1. CONGRESS STRENGTHENS ALLIANCE WITH DMK FOR 2026 TAMIL NADU ASSEMBLY POLLS AMID BJP’S PUSH
SUBJECT: POLITY
- Congress has confirmed its continuation of alliance with DMK for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, initiating early discussions on seat-sharing to consolidate anti-BJP votes in the state.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Tamil Nadu to participate in community events aimed at expanding BJP’s grassroots presence ahead of the crucial 2026 polls.
- Opposition parties across India plan coordinated protests from early January against central policies, intensifying political confrontations in the run-up to multiple state elections.
- The year 2026 is poised to witness high-stakes electoral battles in several states, including Tamil Nadu, with focus on ideological divides and governance records.
- Supreme Court decisions on high-profile cases continue to spark debates on judicial independence and civil rights protections.
- Political discourse highlights concerns over family-dominated parties versus broader democratic participation in state-level politics.
- Concepts: Coalition Politics – Essential for regional parties in national alliances; Article 356 – Relates to Centre-State relations during political instability.
2. TAMIL NADU RECEIVES UNSEASONAL RAINFALL WHILE NORTH INDIA FACES INTENSE COLD WAVE CONDITIONS
SUBJECT: NATIONAL ISSUES
- Several districts in Tamil Nadu recorded above-average rainfall in early January due to weather systems over the Bay of Bengal, leading to alerts in coastal areas.
- Educational institutions in multiple states, including parts affected by weather extremes, announced temporary closures to ensure student safety during cold waves and rains.
- Tamil Nadu government rolled out a major initiative distributing free laptops to lakhs of higher education students to promote digital learning and skill development.
- High courts across states are actively addressing corruption probes involving public officials, reinforcing accountability in governance.
- National policy think tanks outline ambitious targets for international collaboration in education and infrastructure development.
- Central monitoring mechanisms for key projects continue to drive timely implementation and resolution of bottlenecks.
- Concepts: Concurrent List Subjects – Education and disaster response involve Centre-State coordination; Fundamental Duties – Promote environmental awareness during weather events.
3. INDIA ASSUMES BRICS PRESIDENCY FOCUSING ON MULTIPOLARITY AMID US TARIFF THREATS
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- India takes over the 2026 BRICS presidency, with analysts expecting a focus on multipolarity rather than de-dollarization, strengthening ties with emerging economies.
- US President Trump warns of higher tariffs on India over continued Russian oil purchases, prompting Congress to question if India’s foreign policy is dictated by the US.
- India’s Neighbourhood First policy faces a major test in 2026 with elections in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal, requiring strategic security and diplomatic maneuvers.
- Cultural exchanges, such as events in Paris, bolster diplomatic ties between India and France, enhancing international relations through soft power.
- India’s geopolitical strategy in 2026 navigates global turbulence, emphasizing strategic autonomy with visits to Russia and China in prior years.
- Foreign policy shifts to a pragmatic, interest-based approach, moving away from rigid alliances for balanced international engagements.
- Concepts: Strategic Autonomy – Defines India’s independent stance in global affairs; Non-Aligned Movement 2.0 – Influences multipolar advocacy in BRICS.
4. INDIA’S GDP PROJECTED ABOVE 7% WITH CONSUMPTION-LED GROWTH AND LIMITED RATE CUTS
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- India’s economy is expected to grow above 7% in 2026, with limited room for rate cuts but an improved rupee outlook, driven by policy support.
- RBI likely to retain 4% inflation target, as per reports, balancing growth amid global uncertainties.
- Consumption surge anticipated in 2026, fueled by policy measures and low inflation, keeping it ahead of capital expenditure.
- Loan growth at Indian banks picks up in December quarter, with HDFC Bank reporting 11.9% rise, indicating robust financial sector activity.
- Stock market sees mixed opening on January 5, with Sensex and Nifty slipping due to IT drags and US tariff concerns.
- Mutual fund growth accelerates with India’s economic rise, highlighting opportunities in sectors like realty and consumption.
- Concepts: Monetary Policy Framework – Guides RBI’s inflation targeting; Atmanirbhar Bharat – Supports domestic growth through schemes like PLI.
5. INDIA ADVANCES INDIGENOUS DEFENCE WITH RAMJET SHELLS AND AIR DEFENSE SHIELD
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- Indian Army set to become the first to field ramjet-powered 155mm artillery shells, enhancing range and precision in operations.
- Delhi to be protected by a multi-layered air defense shield, integrating advanced systems for capital security.
- Fourth Arihant-class SSBN, S4*, expected commissioning as INS Arisudan, bolstering sea-based nuclear deterrence.
- Indian Navy reviews 2025 achievements and sets course for 2026, focusing on security and rapid response capabilities.
- DRDO unveils portable water purification system for armed forces in remote deployments, improving logistical support.
- Indian Navy urges study of octopus biology for next-gen unmanned systems, promoting bio-inspired defence innovations.
- Concepts: Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 – Facilitates indigenous procurement; Strategic Deterrence – Underpins nuclear submarine advancements.
