This is the current affairs of 4 to 6 January 2026. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
PDF Download: Click here
1. Who became the interim president of Venezuela after the US ordered the arrest of Nicolás Maduro?
a. Padrino López
b. Delcy Rodríguez
c. Iván Gil
d. Néstor Reverol
Answer: b. Delcy Rodríguez
– On the night of January 2 and 3, 2026, American soldiers attacked Venezuela and arrested President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Both were taken to the United States.
– After this, Venezuela’s Supreme Court ordered Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to become the country’s interim president.
– The court refrained from declaring Nicolás Maduro permanently absent from office, because such a decision would mandate elections within 30 days.
————–
2. After Venezuela, which countries did US President Trump threaten to take action against, and which autonomous region did he express an intention to seize?
a. Colombia, Cuba
b. Mexico and Greenland
c. Brazil and Greenland
d. Both a and b
Answer: d. Both a and b (Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, and Greenland)
– Immediately after the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, US President Donald Trump threatened action against two other Latin American countries—Colombia, Mexico, and Cuba.
– Trump said these countries had failed to curb the trafficking of illegal drugs into the United States.
– He also said that Venezuela’s close ally Cuba “appears to be collapsing on its own.”
Monroe Doctrine
– Behind these threats is not only the 19th-century Monroe Doctrine, which declares the Western Hemisphere as the US sphere of influence.
– Several factors such as ideology, drugs, immigration, and strategic partners are also behind Trump’s anger.
Colombia
– Colombia has traditionally been a major US ally and its closest security partner in South America over the past 25 years.
– In 2023, of the $16 billion worth of crude oil imported by the US, $5.4 billion came from Colombia.
– However, bilateral relations have become strained since Gustavo Petro became Colombia’s first left-wing president and attempted to distance the country from the US.
– These relations have worsened further during Trump’s tenure.
– In January 2025, his administration threatened serious action against Colombia after it initially refused to accept US military planes carrying Colombian deportees.
– Trump’s cuts to US foreign aid, tariff announcements, and recent US military buildup in the Caribbean Sea have deeply worried Petro.
– Petro described US attacks on Venezuela as an “attack on Latin American sovereignty,” which would create a humanitarian crisis.
– Trump claims that drugs are entering the US from Colombia and that Colombia is not controlling this.
Mexico
– The US and Mexico have had a turbulent history for centuries, but today they share deep economic ties.
– In 2023, Mexico was the US’s largest trading partner, with total goods trade of $798.9 billion.
– However, the 3,145-kilometer-long border has created several major challenges, most notably the movement of illegal immigrants and illegal drugs.
– Reports state that Mexico is a leading hub in the global production and trafficking of fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic drug responsible for a rise in drug-overdose deaths in the US.
– Trump’s first presidential campaign was partly successful due to his promise to build a wall along the US–Mexico border, claiming Mexico would pay for it. This promise failed.
– After returning to the White House last January, Trump attempted to restart the construction of the wall.
– He also announced punitive tariffs against Canada, China, and Mexico for failing to curb fentanyl trafficking.
– Last April, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected Trump’s proposal to allow US troops to enter Mexico to fight suspected Mexican drug cartels.
Cuba
– Unlike Colombia and Mexico, the US has historically had tense relations with Cuba.
– Even today, Cuba depends on Venezuela for oil and has received large-scale foreign investment from China and Russia.
– Given the uncertain future of Venezuela’s economy, Cuba may turn toward Russia and benefit from increased military and economic cooperation between the two countries in recent years.
– During the Cold War, a group of revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro seized the capital Havana and overthrew the US-backed government of Fulgencio Batista.
– After the Cuban Revolution, the new government distanced itself from the US—strengthened ties with the Soviet Union, nationalized US-owned properties, and imposed tariffs on US imports.
– The US responded by imposing economic sanctions and strict travel restrictions, although it recognized Fidel Castro as the new leader.
– During this period, the US attempted to invade Cuba to remove Castro from power in the infamous Bay of Pigs invasion, which failed.
– The first real effort to normalize bilateral relations came in 2008 during President Barack Obama’s tenure.
– In his second term, Trump reversed Biden-era initiatives that had restored Obama-era normalization measures.
– Trump imposed restrictions on Cuba’s tourism industry, a major pillar of the Cuban economy that contributed 10% of GDP before the COVID pandemic. Since 2020, Cuba has faced an economic downturn, with GDP falling by 1.1% and inflation expected to reach 24% in 2024.
– Trump has now said that Cuba’s economy has collapsed badly and will fall even further after Maduro’s removal from power.
Why does the US want Greenland?
– US interest in Greenland is based on geopolitics.
– Militarily, Greenland’s location is important, as it served as a key military base during the Cold War (1945–91).
– The US operates the massive Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base) in this region.
– From Greenland, the US can monitor and intercept any missiles coming from Russia, China, or North Korea.
– Similarly, it can easily launch missiles and ships toward Asia or Europe from Greenland.
– According to a research paper by the Arctic Institute, China and Russia have reportedly increased their military capabilities in the Arctic in recent years.
Rare mineral reserves in Greenland
– Greenland has vast reserves of rare minerals, widely used in mobile phones, electric vehicles, other consumer electronics, as well as bombs and other weapons.
– China is currently the major supplier of these minerals.
– In 2021, Greenland passed a law banning uranium mining.
Has the US tried to “acquire” Greenland in the past?
– The US has long expressed varying levels of interest in owning and controlling the region.
– In 1867, the US State Department said Greenland’s strategic location and abundant natural resources made it ideal for acquisition, but no formal steps were taken.
– During World War II, the US invaded Greenland at the same time Nazi Germany occupied Denmark.
– After the war, US President Harry S. Truman offered Denmark $100 million in 1946 in exchange for Greenland, after earlier considering swapping parts of Alaska for parts of Greenland.
– In 1951, the US signed a defense agreement with Denmark granting the US the right to build and maintain military bases in Greenland.
– As a result, US forces remained in the region and established military broadcasting stations across the area.
– During his first term (2017–21), Trump proposed buying Greenland, calling it “a big real estate deal.”
– When Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the idea absurd, Trump canceled his scheduled visit to Denmark.
Why are Denmark and Greenland wary of Trump?
– Trump’s recent comments after invading Venezuela and removing its leader Nicolás Maduro have heightened concerns over Danish and Greenlandic sovereignty.
– In August 2025, the Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR) published a report stating that three people linked to Trump, one of whom had recently been promoted to a top US security position, had launched covert influence campaigns in Greenland.
– According to the report, the Trump administration adopted a three-stage strategy to seize Greenland—sending Donald Trump Jr. to the territory, directly pressuring Denmark, and having US Vice President J.D. Vance visit Greenland to criticize Denmark.
– The report said that the top security official had prepared lists of Greenland citizens who supported Trump’s attempt to seize the territory and who could eventually be recruited by the US for a separatist movement.
– According to the report, this infiltration effort represents the third phase of the strategy.
Has the US bought territory in the past?
– Yes. In 1867, the US purchased Alaska from the Russian Empire for $7.2 million, increasing US territory by about 1.5 million square kilometers.
– In 1959, the modern state of Alaska was established.
– In 1803, the US purchased more than 2 million square kilometers of land from France in the Louisiana Purchase, paying $15 million during President Thomas Jefferson’s tenure.
– In 1917, the US bought the Danish West Indies in the Caribbean and renamed them the US Virgin Islands.
—————
3. The complete sequence of events surrounding the arrest of Nicolás Maduro
i) Background: Beginning of US–Venezuela tensions
Starting in 2020
– The US Department of Justice issued an indictment against Maduro, accusing him of drug trafficking, narco-terrorism, cocaine importation, possession of machine guns, and destructive devices.
– The US claimed Maduro was linked to a group called the “Cartel of the Suns,” which operated within the Venezuelan military and sent drugs to the US.
– A $15 million bounty was placed on his head.
– All of this was mainly related to Venezuela’s crude oil and minerals. In fact, Venezuela had expelled US companies decades earlier, angering the US.
Rising tensions in 2025–2026
– Pressure on Venezuela increased during US President Donald Trump’s second term.
– Since September 2025, US forces carried out more than 30 strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific targeting drug-trafficking boats.
– More than 100 people were killed. The US claimed these boats operated with Maduro’s support.
Preparation
– Months in advance, the CIA studied Maduro’s habits—his food, pets, locations, and clothing.
– Special forces rehearsed on a replica of the presidential palace. The operation was named “Absolute Resolve.”
– A CIA source within the Venezuelan government helped track Maduro’s location.
– US forces increased their presence along Venezuela’s coast and waited for favorable weather.
ii) Main events: The day of the operation (January 3, 2026)
– Night operation
– On the night of January 3, 2026 (local time 02:01 AM, GMT 06:01 AM), the operation began once the weather cleared.
– US forces blacked out Caracas by cutting electricity.
– More than 150 aircraft were used, including helicopters flying low over water to enter Venezuela.
Raid and capture
– The US Army’s Delta Force raided Maduro’s residence inside the presidential palace at the Fuerte Tiuna military base.
– Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores tried to enter a steel safe room but could not close the door.
– US soldiers extracted them using massive blowtorches.
– The raid ended within 30 minutes.
– At least seven explosions occurred at military sites such as Fuerte Tiuna, La Carlota Airport, Port La Guaira, Higuerote Airport, and Antenas El Volcán.
These airstrikes were for cover.
– Some Venezuelan civilians and military personnel were killed.
– One US helicopter was fired upon but returned safely. No US fatalities, some injuries.
Extraction
– Maduro and Flores were taken by helicopter to the USS Iwo Jima (US warship).
– Trump posted a photo of Maduro on Truth Social—wearing a gray sweatsuit, protective headphones, and a blindfold.
– They were then taken to Stewart Air National Guard Base, New York, and held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
Announcement
– Trump held a press conference from Florida the same morning.
– He called it a “dark and deadly” operation and said the US would now “run” Venezuela.
What happened next?
– In Venezuela Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was appointed interim president by the Supreme Court.
– She demanded Maduro’s release and said Maduro remained the legitimate president.
– The US spoke of a transition—elections within 30 days and release of political prisoners.
– The US imposed an oil blockade and said US oil companies would extract Venezuelan resources and share the wealth. There was also talk of deploying ground troops.
Maduro’s status
– He is imprisoned in New York.
International reactions
– Russia, China, and Iran criticized the move, calling it an attempt to seize oil and minerals.
– Reactions in Latin America were mixed.
– Experts say this violates international law, as drug charges do not justify military force and Maduro should have head-of-state immunity.
– This is not the first such case—US forces similarly captured Panama’s General Noriega in 1989.
– The Indian government issued its first official response on January 4 through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which was balanced and diplomatic—neither condemning nor supporting the US, but emphasizing peace and dialogue.
India said
– “The recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation.”
– “India reiterates its commitment to the safety and well-being of the people of Venezuela.”
– “We urge all concerned parties to resolve issues peacefully through dialogue to ensure peace and stability in the region.”
Implications
– Hope for democratic restoration in Venezuela, but challenges from gangs, paramilitaries, and cartels.
– For the US, this sends a message to China and Russia. Experts say the transition could take years.
Impact on India
– Since US sanctions on Venezuela in 2019, India has almost stopped purchasing oil from Venezuela.
– Therefore, India’s energy security will not be affected.
————–
4. Which time will India receive the BRICS presidency on January 1, 2026?
a. First time
b. Second time
c. Third time
d. Fifth time
Answer: c. Third time
– India became the Chair of the BRICS group from January 1, 2026. This is India’s third BRICS presidency.
– The 18th BRICS Summit will be hosted in India.
India’s three BRICS presidencies
– 2012 – First time (4th Summit in New Delhi)
– 2016 – Second time (8th Summit in Goa)
– 2026 – Third time (from January 1, 2026)
Key meetings and events
– In 2026, India will follow the model of its 2023 G20 presidency and hold meetings across all 28 states and nine Union Territories.
– Leaders’ Summit — end of 2026 in India
– Foreign Ministers’ Meetings — twice
– National Security Advisors’ level meeting
– Around 20 ministerial meetings
– About 100 other meetings in 60 Indian cities
– India’s priorities during its presidency
– Strengthening the voice of Global South countries
– Reforming global institutions like the UN, IMF, and World Bank and increasing representation
– Focusing on economic justice, trade imbalances, and inclusive financial cooperation
BRICS
– Headquarters: Shanghai, China
– Established: 2009
– Organization of 10 major emerging economies
– Represents 41% of the world’s population
– Accounts for about 26% of global GDP
– India received the presidency for the fourth time in 2025. Earlier, it chaired summits in 2012, 2016, and 2021.
BRICS members and year of joining
– Brazil: 2006
– Russia: 2006
– India: 2006
– China: 2006
– South Africa: 2011
– Iran: 2024
– Egypt: 2024
– Ethiopia: 2024
– United Arab Emirates: 2024
– Indonesia: 2025
————–
5. When is World Braille Day celebrated?
a. January 1
b. January 2
c. January 3
d. January 4
Answer: d. January 4
– This day has been observed globally every year since 2019.
– Its objective is to spread awareness about the importance of Braille.
What is Braille?
– Braille is a script used by blind and visually impaired people to read, write, and understand.
– Letters and numbers are written using raised dots.
– Musical, mathematical, and scientific symbols are also written in Braille, enabling books and magazines to be read by touch.
– This system was invented 200 years ago by French scholar Louis Braille.
– Louis Braille was born on January 4, 1809, in the town of Coupvray.
Note
– According to the WHO, nearly one billion people worldwide live with near or distance vision impairment.
————–
6. According to data from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), how many tigers died in 2025?
a. 166
b. 160
c. 164
d. 165
Answer: a. 166
– India has the world’s largest tiger population.
– Tigers are apex predators and occupy the top of the food chain.
– The death of 166 tigers in 2025 is alarming.
– This included 31 cubs.
– In 2024, 126 tiger deaths were recorded.
Tiger population has also increased
– According to data released in 2023, India’s tiger population increased from 2,967 in 2018 to 3,682 in 2022.
– Officials estimate that about 75% of the world’s tiger population is found in India.
– Tiger census is conducted every four years.
Main causes of death
– Territorial conflicts due to habitat saturation.
– Despite increasing numbers, forest areas and corridors remain limited.
– New and displaced tigers clash with resident adult tigers while searching for territory, leading to fatal conflicts, especially in densely populated sanctuaries.
————–
7. According to NTCA data, which Indian state recorded the highest number of tiger deaths in 2025?
a. Maharashtra
b. Madhya Pradesh
c. Assam
d. Uttarakhand
Answer: b. Madhya Pradesh
– Madhya Pradesh is called the “Tiger State” of India.
– In 2025, the highest number of tiger deaths—55—were recorded here.
– More than 38 of these deaths were due to natural causes.
– In 2023, 44 tiger deaths were recorded; in 2024, 47 deaths.
– Five cases related to seizure of tiger body parts were also reported.
– Maharashtra ranked second in 2025 with 38 tiger deaths.
– Kerala recorded 13 deaths and Assam 12.
Why do deaths occur?
– Wildlife expert Jayram Shukla said territorial conflict is a major cause of tiger deaths.
– Natural mortality risk is highest when tigers are cubs or when they move away from their birthplace.
– Tiger cubs stay with their mother for at least 20 months, after which—especially males—they venture out to find new territories.
————–
8. PM Modi inaugurated the international exhibition of sacred Piprahwa relics in New Delhi in January 2026. These relics are associated with the birthplace of which deity?
a. Lord Ram
b. Lord Krishna
c. Lord Buddha
d. Lord Dauji
Answer: c. Lord Buddha
– The exhibition displayed relics, gem relics, and relic caskets recovered during excavations at the Piprahwa site in 1898 and later excavations between 1971–1975.
– The exhibition is an important effort to preserve the spiritual and cultural heritage of Buddhism.
Piprahwa relics
– The Piprahwa relics are associated with Kapilavastu, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
– Piprahwa is in Uttar Pradesh, India, while Kapilavastu is in Nepal, but the distance between them is about 10–15 km.
– Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) spent the first 29 years of his life in Kapilavastu.
– These relics returned to India on July 30, 2025, after 127 years.
Earlier, they were in Britain.
– Relics found in 1898
– The Piprahwa relics are a collection of sacred artifacts.
– They were found near the Piprahwa stupa in Uttar Pradesh in 1898.
– The site is believed to be associated with Kapilavastu, the birthplace of Lord Gautama Buddha.
– The relics were discovered by British engineer William Claxton Peppé.
– They include fragments of bones believed to be of Lord Buddha.
– Other items include crystal caskets, gold ornaments, gems, and a beautiful sandstone box.
– For over 500 million Buddhists worldwide, these relics symbolize peace, compassion, and Buddha’s teachings.
– The box bears an inscription in Brahmi script.
– This links the relics to the ancient Shakya clan.
– The Shakya clan is believed to be associated with Gautama Buddha.
————–
9. Which military ruler was elected President of Guinea?
a. Cellou Dalein Diallo
b. Alpha Condé
c. Lansana Conté
d. Mamady Doumbouya
Answer: d. Mamady Doumbouya
– Mamady Doumbouya, the military leader who has led Guinea since the 2021 military coup, won the presidential election.
– In the vote held on December 28, 2025, the 41-year-old Doumbouya secured 86.72% of the votes.
– Former special forces commander Doumbouya seized power by overthrowing then President Alpha Condé.
– In September 2025, a new constitution was adopted through a referendum in Guinea.
– This constitution extended the presidential term from five years to seven years.
Guinea
– Capital: Conakry
– Currency: Guinean franc
– Language: French
– Neighboring countries: Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Mali, Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
————–
10. Who was honored with the Natya Kala Nidhi Award 2025?
a. Urmila Satyanarayanan
b. Nartaki Nataraj
c. Rama Vaidyanathan
d. Harini S
Answer: a. Urmila Satyanarayanan
– Urmila Satyanarayanan is a Bharatanatyam artist.
– The award was announced in March 2025 by the Madras Music Academy (Tamil Nadu).
– It was conferred on January 3, 2026, at the inauguration of the Academy’s 19th annual dance festival.
– This is a prestigious award for outstanding contribution in the field of dance.
Other awards
– Sangeetha Kalanidhi Award (2025): Violinist R.K. Shriramkumar
– Sangeetha Kala Acharya Award (2025): Shyamala Venkateswaran and Thanjavur R. Govindarajan
– Musicologist Award (2025): Professor C.A. Sridhar
————–
11. Who has been appointed as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Food Corporation of India (FCI)?
a. Shrikant Nagulapalli
b. Ashutosh Agnihotri
c. Rabindra Kumar Agarwal
d. Lav Agarwal
Answer: c. Rabindra Kumar Agarwal
– The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) issued the appointment order on December 30, 2025.
– Rabindra Kumar Agarwal replaced Ashutosh Agnihotri, who has been appointed Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
– Rabindra Kumar is a 1997-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre.
– He previously served as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Cooperation.
————–
12. After Sadanand Vasant Date became the DGP of Maharashtra, who became the acting Director General (DG) of the National Investigation Agency (NIA)?
a. Anita C. Meshram
b. Dinesh Mahur
c. Niranjan Kumar Sudhanshu
d. Rakesh Agrawal
Answer: d. Rakesh Agrawal
– The Ministry of Home Affairs sent the incumbent DG Sadanand Vasant Date back to his parent cadre ahead of schedule.
– Sadanand Vasant is a 1990-batch IPS officer of the Maharashtra cadre.
– Rakesh Agrawal was given this responsibility on December 30, 2025.
– Rakesh Agrawal is a 1994-batch IPS officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre.
– He was appointed Special Director General of the NIA on September 29, 2025.
– He will hold charge as NIA ADG until further orders.
————–
13. Who has been appointed as the Director General (DG) of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade?
a. Sonal Mishra
b. Rakesh Gupta
c. Suchindra Mishra
d. Lav Agarwal
Answer: d. Lav Agarwal
– Lav Agarwal is a 1996-batch IAS officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre.
– He will replace Ajay Bhadoo.
– Lav Agarwal previously served as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
————–
14. With which neighboring country did India exchange lists of prisoners under a consular agreement?
a. Pakistan
b. Sri Lanka
c. Bangladesh
d. China
Answer: a. Pakistan
– India and Pakistan exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other’s custody through diplomatic channels.
– This was done under an existing bilateral agreement.
Consular Access Agreement
– India and Pakistan exchanged the lists under the Consular Access Agreement signed on May 21, 2008.
– The agreement allows both countries to exchange lists of prisoners twice a year.
– It provides consular access to detained civilians so they can contact their home country.
– Its objective is to protect the rights, safety, and welfare of prisoners and fishermen.
– Especially those fishermen who inadvertently cross maritime boundaries.
– Since 2014, sustained diplomatic efforts have led to the return of 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civilian prisoners from Pakistan.
– This includes 500 fishermen and 13 civilian prisoners released since 2023.
PDF Download: Click here
