Local Roundup: India’s GDP Projections, North India’s Cold Wave, and Greater Noida’s Water Tragedy

India navigates economic optimism amid global uncertainties while addressing domestic challenges from AI-generated content moderation to water infrastructure failures. Local Round-up of major updates for the second week of January 2026 brings significant developments in economic projections, education policy shifts, and public health concerns across the nation.

Government Projects 7.4% GDP Growth for FY26

India's economy is projected to grow 7.4% in FY 2025-26, up from 6.5% in the previous fiscal year, according to First Advance Estimates released by the Ministry of Statistics on January 7, 2026. Services sector growth of 9.1% drives the expansion despite global trade tensions.

X Removes 3,500 Grok AI Posts, Deletes 600 Accounts in India

Social media platform X blocked approximately 3,500 pieces of obscene content and deleted over 600 accounts in India following government intervention on January 11, 2026. The action addresses misuse of AI chatbot Grok to generate sexually explicit imagery violating Indian regulations.

Australia Places India in Highest-Risk Student Visa Category

Australia moved India from Evidence Level 2 to Evidence Level 3 effective January 8, 2026, under its Simplified Student Visa Framework, citing emerging integrity issues including fraudulent documents. The reclassification requires stricter documentation and extends processing times for Indian applicants.

ED Versus Bengal Government Dispute Reaches Supreme Court

The ongoing confrontation between the Enforcement Directorate and West Bengal government over investigation raids has escalated to the Supreme Court. The legal battle centers on alleged obstruction during financial crime investigations, highlighting tensions between state and central authorities over federal investigative powers.

Madras High Court Delays Jana Nayagan Release

On January 9, 2026, the Madras High Court stayed the censor certification for actor Vijay's film "Jana Nayagan," delaying its release. The division bench adjourned the matter to January 21 following CBFC's appeal, effectively postponing the politically themed movie's theatrical debut beyond the Pongal window.

Haridwar Civic Body Clarifies Pre-Independence Har Ki Pauri Rules

The Haridwar civic body clarified that restrictions on non-Hindu access to certain areas of Har Ki Pauri predate India's independence and are not new policies. Officials emphasized these historical regulations are part of traditional religious site management, countering reports of fresh discriminatory measures.

Bengaluru Retains Top Position as India's Most Women-Friendly City

According to Avtar Group's "Top Cities for Women in India 2025" report, Bengaluru maintained its ranking as India's most women-friendly city with a City Inclusion Score of 53.29, followed by Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. The evaluation assessed safety, employment opportunities, infrastructure, healthcare, and social environment across 125 cities.

Greater Noida Residents Fall Ill from Alleged Water Contamination

At least 30 residents in Greater Noida's Delta 1 sector fell ill after consuming allegedly sewage-contaminated water on January 6-7, 2026. Victims reported symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Authorities repaired faulty pipelines and organized medical camps while investigating the three-decade-old infrastructure.

Madhya Pradesh Cow Urine Cancer Project Reveals ₹3.5 Crore Scam

A probe into Madhya Pradesh's government-funded project researching cow urine and dung as cancer treatments uncovered a Rs. 3.5 crore scam, with Rs. 1.75 crore allegedly spent on raw materials with questionable documentation. The scheme launched in 2011 faced financial irregularities and lacked scientific rigor.

Renowned Ecologist Madhav Gadgil Passes Away

Veteran ecologist Madhav Gadgil passed away in Pune on January 7, 2026, at age 83, following a brief illness. Renowned for pioneering work in ecology and the Gadgil Committee report on Western Ghats conservation, he received the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan for contributions to environmental science.

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College Loses Operational Permission

On January 6-7, 2026, the National Medical Commission withdrew permission for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Reasi district, citing infrastructure deficiencies after a January 2 inspection. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah ordered immediate relocation of 50 affected students to nearby government medical colleges as supernumerary seats.

North India Grips Under Severe Cold Wave

North India experienced intense cold on January 11-12, 2026, with Delhi's Ayanagar recording 2.9°C and Palam registering 3.0°C, its coldest in 13 years. Parts of Rajasthan saw sub-zero temperatures. The India Meteorological Department issued alerts while dense fog disrupted transportation. Authorities opened shelters for vulnerable populations.

Film Producers Appeal to PM Modi Over Dhurandhar's Middle East Ban

Film producers appealed to Prime Minister Modi to intervene regarding the ban on film "Dhurandhar" in Middle Eastern countries. Producers characterize the prohibition as suppression of freedom of expression, seeking governmental assistance through diplomatic channels to lift restrictions affecting international distribution.