12th November 2025

Explanation - Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a common type of heart disease. CAD also may be called coronary heart disease. It affects the main blood vessels that supply blood to the heart, called the coronary arteries. In CAD, there is reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. What Causes CAD? A buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls, a condition called atherosclerosis, usually causes CAD. The buildup, called plaque, makes the arteries narrow. CAD often develops over many years. Symptoms — Symptoms are from the lack of blood flow to the heart. They may include chest pain and shortness of breath. A complete blockage of blood flow can cause a heart attack. Common heart attack symptoms include — Chest pain that may feel like pressure, tightness, squeezing or aching. Pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth or sometimes the upper belly. Cold sweats. Fatigue. Shortness of breath. Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness. Treatment — Treatment for CAD may include medicines and surgery. Eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise and not smoking can help prevent CAD and the conditions that can cause it. 

Explanation - Booker Prize is the world's leading literary award for a single work of fiction. It was founded in the UK in 1969, the Booker Prize initially rewarded Commonwealth writers and now spans the globe: it is open to anyone regardless of origin. It aims to promote the finest in fiction by rewarding the best novel of the year written in English. Eligibility for Booker Prize — The Booker Prize awards any novel originally written in English and published in the UK and Ireland in the year of the prize, regardless of the nationality of their author. The novel must be an original work in English (not a translation) It must be published by a registered UK or Irish imprint; self published novels are not eligible. The winner receives £50,000 and each of the shortlisted authors will be given £2,500. 

Explanation - Rift Valley Fever is caused by a Phlebovirus belonging to the Phenuiviridae family. It primarily affects animals such as sheep, goats, cattle, and camels. Humans become infected through close contact with infected animals or by the bite of infected mosquitoes. The virus has not been shown to spread from person to person. Origin and History of Rift Valley Fever — It derives its name from Kenya's Rift Valley, where the disease was first recognised in the early 1930s. Since then, the infection has appeared across sub-Saharan Africa. In 1977, it spread northwards to Egypt, and by 2000, it had crossed the Red Sea into Saudi Arabia and Yemen, marking its first confirmed appearance outside the African continent. Transmission — Multiple mosquito species can transmit the Rift Valley fever virus, and the predominant vector differs from one region to another. Symptoms of Rift Valley Fever — In about 90% of cases, RVF presents as a mild, flu-like illness that begins two to six days after infection. The onset is marked by high fever, muscle and joint pain, headache, weakness, and backache, sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. In a small proportion of patients, disease progresses to a severe form affecting the eyes, brain, or liver. Treatment — Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment. Medical care is primarily supportive. 

Explanation - An IED is a type of unconventional explosive weapon that can take any form and be activated in a variety of ways. IEDs are used by criminals, vandals, terrorists, suicide bombers, and insurgents. Because they are improvised, IEDs can come in many forms, ranging from a small pipe bomb to a sophisticated device capable of causing massive damage and loss of life. The extent of damage caused by an IED depends on its size, construction, and placement and whether it incorporates a high explosive or propellant. IEDs can be carried or delivered in a vehicle; carried, placed, or thrown by a person; delivered in a package; or concealed on the roadside. The term IED came into common usage during the Iraq War that began in 2003. IEDs are inexpensive and can be easily manufactured, concealed and detonated. Further, IEDs can be manufactured by using commonly available material or chemicals. Elements of an IED — It consists of a variety of components that include an initiator, switch, main charge, power source, and container. IEDs may be surrounded by or packed with additional materials or "enhancements" such as nails, glass, or metal fragments designed to increase the amount of shrapnel propelled by the explosion. An IED can be initiated by a variety of methods depending on the intended target. Materials Used as Explosives in IEDs — Many commonly available materials, such as fertiliser, gunpowder, and hydrogen peroxide, are used as explosive materials in IEDs. Explosives must contain a fuel and an oxidiser, which provides the oxygen needed to sustain the reaction. A common example is ANFO, a mixture of ammonium nitrate, which acts as the oxidiser, and fuel oil (the fuel source). 

Explanation - QCOs, issued under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016, mandate that no product can be manufactured, imported, or sold without a BIS certification once notified. Originally meant to enhance product quality and restrict substandard imports, QCOs have been aggressively expanded since 2019 to reduce import dependence and boost domestic manufacturing under the self-reliance agenda. Their number has surged from 88 in 2019 to 765 by December 2024, with metals, machinery, and electronics together accounting for over 60% of all QCOs issued between 1987 and 2025.