1. Which international organization, known for its extensive work on digital policy, recently published a comprehensive set of revised guidelines for the responsible development and deployment of generative AI technologies, emphasizing data governance and bias mitigation?
A) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
B) Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
C) International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
D) Group of Seven (G7)
Show AnswerCorrect answer: B) Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Notes: The OECD has consistently been at the forefront of establishing international norms for emerging technologies. Building upon its earlier AI Principles from 2019, the organization recently updated its framework to specifically address the rapid advancements and unique challenges posed by generative AI. These revised guidelines focus on key areas such as ensuring human oversight, managing data quality and provenance, mitigating algorithmic bias, and promoting transparency and explainability. The goal is to foster innovation while safeguarding societal values and preventing misuse, setting a benchmark for national AI policies worldwide as governments grapple with regulating this transformative technology.
2. In a significant step towards global climate action, the “Dhaka Declaration for Climate Resilience” was formally adopted at a recent international summit, primarily focusing on accelerating nature-based solutions and climate finance for vulnerable nations. This declaration was a key outcome of which major conference?
A) United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30)
B) G20 Leaders’ Summit
C) World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting
D) Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit
Show AnswerCorrect answer: A) United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30)
Notes: The “Dhaka Declaration for Climate Resilience” emerged as a crucial agreement from the 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) to the UNFCCC. Hosted in a nation highly susceptible to climate impacts, the declaration underscored the urgent need for enhanced global cooperation. It specifically championed the integration of nature-based solutions, such as restoring mangroves and protecting wetlands, into national adaptation plans. Furthermore, it outlined renewed commitments from developed nations to significantly increase and streamline climate finance mechanisms, ensuring more accessible and predictable funding for developing countries to build resilience against escalating climate change effects. This marks a pivotal moment for global climate justice.
3. The Indian government recently launched a new phase of its flagship “PM-KISAN” scheme, specifically introducing a ‘Climate-Resilient Agriculture Fund’ to assist farmers in adopting sustainable practices and mitigating crop loss due to extreme weather events. What is the primary focus of this new fund?
A) Providing direct income support to landless agricultural laborers
B) Subsidizing the adoption of genetically modified crops
C) Funding research into new drought-resistant seed varieties and micro-irrigation systems
D) Supporting crop insurance premiums for all farmers, irrespective of landholding
Show AnswerCorrect answer: C) Funding research into new drought-resistant seed varieties and micro-irrigation systems
Notes: The ‘Climate-Resilient Agriculture Fund’ under the new phase of PM-KISAN marks a strategic shift towards proactive climate adaptation in Indian agriculture. While PM-KISAN traditionally provides direct income support, this new fund is dedicated to bolstering farmers’ capacity to withstand climate shocks. Its primary focus is on investing in cutting-edge agricultural research and promoting the widespread adoption of technologies such as drought and flood-resistant seed varieties, precision irrigation techniques (like drip and sprinkler systems), and sustainable farming practices. This initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity and farmer resilience in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, crucial for India’s food security.
4. India and which other nation recently conducted a successful joint exercise, “Cyber Shakti 2025,” focusing on enhancing mutual capabilities in critical infrastructure protection, digital forensics, and combating state-sponsored cyber threats?
A) United States of America
B) Japan
C) Israel
D) United Kingdom
Show AnswerCorrect answer: B) Japan
Notes: India and Japan have been steadily deepening their strategic partnership, especially in emerging domains like cybersecurity. The “Cyber Shakti 2025” joint exercise represents a significant milestone in this collaboration. The exercise brought together cyber security experts, defense personnel, and critical infrastructure operators from both nations to simulate responses to complex cyberattack scenarios. Key areas of focus included developing integrated defense strategies for critical national infrastructure, sharing best practices in digital forensics for attribution, and coordinating efforts to counter sophisticated state-sponsored cyber espionage and sabotage. This exercise underscores their shared commitment to maintaining a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific digital space.
5. Which Indian state recently launched the “Tech-Sampark” initiative, a comprehensive program aimed at bridging the digital divide in rural education by providing subsidized internet access and digital literacy training to students and educators in remote areas?
A) Rajasthan
B) Kerala
C) Uttar Pradesh
D) Arunachal Pradesh
Show AnswerCorrect answer: D) Arunachal Pradesh
Notes: Arunachal Pradesh, recognizing the unique challenges of connectivity in its geographically diverse and often remote regions, has spearheaded the “Tech-Sampark” initiative. This ambitious program is designed to significantly enhance digital inclusion and educational equity across the state. It focuses on providing subsidized, high-speed internet connectivity to schools and homes in underserved rural and tribal areas. Beyond infrastructure, Tech-Sampark also includes robust digital literacy training modules for both students and teachers, ensuring they can effectively utilize online learning resources and digital tools. The initiative aims to empower the next generation with essential digital skills, opening up new avenues for learning and development.
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