Current Affairs - January 4, 2026 Current Affairs

France is proposing strict regulations to limit social media use for children under 15 unless parents give consent. The plan requires platforms to verify the age of users and block accounts of children without approval, with heavy financial penalties for non-compliance. This initiative addresses concerns about mental health, exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and addictive online behavior among young users. By placing responsibility on social media companies rather than solely on parents, France aims to enforce stronger state-led digital safeguards. The proposal may also influence broader European Union policies on child online safety.

Surat has emerged as a leading example of urban transformation due to focused government initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of the urban poor. The efforts emphasise in-situ redevelopment, construction of affordable housing, and provision of essential civic amenities such as water, sanitation, and electricity. These large-scale rehabilitation measures are designed to integrate slum dwellers into the formal urban framework rather than displacing them. While Chandigarh is recognised as the first slum-free city among urban centres with a population of about 10 lakh, Surat is now poised to achieve this milestone on a much larger scale, marking a significant step in urban development in India.

The ambassadors of the QUAD nations—United States, India, Australia, and Japan—held a rare public meeting in Beijing, highlighting the strength and stability of their ties. The QUAD, initially proposed in 2007 and revived in 2017, focuses on regional security, maritime safety, economic cooperation, and supply chain resilience in the Indo-Pacific. While not a formal military alliance, initiatives such as the Malabar Exercise and QUAD At Sea enhance interoperability and strategic coordination. Holding this meeting in Beijing, despite China’s opposition to the grouping, signals the Quad’s diplomatic engagement in regional affairs and its emphasis on rules-based order.

Hyderabad-based start-ups TakeMe2Space and EON Space Labs developed and tested a 14-kg mini Earth observation satellite, highlighting the city’s growing role in India’s private space sector. The satellite, built at a fraction of conventional costs, is designed for commercial and defence applications and will operate in Low Earth Orbit. After testing in Ahmedabad, it was shipped to Sriharikota for launch aboard ISRO’s PSLV mission. This achievement underscores Hyderabad’s contribution to high-tech innovation, start-up-led aerospace initiatives, and the expansion of India’s private space ecosystem.

Sjoerd Marijne, a renowned Dutch hockey coach, has returned as the chief coach of the Indian women’s hockey team. He previously guided the team to a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, India’s best-ever Olympic performance in women’s hockey after a 36-year gap. Marijne’s deep understanding of Indian players and conditions makes him particularly effective in preparing the team for major international competitions. His immediate focus will be the FIH Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad, where his leadership, tactical expertise, and experience are expected to strengthen the team’s performance and enhance their chances of qualifying for the World Cup.

Karthikeyan Manickam has been appointed as the Chairman of ESAF Small Finance Bank, bringing with him decades of experience in India’s public sector banking system. A former Executive Director of Bank of India, he has deep expertise in banking operations, risk management, regulatory compliance, credit monitoring, and human resource management. His previous board-level roles across banking, asset management, and insurance institutions add to his leadership credentials. As Chairman, he is expected to provide strategic guidance, ensure strong corporate governance, and support long-term sustainability, which is crucial for small finance banks focused on financial inclusion and stability.

The Galaxy Frog (Melanobatrachus indicus) is endemic to the evergreen and shola forests of Kerala in the Western Ghats. A recent study reports that seven of these rare frogs are now presumed dead, largely due to uncontrolled photo-tourism. Photographers trampled vegetation, displaced logs, and stressed the frogs, disrupting their breeding and survival. The Mathikettan Shola National Park region was specifically monitored for habitat loss between 2019 and 2025. This incident highlights the fragility of micro-habitats in Kerala’s biodiversity-rich Western Ghats and the urgent need for stricter conservation measures and responsible tourism practices.

Turkmenistan has introduced a significant economic reform by legalizing cryptocurrency mining and exchanges starting January 2026. The move reflects a cautious shift toward digitalization in one of the world’s most tightly controlled economies. The new law brings virtual assets under civil legislation and establishes a licensing framework regulated by the central bank, ensuring strong state oversight. Although cryptocurrencies will not be treated as legal tender or currency, the reform aims to reduce dependence on natural gas exports and attract technological investment. This development signals limited economic modernization while maintaining strict control over financial and digital activities.

New Delhi’s Public Works Department has introduced mandatory QR codes on all new road signages to enhance transparency, quality control, and citizen participation. These QR codes provide details such as manufacturer name, material, manufacturing date, reflective sheeting code, and warranty information. Integrated with the PWD Sewa app, they allow residents to report damaged signboards, potholes, or other infrastructure issues directly. The initiative also enforces standards such as retro-reflective sheeting for night visibility and a 10-year warranty, demonstrating how technology can strengthen accountability and efficiency in public infrastructure management.

Bulgaria has replaced its national currency, the lev, with the euro, marking its formal entry as the 21st member of the eurozone. This transition reflects decades of economic reforms and alignment with EU standards, despite political instability and public debate over potential price increases and national identity concerns. The adoption facilitates easier trade and investment with other eurozone countries, reduces currency exchange costs, and strengthens financial integration. Preparations included dual pricing in lev and euro, gradual distribution of coins and notes, and a transition period to allow citizens and businesses to adapt to the new currency system.