1. Which international body recently released its ‘Global Carbon Budget 2025’ report, highlighting an alarming increase in global CO2 emissions despite ongoing mitigation efforts?
A. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
Correct answer: A Notes: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) regularly assesses and synthesizes scientific information related to climate change. Its ‘Global Carbon Budget 2025’ report, released today, indicates that despite global commitments, CO2 emissions have seen a worrying upward trend. This report serves as a critical update following previous assessments, providing policymakers with essential data to strengthen climate action ahead of upcoming global climate summits. It emphasizes the urgent need for accelerated adoption of renewable energy sources, implementation of carbon capture technologies, and a significant shift towards sustainable practices across industries to meet the Paris Agreement targets and mitigate the escalating impacts of climate change globally, posing a direct challenge to India’s climate resilience strategies.
2. India recently announced the successful integration of its UPI payment system with which country’s national digital payment network, marking a significant step in cross-border financial connectivity?
A. Japan
B. South Korea
C. Saudi Arabia
D. Mexico
Correct answer: C Notes: India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) continues its global expansion, with today’s announcement confirming its integration with Saudi Arabia’s national digital payment network. This landmark collaboration, facilitated through the NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), will enable seamless, real-time cross-border transactions for Indian expatriates and tourists in Saudi Arabia, and vice-versa. It signifies a major stride in enhancing economic ties and promoting digital financial inclusion between the two nations. This integration follows similar successful ventures with countries like Singapore, France, and UAE, positioning UPI as a leading global digital payment infrastructure and bolstering India’s position in the international fintech landscape, thereby benefiting bilateral trade and tourism.
3. What is the primary objective of ISRO’s recently launched ‘Bhaskara-III’ satellite, part of India’s indigenous remote sensing program?
A. Advanced weather forecasting
B. Oceanographic research
C. High-resolution land mapping
D. Astronomical observation
Correct answer: C Notes: ISRO’s ‘Bhaskara-III’ satellite, successfully launched from Sriharikota, is designed primarily for high-resolution land mapping and terrestrial resource management. Building on the legacy of its predecessors, this advanced remote sensing satellite will provide invaluable data for urban planning, agricultural monitoring, geological surveys, and disaster management across India. Equipped with state-of-the-art optical and hyperspectral sensors, Bhaskara-III enhances India’s indigenous capabilities in earth observation, providing crucial insights for sustainable development and environmental protection. Its data will assist various government agencies and researchers in making informed decisions, thus strengthening India’s self-reliance in spacetechnology and its application for societal benefits, aligning with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision.
4. India and which regional grouping recently concluded the inaugural ‘Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) – Sagar Kavach’ in the Indian Ocean, focusing on enhancing interoperability and regional security?
A. ASEAN
B. BIMSTEC
C. IORA
D. QUAD
Correct answer: B Notes: The inaugural ‘Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) – Sagar Kavach’ was successfully concluded between India and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) member states in the Indian Ocean. This exercise, focusing on maritime security and interoperability, involved naval assets from all participating nations. Its primary objectives included enhancing coordinated maritime surveillance, improving response mechanisms to regional threats, and fostering greater understanding among the navies. Such collaborative drills are crucial for maintaining peace and stability in the strategically vital Bay of Bengal region, countering illicit activities, and ensuring safety of sea lanes. This reinforces India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and commitment to regional security cooperation.
5. The Union Cabinet approved a major expansion of the ‘PM-POSHAN’ scheme (formerly Mid-Day Meal Scheme), which now includes a provision for providing fortified meals to which additional age group in public schools?
A. Pre-primary children
B. Secondary school students
C. College students
D. Senior citizens
Correct answer: A Notes: The Union Cabinet today announced a significant expansion of the PM-POSHAN scheme, extending its benefits to pre-primary children attending Anganwadi centres and government schools. Previously focused on elementary classes (Grades 1-8), this expansion aims to address malnutrition and improve nutritional outcomes among younger children from an early age. The provision of fortified meals will ensure better health and cognitive development, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020’s emphasis on Early Childhood Care and Education. This move reinforces the government’s commitment to child welfare, reducing dropout rates, and enhancing school enrolment, thereby laying a stronger foundation for India’s future human capital and fostering holistic development.
