Daily Current Affairs January 05

Dear Champions, as you all know that a lot of competitive exams have been notified consequently. Candidates have to prepare themselves according to the level of competition and expectation of the Recruitment board. Regarding that one of the most important topic is Daily Current Affairs January 05. Current Affairs in the form of contemporary events of national & international play a crucial role in almost every competitive exams like Banking, Insurance, SSC, UPSC, TNPSC, Railway etc.

Current affairs are the most dynamic yet scoring among all sections and need to be prepared from the right source. Here, we cafunsta team, providing Daily GK Updates, Current Affairs Questions, and Monthly current affairs pdf.

TO PURCHASE OUR BANKING AWARENESS (Latest Edition) – CLICK HERE

January 05 | Daily Current Affairs 2025

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs January 05

1. When is National Bird Day 2026 observed globally?
A) January 1
B) January 10
C) February 2
D) January 5
E) December 25
Answer: D) January 5

Event and Location:

  • Event: Observation of National Bird Day 2026
  • Location: Global (with educational significance in India)
  • Date: January 5, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandates: Observance of National Bird Day to raise awareness about bird conservation, promote protection of avian habitats, and discourage illegal trade and captivity of birds
  • Objectives: To emphasize the ecological role of birds, highlight the threats they face due to habitat loss, climate change, and illegal trade, and encourage ethical treatment and community-level conservation initiatives

Important Terms Explained:

  • National Bird Day: An international observance held annually on January 5, established in 2002 by the Avian Welfare Coalition, focusing on bird welfare, protection of bird species, and ethical treatment of birds.
  • Indian Peafowl: The national bird of India, scientifically named Pavo cristatus, declared in 1963 for its cultural, ecological, and religious significance. It is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
  • Salim Ali: Known as the Birdman of India, he was a pioneering Indian ornithologist whose bird surveys laid the foundation of ornithology in India and influenced conservation policies.

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name National Bird Day 2026
Announcement date January 5, 2026
Location Global
Issuing authority Avian Welfare Coalition
Policy/series name National Bird Day Observance
Key figures Salim Ali (Birdman of India)
Purpose/reason Raise awareness about bird conservation and ecological importance
Feature details Promotion of habitat protection, biodiversity awareness, ethical bird care
Validity or status Annual observance
Strategic/significant value Highlights birds as indicators of environmental health and promotes sustainability

2. World Braille Day is observed on January 4 to commemorate the birth anniversary of which inventor?
A) Helen Keller
B) Louis Pasteur
C) Louis Braille
D) Thomas Edison
E) Isaac Newton
Answer: C) Louis Braille

Event and Location:

  • Event: Observation of World Braille Day 2026
  • Location: Globally observed (UN-declared international day)
  • Date: January 4, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandates: World Braille Day is observed annually on January 4 to raise awareness about the significance of Braille in ensuring the rights, dignity, and inclusion of people with visual impairments
  • Objectives: To promote accessibility, inclusive education, and equal opportunities for visually impaired individuals; to commemorate the contribution of Louis Braille, inventor of the Braille system

Important Terms Explained:

  • Braille System: A tactile writing and reading system based on a 6-dot cell, invented by Louis Braille in the 19th century, used by individuals with visual impairments for literacy and daily communication
  • World Braille Day: Declared by the United Nations in 2019, it marks Louis Braille’s birth anniversary and promotes equal access to information as a basic human right
  • UNESCO BMW: A global initiative supported by UNESCO to promote Braille literacy, integration into education systems, and technological innovations for persons with disabilities

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name World Braille Day 2026
Announcement date January 4, 2026
Location Globally observed
Issuing authority United Nations
Policy/series name UN International Observance
Key figures Louis Braille (inventor), UNESCO BMW (promoter)
Purpose/reason Raise awareness on Braille’s role in education, equality, and inclusion
Feature details Promotes Braille use in education, employment, signage, and public services
Validity or status Annual global observance since 2019
Strategic/significant value Reinforces equal access to information and dignity for persons with disabilities

Sports – Daily Current Affairs January 05

3. Who inaugurated the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament held in Varanasi in January 2026?
A) Anurag Thakur
B) Amit Shah
C) Droupadi Murmu
D) Narendra Modi
E) Rajnath Singh
Answer: D) Narendra Modi

Event and Location:

  • Event: Inauguration of the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament
  • Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
  • Date: January 4, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the national-level volleyball tournament via video conferencing, bringing together teams from across India to promote sportsmanship and national unity
  • Objectives: To reinforce the values of teamwork and coordination in sports as a reflection of India’s development, encourage grassroots talent, and promote India as a future global sports host

Important Terms Explained:

  • Khelo Bharat Policy 2025: A comprehensive policy introduced to streamline sports development, ensure youth participation, and create synergy among stakeholders for talent promotion and infrastructure development
  • National Sports Governance Act: A legislative reform aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency in sports administration across India
  • Khelo India: A flagship program by the Government of India to revive the sports culture at the grassroots level and identify and support young talent through training and financial assistance

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name 72nd National Volleyball Tournament
Announcement date January 4, 2026
Location Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Issuing authority Volleyball Federation of India (VFI)
Policy/series name Khelo India, Khelo Bharat Policy 2025
Key figures PM Narendra Modi, over 1,000 players from 58 teams
Purpose/reason Promote sports, youth development, national unity, and teamwork values
Feature details Athlete reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and emphasis on “Team First”
Validity or status Tournament held from January 4–11, 2026
Strategic/significant value Reinforces India’s ambition to be a global sports host and grassroots sports promoter

Ranking – Daily Current Affairs January 05

4. Which state secured the highest share of proposed capital investments in India during FY26, as per a Bank of Baroda report?
A) Maharashtra
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Odisha
D) Gujarat
E) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: E) Andhra Pradesh

Event and Location:

  • Event: Andhra Pradesh leads in proposed capital investments for FY26
  • Location: Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Date: January 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandates: Bank of Baroda report highlights Andhra Pradesh securing the highest share (25.3%) of total proposed capital investments in the first nine months of FY26
  • Objectives: To reflect investor confidence, success of policy reforms, and strategic focus on infrastructure, power, and industrial sectors to drive economic growth

Proposed Capital Investments in FY26 (First 9 Months)

Rank State Investment Share (%) Key Sectors Driving Investment
1 Andhra Pradesh 25.3% Power (renewables), metals, infrastructure
2 Odisha 13.1% Metals, mining, infrastructure
3 Maharashtra 12.8% Manufacturing, logistics, electronics
4 Other States (combined) 48.8% Mixed sectors across northern, western, and NE states

Important Terms Explained:

  • Proposed Capital Investments: Investment intentions announced by private and public entities for setting up or expanding facilities; not actual investments but strong indicators of future growth
  • Capex Push: Government-led increase in capital expenditure aimed at creating long-term assets such as roads, power plants, ports, and digital infrastructure, which in turn stimulates private sector investment
  • GST 2.0 Reforms: A set of proposed and ongoing reforms to the Goods and Services Tax regime in India to make it more efficient, technology-driven, and business-friendly, including simplification and better compliance mechanisms

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name Andhra Pradesh tops FY26 proposed investment list
Announcement date January 2026
Location Andhra Pradesh, India
Issuing authority Bank of Baroda (Investment Research Report)
Policy/series name FY26 Investment Trends
Key figures Andhra Pradesh: 25.3%, Odisha: 13.1%, Maharashtra: 12.8%
Purpose/reason Reflect shift in India’s growth hubs to eastern and southern regions
Feature details ₹26.6 lakh crore proposed nationwide; key sectors: power, metals, infra
Validity or status Data from first 9 months of FY26
Strategic/significant value Reinforces Andhra Pradesh’s emergence as a top investment destination and model for investor-focused governance

5. Which country did India surpass to become the world’s largest rice producer as of 2026?
A) Vietnam
B) Indonesia
C) Bangladesh
D) China
E) Thailand
Answer: D) China

Event and Location:

  • Event: India becomes the world’s largest rice producer and launches 184 new crop varieties
  • Location: New Delhi, India (announcement and launch event)
  • Date: January 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandates: India produced 150.18 million tonnes of rice, surpassing China to become the top global producer; Union Agriculture Minister launched 184 improved crop varieties developed by ICAR
  • Objectives: To boost food security, improve farm productivity, and support agricultural exports through high-yielding, climate-resilient seeds and sustainable farming practices

Top Rice Producing Countries in the World – FY26

Rank Country Rice Production (in million tonnes) Remarks
1 India 150.18 Surpassed China; strong growth due to HYVs & reforms
2 China 145.28 Former top producer; still a major consumer/exporter
3 Indonesia ~35–38 (est.) Large domestic consumption, less focus on exports
4 Bangladesh ~35 (est.) Major South Asian producer with strong agri-dependence
5 Vietnam ~27–30 (est.) Major rice exporter; key contributor to global trade

Important Terms Explained:

  • High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs): Crop seeds developed through research that produce significantly more output per acre than traditional varieties, often resistant to pests, drought, and climate stress
  • Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR): India’s apex agricultural research body responsible for developing crop varieties, coordinating research, and advancing agricultural innovation across the country
  • All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRPs): Collaborative research programs under ICAR involving central institutes and agricultural universities, focused on developing and testing new technologies and crop varieties

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name India becomes world’s largest rice producer
Announcement date January 2026
Location New Delhi, India
Issuing authority Union Ministry of Agriculture & ICAR
Policy/series name National Agricultural Innovation & Seed Varietal Release Program
Key figures Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Agriculture Minister), Dr. Himanshu Pathak (DG, ICAR)
Purpose/reason Increase food output, promote exports, boost farmer income
Feature details 184 improved varieties across 25 field crops including cereals and oilseeds
Validity or status Released January 2026, for national deployment
Strategic/significant value Strengthens India’s food security, rural income, and global agri-market presence

Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs January 05

6. As per RBI data, what was the Gross NPA (GNPA) ratio for Indian banks as of September 2025?
A) 4.2%
B) 3.1%
C) 2.1%
D) 5.5%
E) 6.0%
Answer: C) 2.1%

Event and Location:

  • Event: Indian banking sector records lowest GNPA in a decade
  • Location: India (nationwide banking system)
  • Date: September 2025 (as per data released in January 2026)

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandates: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released data showing improved asset quality among Indian banks with sharp reductions in Gross NPAs and SMA-2 accounts
  • Objectives: To highlight reduced credit stress, improved repayment behaviour, and stronger financial health across borrower segments including MSMEs and retail

Important Terms Explained:

  • Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA): A measure of total bad loans where the principal or interest is overdue for more than 90 days; a key indicator of a bank’s asset quality
  • Special Mention Account-2 (SMA-2): Loans that are overdue for 61–90 days but not yet classified as NPAs; early-warning indicator for potential defaults
  • Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) Classification:
    • Substandard Assets: NPAs for up to 12 months
    • Doubtful Assets: NPAs beyond 12 months
    • Loss Assets: Deemed uncollectible, even if not fully written off

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name Indian banks record 10-year low in bad loans
Announcement date January 2026
Location India
Issuing authority Reserve Bank of India
Policy/series name RBI Financial Stability Report – September 2025
Key figures GNPA: 2.1%, SMA-2: 0.8%, MSME SMA: 5.1%, Unsecured SMA-2: 13%
Purpose/reason Reflects improved borrower behaviour and stronger collections
Feature details Better risk monitoring, fewer fresh slippages, improved credit discipline
Validity or status Latest available data as of September 2025
Strategic/significant value Indicates systemic banking stability and room for credit-led growth

Appointments – Daily Current Affairs January 05

7. Who has been appointed as the new Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra in January 2026?
A) Sanjay Pandey
B) Hemant Nagrale
C) Sadanand Date
D) Subodh Jaiswal
E) Rashmi Shukla
Answer: C) Sadanand Date

Event and Location:

  • Event: Appointment of Sadanand Date as Maharashtra’s Director General of Police
  • Location: Maharashtra, India
  • Date: January 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandates: Appointment of Sadanand Vasant Date as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra for a fixed tenure of two years in line with Supreme Court guidelines
  • Objectives: To ensure police leadership stability, uphold the independence of the force from political interference, and strengthen operational command with an experienced officer

Important Terms Explained:

  • Director General of Police (DGP): The highest-ranking police officer in an Indian state, responsible for overseeing the entire police force and reporting to the state government and Home Department
  • Supreme Court Guidelines on DGP Tenure: Issued in 2006 (Prakash Singh case), these mandate a minimum two-year fixed tenure for state DGPs to insulate police from political pressure and ensure leadership continuity
  • National Investigation Agency (NIA): A central counter-terrorism law enforcement agency in India responsible for investigating terror-related crimes affecting national security

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name Appointment of new Director General of Police, Maharashtra
Announcement date January 2026
Location Maharashtra
Issuing authority Government of Maharashtra, as per Supreme Court directives
Policy/series name Supreme Court Guidelines on Police Reforms (Prakash Singh Case)
Key figures Sadanand Vasant Date (IPS, 1990 batch)
Purpose/reason Ensure police autonomy, prevent political interference, leadership stability
Feature details Fixed 2-year tenure, despite officer’s upcoming retirement
Validity or status Tenure from January 2026 to January 2028
Strategic/significant value Strengthens state security leadership with an experienced officer with anti-terror background

Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs January 05

8. Which city will be the first to receive India’s newly developed 3D-printed Automatic Weather Stations under Mission Mausam?
A) Chennai
B) Bengaluru
C) Delhi
D) Mumbai
E) Pune
Answer: C) Delhi

Event and Location:

  • Event: Launch of India’s 3D-printed Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) under Mission Mausam
  • Location: India (first deployment in Delhi)
  • Date: February 2026 (first installation scheduled)

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandates: Indian scientists led by IITM Pune developed 3D-printed AWS to enhance urban weather monitoring as part of Mission Mausam, with Delhi set to receive the first installations
  • Objectives: To create a cost-effective, dense, and solar-powered network for real-time weather observation, reduce reliance on imports, and improve accuracy of local weather forecasts in urban areas

Important Terms Explained:

  • Automatic Weather Station (AWS): A self-operating station that records meteorological parameters like temperature, wind speed, humidity, and rainfall, transmitting data automatically in real time
  • Mission Mausam: A ₹2,000 crore weather modernization program by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, aiming to enhance India’s climate monitoring, forecasting services, and observational network across urban and rural areas
  • 3D Printing in Meteorology: Advanced manufacturing technique used to create precise weather station components in a cost-efficient and customizable way, supporting faster scaling and Make in India objectives

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name Launch of India’s 3D-printed Automatic Weather Stations
Announcement date January 2026
Location India (first installations in Delhi)
Issuing authority Ministry of Earth Sciences
Policy/series name Mission Mausam
Key figures Developed by IITM Pune
Purpose/reason Improve urban weather monitoring through cost-effective technology
Feature details Solar-powered, real-time data transmission, fully 3D-printed AWS
Validity or status First deployment scheduled for February 2026
Strategic/significant value Supports Make in India, enhances forecasting accuracy in climate-sensitive cities

Defence – Daily Current Affairs January 05

9. What theme has the Indian Army declared for the year 2026?
A) Year of Joint Operations
B) Year of Technology Absorption
C) Year of Tactical Dominance
D) Year of Networking & Data Centricity
E) Year of Digital Transition
Answer: D) Year of Networking & Data Centricity

Event and Location:

  • Event: Indian Army declares 2026 as the Year of Networking & Data Centricity
  • Location: India (Nationwide Indian Army initiative)
  • Date:January 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandates: The Indian Army officially announced 2026 as the Year of Networking & Data Centricity to modernise its warfare capabilities through digital integration and real-time information networks
  • Objectives: To operationalise advanced communication technologies, enhance situational awareness, improve decision-making speed, and prepare for data-centric modern warfare

Important Terms Explained:

  • Networking in Military Operations: Creating interconnected digital systems that link soldiers, sensors, command centers, and weapons platforms to enable seamless, real-time communication across the battlefield
  • Data-Centric Operations: A military strategy focused on collecting, analysing, and securely distributing battlefield data to improve speed and precision in command decisions
  • Battlefield Management Systems (BMS): Integrated systems designed to deliver real-time information to commanders and soldiers, aiding in tactical planning and response
  • Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence: India’s policy of self-reliance in defence manufacturing and technology development, promoting indigenisation of critical military infrastructure

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name Year of Networking & Data Centricity – 2026
Announcement date January 2026
Location India (Indian Army initiative)
Issuing authority Indian Army under Chief of Army Staff Gen. Upendra Dwivedi
Policy/series name Indian Army Modernisation and Digital Transformation Agenda
Key figures Gen. Upendra Dwivedi (COAS), CDS Gen. Anil Chauhan
Purpose/reason Operationalise modern tech for real-time data sharing and combat efficiency
Feature details Digital integration, joint operations, indigenous BMS, secure communication
Validity or status Applies throughout calendar year 2026
Strategic/significant value Prepares Army for modern warfare, including cyber and hybrid threats

International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 05

10. What is the name of the newly commissioned Type 052D guided missile destroyer inducted by China’s PLA Navy in 2025?
A) Fujian
B) Hangor
C) Ghazi
D) Loudi
E) Shandong
Answer: D) Loudi

Event and Location:

  • Event: Commissioning of upgraded Type 052D destroyer Loudi into PLA Navy
  • Location: China (People’s Liberation Army Navy)

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandates: China commissioned the Loudi, an upgraded Type 052D guided missile destroyer, as part of its continued naval expansion
  • Objectives: To strengthen China’s blue-water naval capabilities, enhance multi-domain maritime operations, and project strategic influence amid rivalry with the US

Important Terms Explained:

  • Type 052D Destroyer: A class of Chinese guided missile destroyers designed for multi-role naval warfare including air defense, sea strike, and fleet command; features advanced radar and missile systems
  • PLA Navy (PLAN): The naval branch of the People’s Liberation Army of China, currently the world’s largest navy by number of ships, undergoing rapid modernization and global expansion
  • Hangor-class Submarine: A class of diesel-electric attack submarines developed by China for the Pakistan Navy under a defence cooperation agreement; modern versions are equipped with stealth and missile systems

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name Commissioning of Type 052D missile destroyer Loudi
Announcement date 2025
Location China (PLA Navy)
Issuing authority People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN)
Policy/series name Naval Modernisation Program
Key figures Xi Jinping (Commander-in-Chief), Admiral Dong Jun (PLA Navy Commander)
Purpose/reason Strengthen naval power, expand fleet, support long-range operations
Feature details Advanced radar, long-range missile strike, sea-air defense, joint tasking
Validity or status Operational from 2025
Strategic/significant value Enhances China’s maritime dominance and reflects rivalry with US in Indo-Pacific

Schemes – Daily Current Affairs January 05

11. In which year was the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) launched?
A) 2015
B) 2016
C) 2017
D) 2018
E) 2019
Answer: C) 2017

Event and Location:

  • Event: Completion of nine years of Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
  • Location: Pan-India implementation
  • Date: January 1, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandates: The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, launched in 2017, completed nine years of implementation, providing financial support to pregnant and lactating women
  • Objectives: To offer partial wage compensation, encourage safe delivery, reduce maternal and child malnutrition, and improve institutional care for mothers through financial and nutritional support

Important Terms Explained:

  • Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): A Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, providing direct cash assistance to pregnant and lactating women for the first two children, with conditions promoting the value of the girl child
  • Mission Shakti: An umbrella initiative launched in 2022 for women’s safety and empowerment; PMMVY falls under its Samarthya component focusing on economic empowerment and financial inclusion
  • Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): A mechanism through which welfare funds are directly credited to the bank/post office accounts of eligible beneficiaries to ensure transparency and accountability

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name 9th Anniversary of Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana
Announcement date January 1, 2026
Location Implemented nationwide
Issuing authority Ministry of Women and Child Development
Policy/series name Samarthya (Mission Shakti)
Key figures Smriti Irani (Minister), Over 4.05 crore beneficiaries
Purpose/reason Support maternal nutrition, reduce wage loss, encourage safe childbirth
Feature details ₹5,000 for first child in 2 instalments; ₹6,000 for second child (girl only)
Validity or status Ongoing; completed 9 years as of Jan 2026
Strategic/significant value Promotes maternal health, women’s financial inclusion, and gender equity

National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 05

12. Where did Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurate a ₹229 crore Integrated Command and Control Centre in January 2026?
A) Lakshadweep
B) Port Blair
C) Kavaratti
D) Nicobar Islands
E) Puducherry
Answer: B) Port Blair

Event and Location:

  • Event: Inauguration of Integrated Command and Control Centre and other development projects
  • Location: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
  • Date: January 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandates: Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated an Integrated Command and Control Centre and launched nine projects while laying foundation stones for two others in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
  • Objectives: To enhance maritime and internal security, improve disaster response capabilities, promote development and tourism, and integrate public service delivery through high-tech infrastructure in the island region

Important Terms Explained:

  • Integrated Command and Control Centre: A centralized facility integrating surveillance, communication, and coordination across various agencies to manage security and emergency situations more efficiently, especially in geographically sensitive regions
  • Andaman and Nicobar Islands: A strategically located Union Territory of India in the Bay of Bengal with nearly 572 islands; it holds maritime importance due to its proximity to the Malacca Strait and other global shipping lanes
  • Ten Degree Channel: A channel that separates the Andaman Islands from the Nicobar Islands, crucial for naval and maritime navigation in the Indian Ocean Region

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name Inauguration of Integrated Command and Control Centre
Announcement date January 2026
Location Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Issuing authority Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
Policy/series name Island Infrastructure and Security Development Initiative
Key figures Union Home Minister Amit Shah
Purpose/reason Strengthen island security and improve development infrastructure
Feature details ₹229 crore command centre, 9 projects inaugurated, 2 foundation stones laid
Validity or status Operational from January 2026
Strategic/significant value Enhances maritime security, boosts disaster response, supports island tourism

13. Which critically endangered bird species raised concerns during the environmental clearance process for the Kalai-II Hydropower Project in Arunachal Pradesh?
A) Himalayan Monal
B) Black-necked Crane
C) White-bellied Heron
D) Indian Skimmer
E) Great Indian Bustard
Answer: C) White-bellied Heron

Event and Location:

  • Event: Environmental clearance granted to Kalai-II Hydropower Project
  • Location: Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh, India
  • Date: January 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandates: The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the Union Environment Ministry recommended clearance for the 1,200-MW Kalai-II hydropower project on the Lohit River
  • Objectives: To expand India’s renewable energy capacity through hydropower infrastructure, while addressing national energy needs in the Northeast

Important Terms Explained:

  • Kalai-II Hydropower Project: A proposed 1,200-MW hydroelectric power project on the Lohit River, involving a 128.5-metre dam and underground powerhouse, to be developed by THDC India Ltd at a cost of ₹14,176 crore
  • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): A study conducted prior to major infrastructure projects to assess potential environmental effects; the EIA for Kalai-II was flagged for not mentioning the white-bellied heron, a critically endangered species
  • White-bellied Heron: One of the world’s rarest birds, listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN and protected under Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972; found in Bhutan, Myanmar, and northeastern India, including Namdapha and Kamlang Tiger Reserves

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name Environmental clearance for Kalai-II Hydropower Project
Announcement date January 2026
Location Lohit River, Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh
Issuing authority Expert Appraisal Committee, Ministry of Environment
Policy/series name Kalai-II Hydropower Scheme
Key figures THDC India Ltd (developer), White-bellied Heron (affected species)
Purpose/reason Enhance hydropower capacity in Northeast India
Feature details 1,200 MW capacity, ₹14,176 crore cost, gravity dam, underground powerhouse
Validity or status Environment clearance granted, under scrutiny for EIA omissions
Strategic/significant value Raises conflict between infrastructure growth and biodiversity conservation

14. What is the name of the official mascot launched by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) in 2026?
A) Ganitika
B) Sankhyiki
C) Datanetra
D) Gyanjyoti
E) Arthika
Answer: B) Sankhyiki

Event and Location:

  • Event: Launch of new logo and mascot ‘Sankhyiki’ by MoSPI
  • Location: New Delhi, India
  • Date: January 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandates: MoSPI unveiled a new institutional logo and its first-ever mascot ‘Sankhyiki’ to modernise identity and promote public trust in official statistics
  • Objectives: To promote statistical awareness, increase public engagement, and reinforce the ministry’s commitment to data-driven governance through the theme “Data for Development”

Important Terms Explained:

  • MoSPI (Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation): A central ministry responsible for the coordination of statistical activities and infrastructure monitoring across India; oversees NSO and MPLADS
  • Sankhyiki (सांख्यिकी): The official mascot introduced by MoSPI to simplify and humanise statistics for the public; aims to boost statistical literacy and citizen engagement
  • Data for Development: A governance philosophy and theme of MoSPI’s 2026 initiative focusing on using accurate, timely, and transparent data to guide inclusive policy-making and national progress

Tabular Summary:

Parameter Details
Event name Launch of MoSPI’s new logo and mascot ‘Sankhyiki’
Announcement date January 2026
Location New Delhi, India
Issuing authority Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
Policy/series name Institutional Identity Modernisation under “Data for Development” theme
Key figures Rao Inderjit Singh (Minister), MoSPI & NSO officials
Purpose/reason Promote statistical literacy, transparency, and citizen-friendly engagement
Feature details Logo with Ashoka Chakra, ₹ symbol, Σ, =, S; mascot used in NSS and awareness
Validity or status Effective from 2026 onwards
Strategic/significant value Supports data-driven policy making, public trust, and modern institutional outreach


Over All Review

Important Days

  • National Bird Day 2026 is observed on January 5 to spread awareness about bird protection and habitat conservation.
  • World Braille Day is observed on January 4 to honour the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille system.

Sports 

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi via video conferencing.

Ranking 

  • Andhra Pradesh secured 25.3% of all proposed capital investments in India during FY26, the highest among all states.
  • India has overtaken China to become the world’s top rice producer with 150.18 million tonnes of output in FY26.

Business And Economy

  • India’s Gross NPA ratio fell to a 10-year low of 2.1% as of September 2025, reflecting better asset quality in banks.

Appointments

  • Sadanand Vasant Date has been appointed as the new Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra.

Science and Technology

  • Indian scientists led by IITM Pune have developed 3D-printed Automatic Weather Stations under Mission Mausam.

Defence

  • The Indian Army has declared 2026 as the ‘Year of Networking & Data Centricity’ to enhance digital warfare capabilities.

International Affairs

  • China has commissioned the advanced guided missile destroyer Loudi, an upgraded Type 052D warship.

Schemes

  • The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana completed nine years on January 1, 2026, supporting maternal health across India.

National Affairs

  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a ₹229 crore Integrated Command and Control Centre in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
  • The Union Environment Ministry has granted environmental clearance to the ₹14,176 crore Kalai-II Hydropower Project in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • MoSPI launched a new logo and mascot named ‘Sankhyiki’ to strengthen its public identity and promote statistical literacy.

DOWNLOAD TODAY’S CURRENT AFFAIRS PDF – CLICK HERE

You Must Also Read Daily Current Affairs January 03 & 04

Our Products

  • Current Affairs Package ( 1 Year Validity ) – Click Here

  • All in One – 1 Year Subscription – Click Here

  • Banking Awareness Video Course – Click Here

  • Insurance Awareness Video Course – Click Here