Top 10 News Stories from Around the World - January 7, 2026 Welcome to today's comprehensive global news analysis covering the most significant developments across politics, technology, business, finance, cryptocurrency, sports, entertainment, crime, health, environment, and geopolitical issues affecting India and the international community. Headline 1: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Becomes Longest-Serving Chief Minister (National) Summary: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has become the longest-serving Chief Minister of Karnataka in the state's history, surpassing the record held by Devaraj Urs. More Details: Siddaramaiah's historic achievement comes during his second term as CM, having served for 2,792 days. The 77-year-old leader has focused on welfare schemes and development projects in the southern state. The BJP has challenged the achievement, citing alleged corruption in governance. Despite opposition criticism, the milestone marks a significant political event for the Congress government in Karnataka. Siddaramaiah says he will be Karnataka Chief Minister for 5 Source Link: https://thefederal.com/category/news/live-trending-top-news-of-january-7-2026-224289 Headline 2: India Becomes World's Largest Rice Producer with 150.18 Million Tonnes (National) Summary: India has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the world's largest rice producer, surpassing China with a total output of 150.18 million tonnes during the 2024-25 agricultural season. More Details: This achievement reflects favorable monsoon patterns, improved farming practices, and government support for agricultural modernization. The increased output strengthens India's position in global food markets and agricultural exports. The milestone has positive implications for economic growth and food security across the nation. Contribution of Rice Production on Indian Economy - Pragati Rice Source Link: https://indianexpress.com/article/education/news-headlines-for-school-assembly-january-7-2026-national-international-sports-busi Headline 3: India's GDP Growth Estimated at 7.4 Percent for FY26 (National | Business) Summary: The Indian economy is projected to grow at 7.4 percent in FY26, up from 6.5 percent in the previous fiscal year, driven by impressive performance in manufacturing and services sectors. More Details: Manufacturing and construction sectors are estimated to achieve growth rates of 7 percent. The services sector has emerged as the major driver of growth with an estimated real GVA growth rate of 7.3 percent. This positive forecast is strengthening confidence among investors and policymakers ahead of the Union Budget presentation on February 1, 2026. GDP Figures Show India is Back on the Road to Growth with 6.5% Source Link: https://thefederal.com/category/news/live-trending-top-news-of-january-7-2026-224289 Headline 4: Major Earthquake Strikes Western Japan, Magnitude 6.2 (International) Summary: A significant earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck Japan's Shimane prefecture in northwestern Japan, prompting immediate safety assessments across the affected region. More Details: The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the tremor and activated emergency response protocols to assess structural damage and check on residents' safety. Seismic monitoring continues as officials evaluate potential aftershock risks. This incident underscores Japan's vulnerability to tectonic activity as a nation located on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Strong Earthquakes Hit Japan's Shimane and Tottori Source Link: https://indianexpress.com/article/education/news-headlines-for-school-assembly-january-7-2026-national-international-sports-busi Headline 5: US Seizes Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker in North Atlantic (International) Summary: The United States Coast Guard seized the Marinera, a Russian-flagged oil tanker, in the North Atlantic, representing a significant escalation in economic and geopolitical tensions between the US and Russia. More Details: The seizure occurred amid heightened US-Russia tensions over sanctions related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Reports indicate that a Russian submarine and warship were in the vicinity during the US operation. The seizure affects Venezuela-linked Russian oil operations and signals the Trump administration's aggressive stance on enforcing sanctions against Russian energy assets. Image: Tensions at Sea: The Russian Oil Tanker Seized by the United Source Link: https://www.aljazeera.com Headline 6: India's Stock Market Ends Lower with Geopolitical Concerns (National | Business) Summary: Indian equity markets closed marginally lower on January 7, with the Sensex declining 102.20 points (0.12%) to 84,961.14 and Nifty 50 falling 37.95 points (0.14%) to 26,140.75. More Details: Market weakness was driven by profit-booking and geopolitical tensions affecting investor sentiment. Foreign institutional investors sold shares worth 108 crores, while domestic institutional investors provide