Daily Current Affairs: 07-04-2026 | Prelims Focus

Correct answer: B
Notes: The Global AI Ethics and Governance Alliance (GAEGA) is a significant initiative spearheaded by G20 nations to address the complex challenges posed by rapidly advancing Artificial Intelligence. Its core mandate is to forge a cooperative international framework that ensures AI systems are developed and utilized responsibly, ethically, and for the benefit of humanity. This includes establishing guidelines for data privacy, algorithmic transparency, accountability mechanisms, and preventing potential societal harms. GAEGA aims to foster cross-border collaboration, share best practices, and develop common standards to navigate the ethical dilemmas and regulatory gaps in the evolving AI landscape, rather than imposing strict technical standardization or focusing solely on funding or military restrictions.

Correct answer: C
Notes: Project Vajra represents a landmark achievement in India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative, specifically aimed at bolstering the nation’s defence manufacturing capabilities. The newly inaugurated facility is dedicated to the indigenous development and large-scale production of critical aerospace components and sub-systems for military aircraft and missiles. This strategic move significantly reduces India’s reliance on foreign imports for crucial defence technology, strengthens its strategic autonomy, and creates numerous high-skill jobs within the country. It integrates cutting-edge engineering with advanced manufacturing processes, positioning India as a formidable player in the global defence aerospace industry, enhancing national security through domestic innovation and production.

Correct answer: C
Notes: The Blue Carbon Initiative is a global program focused on mitigating climate change by conserving and restoring coastal and marine ecosystems. These vital ecosystems, including mangroves, tidal marshes, and seagrasses, are incredibly efficient at capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and ocean, often at rates much higher than terrestrial forests. By protecting and restoring these ‘blue carbon’ ecosystems, the initiative aims to enhance carbon sequestration, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and simultaneously provide numerous co-benefits such as coastal protection, improved water quality, and enhanced biodiversity. It represents a crucial nature-based solution for climate change adaptation and mitigation, highlighting the interconnectedness of ocean health and global climate stability.

Correct answer: C
Notes: The Lunar Gateway Cooperation Program (LGCP) is an ambitious international collaboration primarily driven by an expanded consortium led by NASA, building upon existing partnerships. Its main goal is to establish the ‘Lunar Gateway,’ a small space station orbiting the Moon, intended to serve as a multi-purpose outpost. This Gateway will be critical for supporting human and robotic missions to the lunar surface, facilitating deep space research, and potentially serving as a staging point for future missions to Mars. The program involves various space agencies worldwide, pooling resources, expertise, and technology to ensure a sustainable and collaborative international presence in cis-lunar space, advancing human exploration beyond Earth orbit.

Correct answer: C
Notes: The ‘PM-Jan Kalyan Digital Saathi’ scheme is a progressive initiative by the Indian government aimed at enhancing the efficiency and reach of its extensive welfare programs. Its primary objective is to leverage digital technology to ensure that government benefits and services reach every eligible citizen, especially in remote and underserved areas. The scheme deploys trained digital assistants equipped with biometric authentication devices at the grassroots level. These ‘Saathis’ help beneficiaries navigate online platforms, complete applications, and receive their entitlements directly, thereby reducing intermediaries, preventing leakages, and fostering greater transparency and accountability in the delivery of various government schemes directly to the people. This promotes financial inclusion and digital empowerment.