Current Affair MCQ for 2025-05-29

Notes: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) inaugurated the Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) at Metcalfe House, New Delhi on May 27, 2025. Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) aims to strengthen India’s indigenous capabilities in quantum science for defence and strategic purposes. It houses advanced experimental setups for research in crucial quantum domains. It also has test-beds for single-photon sources and platforms for Quantum Key Distribution to ensure ultra-secure communication. DRDO continues to lead India’s efforts in quantum sensing, post-quantum cryptography, and secure communications. As a core partner in the National Quantum Mission, DRDO promotes indigenous innovation in sovereign quantum technologies.

Notes: Mizoram’s capital Aizawl has been linked to the national railway network through the new Bairabi–Sairang line, marking a major boost in North-East connectivity. Mizoram now becomes the fourth North-East state with capital city rail connectivity after Assam, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh. This project is part of the Ministry of Railways’ larger mission to connect all North-East capitals.

Notes: India attracted a record USD 81.04 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the fiscal year 2024–25, a 14% rise from the previous year. This growth was supported by liberalized policies and strong inflows in services and manufacturing. The services sector received the highest FDI equity at 19%, followed by computer software and hardware at 16%, and trading at 8%. FDI in services rose by 40.77% to USD 9.35 billion from USD 6.64 billion. Maharashtra received the highest share of FDI at 39%, followed by Karnataka at 13% and Delhi at 12%. From 2014 to 2025, India attracted USD 748.78 billion in FDI, 143% more than the USD 308.38 billion received from 2003 to 2014.</p>

Notes: India is developing Electric Hansa (E-Hansa), a next-generation two-seater electric trainer aircraft to promote self-reliance. E-Hansa is being developed indigenously by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR–NAL), Bengaluru. It is nearly half the cost of imported trainer aircraft, making it a cost-effective option for pilot training. E-Hansa is part of the HANSA-3 (Next Generation) program aimed at supporting affordable and local aviation training.

Notes: Two native stingless bee varieties from Nagaland, Etragonula iridipennis and Lepidotrigona arcifera, have been found helpful to farmers recently. Stingless bees are found in India, Southeast Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America. They are smaller in size and usually black, unlike the larger, light brown honeybees with yellow bands. They cannot sting as their stinger is vestigial, meaning it is non-functional. Though they produce less honey overall, each stingless bee makes more honey than a honeybee. Their queens mate with one drone from another colony, and colonies include worker bees and one mated queen. Hive cells are either spiral or randomly arranged in hexagonal shapes. These bees play a major role in pollination and give high-quality medicinal honey. Their discovery in Nagaland highlights their value for sustainable farming and biodiversity.