Authored by: K Shiva
Venezuela Legal Controversy: Legal experts have raised concerns that the U.S. apprehension of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife lacks justification under international law. Under the principle of "personal immunity," heads of state typically enjoy protection from the criminal jurisdiction of foreign courts. The U.S. move is being viewed by some as an affront to international law and a return to outdated imperialist doctrines.
Iran Protests Death Toll: At least 35 people have been killed in violence linked to ongoing economic protests across Iran, including 20 protesters, four children, and security personnel.
Indonesia Flash Floods: Torrential rains triggered a flash flood on Siau Island, Indonesia, killing at least 16 people and displacing nearly 700 residents.
Voter Roll Revisions: The Election Commission of India (EC) defended its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the Supreme Court, stating it has a constitutional duty to ensure no foreigners occupy space in the nation's rolls. In Uttar Pradesh alone, 2.89 crore names were deleted in the draft electoral rolls.
Suresh Kalmadi Passes Away: Former Union Minister Suresh Kalmadi, known for a tumultuous career including the 2010 Commonwealth Games controversy, has died.
India-U.S. Oil Tariffs: U.S. President Donald Trump remarked that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "not that happy" with him due to 50% tariffs imposed on India for its purchases of Russian oil.
Air Pollution "Contributors": The Supreme Court observed that the victims of poor air quality in Delhi are themselves, directly or indirectly, "contributors" to the problem.
Aditya-L1 Anniversary: On the second anniversary of India's maiden solar mission reaching the Lagrangian point (L1), ISRO has invited proposals from scientists to analyze data collected from the spacecraft.
Supersonic Gas Jets in Lab: Researchers have developed a method using a "de Laval nozzle" to shoot focused jets of gas at supersonic speeds, allowing for the study of surface chemistry at realistic atmospheric pressures in standard lab settings.
Biomaterials Frontiers: Biomaterials derived from biological sources are emerging as a new frontier to replace fossil-based plastics and textiles, helping India reduce import dependence and support farmer livelihoods.
Andhra Pradesh Investment: The State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) cleared investment proposals worth ₹19,391 crore from 14 companies, with a potential to create over 11,700 jobs.
Telangana EV Policy: The Telangana government has decided to make it mandatory for schools and large organizations to ensure that 25% to 50% of their transport fleet consists of electric vehicles.
HILT Policy in Telangana: The Hyderabad Industrial Land Transformation (HILT) policy aims to generate ₹10,776 crore and transform industrial lands for multi-purpose use to ensure a cleaner environment.
Polavaram Review: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu visited the Polavaram irrigation project to personally review the progress of key components like the diaphragm wall.
ONGC Gas Leak Contained: The blowout at an ONGC gas well in Mori, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, has been 90% contained. Evacuated residents are expected to return home by Wednesday.
Amaravati Avakaya Festival: A three-day festival showcasing Telugu cinema, literature, and the iconic avakaya pickle begins in Vijayawada on January 8.
Secunderabad Station Advisory: SCR has advised passengers to use the Bhoiguda entrance (Platform 10) to manage the heavy Sankranti rush.
The Ashes: Centuries by Travis Head (163) and Steve Smith (129*) have put Australia in a commanding position in the Sydney Test against England.
Tata Steel Chess India: The rapid and blitz tournament begins in Kolkata, featuring legend Viswanathan Anand alongside young stars like Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi.
Andhra Premier League (APL): Four cricket stadiums in Vizag, Mulapadu, Mangalagiri, and Kadapa are being upgraded to host APL matches.
LFL Trivia: The Hindu Lit For Life (LFL) festival returns to Chennai on January 17-18, featuring Nobel and Booker Prize-winning authors and sessions on constitutional importance.
Which country has officially surpassed China to become the world's largest rice producer in 2025-26? Answer: India (India produced 150.18 million tonnes, overtaking China's output.)
Which Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS), the first of two pollution control vessels, was recently commissioned in Goa? Answer: ICGS Samudra Pratap (It was commissioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on January 5, 2026.)
Which Indian state has become the first to establish a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Institution? Answer: Gujarat (The institution, named IAIRO, officially started operations at GIFT City on January 1, 2026.)
Who has been appointed as the new head coach of the Chelsea Football Club men's team? Answer: Liam Rosenior (The appointment was officially announced in early January 2026.)
Which spiritual New Year is observed on 7 January 2026? Answer: Mahayana New Year (Celebrated by Mahayana Buddhists worldwide on the first full moon of January.)
According to recent data, how many broadband subscribers did India cross by the end of 2025? Answer: More than 1 Billion (India achieved a major digital milestone by crossing the 1 billion mark in late 2025.)
Which Indian table tennis player won a "double crown" at the WTT Youth Contender Vadodara 2026? Answer: Syndrela Das (She won both the U-19 Mixed Doubles and U-17 Girls' Singles titles.)
The "SPREE 2025" scheme, recently seen in the news, is an initiative of which organization? Answer: ESIC (Employees' State Insurance Corporation) (The scheme for registration of employers and employees was extended through January 2026.)
Which city is hosting the "United Cup 2026" mixed-gender tennis tournament? Answer: Perth and Sydney (Australia) (The tournament serves as a major lead-up to the Australian Open.)
Who was recently named the "International Event Ambassador" for the upcoming 2026 Mumbai Marathon? Answer: Andre De Grasse (The Olympic gold medalist sprinter will represent the event.)
International Court of Justice (ICJ) Precedent: The Arrest Warrant Case (DRC vs. Belgium) established that heads of state enjoy personal immunity from the criminal jurisdiction of foreign courts.
Lagrangian Point (L1): A position in space where the gravitational forces of two large bodies (like the Sun and Earth) balance the centripetal force felt by a smaller object, allowing it to stay fixed relative to them.
The Meaning of "Search Me": In informal contexts, the phrase "search me" is used to mean "I have no idea" or "I don't know".
"Gen Z Stare": A term used to describe the expressionless stare given by tech-dependent individuals when asked a verbal question.
NTPC Recruitment: NTPC is inviting applications for Executive Trainees in Finance (CA/CMA) with a pay scale of ₹40,000–₹1,40,000.
SBI Specialist Officers: State Bank of India has announced openings for Specialist Cadre Officers (VP and AVP Wealth Management) on a contract basis.
Skilling Gap: Despite massive investments, only 4.1% of India's workforce has received formal vocational training, compared to much higher rates in OECD countries.
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