Daily Current Affairs: 19-03-2026 | Prelims Focus

Correct answer: A) Developing next-generation reusable launch vehicles for commercial satellites.

Notes: ISRO’s ‘Project Orion’, a significant leap in India’s space capabilities, officially commenced this month with its first successful sub-orbital test flight. The project’s core objective is to indigenously develop and refine a new class of reusable launch vehicles (RLVs) specifically designed for cost-effective and frequent deployment of commercial satellites into various orbits. This initiative aims to drastically reduce launch costs and increase India’s competitiveness in the global space market. It focuses on modular designs and advanced propulsion systems to ensure rapid turnaround times and enhanced payload capacities, paving the way for a more sustainable and accessible space economy for India. This strategic move aligns with India’s long-term vision to become a major player in commercial space launches.

Correct answer: C) Enhancing global cooperation for cross-border carbon credit trading platforms.

Notes: The ‘Global Carbon Pricing Summit 2026’, held in Geneva, wrapped up with a strong consensus on the need to enhance global cooperation in establishing robust cross-border carbon credit trading platforms. While carbon taxes and tariffs were discussed, the primary focus remained on facilitating a more integrated and transparent global market for carbon credits. This approach aims to incentivize emission reductions across various sectors and nations by allowing companies and countries to trade emission allowances. Delegates emphasized the importance of standardized verification processes and equitable distribution of benefits, particularly for developing nations, to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of such trading systems. The summit laid the groundwork for future agreements on a more harmonized global carbon market.

Correct answer: B) Madhya Pradesh

Notes: The state government of Madhya Pradesh recently rolled out the ‘Mukhya Mantri Krishi Utpadan Samriddhi Yojana’ with the ambitious goal of significantly enhancing agricultural productivity and consequently boosting farmer incomes across the state. This comprehensive scheme integrates several key initiatives, including providing advanced agricultural machinery at subsidized rates, promoting organic farming practices through financial incentives, and establishing more efficient market linkages for farmers’ produce. It also focuses on improving irrigation infrastructure and offering tailored advisory services based on local soil and climate conditions. The Yojana reflects the state’s commitment to modernizing its agricultural sector and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for its farming community, addressing long-standing challenges in the region.

Correct answer: B) Collaborative efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Notes: The ‘Blue Horizon Accord 2026’, signed by key Indo-Pacific nations, marks a significant step towards preserving marine ecosystems and ensuring sustainable fishing practices in the region. The accord’s central tenet is to forge collaborative efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which poses a severe threat to fish stocks, marine biodiversity, and the livelihoods of legitimate fishers. Signatory nations have pledged to enhance information sharing, coordinate enforcement activities, and strengthen surveillance capabilities. The agreement also includes provisions for capacity building in developing nations to better monitor their Exclusive Economic Zones and implement stricter penalties for offenders, underscoring a unified approach to maritime resource management and ecological conservation.

Correct answer: A) Advanced Satellite-based Internet (ASBI) via low-earth orbit constellations.

Notes: The Indian government recently gave its green light for the widespread adoption of Advanced Satellite-based Internet (ASBI) services, leveraging the growing network of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations. This strategic decision is poised to revolutionize rural last-mile connectivity and significantly boost digital inclusion across the country. Traditional terrestrial infrastructure often faces challenges in remote and difficult terrains, making satellite internet a viable and robust alternative. ASBI promises high-speed, low-latency internet access even in the most isolated regions, facilitating access to education, healthcare, and digital government services. This move is expected to bridge the digital divide and accelerate economic development in underserved areas, aligning with the nation’s vision for a fully connected India.