Current Affairs: 4 January 2026 (Sunday Special)
Date: 04 January 2026 | Day: Sunday | Source: PIB, The Hindu, DownToEarth
★★★ Schemes & Governance 3 Years of National Green Hydrogen Mission
What happened?
Today marks the 3rd Anniversary of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM). The Union Cabinet had approved this landmark mission on January 4, 2023.
Why in news? (Exam Relevance)
- Milestone Event: Government flagship schemes’ anniversaries are high-probability topics for statement-based questions in UPSC/State PSC.
- SIGHT Programme: Recent allocations under the ‘Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition’ (SIGHT) are active in news.
Key Facts & Data (The “5-5-5” Target)
- Launch Date: 4 January 2023.
- Total Outlay: ₹19,744 Crore.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
- 2030 Targets:
- Production of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonnes) of Green Hydrogen per annum.
- Renewable Energy capacity addition of about 125 GW.
- Abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions.
Static GK Linkage
- Green Hydrogen: Hydrogen produced by splitting water using electricity powered by renewable energy (Electrolysis).
- Grey Hydrogen: Produced from Natural Gas (most common currently).
Expected MCQs
- The National Green Hydrogen Mission targets a production capacity of at least _____ per annum by 2030.A. 10 MMT
B. 5 MMT
C. 50 MMT
D. 2 MMT
- Which ministry acts as the nodal agency for the National Green Hydrogen Mission?A. Ministry of Power
B. Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
C. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
D. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
★★★ Important Days World Braille Day 2026
What happened?
World Braille Day is observed globally today (January 4) to honor the birth anniversary of Louis Braille. The 2026 theme emphasizes “Accessibility and Inclusion for the Visually Impaired”.
Key Facts & Data
- Origin: Established by the UN General Assembly in 2018 (First celebrated in 2019).
- Significance: Recognizes Braille as essential for the realization of human rights for blind and partially sighted people (Article 2 of CRPD).
Static GK Linkage
- Louis Braille: Born in France (1809). Blinded at age 3. Invented the 6-dot tactile code at age 15.
- Braille Code: Based on cells of 6 dots (2×3 matrix).
International Relations Myanmar Independence Day (78th Anniversary)
What happened?
Myanmar celebrated its 78th Independence Day on January 4, 2026. The country gained independence from British rule on this date in 1948.
Why in news? (India Perspective)
- Free Movement Regime (FMR): India recently moved to scrap the FMR and fence the Indo-Myanmar border due to internal security concerns in Manipur/Mizoram.
- Kaladan Project: The Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project connects Kolkata to Sittwe Port (Myanmar).
Static GK Linkage
- Old Name: Burma.
- Capital: Naypyidaw.
- Currency: Kyat.
- Bordering Indian States: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram (Order: North to South).
Science & Geography Quadrantids Meteor Shower Peaks
What happened?
The Quadrantids, one of the year’s strongest meteor showers, peaked on the night of January 3-4, 2026. This year, the viewing was challenged by the “Wolf Moon” (Supermoon) which occurred simultaneously.
Key Facts for Exam
- Parent Body: Unlike most meteor showers (which come from comets), Quadrantids originate from an Asteroid (2003 EH1).
- Radiant Point: Constellation Bootes (formerly Quadrans Muralis).
- Frequency: Known for short, intense peaks (only a few hours).
Quick Revision: 4 Jan 2026
| Topic | Key Detail |
| Green Hydrogen Mission | 3rd Anniversary (Launched Jan 4, 2023). |
| World Braille Day | Jan 4 (Louis Braille Birth). Theme: Accessibility. |
| Myanmar | 78th Independence Day (Jan 4, 1948). |
| Quadrantids | Meteor Shower from Asteroid 2003 EH1. |
Rapid Fire MCQs
- Who invented the Braille system for the visually impaired?A. Alexander Graham Bell
B. Louis Braille
C. Helen Keller
D. Thomas Edison
- The “SIGHT” programme is a sub-component of which National Mission?A. Solar Mission
B. Semiconductor Mission
C. Green Hydrogen Mission
D. Quantum Mission
- Which of the following Indian states does NOT share a border with Myanmar?A. Nagaland
B. Manipur
C. Meghalaya
D. Mizoram
