1. India’s ‘Green Hydrogen Mission’ recently announced a breakthrough in developing high-efficiency catalysts for large-scale production. Which central ministry primarily oversees this mission?
A) Ministry of Power
B) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
C) Ministry of Science and Technology
D) Ministry of Heavy Industries
Correct answer: B) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Notes: The Green Hydrogen Mission, launched by the Indian government, aims to establish India as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export. The recent development of high-efficiency catalysts is crucial as it significantly reduces production costs and enhances scalability, making green hydrogen more commercially viable. This initiative is pivotal for India’s energy transition, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, achieving net-zero emission targets by 2070, and fostering a sustainable energy economy. It also promotes research and development in indigenous technologies, creating new job opportunities and strengthening India’s position in the global clean energy market.
2. The ‘Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Dialogue (IPMSD)’ concluded in New Delhi, emphasizing enhanced cooperation against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Which of the following is NOT typically considered a member country of the Quad grouping, which often plays a key role in such regional security discussions?
A) Japan
B) Australia
C) India
D) South Korea
Correct answer: D) South Korea Notes: The Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Dialogue serves as a vital platform for nations to discuss collaborative strategies on maritime challenges, including IUU fishing, which poses severe threats to marine ecosystems and economic stability. While the Quad (comprising India, Japan, Australia, and the United States) often spearheads such discussions, the IPMSD typically involves a broader array of regional partners. South Korea, although an important regional player, is not a formal member of the Quad. These dialogues are crucial for maintaining a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, promoting rules-based order, and ensuring regional stability and prosperity through multilateral engagement.
3. A new indigenous biopesticide, ‘BioPest-2026’, has been approved by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for commercial use. What is the primary benefit of using biopesticides over synthetic chemical pesticides?
A) Higher yield increase in all crops
B) Reduced environmental pollution and human health risks
C) Lower application cost for farmers
D) Faster pest eradication in severe infestations
Correct answer: B) Reduced environmental pollution and human health risks Notes: The approval of ‘BioPest-2026’ by ICAR marks a significant step towards sustainable agriculture in India. Biopesticides, derived from natural materials like animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals, offer a safer alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides. Their primary benefit lies in significantly reducing environmental pollution, minimizing residue in food products, and lowering health risks for both agricultural workers and consumers. Unlike synthetic chemicals, biopesticides are generally more target-specific, degrade quickly, and have a minimal impact on non-target organisms and the overall ecosystem. This aligns with India’s push for organic farming and eco-friendly agricultural practices, contributing to healthier food systems and environmental conservation.
4. The Union Cabinet recently launched the ‘Startup India Seed Fund Scheme 2.0’ with an enhanced corpus. What is the primary objective of this revised scheme?
A) To provide direct financial aid to established large corporations
B) To offer capital for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, and market-entry for eligible startups
C) To fund international market expansion for mature Indian businesses
D) To establish government-owned incubators in every district
Correct answer: B) To offer capital for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, and market-entry for eligible startups Notes: The ‘Startup India Seed Fund Scheme 2.0’ represents the government’s continued commitment to fostering a robust startup ecosystem. Its primary objective is to address the critical challenge of capital availability for early-stage startups, especially those without significant collateral. By providing financial assistance for crucial initial stages like proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, and market entry, the scheme empowers promising innovations to move from ideation to commercialization. This initiative is vital for nurturing entrepreneurship, creating jobs, driving economic growth, and positioning India as a global innovation hub, supporting founders in developing scalable and impactful solutions.
5. India has been selected to host the ‘Global AI Ethics Summit 2026’, signifying its growing influence in responsible technology governance. Which city has been chosen as the venue for this prestigious international event?
A) Bengaluru
B) Hyderabad
C) New Delhi
D) Mumbai
Correct answer: C) New Delhi Notes: Hosting the ‘Global AI Ethics Summit 2026’ in New Delhi underscores India’s rising prominence in the global dialogue surrounding artificial intelligence and its ethical implications. This summit will bring together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and civil society representatives from around the world to discuss frameworks, best practices, and challenges in ensuring AI development and deployment remain human-centric, fair, transparent, and accountable. India, with its vast talent pool and rapidly expanding digital economy, is strategically positioned to contribute significantly to shaping global norms for responsible AI, balancing innovation with societal well-being and mitigating potential risks associated with advanced AI systems.
