Where was the Integrated Command and Control Centre inaugurated?

Integrated Command and Control Centre inaugurated at Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Daily Current Affairs News: 5th January, 2026

National News

Integrated Security Hub Launched in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andaman and Nicobar Islands get a high-tech Integrated Command and Control Centre inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah costing ₹229 crore.
The centre strengthens security, emergency response, and surveillance, integrating multiple agencies.
Alongside, nine projects were inaugurated and two foundation stones laid, totaling ₹373 crore, focusing on infrastructure, public services, and development.
The initiative boosts maritime security, disaster management, and reflects India’s emphasis on strategic infrastructure, tourism, and island development.

India Emerges as World’s Top Rice Producer

India has become the world’s largest rice producer, with output reaching 150.18 million tonnes, surpassing China’s 145.28 million tonnes.
The achievement reflects improved farming practices, high-yield and climate-resilient seeds, and strong policy support, while the launch of 184 new crop varieties aims to boost productivity, farmer income, and India’s position in global agricultural markets.

Republic Day 2026: EU Leaders Likely to Be Chief Guests Ahead of India–EU Summit

India’s Republic Day 2026 on 26 January is set to have high diplomatic significance, with European Union leaders Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa expected as chief guests.
Their visit highlights the growing India–EU strategic partnership and may coincide with the India–EU Summit, giving fresh momentum to stalled Free Trade Agreement negotiations on trade, investment, and supply-chain cooperation.

State News

Kalai-II Hydropower Project Cleared Amid White-Bellied Heron Conservation Concerns

The Kalai-II hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh has received environmental clearance from the Centre.
Conservationists raised alarms that the EIA ignored the critically endangered white-bellied heron, whose habitat spans the Lohit River basin.
The bird is legally protected and extremely rare, with very few surviving globally.
Experts warn that dams disrupt free-flowing rivers crucial for the species’ survival.
The clearance has renewed debate on balancing hydropower development with biodiversity conservation.

Andhra Pradesh Leads India’s Investment Race in FY26

Andhra Pradesh has emerged as India’s top investment destination in FY26, securing 25.3% of total proposed capital investments, according to a Bank of Baroda report.
Strong policy reforms, higher public capex, and improving infrastructure supported this rise.
Power and renewable energy led sectoral interest, followed by metals and core infrastructure.
The trend highlights a shift in India’s industrial momentum toward eastern and southern states, positioning
Andhra Pradesh as a key growth hub with long-term investor confidence.

Karnataka Spots Its First ‘Sandalwood Leopard’

Karnataka records its first ‘Sandalwood Leopard’, an ultra-rare strawberry-coloured leopard spotted in Vijayanagara district.
Only the second sighting in India after Rajasthan (2021).
The rare colour morph shows a pale reddish-pink coat with light rosettes, possibly due to hypomelanism or erythrism.
Documented via camera traps by Sanjay Gubbi and Holematthi Nature Foundation.
Highlights Karnataka’s rich leopard genetic diversity, global wildlife significance, and the need for continued conservation and scientific monitoring.

International News

US Military Action in Venezuela: Why Washington Targeted President Nicolas Maduro

The US launched military strikes in Venezuela and claimed to have captured President Nicolás Maduro.
The action was justified by Washington on charges of drug trafficking and election manipulation.
Oil interests appear significant due to Venezuela’s reserves. Legal questions have emerged globally.
Russia and China condemned the move. Venezuela declared emergency powers. Governance remains uncertain.
The event has increased geopolitical tensions. The future of Venezuela’s leadership and US involvement remains unclear.

US Move on Venezuela’s Oil: What It Means for Global Markets and India

The US announcement on taking control of Venezuela’s oil sector marks a major geopolitical and energy development.
Venezuela has massive oil reserves but very low production due to sanctions and neglect.
In the short term, global oil prices may remain stable.
In the long run, higher Venezuelan supply could reduce prices. India faces no immediate impact as it does not import
Venezuelan oil currently. However, easing of sanctions could benefit Indian refiners and unlock stalled ONGC Videsh investments.

Who Is Delcy Rodriguez? Venezuela’s Interim President After Maduro’s Arrest

Delcy Rodríguez has been named Venezuela’s interim president after the capture of Nicolás Maduro by US forces.
A vice president since 2018, she played a major role in managing Venezuela’s oil economy and internal security.
Educated abroad and politically experienced, Rodríguez is seen as more pragmatic than many in the ruling circle.
However, her leadership faces strong challenges from the opposition and uncertainty over US intentions.
The situation could shape Venezuela’s political transition, international relations, and economic future.

China Commissions a New Missile Destroyer

China strengthens naval power with the induction of Loudi, a Type 052D guided missile destroyer in the PLA Navy.
Equipped with advanced radar, weapons, and communication systems, Loudi excels in air defence, sea attack, and command operations, guiding other ships in joint missions.
China now operates the world’s largest navy by number of ships, producing dozens of warships between 2019–2023.
In 2025, China added 11 combat vessels, including the aircraft carrier Fujian, reflecting ambitions to become a major global maritime power.

Banking News

Indian Banks See Sharp Improvement in Asset Quality

India’s Banking System shows strong recovery as Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPAs) fall to a 10-year low.
RBI data (September 2025) shows GNPA ratio at 2.1%, reflecting better asset quality and improved recoveries.
Special Mention Accounts (SMA-2) decline to 0.8%, signalling lower early stress.
MSME loans stabilise while unsecured retail loans show improvement. Large borrower stress eases sharply with better collection efficiency.
Pandemic and interest rate stress largely subsided. Some segments like micro-LAP, commercial vehicles, and affordable housing still need close monitoring.

Appointments News

Sadanand Date Appointed as New Maharashtra Police Chief

Maharashtra gets a new Police Chief with the appointment of Sadanand Vasant Date as Director General of Police (DGP).
He succeeds Rashmi Shukla, the state’s first woman DGP.
A 1990-batch IPS officer, Date brings vast experience in counter-terrorism, urban policing, and central investigations.
He will serve a two-year tenure as per Supreme Court guidelines ensuring stability.
Former chief of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and head of Maharashtra ATS.
Key roles in Mumbai Police, Crime Branch, and MBVV Commissionerate. Known for a clean image and strong internal security credentials.

Defense News

Indian Army Declares 2026 as ‘Year of Networking & Data Centricity’

In January 2026, the Indian Army declared 2026 as the ‘Year of Networking & Data Centricity’ to modernise operations through seamless digital connectivity and real-time, data-driven decision-making, aiming to enhance situational awareness, combat effectiveness, and information dominance in modern warfare.

Scheme News

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana Completes Nine Years

On January 1, 2026, the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) completed nine years, marking a milestone in India’s efforts to support maternal health and women’s welfare.
Launched in 2017, this Centrally Sponsored Scheme provides partial wage compensation, promotes institutional deliveries, and ensures nutritional support for pregnant women and lactating mothers, especially from vulnerable groups.
Integrated under Mission Shakti’s Samarthya component, PMMVY also advances women’s financial empowerment, while benefits are targeted to the first two living children, with the second child preferably being a girl.

Sports News

PM Modi Opens 72nd National Volleyball Tournament

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi and highlighted how volleyball’s values of teamwork, trust, and shared responsibility reflect India’s development journey.
He praised youth participation, sports reforms, and improved infrastructure, noting India’s growing success in international sports.
The event, featuring teams from across the country, also strengthened Varanasi’s position as a major sporting and cultural destination while reinforcing the vision of collective national progress through sports.

Science & Technology News

India Develops 3D-Printed Automatic Weather Stations, Delhi First to Get Them

Indian Scientists led by IITM Pune develop 3D-Printed Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) under Mission Mausam.
First installations in Delhi from February 2026.
Indigenous technology using 3D printing enables cost-effective, solar-powered, and customisable stations.
Records temperature, humidity, wind speed, and rainfall with real-time data transmission.
Supports urban meteorology and dense observation networks.
Part of ₹2,000 crore Mission Mausam by Ministry of Earth Sciences. Boosts local weather forecasting, climate monitoring, Make in India, and self-reliance.

Important days News

National Bird Day 2026: History, Significance, and Key Facts

National Bird Day 2026 observed on January 5, 2026 to promote bird conservation and ecological awareness.
Highlights the role of birds as environmental indicators and their importance in pollination, pest control, and ecosystem balance.
Established in 2002 by the Avian Welfare Coalition. Focus on threats like habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and illegal wildlife trade.
Encourages habitat protection, ethical treatment of birds, and community action.
In India, links to the Indian Peafowl (Peacock), protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Reinforces the legacy of Salim Ali – Birdman of India and the need for sustained biodiversity protection.

World Braille Day 2026: Significance, History, and Why It Matters

World Braille Day is observed on January 4 to honour Louis Braille, the French educator who invented the Braille system for the visually impaired.
Braille enables literacy, education, employment, independence, and social equality by providing tactile access to reading, mathematics, music, and public information.
Officially recognized by the UN in 2019, the day highlights the continued relevance of Braille despite digital tools, calling for inclusive policies, accessible infrastructure, and educational support.
Organizations like UNESCO promote global Braille literacy and innovation, ensuring equal access to information for all.