Daily Current Affairs Quiz: March 28, 2025

Notes:
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare introduced the Digital Crop Survey (DCS) System to collect real-time crop data through a mobile interface. It provides accurate, up-to-date crop area details for better production estimates. Agri Stack was developed under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, ensuring farmers’ data privacy and security. Farmers’ data is collected only with consent and shared securely using encryption, APIs, and token-based authentication. The system follows cybersecurity guidelines from MeitY and CERT-In, with regular security audits. Digital inclusion is ensured via Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Krishi Sakhis, and Common Service Centres (CSCs).

Notes:
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) raised concerns over the economic viability of GSAT-18 due to underutilisation of six transponders until 2027. The committee recommended that the Department of Space exercise greater financial prudence in satellite projects using public funds. A revenue loss of ₹117 crore was reported due to idle transponders. GSAT-18 is a communication satellite launched by ISRO on October 5, 2016. It was launched using the Ariane-5 VA-231 rocket from Kourou, French Guiana, with a liftoff weight of 3,404 kg. The satellite has a 15-year mission life (until 2032) and was injected into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

Notes:
Karnataka refused Kerala’s request to increase state-owned buses through Bandipur Tiger Reserve at night, keeping the limit at four buses each. Bandipur Tiger Reserve is located in Mysore and Chamarajanagar districts of southern Karnataka. It lies at the tri-junction of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Geographically, it is an “ecological confluence” of the Western and Eastern Ghats. It was once a hunting ground for the rulers of Mysore. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Notes:
India successfully flight-tested the Vertically Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) off the Odisha coast. VL-SRSAM is an indigenously developed Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (SRSAM). It is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is a quick reaction missile that neutralises aerial threats, including sea-skimming targets. Initially designed for the Indian Navy with a 40 km range, it can now strike targets up to 80 km. The missile is also being developed for the Indian Air Force to protect air bases.

Notes:
The Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) framework aims to expand public Wi-Fi hotspots to build a digital India. Public Data Offices (PDOs) set up and operate WANI-compliant Wi-Fi hotspots and must partner with a Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA) for internet services. As of March 20, 2025, India has 2,78,439 PM-WANI Wi-Fi hotspots. The scheme was launched by the Department of Telecommunication in December 2020. It aims to boost digital infrastructure, especially in rural areas, and generate employment for small and micro-entrepreneurs. It provides low-cost internet to underserved urban poor and rural households.