23rd May 2026

Explanation: Muga silk is known as the "golden silk" of Assam. It is a rare and prestigious textile from the Brahmaputra Valley. It is obtained from semi-domesticated multivoltine silkworm, Antheraea assamensis. These silkworms feed on the aromatic leaves of Som and Soalu plants and are reared on trees similar to that of tasar. It is valued for its natural golden hue, durability and eco-friendly production without artificial dyes. Muga culture is specific to the state of Assam and an integral part of the tradition and culture of that state. The muga silk, an high value product is used in products like sarees, mekhalas, chaddars, etc. It was received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2007.

Explanation: UMMID (Unique Methods of Management of Inherited Disorders) programme is launched for Rare Genetic Disorders/ Diseases. It is a national initiative promoting early intervention and affordable healthcare for families affected by rare genetic disorders. It is aimed at improving the diagnosis and management of inherited and rare genetic disorders. The initiative represents India’ first comprehensive national effort to address inherited genetic disorders through an integrated approach encompassing diagnosis, counselling, prevention, training and public health awareness.  The programme functions through three major pillars such as: NIDAN Kendras for diagnostics and counselling, outreach programmes in aspirational districts, and specialised training centres for capacity building. It supports implementation of the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) 2021 by creating structured care pathways for patients suffering from inherited disorders. Nodal Ministry — It is a national initiative led by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology to tackle inherited genetic disorders.

Explanation: Section 124A has been challenged in various courts in specific cases. The validity of the provision itself was upheld by a Constitution Bench in 1962, in Kedarnath Singh vs State of Bihar. That judgment went into the issue of whether the law on sedition is consistent with the fundamental right under Article 19 (1) (a) which guarantees each citizen’s freedom of speech and expression. The Supreme Court laid down that every citizen has a right to say or write about the government, by way of criticism or comment, as long as it does not “incite people to violence” against the government established by law or with the intention of creating public disorder. Apart from the Kedarnath judgment, the High Court referred to five other judgments, including a Supreme Court judgment (Balwant Singh vs State of Punjab) regarding raising of slogans by three men after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated. The SC then ruled that “casual raising of slogans, once or twice by two individuals alone cannot be said to be aimed at exciting or attempt to excite hatred or disaffection by the government”. The court observed, “It is clear that the provisions of Section 124A of IPC cannot be invoked to penalise criticism of the persons for the time being engaged in carrying on administration or strong words used to express disapprobation of the measures of the government with a view to their improvement or alteration by lawful means.”.

Explanation: Section 124A IPC states: “Whoever, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards, the Government established by law in India, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, to which a fine may be added; or, with imprisonment which may extend to three years, to which a fine may be added; or, with fine.”

Explanation: In the external sector, it refers to the account maintained by every government of the world in which every kind of current transactions is shown—basically this account is maintained by the central banking body of the economy on behalf of the government. Current transactions of an economy in foreign currency all over the world are—export, import, interest payments, private remittances and transfers. India had surplus current accounts for three consecutive years (2000–03)— the only such period in Indian economic history. Recently, in the year 2020 too, India has witnessed current account surplus after a period of 17 years. India’s current account deficit (CAD) expanded marginally in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2024-25 (Q1 FY25). According to the data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently, the CAD reached $9.7 billion, which is equivalent to 1.1% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This marks an increase from $8.9 billion (1.0% of GDP) during the same period in the previous year, Q1 FY24. Furthermore, it represents a stark contrast to the surplus of $4.6 billion (0.5% of GDP) recorded in the fourth quarter of FY24 (Q4 FY24).