12 January 2026 Current Affairs – Daily GK and Mock Test

12 January 2026 Current Affairs – Daily GK and Mock Test

1863 – Swami Vivekananda was born

On 12 January 1863, Swami Vivekananda was born in Kolkata.
He was a great Indian monk and philosopher and is best known for his speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions, Chicago (1893).

1898 – Mahatma Gandhi began first hunger strike

On this day, Mahatma Gandhi started his first hunger strike in South Africa.
This was an early example of his method of non-violent protest (Satyagraha).

National Youth Day (India)

12 January is celebrated as National Youth Day in India to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
The day inspires youth to follow the ideals of discipline, service and nationalism.

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12 January 2026 Current Affairs – Daily GK and Mock Test

Two New Frog Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh from Eastern Himalaya

Q1. How many new frog species were recently discovered from Arunachal Pradesh in the eastern Himalaya?
(a) One
(b) Two
(c) Three
(d) Four
Answer: Two
Explanation: Indian herpetology recorded the discovery of two previously unknown frog species from Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the region’s rich amphibian diversity.

Q2. The research team that discovered the new frog species was led by which scientist?
(a) Madhav Gadgil
(b) Salim Ali
(c) S D Biju
(d) Raghavendra Gadagkar
Answer: S D Biju
Explanation: The discovery was led by Professor S D Biju of Delhi University, popularly known as the “Frogman of India”.

Q3. Soman’s Slender Arm Frog belongs to which genus?
(a) Rana
(b) Fejervarya
(c) Leptobrachium
(d) Hyla
Answer: Leptobrachium
Explanation: Both newly discovered species belong to the genus Leptobrachium, which is part of the family Megophryidae.

Q4. Where was the Mechuka Slender Arm Frog first discovered?
(a) Tiwarigaon
(b) Ziro Valley
(c) Tawang
(d) Mechuka
Answer: Mechuka
Explanation: The Mechuka Slender Arm Frog (Leptobrachium mechuka) was discovered in and around Mechuka town in Arunachal Pradesh.

Q5. The research describing the discovery of these new frog species was published in which journal?
(a) Nature
(b) Science
(c) Current Science
(d) PeerJ
Answer: PeerJ
Explanation: The detailed scientific study was published in the US-based peer-reviewed journal PeerJ, ensuring global scientific validation of the discovery.

IIT Madras Launches “Param Shakti” Indigenous Supercomputing System

Q1. Which institute launched the indigenously developed supercomputing system “Param Shakti”?
(a) IIT Delhi
(b) IISc Bengaluru
(c) IIT Madras
(d) IIT Bombay
Answer: IIT Madras
Explanation: IIT Madras launched “Param Shakti” to strengthen India’s high-performance computing (HPC) capabilities under the self-reliant technology vision.

Q2. What is the peak computing performance of the Param Shakti supercomputer?
(a) 1.5 petaflops
(b) 2.0 petaflops
(c) 3.1 petaflops
(d) 5.0 petaflops
Answer: 3.1 petaflops
Explanation: Param Shakti can perform up to 3.1 petaflops, meaning over 3.1 quadrillion calculations per second.

Q3. Param Shakti has been developed in collaboration with which organization?
(a) ISRO
(b) DRDO
(c) NIC
(d) C-DAC
Answer: C-DAC
Explanation: The system was developed entirely in India by IIT Madras in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).

Q4. The Param Shakti supercomputer is funded under which national initiative?
(a) Digital India Mission
(b) National Supercomputing Mission
(c) Make in India Programme
(d) Atal Innovation Mission
Answer: National Supercomputing Mission
Explanation: Param Shakti is funded under the National Supercomputing Mission, jointly implemented by MeitY and the Department of Science and Technology.

Q5. Param Shakti is based on which server series developed by C-DAC?
(a) PARAM 8000
(b) VEGA
(c) RUDRA
(d) MIHIR
Answer: RUDRA
Explanation: The supercomputing system is built on C-DAC’s RUDRA server series and operates using open-source software, supporting India’s indigenous HPC ecosystem.

Amit Shah Chairs 9th NCORD Meeting to Strengthen India’s Fight Against Drug Menace

Q1. Who chaired the 9th Apex-Level Meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) held in New Delhi?
(a) Rajnath Singh
(b) Amit Shah
(c) Nitin Gadkari
(d) J. P. Nadda
Answer: Amit Shah
Explanation: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah chaired the 9th Apex-Level NCORD meeting at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Q2. NCORD was established in which year to enhance coordination against drug trafficking in India?
(a) 2012
(b) 2014
(c) 2016
(d) 2018
Answer: 2016
Explanation: The Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) was set up in 2016 to improve inter-agency coordination in tackling drug trafficking and related crimes.

Q3. According to the Home Minister, the drug problem in India is closely linked with which of the following?
(a) Cyber crime
(b) Organised crime
(c) Economic offences
(d) Narco-terrorism
Answer: Narco-terrorism
Explanation: Amit Shah stated that drug trafficking is not just a law-and-order issue but is closely linked to narco-terrorism and poses a threat to future generations.

Q4. What is the three-pronged strategy outlined to achieve a drug-free India?
(a) Policing, surveillance, punishment
(b) Supply reduction, demand reduction, harm reduction
(c) Awareness, legislation, rehabilitation
(d) Prevention, detection, prosecution
Answer: Supply reduction, demand reduction, harm reduction
Explanation: The strategy focuses on strict action against drug supply, reducing demand through awareness, and adopting a humane approach towards treatment and rehabilitation of addicts.

Q5. Drugs worth approximately how much were seized in India during the period 2014–2025?
(a) ₹40,000 crore
(b) ₹85,000 crore
(c) ₹1.25 lakh crore
(d) ₹1.71 lakh crore
Answer: ₹1.71 lakh crore
Explanation: The Home Minister highlighted that drug seizures increased sharply to about ₹1.71 lakh crore during 2014–2025, compared to ₹40,000 crore during 2004–2013.

India Post Launches Speed Post 24 and Speed Post 48 for Time-Bound Delivery

Q1. Which Union Minister announced the launch of Speed Post 24 and Speed Post 48 services?
(a) Ashwini Vaishnaw
(b) Jyotiraditya Scindia
(c) Piyush Goyal
(d) Dharmendra Pradhan
Answer: Jyotiraditya Scindia
Explanation: Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia announced the two new premium postal services to enhance time-bound delivery.

Q2. Speed Post 24 and Speed Post 48 aim to ensure delivery within what time period?
(a) 12 hours and 24 hours
(b) 24 hours and 72 hours
(c) 24 hours and 48 hours
(d) 48 hours and 96 hours
Answer: 24 hours and 48 hours
Explanation: Speed Post 24 guarantees delivery within 24 hours, while Speed Post 48 ensures delivery within 48 hours on major routes.

Q3. The announcement of the new Speed Post services was made at which place?
(a) Gwalior
(b) Bhopal
(c) Indore
(d) Pichhor in Shivpuri district
Answer: Pichhor in Shivpuri district
Explanation: The services were announced during a public programme held at Pichhor in Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh.

Q4. India Post functions under which Union Ministry?
(a) Ministry of Home Affairs
(b) Ministry of Electronics and IT
(c) Ministry of Communications
(d) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Answer: Ministry of Communications
Explanation: India Post operates under the Ministry of Communications, making this an important static fact for exams.

Q5. The launch of Speed Post 24 and 48 primarily supports which broader objective of India Post?
(a) Financial inclusion only
(b) Defence logistics
(c) Postal nationalisation
(d) Modernisation and service upgradation
Answer: Modernisation and service upgradation
Explanation: These services are part of India Post’s ongoing modernisation drive to improve delivery speed, reliability, and competitiveness, especially in time-sensitive logistics.

Mumbai Hosts 5th Tri-Services Veterans Day Parade at Marine Drive

Q1. Which city hosted the fifth edition of the Tri-Services Veterans Day parade?
(a) New Delhi
(b) Mumbai
(c) Kochi
(d) Chennai
Answer: Mumbai
Explanation: Mumbai hosted the fifth Tri-Services Veterans Day parade, reaffirming its unique role in honouring India’s military veterans.

Q2. Tri-Services Veterans Day in India is observed annually on which date?
(a) January 10
(b) January 12
(c) January 14
(d) January 26
Answer: January 14
Explanation: Veterans Day is observed every year on January 14 to honour the service and sacrifices of India’s military veterans.

Q3. Who flagged off the Tri-Services Veterans Day parade at Marine Drive?
(a) Admiral R. Hari Kumar
(b) Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan
(c) General Manoj Pande
(d) Air Chief Marshal V. R. Chaudhari
Answer: Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan
Explanation: The parade was flagged off by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command.

Q4. Why is January 14 significant in the context of Veterans Day in India?
(a) Formation of the Indian Army
(b) Kargil Victory Day
(c) Retirement of Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa
(d) First Republic Day Parade
Answer: Retirement of Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa
Explanation: January 14 marks the retirement of Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army after Independence, in 1953.

Q5. Which organisation primarily organised the Tri-Services Veterans Day parade in Mumbai?
(a) Ministry of Defence
(b) Indian Army Veterans Association
(c) Navy Foundation Mumbai Chapter
(d) Directorate of Ex-Servicemen Welfare
Answer: Navy Foundation Mumbai Chapter
Explanation: The event was organised by the Navy Foundation Mumbai Chapter with support from the Headquarters Western Naval Command.

National Youth Day (Yuva Diwas) 2026 – Legacy of Swami Vivekananda

Q1. National Youth Day (Yuva Diwas) is observed annually in India on which date?
(a) January 10
(b) January 11
(c) January 12
(d) January 14
Answer: January 12
Explanation: National Youth Day is observed every year on January 12 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

Q2. National Youth Day commemorates the birth anniversary of which Indian spiritual leader?
(a) Mahatma Gandhi
(b) Rabindranath Tagore
(c) Swami Vivekananda
(d) Sri Aurobindo
Answer: Swami Vivekananda
Explanation: The day honours Swami Vivekananda, whose teachings on youth power, character, and self-confidence continue to inspire the nation.

Q3. In which year did the Government of India declare January 12 as National Youth Day?
(a) 1978
(b) 1982
(c) 1984
(d) 1990
Answer: 1984
Explanation: The Government of India officially declared Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary as National Youth Day in 1984.

Q4. Which of the following ideas is most closely associated with Swami Vivekananda’s teachings for youth?
(a) Material success above all
(b) Discipline, character-building, and service
(c) Political leadership only
(d) Scientific temper alone
Answer: Discipline, character-building, and service
Explanation: Swami Vivekananda emphasised self-confidence guided by discipline, strong character, and service to the nation as the foundation of youth empowerment.

Q5. Which organisations commonly conduct community service and youth activities on National Youth Day?
(a) NITI Aayog and RBI
(b) ISRO and DRDO
(c) NCC and NSS
(d) UPSC and SSC
Answer: NCC and NSS
Explanation: The National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Service Scheme (NSS) organise community service programmes and youth engagement activities on National Youth Day.

Uttar Pradesh Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 to be Held in Lucknow

Q1. Where will the Uttar Pradesh Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 be held?
(a) New Delhi
(b) Kanpur
(c) Lucknow
(d) Varanasi
Answer: Lucknow
Explanation: The Uttar Pradesh Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 will be hosted in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh.

Q2. The Uttar Pradesh Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 will be organised on which dates?
(a) January 10–11, 2026
(b) January 12–13, 2026
(c) February 16–17, 2026
(d) March 1–2, 2026
Answer: January 12–13, 2026
Explanation: The two-day conference is scheduled to take place on January 12 and 13, 2026.

Q3. Which organisation is collaborating with MeitY and the Government of Uttar Pradesh to host the conference?
(a) NITI Aayog
(b) Digital India Corporation
(c) IndiaAI
(d) National Informatics Centre
Answer: IndiaAI
Explanation: The conference is being hosted by IndiaAI in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Government of Uttar Pradesh.

Q4. The Uttar Pradesh Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 is a precursor to which national event?
(a) Global AI Summit 2026
(b) Digital India Week 2026
(c) India AI Impact Summit 2026
(d) National AI Policy Conference 2026
Answer: India AI Impact Summit 2026
Explanation: The regional conference will feed into the India AI Impact Summit 2026, to be held in New Delhi from February 16–20, 2026.

Q5. Which of the following sectors is a priority focus area for AI applications discussed at the conference?
(a) Defence manufacturing
(b) Space exploration
(c) Healthcare and digital public infrastructure
(d) Tourism promotion
Answer: Healthcare and digital public infrastructure
Explanation: The conference emphasises AI-driven healthcare systems and digital public infrastructure as key areas for public service delivery and social good.

Indian Army Conducts Exercise “Sanjha Shakti” for Civil–Military Coordination

Q1. Which exercise was recently conducted by the Indian Army to strengthen Military–Civil Fusion?
(a) Exercise Vajra Prahar
(b) Exercise Surya Kiran
(c) Exercise Sanjha Shakti
(d) Exercise Yudh Abhyas
Answer: Exercise Sanjha Shakti
Explanation: Exercise Sanjha Shakti is a Military–Civil Fusion exercise conducted by the Indian Army to enhance coordination with civilian agencies.

Q2. Exercise Sanjha Shakti was conducted under the aegis of which Army Command?
(a) Northern Command
(b) Western Command
(c) Eastern Command
(d) Southern Command
Answer: Southern Command
Explanation: The exercise was organised under the Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa Area of the Southern Command.

Q3. Where was Exercise Sanjha Shakti conducted?
(a) Babina Field Firing Range
(b) Pokhran Range
(c) Dighi Hills Range
(d) Mahajan Field Firing Range
Answer: Dighi Hills Range
Explanation: The joint Military–Civil Fusion exercise was conducted at the Dighi Hills Range.

Q4. How many civilian agencies participated along with the Indian Army in Exercise Sanjha Shakti?
(a) 8
(b) 10
(c) 12
(d) 16
Answer: 16
Explanation: A total of 16 civilian agencies, including Maharashtra Police, Force One, and fire and emergency services, took part in the exercise.

Q5. What was the primary focus of Exercise Sanjha Shakti?
(a) Border area combat operations
(b) Counter-terrorism in urban areas
(c) Civil–military coordination for disasters and rear area security
(d) Joint operations with foreign armies
Answer: Civil–military coordination for disasters and rear area security
Explanation: The exercise focused on enhancing interoperability and rapid response between civil and military agencies during disasters, internal security challenges, and other emergencies in rear areas.

Kerala Renames Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary

Q1. The Kerala government has renamed Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as which of the following?
(a) Aralam Biodiversity Reserve
(b) Aralam Insect Sanctuary
(c) Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary
(d) Aralam Conservation Park
Answer: Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary
Explanation: The Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary has been officially renamed the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, making it Kerala’s first dedicated butterfly sanctuary.

Q2. Under which Act was the renaming of Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary officially notified?
(a) Forest Conservation Act, 1980
(b) Biological Diversity Act, 2002
(c) Environment Protection Act, 1986
(d) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
Answer: Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
Explanation: The renaming was notified through SRO No. 1407/2025 under Section 18(1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Q3. Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary is located in which district of Kerala?
(a) Wayanad
(b) Kozhikode
(c) Kannur
(d) Palakkad
Answer: Kannur
Explanation: Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary is spread across evergreen and semi-evergreen forests in Kannur district of Kerala.

Q4. Approximately how many butterfly species have been recorded in Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary?
(a) 150
(b) 200
(c) 230
(d) 266
Answer: 266
Explanation: Out of the 327 butterfly species recorded in Kerala, about 266 species have been documented in Aralam, indicating very high butterfly diversity.

Q5. Which Schedule I species is also found in the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary?
(a) Lion-tailed Macaque
(b) Nilgiri Tahr
(c) Slender Loris
(d) Indian Pangolin
Answer: Slender Loris
Explanation: Aralam is a special habitat for the Schedule I Slender Loris, highlighting the sanctuary’s broader wildlife conservation importance beyond butterflies.

Delhi Witnesses First Intense Cold Wave of the Winter Season

Q1. Which organisation issued a yellow alert due to the intense cold wave in Delhi?
(a) Central Pollution Control Board
(b) National Disaster Management Authority
(c) India Meteorological Department
(d) Delhi Disaster Management Authority
Answer: India Meteorological Department
Explanation: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert as severe cold wave conditions gripped the national capital.

Q2. What minimum temperature was recorded at Safdarjung Observatory during the cold wave?
(a) 6.2°C
(b) 5.5°C
(c) 4.8°C
(d) 3.2°C
Answer: 4.8°C
Explanation: Safdarjung Observatory, Delhi’s principal reference weather station, recorded a minimum temperature of 4.8°C, well below normal levels.

Q3. Which location in Delhi recorded the lowest minimum temperature during this cold wave?
(a) Palam
(b) Ridge
(c) Safdarjung
(d) Ayanagar
Answer: Ayanagar
Explanation: Ayanagar was the coldest location, recording a minimum temperature of 2.9°C during the cold wave.

Q4. According to IMD criteria, cold wave conditions are declared when minimum temperatures fall how much below normal?
(a) 2.0°C to 3.0°C
(b) 3.0°C to 4.0°C
(c) 4.5°C to 6.4°C
(d) More than 7.0°C
Answer: 4.5°C to 6.4°C
Explanation: IMD defines a cold wave when minimum temperatures fall between 4.5°C and 6.4°C below the normal average.

Q5. What was Delhi’s lowest-ever recorded temperature at Palam, mentioned for historical comparison?
(a) −1.5°C in 1972
(b) −2.2°C in January 1967
(c) −0.8°C in 1985
(d) −3.0°C in January 1959
Answer: −2.2°C in January 1967
Explanation: Palam recorded Delhi’s lowest-ever temperature of −2.2°C in January 1967, highlighting the severity of the current cold spell.

Malaysia Temporarily Blocks Grok AI Chatbot over Misuse Concerns

Q1. Which country has temporarily blocked access to the AI chatbot “Grok” after allegations of misuse?
(a) Thailand
(b) Malaysia
(c) Singapore
(d) Vietnam
Answer: Malaysia
Explanation: Malaysia temporarily blocked access to Grok following allegations that it was misused to create obscene and non-consensual images.

Q2. Which country became the first in the world to restrict access to the Grok chatbot?
(a) Malaysia
(b) India
(c) Indonesia
(d) Philippines
Answer: Indonesia
Explanation: Indonesia was the first country globally to impose a temporary restriction on Grok, a day before Malaysia followed.

Q3. Grok is a generative AI chatbot developed by which company?
(a) OpenAI
(b) Meta
(c) Google DeepMind
(d) xAI
Answer: xAI
Explanation: Grok is developed by xAI, a company led by Elon Musk, and is integrated with the social media platform X.

Q4. Which regulatory body announced the restriction of Grok in Malaysia?
(a) Ministry of Home Affairs
(b) Cyber Security Malaysia
(c) Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission
(d) National Digital Economy Council
Answer: Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission
Explanation: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced the temporary restriction citing misuse of the chatbot.

Q5. The main regulatory concern associated with Grok highlighted in the news relates to which issue?
(a) Data localisation
(b) Copyright infringement
(c) Creation of deepfake and non-consensual images
(d) Financial fraud
Answer: Creation of deepfake and non-consensual images
Explanation: Regulators raised serious concerns over Grok’s ability to generate sexualised and non-consensual images, including those involving women and minors, highlighting deepfake-related risks.

Indian Army Officer Wins UN Secretary-General’s Award 2025 for Gender-Inclusive Peacekeeping

Q1. Which Indian Army officer received the UN Secretary-General’s Award 2025 for advancing gender-inclusive peacekeeping?
(a) Major Suman Gawani
(b) Captain Shikha Surabhi
(c) Major Swathi Shantha Kumar
(d) Lieutenant Colonel Sophia Qureshi
Answer: Major Swathi Shantha Kumar
Explanation: Major Swathi Shantha Kumar was awarded the UN Secretary-General’s Award 2025 for her leadership in promoting gender parity and community engagement in peacekeeping operations.

Q2. The UN Secretary-General’s Award 2025 was announced by which UN official?
(a) António Costa
(b) António Guterres
(c) Ban Ki-moon
(d) Jens Stoltenberg
Answer: António Guterres
Explanation: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced the Secretary-General’s Awards–2025 recognising excellence in UN operations.

Q3. Major Swathi Shantha Kumar is currently deployed with which UN peacekeeping mission?
(a) UNIFIL
(b) MONUSCO
(c) UNAMID
(d) UNMISS
Answer: UNMISS
Explanation: She is serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which supports peace and stability in South Sudan.

Q4. What was the title of the initiative led by Major Swathi that received global recognition?
(a) Women for Peace
(b) Inclusive Blue Helmets
(c) Equal Partners, Lasting Peace
(d) Peace Through Participation
Answer: Equal Partners, Lasting Peace
Explanation: Her initiative “Equal Partners, Lasting Peace” focused on strengthening gender-responsive peacekeeping in line with UN mandates.

Q5. India is widely recognised in UN peacekeeping for which of the following roles?
(a) Largest financial contributor
(b) Largest donor of equipment
(c) Largest troop-contributing countries
(d) Permanent peacekeeping headquarters
Answer: Largest troop-contributing countries
Explanation: India is among the largest troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions, playing a major role in global peace and security.

G7 Ministers to Discuss Rare Earths and Critical Minerals amid China–Japan Tensions

Q1. Which country is set to host the high-level G7 ministers’ meeting on rare earths and critical raw materials?
(a) Canada
(b) Japan
(c) United States
(d) Germany
Answer: United States
Explanation: The United States will host the G7 ministers’ meeting in Washington to discuss rare earths and critical minerals.

Q2. Who will host the G7 meeting on behalf of the United States?
(a) Antony Blinken
(b) Janet Yellen
(c) Scott Bessent
(d) Gina Raimondo
Answer: Scott Bessent
Explanation: The meeting will be hosted by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington.

Q3. Which country has raised concerns over China’s new export restrictions on rare earth products?
(a) South Korea
(b) India
(c) Australia
(d) Japan
Answer: Japan
Explanation: Japan has expressed concern that China has extended export curbs on rare earth products, including civilian-use materials.

Q4. Why are rare earth elements strategically important for countries like the US and Japan?
(a) They are mainly used in agriculture
(b) They are essential for defence, clean energy and high-technology industries
(c) They are used only in space research
(d) They are required for food processing industries
Answer: They are essential for defence, clean energy and high-technology industries
Explanation: Rare earths are crucial for defence systems, electric vehicles, electronics and clean energy technologies, making them strategically vital.

Q5. Which of the following countries is NOT a member of the G7?
(a) Italy
(b) Canada
(c) Germany
(d) India
Answer: India
Explanation: The G7 consists of the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Italy and Japan; India is not a G7 member but is expected to participate in the discussions.

Google’s Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) and AI-Driven Digital Commerce

Q1. What is the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) unveiled by Google?
(a) A closed payment gateway for Google Pay
(b) An open standard for AI-driven digital commerce
(c) A new cryptocurrency framework
(d) A cloud storage protocol for retailers
Answer: (b) An open standard for AI-driven digital commerce
Explanation: UCP is an open protocol designed to enable seamless AI-based interactions across the commerce lifecycle.

Q2. The Universal Commerce Protocol primarily aims to help retailers by:
(a) Replacing traditional e-commerce websites
(b) Connecting better with consumers using AI for shopping decisions
(c) Eliminating digital advertisements
(d) Restricting third-party payment providers
Answer: (b) Connecting better with consumers using AI for shopping decisions
Explanation: UCP supports discovery, comparison, purchase, and post-transaction engagement driven by AI tools.

Q3. Which Google platforms will support AI-based checkout under UCP?
(a) Google Maps and YouTube
(b) Google Pay and Chrome
(c) AI Mode on Search and the Gemini app
(d) Gmail and Google Drive
Answer: (c) AI Mode on Search and the Gemini app
Explanation: Eligible product listings in AI Mode and Gemini will allow direct checkout during product research.

Q4. What are “Direct Offers” under Google Ads?
(a) Government-mandated price controls
(b) Offers shown only after purchase
(c) AI-targeted offers for shoppers during product discovery
(d) Loyalty points for Google users
Answer: (c) AI-targeted offers for shoppers during product discovery
Explanation: Direct Offers target users who rely on AI for shopping and currently focus on discounts.

Q5. Which of the following best describes agentic AI in the context of UCP?
(a) AI systems that only provide recommendations
(b) AI systems that autonomously act on behalf of users
(c) AI limited to data storage
(d) AI used only for customer service chats
Answer: (b) AI systems that autonomously act on behalf of users
Explanation: Agentic AI can make decisions and perform actions like identifying and surfacing offers.

International Court of Justice Hearings on Rohingya Genocide Case Against Myanmar

Q1. Which international body has begun hearings to determine whether Myanmar committed genocide against the Rohingya Muslims?
(a) International Criminal Court (ICC)
(b) International Court of Justice (ICJ)
(c) UN Human Rights Council
(d) Permanent Court of Arbitration
Answer: International Court of Justice (ICJ)
Explanation: The International Court of Justice (ICJ), which settles legal disputes between states, has started hearings on allegations of genocide committed by Myanmar against the Rohingya minority.

Q2. The hearings on the Rohingya genocide case are being held at which location?
(a) Geneva
(b) New York
(c) The Hague
(d) Vienna
Answer: The Hague
Explanation: The proceedings are taking place at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the seat of the International Court of Justice.

Q3. Which country filed the genocide case against Myanmar at the ICJ in 2019?
(a) Bangladesh
(b) Malaysia
(c) The Gambia
(d) Turkey
Answer: The Gambia
Explanation: The Gambia initiated the case under the 1948 Genocide Convention, even though it is not directly affected by the Rohingya crisis.

Q4. The Rohingya crisis that led to the ICJ case began mainly after which event?
(a) A civil war in Myanmar
(b) Military crackdown in 2017
(c) UN sanctions in 2016
(d) Coup d’état in 2021
Answer: Military crackdown in 2017
Explanation: In 2017, Myanmar’s military operations forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims to flee to Bangladesh amid allegations of killings, arson, and mass violence.

Q5. Under which international agreement has Myanmar been accused of violating its obligations?
(a) UN Charter
(b) Rome Statute
(c) Refugee Convention, 1951
(d) Genocide Convention, 1948
Answer: Genocide Convention, 1948
Explanation: The Genocide Convention obliges states to prevent and punish genocide, and it allows any state party to bring a case before the ICJ, even if it is not directly involved.

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Signs MoU with CSIR–NIScPR for Research and Policy Collaboration

Q1. Which two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in research and science policy?
(a) IIT Madras and NITI Aayog
(b) Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and CSIR–NIScPR
(c) IISc Bengaluru and DST
(d) JNU and CSIR
Answer: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and CSIR–NIScPR
Explanation: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham signed an MoU with CSIR–National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research to collaborate in research, science communication, and policy initiatives.

Q2. The MoU between Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and CSIR–NIScPR was formalised during a workshop convened by which body?
(a) Department of Science and Technology
(b) University Grants Commission
(c) NITI Aayog
(d) Ministry of Education
Answer: NITI Aayog
Explanation: The agreement was formalised during a two-day national workshop convened by NITI Aayog, India’s apex public policy think tank.

Q3. What is the main objective of the collaboration under this MoU?
(a) Expansion of student exchange programmes
(b) Military technology development
(c) Joint applied research and evidence-based policymaking
(d) Sports and cultural cooperation
Answer: Joint applied research and evidence-based policymaking
Explanation: The MoU focuses on applied research, policy studies, capacity building, and better science communication to support evidence-based policymaking.

Q4. Who highlighted the importance of using technology to solve real-world problems during the workshop?
(a) Narendra Modi
(b) S. Vincent
(c) Nitin Gadkari
(d) Suman Bery
Answer: Suman Bery
Explanation: Suman Bery, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, emphasised that research should address real-life challenges through purposeful use of technology.

Q5. Which Indian state was highlighted for leading in annual patent filings?
(a) Karnataka
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Tamil Nadu
(d) Gujarat
Answer: Tamil Nadu
Explanation: Tamil Nadu was noted for filing around 5,000–6,000 patent applications annually, making it a national leader in patent activity.

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