27th June 2026

Explanation – The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act was enacted in 1994 to address a serious demographic and ethical crisis — the sharp decline in India's child sex ratio. This decline was driven by the misuse of ultrasonography for prenatal sex determination followed by selective abortion of female foetuses. The problem had become acute from the 1980s as imaging technology became more accessible. The Act was thus not merely a medical regulation — it was a response to deep-rooted gender discrimination.

Key Provisions of the Act:

• All genetic clinics, ultrasound centres, and laboratories must be registered with district authorities.
• Sex of the foetus cannot be communicated or disclosed under any circumstances.
• Purchasing an ultrasound machine without prior registration of the facility is illegal.
• Manufacturers must verify buyer credentials and obtain a written undertaking that the machine will not be used for sex determination.
• Once installed, the machine must remain at the approved location permanently.
• Strict patient-level documentation is mandatory for every scan.

Explanation – In a typical earthquake sequence, one large quake (the mainshock) is followed by progressively smaller aftershocks. A doublet is fundamentally different. A seismic doublet consists of two earthquakes of similar magnitude that originate from distinct but closely related fault ruptures and occur within a very short span — seconds, minutes, or at most a few hours — in close geographic proximity. Crucially, the two events are independent — not triggered by each other in the way aftershocks are. Aftershocks result from stress redistribution caused by the mainshock and are typically one or more magnitudes smaller. Doublets are two separate rupture events happening in near-simultaneous succession.

Explanation – It is an airborne radar and command platform built around an Embraer EMB-145 aircraft. It is commonly known as the Indian Air Force’s “Eye in the Sky.” It is developed indigenously by the Bengaluru-based Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS). India is the fifth country in the world to develop this capability.

Features:

• It is designed to detect incoming projectiles, ships and aircraft at long ranges, differentiate friend from foe and direct friendly fighters in real time.
• Detection Range: It offers real-time battlefield management, 250-500+ km detection ranges and 300° to 360° radar coverage to track hostile aircraft, drones and missiles.
• It uses the Brazilian Embraer EMB-145 aircraft as its platform, on which is mounted an active electronically scanned array radar in its dorsal fin.
• The system encompasses a sophisticated suite of mission equipment, including an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), mission computer, secure communication networks, electronic support measures (ESM) and communication support measures.
• Unlike ground-based radar, an AEW&C aircraft operates at altitude, allowing it to see farther over terrain and provide a broader picture of aircraft, drones and other airborne activity.
• It can also share real-time information with fighter jets, ground stations and other military assets.

Explanation – The Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) was established under the Ministry of Home Affairs with the primary aim of combating drug trafficking and abuse in India. The NCORD mechanism includes representation from various central agencies, such as the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and state governments to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach towards tackling drug-related issues. One of the primary functions of NCORD is to oversee the implementation of the National Drug Control Strategy, ensuring that policies and actions are effectively carried out to reduce drug abuse and trafficking.

Explanation – Sushruta, known as the “father of Indian medicine” and the “father of surgery”, was a pioneering figure in ancient Indian medicine. For Sushruta, the concept of shalya tantra (surgical science) was all-encompassing. His contributions have influenced the field of surgery, especially cosmetic surgery and medical practices within the global community.

According to medical scholars, Sushruta lived and practiced medicine from 600 BC to 1000 BC. Sushruta was believed to be the disciple of the God of Ayurveda, Lord Dhanvanthri. He taught and practiced medicine in the city of Varanasi. He is known for his pioneering operations and techniques and for his influential treatise Sushruta-samhita, the main source of knowledge about surgery in ancient India. Though composed over 2500 years ago, it contains detailed instructions on surgery and medicine.

The Sushruta Samhita comprises 184 chapters. This extensive work lists more than 300 surgical procedures. It describes over 120 surgical instruments and provides details on various types of wounds, fractures, dislocations, conditions, and their treatments. The Sushruta-samhita also provides details on toxicology, paediatrics, pharmacology, and other branches of the traditional system of Indian medicine known as Ayurveda. Furthermore, the text includes descriptions of over 100 medicinal plants, detailing their taste, usage, and effects.

It remains one of the most important contributions to both Ayurveda and the early history of medical science. Examples of some of his groundbreaking operations include rhinoplasty, removal of a dead foetus, and lithotomy. He also developed many unique and practical techniques to dissect the human body and study its structure. His systematised approach to surgery, with the use of herbal anaesthetics and postoperative care, laid the foundation for surgical practices. Sushruta's emphasis on practical experience, dissection of cadavers, and detailed documentation established standards that continue to underpin surgical education today. The influence of his detailing surgical techniques and surgical instruments extended beyond ancient India, spreading to other parts of the world and shaping the development of reconstructive surgery, orthopaedics, ophthalmology, and many more fields.