13th December 2025

Explanation - The primary legislation governing organ transplantation in India is the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, passed in 1994. It provides a system to regulate the removal, storage, and transplantation of human organs for therapeutic purposes and for the prevention of commercial dealings in human organs. There is no age limit for organ donation. It can be started at as young as six weeks. The only essential thing is the health and condition of your organs.

Explanation - In India, Article 20(3) of the Constitution states: "No person accused of any offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself." This means that an accused cannot be forced by an investigating agency to give a confession or any information which may establish their involvement in an offence, or that of others. The Indian Evidence Act, 1872, states that confessions obtained through inducement, threat, or promise are irrelevant in a criminal proceeding. Any statement made before the police is inadmissible as evidence as per the Act. A voluntary confession by an accused can be given only before a magistrate under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code. This is to ensure that police do not force statements out of accused in their custody through threats, violence, and harassment. Some special Acts, including the now repealed Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) and Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), as well as the existing Control of Organised Crime Acts in Maharashtra and Gujarat, permit confessions to be recorded by a police officer above a specified rank.

Explanation - A polygraph test (not narcoanalysis) is based on the assumption that physiological responses that are triggered when a person is lying are different from what they would be otherwise. Instruments like cardio-cuffs or sensitive electrodes are attached to the person, and variables such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, change in sweat gland activity, blood flow, etc., are measured as questions are put to them. A numerical value is assigned to each response to conclude whether the person is telling the truth, is deceiving, or is uncertain. Narcoanalysis, by contrast, involves the injection of a drug, sodium pentothal, which induces a hypnotic or sedated state in which the subject's imagination is neutralised, and they are expected to divulge information that is true. The drug, referred to as "truth serum" in this context, was used in larger doses as anaesthesia during surgery, and is said to have been used during World War II for intelligence operations.

Explanation - The Union Cabinet approved a ₹13,000 crore PM Vishwakarma scheme. It aims to provide subsidised loans to traditional artisans and craftsmen including weavers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, laundry workers, and barbers. Artisans and craftspeople will be provided a recognition through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card. The craftsmen will be provided a subsidised loan of Rs 1 lakh in the first tranche, and another Rs 2 lakh in the second tranche (not Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000), at a concessional interest rate of 5%. It also has a provision to provide skill upgradation, incentive for toolkit as well as digital transactions and marketing support. Skilling programme will take place at both basic and advanced types. Participants will get a stipend of ₹500 per day while undergoing training. Beneficiaries will also receive up to ₹15,000 to buy modern tools. The scheme also aims at improving the quality, as well as the reach of products and services of artisans and craftsmen and to ensure that Vishwakarmas are integrated with the domestic and global value chains.

Explanation - Champions of the Earth Award was established in 2005 and awarded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (not UNDP). It is the UN's highest environmental honour, recognises trailblazers at the forefront of efforts to protect people and the planet. Every year, UNEP honours individuals and organisations working on innovative and sustainable solutions to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. Champions of the Earth are celebrated in four categories — Policy leadership: Public sector officials leading global or national action for the environment. They shape dialogue, lead commitments and act for the good of the planet. Inspiration and action: Leaders taking bold steps to inspire positive change to protect our world. They lead by example, challenge behaviour and inspire millions. Entrepreneurial vision: Visionaries challenging the status quo to build a cleaner future. They build systems, create new technology and spearhead a groundbreaking vision. Science and innovation: Trailblazers pushing the boundaries of technology for profound environmental benefit.