28th October 2026

Explanation - Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the Defence Minister was constituted for overall guidance of the defence procurement planning process. The composition of the DAC is as follows - Defence Minister: Chairman; Minister of State for Defence: Member; Chief of Army Staff: Member; Chief of Naval Staff: Member; Chief of Air Staff: Member etc. It decides on the new policies and capital acquisitions for the three services (Army, Navy and Air Force) and the Indian Coast Guard. It was formed, after the Group of Ministers recommendations on 'Reforming the National Security System', in 2001, post Kargil War (1999). The objective of the Defence Acquisition Council is to ensure expeditious procurement of the approved requirements of the Armed Forces in terms of capabilities sought, and time frame prescribed, by optimally utilising the allocated budgetary resources.

Explanation - SMA primarily affects voluntary muscles responsible for movement and does not impact involuntary muscles, such as those in the heart and digestive system. This distinguishes SMA from other muscle and nerve disorders that may affect involuntary muscle function. SMA is indeed classified into five subtypes (Type 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4) based on the age at which symptoms begin, as well as the severity and impact on life expectancy. Although SMA currently has no cure, treatments such as gene replacement therapy and disease-modifying therapy, approved by the U.S. FDA, aim to manage symptoms and improve the disease’s progression.

Explanation - Virtual reality (VR) is an artificial, computer-generated simulation or recreation of a real life environment or situation. It immerses the user by making them feel like they are experiencing the simulated reality first-hand, primarily by stimulating their vision and hearing.

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that layers computer-generated enhancements atop an existing reality in order to make it more meaningful through the ability to interact with it. AR is developed into apps and used on mobile devices to blend digital components into the real world in such a way that they enhance one another, but can also be told apart easily.

Explanation - An Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) is a financial instrument introduced in India to facilitate investment in infrastructure projects. It operates as a trust where investors pool their funds to invest in income-generating infrastructure assets such as roads, highways, power transmission, and other similar projects. InvITs are designed to provide investors with regular income in the form of dividends, and they are listed on stock exchanges, allowing investors to buy and sell units like shares. This structure allows retail and institutional investors to participate in infrastructure development while providing a level of liquidity and transparency typically associated with publicly listed securities.

Explanation - State governments appoint SEMs for specific areas, periods, or purposes, granting them powers of Executive Magistrates under Section 15 of the BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita), 2023. In Delhi, the Delhi Police Act empowers the Centre to authorise the Police Commissioner and officers not below ACP rank to exercise district/executive magistrate powers. Key Distinction — Executive Magistrates/SEMs function under the government, performing administrative and preventive roles. Their career progression depends on executive superiors, not the judiciary. Judicial Magistrates (BNSS Section 9) are appointed by High Courts, form part of the judicial system, and can conduct trials, grant bail, and impose sentences. SEMs cannot conduct criminal trials or convict — their role is strictly preventive, aimed at intervening before a disturbance occurs rather than punishing after an offence.