UPSC Daily Current Affairs for 06 January 2026

Reclaiming India’s Buddhist Civilisational Legacy

Context

PM Modi inaugurated the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics, titled “The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One”, in New Delhi, marking the return of sacred Buddhist relics to India after more than a century.

About Piprahwa relics

The Piprahwa relics were discovered in 1898 by British civil engineer William Claxton Peppé in Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh.

They are excavated from the Piprahwa Stupa—widely recognized as the ancient city of Kapilavastu, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

From Venezuela to Greenland: Expanding US Strategic Ambitions

Context

The recent remarks by the US President asserting that the United States “needs Greenland for national security” have triggered a diplomatic standoff with Denmark and Greenland, raising concerns over sovereignty, Arct geopolitics, and great-power competition

About Greenland

It is semi-autonomous and part of the Kingdom of Denmark, with strong defense ties to NATO.

Location: Situated between the Arctic and North Atlantic Oceans, northeast of Canada.

Government Eases Funding Norms to Boost Deep-Tech Start-ups

Context

The Union government relaxed norms for deep-tech start-ups to avail financial assistance from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR).

About

The Centre has removed the mandatory three-year viability criterion for deep-tech start-ups to avail financial assistance of up to ₹1 crore from DSIR.

The funding support is provided under the Industrial Research and Development Promotion Programme (IRDPP).

Rise in Police Social Media Monitoring Cells Across India

Context

States across India have witnessed a steady rise in the use of Social Media Monitoring Cells (SMMCs) by state police forces to counter misinformation, maintain law and order, and pre-empt digital threats.

Key Findings, based on data collected between 2019 and 2023

Expanding Digital Surveillance in Policing: The number of dedicated social media monitoring cells has risen from 262 as of January 1, 2020, to 365 as of January 1, 2024, a nearly 40% increase in just four years.

States Leading in Social Media Surveillance:As of 2024, Bihar (52), Maharashtra (50), Punjab (48), West Bengal (38), and Assam (37) have the highest number of operational social media monitoring cells.

Remote-sensing Technology Gaining Popularity

Context

Remote-sensing technology is becoming increasingly popular and widely used by researchers.

What is Remote Sensing?

Remote sensing refers to the acquisition of information about Earth’s surface without direct contact, typically using satellites, aircraft, or drones.

It relies on detecting spectral signatures of objects through visible, infrared, and microwave sensors.

News In Short 06-01-2026

Context

SAMPANN (System for Accounting and Management of Pension) is an integrated, online pension management system for Department of Telecommunications (DoT) pensioners.

About

SAMPANN creates a single platform for processing, sanctioning and disbursing pension directly to the bank account of pensioners.

It also offers online grievance redressal, digital profile management and transaction record, enhancing transparency and efficiency for telecom retirees.