Ans: B

Exp:

Recently,  the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) suspended the membership of Delhi’s National Zoological Park .

• The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has been repeatedly informed by WAZA, about the shortcomings in its approach when it comes to the framing and enforcement of up-to-date guidelines–in line with the global norms–regarding animal welfare applicable to zoos across India.

About CZA:

• This is a statutory body established in 1992 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Hence Statement 1 is incorrect.
• Composition: It is chaired by the Union minister for  Environment, forest and climate change and has 10 members and a member-secretary. Hence Statement 2 is Correct.

Functions of CZA: The major functions performed by it include the following:

• To specify the minimum standards for housing, upkeep, and veterinary care of the animals kept in a zoo.
• To evaluate and assess the functioning of zoos with respect to the standards or the norms as may be prescribed.
• To provide recognition and derecognition of zoos.
• To identify endangered species of wild animals for purposes of captive breeding and assign responsibility in this regard to specific zoos. Hence Statement 3 is Correct.

Ans: B
Exp:

Researchers at IIT Bombay develop a shockwave-based needle-free syringe that ensures painless and safe drug delivery with lesser damage to skin and lower risk of infection.  

• The shock waves generated by shock syringes are designed to penetrate the skin without piercing it, making the delivery process needle-free and non-invasive.

How Does It Work?

• Uses high-energy pressure waves (shock waves) instead of needles

• • These waves travel faster than sound and penetrate the skin without piercing it. Hence Option B is Correct.
  • A similar effect happens during a sonic boom→ Aircraft flies faster than the speed of sound→ creates shock waves that push & disturb the air

• Features and Benefits:

• • • Precise & Safe→ Pressure is continuously monitored for consistent drug delivery
    • Rigorous testing on synthetic skin ensures safety and comfort
    • Prevents blood-borne diseases caused by improper handling of needles
    • Quick & Efficient→ Delivers drugs at speeds nearly twice as fast as a commercial airplane take-off
    • Can make vaccination drives more efficient

• Reliable & cost-effective

• Suitable for multiple drug deliveries with one syringe

Ans:  C 

Exp:

Recently NATO said it would boost its presence in the Baltic Sea after the suspected sabotage of an undersea power cable and four internet cables.

• while alliance Member Estonia launched a naval operation to guard a parallel electricity link.

About Baltic Sea:

• • The Baltic Sea is located in Northern Europe.
  •  It connects to the North Sea via the Kattegat and Skagerrak straits, and its waters are relatively shallow compared to other seas. 

• Countries Bordering the Baltic Sea:

• • Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland,Sweden and Russia (via Kaliningrad and the Saint Petersburg region). Hence Option C is Correct.

Significance of Baltic Sea:

• The Nord Stream pipelines, connecting Russia and Germany, pass under the Baltic Sea, making it vital for Europe’s energy security.
• Many Baltic nations (e.g., Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) are NATO members, and the sea is essential for NATO’s strategic defense against potential threats from Russia.

Baltic States:

• Group of independent countries that border the Baltic Sea→ Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia

Ans: A
Exp:

Recently, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has authorized a new peacekeeping mission called AUSSOM (African Union Stabilisation and Support Mission) that will replace the existing, larger AU anti-terrorism mission in Somalia starting January 1, 2025.

• • Statement 1 is correct: The United Nations Peacekeeping operations provides security, political and peacebuilding support to help countries make the difficult, early transition from conflict to peace.
  • Statement 2 is incorrect: The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to UN Peacekeepers in 1988 for their efforts in maintaining peace and security around the world.
  • Statement 3 is correct: The Capstone Doctrine outlines the principles, guidelines, and key concepts central to UN Peacekeeping operations.
  • Current Operations→ 11→ on three continents→ Africa, Asia, & Europe

• Three basic principles of UN Peacekeeping:

• • • Consent of the parties
    • Impartiality
    • Non-use of force except in self-defence & defence of the mandate

• International Day of Peacekeeping→ May 29th

• On this day in 1948, the first UN Peacekeeping Mission, the UN Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO), began operations in Palestine.

Ans:  A
Exp:

French economist Thomas Piketty suggested that a wealth and inheritance tax be imposed on the super-rich in India, which, in turn, could fund health and education.

• Critics, including India’s Chief Economic Advisor Anantha Nageswaran, argue that such a tax may lead to capital flight and hurt economic growth.

About Wealth tax: 

• Wealth tax is a type of direct tax imposed on the richer section of the society. The intention of doing so is to bring parity among the taxpayers. 
• However, the wealth tax was abolished in the budget of 2015 (effective FY 2015-16) as the cost of recovering taxes was more than the benefit derived. Hence Statement 1 is correct.
• Till now, an individual, a Hindu Undivided Family or a company had to pay 1% as wealth tax on net wealth of value over ₹ 30 lakh. Hence Statement 2 is incorrect.
• Wealth tax was a charge levied on the book or the market value of the personal assets of rich individuals.
  • For the purpose of valuation of assets, which included immovable assets, vehicles, jewellery, bullion, yachts, boats, aircraft, and so on, subject to certain exemptions such productive assets which included mutual funds, fixed deposits, exchange-traded gold funds and savings bank accounts. 
  • Other than this, a self-occupied residential house or a plot of land that is not bigger than 500 sq. metres is exempt from wealth tax.