1. Which international body recently ratified the ‘Global Cyber Sovereignty Framework 2025’, aiming to regulate cross-border data flows and prevent digital colonialism among member states?
A) United Nations Security Council
B) World Economic Forum
C) BRICS+ Digital Cooperation Council
D) European Union Cyber Agency
Correct answer: C Notes: The BRICS+ Digital Cooperation Council, expanded to include several new emerging economies, recently ratified the ‘Global Cyber Sovereignty Framework 2025’. This landmark framework aims to establish common principles for governing international data transfers, ensuring that nations retain control over their digital infrastructure and citizen data. It is a significant step towards counteracting digital colonialism and promoting equitable digital governance, especially for developing economies. The framework emphasizes data localization, mutual legal assistance in cybercrime, and the development of shared cybersecurity protocols, thereby fostering a more balanced and secure global digital landscape among its growing member base.
2. India’s Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare recently launched the ‘Precision Agri-Tech Mission (PATM) 2025’. What is its primary objective?
A) To promote traditional farming methods exclusively
B) To integrate AI, IoT, and drones for optimized crop management and resource utilization
C) To encourage large-scale corporate farming over smallholder farms
D) To reduce government subsidies for agricultural machinery
Correct answer: B Notes: The Precision Agri-Tech Mission (PATM) 2025, launched by the Indian government, is a forward-looking initiative designed to revolutionize the agricultural sector. Its primary objective is to harness cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, and drone technology to achieve optimized crop management, efficient resource utilization, and increased productivity. PATM aims to provide farmers with real-time data on soil health, weather patterns, and crop conditions, enabling informed decision-making. This mission is expected to mitigate risks, reduce input costs, and enhance the overall profitability and sustainability of Indian agriculture, aligning with the goal of doubling farmers’ income by leveraging digital advancements.
3. What new constitutional amendment, proposed by the Union Government and currently under parliamentary review, seeks to establish a ‘National Water Resource Tribunal’ with enhanced powers for inter-state water dispute resolution?
A) The 108th Amendment Bill
B) The 131st Amendment Bill
C) The 145th Amendment Bill
D) The 160th Amendment Bill
Correct answer: C Notes: The Union Government has proposed the 145th Constitutional Amendment Bill to establish a robust ‘National Water Resource Tribunal’. This proposed body is envisioned to possess enhanced adjudicatory and enforcement powers, aiming to streamline and expedite the resolution of long-standing inter-state water disputes, which have often been a bottleneck for national development. The amendment seeks to overcome the limitations of existing mechanisms by providing the Tribunal with a broader mandate and clearer authority to implement its decisions. This legislative move is critical for ensuring equitable water distribution, fostering cooperative federalism, and securing India’s water future amidst increasing demand and climate variability.
4. The ‘Arctic Climate Resilience Summit 2025’ concluded recently in Reykjavik. A key declaration from the summit called for a global moratorium on what specific activity in the Arctic region?
A) Indigenous whaling practices
B) Scientific research expeditions
C) Deep-sea mineral extraction and new fossil fuel exploration
D) Tourism-related cruises
Correct answer: C Notes: The ‘Arctic Climate Resilience Summit 2025’ in Reykjavik saw a significant declaration calling for a global moratorium on deep-sea mineral extraction and new fossil fuel exploration in the Arctic. This move underscores the urgent need to protect the rapidly thawing Arctic ecosystem, which is highly vulnerable to climate change and industrial activities. Scientists and environmentalists have long warned about the irreversible damage potential from such extraction, including biodiversity loss and accelerated melting of permafrost. The moratorium aims to safeguard this critical polar region, which plays a vital role in global climate regulation, and emphasizes a shift towards sustainable practices and renewable energy sources for global energy security.
5. India recently successfully tested the next-generation ‘Agni-P’ (Prime) ballistic missile, capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads. What is a key technological advancement introduced in Agni-P?
A) Use of liquid fuel propulsion exclusively
B) Advanced canisterization for launch from various platforms
C) Reduced range compared to previous Agni series missiles
D) Reliance on purely manual guidance systems
Correct answer: B Notes: The successful test of India’s next-generation ‘Agni-P’ (Prime) ballistic missile marks a significant leap in indigenous defence capabilities. A key technological advancement in Agni-P is its advanced canisterization, which allows for easier storage, transportation, and launch from various platforms, including road and rail mobile launchers. This enhancement significantly boosts the missile’s operational flexibility, survivability, and deterrence capabilities. Agni-P is a medium-range ballistic missile, shorter and lighter than its predecessors, yet maintaining high accuracy and capability to carry diverse warheads. Its development reinforces India’s strategic defense posture and self-reliance in advanced missile technology, showcasing a robust deterrent against potential threats in the region.
