Daily Current Affairs Quiz and Key Pointers: 10-08-2025

1. Jim Lovell: The NASA Legend Who Turned Apollo 13’s Disaster into Triumph
Jim Lovell, the iconic NASA astronaut, played a pivotal role in the Apollo 13 mission, famously dubbed a “successful failure.” Despite a near-fatal oxygen tank explosion, Lovell and his team’s ingenuity ensured a safe return, cementing his legacy in space exploration history. His leadership under pressure remains a case study in crisis management.
Key Takeaways:
Apollo 13’s survival showcased NASA’s problem-solving prowess.
Lovell’s career spanned Gemini and Apollo missions, including Apollo 8 (first moon orbit).
The mission’s story was later depicted in the film Apollo 13 (1995).
Quiz:
Q1. What was the call sign of the Apollo 13 mission?
A) Odyssey
B) Columbia
C) Challenger
Ans: A) Odyssey
Q2. Which actor portrayed Jim Lovell in the 1995 movie Apollo 13?
A) Tom Hanks
B) Kevin Bacon
C) Bill Paxton
Ans: A) Tom Hanks
Q3. What malfunction endangered the Apollo 13 crew?
A) Engine failure
B) Oxygen tank explosion
C) Solar panel damage
Ans: B) Oxygen tank explosion
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2. AI vs. Humans: Will Machines Outsmart Us? Mo Gawdat’s Warning
Former Google executive Mo Gawdat warns that AI could outperform humans in all domains by 2049 if left unchecked. He emphasizes ethical AI development to prevent existential risks, urging policymakers to prioritize regulations.
Key Takeaways:
AI’s rapid growth may surpass human control.
Ethical frameworks are critical to prevent misuse.
Gawdat advocates for “happy AI” aligned with human values.
Quiz:
Q1. By which year does Mo Gawdat predict AI could dominate humans?
A) 2030
B) 2049
C) 2055
Ans: B) 2049
Q2. What term does Gawdat use for AI designed to prioritize human well-being?
A) Friendly AI
B) Happy AI
C) Ethical AI
Ans: B) Happy AI
Q3. Which company did Mo Gawdat previously work for?
A) Microsoft
B) Google
C) Tesla
Ans: B) Google
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3. India’s EV Revolution Shifts Gears: Why E-Trucks Are Now the Focus
India is accelerating its electric vehicle (EV) transition, with a new emphasis on electric trucks. The government aims to decarbonize freight transport, reduce fuel imports, and meet climate goals by prioritizing heavy-duty EVs over passenger cars.
Key Takeaways:
E-trucks are critical for cutting logistics emissions.
Policies like FAME-II and state subsidies support fleet electrification.
Challenges include high battery costs and charging infrastructure gaps.
Quiz:
Q1. Which government scheme promotes EV adoption in India?
A) Make in India
B) FAME-II
C) Startup India
Ans: B) FAME-II
Q2. What is the biggest hurdle in India’s e-truck push?
A) Lack of demand
B) High battery costs
C) Shortage of manufacturers
Ans: B) High battery costs
Q3. Which sector benefits most from e-trucks?
A) Public transport
B) Freight and logistics
C) Personal commute
Ans: B) Freight and logistics
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4. Lancet Study Reveals India’s Diabetes Crisis: Key Insights for UPSC, SSC Exams
A recent Lancet study highlights India’s worsening diabetes epidemic, with over 100 million cases reported. Urbanization, poor diets, and sedentary lifestyles are major contributors, posing a public health challenge.
Key Takeaways:
India has the second-highest diabetic population globally.
Early screening and lifestyle changes are crucial for prevention.
The study is relevant for exams covering health and governance.
Quiz:
Q1. How many diabetics does India have, according to the Lancet study?
A) 50 million
B) 100 million
C) 150 million
Ans: B) 100 million
Q2. Which factor is NOT linked to India’s diabetes surge?
A) Genetic predisposition
B) High sugar consumption
C) Excessive physical activity
Ans: C) Excessive physical activity
Q3. Why is this study important for competitive exams?
A) It covers economic policies
B) It highlights a major health issue
C) It discusses space technology
Ans: B) It highlights a major health issue
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5. PM Modi’s Firm Stand in Trade Talks: “Farmers’ Interests Non-Negotiable”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to protecting farmers in global trade negotiations, resisting pressure to cut agricultural subsidies. This stance aligns with India’s push for food security and fair trade practices.
Key Takeaways:
India opposes WTO demands to reduce farm subsidies.
MSP (Minimum Support Price) and food security are key priorities.
The policy impacts UPSC questions on agriculture and international trade.
Quiz:
Q1. What does MSP stand for?
A) Maximum Selling Price
B) Minimum Support Price
C) Market Stability Plan
Ans: B) Minimum Support Price
Q2. Why is India resisting WTO demands on farm subsidies?
A) To boost industrial growth
B) To protect farmer livelihoods
C) To reduce inflation
Ans: B) To protect farmer livelihoods
Q3. Which sector is most affected by this trade stance?
A) IT
B) Agriculture
C) Manufacturing
Ans: B) Agriculture
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6. IndiaAI’s ₹1 Crore Grant for AI Innovations in Cancer Care
The IndiaAI-NCG initiative offers ₹1 crore grants to startups developing AI solutions for cancer detection and treatment. This aligns with India’s healthcare digitization goals and boosts MedTech innovation.
Key Takeaways:
Focus on AI-driven early diagnosis and personalized treatment.
Open to startups, researchers, and healthcare professionals.
Relevant for exams covering science, tech, and health policies.
Quiz:
Q1. What is the grant amount offered by IndiaAI-NCG?
A) ₹50 lakh
B) ₹1 crore
C) ₹2 crore
Ans: B) ₹1 crore
Q2. Which disease is the focus of this initiative?
A) Diabetes
B) Cancer
C) Tuberculosis
Ans: B) Cancer
Q3. Who can apply for the grant?
A) Only government hospitals
B) Startups and researchers
C) Pharmaceutical companies
Ans: B) Startups and researchers
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7. UPSC Mains Success Tip: How to Decode Directive Words for High Scores
Understanding directive words (e.g., “analyze,” “critically examine”) is key to scoring well in UPSC Mains. This guide breaks down their meanings and how to structure answers accordingly.
Key Takeaways:
“Discuss” requires balanced arguments, while “Elaborate” needs depth.
Examples: Use case studies for “Illustrate,” pros/cons for “Evaluate.”
Misinterpreting directives can cost valuable marks.
Quiz:
Q1. Which directive word requires a balanced view?
A) Analyze
B) Discuss
C) Summarize
Ans: B) Discuss
Q2. What should you include for “Critically Examine”?
A) Only positives
B) Only negatives
C) Both strengths and weaknesses
Ans: C) Both strengths and weaknesses
Q3. “Elucidate” means:
A) To list briefly
B) To explain clearly
C) To compare
Ans: B) To explain clearly
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8. PM Internship Scheme Sees Gender Gap Narrow: 41% Women in Round II
Female participation in the PM Internship Scheme rose to 41% in the second round, reflecting improved inclusivity. The program offers hands-on policy experience to young graduates.
Key Takeaways:
Women’s representation increased from 35% to 41%.
Interns work on central government projects.
Useful for exams on governance and youth schemes.
Quiz:
Q1. What percentage of interns were women in Round II?
A) 35%
B) 41%
C) 50%
Ans: B) 41%
Q2. Which government runs this internship scheme?
A) State governments
B) Central government
C) Municipal corporations
Ans: B) Central government
Q3. What is the main benefit of this scheme?
A) Paid vacations
B) Policy-making exposure
C) Free education
Ans: B) Policy-making exposure
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9. RBI’s Digital Payments Index Hits 493.22: What It Means for India
The RBI’s Digital Payments Index (DPI) reached 493.22 in March 2025, showcasing rapid adoption of UPI, mobile banking, and contactless transactions.
Key Takeaways:
DPI measures India’s cashless economy growth (base: 100 in 2018).
UPI dominates, with record transactions in 2025.
Relevant for exams on banking and digital India.
Quiz:
Q1. What was the RBI DPI score in March 2025?
A) 400.50
B) 493.22
C) 550.75
Ans: B) 493.22
Q2. Which system drives India’s digital payment surge?
A) NEFT
B) UPI
C) RTGS
Ans: B) UPI
Q3. What was the DPI baseline value in 2018?
A) 100
B) 200
C) 300
Ans: A) 100
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