Daily Current Affairs - 7th & 8th 2026
- Kaushal
- 12 hours ago
- 12 min read
Comprehensive UPSC Current Affairs Summary | India–EU TTC EV Battery Recycling Initiative, FDI Easing under FEMA 2026, IMF MSME Digitalisation Productivity Study, Sugarcane FRP Hike, Rural Healthcare Specialist Shortage, OptoSAR Satellite Mission Drishti, Geocell Road Technology from Plastic Waste, SO₂ Mitigation & FGD Study, Mission Mausam Urban Testbed, Portable MRI at AIIMS, Lipulekh Pass Dispute and more.
Table of Content
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
India–EU Trade & Technology Council (TTC)
India and the European Union have launched a €15.2 million (~₹169 crore) joint initiative under the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) to strengthen EV battery recycling (recovery and reuse of critical minerals from used batteries).
The initiative is being implemented under Working Group 2 (Green and Clean Energy Technologies) and is funded through the Horizon Europe programme along with India’s Ministry of Heavy Industries.
About India–EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC)
The India–EU TTC was launched in February 2023 as a high-level platform to strengthen cooperation in trade, trusted technology, and strategic sectors.
Its core objective is to promote strategic autonomy (reducing dependence on external powers for critical technologies and resources) by diversifying supply chains, including reducing the EU’s reliance on China and India’s dependence on Russia.
Core Working Groups
Working Group 1 focuses on Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance, and Connectivity, covering areas like AI, semiconductors, and data governance.
Working Group 2 deals with Green and Clean Energy Technologies, including sectors like renewable energy, hydrogen, and EV ecosystems (such as battery recycling).
Working Group 3 addresses Resilient Value Chains, Trade, and Investment, aiming to strengthen global supply chains and economic cooperation.
Significance
The EV battery recycling initiative supports circular economy principles (reuse and recycling of resources), reduces dependence on critical mineral imports, and strengthens sustainable industrial ecosystems in both regions.
FDI Easing under FEMA
The Ministry of Finance has notified FDI easing norms under FEMA, allowing foreign firms with up to 10% Chinese shareholding to invest in India through the automatic route (no prior government approval required).
This marks a relaxation from the 2020 restrictions, when India imposed stricter scrutiny on FDI from countries sharing land borders (including China) to prevent opportunistic takeovers during the pandemic.
Other Key Changes in FDI Rules
The reforms allow 100% FDI in private insurance companies and intermediaries (such as brokers) under the automatic route, enhancing foreign participation in the sector.
However, foreign investment in the Life Insurance Corporation of India remains capped at 20%, maintaining strategic control.
These changes have been formalised through the Foreign Exchange Management (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026, updating India’s FDI framework.
The reforms are expected to boost FDI inflows, improve the ease of doing business, and enhance investor confidence.
Regulatory Framework for FDI in India
Foreign investment in India is governed by the Foreign Exchange Management Act 1999 (FEMA), which regulates foreign exchange and cross-border transactions.
FEMA is administered by the Reserve Bank of India, while enforcement is handled by the Enforcement Directorate under the Ministry of Finance.
The key objectives of FEMA include regulating foreign exchange laws, facilitating external trade and payments, and maintaining a stable foreign exchange market in line with government policy.
Entry Routes for FDI
Under the automatic route, foreign investment does not require prior government approval, making it faster and more investor-friendly.
Under the government route, foreign investment requires prior approval from the government, subject to specific conditions and sectoral regulations.
Digitalisation and MSME Productivity
A working paper by the International Monetary Fund highlights that digitalisation reforms have significantly improved productivity in Indian MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises).
The study finds that states implementing more digital reforms recorded higher Total Factor Productivity (TFP—ability to generate more output from given inputs, i.e., “doing more with less”), indicating efficiency gains.
Significance of MSMEs in India
MSMEs contribute around 30% to India’s GDP and account for about 35% of total manufacturing output, making them vital to economic growth.
They are major employment generators, contributing to nearly 60% of total employment in India, supporting livelihoods at scale.
MSMEs also play a key role in export promotion, accounting for approximately 45% of India’s total exports (2023–24).
They contribute to rural revitalisation, as agri-based MSMEs create local employment opportunities, reducing distress-driven migration.
MSMEs also support women empowerment, with women-led enterprises promoting inclusive growth and social mobility.
Government Initiatives for MSMEs
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme aims to enhance the quality and market reach of artisans and craftspeople, integrating them into domestic and global value chains.
The Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme promotes self-employment by supporting micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector.
The Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries focuses on organising traditional artisans into clusters, improving productivity and competitiveness.
The Public Procurement Policy for Micro and Small Enterprises mandates that 25% of annual procurement by Central Ministries and CPSEs (Central Public Sector Enterprises) be sourced from Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), ensuring market access.
Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for Sugarcane
The Union Cabinet has approved an increase of ₹10 per quintal in the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane, strengthening income support for farmers.
About FRP
FRP (Fair and Remunerative Price) is the minimum price fixed by the Central Government, at which sugar mills are legally bound to purchase sugarcane from farmers, ensuring price assurance.
The primary objective of FRP is to guarantee fair and remunerative returns to sugarcane farmers, protecting them from price fluctuations.
The concept has a legal basis under the Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966, which regulates sugarcane pricing and procurement.
Institutional Mechanism
The FRP is recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), which analyses cost and market factors.
It is then approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), the key decision-making body on economic policies.
Criteria for Fixation
FRP is determined based on multiple factors such as cost of production, sugar recovery rate (amount of sugar extracted from cane), returns from alternative crops, value of by-products (like molasses), and consumer interests.
State Advised Price (SAP)
Some states, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttarakhand, declare a State Advised Price (SAP—state-level sugarcane price), which is usually higher than the FRP, offering additional benefits to farmers.
Structural Deficits in India’s Healthcare System
Despite approval of 43 new medical colleges and 20,649 additional MBBS and PG seats for 2025–26, India’s public healthcare system continues to face structural deficits, particularly in rural Community Health Centres (CHCs).
Challenges in Public Healthcare Delivery
There is an acute shortage of specialists, with rural CHCs facing nearly 80% vacancies, having only 4,413 specialists against a requirement of 21,964, indicating severe workforce gaps.
Although 72,627 PG seats have been added across 731 medical colleges since 2014, this expansion has not translated into adequate specialist availability in public facilities, reflecting a mismatch between training and deployment.
The health governance framework remains weak, as out of 43 newly approved colleges, 27 are private institutions, which often lack accountability for public sector workforce deployment.
There is a reluctance among doctors to serve in rural areas, as newly trained specialists prefer urban postings due to better infrastructure and career opportunities.
Budgetary priorities are often skewed towards capital expenditure (infrastructure creation) rather than operational efficiency and service delivery, limiting system effectiveness.
Measures Required
There is a need to align postgraduate (PG) medical education with public health needs, linking admissions and specialist training directly with vacancies in CHCs and district hospitals.
It is suggested that aspirant doctors sign service undertakings, with incentives for those committing to long-term rural service (e.g., 10-year bonds in difficult areas).
To improve rural deployment, financial incentives, housing facilities, quality schooling, and career progression benefits should be provided to doctors in remote regions.
The “All or None” deployment strategy proposes that CHCs should receive a complete team of specialists (instead of partial staffing) to ensure balanced workload and effective service delivery.
Initiatives to Strengthen the Health System
The government has focused on human resource development, including expansion of institutions like All India Institute of Medical Sciences and other medical and nursing colleges.
Digital health reforms, such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, aim to create digital health IDs and interoperable electronic health records.
Affordable healthcare initiatives, including Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, help reduce out-of-pocket expenditure for vulnerable populations.
The National Health Mission focuses on strengthening rural and urban healthcare delivery systems, particularly primary care.
Governance reforms, such as those introduced by the National Medical Commission, aim to improve transparency, quality, and regulation in medical education.
Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) 2.0
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released the RBSK 2.0 Guidelines under the National Health Mission, strengthening child health screening and early intervention services.
About RBSK
The Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) is a flagship initiative aimed at screening children from birth to 18 years for health issues and ensuring timely intervention.
It focuses on the “4Ds framework”, which includes Defects at birth, Diseases, Deficiencies, and Developmental delays (conditions affecting physical or cognitive growth).
Key Highlights of RBSK 2.0
The updated guidelines expand the 4Ds framework to include new-age health challenges such as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental health issues, and behavioural disorders.
It promotes a lifecycle-based approach (continuous healthcare across all stages of childhood) instead of isolated, one-time interventions.
The guidelines also emphasize strengthened referral systems (linking patients to higher care centres) and continuity of care, ensuring better treatment outcomes.
Additional features include digital health cards (electronic health records for children) and multi-sectoral convergence (coordination across health, education, and social sectors).
About National Health Mission (NHM)
The NHM is a centrally sponsored scheme (jointly funded by Centre and States) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
It aims to provide universal access to affordable, equitable, and quality healthcare, especially by strengthening public health systems.
It includes two sub-missions: National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and National Urban Health Mission (NUHM).
Related Issue: Diabetes Mellitus in Children
India has released its first national guidelines for managing diabetes in children, establishing a standardised framework for treatment and long-term care.
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder (condition affecting body’s energy regulation) characterised by high blood glucose levels.
Type 1 diabetes occurs due to insufficient insulin production, requiring regular insulin injections.
Type 2 diabetes arises when the body cannot effectively use insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
Other forms include gestational diabetes (during pregnancy) and neonatal diabetes (in infants).
OptoSAR Satellite Mission Drishti
The world’s first OptoSAR satellite mission, “Drishti”, developed by Indian space startup GalaxEye, has been launched aboard Falcon 9, marking India’s largest privately built Earth observation satellite.
About Mission Drishti
The mission uses OptoSAR technology (fusion of optical and radar imaging), becoming the first satellite to combine Multispectral Imaging (MSI—captures data across multiple wavelengths) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR—radar-based imaging) on a single platform.
It operates in a sun-synchronous Low Earth Orbit (LEO—160 km to 2000 km altitude, allowing consistent Earth observation under similar lighting conditions).
The satellite provides all-weather, day-night imaging capability, overcoming limitations of traditional imaging systems and enhancing space-based surveillance.
It offers high-resolution imaging, reportedly the highest among Indian private sector satellites, improving precision in Earth observation.
About OptoSAR Technology
OptoSAR is an integrated hardware-software system, designed to synchronise optical and radar data for improved accuracy and usability.
It uses the SyncFusion Stack (data fusion technology combining multiple sensor inputs) to deliver clear and reliable imagery.
This technology addresses key limitations of earlier systems, where optical sensors provide clear images but fail in clouds/darkness, while SAR works in all conditions but produces complex-to-interpret images.
Significance
The fusion approach enhances real-time monitoring, disaster management, defence surveillance, and environmental tracking, making it highly versatile.
Achievements of Indian Space Startups
Agnikul Cosmos has developed the world’s first 3D-printed rocket engine, showcasing innovation in propulsion technology.
Skyroot Aerospace successfully tested India’s first privately built rocket, boosting private launch capabilities.
InspeCity is working on satellite life-extension technologies and is India’s first fully vertically integrated platform for in-orbit servicing.
Geocells
The CSIR Central Road Research Institute and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited have received recognition from the India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records for constructing the first roadblock section using geocells made from end-of-life plastic waste, demonstrating sustainable infrastructure innovation.
About Geocells
Geocells are three-dimensional honeycomb-like structures (cellular confinement systems) made from synthetic strips forming an open network of interconnected cells.
These cells are filled with materials such as soil, sand, gravel, concrete, or recycled waste, which help in ground stabilization (strengthening weak soil surfaces).
Applications of Geocells
Geocells are widely used in embankments (raised earth structures), river channels, retaining walls, airport runways, and urban green infrastructure, due to their versatility.
Significance of Geocells
They enhance slope stability (prevent soil slipping) and help in controlling erosion and landslides, especially in vulnerable terrains.
Geocells also reduce construction costs and material usage, making infrastructure projects more efficient and sustainable.
Additionally, they improve road durability and load-bearing capacity, extending the lifespan of transportation infrastructure.
Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂)
A study by Indian Institute of Technology Delhi estimates that India could prevent around 1,24,564 deaths annually by fully mitigating SO₂ emissions (sulphur dioxide pollution) using technologies like Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD—pollution control system that removes SO₂ from exhaust gases).
About Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂)
Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) is a colourless, toxic gas with a pungent, choking smell, harmful to human health and the environment.
In the atmosphere, SO₂ reacts to form secondary inorganic aerosols (fine particles formed through chemical reactions) such as sulphates, nitrates, and ammonium compounds.
These secondary pollutants contribute to PM2.5 (fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns), which is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Regulation and Monitoring
SO₂ is a key pollutant monitored under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) notified by the Central Pollution Control Board.
NAAQS also covers pollutants such as NO₂, PM10, PM2.5, ozone, lead, carbon monoxide, ammonia, benzene, benzo(a)pyrene, arsenic, and nickel, ensuring comprehensive air quality monitoring.
Major Sources of SO₂
The largest source of SO₂ emissions is coal-fired power plants, due to sulphur content in coal.
Other sources include smelting of metallic ores, petroleum refining, transportation emissions (ships and locomotives), and natural sources like volcanic eruptions.
Significance of Mitigation
Controlling SO₂ emissions through technologies like FGD can significantly reduce air pollution, improve public health, and lower mortality, while also helping meet air quality standards.
Mission Mausam
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology has established an Urban Testbed and Aerosol Observatory in Chennai at SRM Institute of Science and Technology under Mission Mausam, strengthening urban climate monitoring.
About Mission Mausam
Mission Mausam was launched in 2024 by the Ministry of Earth Sciences to enhance India’s weather and climate capabilities.
It is implemented by key agencies including the India Meteorological Department, the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting, and IITM.
The mission has a budget allocation of ₹2,000 crore over 2 years, indicating strong investment in meteorological infrastructure.
Objectives of Mission Mausam
The mission aims to make India “Weather Ready” (prepared for weather variability) and “Climate Smart” (capable of adapting to climate change impacts).
It focuses on improving weather and climate services, including accurate observation (data collection), modelling (simulation of weather systems), and forecasting (prediction of future conditions).
These improved services are intended to support sectors such as agriculture, disaster management, rural development, and urban planning, enhancing resilience.
Significance
Initiatives like the Urban Testbed and Aerosol Observatory enable better understanding of urban climate dynamics, pollution (aerosols), and extreme weather events, leading to more precise local forecasts and early warning systems.
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)
The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board has permitted major equipment installation at Units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, marking progress in India’s nuclear energy expansion.
The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is India’s largest nuclear power plant, developed with Russian collaboration and operated by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited.
About Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)
The AERB was established in 1983 by the President of India under provisions of the Atomic Energy Act 1962, to regulate nuclear and radiation safety.
It has recently been granted statutory status through the SHANTI Act, 2025, which strengthens its regulatory powers, enforcement authority, and institutional autonomy.
Mission and Role
The primary mission of AERB is to ensure that the use of ionizing radiation (high-energy radiation capable of affecting atoms) and nuclear energy does not pose undue risk to human health and the environment.
It oversees safety standards, licensing, inspections, and regulatory compliance for nuclear facilities and radiation-based activities in India.
Significance
AERB plays a critical role in ensuring nuclear safety, preventing accidents, and maintaining public confidence, especially as India expands its civil nuclear energy programme.
Extragalactic Jets
Scientists have found that the composition of plasma (ionised gas of charged particles) influences the appearance and structure of extragalactic jets, explaining why these jets look different across galaxies.
About Extragalactic Jets
Extragalactic jets are highly energetic, narrow streams of plasma and radiation ejected from regions around supermassive black holes located at the centres of galaxies.
These jets travel at relativistic speeds (close to the speed of light) and can extend thousands of light-years into space, making them among the largest known cosmic structures.
Radiation and Observations
Extragalactic jets emit radiation across the entire electromagnetic spectrum (range of all types of radiation), from radio waves to gamma rays, allowing astronomers to observe them using multiple instruments.
Source of Energy
The jets are powered by accretion (falling of matter into a black hole), where matter forms an accretion disk (rotating disk of hot gas) around the black hole.
Strong magnetic fields near the black hole channel and accelerate this plasma outward, forming collimated (highly focused) jets.
Significance
Studying extragalactic jets helps scientists understand black hole physics, galaxy evolution, and high-energy astrophysical processes, as well as the role of magnetic fields and plasma dynamics in the universe.
MRI System
All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi has introduced India’s first portable bedside Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system, enabling on-site diagnostic imaging for critically ill patients without shifting them.
About MRI System
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique that uses a strong magnetic field (high-intensity magnet) and radio waves (electromagnetic signals) along with computer processing to generate detailed images of organs and tissues inside the body.
It is a non-invasive diagnostic method (does not require surgery or insertion of instruments into the body), making it safe and widely used in clinical practice.
MRI produces high-resolution images (very detailed and clear visuals) of the internal structures of the body, including organs, soft tissues, and the skeletal system, aiding in the diagnosis of various medical conditions such as tumors, brain disorders, and musculoskeletal injuries.
Lipulekh Pass
Nepal has officially objected to India resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Lipulekh Pass, a territory it claims based on the 1816 Sugauli Treaty.
India dismissed these claims as unjustified and historically unfounded, stating Lipulekh has been a long-standing yatra route.
About Lipulekh Pass:
Location: It is a high-altitude mountain pass located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, near the trijunction of India, Nepal, and China.
Connects: It connects the Indian state of Uttarakhand with the Tibet region of China.
Altitude: It lies at an altitude of approximately 5,334 meters (17,500 feet).