Current Affairs 07/01/2026
1. ‘Suryastra’ is related to which of the following?
Answer : Universal Multi-Caliber Rocket Launcher
Suryastra: India’s Universal Multi-Caliber Rocket Launcher System
Suryastra is an advanced Universal Multi-Caliber Rocket Launcher (UMRL) developed as part of India’s ongoing efforts toward defence modernization and indigenization. Designed to enhance battlefield flexibility, Suryastra represents a significant evolution in rocket artillery technology by enabling the use of multiple rocket calibers from a single launch platform.
Unlike conventional rocket launcher systems that are restricted to a fixed caliber, Suryastra offers interoperability across different rocket types, allowing armed forces to quickly adapt to varying operational requirements. This versatility reduces the need for multiple dedicated launch systems and simplifies logistics, training, and maintenance.
The system is engineered for high mobility, rapid deployment, and quick salvo firing, making it suitable for both offensive and defensive operations. Its capability to deliver saturation fire over a wide area strengthens India’s artillery firepower, particularly in high-intensity conflict scenarios. Integration with modern command, control, and targeting systems further improves accuracy and response time.
Suryastra aligns with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by promoting indigenous defence production and reducing dependence on imported artillery systems. As a universal rocket launcher, it provides a cost-effective and future-ready solution for modern warfare, reinforcing India’s strategic deterrence and combat readiness.
This system underscores India’s commitment to building flexible, technologically advanced, and self-reliant defence capabilities suited to the demands of contemporary and future battlefields.
2. Where has India’s first tropical RAS-based rainbow trout farm been launched?
Answer : Hyderabad
India’s First Tropical RAS-Based Rainbow Trout Farm Launched in Hyderabad
India has achieved a significant milestone in aquaculture innovation with the launch of its first tropical Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS)-based rainbow trout farm in Hyderabad, Telangana. This pioneering initiative marks a breakthrough in fish farming by demonstrating that rainbow trout, traditionally a cold-water species, can be successfully cultivated in tropical climatic conditions using advanced technology.
The facility utilizes Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) technology, a modern and sustainable method that continuously filters, treats, and reuses water. This system allows precise control over critical parameters such as temperature, oxygen levels, and water quality, enabling trout farming independent of natural cold-water sources. As a result, production can be maintained throughout the year with significantly reduced water consumption.
The launch of this farm opens new opportunities for high-value aquaculture in non-traditional regions, reducing India’s dependence on limited Himalayan cold-water zones for trout production. It also supports diversification in fish farming, offering farmers access to premium markets, including hospitality and export sectors.
From a strategic perspective, the project strengthens India’s focus on technology-driven, sustainable aquaculture, aligning with national goals of food security, farmer income enhancement, and innovation in agri-based industries. The Hyderabad-based tropical trout farm serves as a model for future RAS projects across the country, highlighting India’s growing capabilities in advanced aquaculture practices.
This development underscores a major step forward in modernizing India’s fisheries sector while promoting efficient resource utilization and climate-resilient farming systems.
3. Which country recently banned the broadcast of IPL?
Answer : Bangladesh
Bangladesh Bans the Broadcast of the Indian Premier League (IPL)
In a significant development in South Asian sports broadcasting, Bangladesh has recently banned the telecast of the Indian Premier League (IPL) across its television and media platforms. The decision was taken following a government directive, making Bangladesh one of the few countries to officially suspend the broadcast of the world’s most popular T20 cricket league.
The move is widely seen in the context of diplomatic and sporting sensitivities, particularly surrounding issues related to Bangladeshi player representation in the IPL. The ban reflects growing concerns within Bangladesh over the treatment of its national players in overseas leagues, which has fueled public and political debate in the country.
From a media and commercial perspective, the ban has notable implications. The IPL commands a massive viewership in Bangladesh, and its suspension affects broadcasters, advertisers, and cricket fans alike. It also highlights how international sporting events can become entangled with national sentiment and policy decisions beyond the field of play.
At a broader level, the incident underscores the intersection of sports, politics, and media regulation in the modern era. While cricket has traditionally acted as a bridge between nations in the subcontinent, this decision demonstrates how quickly sporting ties can be influenced by off-field developments.
The situation continues to be closely monitored by cricket boards, broadcasters, and international observers, as any future reversal or continuation of the ban may carry implications for regional sports diplomacy and broadcasting rights in South Asia.
4. Where was the 2nd edition of Khelo India Beach Games inaugurated?
Answer : Diu
2nd Edition of Khelo India Beach Games Inaugurated at Diu
The second edition of the Khelo India Beach Games was inaugurated at Diu, a coastal town in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, marking an important step in India’s efforts to promote beach and coastal sports. The event was held at the Blue Flag-certified Ghoghla Beach, highlighting India’s growing focus on combining sports development with sustainable tourism.
The Khelo India Beach Games aim to provide a national platform for non-traditional and indigenous beach sports, encouraging wider participation among youth and athletes from coastal as well as non-coastal regions. Disciplines featured in the games include beach volleyball, beach soccer, beach kabaddi, sepaktakraw, pencak silat, mallakhamb, open water swimming, and tug of war.
This edition builds upon the success of the inaugural games by strengthening grassroots sports infrastructure, identifying emerging talent, and popularizing beach sports as a competitive discipline in India. It also supports the broader objectives of the Khelo India programme, which focuses on nurturing sporting excellence and fostering a strong sports culture across the country.
By hosting the event in Diu, the government has also emphasized the role of sports in regional development and tourism promotion, positioning coastal destinations as hubs for national and international sporting events. The Khelo India Beach Games thus represent a strategic blend of athletic development, youth engagement, and sustainable coastal utilization.
5. The Indian Army has declared 2026 as the year of what?
Answer : Networking and Data-Centricity
Indian Army Declares 2026 as the Year of Networking and Data-Centricity
The Indian Army has declared 2026 as the “Year of Networking and Data-Centricity”, marking a decisive step in its ongoing transformation toward a technology-driven and future-ready force. This announcement reflects the Army’s strategic focus on leveraging digital technologies to enhance operational effectiveness, decision-making speed, and battlefield awareness.
The core objective of this initiative is to shift from a platform-centric approach to a data-centric warfare model, where information becomes the most critical operational asset. By strengthening secure digital networks, the Army aims to ensure seamless real-time connectivity between sensors, command centers, weapons platforms, and frontline troops. This integration will enable faster information flow, improved situational awareness, and more precise execution of military operations.
Networking and data-centricity are central to modern warfare, particularly in an era dominated by multi-domain operations, cyber threats, and information warfare. Through this initiative, the Indian Army seeks to harness emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, automation, and advanced communication systems to gain a strategic edge.
The declaration of 2026 aligns with the Army’s broader vision under the “Decade of Transformation”, which emphasizes jointness, indigenisation, innovation, and self-reliance. It also complements India’s national push toward digital modernization and defence technology development.
Overall, the Year of Networking and Data-Centricity underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to evolving into a networked, agile, and information-dominant force, capable of effectively addressing both conventional and emerging security challenges in a rapidly changing strategic environment.
6. In which field has India surpassed China to become world’s largest?
Answer : Rice production
India Becomes the World’s Largest Producer of Rice
India has achieved a major milestone in global agriculture by surpassing China to become the world’s largest producer of rice. This achievement highlights the strength, scale, and resilience of India’s agricultural sector and reinforces the country’s central role in ensuring global food security.
Rice is a staple food for a large portion of the world’s population, and India’s leadership in rice production reflects decades of progress in agricultural research, irrigation development, and farmer-centric policies. The widespread adoption of high-yielding and climate-resilient seed varieties, along with improved farming practices promoted by institutions such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), has significantly boosted productivity.
India’s position as the top rice producer also has important economic and strategic implications. It strengthens the country’s role in stabilizing global rice supply chains and enhances its standing as a leading rice exporter, particularly to regions such as Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. This contributes to foreign exchange earnings and supports rural livelihoods across rice-growing states.
At the same time, the achievement brings attention to the need for sustainable agricultural practices, as rice cultivation is resource-intensive, especially in terms of water usage. Continued focus on water-efficient techniques, crop diversification, and sustainable input management will be essential to maintaining long-term leadership in rice production.
Overall, India’s emergence as the world’s largest rice producer underscores its agricultural capability, policy effectiveness, and farmer contribution, marking a significant chapter in the nation’s journey toward food security and global agricultural leadership.
7. Who has been appointed as the interim President of Venezuela?
Answer : Delcy Rodriguez
Delcy Rodríguez Appointed as Interim President of Venezuela
Delcy Rodríguez has been appointed as the interim President of Venezuela, marking a significant development in the country’s political landscape. A senior political leader and experienced administrator, Rodríguez assumed the interim role in her capacity as the sitting Vice President, ensuring continuity of governance during a period of political transition.
A trained lawyer and seasoned diplomat, Delcy Rodríguez has held several key positions in the Venezuelan government. Prior to her appointment as interim president, she served as Vice President since 2018 and earlier as Minister of Foreign Affairs, where she played an active role in shaping Venezuela’s international relations and representing the country in global forums.
Her interim appointment is aimed at maintaining administrative stability and constitutional order amid evolving political circumstances. As acting head of state, Rodríguez is responsible for overseeing government functions, coordinating with state institutions, and managing both domestic governance and foreign policy engagements during the interim period.
The development has drawn international attention, given Venezuela’s strategic importance in the region and its ongoing economic and political challenges. Observers are closely monitoring how the interim leadership will navigate issues such as economic recovery, social stability, and diplomatic relations.
Overall, Delcy Rodríguez’s appointment as interim president underscores the importance of institutional continuity in times of political uncertainty and highlights her prominent role within Venezuela’s leadership structure.