Daily current affairs: 5 January 2026

Long Description : On January 5, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared an Op-Ed regarding the historic milestone of 1000 years of the Somnath Temple's resilience. The year 2026 marks exactly a millennium since the first major attack on the shrine in 1026 AD. The PM emphasized that Somnath's story transcends being just about a religious site; it represents the "unbroken courage" of the people of India who protected their civilization against foreign invaders. The "Somnath Swabhiman Parv" celebrates this enduring faith, highlighting how the temple was rebuilt multiple times, serving as a testament to India’s ability to rise from the ashes of destruction.

Long Description : A Supreme Court bench on January 5, 2026, delivered a significant judgment regarding bail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Denying liberty to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam after six years of incarceration without trial, the court reasoned that the right to personal liberty is not an "absolute" right and can be regulated by special statutes. The bench further expanded the interpretation of a "terrorist act" under Section 15 of the UAPA, stating that it includes not just the final act of violence but also the conspiracy and "build-up" leading to it. This ruling underscores the stringent judicial approach toward national security cases.

Long Description : In a landmark announcement on January 5, 2026, the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare declared that India has secured the top position in global rice production, surpassing China. This achievement is attributed to significant improvements in yield per hectare and the widespread adoption of technology-driven farming. To sustain this growth, the government released 184 new high-yielding seed varieties designed to withstand climate fluctuations. The minister highlighted that these varieties focus on nutritional value and pest resistance, ensuring food security not just for India but for the global market, further cementing India's role as a major agricultural exporter and food provider.

Long Description : To boost India's export potential and achieve the trillion-dollar export target, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry launched the Market Access Support (MAS) Scheme on January 5, 2026. With a total financial outlay of ₹4,531 crore, the scheme will operate until 2031. It provides financial aid to exporters for participating in international trade fairs, conducting market research, and meeting stringent regulatory standards in foreign countries. The MAS Scheme specifically targets MSMEs and emerging startups, helping them build global brands and navigate complex trade barriers. This initiative is expected to diversify India's export basket and strengthen its presence in non-traditional markets like Africa and Latin America.

Long Description : Finance Ministry officials indicated on January 5, 2026, that India is set to renew the 4% headline inflation target for the Reserve Bank of India. Under the Flexible Inflation Targeting (FIT) framework, the RBI is tasked with keeping CPI inflation at 4% with a margin of 2% on either side. This framework, last renewed in 2021, is due for review by March 2026. Despite global commodity price volatility, the ministry views the current target as the "gold standard" for ensuring macroeconomic stability and predictable borrowing costs. Retaining this target signals a commitment to long-term fiscal discipline and provides a stable environment for foreign investors and domestic industries.

Long Description : In a major policy shift on January 5, 2026, the DSIR announced eased recognition norms for deep-tech startups in India. Previously, startups were required to be operational for at least three years to qualify for official recognition and DSIR funding. By removing this barrier, the government aims to accelerate innovation in capital-intensive sectors like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology. These startups can now access tax benefits and research grants from their inception. This move is part of the broader "Creative India 2025" initiative, which seeks to position India as a global hub for high-end research and indigenous research and development (R&D) centers.

Long Description : Tensions between the cricket boards of India and Bangladesh escalated on January 5, 2026, as the Bangladesh Information and Broadcast Ministry announced a total ban on IPL 2026 broadcasts. The row began when the BCCI reportedly directed the KKR franchise to drop star pacer Mustafizur Rahman. Bangladesh officials claimed no valid reason was provided for the ouster of their national icon. This move is seen as a significant diplomatic and commercial rift in South Asian sports. While the IPL remains the world's most lucrative T20 league, the ban will impact its viewership and advertising revenue from the Bangladeshi market, reflecting how sports and national pride intersect in the region.

Long Description : On January 5, 2026, the Central Government announced a revised estimate for the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme for the Rabi season. The subsidy for DAP has been sharply enhanced from ₹21,911 to ₹29,805 per tonne to prevent global price hikes from burdening Indian farmers. The total requirement of ₹37,952 crore is ₹736 crore higher than the previous Kharif season. The NBS framework links subsidies to the nutrient content (NPKS) of fertilizers, encouraging balanced soil health. By absorbing the cost of volatile global raw materials, the government ensures that essential crops like wheat and oilseeds remain productive and affordable for the domestic market.

Long Description : January 2026 marks the ninth anniversary of the PMMVY, a flagship Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Launched under the National Food Security Act, 2013, the scheme provides a cash incentive of ₹5,000 (and an additional ₹6,000 for the second girl child) directly to the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries. The primary goal is to encourage institutional deliveries and ensure adequate nutrition for both mother and child. Over nine years, PMMVY has integrated with "Mission Shakti," utilizing digital health records and Anganwadi centers to track maternal wellbeing, significantly reducing infant mortality and maternal malnutrition across rural India.

Long Description : Samudra Pratap', a state-of-the-art Pollution Control Vessel, was officially commissioned into the Indian Coast Guard on January 5, 2026. Built by Goa Shipyard Limited, the vessel is equipped with advanced infrared surveillance systems and oil-recovery equipment. It can perform high-speed oil sweeping, storage of recovered oil, and chemical dispersant spraying. With India's increasing maritime traffic, the vessel strengthens the ICG's capacity to protect the marine ecosystem from catastrophic oil spills and industrial waste. This commissioning aligns with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative in defense manufacturing and underscores India's commitment to the 'Blue Economy' and maritime environmental safety standards.

Long Description : On January 5, 2026, the government announced the approval of 24 additional projects under the Semiconductor Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme. These projects involve Indian startups and MSMEs developing Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) and System-on-Chips (SoCs) for sectors like automotive, telecom, and healthcare. The DLI scheme provides financial support of up to 50% of eligible expenditure and deployment-linked incentives for five years. So far, the program has resulted in 16 successful "tape-outs" and 10 patents. This move is critical for achieving self-reliance in electronic component manufacturing and establishing India as a significant player in the global semiconductor value chain.

Long Description : The Ministry of Railways reviewed the status of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, highlighting that work at 500 major stations is in the final stages of completion as of early 2026. The scheme focuses on long-term development, including modernizing station entrances, creating "Executive Lounges," improving lighting, and integrating multi-modal transport hubs. Key features include high-speed Wi-Fi, digital information systems, and improved safety through AI-based surveillance. The goal is to provide world-class amenities to passengers while preserving the local heritage of each station. This massive infrastructure push is expected to boost local tourism and enhance the efficiency of India's railway network.

Long Description : Financial analysts reported on January 5, 2026, that the rationalization of GST rates has created a positive ripple effect on India's banking sector. Lower tax incidence on premiums and consumer goods has enhanced household disposable income and business cash flows. As a result, the demand for retail and corporate credit is expected to rise. The Motilal Oswal report indicates that the "Better Affordability" factor will lead to a 13% system-wide credit growth by the next fiscal year. Stable asset quality and healthy bank capital levels are providing a strong foundation for this expansion, particularly in the housing and SME loan segments.

Long Description : On January 5, 2026, railway officials confirmed the successful completion of technical trials for the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train. Unlike the chair-car version, the sleeper variant is designed for journeys exceeding 1,000 km, featuring crash-resistant coaches, automatic doors, and bio-vacuum toilets. The train can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h, significantly reducing travel time between major metros like Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Kolkata. This indigenously developed train marks a shift in Indian Railways' strategy to provide premium, semi-high-speed overnight services. The official commercial rollout is expected to happen by the end of January 2026, following final safety clearances.

Long Description : Observing the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule (January 3, with official commemorations continuing through January 5, 2026), the Prime Minister shared messages honoring her legacy as a social revolutionary. Along with her husband Jyotirao Phule, she founded the first girls' school in Pune in 1848. The PM noted that her tireless efforts to break caste and gender barriers continue to inspire the government's current initiatives like "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao." Various educational institutions held seminars on her contributions to Marathi literature and social justice, emphasizing her role as a beacon of hope for women's rights and universal education in India.

Long Description : On January 5, 2026, global energy markets experienced significant volatility following the capture of Nicolas Maduro in Caracas. Deposed and seized in a shock military operation, Maduro’s removal is anticipated to pave the way for a transition government in Venezuela and the eventual return of its massive oil output to the global market. Brent crude prices fell as traders factored in the potential end of long-standing U.S. sanctions. For India, the world’s third-largest oil consumer, this development is crucial as it could lead to lower energy import bills and provide a more diverse range of crude oil suppliers in the long run.