PYST 10: IB Security Assistant (Executive) Official Paper - General Studies (Held On: 29 Sept, 2025 Shift 4) (Previous Year Paper)

The correct answer is Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Key Points

• The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) in India is implemented by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
• NPOP was launched in 2001 with the objective of promoting organic farming and certifying organic products in India.
• The programme sets standards for organic farming, production, processing, labeling, and marketing of organic products.
• The NPOP certification is recognized globally, allowing Indian organic products to be exported to countries like the USA, EU, Canada, and Japan.
• It ensures compliance with international standards for organic farming, helping farmers and producers access international markets and improve their income.
• The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and plays a crucial role in facilitating NPOP implementation.

Additional Information

• Ministry of Food Processing Industries
• This ministry is responsible for the development and promotion of the food processing sector in India.
• Its functions include increasing the processing levels of perishables, reducing wastage, and enhancing export growth in processed foods.
• It is not directly involved in organic production certification but focuses on infrastructure development such as Mega Food Parks and cold chains.
• Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
• The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for implementing agricultural policies, schemes, and welfare programs for farmers.
• It oversees traditional farming methods, irrigation, crop insurance, and soil health card schemes.
• Although organic farming is promoted under certain schemes, certification and standards fall under the purview of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Ministry of Rural Development
• This ministry focuses on poverty alleviation, rural infrastructure development, and employment generation in rural areas.
• Flagship schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) are implemented by this ministry.
• It does not deal with organic farming certification or export standards.
• National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)
• NPOP is a flagship initiative focused on developing organic farming and certifying organic products in India.
• Certification under NPOP enhances market access and consumer trust in organic products.
• It plays a significant role in promoting sustainable agriculture practices while improving farmers' incomes through market linkages.

The correct answer is Jawaharlal Nehru, Baba Ramchandra and a few others.

Key Points

• The Oudh Kisan Sabha was established in 1920 to address agrarian issues and unite peasants in Awadh (modern-day Uttar Pradesh).
• Jawaharlal Nehru and Baba Ramchandra, along with other leaders, were instrumental in forming the Sabha to fight against the exploitation of peasants by landlords and colonial authorities.
• Baba Ramchandra, a key leader, was a former indentured laborer in Fiji who returned to India and became a prominent voice for farmers' rights.
• The Sabha aimed to organize peasants against oppressive practices, including high rents, forced labor, and illegal taxes imposed by landlords.
• Jawaharlal Nehru actively participated in the movement and helped connect the peasants’ struggle with the broader Indian freedom movement.

Additional Information

• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Mahatma Gandhi were prominent leaders in the Indian freedom movement, but they were not directly involved in the formation of the Oudh Kisan Sabha.
• Patel was known for leading the Bardoli Satyagraha in 1928, which was another significant peasants' movement against oppressive taxation in Gujarat.
• Mahatma Gandhi advocated for nonviolent resistance and worked closely with farmers during movements like Champaran Satyagraha (1917) and Kheda Satyagraha (1918).
• Gopal Krishna Gokhale was an early moderate leader of the Indian National Movement and mentor to Gandhi but passed away in 1915, before the formation of the Oudh Kisan Sabha.

The correct answer is Name of slash and burn agriculture.

Key Points

• Pama Dabi is a term used in the northeastern region of India to refer to the practice of slash-and-burn agriculture, which is commonly known as shifting cultivation.
• This agricultural method involves clearing a piece of land by cutting down vegetation and burning it to prepare the soil for cultivation.
• In India, this practice is prevalent in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland, where it is known by various local names such as Jhum.
• Slash-and-burn agriculture is primarily practiced by tribal communities in hilly regions to grow crops like rice, maize, and millets.
• Although it is traditional and culturally significant, the environmental impacts of this practice, such as soil erosion, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity, are increasingly being recognized.

Additional Information

• Subsistence Agriculture:
• Growing crops/raising livestock mainly for the farmer's family; common in developing areas.
• Commercial Agriculture:
• Large-scale production for profit, sale, and trade.
• Industrial Agriculture:
• Highly mechanized, large-scale farming for mass production.

The correct answer is Gujarat.

Key Points

• Hazira Mangroves are located along the coastal areas of Gujarat, particularly near the Hazira region in Surat district.
• These mangroves are part of the coastal ecosystem of Gujarat and play a vital role in preventing soil erosion and maintaining biodiversity.
• The mangroves in Gujarat, including the Hazira Mangroves, are protected under various conservation initiatives by the Gujarat government and environmental agencies.
• They act as a natural barrier against coastal erosion and storm surges, providing ecological stability to the region.
• The mangrove forests support a variety of flora and fauna, including many species of fish, crabs, and migratory birds, contributing to the region's biodiversity.

Additional Information

• Odisha:
• Odisha is well-known for its mangrove forests in the Bhitarkanika National Park, which is the second largest mangrove ecosystem in India after the Sundarbans.
• The Bhitarkanika mangroves are home to a significant population of saltwater crocodiles and are a designated Ramsar site.
• These mangroves play a crucial role in protecting the coastal areas of Odisha from cyclones and storms.
• West Bengal:
• West Bengal is home to the famous Sundarbans mangroves, the largest tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world.
• The Sundarbans mangroves serve as a habitat for the Bengal tiger, saltwater crocodiles, and many other endangered species.
• This region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and plays a vital role in the ecological stability of the area.
• Maharashtra:
• Maharashtra has extensive mangrove forests along its coastline, particularly near Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad districts.
• The mangroves in Mumbai are crucial for protecting the city from floods and maintaining its ecological balance.
• The state government has undertaken various conservation measures to protect mangroves from urban encroachment and pollution.

The correct answer is Bihar - 1102 persons/sq km; Arunachal Pradesh - 17 persons/sq km.

Key Points

• According to Census 2011, Bihar was recorded as the state with the highest population density in India, with 1102 persons per square kilometer.
• Arunachal Pradesh had one of the lowest population densities in India, at 17 persons per square kilometer.
• Population density is defined as the number of people living per unit area and is calculated by dividing the total population of a region by its land area.
• Bihar's high population density is attributed to factors such as fertile land, high birth rate, and rural settlement patterns.
• Arunachal Pradesh's low density is due to its vast mountainous terrain, dense forests, and limited urbanization.

Additional Information

• Key Findings of 2011 census:
• Total Population: 1.21 billion (1210.6 million).
• Growth: 17.7% decadal growth (2001-2011), slower than the previous decade.
• Sex Ratio: Increased to 940 females per 1000 males (from 933 in 2001); child sex ratio (0-6 years) was 914.
• Literacy: Overall literacy rate reached 74.04%.
• Population Density: 382 persons per sq. km, up from 326 in 2001.
• Rural vs. Urban: 833.5 million lived in rural areas (68.84%), and 377.1 million in urban areas (31.16%).

The correct answer is The Delhi Legislative Assembly has the power to legislate over subjects in the State List and Concurrent List, except for police, public order and land..

Key Points

• The legislative powers of the Delhi Legislative Assembly are unique compared to other Union Territories due to the special status granted under Article 239AA of the Indian Constitution.
• The Delhi Legislative Assembly has the authority to legislate on matters in the State List and Concurrent List of the Seventh Schedule, except for three subjects: police, public order, and land.
• Unlike other Union Territories, Delhi has a popularly elected Legislative Assembly and a Chief Minister, which gives it significant autonomy in governance.
• The Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi acts as the representative of the central government but must act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers in matters where the Assembly has legislative powers.
• The special arrangement for Delhi reflects its status as the National Capital Territory, balancing the needs of local governance with its importance as the seat of the central government.

Additional Information

• Legislative Powers of Delhi
• Delhi's legislative powers are defined under Article 239AA, which was added to the Constitution by the 69th Amendment Act of 1991.
• Delhi's governance model is a hybrid between a full-fledged state and a Union Territory, reflecting its dual role as a local administrative unit and the national capital.
• While the Delhi Assembly has significant autonomy, the central government retains control over critical areas like police, public order, and land, ensuring national interests are safeguarded.

The correct answer is It is derived from the Arabic word 'mausim,' meaning 'season,' and refers to the seasonal reversal in wind direction during a year..

Key Points

• The word 'monsoon' is derived from the Arabic term 'mausim,' which translates to 'season.'
• It primarily refers to the seasonal reversal of wind direction, which occurs due to differential heating and cooling of land and water bodies.
• Monsoons are a significant climatic phenomenon and influence the weather conditions in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in South Asia, Africa, and Australia.
• The Indian monsoon is a classic example of this phenomenon, characterized by wet and dry seasons caused by alternating wind systems.
• Monsoons play a vital role in agriculture, water resources, and biodiversity in the affected regions, making them integral to the economy and livelihoods of millions of people.

Additional Information

• Key Features & Mechanism of Indian Monsoon
• Seasonal Reversal: The defining characteristic is the seasonal shift in wind direction, from dry northeasterlies in winter to moisture-laden southwesterlies in summer.
• Summer Monsoon (SW) (June-Sept): Land heats faster than the ocean, creating low pressure over India, pulling moist air from the Indian Ocean, bringing ~75% of India's rain.
• Northeast Monsoon (NE) (Oct-Dec): A retreating monsoon bringing cooler, drier air, but drops rain on India's southeastern coast (Tamil Nadu).
• Branching Winds: The SW monsoon splits into Arabian Sea (heavy Western Ghats rain) and Bay of Bengal branches (rain for East/Northeast).
• Geographical Influence: The Himalayas block winds, forcing rain (orographic lift), while the Thar Desert influences dryness in the west; the shifting Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) also plays a role.

The correct answer is Patna.

Key Points

• Pataliputra, the capital of the Mauryan Empire, is located near the present-day city of Patna in Bihar, India.
• The city was founded by Ajatashatru, the king of Magadha, around the 5th century BCE as a small fort near the Ganges river.
• It became the capital during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya and continued to thrive under Emperor Ashoka.
• Pataliputra was a center of administration, trade, and culture, making it one of the most prominent cities in ancient India.
• The city was known for its strategic location near the confluence of the Ganges, Son, and Gandak rivers, aiding transportation and trade.

Additional Information

• Delhi:
• Delhi has been the capital of several dynasties in Indian history, including the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire.
• It is historically significant for monuments like the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun's Tomb.
• However, it was never associated with the Mauryan Empire or Pataliputra.
• Varanasi:
• Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
• It is renowned for its spiritual significance and association with Hinduism and Buddhism.
• Though important during ancient times, it was not the capital of the Mauryan Empire.
• Kanpur:
• Kanpur is a modern industrial city located in Uttar Pradesh.
• It holds significance in India's colonial and post-independence history but has no connection to the Mauryan capital.

Important Points

• The Mauryan Empire was one of the largest and most powerful empires in ancient India, established by Chandragupta Maurya in 321 BCE.
• Pataliputra served as the political and cultural hub of the empire, and its legacy is reflected in the archaeological remains found in Patna.
• The empire contributed significantly to Indian history, including the spread of Buddhism under Emperor Ashoka.

The correct answer is Act of Parliament.

Key Points

• The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, passed by the Indian Parliament on August 5, 2019, led to the reorganisation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
• This Act was introduced in the Rajya Sabha by the Minister of Home Affairs, Amit Shah, and subsequently passed by both houses of Parliament.
• The Act came into effect on October 31, 2019, which is also celebrated as National Unity Day (Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary).
• Under this reorganisation, Jammu & Kashmir was accorded a Legislative Assembly, while Ladakh was established as a Union Territory without a Legislative Assembly.
• The abrogation of Article 370, which provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was a significant step taken alongside the passage of this Act.

Additional Information

• Constitutional Amendment
• A constitutional amendment refers to a change or addition made to the Constitution of India, requiring the approval of both houses of Parliament with a special majority, and in some cases, ratification by at least half of the state legislatures.
• While the reorganisation of Jammu & Kashmir involved constitutional provisions, such as nullifying Article 370, it was executed through an Act of Parliament rather than a formal constitutional amendment.
• Act of the erstwhile State Assembly of Jammu & Kashmir
• The state assembly of Jammu & Kashmir was dissolved in 2018, and the region was under President's Rule at the time of the reorganisation in 2019.
• As a result, the state assembly was not involved in the decision to reorganise Jammu & Kashmir into Union Territories.

The correct answer is Economic growth without an increase in employment opportunities.

Key Points

• Jobless growth refers to a situation where the economy experiences an increase in GDP and other economic indicators, but there is no corresponding increase in employment opportunities.
• It is often observed when technological advancements or automation replace human labor, resulting in economic growth without significant job creation.
• This phenomenon can occur in developing economies as well as developed ones, where industries grow but fail to generate new job opportunities due to structural inefficiencies or capital-intensive production methods.
• Jobless growth can exacerbate income inequality, as only a small segment of the population benefits from the economic progress while a significant portion remains unemployed or underemployed.
• It highlights the need for policies that ensure inclusive growth, focusing on creating employment opportunities alongside economic development.

Additional Information

• Key Drivers of Growth
• Productivity & Technology: Innovation, efficiency, new products.
• Factor Accumulation: More physical capital (machines, infrastructure) and human capital (education, skills).
• Institutions & Governance: Stable political systems, strong rule of law, property rights.
• Structural Change: Shifting from agriculture to industry, then services.

The correct answer is Article 249.

Key Points

• Under Article 249 of the Indian Constitution, the Parliament can legislate on a matter enumerated in the State List if the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) passes a resolution by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting, stating that it is necessary in the national interest.
• Such a resolution allows the Parliament to make laws on matters listed in the State List for a period of one year, which can be extended by further resolutions of the same nature.
• This provision ensures that the Parliament has the power to address issues of national importance, even if they fall under the State List.
• The laws made by the Parliament under this provision remain valid even after the resolution ceases to operate, but they cannot be amended or repealed without the approval of the Parliament.
• Article 249 is a critical provision to maintain the balance of power between the Centre and the States, especially in times of national exigencies.

Additional Information

• Article 356
• Article 356 provides for the imposition of President’s Rule in a state if the President, on receipt of a report from the Governor or otherwise, is satisfied that the governance of the state cannot be carried out as per the provisions of the Constitution.
• Under President’s Rule, the state legislature is either suspended or dissolved, and the central government takes control of the state administration.
• This provision is often criticized as it may infringe on the federal structure of India.
• Article 365
• Article 365 states that if a state fails to comply with or give effect to any direction from the Union government, it would be lawful for the President to hold that the governance of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the Constitution.
• This provision is often invoked as a precursor to the imposition of President’s Rule under Article 356.
• Article 259
• Article 259 is not directly relevant to the context of legislating on State List matters.
• It primarily deals with matters concerning the rights of individuals and specific provisions related to certain territories.

The correct answer is A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of AI.

Key Points

• The Human Development Report (HDR) 2025 will focus on the theme A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of AI.
• This theme highlights the intersection of human development and artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing how AI can influence opportunities and choices for humanity.
• The report aims to explore both the positive impacts and potential risks of AI on global development, social equity, and individual empowerment.
• It underscores the need for responsible and equitable development of AI systems to ensure inclusive growth, human rights, and sustainability.
• The HDR 2025 continues the tradition of previous Human Development Reports, which aim to provide insights into global challenges and offer actionable solutions.

Additional Information

• Human Development Report
• The Human Development Report, published annually by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), focuses on key global development issues impacting human well-being.
• Its main goal is to provide actionable insights and policy recommendations to enhance human development worldwide.
• Each year's report adopts a specific theme to highlight emerging challenges and opportunities for humanity.

The correct answer is Shamsuddin Iltutmish.

Key Points

• Shamsuddin Iltutmish, the ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, introduced the Iqta system as an administrative and revenue mechanism in India.
• The Iqta system involved granting large tracts of land, known as Iqtas, to nobles, officers, and other elites in return for their services, primarily military and administrative duties.
• Under this system, the Iqta holders (called Muqti or Iqtadar) collected revenue from the land granted to them and retained a portion for themselves while remitting the remainder to the Sultan.
• Iltutmish institutionalized the Iqta system to centralize power and strengthen the economic base of the Sultanate, ensuring loyalty among his officers and efficient governance.
• This system became a significant feature of the administrative framework during the Delhi Sultanate period and was later adopted by successive rulers.

Additional Information

• Muhammad bin Tughlaq
• Known for his ambitious projects, Muhammad bin Tughlaq ruled from 1325 to 1351. Although innovative, his policies often failed due to poor execution.
• He is famous for implementing the token currency system, transferring the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad, and other administrative experiments.
• While his reign did not involve the introduction of the Iqta system, he retained and modified it for administrative purposes.
• Alauddin Khalji
• Alauddin Khalji was a ruler of the Delhi Sultanate (1296-1316) known for his military campaigns and market reforms.
• He introduced significant changes to the revenue system, including fixing land taxes and increasing state control over agricultural production.
• However, the Iqta system was already established before his reign, and his focus was more on economic reforms and military expansion.
• Balban
• Balban ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1266 to 1287 and is renowned for his strict governance and emphasis on royal authority.
• He reinforced the Sultanate’s military structure and introduced the concept of divine kingship.
• Although Balban did not introduce the Iqta system, he used it effectively as part of his administrative framework to maintain centralized power.

The correct answer is Dadabhai Naoroji.

Key Points

• Dadabhai Naoroji (1825–1917) was an Indian nationalist leader, educator, and social reformer, popularly known as the ‘Grand Old Man of India’ for his significant contributions to the Indian independence movement.
• He was the first Indian elected to the British Parliament in 1892, where he represented Finsbury Central as a Liberal Party MP.
• Naoroji is famous for his ‘Drain of Wealth’ theory, which argued that Britain was draining economic resources from India, leaving the country impoverished.
• He was one of the founders of the Indian National Congress in 1885, a pivotal organization in the fight for Indian independence.
• Dadabhai Naoroji’s efforts helped create awareness about the economic exploitation of India under colonial rule and inspired many leaders to join the freedom struggle.
• He authored the book ‘Poverty and Un-British Rule in India’, which provided detailed evidence of the economic drain caused by British policies.

Additional Information

• Surendranath Banerjee
• Surendranath Banerjee (1848–1925) was an Indian nationalist and one of the early leaders of the Indian National Congress.
• He founded the Indian National Association in 1876, which later merged with the Indian National Congress.
• Banerjee is known for advocating constitutional methods to achieve self-rule and was called the ‘Father of Indian Nationalism’.
• He played an important role in spreading political awareness in Bengal during the early stages of India’s independence movement.
• Gopal Krishna Gokhale
• Gopal Krishna Gokhale (1866–1915) was a moderate Indian leader and a member of the Indian National Congress.
• He was a mentor to Mahatma Gandhi and influenced Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and reform.
• Gokhale founded the Servants of India Society in 1905 to promote education and social reform in India.
• He believed in constitutional and gradual reforms rather than radical approaches to achieve self-rule.
• Bal Gangadhar Tilak
• Bal Gangadhar Tilak (1856–1920) was a prominent freedom fighter and a leader of the extremist faction in the Indian National Congress.
• He was famously called the ‘Father of Indian Unrest’ by the British for his revolutionary ideas and actions.
• Tilak popularized the slogan ‘Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it’, which became a rallying call for the independence movement.
• He started two newspapers, Kesari (in Marathi) to spread nationalist ideas and demand self-rule.

The correct answer is It was an agreement between Congress and the Muslim League to work together.

Key Points

• The Lucknow Pact (1916) was a significant agreement between the Indian National Congress (INC) and the All-India Muslim League (AIML), marking a rare instance of cooperation between the two major political parties in India during the British rule.
• It symbolized Hindu-Muslim unity, with both parties agreeing to press for greater self-governance and constitutional reforms from the British government.
• The pact was driven by the efforts of prominent leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak from Congress and Muhammad Ali Jinnah from the Muslim League.
• One of the key provisions of the pact was the acceptance of separate electorates for Muslims while ensuring political representation for both communities.
• It laid the foundation for a united Indian political front against British imperialism, fostering a cooperative spirit among diverse political groups.

Additional Information

• Key Provisions & Demands of Lucknow Pact:
• Self-Government: Joint demand for India to be granted self-governing status.
• Representation: Muslims to get one-third representation in the Central Legislative Council.
• Separate Electorates: Congress accepted separate electorates for Muslims, to continue until any community demanded joint ones.
• Legislative Reforms: Increased elected members in central and provincial legislatures, with a majority being elected.
• Executive Changes: Half the members of the Viceroy's and Provincial Governors' Executive Councils should be Indians.
• Judicial Reform: Separation of the judiciary from the executive.
• Financial Reform: The Secretary of State for India's salary to be paid from British funds, not Indian revenues.
• Tenure: Five-year term for legislative councils

The correct answer is Official languages of India.

Key Points

• The Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution pertains to the languages recognized as official languages of India.
• Initially, the Constitution recognized 14 languages in the Eighth Schedule when it was adopted in 1950.
• Currently, the Eighth Schedule lists 22 official languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, and others.
• The inclusion of languages in the Eighth Schedule gives them official recognition, and the government can undertake steps to promote and develop these languages.
• Languages in the Eighth Schedule are also eligible for representation in the Sahitya Akademi Awards and are used in government documents and proceedings.

Additional Information

• Allocation of Seats in Rajya Sabha
• The allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha is governed by the Fourth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
• The seats in the Rajya Sabha are allocated to the states and union territories based on their population.
• Currently, the Rajya Sabha consists of 245 members, of which 233 are elected by the legislative assemblies of states and union territories, and 12 are nominated by the President for their expertise in specific fields.
• Panchayati Raj
• The concept of Panchayati Raj in India is based on the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
• It added Part IX to the Constitution and provided for a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj institutions: Gram Panchayat (village level), Mandal Parishad (block level), and Zila Parishad (district level).
• Article 243 provides for the establishment and powers of Panchayati Raj institutions to promote local self-governance.
• Anti-defection Law
• The Anti-defection Law is governed by the 10th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, added by the 52nd Amendment Act, 1985.
• It aims to curb political defections by disqualifying members of the legislature who switch parties after being elected.
• The Speaker or Chairman of the respective house has the authority to decide on disqualification under this law.

The correct answer is Austen Strait.

Key Points

• Austen Strait is a channel that separates the North Andaman and Middle Andaman islands in the Andaman and Nicobar group of islands.
• It is an important waterway in the Andaman Sea, facilitating navigation and connecting different parts of the Andaman Islands.
• The Andaman Islands form a key part of India’s territory in the Indian Ocean and are strategically significant due to their proximity to important maritime routes.
• The Austen Strait has ecological importance as the surrounding region is rich in biodiversity, including coral reefs, mangroves, and a variety of marine species.
• It is named after Colonel Austen, a British officer during the colonial administration of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Additional Information

• Cocos Channel:
• The Cocos Channel separates the Coco Islands (part of Myanmar) from the northern tip of the Andaman Islands (India).
• It is a key maritime passage that connects the Bay of Bengal to the Andaman Sea.
• This channel is strategically significant as it lies near important trade routes in the Indian Ocean region.
• Duncan Passage:
• Duncan Passage is a strait that separates the South Andaman Island from the Little Andaman Island.
• It plays a significant role in the navigation and transportation between the two islands.
• The passage is surrounded by rich marine biodiversity and is often used by fishermen and maritime vessels.
• Sombrero Channel:
• The Sombrero Channel is not related to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• It is a waterway in the Caribbean Sea near the Sombrero Island, which is part of Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory.
• This channel is primarily known for its geographical significance in the Caribbean region.

The correct answer is one-third.

Key Points

• The Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States, is the upper house of India's Parliament and is a permanent body that is not subject to dissolution.
• One-third of the members of the Rajya Sabha retire every two years, ensuring continuous functioning and periodic replenishment of its membership.
• The retiring members are replaced by newly elected or nominated members through elections conducted by the respective State Legislative Assemblies or nomination by the President of India.
• The tenure of a Rajya Sabha member is 6 years, and the system of staggered elections ensures that the house remains operational at all times.
• The composition and functioning of the Rajya Sabha are governed by Article 80 of the Indian Constitution.

Additional Information

• Rajya Sabha and its Functioning
• The Rajya Sabha is constituted to represent the states and union territories of India in the Parliament.
• It has a maximum strength of 250 members, of which 238 are representatives of states and union territories, and 12 are nominated by the President for their expertise in fields such as literature, science, art, and social services.
• The Rajya Sabha plays an important role in the legislative process, reviewing and amending bills passed by the Lok Sabha.

The correct answer is e-NAM.

Key Points

• e-NAM stands for the National Agriculture Market, launched by the Government of India on 14th April 2016.
• This platform is aimed at creating a unified national market for agricultural commodities by integrating physical mandis through an online platform.
• It allows farmers to sell their produce to a large number of buyers across multiple markets electronically, ensuring better price realization.
• e-NAM is implemented by the Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• The platform promotes transparency, reduces transaction costs, and eliminates the intermediaries, ensuring fair pricing for farmers.
• As of October 2023, e-NAM has onboarded over 1,000 mandis across various states, benefiting millions of farmers and traders.

Additional Information

• m-Kisan
• Launched by the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, the m-Kisan initiative enables farmers to receive advisories and market-related information directly on their mobile phones.
• This platform uses SMS services to disseminate information related to weather forecasts, pest control, fertilizers, and other agricultural needs.
• It enhances the dissemination of information but does not facilitate electronic trading like e-NAM.
• e-Kisan
• e-Kisan refers to various state-level initiatives that focus on providing digital solutions to farmers for agricultural productivity.
• It typically offers tools for accessing weather updates, market prices, and expert consultation, but it does not have the unified trading platform feature that e-NAM provides.
• Agristack
• Agristack is an initiative by the Government of India to create a unified database for farmers, containing their land records, crop history, and other agricultural data.
• It aims to facilitate the delivery of personalized services, including credit, crop insurance, and subsidies, leveraging advanced technologies like AI and blockchain.
• However, unlike e-NAM, Agristack is not directly involved in electronic marketing or trading of agricultural produce.

The correct answer is Globalisation.

Key Points

• Globalisation refers to the integration of economies, industries, markets, cultures, and policy-making worldwide to create a more interconnected and interdependent global economy.
• It involves the free flow of goods, services, technologies, capital, and labor across international borders, enabling countries to specialize in production and trade.
• The concept of globalization is driven by advancements in technology, communication, and transportation, which have drastically reduced the barriers to international exchange.
• Globalisation facilitates the integration of production processes across borders, allowing multinational corporations to operate in multiple countries seamlessly.
• It plays a crucial role in shaping world economies, fostering international trade agreements, and enhancing global market competition.

Additional Information

• Privatisation:
• Privatisation refers to the transfer of ownership, management, or control of government-owned enterprises to private entities.
• The primary goal of privatisation is to improve efficiency, competitiveness, and profitability by reducing state intervention in business operations.
• It is often implemented to reduce fiscal burden and foster private sector participation in the economy.
• An example of privatisation in India is the disinvestment of government shares in companies like Air India and Bharat Petroleum.
• Nationalisation:
• Nationalisation is the process of transferring private assets or enterprises into public ownership, often to ensure government control over critical sectors.
• It is carried out to safeguard national interests, provide essential public services, and reduce economic disparities.
• An example of nationalisation in India is the nationalisation of major commercial banks in 1969 and 1980.
• Liberalisation:
• Liberalisation refers to the relaxation of government restrictions and regulations in the economy to promote private sector growth and foreign investment.
• It involves measures like reducing tariffs, removing trade barriers, and allowing foreign direct investment (FDI).
• In India, liberalisation began in 1991 under the New Economic Policy, which aimed to open up the Indian economy to the global market.
• Liberalisation has led to significant economic growth, improved market competition, and enhanced consumer choices.