9th September 2026

Explanation - Located in the northeastern Rajasthan, the Shekhawati region is often associated with its magnificent havelis covered in intricate wall paintings. Towns and villages across the region feature historic mansions whose façades, courtyards and interiors showcase detailed frescoes. These paintings depict a fascinating mix of themes, ranging from Hindu mythology and royal and local traditions to scenes influenced by everyday life and changing times. Some artworks also reflect the arrival of modern technology and foreign influences, creating a distinctive visual record of the region’s history. The havelis themselves are equally notable for their architectural details, including ornate gateways, balconies, courtyards, carved elements, and decorative façades. Together, the buildings and paintings create a unique urban landscape that sets Shekhawati apart from other heritage regions of Rajasthan.

Explanation - A VPN lets users mask their IP address and route their internet traffic through servers located elsewhere, making it appear as if the traffic originates from another country while hiding the user's real location. This creates two features the government finds problematic — Bypassing censorship: India's blocking orders require companies to geo-block content within India's jurisdiction. But by connecting through a VPN server in, say, the US, a user can still access content blocked in India. Anonymity: VPNs allow anonymous browsing and are widely regarded as privacy-enhancing tools. The scale of the tension is clear from India's expanding censorship: over 24,000 blocking orders in 2025, up from over 12,000 in 2024. When the Centre temporarily blocked Telegram before the NEET-UG retest, Proton VPN reported daily sign-ups from India jumping over 120% — illustrating exactly why VPNs "defeat the purpose" of blocking, in the government's view.

Explanation - The e-FAST India Initiative was launched in September 2022 with the primary objective of decarbonising road-based freight transportation in India to help meet the country’s 2070 net zero commitments. The platform brings together various stakeholders including the government, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Logistics Service Providers, Shippers, and industry experts to enable the development and adoption of electric technology in the freight sector at scale. The statement that the initiative aims to support collaborations only at the national level is incorrect. The initiative supports collaborations at both the national and international levels.

Explanation - Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the ability of a microorganism (like bacteria, viruses, and some parasites) to stop an antimicrobial (such as antibiotics, antivirals and antimalarials) from working against it. As a result, standard treatments become ineffective, infections persist and may spread to others. When an organism is resistant to more than one drug, it is said to be multidrug-resistant.

Explanation - Hawala is an informal value-transfer mechanism in which money or value can be transferred across borders without conventional banking channels, often relying on trust, brokers and settlement through cash, trade or other transactions. Digital hawala refers to the technology-enabled evolution of informal value-transfer networks using encrypted communication, fintech platforms, virtual assets, AI and digital infrastructure. The FATF identifies six broad forms of digital hawala — Digital coordination, traditional settlement – Encrypted messaging apps, online platforms and shared digital ledgers are used to communicate instructions, recruit couriers and maintain records, while settlement continues through traditional means. Digital customer interface – Mobile wallets and fintech applications provide the customer-facing interface, but operators may still settle balances through cash or trade. Virtual-asset settlement – Stablecoins and other virtual assets can be used to settle balances directly. Integration with formal digital infrastructure – Payment service providers, fintech platforms and virtual IBANs can facilitate movement of funds. AI-enabled operations – AI can support automated transaction structuring, dynamic routing through mule accounts, and rapid fiat-to-cryptocurrency conversion. Hawala applications/ecosystems – Integrated platforms may combine messaging, cloud storage, social media, Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), lending applications and gaming platforms.