6 January 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

US Strikes in and around Venezuelan Capital Caracas

 

US conducted air/military strikes in and around Caracas, triggering global debate on international law, sovereignty, and unilateral intervention.

India’s direct impact is limited, given reduced bilateral engagement with Venezuela after US sanctions post-2019.

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Probable Reasons behind the US Strikes

1. Resurrection of the Monroe Doctrine

• Reassertion of US strategic dominance in Latin America.
• Reinforces the idea of the Western Hemisphere as a US sphere of influence.

2. Countering China’s Expanding Footprint

• China is the largest buyer of Venezuelan crude oil.
• Venezuela is a critical node in China’s energy security and BRI-linked engagement in Latin America.

3. Control over Strategic Resources

• Venezuela possesses: World’s largest proven oil reserves, Large natural gas reserves, Largest gold reserves in South America

4. Other Stated/Implicit Justifications

• Allegations of State-sponsored drug trafficking, Spread of socialism, Triggering mass migration towards the US
• Regime-change narratives framed around “restoring democracy”.

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Potential Consequences & Global Implications

1. Violation of International Law

• Article 2(4) of the UN Charter: Prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

           -Exceptions only include self-defence (Article 51) or UNSC authorization.

• Forced removal or exile of a sitting head of state is widely viewed as illegal under international law.

2. Bypassing the UN Security Council

• Action taken without UNSC approval, undermining multilateralism.
• Reinforces perception of the US acting as “judge, jury, and executioner.”

3. Historical Parallel – Iraq (2003)

• Similarities include Regime change under contested premises, Long-term destabilisation, Emergence of extremist groups (e.g., ISIS in Iraq case)

4. Erosion of Global Order

• Signals failure of the post–Cold War promise of a rules-based liberal international order.
• Parallels drawn with Russia–Ukraine conflict & Increasing normalization of unilateral use of force by major powers.

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India’s Position & Impact

• Limited direct economic or strategic impact due to Reduced oil imports & Weak bilateral engagement post sanctions
• India traditionally Supports sovereignty, non-intervention, and dialogue & Advocates solutions through international law and UN mechanisms

 

Centre Relaxes Norms for Deep-Tech Startups to Avail DSIR Funds

The Government of India has removed the mandatory 3-year existence criterion for deep-tech startups to qualify for recognition and financial assistance under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR).

This change applies to the Industrial R&D Promotion Programme (IRDPP) and is aimed at boosting early-stage, research-intensive startups.

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About Industrial R&D Promotion Programme (IRDPP)

• Nodal Agency: Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science & Technology
• Objective: Strengthen industrial R&D infrastructure & Promote innovation in industry and Scientific & Industrial Research Organisations (SIROs)
• Benefits for Recognised Entities:

           -Eligibility for fiscal incentives

           -Access to government R&D funding

           -Recognition as DSIR-approved R&D units / SIROs

Significance of Relaxation

• Enables early-stage deep-tech startups (often pre-revenue) to access funding.
• Addresses the long gestation period typical of deep-tech innovation.
• Aligns policy with the research-first nature of deep-tech enterprises.

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What is Deep Tech?

• Refers to science-driven, research-intensive technologies based on fundamental breakthroughs.
• Characterised by High technical complexity, Long development cycles, Strong IP orientation
• Examples: Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Nanotechnology, Robotics, Blockchain, Advanced Materials & Biotechnology

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Government Initiatives Supporting Deep-Tech Startups

1. Draft National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP), 2023:

• Aims to create a conducive ecosystem through targeted policy interventions.

         -Focus on funding, talent, IP, and infrastructure.

2. NECTAR:

• Autonomous body under DST

          -Promotes development and deployment of niche frontier technologies.

3. Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme:

• Supports acquisition of strategically critical technologies.

          -Proposes creation of a Deep-Tech Fund of Funds.

4. Indo-Israel Deep Tech & Life Sciences Mission (2021):

• Facilitates bilateral collaboration in deep

          -tech and life sciences innovation.

 

India Becomes World’s Largest Rice Producer, Surpasses China

The Union Agriculture Minister announced that India has become the world’s largest rice producer, overtaking China.

The occasion also marked the release of 184 new high-yielding seed varieties covering 25 crops, aimed at boosting productivity and climate resilience.

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Status of Rice Production & Exports

1. Global Production (Approx.)

• India: ~150 million tonnes (MT) (largest producer)
• China: Second largest
• Other major producers: Indonesia, Bangladesh, Japan, Sri Lanka, Egypt

2. State-wise Rice Production in India (2024–25)

• Uttar Pradesh: 13.8%
• Telangana: 11.6%
• West Bengal: 10.6%
• Punjab: 9.5%
• Chhattisgarh: 7%

3. Exports

• India is the world’s largest rice exporter
• Exports (2024–25): 20.1 million metric tonnes
• Major destinations: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Benin, UAE, African & West Asian countries

4. Significance

• Enhances India’s food diplomacy
• Strengthens farm incomes and agri-exports
• Consolidates India’s dominance in global rice trade (both basmati and non-basmati)

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About Rice Crop

1. Nature

• Type: Major food crop; staple for tropical and sub-tropical regions
• Plant type: Semi-aquatic (paddy)

2. Growth Conditions

• Latitude: 8°N to 30°N
• Altitude: Sea level to ~2,500 m
• Rainfall: 100–150 cm
• Temperature: Day: ~30°C & Night: ~20°C
• Water: Requires standing water (10–15 cm) for ~¾ of the growing season
• Soils: Silts, loams, gravels; tolerates acidic & alkaline soils
• Optimal pH: 5.5 – 6.5
• Subsoil: Impermeable subsoil preferred

3. Rice Cropping Seasons in India:

Aman (Winter Rice), Aus (Autumn Rice), Boro (Summer Rice)

 

Prime Minister Inaugurates International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics

The Prime Minister inaugurated the Grand International Exposition titled “The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One”.

The event marks the historic reunification of the Piprahwa gem relics of Lord Buddha, which were repatriated to India after 127 years.

The Prime Minister emphasised that Bhagwan Buddha’s teachings and wisdom transcend national and cultural boundaries and belong to all humanity.

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About the Piprahwa Relics

1. Discovery

• Unearthed in 1898 by British civil engineer William Claxton Peppé.
• Found during excavations at a Buddhist stupa in Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh.

2. Location & Historical Context

• Piprahwa lies near the India–Nepal border.
• Archaeological evidence links the site to ancient Kapilavastu, widely identified as the place where Gautama Buddha spent his early life before renunciation.

3. Archaeological & Religious Significance

• The relics are believed to be associated with the mortal remains of Lord Buddha.
• They include gem relics and caskets, making them among the most sacred Buddhist antiquities.
• Their reunification represents an important milestone in cultural restitution and heritage diplomacy.

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Contemporary Relevance of Buddha’s Teachings

1. Governance and Public Ethics

• Principles such as Right Speech, Right Conduct, and Right Livelihood offer a framework for Ethical leadership, Transparent administration, Citizen-centric governance

2. Social Equity and Justice

• Buddha’s decision to open the Sangha to all, irrespective of caste or status, provides a moral basis for Social inclusion, Gender equality, Protection of marginalised groups, including women and transgender persons

3. Environmental Sustainability and Responsible Consumption

• The Middle Path advocates moderation between excess and deprivation.
• Offers ethical guidance for Sustainable lifestyles, Reducing over-consumption, Addressing climate change and ecological degradation

4. Ethics in Science and Technology

• Emphasis on simplicity, compassion, and reverence for life ensures that Technological progress remains ethically grounded & Innovation does not undermine human values
• Mindfulness and right understanding promote Scientific temper & Critical inquiry and rational thought

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Centre Sanctions 24 Chip Design Projects under Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme

 

The Government of India has approved 24 semiconductor chip design projects under the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme.

 

About the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme

 

• Launched: 2021
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
• Implementation Agency: Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC)
• Parent Programme: Semicon India Programme

Objective

• To build a robust, self-reliant semiconductor chip design ecosystem.
• Encourage domestic startups, MSMEs, and Indian companies to design and deploy semiconductor products.
• Reduce dependence on imported chip designs and strengthen India’s position in the global semiconductor value chain.

 

Key Features of the DLI Scheme

 

1. Financial Incentives

• Product Design Linked Incentive: Support for semiconductor product design activities.
• Deployment Linked Incentive: Incentives linked to successful deployment and commercialization of chip designs.

2. Design Infrastructure Support: Provided through the ChipIN Centre.

• Key components include:
  • Remote access to a National EDA Tool Grid
  • Access to a repository of IP cores
  • Fiscal support for multi-project wafer (MPW) prototyping
  • Assistance for post-silicon validation

 

Eligibility under the DLI Scheme

 

• Startups and MSMEs: Eligible for both financial incentives and design infrastructure support for semiconductor product design and deployment.
• Other Domestic Companies: Eligible for financial incentives for deploying semiconductor designs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Savitribai Phule

 

The Prime Minister recently paid tribute to Savitribai Phule on her birth anniversary, recognising her pioneering role in women’s education and social reform.

 

About Savitribai Phule (1831–1897)

 

• Born: 1831, Satara district, Maharashtra
• Role: Social reformer, educationist, poet, and women’s rights pioneer
• Historic First: First headmistress of India’s first school for girls in Pune (established with Jyotirao Phule)

 

Key Contributions

 

Women’s Rights & Social Reform

• Mahila Seva Mandal: Worked for women’s rights, dignity, and social awareness.
• Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha: Shelter for pregnant women facing social ostracism, helping prevent female infanticide.
• Satyashodhak Marriages: Promoted simple, dowry-free marriages based on equality.

Education & Social Inclusion

• Native Female School, Pune: Played a central role in establishing and running one of India’s earliest institutions for women’s education.
• Education for the Marginalised: Actively promoted education among oppressed communities such as Mahars and Mangs, challenging caste hierarchies.

Literary Contributions

• Kavyaphule: A pioneering collection of poems advocating social justice, women’s empowerment, and equality.
• Bavan Kashi Subodh Ratnakar: Literary work reflecting moral reform and rational thought.

 

Somnath Temple

 

The Prime Minister paid tribute to the Somnath Temple to commemorate 1,000 years since the first recorded attack on the temple in 1026 AD, marking a significant moment in India’s civilisational history.

 

About Somnath Temple

 

• Situated along Arabian Sea coastline at Prabhas Patan, near Veraval in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat.
• Religious Significance: Houses one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlings of Lord Shiva, making it one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Hinduism.

 

Historical Background

 

• Regarded as one of the oldest continuously revered temples in India.
• Temple faced multiple invasions and destructions, beginning with 11th century raid by Mahmud of Ghazni.
• These events are also referenced in historical accounts, including writings attributed to Al-Biruni.
• Despite repeated destruction, the temple was rebuilt several times, symbolising cultural continuity and resilience.

 

Modern Reconstruction

 

• Post-Independence initiative: The reconstruction was initiated under the direction of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, then Deputy Prime Minister of India, on 12 November 1947.
• Consecration: The installation ceremony (Pran Pratishtha) was performed on 11 May 1951 by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India.

 

OSIRIS-REx Mission and Asteroid Bennu

 

Scientific analysis of samples brought back by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission from asteroid Bennu has revealed the presence of sugars, amino acids, and all five nucleobases essential for DNA and RNA, indicating that the complete molecular toolkit required for life can form in extraterrestrial environments.

 

About OSIRIS-REx Mission

 

Overview

• OSIRIS-REx stands for Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification and Security–Regolith Explorer.
• It is the first United States mission to successfully collect and return samples from an asteroid.

Sample Return

• The mission delivered a capsule containing asteroid material to Earth on 24 September 2023.
• The samples were collected from the near-Earth asteroid Bennu, enabling direct laboratory analysis.

Mission Extension

• After completing its primary objective, the spacecraft was renamed OSIRIS-APEX.
• It has been redirected to study asteroid Apophis, with a close-approach observation mission scheduled for 2029.

 

About Asteroid Bennu

 

Origin and Age

• Bennu’s constituent rocks formed approximately 4.6 billion years ago, during the earliest phase of Solar System formation.
• It is believed to be a fragment of a larger primordial body that disintegrated following a catastrophic collision.

Formation Zone

• The asteroid likely originated in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
• Over time, gravitational interactions caused it to migrate toward Earth’s vicinity.

Orbital Characteristics

• Bennu is classified as a near-Earth asteroid.
• It makes its closest approach to Earth roughly every six years, making it both scientifically valuable and relevant for planetary defence studies.

 

OPEC+

 

OPEC+ has agreed in principle to maintain steady oil output, despite rising geopolitical tensions and global energy uncertainties.

 

About OPEC

• OPEC stands for Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.
• It is a permanent intergovernmental organization of 12 oil-exporting developing nations.
• India is not a member.

History

• Founded: 1960, at the Baghdad Conference by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela.
• Headquarters: Vienna, Austria.

Objective

• To coordinate and unify petroleum policies among member countries.
• Ensure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers.

 

About OPEC+

 

Genesis

• In 2016, in response to falling oil prices caused by rising US shale output, OPEC signed an agreement with 10 additional oil-producing countries, forming OPEC+.

Purpose

• To stabilize the global oil market through coordinated production adjustments.
• Balance supply and demand and maintain market predictability.

Members

• Includes OPEC members plus non-OPEC major oil producers like Russia, Mexico, and Kazakhstan.

 

UN Security Council (UNSC)

 

Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia, and Liberia have been elected as non-permanent members of UNSC for a two-year term.

 

About UNSC

 

Genesis

• Established: 1945 through the UN Charter.
• Type: One of the six principal organs of the United Nations.

Purpose

• Primary responsibility: Maintaining international peace and security.

Membership

• Permanent Members (P5): China, France, Russia, USA, and UK.
• Non-permanent Members: 10 members elected for two-year terms by the UN General Assembly.

Functions

• Authorizes peacekeeping missions.
• Imposes sanctions on countries threatening global security.
• Can authorize use of force in cases of international conflict.

 

Star Labelling

 

The Government has notified penal provisions for manufacturers of appliances such as air conditioners and televisions if the actual energy consumption deviates from what is declared on the Energy Star Rating label.

The move aims to prevent misleading energy efficiency claims and protect consumer interests.

 

Standards and Labelling (S&L) Programme

 

• Ministry: Ministry of Power
• Implementing Agency: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
  • A statutory body under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001

Objectives

• Reduce overall energy consumption by promoting energy-efficient appliances.
• Enable informed consumer choice regarding Energy performance & Operating costs
• Encourage manufacturers to adopt higher efficiency standards.

Suryastra Rocket System

 

Indian Army has signed a ₹293 crore contract with NIBE Limited, a private Indian defence manufacturer, in collaboration with Israel, for the induction of an advanced long-range rocket launcher system named Suryastra.

 

About Suryastra

 

• Suryastra is India’s first indigenously developed universal multi-calibre rocket launcher system, marking a major step in strengthening domestic defence manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

• Designed for precision surface-to-surface attack missions.
• Capable of striking targets at distances of up to 300 km, enhancing deep-strike and deterrence capabilities.