Indian Current Affairs News Digest
Date: January 08, 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 names deleted from UP draft electoral rolls under Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2.0.
- Manipur Restoration: Centre initiates high-level talks to restore popular government in Manipur before Feb 13 deadline.
- US Exit: President Trump orders withdrawal from 66 international organizations, including UN climate and health bodies.
- Judicial Accountability: Allahabad High Court orders probe against a civil judge for “illegal” eviction of a woman.
- Lawrence Bishnoi Gang: Key aide Aman Bhainswal deported from the US and arrested by Haryana Police at Delhi Airport.
- India Energy Week: Ministry of Petroleum announces Goa as the host for IEW 2026 from Jan 27–30.
- Shooting Finals: Mohd. Asab and Anushka Singh Bhati crowned national Double Trap champions as 68th NSCC concludes.
- WTT Vadodara: Inaugural WTT Feeder Series begins in Gujarat; Sarthak Arya and Hardee Patel pull off major upsets.
- Beach Games: Hosts Daman & Diu dominate Himachal Pradesh 15-1 in Beach Soccer at Khelo India Beach Games.
- Economic Support: Indian Rupee gains for a second session following strategic RBI intervention in the forex market.
1. STATE AFFAIRS
UP Election Commission Deletes 2.89 Crore Names in Draft Electoral Roll
Summary: Massive voter list revision in Uttar Pradesh sees an 18.7% reduction in total registered voters.
On January 7, 2026, the Election Commission of India (ECI) published the draft electoral roll for Uttar Pradesh following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2.0 exercise. State Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa confirmed that the voter base shrank from 15.44 crore to 12.55 crore. Specifically, 2.89 crore voters were removed, comprising 46.23 lakh deceased individuals, 2.17 crore who had shifted, and 25.46 lakh duplicate entries. This significant 18.7% reduction aims to ensure a “clean” roll ahead of future elections. The ECI has opened a claims and objections window from January 6 to February 6, 2026, for genuine voters to re-apply using Form-6. This exercise is critical for administrative transparency and electoral integrity in India’s most populous state.
Exam Angle: Relevant for GS Paper II (Electoral Reforms) and State PSCs. Understand the role of the Chief Electoral Officer and the significance of SIR in maintaining democratic sanctity.
Source: Hindustan Times — https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ec-draft-voter-roll-for-up-where-and-how-to-check-if-your-name-is-on-the-electoral-list-amid-sir-exercise-101767704341917.html
Allahabad High Court Orders Probe Against Judge Over Illegal Eviction
Summary: The Court condemns “gross abuse of power” after a woman was forcibly evicted from her home.
The Allahabad High Court, in a significant ruling on January 7, 2026, ordered a formal inquiry against a Civil Judge (Junior Division) for the illegal eviction of a woman and her three children in Siddharth Nagar. A two-judge bench of Justices Manoj Kumar Gupta and Arun Kumar described the act as a “colourable exercise of power.” The court noted that an ex-parte injunction was misused to dispossess the family without a fair hearing. The bench directed the restoration of the property within 48 hours and imposed a ₹1 lakh cost on a court employee involved. This judgment reinforces judicial accountability and the protection of vulnerable citizens from the misuse of legal processes by lower courts.
Exam Angle: Important for GS Paper II (Judiciary and Social Justice). Key concepts: “Ex-parte injunction,” “Judicial accountability,” and “Principles of Natural Justice.”
Source: PTI — https://www.ptinews.com/story/national/allahabad-hc-restores-possession-of-ancestral-home-to-woman-forcibly-evicted/3250867
Gujarat High Court Resumes Operations After Multiple Bomb Threats
Summary: Hoax bomb threats targeting the HC and district courts spark a statewide security sweep.
On January 7, 2026, the Gujarat High Court and several district offices resumed normal operations after a series of bomb threats received via email were declared hoaxes. The threats, which claimed RDX had been planted, targeted the High Court in Ahmedabad, district courts in Surat, Rajkot, and Bharuch, and collector offices in Gandhinagar. Police Inspector K.N. Bhukan stated that the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) conducted exhaustive searches across all premises on January 6 and 7. While no explosives were found, the incident led to temporary evacuations and heightened security protocols at government installations across Gujarat. An investigation is currently underway to trace the origin of the encrypted emails used to disrupt the judicial system.
Exam Angle: Relevant for Internal Security and Disaster Management (Standard Operating Procedures for Hoax Threats).
Source: The Week (via PTI) — https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2026/01/06/gujarat-hc-several-district-courts-and-govt-offices-get-bomb-threats-nothing-suspicious-found.amp.html
2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Centre Moves to Restore Popular Government in Manipur Before February Deadline
Summary: Home Ministry holds review meetings as President’s Rule in the state nears its one-year limit.
The Union Government has intensified efforts to restore a popular government in Manipur, as the one-year term of President’s Rule is set to expire on February 13, 2026. On January 7, 2026, reports emerged of high-level security review meetings chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Home Secretary Govind Mohan. Since President’s Rule cannot be extended beyond one year without a Constitutional Amendment, the Centre is exploring the possibility of ending the “suspended animation” of the State Assembly. While some Meitei and Kuki-Zo legislators met face-to-face in December 2025, civil society groups like the Kuki-Zo Council remain firm on their demand for a separate administration. The Centre’s strategy involves balancing security concerns with the constitutional necessity of a representative government.
Exam Angle: Critical for GS Paper II (Polity). Focus on Article 356, the duration of President’s Rule, and the role of the Governor in state governance.
Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-moves-to-restore-popular-govt-in-manipur-holds-review-meets/article70483407.ece
Key Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Member Aman Bhainswal Repatriated from USA
Summary: CBI coordinates the deportation of a notorious criminal facing an Interpol Red Notice.
In a major breakthrough for Indian law enforcement, Aman Bhainswal, a prominent member of the Lawrence Bishnoi organized crime syndicate, was deported from the United States and arrived in New Delhi on January 7, 2026. Bhainswal was wanted by the Haryana Police for multiple offenses, including murder, rioting, and criminal conspiracy. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had previously secured an Interpol Red Notice against him after he absconded during a trial in India. He was geolocated in the US through international intelligence cooperation. Upon his arrival at Delhi Airport, he was immediately taken into custody by a specialized team from the Haryana Police. This repatriation marks a success in India’s efforts to use global diplomatic and policing channels to bring fugitive gang members to justice.
Exam Angle: Relevant for Internal Security and International Relations (Police cooperation). Study the role of CBI as the National Central Bureau for Interpol in India.
Source: Economic Times — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/key-member-of-lawrence-bishnoi-gang-repatriated-from-us-held-at-delhi-airport/articleshow/126393843.cms
India Energy Week 2026 to be Hosted in Goa from January 27
Summary: India’s largest energy event returns to Goa, focusing on decarbonization and energy security.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas announced on January 7, 2026, that the fourth edition of India Energy Week (IEW) will be held in Goa from January 27 to 30, 2026. Organized by the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI) and dmg events, the summit is expected to attract over 35,000 attendees and delegations from 120 countries. IEW 2026 will serve as a platform for global ministers and CEOs to discuss India’s reform-led energy model, which has seen natural gas pipeline networks expand by 66% to over 25,923 km. Key focus areas include green hydrogen, ethanol blending, and sustainable aviation fuels. The event underscores India’s dual commitment to meeting rising energy demand while achieving its Net Zero targets by 2070.
Exam Angle: Important for GS Paper III (Energy and Infrastructure). Understand India’s ethanol blending targets and the significance of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network.
Source: PV Magazine India — https://www.pv-magazine-india.com/press-releases/india-energy-week-2026-to-be-held-in-goa-from-27-30-january/
3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Trump Orders US Withdrawal from 66 International Organizations
Summary: A sweeping executive order targets “wasteful” multilateral bodies, including major UN treaties.
On January 7, 2026, US President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of the United States from 66 international organizations, fulfilling a core campaign promise to dismantle “globalist” architectures. In a statement released by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the administration characterized these institutions as redundant, mismanaged, and a threat to national sovereignty. The list notably includes 31 United Nations-affiliated bodies and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), effectively ending US participation in the Paris Agreement. Other targeted entities involve those promoting DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) mandates and “gender equity” campaigns. This move signals a dramatic shift toward isolationism and “America First” diplomacy, which is expected to create a significant leadership vacuum in global climate and health governance.
Exam Angle: Vital for GS Paper II (International Relations). Analyze the impact of US withdrawal from the UNFCCC on global climate change mitigation efforts and India’s potential leadership role.
Source: US State Department — https://www.state.gov/withdrawal-from-wasteful-ineffective-or-harmful-international-organizations/
India-Bangladesh Direct Flight Operations Set to Resume in Late January
Summary: Aviation ties between the neighbors move toward normalization with new flight schedules.
Civil aviation authorities in Dhaka and New Delhi confirmed on January 7, 2026, that direct flight operations between India and Bangladesh will resume on January 29, 2026. This decision follows months of restricted connectivity and political transitions in Bangladesh. The resumption is expected to ease travel for thousands of medical tourists and business professionals who frequently commute between Kolkata, Delhi, and Dhaka. While diplomatic relations remain complex, the reopening of the aviation sector is seen as a pragmatic step toward restoring economic ties and people-to-people contact. Airlines from both nations, including Air India and Biman Bangladesh, have started opening ticket bookings for the upcoming schedule, marking a return to pre-disruption connectivity levels.
Exam Angle: Relevant for India-Bangladesh bilateral relations. Study the significance of “medical tourism” in India’s soft power diplomacy.
Source: Rediff News (PTI) — https://www.rediff.com/news/report/key-bishnoi-aide-deported-from-us-held-at-delhi-airport/20260107.htm
4. ECONOMY & FINANCE
Indian Rupee Gains Against US Dollar Amid Strategic RBI Intervention
Summary: Strong support from the central bank helps the Rupee recover for a second consecutive session.
The Indian Rupee strengthened against the US Dollar on January 7, 2026, closing higher for the second day in a row. Market analysts attributed this gain to proactive intervention by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in the non-deliverable forward (NDF) and domestic spot markets. The central bank’s strategy focused on preventing the currency from slipping below critical psychological levels amid global uncertainty following the US executive orders on international organizations. Despite a strong US Dollar Index, the RBI’s robust forex reserves allowed it to stabilize the local currency. This move is intended to curb imported inflation and provide certainty to Indian importers during a volatile start to the fiscal year.
Exam Angle: Important for GS Paper III (Economy). Understand “RBI Intervention,” “Forex Reserves,” and the impact of a depreciating rupee on India’s current account deficit.
Source: Economic Times — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/forex/rupee-gains-for-second-session-rbi-intervention-supports/articleshow/126393900.cms
MSMEs Consolidate Role in India’s Defence and Energy Supply Chains
Summary: A new industrial shift sees small businesses becoming critical components of strategic sectors.
On January 7, 2026, an economic report highlighted the increasing consolidation of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within India’s strategic supply chains, specifically in defense and energy. Driven by “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives and revised public procurement policies, MSMEs now contribute over 30% of the components used in domestic defense manufacturing. In the energy sector, small enterprises are pivoting toward green hydrogen and solar infrastructure. Government data indicates that the integration of MSMEs has reduced production costs by 12-15% while improving lead times for the Ministry of Defence. This shift is seen as a vital step in insulating India’s strategic sectors from global supply chain disruptions.
Exam Angle: Relevant for GS Paper III (Indian Economy). Study the “Udyam” registration portal and the significance of the “PLI Scheme” for small-scale manufacturers.
Source: Business Standard — https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/msmes-consolidate-role-in-india-defence-energy-supply-chains-126010700345_1.html
5. SPORTS
Mohd. Asab and Anushka Singh Bhati Win Double Trap National Titles
Summary: The 68th National Shooting Championship concludes at Dr. Karni Singh Range.
The 68th National Shooting Championship Competitions (Shotgun) concluded in New Delhi on January 7, 2026, with Uttar Pradesh’s Mohd. Asab and Rajasthan’s Anushka Singh Bhati emerging as the men’s and women’s Double Trap champions. Asab delivered a dominant performance, shooting an aggregate of 101 hits to beat Ankur Mittal of ONGC, who took silver with 99 hits. In the women’s category, Anushka Singh Bhati topped the field with 77 hits. The competition also highlighted emerging talent, as Yeshaya Hafiz Contractor of Gujarat secured a rare double, winning gold in both the Junior and Youth Women’s categories. The event saw over 17,000 participants across rifle, pistol, and shotgun disciplines, marking it as one of the largest national sporting events in India.
Exam Angle: Relevant for Sports Current Affairs. Note the venue (Dr. Karni Singh Range) and the significance of the National Shooting Championship in selecting the core Indian squad.
Source: Khel Today — https://kheltoday.com/shooting/mohd-asab-anushka-singh-bhati-crowned-double-trap-champions-as-68th-nscc-concludes/
WTT Feeder Series Vadodara 2026: Sarthak Arya and Hardee Patel Upset Third Seeds
Summary: Inaugural World Table Tennis event in India kicks off with major qualifying round upsets.
On January 7, 2026, the first-ever WTT Feeder Series in India commenced in Vadodara, Gujarat. In a major opening-day upset, the Indian duo of Sarthak Arya and Hardee Patel defeated the third seeds Snehit Suravajjula and Sayali Wani in a five-set thriller (5-11, 11-9, 11-9, 9-11, 12-10) to advance in the mixed doubles qualifying. In singles action, Yashansh Malik and Selena Selvakumar won their respective group matches. The tournament, presented by the Sports Authority of Gujarat and organized by the Table Tennis Association of Baroda, is a critical platform for Indian paddlers to gain international ranking points on home soil. The event underlines India’s growing footprint as a host for the World Table Tennis circuit.
Exam Angle: Important for sports awards and events. Focus on the growing popularity of Table Tennis in India (Ultimate Table Tennis/WTT).
Hosts Daman & Diu Dominate Beach Soccer at Khelo India Beach Games 2026
Summary: A 15-1 victory over Himachal Pradesh headlines the action at Diu Beach.
At the Khelo India Beach Games 2026 held in Diu, the home team of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu (DNDi) secured a massive 15-1 win over Himachal Pradesh in Boys’ Beach Soccer on January 7, 2026. Captain Jay Nitesh Halpatti was the star performer, leading an attack that scored eight goals in the second period alone. In other matches, Arunachal Pradesh defeated Maharashtra 9-1 in the Women’s Group stage. The multi-sport event, which includes Pencak Silat and Beach Volleyball, aims to promote coastal sports in India. The Diu beach arena has been developed as a premier venue for such events, attracting significant crowds and highlighting the potential of blue-economy-linked tourism through sports.
Exam Angle: Relevant for the “Khelo India” initiative. Understand the importance of the Khelo India program in identifying talent at the grassroots level.
Source: MyKhel — https://www.mykhel.com/more-sports/khelo-india-beach-games-2026-dadra-nagar-haveli-daman-diu-dominate-himachal-pradesh-beach-soccer-405482.html
6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT
India Plans Moon Landing by 2040, Says Former ISRO Chief
Summary: ISRO outlines long-term roadmap including the Bharatiya Antariksha Station.
During a technical seminar on January 7, 2026, former ISRO Chief K. Sivan reiterated India’s ambitious roadmap for space exploration, confirming the target for an Indian astronaut to land on the moon by 2040. This mission is part of a multi-stage plan that includes the establishment of the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (India’s own space station) by 2035. Currently, ISRO is focusing on the Gaganyaan missions, with the first crewed flight expected shortly. The development of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) is also underway to support heavy-lift lunar missions. These milestones represent a shift from satellite-centric operations to complex interplanetary and human spaceflight endeavors, positioning India as a top-tier global space power.
Exam Angle: Critical for GS Paper III (Science & Technology). Study the components of the Gaganyaan mission and the specifications of the NGLV (Next Generation Launch Vehicle).
Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/india-plans-moon-landing-by-2040-says-former-isro-chief/article70483500.ece
BYD to Roll Out Upgraded Plug-in Hybrids with Extended Range
Summary: New battery technology aims to bridge the gap between EVs and internal combustion engines.
On January 7, 2026, electric vehicle giant BYD announced the upcoming launch of upgraded plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) featuring high-density battery packs capable of significantly longer ranges. The new models are expected to offer an electric-only range of over 200 km, aiming to reduce “range anxiety” among Indian consumers. This development coincides with India’s push for increased EV adoption through the FAME-III scheme. Tech experts suggest that these hybrids could serve as a “bridge technology” while the nationwide charging infrastructure continues to expand. The move by BYD is expected to trigger price competition in the Indian premium EV market, potentially lowering the barrier for sustainable mobility.
Exam Angle: Relevant for Environment and Tech (EV Policy). Note the differences between HEVs, PHEVs, and BEVs.
Source: Auto News — https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/passenger-vehicle/byd-to-roll-out-upgraded-plug-in-hybrids-with-extended-range/126394100
7. OTHERS
UNESCO World Heritage Site Bid for Majuli Enters Final Evaluation Phase
Summary: The world’s largest river island moves closer to prestigious global recognition.
Assam’s Majuli island, the world’s largest inhabited river island, has moved into the final stages of evaluation for the UNESCO World Heritage Site status, as per cultural ministry updates on January 7, 2026. The bid highlights Majuli’s unique Neo-Vaishnavite culture and the “Sattras” (monasteries) established by the saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardev. The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) is expected to submit its final report to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee by mid-2026. If successful, Majuli will become the first river island in India to receive this status, providing a massive boost to cultural tourism and preservation efforts against riverbank erosion.
Exam Angle: Important for Art & Culture. Study the Neo-Vaishnavite movement and the architectural significance of Sattras in Assam.
Source: Press Information Bureau (Ministry of Culture) — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2088445
QUICK REVISION TOOLKIT — Core Recall Points
1. National & State Governance
- SIR 2.0 Electoral Revision (Uttar Pradesh): 2.89 crore voters deleted from draft rolls; breakdown includes 46.23 lakh deceased, 2.17 crore shifted, and 25.46 lakh duplicates.
- Significance: Tests knowledge of ECI powers, Chief Electoral Officer role, and electoral integrity mechanisms under Article 324.
- Manipur President’s Rule: Centre moves to restore popular government before the one-year limit expires on February 13, 2026.
- Significance: Critical for Article 356, constitutional duration limits, and Governor’s role in state emergencies.
- Allahabad High Court Judicial Accountability: Probe ordered against Civil Judge for illegal eviction in Siddharth Nagar; ₹1 lakh cost imposed.
- Significance: Reinforces principles of natural justice, ex-parte injunction misuse, and judicial oversight.
- Gujarat High Court Bomb Threats: Multiple hoax threats to HC and district courts declared false after BDDS sweep.
- Significance: Relevant for Internal Security, Standard Operating Procedures for hoax threat management.
2. Economy & Finance
- RBI Intervention & Rupee Gains: INR strengthened for a second consecutive session due to strategic RBI intervention in NDF and spot markets.
- Significance: Key concept of forex management, import inflation control, and current account deficit impact.
- MSME Integration in Strategic Sectors: MSMEs now contribute over 30% to defense manufacturing components, reducing costs by 12-15%.
- Significance: Important for Atmanirbhar Bharat, PLI Scheme, Udyam portal, and strategic supply chain resilience.
3. International Relations & Defence
- US Withdrawal from 66 International Organizations: Trump administration exits UN climate bodies (UNFCCC), effectively ending Paris Agreement participation.
- Significance: Crucial for multilateralism debates, global climate governance vacuum, and India’s potential leadership role.
- India-Bangladesh Flight Resumption: Direct flights to restart on January 29, 2026, normalizing aviation connectivity.
- Significance: Tracks bilateral relations, medical tourism as soft power, and people-to-people diplomacy.
- Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Deportation: Aman Bhainswal repatriated from USA via CBI-Interpol coordination.
- Significance: Tests knowledge of Interpol Red Notice, CBI as National Central Bureau, and international police cooperation.
4. Science, Environment & Technology
- ISRO Moon Landing Target: Former ISRO Chief K. Sivan confirms Indian lunar landing by 2040; Bharatiya Antariksha Station by 2035.
- Significance: Critical for Gaganyaan mission, NGLV development, and India’s space exploration roadmap.
- BYD Plug-in Hybrid Launch: New PHEVs with 200 km+ electric range to support FAME-III scheme and reduce range anxiety.
- Significance: Differentiates HEVs, PHEVs, and BEVs; tracks EV adoption and sustainable mobility policy.
5. Sports
- 68th National Shooting Championship: Mohd. Asab (UP) and Anushka Singh Bhati (Rajasthan) crowned Double Trap champions at Dr. Karni Singh Range, New Delhi.
- Significance: National squad selection mechanism and shotgun discipline awareness.
- WTT Feeder Series Vadodara 2026: Sarthak Arya and Hardee Patel upset third seeds in mixed doubles qualifying; inaugural WTT event in India.
- Significance: Tracks India’s emergence as WTT host nation and Table Tennis popularity growth.
- Khelo India Beach Games 2026: Daman & Diu defeat Himachal Pradesh 15-1 in Beach Soccer at Diu.
- Significance: Khelo India initiative for grassroots talent identification and coastal sports promotion.
6. Energy & Infrastructure
- India Energy Week 2026 (Goa): Fourth edition from January 27-30 with 35,000+ attendees from 120 countries; focus on green hydrogen and ethanol blending.
- Significance: Energy security, CGD network expansion (66% growth to 25,923 km), and Net Zero 2070 targets.
7. Art, Culture & Heritage
- Majuli UNESCO Bid: World’s largest river island enters final ICOMOS evaluation for World Heritage Site status.
- Significance: Neo-Vaishnavite culture, Srimanta Sankardev’s Sattras, and cultural tourism potential.
📚 Stay consistent. Stay informed. Stay ahead. 💪
