5th August 2026

Explanation - A striking feature of this year's fires is the emergence of pyrocumulonimbus clouds (pyroCb), or "fire clouds. How They Form and Why are They Dangerous? Large wildfires release intense heat; hot air, smoke, ash, and moisture rise rapidly, cool, and condense around smoke particles to form towering clouds. These clouds can grow into full thunderstorms reaching 10-15 km into the atmosphere, even penetrating the stratosphere. Collisions between ice crystals, water droplets, and ash inside these clouds generate lightning, which can ignite new fires kilometres from the original blaze. The storms also create powerful, erratic winds that can suddenly shift a fire's direction or speed — trapping firefighters and residents. In extreme cases, a wildfire effectively creates its own weather system. Experts warn that intensifying heatwaves and droughts are enabling "sixth-generation wildfires" — extremely intense events that destroy biodiversity and release massive carbon dioxide, further fuelling global warming.

Explanation - Modified Interest Subvention Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2006–07 by the Government of India. Aim: It is aimed at ensuring the availability of short-term credit to farmers at an affordable interest rate through Kisan Credit card (KCC). Under the Scheme — Farmers received short-term loans of up to Rs.3 lakh through Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) at a subsidised interest rate of 7%, with 5% interest subvention provided to eligible lending institutions. Additionally, farmers repaying loans promptly are eligible for an incentive of up to 3% as Prompt Repayment Incentive (PRI) effectively reducing their interest rate on KCC loans to 4%. For loans taken exclusively for animal husbandry or fisheries, the interest benefit is applicable up to Rs.2 lakh. It is implemented by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). It is operated through Public Sector Banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Cooperative Banks and Private Sector Banks operating in rural and semi urban areas.

Explanation - Baba Baidyanath Dham Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Deoghar, Jharkhand. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. This ancient temple has been mentioned in several ancient scriptures, such as Puranas, Vedas, Mahabharata, Ramayana, History — The mythological origin of Baidyanath Dham is tied to the legend of King Demon Ravana, who was granted a boon by Lord Shiva to take a sacred Jyotirlinga to his palace in Lanka. But he placed it on the ground in Deoghar, where the Lingam permanently resides. Historical records suggest the temple's original construction in the 8th century by Puran Mal, an ancestor of the Nagavanshi dynasty. Over the centuries, the temple has seen numerous renovations and expansions, reflecting various architectural styles and cultural influences. The current structure is attributed to Raja Man Singh in the 16th century. The temple hosts the famous Shravani Mela, one of the largest annual religious gatherings in India. Architecture — The temple showcases the classic Nagara style of North Indian architecture. The main temple is the Baidyanath Jyotirlinga Temple, which houses the lingam of Shiva. The temple is built of stone and has a pyramidal tower that rises to a height of 72 feet. The temple has a simple and elegant design, with a spacious hall, a sanctum, and a vestibule.

Explanation - TRAI is the independent regulator of the telecommunications business in India. It was established in 1997 by an Act of Parliament to regulate telecom services and tariffs in India. In January 2000, TRAI was amended to establish the Telecom Disputes Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) to take over the adjudicatory functions of the TRAI. The TDSAT was set up to resolve any dispute between a licensor and a licensee, between two or more service providers, between a service provider and a group of consumers. In addition, any direction, TRAI orders or decisions can be challenged by appealing to TDSAT.

Explanation - The S8000 Banderol, which translates to "package" or "small parcel," is a cruise missile developed by Russia. Launch Platforms — It is primarily an air-launched munition, with the Orion unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) serving as its primary launch platform. The missile is also integrated for use with the Mi-28 Havoc helicopter. However, reports indicate that Russian has developed a compact ground launcher for the S8000 Banderol, moving beyond its previous airborne carriers. Features — The missile's design prioritises low production costs and simplified manufacturing, incorporating imported foreign components for key systems. Powered by a small, commercially available Chinese turbojet engine, it can travel up to 500 km. Its maximum speed is 620–650 km/h, and its cruising speed is 520–560 km/h. It carries a relatively small high-explosive fragmentation warhead that includes about 50 kilograms of explosives. The missile navigates using inertial and satellite guidance.