Which of the following languages is the current desktop web standard for web design?

HTML 5 is the current desktop web standard for web design because it introduces significant improvements and features that enhance the functionality and structure of web pages. HTML 5 provides support for audio and video elements, along with semantic elements like <article>, <section>, and <aside>, which aid in creating more meaningful and accessible content.

Additionally, HTML 5 has robust support for modern web applications, allowing developers to create interactive and responsive designs that work across various devices. The specification also simplifies the coding process by reducing the need for extensive workarounds that were necessary in previous versions, making it easier for developers to build and maintain web applications. The wide adoption of HTML 5 across browsers ensures compatibility and encourages best practices in web design and development, making it the standard for creating contemporary websites.

In contrast, earlier versions like HTML 2.0, HTML 4.01, and XHTML 1.0 have become outdated as they lack the modern features and enhancements that HTML 5 introduced, making them unsuitable for current web design practices.