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The correct answer is option 4. 

Key Points

• In the NITI Aayog's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India Index 2023-24, both Kerala and Uttarakhand emerged as the top-performing states, each achieving a score of 79. Following them, Tamil Nadu secured a score of 78, placing it just below the top performers. Hence option 4 is the correct answer.
• Kerala has consistently performed well in various SDG indicators, including health, education, and gender equality, contributing to its top rank.
• Uttarakhand's significant progress in areas such as clean energy and sustainable cities has elevated its position to share the top spot with Kerala.

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

• The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India, commonly referred to as the Anti-Defection Law, was added by the 52^nd Amendment Act of 1985. It was introduced to curb political defections and ensure stability in governments. Hence, option 4 is correct.
• Purpose:
• The primary objective of the Anti-Defection Law is to prevent elected representatives from changing parties after their election. The law mandates disqualification of members who defect from the party on which they were elected.
• Provisions in the Tenth Schedule:
• It outlines the grounds for disqualification of a Member of Parliament (MP) or Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) on the grounds of defection.
• If an elected representative voluntarily gives up membership of their party or votes contrary to the party's directive, they may be disqualified.
• It provides a mechanism for the Speaker or Chairman of the House to decide on the disqualification of members.
• The law does not apply to the formation of political alliances or mergers of parties that follow the prescribed procedure.
• Key Aspects:
• Voluntary defection: If a legislator voluntarily gives up their membership of the party or joins another party.
• Anti-party activity: A legislator voting against their party’s instructions in the legislature without permission.
• Exemptions: The law does not apply in cases of mergers if a specified proportion of members from the original party merge with another party.
• 91^st Amendment in 2003:
• The 91^st Amendment Act of 2003 made significant changes to the Tenth Schedule:
• Strengthening the Anti-Defection Law: The amendment was designed to curb the loopholes in the law and further reduce defections.
• Restriction on Multiple Defections: The amendment imposed a restriction on defection for members of the legislative bodies, even in the event of re-election. The members cannot switch parties freely after being re-elected.
• Bar on Floor-crossing: The amendment also prohibits the election of an MP or MLA from more than one political party in the same election, thereby closing gaps for political opportunism.
• Party Mergers: The 91^st Amendment requires at least two-thirds of the members of a political party to merge with another party for the merger to be recognized as valid and avoid disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law.

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

• The Taurus Mountains are a major mountain range that runs parallel to the Mediterranean coast in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). It is a prominent geographic feature in the southern part of Turkey. Hence, option 3 is correct.
• Location and Importance:
• The Taurus Mountains stretch from the western part of Turkey, near the Aegean Sea, to the eastern part, where they form a natural barrier between the Mediterranean coastal region and the central Anatolian Plateau.
• They play an important role in Turkey's climate, acting as a barrier for moisture from the Mediterranean, resulting in a more arid climate inland.
• Key Features:
• The range is known for its rugged terrain, deep valleys, and high peaks, such as Mount Demirkazik, which reaches an elevation of 3,756 meters.
• The Taurus Mountains are rich in natural resources, including minerals and forests, and are home to diverse flora and fauna.
• Cultural and Historical Significance:
• The range has historically provided a natural defense barrier for the civilizations that lived along the Mediterranean coast of Asia Minor, including the ancient Greeks and Romans.
• It is also home to several ancient settlements, including the cities of Antalya and Perge.

The correct answer is option 1.

Key Points

• Lord Mayo, the Viceroy of India from 1869 to 1872, is credited with initiating the decentralization of India's economic administration. Hence, option 1 is correct.
• His policies were aimed at shifting some power and responsibility to local levels of government, moving away from the previous highly centralized approach.
• Mayo’s Key Contributions:
• Financial Decentralization: Lord Mayo is known for decentralizing financial control by transferring the management of local resources and revenue to the provinces. This was part of his broader effort to reform the administration and reduce the burden on the central government.
• Establishment of Provincial Finance Committees: Mayo’s administration set up provincial finance committees to assist in the collection of revenue at the provincial level and ensure better allocation of funds for development at the local level.
• Impact on Colonial Economy:
• His efforts to decentralize economic control were designed to improve local governance and make the economy more responsive to regional needs, although still under the overarching framework of British colonial rule.

The Correct answer is Option 1. 

Key Points

1. Leap Year Check

2008 is a leap year because it is divisible by 4 and (for century years) would also need to be divisible by 400, but 2008 is not a century year. 2. Number of Days in 2008

Because it is a leap year, it has 366 days. 3. Day Calculation

• A normal year shifts the day of the week forward by 1 day (365 ≡ 1 mod 7).
• A leap year shifts the day forward by 2 days (366 ≡ 2 mod 7).

Since January 1, 2008 is a Tuesday, adding 2 days to Tuesday gets us:

• Wednesday
• Thursday

Thus, January 1, 2009 falls on a Thursday.

Hence Correct answer is Option 1.

The correct answer is option 4.

Key Points

• Meghalaya, known as the "Scotland of North-East India," earned this nickname due to its breathtaking natural beauty, lush green landscapes, hills, and the presence of numerous waterfalls, resembling the Scottish highlands. Hence, option 4 is correct.
• Geographical Features:
• Meghalaya is famous for its rolling hills, rainforests, and waterfalls, all contributing to its picturesque landscape.
• The state is located in the north-eastern part of India, with its capital, Shillong, often referred to as the "Rock Capital of India" due to its vibrant music culture.
• Why "Scotland of North-East India"?
• The state's hilly terrain, dense forests, and cool climate are some of the prominent features that led to its comparison with Scotland, which is also known for its rugged terrain and scenic beauty.
• Shillong, the state capital, has a distinctly British colonial charm, adding to the Scotland-like feel.

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

• In April 2020, the Bihar Education Department launched a program through DD Bihar to ensure uninterrupted education for students during the COVID-19 lockdown. The initiative aimed to cater to the educational needs of students by providing e-content via television.
• Program Details:
• The department started telecasting e-content for class IX-X students on DD Bihar. The program was designed to help students continue their learning at home during the pandemic when schools were closed. Hence, option 2 is correct.
• The telecast included educational lessons covering various subjects, helping students stay on track with their syllabus.
• Why Class IX-X Students?
• The focus on class IX-X students was particularly significant as these years are crucial for board exams and foundational academic progress. The e-content aimed to support students preparing for their important exams despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic.
• Impact of the Program:
• The telecast of educational content helped bridge the digital divide for students, especially in rural areas, where internet access might have been limited. It allowed students to access high-quality educational resources from the safety of their homes.

The correct answer is option 1.

Key Points

• The book 'Gulamgiri' (meaning "Slavery" in English) was written by Jyotirao Phule, a social reformer, thinker, and activist in 19^th-century India. It was published in 1873. Hence, option 1 is correct.
• Purpose of the Book:
• The book strongly criticized the oppressive caste system in India and highlighted the plight of the lower castes, particularly the untouchables, who were subjected to social discrimination and slavery by the upper castes.
• Key Themes:
• Condemnation of Caste-Based Oppression: Phule exposed the inhumane practices of the caste system and the exploitation of the lower castes.
• Advocacy for Equality and Social Justice: Phule advocated for the emancipation of the oppressed and called for a society based on equality, education, and justice.
• Legacy of Jyotirao Phule:
• Phule's works, including 'Gulamgiri', laid the foundation for social justice movements in India. He is remembered for his significant contributions to the abolition of untouchability and the promotion of education for women and lower castes.

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

• The 20^th Asian Games will be hosted by Japan in 2026. These games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, a major city located in central Japan. Hence, option 3 is correct.
• Key Details:
• The Asian Games are one of the largest multi-sport events in Asia, and the 2026 edition will mark the second time Japan has hosted the event, after previously hosting it in 1994 in Hiroshima.
• The games are expected to bring together thousands of athletes from across Asia to compete in various sports, furthering Japan's commitment to sports development and international collaboration.

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

• The Moon has no atmosphere primarily because the escape velocity (the speed required for an object to break free from the gravitational pull) of the Moon is too low to retain lighter gas molecules.
• Reason for No Atmosphere:
• The escape velocity of the Moon is around 2.38 km/s, which is much lower than the root mean square (rms) velocity of lighter gases like hydrogen and helium (around 1-1.5 km/s). This means that lighter gases can escape the Moon's gravitational pull more easily, leading to the absence of a significant atmosphere.
• On Earth, the escape velocity is much higher (around 11.2 km/s), which helps retain the atmosphere. Hence, option 2 is correct.