1. Which international forum, held recently in Brazil, finalized the initial operational guidelines for the Global Climate Adaptation Fund, aiming to bolster resilience in vulnerable nations against climate change impacts?
Correct answer: B) COP30 Summit Notes: The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the UNFCCC, convened in Belém, Brazil, was a landmark event for climate finance. A key outcome was the successful establishment of operational guidelines for the Global Climate Adaptation Fund. This fund, designed to support developing countries, particularly small island developing states and least developed countries, in their efforts to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change, saw significant initial pledges from various developed nations. The framework agreed upon focuses on direct access for recipient countries, streamlined application processes, and measurable impact assessment, marking a crucial step towards equitable climate action and international solidarity.
2. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its next-generation meteorological satellite, INSAT-4DR, equipped with advanced atmospheric sounding capabilities. What is its primary objective?
A) Deep-space exploration and exoplanet detection
B) Enhanced weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and disaster warning
C) High-resolution Earth imaging for geological studies
D) Satellite internet constellation for remote areas
Correct answer: B) Enhanced weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and disaster warning Notes: ISRO’s INSAT-4DR represents a significant leap in India’s meteorological capabilities. Launched into a geostationary orbit, its primary objective is to provide enhanced weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and disaster warning services. It carries advanced instruments, including hyperspectral imagers and atmospheric sounders, which offer precise data on atmospheric temperature and humidity profiles, cloud characteristics, and severe weather phenomena. This improved data resolution and frequency are crucial for more accurate cyclone predictions, monsoon monitoring, and real-time warnings for extreme weather events, thereby contributing immensely to agricultural planning and disaster management efforts across the Indian subcontinent.
3. The Indian government recently introduced the “Atmanirbhar Krishi Kalyan Yojana,” a new scheme aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and farmer income. Which of the following is NOT a core component of this scheme?
A) Subsidies for advanced farm machinery and precision irrigation
B) Establishment of a national digital agriculture platform for market access
C) Universal basic income for all landless agricultural laborers
D) Promotion of climate-resilient crop varieties and organic farming practices
Correct answer: C) Universal basic income for all landless agricultural laborers Notes: The “Atmanirbhar Krishi Kalyan Yojana” is a comprehensive initiative designed to modernize Indian agriculture and enhance farmer prosperity. Its core components include providing subsidies for cutting-edge farm machinery and efficient irrigation systems to improve yield, creating a national digital agriculture platform that connects farmers directly to markets, and actively promoting the adoption of climate-resilient crop varieties and sustainable organic farming methods. While the scheme addresses various aspects of farmer welfare, a universal basic income for all landless agricultural laborers is generally outside the scope of its current primary objectives, which focus more on productivity, market linkages, and sustainability.
4. India recently concluded the “Exercise Jal Prahar 2025” with a key Quad nation, focusing on enhancing maritime domain awareness and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Which country was India’s partner in this exercise?
A) Japan
B) Australia
C) United States
D) France
Correct answer: C) United States Notes: “Exercise Jal Prahar 2025” was a significant bilateral naval exercise between India and the United States, two prominent members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). The exercise aimed at deepening interoperability and strengthening strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Key focus areas included advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) tactics, information sharing for enhanced maritime domain awareness (MDA), and coordinated operations involving surface combatants, submarines, and maritime patrol aircraft. Such exercises are crucial for maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, demonstrating the commitment of both nations to regional stability and collective security against emerging challenges.
5. The 2025 Global Happiness Report, released by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, highlighted a significant shift in factors contributing to well-being. Which factor saw the most prominent increase in its correlation with national happiness scores?
A) GDP per capita growth
B) Social support networks and community engagement
Correct answer: B) Social support networks and community engagement Notes: The 2025 Global Happiness Report, a widely anticipated annual publication, revealed a compelling trend: the correlation between strong social support networks and high levels of community engagement with national happiness scores increased significantly. While traditional factors like GDP per capita, life expectancy, and freedom to make life choices remain important, the report emphasized a growing recognition of the crucial role of social connections, trust in institutions, and active civic participation in fostering overall well-being. This shift underscores a global move towards valuing collective social capital and psychological resilience as paramount for societal happiness, especially in an increasingly interconnected and complex world.
