7th October 2025

Explanation: The Online National Drugs Licensing System (ONDLS) is a digital, single-window platform for processing various drug-related licenses in India. It was developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in coordination with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and State/UT Drugs Regulatory Authorities. The portal is designed to create a uniform, transparent, and accountable process for drug licensing across the country. 

ONDLS handles a wide range of applications, including those for manufacturing and sales licenses, blood bank licenses, and various certificates such as GMP and Market Standing certificates. It also processes applications for post-approval changes. 

Explanation: A unicorn company is a privately owned start-up valued at over $1 billion. The term was popularized in 2013 by venture capitalist Aileen Lee. Key characteristics of these startups include a valuation of $1 billion or more, private ownership, high growth potential, disruptive technology, and the ability to attract significant investment from venture capitalists. 

The valuation of unicorns is not based on their current financial performance or assets but on their perceived growth potential. Not all unicorns go public through an Initial Public Offering (IPO); some may choose to remain private or are acquired by larger companies. As of July 2025, there are over 1,200 unicorns globally. 

Explanation: The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit organization that sets science-based standards for sustainable fishing. The MSC certification is a voluntary program open to all wild-capture fisheries that wish to demonstrate their operations are sustainable. It is the only such certification based on the FAO's Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing. 

Assessment and Validity
The assessment for certification is conducted by an independent third party and is based on three core principles: stock health, environmental impacts, and effective management. While the certification is valid for five years, it is subject to annual surveillance audits to ensure continued compliance. The Astamudi clam (Paphia malabarica) fishery is India’s first to receive MSC certification. 

Explanation: According to NASA, a supermoon occurs when the Moon’s orbit is closest to the Earth (a point known as the perigee) at the same time that the Moon is full. Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect because the closest approach alone is not sufficient; it must coincide with a full moon. The point in the Moon's orbit when it is farthest from the Earth is called the apogee. Statement 3 is incorrect as supermoons can occur multiple times a year, not just once. 

Explanation: The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a government scheme launched on February 15, 2024, aiming to provide free electricity to one crore households by offering subsidies for rooftop solar panel installation. The subsidy covers up to 40% of the solar panel costs. The scheme has a total outlay of Rs 75,021 crore and is set to be implemented until the fiscal year 2026-27. It is estimated that this initiative will save the government Rs. 75,000 crore annually in electricity costs. 

Under the scheme, Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) are designated as State Implementation Agencies (SIAs). They are responsible for facilitating measures such as net meter availability, timely inspections, and commissioning of the solar installations. DISCOMs will receive financial incentives based on their performance in adding grid-connected rooftop solar capacity beyond a set baseline. To be eligible for the scheme, a household must be an Indian citizen, own a house with a roof suitable for solar panels, have a valid electricity connection, and must not have availed any other subsidy for solar panels.