1. India recently launched its second-generation reusable launch vehicle (RLV) for orbital missions. What is this new RLV variant officially named?
A) Pushpak-R
B) Vikram-S
C) Agnikul Cosmos
D) Prithvi-II
Correct answer: A) Pushpak-R Notes: India achieved a significant milestone in space technology with the successful launch of its second-generation Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) variant, officially named ‘Pushpak-R’. This advanced RLV is designed for cost-effective access to space, capable of multiple orbital missions after re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. Building upon the legacy of its predecessor, the Pushpak-R features enhanced autonomous navigation, guidance, and control systems, along with improved thermal protection and aerodynamic stability. Its development signifies India’s commitment to sustainable space exploration and positions the nation as a key player in the global commercial space launch market, aiming to drastically reduce launch costs and increase mission flexibility for future deep-space probes and satellite deployments.
2. Which nation recently became the first G20 member to fully implement a comprehensive digital currency framework for cross-border transactions, significantly impacting global financial interoperability?
A) United States
B) China
C) India
D) European Union (as a bloc)
Correct answer: C) India Notes: India has spearheaded a revolutionary shift in global finance by becoming the first G20 member to fully operationalize a robust digital currency framework specifically designed for secure and efficient cross-border transactions. This initiative, built on a distributed ledger technology, aims to streamline international trade, reduce transaction costs, and enhance financial transparency. The framework integrates advanced encryption and smart contract functionalities, ensuring interoperability with various national digital currencies while adhering to stringent regulatory standards. This bold move is expected to set a precedent for other nations, fostering a new era of digital economic cooperation and establishing India as a frontrunner in the evolving landscape of global digital finance and payments systems.
3. The “Global Green Accord 2025” summit, held recently, focused on achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 through a new binding treaty. Which city hosted this pivotal environmental conference?
A) Geneva
B) Cairo
C) Rio de Janeiro
D) Singapore
Correct answer: A) Geneva Notes: The “Global Green Accord 2025” summit, a landmark event for global climate action, was successfully convened in Geneva, Switzerland. This crucial gathering brought together world leaders, environmental experts, and stakeholders to finalize a new, legally binding international treaty aimed at accelerating the transition to a net-zero emission global economy by 2050. Discussions centered on innovative carbon capture technologies, sustainable energy transitions, financing for developing nations, and establishing stricter accountability mechanisms for signatory countries. The Geneva Accord marks a renewed collective commitment to tackling climate change, emphasizing multilateral cooperation and urgent, actionable strategies to mitigate its devastating impacts on ecosystems and human populations worldwide.
4. In a recent legislative development, the Indian Parliament passed the “Universal Healthcare Access Bill 2025”. What is its primary objective?
A) To establish a single-payer healthcare system across India.
B) To mandate private health insurance for all citizens.
C) To ensure comprehensive healthcare services for every citizen, free at the point of access for essential services.
D) To privatize all government-run healthcare facilities.
Correct answer: C) To ensure comprehensive healthcare services for every citizen, free at the point of access for essential services. Notes: The Indian Parliament’s passage of the “Universal Healthcare Access Bill 2025” marks a monumental step towards equitable healthcare delivery. The primary objective of this transformative legislation is to guarantee comprehensive healthcare services for every citizen, with essential primary and secondary care available free at the point of access. The bill aims to standardize healthcare quality, expand public health infrastructure, and significantly increase government investment in medical facilities, personnel, and preventative care programs. It seeks to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for medical treatments, thereby alleviating financial burdens on millions of households and striving towards a healthier, more productive Indian population through an inclusive and robust healthcare ecosystem.
5. India successfully tested the “Project Astraea” directed energy weapon system, enhancing its anti-drone capabilities. What is the operational range of this indigenous system?
A) Up to 5 km
B) Up to 15 km
C) Up to 25 km
D) Up to 50 km
Correct answer: B) Up to 15 km Notes: India’s defence capabilities received a significant boost with the successful field testing of “Project Astraea,” an indigenously developed directed energy weapon (DEW) system primarily designed for anti-drone and airborne threat neutralization. This advanced system boasts an operational range of up to 15 kilometers, making it highly effective against a variety of aerial targets. Project Astraea utilizes high-energy lasers to intercept and disable drones, missiles, and other aerial threats with precision and speed, offering a cost-effective and immediate response alternative to conventional missile defence systems. Its development underscores India’s growing self-reliance in cutting-edge defence technologies and strengthens its strategic autonomy in safeguarding national airspace against evolving threats.
