1. Which international organization recently unveiled its ‘Global AI Governance Framework 2.0’, designed to address responsible AI development and deployment challenges by 2030?
A) United Nations
B) G7 Digital Ministers
C) World Economic Forum
D) European Union Commission
Correct answer: A) United Nations Notes: As of January 3, 2026, the United Nations has taken a significant step forward in regulating the rapidly evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence. Their newly launched ‘Global AI Governance Framework 2.0’ aims to establish international norms and best practices for ethical AI development, deployment, and usage, with a clear roadmap extending to 2030. This initiative focuses on fostering innovation while safeguarding human rights, privacy, and ensuring equitable access. It underscores the global community’s commitment to preventing misuse of AI and leveraging its potential for sustainable development, marking a crucial milestone in international technological cooperation and governance amidst growing concerns about AI’s societal impact.
2. India recently launched ‘Project Green Surge’, a comprehensive initiative targeting significant reforestation and integration of renewable energy infrastructure in which specific region?
A) Western Ghats
B) Himalayan Foothills
C) North Eastern States
D) Coastal Plains
Correct answer: C) North Eastern States Notes: On January 3, 2026, the Indian government announced ‘Project Green Surge’, a landmark environmental and development program focused on the North Eastern States. This ambitious initiative aims to significantly boost the forest cover in the ecologically sensitive region and accelerate the integration of renewable energy sources, particularly solar and small hydropower. The project emphasizes community participation, sustainable livelihood generation, and climate resilience, leveraging the region’s unique biodiversity. It represents a strategic push to transform the North East into a model for green development, contributing substantially to India’s national climate goals and sustainable energy targets, while protecting indigenous ecosystems.
3. The Indian government recently announced the ‘Samanvay Udyog’ initiative. What is its primary objective?
A) Promoting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in defense manufacturing
B) Integrating agricultural supply chains with digital platforms
C) Enhancing collaboration between academia and industry for R&D
D) Providing skill development for the unorganized sector
Correct answer: C) Enhancing collaboration between academia and industry for R&D Notes: As unveiled on January 3, 2026, the ‘Samanvay Udyog’ initiative by the Indian government is designed to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application. Its core objective is to foster a robust ecosystem where universities and research institutions collaborate closely with industries on cutting-edge Research and Development (R&D) projects. This program aims to translate theoretical knowledge into practical, market-ready innovations, thereby boosting India’s indigenous technological capabilities and economic competitiveness. By creating structured platforms for knowledge sharing, joint ventures, and incubation support, ‘Samanvay Udyog’ is set to drive innovation-led growth across various sectors.
4. Which country recently joined the ‘Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative’ (IPMSI) as its newest member, aiming to bolster regional naval cooperation and address emerging security challenges?
A) South Korea
B) Vietnam
C) Indonesia
D) Philippines
Correct answer: A) South Korea Notes: On January 3, 2026, South Korea officially became the newest member of the ‘Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative’ (IPMSI), a significant development in regional geopolitics. IPMSI is a multilateral framework dedicated to enhancing maritime domain awareness, promoting freedom of navigation, and strengthening naval interoperability among member states in the Indo-Pacific. South Korea’s inclusion is seen as a strategic move to deepen security cooperation, particularly in addressing issues like piracy, illegal fishing, and ensuring open sea lanes. This move underscores Seoul’s growing commitment to regional stability and its active role in shaping the security architecture of the critical Indo-Pacific theatre.
5. Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) recently unveiled a groundbreaking non-invasive diagnostic tool for the early detection of which challenging disease?
A) Alzheimer’s
B) Pancreatic Cancer
C) Type 2 Diabetes
D) Tuberculosis
Correct answer: B) Pancreatic Cancer Notes: In a remarkable medical breakthrough announced on January 3, 2026, scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a novel non-invasive diagnostic tool specifically for the early detection of pancreatic cancer. This devastating disease is notoriously difficult to diagnose in its nascent stages, leading to poor prognoses. The new tool utilizes advanced bio-sensing technology and AI-driven analysis of blood samples, offering a less intrusive and more timely diagnostic option than current methods. This innovation holds immense promise for improving patient outcomes by enabling earlier intervention and potentially transforming the treatment landscape for pancreatic cancer globally.
