UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 January 2026

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 January 2026 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles

InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.

Table of Contents

GS Paper 1:

• Acid attacks in India

Acid attacks in India

GS Paper 2 & 3:

• State-led capital spending

State-led capital spending

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• Rah-Veer

Rah-Veer

• China’s proposal of the Global Governance Initiative (GGI)

China’s proposal of the Global Governance Initiative (GGI)

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• Monroe Doctrine

Monroe Doctrine

• Suryastra rocket system

Suryastra rocket system

• India becomes world’s largest rice producer

India becomes world’s largest rice producer

• Olive Ridley Sea Turtles

Olive Ridley Sea Turtles

• Army set to deploy ramjet-powered shells for 155 mm artillery guns

Army set to deploy ramjet-powered shells for 155 mm artillery guns

• Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN)

Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN)

Mapping:

• S. take over of Venezuela

S. take over of Venezuela

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 January 2026

GS Paper 1:

Acid attacks in India

Source: TH

Subject: Society/ Women Issues

Context: The acquittal of the main accused in the 2009 Delhi acid attack case involving survivor and activist Shaheen Malik has renewed focus on India’s weak conviction record in acid attack cases.

About Acid attacks in India:

What it is?

• An acid attack involves throwing or administering corrosive substances (commonly sulphuric, hydrochloric, or nitric acid) with intent to disfigure, maim, or permanently harm a person.

• These attacks cause severe burns, blindness, long-term disability, psychological trauma, and social exclusion, and are overwhelmingly gendered crimes against women.

Trends in India:

• Reported cases (NCRB 2023): 207 acid attack cases reported (up from 202 in 2022 and 176 in 2021). 65 cases of attempted acid attacks.

• 207 acid attack cases reported (up from 202 in 2022 and 176 in 2021).

• 65 cases of attempted acid attacks.

• Judicial outcomes (2023): 703 cases pending in courts. Only 16 convictions and 27 acquittals recorded during the year.

• 703 cases pending in courts.

• Only 16 convictions and 27 acquittals recorded during the year.

• State-wise concentration (2023): West Bengal (57), Uttar Pradesh (31), Gujarat (15) reported the highest cases.

• West Bengal (57), Uttar Pradesh (31), Gujarat (15) reported the highest cases.

• Under-reporting: NGOs like Acid Survivors Trust International estimate ~1,000 attacks annually, indicating large-scale under-reporting due to stigma and fear.

• NGOs like Acid Survivors Trust International estimate ~1,000 attacks annually, indicating large-scale under-reporting due to stigma and fear.

Causes of acid attacks:

• Rejection and coercive control: Acid attacks are retaliatory acts to reassert male dominance when women refuse marriage or sexual advances, reflecting entitlement over consent. Courts view them as outcomes of structural power imbalance, not sudden rage.

• Domestic and family disputes: Dowry conflicts, marital discord, and suspicion of infidelity escalate into acid violence because disfigurement is intended as lifelong punishment, exposing how private patriarchy spills into public criminality.

• Patriarchal punishment for autonomy: Acid attacks aim to erase a woman’s identity and mobility for asserting independence. In Laxmi v. Union of India (2014), the Supreme Court held acid violence to be a permanent violation of Article 21 (life with dignity).

• Easy availability of acid: Weak enforcement of ID-based sales and stock registers allows cheap, anonymous access to acid, diluting the preventive intent of judicial guidelines.

• Low deterrence in criminal justice: Delayed investigation and prolonged trials reduce perceived risk for offenders. In Parivartan Kendra v. Union of India (2016), the Court noted that punishment without swift justice fails to deter calculated cruelty.

Government measures and legal framework:

• Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013: Introduced Sections 326A & 326B IPC (now Section 124, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita): Minimum 10 years to life imprisonment for acid attacks. 5–7 years for attempt. Victim compensation: Sections 357A–C CrPC mandate State Victim Compensation Schemes and free medical treatment in all hospitals. Supreme Court (Laxmi v. Union of India) mandated minimum ₹3 lakh compensation. Regulation of acid sales (SC guidelines, 2013): Photo ID for buyers, register maintenance, SDM oversight. Advisories by MHA (2013, 2015): Regulation of sale, fast-tracking of trials, rehabilitation support

• Introduced Sections 326A & 326B IPC (now Section 124, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita): Minimum 10 years to life imprisonment for acid attacks. 5–7 years for attempt.

• Minimum 10 years to life imprisonment for acid attacks.

• 5–7 years for attempt.

• Victim compensation: Sections 357A–C CrPC mandate State Victim Compensation Schemes and free medical treatment in all hospitals. Supreme Court (Laxmi v. Union of India) mandated minimum ₹3 lakh compensation.

• Sections 357A–C CrPC mandate State Victim Compensation Schemes and free medical treatment in all hospitals.

• Supreme Court (Laxmi v. Union of India) mandated minimum ₹3 lakh compensation.

• Regulation of acid sales (SC guidelines, 2013): Photo ID for buyers, register maintenance, SDM oversight.

• Advisories by MHA (2013, 2015): Regulation of sale, fast-tracking of trials, rehabilitation support

Challenges in prevention and justice

• Poor enforcement of acid sale rules: Despite Supreme Court directions, SDMs and local authorities are rarely penalised for illegal acid sales, creating regulatory impunity. Bangladesh’s experience shows that administrative accountability, not just criminal law, is crucial for prevention.

• Investigative lapses and evidentiary failure: Weak forensic linkage, poor motive reconstruction, and delayed charge-sheets cripple prosecutions. Courts have stressed that acid attack cases demand higher investigative standards due to the irreversible nature of harm.

• Judicial delays eroding survivor confidence: Trials extending over a decade convert justice into a second trauma for survivors. The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that inordinate delay itself violates Article 21, especially in gender-based violence cases.

• Abysmally low conviction rates: Negligible convictions despite stringent laws indicate enforcement failure rather than legislative inadequacy.

• Inadequate and delayed rehabilitation: Though compensation is legally mandated, survivors often receive it years later after litigation. In Parivartan Kendra, the Court noted that ₹3 lakh is grossly insufficient for lifelong medical and psychological care.

Way ahead:

• Comprehensive ban on retail acid sale: Adopting a Bangladesh-style regime—licensed sale, criminal liability for sellers, and shop sealing—would convert Supreme Court guidelines into enforceable administrative law.

• Fast-track courts and time-bound trials: Acid attack cases must be tried within fixed timelines, aligning with MHA advisories and Article 21 jurisprudence on speedy justice.

• National lifelong rehabilitation fund: Implementing the Justice J.S. Verma Committee recommendation would ensure comprehensive support covering lifelong medical, psychological, educational, and livelihood needs.

• Strengthen deterrence through legal harmonisation: Reducing the moral and punitive gap between acid attack and attempt reflects the Court’s view that intent and potential harm are equally culpable.

Conclusion:

Acid attacks represent a brutal intersection of gender violence, weak enforcement, and judicial delay in India. Despite strong laws on paper, poor implementation and low conviction rates have blunted deterrence. A survivor-centric justice system—combining strict prevention, swift trials, and lifelong rehabilitation—is essential to end this crime.

Q.Incidents like acid attacks on women reveal moral bankruptcy of the Indian society and government. Comment. (150 Words)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 January 2026 GS Paper 2 & 3:

State-led capital spending

Source: IE

Subject: Fiscal Federalism

Context: State governments’ ability to sustain capital expenditure has come under focus as several States breached the 3% fiscal deficit norm using enhanced borrowing space during FY2021–FY2025.

About State-led capital spending:

What it is?

• State-led capital spending refers to expenditure by State governments on asset creation such as roads, irrigation, power, health, education infrastructure, and urban development.

• It is distinct from revenue spending as it raises long-term productive capacity and crowds in private investment.

Trends in India (FY2021–FY2025):

• Strong capex growth: Combined capital expenditure and loans & advances of 28 States grew at a CAGR of 18.5%, doubling to ₹8.4 trillion.

• Role of Centre’s support: Expansion driven by GST compensation loans (₹2.6 trillion in FY21–22) and 50-year interest-free capex loans (₹3.7 trillion over FY21–FY25).

• Borrowing flexibility: Additional borrowing of 0.5–1.1% of GSDP allowed under Union government relaxations and 15th Finance Commission provisions.

• Reforms-linked borrowing: Power sector reforms enabled several States to access ~₹1.3 trillion in extra borrowing between FY22–FY25.

Current Spending Pattern of States:

• Surge in Lado-Virhu Style Transfers: Cash transfers to women jumped from ₹120 billion in FY23 to ₹1.5 trillion in FY26, representing a massive 1,150% increase in just three fiscal years.

• Expenditure Switching Strategy: States contained revenue deficits at approximately 0.5% of GSDP by aggressively retiring older, high-cost subsidies in the power and fertilizer sectors.

• Divergent Capex Growth: Maharashtra and Gujarat maintained a Capex-to-GSDP ratio above 3.5%, while others relied on Central Scheme for Special Assistance to keep infrastructure numbers afloat.

• Borrowing Cap Constraint: Despite a 10.5% growth in nominal GSDP, state spending remains strictly anchored to the Article 293(3) permissions granted by the Union Ministry of Finance.

• Fiscal Capacity Bifurcation: States like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu leverage a high Tax-to-GSDP ratio of over 8%, allowing them to fund welfare without breaching the 3% fiscal deficit target.

Challenges Associated:

• End of 50-Year Interest-Free Loans: The potential phasing out of the ₹1.3 trillion Central capex support scheme creates a massive funding vacuum for state-led rural infrastructure.

• Sticky Revenue Expenditure: Once committed, cash transfers become obligatory spending, leaving less than 20% of total budget receipts for discretionary development projects.

• Interest Payment Stress: States with Debt-to-GSDP ratios exceeding 30%, such as Punjab and Rajasthan, now spend over 20% of their revenue receipts solely on debt servicing.

• Regulatory Compliance Burden: Access to the extra 0.5% borrowing headroom is currently tied to specific power sector reforms, which many states find politically difficult to implement.

• Execution Bottlenecks: Despite higher allocations, actual Value for Money is declining as project cost overruns in irrigation and road sectors average 15-20% across several regions.

Expectations from the 16th Finance Commission:

• Recalibrated Article 293 Benchmarks: States are seeking a shift from a uniform 3% borrowing limit to a performance-linked range between 3% and 4% based on debt-servicing capacity.

• Institutionalizing Capex Support: There is a proposal to convert the current ad-hoc interest-free loan windows into a permanent, formula-based grant for green infrastructure.

• Fiscal Buffer Provisions: The Commission is expected to allow states to “bank” unused borrowing limits during high-growth years to be used during cyclical economic downturns.

• Standardization of Welfare Accounting: States want clear definitions to distinguish merit goods (education/health) from non-merit freebies to avoid unfair fiscal penalties.

• GST Compensation Integration: With the 2022-26 transition period ending, states require a new mechanism to bridge the revenue gap as the GST compensation cess expires.

Way Ahead:

• Targeting Multiplier Sectors: Analysis shows road and bridge projects offer a multiplier of 2.5 times, compared to 0.9 times for cash transfers, necessitating a shift toward asset creation.

• Implementation of PFMS: Universal adoption of the Public Financial Management System is required to track Just-in-Time fund releases and reduce idle cash balances in state accounts.

• Sunset Clauses for Welfare: New cash transfer schemes should include periodic eligibility audits and income-based graduation criteria to prevent permanent fiscal leakage.

• Expanding Non-Tax Revenue: States must aggressively modernize mining auctions and user-charge frameworks to reduce the current 35% reliance on Central transfers.

• Medium-Term Fiscal Frameworks: Moving toward a three-year rolling budget will provide the predictability needed for private contractors to commit to long-term state infrastructure bids.

Conclusion:

State-led capital spending has emerged as a critical engine of India’s post-pandemic growth, supported by exceptional fiscal flexibility. However, sustaining this momentum will depend on how the 16th Finance Commission balances fiscal discipline with growth needs. A stable borrowing framework, efficient capex, and prudent welfare design are essential for durable state finances.

Q. “Capital expenditure in India faces both structural and cyclical challenges”. Examine the reasons behind the flagging capex and suggest measures to improve fiscal spending efficiency. (15 M)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 January 2026 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Rah-Veer

Context: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways reiterated protections and incentives under the Rah-Veer (Good Samaritan) Scheme to encourage bystanders to help road accident victims without fear of legal or procedural harassment.

About Rah-Veer:

What it is?

• Rah-Veer is a Good Samaritan initiative notified under Section 134A of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, protecting citizens who help road accident victims during the Golden Hour from legal, police, or hospital-related harassment.

Key features:

• Legal protection: No civil or criminal liability for helpers acting in good faith.

• Right to anonymity: Rah-Veers cannot be forced to disclose personal details or become witnesses.

• Limited police interaction: Only one voluntary statement, at a time and place convenient to the helper.

• Hospital safeguards: Hospitals must provide emergency care without demanding payment from the helper and issue an acknowledgement.

• Recognition & incentive: ₹25,000 reward and Certificate of Appreciation, up to five times a year for repeat acts.

Significance:

• Addresses bystander hesitation, a key cause of preventable deaths during the Golden Hour.

• Helps reduce India’s high road accident fatalities, which impose an economic cost of ~3% of GDP.

Relevance in UPSC Examination Syllabus:

• GS Paper II (Governance & Social Justice):

• Government policies and interventions for citizen welfare Role of law in protecting public participation and reducing institutional fear

• Government policies and interventions for citizen welfare

• Role of law in protecting public participation and reducing institutional fear

• GS Paper IV (Ethics):

• Ethical values: empathy, courage, social responsibility Case studies on moral duty vs legal fear and Good Samaritan ethics

• Ethical values: empathy, courage, social responsibility

• Case studies on moral duty vs legal fear and Good Samaritan ethics

China’s proposal of the Global Governance Initiative (GGI)

Context: China has reiterated its four global initiatives—with the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) at the core—as a people-centred framework for peace, security, and development.

About China’s proposal of the Global Governance Initiative (GGI):

What it is?

• The Global Governance Initiative (GGI) is China’s proposal to reform and improve the existing global governance system so that it becomes more inclusive, representative, and people-centred, ensuring that all nations and peoples benefit from globalisation and international cooperation.

Four major proposals:

• Global Development Initiative (GDI): Focuses on shared and inclusive development, poverty reduction, livelihood protection, and equitable access to growth, ensuring development outcomes directly benefit people.

• Global Security Initiative (GSI): Advocates common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, emphasising peaceful dialogue, respect for sovereignty, and non-interference to ensure stability.

• Global Civilization Initiative (GCI): Promotes mutual respect among civilisations, cultural dialogue, and rejection of civilisational superiority, recognising diversity as a strength of humanity.

• Global Governance Initiative (GGI): Calls for people-centred global governance, greater participation of developing countries, reform of international institutions, and cooperation on climate change, AI, finance, and trade.

Significance:

• Presents China’s alternative vision to Western-led global governance models.

• Emphasises sovereignty, inclusiveness, and non-interference, appealing to the Global South.

• Positions China as a provider of global public goods in development finance, climate action, and digital governance.

Relevance in UPSC Examination Syllabus:

• GS Paper II (International Relations):

• Reform of global governance and multilateral institutions India–China relations and China’s role in Global South leadership

• Reform of global governance and multilateral institutions

• India–China relations and China’s role in Global South leadership

• GS Paper III (Security & Globalisation):

• Non-traditional security concepts and cooperative security frameworks Impact of global initiatives on trade, climate change, and technology governance

• Non-traditional security concepts and cooperative security frameworks

• Impact of global initiatives on trade, climate change, and technology governance

• GS Paper IV (Ethics):

• People-centred governance, global justice, and ethical dimensions of diplomacy Values of inclusiveness, dignity, and shared prosperity in international relations

• People-centred governance, global justice, and ethical dimensions of diplomacy

• Values of inclusiveness, dignity, and shared prosperity in international relations

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 January 2026 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Monroe Doctrine

Source: HT

Subject: International Relations

Context: The U.S. action against Venezuela and the capture of its president has been justified by Donald Trump by invoking the Monroe Doctrine, a 19th-century U.S. policy.

About Monroe Doctrine:

What it is?

• The Monroe Doctrine is a U.S. foreign policy principle asserting that the Western Hemisphere is the exclusive sphere of influence of the United States, and that any external (especially European) interference would be treated as a hostile act against the U.S.

Established in:

• Proclaimed on December 2, 1823 by James Monroe, the 5th President of the United States.

• Announced during his State of the Union address to the U.S. Congress.

Core features of the doctrine:

• No new European colonisation: European powers should not establish new colonies in North or South America.

• Non-interference warning: Any European intervention in the Americas would be viewed as a threat to U.S. security.

• Reciprocal restraint: The U.S. promised not to interfere in existing European colonies or in European internal affairs.

• Separate spheres: The political systems of Europe and the Americas were to remain distinct.

Expansion through the Roosevelt Corollary:

• In 1904, President Theodore Roosevelt added the Roosevelt Corollary, claiming a U.S. right to intervene in Latin American countries to prevent instability or European involvement—especially over debt crises.

• This transformed the doctrine from a defensive warning into a tool of active intervention.

Link to the recent Venezuela issue:

• In January 2026, after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, President Trump described the operation as a modern update of the Monroe Doctrine.

• The U.S. argued that instability in Venezuela and the presence of rival global powers justified American control during a “transition period”.

• Critics argue this represents neo-imperialism, reviving a doctrine historically used to justify U.S. interventions in Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and now Venezuela.

Suryastra rocket system

Source: TH

Subject: Defence Exercise

Context: The Indian Army has signed a ₹293-crore emergency procurement contract with NIBE Ltd., in collaboration with Elbit Systems, to induct the Suryastra rocket system, a long-range universal launcher with strike ranges up to 300 km.

About Suryastra rocket system:

What it is?

• Suryastra is India’s first indigenous universal multi-calibre long-range rocket launcher system, capable of conducting precision surface-to-surface strikes at 150 km and 300 km ranges. It is designed to integrate multiple rocket and missile types on a single launch platform.

Manufacturer: NIBE Ltd. (India)

Technology partner: Elbit Systems

Technology base: Israeli PULS (Precise & Universal Launching System), adapted for Indian requirements under a Technology Collaboration Agreement (July 2025).

• To enhance deep-strike and stand-off firepower of the Indian Army.

• To provide a single, flexible rocket artillery platform capable of both area saturation and high-precision strikes.

• To advance Make in India and reduce dependence on imported long-range artillery systems.

Key features:

• Range: 150 km and 300 km (tactical deep-strike capability).

• Universal launcher: Can fire multiple calibres (122 mm, 160 mm, 306 mm) and compatible tactical missiles.

• High precision: Circular Error Probable (CEP) of < 5 metres in trials.

• Multi-target engagement: Simultaneous strikes at different ranges.

• Mobility: Adaptable to 4×4, 6×6, and 8×8 wheeled chassis.

• Emergency procurement: Acquired under EP powers for rapid induction without prolonged approvals.

Significance:

• Major leap over Pinaka: Surpasses existing indigenous rocket systems in range and precision.

• Deterrence enhancement: Strengthens India’s conventional deterrence against China and Pakistan through long-range precision fires.

• Joint firepower: Improves integration across Army strike formations and joint operations.

India becomes world’s largest rice producer

Source: ET

Subject: Economy

Context: Union Agriculture Minister said India has become the world’s largest rice producer, with output at 150.18 million tonnes, overtaking China at 145.28 million tonnes.

About India becomes world’s largest rice producer:

What it is?

• India has overtaken China to become the No. 1 rice-producing country globally, as per the minister’s statement (2024–25 output: 150.18 MT).

India’s status:

• Global ranking

• India – world’s largest producer. China – second.

• India – world’s largest producer.

• China – second.

• State-wise ranking:

• As per Economic Survey (Statistical Appendix) for 2023–24, the three largest rice-producing states were:

• Telangana – 16.63 MT (≈ 12.17% share) Uttar Pradesh – 15.72 MT (≈ 11.50% share) West Bengal – 15.12 MT (≈ 11.06% share)

• Telangana – 16.63 MT (≈ 12.17% share)

• Uttar Pradesh – 15.72 MT (≈ 11.50% share)

• West Bengal – 15.12 MT (≈ 11.06% share)

• (Other consistently major rice producers include Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Odisha, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Assam)

Geographical features of rice production in India:

• Climate belt: Rice thrives in hot, humid conditions—hence concentration in eastern, southern, and north-eastern India.

• Water geography: Strong presence in river deltas and floodplains (Ganga–Brahmaputra plains; Krishna–Godavari–Cauvery deltas) where water availability and alluvium support paddy.

• Irrigation-driven expansion: In lower rainfall zones, rice is sustained via canals/tube-wells, enabling high yields but raising water-stress concerns.

• Terrain adaptation: In hilly regions, rice is grown via terraced cultivation with controlled water flow.

Significance:

• Reinforces India’s position as a high-buffer food grain economy (recent official estimates also show record rice output in earlier years).

• Higher production supports exports and stabilises global rice markets, especially for importing countries.

Olive Ridley Sea Turtles

Source: NIE

Subject: Species in News

Context: With the nesting season underway, wildlife authorities have set up sea turtle hatcheries at multiple locations along the Chennai coast to protect eggs and improve hatchling survival.

About Olive Ridley Sea Turtles:

What it is?

• The Olive Ridley sea turtle is one of the smallest and most abundant sea turtle species, named after its olive-green, heart-shaped shell.

• It is globally known for its unique mass nesting behaviour (arribada), where thousands of females nest synchronously on select beaches.

Habitat and distribution:

• Global range: Tropical regions of the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans.

• Indian context: Major nesting beaches along the Odisha coast (Gahirmatha, Rushikulya, Devi River mouth), solitary nesting also occurs along the Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Andaman coasts.

Marine habitat: Primarily pelagic (open ocean), but migrates to sandy beaches for nesting.

IUCN conservation status: Vulnerable

Legal protection in India: Schedule I species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Key characteristics:

• Physical:

• Olive/grey-green carapace with 5–9 pairs of lateral scutes Smallest among sea turtles; each flipper has one or two claws

• Olive/grey-green carapace with 5–9 pairs of lateral scutes

• Smallest among sea turtles; each flipper has one or two claws

• Social and behavioural:

• Exhibits both solitary nesting and arribada nesting Highly migratory; capable of long-distance ocean travel

• Exhibits both solitary nesting and arribada nesting

• Highly migratory; capable of long-distance ocean travel

• Reproductive:

• Females reach maturity around 12–15 years Lay about 100 eggs per clutch, 1–3 times per season Temperature-dependent sex determination: warmer sand produces more females

• Females reach maturity around 12–15 years

• Lay about 100 eggs per clutch, 1–3 times per season

• Temperature-dependent sex determination: warmer sand produces more females

Significance:

• Acts as an indicator species for coastal and ocean health.

• Protecting Olive Ridleys safeguards nesting beaches and associated coastal ecosystems.

• India hosts some of the world’s largest arribada sites, making conservation actions internationally significant.

Army set to deploy ramjet-powered shells for 155 mm artillery guns

Source: TOI

Subject: Defence Exercise

Context: The Indian Army is set to become the first armed force in the world to operationally deploy ramjet-powered artillery shells for its 155 mm guns.

About Army set to deploy ramjet-powered shells for 155 mm artillery guns:

What it is?

• Ramjet-powered artillery shells are advanced 155 mm projectiles fitted with an air-breathing ramjet propulsion module, allowing them to sustain thrust after being fired from a conventional artillery gun.

Key features:

• Extended range: Enhances the reach of standard 155 mm shells by 30–50% without increasing gun barrel length.

• Compatibility: Can be retrofitted onto existing 155 mm shells, making them usable across the Army’s current artillery inventory, including the M777 ultra-light howitzer.

• High efficiency: Uses air-breathing propulsion, providing a higher specific impulse (>4000 Ns/kg) compared to solid rocket-assisted projectiles.

• Operational flexibility: Enables deeper precision strikes while retaining the destructive power of conventional artillery ammunition.

• Indigenous innovation: Developed jointly by IIT Madras with support from the Army Technology Board (ATB).

About Ramjet technology:

What it is?

• A ramjet is a type of air-breathing jet engine with no moving parts, designed to operate efficiently at supersonic speeds. Unlike rockets, it does not carry its own oxidiser and instead uses atmospheric oxygen for combustion.

How it works?

• The shell is first launched from an artillery gun at ~Mach 2.

• At this speed, incoming air is naturally compressed (ram compression) as it enters the intake.

• Fuel injected into the compressed air ignites, producing thrust.

• The continuous thrust allows the shell to maintain velocity and extend range far beyond conventional ballistic limits.

Significance:

• First-ever practical application of ramjet propulsion in artillery shells.

• Achieves long-range capability without developing entirely new missile systems.

• Enhances India’s deep-strike and counter-battery firepower against adversaries.

Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN)

Source: NIE

Subject: Miscellaneous/Science and Technology

Context: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed an Aadhaar-like unique ID for electric vehicle batteries to ensure lifecycle traceability and efficient recycling.

• The draft guidelines introduce the Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN) to enhance transparency, sustainability, and regulatory compliance in India’s growing EV ecosystem.

About Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN):

What it is?

• Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN) is a 21-character unique identification number proposed for each battery pack introduced in the Indian market, especially electric vehicle batteries.

• It functions like a digital identity for batteries, enabling lifecycle tracking from production to recycling or disposal.

Proposed under:

• Draft “Guidelines for Implementation of Battery Pack Aadhaar System” issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

• To be institutionalised through the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) route under the Automotive Industry Standards Committee (AISC).

• To ensure end-to-end traceability of batteries across their lifecycle.

• To promote efficient recycling, second-life usage, and safe disposal.

• To enhance transparency, accountability, and environmental sustainability in the battery ecosystem.

Key features:

• Mandatory unique ID: Every battery producer or importer must assign a BPAN to batteries sold or used internally.

• Lifecycle data capture: Tracks data from raw material sourcing, manufacturing, usage, performance, recycling, repurposing, to final disposal.

• Dynamic updating: Any major change requires issuance of a new BPAN.

• Visible & durable marking: BPAN must be placed where it cannot be easily destroyed or degraded.

• Digital portal integration: Producers/importers must upload battery data on an official BPAN portal.

• Priority to EV batteries: EV batteries (80–90% of India’s Li-ion demand) to be covered first; industrial batteries above 2 kWh also recommended.

Significance:

• Enables systematic recycling and second-life applications of batteries.

• Reduces risks from improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries.

• Strengthens enforcement of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 January 2026 Mapping:

U.S. take over of Venezuela

Source: HT

Subject: Mapping

Context: Nicolás Maduro was captured in a U.S. military operation and is being held in New York to face narcotics-terrorism charges, triggering a leadership vacuum in Venezuela.

About U.S. take over of Venezuela:

What is Venezuela?

• Venezuela is a federal multiparty republic in northern South America, historically shaped by oil-led growth and, since 1999, by a socialist political project begun under Hugo Chávez and continued by Nicolás Maduro.

Location: Northern end of South America, with coastlines on the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.

Capital: Caracas.

Neighbouring countries: Caribbean Sea, Guyana, Brazil and Colombia.

• Venezuela also administers several Caribbean islands (e.g., Margarita, Los Roques) and has a long-running territorial dispute with Guyana over the Essequibo region.

Historical context:

• Pre-1999: Periods of democratic stability supported by oil revenues.

• 1999 onwards: Hugo Chávez launched the “Bolivarian Revolution,” nationalising key sectors, especially oil.

• Post-2013: Under Nicolás Maduro, economic collapse, hyperinflation, sanctions, and rising authoritarianism deepened political isolation.

• January 2026: The U.S. operation capturing Maduro marked an unprecedented escalation, with Washington signalling an interim external role until a political transition, including plans to revive Venezuela’s oil infrastructure.

Key features:

• Andes Mountains: In the northwest (Cordillera de Mérida), including Bolívar Peak.

• Lake Maracaibo Basin: One of South America’s major oil-producing regions.

• Llanos: Vast tropical plains along the Orinoco River, important for cattle and hydrocarbons.

• Guiana Highlands: Ancient crystalline uplands in the southeast with tepuis (tabletop mountains) and Angel Falls, the world’s highest waterfall.

• Orinoco River System: Drains most of the country and anchors its ecological and economic geography.

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