1. India’s National Quantum Mission recently announced a major milestone, successfully achieving stable entanglement of multiple qubits with significantly reduced error rates, a crucial step towards building fault-tolerant quantum computers. This breakthrough primarily relates to advancements in which area?
A) Quantum Cryptography Protocols
B) Error-Corrected Qubits
C) Quantum Sensing and Metrology
D) Quantum Internet Infrastructure
Correct answer: B Notes: The recent announcement by India’s National Quantum Mission signifies a critical advancement in the field of quantum computing, specifically in the development of error-corrected qubits. Traditional qubits are highly susceptible to environmental noise, leading to errors in computations. Achieving stable entanglement with reduced error rates is a fundamental challenge. This breakthrough moves India closer to realizing practical, fault-tolerant quantum computers that can perform complex calculations currently impossible, with implications across cryptography, material science, and drug discovery. The mission’s focus on error correction is paramount for transforming theoretical quantum concepts into tangible technological solutions, bolstering India’s position in global quantum research.
2. The recently concluded COP30 summit, held in Manaus, Brazil, witnessed the adoption of a landmark agreement aimed at protecting the world’s largest rainforest. What is the name of this significant new accord?
A) Global Biodiversity Conservation Charter
B) Amazon Forest Preservation Protocol
C) International Carbon Sink Management Treaty
D) Indigenous Rights and Forest Stewardship Pact
Correct answer: B Notes: The COP30 summit, hosted in Manaus, Brazil, concluded with the historic adoption of the “Amazon Forest Preservation Protocol.” This agreement marks a crucial global effort to combat deforestation and biodiversity loss in the Amazon, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth.” The protocol includes commitments from signatory nations and international bodies to provide financial aid, implement sustainable land-use policies, and enhance enforcement against illegal logging and mining. It emphasizes collaborative approaches with indigenous communities, recognizing their vital role in forest conservation. This landmark accord aims to set a new global standard for protecting critical ecosystems against climate change and environmental degradation.
3. India recently inaugurated its ambitious “National Green Hydrogen Corridor” project, a significant initiative under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. What is the primary objective of this corridor?
A) To connect major ports for green hydrogen export to Europe
B) To establish a nationwide network for efficient production, storage, and distribution of green hydrogen from production hubs to industrial consumption centers
C) To create a dedicated supply chain for green hydrogen in defense applications
D) To develop green hydrogen-powered public transportation networks in metropolitan cities
Correct answer: B Notes: The “National Green Hydrogen Corridor” project is a pivotal component of India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, aiming to position India as a global leader in green hydrogen production and utilization. Its primary objective is to create an integrated ecosystem for green hydrogen by efficiently connecting production hubs, often located near renewable energy sources, with major industrial consumption centers across the country. This involves developing infrastructure for transport, storage, and dispensing green hydrogen, thereby facilitating its adoption in hard-to-abate sectors like steel, refining, and fertilizers. The corridor is designed to reduce logistical costs and accelerate the transition towards a sustainable, decarbonized energy future for India.
4. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently conducted the maiden flight test of ‘Project Varunastra’, India’s next-generation indigenous platform. This project focuses on developing:
A) Supersonic Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
B) Advanced Stealth Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs)
C) Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missiles
D) Main Battle Tanks with AI-integrated targeting systems
Correct answer: B Notes: ‘Project Varunastra’ represents a significant leap in India’s indigenous defense capabilities, focusing on the development of advanced Stealth Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs). These drones are designed to operate undetected in hostile environments, capable of carrying out surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike missions. The successful maiden flight test underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in cutting-edge defense technologies, reducing dependence on foreign imports. UCAVs offer a strategic advantage in modern warfare by minimizing human risk while extending operational reach and persistence. This project aligns with India’s broader efforts to modernize its armed forces through domestic innovation and advanced technological integration.
5. The Union Health Ministry recently unveiled ‘Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Stack 2.0’, an advanced iteration of its flagship digital health mission. This updated version places a significant emphasis on integrating AI for which specific purpose?
A) Streamlining medical insurance claims processing
B) Enhancing predictive diagnostics and personalized preventive care
C) Automating hospital administrative management systems
D) Facilitating faster approval for new medical device manufacturing
Correct answer: B Notes: ‘Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Stack 2.0’ marks a crucial evolution in India’s digital health landscape, with a primary focus on leveraging Artificial Intelligence to transform healthcare delivery. The integration of AI aims to enhance predictive diagnostics, allowing for early identification of potential health risks based on anonymized patient data and health records. Furthermore, it emphasizes personalized preventive care, where AI algorithms can analyze individual health profiles to suggest tailored lifestyle interventions and health management strategies. This move seeks to shift the healthcare paradigm from reactive treatment to proactive prevention, improving public health outcomes across the nation by making healthcare more efficient, accessible, and individualized.