Daily Current Affairs- 7th January 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 7th January 2026

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

In the News: Financial Software and Systems (FSS), a global leader in payments technology and transaction processing headquartered in Chennai, India, became the first payments company in India, Middle East, APAC (Asia-Pacific), and South Africa to achieve ISO/IEC 42001 Certification Lead status.

Key Points:

• Historic Achievement: FSS became the first payments company across India, Middle East, APAC and South Africa regions to be certified as ISO/IEC 42001 Certification Lead. The "Certification Lead" status reflects a higher level of maturity, recognizing FSS's ability to not only adopt the standard but also lead its implementation at an enterprise scale.
• About ISO/IEC 42001 Standard: ISO/IEC 42001:2023 is a joint publication by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) titled "Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Management System."
• About Financial Software and Systems (FSS): FSS is a global leader in payments technology and transaction processing, offering a comprehensive suite of products and solutions that redefine the payment experience. Headquartered in Chennai, India, with over 20 years of experience in the payments domain.
• Shift to Enterprise-Wide AI Governance: By achieving ISO/IEC 42001 Certification, FSS signals a strategic shift from ad-hoc, fragmented AI usage to a structured, enterprise-wide AI governance model.
• TÜV SÜD Independent Assessment: FSS's AI governance framework has been independently assessed and certified by TÜV SÜD, a globally recognized certification and assurance body with expertise in technology standards compliance. TÜV SÜD's validation of the "Certification Lead" status demonstrates FSS's advanced maturity level in AI governance implementation.

Siddaramaiah Becomes Karnataka’s Longest-Serving Chief Minister

In the News: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah created history by becoming the longest-serving Chief Minister in the state's history, surpassing the four-decade-old record held by late Congress leader Devaraj Urs. The 77-year-old leader completed 2,792 days in office across two non-consecutive terms, marking a significant milestone in Karnataka's political landscape .

Key Points:

• Historic Milestone Achieved: On January 6, 2026, Siddaramaiah equaled Devaraj Urs's record of 2,792 days as Chief Minister, and surpassed it on January 7, 2026. During his first tenure from May 13, 2013, to May 15, 2018, he served for 1,829 days (five full years). Since assuming office again on May 20, 2023, he has completed 963 days, taking his total tenure to this record-breaking figure.
• Only Second CM to Complete Full Five-Year Term: Siddaramaiah became only the second Chief Minister in Karnataka's history to complete a full five-year term, after Devaraj Urs. His first term (2013-2018) was the first such instance in 40 years, making him the first Chief Minister to serve a complete term since the late 1970s.
• 'Ahinda' Coalition Politics: Siddaramaiah fashioned his politics around the 'Ahinda' coalition (an acronym for Alpasankhyataru-minorities, Hindulidavaru-backward classes, and Dalitaru-Dalits), focusing on social justice and welfare schemes for marginalized communities.
• Five Guarantees Scheme: After the 2023 election victory, Siddaramaiah's government implemented the Congress party's "Five Guarantees" promised in the election manifesto: Gruha Jyoti (200 units of free electricity for households), Gruha Lakshmi (₹2,000 monthly assistance to women heads of households), Anna Bhagya (additional 5 kg free rice per person per month), Yuva Nidhi (₹3,000 monthly allowance for unemployed graduate youth and ₹1,500 for diploma holders), and Shakti (free bus travel for women in state transport buses).

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

In the News: India’s traditional medicine system AYUSH (comprising Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) received formal recognition in bilateral trade agreements with Oman and New Zealand, as part of the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) finalized in December 2025. This marks a significant global boost for India’s AYUSH sector.

Key Points:

• Formal Recognition in Trade Deals: India’s AYUSH system has been formally included and recognised in the recent bilateral trade pacts with Oman and New Zealand. Both agreements feature dedicated annexures focusing on health-related services and traditional medicine, which is a first for such treaties.
• Trade Agreements Involved: The recognition comes through the India–Oman CEPA and the India–New Zealand FTA, both finalised in December 2025. These agreements now formally acknowledge traditional Indian healthcare systems and create frameworks for cooperation in related services and exports.
• Export Growth: Exports of AYUSH products have shown positive momentum, with an increase of about 6.11%, growing from USD 649.2 million in 2023–24 to USD 688.89 million in 2024–25. This reflects rising global demand for herbal and traditional wellness products.
• Improved Market Access: The inclusion of AYUSH provisions in these trade deals is expected to provide greater market access, clearer regulatory frameworks, and smoother trade conditions for Indian traditional medicine products in Oman, New Zealand, and potentially other markets.
• Boost to Global Acceptance: The move enhances the global credibility and acceptance of India’s traditional healthcare systems, positioning AYUSH as an important component of global health and wellness trade, and strengthening India’s soft power and health diplomacy.

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

In the News: The Government of India approved the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for the Rabi 2025–26 cropping season, ensuring affordable and balanced availability of key fertilizers to farmers from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2026.

Key Points:

• Policy Approval: The Union Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister, approved revised Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers for the Rabi 2025–26 season, aimed at making fertilizers available to farmers at subsidized, reasonable prices.
• Scheme Objective: The NBS scheme promotes balanced fertilization by linking subsidy to nutrient content (Nitrogen-N, Phosphorus-P, Potassium-K, Sulphur-S) rather than product type, discouraging over-use of nitrogen and improving soil health and productivity.
•  Effective Period: The approved NBS rates are effective from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2026, covering critical fertilizer needs during the winter cropping cycle.
• Budgetary Allocation: The tentative budgetary requirement for the Rabi 2025–26 fertilizer subsidy is approximately ₹37,952.29 crore, about ₹736 crore higher than the allocation for the Kharif 2025 season. 
• Expanded Coverage: Ammonium Sulphate has been included under NBS for the first time in Rabi 2025–26 to boost sulphur availability and support crop nutrition.

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

In the News: The Indian Army unveiled one of its most significant transformations in recent decades by creating a modern warfare force comprising over one lakh (100,000) trained drone operatives across all formations, alongside raising new technology-driven 'Bhairav' Special Forces battalions.

Key Points:

• Massive Drone Operative Force: The Indian Army has created a vast pool of over one lakh (100,000) trained drone operatives across its formations, marking one of the largest single military transformations undertaken by the force. Every soldier in the Bhairav battalions is trained to operate, deploy, and integrate drones in real combat scenarios, including targeting enemy bases and formations deep inside hostile territory.
• Bhairav Special Forces Battalions: The Bhairav battalions are new specialized units raised by Army Headquarters to meet the demands of contemporary and future warfare. Approximately 15 Bhairav battalions have already been raised and deployed across key formations on both the northern (China) and western (Pakistan) borders, with plans to expand to around 25 battalions in total in the near future.
• Bridging Capability Gap: The Bhairav battalions are specifically designed to bridge the operational gap between elite Para (Special Forces) and regular Infantry battalions, offering field commanders flexible, technology-enabled strike options.
• Symbolism and Naming: The name "Bhairav" itself carries cultural and spiritual significance. Bhairav is a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology, associated with destruction of evil and protection.

Haryana to Launch India's First Hydrogen-Powered Train

In the News: India is poised to launch its first hydrogen-powered train on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana, with trial operations expected to begin on January 26, 2026 (Republic Day). Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to inaugurate this landmark green mobility project. The Northern Railway's ambitious initiative marks a historic milestone in India's journey toward sustainable transportation and represents a significant step in reducing Indian Railways' dependence on diesel traction while advancing the nation's zero-carbon emission goals.

Key Points:

• Trial Launch Date: The first trial run of India's hydrogen-powered train is expected to commence on January 26, 2026, coinciding with India's 78th Republic Day celebrations. Final preparations are underway by Indian Railways, the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), and Spanish partner Green H. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the service, which will mark a watershed moment in India's green transportation revolution.
• Route Details: The hydrogen train will operate on a 90-kilometer (89-km according to some sources) stretch between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana, with six stations along the alignment. The journey takes approximately one hour.
• World's Longest Hydrogen Train: The trainset is described as the world's longest hydrogen-powered train, comprising 10 coaches total: two driving power cars (DPC) and eight passenger coaches. Each driving power car is rated at 1,200 kW (1,200 horsepower), delivering a combined output of 2,400 kW.
• Maximum Speed Capability: The hydrogen-powered train is designed to travel at speeds ranging from 110 to 150 kilometers per hour (kmph), ensuring fast and efficient travel between Jind and Sonipat.
• Manufacturing and Design: The train has been fully designed and developed within India under the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, as confirmed by Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The coaches were manufactured at the prestigious Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, showcasing indigenous technological capabilities. The trains were then shipped to Shakur Basti station in North Delhi for phased induction and system installations before final deployment to Jind.
• Green Hydrogen Production: The hydrogen is produced using electrochemical technology through water electrolysis, making it "green hydrogen" when powered by renewable energy. The facility requires approximately 40,000 liters of water per hour for hydrogen production.