Daily Current Affairs: 04-01-2026 | Prelims Focus

Correct answer: C) Odisha
Notes: The state of Odisha has announced its ambitious ‘Green Hydrogen Mission 2030’, aiming to establish itself as a prominent global player in the production and export of green hydrogen. This initiative is designed to leverage Odisha’s abundant renewable energy resources, particularly its solar and wind potential, to drive sustainable industrial growth. The mission includes policies for land allocation, financial incentives for developers, and the establishment of dedicated green hydrogen parks. By attracting investments in electrolyzer manufacturing and associated infrastructure, Odisha seeks to create a robust ecosystem that supports decarbonization efforts in hard-to-abate sectors and contributes significantly to India’s energy transition goals by the end of the decade.

Correct answer: C) The Moon’s South Pole
Notes: NASA’s ‘Artemis IV’ mission, part of the broader Artemis program, is slated to be a pivotal step in establishing a long-term human presence on the Moon. While earlier Artemis missions focus on initial lunar landings and surface operations, Artemis IV is specifically designed to deliver a crew to the Moon’s South Pole. This region is of particular scientific interest due to the potential presence of water ice in permanently shadowed craters, which could be vital for future lunar bases and resource utilization. The mission will also contribute to the construction of the Lunar Gateway space station, enhancing orbital capabilities around the Moon for deeper space exploration. This mission underscores international collaboration and technological advancements in space exploration.

Correct answer: B) International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Notes: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently released its ‘Annual Global Economic Outlook 2026’, providing a comprehensive analysis of the global economy’s trajectory. The report emphasized that while global growth is projected to stabilize, it faces significant headwinds from increasing geopolitical fragmentation, which disrupts trade and investment flows. Furthermore, the report underscored the transformative yet potentially disruptive impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on labor markets and productivity. The IMF urged policymakers worldwide to implement adaptive strategies, including investing in education and social safety nets, to mitigate the risks associated with AI-driven economic shifts and foster inclusive growth amid an evolving global landscape. This outlook serves as a crucial guide for international economic policy decisions.

Correct answer: D) Egypt
Notes: India and Egypt recently concluded the ‘Desert Vanguard 2026’ joint military exercise, a significant bilateral drill aimed at enhancing interoperability and sharing best practices in desert warfare. The exercise, held in the harsh desert terrain of Egypt, involved extensive training in counter-terrorism operations, special forces maneuvers, and integrated combat drills. This collaboration underscores the growing strategic partnership between the two nations, particularly in defence and security cooperation. Such exercises are crucial for strengthening military ties, fostering mutual understanding, and improving the capabilities of both armed forces to respond to evolving regional and global security challenges. The successful completion of ‘Desert Vanguard 2026’ reaffirms their commitment to regional stability and defence collaboration.

Correct answer: A) ‘Akshara Nidhi’ Project
Notes: The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has recently unveiled the ‘Akshara Nidhi’ Project, an ambitious initiative focused on the comprehensive digitization and preservation of India’s vast collection of ancient regional manuscripts. This project aims to prevent the degradation and loss of invaluable historical, literary, and scientific texts written in various regional languages and scripts. Under ‘Akshara Nidhi’, advanced digital imaging techniques will be employed, and a centralized online repository will be created, making these cultural treasures accessible to scholars and the public worldwide. The initiative highlights India’s commitment to safeguarding its rich cultural heritage and promoting research into its diverse intellectual traditions, ensuring that future generations can access and learn from these irreplaceable documents.