1. Recently, the ‘Lunar Gateway’ space station, a crucial component of the Artemis program, achieved a significant milestone by entering its intended Near-Rectilinear Halo Orbit (NRHO) around the Moon. Which international space agency is leading the development of the Lunar Gateway?
A. European Space Agency (ESA)
B. China National Space Administration (CNSA)
C. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
D. Roscosmos
Correct answer: C
Notes: The Lunar Gateway is an ambitious project spearheaded by NASA as part of its Artemis program, aiming for sustainable human lunar exploration. It’s designed to be a multi-purpose outpost orbiting the Moon, providing vital support for missions to the lunar surface, including a staging point for astronauts and scientific research. The recent successful insertion into NRHO signifies a major step forward, demonstrating the precision engineering and international collaboration involved. While ESA, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) are also contributing modules and technologies, NASA remains the primary lead agency for the Gateway’s overall development and operation, showcasing a strong global partnership in deep space exploration.
2. In a recent diplomatic move, India announced a new ‘Digital Connectivity Corridor’ initiative aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure and data exchange with several ASEAN member states. This initiative primarily falls under which category?
A. Defence & Security Cooperation
B. Cultural Exchange Program
C. Economic & International Relations
D. Environmental Protection Agreement
Correct answer: C
Notes: The ‘Digital Connectivity Corridor’ initiative is a strategic move by India to deepen its economic ties and bolster international relations with key ASEAN nations. It focuses on developing robust digital infrastructure, including high-speed internet cables and data centres, to facilitate seamless data flow and digital trade. This initiative is expected to boost digital economies, encourage cross-border e-commerce, and strengthen technological partnerships, thereby aligning with India’s ‘Act East’ policy. While it has ancillary benefits for other sectors, its core objective is to create a digital bridge for economic growth and closer diplomatic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, underscoring its relevance in economic and international relations.
3. The Indian government recently approved a significant allocation for the ‘National Green Hydrogen Mission’ under its revised phase II plan. Which of the following is a primary objective of this mission?
A. To establish India as a global hub for traditional coal exports.
B. To promote the use of fossil fuels in transportation.
C. To reduce the cost of green hydrogen production and facilitate its adoption.
D. To increase reliance on imported energy sources.
Correct answer: C
Notes: The National Green Hydrogen Mission is a flagship initiative by the Indian government aimed at accelerating the production and adoption of green hydrogen. Its primary objective is to significantly reduce the cost of producing green hydrogen, which is generated through renewable energy sources, thereby making it economically viable for widespread use. The mission also seeks to establish India as a global manufacturing hub for electrolysers and a major exporter of green hydrogen and its derivatives. This move is crucial for India’s energy transition, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, achieving net-zero emission targets, and fostering a sustainable energy economy, contributing to both environmental and economic goals.
4. Which Indian state recently launched the ‘Mera Gaon, Meri Virasat’ (My Village, My Heritage) program, aiming to document and promote the cultural heritage of its villages?
A. Rajasthan
B. Uttar Pradesh
C. Gujarat
D. Madhya Pradesh
Correct answer: B
Notes: Uttar Pradesh has initiated the ‘Mera Gaon, Meri Virasat’ program with the ambitious goal of mapping, documenting, and digitizing the cultural assets of its thousands of villages. This comprehensive project aims to create a living repository of the state’s diverse heritage, including local traditions, arts, crafts, historical sites, and folklores specific to each village. By engaging local communities in the documentation process, the program seeks to instill a sense of pride and ownership in their heritage, while also preserving it for future generations. This initiative is a significant step towards cultural preservation and promotion at the grassroots level, boosting rural tourism and cultural awareness across the state.
5. Scientists at a leading research institution have developed a novel AI-powered diagnostic tool capable of early detection of pancreatic cancer with unprecedented accuracy. This breakthrough primarily falls under which field?
A. Agricultural Science
B. Sports & Nutrition
C. Medical Science & Latest Technologies
D. Environment & Ecology
Correct answer: C
Notes: The development of an AI-powered diagnostic tool for early detection of pancreatic cancer represents a significant leap in medical science, heavily leveraging the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to diagnose in its early stages, often leading to poor prognoses. This new tool, by analyzing complex medical imaging and patient data, aims to identify subtle markers of the disease much sooner than conventional methods. Such innovations hold immense promise for improving patient outcomes, revolutionizing diagnostic procedures, and showcasing the transformative potential of combining medical expertise with cutting-edge technological solutions in healthcare.
