Current Affairs 06 January 2026

Disaster Risk & Climate Vulnerability in Asia

Emerging Asian economies India, China, and the ASEAN-11 are facing a rapidly escalating threat from natural disasters, both in frequency and intensity. Over the last decade, the region has experienced around 100 disasters annually, affecting nearly 80 million people every year. Between 1990 and 2024, India incurred average annual disaster losses of about 0.4% of GDP showing the growing macroeconomic risks from climate and natural hazards. Among Asian economies, India ranks second only after the Philippines in the World Risk Index.

USA Arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

The United States has apprehended Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and flown him to the U.S. to face charges of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, marking a dramatic escalation in Washington’s long-running confrontation with Venezuela.

Why did the U.S. act against Venezuela?

The U.S. action stems from two overlapping policy drivers within the administration of Donald Trump:

1. Regime-change pressure from Republican parties: Influential Republicans have long opposed Venezuela’s socialist government, viewing regime change as a strategic and ideological goal. They argue that Caracas undermines regional stability and democracy.
2. Drug trafficking framed as a national security threat: The U.S. administration alleges that elements of Venezuela’s government and military are directly involved in narcotics trafficking that harms American society. By designating these activities as narco-terrorism, Washington claims a legal and security basis for action.

Bhogapuram International Airport completed Validation Flight

Andhra Pradesh achieved a major milestone in its aviation and infrastructure development with the successful validation flight at the Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport, near Visakhapatnam. The event marks a crucial step toward operational readiness, with commercial flight operations expected to begin from June.

Somnath Temple

Prime Minister remembered a historic milestone 1,000 years since the first attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026 AD. The moment is significant not only as a remembrance of history but also as a reflection on India’s civilisational resilience, cultural continuity, and spiritual revival.

About Somnath Temple

• The Somnath temple is located near Veraval, Gir Somnath district, Gujarat.
• Somnath is believed to be the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
• No landmass exists between Somnath and Antarctica in a straight southern line (Baan Stambh concept).
• Somnath temple was mentioned in Rig Veda, Skanda Purana, Shiva Purana.
• In 1026 AD, Mahmud of Ghazni attacked and plundered this temple. This marked the first recorded foreign invasion on this temple.
• Temple was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times (by Alauddin Khilji’s generals, Mughal period, etc.)
• This temple was rebuilt Rebuilt after Independence under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
• In 1951 this temple re-inaugurated symbolising national revival and cultural self-confidence.
• Somnath temple architecture: This temple was built using sandstone in Chalukya (Solanki) style.

SAMPANN Platform

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has implemented SAMPANN (System for Accounting and Management of Pension) as a comprehensive, end-to-end digital pension management platform for its pensioners. SAMPANN creates a single integrated online system for processing, sanctioning, and disbursing pensions directly into the bank accounts of DoT pensioners, including retired telecom employees.

Disclaimer: This article is prepared for competitive exam preparation using publicly available information.