Daily Current Affairs: 12-02-2026 | Prelims Focus

Correct answer: B) United Nations
Notes: The United Nations recently launched the ambitious “AI for Humanity Accord,” a landmark global initiative aimed at establishing comprehensive international ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks for the responsible development and deployment of Artificial Intelligence technologies. This accord represents a significant step towards global cooperation, seeking to prevent the misuse of advanced AI, ensure equitable access to its benefits for all nations, and proactively mitigate potential societal risks such as job displacement, privacy concerns, and algorithmic bias. The UN-led effort emphasizes a human-centric approach to AI governance, fostering innovation while prioritizing human rights and sustainable development.

Correct answer: C) Semiconductor supply chain resilience
Notes: The “Chip Security Pact” was a key outcome of the Global Tech Summit 2026 held in Singapore this month. This multinational agreement aims specifically at diversifying and strengthening the global semiconductor supply chain. Recognizing the critical importance of chips in nearly every modern industry and the vulnerabilities exposed by recent global events, the pact seeks to reduce over-reliance on single geographic regions for semiconductor manufacturing. It promotes international collaboration in research, development, and production, with several nations, including India, playing a crucial role in shaping policies to bolster domestic chip manufacturing capabilities and ensure a stable, secure supply for future technological advancements.

Correct answer: B) Marine plastic pollution
Notes: The “Tides of Change” report, a comprehensive study released by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) this month, highlighted the escalating crisis of marine plastic pollution. The report underscored the urgent need for enhanced global cooperation and immediate action to combat the pervasive issue of plastics contaminating the world’s oceans, impacting marine life, ecosystems, and human health. Following its release, several nations pledged renewed commitment to the “Ocean Clean-Up 2030” initiative, outlining strategies for drastic reductions in single-use plastics, promoting sustainable alternatives, and investing significantly in circular economy models to manage plastic waste effectively and protect our vital aquatic environments.

Correct answer: C) A High-Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial vehicle
Notes: India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently achieved a significant milestone with the successful maiden flight test of “Prahari-X.” This advanced indigenous system is a High-Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), designed to provide extensive and continuous border surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering capabilities. The “Prahari-X” represents a substantial leap in India’s autonomous defence technology, showcasing the nation’s growing prowess in developing sophisticated unmanned platforms. Its deployment is expected to significantly enhance national security by reducing reliance on foreign defence technologies and bolstering the armed forces’ situational awareness across challenging terrains.

Correct answer: B) Expanding rural digital literacy and computational skills
Notes: The Indian government, through the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Development, recently announced the launch of “Gramin Shiksha 2.0.” This initiative marks the second phase of a flagship scheme aimed at significantly enhancing digital literacy and providing advanced computational skills training across rural India. The ambitious program plans to reach over 50 million rural youth by 2028, leveraging new virtual learning platforms, community digital centers, and partnerships with local educational institutions. “Gramin Shiksha 2.0” is designed to bridge the urban-rural digital divide, empower rural populations with essential 21st-century skills, and boost their employability in the evolving digital economy.