Current Affairs 12/01/2026
1. Where is the ‘Will for Peace 2026’ military exercise being conducted?
Answer : South Africa
‘Will for Peace 2026’ Military Exercise: Strengthening Multinational Defense Cooperation
The ‘Will for Peace 2026’ military exercise is being conducted in South Africa, highlighting the country’s growing role as a strategic hub for multinational defense cooperation. This exercise brings together armed forces from multiple nations with the objective of enhancing joint operational capabilities, interoperability, and mutual trust among participating militaries.
The exercise focuses on a range of activities, including maritime security operations, joint combat drills, search and rescue missions, and strategic coordination exercises. By simulating real-world security challenges, Will for Peace 2026 aims to improve preparedness for complex regional and global security scenarios.
South Africa’s selection as the host nation reflects its strategic maritime location, advanced military infrastructure, and commitment to promoting peace, stability, and collective security. The exercise also underscores the importance of collaborative defense efforts in addressing emerging threats such as piracy, terrorism, and transnational crimes.
Overall, Will for Peace 2026 serves as a significant platform for strengthening international military ties and reinforcing a shared commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region and beyond.
2. Who has been appointed as the Chairman of AERB?
Answer : A. K. Balasubrahmanyan
A. K. Balasubrahmanyan Appointed Chairman of AERB
The Government of India has appointed A. K. Balasubrahmanyan as the new Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), marking a significant leadership transition in the country’s nuclear regulatory framework. His appointment reflects continued emphasis on strengthening nuclear safety, regulatory oversight, and compliance with international standards.
A. K. Balasubrahmanyan is a Distinguished Scientist with decades of experience in the field of nuclear engineering, reactor safety, and regulatory governance. Over the course of his career, he has been closely associated with the safety evaluation of nuclear power plants and has played a key role in formulating and reviewing safety policies related to nuclear installations in India.
Prior to assuming charge as Chairman, he served in several senior positions within the nuclear regulatory ecosystem, including leadership roles in safety review committees and design safety assessments for nuclear reactors. His technical expertise and deep understanding of regulatory processes have earned him recognition within India’s atomic energy sector.
The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is India’s apex authority responsible for ensuring the safe use of nuclear energy and ionizing radiation in the country. It oversees nuclear power plants, radiation facilities, and related activities to protect public health, workers, and the environment.
Under the leadership of A. K. Balasubrahmanyan, the AERB is expected to further enhance regulatory robustness, transparency, and safety culture, supporting India’s expanding nuclear energy program while maintaining the highest standards of safety and environmental protection.
3. Where was the 4th edition of WPL inaugurated?
Answer : Mumbai
4th Edition of the Women’s Premier League Inaugurated in Mumbai
The 4th edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) was inaugurated in Mumbai, reinforcing the city’s status as a major hub for Indian cricket and a strong supporter of women’s sports. The grand opening ceremony marked the beginning of another competitive season aimed at promoting excellence, visibility, and professionalism in women’s cricket.
Organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the WPL has rapidly emerged as one of the most significant T20 leagues in the world for women cricketers. The fourth edition continues the league’s mission to provide a high-quality platform for both Indian and international players, enabling them to showcase their talent on a global stage.
The inauguration event combined sporting enthusiasm with cultural entertainment, drawing attention from fans, sponsors, and media alike. With world-class venues, modern infrastructure, and strong broadcast reach, Mumbai provided an ideal setting for the league’s launch.
Since its inception, the WPL has played a crucial role in strengthening the women’s cricket ecosystem in India, inspiring young athletes and contributing to the overall growth of the sport. The 4th edition is expected to further elevate competitive standards, increase fan engagement, and consolidate the league’s position as a cornerstone of women’s professional cricket.
Overall, the inauguration of the WPL’s fourth season in Mumbai reflects India’s continued commitment to advancing women’s sports and creating sustainable opportunities for future generations of cricketers.
4. Which state ranked first in ICJS 2.0?
Answer : Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand Tops the ICJS 2.0 Ranking
Uttarakhand has secured the first rank in the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) 2.0) evaluation, highlighting the state’s outstanding performance in adopting technology-driven reforms within the criminal justice framework.
The ICJS 2.0 is a flagship initiative under the e-Courts and Digital India programmes, aimed at strengthening coordination and data sharing among key pillars of the criminal justice system—Police, Courts, Prosecution, Prisons, and Forensic services. The upgraded version focuses on advanced integration, real-time data exchange, analytics, and improved service delivery.
Uttarakhand’s top ranking reflects its effective implementation of digital platforms, seamless inter-departmental connectivity, and commitment to transparency and efficiency. The state has demonstrated notable progress in areas such as online case tracking, faster information flow between agencies, and improved accessibility of justice-related services for citizens.
This achievement underscores Uttarakhand’s role as a model state in criminal justice digitisation, setting benchmarks for other states to follow. By leveraging ICJS 2.0 effectively, the state has contributed to faster investigations, reduced delays in trials, and enhanced overall accountability within the justice delivery system.
The recognition also aligns with the broader national objective of building a technology-enabled, citizen-centric justice system, ensuring timely justice and strengthening public trust in institutions.
5. Which is the first Indian state to launch a Deeptech Startup Policy?
Answer : Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Becomes the First Indian State to Launch a Deeptech Startup Policy
Tamil Nadu has created a milestone in India’s innovation landscape by becoming the first state in the country to launch a dedicated Deeptech Startup Policy. This pioneering initiative reflects the state government’s strategic vision to promote science-based, research-intensive, and high-impact technologies that have long-term economic and societal value.
The Deeptech Startup Policy aims to strengthen the ecosystem for startups working in advanced domains such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, biotechnology, space technology, robotics, clean energy, advanced materials, and quantum technologies. Unlike conventional startups, deeptech ventures require high capital investment, long gestation periods, and strong research support, which the policy specifically addresses.
Under this policy, the Tamil Nadu government focuses on bridging the gap between research laboratories and market-ready products by providing structured funding support, incubation infrastructure, mentorship, industry partnerships, and access to testing and validation facilities. Special emphasis is placed on intellectual property creation, commercialization of research, and collaboration with academic and research institutions.
The policy also aligns with Tamil Nadu’s broader objective of positioning itself as a global innovation and technology hub, while creating high-skilled employment opportunities and attracting domestic and international investments. By fostering a supportive environment for deeptech startups, the state aims to drive sustainable growth and technological self-reliance.
Overall, Tamil Nadu’s Deeptech Startup Policy sets a national benchmark for innovation-driven governance, reinforcing India’s ambition to emerge as a global leader in cutting-edge technologies and next-generation entrepreneurship.
6. Who wrote the book based on the life of President Droupadi Murmu?
Answer : Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad
Book on the Life of President Droupadi Murmu Authored by Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad
Renowned litterateur and former bureaucrat Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad has authored a book based on the life of President Droupadi Murmu, highlighting her remarkable personal journey, public service, and rise to the highest constitutional office in India.
The book presents a detailed and inspiring account of President Murmu’s life, tracing her path from a modest background to becoming the 15th President of India and the first tribal woman to hold the office. It sheds light on her resilience, values, and commitment to public welfare, while also reflecting on her contributions as a teacher, legislator, Governor of Jharkhand, and eventually as President.
Written with a blend of biographical depth and social insight, the work emphasizes themes such as inclusive leadership, social justice, and empowerment of marginalized communities. Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad, known for his scholarly approach and literary contributions, brings clarity and authenticity to the narrative, making the book accessible to a wide readership.
The publication serves not only as a biography but also as a source of inspiration for youth and aspiring leaders, underscoring how determination and integrity can overcome social and economic challenges. Overall, the book stands as a significant literary contribution that documents the life and legacy of President Droupadi Murmu while enriching contemporary Indian biographical literature.
7. Which is India’s first city to provide potable water through taps?
Answer : Puri
Puri Becomes India’s First City to Provide Potable Water Through Taps
Puri, one of India’s most important cultural and religious cities, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first city in the country to provide potable drinking water directly through household taps. This landmark achievement reflects a major advancement in India’s urban water supply and public health infrastructure.
The initiative was implemented under the Drink from Tap (DFT) programme by the Government of Odisha, ensuring that residents receive safe, treated, and quality-tested drinking water at their homes. The project emphasizes 24×7 water supply, strict quality monitoring, and sustainable water management practices.
By delivering potable water through taps, Puri has significantly reduced residents’ dependence on water purification methods such as boiling or filtering, leading to savings in time, cost, and energy. The initiative also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing plastic bottle usage and lowering carbon footprints.
This achievement holds special significance for Puri, a major pilgrimage and tourist destination, as it enhances public hygiene, visitor convenience, and overall urban living standards. The success of the project has positioned Puri as a model city for water governance, inspiring other urban local bodies across India to adopt similar systems.
Overall, Puri’s accomplishment marks a transformative step towards universal access to safe drinking water, aligning with national goals of improved public health, sustainable development, and inclusive urban growth.