6th August 2026

Explanation - The Indian Statistical Institute was founded by Professor P.C. Mahalanobis in Calcutta in 1931. The ISI, established earlier as a society, plays a crucial role in statistical research, education, and training in India. The ISI Act, 1959 primarily applies to the ISI, its governing body, employees, and students. The Act aimed to recognise the ISI’s contributions to national development and provide it with the necessary autonomy and support to carry out its functions effectively. The ISA Act 1959 declared the ISI an institution of national importance. This Act falls under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Salient Features of ISI Act, 1959 — Empowers the ISI to grant degrees and diplomas in statistics, mathematics, quantitative economics, computer science, and related subjects. Provides for grants, loans, and other financial assistance from the Central Government. Mandates the audit of the Institute’s accounts by qualified auditors. Requires prior approval from the Central Government for certain actions by the Institute, such as altering its objectives, amending its memorandum, or disposing of certain properties. Provides for the constitution of committees by the Central Government to prepare the Institute’s program of work and review its activities. Empowers the Central Government to issue directions to the Institute. Allows the Central Government to assume control of the Institute under certain circumstances.

Explanation - Nitrosamines, or more correctly N-nitrosoamines, refer to any molecule containing the nitroso functional group. These molecules are of concern because nitrosamine impurities are probable human carcinogens. Although they are also present in some foods and drinking water supplies, their presence in medicines is nonetheless considered unacceptable. NDMA and NDEA belong to the so-called “cohort of concern”, which is a group of highly potent mutagenic carcinogens that have been classified by the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer as probably human carcinogens. Nitrosamines are formed in cured meats because nitrite, and sometimes nitrate, are added to these products during processing. Nitrate is reduced to nitrite by the enzyme nitrate reductase, which occurs in a number of bacteria. Nitrite and nitrate have been added to cured meats for many years to prevent outgrowth and toxin formation by Clostridium botulinum. Nitrite, in combination with other curing ingredients such as sodium chloride, is particularly effective in inhibiting formation of the deadly botulism toxin. In addition, nitrite reacts with pigments in meat to impart the desirable pink color of cured meats and it prevents the development of off-flavors.

Explanation - It is a highly contagious and fatal animal disease that infects and leads to an acute form of hemorrhagic fever in domestic and wild pigs. It was first detected in Africa in the 1920s. The mortality is close to 100% and since the fever has no cure, the only way to stop its spread is by culling the animals. ASF is not a threat to human beings since it only spreads from animals to other animals.

Explanation - The English Channel, also known as the Channel, is a narrow arm of the Atlantic Ocean. It separates the southern coast of England (part of Great Britain) from the northern coast of France. It is separated from the North Sea on the north by the Strait of Dover. The current name, “English Channel,” dates back to the 18th century. Before then, the English mostly referred to the waterway as a “Narrow Sea.” The French refer to the Channel as “la Manche” because of its sleevelike shape. Its narrowest part is the Strait of Dover. It is the smallest of the shallow seas covering the continental shelf of Europe. Climate: Temperate maritime climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The main islands are the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands (a collection of islands including Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, and Sark). Historical Importance — Served as a natural defensive barrier for Britain. Played a crucial role during: The Norman Conquest (1066) The Napoleonic Wars World War I World War II, including the Dunkirk Evacuation (1940) and the Normandy Landings (1944). It is one of the world’s busiest shipping areas. It accounts for up to 20% of the global maritime trade and connects the Atlantic Ocean to the North Sea. Major Ports — United Kingdom: Dover, Portsmouth, Southampton France: Calais, Cherbourg, Le Havre Channel Tunnel — The Channel Tunnel (also called the Chunnel) is a rail tunnel beneath the English Channel connecting Folkestone in Kent, England, with Coquelles near Calais, France. The Channel Tunnel, 50 km long, consists of three tunnels: two for rail traffic and a central tunnel for services and security. It has the longest undersea portion of any tunnel in the world (37.8 km). It is the only fixed link between the island of Great Britain and the European mainland.

Explanation - It is located in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. It is situated at the confluence of the Asan and Yamuna Rivers. The Asan River, unlike other rivers which flow north to south, flows in a west to east direction. The reserve comprises the Asan Barrage and the wetland formed by damming the Asan River in 1967. The barrage created a freshwater reservoir with habitats ideal for migratory and resident birds. It was declared a Conservation Reserve in 2005 under Section 36A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It was declared a Ramsar site in 2020. It is the first Ramsar site in Uttarakhand. It is also listed as an Important Bird Area (BNHS and BirdLife International) and is popular for sightings of native and migratory birds. This biodiverse wetland lies strategically along the Central Asian Flyway, serving as a critical habitat for numerous migratory and resident species.