1. Multidrug – Resistant TB:
Q. “The BPaLM” are often discussed in the context of:
(a) Genes introduced in the genetically modified plants
(b) Drugs for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis
(c) Radio collars for wildlife tracking
(d) Development of India’s own satellite
Answer: (b) Drugs for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Explanation:
IN NEWS: Health Ministry approves new treatment regimen for multidrug-resistant TB
The BPaLM regimen:
- The Union Health Ministry has approved the introduction of a new treatment regimen for drug-resistant tuberculosis in India.
- The BPaLM regimen consisting of four drugs — Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid and Moxifloxacin — has proven to be a safe, more effective and quicker treatment option than the previous Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment procedure. Hence option (b) is correct.
- It added that the country was working towards the elimination of TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global target for eliminating the disease under the sustainable development goals.
- As part of these efforts, the Ministry has introduced the BPaLM regimen, a novel treatment for MDR-TB, under its National TB Elimination Programme.
2. Quad Summit
Q. Consider the following statements:
Statement-I:
Quad is a plurilateral framework comprising India, Australia, Japan, and the USA.
Statement-II:
It is a political and military alliance of democratic countries to protect each other from any threat.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct
explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the
correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Answer: (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
Explanation:
In NEWS: Quad leaders scheduled to meet in U.S. on September 21
About Quad:
- Quad is a plurilateral framework comprising India, Australia, Japan, and the USA, with a shared commitment to upholding a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Hence statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect.
- The next Quad Summit will seek to address the priorities of the Indo-Pacific countries pertaining to climate, critical and emerging technologies, infrastructure and connectivity, health, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, maritime security, counterterrorism and other aspects.
- With its positive and constructive agenda, Quad has emerged as a force for global good.
- Quad’s initiatives are aimed at complementing the region’s development priorities, accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, and delivering public goods to countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
Source:
3. India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor
Q. Consider the following countries:
1. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust
2. Khair port
3. Antwerp port
4. Fujairah port
5. Haifa port
6. Hamburg port
Which of the above ports are among the ‘India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor?
(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5
(b) 3, 4, 5 and 6
(c) 1, 3, 4 and 5
(d) 2, 3, 4 and 6
Answer: (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5
Explanation:
In NEWS: IMEC will be cornerstone of global connectivity, add to growth
About India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor:
- The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is a planned economic corridor that aims to bolster economic development by fostering connectivity and economic integration between Asia, the Persian Gulf and Europe.
- The corridor is a proposed route from India to Europe through the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Greece.
- The project was launched to bolster transportation and communication links between Europe and Asia through rail and shipping networks and is seen as a counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
- The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) project will comprise two distinct corridors, namely:
- The Eastern Corridor: This corridor links India with the Arabian Gulf. It features railroads, ship-to-rail networks, and road transport routes.
- The Northern Corridor: This corridor connects the Gulf region to Europe. This incorporates similar transportation infrastructure, including rail, ship-to-rail links, and road networks.
- Ports Which are Part of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)
- India: Ports in Mundra (Gujarat), Kandla (Gujarat), and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (Navi Mumbai).
- Middle East: Ports include Fujairah, Jebel Ali, and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, as well as Dammam and Ras Al Khair ports in Saudi Arabia.
- Railway Line: The railway line will link Fujairah port in the UAE to Haifa port in Israel, passing through Saudi Arabia (Ghuwaifat and Haradh) and Jordan.
- Israel: The Israeli port involved in this corridor is Haifa.
- Europe: Ports in Europe that are part of this corridor comprise Piraeus in Greece, Messina in Southern Italy, and Marseille in France.
Source:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2052486
4. FOCAC summit
Q. ‘FOCAC summit’ is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of
- China and Africa
- Chile and Argentina
- China and Cambodia
- Chile and Canada
Answer: (a) China and Africa
Explanation:
In NEWS: Significance of the China-hosted FOCAC summit, with 53 African countries in attendance
About Forum on China-Africa Cooperation:
- The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation was established in 2000 to formalise the strategic partnership between China and African nations.
- A summit is conducted every three years, with the host alternating between China and an African member.
- It has 53 African nations as its members – the entire continent except Eswatini, which has diplomatic ties with Taiwan against Beijing’s “One China” Policy.
- The African Union Commission, the continental bloc tasked with ensuring cooperation and economic integration across its member countries, is also a member.
- The theme this year is “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future.”
- The current summit is expected to address state governance, industrialisation, agricultural upgradation, and improved cooperation over China’s infrastructure financing via the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Source:
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/focac-china-africa-9551476/
5. National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
Q. Consider the following statements:
Once the NTCA notifies an area as a ‘Core area’
1. the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State becomes the governing authority of such
area
2. hunting is not allowed in such area.
3. people of such area are allowed to collect non-timber forest produce.
4. people of such area are allowed traditional agricultural practices.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: (c) Only three
Explanation:
In NEWS: NTCA letter to expedite forest relocation from tiger zones draws activist ire
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA):
- The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) of the Government of India.
- It was established in 2005 following the amendment of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and is dedicated to overseeing the implementation of the Project Tiger initiative and ensuring the protection and conservation of tigers in India.
Core Area (Critical Tiger Habitat – CTH)
- The core area is a strictly protected region within a tiger reserve, primarily dedicated to the preservation of wildlife and the natural ecosystem.
- It is legally designated as a “Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH)” under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This status implies that human activities like grazing, hunting, or agriculture are strictly prohibited to allow tigers and other wildlife to thrive without human interference.
- These areas are selected based on their high conservation value, which is vital for the long-term survival of tigers.
Buffer Area
- The buffer area is intended to act as a zone that mitigates the pressure on the core area by accommodating limited and regulated human activities while still providing protection to wildlife.
Permitted and Restricted Activities:
| Activity | Core Area (CTH) | Buffer Area |
| Human Settlement | Prohibited | Permitted with regulations |
| Agriculture | Prohibited | Permitted in sustainable forms |
| Livestock Grazing | Prohibited | Regulated and controlled |
| Eco-Tourism | Limited and highly regulated | Permitted, regulated for sustainability |
| Mining/Logging | Prohibited | Restricted or controlled |
| Commercial Resource Exploitation | Prohibited | Restricted to sustainable resource collection |
| Infrastructure Development | Prohibited (except with special clearances) | Small-scale development allowed with regulations |
| Scientific Research | Permitted | Permitted |
| Wildlife Conservation/Monitoring | Permitted | Permitted |
| Anti-Poaching Patrols | Permitted | Permitted |
| Firewood and Forest Product Collection | Prohibited | Allowed in sustainable quantities |
Source:
https://ntca.gov.in/assets/uploads/guidelines/Guideline_compendium.pdf
6. Valley fever
Q. Consider the following statements regarding valley fever:
- It is contagious and can spread from person-to-person.
- The symptoms of this disease are similar to COVID-19 .
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Top signs and symptoms of Valley fever spreading in California
About Valley fever:
- Valley fever, a disease caused by breathing in a type of fungus primarily found in the Southwest, is on the rise in California, according to the state’s department of public health
Symptoms:
- Valley fever often starts mild, with signs similar to the flu or COVID-19, including fever and cough. People may also experience rashes, headaches, fatigue, night sweats, muscle aches or joint pain, according to the CDC. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Symptoms typically develop between 1 and 3 weeks after breathing in spores of the fungus, which occur naturally in the soil of some Western states, primarily across the Southwest.
Transmission:
- Valley fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, is not contagious and cannot spread person-to-person. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
- It can take one to three weeks to develop symptoms, such as cough and chest pain, headache and tiredness. The illness can linger for at least a month.
Risk factors:
- Certain factors can also increase a person’s risk of getting a severe case, including being 60 years of age or older, having diabetes or a condition that weakens the immune system, or being pregnant, according to California’s Department of Public Health.
How to treat Valley fever:
- While potential vaccines have been tested in animals, there is currently none available for treating or preventing Valley fever.
- Instead, antifungal treatments, typically fluconazole or amphotericin B, are used to treat some cases of the illness. In other cases, infections resolve without antifungal treatment, the CDC says.
To help prevent Valley fever in areas with high rates, the California health department suggests:
- Staying indoors when it’s windy outside and the air is dusty
- Keeping car windows closed and using recirculating air when driving through dusty areas
- Wetting dirt before digging to reduce dust
- Wearing a N95 mask if you must be outdoor in these dusty areas
Source:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/valley-fever-symptoms-fungus-disease/
7. Protected monuments
Q. With reference to the period of Mughal dynasty in medieval India, Fatehpur Sikri, Atala Masjid and Mecca Masjid were well known as
- ports handling foreign trade
- capitals of powerful kingdoms
- places of exquisite stone art and architecture
- forts constructed by Akbar
Answer: (c) places of exquisite stone art and architecture
In NEWS: Shared ownership of protected monuments with Waqf Board causes conflict, ASI tells Parliamentary panel on Waqf Bill
Background:
- The ASI made the argument during its submission to a joint committee holding consultations on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
- According to sources, the ASI complained that its staff has been restricted from carrying out “conservation” work in such monuments. ASI officials also accused the Board of carrying out “several additions and alterations” to the original structure of these protected monuments, hampering the “authenticity and integrity” of such structures.
- They listed the examples of the Atala Masjid in Jaunpur where shops were built into the enclosure, and Mecca Masjid in Ahmednagar, where fittings and fixtures were installed without the ASI’s permission. They also cited the case of Fatehpur Sikri, where officials claimed that the Waqf is directly appointing tour guides, replacing the ASI-certified guides..
Fatehpur Sikri
Built during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years. The complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style, includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid.
Atala Masjid
In 1408 A.D., Ibrahim Shah Sharki built the Atala Masjid which came to be considered as the ideal for the construction of the other mosques of Jaunpur. In this mosque, beautiful galleries were built by surrounding it with artistic walls. Its height is more than 100 ft. There are three huge gateways for entrance. The total perimeter of the mosque is 248 ft. Its construction was begun by Feorze Shah in 1393 A.D.
Mecca Masjid
Mecca Masjid is a place of profound historical and cultural significance in Hyderabad. Nestled in the city’s heart, it stands as a testament to the city’s rich heritage and religious diversity. This revered mosque, with its grand architecture and storied past, draws visitors worldwide seeking to explore its sacred halls and learn about its intriguing history.Mecca Masjid is built in Indo-Islamic architectural style and features intricate minarets, pagodas, and floral motifs. It is considered the best architectural work of Qutb Shahis.
Source:
8. Places in NEWS
Q. Consider the following:
| S.NO | Places in NEWS | Region | Reason for being in NEWS |
| Hainan | Brazil | Worst Drought | |
| Madeira River | Hong Kong | Severe Cyclone | |
| Arbaat Dam | Sudan | Torrential flood |
In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Answer: (a) Only one
Explanation:
In NEWS:
- A million people flee their homes as Yagi makes landfall in China:
- Powerful typhoon Yagi hits Hainan, China, causing evacuations, power outages, and disruptions in daily life across the region.
- A powerful typhoon made landfall on the Chinese tropical vacation island of Hainan Friday (September 6, 2024) after it swept south of Hong Kong, bringing many aspects of life in the region to a halt and forcing about a million people in the country’s south to leave their homes.
- An aerial view of sandbanks formed after the worst drought in history to affect the Madeira River in Amazonas State of Brazil.
- HUMAITA, Brazil Sept 5 (Reuters) – Brazilians living near the Madeira River, a major waterway that runs through the Amazon rainforest, have been watching its water levels drop to historic lows this year as the area is reeling from a drought.
- The country’s geological service, SGB, has warned that all rivers in the Amazon basin are expected to drop below their historical levels.
- At least 30 dead, many missing after dam bursts in eastern Sudan:
- Torrential rains caused floods that overwhelmed the Arbaat Dam on Sunday just 40 km (25 miles) north of Port Sudan, the de facto national capital and base for the government, diplomats, aid agencies and hundreds of thousands of displaced people.
Source: The Hindu
9. Kalbaishakhi
Q. With reference to “Kalbaishakhi”, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- It is a local thunderstorm that occurs primarily in the southern parts of India during the month of December.
- It is formed due to the clash of hot, dry air with moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Kalbaishakhi’s uncertain fate: Remembering the age-old harbinger of monsoon in an era of weather vagaries
About Kalbaishakhi:
- Kalbaisakhi, commonly referred to as the Nor’wester, is a local thunderstorm phenomenon that occurs primarily in the eastern and northeastern parts of India, including West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, and parts of Odisha and Bangladesh. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
- It is called Kalbaisakhi in West Bengal, translating to “fatal or destructive storm of Baisakh” (Baisakh being the first month of the Bengali calendar).
- These storms occur during the pre-monsoon season, typically between March and May, and are characterized by sudden, intense thunderstorms, accompanied by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and sometimes hail.
Meteorological Causes:
- The formation of Kalbaisakhi is due to the clash of hot, dry air from the north and northwest of India with moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- During the summer months, the landmass of India heats up rapidly, causing the formation of a low-pressure system.
- Warm air rises, creating a vacuum that is filled by cool, moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal.
- This clash between the two contrasting air masses results in the development of powerful cumulonimbus clouds, which are responsible for thunderstorms.
- The thunderstorms are typically short-lived but very intense, often starting in the late afternoon or evening.
Characteristics:
- High Wind Speeds: Winds associated with Kalbaisakhi can reach speeds of up to 80 to 100 km/h, causing significant damage to infrastructure, crops, and trees.
- Heavy Rainfall: The thunderstorms bring sudden downpours, which can last for a few hours but cause flash floods in low-lying areas.
- Hailstorms: Occasionally, these thunderstorms are accompanied by hail, which can further damage crops and property.
- Lightning: One of the most dangerous aspects of Kalbaisakhi is the frequent lightning strikes, which can lead to fatalities.
Importance in Agriculture:
- Pre-Monsoon Rainfall: The rains from these storms are a significant source of pre-monsoon moisture, which is essential for crops like jute, paddy, wheat, and tea.
- Cooling Effect: The storms provide a respite from the intense summer heat, cooling down the temperature and making conditions more favourable for both humans and crops.
- Soil Fertility: The sudden rains also help in recharging the soil moisture, which can support early agricultural activities before the full onset of the monsoon.
Negative Impacts:
- Crop Damage: While the rains are beneficial for crops, the strong winds, lightning, and hail can destroy standing crops and plantations, especially mango orchards and tea gardens.
- Loss of Life and Property: The high-speed winds and lightning strikes often result in fatalities and damage to houses, trees, and power lines. Hailstorms can also damage roofs and vehicles.
- Disruption of Daily Life: Kalbaisakhi storms can cause major disruptions, halting transportation services like flights and trains, and leading to power outages in affected regions.
Source:
10. Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: Interest income from the deposits in Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) distributed to their investors is exempted from tax, but the dividend is taxable.
Statement-II: InviTs are recognized as borrowers under the ‘Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002’.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-1
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-1
(c) Statement-1 is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect Statement-II is correct
Answer: (d) Statement-I is incorrect Statement-II is correct