1. What significant international agreement was recently signed in Geneva aiming to establish a global framework for ethical AI development and deployment?
A. The Global AI Governance Pact (GAGP)
B. The Geneva Accord on Artificial Intelligence Ethics (GAAIE)
C. The Convention for Responsible AI (CRAI)
D. The International Treaty on AI Safety (ITAS)
Correct answer: B Notes: The Geneva Accord on Artificial Intelligence Ethics (GAAIE) was successfully concluded and signed by over 120 nations yesterday, December 12, 2025. This landmark agreement aims to create a unified international framework for the ethical development, deployment, and governance of Artificial Intelligence technologies. Key provisions include guidelines on data privacy, accountability for AI systems, prevention of bias, and human oversight in critical applications. The Accord is expected to come into effect by mid-2026 after ratification by a majority of signatory states, setting a crucial precedent for future technological governance and preventing a fragmented regulatory landscape across the globe. Experts believe GAAIE will foster responsible innovation while addressing potential societal risks.
2. India recently launched ‘Project Sagar Setu,’ a new initiative aimed at enhancing the connectivity and economic viability of which sector?
A. Inland Waterways Development
B. Coastal Fisheries Modernization
C. Port Infrastructure and Maritime Trade
D. Deep-Sea Mining Exploration
Correct answer: C Notes: The Prime Minister unveiled ‘Project Sagar Setu’ on December 12, 2025, a comprehensive national initiative focused on modernizing India’s port infrastructure and boosting its maritime trade capabilities. This multi-year project aims to upgrade existing ports, develop new deep-water ports, improve logistics efficiency, and integrate coastal economic zones. It includes significant investments in automation, digitalization, and multimodal connectivity to enhance India’s position as a global trading hub. The scheme also emphasizes sustainable port operations and aims to reduce turnaround times for cargo ships by 30% by 2030, ultimately strengthening the Indian economy and creating numerous employment opportunities in coastal regions.
3. Which international organization, on December 12, 2025, officially declared the ‘Great Barrier Reef’s northern section’ as “In Danger” due to escalating climate change impacts?
A. World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
B. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
C. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
D. Greenpeace International
Correct answer: C Notes: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee, during its emergency session on December 12, 2025, officially listed the northern section of Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef as “In Danger.” This critical decision was made after alarming scientific reports presented unequivocal evidence of severe and widespread coral bleaching events, directly linked to rising ocean temperatures caused by climate change. The designation urges immediate and robust action from the international community and Australian authorities to protect the reef, which is a vital ecosystem and a global biodiversity hotspot. The ‘In Danger’ listing aims to draw global attention and mobilize resources for its conservation, highlighting the urgent need for global climate action to preserve such irreplaceable natural wonders.
4. The Indian Parliament recently passed the ‘Digital Citizen Data Protection Bill 2025’. What is its primary objective?
A. Regulating cryptocurrency transactions
B. Establishing a framework for protecting personal data in the digital realm
C. Promoting digital literacy in rural areas
D. Mandating Aadhaar for all online services
Correct answer: B Notes: The Digital Citizen Data Protection Bill 2025, passed by both houses of the Indian Parliament on December 12, 2025, marks a significant legislative step towards safeguarding individual privacy in the digital age. This comprehensive bill aims to establish a robust legal framework for handling personal data, outlining strict rules for data collection, storage, processing, and sharing by entities operating in India. It introduces rights for individuals regarding their data, including the right to access, correct, and erase personal information, and imposes hefty penalties for data breaches. The bill also establishes an independent data protection authority to enforce its provisions, ensuring greater accountability and trust in digital interactions across the nation.
5. Which nation recently became the first to successfully test a next-generation “quantum-encrypted satellite communication” network, setting a new benchmark in secure space communication?
A. United States
B. China
C. Japan
D. Russia
Correct answer: B Notes: On December 12, 2025, China announced the successful completion of the first-ever comprehensive test of its next-generation quantum-encrypted satellite communication network. This groundbreaking achievement involved transmitting quantum-encrypted data between multiple ground stations and a newly launched low-Earth orbit satellite, demonstrating unprecedented levels of security against eavesdropping. This technology leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to ensure that any attempt at interception would immediately alter the quantum state, thus alerting users to the breach. This development positions China at the forefront of quantum communication, potentially revolutionizing secure data transmission for critical infrastructure, financial transactions, and national security, making traditional hacking methods obsolete for such communications.
