Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 03 January, 2026

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
03 January, 2026

International Affairs

1. U.S. forces capture Maduro after strikes on Venezuela

Source: TOI

Context:

US President Donald Trump confirmed US carried out large scale military strikes against Venzeula and captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. 

Venezuela

Basics

• Capital: Caracas
• Region: Northern South America
• Currency: Bolívar (with widespread dollar use)
• Political system: Presidential republic

Neighbouring Countries of Venezuela

• Venezuela has a long northern coastline along the Caribbean Sea, which places it close to Caribbean island nations, though these are not land neighbours.
• The country is strategically positioned between the Andes region, the Amazon Basin, and the Caribbean.
• Colombia – to the west
• Brazil – to the south
• Guyana – to the east

Leadership & Politics

• President: Nicolás Maduro
• Long-running political crisis marked by disputed elections, opposition crackdowns, and international pressure.
• Periodic negotiations with opposition and external actors over sanctions relief and electoral guarantees.

Economy

• Oil-dominated: Holds one of the world’s largest proven crude reserves (Orinoco Belt).
• Challenges: Years of mismanagement, sanctions, and underinvestment led to hyperinflation (since eased), output collapse, and infrastructure decay.
• Recent trend: Modest stabilization via partial dollarization, selective

2. Asteroid Bennu and the Origins of Life

Context:

New scientific studies of samples brought back from asteroid Bennu suggest that many of the fundamental chemical ingredients required for life on Earth may have originated in space, lending strong support to theories of extraterrestrial contributions to life’s emergence.

Key Discovery

• Samples from asteroid Bennu, collected by OSIRIS-REx, contain:
  • Sugars such as ribose (RNA sugar) and glucose
  • Amino acids
  • All five nucleobases found in DNA and RNA
• This confirms the complete molecular inventory required for life on a single asteroid.

About the Mission

• NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft collected samples from Bennu in 2020.
• The sample capsule returned to Earth in September 2023.
• Since then, scientists in the U.S. and Japan have been analysing the material.

National Affairs

1. Indian Army Procures Suryastra Long-Range Rocket Launcher

Source: TH

Context:

Under emergency procurement (EP) powers, the Indian Army has signed a ₹293 crore contract with NIBE Limited, in collaboration with Israel, for the supply of an advanced long-range rocket launcher system, significantly boosting India’s deep-strike artillery capabilities.

About the Weapon System – Suryastra

• India’s first Made-in-India universal multi-calibre rocket launcher
• Strike Ranges:
  • Rockets: 150 km & 300 km
  • Loitering munitions: up to 100 km
• Accuracy: Circular Error Probable (CEP) < 5 metres in trials
• Capabilities:
  • Precision surface-to-surface strikes
  • Engagement of multiple targets simultaneously
  • Integration of multiple rocket types from a single launcher

2. ASUSE (Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises)

Context:

In a significant step towards statistical transparency and data literacy, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released its first-ever reader-friendly guide to help users better understand official surveys conducted in India.

About Know Your Survey: A User Guide to ASUSE

• A first-of-its-kind publication released by the National Statistics Office.
• Designed to demystify ASUSE (Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises) for data users, researchers, policymakers, and respondents.
• Uses simple, non-technical language, moving away from dense statistical jargon traditionally associated with official surveys.

Objectives

• Improve public trust in official data.
• Enable informed use of survey data by academics, analysts, and policymakers.
• Address misconceptions and doubts among survey respondents.
• Align Indian statistical communication with global best practices.

3. PM Pays Tribute to Savitribai Phule

Source: News on Air

Context:

On the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, the Prime Minister paid homage to her enduring legacy, recalling her lifelong commitment to education, equality, and social transformation—values that continue to shape India’s social justice discourse.

About Savitribai Phule (1831–1897)

Who She Was

• A pioneering social reformer, poet, and educator, widely regarded as India’s first female teacher of modern education.
• A foundational figure of Indian feminism and anti-caste reform.

Early Life

• Born in Naigaon (present-day Maharashtra); married in childhood to Jyotirao Phule.
• Relocated to Pune, where exposure to learning ignited her mission to reform society through education.

Key Contributions

• 1848: Co-founded India’s first girls’ school at Bhidewada, Pune.
• Played a central role in nurturing the Satyashodhak Samaj, promoting equality and rationalism.
• Popularised Satyashodhak marriages—simple ceremonies without priests or dowry.

4. Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI)

Context:

Following the 50th review meeting of PRAGATI, the Cabinet Secretary highlighted that land acquisition has emerged as the single largest cause of infrastructure project delays, accounting for around 35% of stalled or delayed projects. This underscores persistent Centre–State and inter-departmental coordination challenges in India’s infrastructure push.

About Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI)

What it is

• PRAGATI is a centralised, ICT-enabled governance platform for:
  • Grievance redressal
  • Programme implementation
  • Monitoring of projects of national importance
• Enables real-time review and resolution of critical bottlenecks.

Launched

• 25 March 2015, by the Government of India under the leadership of the Prime Minister.

Objectives

• Ensure timely implementation of infrastructure and development projects.
• Resolve inter-ministerial and Centre–State coordination issues.
• Promote e-transparency, accountability, and outcome-based governance.

5. Cetacean Morbillivirus Detected in Arctic Waters

Source: IE

Context:

Scientists have, for the first time, detected cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) in Arctic waters, using drones to collect whale breath (blow) samples. This marks a major advance in non-invasive wildlife disease surveillance and signals changing disease dynamics in polar ecosystems.

About Cetacean Morbillivirus (CeMV)

What it is

• A highly infectious viral disease affecting marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, porpoises, and pilot whales.
• Belongs to the morbillivirus group, closely related to measles (humans) and canine distemper (dogs).

Where it is found

• Earlier reported in the North Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea, and Pacific Ocean.
• New detection in Arctic waters, particularly among humpback and sperm whales, indicates a geographical expansion of the virus.

Origin

• First identified in 1987.
• Believed to have evolved from terrestrial morbilliviruses and later adapted to marine mammals.
• Spreads mainly through close contact and respiratory droplets.

6. Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS)

Context:

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has approved 22 additional projects under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS), involving a fresh investment of ₹41,863 crore. This marks a major push to deepen India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem beyond final assembly.

About the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS)

What it is

• Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme is a flagship incentive programme aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing of electronic components, sub-assemblies, and capital equipment.
• Seeks to reduce India’s heavy import dependence in electronics and strengthen supply-chain resilience.

Nodal Ministry

• Implemented by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Launch & Outlay

• Approved by the Union Cabinet in 2024.
• Total financial outlay: ₹22,919 crore.

Tenure

• Turnover-linked incentives: 6 years (including a 1-year gestation period).
• Capex-based incentives: 5 years.

7. Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR)

Context:

On January 1, 2026, the Droupadi Murmu launched a series of initiatives under Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR)—a key pillar of the Skill India Mission—at an event organised by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre.

Key Launches & Announcements

1. #SkillTheNation Challenge

• A nationwide AI skilling initiative launched under SOAR.
• Focuses on AI awareness, learning, certification, and real-world application.
• Targets learners across urban, semi-urban, and rural India, ensuring inclusivity.

2. IGNOU Centre at Rairangpur, Odisha

• Virtually inaugurated a new Indira Gandhi National Open University centre.
• Located in a tribal-dominated region of northern Odisha.
• Aims to expand access to:
  • Distance education
  • Vocational training
  • Skill-oriented programmes
• Especially benefits youth from rural and underserved areas.

3. Conferment of AI Certificates

• The President awarded AI certificates to:
  • Students
  • Members of Parliament (MPs)
• Recipients completed AI learning modules under the SOAR initiative, signalling leadership-by-example in digital skilling.

About Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR)

• An integral component of the Skill India Mission focused on preparing India’s workforce for the AI-driven economy.
• Emphasises AI literacy, ethical use, and practical problem-solving.

Learning Model & Partnerships

• Blended delivery: Online and offline modes.
• Implemented in collaboration with IGNOU and Skill Centres nationwide.
• Offers multi-level courses—from beginner to advanced.

Aims & Significance

• Build a future-ready, inclusive workforce aligned with emerging technologies.
• Democratise access to AI education beyond metros.
• Encourage innovation and entrepreneurship through applied AI solutions.
• Strengthen India’s position in the global digital and AI talent landscape.

8. MoSPI Launches New Logo & Mascot ‘Sankhyiki’

Source: PIB

Context:

On 1 January 2026, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) unveiled its new logo and official mascot ‘Sankhyiki’ in New Delhi, signalling a renewed effort to modernise its institutional identity and strengthen public engagement with official statistics.

Key Highlights

• New Logo:
  • Reflects MoSPI’s evolving role in a data-driven governance ecosystem.
  • Emphasises credibility, transparency, and relevance of official statistics in policymaking.
• Mascot – ‘Sankhyiki’:
  • Derived from the Sanskrit word for statistics/data, symbolising accuracy, inclusiveness, and scientific rigour.
  • Designed as a public-facing ambassador to simplify complex statistical concepts for citizens, students, and data users.

Objectives of the Initiative

• Enhance public outreach and statistical literacy.
• Make official data more approachable, relatable, and user-friendly.
• Reinforce trust in India’s official statistical system amid growing demand for transparent and reliable data.

9. India’s Silk Value Chain to Cross ₹1.1 Lakh Crore by 2030

Context:

India is aiming to significantly scale up its sericulture sector, positioning silk as a high-value agricultural and export commodity through productivity enhancement, technological adoption, and wider geographical spread.

Key Announcement

• The Central Silk Board has set a target to double India’s silk value chain from ₹55,000 crore to over ₹1,10,000 crore by 2030.
• The Board functions under the Ministry of Textiles.

Central Silk Board (CSB)

What it is

• The apex statutory body for the overall development of sericulture and the silk industry in India.
• Functions under the Ministry of Textiles.

Established

• 1948 (by an Act of Parliament).

Headquarters

• Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Government Initiatives

• Support through schemes such as Silk Samagra.
• Increased participation of States in the silk economy.
• Emphasis on diversification of silk applications beyond traditional uses.

Banking/Finance

1. Government Rolls Out ₹7,300 crore Schemes to Ease MSME Financing

Source: BS

Context:

To improve access to affordable credit for export-oriented MSMEs, the government has rolled out new credit-linked support schemes, aimed at strengthening liquidity, boosting exports, and enhancing bank lending.

Key Announcement

• The Government of India has launched two schemes worth ₹7,300 crore to ease financing constraints for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
• The schemes are part of a broader effort to support export growth and MSME competitiveness.

Scheme 1: Collateral Support for Export Credit

• Total outlay: ₹2,114 crore
• Objective:
  • Provide credit-guarantee support for export-linked working capital loans to MSME exporters
• Key Features:
  • Collateral guarantee up to ₹10 crore per firm
  • Guarantee coverage:
    • Micro & Small exporters: up to 85%
    • Medium exporters: up to 65%
• Nature:
  • Designed to complement existing credit guarantee mechanisms
  • Aims to increase bank lending to export-oriented MSMEs
• Rollout:
  • Detailed guidelines to be notified by CGTMSE
  • Initial pilot phase, followed by integration into a revised export promotion framework

Scheme 2: Credit Support under Export Promotion Framework

• Part of the broader Export Promotion Mission measures
• Detailed operational guidelines to be issued by the RBI
• Focus:
  • Lowering the cost of credit
  • Improving liquidity access for MSMEs engaged in exports

2. Government Panel Reviews Foreign Banks’ Plans to Open Branches in India

Source: BS

Context:

India is reviewing proposals from foreign banks to expand their presence amid a calibrated liberalisation of the financial sector and evolving FDI and trade commitments.

About the IDC Mechanism

• DFS is the nodal department for evaluating proposals from foreign and domestic banks.
• Before finalising decisions, the IDC consults:
  • Ministry of Home Affairs – security perspective
  • Ministry of External Affairs – political and diplomatic perspective
  • Department of Commerce – economic and trade perspective

Eligibility to Become a Foreign Bank in India

Foreign banks are permitted to operate in India under a regulated and calibrated framework to balance financial openness with systemic stability. The entire process is governed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in consultation with the Government of India.

Who qualifies as a foreign bank?

A foreign bank is a banking institution that:

• Is incorporated outside India
• Holds a valid banking licence in its home country
• Is subject to effective regulation and supervision by the home country regulator

Capital Requirements

• Branch Mode: Assigned capital as specified by RBI
• WOS Mode: Minimum ₹5 billion paid-up capital, with additional capital linked to expansion

Modes of Entry into India

Foreign banks can operate in India through three routes:

1. Branch Mode
   • Operates as an extension of the parent bank
   • Can undertake full banking activities
   • More common among global banks with limited physical presence
2. Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS)
   • Incorporated in India as a separate legal entity
   • Greater operational freedom and near-national treatment
   • Preferred by RBI for large-scale retail operations
3. Representative (Liaison) Office
   • Only for liaison, research, and promotional work
   • No deposit-taking or lending allowed

3. SEBI Working on Technology Road Map for Stock Exchanges & MIIs

Source: BS

Context:

With capital markets becoming more complex and technology-driven, the market regulator is stepping up efforts to future-proof India’s market infrastructure institutions (MIIs).

Key Development

• Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is planning to constitute a working group to develop a technology road map for Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs).
• The announcement was made by Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Chairman, SEBI.

About the Technology Road Map

• Applicable to MIIs such as:
  • Stock exchanges
  • Clearing corporations
  • Depositories
• The road map will outline:
  • A 5-year technology vision
  • A 10-year technology vision
• Objective:
  • Provide a structured framework for the securities market ecosystem
  • Ensure MIIs keep pace with rapidly evolving markets

Focus Areas Highlighted by SEBI

• Technology investment
• Risk management
• Cyber resilience
• Emphasis on:
  • Quality and sophistication of markets, not just scale
  • Investor protection alongside innovation

AI-Driven Regulatory Initiatives

SEBI has already deployed or is developing several artificial intelligence (AI) tools:

• AI-powered market surveillance system
  • Detects fraud and market manipulation
• AI-driven advertisement viewer
  • Monitors advertisements by asset management companies
• Disclosure monitoring tools
  • Track compliance by listed entities
• AI-driven inspection tool (under development)
  • Strengthens risk-based supervision
  • Analyses cyber audit reports
  • Identifies control gaps
  • Classifies regulated entities based on risk exposure

Sensex at 40: Broader Perspective

• Speaking at the 40th anniversary of the Sensex, Pandey noted:
  • The Sensex has mirrored India’s economic transformation over four decades.
  • Its changing composition reflects:
    • Rise of private enterprises
    • Shift from traditional industries to services, finance, and technology
    • Deeper integration with global capital markets

Agriculture

1. India Surpasses China to Become the World’s Largest Rice Producer

Source: TOI

Context:

India has overtaken China to rank No. 1 globally in rice production, reflecting sustained gains from improved irrigation, high-yielding varieties, and supportive procurement policies.

Global Status

• India: World’s largest rice producer (150.18 MT)
• China: Second largest (145.28 MT)

State-wise Rice Production (2023–24)

(As per Economic Survey, Statistical Appendix)

Rank	State	Production	Share
1	Telangana	16.63 MT	~12.17%
2	Uttar Pradesh	15.72 MT	~11.50%
3	West Bengal	15.12 MT	~11.06%

Other major rice-producing states:
Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Odisha, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Assam.

Geographical Features of Rice Production in India

1. Climate Belt

• Rice thrives in hot, humid climates.
• Hence, concentration in eastern, southern, and north-eastern India.

2. Water Geography

• Strong presence in river floodplains and deltas:
  • Ganga–Brahmaputra Plains
  • Krishna–Godavari Delta
  • Cauvery Delta
• Abundant alluvial soils and surface water support paddy cultivation.

3. Irrigation-driven Expansion

• In lower rainfall regions (e.g., Punjab, western UP), rice is sustained by canals and tube-wells.
• This boosts yields but raises groundwater depletion and water-stress concerns.

4. Terrain Adaptation

• In hilly and north-eastern regions, rice is grown using terraced cultivation, enabling controlled water flow and soil conservation.

Facts To Remember

1. Nritya Kalanidhi award conferred on Urmila Satyanarayanan

Bharatanatyam exponent Urmila Satyanarayanan was presented the Nritya Kalanidhi award at the 19th Dance Festival inaugurated at the Music Academy in the city on Saturday.

2. DoP & SIDBI Sign MoU for Verification of Informal Micro Enterprises

In December 2025, the Department of Posts (India Post) under the Ministry of Communications signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), under the Ministry of Finance, in New Delhi.

3. Union MoS Pemmasani Launches ‘Land Stack’ Pilot & GoRT

In December 2025, Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Rural Development, launched the Land Stack portal, a first-of-its-kind national digital land governance initiative.

About Land Stack

• Part of the Digital India Land Record Modernisation Programme (DILRMP).
• Integrates land records, ownership, usage, valuation, and geo-spatial data.
• Enables data-driven land governance, transparency, and efficient service delivery.

4. J.P. Nadda Launches Integrated e-Bill System for Fertilizer Subsidy

On January 1, 2026, Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister for Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, launched an Integrated electronic (e)-Bill System at Kartavya Bhawan, New Delhi.

Objective

• Digitally process fertilizer subsidy claims worth ~₹2 lakh crore annually.

5. Kaushal Manthan concludes with finalisation of Skill Resolutions 2026

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship concluded the week-long Kaushal Manthan with a high-level session chaired by the Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary.