Current Affairs - January 3, 2026 Current Affairs

India reported 166 tiger deaths in 2025, marking a sharp rise compared to the previous year. Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest number of deaths at 55, making it the most affected state. Other states with significant tiger mortality included Maharashtra, Kerala, and Assam, though their numbers were lower than Madhya Pradesh. Experts attribute these deaths largely to habitat saturation, loss of wildlife corridors, and territorial conflicts among tigers, particularly affecting cubs. Despite strong anti-poaching efforts and regular forest patrols, increasing pressure on limited habitats continues to pose serious challenges for tiger conservation across these states.

The Bhoramdev Corridor Project is associated with the development of the Bhoramdev Temple area, a major heritage and pilgrimage site often referred to as the “Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh.” The project was inaugurated at Bhoramdev Dham in Kabirdham district and is being developed under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0. With an estimated cost of ₹146 crore, the initiative aims to enhance tourism infrastructure, promote cultural heritage, and support socio-economic growth in the surrounding region, strengthening the state’s position on the religious tourism map of India.

Assam launched a financial assistance scheme to support Udasin Bhakats, offering ₹1,500 per month to celibate Vaishnavite monks. The scheme applies to bhakats associated with Udasin Satras, which are key monastic centres of Assam’s Vaishnavite tradition. Announced in the state budget, the initiative aims to provide financial security to around 620 eligible monks across different districts of Assam. The government has also kept provisions to include any left-out eligible Udasin Bhakats, reflecting Assam’s commitment to preserving its cultural and religious heritage while extending welfare support.

The Dulhasti Stage-II Hydel Project is a 260 MW run-of-the-river hydropower project approved for development in the Kishtwar region of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located on the Chenab River, which is a major river of the Indus river system and holds significant strategic and hydropower importance. Implemented by NHPC Limited, the project extends the existing Dulhasti hydropower facility with underground generating units. The clearance allows the project to move forward with construction tenders, even as issues related to the Indus Waters Treaty remain under discussion.

Rani Velu Nachiyar, a prominent figure in Indian history, was born in 1730 in Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu. Her birth anniversary is observed on January 3. She is remembered as the first Indian queen to actively wage war against the British East India Company, much before the Revolt of 1857. As the queen of the Sivagangai kingdom, she successfully reclaimed her territory after defeating British forces. Revered as “Veeramangai” in Tamil history, her legacy symbolizes early resistance, courage, and leadership against colonial rule in India.

The Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics was inaugurated in New Delhi to showcase relics associated with Bhagwan Buddha and to promote his teachings of peace, compassion, and harmony. The Piprahwa relics are historically significant as archaeological findings suggest that Piprahwa was the burial site of a portion of Buddha’s ashes. By hosting the exhibition in the national capital, the event gains global visibility and cultural importance. It also highlights India’s rich Buddhist heritage while strengthening awareness of ancient archaeological discoveries and their relevance in spreading Buddhist philosophy worldwide.

Savitribai Phule, a pioneering social reformer and India’s first woman teacher, was born on January 3, 1831, in Naigaon, Maharashtra. Her birth anniversary is commemorated on January 3 and is observed as Women’s Education Day in Maharashtra to honour her immense contribution to female education. Along with her husband Jyotirao Phule, she co-founded the first girls’ school in Pune in 1848. Despite facing severe social discrimination, Savitribai Phule worked tirelessly for women’s rights, education, and social equality, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian history.

International Mind–Body Wellness Day is observed annually on January 3 to emphasise the deep connection between mental and physical health. The day promotes the idea that true well-being can be achieved only when the mind and body are in harmony. Drawing inspiration from ancient wellness traditions such as yoga and meditation, along with modern medical science, it encourages balanced living and preventive healthcare. The observance aims to spread awareness about reducing stress, preventing lifestyle-related diseases, and addressing mental health challenges, thereby supporting holistic healthcare and long-term overall well-being.

Under “Operation Milap,” the Delhi police successfully traced 1,303 missing persons through sustained and coordinated efforts. The initiative involved extensive use of modern technology, close coordination across multiple districts, and systematic follow-ups on long-pending missing cases. These recoveries reflect improved policing strategies, stronger inter-agency cooperation, and a focused commitment to reuniting missing individuals with their families. The operation highlights the effectiveness of organised law enforcement initiatives in addressing sensitive social issues and strengthening public trust in the policing system in the national capital.

China has withdrawn a long-standing tax exemption on condoms and contraceptive medicines by imposing a 13% value-added tax starting January 1. This policy shift is part of a broader strategy to address the country’s ongoing demographic challenges, as China recorded population decline for the third consecutive year in 2024. Alongside this measure, the government is introducing fertility-supportive initiatives such as tax-free childcare subsidies and public campaigns encouraging marriage. These combined efforts reflect China’s attempt to reverse declining birth rates and mitigate long-term socio-economic impacts of population contraction.