23rd June 2025

Explanation — Quantum computing indeed uses qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously due to the principle of superposition. Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon where entangled particles remain connected, and the state of one can instantly affect the state of the other, no matter how far apart they are. Quantum cryptography, particularly Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), utilises quantum mechanics principles to secure communication channels and can detect any eavesdropping on the transmission.  

Explanation — A Living Will is a legal document that enables individuals to express their preferences regarding medical treatment in the event they become incapacitated and unable to communicate their wishes. It outlines specific instructions regarding the types of medical interventions they do or do not want in situations such as terminal illness, comatose state, or irreversible conditions. This document serves as a guide for healthcare providers and family members to ensure that the individual's wishes are respected and followed. It plays a crucial role in medical ethics and empowers individuals to have control over their end-of-life decisions.

Explanation — The NPT recognises only the U.S., U.K., France, Russia, and China as nuclear weapon states based on their tests before 1967. India, Pakistan, and Israel are not signatories to the NPT. They oppose its discriminatory nature. Non-nuclear states can access peaceful nuclear technology under IAEA safeguards (the "basic bargain”). North Korea signed the NPT but withdrew in 2003 and removed IAEA oversight. 

Explanation — PMGSY - Phase I was launched in December, 2000 as a 100 % centrally sponsored scheme with an objective to provide single all-weather road connectivity to eligible unconnected habitation of designated population size (500+ in plain areas and 250+ in North East, hill, tribal and desert areas, 00 - 249 population in LWE districts as per Census, 2001) for overall socio-economic development of the areas. 

Also, upgradation (to prescribed standards) of the existing roads in those Districts where all the eligible Habitations of the designated population size have been provided all-weather road connectivity was to be taken up. However, Upgradation is not central to the Programme. 

The Phase II of PMGSY was approved during May, 2013. For the 12th Five Year Plan period a target of 50,000 Km length under PMGSY-II. 75 per cent of the cost of the upgradation was by the Centre and 25 per cent by the state. For hill states, desert areas, Schedule V areas and Naxal affected districts, 90 per cent of cost was borne by the Centre. 

The Phase III was approved by the Cabinet during July 2019. It involves consolidation of Through Routes and Major Rural Links connecting habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Higher Secondary Schools and Hospitals. Under the PMGSY-III Scheme, it is proposed to consolidate 1,25,000 Km road length in the States. The duration of the scheme is 2019-20 to 2024-25. 

The funds would be shared in the ratio of 60:40 between the Centre and State for all States except for 8 North Eastern and 3 Himalayan States (Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand) for which it is 90:10. 

Explanation — The Energy Transition Index (ETI) is a fact-based ranking intended to enable policy makers and businesses to plot the course for a successful energy transition. The ETI does not only benchmark countries on their current energy system performance, but also provides a forward looking lens as it measures their readiness for the energy transition. World Economic Forum releases this index. It is built on its predecessor, the Energy Architecture Performance Index.