Delhi Police Constable (Executive) (Held On: 29 Dec, 2025 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)

The correct answer is - The Sun

Key Points

• The Sun as a Primary Source
• The Sun is the ultimate source of energy for almost all life on Earth, providing the light and heat necessary for survival.
• It drives the process of photosynthesis in autotrophs (like plants, algae, and some bacteria), which forms the foundation of nearly every food web.
• Solar energy is converted into chemical energy stored in organic molecules, which is then passed on to heterotrophs (consumers) through the consumption of food.

Additional Information

• Energy Transformation
• During photosynthesis, plants use chlorophyll to capture sunlight and convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
• This stored energy is released during cellular respiration to power the biological functions of living organisms.
• Ecological Impact
• The Sun also regulates Earth's climate and weather patterns, driving the water cycle and wind systems that distribute resources across the planet.
• Without solar radiation, Earth would be too cold to sustain life, and the primary production required for ecosystems would cease.
• Other Energy Sources
• While the Sun is the primary source, some rare ecosystems, such as those around hydrothermal vents in the deep ocean, rely on chemosynthesis (energy from chemical reactions) rather than sunlight.
• However, on a global scale, the biosphere is predominantly solar-powered.

The correct answer is World Health Organization.

Key Points

• The World Health Organization (WHO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health, including the establishment of global health-based environmental standards.
• It develops and publishes the Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs), which provide evidence-based recommendations for threshold limits of key air pollutants to protect human health.
• The guidelines specifically target pollutants such as particulate matter (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀), ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and carbon monoxide (CO).
• In September 2021, the WHO released its first major update to the guidelines since 2005, significantly tightening the recommended levels due to new evidence showing health impacts at much lower concentrations of pollution.
• While these guidelines are not legally binding, they serve as a critical scientific reference for Member States to develop national air quality standards and legislative frameworks for pollution control.

 Additional Information

• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
• Established in 1972 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, it coordinates global environmental activities and supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• While it monitors environmental trends, it does not set the specific health-based toxicological limits for air pollutants.
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
• Founded in 1988 by the WMO and UNEP, it is the leading international body for the assessment of climate change.
• Its primary role is to provide scientific reports on global warming and greenhouse gas mitigation rather than public health air quality levels.
• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
• Founded in 1945 and based in Rome, Italy, it focuses on achieving food security and improving nutrition worldwide.
• It has no mandate regarding the setting of global atmospheric air quality or health guidelines.

The correct answer is Kathak.

Key Points

• Kathak is one of the eight major forms of Indian classical dance, originating from Northern India, specifically within the states of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
• The dance is uniquely associated with Hindustani Classical Music, and it incorporates light classical compositions such as Thumri, Dadra, and Ghazals to enhance its narrative and expressive elements.
• Thumri is a semi-classical vocal genre that became the cornerstone of the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak, particularly under the patronage of the last Nawab of Awadh, Wajid Ali Shah, who was a prolific composer himself.
• During a performance, the Thumri is utilized for Bhava Batana, an act where the dancer performs Abhinaya (expression) while seated or standing, using facial expressions and Hastha Mudras (hand gestures) to interpret the lyrics.
• The lyrical themes of these compositions often revolve around Radha-Krishna devotion and the Shringara Rasa (the emotion of love), bridging the gap between pure rhythmic dance and emotional storytelling.

 Additional Information

• Bharatanatyam:
• Hailing from Tamil Nadu, this dance form is set to Carnatic Music and traditionally features compositions like Varnam, Padam, and Javali rather than the North Indian Thumri.
• Odissi:
• Originating from the temples of Odisha, it uses Odissi Music, a distinct system that incorporates regional ragas and focuses heavily on the Ashtapadis from Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda.
• Mohiniyattam:
• A classical dance from Kerala known for its graceful Lasya movements, it is accompanied by the Sopanam style of singing and lyrics typically written in Manipravalam, a blend of Malayalam and Sanskrit.

The correct answer is Kuchipudi.

Key Points

• Kuchipudi is a prominent Indian classical dance form that originated in the village of Kuchipudi in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh.
• The Tarangam is a unique and technically challenging segment of a Kuchipudi performance where the dancer balances their feet on the sharp rim of a brass plate (thali).
• During this sequence, the dancer often balances a kumbha (a pot filled with water) on their head, demonstrating extraordinary physical control, concentration, and rhythmic precision.
• The performance is traditionally accompanied by music based on the Krishna Leela Tarangini, a literary work by the 17^th-century saint Narayana Teertha, which depicts the life and exploits of Lord Krishna.
• The Tarangam serves as a climax to the performance, showcasing the Nritya (expressive dance) and Nritta (pure dance) skills of the artist through complex Jatis (rhythmic patterns).

 Additional Information

• Bharatanatyam:
• Originating from Tamil Nadu, it is the oldest classical dance tradition in India.
• It is characterized by the Aramandi (half-sitting) posture and was historically known as Sadir Attam.
• Odissi:
• Hailing from the state of Odisha, it is known for its lyrical movements and the Tribhanga posture (three-fold bending of the body).
• It traces its roots to the Maharis (temple dancers) and Gotipuas (male dancers dressed as females).
• Kathak:
• A major classical dance of North India, its name is derived from Kathakar, meaning storytellers.
• It is famous for its intricate footwork (Tatkar), lightning-fast pirouettes (Chakkars), and the influence of both Hindu and Mughal cultures.

The correct answer is Karthigai Deepam.

Key Points

• Karthigai Deepam is the traditional festival of lights celebrated in Tamil Nadu during the Tamil month of Karthigai (November–December) on the full moon day (Pournami).
• While Deepavali is celebrated across India, Karthigai Deepam is often considered the primary and indigenous lamp festival for Tamils, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and spiritual wisdom over ignorance.
• The festival is rooted in the legend of Lord Shiva appearing as a Jyotirlinga (a pillar of fire) to settle a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu, proving his supremacy as an infinite source of light.
• Households are decorated with rows of Agal Vilakkus (oil-filled clay lamps), and the festival is historically documented in Sangam literature works like Akananuru and Purananuru.
• The most iconic celebration takes place at the Annamalaiyar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, where a massive Mahadeepam is lit on top of the Arunachala Hill, signifying the fiery form of Shiva.

 Additional Information

• Thai Pongal:
• A prominent four-day harvest festival celebrated in the month of Thai (January).
• It is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and marks the start of Uttarayana, the sun's northward journey.
• Tamil Puthandu:
• Also known as Puthuvarusham, it marks the Tamil New Year on the first day of the month Chithirai (mid-April).
• It follows the solar cycle of the lunisolar Hindu calendar and is celebrated with the viewing of Kanni (auspicious items).
• Thaipusam:
• A festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, commemorating the day Goddess Parvati gave him a Vel (spear) to annihilate the demon Surapadman.
• Devotees often carry a Kavadi as a form of debt-bondage or sacrifice to the deity.

The correct answer is All of the above.

Key Points

• Wolf Hall, published in 2009, is the first book in the acclaimed trilogy. It depicts the rapid rise to power of Thomas Cromwell in the court of King Henry VIII. The novel was awarded the Man Booker Prize in 2009.
• Bring Up the Bodies, the second installment published in 2012, focuses on the psychological and political maneuvers leading to the downfall of Anne Boleyn. This work won the Man Booker Prize in 2012, making Hilary Mantel the first woman to win the prize twice.
• The Mirror and the Light, published in 2020, concludes the saga by detailing the final years of Thomas Cromwell, from the execution of Anne Boleyn to his own death in 1540. It was a massive critical success and was longlisted for the Booker Prize.
• Collectively, these three novels form the Thomas Cromwell Trilogy, which is widely recognized as one of the most significant Booker Prize-winning series in literary history, as the first two volumes achieved the top honor and the third completed the award-winning narrative arc.

 Additional Information

• Hilary Mantel:
• She was a prolific British novelist who became the first person to win the Booker Prize for two consecutive books in a series.
• Her work is noted for its deep historical research and the humanization of complex political figures from the Tudor era.
• She received the Bodley Medal and was made a Dame (DBE) for her immense contributions to literature.
• Thomas Cromwell:
• A historical lawyer and statesman who rose from humble beginnings to become the Earl of Essex and Chief Minister to Henry VIII.
• He played a central role in the English Reformation and the establishment of the Church of England.

The correct answer is Gujarat.

Key Points

• Lothal was one of the most prominent cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, located in the Bhāl region of the modern state of Gujarat.
• The site was discovered in 1954 and excavated between 1955 and 1960 by the renowned archaeologist S.R. Rao.
• It is globally recognized for possessing the world's earliest known artificial dockyard, which was built using kiln-burnt bricks and measured approximately 218 meters by 37 meters.
• This dockyard functioned as a maritime port, connecting the city to an ancient course of the Sabarmati River and providing access to the Arabian Sea.
• Archaeological findings indicate that Lothal served as a flourishing trade center, dealing in precious stones, steatite seals, and beads with contemporary civilizations like Mesopotamia and Persia.
• The city featured advanced town planning, including a distinct citadel, a lower town, and a highly sophisticated drainage system.

 Additional Information

• Rajasthan:
• Home to the major Harappan site of Kalibangan in the Hanumangarh district.
• It is famous for the discovery of ploughed fields, wooden furrows, and fire altars.
• Haryana:
• Hosts Rakhigarhi, which is currently considered the largest site of the Indus Valley Civilization.
• The site of Banawali is also located here, known for terracotta models of ploughs and high-quality barley.
• Punjab:
• Location of Ropar (Rupnagar) on the banks of the Sutlej River.
• It was the first site excavated in independent India in 1953.
• Lothal Artifacts:
• Excavations yielded bead-making factories, terracotta ship models, and ivory tools.
• The discovery of a circular seal typical of the Persian Gulf confirms its extensive overseas trade links.

The correct answer is Cotton.

Key Points

• The inhabitants of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) were the pioneers of Cotton cultivation in the world, with archaeological evidence dating back to the Neolithic period.
• Significant traces of cotton threads and woven cloth fragments have been recovered from Mohenjo-daro, confirming that the civilization had developed advanced techniques for spinning and weaving.
• The earliest evidence of cotton seeds was discovered at the site of Mehrgarh (present-day Pakistan), dating to approximately 5000 BCE, which predates cotton use in other ancient civilizations like Egypt.
• The Greeks were so impressed by the quality of this textile that they termed it Sindon, a word directly derived from Sindhu (the Sanskrit name for the Indus River).

 Additional Information

• Staple Food Crops:
• Wheat and Barley: These were the primary food grains grown by the IVC people. However, these crops were first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent of Mesopotamia long before the rise of the Indus cities.
• Rice: While rice husks have been found at Lothal and Rangpur, it was not as widely cultivated as wheat or barley during the mature phase of the civilization.
• Agricultural Techniques:
• The Indus people utilized wooden ploughs (as evidenced by a terracotta model from Banawali) and maintained sophisticated irrigation systems to harness the seasonal flooding of the Indus River.
• The diverse range of crops produced included peas, sesame, mustard, and dates, showcasing a highly developed agrarian economy.

The correct answer is April 1 to March 31.

Key Points

• The Fiscal Year or Financial Year (FY) in India is the twelve-month period used for calculating annual financial statements and reporting for both the government and businesses.
• The current cycle starts on April 1 and concludes on March 31 of the following calendar year. For instance, the period from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, is designated as FY 2024-25.
• This specific accounting period was officially adopted by the British Government in India in 1867 to synchronize the Indian financial system with the United Kingdom's fiscal calendar.
• The Union Budget of India is presented by the Finance Minister (typically on February 1 since 2017) to ensure that the Appropriation Bill and Finance Bill are passed by Parliament before the new fiscal year commences.
• All statutory compliance, including Income Tax filings, GST audits, and corporate balance sheets, are mandatory to be maintained according to this April-March duration.

 Additional Information

• Historical Background:
• Before the transition in 1867, India followed a financial year that ran from May 1 to April 30.
• The L.K. Jha Committee in 1984 recommended shifting to a January-December cycle to align with the monsoon season and agricultural crop cycles, but the change was not implemented by the Union Government.
• Institutional Alignments:
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) used a July to June accounting year for decades but officially shifted to the April to March cycle starting in 2021 to harmonize with the government.
• Madhya Pradesh became the first Indian state to announce a shift to the January-December financial year in 2017, though the national standard remains April-March.
• International Comparison:
• Countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand also follow an April to March fiscal cycle.
• The United States federal government operates on a cycle from October 1 to September 30.
• Many nations, including China, Brazil, and Germany, utilize the standard Calendar Year (January 1 to December 31) for fiscal purposes.

The correct answer is Land, Labor, Capital, and Entrepreneurship.

Key Points

• Land encompasses all natural resources utilized in the production of goods and services. This includes not only the physical site of production but also minerals, forests, water, and oil found on or beneath the surface. The economic return for land is categorized as Rent.
• Labor represents the total human effort—both physical and mental—applied to the manufacturing or service process. Examples include the work of factory employees, engineers, and teachers. The reward or compensation for labor is paid in the form of Wages.
• Capital refers to man-made tools and equipment used to produce other goods. In economics, this specifically means physical capital like machinery, factories, computers, and infrastructure. It is distinct from financial capital (money). The payment for using capital is Interest.
• Entrepreneurship is the human resource that combines the other three factors to create a product or service for profit. Entrepreneurs are innovators who take financial risks to organize production and bring new ideas to the market. The specific reward for this factor is Profit.

 Additional Information

• Economic Sectors:
• Primary Sector: Involves the direct extraction of natural resources (e.g., agriculture, mining).
• Secondary Sector: Focuses on the manufacturing and processing of raw materials into finished goods.
• Tertiary Sector: Comprises the service industry, including banking, education, and healthcare.
• Quaternary Sector: A knowledge-based sector focusing on information technology, research and development (R&D), and intellectual services.
• Financial Capital: While money is essential for business operations, it is not considered a primary factor of production in classical economics because it is not directly involved in the physical creation of a good; rather, it facilitates the purchase of the actual factors (land, labor, and capital).

The correct answer is The minimum income level considered necessary for a basic standard of living.

Key Points

• The poverty line is a monetary threshold used by governments and international organizations to identify individuals or households whose income or consumption expenditure falls below the amount required to satisfy basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter.
• It serves as a benchmark to measure absolute poverty, ensuring that the population above this line can afford a minimum nutritional intake and essential non-food requirements.
• In India, the calculation is often linked to calorie requirements; traditionally, it is set at 2,400 calories per day in rural areas and 2,100 calories in urban areas, reflecting the higher physical labor performed in villages.
• The Headcount Ratio (HCR) is the percentage of the population living below this line, providing a snapshot of the prevalence of poverty within a geopolitical boundary.
• Determining this line allows for the effective implementation of Targeted Public Distribution Systems (TPDS) and other social safety nets.

 Additional Information

• Methodological Evolution in India:
• Dadabhai Naoroji: The first to conceptualize the poverty line in India through his book 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India' using a 'jail cost of living' approach.
• Expert Groups: Various committees like the Alagh Committee (1979), Lakdawala Committee (1993), Tendulkar Committee (2009), and Rangarajan Committee (2014) have revised the methodology to include health and education expenses.
• Global Standards:
• The World Bank defines the International Poverty Line, currently set at $2.15 per person per day (based on 2017 Purchasing Power Parity), to monitor extreme poverty globally.
• Conceptual Clarifications:
• Average Income: Also known as Per Capita Income, this measures the mean income of a nation and does not account for income inequality or subsistence needs.
• National Debt: Refers to the total public debt or liabilities incurred by a central government, which is a macroeconomic indicator unrelated to individual welfare thresholds$.

The correct answer is Diamonds.

Key Points

• Panna, located in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh, is the only district in India where diamonds are extracted on a commercial scale, earning it the title of 'City of Diamonds'.
• The diamond-bearing area is part of a vast belt that extends approximately 240 kilometers across the Vindhyan Range, with major deposits concentrated in the Majhgawan area.
• The Majhgawan diamond mine is the only mechanized diamond mine in the country and is operated by the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), producing high-quality gems and industrial-grade stones.
• Geologically, these precious stones are found within Kimberlite pipes, conglomerate layers, and alluvial gravels that date back millions of years.
• The mining process in Panna involves both large-scale industrial operations and small-scale shallow mines leased to local miners by the state government’s Diamond Office.

 Additional Information

• Copper:
• The Malanjkhand copper belt in the Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh is the largest open-cast copper mine in India, contributing significantly to the nation's total output.
• Coal:
• Madhya Pradesh possesses vast coal reserves, particularly in the Singrauli, Sohagpur, and Kanhan-Pench valley regions, which feed numerous thermal power plants.
• Gold:
• While Madhya Pradesh has minor occurrences, major gold production in India is historically dominated by the Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) and the Hutti Gold Mines in Karnataka.

The correct answer is Maharashtra.

Key Points

• The Godavari River, known as the largest Peninsular river in India, originates from the Brahmagiri hills at Trimbakeshwar. This location is situated in the Nashik district of the state of Maharashtra.
• It flows for a total length of approximately 1,465 kilometers before draining into the Bay of Bengal. Due to its massive length and the large area it covers, it is frequently referred to as the Dakshin Ganga (Ganges of the South) or Vridha Ganga.
• The river basin is the second largest in India, covering about 10 percent of the country's total geographical area. About 50 percent of its catchment area lies within Maharashtra, while the rest is shared among Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
• The major tributaries of the Godavari include the Purna, the Wardha, the Pranhita, the Manjra, the Wainganga, and the Penganga.

 Additional Information

• Karnataka
• Although a small portion of the Godavari basin extends into northern Karnataka, the river does not originate here. Significant peninsular rivers like the Krishna (at Mahabaleshwar, though Mahabaleshwar is in Maharashtra) and the Cauvery (at Brahmagiri in Kodagu) have major associations with Karnataka's geography.
• Andhra Pradesh
• The Godavari forms a large delta in the East Godavari and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh before entering the sea. It is a vital source of irrigation for the state's agriculture, but it originates much further west.
• Odisha
• The Indravati and Sabari rivers, which are important tributaries of the Godavari, drain parts of Odisha. However, the main stem of the river does not originate in this state.

The correct answer is Sharavathi.

Key Points

• Jog Falls, also famously known as Gersoppa Falls and Jogada Gundi, is situated on the Sharavathi River in the Sagara taluk of the Shimoga (Shivamogga) district in Karnataka.
• It is recognized as one of the highest plunge waterfalls in India, featuring a massive drop of approximately 253 meters (830 feet) from the rocky bed of the river.
• The waterfall is unique because it does not flow down the rocks in a tiered fashion; instead, it thunders down the slope as a segmented waterfall consisting of four distinct cascades named Raja, Roarer, Rocket, and Rani.
• The Sharavathi River originates at Ambutirtha in Thirthahalli taluk and flows for about 128 kilometers before emptying into the Arabian Sea at Honnavar in Uttara Kannada district.
• The falls are also associated with the Mahatma Gandhi Hydroelectric Project, which has been operational since 1948, utilizing the massive water force for electricity generation.

 Additional Information

• Kaveri River:
• It is a major sacred river of South India, originating at Talakaveri in the Kodagu district.
• It forms the famous Shivanasamudra Falls, which is the second-largest waterfall in India and the site of Asia's first major hydroelectric power station established in 1902.
• Krishna River:
• One of the longest rivers in India (approximately 1,400 km), originating at Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra.
• It flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh before reaching the Bay of Bengal.
• Tungabhadra River:
• A chief tributary of the Krishna River, formed by the union of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers at Koodli.
• The historic city of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located on its banks.
• Linganamakki Dam:
• Constructed across the Sharavathi River in 1964, this dam is the primary reservoir for the Sharavathi Hydroelectric Project and significantly regulates the water flow to Jog Falls.

The correct answer is Musi.

Key Points

• The city of Hyderabad, which is the capital of the southern Indian state of Telangana, is historically and geographically situated on the banks of the Musi River.
• The Musi River is a significant tributary of the Krishna River and flows through the heart of the Deccan Plateau region.
• The river originates in the Ananthagiri Hills located in the Vikarabad district of Telangana and traverses approximately 240 kilometers before merging with the Krishna River at Wazirabad.
• The river acts as a geographical divider between the historic Old City, featuring landmarks like the Charminar and Mecca Masjid, and the modern urban developments on the northern bank.
• During the reign of the Nizam of Hyderabad, major flood control structures like the Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar dams were built on the Musi and its tributary, the Esi, respectively.
• Therefore, the correct option is 3.

 Additional Information

• Godavari River:
• Known as the Dakshina Ganga, it is the largest river in Peninsular India and originates at Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra.
• Major cities located on its banks include Nashik, Nanded, and Rajahmundry.
• Krishna River:
• It is one of the longest rivers in India, originating near Mahabaleshwar in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra.
• It flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, supporting cities like Vijayawada.
• Tungabhadra River:
• Formed by the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers at Koodli, it is a major tributary of the Krishna River.
• The historic ruins of Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, are located on its banks.

The correct answer is To measure CO_2 and water-vapour fluxes.

Key Points

• The Eddy Covariance (EC) tower established at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU) in Pusa, Bihar, is a specialized environmental monitoring facility funded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
• The primary function of this tower is the high-frequency, continuous measurement of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) and water-vapour fluxes as they move between the agricultural land surface and the atmosphere.
• By monitoring these fluxes, scientists can calculate the Net Ecosystem Exchange (NEE), which identifies whether the specific crop-land area in the Indo-Gangetic Plain is functioning as a carbon source or a carbon sink.
• This initiative is a critical component of the National Carbon Project (NCP), which operates under the broader ISRO Geosphere Biosphere Programme (ISRO-GBP) to study the carbon cycle and climate change impacts.
• The data generated by the EC tower assists in evaluating the carbon sequestration potential of different cropping systems and helps in developing sustainable agricultural practices in the region.

 Additional Information

• Eddy Covariance Methodology:
• It is a micrometeorological technique that correlates rapid changes in vertical wind speed with rapid changes in gas concentration to determine the turbulent flux of gases.
• Key instruments used on the tower include a 3D Sonic Anemometer for wind components and an Open-Path Infrared Gas Analyzer (IRGA) for gas concentrations.
• Scientific Significance:
• The measurements help in calculating Evapotranspiration (ET), which is vital for understanding the water requirements of crops and improving Water Use Efficiency (WUE).
• The tower provides essential ground-truth data required to validate satellite-based observations and global biogeochemical models that predict future climate scenarios.
• The Indo-Gangetic Plain is one of the most productive agricultural regions globally, making the tracking of its greenhouse gas (GHG) balance essential for national food security and environmental policies.

The correct answer is 2 - 22 kev.

Key Points

• The Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS) is a specialized instrument integrated into India's maiden solar mission, Aditya-L1, which is stationed at the Lagrangian Point 1.
• It is designed to measure the Solar Soft X-ray flux in the energy range of 1 keV to 22 keV (specifically categorized as 2 - 22 kev in this context) to monitor the X-ray emissions from the Sun.
• The primary scientific objective of SoLEXS is to study the mechanisms behind coronal heating and the characteristics of solar flares by providing high spectral and temporal resolution data.
• The payload utilizes Silicon Drift Detectors (SDDs), which allow it to observe the Sun as a star and provide a continuous X-ray spectrometer record of solar flare events.
• By observing the soft X-ray spectrum, SoLEXS helps researchers understand the thermal properties of the solar corona during both quiet and active phases of the solar cycle.

 Additional Information

• Aditya-L1 Mission Payloads:
• HE1OS (High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer): Operates in the hard X-ray band, covering an energy range from 10 keV to 150 keV to study high-energy solar flares.
• VELC (Visible Emission Line Coronagraph): Designed to image the solar corona and study Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) in visible light.
• SUIT (Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope): Captures images of the solar photosphere and chromosphere in the 200 - 400 nm ultraviolet wavelength range.
• PAPA (Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya): Analyzes solar wind composition and energy distribution of electrons and ions.
• ASPEX (Aditya Solar wind Particle Experiment): Studies solar wind particles, specifically protons and heavier ions.
• Mission Importance: Launched by ISRO using the PSLV-C57 launch vehicle on September 2, 2023, Aditya-L1 provides a continuous view of the Sun without any eclipses or occultations.

The correct answer is 0.685.

Key Points

• The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite index released annually by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to rank countries based on human development achievements.
• For the 2025 Human Development Report, India recorded an HDI value of 0.685, which places the nation firmly within the Medium Human Development category.
• This value of 0.685 signifies a significant improvement from previous years (such as the 2022 score of 0.644), reflecting progress across health, education, and economic indicators.
• The score is calculated based on three fundamental dimensions: a long and healthy life, access to knowledge, and a decent standard of living.
• The increase to 0.685 is attributed to the rise in Life Expectancy at Birth (approximately 67.7 to 68 years) and the growth in Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.
• Therefore, the correct option is 2.

 Additional Information

• Core Dimensions of HDI:
• Health: This is assessed by Life Expectancy at Birth. It reflects the overall mortality level and the quality of healthcare services available in the country.
• Education: This dimension is measured through two indicators: Mean Years of Schooling (average years of education received by people aged 25 and older) and Expected Years of Schooling (years of schooling a child of school-entrance age can expect to receive).
• Standard of Living: This is measured by the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita at Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) in international dollars.
• HDI Classification Tiers:
• Very High Human Development: HDI score of 0.800 and above.
• High Human Development: HDI score between 0.700 and 0.799.
• Medium Human Development: HDI score between 0.550 and 0.699. India currently resides in this bracket with 0.685.
• Low Human Development: HDI score below 0.550.
• UNDP Context: The United Nations Development Programme, headquartered in New York City, introduced the HDI in 1990, developed by economists Mahbub ul Haq and Amartya Sen, to shift the focus of development economics from national income accounting to people-centered policies.

The correct answer is A group of Indian Industrialists.

Key Points

• The Bombay Plan was a set of economic proposals for the development of post-independence India, formally titled 'A Brief Memorandum Outlining a Plan of Economic Development for India'.
• It was published in January 1944 by eight leading Indian industrialists: J.R.D. Tata, G.D. Birla, Purshottamdas Thakurdas, Lala Shri Ram, Kasturbhai Lalbhai, A.D. Shroff, Ardeshir Dalal, and John Mathai.
• The plan advocated for a significant state intervention in the economy, arguing that the private sector lacked sufficient capital to build heavy industries and infrastructure.
• The primary objective of the plan was to achieve a 100 percent increase in per capita income and a 200 percent increase in national income over a period of 15 years.
• It laid the conceptual foundation for the mixed economy model and state-led planning that India adopted after 1947.

 Additional Information

• Planning Commission:
• Formed in March 1950 by a cabinet resolution, this body was responsible for drafting India's Five-Year Plans under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister.
• Gandhian Plan:
• Presented by Shriman Narayan Agarwal in 1944, it focused on decentralization, agricultural development, and the promotion of cottage industries.
• People's Plan:
• Developed by M.N. Roy in 1945 on behalf of the Indian Federation of Labour, it prioritized socialism and the nationalization of land.
• British Government:
• While the British Raj established a Planning and Development Department in 1944 under Ardeshir Dalal, the Bombay Plan itself was a private initiative by capitalists.

The correct answer is 1953.

Key Points

• Air India was originally established as Tata Airlines in 1932 by the legendary industrialist J.R.D. Tata, initially operating as a mail carrier before evolving into a commercial airline.
• Following World War II and India's independence, the Government of India decided to nationalize the aviation sector to ensure uniform growth and strategic control over air transport.
• The Air Corporations Act was passed by the Indian Parliament in 1953, which mandated the acquisition of all existing private airline companies by the state.
• On August 1, 1953, the government formally took over the airline, leading to the creation of two separate entities: Indian Airlines for domestic routes and Air India International for long-haul global operations.
• Despite the nationalization, J.R.D. Tata was appointed as the Chairman of the newly formed corporation, a position he held for several decades, ensuring the airline maintained its reputation for world-class service.

 Additional Information

• Structural Evolution of Air India:
• The Air Corporations Act resulted in the merger of eight domestic airlines, including Deccan Airways and Bharat Airways, into the state-owned Indian Airlines.
• In 1960, Air India became the first Asian airline to enter the Jet Age by inducting the Boeing 707 into its fleet, facilitating faster international travel.
• The iconic Maharajah mascot, synonymous with Indian hospitality, was designed in 1946 and became the face of the airline's global branding post-nationalization.
• After 69 years of state ownership, Air India was officially returned to the Tata Group (via Talace Private Limited) in January 2022, marking a significant privatization milestone in Indian aviation history.

The correct answer is Decimal Coinage System.

Key Points

• India transitioned to the Decimal Coinage System on 1^st April 1957, which revolutionized the monetary structure of the country.
• Prior to this reform, the Indian currency followed a non-decimal base where 1 Rupee was equivalent to 16 Annas, and each Anna was further subdivided into 4 Pice or 12 Pies.
• The legislative framework for this change was the Indian Coinage (Amendment) Act, 1955, which empowered the government to adopt a metric-style currency division.
• Under the new system, the Indian Rupee was divided into 100 units, which were initially termed Naya Paisa (New Paisa) to distinguish them from the older denominations.
• The term Naya remained in official use for seven years until it was eventually dropped in June 1964, leaving the unit simply as Paisa.
• This shift simplified accounting, trade, and financial calculations, aligning India with the global standard of decimal-based transactions.

 Additional Information

• Barter System:
• An ancient method of exchange where goods and services are directly traded for other goods or services without the use of a monetary medium.
• Gold Standard:
• A monetary system where the value of a currency is directly linked to a specific amount of gold. While India had historical links to gold-based values, it did not shift to this system in 1957.
• Digital Currency:
• A modern form of electronic money. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently introduced the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), known as the e-Rupee, through a pilot program launched in 2022.

The correct answer is Daisy Rockwell.

Key Points

• Daisy Rockwell is an esteemed American translator, painter, and writer who has significantly contributed to bringing Hindi and Urdu literature to a global audience.
• In 2022, she made history by becoming the first translator of a Hindi novel to win the International Booker Prize.
• She shared this prestigious award with the Indian author Geetanjali Shree for the novel Tomb of Sand, which is the English translation of the Hindi work Ret Samadhi.
• The victory was a landmark event for Indian literature, as it was the first time a book originally written in any Indian language received the International Booker Prize.
• The novel explores themes of border crossing, gender, and aging through the story of an 80-year-old woman who travels to Pakistan to confront the trauma of the Partition.

 Additional Information

• International Booker Prize:
• Established in 2005, it is awarded annually for a single book translated into English and published in the United Kingdom or Ireland.
• The 50,000 GBP prize money is shared equally between the author and the translator to emphasize the collaborative nature of translated fiction.
• Arunava Sinha:
• A prominent translator who primarily translates Bengali literature (classic and contemporary) into English, with over 70 translated titles to his credit.
• Lakshmi Holmstrom:
• A celebrated British-Indian writer and translator who was a pioneer in translating Tamil literature into English, including works by Bama and Ambai.
• Deepa Bhasthi:
• A writer and translator known for her work in Kannada literature, bridging the linguistic gap for regional South Indian stories.

The correct answer is Pull factors.

Key Points

• Migration is driven by two primary sets of forces known as push and pull factors, which determine the movement of people between rural and urban areas or different countries.
• Pull factors represent the positive aspects or attractions of a destination that encourage individuals to move there voluntarily to improve their quality of life.
• Better job opportunities and the promise of higher wages in cities are major economic drivers that attract surplus labor from rural regions.
• The availability of superior education facilities, including specialized universities and vocational training centers, acts as a powerful magnet for the youth seeking skill development.
• Advanced health facilities, such as multi-specialty hospitals and better emergency care, serve as critical social pull factors that ensure a higher standard of living and security.
• Other significant pull factors include political stability, religious freedom, and improved infrastructure like better housing and transport networks.

 Additional Information

• Push Factors:
• These are negative conditions in a person's place of origin that compel them to leave.
• Common examples include unemployment, poverty, war, political instability, and lack of basic amenities.
• Natural Factors:
• Refers to environmental conditions such as climate change, earthquakes, or floods that trigger migration.
• These often act as environmental push factors, forcing populations to relocate due to resource scarcity or safety concerns.
• Negative Factors:
• Often used interchangeably with push factors, these create an unfavorable environment for survival or growth.
• Examples include high crime rates, social discrimination, or poor governance in the source region.

The correct answer is 2045.

Key Points

• The National Population Policy (NPP) 2000 was formulated by the Government of India to provide a policy framework for imparting free and compulsory school education up to 14 years of age and reducing infant and maternal mortality.
• The long-term objective of the NPP 2000 is to achieve a stable population by the year 2045, which is defined as a level consistent with the requirements of sustainable economic growth, social development, and environmental protection.
• The policy identified population stabilization as a crucial goal to ensure that the benefits of economic progress are not diluted by a rapidly increasing number of people.
• The medium-term objective of the policy was to bring the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) to replacement level (2.1 children per woman) by 2010 through vigorous implementation of inter-sectoral operational strategies.
• The immediate objective involved addressing the unmet needs for contraception, health care infrastructure, and health personnel, and providing integrated service delivery for basic reproductive and child health care.

 Additional Information

• Key Targets of NPP 2000:
• Reducing the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) to below 30 per 1000 live births.
• Reducing the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) to below 100 per 100,000 live births.
• Achieving universal immunization of children against all vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Promoting delayed marriage for girls, preferably after the age of 18 and ideally after 20 years.
• Achieving 100 percent registration of births, deaths, marriages, and pregnancies.
• Preventing and controlling communicable diseases, especially AIDS and sexually transmitted infections.
• The National Commission on Population, chaired by the Prime Minister, was established to monitor and guide the implementation of this policy across various states.

The correct answer is Kathakali.

Key Points

• Kathakali is a major classical dance-drama form that originated in the state of Kerala during the 17^th century.
• It is distinguished by its highly stylized facial expressions, known as Mukha Abhinaya, which are used to convey the Navarasas (nine fundamental human emotions).
• The Navarasas performed in this dance include Shringara (love), Hasya (contempt/mirth), Karuna (pity), Raudra (anger), Veera (valor), Bhayanaka (fear), Beebhatsa (disgust), Adbhuta (wonder), and Shanta (peace).
• Performers undergo rigorous training to control facial muscles and eye movements (Nethra Abhinaya) to express complex emotions without speaking a single word.
• The dance is also famous for its elaborate makeup (Vesham) and heavy costumes, where different colors represent specific character types, such as Pacha (green) for noble characters and Kathi (knife) for villains.
• Therefore, the dance form that uses these highly stylized expressions to convey emotions is Kathakali, making Option 3 the correct choice.

 Additional Information

• Kathak:
• Origin: North India (primarily Uttar Pradesh).
• Features: Known for its intricate footwork (Tatkar), rapid pirouettes (Chakkars), and its history as a storytelling medium in temples and Mughal courts.
• Odissi:
• Origin: Odisha.
• Features: Characterized by the Tribhanga posture (independent movement of head, chest, and pelvis) and its lyrical, fluid movements depicting sculpturesque poses.
• Manipuri:
• Origin: Manipur.
• Features: Primarily focuses on Raslila (devotional themes of Radha-Krishna) and is marked by soft, graceful movements and the use of the Potloi (cylindrical skirt).

The correct answer is Banking and Financial Sector.

Key Points

• The Narasimham Committee I was constituted in August 1991 by the Government of India under the chairmanship of M. Narasimham, the 13^th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), to modernize the financial system.
• Its primary objective was to improve the efficiency, productivity, and profitability of the banking sector following the 1991 Balance of Payments crisis.
• Key recommendations of the 1991 report included a phased reduction of the Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) and Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) to free up bank resources for commercial lending.
• The Narasimham Committee II (1998), known as the Banking Sector Reforms Committee, focused on structural changes and recommended the merger of strong public sector banks to create global-sized entities.
• It introduced the concept of Capital to Risk-weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) and advocated for the establishment of Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) to manage Non-Performing Assets (NPAs).

 Additional Information

• M. Narasimham:
• Known as the Father of Banking Reforms in India, his work led to the adoption of Basel Norms and the entry of new private sector banks.
• He played a crucial role in shifting the Indian banking system from social banking to a more market-oriented and competitive structure.
• Other Sector-Specific Committees:
• Agriculture: The M.S. Swaminathan Committee (2004) recommended reforms regarding minimum support prices and sustainable farming practices.
• Education: The Kothari Commission (1964-66) provided the first comprehensive blueprint for the national system of education in India.
• Railways: The Bibek Debroy Committee (2015) suggested reforms for the liberalization of the railway sector and independent regulation.

The correct answer is Bangladesh.

Key Points

• The Maitri Setu is a 1.9-kilometre-long bridge built over the Feni River, which flows between the Indian boundary in Tripura and Bangladesh.
• It connects Sabroom in South Tripura, India, with Ramgarh in Bangladesh, serving as a vital link for cross-border trade and transit.
• The bridge was inaugurated virtually on March 9, 2021, by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
• The name 'Maitri Setu' translates to 'Friendship Bridge', symbolizing the strengthening bilateral relations and growing diplomatic ties between the two nations.

 Additional Information

• Strategic Significance:
• The bridge provides Northeast India access to the Chittagong Port in Bangladesh, which is located just 80 kilometres from Sabroom.
• It has effectively transformed Tripura into the 'Gateway of the Northeast' by providing landlocked states a shorter route to international maritime trade routes.
• The project was executed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) at an approximate cost of 133 Crore.
• Geographical Context:
• The Feni River originates in the South Tripura district, passes through Sabroom town, and flows into Bangladesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
• Other neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar do not share a border involving the Feni River or the specific connectivity infrastructure of the Maitri Setu.

The correct answer is 1990.

Key Points

• Kabaddi made its competitive debut as a regular medal event at the 11^th Asian Games held in Beijing, China, in 1990.
• The Indian Men’s Kabaddi Team secured the first-ever Gold Medal in the tournament by finishing at the top of the standings in a round-robin format.
• During this inaugural tournament, India demonstrated absolute dominance by defeating nations such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, Japan, and Nepal.
• Before its official inclusion in 1990, Kabaddi had been featured as a demonstration sport in the 1951 New Delhi and 1982 New Delhi Asian Games to showcase the sport to a wider international audience.

 Additional Information

• Historical Dominance:
• Following the 1990 victory, India established a legendary winning streak, capturing seven consecutive Gold Medals in the men’s category from 1990 to 2014.
• The streak was interrupted during the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games, where Iran won the gold and India took the bronze.
• Women’s Kabaddi:
• Women’s Kabaddi was introduced much later, making its debut at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games.
• The Indian Women’s Team followed the men’s legacy by winning the inaugural gold medal in 2010 and defending it in 2014.
• Governance and Format:
• The sport is governed globally by the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) and domestically by the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), established in 1973.
• The Asian Games typically follow the National Style Kabaddi, which is played on a rectangular mat measuring 13 × 10 meters for men.

The correct answer is State Highways.

Key Points

• State Highways are arterial roads of a state that serve the primary purpose of connecting the State Capital with various District Headquarters and other important cities or towns within the state.
• These roads are vital for intra-state commerce and administrative mobility, acting as the secondary system of roads in the country.
• The construction and maintenance of these roads are the responsibility of the State Public Works Department (SPWD) in respective States and Union Territories.
• They also provide essential connectivity by linking with National Highways, ensuring that district-level traffic can access the primary national grid.
• According to the Nagpur Road Plan classification, these roads are designed to carry heavy traffic within the state borders and are usually identified by specific state-prefix numbering.

 Additional Information

• National Highways:
• These are the primary road systems that connect major cities, state capitals, and ports across different states.
• They are maintained by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
• District Roads:
• These roads connect the District Headquarters with other significant places, towns, and villages within the same district.
• The management and upkeep of these roads are handled by the Zila Parishad.
• Border Roads:
• These are strategically important roads located in the Northern and North-eastern border regions of the country.
• The Border Roads Organization (BRO), established in 1960, is responsible for their construction to boost economic development and military preparedness in difficult terrains.

The correct answer is Abanindranath Tagore.

Key Points

• The painting Bharat Mata was created by Abanindranath Tagore in 1905, during the height of the Swadeshi Movement following the Partition of Bengal.
• The artwork portrays a four-armed ascetic woman dressed in saffron robes, symbolizing the spirit of the nation as a nurturing yet detached mother figure.
• The four objects held in her hands represent different aspects of national life: a book for education and secular knowledge, sheaves of paddy for food and prosperity, a mala (rosary) for spiritual strength, and a white cloth for clothing and dignity.
• Originally titled Bangamata (Mother Bengal), the painting was later renamed Bharat Mata by the social activist and disciple of Swami Vivekananda, Sister Nivedita, to give it a pan-Indian appeal.
• The painting utilized the Wash Technique, a style influenced by Japanese traditions, which helped define the aesthetic of the Bengal School of Art and countered the dominant Western Academic Realism of the colonial era.

 Additional Information

• Nandalal Bose:
• A prominent student of Abanindranath Tagore and a key figure in the Bengal School.
• He is famous for decorating the original manuscript of the Constitution of India and creating the Haripura Posters for the 1938 Congress session.
• Gaganendranath Tagore:
• The brother of Abanindranath, he is often considered the first artist to experiment with Cubism in India.
• He was well-known for his satirical cartoons and sketches that critiqued the social and political life of colonial Bengal.
• Asit Kumar Haldar:
• An influential artist and educator who was the first Indian principal of the Government School of Arts and Crafts in Lucknow.
• He played a vital role in documenting the ancient frescoes of the Ajanta and Bagh Caves.

The correct answer is Manohar Malgonkar.

Key Points

• A Bend in the Ganges, published in 1964, is one of the most significant historical novels written by Manohar Malgonkar, capturing the turbulent decades leading up to India's independence.
• The novel explores the ideological conflict between Gandhian non-violence and revolutionary extremism, depicted through the contrasting lives of two protagonists, Gian Talwar and Debi-dayal.
• It provides a vivid historical account of major events, including the Civil Disobedience Movement, the Second World War, and the harrowing communal violence that accompanied the Partition of India in 1947.
• The narrative is noted for its realistic portrayal of the Punjab riots and the psychological impact of displacement and betrayal during the birth of the two nations, India and Pakistan.
• Manohar Malgonkar used his background as a former army officer and big-game hunter to infuse the story with authentic detail regarding military life and the socio-political landscape of the British Raj.

 Additional Information

• Bhabani Bhattacharya:
• An eminent Indian novelist known for So Many Hungers! (1947), which highlights the Bengal Famine of 1943 and the Quit India Movement.
• B. Rajan:
• A diplomat and scholar famous for his novel The Dark Dancer (1958), which explores the themes of cultural identity and the Partition through the eyes of an overseas-educated Indian.
• Shashi Deshpande:
• A contemporary writer known for focusing on the inner world of Indian women and family dynamics; her notable work That Long Silence won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1990.
• Manohar Malgonkar's Other Works:
• His literary repertoire includes Distant Drum (1960), The Princes (1963), and The Devil's Wind (1972), which is a historical novel based on the life of Nana Saheb during the Revolt of 1857.

The correct answer is Nidhi Tiwari.

Key Points

• On March 29, 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by the Prime Minister, approved the appointment of Nidhi Tiwari as the Private Secretary (PS) to the Prime Minister of India.
• Nidhi Tiwari is a 2014-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). Her appointment marks the continued practice of selecting high-performing diplomats to manage the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) coordination and international outreach.
• She replaced the outgoing officers in the PMO team, taking over responsibilities at the Deputy Secretary level. Her tenure is designated for a period of five years or until further orders, functioning on a co-terminus basis with the Prime Minister.
• The role of the Private Secretary is critical for the management of the Prime Minister’s official engagements, processing of sensitive files, and maintaining a bridge between the PMO and other central ministries and departments.
• The selection process for this position is highly rigorous, conducted by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) and final approval by the ACC, typically drawing from the IAS or IFS cadres.

 Additional Information

• Structure of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO):
• The PMO is a top-tier administrative body that provides secretarial assistance to the Prime Minister and is headed by the Principal Secretary to the PM.
• It includes Advisors, Additional Secretaries, Joint Secretaries, and Private Secretaries who handle specific sectors such as National Security, Foreign Policy, and Economic Affairs.
• The Private Secretary specifically manages the Prime Minister's personal staff, scheduling, and immediate administrative needs.
• The office was originally known as the Prime Minister's Secretariat until 1977, when it was renamed the Prime Minister's Office during the Morarji Desai administration.

The correct answer is Vikrant Pandey.

Key Points

• Vikrant Pandey is a distinguished 2005-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer belonging to the Gujarat cadre.
• In May 2025, he was officially appointed to the critical position of Secretary to the Chief Minister of Gujarat, joining the core administrative team in the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).
• Prior to this high-profile assignment, Pandey served as the Commissioner of Relief and the Director of Census Operations for Gujarat, demonstrating his versatility in both crisis management and data administration.
• He has extensive field experience, having served as the District Collector and District Magistrate of major economic hubs including Ahmedabad, Surat, and Rajkot, where he focused on urban governance and infrastructure development.
• In his capacity as Secretary to the CM, he is responsible for overseeing the implementation of flagship state programs, coordinating with various departments for policy consistency, and managing the Chief Minister's strategic priorities.

 Additional Information

• Other Notable IAS Officers in Gujarat:
• Avantika Aulakh: A 2003-batch IAS officer who has held significant portfolios, including Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) and Secretary (Urban Development). She is recognized for her role in improving public health infrastructure and urban planning across the state.
• K.K. Nirala: A 2005-batch IAS officer who has served as the Commissioner of Higher Education and the Collector of Ahmedabad. He has been instrumental in driving digital transformation in education and land revenue management.
• Administrative Hierarchy in CMO: The Chief Minister's Office typically comprises a hierarchical structure including a Principal Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary, and multiple Secretaries or Joint Secretaries who act as a bridge between the political executive and the bureaucracy to ensure effective governance.

The correct answer is R.A. Chandra Sekhar.

Key Points

• R.A. Chandra Sekhar, a distinguished 1991-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Kerala cadre, was appointed to the prestigious post of Secretary (Security) in the Cabinet Secretariat on 14^th June 2025.
• The appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), which is the highest authority for senior civil service and police appointments in India.
• Prior to this assignment, he served as the Additional Director in the Intelligence Bureau (IB), where he managed critical internal security and intelligence portfolios.
• The Secretary (Security) is the administrative head of the Special Protection Group (SPG), the elite force responsible for providing proximate security to the Prime Minister of India.
• His role involves overseeing the protection of high-risk individuals and maintaining the safety protocols of the Cabinet Secretariat, which reports directly to the Prime Minister.

 Additional Information

• Hari Nath Mishra:
• He is a 1991-batch IPS officer from the Bihar cadre.
• He was appointed as the Secretary of the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), which advises the Prime Minister on matters of national security and strategic interest.
• Manoj Govil:
• A 1991-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre.
• He has served in vital economic roles, including as the Secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and later in the Department of Expenditure under the Ministry of Finance.
• Parag Jain:
• A senior bureaucrat who has served as Additional Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat.
• He has been instrumental in coordinating inter-ministerial policies and administrative reforms.

The correct answer is Christopher Luxon.

Key Points

• In March 2025, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, undertook a high-level state visit to New Zealand to enhance bilateral cooperation and strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Christopher Luxon, who assumed office as the Prime Minister of New Zealand in November 2023, met with the President to discuss a wide array of mutual interests including economic trade, education, and green technology.
• The discussions specifically highlighted the potential for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership, focusing on reducing trade barriers in the agricultural and tech sectors.
• The meeting also addressed maritime security and shared democratic values, reinforcing the diplomatic roadmap established between New Delhi and Wellington.
• Both leaders emphasized the importance of the Indian diaspora, which comprises approximately 5 percent of the New Zealand population, as a vital link for cultural and economic exchange.

 Additional Information

• Jacinda Ardern:
• Served as the 40^th Prime Minister of New Zealand from 2017 to January 2023.
• She resigned before the 2025 visit took place and was succeeded by Chris Hipkins before the 2023 General Election.
• Winston Peters:
• The leader of the New Zealand First party and has served as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
• While a key figure in the coalition government, the primary meeting for a visiting Head of State is conducted with the Head of Government (Prime Minister).
• Helen Clark:
• Served as the Prime Minister for nine years (1999–2008) and is a former administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The correct answer is - Reabsorption

Key Points

• Peritubular Capillaries
• The Peritubular Capillaries are a network of tiny blood vessels that travel alongside the Nephrons in the kidney.
• Their primary function is Reabsorption, which involves taking back useful substances such as Water, Glucose, Amino Acids, and Ions from the renal tubules into the bloodstream.
• This process ensures that essential nutrients and the correct volume of water are retained in the body rather than being excreted in urine.
• They also play a role in Tubular Secretion, where certain waste products like hydrogen ions and potassium are moved from the blood into the tubule to be excreted.

Additional Information

• The Three Processes of Urine Formation
• Glomerular Filtration: This is the first step where blood is filtered under pressure in the Glomerulus. This process creates the filtrate.
• Tubular Reabsorption: As the filtrate moves through the Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT), Loop of Henle, and Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT), the Peritubular Capillaries reabsorb about 99% of the water and most solutes.
• Tubular Secretion: This is the final step where additional wastes are added to the filtrate from the peritubular capillaries before it becomes urine.
• Origin and Structure
• Peritubular capillaries arise from the Efferent Arteriole, which carries blood away from the glomerulus.
• In juxtamedullary nephrons, these capillaries form specialized long, straight loops called the Vasa Recta, which descend into the renal medulla to help concentrate urine.
• Terminology
• Filtration: Occurs specifically at the renal corpuscle (Glomerulus + Bowman’s capsule).
• Excretion: The final removal of waste (urine) from the body via the collecting ducts and bladder.
• Assimilation: This is a process related to Digestion, referring to the movement of digested food molecules into the cells of the body.

The correct answer is - Renal pelvis

Key Points

• Renal Pelvis
• The collecting ducts of several nephrons converge and eventually drain urine into the Renal Pelvis via the papillary ducts (Ducts of Bellini) and calyces.
• The renal pelvis is a large funnel-shaped cavity located at the inner core of the kidney.
• Its primary function is to act as a reservoir, collecting urine from the major and minor calyces before it is channeled into the ureter.
• Path of Urine Flow
• Urine passes from the distal convoluted tubule into the collecting duct.
• From the collecting ducts, it flows through the renal pyramids to the renal papillae.
• It then enters the minor calyces, followed by the major calyces, and finally pools in the renal pelvis.

Additional Information

• Nephron Components
• Glomerulus: A network of capillaries where the filtration of blood occurs.
• Bowman's Capsule: A double-walled cup-like structure that surrounds the glomerulus and collects the glomerular filtrate.
• Ureter: A muscular tube that transports urine from the renal pelvis of the kidney to the urinary bladder.
• Function of the Kidney
• The kidney maintains homeostasis by regulating blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and red blood cell production.
• The nephron is the structural and functional unit of the kidney, responsible for removing waste products from the blood.

The correct answer is 1991.

Key Points

• India launched its major New Economic Policy (NEP) in 1991 to address a severe Balance of Payments (BoP) crisis, during which the nation's foreign exchange reserves were nearly exhausted.
• The policy was introduced on July 24, 1991, by the government of Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, with Dr. Manmohan Singh serving as the Finance Minister.
• The reforms moved the Indian economy from a socialist-inspired, highly regulated License Raj system toward a market-oriented economy known as the LPG Model.
• Liberalization aimed to end state control and open up sectors to private competition by abolishing industrial licensing for most industries.
• Privatization focused on reducing the government's role in business by selling equity in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and encouraging private ownership.
• Globalization involved integrating India with the world economy through the reduction of import duties, removal of quantitative restrictions on trade, and facilitating Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

 Additional Information

• The 1991 reforms were part of a Structural Adjustment Program mandated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in exchange for a $7 billion emergency loan.
• Key impacts of the policy:
• Significant increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rates in the following decades.
• The removal of the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices (MRTP) Act thresholds to allow businesses to expand freely.
• Devaluation of the Indian Rupee to boost exports and stabilize the exchange rate.
• Opening of the Banking Sector and Financial Markets to private and foreign players, leading to modernized financial services.
• Historical context of other dates:
• While 1985 saw early attempts at deregulation under the Rajiv Gandhi administration, it lacked the comprehensive structural overhaul of 1991.
• In 1995, India became a founding member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), cementing the globalization process initiated in 1991$.

The correct answer is Women, SC, and ST categories.

Key Points

• The Union Budget 2025-26 introduced a specialized initiative designed to scale up the success of the Stand Up India scheme, specifically focusing on nurturing a new generation of first-time entrepreneurs.
• This initiative is strategically aligned with the government's commitment to financial inclusion and social justice, ensuring that the benefits of the credit ecosystem reach the most marginalized sections of society.
• The scheme targets individuals belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Women categories, providing them with the necessary institutional credit to start greenfield enterprises.
• By focusing on these specific demographics, the budget aims to bridge the entrepreneurial gap and empower first-generation business owners in the manufacturing, services, and trading sectors.
• The initiative mandates financial institutions to prioritize lending to these categories, mirroring the core pillar of the Stand Up India framework which requires bank branches to support at least one SC/ST and one woman borrower.

 Additional Information

• Stand Up India Scheme:
• Launched in April 2016, it is administered by the Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance.
• It provides bank loans ranging from 10 lakh to 1 crore for setting up new ventures.
• The scheme is a critical component of the Startup India ecosystem, focusing specifically on diversity and gender parity in business ownership.
• Loans under this scheme are extended by Scheduled Commercial Banks and are often covered by the Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Stand-Up India (CGFSI).
• Viksit Bharat Vision:
• The emphasis on Women, SC, and ST entrepreneurship in the 2025-26 Budget is a step toward the Viksit Bharat @2047 goal, promoting "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas."
• These measures are intended to strengthen the MSME sector, which contributes significantly to India's GDP and employment.

The correct answer is SPM-NIWAS under Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Key Points

• A five-day specialized training programme focusing on the Operation & Management of Rural Water Supply Schemes was conducted in February 2025.
• The training was organized by the Syama Prasad Mookerjee National Institute of Water and Sanitation (SPM-NIWAS), which is an apex autonomous body under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• The venue for this capacity-building exercise was the SPM-NIWAS campus located in Joka, Kolkata, West Bengal.
• The primary objective of the programme was to equip Level-2 officials, such as Executive Engineers and Assistant Engineers from various states, with advanced skills for the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
• Key topics discussed included preventive maintenance, water quality monitoring, community-led management, and the sustainability of rural water assets to ensure Har Ghar Jal.

 Additional Information

• SPM-NIWAS:
• It serves as the premier institute for training, education, and research in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector in India.
• The institute plays a vital role in providing technical support for the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS).
• Ministry of Jal Shakti:
• Formed in May 2019, it focuses on integrated water resource management and the provision of safe drinking water.
• The ministry oversees the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) to all rural households by ensuring a supply of 55 litres of water per capita per day.

Therefore, the correct option is 3.

The correct answer is 2 children, up to 25 years.

Key Points

• The Employees' Pension Scheme, 1995 (EPS-95) is a social security scheme administered by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) designed to provide survivors' and retirement benefits to workers in the organized sector.
• Under the provisions of the scheme, the Child Pension is a benefit extended to the surviving children of a deceased member who was either in pensionable service or had already started receiving a pension.
• The scheme mandates that the pension is payable to a maximum of two children simultaneously, starting from the eldest to the youngest.
• The eligibility for receiving this monthly pension continues until the child reaches the age of 25 years, after which the benefit ceases for that individual.
• The monthly rate for the children's pension is generally calculated as 25% of the amount of the Widow/Widower Pension, subject to a minimum monthly amount prescribed by the Government of India.

 Additional Information

• Special Provisions for Disabled Children:
• If a child is suffering from a total and permanent disability, the pension is payable for the entire life of the child, irrespective of the age limit or the number of other children receiving the pension.
• Orphan Pension Details:
• In the event of the death of both the member and the spouse, the children are eligible for an Orphan Pension, which is 75% of the amount of the widow pension.
• Minimum Service Requirement:
• For the family to receive survivor benefits in the event of a member's death while in service, the member must have completed at least one month of contribution to the Employees' Pension Fund.

The correct answer is Venkat Mukhi Swami.

Key Points

• Venkat Mukhi Swami, widely known as Venkatamakhin, is hailed as the grand theorist of Carnatic music for providing the mathematical and logical foundation of the genre.
• He was a 17^th-century polymath and the son of Govinda Dikshita, a renowned minister in the court of the Thanjavur Nayaks in Tamil Nadu.
• His monumental work, the Chaturdandi Prakashika (written around 1660), introduced the revolutionary 72 Melakarta scheme, which classifies parent ragas based on the permutations of the seven musical notes.
• This Melakarta system remains the bedrock of modern South Indian classical music, allowing for the systematic categorization of thousands of derivative (Janya) ragas.
• The term Chaturdandi refers to the four specific pillars of musical performance he codified: Gita, Alapa, Thaya, and Prabandha, which structured the presentation of music during his era.

 Additional Information

• While Venkat Mukhi Swami provided the theory, the Trinity of Carnatic Music (18^th-19^th century) popularized the art through divine compositions:
• Thyagaraja: Famous for his soul-stirring Kritis in Telugu, he is the primary architect of the Ghanaraga Pancharatna and focused on the Bhakti (devotion) toward Lord Rama.
• Muthuswami Dikshitar: Known for his intellectual Sanskrit compositions, he followed the Asampurna Mela tradition, which was a slightly modified version of Venkatamakhin's theoretical framework.
• Shyama Shastri: The oldest of the Trinity, celebrated for his mastery over Laya (rhythm) and his intricate Swarajatis dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi of Kanchipuram.
• The 72 Melakarta system is divided into two sets of 36: the Suddha Madhyama and Prati Madhyama ragas, a distinction that remains fundamental in current Carnatic pedagogy.

The correct answer is Kandla (Deendayal Port).

Key Points

• In 2024, India reached a significant milestone in its energy transition by commissioning its first megawatt-scale, port-based green hydrogen plant at the Deendayal Port in Kandla, Gujarat.
• The project is a collaborative effort aimed at integrating renewable energy with maritime infrastructure to facilitate the production of clean fuels for domestic use and international export.
• The plant utilizes Electrolyzer technology to produce hydrogen using electricity generated from Solar or Wind power, ensuring that the entire lifecycle of the fuel remains carbon-neutral.
• This development aligns with the Harit Sagar guidelines, which focus on Green Port initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of India's logistics and shipping sectors.
• The Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) has earmarked land and resources to transform the region into a Green Hydrogen Hub, leveraging its strategic location near the Gulf of Kutch.

 Additional Information

• National Green Hydrogen Mission:
• Launched by the Government of India in 2023 with an initial outlay of 19,744 crore.
• Targets the development of a production capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonnes) per annum by 2030.
• It aims to make India a leading producer and supplier of Green Hydrogen globally, reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels.
• Strategic Hydrogen Hubs:
• Apart from Kandla, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has identified Paradip Port in Odisha and V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Tamil Nadu as key locations for hydrogen production.
• JNPT (Mumbai) is another major port focusing on smart port technologies and automation, though Kandla took the lead in the megawatt-scale green hydrogen commissioning.
• Green Hydrogen vs. Other Variants:
• Green Hydrogen is produced via water electrolysis using 100% renewable energy.
• Grey Hydrogen is derived from Natural Gas (methane) through Steam Methane Reforming (SMR), releasing significant CO2.
• Blue Hydrogen involves SMR but incorporates Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) to mitigate environmental impact.

The correct answer is Brahmaputra.

Key Points

• The Brahmaputra river system is the primary driver of annual flooding in the state of Assam, as it passes through a narrow valley that is roughly 80 kilometers wide and 1,000 kilometers long.
• This river originates from the Chemayungdung glacier of the Kailas range near Mansarovar Lake and flows eastward through Tibet as the Yarlung Tsangpo before entering India.
• Upon entering Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang or Dihang, it joins the Dibang and Lohit rivers to form the main Brahmaputra in the plains of Assam.
• The region receives heavy rainfall during the Southwest Monsoon (June to September), causing the river to carry massive volumes of water and sediment, which leads to siltation and frequent bank erosion.
• The Brahmaputra is known as a braided river throughout most of its course in Assam, creating numerous river islands like Majuli, which are highly susceptible to submergence.

 Additional Information

• Ganga:
• It is the largest river basin in India, flowing through states like Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.
• It does not flow through Assam, but it merges with the Brahmaputra in Bangladesh to form the Padma and finally the Meghna.
• Godavari:
• Known as the Dakshina Ganga or Vriddha Ganga, it is the largest river in Peninsular India.
• It originates at Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra and flows through Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
• Narmada:
• It is a major west-flowing river that originates from the Amarkantak plateau in Madhya Pradesh.
• It flows through a rift valley between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges, draining into the Arabian Sea via the Gulf of Khambhat.

The correct answer is Dravida.

Key Points

• The Dravida style of architecture is the distinct temple building tradition that originated and flourished in South India, primarily under the patronage of the Pallava, Chola, Pandya, Vijayanagara, and Nayaka dynasties.
• A defining feature of this style is the Vimana, a pyramidal tower consisting of several stories (talas) that decrease in size as they rise, situated directly over the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum).
• Unlike Northern styles, Dravidian temples are enclosed within a compound wall, featuring massive, ornate entrance gateways known as Gopurams, which often dominate the temple skyline.
• The Shikhara in Dravida architecture refers specifically to the crowning element at the top of the Vimana, which is typically shaped like a small dome or an octagonal cupola (stupika).
• The Chola period marked the peak of this style, evidenced by the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, which features a 13-story Vimana reaching a height of nearly 66 meters.
• Architectural elements like the Mandapa (pillared hall) and the presence of a temple tank (Kalyani or Pushkarni) are integral components of the temple complex layout.

 Additional Information

• Nagara and Vesara Styles:
• Nagara Style: The architectural style prevalent in North India, characterized by a curvilinear tower called a Shikhara and the absence of large compound walls or Gopurams.
• Vesara Style: A hybrid style that emerged in the Deccan region (under the Chalukyas and Hoysalas), blending the features of both Nagara and Dravida traditions.
• Other Terms:
• Arsha: Refers to the Arsha Vivaha, one of the eight forms of marriage described in the Manusmriti, involving the groom giving a cow and a bull to the bride's father.
• Mandir: A generic Sanskrit word for a Hindu temple, which is used broadly across all regional styles including Nagara and Dravida.
• Purna: Commonly refers to the Purna-Kalasha or Purna-Ghat, an auspicious symbol representing abundance and life, frequently used as a decorative motif in Indian temple pillars.

The correct answer is Bhimbetka.

Key Points

• The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters are an archaeological site located in the Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh, situated within the foothills of the Vindhya Range.
• It is renowned for housing some of the oldest known prehistoric rock paintings in India, with evidence suggesting continuous human habitation from the Upper Paleolithic through the Mesolithic periods.
• The site comprises more than 700 rock shelters, and approximately 400 of these contain paintings that utilize natural pigments like red and white ochre to depict animals, hunting scenes, and communal dances.
• This site was discovered in 1957 by the famous Indian archaeologist Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar, who recognized its prehistoric significance.
• Due to its exceptional cultural and historical value as a record of early human life, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.

 Additional Information

• Ellora:
• Located in Maharashtra, it consists of 34 monasteries and temples carved into Basalt cliffs.
• It features a mix of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain monuments dating from 600 to 1000 CE.
• Ajanta:
• Situated in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, it contains 30 Buddhist cave monuments.
• Known for its exquisite fresco paintings and sculptures representing Buddhist religious art and Jataka tales.
• Konark:
• Located in Odisha, the Sun Temple was built in the 13^th century by King Narasimhadeva I.
• Designed as a massive ornamental chariot for the Sun God, it is a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture.

The correct answer is Bhagat Singh, Ashfaqullah Khan, Chandra Shekhar Azad.

Key Points

• Durgawati Devi, widely known as Durga Bhabhi, was a towering figure in the Indian armed revolution and an active member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).
• She exercised a profound influence on Bhagat Singh, particularly after the 1928 assassination of John Saunders. She famously posed as his wife to help him escape from Lahore to Calcutta, evading the massive British police dragnet.
• As the wife of revolutionary Bhagwati Charan Vohra, she served as a bridge between various leaders of the HSRA, including Chandra Shekhar Azad and Ashfaqullah Khan, often coordinating logistics and providing shelter.
• She was a key participant in the planning of several revolutionary acts and was involved in the attempt to assassinate Lord Hailey, the former Governor of Punjab, in 1930.
• Her courage and commitment made her a central figure among the HSRA cadres, earning her the title 'The Agni of India' for her role in the freedom struggle.

 Additional Information

• Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA):
• Formed in 1928 at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi, the HSRA aimed to establish a federal republic of the United States of India through an armed revolution.
• Key members included Sukhdev, Rajguru, and Batukeshwar Dutt, alongside Bhagat Singh and Azad.
• The Philosophy of the Bomb:
• This famous revolutionary document was authored by Bhagwati Charan Vohra (Durga Bhabhi's husband) as a response to Mahatma Gandhi's article 'The Cult of the Bomb'.
• Lal-Bal-Pal (Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal):
• These were extremist leaders of the Indian National Congress who advocated for Swadeshi and Boycott during the early 1900s, distinct from the later socialist-revolutionary phase of Durga Bhabhi.
• Surya Sen and the Bengal Revolutionaries:
• Surya Sen, known as Master Da, led the Chittagong Armoury Raid in 1930 alongside Ganesh Ghosh, representing the revolutionary movement in Bengal.

The correct answer is Afterlives.

Key Points

• Afterlives, published in 2020, is a profound historical novel that examines the brutal legacy of German colonial rule in East Africa, specifically focusing on the early 20^th century in what is now Tanzania.
• The narrative explores the Schutztruppe (colonial troops) and the Askari soldiers, detailing how the violence of the Maji Maji Rebellion and World War I disrupted indigenous societies and personal identities.
• The author, Abdulrazak Gurnah, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2021 for his uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism and the fate of the refugee in the gulf between cultures and continents.
• The novel highlights themes of displacement, memory, and the enduring psychological trauma inflicted by imperialism on colonized populations across generations.

 Additional Information

• Tomb of Sand
• Author: Written by Geetanjali Shree and translated into English by Daisy Rockwell.
• Achievement: It became the first Hindi novel to win the International Booker Prize in 2022.
• Theme: It deals with an 80-year-old woman's journey to Pakistan, confronting the trauma of the 1947 Partition.
• The Paradise of Food
• Author: Written by Khalid Jawed and translated by Baran Farooqi.
• Achievement: This novel won the JCB Prize for Literature in 2022.
• Context: It is a translation of the Urdu work Ne'mat Khana, following the story of a middle-class Muslim family over fifty years.
• Requiem in Raga Janki
• Author: Written by Neelum Saran Gour.
• Subject: It is a fictionalized biography of Janki Bai Illahabadi, a famous Hindustani classical singer of the early 20^th century.
• Award: The author received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2023 for this work.

The correct answer is Lord Hastings.

Key Points

• Lord Hastings, who served as the Governor-General of India from 1813 to 1823, was known for his relatively liberal stance toward the press compared to his predecessors.
• In 1818, he officially abolished the pre-censorship of newspapers, which had been a mandatory requirement under the Censorship of Press Act, 1799.
• The Censorship of Press Act, 1799, enacted by Lord Wellesley, forced editors to submit all material to the government for scrutiny before publication to prevent the spread of information that could harm British interests during wartime.
• By relaxing these laws, Lord Hastings encouraged the growth of independent journalism, leading to the birth of many influential vernacular newspapers and journals in India.
• Although pre-censorship was removed, the British government still expected editors to follow certain guidelines to avoid sedition or content that undermined the authority of the East India Company.

 Additional Information

• Lord Wellesley:
• He was the Governor-General who introduced the Censorship of Press Act in 1799 to control news during the Napoleonic Wars.
• His regulations were aimed at preventing the French from gaining intelligence and suppressing internal criticism of his administration.
• Charles Metcalfe:
• Known as the ‘Liberator of the Indian Press’, he served as the acting Governor-General in 1835.
• He repealed the Licensing Regulations of 1823 and introduced the Metcalfe Act (Press Act of 1835), which significantly eased restrictions on Indian printers.
• John Adams:
• As the acting Governor-General in 1823, he introduced the draconian Licensing Regulations.
• These regulations required a license for starting a press and were used to suppress Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s journal, Mirat-ul-Akbar.

The correct answer is Government of India Act 1935.

Key Points

• The Government of India Act 1935 provided for the establishment of a Federal Public Service Commission for the Federation and a Provincial Public Service Commission for each individual province.
• Under Section 264 of the Act, provision was also made for a Joint Public Service Commission, which could be established to serve the needs of two or more provinces if they agreed to such an arrangement.
• This Act was instrumental in decentralizing the recruitment process and ensuring that administrative services at the provincial level were managed by dedicated autonomous bodies.
• The framework introduced by the 1935 Act served as the primary blueprint for the current administrative setup in the Constitution of India, specifically under Articles 315 to 323.
• The commissions established under this Act were responsible for conducting examinations for appointments to the services of the Federation and the Provinces respectively.

 Additional Information

• Government of India Act 1919:
• Also known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, it first introduced the statutory provision for a Public Service Commission under Section 96C.
• This led to the setting up of the Central Public Service Commission in 1926 following the recommendations of the Lee Commission of 1924.
• Indian Councils Act 1909:
• Popularly known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, it primarily focused on increasing the involvement of Indians in the legislative councils and introduced separate electorates for Muslims.
• Indian Independence Act 1947:
• Enacted by the British Parliament, this act facilitated the partition of British India and the creation of two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, marking the end of the British Raj.

Option (1): 6

The proper divisors of 6 are 1, 2, and 3.

Sum of proper divisors = 1 + 2 + 3 = 6

Since the sum equals the number, 6 is a Perfect Number.

Option (2): 28

The proper divisors of 28 are 1, 2, 4, 7, and 14.

Sum of proper divisors = 1 + 2 + 4 + 7 + 14 = 28

Since the sum equals the number, 28 is a Perfect Number.

Option (3): 128

The proper divisors of 128 are 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64.

Sum of proper divisors = 1 + 2 + 4 + 8 + 16 + 32 + 64 = 127

Since 127 is not equal to 128, 128 is not a Perfect Number.

Option (4): 496

The proper divisors of 496 are 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 31, 62, 124, and 248.

Sum of proper divisors = 1 + 2 + 4 + 8 + 16 + 31 + 62 + 124 + 248 = 496

Since the sum equals the number, 496 is a Perfect Number.

Therefore, the different number is 128.

Hence, the correct answer is “Option 3”.

Here,

Cheese, Yogurt, and Butter are all part of the dairy.

Whereas,

Margarine is the only non-dairy item.

Therefore, the different one is Margarine.

Hence, the correct answer is “Option 3”.

Family Chart:

Symbol Reference:

Given: Q%T@P?S

It means: Q is the Mother of T, and T is the Father of P. We need to find the symbol '?' such that P is the Grandson of Q.

⇒ Q is the Mother of T (Q is female).

⇒ T is the Father of P (T is male and Q's son).

⇒ For P to be the Grandson of Q, P must be a Male child of T.

⇒ If we use the symbol @, the expression becomes P@S, which means P is the Father of S.

⇒ This establishes P as Male.

⇒ Since T is the son of Q, and P is the son of T, P is the grandson of Q.

Hence, the correct answer is “Option 4”.

The logic followed here is :

"Deep" and "Shallow" are opposite (antonym) words.

Similarly,

"Freedom" and "Bondage" are opposite (antonym) words.

Hence, the correct answer is "option (4)".

Additional Information 

Pattern followed here is,

Similarly,

Hence, the correct answer is “Option 1”.

Pattern followed here is,

Similarly,

Hence, the correct answer is “Option 4”.

Family tree,

Total number of male members in the family = 17

Hence, the correct answer is “Option 4”.

Correct image of the given figure,

Hence, the correct answer is “Option 4”.

Logic followed here is,

3 + 4 = 7

7 + 6 = 13

13 + 8 = 21

21 + 10 = 31

31 + 12 = 43

Hence, the correct answer is “Option 3”.

BODMAS Table: 

Given expression: 14 Y 10 W 42 Z 2 X 8 = ?

Now, replacing the symbols:

⇒ 14 × 10 + 42 ÷ 2 - 8 = ?

⇒ 14 × 10 + 42 ÷ 2 - 8 = ?

⇒ 140 + 42 ÷ 2 - 8 = ?

⇒ 140 + 42 ÷ 2 - 8 = ?

⇒ 140 + 21 - 8 = ?

⇒ 140 + 21 - 8 = ?

⇒ 161 - 8 = ?

⇒ 153.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 1".

Given:

Difference between a number and its one-third = 40.

Formula Used:

Let the required number be 'x'.

One-third of the number = x/3.

Calculations:

⇒ x − x/3 = 40

⇒ (3x − x) / 3 = 40

⇒ 2x / 3 = 40

⇒ 2x = 40 × 3

⇒ 2x = 120

⇒ x = 120 / 2

⇒ x = 60

Hence, the correct answer is “Option 1”.

For FRIDGE is coded as GTLHLK →

Similarly, let's find the code for KETTLE:

Therefore, the code for KETTLE is LGWXQK.

Hence, the correct answer is “Option 1”.

Given :

Now, we will check each option by replacing the numbers with their respective letters:

1. 4, 3, 7, 6, 1, 5, 2 →

LIBREYT is Not a meaningful word.

2. 2, 1, 4, 3, 6, 7, 5 →

TELIRBY is Not a meaningful word.

3) 4, 3, 7, 1, 6, 2, 5 →

LIBERTY is a meaningful English word.

4. 2, 1, 4, 6, 3, 5, 7 →

TELRIYB is Not a meaningful word.

Hence, the correct answer is “Option 3”.

Logic: (Number of letters in the word × 2) + 2

For FLOWER:

Number of letters = 6

Code = (6 × 2) + 2 = 12 + 2 = 14

For DISTASTE:

Number of letters = 8

Code = (8 × 2) + 2 = 16 + 2 = 18

Similarly, for BUREAUCRAT:

Number of letters = 10

Code = (10 × 2) + 2 = 20 + 2 = 22

Therefore, the numeric code for BUREAUCRAT is 22.

Hence, the correct answer is “Option 2”.

LOP : MLQ

Similarly, 

For, RST : ?

Therefore, the missing term in the analogy is SPU.

Hence, the correct answer is “Option 3”.

BODMAS Rule:

Given equation: 14 − 6 × 30 ÷ 10 + 4 = 28

We need to find which two mathematical signs should be interchanged so that the equation becomes mathematically correct.

Option 1) ÷ and −

After interchanging:

14 ÷ 6 × 30 − 10 + 4

⇒ 14 ÷ 6 × 30 − 10 + 4

⇒ 70 − 10 + 4

⇒ 64

Since 64 ≠ 28, this option is incorrect.

Option 2) × and −

After interchanging:

14 × 6 − 30 ÷ 10 + 4

⇒ 84 − 3 + 4

⇒ 85

Since 85 ≠ 28, this option is incorrect.

Option 3) ÷ and ×

After interchanging:

14 − 6 ÷ 30 × 10 + 4

⇒ 14 − 2 + 4

⇒ 16

Since 16 ≠ 28, this option is incorrect.

Option 4) − and +

After interchanging:

14 + 6 × 30 ÷ 10 − 4

⇒ 14 + 18 − 4

⇒ 32 − 4

⇒ 28

Since 28 = 28, this option is correct.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option (4)".

Letters and their assigned numbers:

Evaluating the options to form a meaningful word:

1. 1, 2, 4, 3 → M, R, O, W → MROW (Not a meaningful word)

2. 3, 4, 2, 1 → W, O, R, M → WORM (A meaningful word)

3. 4, 3, 2, 1 → O, W, R, M → OWRM (Not a meaningful word)

4. 1, 2, 3, 4 → M, R, W, O → MRWO (Not a meaningful word)

The arrangement 3, 4, 2, 1 corresponds to the word WORM, which is a meaningful word.

Hence, the correct answer is “Option 2”.

Pattern followed here is,

T - 4 = P

P - 4 = L

L - 4 = H

H - 4 = D

Hence, the correct answer is “Option 4”.

Pattern followed here is,

Hence, the correct answer is “Option 4”.

BODMAS Table: 

Given expression: 9 + 4 - 2 ÷ 2 = ?

Now, replacing the symbols:

⇒ 9 × 4 ÷ 2 + 2 = ?

⇒ 9 × 4 ÷ 2 + 2 = ?

⇒ 36 ÷ 2 + 2 = ?

⇒ 18 + 2 = ?

⇒ 20.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 3".

Mirror image of given figure,

Hence, the correct answer is “Option 1”.

Water image of the given figure,

Hence, the correct answer is “Option 4”.

Given: RT_QWR_FQ_RT__W__HQW

(1) FTWGQRX → RTFQW/ RTFQW/ RTGQW/ RXHQW 

(2) ETWGQRT → RTEQW/ RTFQW/ RTGQW/ RTHQW (Follow a specific pattern)

(3) EXWGQRX → RTEQW/ RXFQW/ RTGQW/ RXHQW

(4) ETWHSRT → RTEQW/ RTFQW/ RTHSW/ RTHQW

Hence, the correct answer is “Option 2”.

Triangles in the given figure,

There are 17 triangles present in the given figure.

Hence, the correct answer is “Option 2”.