10th March 2026

It is a respiratory virus belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, which also includes the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). It causes symptoms similar to the common cold. Transmission — The virus is highly contagious. HMPV most likely spreads from an infected person to others through: the air by coughing and sneezing close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands touching objects or surfaces that have the viruses on them, then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. Symptoms — Symptoms commonly associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. In some people, these symptoms may progress to bronchitis or pneumonia. The symptoms of HMPV can be similar to symptoms from other viruses that cause upper and lower respiratory infections. The majority of the cases are mild, but people with the highest risk of severe illness include young children, older adults, and those who are immunocompromised. Treatment — There is no vaccine, and there is no specific antiviral to treat HMPV. Treatment primarily aims at managing symptoms and preventing complications.

Explanation - White phosphorous (WP) is a chemical compound that ignites spontaneously when exposed to air. Due to this property, it has been used in incendiary munitions, including bombs, for military purposes. When a white phosphorous bomb is detonated, it disperses particles of burning white phosphorous, creating intense heat and often causing fires. The use of white phosphorous in certain ways, especially in populated areas or against civilian targets, is regulated by international humanitarian law. The Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Incendiary Weapons, an annex to the Geneva Conventions, restricts the use of incendiary weapons, including white phosphorous, in situations where there is a likelihood of harm to civilians or civilian objects. This is because white phosphorous can cause severe burns and injuries, and its use in densely populated areas can lead to indiscriminate harm to both combatants and non-combatants.

Explanation - Narcotics Control Bureau was constituted by the Government of India in 1986 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. It is the apex coordinating agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances is based on Article 47 of the Indian Constitution which directs the State to endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption, except for medicinal purposes, of intoxicating drugs injurious to health. Drug abuse control is the responsibility of the central government. Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 — It provides for the penalty of property derived from or used in illegal traffic in narcotic drugs. The Act made an express provision for constituting a Central Authority for the purpose of exercising the powers and functions of the Central Government under the Act.

Explanation - Statements 2, 3 and 4 are correct. It is a project of the Government of India aimed at providing broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs) in the country. Objective — The primary objective is to provide unrestricted access to broadband connectivity to all the telecom service providers. This enables access providers like mobile operators, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Cable TV operators, and content providers to launch various services such as e-health, e-education, and e-governance in rural and remote India. Phases of BharatNet Project — Phase I: Focused on laying optical fibre cables to connect 1 lakh Gram Panchayats by utilising existing infrastructure. This phase was completed in 2017. Phase II (ongoing): Expanded coverage to an additional 1.5 lakh Gram Panchayats using optical fibre, radio, and satellite technologies. Phase III (ongoing): Aims at future-proofing the network by integrating 5G technologies, increasing bandwidth capacity, and ensuring robust last-mile connectivity. Funding — It is primarily funded through the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), which is a fund that replaced the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). Implementation — It is being executed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) namely Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL).

Explanation - It is the European Space Agency's (ESA) first mission dedicated to precision formation flying. It is the innovative mission which will demonstrate precision formation flying between two satellites to create an artificial eclipse, revealing new views of the Sun's faint corona. Objective — To create an artificial eclipse by precisely coordinating two independent satellites. This capability will enable scientists to observe the Sun's corona, a region typically obscured by the intense brightness of the Sun. It consists of two small satellites: a Coronagraph spacecraft and a solar-disc-shaped Occulter spacecraft. Working — By flying in tight formation about 150 metres apart, the Occulter will precisely cast its shadow onto the Coronagraph's telescope, blocking the Sun's direct light. This will allow the Coronagraph to image the faint solar corona in visible, ultraviolet and polarised light for many hours at a time. It will provide new insights into the origins of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) — eruptions of solar material that can disrupt satellites and power grids on Earth. The mission will also measure total solar irradiance, tracking changes in the Sun's energy output that may influence Earth's climate.