1. Recently, the ‘Green Hydrogen Transition Catalyst (GHTC)’ fund, aimed at accelerating global clean energy adoption, was formally launched. Which international body is primarily associated with spearheading this initiative?
A) World Bank
B) International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
C) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
D) International Energy Agency (IEA)
Correct answer: B) International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Notes: The ‘Green Hydrogen Transition Catalyst (GHTC)’ fund has been officially launched under the stewardship of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). This strategic initiative aims to mobilize significant investments and foster technological innovation in green hydrogen production and deployment across member states. The GHTC is designed to overcome financial barriers and accelerate the transition to a global green energy economy, playing a crucial role in achieving net-zero emissions targets. By providing technical assistance, capacity building, and financial support, the fund will help nations scale up their green hydrogen projects, positioning it as a cornerstone for future sustainable energy systems and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This move underscores IRENA’s commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions worldwide.
2. The Indian Navy recently commissioned its latest indigenous stealth destroyer, significantly enhancing its naval capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region. This new destroyer is part of which ongoing class of warships?
A) Visakhapatnam-class
B) Kolkata-class
C) Shivalik-class
D) Godavari-class
Correct answer: A) Visakhapatnam-class Notes: The Indian Navy recently commissioned its newest stealth destroyer, marking another milestone in the nation’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative in defence manufacturing. This formidable warship is the third in the Visakhapatnam-class (Project 15B) of indigenously designed and constructed destroyers. Equipped with advanced stealth features, state-of-the-art sensors, and sophisticated weapon systems, including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, it significantly bolsters India’s maritime defence and power projection capabilities. The commissioning reinforces India’s commitment to securing its vast maritime interests and contributing to regional stability in the Indian Ocean Region, showcasing the growing prowess of Indian shipyards and defence technology.
3. Which Indian state government recently launched the ‘Jan Dhan Suraksha’ scheme, aimed at providing comprehensive financial literacy and insurance coverage to vulnerable rural populations?
A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Odisha
D) Rajasthan
Correct answer: C) Odisha Notes: The Odisha state government recently launched the ‘Jan Dhan Suraksha’ scheme, an ambitious initiative designed to uplift its rural populace through enhanced financial inclusion and social security. This scheme focuses on providing comprehensive financial literacy programs to empower villagers with essential knowledge about banking, savings, and digital transactions. Simultaneously, it offers subsidized insurance coverage, including accidental and life insurance, to protect vulnerable families from unforeseen financial shocks. The ‘Jan Dhan Suraksha’ scheme aligns with national goals of financial empowerment and aims to bridge the gap between formal financial services and the unbanked rural population, ensuring a more secure and stable future for beneficiaries across the state.
4. Astronomers have recently confirmed the discovery of a new exoplanet, ‘K2-415 b,’ which is considered a super-Earth within the habitable zone of its star. This discovery was primarily made using data from which space telescope?
A) Hubble Space Telescope
B) James Webb Space Telescope
C) Kepler Space Telescope
D) Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS)
Correct answer: D) Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) Notes: The exciting confirmation of exoplanet ‘K2-415 b,’ a super-Earth located within the habitable zone of its parent star, was primarily achieved through data from NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). While follow-up observations using other ground-based telescopes like the Spitzer Space Telescope and the Nordic Optical Telescope further characterized the planet, TESS’s wide-field view and precise photometric measurements were crucial for its initial detection via the transit method. This discovery contributes significantly to our understanding of planetary formation and the potential for life beyond Earth, as ‘K2-415 b’ offers a promising target for future atmospheric studies to search for biosignatures, advancing the field of astrobiology and exoplanet research.
5. Recently, a significant amendment was proposed to the ‘National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013,’ in India. What is the primary aim of this proposed amendment?
A) To expand the coverage of beneficiaries to include all urban households.
B) To introduce fortified food grains as a mandatory component of public distribution system (PDS) allocations.
C) To reduce the quantum of food grains provided under the Act to optimize fiscal expenditure.
D) To allow private sector entities to manage the entire food grain procurement process.
Correct answer: B) To introduce fortified food grains as a mandatory component of public distribution system (PDS) allocations. Notes: The proposed amendment to the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, aims primarily at enhancing nutritional outcomes across India by making fortified food grains a mandatory component of the Public Distribution System (PDS) allocations. This initiative is a critical step towards combating widespread micronutrient deficiencies such as iron, vitamin A, and iodine, which significantly impact public health, especially among vulnerable populations. By mandating the distribution of fortified rice and wheat through ration shops, the government seeks to improve the health and well-being of millions of beneficiaries, aligning the NFSA more closely with broader public health goals and ensuring not just food security, but also nutritional security for the nation.
