Ans: B
Exp: 

According to the Global TB Report 2023 by the World Health Organisation (WHO) While India saw a slight decline in the estimated number of tuberculosis (TB) cases in 2023, there was an increase in the number of cases that were reported — a positive sign that the gaps in diagnosis are closing.

Statement 1 is correct: The report indicates a slight decline in the estimated TB cases in India in 2023.

Statement 2 is correct: India accounted for 26% of the global TB burden in 2023, as mentioned in the report.

Statement 3 is incorrect: India is not even close to the WHO End TB targets. There has been a decline of only 18 per cent in TB cases between 2015 and 2023 as against the target of 50 per cent by 2025. TB deaths have declined by 24 per cent as against a target of 75 per cent by 2025, according to the report.

Ans: B

Exp:

The U.S. citizens will cast their ballots on November 5, to choose largely between Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump and Vice-President and Democrat Kamala Harris as their 47th President in the 60th quadrennial elections.

• The United States is unique among democracies in that a presidential candidate can win the popular vote but still lose the election, which has occurred four times, including in 2000 and 2016. This phenomenon is largely due to the Electoral College.
• The Electoral College is a system in which the public votes for electors pledged to a candidate, rather than directly for the candidate themselves. These electors then formally vote for the President and Vice President after the election. The process includes selecting electors, holding a meeting for their votes, and the counting of those votes by Congress.

Statement 1 is Incorrect:The U.S. Electoral College does not directly represent the popular vote. Instead, it is composed of electors chosen based on state popular votes, and they elect the President.

Statement 2 is Correct: Each state’s Electoral College votes are equal to its total representation in Congress, which includes the number of Representatives (based on state population) plus its two Senators. For example, California, the most populous state, has 54 electoral votes, reflecting its 52 Representatives and 2 Senators.

Statement 3 is Incorrect: Winning the U.S. presidential election does not require a majority of the national popular vote but rather a majority of Electoral College votes. A candidate must secure at least 270 out of 538 Electoral College votes to win the presidency. This design can result in a candidate losing the popular vote but winning the presidency, as Electoral College outcomes can vary by state-specific results.

Ans: B

Exp:

Millions have been affected in southern and eastern Spain due to torrential rain, the primary cause of the intense rain is likely an annual weather phenomenon known as a “gota fría,” or cold drop. 

• It is also sometimes called a “DANA,” the acronym for “depresión aislada en niveles altos,” or isolated depression at high altitudes.

About DANA or cold drop:

• Statement 1 is incorrect:  DANA occurs when cold air descends over the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea, leading to atmospheric instability, not the reverse.
  • This led to the formation of dense, towering cumulonimbus clouds in a matter of hours. These clouds then dump heavy rain in parts of Spain.
• Statement 2 is correct: The polar jet stream, which separates cold polar air from warm tropical air, plays a role in DANA formation when a pocket of cold air breaks off and collides with warmer air over the Mediterranean.
• Statement 3 is correct: The phenomenon is a common occurrence in Spain and usually coincides with the onset of autumn and spring in the western Mediterranean. Experts suggest DANA has become more intense and frequent in recent years, partly due to rising global temperatures and Mediterranean Sea temperatures.

Ans: A

Exp: 

The combined Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) increased by 2.0 per cent (provisional) in September, 2024 as compared to the Index in September, 2023. The production of Cement, Refinery Products, Coal, Fertilizers and Steel recorded positive growth in September 2024.

The ICI measures the combined and individual performance of production of eight core industries viz. Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Refinery Products, Fertilizers, Steel, Cement and Electricity. The Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27 percent of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

The weightage of each industry in the Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) is as follows:

Thus, in ascending order of weightage, the correct order is Cement < Steel < Electricity < Petroleum Refinery Products. Hence Option A is Correct.

Ans: C

Exp:

India, represented by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), has been included in the Steering Committee of the Asset Recovery Interagency Network-Asia Pacific (ARIN-AP), hence Option C is Correct.

• In a notable development, India will also assume the presidency of ARIN-AP and host its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 2026. This opportunity underscores India’s leadership in asset recovery efforts and aims to strengthen cooperation with both regional and international partners.
• This new role will enable India to contribute to ARIN-AP’s decision-making and administrative responsibilities, furthering its mission to combat economic crimes and support asset recovery at a global scale.”

• The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) represents India in ARIN-AP as the nodal agency. This agency is responsible for tackling economic crimes and assisting in asset recovery operations in India.
• The ARIN-AP is  a prominent multi-agency network dedicated to tackling the proceeds of crime in the Asia-Pacific region and a member of the Global CARIN Network.
• It operates through a network of contact points, enabling effective communication and intelligence exchange among member agencies, and of over 100 jurisdictions in CARIN Network.