Current Affairs - January 11, 2026 Current Affairs

The Kamala Hydroelectric Project is located in Arunachal Pradesh, a state known for its vast hydropower potential due to its river systems and mountainous terrain. The project is situated on the Kamala River across the districts of Kamle, Kra Daadi, and Kurung Kumey. With an installed capacity of 1,720 MW, it is a storage-based hydropower project that also includes flood moderation features. The initiative supports India’s renewable energy expansion, strengthens power supply in the Northeast, generates employment, and contributes to the country’s long-term net-zero emissions target.

The 9th Siddha Day in 2026 will be observed on January 6, coinciding with the Ayilyam star in the Tamil month of Margazhi. The day commemorates Siddhar Agathiyar, considered the father of Siddha medicine, one of India’s oldest traditional healthcare systems. Siddha medicine emphasizes holistic health, disease prevention, and the balance of natural elements. Observing Siddha Day promotes awareness of this ancient medical heritage, encourages integration into modern healthcare, and strengthens research, education, and cultural pride in traditional medicine, supported by the Ministry of AYUSH.

Akasa Air’s entry into the International Air Transport Association marks an important milestone for India’s aviation sector. By becoming the fifth Indian airline to join IATA, Akasa joins established carriers such as Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet in the global aviation body. The membership was achieved after clearing the IATA Operational Safety Audit, confirming compliance with international safety standards. This development strengthens Akasa’s global credibility, allows participation in international aviation policy discussions, and supports the airline’s long-term expansion plans amid rapid growth in India’s aviation market.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed the Sea Water Desalination System (SWaDeS), a portable water purifier designed for soldiers operating in remote, coastal, and high-altitude areas. This lightweight, hand-operated system can convert saline water into potable water, supporting the hydration needs of 10–12 personnel per unit, while the engine-operated version can serve 20–25 soldiers. SWaDeS enhances operational self-sufficiency, reduces dependence on water supply lines, and ensures safe drinking water during long patrols and deployments in challenging terrains like coastal regions and the Pangong Tso area in Ladakh.

India has launched the e-B-4 Visa, an electronic business visa specifically for Chinese nationals, to promote investment, production, and technical business activities. The visa allows online application, faster processing, and permits a stay of up to six months for defined business purposes such as installation, training, IT setup, and senior management visits. This initiative aims to streamline business travel, strengthen bilateral industrial cooperation, and support structured people-centric exchanges between India and China while ensuring regulatory oversight and transparency through platforms like the Indian e-Visa portal and the National Single Window System.

World Day of War Orphans is observed annually on January 6 to highlight the challenges faced by children who have lost one or both parents due to wars and armed conflicts. The day emphasizes the emotional, physical, and social hardships of war orphans, calling for global attention to their protection, rehabilitation, and education. Initiated by the French organization SOS Enfants en Détresses, this observance encourages governments and civil society to provide humanitarian aid, safe spaces, and policy support, while raising awareness about the compounded difficulties faced by children in conflict zones, including vulnerability to exploitation and climate-related crises.

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, through its World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 report, has projected India’s GDP growth at 6.6% for the calendar year 2026. This projection positions India as the fastest-growing major economy globally despite ongoing international economic uncertainties. The growth outlook is supported by strong domestic consumption, sustained public investment, and supportive fiscal and monetary policies. Although slightly lower than the estimated growth rate for 2025, the projection reflects India’s resilience and capacity to maintain economic momentum amid slower global growth and weakening international trade conditions.

India’s largest integrated inland Rainbow Trout farm has been launched in Telangana, specifically in the Ranga Reddy district, by SmartGreen Aquaculture with a ₹50 crore investment. The facility uses advanced technology, including temperature control, water recirculation, and biosecure systems, to rear cold-water trout in the warm climate of the Deccan Plateau. This project represents a significant innovation in Indian aquaculture, overcoming traditional geographical constraints of trout farming confined to Himalayan regions. The farm boosts aquaculture productivity, supports export-oriented growth, creates employment, and contributes to nutritional security while promoting climate-resilient, technology-driven fisheries.

The Eastern Imperial Eagle, a rare migratory raptor, was recently spotted at Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu during the winter season. This sighting underscores Mudumalai’s significance as a key habitat for migratory birds of prey, offering open grasslands, forest edges, tall nesting trees, and abundant prey. The reserve, part of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, supports diverse wildlife and helps maintain ecological balance as these top predators regulate small mammal populations. Increasing tourism pressure poses challenges, making sustainable management critical to protect both migratory and resident species in this ecologically sensitive area.

The ICGS Samudra Pratap, India’s first indigenous Pollution Control Vessel, was commissioned in Goa on January 5, 2026. Built by Goa Shipyard Limited, the vessel is equipped to handle marine pollution, oil spills, firefighting, and maritime emergencies while also supporting coastal patrols and long-duration surveillance. With over 60% indigenous content, it strengthens India’s maritime self-reliance and environmental response capabilities. The ship’s commissioning in Goa highlights the state’s strategic role in India’s maritime infrastructure, bolsters the Indian Coast Guard’s operational readiness, and showcases the nation’s commitment to protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring maritime security.

Justice A Muhamed Mustaque was appointed as the 24th Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court and took oath on January 4, 2026, at Lok Bhawan, Sikkim, administered by Governor Om Prakash Mathur. Prior to this, he served as Acting Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court. His appointment ensures smooth judicial administration, continuity in the legal process, and effective handling of constitutional, civil, and criminal matters. Leadership transitions like this strengthen the credibility, independence, and efficiency of the higher judiciary in India while supporting institutional stability at the state level.

The PARAM SHAKTI supercomputing facility has been launched at IIT Madras, featuring the indigenous PARAM RUDRA system with a peak capacity of 3.1 petaflops. Built entirely in India under the National Supercomputing Mission, it will accelerate research in fields such as climate modelling, nuclear studies, aerospace engineering, and advanced drug discovery. The facility incorporates modern cooling, uninterrupted power supply, and open-source software to support high-performance computing tasks. Hosting PARAM SHAKTI at IIT Madras enables interdisciplinary research, strengthens India’s computing ecosystem, and contributes to technological advancements aligned with initiatives like the IndiaAI Mission.