2nd January 2026

Explanation – 

Nimesulide is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for the short-term treatment of acute pain and fever. It works by suppressing chemical mediators responsible for pain and inflammation in the body. What It Is — Nimesulide belongs to the NSAID class of medicines. It is prescribed mainly for temporary relief from pain and fever rather than for long-term use. Features of the Drug — Pharmacological class: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Mechanism of action: Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis by blocking inflammatory chemical messengers. Therapeutic use: Short-term management of pain and fever. Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and elevation of liver enzymes. Known risk: Potential liver toxicity, especially when taken in higher doses or for prolonged periods. Reason for the Ban — Oral formulations exceeding 100 mg were found to pose a risk to human health, particularly due to liver-related adverse effects. Safer alternative pain-relieving and antipyretic drugs are widely available. The prohibition was imposed under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, which authorises the government to ban drugs considered harmful to public health. 

Explanation – 

Particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) is one of the most hazardous components of air pollution, responsible for serious respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Traditionally, primary pollutants such as soot and dust from burning fossil fuels have been considered the chief contributors to PM2.5 levels. However, new research highlights the rising significance of secondary pollutants, especially ammonium sulphate, as key components of India’s air pollution challenge. Primary and Secondary Pollutants: A Distinction - Primary pollutants originate directly from emission sources such as vehicle exhaust, coal-fired power plants, and biomass burning. In contrast, secondary pollutants are formed when primary pollutants react with each other or with atmospheric elements like water vapour and sunlight. These reactions lead to the formation of complex particles like ammonium sulphate and ammonium nitrate, which can be equally or more harmful. 

Explanation – 

Particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) is one of the most hazardous components of air pollution, responsible for serious respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Traditionally, primary pollutants such as soot and dust from burning fossil fuels have been considered the chief contributors to PM2.5 levels. However, new research highlights the rising significance of secondary pollutants, especially ammonium sulphate, as key components of India’s air pollution challenge. Primary and Secondary Pollutants: A Distinction - Primary pollutants originate directly from emission sources such as vehicle exhaust, coal-fired power plants, and biomass burning. In contrast, secondary pollutants are formed when primary pollutants react with each other or with atmospheric elements like water vapour and sunlight. These reactions lead to the formation of complex particles like ammonium sulphate and ammonium nitrate, which can be equally or more harmful. 

Explanation – 

Option (c) correctly aligns with one of the recognised grounds: "Apparent legal or procedural infirmities" where suspension may be justified to prevent a miscarriage of justice. Option (a) involves a fixed-term sentence, where suspension may be ordinarily considered, but the scenario does not present the most appropriate justification among the options. Option (b) describes a heinous crime where suspension is an exception and requires very strict scrutiny, not a routine justification. Option (d) presents mitigating factors but does not directly correspond to the primary legal grounds (like legal infirmity, humanitarian reasons, or serving full term before appeal) emphasized in the text for justifying suspension. 

Explanation – 

‘Suspension of sentence’ refers to the temporary halt on execution of punishment awarded by a trial court during the pendency of an appeal. While it preserves the right to appeal, its misuse in serious offences such as rape and life imprisonment cases raises concerns about victim safety, public confidence in justice, and dilution of deterrence. Suspension is a discretionary judicial power, not an automatic right (Section 389, CrPC). For heinous crimes and life imprisonment, suspension is an exception requiring strict judicial scrutiny. Humanitarian grounds like terminal illness may be considered, subject to public safety. Suspension stays the execution of punishment; the conviction remains intact unless overturned on appeal.