Notes: As per a PIB release, the Defence Research and Development Organisation has successfully conducted flight trials of the Abhyas high-speed expendable aerial target. Developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment, the system provides a realistic threat scenario for weapon practice. This milestone strengthens national security by evaluating radar systems and surface-to-air missiles. For UPSC aspirants tracking Defence and Security developments, understanding indigenous technological milestones is vital for analyzing India’s strategic self-reliance and modernization of armed forces.
2. What is the primary objective of the PM-KISAN scheme, which recently witnessed a major administrative update regarding beneficiary verification?
A) Providing free electricity to rural households
B) Direct income support to landholding farmer families
C) Subsidizing chemical fertilizers for Rabi crops
D) Providing crop insurance against drought
Correct answer: B) Direct income support to landholding farmer families
Notes: According to an official Ministry of Agriculture statement, the government has streamlined the Aadhaar-seeded database for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. Launched to supplement financial needs, the initiative transfers financial assistance directly into bank accounts. This policy update emphasizes transparency in rural welfare administration. Aspirants preparing for Civil Services exams must evaluate how targeted benefit transfers impact agrarian distress, rural poverty alleviation, and the broader macroeconomic framework.
3. Which organization recently released the Global Quantum Technology Outlook report highlighting emerging trends in computing?
Notes: Based on a World Economic Forum publication, the new report details policy frameworks required to govern quantum computing developments globally. It stresses international cooperation to mitigate cybersecurity risks posed by advanced processors. The analysis is crucial for understanding technological geopolitics and regulatory challenges in emerging economies. For UPSC and state civil service exams, questions frequently test global governance reports concerning advanced technologies and digital sovereignty.
4. Which ministry launched the National Action Plan for Climate Change and Human Health as noted in recent policy updates?
A) Ministry of Earth Sciences
B) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
C) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Notes: According to the Reserve Bank of India monetary policy statement, consumer price index trajectories have prompted a recalibration of interest rate stances. The central bank monitors food price volatility and global supply chain shocks to maintain domestic price stability. This adjustment directly affects retail lending rates and borrowing costs across commercial banks. Banking and UPSC aspirants must analyze how central bank monetary instruments manage inflation while supporting sustained economic growth.
Frequently Asked Questions – Daily Current Affairs
Q1. What is the main utility of the Abhyas high-speed aerial target tested by DRDO?
Abhyas functions as an aerial target system designed to evaluate the operational readiness of surface-to-air weapon systems and radar tracking networks during military training exercises.
Q2. Who is eligible to receive financial assistance under the PM-KISAN scheme?
All landholding farmer families across the country possessing cultivable land are eligible to receive direct income support transferred electronically into their verified bank accounts.
Q3. Why does the Reserve Bank of India revise retail inflation projections periodically?
The central bank updates inflation forecasts based on fluctuating food commodity prices, crude oil import costs, and macroeconomic indicators to guide its monetary policy decisions.