Daily Current Affairs- 4th January 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 4th January 2026

Fertility: Ending Child Ceilings (Telangana Ends 2-Child Ceiling for Local Body Elections)

In the News: The Telangana Legislative Assembly passed the Telangana Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026, abolishing the two-child norm that disqualifies individuals with more than two children from contesting local body elections. The historic decision, announced by Panchayat Raj Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka, comes as Telangana's fertility rate has dropped to 1.7—well below the replacement level of 2.1—raising concerns about long-term demographic sustainability, aging population, and potential loss of political representation after delimitation freeze ends in 2026.

Key Points:

• Bill Passed: The Telangana Legislative Assembly passed the Telangana Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026 on Saturday, January 4, 2026, formally abolishing the two-child norm. The bill was moved by Panchayat Raj Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka (also referred to as Danasari Anasuya Seet hakka) and received approval from the House. The Cabinet had initially decided to scrap the norm in October 2024, and the legislative approval in January 2026 completes the legal process for removing this three-decade-old restriction.
• Original Introduction (1994): The two-child norm was introduced in 1994—over 30 years ago—as a population control measure to address challenges associated with the population explosion experienced during the 1980s and 1990s. The policy aimed to overcome problems of food security, unemployment, and poverty by limiting family size among elected representatives who were expected to serve as "role models" for their constituents.
• Disqualification Scope: Under the existing rule, individuals with more than two children were barred from contesting elections to critical local body positions including Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency (MPTC) members, Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) members, ward members in municipalities, and sarpanches (village heads). This disqualification affected a substantial number of potential candidates, particularly from marginalized communities, effectively restricting democratic participation at the grassroots level where local governance decisions directly impact rural communities' daily lives.
• Projected Further Decline: According to the 'Population Projections for India and States 2011-35' report by Census of India, Telangana's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is projected to drop even further to 1.5 by 2031-2035. This represents one of the sharpest fertility declines in India. The state's population growth rate is expected to decline from 7.1 (2011-15) to just 0.3 (2031-35)—essentially nearing zero population growth. The Crude Birth Rate is projected to fall from 15.7 (2011-15) to 10.2 (2031-35), positioning Telangana among the bottom three states in India with the lowest birth rates alongside Andhra Pradesh.
• Aging Population Concerns: Life expectancy in Telangana is increasing—for men from 67 years (2011-15) to projected 71.4 years by 2031, and for women from 71 years to 75.6 years by 2031-35. Combined with declining births, this creates a rapidly aging population. The share of people above age 60 is growing while the working-age population shrinks. The Infant Mortality Rate is also declining from 39 (2011-15) to projected 27 (2031-35), contributing to increased longevity.

Third Round of Privatisation of Airports

In the News: The Union Government announced plans to privatize 11 airports under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model by the end of the financial year 2025-26. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol confirmed in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on March 17, 2025, that this third round of airport privatization will bundle profitable airports with underperforming ones to attract private investors. This initiative is part of the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) aimed at modernizing aviation infrastructure and generating revenue through asset monetization.

Key Points:

• Third Phase of Privatization: This marks the third round of airport privatization in India under the PPP model. The first phase privatized Delhi and Mumbai airports in 2006, while the second phase saw the privatization of 6 airports (Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Mangaluru, Jaipur, Guwahati, and Thiruvananthapuram) awarded to Adani Enterprises.
• Specific Airport Pairings: Varanasi airport will be bundled with Kushinagar and Gaya airports; Bhubaneswar and Amritsar will be paired with Hubli and Kangra; Raipur and Trichy will be linked with Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) and Tirupati. Some reports also mention Jabalpur as one of the smaller paired airports.
• National Monetisation Pipeline: This privatization is part of the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP-II), under which 25 Airports Authority of India (AAI)-operated airports are proposed to be leased between 2022 and 2025. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined NMP-II in the Union Budget 2025-26, aiming to mobilize resources through structured asset-leasing mechanisms.
• Per-Passenger Fee Model: Unlike the earlier revenue-sharing model used for Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad airports, this round will adopt a per-passenger fee model where the airport operator pays fixed charges per passenger on a monthly basis to AAI.
• Expected Bidders: Major airport operators expected to participate in the bidding process include Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (India's largest private airport operator currently managing six airports) and GMR Airports Ltd (which operates New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport).
• Current PPP Status: At present, 14 airports in India operate under PPP arrangements, including major metropolitan airports and greenfield airports, which have demonstrated impressive growth and improved service quality standards.

Indian Army Declares 2026 as ‘Year of Networking & Data Centricity’

In the News: The Indian Army declared 2026 as the 'Year of Networking & Data Centricity', marking a significant step in the military's digital transformation. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi announced this initiative in his New Year's message, emphasizing the force's commitment to enhancing connectivity, real-time decision-making, and combat effectiveness through advanced networking and data-driven operations.

Key Points:

• Declaration and Announcement: Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi announced the designation of 2026 as the 'Year of Networking & Data Centricity' on January 1, 2026. The declaration is part of the Army's broader modernization roadmap and reflects the growing emphasis on digital integration in military operations.
• Previous Year's Focus: The Army had declared 2024-25 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption,' focusing on integrating new technologies into military operations. The 2026 designation represents the next logical step—moving from technology absorption to building networked, data-centric warfare capabilities that can leverage those technologies effectively.
• Data-Centric Warfare Concept: Data-centric warfare puts data and its use at the heart of battlespace planning and operations. Unlike platform-centric armies that focus primarily on individual weapons systems, data-centric forces emphasize seamless information sharing across all units. This enables better coordination, reduces friendly fire incidents, improves artillery effectiveness, facilitates deep strikes, and enhances air support coordination.
• Real-Time Information Sharing: The initiative aims to eliminate traditional information silos where different military functions (artillery, intelligence, surveillance, logistics) operated on separate networks. The goal is automated, integrated data management where information from drones, sensors, satellites, and ground units is collected, analyzed, and disseminated in near real-time to commanders at all levels.

Indian Army Launches Community Radio Station ‘Radio Sangam’ in Rajouri, J & K

In the News: Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, inaugurated 'Radio Sangam,' the first community radio station along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. Established by the Indian Army in collaboration with the civil administration and local community at Keri village in Doongi block, Rajouri district, the station aims to strengthen communication and information outreach in border areas.

Key Points:

• Strategic Location: Radio Sangam is located in Keri village, nearly one kilometer from the Line of Control in the Doongi block of Rajouri district. Due to its strategic position, the station's broadcasts can be heard in areas across the LoC as well.
• First Community Radio on LoC: This is the first community radio station established along the Line of Control, marking a historic initiative in border area communication and community engagement.
• Collaborative Establishment: The radio station has been established by the Indian Army in partnership with the civil administration and local communities, demonstrating a joint effort towards community development.
• Countering Misinformation: A key objective of Radio Sangam is to counter misinformation and propaganda from across the border while providing a credible platform for sharing authentic information and addressing local issues.
• Multiple Functions: The station serves as a source of entertainment and information for local populations, disseminating content on social welfare schemes, education, health, and providing a platform for local voices and culture in border areas.
• Administrative Communication: Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma highlighted that the community radio station will act as an important support system for the district administration, especially during natural disasters and other challenging situations, ensuring timely and effective communication between villages and the district administration.
• Community Development: Residents welcomed the initiative as a positive step towards community development, enhanced connectivity, and strengthening social cohesion in the border belt of Rajouri district.

Delcy Rodriguez appointed Venezuela Interim President day after Maduro's capture

In the News: The United States military conducted Operation Absolute Resolve, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores during a pre-dawn raid in Caracas. Following the unprecedented operation, Executive Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president of Venezuela under constitutional provisions governing presidential absence. However, Rodríguez immediately denounced the US action as an illegal kidnapping and demanded Maduro's release, contradicting President Trump's claims that she would cooperate with Washington.

Key Points:

• Operation Absolute Resolve Execution: At approximately 2:00 a.m. Venezuelan time on January 3, 2026, the US launched a massive military operation involving more than 150 aircraft including F-18, F-22, and F-35 fighter jets, B-1 bombers, drones, and helicopters. The operation lasted less than 30 minutes with at least seven major explosions heard across Caracas. US helicopters reached Maduro's compound within the Ft. Tiuna military installation at 1:01 a.m. EST and were back over water by 3:29 a.m. EST.
• Maduro's Capture and Detention: US special forces captured President Nicolás Maduro, 63, and his wife Cilia Flores from their heavily fortified home within the Ft. Tiuna military complex. According to Trump, Maduro attempted to reach a safe room but failed. The couple was flown by helicopter to the USS Iwo Jima aircraft carrier and then transported to New York, arriving at Stewart Air National Guard Base Saturday evening. They were taken to DEA headquarters in Manhattan and detained in New York for charges..
• Constitutional Succession: Under Articles 233 and 234 of Venezuela's constitution, which outline scenarios for presidential absence whether temporary or absolute, the executive vice president automatically assumes presidential duties. Delcy Rodríguez, who has served as Vice President since June 2018 and also holds positions as Minister of Finance and Minister of Petroleum, stepped into the role of interim/acting president on Saturday afternoon. Venezuela's Supreme Tribunal of Justice formally ordered Rodríguez to become acting president for 90 days, a ruling endorsed by Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López on behalf of the military.
• Oil Infrastructure Focus: Trump repeatedly mentioned Venezuela's vast oil reserves during his press conference, confirming long-standing suspicions that US actions are economically motivated. This admission suggests control of Venezuela's oil resources—among the world's largest proven reserves—is a primary US objective beyond stated counternarcotics or democracy promotion goals.

SpaceX Launches Italy’s COSMO‑SkyMed Second Generation Satellite

In the News: SpaceX launched Italy's COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation Flight Model 3 (CSG-FM3) satellite on January 2, 2026, marking the first orbital mission of 2026 globally. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 9:09 p.m. EST (6:09 p.m. local time), carrying approximately 2,205-2,240 kg Earth observation satellite with dual civilian and military applications for the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Italian Ministry of Defence.

Key Points:

• Launch Details: Liftoff occurred on schedule at 9:09 p.m. EST on January 2, 2026 (0209 GMT on January 3) from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The launch had been delayed multiple times from the originally scheduled December 27, 2025 date due to a hydraulic issue with the launch pad's hold-down clamps.
• First Mission of 2026: The CSG-FM3 launch was not just SpaceX's first mission of 2026, but the first orbital launch of the year globally. This continues SpaceX's pattern of leading the global launch industry, having completed a record-breaking 165 orbital missions in 2025—far more than any other commercial or governmental entity. The company is expected to aim for even higher launch cadence in 2026, with multiple missions already booked from both East and West Coast facilities.
• Booster Performance and Landing: SpaceX used Falcon 9 booster tail number B1081 for this mission, marking its 21st flight after previously launching NASA missions including Crew-7, PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem), and TRACERS. Approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff, B1081 completed a successful touchdown at Landing Zone 4 at Vandenberg—the 31st landing at that specific site and the 554th Falcon booster landing to date.
• Satellite Deployment: The Falcon 9's second stage deployed the CSG-FM3 satellite into low Earth orbit approximately 13 minutes after leaving the launch pad (deployment at 2:22 UTC). About 59 minutes after separation from the launcher, Telespazio's Fucino Space Center in Abruzzo, Italy successfully acquired the satellite's signal and established control. The nominal Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) will last approximately 9 days, during which engineers conduct critical system checks and begin maneuvering the satellite to its operational orbit.
• COSMO-SkyMed Program Overview: COSMO-SkyMed (Constellation of Small Satellites for the Mediterranean basin Observation) is Italy's flagship Earth observation program, jointly funded by the Italian Ministry of Research, Italian Ministry of Defence, and conducted by the Italian Space Agency (ASI). It represents the largest Italian investment in space systems for Earth observation and is the world's first satellite constellation explicitly designed for dual-use purposes—serving both military intelligence/surveillance needs and civilian scientific/commercial applications simultaneously under appropriate resource-sharing regulations.
• Current Constellation Status: With CSG-FM3's successful launch, the COSMO-SkyMed system now comprises five operational satellites: two first-generation spacecraft (CSK-1 and CSK-2 from the original quartet) and three second-generation satellites (CSG-1 launched December 18, 2019; CSG-2 launched January 31, 2022; CSG-3 launched January 2, 2026). The complete second-generation constellation will eventually include four satellites (CSG-1, CSG-2, CSG-3, and CSG-4), progressively replacing the aging first-generation system while maintaining continuous operational capability.