1. India recently achieved a significant milestone with the successful hot-fire test of its new-generation ‘Agni-X’ semi-cryogenic engine. Which organization developed this engine?
A) ISRO
B) DRDO
C) HAL
D) BEL
Correct answer: A) ISRO Notes: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the hot-fire test of its advanced ‘Agni-X’ semi-cryogenic engine at its Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri. This engine, designed to power the next generation of India’s heavy-lift launch vehicles, demonstrated exceptional performance parameters, including a thrust of 2,000 kN and extended burn duration. The successful test is a critical step towards enhancing India’s capabilities in launching heavier payloads into various orbits, including future manned missions and deep-space probes. It signifies a major technological leap, reducing reliance on imported propulsion systems and bolstering India’s self-reliance in space exploration. This development places India among a select group of nations possessing such advanced propulsion technology.
2. The recently concluded COP30 summit in Manaus, Brazil, saw the establishment of a groundbreaking ‘Amazon Carbon Sink Preservation Fund’. Which of the following is a key objective of this fund?
A) To finance renewable energy projects in European nations.
B) To provide direct aid for industrial development in Asia.
C) To support indigenous communities and sustainable forestry in the Amazon basin.
D) To fund deep-sea mining exploration.
Correct answer: C) To support indigenous communities and sustainable forestry in the Amazon basin. Notes: The ‘Amazon Carbon Sink Preservation Fund’, established at COP30 in Manaus, Brazil, is a landmark initiative aimed at protecting the world’s largest rainforest. Its primary objective is to channel financial resources towards initiatives that support the sustainable management of Amazonian forests, empower indigenous communities as guardians of the forest, and combat deforestation through economic alternatives. This fund represents a crucial international commitment to preserving biodiversity, mitigating climate change by maintaining the Amazon’s carbon absorption capacity, and respecting the rights and traditional knowledge of the region’s native inhabitants. The fund will facilitate projects ranging from agroforestry to ecological restoration, ensuring long-term ecological balance and social equity.
3. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently announced the successful pilot completion of Phase 2 of the e-Rupee (Central Bank Digital Currency) for retail transactions, emphasizing greater interoperability. Which of the following is a primary feature introduced in this phase?
A) Direct linkage to international cryptocurrencies.
B) Offline transaction capabilities for remote areas.
C) Exclusion of small businesses from participation.
D) Requirement for all transactions to be above INR 10,000.
Correct answer: B) Offline transaction capabilities for remote areas. Notes: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has marked a significant advancement in its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) journey with the completion of Phase 2 of the retail e-Rupee pilot. A key innovation introduced in this phase is the integration of offline transaction capabilities. This feature allows users in areas with limited or no internet connectivity to conduct e-Rupee transactions, significantly enhancing financial inclusion across remote and rural parts of India. This development makes the digital currency more accessible and resilient, ensuring that economic transactions can continue smoothly even during network disruptions. The RBI aims to make e-Rupee a ubiquitous and reliable payment method for all citizens.
4. India recently finalized a landmark trilateral defence cooperation agreement, ‘Operation Trident’, with two key partners focusing on maritime security and anti-piracy operations in the Indo-Pacific. Which two countries are India’s partners in this new initiative?
A) Russia and China
B) United States and Japan
C) Australia and Indonesia
D) France and UAE
Correct answer: C) Australia and Indonesia Notes: India, Australia, and Indonesia have formally launched ‘Operation Trident’, a trilateral defence cooperation agreement aimed at bolstering maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. This initiative will focus on joint anti-piracy operations, search and rescue missions, and enhancing interoperability between the three navies through coordinated exercises and intelligence sharing. The agreement underscores the shared commitment of these nations to maintain a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. By pooling resources and expertise, ‘Operation Trident’ seeks to address growing maritime challenges, protect vital sea lanes of communication, and contribute significantly to regional stability and prosperity. This strategic partnership further solidifies India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region.
5. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and a leading pharmaceutical company recently announced the successful Phase III trial results for ‘Vax Dengue’, India’s indigenous vaccine against Dengue fever. This vaccine is expected to significantly reduce disease burden. What is a key characteristic of the ‘Vax Dengue’ vaccine’s development?
A) It is based on an inactivated virus platform.
B) It targets only one serotype of the Dengue virus.
C) It offers protection against all four Dengue virus serotypes.
D) It requires only a single dose for lifelong immunity.
Correct answer: C) It offers protection against all four Dengue virus serotypes. Notes: ‘Vax Dengue’, India’s first fully indigenous vaccine against Dengue fever, has successfully completed its Phase III clinical trials, showing remarkable efficacy. A critical characteristic of this groundbreaking vaccine is its tetravalent nature, meaning it provides robust protection against all four known serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4) of the Dengue virus. This comprehensive coverage is vital because prior infection with one serotype does not protect against others and can even exacerbate subsequent infections. The development of ‘Vax Dengue’ represents a major victory for public health in India, where Dengue is a significant endemic challenge, promising to drastically reduce morbidity and mortality rates across the country.
