Daily Current Affairs: 13-03-2026 | Prelims Focus

Correct answer: C) Port Operations and Logistics
Notes: The ‘Sagar Setu’ portal, launched recently by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, aims to revolutionize India’s maritime logistics by providing a digital platform for seamless data exchange between ports, shipping lines, and other stakeholders. This initiative is a crucial step towards improving efficiency, transparency, and reducing turnaround times in port operations. By digitizing various processes like vessel tracking, cargo clearance, and payment gateways, Sagar Setu is expected to significantly boost India’s trade competitiveness and integrate its ports with global supply chains. It aligns with the government’s broader vision of ‘Digital India’ and ‘Ease of Doing Business’ in the maritime sector, fostering a more robust and interconnected blue economy.

Correct answer: A) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Notes: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has been at the forefront of the global effort to combat plastic pollution. Following several rounds of Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) meetings, significant progress has been made towards a legally binding international instrument on plastic pollution. The target set by UNEP and its member states is to finalize this ambitious treaty by 2027. This landmark agreement aims to address the entire lifecycle of plastic, from production and design to waste management and remediation, involving commitments from countries worldwide to reduce plastic waste, promote circular economy principles, and protect ecosystems from plastic contamination.

Correct answer: A) ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) in France
Notes: While facilities like NIF and JET have made significant contributions, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in France is designed to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion power on a larger, sustained scale. A hypothetical breakthrough achieving sustained net energy gain for over 5 minutes would indeed be a monumental step, indicating that the reactor is producing more energy than it consumes for an extended period. This development would mark a critical milestone towards making fusion a viable source of clean energy, overcoming decades of challenges in maintaining stable, energy-producing plasma conditions required for practical fusion reactors.

Correct answer: B) To decriminalize minor offenses across various laws and promote ease of doing business.
Notes: The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023, is a significant legislative effort aimed at rationalizing and decriminalizing minor offenses across a multitude of Indian laws. This comprehensive bill seeks to convert imprisonment provisions for less severe violations into monetary penalties, thereby reducing the burden on the judicial system and promoting ease of living and doing business. By eliminating the fear of incarceration for minor transgressions, the government intends to foster a trust-based governance system. The bill amends over 183 provisions across 42 central Acts, ranging from environment to agriculture, signifying a major reform in India’s legal framework.

Correct answer: D) Gurugram
Notes: Gurugram, a prominent tech and business hub in India, recently hosted a key summit of the G20 Startup20 Engagement Group. This initiative, launched under India’s G20 presidency, aimed to create a global narrative for supporting startups and fostering an ecosystem conducive to their growth. The summit brought together delegates, policymakers, and startup founders from G20 nations and invitee countries to discuss crucial topics such as funding, mentorship, market access, and regulatory frameworks for startups. The discussions at Gurugram culminated in a policy communiqué with actionable recommendations to global leaders, emphasizing the role of startups in driving economic growth, innovation, and job creation worldwide.