23rd September 2026

Explanation - It is an annual joint military exercise conducted alternatively in India and Mongolia. The last edition of the exercise was conducted at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Aim: To enhance the joint military capability of both sides to undertake Counter-Insurgency Operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under the United Nations Mandate. Focus of Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2026 — It focuses on tactical-level operations, exchange of best practices, refinement of operational drills and enhancement of interoperability between the two armies. The training curriculum will include Cordon and Search Operations, Room Intervention Drills, Special Heliborne Operations, Cyber Security Training and employment of drones and counter-drone systems, among other activities. These drills will provide troops of both Armies an opportunity to train together in realistic operational scenarios and strengthen their ability to operate jointly.

Explanation - The Outer Space Treaty, formally known as the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, was signed on January 27, 1967, and entered into force on October 10, 1967. It is one of the most significant international agreements regarding the exploration and use of outer space.

The main provisions of the Outer Space Treaty include —

• Peaceful Use — The treaty declares that outer space shall be free for exploration and use by all countries for peaceful purposes. It prohibits the deployment of any nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in outer space.
• Sovereignty — The treaty states that outer space is not subject to national appropriation or sovereignty claims by any means. No country can claim ownership of any part of outer space or celestial bodies.
• International Cooperation — The treaty emphasises international cooperation in space activities and encourages countries to share information and resources related to space exploration.
• Liability — States are held internationally liable for any damage caused by their space activities to other countries' space objects or to personnel on space vehicles.
• Moon and Celestial Bodies — The treaty prohibits any military or non-peaceful use of the Moon and other celestial bodies. It also prohibits the establishment of military bases, testing of any weapons, or conduct of military manoeuvres on these bodies.

The Outer Space Treaty has been ratified by many countries and serves as a fundamental framework for international space law. It aims to promote peaceful exploration and use of outer space and prevent the weaponisation of space.

Explanation - The Visegrad Group is also known as the "Visegrad Four" or simply "V4". It is a cultural and political alliance which was created in 1991. It aims to advance cooperation in military, economic, cultural, and energy affairs. Member Countries: Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia Background — It was created when Polish, Czechoslovakian and Hungarian leaders met in the Hungarian town of Visegrád to promote cooperation between the three States following the Warsaw Pact. In 1993, Slovakia separated from the Czech Republic and the Group became the “V4”. Working — The V4 is an informal intergovernmental forum and makes its decisions by consensus. It does not have any permanent structures. The group’s work is centred around a presidency which rotates on an annual basis. It conducts regular meetings at various levels: Heads of State, Prime Ministers, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Ministers for European Affairs, technical ministries, etc. The agenda for meetings is set by the presidency The V4 occasionally extends works with other States, both EU and non-EU members, in formats known as “V4+”.

Explanation - Scrub Typhus is caused by the bacterium 'Orientia tsutsugamushi' and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mites, particularly the larvae of chiggers (trombiculid mites). The disease is prevalent in rural areas, especially in regions with heavy vegetation and high humidity, where these mites are commonly found.

Explanation - Article 22 is a fundamental right protecting personal liberty at the moment of arrest. It requires that an accused be:

• Produced before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest.
• Informed of the grounds of arrest, in writing, in a language they understand.
• Given access to a lawyer of their choice.