6th April 2026

Explanation - Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906) is remembered for giving Indians their western, classical representations of Hindu gods and goddesses. His most famous works include Damayanti Talking to a Swan, Shakuntala Looking for Dushyanta, Nair Lady Adorning Her Hair, and Shantanu and Matsyagandha. His 1873 painting, Nair Lady Adorning Her Hair, won Varma prestigious awards including Governor's Gold Medal when it was presented in the Madras Presidency, and Certificate of Merit at an exhibition in Vienna.

Explanation - It was established in 2017, with $150 million, led by the Government of India. The Fund supports Southern-owned and -led, demand-driven and transformational sustainable development projects across the developing world. Focus: It focuses on least developed countries and Small Island developing States. United Nations agencies implement the Fund projects in close collaboration with partnering Governments. The fund is a notable example of South-South cooperation with the system. Its thematic reach spans all 17 SDGs, with several initiatives addressing more than one Goal. These include climate resilience, environmental sustainability, renewable energy, gender equality, health and pandemic response, education and skills, livelihoods, infrastructure, water and sanitation, and agricultural development. Under this, the Commonwealth Window of this Fund aims to catalyse the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the developing countries of the Commonwealth of Nations. Commonwealth of Nations is a voluntary association of independent and equal sovereign States comprised mainly of former territories of the British Empire, including India. It is managed by United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC).

Explanation - Coal gasification does not involve the combustion of coal to produce electricity. Instead, it involves a thermochemical process that converts coal into synthesis gas (syngas). Coal gasification converts coal into synthesis gas, or "syngas," which consists primarily of hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO). Syngas can be used as a fuel for power generation or as a feedstock for producing various chemicals and fuels, including methanol and hydrogen. While coal gasification does release carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, it typically results in lower emissions of other harmful pollutants such as sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter compared to traditional coal combustion processes. However, it is important to note that CO2 emissions from coal gasification still contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. While coal gasification can be used to produce liquid fuels such as gasoline and diesel through additional chemical processes, its primary application is not for liquid fuel production. It is more commonly used for the production of syngas, which can then be used as a fuel or chemical feedstock.

Explanation - It is a central sector initiative to empower women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) promoted under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) by providing them with drone technology for agricultural services. It aims to provide drones to selected SHGs for rental services to farmers for agriculture purposes (application of liquid fertilisers and pesticides for the present). Financial Assistance: Central Financial Assistance @ 80% of the cost of drone package will be provided to the women SHGs. For the remaining 20% cost, SHGs can seek loans from the National Agriculture Infrastructure Financing Facility (AIF) with a 3% interest subvention. Training: One of the members of the women SHGs will be selected for 15 day training comprising of mandatory drone pilot training and additional training for agriculture purpose for nutrient and pesticide application. It is implemented by converging the resources of: Department of Agriculture & Farmer's Welfare (DA&FW), Department of Rural Development (DoRD) and Department of Fertilisers (DoF) and Lead Fertiliser Companies (LFCs).

Explanation - It is India's third indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. It is the second submarine in the Arihant class. It is being built under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project to build nuclear submarines at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam. Features of INS Aridhaman — Armaments: It has launch tubes capable of deploying K-15 Sagarika submarine each with a 750 km range; Longer-range K-4 missiles extending to 3,500 km for intercontinental strikes. It also has anechoic tiles for acoustic damping and advanced sonar suites enhancing its survivability against detection.