General Awareness PYQs

The correct answer is A section of DNA that codes for a protein.

Key Points

• A gene is the fundamental physical and functional unit of heredity, consisting of a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA (or RNA in some viruses).
• In molecular genetics, a gene is defined as a segment of DNA that contains the necessary instructions to synthesize a functional product, which is usually a protein or a functional RNA molecule.
• The process of decoding a gene begins with transcription, where the DNA sequence is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA), followed by translation, where the ribosome uses the mRNA template to assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain.
• Genes are located at specific positions called loci (singular: locus) on chromosomes, and they act as the blueprint for an organism's phenotypic traits, such as eye color or enzyme production.
• Structurally, eukaryotic genes are composed of exons (coding regions), introns (non-coding intervening sequences), and regulatory sequences like promoters and enhancers that control when and how a gene is expressed.

 Additional Information

• Chromosomes and Sex Chromosomes:
• A chromosome is a thread-like structure made of DNA and histone proteins that carries hundreds or thousands of genes; it is the container for genes, not the gene itself.
• Sex chromosomes (such as X and Y in humans) are a specific category of chromosomes that determine biological sex and carry sex-linked genes.
• Blood Groups:
• Blood groups like ABO and Rh are phenotypes or inherited traits determined by the expression of specific alleles (variant forms of a gene) located on Chromosome 9 and Chromosome 1 respectively.
• Genotype and Alleles:
• The term genotype refers to the actual genetic makeup of an individual, while alleles are different versions of the same gene that can lead to variations in inherited characteristics.

The correct answer is Goa.

Key Points

• The Estado da India (State of India) was a colonial entity of the Portuguese Empire established to manage their commercial and territorial interests across the Indian Ocean and East Africa.
• While Cochin (Kochi) served as the initial headquarters from 1505, the strategic importance of Goa led to its conquest by Afonso de Albuquerque in 1510 from the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur.
• In 1530, during the tenure of Governor Nuno da Cunha, the capital of the Estado da India was officially transferred from Cochin to Goa.
• Goa was favored due to its central location on the western coast of India, its deep natural harbor, and its suitability as a naval base to enforce the Cartaz system (maritime trade licenses) in the Arabian Sea.
• It remained the principal administrative, religious, and commercial hub for the Portuguese Eastern Empire until its annexation by the Indian Armed Forces in 1961.

 Additional Information

• Cochin:
• It was the first European colonial settlement in India and the site of Fort Emmanuel, established in 1503.
• It served as the primary residence of the first Portuguese Viceroy, Francisco de Almeida, before the capital shift.
• Lisbon:
• It was the metropolitan capital of the Kingdom of Portugal and the central authority for all overseas colonies.
• The Casa da India in Lisbon managed the logistics and monopoly of the lucrative spice trade.
• Malacca:
• Captured by the Portuguese in 1511, it was a vital maritime chokepoint controlling trade between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea.
• While it was a major administrative center in Southeast Asia, it operated under the jurisdiction of the Governor-General in Goa.

The correct answer is ROM.

Key Points

• Non-volatile memory is a type of computer memory that has the capability to hold saved data even if the power supply is turned off.
• ROM (Read-Only Memory) is a prominent example of non-volatile memory because it stores critical start-up instructions, such as the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System), which must remain intact every time the computer is powered on.
• Data stored in ROM is generally written during the manufacturing process or through specialized methods, ensuring that the firmware and essential operating instructions are not lost during a system crash or power failure.
• In contrast to RAM, which is used for temporary data processing, ROM serves as a permanent storage medium for the core functional code of electronic devices.

 Additional Information

• RAM (Random Access Memory):
• Identified as volatile memory, meaning all data stored in it is wiped clean immediately when the power is disconnected.
• It serves as the primary memory where the system loads the operating system and active applications for high-speed access by the processor.
• CPU (Central Processing Unit):
• Known as the brain of the computer, it is the electronic circuitry that executes instructions of a computer program.
• While it contains internal high-speed storage units like registers and Cache, the CPU itself is a processing unit rather than a memory type.
• PCB (Printed Circuit Board):
• A PCB is the foundational hardware component that mechanically supports and electrically connects various electronic parts using conductive tracks.
• It is not a form of memory storage but rather the motherboard or circuit carrier for components like the CPU and RAM.

The correct answer is Potassium.

Key Points

• Potassium is a highly reactive alkali metal located in Group 1 of the periodic table, characterized by having a single valence electron which it loses very easily.
• When placed in cold water, it undergoes an instantaneous and violent chemical reaction to produce Potassium Hydroxide (a strong base) and Hydrogen gas.
• The reaction is categorized as highly exothermic, meaning it releases a massive amount of thermal energy in a very short duration.
• The heat generated during this process is so intense that it immediately reaches the ignition temperature of the liberated Hydrogen gas, causing it to catch fire and burn with a distinctive lilac (pale violet) flame due to the presence of potassium ions.
• The chemical representation of this reaction is: 2K(s) + 2H₂O(l) → 2KOH(aq) + H₂(g) + Heat energy.

 Additional Information

• Reactivity Series Comparison:
• Sodium: Similar to potassium, it reacts vigorously with cold water and the hydrogen often catches fire (burning with a yellow flame), though it is slightly less reactive than potassium.
• Calcium: It reacts with cold water to form Calcium Hydroxide and hydrogen, but the reaction is less violent and the heat produced is insufficient to ignite the hydrogen gas. The metal often floats because bubbles of hydrogen stick to its surface.
• Magnesium: It does not react with cold water at all; it requires hot water or steam to react, forming magnesium hydroxide or magnesium oxide.
• Aluminium: This metal does not react with cold or hot water due to a stable, protective Aluminium Oxide layer on its surface, though it will react with steam at high temperatures.

The correct answer is Mahadev Govind Ranade.

Key Points

• The Poona Sarvajanik Sabha was a prominent socio-political organization founded on April 2, 1870, in Pune, Maharashtra.
• The organization was established by Mahadev Govind Ranade, along with Ganesh Vasudeo Joshi (popularly known as Sarvajanik Kaka) and S. H. Chiplunkar.
• It was created with the primary objective of serving as a mediating body between the British Government and the people of India to represent public grievances.
• The Sabha played a significant role in advocating for peasant rights and was a key precursor to the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885.
• Under the guidance of Ranade, the organization focused on legal education, social reform, and the promotion of Swadeshi products.

 Additional Information

• Gopal Hari Deshmukh (Lokhitwadi):
• He was a social reformer and writer from Maharashtra who promoted rationalism and modern education.
• He is famous for his Shatapatre (Hundred Letters) published in the weekly Prabhakar, addressing social and religious issues.
• Gopal Krishna Gokhale:
• A Moderate leader of the Indian National Congress and the founder of the Servants of India Society in 1905.
• He was considered the political guru of Mahatma Gandhi and advocated for reforms through constitutional means.
• Dadabhai Naoroji:
• Known as the Grand Old Man of India, he was a key figure in the nationalist movement and a founding member of the Indian National Congress.
• He authored Poverty and Un-British Rule in India and developed the Drain of Wealth theory.

The correct answer is Rio de Janeiro.

Key Points

• The 17^th BRICS Leaders' Summit was hosted by Brazil in Rio de Janeiro during early July 2025.
• Brazil held the Pro Tempore Presidency of the BRICS group for the year 2025, succeeding Russia, which chaired the 16^th summit in Kazan in 2024.
• This summit was the second major gathering following the BRICS+ expansion, which officially integrated Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates on January 1, 2024.
• The Brazilian Presidency prioritized themes such as global governance reform, sustainable development, energy transition, and the reduction of economic inequality.
• Leaders discussed the continued development of a BRICS common currency or payment system to facilitate trade in local currencies and reduce reliance on the US Dollar.
• The choice of Rio de Janeiro as the venue followed the city's successful hosting of the G20 Summit in November 2024, utilizing its established diplomatic and security infrastructure.

 Additional Information

• New Delhi
• Served as the host for the 4^th BRICS Summit in 2012 and the 13^th BRICS Summit in 2021 (held virtually).
• India is a founding member and has played a pivotal role in establishing the New Development Bank (NDB).
• Johannesburg
• Hosted the 15^th BRICS Summit in August 2023, which was a turning point for the bloc as it formally invited new member nations.
• The city is a critical economic hub in South Africa and hosted the 10^th Summit in 2018.
• Shanghai
• Serves as the permanent headquarters for the New Development Bank (NDB), commonly known as the BRICS Bank.
• The city is a focal point for the group's financial integration and technological cooperation efforts.

The correct answer is 330A, 332A.

Key Points

• The 106^th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023, officially known as the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023 or the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, marks a historic shift in Indian legislative representation by mandating 33 percent reservation for women.
• The Act inserted Article 330A into the Constitution to provide for the reservation of seats for women in the House of the People (Lok Sabha). This includes a sub-reservation for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes within the seats already reserved for those categories.
• The Act also inserted Article 332A, which extends the one-third reservation for women to the Legislative Assemblies of every State in India, ensuring gender-balanced representation at the state level.
• Furthermore, Article 334A was added to specify the commencement of these provisions. The reservation will be implemented after the first census conducted after the Act's commencement and the subsequent delimitation exercise is completed.
• The amendment modified Article 239AA of the Constitution to ensure that the reservation policy also applies to the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

 Additional Information

• Legislative Background:
• The bill was introduced as the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023, during a special session of Parliament.
• It received Presidential assent on September 28, 2023, following nearly unanimous support in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
• The primary objective is to enhance women's participation in policy-making and governance at the national and state levels.
• Operational Features:
• The reservation is mandated for a period of 15 years from the date of its commencement, though it can be extended by a law passed by Parliament.
• Seats reserved for women shall be allocated by rotation to different constituencies within a State or Union Territory as determined by Parliament.
• This amendment fulfills a long-standing demand for women's quotas that had been pending in various forms for nearly three decades.

The correct answer is By implementing region-specific policies and resource allocation.

Key Points

• Inter-regional disparities in human development refer to the unequal distribution of educational opportunities and healthcare services across different geographical areas. In a country like India, states like Kerala often outperform others, necessitating localized strategies.
• Region-specific policies are essential because they address the unique socio-economic and geographical constraints of lagging regions, such as topography, population density, and existing infrastructure gaps.
• Effective resource allocation involves redirecting financial and human capital toward underdeveloped areas. This is often managed through the Finance Commission of India, which uses horizontal devolution to support states with lower fiscal capacity.
• The Aspirational Districts Programme, launched by NITI Aayog in 2018, is a prime example of this approach. It focuses on 112 districts across the country to improve their performance in Health & Nutrition and Education through competitive federalism.
• Decentralized planning via Panchayati Raj Institutions ensures that Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and rural schools are managed according to the actual needs of the local community, rather than through a top-down, centralized model.

 Additional Information

• Human Development Index (HDI):
• A composite index created by the UNDP that measures Life Expectancy, Expected/Mean Years of Schooling, and Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.
• Reducing disparities directly improves a nation’s overall HDI ranking and Human Capital.
• Urban Bias and Centralization:
• Centralizing economic activities in urban areas or capital cities (Options 3 & 4) exacerbates the Rural-Urban Divide and leads to unplanned migration.
• Neglecting rural education (Option 2) hinders the long-term economic productivity of the workforce and violates the Right to Education Act, 2009.

The correct answer is Kaziranga National Park, Assam.

Key Points

• The first-ever grassland bird census utilizing Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools was conducted in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR), located in Assam.
• This initiative focused on documenting the avian diversity within the park’s unique alluvial grasslands, specifically targeting elusive and critically endangered species like the Bengal Florican.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi featured this conservation milestone in his Mann ki Baat address in August 2025, highlighting how Digital India and Wildlife Conservation are merging to protect biodiversity.
• The methodology involved deploying Automated Recording Units (ARUs) across various ranges of the park to capture bird calls, which were then analyzed using AI-driven software to identify species without human presence, ensuring zero disturbance to the habitat.
• This technological leap allows for 24/7 monitoring and provides a more accurate population density estimate compared to traditional visual encounter surveys.

 Additional Information

• Kaziranga National Park:
• It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and is renowned for hosting two-thirds of the world’s population of Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceroses.
• The park is an Important Bird Area (IBA) as designated by BirdLife International.
• Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM):
• A non-invasive technique used to monitor ecosystem health by recording sounds over long periods.
• It is particularly effective in dense grasslands where visibility is limited for traditional binoculars-based surveys.
• Other National Parks:
• Keoladeo National Park: Located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, it is primarily famous for its wetland ecosystem and migratory waterfowl.
• Sultanpur National Park: A significant bird sanctuary in Haryana known for its lake and resident/migratory birds.
• Jim Corbett National Park: Situated in Uttarakhand, it is India’s oldest national park and a flagship site for Project Tiger.

The correct answer is Operation Nanhe Farishte.

Key Points

• Operation Nanhe Farishte is a flagship initiative launched by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of the Indian Railways aimed at rescuing children who are found in vulnerable conditions at railway stations and on trains.
• The primary objective of this mission is to identify children who have run away from home, are missing, or have been victims of human trafficking, and to ensure their immediate safety and rehabilitation.
• Between January 2024 and April 2025, localized reporting from zones such as the South Western Railway (SWR) confirmed that over 260 children (specifically 267 in certain quarterly reports) were successfully rescued under this banner, highlighting the initiative's consistent impact.
• Under the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Ministry of Railways, rescued children are provided with medical care and counseling before being handed over to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) or recognized Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
• The RPF utilizes data from the Track Child portal and coordinates with Childline 1098 to reunite these children with their families or provide them with institutional care under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.

 Additional Information

• Mission Vatsalya:
• This is an umbrella scheme launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to strengthen the child protection ecosystem in India.
• It supports the infrastructure of Child Help Desks (CHD) at major railway stations, which work in tandem with the Railway Protection Force.
• Operation Shakti:
• While the term is used for various state-level security drives (such as in Uttar Pradesh), the Indian Railways specifically deploys Operation Meri Saheli and Operation Mahila Suraksha to ensure the safety of women passengers.
• Railway Protection Force (RPF):
• The RPF is an Armed Force of the Union constituted under the RPF Act, 1957, and it holds the legal mandate to protect railway property, passenger areas, and the passengers themselves.

The correct answer is An organised society with distinct social classes and a wide range of occupational groups.

Key Points

• The Mauryan society was characterized by a sophisticated and hierarchical structure as documented in contemporary literature like Megasthenes' Indika and Kautilya's Arthashastra.
• Megasthenes, the Greek ambassador in the court of Chandragupta Maurya, observed that the society was divided into seven distinct classes: philosophers, farmers, herdsmen, artisans, soldiers, overseers, and councillors, primarily categorized by their functional roles in the state.
• While the traditional Varna system (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras) remained the ideological foundation, the era saw the proliferation of various Jatis (sub-castes) arising from the integration of tribal groups and occupational specialization.
• The state exercised significant control over social life, with Kautilya emphasizing the duties of different classes to maintain Dharma and social stability within the vast Mauryan Empire.

 Additional Information

• Social Hierarchy and Governance:
• Contrary to being an egalitarian society, the Mauryan period featured sharp socio-economic disparities; the Brahmins and Kshatriyas occupied the top tier, while Shudras and untouchables were at the bottom.
• The economy was predominantly agrarian, but the rise of urban centers like Pataliputra, Taxila, and Ujjain facilitated the growth of powerful mercantile guilds (Srenis) that regulated trade and crafts.
• Ancient India during this period had moved far beyond an exclusively tribal society; it was the era of the first great centralized empire with a professional standing army and a complex bureaucracy.
• Evidence from Ashokan Edicts suggests a society where moral conduct and religious tolerance were promoted through the policy of Dhamma, aimed at unifying a diverse population.
• The status of women was varied; while they had certain rights to property (Stridhana), the society remained largely patriarchal, though some women served as guards or spies for the king.

The correct answer is Arid and semi arid climate.

Key Points

• The Great Indian Desert, also known as the Thar Desert, is located in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent, primarily covering the state of Rajasthan.
• The region is characterized by an Arid and semi arid climate where the annual rainfall is extremely low, generally remaining below 25 cm or 250 mm.
• The climate is marked by a high diurnal range of temperature, where daytime temperatures in summer can soar above 45°C while night temperatures can drop significantly.
• High rates of evapotranspiration and low humidity levels prevent the retention of moisture, resulting in sparse vegetation dominated by xerophytic plants and thorny bushes.
• The Aravalli Range plays a crucial role in creating these conditions as it lies parallel to the Southwest Monsoon winds, causing them to pass over the region without shedding much moisture.

 Additional Information

• Equatorial climate:
• Features high temperatures and heavy convectional rainfall exceeding 200 cm throughout the year, found near the Equator.
• Humid subtropical climate:
• Characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters, typically found in the Indo-Gangetic Plains of Northern India.
• Tropical monsoon climate:
• Defined by seasonal reversal of winds and distinct wet and dry seasons, covering much of coastal and central India.
• Luni River:
• The only significant river in the Thar Desert, which is ephemeral and disappears into the Rann of Kutch.

The correct answer is Yamandu Orsi.

Key Points

• Yamandú Orsi was officially sworn in as the 43^rd President of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay on March 1, 2025, for a five-year term ending in 2030.
• He represents the Broad Front (Frente Amplio), a center-left political coalition, marking the return of the left to power after five years of conservative governance under Luis Lacalle Pou.
• Orsi secured his victory in the second-round runoff election held on November 24, 2024, where he defeated Álvaro Delgado of the National Party with approximately 49.8% of the vote.
• A former history teacher and a two-term mayor of Canelones (Uruguay’s second-most populous department), Orsi has pledged to focus on economic growth, social equity, and citizen security.
• The inauguration ceremony took place at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo and was attended by regional leaders including the presidents of Brazil, Chile, and Colombia.
• His running mate, Carolina Cosse, the former mayor of Montevideo, was also sworn in as the Vice President of the country.

 Additional Information

• Claudia Sheinbaum:
• She is the first female President of Mexico, sworn into office on October 1, 2024.
• She belongs to the Morena party and previously served as the Head of Government of Mexico City.
• Masoud Pezeshkian:
• He is the President of Iran, having assumed office in July 2024 following a special election after the death of Ebrahim Raisi.
• He is recognized as a reformist politician and is a cardiac surgeon by profession.
• Jair Bolsonaro:
• He served as the 38^th President of Brazil from 2019 to 2022.
• He is a prominent right-wing leader who was succeeded by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in January 2023.

The correct answer is Central Institute of Indian Languages.

Key Points

• The Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), established in 1969, is a subordinate office of the Ministry of Education (formerly MHRD) located in Mysuru, Karnataka.
• The institute is the designated nodal agency for the promotion and preservation of Classical Languages in India, specifically managing the Centres of Excellence for Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia.
• Its primary objective is to assist the Government of India in language planning and to provide linguistic support for the development of Indian languages through research, training, and material production.
• CIIL oversees the implementation of schemes that provide fellowships and awards to scholars for their contribution to classical and modern Indian languages.

 Additional Information

• Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)
• Founded in 1987, it is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture that serves as a major resource center for the arts.
• It focuses on the study and experience of all arts—visual, performing, and literary—across various cultural contexts.
• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
• Established in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham, it functions under the Ministry of Culture.
• It is responsible for archaeological research and the conservation of centrally protected monuments of national importance.
• Sahitya Akademi of India
• Inaugurated in 1954, this autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture acts as the National Academy of Letters.
• It promotes literature in 24 Indian languages and presents the annual Sahitya Akademi Award, the second-highest literary honor in India.

The correct answer is Christian Medical College, Vellore.

Key Points

• In April 2025, a significant milestone in Indian biotechnology was achieved when BRIC-InStem (Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine), Bengaluru, collaborated with Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, to conduct India’s first indigenous gene therapy clinical trial.
• The trial specifically targeted Haemophilia A, a hereditary bleeding disorder caused by the deficiency or absence of clotting Factor VIII, which historically required expensive lifelong protein replacement therapies.
• The therapy utilizes a novel Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) vector developed in India to deliver a functional copy of the F8 gene into the patient’s liver cells, enabling the body to produce the missing clotting factor naturally.
• This collaborative effort was spearheaded by the Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR), a unit of BRIC-InStem located at the CMC Vellore campus, facilitating the bridge between laboratory research and clinical application.
• The project received crucial support from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), aiming to make advanced genetic treatments accessible and affordable for the Indian population.

 Additional Information

• Haemophilia A:
• It is an X-linked recessive genetic disorder that primarily affects males, impairing the blood clotting process and leading to internal bleeding, especially in joints.
• The condition is characterized by mutations in the gene responsible for Coagulation Factor VIII.
• Gene Therapy:
• A medical field focusing on the genetic modification of cells to produce a therapeutic effect by repairing, replacing, or regenerating defective genetic sequences.
• BRIC-InStem:
• An autonomous institute of the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, dedicated to high-end research in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.
• Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR):
• The apex body in India for the formulation and coordination of biomedical research; while it sets guidelines for trials, it was not the primary clinical partner for this specific indigenous gene therapy trial.

The correct answer is Low fertility and low mortality.

Key Points

• The Demographic Transition Model (DTM) describes the historical shift from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as societies progress through industrialization and urbanization.
• Stage III, often referred to as the Late Expanding stage, is characterized by a significant decline in the fertility rate (birth rate) and a continued low or declining mortality rate (death rate).
• In this stage, the natural increase of the population begins to slow down because the gap between birth rates and death rates narrows.
• Social changes such as increased female literacy, higher status of women, and improved access to contraception and family planning services lead to smaller family sizes.
• Economic shifts from agricultural to industrial and service-based economies make children an economic liability rather than an asset, further driving down the birth rate.
• As per NCERT and standard geographical models, by the end of this stage, the society becomes highly urbanized and literate, with the population becoming stable or increasing very slowly.

 Additional Information

• Stage I (High Stationary):
• Characterized by High Fertility and High Mortality.
• Population growth is very slow because high birth rates are offset by high death rates caused by epidemics, famines, and lack of medical technology.
• Stage II (Early Expanding):
• Features a High Birth Rate and a Rapidly Declining Death Rate.
• The improvement in sanitation, healthcare, and food security leads to a population explosion during this phase.
• Migration:
• While not a defining metric of DTM stages, Rural-to-Urban Migration typically peaks during Stage II and Stage III as the labor force moves toward industrial centers.
• Stage IV (Low Stationary):
• Both birth and death rates are very low, leading to a stable or even declining population in some developed nations.

The correct answer is Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Key Points

• The first-ever BIMSTEC Youth Summit was successfully hosted in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from February 7 to 11, 2025.
• The summit was formally inaugurated on February 8, 2025, by the Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel.
• The central theme of the event was 'Youth as a Bridge for Intra-BIMSTEC Exchange', aimed at fostering regional integration and bilateral relations among young leaders.
• This inaugural summit was a direct follow-up to the announcement made by the Prime Minister of India during the 4^th BIMSTEC Summit held in Kathmandu in 2018.
• The event was organized by the Department of Youth Affairs (Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs and Young Indians (CII Yi) as the knowledge partner.

 Additional Information

• BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation):
• Member States: The organization comprises seven nations: India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan.
• Establishment: It was formed on June 6, 1997, following the Bangkok Declaration to promote rapid economic development in the region.
• Secretariat: The permanent headquarters of BIMSTEC is located in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
• Summit Highlights:
• Participation: Approximately 70 youth delegates (10 from each member state) including entrepreneurs, influencers, and young parliamentarians participated.
• Site Visits: Delegates visited the GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City), Dandi Kutir, and Sabarmati Ashram to understand India's technological and historical heritage.
• MY Bharat: The summit highlighted the Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) platform as a technology-driven institutional mechanism for youth development.

The correct answer is The enactment of laws enabling detention without trial despite resistance.

Key Points

• The Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, popularly known as the Rowlatt Act, was passed by the Imperial Legislative Council in March 1919.
• This legislation granted the British colonial government enormous powers to repress political activities and allowed the detention of political prisoners without trial for a duration of up to two years.
• Despite the unanimous opposition of Indian members within the council, such as Madan Mohan Malaviya, Mazhar-ul-Haq, and Mohammed Ali Jinnah (who resigned in protest), the bill was hurried through.
• Mahatma Gandhi criticized the act as 'unjust', 'tyrannical', and a 'Black Act' that violated fundamental civil rights, prompting him to form the Satyagraha Sabha to organize a nationwide protest.
• The Rowlatt Satyagraha was launched as a non-violent movement involving hartals (strikes), fasting, and prayer, officially commencing with a massive national strike on 6^th April 1919.

 Additional Information

• Rowlatt Act Context:
• The act was based on recommendations by the Sedition Committee headed by Justice S.A.T. Rowlatt to investigate 'revolutionary conspiracies'.
• It replaced the temporary provisions of the Defence of India Act (1915) with permanent repressive measures.
• Consequences:
• The intense anti-Rowlatt agitation in the Punjab region led to the arrest of leaders like Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satyapal.
• The subsequent civil unrest and government crackdown culminated in the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre on 13^th April 1919 in Amritsar.
• Incorrect Scenarios:
• Issues regarding agricultural harvests and taxation were central to the Kheda Satyagraha and Champaran Satyagraha (1917–1918).
• Demands for Dominion Status were key features of later constitutional debates, such as the Nehru Report (1928) and the Simon Commission era.

The correct answer is Either a single-house or two-house systems.

Key Points

• According to Article 168 of the Indian Constitution, every state shall have a legislature which consists of the Governor and either one or two houses.
• A Unicameral Legislature refers to a system with only one house, known as the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha). The majority of Indian states currently function under this system.
• A Bicameral Legislature consists of two houses: the Legislative Assembly (Lower House) and the Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad or Upper House).
• The Constitution provides flexibility, allowing states to have different structures based on their specific needs and historical context. Currently, six states possess a bicameral setup: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.
• The Parliament of India has the authority to create or abolish the Legislative Council in a state under Article 169, provided the state’s Legislative Assembly passes a resolution to that effect with a special majority.

 Additional Information

• Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha)
• It is the popular house where members are directly elected by the people for a term of five years.
• The maximum strength is capped at 500 members, while the minimum is generally 60, though exceptions exist for smaller states like Sikkim and Goa.
• Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad)
• It is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution; one-third of its members retire every two years.
• The total number of members in the Council cannot exceed one-third of the total membership of the Assembly but must not be less than 40.
• Members are elected through a complex process involving Local Bodies, Graduates, Teachers, and nomination by the Governor.

The correct answer is Cities had magnificent palaces, monuments and royal tombs.

Key Points

• The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) was primarily a secular and egalitarian society where urban planning prioritized civic amenities over the glorification of rulers or deities.
• Unlike contemporary civilizations in Egypt (known for Pyramids) or Mesopotamia (known for Ziggurats), Harappan sites lack evidence of monumental palaces, royal tombs, or massive religious temples.
• The architectural focus was strictly utilitarian and functional, emphasizing public health, sanitation, and efficient resource storage rather than aesthetic ornamentation or grand monuments.
• Harappan cities were divided into a raised Citadel for public buildings and a Lower Town for residential quarters, reflecting a highly organized social structure based on administrative or trade needs rather than hereditary monarchy.
• Structural remains like the Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro and the Granaries at Harappa served communal purposes, confirming that architecture was geared toward the welfare of the general population.

 Additional Information

• Standardized Construction Materials:
• The Harappans used standardized baked bricks with a fixed ratio of 1:2:4 (thickness to width to length), which was consistent across hundreds of miles from Kalibangan to Lothal.
• While sun-dried bricks were common in other cultures, the IVC is unique for its extensive use of kiln-fired bricks, ensuring the longevity of structures.
• Urban Planning and Sanitation:
• Cities featured a grid system where streets ran north-south and east-west, intersecting at 90-degree angles.
• Every house was connected to a sophisticated underground drainage system lined with bricks and provided with removable stone slabs for cleaning, representing the highest standard of sanitary engineering in the ancient world.
• Domestic Architecture:
• Houses were built with several rooms around a central courtyard, often featuring private wells and separate bathing areas, showcasing a high level of privacy and comfort.