CURRENT AFFAIRS 06 January, 2026

CURRENT AFFAIRS 06 January, 2026

1. 10 YEARS OF PARIS AGREEMENT –

What is Paris Agreement?

• The Paris Agreement is a legally binding global climate agreement adopted in 2015 (21st Conference of the Parties (COP)) under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
• It replaced the Kyoto Protocol, expanding climate responsibility to all countries.
• Objective: It aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C, with efforts to restrict it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
• Working Procedure: The Paris Agreement follows a five-year cycle of progressively stronger climate action by countries.
• Every five years, countries submit updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), outlining plans for emission reduction (mitigation) and climate resilience (adaptation).
• In 2023, the first Global Stocktake concluded at COP28, calling for faster action on mitigation, adaptation, and climate finance by 2030, including a push to transition away from fossil fuels.
• Countries are encouraged to submit long-term low-emission development strategies, though these are voluntary.
• The Paris Rulebook, finalised at COP24 (Katowice, Poland) and COP26 (Glasgow, Scotland), laid down detailed rules for implementing the Agreement.

Key Achievements:

• Universal Participation: Nearly all countries (194 States plus the European Union) committed to climate action under a single framework.
• Climate Finance Commitment: Developed countries committed to mobilising USD 100 billion per year up to 2025 to support developing countries in climate mitigation and adaptation.
• At COP29 (Baku, Azerbaijan, 2024), a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) was agreed, setting a higher target of at least USD 300 billion annually by 2035.

2. SURYASTRA ROCKET LAUNCHER –

• The Indian Army has signed an emergency procurement contract with NIBE Limited for the indigenous Suryastra long-range rocket launcher, enabling fast-track acquisition within the Emergency Procurement framework.
• The system is being domestically produced under a technology collaboration with Elbit Systems, while the Defence Acquisition Council has extended Emergency Procurement powers to allow contract signing until 15 January 2026.

Suryastra

• About: Suryastra is India’s first Made-in-India, multi-calibre, long-range rocket launcher system developed by Pune-based NIBE Limited in collaboration with Israel’s Elbit Systems.
• It leverages Elbit’s PULS (Precise & Universal Launching System) architecture to deliver precision surface-to-surface strikes at ranges of up to 150 km and 300 km, marking the first domestic production of a high-precision rocket launcher with 300 km strike capability.
• It has demonstrated a high accuracy of less than five metres circular error probable (CEP) in trials and can also fire loitering munitions up to 100 km.

Key Capabilities:

• Multi-Calibre Capability: A single launcher can fire multiple types of rockets and guided munitions, enhancing operational flexibility and reducing logistical burden.
• High Tactical Mobility: Mounted on a BEML High Mobility Vehicle (HMV), it enables rapid deployment, shoot-and-scoot operations, reduced vulnerability to counter-battery fire, and effective operations across diverse terrains.

3. DELHI GOVERNMENT BRINGS FINANCES UNDER RBI FRAMEWORK WITH HISTORIC MOU –

• Delhi Government has signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding with the Reserve Bank of India, marking a major shift in the capital’s financial governance. For the first time, Delhi will operate under the RBI’s complete banking, cash management and debt management framework, aligning its finances with nationally accepted fiscal practices.

Why in the News?

• The Delhi Government signed an MoU with the Reserve Bank of India to bring Delhi under the RBI’s full banking and debt management system.

This move allows RBI to act as Delhi’s banker, debt manager and financial agent.

What the MoU Provides

• Under the agreement, the RBI will manage Delhi’s banking operations, cash flows and public debt.
• The arrangement enables market borrowings through State Development Loans, automatic investment of surplus cash, and access to low-cost liquidity facilities.
• It also introduces professional cash management practices, improving efficiency and reducing borrowing costs.

4. GERMAN CHANCELLOR FRIEDRICH MERZ TO VISIT INDIA ON JANUARY 12–13 –

• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to visit India on January 12 and 13, 2026. The high-level visit comes at a crucial time for India–Germany relations, with both countries seeking deeper cooperation in trade, technology, climate action, and global governance. The visit is expected to further strengthen strategic and economic engagement.

Why in the News?

• Friedrich Merz, the Chancellor of Germany, will pay an official visit to India on January 12–13, 2026. The visit aims to enhance India–Germany cooperation across economic, strategic, and global issues.

Purpose of the Visit

• The visit is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations between India and Germany. Discussions are likely to cover trade and investment, clean energy cooperation, climate change, digital technologies, and defence collaboration. Both sides may also exchange views on global challenges, including supply chain resilience and geopolitical stability.

5. 9TH SIDDHA DAY 2026: CELEBRATING INDIA’S ANCIENT MEDICAL HERITAGE –

• India will observe the 9th Siddha Day on January 6, 2026, celebrating one of the oldest traditional systems of medicine. Siddha medicine, deeply rooted in Tamil culture, focuses on holistic health and prevention of disease. The observance highlights India’s efforts to preserve and promote its rich traditional medical knowledge in modern healthcare.

Why in the News?

• The 9th Siddha Day will be observed on January 6, 2026, as the Ayilyam star falls on this date in the Tamil month of Margazhi. The event will be organised in Chennai with the support of the Ministry of AYUSH.

What is Siddha Day?

• Siddha Day is observed annually to commemorate the birth anniversary of Siddhar Agathiyar, who is regarded as the father of Siddha medicine. His birth is traditionally associated with the Ayilyam star. The Government of India has officially approved the observance of Siddha Day to recognize the contributions of Siddha medicine to healthcare and wellness.

MCQ QUIZ

Q1.   The Salal Hydroelectric Project is located on which river ?

1. a) Ravi
2. b) Jhelum
3. c) Chenab
4. d) Indus

Q2.   Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme is implemented by which ministry ?

1. a) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
2. b) Ministry of Heavy Industries
3. c) Ministry of Science and Technology
4. d) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

Q3.   World Braille Day is observed every year on which day ?

1. a) January 1
2. b) January 2
3. c) January 3
4. d) January 4

Q4.   Rice cultivation in India is primarily associated with which of the following agro-climatic requirements ?

1. Temperature above 25°C
2. Rainfall between 100–200 cm
3. Low humidity and dry climate
4. Level or gently sloping floodplains

          Select the correct answer using the code below :

1. a) 1 and 2 only
2. b) 1,3 and 4 only
3. c) 1, 2 and 4 only
4. d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation-

• Rice requires warm temperatures, high rainfall, and high humidity.
• Level floodplains allow water retention, essential for paddy cultivation.
• Statement 3 is incorrect because rice does not thrive in dry, low-humidity conditions.

Q5.   Consider the following statements regarding Operation Absolute Resolve conducted by the U.S. in Venezuela:

1. The operation involved coordinated air and ground strikes across northern Venezuela.
2. It resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
3. The operation was primarily aimed at regime change to install Juan Guaidó as president.

          Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1. a) 1 and 2 only
2. b) 1 and 3 only
3. c) 2 and 3 only
4. d) 1, 2, and 3

Explanation-

• Statement 1 is correct: The operation involved airstrikes near Caracas and ground raids across northern Venezuela.
• Statement 2 is correct: President Maduro and his wife were captured and flown to the U.S. to face federal drug charges.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The operation was justified by the U.S. as action against a narco-terrorist regime, not officially to install Guaidó, though he was the recognized interim president by the U.S.
• The Act also retains the no-fault liability principle, meaning the operator is liable for damage regardless of fault, ensuring victims are compensated quickly through compulsory insurance.

Answer Key