Current Affairs 05 January 2026

Karnataka Records First-Ever "Sandalwood Leopard".

• Karnataka documented its first ultra-rare Sandalwood Leopard in Vijayanagara district, only the second such sighting in India.
• The strawberry-coloured leopard, earlier seen only in Rajasthan (2021), was recorded by Sanjay Gubbi and the Holematthi Nature Foundation.
• Scientists attribute the pale reddish-pink coat to rare genetic traits like hypomelanism or erythrism.

Andhra Pradesh Tops India’s Investment Rankings in FY26.

• Andhra Pradesh emerged as India’s top investment destination in FY26, attracting 25.3% of total proposed investments, as per a Bank of Baroda report.
• The State outpaced Odisha and Maharashtra, with power, renewables and metals leading sectors.
• Reforms, fast approvals, policy clarity and infrastructure across ports, energy and industrial corridors have driven Andhra’s investor momentum.

India Develops 3D-Printed Weather Stations Under Mission Mausam.

• Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology–led scientists are deploying 3D-printed Automatic Weather Stations, with Delhi set to receive the first installations in February.
• It is part of Mission Mausam, a ₹2,000 crore programme to strengthen last-mile weather forecasting.
• Solar-powered AWS will improve local forecasts by capturing real-time data on temperature, wind, humidity and rainfall.

India’s First Govt AI Clinic Launched at GIMS Noida.

• The Government Institute of Medical Sciences inaugurated India’s first government hospital–based AI clinic at Greater Noida.
• The clinic was launched under the GIMS Centre for Medical Innovation to enhance patient safety, accuracy of diagnosis and reduce treatment time using AI tools.
• It will also serve as a real-world testing and validation hub for AI healthcare startups.

FDA Approves First Oral Pill for Thalassemia Anaemia.

• US Food and Drug Administration approved mitapivat (brand Aqvesme), the first oral drug for anaemia in adults with alpha- & beta-thalassemia.
• The pill is indicated for both transfusion-dependent & non-transfusion-dependent patients, reducing reliance on blood transfusions.
• It is a single oral therapy may improve haemoglobin levels, lower fatigue, enable more patient-centric thalassemia care.