Current Affairs - January 5, 2026 Current Affairs

Andhra Pradesh ranked as India’s leading investment destination in FY26 by attracting 25.3% of the total proposed investments, according to a major banking sector report. The state surpassed traditionally strong performers such as Odisha and Maharashtra. Key sectors contributing to this achievement include power generation, renewable energy, and metals. Investor confidence has been strengthened by policy reforms, faster approval mechanisms, clarity in regulations, and strong infrastructure development, particularly in ports, energy systems, and industrial corridors, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a major driver of India’s investment growth.

The United States conducted a major military operation against Venezuela, justifying its action on grounds related to alleged narco-trafficking activities, migration challenges, and national security concerns. The operation was presented as a law-enforcement measure rather than an act of war, a stance that has sparked global debate. Claims regarding the capture of President Nicolás Maduro were made but not confirmed by Venezuelan authorities. The incident has drawn widespread attention due to its implications for international law, particularly the principles of sovereignty and non-intervention in the internal affairs of an independent nation.

The Magh Mela is an important annual religious festival celebrated at the Sangam, the holy confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. It is held in Prayagraj from Paush Purnima to Mahashivratri during the Hindu month of Magh. Devotees gather to take ritual baths, offer donations, and perform religious practices believed to bring spiritual merit. Many pilgrims observe Kalpavas, living simply on the riverbanks with disciplined routines involving meditation, chanting, charity, and early morning bathing at Brahma Muhurat.

The approval of mitapivat as the first oral treatment for anaemia in adults with alpha- and beta-thalassemia marks a significant advancement in patient care. The decision was taken by the drug regulatory authority of the United States, reflecting its role in evaluating and approving innovative medical therapies. The oral pill benefits both transfusion-dependent and non-transfusion-dependent patients by improving haemoglobin levels and reducing fatigue. This development is expected to decrease dependence on regular blood transfusions and promote more patient-centric, convenient management of thalassemia.

The Smart Green Aquaculture Farm and advanced Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) facility were inaugurated in Telangana, highlighting a major innovation in India’s fisheries sector. Located at Kandukur, the project showcases the successful commercial farming of rainbow trout—traditionally a cold-water species—in a tropical environment throughout the year. This achievement reflects the effectiveness of RAS technology, which optimizes water use and environmental control. The initiative also emphasises skill development, research, and innovation in aquaculture, aligning with increased central government investments aimed at strengthening sustainable fisheries and boosting rural livelihoods.

The rare ‘Sandalwood Leopard’ was recorded for the first time in Karnataka, marking a significant event in Indian wildlife documentation. This unique strawberry-coloured leopard was observed in the Vijayanagara district and represents only the second such sighting in the country. The leopard’s unusual pale reddish-pink coat is believed to result from rare genetic conditions such as hypomelanism or erythrism, which affect pigmentation. The sighting was documented by conservationist Sanjay Gubbi along with the Holematthi Nature Foundation, highlighting Karnataka’s rich biodiversity and importance in wildlife conservation.

Haryana achieved a significant improvement in its sex ratio at birth in 2025, reaching 923, which reflects a 13-point increase from the previous year. This improvement is notable as it represents the state’s best performance in the last five years. The progress has been linked to strong administrative measures, including strict action against prenatal sex determination and illegal abortions, as well as tighter controls on the sale of MTP kits. District-level gains, such as Panchkula leading with 971, further highlight the impact of sustained policy enforcement.

The 9th Siddha Day celebrations were organised at Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai as part of efforts to promote India’s traditional systems of medicine. The event was held ahead of National Siddha Day and focused on the theme “Siddha for Global Health,” highlighting the importance of Siddha medicine in preventive healthcare and its growing relevance worldwide. The programme was inaugurated by C. P. Radhakrishnan, and several eminent contributors were honoured for their role in advancing Siddha medicine, reinforcing Chennai’s importance as a centre for Siddha traditions.

India emerged as the world’s largest rice producer by overtaking China in total output. The country recorded rice production of 150.18 million tonnes, exceeding China’s production of 145.28 million tonnes. This achievement reflects significant progress in the agricultural sector, driven by improved irrigation facilities, adoption of high-yielding crop varieties, and better farming practices. Additional support came from policy initiatives and technological interventions, including the unveiling of numerous improved crop varieties for multiple field crops, strengthening India’s position in global food production and agricultural sustainability.

India’s first government hospital–based AI clinic was launched at GIMS Noida as a pioneering step in integrating artificial intelligence into public healthcare. Established under the GIMS Centre for Medical Innovation, the clinic focuses on enhancing patient safety, improving diagnostic precision, and reducing treatment time through the use of AI-driven tools. In addition to direct patient benefits, the facility also acts as a real-world testing and validation platform for AI healthcare startups, supporting innovation and practical deployment of emerging technologies within the government healthcare system.

The 72nd National Volleyball Tournament was inaugurated in Varanasi, marking an important milestone in India’s domestic sports calendar. Hosted at the Dr. Sampoorna­nand Sports Stadium, the event brought together more than 1,000 players representing 58 teams from various states and institutions across the country. Scheduled from January 4 to January 11, the tournament reflects broader efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure and encourage athletic excellence. The selection of Varanasi as the host city also supports initiatives to develop it into a prominent national sports hub.