Daily Current Affairs Quiz
3 April, 2026
National Affairs
1. Aditya-L1
Context:
Aditya-L1 is a dedicated satellite mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) designed to study the Sun’s atmosphere, magnetic storms, and their impact on Earth’s environment.
Location: The L1 Point
The mission is named after its destination: Lagrange Point 1 (L1). This is a gravitationally stable spot located about 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, directly toward the Sun.
- Continuous View: Unlike satellites in Earth’s orbit, a spacecraft at L1 is never blocked by the Earth or the Moon (no eclipses). This allows for 24/7 monitoring of the Sun.
- Fuel Efficiency: The balanced gravity of the Sun and Earth allows the satellite to “hover” with minimal fuel consumption.
Scientific Objectives
Aditya-L1 aims to solve several long-standing mysteries in solar physics:
- The Coronal Heating Problem: Scientists want to understand why the Sun’s outer atmosphere (the Corona) is millions of degrees hotter than its surface (the Photosphere), which is only about 6,000°C.
- Space Weather: Studying Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) and solar flares that can disrupt satellite communications, GPS, and power grids on Earth.
- Solar Wind: Observing the origin and acceleration of the constant stream of charged particles flowing from the Sun.
The Seven Payloads
The spacecraft carries seven indigenous instruments, divided into two categories:
Remote Sensing Payloads (Looking at the Sun)
- VELC (Visible Emission Line Coronagraph): Studies the solar corona and CMEs.
- SUIT (Solar Ultra-violet Imaging Telescope): Images the solar Photosphere and Chromosphere in near Ultra-violet.
- SoLEXS & HEL1OS: X-ray spectrometers to study solar flares across different energy levels.
In-situ Payloads
- ASPEX & PAPA: Analyzes solar wind particles (protons, alpha particles, and ions).
- MAG (Advanced Tri-axial High Resolution Digital Magnetometer): Measures the magnetic field at the L1 point.
Current Updates (2026)
As of early 2026, Aditya-L1 is in its Science Phase. ISRO has recently released the Second Announcement of Opportunity (AO), inviting Indian scientists to submit proposals for specific observation time on the satellite’s instruments. The mission continues to provide critical data that is shared globally to improve space weather forecasting.
CONCEPTUAL MCQs
Q1. What is the primary advantage of placing Aditya-L1 at the Lagrange Point 1?
A) It is the closest a spacecraft can get to the Sun.
B) It allows for continuous observation of the Sun without any eclipses.
C) It is the only place where solar wind does not exist.
D) It allows the satellite to land on the Sun’s surface.
Q2. Which payload is specifically designed to solve the “Coronal Heating” mystery?
A) PAPA
B) VELC
C) MAG
D) ASPEX
ANSWERS
Q1: B | Q2: B | Q3: B
EXAM RELEVANCE
| Exam | Focus Area | Relevance |
| UPSC CSE | GS-3 Science & Tech (Space missions & Solar physics) | High |
| SSC / PSC | General Awareness: ISRO milestones and payload names | High |
2. Survey Vessel (Large) ‘Sanshodhak’
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
Context:
- The Indian Navy has officially taken delivery of ‘Sanshodhak’ (Yard 3028), the fourth and final ship of the Survey Vessel (Large) (SVL) project.
- The delivery, made by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata on March 30, 2026, completes the four-ship contract signed in October 2018.
- Sanshodhak joins its sister ships: INS Sandhayak (Feb 2024), INS Nirdeshak (Dec 2024), and INS Ikshak (Nov 2025).
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Dimensions: Overall length of 110 meters and a beam of 16 meters.
- Displacement: Approximately 3,400 tonnes.
- Propulsion: Powered by two diesel engines, achieving speeds in excess of 18 knots.
- Endurance: Capable of sustained operations with a range of 6,500 nautical miles at economical speeds.
- Complement: Designed to carry 18 officers and 160 sailors.
- Aviation: Features a hangar and flight deck for one Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).
CORE CAPABILITIES & TECHNOLOGY
Sanshodhak is not a combat ship but a sophisticated scientific platform equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic tools:
- Deep-Water Survey: Capable of full-scale coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of port approaches and navigational channels.
- Underwater Mapping: Fitted with Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) for high-precision seabed mapping.
- Data Suite: Includes a complex Data Acquisition and Processing System, Digital Side Scan Sonar, and DGPS long-range positioning systems.
- Dual Role: Collects oceanographic and geophysical data for both defense applications (submarine navigation, amphibious operations) and civilian use (maritime trade, port development).
3. India Leads 16-Nation Maritime Initiative: IOS SAGAR
Source: New Delhi Bureau | Subject: Maritime Security & Diplomacy
Context:
- Amidst the ongoing West Asia conflict and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, the Indian Navy has flagged off INS Sunayna as the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR.
- The Mission: This 16-nation initiative aims to reinforce regional maritime security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
BACKGROUND CONCEPTS
- SAGAR Vision: “Security and Growth for All in the Region”—India’s strategic policy for the Indian Ocean, introduced in 2015 to promote cooperation and maritime security.
- Strait of Hormuz: A critical maritime “choke point” between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It is the world’s most important oil transit pass, currently facing instability due to geopolitical conflict.
- Non-Traditional Security Threats: Challenges that do not involve direct military-to-military war, such as piracy, drug trafficking (narco-trafficking), and illegal fishing.
- EEZ Sovereignty: The right of a country to manage resources within its Exclusive Economic Zone (200 nautical miles from the coast). Encroachment by “deep-sea research” often masks illegal resource mapping.
CONCEPTUAL MCQs
Q1. What does the acronym “SAGAR,” as used in India’s maritime policy, stand for?
A) Strategic Alliance for Global Agricultural Reform
B) Security and Growth for All in the Region
C) South Asian Geographic and Atmospheric Research
D) Satellite-based GPS and Radio Navigation
Q2. Why is the Strait of Hormuz currently mentioned as a cause for global economic instability?
A) It is the only place in the world where rare earth minerals are found.
B) It is a major global choke point for oil and energy transit facing conflict-related disruptions.
C) It has been closed permanently for all commercial shipping.
D) It is being converted into a giant offshore wind farm.
Q3. What is “IUU Fishing,” which was highlighted as a rising challenge in the Indian Ocean?
A) International Union for Underwater Fishing.
B) Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing.
C) Indoor Urban Undersea Fishing.
D) Integrated Universal Utility Fishing.
ANSWERS
Q1: B (Explanation: SAGAR is India’s guiding vision for the Indian Ocean, emphasizing collective security and prosperity.)
Q2: B (Explanation: Roughly one-fifth of the world’s total oil consumption passes through this strait; any disruption hits global energy prices.)
Q3: B (Explanation: IUU fishing is a major threat to food security and the blue economy of developing coastal nations.)
EXAM RELEVANCE
| Exam | Focus Area | Relevance Level |
| UPSC CSE | GS-2 International Relations (India & Neighborhood); GS-3 Security | Critical |
| NDA / CDS | Naval Operations, Ship Names, and Maritime Geography | Very High |
Banking/Finance
1. IRDAI Cracks Down on ‘Dark Patterns’ in Insurance
Source: BS
Context:
- The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has directed all insurers to conduct a self-assessment of their digital platforms to identify and remove “Dark Patterns.”
- The Deadline: Insurers must submit a compliance report within 15 days. If non-compliance is found, an action plan to fix the interface must be submitted within one month.
- The Goal: To ensure that the digital sale of insurance remains transparent and that consumers are not manipulated into buying products or coverages they do not need.
BACKGROUND CONCEPTS
- Dark Patterns: These are deceptive User Interface (UI) or User Experience (UX) designs intended to trick, coerce, or manipulate users into making choices that are detrimental to their interests (e.g., “sneak-into-basket” or “forced continuity”).
- IRDAI: The statutory body under the Ministry of Finance that regulates and promotes the insurance and re-insurance industries in India.
- E-Platforms: Mobile apps, websites, and web portals used by insurance companies to sell policies directly to customers.
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019: The overarching law in India that classifies dark patterns as “unfair trade practices.”
TYPES OF DARK PATTERNS IN INSURANCE
Insurers often use specific tactics on their websites that IRDAI is now targeting:
- Bait and Switch: Advertising a low premium but adding mandatory “add-ons” at the final payment stage that cannot be easily removed.
- False Urgency: Using countdown timers (e.g., “Offer ends in 2 minutes!”) to pressure a user into a quick purchase without reading the policy terms.
- Hidden Costs: Disclosing significant charges or exclusions only in the “fine print” or at the very end of a long digital journey.
- Confirmshaming: Using language to make the user feel guilty for opting out (e.g., “No, I don’t want to protect my family’s future” instead of a simple “No”).
- Interface Interference: Making the “Decline” or “No” button much smaller, harder to find, or a lighter color than the bright “Accept” button.
CONCEPTUAL MCQs
Q1. What is the primary characteristic of a “Dark Pattern” in a mobile app?
A) A high-security encryption used to protect data.
B) A design choice intended to manipulate or trick users into taking unintended actions.
C) A night-mode setting that saves battery life.
D) A software bug that causes the app to crash.
Q2. Within how many days must insurers submit their initial self-assessment report to IRDAI?
A) 7 days
B) 15 days
C) 30 days
D) 90 days
Q3. Which of the following is an example of “Confirmshaming”?
A) Asking a user to verify their email address.
B) Showing a “Thank You” message after a purchase.
C) A button that says “No, I prefer to risk my health” instead of a “Skip” button.
D) Requiring a password to log in.
Q4. IRDAI’s crackdown on dark patterns is legally supported by which major Indian legislation?
A) The Motor Vehicles Act
B) The Consumer Protection Act, 2019
C) The Indian Penal Code
D) The Environment Protection Act
Q5. Why is “False Urgency” considered a dark pattern in the insurance sector?
A) It helps customers get their policies faster.
B) It pressures consumers into making a complex financial decision without due diligence.
C) It ensures that the insurance company makes a profit.
D) It is a mandatory requirement for all digital sales.
ANSWERS
Q1: B (Explanation: Dark patterns are intentional design choices used to subvert user autonomy.)
Q2: B (Explanation: The IRDAI has set a tight 15-day window for the first compliance report.)
Q3: C (Explanation: Confirmshaming uses emotional manipulation to push a user toward a specific choice.)
Q4: B (Explanation: Dark patterns are classified as “unfair trade practices” under consumer law.)
Q5: B (Explanation: Insurance is a long-term contract; forcing a “split-second” decision prevents the user from understanding exclusions or terms.)
EXAM RELEVANCE
| Exam | Focus Area | Relevance Level |
| RBI / IRDAI Grade B | Insurance Sector Reforms; Consumer Protection; FinTech | Critical |
| SEBI Grade A | Corporate Governance & Unfair Trade Practices | High |
2. Emirates NBD Acquisition of RBL Bank: RBI Approval
Context:
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has officially approved the acquisition of up to a 74% stake in RBL Bank by the UAE-based Emirates NBD (ENBD) for $3 billion.
- Historic Milestone: This marks the largest-ever foreign direct investment (FDI) in a domestic Indian bank.
- The Structural Change: Post-acquisition, RBL Bank will transition from being a domestic private sector bank to a Foreign Bank Subsidiary in India.
BACKGROUND CONCEPTS
- Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS): A model where a foreign bank operates in India through a locally incorporated subsidiary rather than just branch offices. This ensures the bank has its own capital base and board in India, making it easier for the RBI to regulate.
- FDI Limit in Banking: While the current FDI limit in private banks is 74%, large-scale takeovers by single foreign entities require specific, case-by-case approval from the RBI to ensure “fit and proper” criteria.
- Commercial Banks Governance Directions, 2025: The latest set of RBI rules that dictate how bank boards must be structured, the tenure of CEOs, and the level of independence required to protect depositors’ interests.
New Regulatory Status
RBL Bank will now be governed as a “foreign bank subsidiary.” This means it must follow stricter capital adequacy and reporting norms applicable to foreign entities, while still being able to expand its branch network across India more easily than a “branch-only” foreign bank.
CONCEPTUAL MCQs
Q1. What is the primary change in RBL Bank’s status following the Emirates NBD acquisition?
A) It will be closed and merged into the SBI.
B) It will be treated as a foreign bank subsidiary with ENBD as its parent.
C) It will become a government-owned public sector bank.
D) It will stop all operations in India and move to Dubai.
Q2. Under the WOS (Wholly Owned Subsidiary) model, which authority provides the primary governance directions in India?
A) The Central Bank of UAE
B) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
C) The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
D) The World Bank
Q3. What is a key benefit for a foreign bank (like ENBD) to operate as a “Subsidiary” rather than a “Branch” in India?
A) It doesn’t have to follow any Indian laws.
B) It can more easily expand its branch network across the country compared to the restrictive branch-licensing for foreign branches.
C) It doesn’t need to maintain any capital in India.
D) It can print its own Indian Rupee notes.
Q4. The “Commercial Banks Governance Directions, 2025” primarily focus on which aspect of banking?
A) The interest rates on gold loans.
B) The design of bank uniforms.
C) The structure and independence of bank boards and top management to ensure stability.
D) The number of holidays a bank can take in a year.
ANSWERS
Q1: B (Explanation: The RBI approval specifically shifts its status to a foreign-owned subsidiary model.)
Q2: B (Explanation: Even if owned by a UAE entity, all banks operating in India fall under the strict regulatory umbrella of the RBI.)
Q3: B (Explanation: The WOS model was introduced by the RBI to encourage foreign banks to become “near-domestic” in their behavior and expansion.)
Q4: C (Explanation: Governance rules are meant to prevent “promoter interference” and protect the bank from risky decisions.)
EXAM RELEVANCE
| Exam | Focus Area | Relevance Level |
| RBI Grade B | Banking Regulations, FDI in Banking, WOS Model | Critical |
| SEBI Grade A | Foreign Investment (FDI/FPI), Capital Markets | High |
3. SEBI Proposes Reintroduction of Open Market Share Buybacks
Context:
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has released a consultation paper proposing to bring back the Open Market Buyback route. This marks a significant policy reversal, as SEBI had previously moved to phase out this method by April 2025.
UNDERSTANDING THE TWO ROUTES
A share buyback is when a company repurchases its own shares from the marketplace to reduce the number of shares outstanding.
- Tender Offer (The Current Primary Route): The company offers to buy a fixed number of shares at a specific price (usually at a premium) directly from shareholders on a proportionate basis.
- Open Market Purchase (The Proposed Reintroduced Route): The company buys its shares directly from the stock exchange over a period of time at the prevailing market price.
WHY THE REVERSAL? (THE TAX FACTOR)
The primary reason for the earlier ban was “tax arbitrage,” but new laws have changed the playing field:
- The Old Problem: Previously, companies paid the buyback tax. This meant shareholders who participated got their money “tax-free,” while those who sold normally in the market paid capital gains tax. This created an unfair advantage for buyback participants.
- The New Reality (Post-April 2026): Buyback proceeds are now taxed as capital gains in the hands of the shareholder. Whether you sell your shares to the company in a buyback or to a random buyer on the exchange, the tax treatment is now identical.
- SEBI’s Logic: Since the tax-induced inequity is gone, the open market route is no longer “unfair.”
BENEFITS OF OPEN MARKET BUYBACKS
Industry bodies like FICCI and AIBI argued for the return of this route because:
- Operational Efficiency: It is easier and faster to execute than a formal tender process.
- Price Support: It allows companies to gradually absorb selling pressure, preventing sharp drops in share prices.
- EPS Improvement: By extinguishing (canceling) the repurchased shares, the company reduces its total share count, which improves Earnings Per Share (EPS).
REGULATORY SAFEGUARDS
To prevent market manipulation, SEBI indicated that old restrictions would remain:
- Separate Trading Window: Buybacks won’t happen during regular trading to avoid confusing retail investors.
- Price Bands & Limits: Constraints on how much a company can buy daily and at what maximum price.
- Order Matching: Using the exchange’s transparent mechanism to ensure all shareholders have equal access to sell.
CONCEPTUAL MCQs
Q1. Why did SEBI originally decide to phase out open market buybacks?
A) Because companies were running out of cash.
B) Due to concerns over unequal shareholder participation and tax arbitrage.
C) Because the Stock Exchange was too slow to handle them.
D) Because the Government wanted to ban all buybacks.
Q2. From April 2026, how are buyback proceeds treated for tax purposes in India?
A) The company pays a 20% flat tax, and it is tax-free for shareholders.
B) They are taxed as capital gains in the hands of the shareholders.
C) They are completely exempt from all taxes to encourage investment.
D) They are taxed as “Gift Income.”
Q3. What is a primary advantage of the “Open Market” route over the “Tender Offer” route for a company?
A) It allows the company to buy shares at a much higher price than the market.
B) It allows the company to absorb selling pressure gradually over a period of time.
) It requires zero disclosure to the public.
D) It allows the company to keep the shares in a secret locker.
Q4. What is the impact of a successful buyback on a company’s Earnings Per Share (EPS)?
A) EPS decreases because the company has less cash.
B) EPS typically increases because the total number of outstanding shares decreases.
C) EPS remains exactly the same.
D) EPS becomes zero.
ANSWERS
Q1: B (Explanation: Previously, different tax treatments for different types of selling created inequity.)
Q2: B (Explanation: This recent tax change is the “trigger” that allowed SEBI to reconsider the open market route.)
Q3: B (Explanation: Open market buybacks act as a “buffer” for the stock price over several weeks or months.)
Q4: B (Explanation: $EPS = \frac{\text{Net Income}}{\text{Total Shares}}$. If the denominator (shares) goes down, the EPS goes up.)
EXAM RELEVANCE
| Exam | Focus Area | Relevance Level |
| SEBI Grade A | Security Laws, Buyback Regulations, Corporate Actions | Critical |
Agriculture
1. The ‘Tea Mark’ Quality Certification Scheme
Context:
- The state-run Tea Board of India is introducing a new certification called “Tea Mark”, expected to roll out in May 2026.
- The Purpose: To implement traceability in the supply chain, curb adulteration, and prevent the blending of high-quality Indian tea with inferior varieties.
- Target: Eligible tea manufacturers registered under the Tea (Marketing) Control Order, 2003.
KEY FEATURES OF THE SCHEME
1. Nature of the Scheme
- Voluntary: Manufacturers are not forced to join, but those who do gain a competitive edge by proving their quality.
- Verification: The mark signifies that the tea has been tested and verified against Food Safety Standards (FSSAI) and existing control orders.
2. Digital Traceability & Verification
- Supply Chain Integrity: The Board will use digital tools to track the tea from the garden to the final package, ensuring the “origin” is not misrepresented.
- Testing: Verification will be conducted through empanelled testing laboratories.
- Enforcement: The Board will take legal action against the misuse of the logo or false quality declarations.
3. Promotion & E-Commerce
- The Tea Board may develop a dedicated e-commerce platform specifically to promote and facilitate the sale of “Tea Mark” certified products to global and domestic buyers.
TEA CONSUMPTION LANDSCAPE IN INDIA
India holds a massive stake in the global tea market:
- Global Standing: 2nd largest producer globally; 1st largest producer of black tea.
- Total Consumption (2023): ~1,197 million kgs.
- Per Capita Consumption: ~840 grams annually.
- Urban: 925 grams.
- Rural: 797 grams.
CONCEPTUAL MCQs
Q1. What is the primary objective of the “Tea Mark” certification? A) To make tea mandatory for all citizens.
B) To ensure traceability and verify that tea meets food safety and quality benchmarks.
C) To increase the price of tea by 500% automatically.
D) To replace the existing Coffee Board of India.
Q2. Is the “Tea Mark” scheme mandatory for all Indian tea producers?
A) Yes, all citizens must use it.
B) No, it is voluntary for eligible registered manufacturers.
C) It only applies to imported teas.
D) It is only for tea sold in rural areas.
Q3. Which digital mechanism will the Tea Board use to ensure the integrity of the tea?
A) Satellite radio broadcasting.
B) Digital traceability and verification of the supply chain.
C) Social media “likes” on the product page.
D) Cryptomining in tea gardens.
Q4. India is the world’s largest producer of which specific type of tea?
A) Green Tea
B) Oolong Tea
C) Black Tea
D) White Tea
Q5. Based on the data provided, where is the per capita consumption of tea higher in India?
A) Rural areas
B) Urban areas
C) It is exactly equal in both.
D) Only in the Himalayan region.
ANSWERS
Q1: B (Explanation: The mark acts as a “seal of trust” for quality and origin.)
Q2: B (Explanation: Voluntary schemes encourage quality through market incentives rather than force.)
Q3: B (Explanation: Digital tracking prevents the “middle-man” from blending inferior teas into premium batches.)
Q4: C (Explanation: India is the 2nd largest producer of all tea, but 1st in Black Tea.)
Q5: B (Explanation: Urban consumption is 925g vs. 797g in rural areas.)
EXAM RELEVANCE
| Exam | Focus Area | Relevance Level |
| NABARD Grade A | ARD (Agri-Marketing & Supply Chain); Plantation Sector | Critical |
| State PCS | Agriculture & Export Promotion (Assam/WB/Kerala) | Critical |
2. Southeast Asia’s Agri-Tech Opportunity: Lessons from India
Context:
- A new report titled “The Opportunity for AgriTech Investment in Southeast Asia” highlights that digitalization could unlock $90 billion in annual GDP gains in Southeast Asia by 2033.
- The Model: The report identifies India’s agri-tech evolution—specifically its venture capital maturity and governance—as the “genuine roadmap” for Southeast Asian markets.
- The Reality Check: After a peak of $750 million in 2022, investment fell 70% by 2025 due to a “sharp correction” as investors realized the difficulty of scaling across fragmented markets.
KEY SECTORS WITH MOMENTUM
The report identifies four specific verticals poised for growth in the region:
- Digital Value Chains: Streamlining the path from farm to fork.
- Inclusive Agri-Fintech: Providing credit and insurance to smallholder farmers.
- Agrifood Life Sciences: Innovations in seeds, soil health, and biologicals.
- Sustainable Consumer Brands: Meeting the demand for traceable and eco-friendly food.
CRITICAL FINDINGS: THE “SEASA” CHALLENGE
The report challenges the assumption of a unified “South East and South Asia” (SEASA) market:
- The Failure Rate: Over 60% of venture collapses between 2022 and 2025 were caused by premature regional expansion.
- Local Execution: 2/3 of cross-border expansion attempts failed. The most successful ventures are “single-market plays” that focus on deep local execution.
- Exit Strategy: Corporate acquisitions account for 75% of exits. The report suggests that SEASA should look at India’s BSE SME and NSE Emerge platforms as models for providing IPO routes to growth-stage startups.
THE ROLE OF CAPITAL
- The Stack: Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and impact investors have committed $650 million to the region.
- The Future: Scaling will now require a “blended finance” approach—combining equity, credit, and concessional capital (low-interest or grant-based funding).
CONCEPTUAL MCQs
Q1. According to the report, what is the primary reason for the 60% collapse in agri-tech ventures between 2022 and 2025?
A) Lack of interest from farmers.
B) Premature regional expansion across different countries.
C) High taxes on agricultural products.
D) A global shortage of seeds.
Q2. Which Indian stock market platforms are cited as models for providing exit opportunities for agri-tech startups?
A) Nifty 50 and Sensex.
B) BSE SME and NSE Emerge.
C) MCX and NCDEX.
D) RBI Retail Direct.
Q3. What percentage of the Southeast Asian workforce is employed in agriculture?
A) 15%
B) 25%
C) 40%
D) 60%
Q4. What is “Blended Finance,” as suggested for the next phase of agri-tech scaling?
A) Using only government grants.
B) A mix of equity, credit, and concessional (impact) capital.
C) Trading crops directly for technology.
D) Investing only in organic fertilizers.
ANSWERS
Q1: B (Explanation: Fragmentation makes it hard to copy-paste a business model from one country to another.)
Q2: B (Explanation: These platforms allow smaller companies to list on the stock exchange without meeting the massive requirements of a main-board IPO.)
Q3: C (Explanation: While it contributes 15% to GDP, it is a massive employer, supporting 40% of the population.)
Q4: B (Explanation: High-risk agri-tech needs more than just private profit-seeking equity; it needs supportive credit and impact funds.)
EXAM RELEVANCE
| Exam | Focus Area | Relevance Level |
| NABARD Grade A | ARD (Agri-Tech & Financing Models) | Critical |
| RBI Grade B | ESI (Sustainable Development & Agri-Finance) | Moderate |
Facts To Remember
1. MoEFCC Designates ‘Bhavasagara’ as India’s First Deep-Sea Fauna Repository
Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change designated Bhavasagara at CMLRE Kochi as India’s first deep-sea fauna repository to conserve biodiversity, store DNA data, hold type specimens, and support marine research and taxonomy.
2. India Becomes Global Leader in Issuing IRCCs under Nagoya Protocol
National Biodiversity Authority made India the top issuer of IRCCs under Nagoya Protocol with over 56% share globally, reflecting strong implementation of biodiversity and ABS framework.
3. MoSPI Develops India SDG Dashboard with UN Support
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation launched SDG dashboard with UN to track progress, support data-driven policymaking, and align with National Indicator Framework.
4. MoE and CBSE Launch AI Curriculum for Classes 3–8
Ministry of Education and Central Board of Secondary Education introduced AI and computational thinking curriculum to build coding, logic, and digital skills aligned with NEP 2020.
5. DoT Extends SIM-Binding Deadline for OTT Platforms to December 2026
Department of Telecommunications extended SIM-binding deadline for OTT apps to enhance cybersecurity, prevent fraud, and ensure safer digital communication.
6. India’s First Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate Project Approved in Odisha
Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited signed agreement for ₹25,000 crore project using indigenous technology to boost energy and chemical production.
7. CMS COP15 Concludes in Brazil with New Species Protection
Convention on Migratory Species COP15 added 40 species for protection, focusing on conservation amid declining migratory species populations.
8. Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Assumes Charge as Vice Chief of Army Staff
Dhiraj Seth took charge as VCOAS, strengthening leadership in strategic planning and operational management in Indian Army.
9. CSL Delivers ASW Craft ‘Malwan’ to Indian Navy
Cochin Shipyard Limited delivered ASW craft Malwan, enhancing coastal defence with advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
10. NASA Launches Artemis II Crewed Lunar Mission
NASA launched Artemis II, first crewed lunar mission since Apollo era, testing deep-space systems and advancing Moon exploration.
11. VP Releases Sudha Murty’s Book ‘Tides of Time’
C. P. Radhakrishnan released book by Sudha Murty highlighting India’s history through Parliament murals.
12. World Autism Awareness Day Observed on April 2
World Autism Awareness Day observed globally to promote inclusion, awareness, and rights of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
13. Meghalaya Signs LoI with Starlink for Digital Connectivity
Meghalaya government partnered with Starlink to expand internet access in remote areas, improving governance and economic opportunities.
