PYST 15: IB Security Assistant (Executive) Official Paper - General Awareness (Held On: 30 Sept, 2025 Shift 3) (Previous Year Paper)

The correct answer is Thailand.

Key Points

• Maitree is a bilateral military exercise conducted between the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army.
• The exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations in jungle terrain, enhancing the interoperability and operational coordination between the two armies.
• Maitree is held annually and alternates between India and Thailand as host countries.
• The exercise plays a crucial role in strengthening defense relations and mutual trust between India and Thailand.
• Maitree 2025 is expected to build upon the shared experiences and improve the effectiveness of joint operations against global security challenges.

Additional Information

• Myanmar:
• India conducts the bilateral military exercise IMBEX with Myanmar.
• This exercise focuses on UN peacekeeping operations and training.
• Myanmar is a key neighbor of India, and both countries share strategic interests in security and economic cooperation.
• Sri Lanka:
• India and Sri Lanka conduct the bilateral military exercise Mitra Shakti.
• Mitra Shakti aims to enhance counter-terrorism cooperation and mutual understanding between the armies.
• It strengthens regional stability and security in South Asia.
• Indonesia:
• India and Indonesia conduct the bilateral military exercise Garuda Shakti.
• Garuda Shakti focuses on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
• The exercise promotes defense collaboration and strengthens the strategic partnership between the two nations.

The correct answer is Societies Registration Act, 1860.

Key Points

• The Societies Registration Act, 1860, is an important legislation enacted by the British Government to regulate societies and associations in India, aimed at promoting charitable activities, literature, science, and fine arts.
• The Act provides the legal framework for the registration, governance, and functioning of societies, ensuring transparency and accountability in their operations.
• It allows seven or more people associated for a charitable purpose to register their society by submitting a memorandum of association along with rules and regulations to the Registrar of Societies.
• Uttar Pradesh has announced plans to modernize the regulation of NGOs by replacing the Societies Registration Act, 1860, to ensure better oversight and adapt to contemporary requirements.
• The modernization effort is aimed at making the regulation process more transparent, efficient, and aligned with the current socio-economic environment, addressing issues such as misuse of funds and lack of accountability.

Additional Information

• Indian Trusts Act, 1882
• The Indian Trusts Act, 1882, governs private trusts and trustees in India.
• The Act defines the duties, rights, and liabilities of trustees and beneficiaries.
• It applies to private trusts and does not cover public trusts, which are governed by separate legislations in India.
• Public trusts engaged in charitable activities often operate under different state-specific laws or the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• Cooperative Societies Act, 1912
• The Cooperative Societies Act, 1912, provides a framework for the formation, registration, and functioning of cooperative societies in India.
• Cooperative societies are member-driven organizations aimed at promoting collective economic and social welfare.
• This Act was later supplemented by state-level cooperative laws and the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002.
• It is not directly related to the regulation of NGOs, which primarily fall under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• Charitable Trusts Act, 1950
• The Charitable Trusts Act, 1950, primarily deals with charitable trusts and their administration.
• It provides guidelines for the functioning of trusts created for charitable purposes, including education, relief of poverty, and advancement of religion.
• This Act is distinct from the Societies Registration Act, 1860, which governs the registration and regulation of societies.
• The Charitable Trusts Act primarily governs trusts, while societies and associations are regulated under the Societies Registration Act.

The correct answer is Anandkumar Velkumar.

Key Points

• Anandkumar Velkumar became the first Indian skater to win a gold medal at the Speed Skating World Championships.
• This historic achievement occurred in September 2025 at the Speed Skating World Championships held in China.
• Anandkumar's victory brought immense pride to India, as it marked the nation's debut gold medal in this prestigious global event.
• He competed in the senior men's category and showcased exceptional skill and determination to secure the top podium position.
• His achievement is expected to inspire the younger generation of Indian skaters and boost the popularity of speed skating in the country.

Additional Information

• Karthika Jagadeeshwaran
• Karthika Jagadeeshwaran is a prominent figure in Indian skating, particularly in the artistic skating discipline.
• She has represented India in various international artistic skating championships, earning accolades for her graceful performances.
• However, she is not associated with speed skating events or the 2025 World Championships in China.
• Anup Kumar Yama
• Anup Kumar Yama is a celebrated Indian skater known for his expertise in artistic roller skating.
• He has won multiple medals in the Asian Games and other international competitions in artistic skating.
• While his achievements are remarkable, he has not competed in speed skating events, making him unrelated to the 2025 World Championships.
• Abrysha Srivastava
• Abrysha Srivastava is an emerging talent in the Indian skating community, gaining recognition for her performances in national-level skating competitions.
• She primarily focuses on junior-level events and is yet to participate in senior-level international competitions like the Speed Skating World Championships.

The correct answer is Namita Gokhale.

Key Points

• Namita Gokhale is a renowned Indian author, known for her contribution to contemporary Indian literature.
• She is the co-founder and co-director of the Jaipur Literature Festival, one of the largest literary festivals in the world.
• Never Never Land, which won the Best Author Fiction at the AutHer Awards 2025, is among her significant works.
• Namita Gokhale’s writing often explores themes of modernity, tradition, and cultural identity in Indian society.
• She has received multiple accolades for her literary contributions, including awards for her novels that blend the traditional and modern aspects of storytelling.

Additional Information

• Alpa Shah
• Alpa Shah is an anthropologist and author whose works often focus on tribal communities and social inequalities.
• She is known for her book, "Nightmarch: Among India’s Revolutionary Guerrillas", which explores the lives of the Naxalite insurgents in India.
• While an important author, she is not connected to the AutHer Awards or the novel "Never Never Land."
• Divsargun Kaur
• Divsargun Kaur is an emerging writer in the Indian literary scene, focusing on poetry and short stories.
• She has not authored any book titled "Never Never Land" or received the Best Author Fiction award at the AutHer Awards.
• Andaleeb Wajid
• Andaleeb Wajid is a prolific Indian author known for her romance and young adult fiction.
• Her notable works include "The Crunch Factor" and the "Mehr Series", but she is not associated with the novel "Never Never Land."
• AutHer Awards
• The AutHer Awards is an initiative by The Times of India to recognize the best women authors in India.
• The awards celebrate fiction, non-fiction, debut works, and children’s literature written by women.
• It aims to promote women’s writing and encourage diverse voices in literature.

The correct answer is India.

Key Points

• India topped the medal tally at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025 held in New Delhi, showcasing stellar performances by its para-athletes.
• The event witnessed the participation of athletes from across the globe, with India leading in total medals, including several golds.
• Indian para-athletes such as Devendra Jhajharia and Mariyappan Thangavelu significantly contributed to the country's success in the championship.
• The Grand Prix served as a platform for para-athletes to qualify for major international events, including the Paralympics.
• India’s top position reflects the growing emphasis on promoting para-sports and providing better facilities for athletes with disabilities.

Additional Information

• Italy
• Italy has a strong presence in international para-athletics, producing notable athletes such as Martina Caironi and Oney Tapia.
• The country focuses heavily on inclusive sports programs and has achieved significant success in European and global para-athletic events.
• France
• France is renowned for its commitment to para-sports and has hosted several international para-athletic competitions.
• French athletes like Mandy François-Elie have brought laurels to the country in major international para-athletics championships.
• South Africa
• South Africa has a rich history in para-athletics, with athletes such as Ntando Mahlangu excelling on the global stage.
• The country invests heavily in empowering athletes with disabilities and has a strong presence in the Paralympic Games.
• World Para Athletics Grand Prix
• The World Para Athletics Grand Prix is a prestigious international event for para-athletes, organized annually by the World Para Athletics organization.
• The Grand Prix serves as a key event for athletes to gain qualification points and prepare for upcoming Paralympic Games.
• It promotes inclusivity in sports and ensures global recognition for athletes with disabilities.

The correct answer is National Sports Governance Act, 2025.

Key Points

• The National Sports Governance Act, 2025 was introduced to reform and regulate the functioning of sports bodies in India.
• This legislation provides a statutory framework for governance, ethics, and dispute resolution in sports organizations across the country.
• The Act emphasizes transparency, accountability, and adherence to ethical practices in the administration of sports bodies.
• It aims to promote fair play, inclusivity, and the development of sports at all levels while curbing corruption and malpractices.
• The Act also ensures better representation of athletes and other stakeholders in decision-making processes within sports organizations.

Additional Information

• Indian Sports Reform Act, 2025
• Though the name suggests reforms in Indian sports, this option is incorrect as no legislation with this title exists.
• It may refer to generic reforms or proposals for restructuring sports organizations but lacks the statutory framework provided by the National Sports Governance Act.
• Sports Regulation Act, 2025
• This option is also incorrect as there is no law passed under this name.
• While regulatory measures are essential, the National Sports Governance Act is the key legislation addressing governance, ethics, and dispute resolution in sports bodies.
• Sports Code Act, 2025
• The name might imply regulations or guidelines for sports administration, but it is not a recognized legislation in India.
• The National Sports Governance Act provides a comprehensive statutory framework, which is broader and more impactful than a sports code.

The correct answer is NITI Aayog.

Key Points

• NITI Aayog, the premier policy think-tank of the Government of India, published the report titled 'Chemical Industry: Powering India's Participation in Global Value Chains' in July 2025.
• The report provides an extensive analysis of India's chemical sector, which is a significant contributor to the country's manufacturing and export sectors.
• It outlines strategies to enhance India's global competitiveness and participation in global value chains (GVCs) in the chemical industry.
• The report emphasizes the need for policy reforms, infrastructure development, and innovation to boost growth in the chemical sector.
• It highlights the role of the chemical industry in achieving India's $5 trillion economy goal by focusing on sustainable and green chemistry practices.

Additional Information

• Centre for Policy Research (CPR):
• The Centre for Policy Research is a leading public policy think tank based in New Delhi, India.
• It focuses on high-quality research in the areas of governance, urbanization, environment, and international relations.
• While CPR conducts research on diverse policy issues, it has not published a specific report on India's chemical sector in 2025.
• IIT Delhi:
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi is a premier engineering and research institution in India.
• Although IIT Delhi contributes significantly to research and innovation in various fields, it is not responsible for preparing economic or policy reports like the one on the chemical industry.
• The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI):
• TERI is a leading research institute that focuses on energy, environment, and sustainable development.
• Its contributions are significant in areas like renewable energy, climate change, and resource efficiency.
• However, TERI has not published the 2025 report on India's chemical industry.

The correct answer is Eka-Aluminium.

Key Points

• Dmitri Mendeleev, the Russian chemist, left gaps in his periodic table to accommodate elements that had not yet been discovered.
• He predicted the properties of these unknown elements based on the periodic trends and similarities with neighboring elements.
• The term "Eka-Aluminium" was used for the element he predicted to be located beneath aluminium in the periodic table.
• Eka-Aluminium was later discovered and named Gallium, which matched Mendeleev's predictions remarkably well in terms of its atomic mass, density, and chemical properties.
• This successful prediction validated Mendeleev's periodic law and his arrangement of elements in the periodic table.

Additional Information

• Mendeleev's Periodic Table
• Mendeleev arranged elements in the periodic table based on their atomic mass and chemical properties.
• He left gaps in the table for elements that were undiscovered at the time, predicting their properties with remarkable accuracy.
• Other elements he predicted included Eka-Boron (Scandium) and Eka-Silicon (Germanium).
• The success of his predictions demonstrated the validity of periodic trends and laid the foundation for the modern periodic table.

The correct answer is were exempt from binding limits due to low per-capita emissions.

Key Points

• The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997, primarily aimed to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by binding developed nations to specific targets under the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” (CBDR).
• Developing countries, including India and China, were exempt from binding emission reduction targets due to their historically low GHG emissions and lower per-capita emissions.
• This exemption was based on the recognition that developed countries had contributed more to global warming through their historical industrialization.
• The Protocol focused on developed countries, listed in Annex I, to take the lead in combating climate change.
• Developing countries were encouraged to voluntarily adopt mitigation measures and participate in mechanisms like the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to promote sustainable development.

Additional Information

• Kyoto Protocol
• The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• It was adopted in 1997 and came into force in 2005, with the goal of reducing global GHG emissions and combating climate change.
• The Protocol established legally binding targets for developed countries while recognizing the developmental needs of developing nations.
• The first commitment period was from 2008 to 2012, and the second commitment period (Doha Amendment) extended from 2013 to 2020.

The correct answer is USA, Japan, Australia.

Key Points

• The Malabar Exercise is a quadilateral maritime exercise involving India, the USA, Japan, and Australia.
• Initially a bilateral exercise between India and the USA in 1992, it expanded to include Japan in 2015 and Australia in 2020.
• Malabar 2025 will be an advanced naval drill aimed at enhancing interoperability and maritime cooperation among the participating nations.
• The exercise focuses on a wide range of naval operations, including anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and joint tactical maneuvers.
• This initiative aims to ensure a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, countering common security challenges and promoting stability.

Additional Information

• Russia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka
• Russia and Vietnam have bilateral defense ties with India, focusing on areas like joint military exercises and defense technology cooperation.
• Sri Lanka, being in India's neighborhood, is a key maritime partner.
• Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines
• These Southeast Asian nations are key players in the Indo-Pacific region and have individual maritime collaborations with India.
• They are part of regional groupings like ASEAN.
• UK, France, Canada
• The UK and France are significant maritime powers and have been part of joint naval exercises with India, such as the Varuna and Konkan exercises.
• Canada's involvement in the Indo-Pacific region remains limited compared to other powers.

The correct answer is 6.3% to 6.8%.

Key Points

• The Economic Survey 2024-25 has projected India’s real GDP growth rate for the fiscal year 2025-26 to be in the range of 6.3% to 6.8%.
• This projection is based on assumptions of a stable global economic environment and the absence of significant domestic disruptions.
• The survey highlights that India continues to be one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world, driven by robust domestic consumption and investments.
• Key contributors to this growth rate include sectors such as manufacturing, services, and agriculture, along with steady progress in infrastructure development.
• The projection aligns with the government’s focus on achieving sustainable economic growth through structural reforms and digital transformation.

Additional Information

• Nominal GDP
• Definition: Value of goods/services at current market prices.
• Includes: Both increased production and price hikes (inflation).
• Usefulness: Shows raw economic output in today's dollars; good for short-term analysis or contract comparisons.
• Real GDP
• Definition: Value of goods/services adjusted for inflation, using constant base-year prices.
• Includes: Only changes in actual production volume.
• Usefulness: Best indicator of genuine economic growth, allowing for meaningful year-over-year comparisons.

The correct answer is Enacting mythological and folklore stories.

Key Points

• Chhau dance is a traditional Indian dance form that combines elements of martial arts, tribal rituals, and folk traditions to depict mythological and folklore stories.
• It is performed mainly in the states of Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, where it is recognized as a significant cultural art form.
• The primary themes revolve around ancient epics like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas, as well as local legends and folklore.
• Chhau dance performances are characterized by their elaborate masks (in some styles like Purulia Chhau), vibrant costumes, and rhythmic movements, which help narrate the stories effectively.
• In 2010, UNESCO inscribed Chhau dance on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, acknowledging its cultural and artistic significance.

Additional Information

• Odisha
• Chhau (Mayurbhanj Style): Focuses on natural movements, no masks.
• Ghumura: Energetic folk dance with Ghumura drum, used for entertainment & rituals.
• Painka: A martial dance depicting warrior skills.
• Gotipua: Boys dressed as girls perform devotional dances, precursor to Odissi.
• Savari: Tribal dance form.
• Jharkhand
• Chhau (Seraikella Style): Uses masks, incorporating martial & folk elements.
• Jhumar: Harvest dance, with Mardani (men) & Janani (women) forms.
• Domkach: Performed during weddings by families.
• Paiki: A vibrant martial dance.
• Fagua: Celebratory dance for Holi.
• West Bengal
• Chhau (Purulia Style): Features elaborate masks & themes from epics.
• Gambhira: A folk dance with satirical themes, often masks.
• Kathi: Stick dance, energetic and rhythmic.
• Dhali: A martial dance with swords and shields.

The correct answer is Mission Shakti 5.0.

Key Points

• Mission Shakti 5.0 was launched by the Uttar Pradesh government in 2025 to enhance women's safety and security, especially during the Navratri festival.
• The initiative involves the deployment of female police personnel at public places to make women feel safer and ensure a secure environment.
• Anti-Romeo squads, an existing Uttar Pradesh police initiative aimed at preventing harassment of women, were further strengthened under Mission Shakti 5.0.
• The program also focuses on public outreach and awareness campaigns to educate society about women's rights and security measures.
• Mission Shakti 5.0 is part of a broader government effort to address gender-based violence and empower women through targeted interventions.

Additional Information

• Shakti Vahini
• Shakti Vahini is a non-governmental organization (NGO) in India working to combat human trafficking and violence against women and children.
• It collaborates with law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to rescue victims, provide rehabilitation, and conduct awareness campaigns.
• It is not a government initiative but has significantly contributed to addressing gender-based crimes in India.
• Nari Suraksha Abhiyan
• This term generally refers to campaigns aimed at ensuring women's safety and security, often organized by local governments, NGOs, or community groups.
• Such initiatives focus on addressing issues like domestic violence, harassment, and gender inequality through awareness and legal aid.
• No specific government program under this name has been identified in the context of Uttar Pradesh's 2025 initiative.
• Pink Auto Yatra
• Pink Auto initiatives are programs launched in various states of India to promote women-driven auto-rickshaws, ensuring safer public transport for women.
• These initiatives aim to empower women by providing them with livelihood opportunities and creating a safer commuting option for female passengers.
• While relevant to women's safety, this program is unrelated to Mission Shakti 5.0.

The correct answer is Pinarayi Vijayan.

Key Points

• Pinarayi Vijayan has been serving as the Chief Minister of Kerala since May 25, 2016.
• He is a senior leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) and has played a crucial role in Kerala's politics.
• Pinarayi Vijayan became the first Chief Minister in Kerala to be re-elected consecutively after completing a full term, following his party's victory in the 2021 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections.
• Under his leadership, Kerala has implemented several notable initiatives, such as the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) and the LIFE Mission housing scheme for the homeless.
• He is known for his administrative acumen and for steering Kerala through crises like the COVID-19 pandemic with globally recognized efforts.

Additional Information

• Roshy Augustine
• Roshy Augustine is a politician from the Kerala Congress (M) party.
• He currently serves as the Minister for Water Resources in the Government of Kerala.
• He represents the Idukki constituency in the Kerala Legislative Assembly.
• K Krishnankutty
• K Krishnankutty is a leader of the Janata Dal (Secular) party in Kerala.
• He serves as the Minister for Electricity in the Kerala Government.
• He represents the Chittur constituency in the Kerala Legislative Assembly.
• K Rajan
• K Rajan is a member of the Communist Party of India (CPI).
• He is the Minister for Revenue and Housing in the Kerala Government.
• He represents the Ollur constituency in the Kerala Legislative Assembly.

The correct answer is Pandit Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande.

Key Points

• Pandit Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande was a pioneer in the field of Hindustani classical music and is considered one of the most influential musicologists of India.
• He authored the Kramik Pustak Malika, a six-part book that systematized the study of Hindustani classical music through notation, compositions, and raga classification.
• The Kramik Pustak Malika is considered a revolutionary work as it standardized ragas and documented their grammar, making Indian classical music accessible for structured study.
• He classified Indian ragas into the Thaat system, which consists of 10 basic scales, simplifying the categorization of ragas.
• Bhatkhande also established institutions like the Marris College of Music (now Bhatkhande Music Institute in Lucknow) to promote education and research in Indian classical music.

Additional Information

• Sourindra Mohun Tagore
• Sourindra Mohun Tagore was a musicologist from Bengal who worked to promote Indian music, especially during the 19th century.
• He authored works such as "Universal History of Music" and contributed to the promotion of Indian music on an international platform.
• However, he did not systematize Hindustani classical music or create a work similar to the Kramik Pustak Malika.
• Hindustani Classical Music
• Hindustani classical music has a rich tradition and is one of the two primary forms of Indian classical music, the other being Carnatic music.
• The system is based on ragas (melodic frameworks) and talas (rhythmic cycles).
• Pandit Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande’s contributions to this field have been instrumental in its modern-day pedagogy, making it easier to teach and learn.

The correct answer is String instruments.

Key Points

• Tata Vadya refers specifically to string instruments in the context of Indian classical music.
• String instruments under Tata Vadya produce sound by vibrating strings, which are plucked, bowed, or struck. Examples include the sitar, sarod, veena, tanpura, and violin.
• These instruments play a crucial role in Indian classical music, providing melody and harmony, and often act as accompaniment to vocals.
• Indian string instruments are categorized into two types: plucked string instruments (e.g., sitar, veena) and bowed string instruments (e.g., sarangi, violin).
• The term "Tata Vadya" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Tata," meaning "stretched," referring to the stretched strings used to produce sound.

Additional Information

• Solid instruments:
• Solid instruments are generally referred to as idiophones, which produce sound by the vibration of the entire body of the instrument.
• Examples include manjira, ghungroo, and kartal. These instruments are commonly used in folk music and devotional settings.
• They are not classified under Tata Vadya as they do not involve strings for sound production.
• Percussion instruments:
• Percussion instruments, known as "Avanaddha Vadya" in Indian music, produce sound by striking a membrane stretched over a hollow vessel.
• Examples include tabla, mridangam, dhol, and pakhawaj.
• These are rhythm instruments and play a significant role in accompanying melodic instruments in Indian classical music.
• Wind instruments:
• Wind instruments, called "Sushir Vadya," produce sound by the vibration of air blown into or across the instrument.
• Examples include the flute (bansuri), shehnai, and nadaswaram.
• These instruments are used for melody and are integral to Indian classical and folk music.

The correct answer is Forces between neighbouring particles in the medium.

Key Points

• Material waves, also known as mechanical waves, require a medium to propagate through.
• The medium should consist of particles that can interact with each other through forces, such as elastic forces, to transfer energy.
• Examples of such waves include sound waves, water waves, and seismic waves, which rely on forces between neighboring particles to transmit energy.
• The absence of these forces would prevent the propagation of mechanical waves as energy cannot transfer from one particle to another.
• Forces between particles in the medium ensure the continuous transfer of vibrational energy, forming the basis of mechanical wave motion.

Additional Information

• Material Waves
• Material waves include longitudinal waves (e.g., sound waves) and transverse waves (e.g., water waves).
• The transfer of energy in these waves depends on the medium's properties such as density, elasticity, and inter-particle forces.
• They are distinguished from electromagnetic waves, which do not require a medium to propagate.

The correct answer is Sacred groves protected by communities.

Key Points

• Sacred groves are small patches of forests or natural vegetation that are protected by local communities due to their religious and cultural significance.
• They have traditionally played a crucial role in conserving biodiversity as they provide refuge to many rare and endemic plant and animal species.
• India has a rich tradition of sacred groves, particularly in states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Rajasthan, and Meghalaya, where these areas are often associated with local deities or ancestral spirits.
• These groves are self-sustaining ecosystems that contribute to maintaining ecological balance, reducing soil erosion, and conserving water resources.
• They are a prime example of community-based conservation practices that integrate environmental protection with the cultural and spiritual values of the local population.

Additional Information

• Drip irrigation in agricultural fields:
• Drip irrigation is a modern agricultural technique that delivers water directly to the root zone of plants through a network of pipes, emitters, and tubing.
• It is designed to minimize water wastage by reducing evaporation and runoff, making it highly efficient for regions with water scarcity.
• While it is a sustainable agricultural practice, it focuses on water conservation rather than biodiversity or ecological preservation.
• Rainwater harvesting in rural areas:
• Rainwater harvesting involves collecting and storing rainwater for future use, typically in underground tanks, rooftops, or reservoirs.
• This practice is widely adopted to address water shortages, improve groundwater recharge, and ensure water availability during dry seasons.
• Although rainwater harvesting contributes to water conservation and sustainable development, it does not directly address biodiversity conservation.
• Terrace farming on hill slopes:
• Terrace farming is a traditional agricultural practice used in hilly areas to prevent soil erosion and make efficient use of limited arable land.
• It involves carving out step-like terraces on slopes to reduce water runoff and increase water retention in the soil.
• While terrace farming aids in sustainable land management, its direct contribution to biodiversity conservation is limited compared to sacred groves.

The correct answer is NSIL, ISRO, IN-SPACe and HAL.

Key Points

• On 10 September 2025, a technology transfer agreement was signed for the transfer of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology.
• The agreement was signed among NSIL (NewSpace India Limited), ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center), and HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited).
• This agreement facilitates the private sector's involvement in manufacturing and launching SSLV, thus promoting self-reliance in the space sector under the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiative.
• SSLV is a cost-effective and efficient launch vehicle designed to cater to the growing demand for launching small satellites, particularly for commercial purposes.
• Through this agreement, HAL and private players will now be able to manufacture SSLVs under ISRO’s technology, enhancing India’s capability to compete in the global satellite launch market.

Additional Information

• SSLV:
• The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is designed to carry payloads of up to 500 kg into low Earth orbit (LEO).
• It is tailored for cost-effective and on-demand launches, targeting the rapidly growing small satellite market.
• SSLV’s modular and simplified design ensures quicker turnaround time and ease of manufacturing.
• The development and commercialization of SSLV are significant steps toward enhancing India’s presence in the global space industry.

The correct answer is Maharashtra.

Key Points

• CP Radhakrishnan served as the Governor of Maharashtra before becoming Vice President.
• Maharashtra is the second-most populous state in India and a key administrative unit.
• The Governor of Maharashtra is appointed under Article 155 of the Constitution.

Additional Information

• Kerala:
• Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India.
• It follows a unicameral legislature system.
• The state is governed under the Westminster model of parliamentary democracy.
• Arunachal Pradesh:
• It is the largest state in Northeast India by area.
• The state was granted full statehood in 1987.
• Governed under special administrative focus due to international borders.
• Tamil Nadu:
• One of the oldest continuously inhabited regions in India.
• Known for the Dravidian political movement.
• Has a unicameral legislature with the Governor as constitutional head.