Answer: b

• Zero Discrimination Day, observed annually on March 1, was initiated by UNAIDS (United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS) and was first celebrated on March 1, 2014.
• Theme for 2025: “We Stand Together” – Emphasizing unity and collective action against discrimination.
• Significance:
• Promotes Equality: Supports a world where individuals live with respect and dignity.
• Human Rights: Aligns with broader human rights goals, ensuring protection for all.
• Mental & Physical Well-being: Highlights the importance of combating discrimination to improve overall well-being.

Answer: b

• World Civil Defence Day 2025, observed annually on March 1, was established by the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO) and was first observed in 1990.

Objective:

• Raise awareness on civil protection, disaster preparedness, and emergency response.
• Highlight the role of civil defense in protecting communities from natural and man-made disasters.
• Key Activities: Training programs, awareness campaigns, and emergency drills to educate the public on crisis response.
• Theme for 2025:“Civil Defence, Guarantee of Security for the Population”.

Answer: a

• Recently, scientists detected unusually high methane emissions from Mount Fentale, a volcano in northern Ethiopia.
• Mount Fentale is a stratovolcano located in Awash National Park, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.
• Phenomenon: Unusual methane emissions peaked at 58 metric tonnes per hour starting January 31, far exceeding typical volcanic gases like carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide.
• Impact: Methane is 28 times more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat, raising concerns for climate change.
• Historical Context: Mount Fentale last erupted in 1820 and has a history of sporadic eruptions. Recent magma intrusion was observed in September 2024

Answer: (b)

• NASA’s PUNCH mission has garnered attention for its innovative approach to studying the Sun’s atmosphere and space weather.
• Launch Vehicle: The PUNCH mission will be launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
• Launch Location: The mission will be launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
• Mission Objective: Study the Sun’s atmosphere and its influence on space weather, focusing on solar winds and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs).
• Key Features:
  • Satellites: Four suitcase-sized satellites, each weighing 64 kg, will be deployed into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
  • Technology: Equipped with three Wide Field Imagers (WFIs) and one Narrow Field Imager to capture images every four minutes with polarising filters.
• Mission Goals:
• Investigate the solar corona and its transition into solar wind.
• Provide a 3D view of the solar atmosphere using light polarisation to trace solar wind and CME origins.
• Importance of Space Weather Predictions:
• Solar events like CMEs can disrupt satellite communications, GPS, and power grids.
• PUNCH aims to improve space weather forecasts, protecting technological systems on Earth.

Answer: C

• Released on February 26, 2025, by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Down To Earth (DTE), the State of India’s Environment 2025 report offers a comprehensive analysis of the country’s environmental challenges
• Focus Areas: Climate change, air and water pollution, waste management, biodiversity.
• Special Topics: Plastics, antimicrobial resistance, Thar desert, 40th anniversary of Bhopal Gas Tragedy, India’s renewable energy targets.
• 2024 Environmental Challenges:
• Extreme Weather: 255 out of 274 days had extreme weather events, impacting 3.2 million hectares of cropland.
• Impact on Future Generations and Climate Change:
  • Generation Alpha, the youngest cohort, is poised to inherit a warmer planet.
  • The year 2024 was recorded as the warmest on record, with global temperatures rising 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Answer: B

• A study published in October 2024 analyzed 203 black plastic products (e.g., kitchen utensils, takeout containers, toys) sold in the U.S.
• Source: Black plastic is often made from recycled electronic waste such as computers, TVs, and household appliances.
• Toxic Substances: Electronics contain harmful substances like bromine (a flame retardant), antimony, and heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury). These chemicals are toxic at high exposure levels and have been banned in many countries.
• Health Risks: The study found black plastic products contained decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209), a flame retardant linked to health risks, which was phased out in the U.S. over a decade ago.
• Study Findings:
  • Recommendation: Researchers advise against discarding all black plastic products immediately. Instead, continue using items until they are no longer usable, rather than replacing them prematurely.
  • Recycling Challenge: Black plastic that cannot be recycled should be handled appropriately to prevent further environmental harm.

Answer: B

• Tuhin Kanta Pandey has been appointed as the 11th Chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for a three-year term. His appointment was confirmed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)
• He succeeds Madhabi Puri Buch, the first woman chairperson of SEBI, whose tenure concludes on February 28, 2025.
• Background of Tuhin Kanta Pandey:
  • Pandey, an IAS officer from the 1987 batch of the Odisha cadre, has over 30 years of experience in administration and economics.
  • He was appointed as the Finance Secretary in September 2024, following the elevation of TV Somanathan to the position of Cabinet Secretary.
• Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI):
  • Establishment: SEBI was established in 1988 under the SEBI Act, 1992 to regulate the securities markets in India.
  • Headquarters: SEBI’s headquarters is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Answer: B

• African giant pouched rats (HeroRATS) have shown success in detecting Tuberculosis (TB )in sputum samples.
• About HeroRATS:

Nocturnal, omnivorous rodents from sub-Saharan Africa.

• Role in TB Detection
• Trained to identify TB using their highly sensitive sense of smell.
• Provide faster and more accurate detection than traditional methods.
• Studies in Tanzania show that HeroRATS detect TB cases in children at twice the rate of conventional tests.
• TB Status in India
• Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• India accounts for 28% of global TB cases, with 5 lakh deaths annually.
• The National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) aims for TB eradication by 2025.
• Potential in India:
• Can serve as a secondary diagnostic tool, especially in high-burden states.
• Experts suggest integrating HeroRATS into NTEP to boost detection and eradication efforts.

Answer: (b)

• In a joint effort, the DRDO and the Indian Navy successfully conducted flight trials of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile Short Range (NASM-SR) at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha.
• Launch and Target Engagement:
  • Launched from an Indian Navy Sea King helicopter, successfully targeted ship targets.
  • Validated the Man-in-Loop feature, enabling real-time target selection and in-flight retargeting.
• Advanced Features:
  • High-Bandwidth Two-Way Datalink System: Transmits live seeker images to the pilot for in-flight retargeting.
  • Indigenous Imaging Infra-Red Seeker: Ensures high-accuracy terminal guidance.
• Guidance and Navigation:
  • Fiber Optic Gyroscope-based INS and Radio Altimeter for mid-course guidance.
  • Integrated avionics module and electro-mechanical actuators for control.
• Propulsion and Warhead:
  • Solid propulsion system with an in-line ejectable booster and long-burn sustainer.
  • Equipped with thermal batteries and a Printed Circuit Board warhead.
  • Operational Flexibility: The missile’s ability to perform real-time target selection and in-flight retargeting enhances operational effectiveness and flexibility.

Answer: b

• The 6th edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian, a joint military drill between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), commenced at the East Fuji Training Area in Japan on February 24th, 2025, and will continue until March 9th, 2025.
• Overview: Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN is an annual joint military exercise between India and Japan, conducted alternately in both countries since 2018.
• Objective:
  • The exercise aims to enhance interoperability between Indian and Japanese forces.
  • It focuses on urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations under a UN mandate.
  • The exercise also emphasizes improving tactical drills, physical fitness, and joint planning.
• Participants:
  • The Indian contingent consists of 120 personnel from the Madras Regiment.
  • The Japanese contingent is made up of 120 personnel from the 34th Infantry Regiment of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).