Current Affairs 4 & 5 January 2026 – Comprehensive GK Update for Government Exams
The Current Affairs of 4th & 5th January 2026 cover crucial national policies, banking updates, defence initiatives, science & technology developments, important days, and key appointments. These updates are highly relevant for SSC, Banking, UPSC, Railways, Defence, PSU, and State PSC exams, with direct applicability in Prelims (facts & schemes) and Mains (analysis & impact).
Introduction
The Current Affairs of 4th & 5th January 2026 highlight major government schemes, MSME export promotion measures, defence digital transformation, banking reforms, scientific achievements, and important national & international observances.
These topics are frequently asked in:
- SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS
- IBPS, SBI PO/Clerk, RBI Exams
- UPSC Prelims & Mains
- Railways, Defence, State PSCs
Detailed Explanation
1. Government of India Launches Market Access Support (MAS) Scheme
Background
To strengthen India’s export ecosystem, especially for MSMEs and first-time exporters, the Government of India launched the Market Access Support (MAS) Scheme under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM).
Key Highlights
- Total Outlay: ₹4,531 crore
- Period: FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31
- Sub-scheme: Niryat Disha (Non-Financial Enablers)
- Focus: MSMEs and first-time exporters
Supported Activities
- International trade fairs & exhibitions
- Buyer-Seller Meets (BSMs) & Reverse BSMs
- Trade delegations to emerging markets
- Product demonstrations in sunrise sectors
Exam-Oriented Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Market Access Support (MAS) |
| Total Outlay | ₹4,531 crore |
| Duration | FY26–FY31 |
| MSME Participation | Minimum 35% |
| Max Assistance | ₹10 crore per RBSM |
2. MeitY Approves 22 New Proposals under ECMS
Overview
The Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) aims to strengthen India’s electronics supply chain.
Key Facts
- 22 proposals approved worth ₹41,863 crore
- Total approved projects: 46
- Cumulative investment: ₹56,567 crore
- States Covered: 8 (including TN, UP, Karnataka, Maharashtra)
Important Products Covered
- PCBs, Lithium-ion cells, Camera modules
- Display modules, Optical transceivers
- Anode materials & aluminium extrusions
3. Two MSME Export Boosting Interventions under EPM
Intervention 1: Interest Subvention
- Outlay: ₹5,181 crore
- Subvention: 2.75%
- Validity: FY26–FY31
Intervention 2: Collateral Guarantee Support
- Outlay: ₹2,114 crore
- Coverage:
- Micro & Small: up to 85%
- Medium: up to 65%
- Max Exposure: ₹10 crore per exporter/year
4. Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026 Released
Why Important?
The Indian Pharmacopoeia is legally enforceable and critical for drug quality regulation.
Key Updates
- 121 new monographs added
- Total monographs: 3,340
- Blood component standards: 20
- Expanded coverage of TB, cancer, diabetes medicines
5. Indian Army Declares 2026 as ‘Year of Networking & Data Centricity’
Objective
- Treat data as a core operational asset
- Enable real-time decision-making
- Strengthen indigenous defence networks
Previous Theme
- 2024–25: Year of Technology Absorption
6. PLI Scheme for Textiles Extended
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme | PLI for Textiles |
| New Deadline | 31 March 2026 |
| Total Outlay | ₹10,683 crore |
| Focus Areas | MMF Apparel, Technical Textiles |
7. Indian Army Launches ‘Radio Sangam’
Key Facts
- Location: Rajouri, J&K
- Frequency: 88.8 FM
- Significance: First community radio along LoC
8. IITM Global Research Foundation Launched
Purpose
- Position IIT Madras as world’s first multinational university
Initial Global Locations
- USA, Germany, Malaysia, Dubai (UAE)
9. Banking & Finance Highlights
ADB Loan for Musi River
- Amount: ₹4,100 crore
- Purpose: Riverfront development in Telangana
SEBI Merchant Banker Norms
- Net worth for Category-I MBs: ₹25 crore (2027), ₹50 crore (2028)
- Liquid Net Worth mandatory
ICICI Bank Launches CGAS
- Effective: 1 January 2026
- Account Types: Type A (Savings), Type B (Term Deposit)
10. Appointments & Science Updates
- ESAF SFB Chairman: Karthikeyan Manickam
- SpaceX Launch: COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation satellite for Italy
11. Important Days
| Day | Date | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| World Braille Day | 4 January | Braille literacy & inclusion |
12. State News
- Justice Mahesh S. Sonak appointed Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court
One-Liner Points for Quick Revision
- MAS Scheme outlay is ₹4,531 crore for FY26–FY31.
- ECMS cumulative investment crossed ₹56,500 crore.
- MSME export interest subvention rate is 2.75%.
- Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026 includes 3,340 monographs.
- 2026 is Indian Army’s Year of Networking & Data Centricity.
- Textile PLI scheme deadline extended to 31 March 2026.
- Radio Sangam operates on 88.8 FM in Rajouri.
- IITM Global aims to create the first multinational university.
- ICICI Bank launched CGAS from 1 January 2026.
- World Braille Day is observed on 4 January.
FAQs (Exam-Oriented)
Q1. What is the objective of the Market Access Support Scheme?
To enhance global market access for Indian exporters, especially MSMEs.
Q2. How many new monographs were added in IP 2026?
121 new monographs.
Q3. What is the theme declared by the Indian Army for 2026?
Year of Networking & Data Centricity.
Q4. Which bank launched the Capital Gains Account Scheme in 2026?
ICICI Bank.
Q5. Where was Radio Sangam launched?
Rajouri district, Jammu & Kashmir.
Q6. What is the total outlay of the Textile PLI Scheme?
₹10,683 crore.
Q7. Who is the new Chairman of ESAF Small Finance Bank?
Karthikeyan Manickam.
Q8. Which organisation approved the Musi River project loan?
Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Q9. When is World Braille Day observed?
4 January.
Q10. Who invented the Braille system?
Louis Braille.
