1. Which Indian state recently launched a pioneering “Digital Krishi Seva” portal aimed at integrating AI and IoT for precision farming and real-time advisory services to farmers?
A) Maharashtra
B) Karnataka
C) Uttar Pradesh
D) Rajasthan
Correct answer: B) Karnataka Notes: Karnataka, a hub for technological innovation, has recently unveiled its “Digital Krishi Seva” portal. This initiative leverages advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to revolutionize agricultural practices across the state. The portal aims to provide farmers with access to precision farming tools, real-time weather updates, soil health monitoring, crop advisory services, and market price information. By integrating technology directly into farming operations, the state government seeks to enhance productivity, reduce input costs, and ultimately improve the livelihoods of its agricultural community. This move is part of a broader national effort to modernize the agricultural sector through digital transformation and sustainable practices, positioning Karnataka at the forefront of agri-tech adoption.
2. The “Global Ozone Restoration Initiative” (GORI), launched this week, focuses on accelerating the recovery of the ozone layer by targeting which specific group of industrial chemicals?
A) Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
B) Methane (CH4)
C) Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
D) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
Correct answer: D) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) Notes: The newly established “Global Ozone Restoration Initiative” (GORI) is a multinational effort designed to bolster the recovery of the Earth’s ozone layer. Its primary focus is on the stringent monitoring and elimination of residual Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Although largely phased out under the Montreal Protocol, trace amounts and illicit production of these potent ozone-depleting substances continue to pose a threat. GORI emphasizes advanced detection technologies and international cooperation to prevent their re-emergence, alongside research into atmospheric chemistry to better understand ozone dynamics. This initiative underscores the global commitment to environmental protection and addresses persistent challenges in ensuring a complete and sustainable recovery of the protective ozone shield.
3. What is the primary objective of the recently announced “Bharat Uday Yojana,” a new central government scheme?
A) Promoting electric vehicle manufacturing and adoption.
B) Enhancing digital literacy in rural areas.
C) Providing skill development and employment opportunities for youth in emerging technologies.
D) Revitalizing traditional handicraft industries through market linkages.
Correct answer: C) Providing skill development and employment opportunities for youth in emerging technologies. Notes: The “Bharat Uday Yojana” is a significant new scheme introduced by the central government, with its core objective centered on empowering India’s youth. The program is specifically designed to bridge the skill gap in rapidly evolving technological sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Robotics, and Green Energy. Through collaborations with leading educational institutions and industry partners, the scheme will offer subsidized training programs, apprenticeships, and mentorship opportunities. Its ultimate goal is to equip young Indians with future-ready skills, making them highly employable in a competitive global job market and fostering a talent pool that can drive innovation and economic growth across the nation. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to harnessing India’s demographic dividend.
4. India recently signed a landmark defense cooperation agreement, “Project Sagar Kavach 2.0,” with which country to enhance maritime security and interoperability in the Indian Ocean Region?
A) Japan
B) Australia
C) France
D) United States
Correct answer: B) Australia Notes: India and Australia have reinforced their strategic partnership by signing “Project Sagar Kavach 2.0,” a pivotal defense cooperation agreement. This initiative builds upon existing frameworks to significantly bolster maritime security and enhance interoperability between the two navies in the critical Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The project includes joint naval exercises, intelligence sharing, capacity building, and collaborative development of maritime domain awareness technologies. Both nations aim to ensure a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, counter illegal activities, and respond effectively to humanitarian crises. This agreement underscores the growing convergence of security interests between India and Australia, solidifying their commitment to regional stability and a rules-based international order through robust defense ties.
5. A recent ruling by the Supreme Court of India reiterated the sanctity of ‘Right to Privacy’ under Article 21 of the Constitution, specifically in the context of which emerging technology?
A) Drone Surveillance
B) Facial Recognition Systems
C) Quantum Computing
D) Gene Editing Technologies
Correct answer: B) Facial Recognition Systems Notes: The Supreme Court of India recently delivered a significant ruling, reaffirming the ‘Right to Privacy’ as an intrinsic part of the fundamental Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. This particular judgment focused on the deployment and use of Facial Recognition Systems (FRS) by government and private entities. The court emphasized that while FRS can serve legitimate public interest purposes like national security, its implementation must be strictly proportionate, necessary, and accompanied by robust data protection safeguards to prevent surveillance abuse and arbitrary intrusion into citizens’ personal lives. This landmark decision provides crucial legal guidance on regulating emerging technologies, balancing state interests with individual privacy rights, and setting a precedent for future data governance frameworks in India.
