1. India recently achieved a significant milestone by successfully launching its fourth lunar mission. What is the name of this mission, aimed at further studying the lunar south pole and bringing back samples?
A) LunarEx-4
B) Chandrayaan-4
C) SomaYaan-II
D) Shakti-Moon
Correct answer: B) Chandrayaan-4 Notes: India’s space agency, ISRO, marked another historic achievement with the successful launch of Chandrayaan-4. This mission builds upon the successes of its predecessors, particularly Chandrayaan-3, which made a soft landing on the lunar south pole. Chandrayaan-4 is designed for more advanced scientific objectives, including detailed in-situ analysis of lunar ice and regolith, with a primary goal of collecting and returning lunar samples to Earth for comprehensive laboratory studies. This mission is crucial for understanding the Moon’s geological history, potential for resource utilization, and the evolution of the solar system. The successful execution positions India as a leader in lunar exploration, contributing significantly to global space science efforts and paving the way for future crewed missions.
2. Which international organization recently concluded its “Global Climate Resilient Cities Summit” in Geneva, focusing on strategies for urban adaptation to climate change?
A) World Economic Forum (WEF)
B) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
C) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
D) C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group
Correct answer: B) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Notes: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) successfully concluded its “Global Climate Resilient Cities Summit” in Geneva. The summit brought together urban planners, policymakers, climate scientists, and community leaders from around the world to discuss innovative solutions for making cities more resilient to the escalating impacts of climate change. Key themes included sustainable infrastructure development, early warning systems for extreme weather events, green urban planning, and inclusive community engagement in climate adaptation strategies. The delegates emphasized the urgent need for collaborative action and investment in nature-based solutions to protect urban populations and critical infrastructure from floods, heatwaves, and other climate-induced disasters, highlighting UNEP’s role in fostering global environmental cooperation.
3. The Government of India has launched a new national scheme aimed at enhancing urban water conservation and efficient management through community participation. What is the name of this scheme?
A) Varun Mitra Yojana
B) Jal Jeevan Shahar Mission
C) Jalmitra Yojana
D) Amrit Jal Pariyojana
Correct answer: C) Jalmitra Yojana Notes: The Government of India has rolled out the ambitious “Jalmitra Yojana” across urban centers, reinforcing its commitment to water security. This scheme focuses on a multi-pronged approach to address urban water challenges, including promoting rainwater harvesting, rejuvenating urban water bodies, fostering water recycling and reuse, and reducing non-revenue water. A core component of Jalmitra Yojana is the emphasis on community involvement, training local ‘Jalmitras’ (friends of water) to act as custodians and promoters of water-saving practices. The scheme also integrates advanced technologies for water quality monitoring and efficient distribution, aiming to ensure sustainable and equitable access to potable water for all urban residents while building climate resilience against water scarcity.
4. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently introduced new regulatory frameworks and guidelines specifically targeting the rapidly evolving market of digital currencies and assets. What is the primary objective behind these new regulations?
A) To facilitate mass adoption of cryptocurrencies as legal tender.
B) To enhance financial stability, protect consumers, and mitigate risks associated with digital assets.
C) To encourage foreign direct investment solely in blockchain technology startups.
D) To establish India as the global hub for un-regulated crypto trading.
Correct answer: B) To enhance financial stability, protect consumers, and mitigate risks associated with digital assets. Notes: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a comprehensive set of new regulatory frameworks for digital currencies and assets. These guidelines are a crucial step towards creating a robust and secure ecosystem for India’s burgeoning digital economy. The primary objective is to safeguard financial stability by addressing potential systemic risks posed by the volatile and often unregulated nature of digital assets. Furthermore, the regulations aim to protect consumers from fraud, illicit activities, and market manipulation, while also ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) norms. This move underscores RBI’s proactive approach to innovation, balancing it with necessary oversight to foster responsible growth in the digital finance space.
5. Which Indian athlete recently broke the long-standing world record in the Men’s 1500 meters race at the World Indoor Athletics Championship held in Glasgow?
A) Neeraj Chopra
B) Hima Das
C) Avinash Sable
D) Rohan Kumar
Correct answer: C) Avinash Sable Notes: Indian long-distance runner Avinash Sable created history by shattering the world record in the Men’s 1500 meters race at the prestigious World Indoor Athletics Championship in Glasgow. Sable, known for his prowess in steeplechase, demonstrated exceptional speed and endurance, clocking an astonishing time that surpassed the previous record set decades ago. This monumental achievement marks a significant moment for Indian athletics on the global stage, highlighting the nation’s growing talent in track and field events. Sable’s dedication and rigorous training regimen have paid off, inspiring a new generation of athletes. His performance not only secured a gold medal but also solidified his position as one of the world’s elite middle-distance runners, bringing immense pride to the country.
