Daily Current Affairs: 14-01-2026 | Prelims Focus

Correct answer: B
Notes: New Delhi recently played host to the first-ever summit of the ‘Global AI Alliance for Responsible Innovation (GAARI)’, a newly formed international body dedicated to establishing universal standards for ethical AI development and deployment, particularly within the sensitive healthcare sector. This initiative, spearheaded by India, aims to foster international collaboration to prevent AI biases, ensure data privacy, and promote transparent AI systems for medical diagnostics and treatment. The summit convened leading AI experts, policymakers, and healthcare professionals from over 30 countries, laying the groundwork for a global framework to harness AI’s potential responsibly while mitigating its inherent risks, making India a frontrunner in AI governance.

Correct answer: D
Notes: The ‘Malabar Naval Exercise’, historically involving the Quad nations (India, USA, Japan, Australia), is poised for a significant expansion in 2026 with the inclusion of the Philippines as a full participant for the first time. This move reflects deepening strategic ties and a shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, share best practices in maritime security, and strengthen naval capabilities among participating nations to address common challenges such as piracy, disaster relief, and safeguarding vital sea lanes. The Philippines’ entry underscores a growing coalition dedicated to regional stability and collective defence in the maritime domain.

Correct answer: B
Notes: India’s ‘National Green Hydrogen Mission, Phase II’, launched recently, sets an ambitious target to achieve 5 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) of green hydrogen production capacity by 2030. This phase builds upon the initial successes and aims to significantly boost indigenous manufacturing of electrolyzers, create demand for green hydrogen in sectors like refining, fertilizer, and steel, and facilitate the establishment of a robust export market. The mission is crucial for India’s energy security, decarbonization goals, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. It involves substantial investment in R&D, pilot projects, and creating a supportive policy framework to scale up green hydrogen adoption across the economy.

Correct answer: B
Notes: The Union Cabinet recently gave its nod to the ‘Bharatiya Gramin Infrastructure Nirmaan Yojana (BGINY)’, a comprehensive scheme designed to significantly upgrade rural infrastructure across India. This initiative focuses on developing critical assets like all-weather roads, storage facilities for agricultural produce, digital connectivity hubs, and local market linkages in rural areas. The Ministry of Rural Development has been designated as the nodal agency responsible for the planning, implementation, and monitoring of BGINY. The scheme aims to not only improve physical connectivity but also boost local economies, create employment opportunities, and enhance the overall quality of life for rural communities by bridging the urban-rural divide.

Correct answer: C
Notes: Uttar Pradesh recently initiated the ‘Swachh Jal, Surakshit Bhavishya’ (Clean Water, Secure Future) campaign, a state-wide drive aimed at ensuring universal access to safe and potable drinking water while simultaneously promoting critical water conservation practices. The campaign focuses on strengthening the infrastructure for water supply, improving water quality monitoring, and raising widespread awareness among citizens about responsible water usage and the importance of preserving water bodies. It integrates community participation, particularly involving women’s self-help groups, to ensure the sustainability of water resources and hygiene standards across rural and urban areas. This initiative is vital for public health and environmental sustainability in the state.