Current Affairs: 5 January 2026 (Detailed Analysis)
Date: 05 January 2026 | Day: Monday | Source: PIB, The Hindu, DownToEarth
★★★ Science & Technology 2 Years of ‘PRITHVI’ Vigyan Scheme
What happened?
The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) released a progress report marking the 2nd Anniversary of the comprehensive scheme “PRITHVI” (PRITHvi VIgyan). The scheme was originally approved by the Cabinet on January 5, 2024.
Why in news? (Exam Relevance)
- Umbrella Scheme: It consolidated 5 ongoing sub-schemes of the Ministry of Earth Sciences into one single mission.
- Budget Allocation: The total outlay was set at ₹4,797 crore for the period 2021-26 (ending this year), making it a hot topic for “Schemes & Outlays” questions.
Key Facts & Data
- Objective: To improve long-term understanding of the atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere (ice), and biosphere.
- The 5 Sub-Schemes under PRITHVI:
- ACROSS: Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems.
- O-SMART: Ocean Services, Modelling, Application, Resources and Technology.
- PACER: Polar and Cryosphere Research (Antarctica/Arctic missions).
- SAGE: Seismology and Geosciences.
- REACHOUT: Research, Education, Training and Outreach.
Static GK Linkage
- Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) Formed: 2006.
- Deep Ocean Mission: Also under MoES (Samudrayaan Mission).
- Research Stations: Bharati & Maitri (Antarctica), Himadri (Arctic).
Expected MCQs
- “O-SMART” and “ACROSS” are sub-schemes under which major umbrella scheme of the Union Government?
A. PM-DEVINE
B. BHARAT-Net
C. PRITHVI (Prithvi Vigyan)
D. SAGARMALA
- The PRITHVI scheme functions under which Union Ministry?
A. Ministry of Environment
B. Ministry of Earth Sciences
C. Ministry of Science & Technology
D. Ministry of Mines
★★★ Environment National Bird Day 2026 & Asian Waterbird Census
What happened?
National Bird Day is observed annually on January 5. Coinciding with this, the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) 2026 has officially kicked off across major wetlands in India (like Chilika, Okhla Bird Sanctuary, and Pong Dam).
Why in news? (Exam Relevance)
- Citizen Science: AWC is part of the global “International Waterbird Census” (IWC).
- Focus Area: Monitoring the status of wetlands and migratory flyways (Central Asian Flyway).
- Theme 2026: “Right to Fly: Protecting Migratory Paths”.
Key Facts & Data
- Organizers: Wetlands International South Asia + Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).
- Key Bird: Special focus on the Great Indian Bustard (Critically Endangered) in Rajasthan/Gujarat conservation discussions today.
- Central Asian Flyway (CAF): Covers 30 countries; India is a core country in this migratory route.
Static GK Linkage
- Birdman of India: Salim Ali.
- Oldest Bird Sanctuary in India: Vedanthangal (Tamil Nadu).
- Total Ramsar Sites in India: (Note: Number changes frequently, currently 85+ as of late 2025 context).
Expected MCQs
- National Bird Day is observed in India on which date?
A. November 12 (Salim Ali’s Birthday)
B. March 20 (Sparrow Day)
C. January 5
D. June 5
- The “Asian Waterbird Census” (AWC) is coordinated in India mainly by which organization?
A. Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)
B. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau
C. NITI Aayog
D. Zoological Survey of India
Defence India-UAE Joint Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone-III’
What happened?
The 3rd edition of the Joint Military Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone’ between India and UAE commenced today in the deserts of Rajasthan (Thar Desert).
Why in news? (Exam Relevance)
- Strategic Partner: UAE is a top-tier strategic partner for India in the Gulf region.
- Focus: Urban Operations in Semi-Desert Terrain under UN Peacekeeping Mandate.
Key Facts & Data
- Participants: Mechanised Infantry Regiment (India) vs UAE Land Forces.
- Duration: Jan 5 – Jan 18, 2026.
- Other India-UAE Exercises:
- Zayed Talwar (Navy).
- Desert Flag (Air Force – Multilateral hosted by UAE).
Expected MCQs
- Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone’ is a joint military exercise between India and which country?
A. Saudi Arabia
B. Oman
C. UAE (United Arab Emirates)
D. Egypt
- Where is the 2026 edition of ‘Desert Cyclone’ being conducted?
A. Rajasthan, India
B. Abu Dhabi, UAE
C. Umroi, Meghalaya
D. Dubai, UAE
Quick Revision: 5 Jan 2026
| Topic | Key Detail |
| PRITHVI Scheme | Ministry of Earth Sciences. 5 Sub-schemes (ACROSS, O-SMART etc). |
| National Bird Day | Jan 5. Asian Waterbird Census begins. |
| Desert Cyclone | India-UAE Army Exercise (Rajasthan). |
| Odisha | ‘Nutana Unnayana Yojana’ (Rural Dev) guidelines released. |
Rapid Fire MCQs
- The research station ‘Himadri’ is located in?
A. Antarctica
B. Arctic (Svalbard, Norway)
C. Himalayas
D. Western Ghats
- Which organization publishes the ‘Red Data Book’?
A. WWF
B. IUCN
C. UNEP
D. CITES
- The “Great Indian Bustard” is the state bird of?
A. Gujarat
B. Rajasthan
C. Madhya Pradesh
D. Punjab
Prithvi Vigyan (PRITHVI) Scheme: Explained
This scheme is critical for Science & Technology sections. Focus on the 5 acronyms (ACROSS, O-SMART, etc.) as they are favourite options for “Odd one out” questions in UPSC/SSC.
