4th April 2026

Explanation - Ranikhet Disease is caused by Avian avulavirus 1 (AAvV-1), also known as Newcastle disease virus (NDV). The disease affects the respiratory, nervous, and digestive systems of birds. Ranikhet Disease is a minor zoonosis and causes only mild, self-limiting conjunctivitis in humans. The mortality rate in affected birds can range from 50 to 100 percent.

Explanation - It is an anti-tax avoidance law in India to curb tax evasion and avoid tax leaks. It came into effect in 2017. The GAAR provisions come under the Income Tax Act, 1961. It was recommended by the Parthasarathi Shome Committee. Aim: It is specifically aimed at cutting revenue losses that happen to the government due to aggressive tax avoidance measures practiced by companies. GAAR is a tool for checking aggressive tax planning, especially those transactions or business arrangements that are entered into with the objective of avoiding tax. It is meant to apply to transactions that are prima facie legal, but result in tax reduction. GAAR applies only if the tax benefit exceeds ₹3 crore in a financial year. GAAR provisions give wide powers to tax authorities to treat any arrangement or a transaction as an 'impermissible avoidance arrangement' (IAA) and re-compute income and consequent tax implications.

Explanation - It is a Central Sector Scheme under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Programme. The initiative will empower MSMEs with digital tools and guidance to effectively utilise the e-commerce marketplace. The key objectives of the TEAM Initiative: Facilitating onboarding of MSMEs onto the ONDC network to enable digital commerce participation. Supporting MSMEs in creation of digital product catalogues, branding and packaging improvements. Providing training and capacity building on e-commerce operations, digital marketing, logistics and online payments. Strengthening market linkages and increasing online sales opportunities for participating enterprises. Duration: 3 years from 2024 to 2027. Eligibility Criteria: All the Udyam registered Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) under manufacturing and services sectors will be eligible for benefits under the Initiative. Targeted beneficiaries: It envisages benefiting 5 lakh Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) of which 50% are to be women owned MSEs. Implementing Agency: National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC). Nodal Ministry: It has been launched by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME).

Explanation - Non-Deliverable Derivatives (NDDs) are financial contracts used to hedge or speculate on currencies that are not freely convertible — like the Indian rupee — without any actual exchange of the underlying currency. Instead of physically delivering the currency at settlement, the difference between the agreed contract rate and the actual market rate is settled in a freely convertible currency, typically the US dollar. NDDs are traded outside India in global financial hubs such as: Singapore, Hong Kong, London, Dubai. These markets operate beyond the direct regulatory control of the RBI. NDD markets often act as a price discovery mechanism, shaping expectations about the rupee even before Indian markets open. How NDDs Work? Cash-Settled Contracts — In an NDD, two parties agree on a future exchange rate for the rupee, but the contract is settled in cash (usually US dollars) instead of exchanging the actual currency. Reason for Their Existence — Due to India's capital controls, foreign investors cannot freely trade the rupee. This led to the development of offshore NDD markets. Who Uses the NDD Market? Foreign investors and hedge funds, Global banks, Companies hedging currency risk. Concerns and Criticism of NDD Market — Offshore sentiment can diverge from domestic fundamentals, leads to distorted price signals and potential manipulation, contributes to higher volatility in the rupee.

Explanation - Form 6 is the official application form used to enrol new voters in the electoral rolls, as per the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. It is submitted to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of the concerned Assembly constituency (or Parliamentary constituency in Union Territories without an Assembly). Role of the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) — The ERO, a local official appointed by the Election Commission in consultation with the state government, is responsible for: Maintaining electoral rolls, Accepting new voter applications, Processing deletions, Conducting hearings in case of objections. Citizenship Requirement — Under Article 326 of the Constitution, only Indian citizens aged 18 or above are eligible to vote. However, Form 6 does not require documentary proof of citizenship. Instead, it includes a self-declaration, and false claims can attract penalty or imprisonment up to one year. Mode of Application — Form 6 can be: Filled online via the ECI's ECINET portal, or Submitted offline to the ERO, typically a Sub-Divisional Magistrate or equivalent officer.