Daily current affairs: 7 January 2026

Long Description : According to the NSO, India's Real GDP is estimated to reach ₹201.90 lakh crore in FY26. This 7.4% growth projection exceeds the Reserve Bank of India's earlier estimate of 7.3%. The growth is primarily powered by a 7.8% surge in fixed investments and resilient private consumption growth of 7%. Nominal GDP is expected to grow by 8.0%. Notably, a new GDP series with 2022–23 as the base year will be implemented in February 2026. This data underscores India's economic resilience amidst global trade tensions and provides a vital foundation for the upcoming Union Budget.

Long Description : The visit marks a decisive push to conclude the long-pending FTA, which was relaunched in 2022. India is advocating for zero-duty access for its labor-intensive sectors, including textiles, leather, and gems. A critical point of discussion is the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which India views as a trade barrier. With the EU being India's largest trading partner, the agreement aims to integrate Indian MSMEs into global supply chains. Both sides are working to resolve sensitive issues like sustainability and digital trade to achieve a balanced, modern economic partnership.

Long Description : In the case of Dalsukhbhai Bachubhai Satasia v. State of Gujarat, a Bench of Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice R. Mahadevan held that vesting of title under Section 10(3) does not equal actual possession. The court emphasized that the State must follow Section 10(5) for voluntary surrender or Section 10(6) for forcible dispossession. Without such notice to the actual occupant, the proceedings are considered abated upon the repeal of the ULC Act. This judgment reinforces the protection of property rights against procedural lapses by state authorities, ensuring that legal possession remains with the occupant.

Long Description : Aditya-L1, currently stationed at the Sun-Earth Lagrangian point (L1), has been collecting vital data on solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and the solar wind. ISRO's initiative aims to involve the broader Indian academic community in interpreting this data through the mission's seven onboard payloads. By democratizing access to this information, ISRO hopes to foster indigenous research in solar physics and space weather forecasting. This is crucial for protecting Earth's satellite-based communication and power grids. The move is expected to position India as a key contributor to global heliospheric studies and solar atmospheric research.

Long Description : These agreements, finalized in late 2025, include specific annexures for health services and traditional medicine. This recognition facilitates the export of AYUSH products, which have already seen a 6.11% growth, reaching nearly $689 million. It allows Indian practitioners and manufacturers easier access to these markets and standardizes the regulatory framework for herbal products. This development is part of the "Heal in India" initiative, aiming to promote India's traditional healthcare knowledge globally. It marks a significant diplomatic and economic victory for India's traditional medicine sector, aligning it with international trade standards and healthcare protocols.

Long Description : The 2027 Census will use mobile applications and a dedicated portal (CMMS) for real-time monitoring. Phase 1 (Houselisting) will run from April to September 2026, while Phase 2 (Population Enumeration) will take place in February 2027. Significantly, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs has included caste enumeration to capture India's demographic diversity electronically. Over 30 lakh field functionaries will be deployed for this mammoth exercise. This data is critical for evidence-based policy making, the delimitation of constituencies, and the effective delivery of government schemes across diverse social and economic groups.

Long Description : The increased funding is designed to accommodate more applicants and accelerate the production of advanced automotive technologies, specifically Electric Vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The Auto PLI scheme is a cornerstone of the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative, aiming to reduce dependence on imports and transform India into a global manufacturing hub. By doubling the outlay, the government seeks to incentivize deep localization and large-scale investment in green mobility. This move is expected to generate significant employment and enhance the competitiveness of the Indian auto component industry on the international stage.

Long Description : The Deep Ocean Mission will see the 'Matsya 6000' submersible carry three humans to a depth of 6,000 meters to study mineral resources and biodiversity. Concurrently, the Gaganyaan mission aims to send an Indian astronaut into low Earth orbit. These missions highlight India's technological advancements and its focus on the "Blue Economy" and space exploration. The Minister also cited innovations like steel-slag roads and indigenous antibiotics as examples of "Swadeshi" innovation gaining global acceptance. These strategic leaps are designed to bolster India’s position as a global leader in high-end technology and scientific research.

Long Description : During a hearing on January 7, 2026, the ECI emphasized that only Indian citizens have the right to be registered on the electoral rolls. The Commission stated that it conducts rigorous verification during the summary revision of rolls to identify and remove illegal immigrants or non-citizens. This statement addresses concerns regarding the sanctity of the democratic process and the accuracy of voter data. The ECI’s stance highlights the legal and administrative challenges in maintaining clean electoral rolls in border states and regions with high migration, reinforcing the Commission's role as the guardian of free and fair elections.

Long Description : The Bench noted that while government policy is essential, individual actions—such as waste generation and the use of private transport—significantly impact urban air quality. The court stressed that the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cannot succeed without public participation. This observation came during a discussion on Delhi's winter smog, where the court urged a shift toward collective social responsibility. The judiciary highlighted that achieving a 20–30% reduction in particulate matter requires a synchronized effort between the state's regulatory framework and the lifestyle adjustments of the citizens to combat the growing public health emergency.

Long Description : The Ministry of Environment highlighted that the designation of 'Wetland Cities' recognizes urban areas that excel in conserving their wetlands. This milestone follows the restoration of 4,536 hectares of mangroves under the MISHTI Programme in 2025. India now ranks 9th globally in total forest area and 3rd in annual net forest gain. Furthermore, 18 Indian beaches have achieved the Blue Flag certification as of early 2026. These achievements reflect India’s commitment to the Ramsar Convention and its strategy of integrating ecological health with urban planning to mitigate climate change and promote biodiversity.

Long Description : In a high-intensity final held in China, the Indian team displayed remarkable tactical growth but ultimately lost to the hosts. This silver medal signifies the team's rising competitiveness on the international stage. Coaches emphasized that the performance serves as a critical stepping stone for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games. The tournament highlighted the team's strong defensive play and teamwork. This achievement adds to the growing momentum of women’s sports in India, demonstrating the success of sustained investment in grassroots hockey and advanced training facilities provided by the sports ministry and state governments.

Long Description : Kaamya braved extreme Antarctic temperatures and harsh winds to complete the expedition, highlighting the spirit of Indian youth in adventure sports. This feat follows her record as the youngest to climb Mount Aconcagua. Her journey also draws attention to India’s scientific presence in Antarctica, supported by research stations like Maitri and Bharati. Kaamya’s achievement is being hailed as a symbol of youth empowerment and gender equality in field exploration. Such expeditions contribute to raising awareness about polar environments and the importance of scientific research in some of the most remote regions of the Earth.

Long Description : The drone is designed to guard lakhs of pilgrims who gather at the confluence of the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal. It can navigate through rough waters and tow multiple people to safety simultaneously, providing a high-tech layer of security. This innovation is crucial for disaster management during one of the world's largest religious gatherings. The deployment showcases the integration of advanced robotics into public safety protocols. The drone’s performance will be monitored as a potential model for flood rescue and coastal surveillance across other states in India.

Long Description : Construction of the temple in East Champaran, Bihar, aims to create a monument larger than Cambodia's Angkor Wat. The black granite Shiva Lingam was transported from Tamil Nadu in a specialized logistical operation. Once completed, the temple will feature 22 sanctums and reflect a blend of modern engineering with traditional Vedic architecture. The project is expected to significantly boost religious tourism in Bihar and preserve cultural heritage. The temple's design incorporates high-tech seismic resistance, ensuring the structure’s longevity. This development is seen as a major landmark in India’s cultural and architectural landscape.

Long Description : The establishment of the BRIC Secretariat marks a strategic step toward unifying India’s biotechnology research efforts. BRIC serves as an apex body to streamline innovation and entrepreneurship in the sector. The Minister described this as a pivotal move to drive India’s bioeconomy, which is emerging as a major growth driver. The council will oversee diverse initiatives, including indigenous antibiotic production and sustainable food technologies. This centralized infrastructure aims to foster collaboration between startups, universities, and global scientific bodies, ensuring that Indian biotech innovations can compete effectively on the global market and contribute to national healthcare.