Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 2026-01-24 with solutions - Bank Exams Attempt

The Pax Silica initiative primarily aims to secure supply chains for semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals, particularly rare earth elements. This strategic initiative was launched in response to geopolitical challenges, particularly the need to reduce reliance on China for essential technology inputs. By strengthening these supply chains, the U.S. seeks to bolster its technological and military capabilities in a competitive global environment.

The U.S. strategy outlined in Pax Silica emphasizes securing Rare Earth Elements (REEs), which are essential for the production of advanced technologies like semiconductors and AI. The focus on these elements reflects the geopolitical tensions surrounding their supply and the necessity for the U.S. to reduce dependence on single-source providers, particularly China.

The primary focus of India's Long Range Anti Ship Hypersonic Glide Missile (LR AShM) is to target high-value naval assets, such as aircraft carrier battle groups. This weapon enhances India's maritime strike capabilities and supports its defense strategy in the Indian Ocean Region by enabling extended-range attacks with high speed and agility.

"Water bankruptcy" refers to a situation where long-term water use exceeds the renewable water inflows, leading to the depletion of water resources beyond sustainable limits. This condition poses serious threats to agriculture and food security, affecting billions of people worldwide as agricultural practices increasingly function beyond hydrological sustainability.

The United States officially withdrew from the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 23, 2026. This decision followed earlier sentiments expressed by former President Donald Trump regarding the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and marks a significant shift in U.S. engagement in global health governance.

The primary objective of the Pax Silica initiative is to secure supply chains for semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and Rare Earth Elements (REEs). This initiative reflects the U.S. response to rising geopolitical competition and aims to enhance resilience against supply chain vulnerabilities, particularly those exposed during trade tensions with China.

The LR AShM is designed to enhance coastal battery operations and maritime strike capabilities, specifically targeting high-value naval assets such as aircraft carrier battle groups. Its development signifies India's advancement in hypersonic weaponry, contributing to maritime deterrence in the Indian Ocean Region.

The upcoming delimitation exercise is expected to realign political representation based on demographic changes, which may increase representation for northern states while potentially diminishing that of southern states. This process is constitutionally required to ensure equal suffrage.

The U.S. exit from the WHO poses a significant challenge by potentially leading to a reduction in global public health initiatives, given that the U.S. was the largest single contributor to the organization. This withdrawal raises concerns about the future of collaborative health efforts worldwide.

The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism poses challenges for India by acting as a non-tariff barrier that could risk the economic benefits of the long-pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA). A balanced approach is necessary to avoid friction in trade relations between India and the EU.