Latest Daily Current Affairs & GK Today | January 3, 2026
US Launches Attacks on Venezuela, Trump Claims Capture of Maduro
•The US conducted a "massive attack" on Venezuela following escalating pressure on the Maduro government, including sanctions and drone operations.
•Explosions occurred in Caracas, blasts near military sites, low-flying aircraft, smoke, and power outages in several areas.
•President Donald Trump claimed that Maduro and his wife were captured and taken out of the country.
The US had accused Maduro of narco-terrorism. The attack lasted less than half an hour, with the number of casualties unclear. The Venezuelan government called it an "imperialist attack" and activated the national defense plan. Iran condemned it, while US lawmakers expressed concern over the lack of congressional approval. This is significant for international relations and US foreign policy, which may appear in exam questions on US-Latin America relations.
Ministry of Defence Signs ₹4,666 Crore Deals for CQB Carbines for Army and Heavyweight Torpedoes for Navy
•Deal for Close Quarter Battle (CQB) carbines designed by DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation).
•Procurement of heavyweight torpedoes for the Navy, promoting indigenous defence technology.
•These deals are under the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign.
The CQB carbine is for close combat, a DRDO achievement. The torpedoes will enhance Navy capabilities. Under the Ministry of Defence, these deals strengthen India's military modernization, useful for SSC and defence exams on indigenous weapons, DRDO's role, and defence budget questions.
Rare Bird ‘Sirkeer Malkoha’ Sighted for the First Time in Uttarkashi, Signaling Climate Change
•Sirkeer Malkoha, typically found in plains, was spotted in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.
•This indicates climate change and shifts in biodiversity.
•Similarly, the ultra-rare ‘Sandalwood Leopard’ was sighted for the first time in Karnataka.
The sighting of Sirkeer Malkoha in high-altitude areas reflects species displacement. The Sandalwood Leopard is a rare leopard with a sandalwood scent. These events are important for environmental conservation, climate impacts, and wildlife laws in exams, such as national parks and IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) status.
Bulgaria Becomes the 21st Member of the Eurozone, Replaces Lev with Euro
•Bulgaria adopted the Euro as its official currency, replacing the Lev to strengthen European integration.
•This expands the Eurozone, promoting economic stability and trade.
•Andhra Pradesh topped India's investment chart in FY26.
Bulgaria's entry into the Eurozone is part of European Union economic policies. Andhra Pradesh's top position reflects state-level investment attraction. These facts are useful for international economy, currency unions, and Indian states' economic rankings in exams.
9th Siddha Medicine Day Organized in Chennai, Theme “Siddha for Global Health”
•Siddha Medicine Day promotes the Indian medical system.
•The theme focuses on Siddha's contribution to global health.
•PM Modi inaugurated the sacred exhibition of Piprahwa Buddha relics.
Siddha medicine is an ancient system from Tamil Nadu. The Buddha relics are from Piprahwa in Uttar Pradesh, highlighting Buddhist heritage. These events are significant for cultural heritage, traditional medicine, and UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) sites in questions.
Assam Forms India's First 8th State Pay Commission
•Assam constituted the 8th Pay Commission before the 7th ended, effective from January 1, 2026.
•Land Stack & Glossary of Revenue Terms launched under Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP).
The pay commission is for government employees' salary revisions. DILRMP promotes land record digitization. These schemes may appear in exams on governance reforms, state policies, and Digital India.