heavily than the overall gravity of the offense when considering bail. This "hierarchy of participation" ensures that peripheral actors are not treated the same as primary conspirators. The ruling emphasizes that while UAPA is a stringent law, the judiciary must prevent indefinite incarceration without trial. This decision is expected to have a significant impact on several high-profile cases where the delay in trial has been used as a ground for seeking bail.

Long Description : These indigenously developed AWS units were certified by the IMD’s Surface Laboratory and recognized by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The first installation is scheduled for Delhi, followed by other major metros. The 3D-printing technology allows for faster production and easier maintenance compared to traditional stations. This initiative is part of the government's effort to enhance weather forecasting accuracy and localized disaster management, providing critical data for agriculture and urban planning.