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NEWS – 11 MAY 2024 • The Spices Board has introduced stringent guidelines to prevent ethylene oxide (EtO) contamination in exported spices from India, emphasizing the avoidance of EtO use, testing for EtO contamination, implementing preventive measures, and ensuring microbial contaminant control throughout the supply chain to maintain product safety and quality • India voted in favor of a draft UN General Assembly resolution supporting Palestine's full membership in the United Nations, stating that Palestine is qualified and should be admitted as a full member. The resolution received 143 votes in favor, including India's, with nine against and 25 abstentions. This move reflects India's stance in support of Palestine's status at the UN and calls for the Security Council to reconsider the matter favorably based on this determination. • The government has officially implemented the Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) (Command, Control, and Discipline) Act, granting Commanders-in-Chief and Officers-in-Command of ISOs the authority to maintain discipline and administration among Service personnel. This Act aims to streamline processes, prevent redundant proceedings, and foster greater integration within the armed forces personnel, especially as the Indian military prepares for reorganisation into integrated theatre commands • The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) recently introduced a new high-yielding wheat seed variety, HD 3386. • Karnataka's plastic waste management struggles include low recycling rates at 57%, generating 44 tonnes daily, with only 74.2% collected. Policy-wise, they banned carry bags in 2016 but face issues with illegal units and banned material imports. The state has 143 recycling units, yet 57.27% of waste is recycled, with non-recyclable plastic going to cement factories as RDF, causing environmental hazards due to toxic additives. Despite KSPCB's enforcement actions, including 53,698 cases, banned plastic remains a challenge, often sourced from neighboring states • BBMP in response to recent heavy rainfall installed water level gauging sensors at 124 locations, powered by solar energy, transmitting data to KSNDMC and then to BBMP's ICC. The sensors use color codes to indicate safe water levels and flood risks. BBMP's initiatives include RCC walls along stormwater drains, ongoing desilting works, and permanent flood mitigation measures in 74 areas • The Union Health Ministry issued standardized guidelines for confirming heatstroke and heat-related deaths, aiding hospitals in labeling such deaths and conducting autopsies when necessary. Collaboration with forensic medicine departments is encouraged, and the guidelines stress awareness of climate change risks in increasing heat-related deaths. The aim is to improve hospitals' capacity for evidence-based medical decision-making regarding these deaths. • The Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) has adopted a work plan focusing on assessing biofuel potential, drafting policy frameworks, and conducting workshops. India plays a significant role in proposing workstreams, engaging in global forums, and positioning itself as a climate champion. GBA aims to promote biofuel development globally, emphasizing market strengthening, trade facilitation, and sustainable utilization across generations • ISRO successfully hot-tested a liquid rocket engine designed through Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology at the Iaro Propulsion Complex in Tamil Nadu. The redesigned PS4 engine, used in PSLV's fourth stage and PS1's Reaction Control System, was validated for key performance parameters. Benefits of the redesign include reduced parts, eliminated weld joints, saved raw material usage, and decreased production time by 60%. Wipro 3D partnered in manufacturing the engine using AM technology

Date: National Technology Day is observed every year on May 11. History: In 1998, India conducted nuclear bomb tests known as Pokhran II, making it the sixth nuclear country globally. This event led to the declaration of May 11 as National Technology Day by then-Prime Minister Atal Vihari Bajpayee. Significance: The day celebrates India's technological advancements, raises awareness about technology's importance, and encourages young minds to pursue innovation and technology-related studies. It also honors scientists and innovators for their contributions.

1.Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution consist of: A) Right to Equality B) Right to Freedom C) Right against Exploitation D) All of the above 2.Which article deals with the right to equality before the law and equal protection of laws? A) Article 14 B) Article 15 C) Article 16 D) Article 17 3.The prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth is covered under which article? A) Article 14 B) Article 15 C) Article 16 D) Article 17 4.Which article guarantees equality of opportunity in matters of public employment? A) Article 14 B) Article 15 C) Article 16 D) Article 17 5.Abolition of untouchability and prohibition of its practice is mentioned in: A) Article 16 B) Article 17 C) Article 18 D) Article 19 6.The right to protection of six freedoms including speech, assembly, and profession is covered under which article? A) Article 19 B) Article 20 C) Article 21 D) Article 22 7.Which article guarantees protection of life and personal liberty? A) Article 19 B) Article 20 C) Article 21 D) Article 22 8.The right against exploitation, including prohibition of forced labour, is guaranteed by: A) Article 21 B) Article 22 C) Article 23 D) Article 24 9.Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion is protected under: A) Article 23 B) Article 24 C) Article 25 D) Article 26 10.Which article deals with the right to move the Supreme Court for enforcement of fundamental rights? A) Article 29 B) Article 30 C) Article 31 D) Article 32

The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium (JNP) has launched a 'telescope library' programme aimed at popularizing science among educational institutions and the public. Instrument Borrowing: The programme allows institutions and individuals to borrow telescopes, binoculars, and gnomons for a specified period to use at their locations.

DRDO successfully tests SMART system off Odisha coast • Full form : Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo • Location: Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island • Purpose: Enhances anti-submarine warfare for Indian Navy • Design: Next-gen missile-based torpedo system • Components: Canister-based, advanced propulsion, navigation, parachute-based release • Mobile launch: Ground mobile launcher for operational flexibility.