17th November 2025

Explanation - Sickle cell disease is a group of disorders that affects haemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to cells throughout the body. People with this disorder have a typical haemoglobin molecules called haemoglobin S, which can distort red blood cells into a sickle, or crescent shape. Signs and symptoms of sickle cell disease usually begin in early childhood. Characteristic features of this disorder include a low number of red blood cells (anaemia), repeated infections, and periodic episodes of pain. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person. Some people have mild symptoms, while others are frequently hospitalised for more serious complications. The signs and symptoms of sickle cell disease are caused by the sickling of red blood cells. When red blood cells sickle, they break down prematurely, which can lead to anaemia. Anaemia can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, and delayed growth and development in children. The rapid breakdown of red blood cells may also cause yellowing of the eyes and skin, which are signs of jaundice. 

Explanation - Marburg virus disease (MVD), earlier known as Marburg hemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal hemorrhagic fever, according to the WHO. Marburg, like Ebola, is a filovirus; and both diseases are clinically similar. Rousettus fruit-bats are considered the natural hosts for Marburg virus. However, African green monkeys imported from Uganda were the source of the first human infection, the WHO points out. It was first detected in 1967 after simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany; and in Belgrade, Serbia. The disease has an average fatality rate of around 50%. However, it can be as low as 24% or as high as 88% depending on virus strain and case management. 

Explanation - Modern aircraft depend heavily on GNSS/GPS signals for navigation, timing, terrain awareness, and communication. When these signals are faked or altered, aircraft systems may show — Wrong positions False terrain or runway warnings Incorrect braking cues Errors in communication and surveillance systems. Spoofing usually doesn’t immediately endanger a flight because aircraft have backup systems, like the Inertial Reference System, which works for up to five hours even if GPS fails. However, spoofing still affects safety by confusing pilots, creating false alerts, and increasing workload — especially when no NOTAMs warn them in advance. Even after the aircraft leaves the spoofed zone, some systems may not reset properly and may continue showing false alerts or navigation errors. According to a 2024 OPS Group report: GPS spoofing grew sharply after September 2023. By January 2024, around 300 flights per day were affected. By August 2024, spoofing hit 1,500 flights daily. In one month (July 15–August 15, 2024), 41,000 flights worldwide experienced spoofing. The Delhi region ranked among the top 10 global hotspots, reporting 316 spoofing events during the same period. Government data shows 465 GPS interference and spoofing incidents in India’s border areas — mainly Amritsar and Jammu — between November 2023 and February 2025, roughly one event per day. Delhi saw several spoofing events despite being far from conflict zones. Primary actors include: Military units using spoofing to mislead enemy drones and GPS-guided weapons in conflict zones. There are also claims of deliberate targeting of civilian aircraft, particularly in regions around Russia. 

Explanation - Ambaji White Marble is formed when limestone undergoes recrystallization due to heat and pressure beneath the Earth's crust. Ambaji White Marble has a soft and waxy appearance, making it unsuitable for construction due to its low durability. The major source of Ambaji White Marble is in the town of Ambaji, Gujarat. It is characterised by its pristine white colour, which often features subtle grey or beige veining. The veins can vary in intensity, ranging from fine and delicate to bold and pronounced, giving each slab a distinct and individualistic appearance. These variations occur naturally due to the presence of minerals and impurities during the marble formation process. It has very long-lasting shine and durability. 

Explanation - The Global Conference on Climate and Health held in Brazil in July 2025 shaped the Belém Health Action Plan which will be launched at COP30. The plan marks a global shift towards placing health at the centre of climate action. Belém Health Action Plan aims to become a global reference for strengthening climate-resilient health systems. The draft plan is structured around three main pillars — Surveillance and Monitoring: Aims to strengthen health surveillance systems to effectively respond to climate-related threats, such as vector-borne disease outbreaks and mental health impacts from extreme weather events. Evidence-Based Policy Strategy: Seeks to accelerate the implementation of proven solutions by fostering cooperation among governments, academic institutions, civil society, and other key actors. Innovation and Production: Proposes investments in research and technology to develop solutions tailored to the specific needs of the most vulnerable populations.