Daily Current Affairs Quiz: May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025

National Technology Day in India commemorates which of the following achievements?
1. Pokhran-II nuclear tests
2. Maiden flight of Hansa-3 aircraft
3. Launch of India’s first satellite Aryabhata
4. Successful test of Trishul missile
Options :

(A) 1, 2 and 3
(B) 1, 2 and 4
(C) 1 and 4 only
(D) 1, 3 and 4

Show Answer

Answer: b

India observed annually on 11 May.

Objective : to mark the anniversary of the successful Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998 that demonstrated India’s nuclear capability and scientific progress.

About the Day

Commemorates India’s nuclear tests under Operation Shakti at Pokhran, Rajasthan, on 11 May 1998.
Announced by then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the tests made India a nuclear-armed state.
Observed since 1999, the day highlights the role of science and technology in national advancement.
Also celebrates the first test flight of the indigenous Hansa-3 aircraft and the successful test of Trishul missile.

Mother’s Day is celebrated annually on which day?

(A) 1st Sunday of April
(B) 1std Sunday of May
(C) 2nd Sunday of May
(D) Last Sunday of May

Show Answer

Answer: c

Celebrated globally on 11 May (second Sunday of May).

Aim : To honoring the contribution and love of mothers in family and society.

Founded by Anna Jarvis in 1907 in the USA to honor her mother, Ann Jarvis.
Officially recognized as a national holiday in 1914 by President Woodrow Wilson.
Celebrated worldwide, though dates and customs vary across cultures.
Anna Jarvis later opposed its commercialization and spent her life fighting its commercial misuse.

International Nurses Day commemorates:

(A) The first international nursing conference
(B) The WHO’s declaration of nursing as a global health priority
(C) The founding of the International Council of Nurses
(D) The birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale

Show Answer

Answer: d

Observed annually on 12 May.

Objective : To celebrate the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

About the Day

Organized by the International Council of Nurses (ICN).
Theme: “Our Nurses. Our Future. The Economic Power of Care.”
Aims to recognize nurses’ role in healthcare systems globally and emphasize their critical contribution during crises (e.g., pandemics, disasters).
ICN publishes an International Nurses Kit each year to guide global campaigns and awareness.

Consider the following events in Gautama Buddha’s life:
1. Birth in Lumbini
2. Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya
3. First sermon at Sarnath
4. Mahaparinirvana at Kushinagar
Which of the above are commemorated on Buddha Purnima?

(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 1, 2 and 4
(D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Show Answer

Answer: c

India and Buddhist countries celebrated Buddha Purnima on 12 May 2025, marking the birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana of Gautama Buddha.

About Gautama Buddha

Born as Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini (present-day Nepal) in 563 BCE.
Attained Enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya and later gave his first sermon in Sarnath.
Known as ‘Light of Asia’ for his message of non-violence, compassion, and spiritual awakening.

Observance

Celebrated on the full moon day of Vaishakha month as per the Hindu lunar calendar.
Includes prayers, meditation, sermons on Dhamma, and release of caged animals in Buddhist traditions.

With reference to India’s Integrated Air Defence System, consider the following statements:
1. S-400 has an engagement range of up to 600 km.
2. Akash system uses command guidance and is developed indigenously.
3. Barak 8 missiles can intercept multiple targets simultaneously at Mach 2.
Which of the above are correct?

(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 1, 2 and 3
(D) 1 and 3 only

Show Answer

Answer: b

Current Context : India’s Integrated Air Defence System (ADS) successfully intercepted and neutralized multiple hostile aerial incursions along the western frontier in May 2025.

About India’s ADS
An Integrated Counter-UAS Grid layers multiple Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) systems for comprehensive coverage:

S-400 “Triumf” (Sudarshan Chakra)

Origin: Acquired from Russia; known as “Storm Shadow” in the UK.
Role: Long-range, multi-target engagement; deep-strike capability.
Range & Coverage:
- Tracking: up to 600 km
- Engagement: up to 400 km
- Altitude: 30 m–30 km
Features: Phased-array radars, 360° coverage, electronic-warfare counter-measures, layered-defence interoperability.

Barak 8 (LR SAM / MR SAM)

Co-development: India & Israel (DRDO-IAI).
Range: Up to 100 km
Speed: Mach 2
Variants: Land- and maritime-based
Capability: Simultaneous multiple-target engagement via active radar seeker.

Akash Weapon System

Indigenous: Developed by DRDO & Bharat Dynamics Ltd.
Range: 4.5 km–25 km
Altitude: 100 m–20 km
Features: Command guidance, built-in ECCM, group/autonomous engagement, rapid “detect-to-kill” cycle, high jamming immunity.

Significance

Layered Defence: Integrates long-, medium-, and short-range SAMs for seamless protection.
Threat Response: Proven capability against low-signature drones, high-altitude aircraft, and cruise missiles.
Strategic Deterrence: Enhances security along sensitive border sectors.

Which of the following defines "Predatory Pricing" as per the Competition Act, 2002?

(A) Setting prices based on demand elasticity.
(B) Charging high prices to limit consumer access.
(C) Selling below cost to eliminate competition and recoup losses later.
(D) Offering frequent price discounts as part of promotional strategy.

Show Answer

Answer: c

Current Context : Recently, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) notified the Competition Commission of India (Determination of Cost of Production) Regulations, 2025 to strengthen its ability to tackle predatory pricing by dominant enterprises.

About Predatory Pricing

Definition: Selling goods or services below cost to eliminate competitors and then recoup losses via monopoly pricing.
Legal Provision: Identified as an abusive practice under Section 4(2) of the Competition Act, 2002.

Key Features of Cost Regulations, 2025

Sector-Agnostic Framework: Flexible, case-by-case cost determination adaptable to all industries, including digital markets.
Primary Benchmark: Average Variable Cost serves as the main reference for predation.
Alternative Measures: Permits use of Average Total Cost, Average Avoidable Cost, or Long-Run Average Incremental Cost (LRAIC) based on market dynamics.
Expert Engagement: Allows CCI to engage independent experts (cost accountants, economists, chartered accountants) for technical accuracy.
Repeal of 2009 Rules: Replaces outdated Cost Regulations, 2009 to align with evolving global competition practices.

Consider the following statements regarding cloud seeding:
1. It involves dispersing hygroscopic substances like silver iodide into clouds.
2. It can reduce air pollution by triggering rainfall.
3. It has no relevance in hail suppression.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 1 and 3 only
(C) 2 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: a

Current Context : The Delhi government approved five cloud-seeding trials in May 2025, partnering with IIT Kanpur to induce rain and mitigate severe air pollution episodes.

About Cloud Seeding

Cloud seeding is a scientific weather modification technique.

Technique: Dispersal of silver iodide particles into moisture-bearing clouds to trigger precipitation.
Agent: Silver iodide—a yellow inorganic compound, also used in photography and medicine.
Applications:
- Rain Enhancement: Boosts rainfall to wash out particulate pollutants.
- Hail Suppression: Prevents hail formation by promoting uniform droplet formation.
Advantages:
Water Security: Augments water availability in urban reservoirs.
Health Benefits: Reduces smog-related respiratory illnesses.
Economic Gain: Lowers crop and infrastructure damage from drought or hail.

Him Krishi Yojna of Himachal Pradesh aims to:
1. Promote organic certification for apple farmers.
2. Integrate GIS technology for precision agriculture.
3. Improve veterinary services in tribal districts.
Select the correct answer:

(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: b

Current Context : A state-level workshop on Him Krishi Yojna was convened at the State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI), Mashobra, in May 2025 to integrate Geographic Information System (GIS) technology into the scheme’s rollout.

About Him Krishi Yojna

Launch: A flagship programme of Himachal Pradesh aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and inclusiveness.
Objective: Leverage modern tools to ensure precision farming, optimal resource use, and targeted extension services.

GIS Integration

Precision Mapping: Soil type, slope, and moisture data layered to guide crop selection and input application.
Resource Optimization: Identifies water sources and irrigation needs, reducing waste.
Crop Monitoring: Real-time satellite imagery enables early detection of pest/disease outbreaks.
Capacity Building: Hands-on training for Agriculture Department officers on GIS software and data interpretation.

Larji Dam, often in the news during monsoon, is located on:

(A) Sutlej River
(B) Ravi River
(C) Chenab River
(D) Beas River

Show Answer

Answer: d

Current Context : Recently, the Larji Hydro Electric Project (HEP) authorities announced the controlled release of 50 cubic meters per second (cumecs) from Larji Dam to manage rising inflows into the Beas River.

About Larji Dam

Location: Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh on the Beas River.
Capacity: 126 MW hydropower facility.
Structure: Concrete gravity dam with associated powerhouse and spillway gates.

Significance

Flood Mitigation: Controlled release reduces risk of unplanned spills and downstream flooding.
Hydropower Balance: Ensures uninterrupted power generation while maintaining dam safety.