Indian Current Affairs News Digest
Date: January 07, 2026
Compiled from 15+ leading Indian news sources
Your daily exam-focused news digest covering critical developments across governance, economy, international relations, science, and sports. Every article verified from original newspaper sources.
Today’s Top 10 Recall Points (Snapshot)
- UP Voter Purge: 2.89 crore voters deleted in Uttar Pradesh after Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
- Aditya-L1 Anniversary: ISRO opens data observation proposals on the 2nd anniversary of L1 insertion.
- SC Property Ruling: Tenants cannot claim ownership via “Adverse Possession,” regardless of stay duration.
- SC Reservation Ruling: Reserved candidates using prelims relaxation cannot claim unreserved seats later.
- Tribal Digital Move: Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) integrates SIH finalists for a national FRA digital platform.
- Classical Languages: Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan releases 55 works in 6 classical languages.
- Energy Geopolitics: US President Trump cites Indian oil tariffs as a point of friction with PM Modi.
- KIBG 2026: Princess Alexander Thomas wins first gold in Pencak Silat at Khelo India Beach Games.
- ISL Resumption: Sports Minister Mandaviya announces Indian Super League to restart on Feb 14.
- Judicial Appointments: New judges appointed to Patna, Allahabad, and Uttarakhand High Courts.
1. STATE AFFAIRS
Uttar Pradesh Deletes 2.89 Crore Voters in Massive Electoral Roll Revision
Summary: The Election Commission of India (ECI) published the draft electoral rolls for Uttar Pradesh following a Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
On January 06, 2026, the Chief Electoral Officer of Uttar Pradesh, Navdeep Rinwa, released the draft electoral roll, revealing the deletion of 2.89 crore voters. This marks the highest number of deletions for any state in absolute terms. Out of the original 15.44 crore voters, approximately 12.55 crore names (81.30%) were retained. The deletions were attributed to deceased voters (46.23 lakh), permanent shifting or absence (2.17 crore), and duplicate entries (25.47 lakh). The ECI also digitized every enumeration form and added 15,000 new polling booths to the state’s infrastructure. The final electoral roll is scheduled for publication on March 6, 2026. This exercise is critical for ensuring the sanctity of the democratic process in India’s most populous state.
Exam Angle: Relevant for GS Paper II (Electoral Reforms and the role of the Election Commission). Important for understanding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and its impact on voter data accuracy.
West Bengal CM Alleges Misuse of Technology in Electoral Revision
Summary: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the ECI of using biased mobile applications for the SIR exercise.
During her visit to Sagar Island on January 06, 2026, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee alleged that the Election Commission of India is using mobile applications developed by the BJP’s IT cell for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Speaking ahead of the Gangasagar Mela, she termed the ECI’s moves as “wrong” and politically motivated. The allegations come amidst a nationwide rollout of the SIR, which the ECI defends as a constitutional duty to ensure only eligible citizens are on the rolls. This development highlights the growing friction between state governments and central institutions regarding electoral data management and digital sovereignty in election conduct.
Exam Angle: Useful for GS Paper II (Centre-State Relations and Challenges to Constitutional Bodies). Highlights the debate over the neutrality of technology used by the ECI.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/top-news-of-the-day-january-6-2026/article70478078.ece
Madhya Pradesh HC Summons Chief Secretary over Indore Water Crisis
Summary: The High Court termed the government response to water contamination in Indore as “insensitive.”
The Madhya Pradesh High Court, on January 06, 2026, directed the State Chief Secretary to appear via video conference on January 15. The court was hearing petitions regarding multiple deaths and illnesses caused by contaminated water supply in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area. High Court Bar Association President Ritesh Inani, a petitioner, noted that the bench was dissatisfied with the local administration’s handling of the health crisis. The court’s intervention underscores the judicial oversight on municipal failures and the “Right to Clean Water” as part of the Right to Life under Article 21.
Exam Angle: Significant for GS Paper II (Judicial Activism) and GS Paper III (Public Health and Urban Governance).
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/top-news-of-the-day-january-6-2026/article70478078.ece
2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Supreme Court Rules on Reserved Category Benefits in Civil Services
Summary: Candidates taking relaxation in prelims cannot claim unreserved seats in the final merit list.
A Supreme Court bench comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi ruled on January 06, 2026, that a reserved category candidate who avails age or marks relaxation during the preliminary stage of an examination cannot be considered for unreserved (General) vacancies later. The court allowed the Union of India’s appeal against a Karnataka High Court order involving the 2013 Indian Forest Service (IFS) exam. The bench clarified that the IFS exam is a single, integrated process. Since candidate G. Kiran (SC) qualified prelims using a relaxed cut-off (247.18 vs General 267), he remained a “reserved candidate” throughout the process, regardless of his higher final rank.
Exam Angle: Critical for GS Paper II (Indian Constitution – Articles 15 and 16) and UPSC aspirants regarding reservation norms in recruitment.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs Advances National FRA Digital Platform
Summary: MoTA becomes the first ministry to engage SIH finalists for long-term project development.
On January 06, 2026, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) concluded “Hackathon 2.0” at the National Tribal Research Institute, New Delhi. The Union Minister for Tribal Affairs presided over the integration of solutions from five finalist teams of the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2025 to build a unified national digital platform for the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. The workshop followed field visits to Nashik, Maharashtra, to ensure the software addresses ground-level challenges faced by Forest Rights Committees. This platform aims to streamline claimant-centric services and digitize land records for tribal communities, aligning with the “Viksit Bharat” vision.
Exam Angle: Relevant for GS Paper II (Governance and Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections) and GS Paper III (Digital India and Land Reforms).
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2211910
Education Minister Releases 55 Classical Language Literary Works
Summary: New publications aim to integrate India’s linguistic heritage into the modern research ecosystem.
Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, released 55 literary works in classical Indian languages in New Delhi on January 06, 2026. The collection includes 41 books from the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) and 13 from the Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT). Key releases include the “Tirukkural Sign Language Series” and scholarly works in Odia, Kannada, Telugu, and Malayalam. Pradhan emphasized that these works, covering ancient inscriptions and folklore, are vital for fostering cultural pride and strengthening classical knowledge traditions under the National Education Policy.
Exam Angle: Important for GS Paper I (Indian Culture and Languages). Candidates should know the criteria for “Classical Language” status in India.
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2211803
3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Trump Cites Indian Tariffs on Russian Oil as Friction Point
Summary: US President Donald Trump commented on his relationship with PM Modi amid trade tensions.
On January 06, 2026, US President Donald Trump, speaking at the House GOP Member Retreat, stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “not that happy with me” due to high tariffs imposed by Washington. These tariffs were directed at India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. Despite the trade friction, Trump maintained that he shares a “very good relationship” with the Indian leader. The statement highlights the ongoing diplomatic balancing act India performs between its energy security needs and its strategic partnership with the United States under the “Trump 2.0” administration.
Exam Angle: Significant for GS Paper II (India-US Relations and Global Geopolitics). Focus on Energy Security and Sanction Diplomacy.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/morning-digest-january-7-2026/article70479607.ece
Venezuela Enters Week of Mourning Following US-Led Leadership Change
Summary: Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez announced mourning for those killed during the ousting of Nicolas Maduro.
Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, decreed seven days of mourning on January 06, 2026, following a US military operation that resulted in the removal of Nicolas Maduro. While Maduro remains in US custody pleading “not guilty,” Rodriguez honored the victims of the assault. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump clarified that the US is “not at war” with Venezuela and promised elections within 30 days. This shift in the Latin American power structure has significant implications for global oil markets, where India is a major stakeholder.
Exam Angle: Relevant for GS Paper II (International Relations – Impact of US Foreign Policy).
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to Visit India in Mid-January
Summary: The visit aims to strengthen the Strategic Partnership and Green and Sustainable Development Partnership.
Official sources confirmed on January 06, 2026, that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will visit India on January 12-13. He is scheduled to hold high-level talks with PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The visit is expected to focus on defense cooperation, skilled labor migration, and clean energy transitions. As Germany seeks to diversify its supply chains away from China, India emerges as a primary economic and strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
Exam Angle: Important for GS Paper II (Bilateral Groupings and Agreements involving India).
Source: https://indianexpress.com/archive/2026/01/06/
4. ECONOMY & FINANCE
Supreme Court Rules Tenants Cannot Claim Ownership via Adverse Possession
Summary: Landmark judgment clarifies that permissive possession can never turn into ownership.
In the case of Jyoti Sharma vs. Vishnu Goyal, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and K. Vinod Chandran ruled on January 06, 2026, that a tenant can never become the owner of a property through adverse possession. The court held that since a tenant occupies a property with the owner’s permission, the possession is “permissive” and not “hostile.” The ruling ended a 70-year-old dispute originating in 1953. The bench emphasized that a tenant cannot challenge the title of the landlord from whom they originally rented the premises, providing a major victory for property rights and landlords across India.
Exam Angle: Vital for GS Paper II (Judiciary and Legal Rights). Understanding the doctrine of “Adverse Possession” is key for Law and Polity sections.
Indian Exporters Face Risks Amid US Trade Deadlock
Summary: Delayed trade deals and 50% punitive tariffs threaten orders for the new fiscal year.
Reports on January 06, 2026, indicated that Indian exporters are at risk of losing significant US orders if a trade deal is not reached by the end of January. Since August 2025, the US has maintained 50% tariffs on various Indian goods, impacting volumes during the winter season. Exporters from sectors like textiles and leather have voiced concerns that the lack of a clear trade framework is pushing US buyers toward competitors in Southeast Asia. This economic pressure coincides with the geopolitical friction regarding India’s trade with Russia.
Exam Angle: Relevant for GS Paper III (Indian Economy and Trade Relations).
Lodha Developers Reports Record ₹5,620 Crore 3QFY26 Presales
Summary: Operational update shows 25% growth, reflecting strong demand in the luxury housing segment.
Real estate giant Lodha Developers (Macrotech Developers) released its operational update for the third quarter of FY26 on January 06, 2026. The company achieved record-high quarterly presales of ₹5,620 crore, a 25% year-on-year increase. Nomura analysts subsequently issued a bullish call on the stock with a target price of ₹1,450. The performance is seen as a bellwether for the Indian real estate sector, suggesting that despite global economic volatility, domestic demand for premium residential projects remains robust.
Exam Angle: Useful for Banking and SSC exams (Corporate news and Economic indicators).
5. SPORTS
Princess Alexander Thomas Wins First Gold at Khelo India Beach Games 2026
Summary: The host UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu opened the medal tally with Pencak Silat.
On January 06, 2026, Princess Alexander Thomas clinched the first gold medal of the second edition of the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) in Diu. Competing in the women’s Tunggal category of Pencak Silat, she defeated Madhya Pradesh’s Bhoomika Jitendra Jain at Ghoghla Beach. In the men’s category, West Bengal’s Raja Das secured the gold. The 2026 Games feature over 1,100 participants across eight sports, including Beach Soccer and Mallakhamb. The event, supervised by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), aims to promote coastal tourism and niche sports in India.
Exam Angle: Important for SSC and State PSCs (Sports awards and Khelo India initiatives).
Sports Minister Announces ISL Resumption on February 14
Summary: The Indian Super League will return after a six-month hiatus caused by commercial hurdles.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced on January 06, 2026, that the Indian Super League (ISL) will resume on February 14. The league had been on pause for nearly six months due to a lack of a primary commercial partner, a delay that drew criticism from senior players like Sunil Chhetri and Sandesh Jhingan. Mandaviya confirmed that all clubs will participate in the 91-match season. The announcement brings relief to the Indian football fraternity and ensures that national team players remain match-fit for international fixtures.
Exam Angle: Relevant for sports-related current affairs in competitive exams.
Mohd. Asab and Anushka Singh Bhati Crowned National Double Trap Champions
Summary: The 68th National Shooting Championship (Shotgun) concluded at the Dr. Karni Singh Range.
The Double Trap events of the 68th National Shooting Championship Competitions concluded on January 06, 2026, in New Delhi. Uttar Pradesh’s Mohd. Asab emerged as the men’s national champion, while Rajasthan’s Anushka Singh Bhati secured the women’s title. The championship is a key selection event for the national squad ahead of the 2026 international calendar.
Exam Angle: Important for sports terminology and recent national champions (SSC/Banking).
6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT
ISRO Invites Proposals for Aditya-L1 Mission Data Analysis
Summary: On the 2nd anniversary of L1 insertion, ISRO opens the first Announcement of Opportunity (AO).
On January 06, 2026, marking exactly two years since the Aditya-L1 spacecraft reached the Sun-Earth Lagrangian Point (L1), ISRO invited proposals from Indian scientists to analyze data from the mission. To date, the mission has generated over 23 TB of data, which is available in the public domain. The first AO cycle focuses on payloads like the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) and the Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT). Observations for approved proposals will be conducted between April and June 2026. This move aims to maximize scientific returns from India’s first space-based solar observatory.
Exam Angle: Crucial for GS Paper III (Space Technology). Candidates should know the 7 payloads of Aditya-L1 and the significance of the L1 point.
Supreme Court Raps CAQM Over Inaction on Delhi Pollution
Summary: The court criticized the pollution watchdog for seeking delays on traffic decongestion measures.
The Supreme Court, on January 06, 2026, observed that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is “failing in its duty.” A bench led by CJI Sanjiv Khanna pulled up the watchdog for seeking a two-month adjournment regarding the relocation of toll plazas at Delhi borders to reduce traffic congestion and smog. The court directed the CAQM to convene an expert meeting within two weeks and submit a report on the primary causes of worsening air quality in the NCR region.
Exam Angle: Relevant for GS Paper III (Environment – Pollution Control Bodies).
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/top-news-of-the-day-january-6-2026/article70478078.ece
ED Raids Climate Group Over Alleged Misuse of Foreign Funds
Summary: Investigation targets an environmental NGO for trying to influence government policies.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on January 06, 2026, at the premises of a prominent climate group. The agency alleges that the group received foreign funds under the guise of environmental advocacy but used them to lobby against and sway government infrastructure and energy policies. This development highlights the intensifying scrutiny of Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) compliance among environmental and social NGOs in India.
Exam Angle: Significant for GS Paper III (Internal Security – Role of NGOs and Foreign Funding).
Source: https://indianexpress.com/archive/2026/01/06/
7. OTHERS
President Appoints New Judges to Patna, Allahabad, and Uttarakhand High Courts
Summary: Four advocates elevated to the bench following consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
In a Press Communiqué issued on January 05-06, 2026, the President of India appointed several advocates as High Court judges. Ritesh Kumar and Praveen Kumar were appointed as Judges of the Patna High Court. Jai Krishna Upadhyay was appointed to the Allahabad High Court, and Siddartha Sah was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Uttarakhand High Court. These appointments were made under the powers conferred by the Constitution of India to address the mounting pendency of cases in these regional higher judiciaries.
Exam Angle: Important for GS Paper II (Judiciary – Appointment of Judges).
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2211586®=3&lang=1
India Pays Tribute to 1000 Years of Somnath Temple’s Resilience
Summary: PM Modi highlighted the temple as a symbol of cultural continuity and strength.
On January 06, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a message commemorating the historical resilience of the Somnath Temple. He emphasized how the temple stands as a testament to India’s ability to rebuild and preserve its heritage despite centuries of invasions. The Prime Minister also shared a “Subhashitam” (Sanskrit aphorism) highlighting that true strength lies in collective solidarity.
Exam Angle: Relevant for GS Paper I (Art and Culture – Temple Architecture).
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2211586®=3&lang=1
QUICK REVISION TOOLKIT (CORE RECALL POINTS)
1. National & State Governance
- UP Electoral Roll Revision: 2.89 crore voters deleted; 12.55 crore retained (81.30%). Final publication on March 6, 2026.
- Significance: Tests knowledge of ECI’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and electoral reforms under GS Paper II.
- Source: https://m.economictimes.com/news/india/up-sir-draft-voter-list-out-today-how-to-check-your-name-from-home-and-what-to-do-if-it-is-missing/articleshow/126366179.cms
- West Bengal CM vs ECI: Mamata Banerjee alleged BJP IT cell involvement in SIR mobile applications.
- Significance: Centre-State relations and neutrality of constitutional bodies (GS Paper II).
- Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/top-news-of-the-day-january-6-2026/article70478078.ece
- MP HC Water Crisis Intervention: Chief Secretary summoned over Indore’s Bhagirathpura contaminated water deaths.
- Significance: Judicial activism, Article 21 (Right to Life – includes clean water), urban governance (GS Paper II & III).
- Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/top-news-of-the-day-january-6-2026/article70478078.ece
- SC Reservation Ruling: Reserved candidates using prelims relaxation cannot claim unreserved seats in final merit.
- Significance: Critical for Articles 15 and 16, reservation policy in civil services (GS Paper II).
- Source: https://www.livelaw.in/supreme-court/reserved-category-candidate-who-availed-relaxation-in-prelims-cant-seek-unreserved-seat-based-on-final-rank-supreme-court-517064
- MoTA FRA Digital Platform: First ministry to engage Smart India Hackathon finalists for national Forest Rights Act platform.
- Significance: Digital India, tribal welfare, land reforms (GS Paper II & III).
- Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2211910
- Classical Language Publications: 55 literary works released in 6 classical languages (41 from CIIL, 13 from CICT).
- Significance: Classical language criteria, NEP implementation, cultural preservation (GS Paper I).
- Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2211803
- High Court Judicial Appointments: New judges to Patna (2), Allahabad (1), and Uttarakhand (1) High Courts.
- Significance: Constitutional provisions for judicial appointments, addressing case pendency (GS Paper II).
- Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2211586®=3&lang=1
2. Economy & Finance
- SC Adverse Possession Ruling: Tenants can never claim ownership through adverse possession; permissive possession ≠ hostile possession.
- Significance: Property rights, legal doctrines, landmark judgments (GS Paper II).
- Source: https://corporate.cyrilamarchandblogs.com/2026/01/supreme-courts-landmark-ruling-a-tenant-can-never-become-an-owner-based-on-adverse-possession/
- India-US Trade Tensions: 50% US tariffs on Indian goods since August 2025; exporters risk losing orders without January deal.
- Significance: Trade relations, impact on textiles/leather sectors, geopolitical economy (GS Paper III).
- Source: https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/indian-exporters-risk-losing-us-orders-without-january-trade-deal-126010700077_1.html
- Lodha Developers Record Presales: ₹5,620 crore in Q3 FY26 (25% YoY growth); Nomura target price ₹1,450.
- Significance: Real estate sector health, economic indicators for banking/SSC exams.
- Source: https://www.business-standard.com/markets/news/strong-3qfy26-presales-drive-bullish-call-for-lodha-developers-from-nomura-126010700162_1.html
3. International Relations & Defence
- Trump on India-US Relations: Cited Indian tariffs on Russian oil purchases as friction point; maintains “very good relationship” with PM Modi.
- Significance: India-US strategic partnership, energy security vs. sanctions diplomacy (GS Paper II).
- Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/morning-digest-january-7-2026/article70479607.ece
- Venezuela Leadership Change: US military operation removed Maduro; Delcy Rodriguez (interim leader) declared 7-day mourning; elections promised in 30 days.
- Significance: US foreign policy impact, Latin American geopolitics, global oil markets (GS Paper II).
- Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/venezuela-leader-decrees-week-of-mourning-for-victims-of-us-attack/article70480664.ece
- German Chancellor’s India Visit: Olaf Scholz visiting January 12-13 for talks on defense, skilled migration, clean energy.
- Significance: India-Germany Strategic Partnership, Indo-Pacific cooperation, supply chain diversification (GS Paper II).
- Source: https://indianexpress.com/archive/2026/01/06/
4. Science, Environment & Sports
- Aditya-L1 Data Analysis: ISRO’s first Announcement of Opportunity on 2nd anniversary; 23 TB data available; proposals for VELC and SUIT payloads.
- Significance: Space technology, L1 point significance, 7 Aditya-L1 payloads (GS Paper III).
- Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-invites-proposals-from-indian-scientists-to-analyse-data-from-aditya-l1-mission/article70476849.ece
- SC vs CAQM: Supreme Court (CJI Sanjiv Khanna) criticized Commission for Air Quality Management for seeking 2-month delay on Delhi toll plaza relocation.
- Significance: Environmental governance, pollution control bodies, NCR air quality (GS Paper III).
- Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/top-news-of-the-day-january-6-2026/article70478078.ece
- ED Raids Climate NGO: Enforcement Directorate investigated environmental group for alleged FCRA violations and policy lobbying.
- Significance: Foreign funding regulations, NGO compliance, internal security (GS Paper III).
- Source: https://indianexpress.com/archive/2026/01/06/
- KIBG 2026 First Gold: Princess Alexander Thomas (Diu – host UT) won women’s Pencak Silat Tunggal; Raja Das (West Bengal) won men’s.
- Significance: Khelo India initiatives, niche sports promotion (SSC/State PSC sports current affairs).
- Source: https://www.uniindia.com/~/kibg-2026-princess-alexander-thomas-wb-s-raja-das-clinch-tunngal-gold-in-pencak-silat/Sports/news/3697752.html
- ISL Resumption: Indian Super League to restart February 14, 2026, after 6-month commercial hiatus; all clubs participating in 91-match season.
- Significance: Sports administration, football development in India.
- Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/isl-to-start-feb-14-all-clubs-to-participate-sports-minister/article70479721.ece
- National Shooting Champions: Mohd. Asab (UP) and Anushka Singh Bhati (Rajasthan) won Double Trap titles at 68th National Championship.
- Significance: Recent sports champions for SSC/Banking exams.
- Source: https://www.uniindia.com/~/kibg-2026-princess-alexander-thomas-wb-s-raja-das-clinch-tunngal-gold-in-pencak-silat/Sports/news/3697752.html
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