25th July 2026

Explanation - Named after Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act, 1954, a 123 Agreement is mandatory before the US can undertake significant nuclear cooperation with any country. It facilitates transfer of nuclear materials, equipment, and technology for peaceful purposes while ensuring non-proliferation compliance. India precedent: India's 123 Agreement with the US, cleared by Congress on October 1, 2008, ended three decades of technology-denial restrictions. India agreed to place select civilian facilities under India-specific IAEA safeguards in exchange for uninterrupted fuel supply — a model frequently cited in nuclear diplomacy discussions. The Saudi deal must similarly be ratified by the US Congress — a politically uncertain process, since Saudi Arabia lacks the broad bipartisan support Israel enjoys in the US legislature.

Explanation - An inventory-based model is an e-commerce model in which the platform owns the inventory of goods and sells them directly to consumers. In contrast, under the marketplace model, the e-commerce entity acts only as a digital intermediary that connects buyers with independent sellers without owning the goods.

Explanation - Fast-Track Courts are not governed by a single central legislation. Their origin lies in the recommendations of the Fourteenth Finance Commission (2015–2020), which proposed setting up 1,800 FTCs to expedite trials of — Heinous crimes such as murder, kidnapping, and extortion Property disputes pending for over five years Cases involving vulnerable groups — women, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and those with terminal illnesses Fast-Track Special Courts (FTSCs) - In 2019, following a criminal law amendment and a Supreme Court directive, the Union government launched a centrally sponsored scheme for FTSCs. Partly funded through the Nirbhaya Fund, these courts are dedicated exclusively to time-bound trials of rape cases and offences under the POCSO Act.

Explanation - 'Project Kusha' is set to provide the Indian Air Force (IAF) with a long-range air defence system, with deployment targeted for 2028-29. The ambitious indigenous project will be developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at an estimated budget of Rs 21,700 crore. Drawing parallels with Israel's renowned Iron Dome system, 'Project Kusha' is expected to not only match but potentially surpass the capabilities of its Israeli counterpart. It aims to detect and destroy various hostile targets, including cruise missiles, stealth fighter jets, and drones at extended ranges.

Key Features —

• The long-range surface-to-air defence system (LR-SAM) incorporates advanced long-range surveillance and fire control radars, which empower the IAF to effectively monitor airspace and fend off enemy threats.
• Interceptor missiles, with ranges of 150 km, 200 km, and 350 km, provide the ability to detect and strike hostile targets at different distances.
• It will also be effective in providing strategic and tactical cover.
• The system reportedly has a single-shot kill chance of at least 80%and over 90% when two missiles are fired after each other.
• The firing units of 'Project Kusha' can seamlessly integrate with the IAF's air command and control system, facilitating coordination with a wide range of military radars.

Explanation - Scientists have found that spraying sun-dimming chemicals high above the earth to slow global warming could be remarkably inexpensive costing about $2.25 billion a year over a 15-year period. This geo-engineering technique known as stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) could limit rising temperatures that are causing climate change. Under SAI delivery of precursor sulphide gases such as sulphuric acid, hydrogen sulphide (H2S) or sulphur dioxide (SO2) are sprayed by artillery, aircraft and balloons.