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Restoring Trust in NEET-UG: India’s Push for a Secure & Transparent Exam System With AI-based identity verification, 1,000+ permanent government testing centres, and stricter anti-cheating regulations, India is redesigning the NEET-UG examination framework. While the immediate priority remains a secure re-examination on 21 June, the larger roadmap aims at a technology-driven and transparent system by 2027. Do you think digital examinations are the future of competitive exams in India?

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(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation: Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Kumaon Himalayas of Uttarakhand, specifically in the Almora district. It was established primarily to conserve the broadleaf oak forests of the Central Himalayan ecosystem, which are ecologically significant and support rich biodiversity. The sanctuary is named after the Bineshwar Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Historically, Binsar served as the summer capital of the Chand dynasty rulers and later became a retreat for British officials. The sanctuary contains dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and chir pine. From Zero Point, visitors can view major Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trisul, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, and Shivling. Binsar is particularly important for avian diversity and has been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. More than 200 bird species are found here, including monal pheasants, laughing thrushes, nuthatches, and blackbirds. The sanctuary also supports mammals such as leopard, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, barking deer, and flying squirrel. Its altitude and climatic conditions make it a unique Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. Answer: (b) Q. Consider the following statements regarding the National Florence Nightingale Award: It was instituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 1973. It is awarded only to nurses serving in military hospitals. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation: The National Florence Nightingale Award is one of the highest national honours for nursing professionals in India. It was instituted in 1973 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The award recognises exceptional service rendered by nursing personnel employed in Central Government institutions, State and Union Territory health services, voluntary organisations, and other healthcare establishments. Hence, statement 1 is correct. The award is not limited to military hospitals. It is conferred upon Registered Nurses, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, Midwives, and Lady Health Visitors across diverse healthcare systems. Therefore, statement 2 is incorrect. The award includes a Certificate of Merit, a medal, and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh. It commemorates Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, who became internationally known during the Crimean War for organising systematic nursing care for wounded soldiers. She also pioneered statistical methods in public health administration and established one of the first scientific nursing schools in London. Answer: (a) Q. Consider the following statements regarding Melanoseris pendryi: It is a flowering plant species discovered in the Sikkim Himalayas. It belongs to the family Orchidaceae. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation: Melanoseris pendryi is a newly discovered alpine flowering plant species identified in the Sikkim Himalayas at elevations above 4,000 metres. It belongs to the genus Melanoseris, which is part of the Asteraceae family, commonly known as the sunflower family. Therefore, statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect. The plant is notable for its uniquely hairy purple petals and its adaptation to harsh alpine environments. It grows close to the ground among cushion-like shrubs and survives using a fleshy branching root system. Researchers have proposed that the species be categorised as Critically Endangered due to habitat disturbances caused by tourism and grazing pressure in the Himalayan ecosystem. The discovery highlights the rich but fragile biodiversity of the eastern Himalayas, which are recognised globally as a biodiversity hotspot. Alpine ecosystems in this region are highly vulnerable to climate change because species there often have narrow habitat ranges and specialised ecological requirements. Answer: (a

Mega Quiz Correct Answer with Explanation Q. Consider the following statements regarding Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP): It is a domestic maritime insurance mechanism supported by a sovereign guarantee. It provides coverage for war risk and protection & indemnity insurance. Claims beyond the pooled capacity can be supported through sovereign backing. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation: The Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP) was established to provide uninterrupted maritime insurance support for Indian shipping interests. It was launched with a pool size of approximately 1.5 billion US dollars and is backed by a sovereign guarantee worth about 1.4 billion dollars. The pool covers Indian-flagged vessels, Indian-controlled ships, and ships trading to and from India. It offers multiple forms of maritime insurance including Hull and Machinery insurance, Cargo insurance, War Risk insurance, and Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance. The scheme has been designed to strengthen India’s maritime resilience during periods of geopolitical instability and disruptions in global insurance markets. Domestic insurance companies act as pool members and collectively underwrite risks. Claims up to 100 million dollars are settled using pooled underwriting capacity and reinsurance support. Claims beyond this threshold may invoke sovereign guarantee provisions after exhaustion of reserves and reinsurance layers. GIC Re serves as the administrator of the pool. A governing body and underwriting committee oversee risk assessment and financial discipline. The BMIP aims to reduce dependence on foreign maritime insurance markets and strengthen India’s shipping ecosystem. Answer: (d) Q. Consider the following statements regarding National Technology Day: It is observed annually on 11 May. It commemorates the Pokhran-II nuclear tests conducted in 1998. The Trishul missile test and Hansa-3 aircraft test flight are also associated with this day. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation: National Technology Day is celebrated every year on 11 May in India to commemorate major technological achievements accomplished in 1998. The most significant among them was the successful Pokhran-II nuclear tests conducted under Operation Shakti in Rajasthan. These underground nuclear tests established India as the sixth country in the world possessing demonstrated nuclear weapons capability. The programme was led by eminent scientists including Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. On the same day, India also successfully tested the Trishul short-range surface-to-air missile and conducted a successful flight test of the indigenous Hansa-3 aircraft. The day was officially declared National Technology Day by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1998 and has been celebrated since 1999. The event highlights India’s scientific self-reliance and technological progress. Every year, the Technology Development Board under the Ministry of Science and Technology organises events and awards innovators for their contributions. The theme for National Technology Day 2026 was “Responsible Innovation for Inclusive Growth.” The observance also emphasizes the importance of indigenous research, strategic technologies, and innovation-driven development. Answer: (d) 4. Consider the following statements regarding Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary: It is located in the Almora district of Uttar Pradesh. The sanctuary was established mainly for conserving broadleaf oak forests. It has been designated as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Melanoseris pendryi: It is a flowering plant species discovered in the Sikkim Himalayas. It belongs to the family Orchidaceae.

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the National Florence Nightingale Award: It was instituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 1973. It is awarded only to nurses serving in military hospitals.

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary: It is located in the Almora district of Uttar Pradesh. The sanctuary was established mainly for conserving broadleaf oak forests. It has been designated as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.