1. India’s Chandrayaan-4 mission, recently making headlines for its advanced lunar exploration capabilities, is primarily designed to achieve which of the following objectives?
A) Establish a permanent human habitat on the lunar south pole.
B) Conduct in-situ analysis of lunar ice and regolith samples from the far side.
C) Deploy a network of seismic sensors across the entire lunar surface.
D) Demonstrate a reusable lunar lander technology for future missions.
Correct answer: B) Notes: The Chandrayaan-4 mission, building upon the successes of its predecessors, is primarily focused on pioneering in-situ analysis of the lunar far side, a region largely unexplored and holding significant scientific promise. Its advanced rover and sophisticated instruments are specifically engineered to drill into the lunar surface and collect samples of regolith and potential water ice, providing invaluable data on the Moon’s geological history and resource potential. This mission is crucial for understanding the Moon’s formation, evolution, and paving the way for future long-duration human outposts by identifying viable resource sites, distinguishing it from simply deploying sensors or demonstrating reusable technology, which are separate objectives for future phases of lunar exploration.
2. Recently, during the global climate finance summit in Geneva, a landmark agreement was reached among major economies to establish the “Global Adaptation and Resilience Fund (GARF).” What is the primary focus of this newly formed fund?
A) Exclusively funding research into geoengineering solutions for climate change.
B) Providing financial aid for fossil fuel phase-out in developing nations.
C) Supporting vulnerable nations in implementing climate change adaptation and resilience projects.
D) Investing solely in large-scale carbon capture and storage technologies.
Correct answer: C) Notes: The Global Adaptation and Resilience Fund (GARF) was established with the explicit aim of addressing the escalating impacts of climate change on the world’s most vulnerable nations. Unlike funds focused purely on mitigation or specific technological solutions, GARF is designed to provide critical financial resources for adaptation projects. These projects include developing climate-resilient infrastructure, establishing early warning systems for extreme weather events, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and protecting ecosystems crucial for community resilience. This initiative underscores a growing global consensus on the urgent need to support countries in coping with unavoidable climate impacts, ensuring a more equitable and prepared future.
3. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently announced a significant expansion of the pilot program for the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), known as the ‘e-Rupee’. This expansion aims to integrate which key sector more deeply into the digital currency ecosystem?
A) Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for cross-border transactions.
B) Agricultural sector for direct benefit transfers and supply chain finance.
C) Urban public transport systems for seamless fare payments.
D) Capital markets for real-time settlement of securities.
Correct answer: B) Notes: The RBI’s recent expansion of the e-Rupee pilot program into the agricultural sector marks a strategic move to enhance financial inclusion and efficiency in a vital part of the Indian economy. This initiative aims to leverage the CBDC for direct benefit transfers (DBT) to farmers, ensuring subsidies and financial aid reach beneficiaries swiftly and transparently, minimizing leakages. Furthermore, the e-Rupee facilitates more efficient supply chain finance, enabling faster payments to farmers for their produce and streamlining transactions between various stakeholders. This integration is expected to reduce reliance on cash, improve traceability, and empower rural communities by providing access to a secure and efficient digital payment mechanism.
4. India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently conducted a successful test of the “Kavach” missile defence system. What is the primary capability demonstrated by this cutting-edge system?
A) Intercepting long-range ballistic missiles at extremely high altitudes.
B) Neutralizing stealth fighter jets using advanced laser technology.
C) Countering incoming hypersonic glide vehicles with precision.
D) Detecting and tracking submerged enemy submarines in real-time.
Correct answer: C) Notes: The successful test of the “Kavach” missile defence system by DRDO marks a significant leap in India’s strategic defence capabilities. Its primary capability demonstrated was the precision interception of incoming hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs). Hypersonic threats are particularly challenging due to their extreme speed, low atmospheric flight trajectory, and high maneuverability, making traditional missile defence systems less effective. Kavach employs a sophisticated network of sensors, advanced radar systems, and high-velocity interceptor missiles, combined with artificial intelligence and machine learning, to detect, track, and neutralize these advanced threats, thereby bolstering India’s multi-layered air defence shield against next-generation weaponry.
5. The ‘Global Council for AI Ethics and Governance’ (GCAIEG), a newly formed international body, recently released its foundational framework. Among its key recommendations, which principle emphasizes ensuring that AI systems are developed and used in a way that respects human rights and dignity?
A) Principle of Data Maximization for predictive analytics.
B) Principle of Algorithmic Transparency and Explainability.
C) Principle of Autonomous Decision-Making for critical applications.
D) Principle of Unrestricted Innovation for economic growth.
Correct answer: B) Notes: The ‘Global Council for AI Ethics and Governance’ (GCAIEG) emphasizes the Principle of Algorithmic Transparency and Explainability as fundamental for upholding human rights and dignity in AI development. This principle dictates that the processes, logic, and data used by AI systems must be understandable and auditable, especially when they impact individuals. It seeks to prevent biased or discriminatory outcomes by allowing for scrutiny of how AI decisions are made. By ensuring transparency, GCAIEG aims to foster trust, enable accountability, and provide recourse for individuals affected by AI systems, thereby aligning technological advancement with ethical considerations and societal well-being.
