6-7 January 2026 Current Affairs

National Affairs

• Republic Day 2026 (26 Jan) is expected to have strong diplomatic significance, with EU leaders likely as Chief Guests , highlighting India–EU strategic ties.

• RBI held the first meeting of the Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) in Mumbai, chaired by Governor Sanjay Malhotra .

• RBI signed an agreement with GNCTD under Section 21A(1) of the RBI Act, 1934 , strengthening cooperation in government banking operations.

• Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) partnered with TechFini to strengthen UPI acquiring and issuing capabilities .

• India became the world’s largest rice producer , producing 150.18 million tonnes (2024–25) , surpassing China (145.28 MT).

• Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque Ayumantakatha sworn in as the 24th Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court .

• Indian Army to showcase Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC) animal contingent for the first time at Republic Day Parade , Kartavya Path.

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned ICGS ‘Samudra Pratap’ in Goa, boosting Aatmanirbhar Bharat in shipbuilding .

• DRDO’s Defence Laboratory Jodhpur (DLJ) developed SWaDeS (Sea Water Desalination System) – a portable water purifier for soldiers.

• AYUSH systems (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy) formally recognised in India–Oman CEPA and India–New Zealand FTA .

• ‘Viksit Bharat – Gram G’ initiative , highlighted by Shivraj Singh Chouhan , aims to build Atmanirbhar villages .

• SAMPANN launched as an online pension management system for DoT pensioners .

• PMMVY completed 9 years on 1 Jan 2026 , strengthening maternal health & nutrition.

• MoSPI unveiled new logo & mascot ‘Sankhyiki (सांख्यिकी)’ , modernising statistical outreach.

• EAC recommended clearance for 1,200-MW Kalai-II hydropower project on Lohit River, Arunachal Pradesh .

• Andhra Pradesh emerged as India’s leading investment destination in the current financial year.

• IITM Pune-led scientists developed 3D-printed Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) , marking an indigenous innovation milestone.

• Karnataka recorded its first ultra-rare strawberry-coloured leopard sighting , nicknamed the “Sandalwood Leopard” .

• Amit Shah inaugurated multiple development projects in Andaman & Nicobar Islands at Sri Vijaya Puram .

• Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the 9th Siddha Day celebrations in Chennai.

• PM Modi to