Current Affairs - January 6, 2026 Current Affairs

Delcy Rodriguez has become the interim president of Venezuela after Nicolas Maduro was captured and removed from power during a dramatic military operation by U.S. forces. Rodríguez, who previously served as Venezuela’s vice president, was appointed acting president by the nation’s Supreme Court to maintain continuity of governance amid the crisis. She has indicated varying positions toward cooperation with the United States while emphasising Venezuelan sovereignty and peace. Her leadership underscores a significant political shift in Venezuela’s crisis, involving international debate, legal questions, and geopolitical repercussions.

PS Girisha, a 2012-batch Indian Administrative Service officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the Director (Finance) at the Central Silk Board in Bengaluru. The appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet and has been made on a deputation basis under the Ministry of Textiles. The role carries a tenure of five years from the date he assumes charge. As Director (Finance), he will be responsible for overseeing financial planning, budgeting, and fiscal management of the Central Silk Board, which plays a key role in the development of India’s silk sector.

Rajasthan hosted the Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 on January 6 in Jaipur as a key preparatory event for the upcoming India AI Impact Summit 2026. The conference witnessed participation from prominent leaders, including Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Jitin Prasada, along with Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. The event focused on the transformative role of artificial intelligence in governance, ethical frameworks, employment generation, startups, and emerging technologies such as Digital Twins. Several Memorandums of Understanding were also featured, alongside parallel events like Rajasthan DigiFest and the TiE Global Summit, highlighting the state’s growing focus on digital innovation.

Telangana has removed the two-child norm for candidates contesting local body elections through the passage of the Telangana Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the State Assembly. The decision was justified by Panchayat Raj Minister Anasuya Seethakka, who highlighted that the rural Total Fertility Rate stands at 1.7, indicating a declining population growth trend. Retaining the earlier rule, she argued, could negatively impact the state’s future demographic dividend. In the same legislative session, the Assembly also approved renaming Jaintirumalapoor as Jayanna Tirumalapur and passed two amendment Bills related to public services.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited has partnered with the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening Eklavya Model Residential Schools. This collaboration focuses on improving infrastructure, promoting digital education, and providing career mentorship to tribal students studying in EMRS institutions. The initiative is supported through ONGC’s Corporate Social Responsibility funding, reflecting its commitment to inclusive development. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs oversees 499 functional EMRS across the country, making this partnership significant for enhancing educational access and quality for Scheduled Tribe students nationwide.

Dong village, situated in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh, holds the distinction of being India’s easternmost village. Owing to its geographical location, Dong witnesses the country’s earliest sunrise each year. To mark the arrival of 2026, the village hosted a special cultural event named “Alo Prabhat: Dance of the Dawn.” The celebration featured vibrant cultural performances highlighting the traditions of the Meyor and Mishmi indigenous communities. Traditional chants, folk songs, and indigenous rhythms played on native musical instruments reflected the rich cultural heritage of the region.

New Delhi is moving to classify human rabies as a notifiable disease, a step that requires all confirmed cases to be officially reported to public health authorities. This measure enables real-time disease surveillance, early detection of outbreaks, and faster public health responses. Rabies is a viral disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals such as dogs, cats, bats, and monkeys, typically via bites, scratches, or open wounds. Since rabies is almost 100 percent fatal once symptoms appear, timely reporting, vaccination, and preventive measures are critical to saving lives and controlling the spread of the disease.

The Reserve Bank of India has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Delhi Government to support major developmental initiatives. Under this arrangement, RBI will function as the banker, debt manager, and financial agent for the Delhi Government. It will enable market borrowings through State Development Loans (SDLs), assist in efficient cash management, and provide access to low-cost liquidity. The funds raised will be strictly used for capital expenditure, with priority given to Yamuna rejuvenation, water supply, health, transport infrastructure, roads, and flyovers, ensuring long-term developmental impact.

Urmila Satyanarayanan, a distinguished Bharatanatyam exponent, was honoured with the Nritya Kalanidhi award at the 19th Dance Festival held in Chennai. The festival was inaugurated at the renowned Music Academy, a leading institution for Indian classical music and dance. Bharatanatyam, which originated in Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest classical dance forms in India. It is characterised by three main components: Nritta, which focuses on pure rhythmic movements; Nritya, which conveys emotions and expressions; and Natya, which incorporates dramatic storytelling. The award recognises her significant contribution to classical dance.

Niraj Verma, a 1994-batch Indian Administrative Service officer, has been entrusted with the additional charge of Secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. The decision was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. Verma is currently serving as Secretary in the Department of Justice under the Ministry of Law and Justice, reflecting his senior administrative experience. He will hold this additional responsibility from January 3 to January 29, 2026, during the leave period of the regular Secretary, Nikunja Bihari Dhal, ensuring continuity in parliamentary coordination and legislative work.