10th December 2025

Explanation - The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure (not high pressure) and cold air surrounding both of the Earth's poles. It ALWAYS exists near the poles, but weakens in summer and strengthens in winter. The term "vortex" refers to the anti-clockwise flow of air that helps keep the colder air near the Poles. Many times, during winter in the northern hemisphere, the polar vortex will expand, sending cold air southward with the jet stream. Jet stream is the area of fast-moving air high in the atmosphere that surrounds the polar vortex. This occurs fairly regularly during wintertime and is often associated with large outbreaks of Arctic air in the United States & Canada. Portions of Europe and Asia also experience cold surges connected to the polar vortex. 

Explanation - The Monroe Doctrine, articulated by U.S. President James Monroe in 1823, is a significant U.S. foreign policy statement aimed at preventing European intervention in the Americas. Primarily the work of Secretary of State John Quincy Adams, the Monroe Doctrine forbade European interference in the American hemisphere but also asserted U.S. neutrality in regard to future European conflicts (not active intervention). The United States invoked the Monroe Doctrine to defend its increasingly imperialistic role in the Americas in the mid-19th century. The doctrine has had lasting impacts on U.S. relations with its southern neighbours, reflecting America's desire to assert its influence while advocating for independence and self-determination in the region. It was also a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy in the 19th century. 

Explanation - Neurotechnology refers to the use of engineered tools that can record, monitor, or influence neural activity. The field sits at the convergence of neuroscience, AI, engineering, and computing, and is rapidly redefining how humans interact with machines. At the core is the Brain Computer Interface, a system that decodes neural signals and translates them into digital actions, enabling users to control prosthetics, wheelchairs, computers or even robotic limbs. Neurotechnology is evolving across two broad areas — Diagnostic and Neuroscience Research Tools — Devices that map brain activity to study neurological disorders, cognitive function, or behavioural patterns. Therapeutic and Assistive Technologies — Systems enabling paralysed patients to move prosthetics, aiding stroke rehabilitation, and stimulating targeted brain circuits for conditions such as Parkinson's disease, depression, or epilepsy. Some experimental work globally has gone even further, such as lab experiments connecting the brains of mice to exchange simple information, underlining both the potential and the ethical complexity of the field.

Explanation - Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, also known as Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, was one of the greatest novelists and poets of India. He is famous as the author of Vande Mataram, the national song of India. His famous novels include Durgeshnandini, Kapalkundala (1866), Mrinalini (1869), Vishbriksha (1873), Chandrasekhar (1877), Rajani (1877), Rajsimha (1881), and Devi Chaudhurani (1884). Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's most famous novel was Anand Math (1882). It was set in the background of the Sannyasi Rebellion in the late 18th century. Anand Math contained the song "Vande Mataram", which was later adopted as the national song. The patriotic song was written in Sanskrit. In the year 1896, Rabindranath Tagore (not Mahatma Gandhi) sang this melodic poem for the first time at the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress. It was officially adopted as the national song by the Constituent Assembly of India on 24th January 1950. He is often regarded as the "Sahitya Samrat" (Emperor of Literature) in Bengali literature. 

Explanation - National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts competitive exams like JEE and NEET has launched its Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered smartphone app to empower engineering and medical aspirants to prepare safely from their homes, for entrance exams including JEE Main, NEET. National Testing Agency (NTA) was established as a Society registered under the Indian Societies Registration Act, 1860. It is an autonomous and self-sustained testing organisation to conduct entrance examinations for admission/fellowship in higher educational institutions. It is to conduct efficient, transparent and international standards tests in order to assess the competency of candidates for admission and recruitment purposes. NTA is chaired by an eminent educationist appointed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (not the Union Minister). The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will be the Director-General to be appointed by the Government. There will be a Board of Governors comprising members from user institutions.