Daily Current Affairs 23-August-2026 – Latest MCQs, News Analysis for UPSC, SSC & Banking Exams
1. Consider the following regarding the newly launched Quantum Computing Mission policy framework approved by the Union Cabinet. Which ministry holds the nodal responsibility for this mission?
A) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
B) Ministry of Science and Technology
C) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
D) Ministry of Finance
Correct answer: B) Ministry of Science and Technology
Notes: The Union Cabinet approved key guidelines for the National Quantum Mission, with the Ministry of Science and Technology acting as the primary nodal agency, as per a PIB release. This framework aims to scale domestic research in qubit scaling, secure communications, and advanced cryptographic systems. Strategically, this positions India among the top global tier of technology developers capable of indigenous quantum supremacy. For competitive exams, civil services aspirants must focus on the technological pillars, financial allocations, and practical industrial applications of quantum mechanics in national infrastructure security.
2. The bilateral naval exercise ‘Samudra Shakti’ recently entered its operational phase. Which two nations participate in this strategic maritime exercise?
A) India and France
B) India and Indonesia
C) India and Japan
D) India and Australia
Correct answer: B) India and Indonesia
Notes: The bilateral naval engagement between India and Indonesia commenced its latest edition in the Indo-Pacific region, according to an official Ministry of Defence statement. The exercise focuses on anti-submarine warfare drills, complex tactical maneuvers, and helicopter operations to strengthen interoperability between both maritime forces. This collaboration supports India’s broader Indo-Pacific vision and Act East policy by fostering regional stability. UPSC aspirants should note the strategic significance of maritime choke points and bilateral security architectures in Southeast Asian waters.
3. Under the recently revised framework announced by the Reserve Bank of India, what is the primary objective of the newly introduced Prompt Corrective Action parameters for Non-Banking Financial Companies?
A) Mandating complete digital transformation
B) Enhancing monitoring of capital and leverage ratios
C) Setting upper limits on lending interest rates
D) Restricting foreign direct investment inflows
4. The Ramsar Convention Secretariat recently designated a new wetland site located in Rajasthan. Which of the following defines the ecological significance of Ramsar sites?
A) Protection of international shipping corridors
B) Conservation of internationally important wetland ecosystems
C) Regulation of transboundary river water allocation
D) Mitigation of urban air pollution levels
Correct answer: B) Conservation of internationally important wetland ecosystems
Notes: Rajasthan secured a new inclusion on the global Ramsar list, as highlighted in a recent environmental notification covered by The Hindu. These designated zones represent critical habitats for migratory avifauna, biodiversity preservation, and natural flood mitigation. Globally, the convention binds member nations to formulate policies promoting the wise use of all wetlands within their sovereign territories. Aspirants preparing for ecological modules in civil services tests must track India’s total Ramsar count and regional distribution patterns.
5. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research recently unveiled a climate-resilient crop variety designed to withstand prolonged dry spells. Which scientific institution partnered in this development?
A) National Institute of Immunology
B) Indian Agricultural Research Institute
C) Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
D) Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
Correct answer: B) Indian Agricultural Research Institute
Notes: Researchers at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute successfully bred a drought-tolerant crop strain to combat erratic monsoon patterns, according to a recent government update. This initiative utilizes advanced genomic selection to shorten crop duration without compromising nutritional yields. Economically, such interventions protect agrarian livelihoods against climate shocks and secure national food reserves. This topic holds high relevance for mains answers dealing with agricultural adaptation strategies and sustainable rural development.
Frequently Asked Questions – Daily Current Affairs
Q1. What is the primary administrative mandate of the National Quantum Mission approved by the Union Cabinet?
The mission aims to scale domestic research in quantum technologies, secure communications, and cryptographic systems under the nodal supervision of the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Q2. Which two maritime forces participate in the bilateral exercise Samudra Shakti?
The navies of India and Indonesia engage in this exercise to enhance interoperability, conduct anti-submarine warfare drills, and promote security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Q3. What is the ecological objective behind designating new Ramsar sites in India?
Ramsar designations aim to protect critical wetland habitats that support migratory birds, preserve local biodiversity, and maintain hydrological balances in environmentally sensitive areas.
