Current Affairs 05/01/2026
1. Which city is set to become India’s first slum-free city?
Answer : Surat
Surat Set to Become India’s First Slum-Free Major City
Surat, a prominent urban and industrial hub in Gujarat, is set to achieve a landmark distinction by becoming India’s first slum-free city among large metropolitan areas. With a population exceeding 70 lakh, Surat’s progress represents a significant breakthrough in India’s urban housing and redevelopment efforts.
Over the past two decades, Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC), in coordination with the Gujarat State Government and the Central Government, has implemented a comprehensive strategy to address informal settlements. Once home to a large slum-dwelling population, the city has successfully reduced the proportion of residents living in slums to nearly 5 percent, a remarkable decline compared to earlier decades.
The transformation has been driven primarily by affordable housing initiatives, particularly under schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and state-supported urban housing programmes. A key focus has been in-situ redevelopment, allowing residents to be rehabilitated near their original locations. This approach has ensured continuity of livelihoods, social networks, and access to essential services.
In addition, strong urban planning, digital mapping of settlements, infrastructure upgrades, and strict monitoring have helped prevent the formation of new slums. The provision of basic amenities such as water supply, sanitation, electricity, and road connectivity has further improved living standards for rehabilitated communities.
While smaller cities like Chandigarh have already achieved slum-free status, Surat’s accomplishment is unique due to its large population size and rapid urban growth. Its success offers a scalable model for other Indian cities facing similar challenges of urbanisation and housing shortages.
Surat’s journey toward becoming a slum-free city stands as a powerful example of how long-term policy vision, inclusive governance, and effective implementation can transform urban landscapes and improve the quality of life for millions.
2. Who inaugurated the international exhibition of the sacred Piprahwa relics?
Answer : Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates International Exhibition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the international exhibition of the sacred Piprahwa relics, marking a significant moment in India’s cultural and spiritual diplomacy. The exhibition showcases ancient relics believed to be associated with Lord Buddha, discovered at Piprahwa in Uttar Pradesh, a site widely identified with ancient Kapilavastu, the homeland of the Buddha.
The Piprahwa relics, excavated in the late 19th century, include bone fragments and precious offerings enshrined by the Shakya clan, making them among the most historically authentic Buddhist relics in the world. Their international exhibition reflects India’s commitment to preserving and sharing its rich Buddhist heritage with the global community.
While inaugurating the exhibition, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the enduring relevance of Buddha’s teachings of peace, compassion, and harmony, emphasizing their importance in addressing contemporary global challenges. He also underlined India’s role as the land of Buddha and a custodian of Buddhist heritage, strengthening cultural ties with Buddhist-majority nations.
The exhibition serves not only as a cultural event but also as a platform for people-to-people connections, enhancing India’s soft power and reinforcing its civilizational links with countries across Asia and beyond. By presenting the Piprahwa relics on an international stage, India continues to promote its legacy as a centre of spiritual wisdom and cultural continuity.
3. Who has been appointed as the Chief Coach of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team?
Answer : Sjoerd Marijne
Sjoerd Marijne Appointed Chief Coach of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team
Hockey India has appointed Sjoerd Marijne as the Chief Coach of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team, marking the return of one of the most successful foreign coaches in the history of Indian women’s hockey. The appointment comes at a crucial phase as the team prepares for major international tournaments, including World Cup qualifiers and the next Olympic cycle.
Sjoerd Marijne, a renowned Dutch hockey coach, previously served as the chief coach of the Indian women’s team from 2017 to 2021. During his earlier tenure, he played a transformative role in elevating the team’s performance on the global stage. His most notable achievement was guiding India to a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the best-ever performance by the Indian women’s hockey team at the Olympics.
Known for his tactical expertise, emphasis on fitness, and strong mental conditioning, Marijne introduced modern training methods and instilled a winning mindset within the squad. Under his leadership, the team achieved several landmark victories against top-ranked international sides, earning global recognition and respect.
Hockey India’s decision to reappoint Marijne reflects confidence in his proven ability to develop talent, build team cohesion, and deliver results at the highest level. His return is expected to provide stability, strategic clarity, and renewed momentum to the Indian women’s hockey programme.
With Sjoerd Marijne at the helm once again, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team aims to consolidate its position among the world’s top teams and pursue podium finishes in upcoming international competitions.
4. When was the 195th birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule observed?
Answer : 3 January 2026
195th Birth Anniversary of Savitribai Phule Observed on 3 January 2026
The 195th birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule was observed on 3 January 2026 across India, commemorating the life and legacy of one of the country’s foremost social reformers and pioneers of women’s education. The occasion was marked by tributes, educational programmes, and social awareness initiatives highlighting her enduring contribution to Indian society.
Savitribai Phule is widely regarded as India’s first female teacher and a leading advocate for women’s education, social equality, and the eradication of caste-based discrimination. Along with her husband, Jyotirao Phule, she played a crucial role in establishing schools for girls and marginalized communities during the 19th century, challenging deep-rooted social orthodoxies.
On the 195th birth anniversary, government institutions, educational bodies, and social organizations organized seminars, cultural events, and remembrance ceremonies to emphasize her vision of education as a tool for social transformation. Leaders and scholars reiterated the relevance of her ideals in promoting inclusivity, gender justice, and equal access to education in modern India.
The observance of Savitribai Phule’s birth anniversary serves as a reminder of her pioneering courage and progressive思想, reinforcing her status as a symbol of empowerment and social reform whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
5. Which country has legalized cryptocurrency mining and exchange?
Answer : Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan Legalizes Cryptocurrency Mining and Exchange
Turkmenistan has taken a significant step in digital economic reform by legalizing cryptocurrency mining and exchange activities. The move establishes a formal legal framework for virtual assets, positioning the country among a small group of nations that have explicitly regulated crypto-related operations at the national level.
Under the new legislation, cryptocurrency mining and exchange platforms are permitted to operate through a licensing system, ensuring state oversight and regulatory compliance. While digital assets are now legally recognized for trading and mining purposes, cryptocurrencies have not been granted the status of legal tender, and traditional national currency regulations remain unchanged.
The policy aims to diversify Turkmenistan’s economy, attract technological investment, and bring crypto-related activities under transparent government control. By regulating rather than banning the sector, authorities seek to curb illegal operations, improve energy management for mining activities, and integrate digital finance into the broader economic framework.
Turkmenistan’s decision reflects a growing global trend where governments are opting for regulation over prohibition in the cryptocurrency sector. The move is expected to enhance investor confidence, encourage innovation, and strengthen the country’s presence in the evolving global digital economy.
6. Which state topped India’s investment chart in FY 2026?
Answer : Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh Tops India’s Investment Chart in FY 2026
Andhra Pradesh emerged as the top-performing state in India’s investment landscape during the financial year 2025–26 (FY 2026), securing the highest share of proposed capital investments in the country. This achievement underscores the state’s growing prominence as a preferred destination for large-scale domestic and industrial investment.
According to economic and banking sector analyses, Andhra Pradesh accounted for a significant proportion of total proposed investments nationwide, surpassing traditionally strong investment states. The inflow has been driven by a combination of pro-investor policies, streamlined approvals, and focused sectoral development.
Key sectors attracting major investments include manufacturing, renewable energy, infrastructure, ports and logistics, data centres, and industrial corridors. The state’s extensive coastline, expanding port capacity, and improving road and rail connectivity have further strengthened its strategic advantage for investors.
The government’s emphasis on ease of doing business, single-window clearances, and infrastructure-led growth has played a crucial role in boosting investor confidence. Additionally, targeted initiatives to promote industrial clusters and employment-generating projects have aligned investment growth with long-term economic development goals.
Andhra Pradesh’s leadership in FY 2026 highlights a broader shift in India’s investment dynamics, with southern and eastern states gaining increased attention. The state’s strong performance is expected to contribute significantly to regional growth, job creation, and India’s overall economic momentum in the coming years.
7. Where has India’s first government hospital-based AI clinic been established?
Answer : Greater Noida
India’s First Government Hospital-Based AI Clinic Established in Greater Noida
India has marked a significant milestone in public healthcare innovation with the establishment of its first government hospital-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) clinic at Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The clinic has been set up at the Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), positioning India’s public health system at the forefront of technology-driven medical care.
The AI clinic is designed to integrate artificial intelligence directly into clinical practice, enabling real-time application of advanced digital tools in diagnosis and treatment. It provides a structured platform for testing, validating, and deploying AI-based healthcare solutions within a government hospital environment, ensuring accessibility and ethical oversight.
Key focus areas of the clinic include AI-assisted medical imaging, early disease detection, clinical decision support systems, and data-driven diagnostics. By leveraging large volumes of patient data, these technologies aim to improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce human error, and enhance treatment efficiency.
The initiative also serves as a collaboration hub for clinicians, researchers, and health-tech startups, encouraging innovation while maintaining regulatory and clinical standards. Importantly, it aligns with the government’s broader vision of digital health transformation and equitable access to advanced healthcare technologies.
The establishment of the AI clinic at Greater Noida represents a major step toward modernising India’s public healthcare infrastructure, with the potential to improve patient outcomes, support medical research, and set a scalable model for AI adoption across government hospitals nationwide.