Daily GK Update- 6th Jan, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi Inaugurates Grand Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha in New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics, titled “The Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One“, at Rai Pithora Cultural Complex, New Delhi.The Prime Minister stated that after more than 125 years, India’s sacred heritage has returned, allowing people to have darshan of Lord Buddha’s relics, which the government prevented from being auctioned internationally. Discovered in 1898 and linked to ancient Kapilavastu, the Piprahwa relics—repatriated after 127 years—have been reunited for the first time from the National Museum, New Delhi, and Indian Museum, Kolkata, symbolising India’s civilisational commitment to Buddhist heritage.

 

2. Transport Ministry Proposes ‘Battery Pack Aadhaar’ for End-to-End Tracking and Recycling of EV Batteries: The Transport Ministry has proposed a 21-character Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN) for each EV battery to enable end-to-end traceability, transparency, and efficient recycling.Battery producers or importers must assign BPAN, upload dynamic battery data on an official portal, and ensure the ID is clearly visible, durable, and accessible on each battery pack.BPAN will capture data from raw material extraction to usage, recycling, repurposing, or final disposal; any major change in battery attributes will require issuance of a new BPAN. With EVs accounting for 80–90% of lithium-ion battery demand in India, EV batteries will be prioritised under the BPAN framework, which will be developed through the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) route for uniform national implementation.

 

3. Tamil Nadu to Distribute Free High-Configuration Laptops to College Students Under ‘Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil’ Scheme: The Tamil Nadu government will distribute free laptops to college students under the ‘Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil’ scheme, with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launching the distribution.Nearly 20 lakh laptops are planned to be distributed by February, with about 10 lakh laptops expected to be handed out by March in the current phase.Laptops will be procured by the Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu from OEMs like Acer, Dell, and HP, featuring Intel Core i3 processors, 8 GB RAM, and 256 GB SSD. The scheme has an initial allocation of around ₹2,000 crore; Tamil Nadu has already distributed 52 lakh laptops to students since 2011 at a cost of over ₹7,000 crore.

 

4. Tamil Nadu’s First Jallikattu of 2026 Begins at Thatchankurichi: Tamil Nadu’s first Jallikattu event of 2026 was inaugurated at Thatchankurichi near Gandharvakottai, marking the traditional start of the Jallikattu season in the State.About 900 bulls and 300 tamers are participating, with nearly 7,000 spectators expected; officials from Animal Husbandry, Health, and Revenue departments are present to ensure safety and animal welfare norms.

 

5. Bhoramdev Corridor Project Launched Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 in Chhattisgarh: Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai and Union Tourism & Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat laid the foundation stone of the Bhoramdev Corridor Development Project at Bhoramdev Dham in Kabirdham district.The project will be developed under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0 at an estimated cost of ₹146 crore, on the lines of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi.Centered around the Bhoramdev Temple (Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh), the corridor aims to provide modern facilities to pilgrims and tourists, boosting economic, social, and cultural development of the region.

 

6. Venkaiah Naidu Elected President of Atal Smriti Nyas Society: Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu was elected as President of Atal Smriti Nyas Society.He succeeds Vijay Kumar Malhotra, the former president of the society, who passed away recently.The proposal for his appointment was made by Ram Bahadur Rai in consultation with other members, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to oversee the society’s activities.make aehadlien

 

7. 5 January – National Birds Day: National Birds Day is observed every year on 5 January to raise awareness about the protection and conservation of birds.The day highlights the ecological importance of birds, including pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control.The observance encourages bird conservation efforts and biodiversity protection through public participation and policy action.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Andre De Grasse Named International Event Ambassador for Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026: Olympic sprint champion Andre De Grasse has been named International Event Ambassador for the 21st Tata Mumbai Marathon, scheduled on January 18, 2026, in Mumbai.The Tata Mumbai Marathon, a World Athletics Gold Label Race, is recognised as Asia’s largest mass participation sporting event and one of the world’s premier road races.As ambassador, De Grasse will promote the marathon globally, engage with runners and stakeholders, and support outreach initiatives to enhance the event’s international visibility and inclusivity.

 

2. 2 January – World Introvert Day: World Introvert Day is observed every year on 2 January to recognise and celebrate the strengths of introverts.The day highlights the value of quiet reflection, deep thinking, and meaningful communication in personal and professional life.It aims to promote awareness, acceptance, and understanding of introverted personalities in an extrovert-dominated society.

 

3. 3 January – International Mind–Body Wellness Day: International Mind–Body Wellness Day is observed every year on 3 January to promote holistic well-being.The day emphasises the connection between mental, physical, and emotional health.It encourages adopting healthy lifestyles, including mindfulness, exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management.

 

4. 4 January – World Braille Day: World Braille Day is observed every year on 4 January to raise awareness about the importance of Braille as a means of communication for visually impaired persons.The day marks the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille system.Braille plays a crucial role in ensuring education, accessibility, and social inclusion for persons with visual disabilities.

 

5. 6 January – World Day of War Orphans: World Day of War Orphans is observed every year on 6 January to highlight the plight of children who have lost parents due to war and conflict.The day aims to raise global awareness about the social, psychological, and economic challenges faced by war orphans.The observance emphasises the need for peace, humanitarian assistance, and child rights protection worldwide.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO Develops Portable Desalination System for Soldiers in Remote Areas: The Defence Research and Development Organisation has developed a portable water desalination device to meet the drinking water needs of soldiers deployed in challenging and water-scarce environments. The system is designed to support small groups operating in remote, coastal, or high-altitude regions where access to potable water is severely limited. The device, named Sea Water Desalination System (SWaDeS), has been developed by the Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur in response to operational requirements projected by the tri-command services. It can be operated either manually or through an engine-driven mode, offering flexibility across different deployment scenarios. According to scientists, SWaDeS is suitable for naval operations and coastal installations where seawater is readily available. It is also designed for inland deployment in saline water zones such as Pangong Tso in Ladakh, a high-altitude lake near the Line of Actual Control with China, where a significant troop presence is maintained. The system can purify saline water to permissible drinking standards.

 

2. Indian Army Declares 2026 Year of Networking and Data Centricity: The Indian Army has declared 2026 as the ‘Year of Networking & Data Centricity’, signalling a major push towards digitally integrated warfare and faster decision-making. The initiative is part of a broader decade-long transformation aimed at making the force more resilient, agile, and future-ready amid evolving security challenges and rapid technological change. Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi, in his New Year message, said the force is undergoing a “decade of transformation” anchored on jointness, self-reliance, and innovation. He emphasised that the effective use of indigenous technologies, new operational ideas, and continuous reforms is strengthening India’s military power. Networking and data-centricity, he noted, are providing fresh momentum to this transformation process.

 

3. China Commissions Upgraded Type 052D Missile Destroyer Loudi: China has commissioned a new upgraded guided missile destroyer as part of its rapid naval expansion aimed at narrowing the gap with United States maritime power. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has inducted the Type 052D destroyer “Loudi”, reflecting Beijing’s continued focus on enhancing blue-water combat capabilities amid intensifying strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific. Crew member Zhang Shengwei, quoted by state-run “Global Times”, said the “Loudi” incorporates a new system architecture with significant upgrades in radar, weapons, and networking capabilities. These enhancements are designed to improve the vessel’s performance across multiple combat domains, including air defence, anti-surface warfare, and coordinated operations within a task force.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Sjoerd Marijne Reappointed as Chief Coach of Indian Women’s Hockey Team: Dutch coach Sjoerd Marijne has been reappointed as Chief Coach of the Indian women’s hockey team, marking his third stint, after a gap of about 4.5 years. Marijne previously coached the team from 2017 to 2021, guiding India to a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics 2021 and helping the team break into the top-10 world rankings for the first time. His return comes after the resignation of former head coach Harendra Singh in December 2025, amid poor performances, internal issues, and allegations of favouritism, including India finishing last in the FIH Pro League 2024–25.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Government Removes 3-Year Eligibility Condition for Startups to Access RDI Fund: The government has removed the mandatory three-year existence condition for startups to access the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund, allowing even newly formed startups to apply through DSIR.The announcement was made by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh at the 41st Foundation Day of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) in New Delhi. Key initiatives unveiled include Guidelines for Recognition of In-House R&D, Centres of Deep Tech Startups, PRISM Network Platform – TOCIC Innovator Pulse, and Creative India 2025 to strengthen India’s R&D ecosystem.

 

2. New Reed Snake Species Calamaria Mizoramensis Discovered in Mizoram: Researchers have discovered a new species of reed snake in Mizoram, underscoring the state’s rich but still underexplored biodiversity. The non-venomous species has been named “Calamaria mizoramensis”, after the state where it was found. The discovery adds to India’s growing list of endemic reptiles and highlights the ecological significance of forested hill regions in the Northeast. The discovery was led by Prof. H. T. Lalremsanga of Mizoram University, along with researcher Malsawmdawngliana Fanai and collaborators from Russia, Germany, and Vietnam. The findings were formally published on January 5, 2026, in the peer-reviewed journal Zootaxa. The team confirmed that the species belongs to the genus “Calamaria”, which currently comprises 69 recognised species worldwide. According to Prof. Lalremsanga, specimens of the snake were first encountered in 2008 on the Mizoram University campus and later across multiple locations in the state. For years, these specimens were considered part of a widespread Southeast Asian species due to limited genetic distinction.

 

3. DSIR Relaxes Three-Year Rule to Boost Deep-Tech Startups: Marking the 42nd Foundation Day of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), the Union government announced a major reform to accelerate India’s deep-tech startup ecosystem. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh declared the removal of the mandatory three-year existence condition for startups seeking recognition under DSIR’s Industrial Research and Development Promotion (IRDP) programme. The relaxation allows deep-tech startups to access DSIR recognition and related benefits without proving three years of operational existence. The move is aimed at providing early momentum to first-generation innovators and technology-driven entrepreneurs. The minister said the reform reflects the government’s confidence in India’s startup community and is intended to help promising ventures scale faster while maintaining evaluation standards linked to technological maturity.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Hardeep Singh Ahluwalia Appointed Interim MD & CEO of Canara Bank: Canara Bank has appointed Hardeep Singh Ahluwalia as Managing Director & CEO (Interim) with effect from January 1, 2026, following the superannuation of K. Satyanarayana Raju. Ahluwalia will hold additional charge for three months (till March 31, 2026) or until a regular incumbent is appointed.

Currently serving as Executive Director, Ahluwalia brings over 30 years of banking experience, with expertise in credit, operations, risk management, strategic leadership, and international exposure in Hong Kong.

 

2. Tamil Nadu Announces Assured Pension Scheme for State Employees: With Assembly elections approaching, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Saturday announced the Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS), guaranteeing a pension equal to 50% of the last-drawn monthly salary for state government employees and teachers. The announcement led employee unions to withdraw their proposed indefinite strike, which was scheduled to begin on January 6. Under TAPS, government employees will contribute 10% of their basic salary to the pension corpus, while the state government will bear the remaining cost. This marks a partial return to the benefits of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), under which the government alone funded pensions. Pensioners under TAPS will also receive Dearness Allowance hikes every six months, in line with serving employees.

 

Daily GK Update- 5th Jan, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Extends PLI Scheme for Textiles to March 2026 to Boost MMF and Technical Textile Production: India extends PLI Scheme textile application deadline to March 31, 2026, following strong response from textile companies across priority segments like MMF Apparel, MMF Fabrics, and Technical Textiles.As of September 9, 2025, 91 companies have been selected under the scheme, with investments of ₹7,731 crore, exports of ₹733 crore, turnover of ₹7,290 crore, and creation of around 30,838 jobs.The PLI Scheme for textiles, approved in September 2021 with a budget of ₹10,683 crore over five years, aims to boost production of MMF apparel, MMF fabrics, and technical textiles, strengthening India’s textile sector.

 

2. Punjab to Launch ‘Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna’ on January 15: Punjab to launch ‘Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna’ on January 15, 2026, offering free cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh per family for all 65 lakh families in the State.Any resident of Punjab with a valid Aadhaar card and voter ID can avail the benefits; the scheme aims to cover 100% of the state’s population.Over 9,000 camps will be conducted for issuing scheme cards; after enrolment, beneficiaries will be eligible for free treatment covering around 2,200 medical procedures.The scheme provides cashless and paperless treatment, including hospitalisation, surgeries, ICU care, diagnostics, medicines, and pre- & post-hospitalisation treatments under approved packages.

 

3. Assam Becomes First State to Constitute 8th State Pay Commission Ahead of 7th Pay Commission Expiry: Assam becomes the first Indian state to constitute its 8th State Pay Commission, taking proactive action ahead of the 7th Pay Commission’s expiry on January 1, 2026, signalling early focus on salary and pension revisions for state employees.Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the formation, appointing former chief secretary Subhas Das as the head of the new pay commission, positioning Assam ahead of other states and even the Union Government’s 8th Pay Commission.To revise salaries, allowances, and pensions for government employees and pensioners, replacing the 7th Pay Commission framework, with the actual implementation expected after detailed consultations, financial assessments, and approvals.Early constitution may lead to faster clarity and implementation of revised pay, potentially giving Assam’s workforce an advantage in the upcoming pay revision cycle, with recommendations expected in about 18 months and rollout likely in late 2026 or early 2027.

 

4. NHAI-Backed Raajmarg Infra InvIT Rated AAA (Stable) by CARE Ratings, Signaling Strong Creditworthiness: Raajmarg Infra InvIT, backed by NHAI, receives a AAA (Stable) rating from CARE Ratings, reflecting strong credit quality and investor confidence in the infrastructure investment trust.The rating underscores the InvIT’s robust revenue model, largely supported by toll collections from national highways and long-term contracts with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).AAA (Stable) rating indicates minimal credit risk, positioning Raajmarg Infra InvIT as a highly secure investment option for investors seeking stable returns in the infrastructure sector.The recognition is expected to boost investor interest and enhance the InvIT’s ability to raise funds for future highway projects, supporting India’s broader infrastructure development goals.

 

5. Union Government Launches Integrated E-Bill Platform for ₹2 Lakh Crore Fertiliser Subsidy: Union Government has launched an integrated e-bill platform to digitally process fertiliser subsidies of nearly ₹2 lakh crore annually, replacing manual and paper-based systems.Inaugurated by Union Fertilisers Minister J.P. Nadda, the platform enables end-to-end online submission, processing and approval of fertiliser subsidy claims, reducing delays and bottlenecks.The system integrates the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) of the Department of Fertilisers with the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) under the Ministry of Finance, strengthening public financial management.Key features include real-time bill tracking, tamper-proof digital audit trails, built-in validation checks and faster FIFO-based payments, improving transparency, accountability and ease of doing business for fertiliser companies.

 

6. ADB Approves ₹4,100 Crore Loan in Principle for Phase-I of Telangana’s Musi River Development Project: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to provide a ₹4,100 crore ($500 million) loan to the Telangana Government for parts of Phase I of the Musi River Development ProjectThe Musi River project is divided into five zones, with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Zone I currently under preparation.Out of the 55 km stretch in Zone-I, 21 km in the first phase is being executed by the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation Ltd. (MRDCL), while the state has also sought ₹3,188 crore from the Ministry of Jal Shakti under the National River Conservation Plan.

 

7. India Loses 166 Tigers in 2025, Madhya Pradesh Records Highest Deaths: India lost 166 tigers in 2025, forty more than 2024, according to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), highlighting increasing threats to the world’s largest tiger population.Madhya Pradesh accounted for the highest number of tiger deaths (55), followed by Maharashtra (38), Kerala (13), and Assam (12); 31 of the deceased tigers were cubs.Experts cite territorial conflicts due to space crunch as a major reason for tiger fatalities, reflecting pressures on habitats and ecosystem imbalances.The year’s first reported death occurred in Bramhapuri forest, Maharashtra (Jan 2), while the last was in North Sagar, Madhya Pradesh (Dec 28), with intermediate deaths including Pench Tiger Reserve, MP.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Ranks 3rd in Rare Earth Reserves but Lags in Global Production Due to Mining and Processing Bottlenecks: India has the world’s 3rd-largest rare earth reserves at about 6.9 million tonnes of rare earth oxide (REO), behind China (44 million tonnes) and Brazil (21 million tonnes), accounting for nearly 6–7% of global reserves.Despite abundant reserves, India’s production is very low—only 2,900 tonnes in 2024, ranking 7th globally, and contributing less than 1% of global rare earth output, far behind China’s 270,000 tonnes.Structural and regulatory bottlenecks hinder mining: most reserves lie in monazite-rich coastal sands containing radioactive thorium, making extraction complex and subject to strict regulations; mining was long dominated by IREL, with rare earths treated as by-products.Lack of processing and refining capacity is a major constraint: China controls about 90% of global refining capacity and dominates heavy rare earth processing, while India has minimal refining infrastructure, limiting its role in the global rare earth value chain.a

 

2. UN General Assembly Approves $3.45 Billion Regular Budget for 2026: The UN General Assembly has approved a $3.45 billion regular budget for the United Nations for 2026, authorising funding for core organisational activities including peace, security, sustainable development and human rights.The budget was adopted after weeks of intensive negotiations by the 193 member states, reflecting consensus through the Assembly’s main budgetary body, the Fifth Committee.The approved amount is about 7 % lower than the 2025 regular budget and is slightly above the Secretary-General’s original proposal, highlighting financial constraints and reform priorities under the UN80 initiative.India’s share of the United Nation’s regular budget is 1.016 per cent, calculated based on factors such as gross national income, population and economic capacity. The United States remains the largest United Nation contributor at 22 per cent, followed by China at 20 per cent.

 

3. Bulgaria Officially Joins Eurozone, Adopts Euro as National Currency: Bulgaria officially joined the Eurozone on 1 January 2026, adopting the euro as its official currency, replacing the Bulgarian lev after a long transition process.With this move, Bulgaria becomes the 21st member of the euro area, deepening its economic and monetary integration with the European Union.The switch to the euro follows approval of required legal acts by the Council of the European Union and fulfilment of convergence criteria set by the European Commission and European Central Bank.During the transition period, both the lev and the euro will circulate, with dual pricing in stores, and citizens can exchange levs for euros at banks and post offices free of charge until mid-2026.

 

4. Turkmenistan Legalises Cryptocurrency Mining and Exchanges Under New Law: Turkmenistan has officially legalised cryptocurrency mining and exchanges, marking a major policy shift in its tightly controlled and gas-dependent economy; the law was signed by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.The new legislation brings virtual assets under civil law and introduces a licensing framework for crypto exchanges, to be regulated by the Central Bank of Turkmenistan.

Despite legalisation, cryptocurrencies are not recognised as legal tender, currency, or securities, and cannot be used as a means of payment in the country.

 

5. Why India Is Missing from Trump’s ‘Pax Silica’ — and What It Says About Power in Today’s Geopolitics: When US President “Donald Trump” unveiled the US-led “Pax Silica” initiative — aimed at securing supply chains in critical minerals, energy, semiconductors and artificial intelligence — it immediately stood out for two reasons. First, Trump’s well-known scepticism towards multilateralism. Second, India’s conspicuous absence from a grouping that is clearly designed to counter China’s technological and resource dominance. Trump has never hidden his discomfort with traditional multilateral institutions. Bodies such as the “United Nations”, “NATO”, “G7” and “G20” have all faced either open hostility or strategic indifference during his presidency.That makes “Pax Silica” unusual. It is multilateral in form but transactional in substance — a compact among countries that bring tangible, immediately usable assets to the table. The nine members — the US, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the UK, the Netherlands, Israel, the UAE and Australia — are bound not by shared values but by complementary strengths in high technology or critical resources.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor Takes Charge as Vice Chief of Air Staff: Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff on January 1, 2026, succeeding Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, who retired after 40 years of distinguished service to the nation.

An alumnus of NDA, Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College, Air Marshal Kapoor is an accomplished fighter pilot with over 3,400 flying hours on MiG-21 and MiG-29 aircraft.He has held several key command, operational and instructional appointments, including Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Training Command and South Western Air Command, and is a recipient of multiple gallantry and distinguished service awards.In another key appointment, Lt. Gen. Harpal Singh assumed charge as the 29th Director General Border Roads (DG BRO); commissioned into the Corps of Engineers in 1991, he brings over three decades of experience in strengthening strategic border infrastructure and connectivity through the BRO (raised in 1960).

 

2. Maharashtra’s First Woman DGP Rashmi Shukla Retires After 37.5 Years of Service: Rashmi Shukla, Maharashtra’s first woman Director General of Police (DGP), retired on 3 January 2026 after 37.5 years of service in the Indian Police Service (IPS).She was honoured with a Guard of Honour at her farewell ceremony held at Naigaon Police Ground, Bhoiwada, attended by senior police officers.Senior IPS officer Sadanand Date, a 26/11 hero and former DG of NIA, has been appointed as the new Maharashtra DGP.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Usman Khawaja Announces Retirement After Final Ashes Test at Sydney Cricket Ground: Usman Khawaja has announced his retirement from international cricket after the fifth and final Ashes Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), which will be his 88th and last Test match, at the same venue where his first-class career began.Debuting in 2011 at the age of 24, Khawaja enjoyed a 15-year-long Test career, scoring over 6,000 Test runs; his international journey began after an injury to then captain Ricky Ponting opened the door for his debut.Born in Pakistan and raised in Australia, Khawaja created history as Australia’s first Pakistan-born and first Muslim cricketer, and was later honoured with the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year (2023) and Shane Warne Test Cricketer of the Year awards for his outstanding performances.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Why India’s Cyber Fraud Losses Are Surging — And What the Data Reveals About the New Crime Economy: Indians lost more than Rs 52,976 crore to fraud and cheating over the last six years, according to fresh data compiled by the “Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre” (I4C) under the “Union Ministry of Home Affairs”. The numbers point to a sharp and sustained rise in cyber-enabled financial crimes — from fake investment schemes and “digital arrest” scams to credit card fraud and online phishing — underscoring how India’s rapid digitisation has also created fertile ground for organised cybercrime. Data drawn from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal shows an exponential rise in both the value of fraud and the number of complaints. In 2025 alone, Indians reported losses of Rs 19,812.96 crore across more than 21.7 lakh cheating-related complaints. This follows losses of Rs 22,849.49 crore in 2024, Rs 7,463.2 crore in 2023, and Rs 2,290.23 crore in 2022.The early years show far lower numbers — Rs 551.65 crore in 2021 and just Rs 8.56 crore in 2020 — highlighting how cyber fraud has grown in scale alongside the explosion of smartphones, digital payments and online financial platforms.

 

2. Prasar Bharati Moves to Restore Thadou Language Broadcast in Manipur: Public broadcaster Prasar Bharati has initiated steps to resume live radio programming in the Thadou language from All India Radio, also known as Akashvani, in Imphal. The move is being seen as a significant confidence-building measure in Manipur, where ethnic tensions between Meitei and Kuki groups erupted in May 2023. Prasar Bharati has sought inputs from the programme head of “All India Radio” Imphal on recruiting staff for restarting live broadcasts in Thadou and other major dialects of Manipur. The broadcaster’s letter dated December 12 followed a formal request from Thadou Inpi Manipur, the representative body of the Thadou tribe, which urged either the return of earlier Thadou language staff or fresh recruitment from all concerned communities. Live Thadou language programmes from Akashvani Imphal had stopped after Thadou staff left the Imphal valley during the ethnic clashes that began in May 2023. Since then, only recorded Thadou songs have been aired. Prasar Bharati clarified that recorded programmes in major dialects, including Thadou, are currently broadcast daily, with Thadou content aired between 5 pm and 5.30 pm.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Karthikeyan Manickam Appointed Chairman of ESAF Small Finance Bank: ESAF Small Finance Bank has appointed Karthikeyan Manickam as its new Chairman, aiming to strengthen leadership with his decades of experience in banking, risk management, and regulatory compliance.A former Executive Director of Bank of India, Manickam will provide strategic guidance and independent oversight to the board, with expertise in banking operations, credit monitoring, risk management, regulatory compliance, and human resource management.

 

2. Why the RBI Is Warning Against New Financial Risks Even as Banks Look Healthier: ndian banks are stronger than they have been in decades — leaner balance sheets, lower bad loans, and solid profitability. Yet the Reserve Bank of India’s latest Financial Stability Report (FSR) strikes a careful note of caution. Beneath the surface of improved asset quality, the central bank flags emerging risks — from unsecured lending and fintech exposure to global shocks and the growing footprint of stablecoins. The message is clear: stability today does not guarantee safety tomorrow. The most reassuring signal in the FSR is the sharp improvement in asset quality. Gross non-performing assets (NPAs) fell to 2.1% in the September 2025 quarter, down from 2.5% a year earlier and far below the peak of 11.5% seen in 2017–18. Net NPAs have declined in tandem, and under the RBI’s baseline projections, could fall further to 1.9% by March 2027.Strong capital adequacy, comfortable liquidity buffers, and stable profitability have given banks a resilience they lacked a decade ago. According to the “Reserve Bank of India”, these buffers should allow lenders to absorb moderate shocks without threatening systemic stability.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. I&B Ministry Announces Badalta Bharat Mera Anubhav Winners: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has announced the winners of four creative challenges organised under the Badalta Bharat Mera Anubhav campaign. The initiative invited citizens to share personal stories and creative expressions reflecting India’s transformation over the last 11 years. The campaign was organised by the “Ministry of Information and Broadcasting” in collaboration with the “MyGov” platform. Aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, it witnessed enthusiastic participation from citizens across diverse age groups and backgrounds. Participants showcased how governance reforms and development initiatives have impacted everyday life across sectors. Citizens expressed their experiences through multiple creative formats, including Instagram reels, YouTube shorts, audio-visual storytelling and blog writing. These entries highlighted themes such as infrastructure growth, digital empowerment, social inclusion and improved public services under the leadership of “Narendra Modi”. The wide variety of submissions reflected the evolving narrative of a rapidly developing India.

 

Daily GK Update- 4th Jan, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. President Droupadi Murmu Launches ‘Skill The Nation’ AI Challenge to Prepare India’s Workforce for an AI-Driven Future: President Droupadi Murmu has launched the ‘Skill The Nation’ AI Challenge under the Skilling for AI Readiness (Soar) initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and virtually inaugurated the IGNOU Regional Centre and Skill Centre at Rairangpur, Odisha.Artificial Intelligence is transforming economies, education and workplaces, and for a young country like India, it represents a major opportunity for inclusive social and economic change, not just a technological shift.India’s AI approach must be people-centric and inclusive, aiming to bridge social, economic and technological divides, particularly benefiting marginalised communities, while using AI to solve real-world problems.

 

2. MoSPI Unveils New Logo and Mascot ‘सांख्यिकी’ to Promote Data-Driven Governance and Public Trust: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) unveiled a new logo and mascot to modernise its institutional identity and enhance public outreach, reinforcing the role of official statistics in policy formulation and nation-building.The new logo is based on the theme “Data for Development”, featuring the Ashoka Chakra symbolising truth and transparency, the Rupee symbol highlighting the role of data in economic planning, and numerical elements with an upward growth bar indicating progress through reliable statistics.The logo’s colour palette—saffron, white, green and deep blue— reflects India’s national colours and signifies growth, sustainability, stability and knowledge, aligning with data-driven governance and transparency.MoSPI also launched its new mascot “सांख्यिकी”, a citizen-centric character designed to simplify complex statistical concepts, promote participation in NSO surveys, and build public trust in official statistics through consistent and relatable engagement.

 

3. Sagarmala Finance Corporation Begins Lending Operations, Sanctions ₹4,300 Crore to Boost India’s Maritime Sector: Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL), India’s first maritime-focused NBFC, has formally commenced lending operations by sanctioning loans worth around ₹4,300 crore, marking a major step towards strengthening India’s maritime finance ecosystem.The loan approvals were cleared at SMFCL’s 51st Board meeting (30 December 2025), in line with its board-approved strategy and AGM roadmap, which set a borrowing limit of ₹25,000 crore and a lending target of ₹8,000 crore, with the sanctioned amount to be disbursed within the current financial year. Of the sanctioned loans, ₹4,000 crore has been allocated to a greenfield port project, reflecting the Centre’s push for port-led development, while Dredging Corporation of India (₹150 crore) and Goa Shipyard (₹110 crore) received funding to support dredging operations and indigenous shipbuilding. Inaugurated on June 26, 2025, by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, SMFCL has been designated as the nodal agency for the ₹25,000-crore Maritime Development Fund and aims to provide sector-specific financial solutions across ports, MSMEs, startups and shipbuilding, aligned with Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and India’s blue economy goals.

 

4. 18-Year-Old Kaamya Karthikeyan Becomes Youngest Indian to Ski to the South Pole: Kaamya Karthikeyan, 18, became the youngest Indian and second-youngest woman in the world to ski to the South Pole, completing a 115 km expedition in Antarctica under extreme conditions, including -30°C temperatures, gale-force winds, and whiteouts.Daughter of Indian Navy officer S Karthikeyan and educator Lavanya Karthikeyan, Kaamya’s early exposure to discipline and outdoor pursuits shaped her into one of India’s most accomplished young adventurers.Before turning 18, Kaamya had completed the Seven Summits Challenge (Mount Everest, Aconcagua, Denali, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Vinson, Kosciuszko), becoming the youngest Indian and second-youngest woman to summit Everest from Nepal and achieving several other mountaineering milestones.

 

5. Ashika Group Gets SEBI Nod to Launch Ashika Mutual Fund: Ashika Group has received in-principle approval from SEBI to act as sponsor and establish Ashika Mutual Fund, allowing it to set up an Asset Management Company (AMC) and prepare for the launch of mutual fund schemes, subject to final regulatory clearances.The approval marks a key milestone in Ashika Group’s vision to build a future-ready asset management ecosystem, focused on disciplined investing, strong governance and long-term wealth creation.Ashika’s entry into the mutual fund space is backed by its diverse experience in capital markets and financial services, including retail and institutional broking, investment banking, research advisory, alternative assets, private equity and global family office services.The proposed fund house plans to offer a well-curated range of investment schemes catering to varied investor needs, supported by robust research, prudent risk management and a governance-first approach, with a focus on sustainable long-term investor value.

 

6. Tarun Garg Appointed as MD & CEO of Hyundai Motor India, Becomes First Indian to Lead HMIL: Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) appointed Tarun Garg as Managing Director & CEO, making him the first Indian national to head the company in its 29-year history.With over three decades of automotive experience, Tarun Garg aims to lead HMIL’s next phase of growth, focusing on sustainability, technological leadership, customer delight, and alignment with Hyundai’s vision of “Progress for Humanity.”

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. US Launches Strikes on Venezuela, Trump Claims Maduro Captured: The United States carried out what it described as a “large-scale strike” on Venezuela early Saturday, triggering explosions across the capital Caracas and plunging parts of the city into power outages. US President Donald Trump claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of the country, an assertion that has intensified uncertainty over Venezuela’s political control. Multiple blasts were reported in Caracas during the early hours of January 3, accompanied by low-flying aircraft and visible smoke near military installations. Residents described buildings shaking as explosions echoed across the city. While the reported strike lasted less than half an hour, power outages were confirmed in several neighbourhoods, though traffic continued moving in parts of the capital. Casualty figures were not immediately available.

 

2. First Oral Pill for Thalassemia Anaemia Approved by US FDA: In a landmark development for global blood disorder care, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved the first-ever oral pill for treating anaemia in adults with thalassemia. Health experts have described the decision as a potential game changer that could significantly reduce dependence on lifelong blood transfusions for patients suffering from this inherited condition. The FDA has approved mitapivat, to be marketed under the brand name Aqvesme, for adults with alpha- or beta-thalassemia. It is the first medicine authorised for both transfusion-dependent and non-transfusion-dependent forms of the disease. Until now, thalassemia management has largely relied on regular blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy, often starting from early childhood.

 

3. Iran Appoints New Central Bank Chief Amid Economic Protests: Iran has appointed a new central bank governor as mounting economic pressure and a sharp currency collapse triggered widespread protests across the country. The leadership change comes amid public anger over soaring prices, inflation, and the rapid depreciation of the Iranian rial against the US dollar. President Masoud Pezeshkian’s Cabinet appointed Abdolnasser Hemmati as the new governor of the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The appointment was confirmed by Iran’s official news agency IRNA. Hemmati, a former economics minister, replaces Mohammad Reza Farzin, who resigned earlier this week amid escalating unrest. The leadership change follows a record fall in the Iranian rial, which traded at around 1.38 million rials per US dollar this week, compared with nearly 430,000 when Farzin assumed office in 2022. The rapid depreciation, combined with inflation estimated at around 40 per cent, has sharply increased the cost of food and daily essentials, intensifying pressure on households already affected by Western sanctions over Iran’s nuclear programme.

 

4. Paris Agreement at 10: Why developing countries are questioning the world’s climate compact: A decade after it came into force, the Paris Agreement is facing an unusual moment of introspection. Unlike its predecessor, the Kyoto Protocol, it is not under immediate threat of collapse. Yet questions about its effectiveness, fairness and long-term relevance are growing louder, particularly among developing countries. As the treaty completed ten years in November, the global climate conversation began to shift — from unquestioned acceptance of its architecture to open debate about whether it can still deliver meaningful results. The unease did not begin with the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in early 2025, though that move reinforced doubts about global cooperation. For several developing countries, frustration has been building over a deeper imbalance. The treaty places binding procedural obligations on them — such as mandatory climate action plans and detailed greenhouse gas inventories — while failing to deliver the finance and technology support that were repeatedly promised.

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Pralay Missile Strengthens India’s Tactical Strike Capability: India has taken a major leap in battlefield missile capability with the successful user trial of the indigenous Pralay missile. The Defence Research and Development Organisation validated the system through a salvo launch conducted on December 31, 2025, underscoring India’s growing self-reliance in advanced missile technology and reinforcing its regional deterrence posture.The trial was carried out by the Defence Research and Development Organisation from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Odisha. Two Pralay missiles were fired in quick succession from the same launcher, both striking designated targets with high precision. Defence officials confirmed that the trial validated accuracy, reliability and operational readiness, with tracking systems and telemetry data from the Bay of Bengal confirming mission success.

 

2. Operation Milap Helps Trace 1,303 Missing Persons in Delhi’s Southwest: Delhi Police have traced 1,303 missing persons in the southwest district over the past year under Operation Milap, reflecting sustained efforts to reunite families and strengthen public trust in policing. The traced individuals include 434 children and 869 adults, with focused action continuing through December 2025. Operation Milap, run by the Delhi Police, is aimed at tracing missing persons through coordinated district-level efforts. In December alone, police teams traced 102 missing persons, comprising 35 children and 67 adults. Officials said the results underline consistent follow-up, inter-station coordination, and community-based intelligence gathering. According to DCP (Southwest) Amit Goel, local informers and systematic checks of hospital and police station records played a key role. Police teams also displayed photographs of missing individuals at transport hubs such as bus terminals, railway stations, auto stands and e-rickshaw points, helping generate timely leads from the public.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. PM Modi Inaugurates Exhibition of Sacred Piprahwa Buddha Relics: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated a grand international exhibition of sacred relics of Lord Buddha in New Delhi, marking a landmark moment in India’s cultural and spiritual heritage preservation. The exhibition has drawn wide attention from historians, scholars, and Buddhist followers from India and abroad. Titled ““The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One””, the exhibition showcases the sacred Piprahwa relics of Gautama Buddha that have been reunited after 127 years. These gem relics were repatriated to India and are being displayed alongside archaeological materials recovered during excavations conducted in 1898 and later between 1971 and 1975 at the Piprahwa site.

 

2. India’s First Government AI Clinic Launched at GIMS Greater Noida: India has marked a major milestone in public healthcare with the inauguration of its first government hospital-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) clinic at the Government Institute of Medical Sciences. The initiative signals a shift towards technology-driven healthcare delivery in the government sector, aimed at improving clinical outcomes, efficiency, and patient safety. The AI clinic was inaugurated online by the Additional Director General of Health Services, Government of India. It has been established under the GIMS Centre for Medical Innovation and is designed to integrate AI solutions directly into clinical practice within a public hospital setting. The initiative is being viewed as a significant achievement for both Uttar Pradesh and the national healthcare ecosystem. The primary objective of the clinic is to provide a real-world clinical environment for AI-based healthcare startups to develop, test, and validate their solutions. By embedding innovation within a functioning government hospital, the clinic aims to bridge the gap between technological development and on-ground medical application, ensuring that AI tools are practical, safe, and clinically relevant.

 

3. India Develops 3D-Printed Automatic Weather Stations Under Mission Mausam: Indian scientists have achieved a technological milestone by developing indigenously manufactured Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) using 3D-printing technology. The first batch of these next-generation stations will be deployed in Delhi from February 2026, marking a major step towards strengthening India’s weather observation and forecasting network. The initiative is being led by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology under the Ministry of Earth Sciences as part of Mission Mausam, a ₹2,000 crore national programme aimed at upgrading meteorological infrastructure. Mission Mausam focuses on eliminating data gaps in weather observations, especially in urban and climate-sensitive regions, to improve forecast accuracy.Unlike conventional systems, the new AWS units are fully manufactured domestically using 3D-printing technology under the Make in India initiative. These stations automatically record parameters such as temperature, wind speed, humidity, and rainfall, and transmit data in real time. The use of 3D printing significantly reduces production costs, allows flexible geometric design, and enables faster large-scale deployment. All units are solar-powered, making them suitable for remote and urban locations alike.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Gross GST Collections Rise 6.1% in December: Gross GST collections in December 2025 rose 6.1% year-on-year to about ₹75 lakh crore, with CGST and SGST recording growth, while IGST declined compared to the same month last year.From April to December 2025–26, gross GST collections increased by 8.6% to around ₹16.5 lakh crore, with all major components—CGST, SGST, and IGST—showing growth, reflecting stronger economic activity and improved compliance.GST revenues have shown a steady upward trend over the years, rising from ₹11.37 lakh crore in 2020–21 to ₹20.18 lakh crore in 2023–24, with 2024–25 marking the highest-ever gross collection of ₹22.08 lakh crore.

 

2. Andhra Pradesh Tops India’s Investment Chart in FY26: Andhra Pradesh has emerged as India’s leading investment destination in FY26, capturing the largest share of proposed investments in the country. The state accounted for 25.3 per cent of total proposed investments during the first nine months of the fiscal year, reflecting a strong shift in industrial momentum towards eastern and southern India. According to a report by Bank of Baroda, Andhra Pradesh led all states in attracting proposed capital during the first three quarters of FY26. Odisha followed with a 13.1 per cent share, while Maharashtra stood third at 12.8 per cent. Together, these three states accounted for 51.2 per cent of all proposed investments nationwide. Overall investment announcements during this period rose by 11.5 per cent year-on-year to ₹26.6 lakh crore.