1. India recently launched an advanced Earth observation satellite aimed at enhancing climate monitoring and agricultural forecasting capabilities. What is the name of this satellite?
A) Prithvi-X
B) Drishti-2025
C) Samudra-VI
D) Agni-IX
Correct answer: B) Drishti-2025 Notes:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched “Drishti-2025,” an advanced Earth observation satellite, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This state-of-the-art satellite is equipped with high-resolution imaging sensors and advanced atmospheric sounders designed to provide crucial data for real-time climate change analysis and precision agriculture. Its capabilities include monitoring atmospheric aerosols, predicting monsoons more accurately, and assessing crop health, which will significantly benefit India’s agricultural sector and disaster management efforts. The mission underscores India’s commitment to leveraging space technology for sustainable development and global environmental monitoring, further solidifying its position in the global space community.
2. Which international organization recently adopted a landmark resolution outlining global guidelines for ethical AI governance, emphasizing human-centric development and deployment of artificial intelligence?
Correct answer: B) United Nations General Assembly Notes:
The United Nations General Assembly recently adopted a pioneering resolution titled “Global Framework for Ethical AI Governance,” setting forth comprehensive international guidelines for the responsible development and deployment of Artificial Intelligence. This resolution, largely spearheaded by a coalition of member states, seeks to address the profound ethical, social, and economic implications of AI technologies. It emphasizes principles such as transparency, accountability, fairness, data privacy, and the prevention of AI misuse, aiming to ensure that AI serves humanity’s best interests while mitigating potential risks. This landmark move marks a significant step towards fostering international cooperation in navigating the complex landscape of AI innovation.
3. India recently inaugurated Asia’s largest single-location ‘Green Hydrogen Production Facility’ as part of its ambitious clean energy transition goals. In which state was this facility established?
A) Rajasthan
B) Karnataka
C) Gujarat
D) Andhra Pradesh
Correct answer: C) Gujarat Notes:
India achieved a significant milestone in its clean energy roadmap with the inauguration of Asia’s largest single-location Green Hydrogen Production Facility in Gujarat. This massive plant, utilizing renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, aims to produce green hydrogen through electrolysis, drastically reducing carbon emissions associated with industrial processes. The facility is expected to play a crucial role in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors such as refining, fertilizer production, and steelmaking, aligning with India’s target of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070 and positioning the nation as a global leader in the emerging green hydrogen economy.
4. The Indian Air Force recently inducted an indigenously developed advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) reconnaissance and surveillance missions. What is the name of this UAV?
A) Prahar-II
B) Trishul-XL
C) Varun-HALE
D) Astra-V
Correct answer: C) Varun-HALE Notes:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has significantly bolstered its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities with the induction of the “Varun-HALE” unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Developed entirely indigenously by DRDO, this High-Altitude Long-Endurance drone is capable of operating for extended durations at altitudes exceeding 50,000 feet, providing critical real-time information and battlefield awareness. Equipped with advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) sensors, and communication relays, Varun-HALE is a testament to India’s growing self-reliance in cutting-edge defense technologies and enhances its strategic surveillance prowess over vast geographical areas.
5. The Central Government recently launched the ‘Digital Bharat Grameen Seva’ initiative. What is its primary objective?
A) To provide free smartphones to rural households
B) To establish high-speed internet connectivity in every village
C) To promote digital literacy in urban slums
D) To digitize agricultural land records nationwide
Correct answer: B) To establish high-speed internet connectivity in every village Notes:
The ‘Digital Bharat Grameen Seva’ initiative, recently rolled out by the Central Government, aims to bridge the digital divide by ensuring robust high-speed internet connectivity across all villages in India. This ambitious scheme leverages fiber optic networks and satellite broadband technologies to provide reliable internet access, thereby empowering rural communities with digital services, e-governance, online education, telemedicine, and digital financial inclusion. The initiative is a critical component of the broader ‘Digital India’ vision, designed to transform rural India into digitally empowered knowledge economies, fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for millions of citizens.