Daily Current Affairs: 12-03-2026 | Prelims Focus

Correct answer: C) Nuclear Fusion
Notes: The ‘Stellar-X Fusion Project’ has recently captured global attention for its groundbreaking achievement in reaching sustained net energy gain from a nuclear fusion reaction. This marks a pivotal moment in the quest for clean, virtually limitless energy. Nuclear fusion, the process that powers the sun, involves fusing light atomic nuclei to release enormous amounts of energy, with minimal radioactive byproducts compared to traditional nuclear fission. This breakthrough moves humanity closer to a viable commercial fusion power plant, potentially revolutionizing global energy infrastructure and significantly mitigating climate change by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Continued research and development are crucial to scaling this technology for practical implementation.

Correct answer: C) To accelerate the restoration and protection of coastal and marine ecosystems for carbon sequestration.
Notes: The ‘Blue Carbon Accord’, emerging from the ‘Global Ocean Stewardship Summit 2026’, represents a landmark international effort to leverage the power of marine ecosystems in combating climate change. Its core objective is to accelerate the restoration and protection of vital coastal and marine habitats such as mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass meadows. These ‘blue carbon’ ecosystems are highly efficient at sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide, storing it in their biomass and sediments for millennia. By safeguarding and expanding these natural carbon sinks, the Accord aims to enhance climate resilience, conserve biodiversity, and support the livelihoods of coastal communities worldwide, marking a significant step in global environmental diplomacy.

Correct answer: C) Advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems for reconnaissance and surveillance
Notes: ‘Project Falcon Eye’ is a testament to India’s growing self-reliance in defense technology, specifically in the realm of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This advanced indigenous system, recently inducted into service, significantly enhances the nation’s capabilities for high-resolution reconnaissance, long-range surveillance, and intelligence gathering across diverse terrains and operational environments. Equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, AI-driven analytics, and extended endurance, ‘Falcon Eye’ provides real-time situational awareness to ground commanders. Its deployment is expected to bolster border security, improve threat assessment, and reduce human risk in hazardous missions, reinforcing India’s strategic defense posture and technological prowess on the global stage.

Correct answer: C) Funding research, development, and adoption of sustainable and climate-resilient farming technologies.
Notes: The ‘National Agri-Tech Innovation Fund’ is a forward-looking initiative by the Indian government aimed at future-proofing the agricultural sector against the challenges of climate change and ensuring long-term food security. Its primary focus is to channel investment into cutting-edge research and development for sustainable farming practices, including drought-resistant crops, precision agriculture, water-efficient irrigation, and organic farming techniques. The fund also supports the widespread adoption of these innovative technologies by farmers, fostering an ecosystem of agri-entrepreneurship and creating resilient agricultural value chains. This strategic move is expected to enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact, and improve farmers’ livelihoods across the country.

Correct answer: C) To enhance digital literacy and promote entrepreneurial skills among rural populations.
Notes: The ‘Digital Gaon Udyog Yojana’ is a crucial government scheme aimed at bridging the digital divide and fostering economic empowerment in India’s rural heartland. Its core objective is to significantly enhance digital literacy among rural populations, equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate the digital world. Beyond basic literacy, the scheme focuses on promoting entrepreneurial skills, enabling villagers to leverage digital tools for starting and growing small businesses, accessing markets, and participating in the digital economy. This initiative provides training in e-commerce, digital marketing, and online financial transactions, thereby creating new avenues for income generation and sustainable development in rural areas, fostering an inclusive digital transformation.