UPSC Mains Current Affairs for 4 January 2026

by Vajiram & Ravi - 4 January 2026

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Mains Current Affairs for 4 January 2026, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

India’s Soft Power – Repatriation of Piprahwa Relics and the Diplomacy of Peace

January 4, 2026
India’s Soft Power

India’s Soft Power Latest News

  • The Prime Minister of India inaugurated “The Light and The Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One”, an international exposition of the sacred Piprahwa relics associated with Lord Buddha in New Delhi. 
  • The event coincided with the recent repatriation of priceless Buddhist relics that had been taken out of India during the colonial period and were nearly auctioned abroad.
  • The episode highlights India’s approach to cultural diplomacy, heritage protection, repatriation of antiquities, and Buddhist soft power.

Significance of the PM’s Message

  • Strength with humanity:
    • The PM emphasised that strength is necessary against “enemies of humanity”, but dialogue and peace are essential where disputes exist.
    • This reflects India’s foreign policy doctrine of strategic restraint combined with moral leadership.
  • Buddha’s philosophy as India’s core worldview:
    • Buddha’s idea of “walking together instead of conflict and dominance” was described as India’s guiding philosophy in the 21st century.
    • The principle of “Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya” (welfare and happiness of all) was reiterated as India’s civilisational ethos.

Piprahwa Relics - Historical Background

  • What are the Piprahwa gems: Excavated in 1898 by William Claxton Peppé from a Buddhist stupa at Piprahwa (Siddharthnagar district, Uttar Pradesh), near Nepal.
  • Include: 349 gemstones (pearls, rubies, sapphires, topaz, gold sheets). Bone fragments and ash believed to be of Lord Buddha. Reliquaries, sandstone coffers, soapstone and crystal caskets.
  • Colonial-era dispossession:
    • Under the Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878, the British Crown claimed most relics.
    • A portion remained with the Peppé family and was held privately for over 127 years.

Rescue from Auction and Repatriation (2025)

  • Threat of auction:
    • Sotheby’s Hong Kong listed the relics for auction in 2025, with an estimated value of over $100 million.
    • The relics were treated as “antique collectibles”, ignoring their religious and civilisational value.
  • India’s response:
    • The Ministry of Culture issued a legal notice demanding cessation of the auction.
    • Asserted that the relics are inalienable religious and cultural heritage protected under Indian law and international conventions.
    • Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and diplomatic channels were activated.
  • Innovative resolution:
    • Godrej Group purchased the collection. Relics were returned to India, and loaned to the National Museum for five years.
    • This avoided ethical issues of the State commercially purchasing sacred antiquities.

Shared Buddhist Heritage and India’s Soft Power

  • Global spiritual connect:
    • Relics inspired millions of devotees during exhibitions in Thailand, Mongolia, Vietnam, Russia, etc.
    • The PM noted that Indian officials were respected globally as representatives of the “Land of Buddha”.
  • Symbolic diplomacy:
    • India gifted Bodhi tree saplings to countries such as China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia.
    • Special mention - A Bodhi tree in Hiroshima, symbolising peace after nuclear devastation.

Preservation of Buddhist Heritage

  • International efforts:
    • Restoration of 11 pagodas in Bagan (Myanmar).
    • Assistance to Nepal after earthquake damage to heritage sites.
  • Domestic initiatives:
    • Development of a Buddhist Circuit connecting key pilgrimage sites.
    • Promotion of Pali as a classical language.
    • Infrastructure projects to improve accessibility and conservation of Buddhist sites.

Challenges and Way Ahead

  • Colonial-era legal ambiguities over ownership: Strengthen international cooperation on cultural property protection.
  • Grey areas in international law: Proactively use soft power and diplomacy for heritage repatriation.
  • Commercialisation of sacred objects by auction houses: Balance legal, ethical, and spiritual considerations in recovery efforts.
  • Limited enforceability: Of UNESCO conventions for pre-1970 removals. Create a comprehensive global database of stolen/alienated Indian antiquities. Expand cultural diplomacy through Buddhism, yoga, and civilisational narratives.

Conclusion

  • The return of the Piprahwa relics is more than a recovery of antiquities—it is a civilisational reclamation. 
  • By blending moral authority, legal assertion, cultural diplomacy, and innovative partnerships, India has reaffirmed its role as the custodian and living carrier of Buddha’s legacy.
  • The episode reinforces India’s global image as a nation that seeks peace through dialogue, strength with restraint, and unity through shared heritage—a message deeply relevant to both contemporary geopolitics and India’s ancient wisdom.

Source: TH  | IE

India’s Soft Power FAQs

Q1: What is the civilisational significance of the Piprahwa relics in India’s cultural history?

Ans: They are inalienable symbols of India’s Buddhist heritage, linking ancient Kapilavastu to Lord Buddha.

Q2: How does the repatriation of the Piprahwa relics reflect India’s use of soft power?

Ans: It showcases India’s civilisational diplomacy by leveraging Buddhism to strengthen people-to-people ties.

Q3: What legal and ethical challenges did India face in reclaiming the Piprahwa gems?

Ans: India faced colonial-era ownership ambiguities, absence of retrospective legal protection, and ethical concerns over commodifying sacred relics.

Q4: How Buddha’s philosophy shapes India’s contemporary diplomacy?

Ans: India’s foreign policy blends strategic strength against threats with dialogue and peace in disputes.

Q5: Why is the recovery of sacred relics considered a moral obligation?

Ans: They embody collective faith and civilisational identity, making their protection an ethical duty of the State beyond market valuation.

India’s Acid Attack Laws: High Acquittals and Implementation Gaps

January 4, 2026
Acid Attack

Acid Attack Latest News

  • The recent acquittal of the three main accused in a 2009 acid attack case by a Delhi court marked a crushing setback for survivor and social activist Shaheen Malik, who fought a 16-year legal battle. 
  • The case underscores broader concerns in India’s legal response to acid attacks. 
  • Official data shows that of 703 acid attack cases pending in courts in 2023, there were only 16 convictions against 27 acquittals, highlighting low conviction rates and prolonged judicial processes that continue to challenge survivors’ access to justice.

Acid Attacks

  • An acid attack involves throwing a corrosive substance—most commonly sulphuric, hydrochloric, or nitric acid—on a person with the intent to cause harm. 
  • Such attacks can melt skin and flesh, expose or dissolve bones, and result in severe burns, blindness, disfigurement, permanent disability, or even a vegetative state. 
  • Beyond physical injuries, survivors suffer deep psychological trauma and long-term socio-economic harm.
  • Acid attacks remain a grave, underreported crime in India, rooted in gendered violence, easy access to corrosives, and systemic enforcement gaps, with devastating consequences for survivors’ lives and livelihoods.

Who Are the Victims and Why Do Attacks Occur

  • Acid attacks in India predominantly target women and young girls, with perpetrators almost always men, making it a form of gender-based violence.
  • Children may also be harmed when present near the intended victim.
  • A 2024 analysis of 55 Indian cases by Acid Survivors Trust International found that in cases involving women, three-fourths were driven by personal relationship issues—often revenge for rejecting romantic or sexual advances.
  • Other motives include dowry disputes, suspicions of infidelity, and domestic abuse. 
  • For male victims, property disputes, professional jealousy, and political rivalry were more common.

How Often Do Acid Attacks Occur

  • According to the National Crime Records Bureau, 207 acid attacks were reported in 2023, up from 202 in 2022 and 176 in 2021, alongside 65 attempted attacks. 
  • Experts note significant underreporting due to stigma, family pressure, and fear of retaliation; ASTI estimates around 1,000 attacks annually in India.

Geographical Hotspots and Contributing Factors

  • In 2023, the highest reported cases were in West Bengal (57), Uttar Pradesh (31), and Gujarat (15). 
  • Researchers link prevalence not only to patriarchal attitudes and weak enforcement, but also to easy availability of acids near industrial clusters (e.g., textiles and rubber), which lowers barriers to access.

Legal Framework Against Acid Attacks in India

  • Following the Supreme Court of India’s landmark judgment in Laxmi vs Union of India, acid attacks were recognised as a distinct criminal offence, separate from general injury provisions.

Current Law and Punishments

  • With the replacement of the IPC by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, acid attacks are covered under Section 124:
    • Acid attack: Minimum 10 years’ imprisonment, extendable to life imprisonment, plus a “just and reasonable” fine to cover medical expenses
    • Attempt to acid attack: 5–7 years’ imprisonment
  • All public and private hospitals are legally required to provide free first aid and medical treatment to acid attack victims. Failure to comply is punishable with up to one year imprisonment and/or a fine.

Regulation of Acid Sale

  • The Supreme Court also directed strict regulation of acid sales:
    • Buyers must produce photo identification
    • Sellers must maintain a register of acid purchases
  • However, these rules are poorly enforced in most States.

Gaps in Implementation: Survivor’s Experience

  • Acid attack survivor and activist Shaheen Malik highlighted serious systemic failures:
    • 16-year delay in trial despite cases meant to be fast-tracked
    • Shoddy police investigation, ignored evidence, and judicial insensitivity
    • Pressure from police to settle out of court
    • Compensation of ₹3 lakh received nine years after the attack
  • She noted that none of the 300 survivors supported by her foundation have secured convictions, though many were offered monetary settlements.

Judicial Outcomes and NCRB Data

  • According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) for 2023:
    • 113 cases under investigation, plus 53 pending from previous year
    • 86 cases chargesheeted and sent for trial
    • 649 cases pending trial overall
    • Only 16 convictions, while 27 cases ended in acquittal

Ending Acid Attacks: What More Needs to Be Done

  • Survivors call for a comprehensive ban or far stricter control over acid sales, alongside rigorous enforcement of existing rules. 
  • Accountability of local authorities is crucial, with penalties for illegal sales to deter misuse.
  • Ensure Timely Compensation and Care- Compensation must be disbursed within months, enabling prompt medical treatment and rehabilitation. Delays undermine recovery and access to justice.
  • Implement Comprehensive Rehabilitation - The Justice J S Verma Committee recommended a national fund to cover survivors’ lifelong medical, psychological, educational, and skilling needs.

Learning from Bangladesh’s Experience

  • Bangladesh enacted stringent laws against acid sale and attacks in 2002, backed by sustained public awareness campaigns. 
  • According to the Acid Survivors Foundation of Bangladesh, reported attacks fell sharply—from 494 in 2002 to 13 in 2024, declining 15–20% annually.

Strengthen the Justice Delivery System

  • Improving convictions requires:
    • Sensitisation of police, prosecutors, and judges
    • Fast-track courts for acid attack cases
    • Legal aid and counselling for survivors
    • Penalising judicial delays to ensure timely trials

Source: TH

Acid Attack FAQs

Q1: What are the current legal punishments for acid attacks in India?

Ans: Under Section 124 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, acid attacks carry a minimum 10-year sentence, extendable to life. Attempts are punishable by 5 to 7 years' imprisonment.

Q2: What does the data say about acid attack conviction rates?

Ans: Conviction rates remain alarmingly low; in 2023, there were only 16 convictions compared to 27 acquittals, with 649 cases still pending trial overall across the country.

Q3: What are the primary motives behind these attacks in India?

Ans: Attacks on women are often linked to personal relationship issues, such as rejected advances. For men, motives usually involve property disputes, professional jealousy, or political rivalry.

Q4: What regulations exist regarding the sale of acid?

Ans: The Supreme Court mandates that buyers provide photo identification and sellers maintain a register. However, these regulations are poorly enforced, especially near industrial clusters.

Q5: What steps are suggested to improve the situation for survivors?

Ans: Experts recommend fast-track courts, timely compensation within months, and a national fund for lifelong care. Stricter enforcement of sale bans is also considered crucial.

US Strike on Venezuela: Maduro Captured and Trump’s Transition Plan

January 4, 2026
US Strike on Venezuela

US Strike on Venezuela Latest News

  • The United States has captured Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s President, following a large-scale strike on Venezuela. 
  • Trump said Maduro and his wife were flown out in a joint military operation with US law enforcement and have been charged in New York with drug and weapons offences.

Why Did the US Attack Venezuela

  • The United States has cited migration, drugs, and “narco-terrorism” as the primary reasons for its action against Venezuela and President Nicolás Maduro.

Migration Crisis Narrative

  • US President Donald Trump has repeatedly linked Venezuela to rising migration at the US southern border.
    • Since 2013, an estimated eight million Venezuelans have fled economic collapse and political repression, mostly to other Latin American countries.
  • Trump has accused the Maduro government of “emptying prisons and asylums” and forcing inmates to migrate to the US—claims rejected by Caracas as baseless.

Drugs and ‘Narco-Terrorism’ Claims

  • Washington argues that Venezuela is a key transit route for cocaine and contributes to the US fentanyl crisis.
  • The US designated Tren de Aragua and Cartel de los Soles as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs).
  • Trump has alleged that the Cartel de los Soles is led by Maduro himself.

Venezuela’s Response 

  • The Venezuelan government denies all allegations, arguing that the US is weaponising the “war on drugs” to justify regime change rather than addressing migration or narcotics trafficking.

India’s Diplomatic Dilemma After US Action in Venezuela

  • The announcement by Donald Trump about the US attack in Venezuela has placed India between Washington’s unilateral move and New Delhi’s long-standing support for a rules-based international order and non-intervention.
  • India typically avoids commenting on distant conflicts. However, as a leading voice of the Global South, many countries expect India to underscore international law and sovereignty—creating pressure to respond, even as Delhi remains cautious.

US–India Context: Trade Tensions Persist

  • India and the US are negotiating a bilateral trade deal amid strains following 50% US tariffs, including a 25% penalty linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil. 
  • India has been tapering imports but feels singled out, as similar actions were not taken against China or Europe.

MEA Advisory to Indians

  • The Ministry of External Affairs issued an advisory urging Indians to avoid non-essential travel, exercise caution, restrict movement, and stay in touch with the Embassy of India in Caracas.
  • Given muted reactions from major G-20 countries and ongoing US–India negotiations, New Delhi is not rushing a statement.

India–Venezuela Ties: Limited but Historic

  • Energy-centric relationship: India once imported significant Venezuelan oil.

Trade trend (decline post-US sanctions)

  • 2019–20: USD 6,397 million (imports USD 6,057 million)
  • 2020–21: USD 1,271 million (imports USD 714 million)
  • 2021–22: USD 424 million (imports USD 89 million)
  • 2022–23: USD 431 million (imports USD 253 million)

High-Level Engagements Over the Years

  • 2005: President Hugo Chávez visited India; talks with PM Manmohan Singh.
  • 2012: Nicolás Maduro (then Foreign Minister) visited India for the India–CELAC Troika meet.
  • 2013: India sent Sachin Pilot (the then Minister of State for Corporate Affairs) to Chávez’s state funeral.
  • 2023: Venezuelan Executive Vice President Delcy Rodríguez visited India for the CII–LAC Conclave; met Nirmala Sitharaman and S Jaishankar.

Low On-Ground Stakes, High Principles

  • India’s diaspora presence in Venezuela is small (fewer than 100 Indians). 
  • Yet, the principle of sovereignty and concerns over US interventionism elevate the issue’s significance for India’s diplomacy.
  • While political stakes for India are limited, the normative stakes are high. 
  • India is carefully balancing principle, pragmatism, and partnerships amid a volatile geopolitical moment.

Global Reactions: Mixed Signals

  • Russia condemned the US move as an “act of armed aggression.”
  • The European Union called for respect for international law and the UN Charter, urging restraint.
  • Chile President Gabriel Boric expressed “concern and condemnation” of the “military actions of the US” and Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed “deep concern”.

What Lies Ahead for Venezuela After US Intervention

  • US President Donald Trump said Washington would run Venezuela temporarily until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” is achieved. 
  • He dismissed opposition leader María Corina Machado as lacking support, despite her earlier call for Edmundo González Urrutia—whom her party claims won the 2024 election—to assume power.
  • Trump indicated a strong economic dimension to the US role, saying American oil companies would move in to repair infrastructure, extract oil, sell it internationally, and recoup US costs, sharing revenues with Venezuelans. 
  • He did not rule out deploying US troops, signaling the possibility of a prolonged and force-backed transition.

Source: IE | BBC | NDTV

US Strike on Venezuela FAQs

Q1: Why did the United States launch a military strike against Venezuela?

Ans: The US cited "narco-terrorism," cocaine trafficking, and the Venezuelan government's alleged role in the fentanyl crisis and migration at the US southern border as primary reasons for the action.

Q2: What has happened to President Nicolás Maduro following the strike?

Ans: President Maduro and his wife were flown out in a joint military operation. They have been charged in New York with various drug and weapons offenses.

Q3: How does the US plan to manage Venezuela moving forward?

Ans: President Trump stated the US will run Venezuela temporarily until a "proper" transition is achieved. US oil companies will repair infrastructure and extract oil to recoup costs.

Q4: What is India’s diplomatic stance on the US action in Venezuela?

Ans: India faces a dilemma, balancing its partnership with Washington against its commitment to international law and sovereignty. New Delhi is cautious, having issued travel advisories for citizens.

Q5: How have international leaders reacted to the US intervention?

Ans: Reactions are mixed; Russia condemned it as "armed aggression," while Chile and Colombia expressed deep concern. The EU urged restraint and respect for the UN Charter.

Airport Privatisation in India – Process, Rationale and Concerns

January 4, 2026
Airport Privatisation

Airport Privatisation Latest News

  • The Union government has moved forward with the third round of airport privatisation by proposing the leasing of 11 Airports Authority of India facilities to private operators under the PPP model. 

Background: Airport Privatisation in India

  • Airport privatisation in India is part of a broader strategy to improve infrastructure efficiency, mobilise private capital, and reduce the financial burden on the public exchequer. 
  • Airports in India are largely owned and operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which manages both aeronautical services (runways, terminals) and non-aeronautical assets (retail, parking, real estate).
  • The process began in the early 2000s with the privatisation of Delhi and Mumbai airports, followed by greenfield PPP airports such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad. 
  • In 2019, six more airports were privatised, marking a shift from a revenue-share model to a per-passenger fee model. 
  • The current round represents a new phase, as it introduces the bundling of metro and non-metro airports for the first time.

Objectives of Airport Privatisation

  • The core objectives of airport privatisation include improving service quality, modernising infrastructure, and increasing operational efficiency. 
  • Private operators are expected to bring in investment, adopt global best practices, and expand non-aeronautical revenue streams to cross-subsidise passenger costs.
  • Airport privatisation is also linked to India’s long-term aviation growth strategy. 
  • With only about 6% of Indians currently using air travel, there is significant untapped demand. 
  • Expanding airport capacity and improving connectivity are seen as essential for economic growth, regional integration, and tourism.

Third Round of Airport Privatisation

  • The third round of privatisation covers 11 airports, grouped into five bundled packages. 
  • These airports are drawn from AAI facilities handling 0.1 to 1 million passengers annually, selected based on traffic potential, future growth projections, and geographical proximity.
  • Once approved by the Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC) and the Union Cabinet, bids are expected to be invited, with the tender process likely to begin in 2026. 
  • This round is also aligned with the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP), which seeks to monetise brownfield infrastructure to fund new public assets.
  • Under the NMP, airport privatisation of 25 airports was projected to generate over Rs. 20,000 crore. 
  • However, the aviation sector has lagged behind roads and railways in achieving monetisation targets, prompting renewed policy focus.

Revenue Models and Regulatory Framework

  • A major issue in airport privatisation is the shift from revenue-sharing to per-passenger fee models. 
  • Under this system, private operators pay AAI a fixed amount per passenger, indexed annually. 
  • While this provides revenue certainty to AAI, it raises concerns about higher user charges.
  • Airport tariffs are regulated by the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA), which approves user development fees, landing charges, and other tariffs. 
  • Non-aeronautical revenues are intended to offset passenger costs, but disputes have arisen over the under-reporting of such revenues by private operators.

Emerging Concerns and Criticisms

  • One of the biggest concerns is market concentration. 
  • Over the past few years, a single corporate group has acquired control over a large number of major airports, raising fears of monopoly or duopoly in the aviation ecosystem. 
  • This weakens the bargaining power of airlines and leaves passengers with limited choices.
  • There are also concerns over rising costs for passengers. In some privatised airports, user development fees and ancillary charges have increased significantly after tariff revisions. 
  • Additional issues reported by passengers include congestion, high taxi charges, limited accessibility services, and declining service quality.
  • To address this, the regulator has begun moving towards service-linked tariff regulation, proposing penalties for airports that fail to meet benchmarks such as security wait times, check-in duration, and passenger assistance.

Way Forward

  • India’s aviation market is expected to grow rapidly, with airport capacity projected to increase from about 550 million passengers per annum to nearly 850 million in the next five years. 
  • Meeting this demand will require not just new airports but also effective regulation, competition safeguards, and consumer protection.
  • Balancing private investment with public interest will be critical. 
  • Transparent bidding, caps on concentration, robust regulatory oversight, and accountability on service quality will determine whether airport privatisation delivers inclusive and affordable air travel.

Source: TH

Airport Privatisation FAQs

Q1: What is airport privatisation in India?

Ans: It refers to leasing AAI-owned airports to private operators under PPP models for operation, management, and development.

Q2: Why is the government privatising airports?

Ans: To improve efficiency, attract private investment, modernise infrastructure, and fund new public assets through monetisation.

Q3: What is new in the third round of airport privatisation?

Ans: Airports are being bundled together, combining metro and non-metro airports in a single concession package.

Q4: Who regulates airport tariffs after privatisation?

Ans: The Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) regulates user charges, fees, and service benchmarks.

Q5: What are the main concerns with airport privatisation?

Ans: Rising passenger costs, market concentration, reduced competition, and service quality issues.

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