Daily Current Affairs January 05
Table of Contents
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
|
|
Sports
|
|
Ranking
|
|
Business And Economy
|
|
Appointments
|
|
Science and Technology
|
|
Defence
|
|
International Affairs
|
|
Schemes
|
|
National Affairs
|
DOWNLOAD TODAY’S CURRENT AFFAIRS PDF – CLICK HERE
You Must Also Read Daily Current Affairs January 03 & 04
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



