1. On December 1, 2025, a global consortium announced the successful testing and preliminary standardization of ‘Quantum-Resistant Cryptography Protocol X (QRCP-X)’. Which international body is primarily leading the efforts to integrate these new standards for global digital security?
A. International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
B. World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)
C. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
D. European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN)
Correct answer: C Notes: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a non-regulatory agency of the United States Department of Commerce, has been at the forefront of the global initiative to develop and standardize quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms. For years, NIST has run a rigorous process to solicit, evaluate, and standardize new cryptographic primitives capable of resisting attacks from future quantum computers. The announcement of QRCP-X’s successful testing and preliminary standardization on December 1, 2025, signifies a crucial milestone in securing digital communications and data against the anticipated threat of quantum computing, ensuring long-term cybersecurity resilience across various sectors worldwide. This collaborative effort involves researchers and cryptographers globally.
2. The much-anticipated ‘Global Compact for Ocean Health (GCOH)’ was officially adopted on December 1, 2025, following extensive negotiations. This compact primarily aims to address which two critical aspects of marine ecosystems?
A. Deep-sea mining regulations and space debris mitigation
B. Sustainable fisheries management and plastic pollution reduction
C. Polar ice cap preservation and desertification control
D. Freshwater scarcity and urban air quality improvement
Correct answer: B Notes: The ‘Global Compact for Ocean Health (GCOH)’, formally adopted on December 1, 2025, represents a landmark international agreement focused on safeguarding the world’s marine ecosystems. Its core objectives are to significantly improve sustainable fisheries management practices globally and to drastically reduce plastic pollution entering the oceans. The compact sets ambitious targets for signatory nations, encouraging the adoption of ecosystem-based management approaches, combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and implementing comprehensive waste management strategies to curb plastic waste. This agreement stems from growing international concern over declining fish stocks and the pervasive environmental damage caused by plastic debris, highlighting a collective commitment to marine conservation.
3. On December 2, 2025, the Indian Ministry of Defence announced the successful completion of user trials for the ‘AstraMark-II’ beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM). This advanced missile system has been indigenously developed by which organization?
A. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
B. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
C. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
D. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Correct answer: C Notes: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is the primary governmental agency in India responsible for the development of defence technologies, covering various fields including aeronautics, armaments, electronics, land combat engineering, life sciences, materials, missiles, and naval systems. The ‘AstraMark-II’ is the next-generation variant of India’s indigenous beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, designed to engage aerial targets at extended ranges with high accuracy. The successful completion of its user trials on December 2, 2025, marks a significant stride in enhancing India’s aerial combat capabilities and promoting self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in defence manufacturing, paving the way for its eventual induction into the Indian Air Force and Navy.
4. On December 2, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced new guidelines for ‘Green Deposit Frameworks’ for banks and financial institutions. What is the primary objective of these new guidelines?
A. To promote investment in digital currencies and blockchain technology
B. To channel funds towards environmentally sustainable projects and activities
C. To regulate cross-border financial transactions for import/export businesses
D. To incentivize micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in rural areas
Correct answer: B Notes: The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) introduction of new guidelines for ‘Green Deposit Frameworks’ on December 2, 2025, is a crucial step in promoting sustainable finance within the Indian economy. The primary objective is to facilitate and encourage banks and financial institutions to mobilize deposits specifically designated for funding projects that have a positive environmental impact. These projects typically include renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable water management, pollution prevention and control, green buildings, and eco-friendly agriculture. This initiative aims to align India’s financial sector with its broader climate change commitments and environmental goals, fostering a more sustainable economic development path by incentivizing green investments.
5. A new initiative, ‘Project POSHAN 2.0 Plus’, was launched across several Indian states on December 1, 2025. This enhanced program primarily focuses on which critical aspect of public health?
A. Universal digital literacy for rural women
B. Advanced skill development for urban youth
C. Holistic nutrition and early childhood development
D. Sustainable urban waste management
Correct answer: C Notes: ‘Project POSHAN 2.0 Plus’, launched on December 1, 2025, is an expanded and enhanced version of the existing POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) in India. This initiative’s core focus is on ensuring holistic nutrition and promoting comprehensive early childhood development for children aged 0-6 years, as well as addressing the nutritional needs of pregnant women and lactating mothers. The “Plus” aspect signifies an integration of advanced data analytics for real-time monitoring, community-led behavioral change campaigns, and a greater emphasis on addressing underlying determinants of malnutrition, such as sanitation and access to clean drinking water. The program aims to combat malnutrition and improve health outcomes across vulnerable populations.
