Current Affairs 03 January 2026

Surat Poised to Become India’s First Slum-Free City.

• Surat is on track to become India’s first slum-free city, according to the Gujarat government following large-scale rehabilitation efforts.
• Initiative focuses on in-situ redevelopment, affordable housing, access to basic civic amenities for urban poor.
• Chandigarh currently holds the distinction of being the country’s 1st slum-free city among urban centres with a population of around 10 lakh.

China Taxes Contraceptives to Boost Birth Rate.

• China ended a 3-decade tax exemption on condoms & contraceptive drugs from January 1 levying 13% VAT to encourage higher birth rates.
• The move follows China’s population decline for 3rd straight year in 2024, with experts warning of continued demographic contraction.
• Beijing is pairing the step with fertility-friendly measures like tax-free childcare subsidies & campaigns promoting marriage.

Govt Launches Digital Fertiliser Subsidy Claim System.

• Department of Fertilizers launched a fully digital e-Bill system to process fertiliser subsidy claims worth nearly ₹2 lakh crore annually.
• The platform replaces manual processes with an end-to-end online workflow for faster, transparent payments.
• Integrated with iFMS and Public Financial Management System, it ensures a secure digital audit trail, boosting accountability and efficiency.

India’s First PPP Medical Colleges to Start in MP Tribal Districts.

• India to establish its first PPP model medical colleges in Madhya Pradesh.
• First phase colleges located in tribal districts of Dhar and Betul.
• State provides land while private partners build academic and clinical infrastructure.
• District hospitals to be upgraded as teaching hospitals under NMC norms.
• Aim is to expand medical education and improve healthcare access in underserved regions.

First Mountain Tunnel Breakthrough in Bullet Train Project.

• Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the first mountain tunnel breakthrough (MT-5) in Palghar for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project.
• The 1.5-km tunnel between Virar and Boisar was completed in 18 months using advanced drill-and-blast techniques.
• Once operational, the bullet train will cut Mumbai–Ahmedabad travel time to 1 hr 58 min, boost jobs, and drive economic growth along the corridor.