Daily Current Affairs: 07-01-2026 | Prelims Focus

Correct answer: C. UNESCO.
Notes: In a significant step towards responsible technological advancement, UNESCO officially unveiled its ‘Global AI Ethics Framework 2.0’ on January 6, 2026. This updated framework builds upon its 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, incorporating new guidelines to tackle rapid advancements in generative AI, deepfakes, and autonomous systems. The initiative aims to ensure AI technologies are developed and used in a manner that respects human rights, promotes inclusivity, and prevents discrimination, providing member states with a comprehensive policy toolkit. This global standard seeks to guide governments and tech companies in crafting national AI strategies grounded in ethical principles, fostering a human-centric approach to AI governance worldwide.

Correct answer: A. European Union (EU).
Notes: On January 5, 2026, India and the European Union concluded negotiations and signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with a particular emphasis on cooperation in green technologies, renewable energy, and sustainable products. This agreement is expected to significantly boost trade and investment flows between the two economic giants, creating new market access for Indian sustainable goods and services while attracting European green tech investments into India. The FTA also includes provisions for intellectual property rights protection and dispute resolution mechanisms, signalling a deepened strategic partnership aimed at fostering economic growth aligned with environmental sustainability goals and climate commitments.

Correct answer: B. To promote the use of solar energy in agriculture and enhance farmers’ income.
Notes: The ‘PM-Kisan Urja Suraksha Abhiyan’ scheme, launched by the Indian government on January 6, 2026, aims to revolutionize the agricultural sector by integrating solar energy solutions. Its primary objective is to empower farmers by providing subsidies for installing standalone solar-powered agricultural pumps and grid-connected solar power plants on their barren or fallow lands. This initiative will not only reduce farmers’ dependence on grid electricity and diesel for irrigation but also allow them to sell surplus solar power back to the grid, thereby supplementing their income. The scheme is a significant step towards achieving energy security and sustainability in the agricultural sector.

Correct answer: C. United Kingdom.
Notes: On January 4, 2026, the United Kingdom’s Culham Centre for Fusion Energy (CCFE) announced a groundbreaking achievement in fusion research. Scientists there successfully sustained a fusion reaction with a net energy gain (Q>1) for an unprecedented duration of 60 seconds using the Joint European Torus (JET) reactor. This marks a critical milestone in the global quest for clean and virtually limitless energy, surpassing previous records for both energy output and duration. The breakthrough provides invaluable data and paves the way for the next generation of fusion reactors, such as ITER, bringing the reality of commercial fusion power significantly closer and boosting hopes for addressing climate change.

Correct answer: B. Promoting accessible tourism at UNESCO World Heritage Sites for persons with disabilities.
Notes: On January 7, 2026, India launched the ‘World Heritage Sites for All’ initiative, a visionary program aimed at enhancing accessibility at its numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The primary focus is on making these culturally significant locations fully inclusive for persons with disabilities, the elderly, and those with limited mobility. The initiative involves implementing infrastructure upgrades, providing accessible pathways, ramps, specialized restrooms, and developing tactile exhibits and audio guides. This comprehensive effort seeks to ensure that everyone, irrespective of physical limitations, can experience and appreciate India’s rich heritage, aligning with global goals of inclusive tourism and universal access.