1. What significant global agreement, aimed at reducing digital carbon footprints by 30% by 2030, was ratified by 150 nations at the recent ‘Digital Sustainability Summit 2025’ in Geneva?
A) The Geneva Protocol on Cyber Ecology
B) The Global Digital Emissions Treaty
C) The Geneva Accord on Sustainable Digitalization
D) The Tech-Green Alliance Pact
Correct answer: C) The Geneva Accord on Sustainable Digitalization Notes: The ‘Geneva Accord on Sustainable Digitalization’ marks a crucial step in international efforts to combat the environmental impact of the digital world. Ratified by 150 countries at the ‘Digital Sustainability Summit 2025’, this landmark agreement sets ambitious targets to curtail the carbon footprint generated by digital infrastructure and technologies by 30% over the next five years. Key provisions include promoting energy-efficient data centers, developing sustainable hardware, encouraging circular economy principles for electronic waste, and fostering global collaboration on green tech innovations. Experts believe this accord is vital for aligning technological advancement with environmental responsibility, pushing industries towards more eco-friendly practices in the rapidly expanding digital landscape. The move is expected to inspire significant investments in sustainable technology R&D.
2. Which Indian state recently launched the “Ganga Haritima Yojana 2.0” to significantly increase green cover along the Ganga River basin and its tributaries through community-led afforestation drives?
A) Bihar
B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Uttarakhand
D) West Bengal
Correct answer: B) Uttar Pradesh Notes: Uttar Pradesh has taken a proactive step towards environmental conservation by launching the “Ganga Haritima Yojana 2.0”. This ambitious scheme aims to bolster the green cover along the extensive Ganga River basin and its numerous tributaries within the state. Building on the success of its predecessor, the 2.0 version emphasizes greater community participation, involving local residents, farmers, and self-help groups in large-scale afforestation drives. The project focuses on planting native tree species that are ecologically beneficial and help prevent soil erosion, thereby improving water quality and biodiversity. This initiative aligns with national efforts to rejuvenate the Ganga River and enhance environmental sustainability across the Gangetic plains, demonstrating a commitment to ecological restoration and climate resilience at a state level.
3. India recently successfully test-fired a new generation intercontinental ballistic missile, capable of carrying multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs). What is the name of this advanced missile system?
A) Agni-VI
B) Prithvi-III
C) Dhanush-II
D) Shaurya-NG
Correct answer: A) Agni-VI Notes: India achieved a significant milestone in its defence capabilities with the successful test-firing of the Agni-VI, an advanced intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). This new generation missile is equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, a critical advancement that allows a single missile to deliver several nuclear warheads to different targets simultaneously. The Agni-VI boasts an extended range, placing various global targets within its reach, and incorporates sophisticated navigation and guidance systems. This development further solidifies India’s strategic deterrence capabilities and reinforces its position as a responsible nuclear power. The successful test highlights India’s indigenous research and development prowess in advanced missile technology, enhancing national security and defence preparedness through self-reliance in critical systems.
4. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently introduced a new framework for ‘Green Deposits’ to encourage financial institutions to channel funds towards environmentally friendly projects. What is the primary objective of this framework?
A) To regulate carbon credit trading among banks
B) To formalize a system for financing green initiatives and projects
C) To provide tax incentives for corporate investments in renewable energy
D) To establish a national green fund managed by the RBI
Correct answer: B) To formalize a system for financing green initiatives and projects Notes: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently unveiled a comprehensive framework for ‘Green Deposits’, aiming to streamline and encourage financial institutions to actively support environmentally sustainable projects. The primary objective is to create a robust mechanism where funds raised through these specific deposits are explicitly earmarked and utilized for financing green initiatives, such as renewable energy projects, sustainable agriculture, green buildings, and eco-friendly manufacturing. This framework provides clear guidelines for banks on identifying, categorizing, and reporting their green finance activities, ensuring transparency and accountability. By formalizing this system, the RBI intends to mobilize capital towards India’s climate action goals, promote sustainable finance practices within the banking sector, and contribute significantly to the nation’s transition to a greener economy.
5. Which Asian country is set to host the 2029 ‘International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Sustainable Development’ (ICAIR-SD), focusing on ethical AI and smart technologies for global challenges?
A) Singapore
B) South Korea
C) Japan
D) United Arab Emirates
Correct answer: B) South Korea Notes: South Korea has been chosen as the prestigious host for the 2029 ‘International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Sustainable Development’ (ICAIR-SD). This significant global event will bring together leading experts, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders from around the world to discuss the cutting-edge advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics. The conference will place a strong emphasis on the ethical implications of these technologies, exploring how they can be responsibly developed and deployed to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, healthcare disparities, and resource management. South Korea’s selection highlights its growing prominence in technological innovation and its commitment to fostering international collaboration in shaping the future of AI and robotics for the betterment of humanity. The event is expected to set new benchmarks in AI governance.
