The three-year Public Private Partnership (PPP) project pipeline worth over ₹17 lakh crore, covering 852 projects across Centre, States and Union Territories, has been prepared by which department?

The three-year PPP project pipeline has been prepared by the Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance.

7th January, 2026 Current Affairs (Daily GK Update) |

National News

India’s AYUSH System Gains Global Boost Through Deals With Oman and New Zealand

India’s traditional healthcare system, AYUSH, is gaining global recognition, recently being included in bilateral trade agreements with Oman and New Zealand.
The agreements formally acknowledge AYUSH, cover herbal products and wellness services, and provide regulatory clarity to support trade.
This recognition enhances India’s credibility in global traditional medicine markets, boosts exports, and encourages collaboration in research and wellness.
AYUSH exports rose 6.11%, from USD 649.2 million in 2023–24 to USD 688.89 million in 2024–25, reflecting rising international demand for Indian herbal and wellness products.

Haryana to Launch India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train

Haryana is set to launch India’s first hydrogen-powered train on the Jind–Sonipat route, a pilot project by Indian Railways using green hydrogen to promote clean and sustainable rail transport.
The hydrogen train, built by Northern Railway, will demonstrate the feasibility of hydrogen as a zero-emission fuel alternative to diesel on non-electrified routes.
A dedicated hydrogen plant at Jind, with 3,000 kg storage and powered by stable electricity, will supply fuel through electrolysis.

Supreme Court Signs MoU for Law Clerks Exchange With This Country

India and Bhutan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to allow Bhutanese law clerks to work in the Supreme Court of India for three months, receiving the same honorarium as Indian clerks, with travel expenses covered by the Court.
The initiative, announced by Chief Justice Surya Kant, aims to strengthen judicial cooperation, training, and institutional ties between the two neighbors.
The agreement follows a visit by former CJI B R Gavai to Bhutan in October 2025, where both countries planned collaboration in technology integration and capacity building.

Centre Unveils ₹17 Lakh Crore PPP Project Pipeline for Next Three Years

The Government of India has unveiled a three-year Public Private Partnership (PPP) project pipeline worth over ₹17 lakh crore, covering 852 projects across Central ministries, States, and Union Territories.
Announced under the Union Budget 2025–26 and prepared by the Department of Economic Affairs, the pipeline aims to provide investors and developers early visibility, improve project bankability, and accelerate infrastructure execution.
Spanning sectors like transport, energy, urban development, logistics, water, and social infrastructure, the initiative leverages private capital, technology, and efficiency while sharing risks with the public sector.

Government of India Approves Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Rates for Rabi 2025–26

In January 2025, the Government of India approved Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for the Rabi 2025–26 season to ensure affordable and balanced fertilizers for farmers.
Effective from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2026, the decision covers Phosphatic and Potassic fertilizers, including DAP and multiple NPKS grades, with Ammonium Sulphate added for the first time.
Subsidy rates have been fixed per kg of nutrients to protect farmers from global price volatility, promote soil health, and sustain agricultural productivity.
The move reinforces food security goals and reflects the government’s continued focus on farmer welfare and balanced fertilization.

State News

Siddaramaiah Becomes Karnataka’s Longest Serving Chief Minister

Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has become the state’s longest serving CM, surpassing Devaraj Urs with over seven years and eight months in office across his tenures.
Rising from a small village in Mysuru district, he began his political journey in 1983 and held key roles in the Janata Party and Janata Dal before joining Congress in 2006.
As the first CM from the Kuruba community, he championed social justice through the AHINDA coalition of minorities, backward classes, and Dalits.

Assam Governor Launches Sanskaar Shaala for Value-Based Education

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya launched Sanskaar Shaala in Guwahati.
The programme focuses on value-based education for children aged four to fourteen years.
It promotes ethics and compassion. Indian cultural values are emphasised.
The Governor highlighted moral learning alongside formal education.
He also attended the Golden Jubilee of Guwahati Blind High School. Inclusive education was praised. Government initiatives for persons with disabilities were highlighted.

2,000-Year-Old Kushan Coins of King Vasudeva Unearthed Near Taxila

Archaeologists in Pakistan have discovered 2,000-year-old bronze coins of the Kushan Empire from the reign of King Vasudeva at Bhir
Mound near Taxila in Rawalpindi. Alongside the coins, fragments of lapis lazuli were found, indicating long-distance trade networks linking
Central and South Asia. Numismatic analysis shows the coins depict King Vasudeva and a female deity, reflecting the religious pluralism of the Kushan era.
The find highlights Taxila’s political, economic, and cultural importance during the Kushan period and offers valuable insights into ancient trade, faith, and governance.

Banking News

SEBI Proposes 30-Day Lag on Market Price Data for Investor Education

SEBI has proposed a uniform 30-day lag for sharing and using stock price data in investor education programmes, replacing the previous one-day and three-month rules.
The aim is to prevent misuse of sensitive market data while keeping educational content relevant and meaningful for investors.
SEBI highlighted that using live or near-real-time data could blur the line between education and investment advice, which requires regulatory compliance.
The proposal maintains existing safeguards from earlier circulars, ensuring content avoids recommendations.

Axis Bank Launches ‘Safety Centre’ to Boost Digital Banking Security

Axis Bank has launched a new ‘Safety Centre’ on its mobile banking app to strengthen customer protection against digital fraud.
Introduced in January 2026, the feature allows users to manage internet and mobile banking, UPI limits, fund transfers, and fraud protection tools in real time.
Key functions include SMS Shield to verify genuine messages, one-click restriction on fund transfers, blocking third-party payments, and controlling UPI usage and payee additions.

RBI Proposes 75% Cap on Banks’ Dividend Payouts

The Reserve Bank of India has proposed capping banks’ dividend payouts at 75% of Profit After Tax to strengthen capital buffers and ensure long-term financial stability.
The move applies to scheduled commercial banks and encourages retention of profits to absorb future risks, support credit growth, and withstand economic shocks.
While shareholders may receive moderated dividends, the proposal prioritizes balance-sheet strength and aligns with global banking best practices.
By limiting excessive payouts, the RBI aims to maintain capital adequacy, reduce systemic risk, and promote prudential banking, ensuring that profits are used to reinforce resilience rather than being fully distributed as dividends.

IDFC FIRST Bank Launches ‘Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card’

In January 2026, IDFC FIRST Bank launched the Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card, a premium offering aimed at frequent international travellers and lifestyle spenders.
The card’s key feature is zero foreign exchange markup, making overseas spending and international online purchases more cost-effective.
Priced at ₹3,000 plus GST annually, with a fee waiver from the second year on ₹6 lakh spends, it offers lounge access, travel insurance, airport services, and a strong reward points structure.
The launch strengthens IDFC FIRST Bank’s presence in the premium credit card segment with a digital-first, globally focused product.

Business News

FSS Becomes First Payments Company to Receive ISO/IEC 42001 Certification

Financial Software and Systems (FSS) became the first payments company across India, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and South Africa to receive the ISO/IEC 42001 certification.
This global recognition highlights FSS’s commitment to ethical, responsible, and trustworthy use of artificial intelligence in digital payments.
ISO/IEC 42001, the world’s first standard for AI management systems, ensures strong governance, transparency, and risk mitigation in AI-driven operations.
The certification strengthens regulatory confidence, enhances customer trust, and underscores India’s growing leadership in fintech innovation and responsible AI adoption across emerging markets.

Defense News

Indian Army Creates Modern Warfare Force ‘Bhairav’ with Over 1 Lakh Drone Operatives

In January 2026, the Indian Army announced the creation of ‘Bhairav’, a new modern warfare force integrating advanced drone technology into combat operations.
Comprising over one lakh trained drone operatives and structured into agile Bhairav battalions, the force is designed for real-time surveillance, precision strikes, and high-intensity missions, bridging the gap between infantry and Special Forces.
With 15 battalions already raised and plans to expand to 25, Bhairav marks a major leap in India’s military modernisation and technology-driven battlefield dominance, reflecting lessons from recent global conflicts and strengthening India’s future-ready defence capabilities.

IAF Commemorates 25th Anniversary of Tejas Light Combat Aircraft’s First Flight

On January 4, 2026, the Indian Air Force marked the 25th anniversary of the maiden flight of the indigenously developed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, symbolising India’s progress toward self-reliance in defence aviation under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Launched in 1983, the Tejas programme aimed to replace ageing IAF fighters with a modern indigenous aircraft.
The first flight on 4 January 2001 from HAL Airport, Bengaluru, piloted by Wing Commander Rajiv Kothiyal, marked India’s entry into elite aircraft-designing nations.

Economy News

India’s Growth Seen at 6.9% in FY27 Despite Global Pressures: Ind-Ra

India’s economy is projected to grow 6.9% in FY27, down from 7.4% in FY26, due to global uncertainties and a high base effect.
Domestic reforms like income tax cuts, GST rationalization, and trade deals with the UK, Oman, and New Zealand are expected to support growth.
Rural demand is strong, while urban consumption is weaker, and capital spending and housing investments will boost the economy.
Inflation is likely to remain stable, supported by steady food prices.
Key risks include US tariffs, weak global trade, El Niño, and currency fluctuations. Overall, domestic reforms are expected to cushion external challenges.

Appointments News

Ramesh Kumar Juneja Takes Charge as Chairman of Council for Leather Exports

Ramesh Kumar Juneja has been appointed Chairman of the Council for Leather Exports (CLE), taking charge during its 184th Committee of Administration meeting in Chennai.
CLE, sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, promotes Indian leather, footwear, and related products globally through trade facilitation and policy support.
Juneja brings over four decades of industry experience, having founded the JC Group and pioneered India’s integration into global leather value chains.

GI Council Appoints S Prakash as CEO for Health Insurance Ecosystem

The General Insurance Council has appointed S Prakash as CEO for Health Insurance Ecosystem and Strategic Partnerships, effective January 7, 2026.
The role aims to strengthen collaboration across insurers, hospitals, regulators, and policyholders to improve efficiency, transparency, and trust in India’s health insurance sector.
Prakash will focus on standardizing treatment protocols, reducing disputes, managing fraud and abuse, and enhancing grievance redressal mechanisms.

Science & Technology News

Govt Relaxes DSIR Norms to Boost Deep-Tech Startups

The Government of India has relaxed DSIR norms by removing the mandatory three-year existence condition for deep-tech startups to receive official recognition.
Announced at the 41st Foundation Day of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, the move allows early-stage startups to access institutional support sooner.
The reform reflects the government’s confidence in Indian innovators and aims to help startups scale during their most vulnerable phase.