10th September 2025

Explanation – The hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) is an anadromous fish (not catadromous). It lives most of its life in the ocean, but during the rainy season, when it is time to spawn, the hilsa moves towards the estuary, where the rivers of India and Bangladesh meet the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh produces almost 75 percent of the world's Hilsa output. The fish is considered a great delicacy, with particularly high demand during Durga Puja in states like West Bengal, where the quality of 'Padmar Ilish' from Bangladesh's Padma river is highly prized. 

Explanation – Phosphate rock is a sedimentary rock formed millions of years ago by the accumulation of organic matter on the ocean floor (not metamorphic rock). The world's largest deposits are located in Morocco, which is also one of the global leaders in phosphate extraction. In India, phosphate rocks are majorly produced from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Most of the phosphate rock mined throughout the world is used to produce phosphate fertiliser (not primarily animal feed supplements), though it is also used as animal feed supplements and in industrial applications. 

Explanation – GCCs are fully-owned, strategic offshore units of multinational corporations (MNCs) established in talent-rich, cost-effective locations to provide specialised functions like IT, finance, R&D, and customer service. Initially focused on cost savings and back-office support, GCCs have evolved into innovation hubs and centres of excellence. They drive product development and complex business processes, adding significant value to the parent organisation. Key benefits include access to diverse global talent, operational efficiency, enhanced control, and fostering innovation. 

Explanation – The New Development Bank is a multilateral development bank jointly founded by the BRICS countries at the 6th BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil in 2014. The idea for setting up the bank was proposed by India at the 4th BRICS summit in 2012 held in Delhi (not 2009 St Petersburg Summit). The bank supports infrastructure and sustainable development efforts in BRICS and other underserved, emerging economies (not limited to BRICS only). India is one of the founding members, holding 20% stake in the Bank, and as of now, NDB's approved loan proportion to India is 28%, the second highest after China amongst the BRICS countries. 

Explanation – BRICS initially included Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010. BRICS aims to counterbalance the influence of Western-dominated institutions like the IMF and World Bank. In 2024, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE joined BRICS as full members from January 1, 2024, while Saudi Arabia delayed its membership. Indonesia officially joined as the 10th member in January 2025. The expanded BRICS bloc represents about 45% of the world's population and generates more than 35% of global GDP in purchasing power parity terms. With Iran, Saudi Arabia (when it joins), and the UAE as members, BRICS accounts for approximately 30% of global oil production.