Daily Current Affairs January 03 & 04

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January 03 & 04 | Daily Current Affairs 2025

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs January 03 & 04

1. When is International Mind–Body Wellness Day observed annually?
A) January 1
B) January 3
C) February 4
D) March 7
E) December 12
Answer: B) January 3

Event and Location:

• Event: Observance of International Mind–Body Wellness Day
• Location: Global
• Date: January 3, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: International Mind–Body Wellness Day is observed to emphasize the integrated nature of mental and physical health.
• Objectives: The goal is to raise awareness about holistic well-being, encourage preventive healthcare, and promote lifestyle practices that balance the body and mind.

Important Terms Explained:

• International Mind–Body Wellness Day: An annual observance on January 3 that promotes the understanding of how mental and physical health are interconnected, advocating for long-term well-being through balanced living.
• Preventive Healthcare: A proactive approach to health focusing on regular screenings, early detection, and lifestyle adjustments to prevent chronic diseases and mental health issues.
• Holistic Health: A comprehensive approach to wellness that considers the body, mind, and emotions as interconnected and aims for overall balance rather than treating symptoms in isolation.

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Sports – Daily Current Affairs January 03 & 04

2. Who has been appointed as the chief coach of the Indian women’s hockey team ahead of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?
A) Harendra Singh
B) Craig Fulton
C) Sjoerd Marijne
D) Graham Reid
E) Dilip Tirkey
Answer: C) Sjoerd Marijne

Event and Location:

• Event: Appointment of Sjoerd Marijne as Chief Coach of Indian Women’s Hockey Team
• Location: India (FIH Qualifiers in Hyderabad)
• Date: January 2026 (Appointment announcement)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Hockey India has appointed Dutch coach Sjoerd Marijne as the chief coach of the Indian women’s hockey team to lead preparations for the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup Qualifiers.
• Objectives: To enhance team performance, leverage past Olympic success, and secure qualification for the upcoming FIH Women’s World Cup, with a focus on fitness, strategy, and team synergy.

Important Terms Explained:

• Sjoerd Marijne: An experienced Dutch field hockey coach who previously led the Indian women’s team to their best-ever Olympic finish (4th place) at Tokyo 2020.
• FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup Qualifiers: A critical international event determining entry into the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup, with the 2026 qualifiers scheduled from 8–14 March in Hyderabad.
• SAI (Sports Authority of India): The apex national sports body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, responsible for athlete training, infrastructure, and support in India.
• Hockey India: The governing body for field hockey in India, overseeing the national men’s and women’s teams, domestic tournaments, and international participation.

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3. Which new body has been created under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 to resolve sports-related disputes?
A) Sports Ethics Commission
B) Indian Sports Council
C) National Sports Tribunal
D) Athletic Oversight Board
E) Sports Disciplinary Forum
Answer: C) National Sports Tribunal

Event and Location:

• Event: Partial implementation of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025
• Location: India
• Date: January 1, 2026 (Effective date of key provisions)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Union Government of India has brought into effect selected provisions of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, initiating key reforms in the governance of sports federations.
• Objectives: To promote transparency, accountability, and athlete-centric governance in Indian sports; regulate federations more effectively; and align Indian sports bodies with Olympic and Paralympic charters.

Important Terms Explained:

• National Sports Governance Act, 2025: A comprehensive legal framework enacted to professionalise sports governance in India by limiting arbitrary control of sports federations and ensuring legal backing for reforms.
• National Sports Board (NSB): A newly formed three-member body empowered to grant affiliations, monitor finances, decide funding, and act against misconduct in sports federations.
• National Sports Tribunal (NST): A specialized dispute resolution forum established under the Act to handle sports-related conflicts quickly and fairly, reducing dependence on lengthy litigation or administrative delays.
• Sportspersons of Merit: Recognised athletes who must be included in federation decision-making bodies to ensure athlete representation and balanced governance.
• Executive Committee Cap: A structural reform under the Act limiting the size of sports federations’ executive bodies to 15 members, promoting leaner, more efficient management.

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Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs January 03 & 04

4. Which of the following was highlighted as a key risk in RBI’s Financial Stability Report released in December 2025?
A) Decline in GDP growth
B) Increasing secured loans
C) Rise in fintech and unsecured lending
D) Excess foreign reserves
E) Stable inflation trend
Answer: C) Rise in fintech and unsecured lending

Event and Location:

• Event: Release of RBI’s Financial Stability Report (FSR) – December 2025
• Location: India (Published by Reserve Bank of India)
• Date: December 28, 2025 (Report Date)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its biannual Financial Stability Report (FSR) to evaluate the health and risks in India’s financial system.
• Objectives: The objective is to assess systemic risks, analyze the banking sector’s resilience, and provide early warning signals to safeguard the country’s financial stability amid global and domestic challenges.

Important Terms Explained:

• Financial Stability Report (FSR): A biannual RBI publication that assesses the resilience of the financial system, covering banks, NBFCs, mutual funds, and insurance firms, while identifying emerging systemic risks.
• Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR): A key indicator of a bank’s financial strength, showing how much capital a bank holds relative to its risk-weighted assets; higher ratios indicate stronger buffers against financial shocks.
• Unsecured Loans: Loans issued without collateral; they pose higher risk and were flagged in the FSR due to rising defaults, especially in the fintech segment.
• Stablecoins: Digital assets pegged to traditional currencies; the RBI warns they could undermine India’s monetary sovereignty and affect policy transmission if used widely.

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5. Which country legalized cryptocurrency mining and exchanges through a law effective from January 2026?
A) Kazakhstan
B) Uzbekistan
C) Turkmenistan
D) Belarus
E) Georgia
Answer: C) Turkmenistan

Event and Location:

• Event: Legalization of cryptocurrency mining and exchanges
• Location: Turkmenistan
• Date: January 2026 (Law effective from this date)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The government of Turkmenistan passed a new law legalizing cryptocurrency mining and exchange operations, with central bank licensing and oversight.
• Objectives: The aim is to diversify the country’s gas-dependent economy, cautiously embrace economic digitalization, and attract technological investment under strict state supervision.

Important Terms Explained:

• Cryptocurrency Mining: The process of validating blockchain transactions using computing power to earn digital currency; now legalized and regulated in Turkmenistan.
• Cryptocurrency Exchanges: Platforms that allow the buying, selling, or trading of digital assets; now permitted under licenses from Turkmenistan’s central bank.
• Not Legal Tender: While cryptocurrencies are legalized for trade and mining, they are not recognized as currency or legal tender, meaning they cannot be used for everyday payments.
• Central Bank Licensing: The new law mandates that all crypto exchanges obtain licenses from the Central Bank of Turkmenistan, ensuring state oversight and regulation.

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs January 03 & 04

6. According to RBI data, what was the industrial credit growth recorded in November 2025?
A) 8.3%
B) 10.6%
C) 9.6%
D) 7.9%
E) 11.4%
Answer: C) 9.6%

Event and Location:

• Event: RBI reports 9.6% industrial credit growth in November 2025
• Location: India
• Date: November 28, 2025 (fortnight ending)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released sectoral credit data showing 9.6% growth in bank credit to industry during November 2025.
• Objectives: The aim is to monitor credit deployment trends, assess the flow of funds to productive sectors like MSMEs, infrastructure, and services, and evaluate banking system performance in supporting economic activity.

Important Terms Explained:

• Industrial Credit: Loans extended by banks to industries including manufacturing, engineering, infrastructure, and related sectors, serving as a measure of investment and production momentum.
• Non-Food Credit: Total bank credit excluding loans for food procurement; includes credit to agriculture, industry, services, and personal loans—used to assess overall economic credit activity.
• MSMEs: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, a vital segment for employment, innovation, and production in India. Robust credit flow to MSMEs indicates improved access to formal finance and business confidence.
• Sectoral Deployment of Bank Credit: A statistical measure published by the RBI that shows the distribution of bank credit across major sectors, offering insights into economic growth patterns and lending priorities.

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7. As of December 26, 2025, what was the total value of India’s foreign exchange reserves according to RBI data?
A) $689.00 billion
B) $690.35 billion
C) $696.61 billion
D) $702.20 billion
E) $675.49 billion
Answer: C) $696.61 billion

Event and Location:

• Event: India’s forex reserves rise to $696.61 billion
• Location: India
• Date: December 26, 2025 (Reporting date by RBI)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released data showing a $3.29 billion increase in India’s foreign exchange reserves during the week ending December 26, 2025.
• Objectives: To ensure currency stability, manage external obligations, and build strong financial buffers to absorb global shocks and maintain economic confidence.

Important Terms Explained:

• Forex Reserves: External assets held by a country’s central bank in foreign currencies, including foreign currency assets, gold, SDRs, and IMF reserve positions.
• Foreign Currency Assets (FCAs): The largest component of forex reserves, representing holdings of major foreign currencies like the US dollar, euro, yen, etc.
• Special Drawing Rights (SDRs): An international reserve asset created by the IMF, used to supplement member countries’ official reserves.
• Exchange Rate Management: The RBI uses forex reserves to manage rupee volatility, stabilise the currency, and ensure smooth external trade settlements.

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs January 03 & 04

8. Who has been appointed as the new Chairman of ESAF Small Finance Bank in January 2026?
A) Arvind Panagariya
B) Rakesh Sharma
C) Karthikeyan Manickam
D) N S Vishwanathan
E) Ramesh Babu
Answer: C) Karthikeyan Manickam

Event and Location:

• Event: Appointment of Karthikeyan Manickam as Chairman of ESAF Small Finance Bank
• Location: ESAF Small Finance Bank, Thrissur, Kerala
• Date: January 3, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: ESAF Small Finance Bank appointed former Bank of India Executive Director Karthikeyan Manickam as its new Chairman to lead the bank’s board.
• Objectives: The objective is to enhance corporate governance, ensure regulatory compliance, and guide strategic decisions as the bank expands its operations in retail banking and financial inclusion.

Important Terms Explained:

• ESAF Small Finance Bank: A licensed Small Finance Bank (SFB) headquartered in Kerala, focused on financial inclusion for unbanked populations including small businesses and low-income groups.
• Small Finance Banks (SFBs): Specialized banks regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), designed to serve underbanked segments, including MSMEs, small farmers, and unorganized sectors, while meeting priority sector norms.
• Corporate Governance: A framework of rules and practices by which a board ensures accountability, fairness, and transparency in a company’s relationship with stakeholders, crucial for financial institutions.

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Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs January 03 & 04

9. Which Hyderabad-based start-ups developed the 14-kg Earth observation satellite MOI-1 for ISRO’s PSLV launch?
A) Skyroot Aerospace & Dhruva Space
B) Pixxel & Agnikul Cosmos
C) TakeMe2Space & EON Space Labs
D) Bellatrix Aerospace & SatSure
E) Astrome & Ananth Technologies
Answer: C) TakeMe2Space & EON Space Labs

Event and Location:

• Event: Hyderabad-based start-ups develop and integrate mini satellite MOI-1 for PSLV launch
• Location: Ahmedabad (integration), Sriharikota (launch site), Hyderabad (developer base)
• Date: January 2026 (Launch scheduled early January)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Hyderabad-based start-ups TakeMe2Space and EON Space Labs have developed a 14-kg mini Earth observation satellite named MOI-1, which has been shipped for launch aboard ISRO’s PSLV.
• Objectives: To demonstrate low-cost, high-performance space technology for both commercial and defense applications, enabling in-orbit data processing and enhancing India’s private space innovation.

Important Terms Explained:

• PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle): ISRO’s reliable workhorse launch vehicle used for launching satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Sun-Synchronous Orbits, now also serving private and co-passenger payloads.
• Earth Observation Satellite: A satellite designed to monitor Earth’s surface using sensors and cameras; MOI-1 will be used for agriculture, urban mapping, and defense surveillance.
• Low Earth Orbit (LEO): An orbital region about 500–2,000 km above Earth, used for satellites requiring low latency and high-resolution imaging.
• Onboard AI Processing: Technology that allows satellites to process imagery onboard using artificial intelligence, significantly reducing downlink costs and transmission delays.

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 03 & 04

10. Which country proposed a social media ban for children under 15 unless parental consent is provided?
A) Germany
B) Australia
C) Canada
D) France
E) Malaysia
Answer: D) France

Event and Location:

• Event: France proposes social media restrictions for children under 15
• Location: France
• Date: January 2026 (Announcement month)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The French government has proposed a ban on social media use for children below 15 years without parental consent, making age verification mandatory for all digital platforms.
• Objectives: The primary goal is to safeguard children’s mental health, reduce exposure to online harm, and limit excessive screen time among minors, while placing accountability on tech companies.

Important Terms Explained:

• Parental Consent: A legal requirement where platforms must obtain approval from a child’s parent or guardian before allowing access to their services if the user is below the specified age.
• Age Verification: The process by which platforms are required to confirm a user’s age using reliable digital or ID-based methods to prevent underage access.
• Digital Regulation: Laws and policies imposed by governments to govern online platforms, content, and user protection, especially for vulnerable groups like children.
• Cyberbullying: Online harassment or bullying behavior targeting individuals, often minors, through social media, messaging apps, or digital content platforms.

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11. Which country became the 21st member of the eurozone by adopting the euro in January 2026?
A) Croatia
B) Romania
C) Hungary
D) Bulgaria
E) Slovenia
Answer: D) Bulgaria

Event and Location:

• Event: Bulgaria adopts the euro and joins the eurozone
• Location: Bulgaria and European Union (EU)
• Date: January 2026 (Full euro use from February 1, 2026)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Bulgaria officially replaced its national currency, the Bulgarian lev, with the euro, becoming the 21st eurozone member.
• Objectives: The goal is to deepen economic integration with the European Union, reduce transaction costs, facilitate trade and investment, and enhance monetary stability under the European Central Bank framework.

Important Terms Explained:

• Eurozone: A group of European Union countries that have adopted the euro as their official currency and follow a common monetary policy managed by the European Central Bank (ECB).
• Bulgarian Lev: The former national currency of Bulgaria, in use since 1881. It had been pegged to the euro since 1997 until full adoption in 2026.
• Dual Pricing: A transition mechanism during which prices are displayed and accepted in both the old currency and the euro to help citizens adjust to the new system.
• Currency Peg: A monetary policy where a country fixes its currency’s exchange rate to another stable currency, used by Bulgaria to stabilize its economy before euro adoption.

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 03 & 04

12. Who launched the E-Bill System to digitally manage fertiliser subsidy payments in India?
A) Piyush Goyal
B) JP Nadda
C) Narendra Singh Tomar
D) Dharmendra Pradhan
E) Amit Shah
Answer: B) JP Nadda

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of E-Bill System for fertiliser subsidy payments
• Location: New Delhi, India
• Date: January 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Government of India launched a fully digital E-Bill System to manage fertiliser subsidy claims worth approximately ₹2 lakh crore annually.
• Objectives: The system aims to ensure transparency, enable faster clearances, reduce manual paperwork, and strengthen financial governance in the fertiliser subsidy process.

Important Terms Explained:

• E-Bill System: A fully online end-to-end platform developed to process fertiliser subsidy bills digitally. It integrates fertiliser company claims with government verification workflows, eliminating paperwork and delays.
• Fertiliser Subsidy: A government financial aid mechanism that allows farmers to purchase fertilisers at prices below the market rate, ensuring affordable agriculture inputs and food security.
• Audit Trail: A digital record of all actions and approvals taken on a file, enabling accountability, preventing fraud, and supporting transparency in subsidy management.
• Subsidy Management: The structured process by which the government monitors, verifies, and disburses subsidies to ensure targeted, effective, and lawful usage of public funds.

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13. Where was the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics inaugurated by PM Modi in January 2026?
A) Sarnath Buddhist Complex
B) Indian Museum, Kolkata
C) Rai Pithora Cultural Complex, New Delhi
D) Nalanda Mahavihara, Bihar
E) Bodh Gaya International Museum
Answer: C) Rai Pithora Cultural Complex, New Delhi

Event and Location:

• Event: Inauguration of Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics
• Location: Rai Pithora Cultural Complex, New Delhi
• Date: January 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the global exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics linked to Bhagwan Buddha, aimed at displaying rare archaeological artefacts of spiritual and historical significance.
• Objectives: To highlight India’s Buddhist heritage, showcase civilisational links, promote cultural diplomacy, and raise awareness about efforts in heritage preservation and repatriation of sacred relics.

Important Terms Explained:

• Piprahwa Relics: Discovered in 1898 in Piprahwa (Uttar Pradesh), these are among the earliest known relics associated with Bhagwan Buddha, possibly linked to Kapilavastu, the Buddha’s early-life home.
• Repatriation of Cultural Artefacts: The process of returning historically and culturally significant items to their country of origin; in this case, India’s efforts to bring back sacred Buddhist relics from abroad.
• Kapilavastu: An ancient city in present-day Nepal/India border region, believed to be the early home of Prince Siddhartha Gautama before he became the Buddha.
• Soft Power Diplomacy: India’s strategy to use its rich cultural and spiritual heritage, such as Buddhism, as a means to build international goodwill and influence.

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14. Which agency has mandated QR codes on all new road signages in Delhi starting January 2026?
A) Delhi Development Authority
B) Delhi Transport Corporation
C) Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board
D) Delhi Public Works Department
E) Delhi Municipal Corporation
Answer: D) Delhi Public Works Department

Event and Location:

• Event: Delhi mandates QR codes on all new road signages
• Location: Delhi, India
• Date: January 1, 2026 (Guideline issued)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) has issued new guidelines making it mandatory to print QR codes on all new road signages installed on PWD roads.
• Objectives: To promote transparency, standardisation, and citizen participation in public infrastructure monitoring, while improving quality control, road safety, and grievance redressal through technology integration.

Important Terms Explained:

• QR Code (Quick Response Code): A scannable digital code that links to detailed information. On road signages, it will show manufacturer details, materials used, and warranty, helping with traceability and issue reporting.
• PWD Sewa App: A mobile application operated by the Delhi Public Works Department that allows citizens to report infrastructure issues such as potholes, damaged signage, and streetlight outages.
• Retro-reflective Sheeting: A material used on signboards that reflects light back to its source, improving night-time visibility and road safety.
• Tender Compliance: Inclusion of QR code guidelines in the contractual terms of vendors, making it compulsory for all future signage-related work under PWD Delhi.

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15. Which Indian city is set to become the country’s first slum-free city through in-situ redevelopment under PMAY?
A) Ahmedabad
B) Indore
C) Surat
D) Pune
E) Bhubaneswar
Answer: C) Surat

Event and Location:

• Event: Surat set to become India’s first slum-free city
• Location: Surat, Gujarat
• Date: January 2026 (Status update released)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC), through in-situ redevelopment and housing initiatives, is transforming slum clusters into permanent housing using PMAY and state schemes.
• Objectives: To eliminate urban slums, ensure dignified living conditions, provide basic civic amenities, and establish a sustainable urban environment under the goal of “Housing for All”.

Important Terms Explained:

• PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana): A central government scheme launched in 2015 aimed at achieving “Housing for All” through assistance for affordable housing and in-situ slum redevelopment in urban areas.
• In-situ Redevelopment: A housing model where slums are redeveloped at the same location, ensuring residents are not relocated far from their livelihoods and social networks, making rehabilitation more effective and acceptable.
• Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC): The urban local body responsible for city administration, infrastructure development, and implementation of housing and sanitation projects in Surat, Gujarat.
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: One of the United Nations’ global goals focused on making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, under which slum-free housing initiatives are a priority.

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Over All Review

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