Daily Current Affairs: Defence, Health & Geopolitics

📅 Date: 6 January 2026 (Tuesday)

Welcome to today's comprehensive analysis. We cover major strides in indigenous defence with the Suryastra system, critical health updates regarding heart disease markers, India's agricultural dominance in rice production, and escalating geopolitical tensions near Taiwan. Let's dive in.

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1. Defence: Army Inducts 'Suryastra' Rocket System

In a major boost to the Make in India initiative in the defence sector, the Indian Army has signed a ₹293 crore contract with private defence manufacturer NIBE Limited. This deal, executed in collaboration with Israel, is for the supply of the state-of-the-art Suryastra rocket launcher system.

About Suryastra

The Suryastra represents a significant leap in artillery technology. It is India’s first indigenous universal multi-calibre rocket launcher system.

• Development: Developed by Pune-based NIBE Limited in strategic collaboration with Israel’s defense giant, Elbit Systems.
• Range & Capability: The system is capable of executing precision surface-to-surface strikes. It can hit targets at ranges of 150 km and 300 km, making it a formidable weapon for deep strikes.
• Multi-Targeting: Unlike conventional launchers, Suryastra is designed to engage multiple targets simultaneously at varying ranges, providing tactical flexibility on the battlefield.
• Technology: It is equipped with a modern fire control system that integrates GPS, inertial navigation, and digital ballistic computation for pin-point accuracy.

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2. Health: C-Reactive Protein (CRP) – The Silent Warning

For decades, cholesterol was the primary villain in heart disease narratives. However, accumulating evidence over the past 20 years suggests that a biomarker called C-reactive protein (CRP) might be a better predictor of heart disease risk.

Understanding CRP

CRP is a protein produced by the liver. It serves as a signal flare for the body's immune system.

• The Inflammation Connection: The level of CRP increases when there is inflammation in the body. Inflammation is the body's natural way of protecting tissues and healing from injury or infection. However, chronic low-grade inflammation is dangerous for the heart.
• The Test: A CRP test (specifically High-Sensitivity CRP or hs-CRP) measures the level of this protein in the blood.
• Implications: High levels usually indicate acute or chronic health conditions, such as infections, autoimmune disorders, or lifestyle impacts like smoking and exposure to environmental toxins.

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3. Biodiversity: New Snake Species 'Calamaria Mizoramensis'

The rich biodiversity of Northeast India continues to surprise scientists. Researchers have discovered a new species of reed snake in Mizoram.

• Type: Non-venomous reed snake.
• Habitat: It is nocturnal and semi-fossorial (lives underground or in leaf litter), inhabiting the humid, forested hill environments of the region.
• Appearance: It is a small snake with a dark brown to blackish body, featuring faint stripes and a distinct yellow underside.

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4. Agriculture: Record Rice Production

In a milestone for Indian agriculture, the Union Agriculture Minister recently announced that India’s rice production has reached 150.18 million tonnes. This figure is significant as it surpasses China’s production of 145.28 million tonnes, reaffirming India's status as a global agricultural powerhouse.

Rice Crop Profile (Static GK)

• Climate: Rice is a tropical Kharif crop. It requires high temperatures (25°C to 35°C) and high humidity.
• Rainfall: It is water-intensive, requiring an average annual rainfall of 150 cm. Fields need standing water (10-12 cm deep) during the growing season.
• Geography: Cultivated from sea level up to 2,500 meters altitude. It grows well in silts, loams, and gravels.
• Top States: West Bengal is the leading producer, followed by UP, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh.

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5. International Economy: OPEC+ Decision

Amidst geopolitical uncertainty, the OPEC+ alliance has agreed in principle to maintain steady oil output. This decision is crucial for global energy stability.

What is OPEC+?

While OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) was formed in 1960, OPEC+ is a broader alliance formed in 2016.

• Composition: It consists of 22 oil-exporting nations. This includes the 12 core OPEC members plus 10 non-OPEC partners like Russia, Azerbaijan, and Mexico.
• Objective: To adjust crude oil production levels to stabilize oil prices in the global market.
• OPEC Headquarters: Vienna, Austria.

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6. Geopolitics: China's 'Justice Mission 2025'

Tensions in the Indo-Pacific have spiked as China's military launched "Justice Mission 2025", a large-scale military drill around Taiwan.

Key Aspects of the Drill

• Nature: An inter-service exercise involving Army, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force units.
• Tactics: The drills focused on "sea-air combat readiness patrol," blockading key ports, and establishing comprehensive superiority around the island chain.
• The Message: Beijing stated the drills serve as a stern warning against "Taiwan independence" and external interference (a reference to US support). This follows a recent $10 billion arms sale to Taiwan by the United States.

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7. Judiciary: New Judges for Patna High Court

The judiciary in Bihar has been strengthened with new appointments. Ritesh Kumar and Praveen Kumar have been appointed as judges of the Patna High Court by President Droupadi Murmu.

Appointment Process (Polity Static GK)

• Authority: High Court judges are appointed by the President of India under Article 217 of the Constitution.
• Consultation: The appointment requires consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and the Governor of the respective state.
• Current Status: With these appointments, the total judge strength in Patna High Court rises to 36.
• Historical Fact: The Patna High Court was established on 3 February 1916. The current Chief Justice is Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo.

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That wraps up today's comprehensive analysis. From the strategic waters of Taiwan to the paddy fields of West Bengal, staying informed is key. Happy Learning!