1. India recently rolled out the second tranche of its Sovereign Green Bonds in November 2025. Which sector is the primary target for the funds raised through these bonds?
A. Agricultural subsidies
B. Renewable energy projects
C. Defence procurements
D. Social welfare programs
Correct answer: B Notes: Sovereign Green Bonds are financial instruments issued by governments to raise funds specifically for environmentally friendly projects. The second tranche, issued in November 2025, primarily aims to finance eligible green projects across various sectors, with a significant focus on renewable energy. This includes initiatives in solar power, wind energy, sustainable water management, and green transportation. This issuance underscores India’s strong commitment to combating climate change, achieving its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and transitioning towards a low-carbon economy. It also helps in attracting global green finance, aligning India with international sustainability goals and fostering sustainable development.
2. The recent ‘Indo-Japan Strategic Dialogue 2025’ concluded with an agreement to enhance cooperation in critical and emerging technologies. Which specific technology area was highlighted for joint development?
Correct answer: B Notes: The Indo-Japan Strategic Dialogue, a crucial platform for strengthening bilateral ties, saw a renewed focus on collaboration in critical and emerging technologies in November 2025. Specifically, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Semiconductors were identified as key areas for joint research, development, and production. This partnership aims to leverage the technological strengths of both nations, reduce reliance on single-source suppliers, and enhance resilience in global supply chains. The move is vital for both economic growth and national security, fostering innovation and setting new standards in advanced manufacturing, ultimately bolstering the Indo-Pacific region’s technological self-reliance and strategic autonomy.
3. ISRO successfully launched its ‘NISAR’ satellite in collaboration with NASA in early November 2025. What is the primary purpose of this joint mission?
A. Studying exoplanets and distant galaxies
B. Mapping Earth’s surface for environmental changes
C. Developing new communication satellites for rural connectivity
D. Exploring Mars’ atmosphere and geological features
Correct answer: B Notes: The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission, successfully launched in early November 2025, is a groundbreaking collaboration designed to map Earth’s surface with unprecedented detail. Its primary purpose is to observe and measure changes in the planet’s ecosystems, ice masses, vegetation biomass, sea level rise, groundwater, and natural hazards like earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and landslides. Utilizing advanced L-band and S-band radar systems, NISAR will provide crucial data every 12 days, offering insights into climate change impacts and helping to mitigate disaster risks. This mission represents a significant leap in Earth observation and international scientific cooperation.
4. In a significant move to combat plastic pollution, the Indian government announced a nationwide ban on a specific category of single-use plastics effective November 2025. Which category is primarily targeted?
A. Plastic water bottles over 1-litre capacity
B. Multi-layered plastic packaging for food items
C. Lightweight plastic carry bags (below 120 microns)
D. Microbeads in cosmetic products
Correct answer: C Notes: Building on previous regulations, the Indian government has intensified its efforts against plastic pollution by implementing a nationwide ban on lightweight plastic carry bags (specifically those below 120 microns in thickness), effective November 2025. These bags are notoriously difficult to collect and recycle, often ending up in landfills, choking drainage systems, and harming marine life. This measure aims to encourage the adoption of more sustainable alternatives like cloth or jute bags, thereby reducing plastic waste generation. The ban is a crucial step towards achieving a cleaner environment and fostering a circular economy, emphasizing producer responsibility and public awareness for its success.
5. India’s Ministry of Defence recently unveiled ‘AeroIndia 2025,’ a major aerospace and defence exhibition in Bengaluru. What is the main objective behind hosting this biennial event?
A. Promoting international tourism and cultural exchange
B. Showcasing indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities
C. Recruiting personnel for the Indian armed forces
D. Discussing global economic policies and trade agreements
Correct answer: B Notes: AeroIndia 2025, Asia’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition, held in Bengaluru, serves as a premier platform for the Ministry of Defence to achieve multiple strategic objectives. Its primary aim is to showcase India’s burgeoning indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and promote the ‘Make in India’ initiative within the defence sector. The event attracts global defence companies, fostering partnerships, facilitating technology transfers, and boosting defence exports. It provides an excellent opportunity for Indian companies to present their innovations, attract investments, and contribute to the nation’s goal of achieving self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) in defence and aerospace technologies, reinforcing India’s position as a global defence hub.
