13th March 2026

Explanation - Kamakhya, atop Nilachal Hills in Guwahati, is one of 51 shaktipeeths or seat of Shakti followers, each representing a body part of the Sati, Lord Shiva's companion. There is no idol in the temple, the goddess is worshipped in the form of a yoni-like stone over which a natural spring flows. Ambubachi Mela is also known as 'Mahakumbh of the East' as it draws lakhs of devotees from all over the world.

Explanation - The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is an intergovernmental organisation that promotes free trade and economic integration among its member states. It consists of countries that are not members of the European Union but seek cooperation in trade-related matters. EFTA aims to facilitate trade and economic cooperation while allowing member countries to maintain their sovereignty and independence in policymaking.

Explanation - Fiscal Health Index was introduced by NITI Aayog. It provides a systematic framework to evaluate the fiscal performance of 18 major Indian states, 10 North-Eastern and Himalayan states. It provides a comprehensive and comparable assessment of the fiscal performance of Indian states. The Index has been designed as a data-driven framework to evaluate fiscal soundness, guide reforms, and promote evidence-based fiscal policymaking across states. It is built on five key pillars of fiscal health: Quality of Expenditure, Revenue Mobilisation, Fiscal Prudence, Debt Index, and Debt Sustainability. The index classifies states into four tiers. Achievers: These are states with strong fiscal discipline, high own-tax revenues, low deficits, and manageable debt; Front Runners: These states maintain broadly sound finances but fall short of the top tier on one or more indicators; Performers: They occupy the middle ground, with mixed results across the five pillars. Aspirational: These states are those facing the most significant fiscal stress, characterised by persistent deficits, high debt, and limited revenue capacity.

Explanation - India distinguishes between assisted dying (active euthanasia) and withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment (passive euthanasia), with different legal implications. Assisted Dying and Criminal Liability — Assisted dying involves intentionally causing death through methods such as a lethal injection. In India, this is illegal and may amount to culpable homicide under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. If a doctor assists a patient in ending their life, it may also attract criminal liability for abetment to suicide. Attempted suicide remains an offence, although courts have emphasised the need for care and support rather than punishment. Passive Euthanasia and the Right to Dignity — Passive euthanasia refers to withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining treatment, allowing the illness or injury to take its natural course. The Supreme Court has treated this differently because it does not actively cause death but ends medical intervention that artificially prolongs life. Constitutional Basis — The legal framework stems from Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life. The Supreme Court has interpreted this right to include the right to live with dignity, which also extends to dignity in end-of-life decisions. For terminally ill patients or those in a persistent vegetative state, the Court has recognised the right to refuse invasive or futile medical treatment, allowing them to avoid unnecessary suffering when recovery is unlikely.

Explanation - The term "euthanasia" comes from the Greek phrase "eu thanatos," meaning "good death." Active euthanasia involves taking active steps to end a patient's life (e.g., administering lethal medication), while passive euthanasia involves withholding or withdrawing life support systems. In the Common Cause vs. Union of India case (2018), the Supreme Court legalised passive euthanasia and recognised the right to die as part of the right to life. In India, only passive euthanasia is legal; active euthanasia remains illegal.