8th May 2026

Explanation -
Sambhar Lake is India's largest saline wetland located in Rajasthan.

It is a ephemeral salt lake.

It is also a designated Ramsar Site (recognised wetland of international importance).

It represents the depression of the Aravalli Range.

This inland lake receives water from five rivers, namely Samaod, Khari, Mantha, Khandela, Medtha, and Roopangarh.

Explanation -
Floreana, officially "Santa Maria," is located on the southern end of the Galápagos Archipelago off the west coast of continental Ecuador. It is a volcanic landmass.

It is situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and remains a remote and vital ecological site. It supports a range of habitats, including coastal lagoons, volcanic highlands, and offshore reefs.

It is known for the historic Post Office Bay, where a barrel mail system (dating to the 18th century) is still used by visitors.

Of all the Galápagos Islands, Floreana is the one most affected by the presence of humans and their introduction of goats, which ended up roaming loose on the island for many years.

The goats and some other non-native species were completely removed by the Galápagos National Park in 2007.

It has the highest concentration of species threatened by invasive mammals of any Galápagos Island.

Explanation -
Following the Supreme Court of India's landmark judgment in Laxmi vs Union of India, acid attacks were recognised as a distinct criminal offence, separate from general injury provisions.

Current Law and Punishments —
With the replacement of the IPC by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, acid attacks are covered under Section 124:

• Acid attack: Minimum 10 years' imprisonment, extendable to life imprisonment, plus a "just and reasonable" fine to cover medical expenses
• Attempt to acid attack: 5–7 years' imprisonment

All public and private hospitals are legally required to provide free first aid and medical treatment to acid attack victims. Failure to comply is punishable with up to one year imprisonment and/or a fine.

Regulation of Acid Sale —
The Supreme Court also directed strict regulation of acid sales:

• Buyers must produce photo identification
• Sellers must maintain a register of acid purchases

However, these rules are poorly enforced in most States.

Explanation -
A floor test becomes necessary when there is doubt about whether the Chief Minister still enjoys the confidence of the Legislative Assembly, especially if the Governor asks the Chief Minister to resign and considers inviting another leader to form the government.

The floor test is a constitutional mechanism to verify majority support in the House.

The Chief Minister must demonstrate the backing of more than half of the sitting MLAs.

If the Chief Minister fails to secure majority support during the floor test, resignation becomes necessary.

If no party or coalition can prove a stable majority after the floor test, the state may come under President's Rule under Article 356 as a last resort.

Explanation -
NCRB was set-up in 1986 to function as a repository of information on crime and criminals so as to assist the investigators in linking crime to the perpetrators, based on the recommendations of the National Police Commission (1977-1981) and the MHA's Task force (1985).