Topic 1: India’s Economic Trajectory: First Advance Estimates of GDP for 2025-26
Syllabus
- GS-III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
- GS-III: Government Budgeting and Economic Growth.
Context
- On January 07, 2026, the National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), released the First Advance Estimates (FAE) for the financial year 2025-26.
- The report predicts a real GDP growth of 7.4%, up from 6.5% in the previous fiscal year, signaling a robust recovery in private consumption and investment.
Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Growth Drivers:
- Gross Value Added (GVA): The growth is primarily led by the Manufacturing sector (estimated at 8.2%) and the Services sector (estimated at 7.9%), particularly trade, hotels, and transport.
- Capital Expenditure (CapEx): The government’s continued focus on infrastructure (via PM Gati Shakti) has acted as a “crowding-in” factor for private investment.
- Fiscal Indicators:
- Nominal GDP Growth: Projected at 8%, suggesting relatively stable inflation levels compared to previous years.
- Tax-to-GDP Ratio: An improvement in GST collections and direct tax compliance has provided the fiscal cushion for continued social sector spending.
- Consumption Trends:
- Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE): After a period of stagnation, rural demand is showing signs of a “K-shaped” recovery flattening out, as agricultural wages increase.
- Global Context:
- Despite global headwinds like high interest rates in the West and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, India remains the fastest-growing major economy.
Positives, Negatives, and Government Schemes
- Positives:
- Strong industrial growth indicates successful implementation of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.
- Resilient services export growth despite a global slowdown.
- Negatives:
- Sectoral Disparity: The Agriculture sector growth remains modest at 3.1%, susceptible to climate-induced disruptions.
- External Sector Risk: A widening trade deficit in electronics and high-tech components.
- Government Schemes:
- PM Gati Shakti: Streamlining logistics to reduce the cost of doing business.
- PLI 2.0: Expanding incentives to 14 sectors to boost domestic manufacturing.
Examples
- Electronics Manufacturing: The surge in mobile phone exports has moved India from a net importer to a key global assembly hub.
- Infrastructure Feat: Completion of major sections of the Western and Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC) has lowered freight turnaround times.
Way Forward
- Enhancing Productivity: Move focus from “assembly-only” manufacturing to “design and R&D” within India.
- Agricultural Reforms: Invest in climate-resilient farming and post-harvest infrastructure (Agri-Infrastructure Fund) to stabilize food inflation.
- Skilling: Aligning the National Skill Development Mission with the needs of the emerging green-hydrogen and semiconductor sectors.
Conclusion
The 7.4% growth estimate for 2025-26 reflects an economy that has effectively internalized structural reforms. However, the transition from “fastest-growing” to “developed nation” (Viksit Bharat) will require sustained focus on rural consumption and human capital.
Practice Mains Question
“While the First Advance Estimates for 2025-26 project a robust GDP growth, the challenge of ‘jobless growth’ and sectoral imbalances persists. Critically evaluate the structural shifts required to ensure inclusive economic development.” (15 Marks, 250 Words)
Topic 2: Decoding the 2027 Population Census: Houselisting Notification
Syllabus
- GS-II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors.
- GS-I: Population and associated issues.
- GS-III: Mobilization of resources and development.
Context
- On January 07, 2026, the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (RG&CCI) officially notified the dates for the first phase of the decennial Census (branded as Census 2027).
- The Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO) phase will be conducted from April 1 to September 30, 2026.
Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Digital Transformation:
- For the first time, the Census will be a “Digital Census” where data is collected via mobile applications.
- A self-enumeration portal will be launched, allowing citizens to fill in their details using Aadhaar authentication.
- Social & Political Dimension:
- The census is occurring amidst heated debates regarding a Caste-based Census. While the current notification focuses on housing and assets, pressure from several states continues for the inclusion of OBC data.
- Delimitation Concern: The 2027 data will be the legal basis for the next delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly constituencies, raising concerns about representation among Southern states.
- Administrative Dimension:
- Over 30 lakh enumerators (mostly teachers and local officials) will be deployed.
- The HLO phase will collect data on 31 parameters, including access to drinking water, electricity, type of fuel used, and digital assets (smartphones/internet).
Positives, Negatives, and Government Schemes
- Positives:
- Real-time Data: Digital entry eliminates the “data-lag” of 3-4 years seen in previous censuses.
- Targeted Delivery: Helps in the precise identification of beneficiaries for the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and PM Awas Yojana.
- Negatives:
- Privacy Risks: Handling the personal data of 1.4 billion people on digital servers raises cybersecurity concerns.
- Exclusion Error: Vulnerable populations with no digital footprint or valid ID might be missed in self-enumeration.
- Government Schemes:
- Digital India: The backbone enabling the paperless census.
- Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra: Using previous data to reach “saturation” in scheme delivery.
Examples
- Bihar & Andhra Pradesh: States that have already conducted independent socio-economic surveys, setting a precedent for the demand for more granular data.
- Aadhaar-linked Enumeration: The first major use of Aadhaar to verify the residency of “floating populations.”
Way Forward
- Data Protection: Enact and enforce the strictest protocols under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 for census data.
- Public Awareness: Launch a massive “Jan Andolan” to ensure the accuracy of data, particularly regarding disability and economic status.
- Neutrality: Ensure the process remains strictly administrative and non-partisan to maintain the sanctity of the data.
Conclusion
The 2027 Census is not just a head-count; it is a vital diagnostic tool for the nation. In a digital-first era, its success will define the efficiency of India’s welfare state for the next decade.
Practice Mains Question
“The transition to a Digital Census in India offers immense potential for real-time policymaking but also presents significant challenges regarding data privacy and the digital divide. Discuss.” (10 Marks, 150 Words)
Topic 3: Mission 100% Electrification: The Green Transformation of Indian Railways
Syllabus
- GS-III: Infrastructure: Railways, Energy.
- GS-III: Conservation, environmental pollution, and degradation.
Context
- PIB reported on January 07, 2026, that Indian Railways (IR) has reached 99.2% Broad Gauge electrification.
- Out of the 70,001 Route Kilometers (RKM), 69,427 RKM have been electrified, making India a global leader in rail decarbonization.
Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Operational Efficiency:
- Energy Saving: Electric traction is approximately 70% more economical than diesel.
- Haulage Power: Electric locomotives provide better acceleration and can pull heavier loads, essential for the “Hungry for Cargo” mission.
- Environmental Impact:
- Significant reduction in Carbon Footprint; the mission contributes to India’s Net Zero 2070 goal.
- Elimination of diesel fumes at railway stations improves local air quality.
- Economic Perspective:
- Reduced Import Bill: It lowers India’s dependence on imported crude oil, saving billions in foreign exchange annually.
- Indigenous Tech: High-horsepower locomotives (WAG-12) are now being manufactured in Madhepura, Bihar, under the “Make in India” initiative.
- Grid Integration:
- The Railways is transitioning into a “Prosumer” by installing solar panels along tracks and on station roofs (898 MW current capacity).
Positives, Negatives, and Government Schemes
- Positives:
- Faster travel times for both passenger (Vande Bharat) and freight trains.
- Enhanced safety through the integration of the Kavach system, which works best on electrified lines.
- Negatives:
- Grid Dependency: Susceptibility to massive disruptions during regional power grid failures.
- Cost of Transition: High initial capital expenditure for Overhead Equipment (OHE) in remote/hilly terrains.
- Government Schemes:
- Mission Raftar: Aiming to double the average speed of freight and passenger trains.
- PM-KUSUM (C): Potential to use railway land for solar plants to feed the traction grid.
Examples
- Konkan Railway: Successful completion of electrification in the challenging Western Ghats terrain.
- Golden Quadrilateral: The entire high-density network of the GQ is now 100% electrified.
Way Forward
- Smart Grids: Implementing AI-based energy management to balance power draw from the national grid.
- Green Hydrogen: Exploring Hydrogen-for-Heritage trains for sections where electrification is not feasible (e.g., narrow-gauge tourist lines).
- Exporting Expertise: India should now bid for international rail electrification projects in Africa and SE Asia.
Conclusion
Indian Railways’ near-total electrification is a landmark achievement in global infrastructure. It proves that large-scale brownfield projects can be executed at scale, turning a colonial-era legacy into a modern, green lifeline for the nation.
Practice Mains Question
“Infrastructure modernization of Indian Railways is pivotal to India’s climate commitments. Evaluate the role of ‘Mission 100% Electrification’ in achieving energy security and environmental sustainability.” (15 Marks, 250 Words)
Topic 4: Stray Dog Management & The Fundamental Right to Safety
Syllabus
- GS-II: Judiciary, Fundamental Rights (Article 21), Government Policies for Social Welfare.
- GS-III: Environment and Animal Welfare.
Context
- On January 07, 2026, the Supreme Court observed that the presence of stray dogs in public institutions like schools and courts is a “danger” to citizens.
- The Bench flagged a spike in dog-bite incidents and suggested that high-footfall areas should be made “dog-free.”
Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Legal Perspective: * Article 21: The Court emphasized the “Right to Life” over the rights of animals, stating that human safety is paramount in public spaces.
- Conflict with Rules: Animal welfare groups argue that “removal” violates the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, which mandate “Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release” (CNVR) at the same location.
- Social Dimension: * There is a growing urban-rural divide in perception. High-profile incidents of attacks on children and the elderly have fueled public demand for stricter relocation policies.
- Economic Dimension: * The cost of managing strays is immense. Estimates suggest feeding 100 dogs for two months costs approx. ₹6 lakh, putting a massive burden on municipal budgets.
- Administrative Perspective: * The SC criticized municipal authorities for failing to implement sterilization programs effectively, leading to “saturated” streets.
Positives, Negatives, and Government Schemes
- Positives: High-footfall areas (hospitals, schools) will become safer for vulnerable groups.
- Negatives: Moving dogs out of their territories may lead to increased aggression or lack of monitoring for rabies.
- Government Schemes:
- Animal Birth Control (ABC) Program: Re-focusing on standardized sterilization.
- National Action Plan for Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination (NAPRE): Goal to eliminate rabies by 2030.
Examples
- NALSAR University Case: A study showed that educational institutions alone might house 1.54 crore dogs, highlighting the scale of the “institutional stray” problem.
- NHAI SOP: The NHAI identified 1,400 km of highways vulnerable to stray animal ingress, causing frequent accidents.
Way Forward
- Scientific Sheltering: Developing “Dog Parks” or transit shelters rather than just dumping dogs in outskirts.
- Community Responsibility: Mandatory registration of “community dogs” to ensure accountability for vaccination.
Conclusion
The judiciary’s shift reflects a pragmatic “safety-first” approach. However, a lasting solution lies in the intersection of strict ABC rule enforcement and humane urban planning.
Practice Mains Question
“The conflict between the ‘Right to Life’ of citizens and ‘Prevention of Cruelty’ to animals has reached a flashpoint in urban India. Evaluate the Supreme Court’s recent stance on stray dog management.” (15 Marks, 250 Words)
Topic 5: CCI Steel Price Collusion: Antitrust in Strategic Sectors
Syllabus
- GS-III: Indian Economy, Corporate Governance, Statutory Bodies (CCI).
- GS-II: Government Policies and Interventions.
Context
- The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on January 07, 2026, found top steel giants including Tata Steel, JSW Steel, and SAIL guilty of price collusion.
- The confidential report alleges these firms breached antitrust laws by coordinating prices to protect margins during market volatility.
Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Economic Impact: * Steel is a backbone for construction and manufacturing. Collusion increases the cost of public infrastructure projects (roads, railways), leading to fiscal slippage.
- It stifles the competitiveness of the MSME sector, which relies on affordable raw materials.
- Regulatory Dimension: * This is one of the largest cartel investigations in India’s history. It tests the Competition Act, 2002, and the CCI’s power to impose “lethal” fines (up to 10% of average turnover).
- Corporate Governance: * The findings highlight a “cartelization culture” in oligopolistic markets where few players control the majority of production.
Positives, Negatives, and Government Schemes
- Positives: Strict action will deter future cartels and ensure a “level playing field.”
- Negatives: Hefty fines on major steel players might affect their capital expenditure (CapEx) for green-steel transitions.
- Government Schemes:
- National Steel Policy 2017: Aims for 300 MT capacity by 2030; collusion undermines this goal by artificial supply constraints.
Examples
- The Cement Cartel Precedent: Similar to the 2016 cement case, this shows the CCI’s increasing “teeth” in monitoring vital commodity sectors.
Way Forward
- Leniency Plus Policy: Encouraging one member of a cartel to “blow the whistle” in exchange for reduced penalties.
- Periodic Audits: Mandatory disclosure of pricing algorithms for large-scale commodity suppliers.
Conclusion
A fair steel market is essential for “Viksit Bharat.” The CCI must ensure that corporate profitability does not come at the cost of national development efficiency.
Practice Mains Question
“How does cartelization in strategic sectors like steel affect the realization of the ‘Make in India’ dream? Discuss the role of the CCI in maintaining market integrity.” (15 Marks, 250 Words)
Topic 6: National Textiles Ministers’ Conference: Guwahati Declaration 2026
Syllabus
- GS-III: Indian Economy, Infrastructure (PM MITRA), Growth & Development.
- GS-I: Geography (Resource distribution in North-East).
Context
- The Ministry of Textiles organized a National Conference in Guwahati on January 07, 2026, under the theme “India’s Textiles: Weaving Growth, Heritage & Innovation.”
- The focus was on making India a $250 billion textile market by 2030.
Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Regional Perspective: * The conference emphasized the North-East Region (NER) as a hub for Eri and Muga Silk.
- Focus on “Silk Tourism” and branding NER handicrafts for global luxury markets.
- Industrial Dimension: * The PM MITRA Parks (Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel) were reviewed to ensure “Farm to Fiber to Factory to Fashion to Foreign” connectivity.
- Technological Dimension: * Push for Technical Textiles (used in medical, automotive, and defense sectors) as the next frontier beyond traditional apparel.
Positives, Negatives, and Government Schemes
- Positives: Job creation in rural areas, especially for women (who constitute 70% of the workforce).
- Negatives: High logistics costs in the NER remain a barrier to large-scale exports.
- Government Schemes:
- SAMARTH Scheme: For capacity building and skilling.
- Amrit Dharohar: Linking wetland/local heritage with sustainable textile production.
Examples
- Assam’s Muga Silk: GI-tagged and now being integrated into high-fashion supply chains under the “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” initiative.
Way Forward
- Sustainability Certification: Helping weavers get “Green Labels” to bypass EU’s carbon-border taxes.
- Digital Handloom Map: A blockchain-based portal to trace the origin of every hand-woven product.
Conclusion
The textile sector is the second-largest employer in India. Transforming the North-East into a textile powerhouse is not just an economic necessity but a strategic move for regional integration.
Practice Mains Question
“Analyze the potential of the North-Eastern states in making India a global textile hub by 2030. What are the key infrastructural hurdles?” (10 Marks, 150 Words)
Topic 7: Supreme Court on CAQM & Long-Term Solutions for Air Pollution
Syllabus
- GS-III: Environment & Pollution, Statutory Bodies.
- GS-II: Judiciary and Executive relationship.
Context
- On January 07, 2026, the Supreme Court pulled up the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for being a “silent spectator” during high-pollution months.
- The Court ordered the CAQM to release a Public Domain Report on the specific proportional contribution of transport, industry, and stubble burning to Delhi’s smog.
Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Governance Perspective: * The CAQM has vast powers but faces “implementation paralysis” due to multi-state jurisdictional friction (Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, UP).
- Scientific Dimension: * The Court noted that expert bodies are at variance (attributing transport between 12% to 41%). This data ambiguity prevents targeted policy-making.
- Social Perspective: * The Court highlighted that “sufferers contribute to the problem,” urging public awareness on domestic emissions (DG sets, waste burning).
Positives, Negatives, and Government Schemes
- Positives: Judicial pressure ensures that the “emergency” of air pollution remains a top administrative priority even in January.
- Negatives: Over-reliance on “ad-hoc” bans (like GRAP) rather than year-round structural changes.
- Government Schemes:
- National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Goal to reduce PM levels by 40% by 2026.
- FAME-II: Transition to Electric Vehicles.
Examples
- Rajokri Toll Plaza: A dispute over Environment Compensation Charge (ECC) redistribution highlights the lack of financial coordination between states.
Way Forward
- Airshed Management: Treating the entire NCR-North India as one atmospheric unit rather than separate states.
- Hyper-local Monitoring: Using low-cost sensors to identify “micro-hotspots” in industrial clusters.
Conclusion
Air pollution in North India is a systemic failure. The CAQM must transition from a “regulatory body” to a “scientific coordinator” to breathe life into the NCAP goals.
Practice Mains Question
“Why has the CAQM struggled to improve air quality in the NCR despite having statutory powers? Suggest a multi-sectoral approach to tackle the crisis.” (15 Marks, 250 Words)
Topic 8: Accountability of AI Platforms: The X and “Grok” Controversy
Syllabus
- GS-III: Science & Technology (AI), Cybersecurity.
- GS-II: Government Policies & Freedom of Speech.
Context
- On January 07, 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) gave X (formerly Twitter) a final deadline to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR).
- The warning follows the discovery that X’s AI, ‘Grok’, was being misused to generate sexually explicit and indecent content targeting Indian citizens.
Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Technological Dimension: * Generative AI Risks: Unlike static search, GenAI creates “synthetic media” which is harder to track and filter using traditional keyword blocks.
- Legal Perspective: * IT Rules, 2021: Intermediaries lose “Safe Harbour” protection if they fail to remove objectionable content within 24–72 hours.
- Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act: The misuse of facial data to create deepfakes is a direct violation of data sovereignty.
- Global vs. Local Standards: * Elon Musk’s “Absolute Free Speech” philosophy often clashes with India’s “Public Order and Decency” laws.
Positives, Negatives, and Government Schemes
- Positives: Proactive government action sets a precedent that global tech giants are not above local laws.
- Negatives: Risk of “regulatory overreach” where AI innovation is stifled by excessive compliance burdens.
- Government Schemes:
- IndiaAI Mission: Building sovereign AI datasets with safety guardrails (Guardrails by Design).
Examples
- Deepfake Regulation 2024: India’s previous advisory to platforms to label AI-generated content clearly.
Way Forward
- Watermarking: Compulsory digital watermarks for all AI-generated images/videos.
- Algorithmic Accountability: Platforms must disclose how they train models to prevent cultural or gender biases.
Conclusion
As AI becomes mainstream, the “wild west” era of social media must end. The ‘Grok’ case is a litmus test for how India will balance technological progress with the dignity of its citizens.
Practice Mains Question
“Generative AI presents a unique challenge to the IT Rules of 2021. Discuss the need for a ‘Digital India Act’ to regulate AI-driven intermediaries.” (10 Marks, 150 Words)
