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The correct answer is Option 3.

Key Points

• The 91^st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 restricted the size of the Council of Ministers to 15% of the total membership of the Lok Sabha (or State Legislative Assemblies in states). Hence, option 3 is correct.

Key Provisions of the 91^st Amendment Act:

• Restriction on Council of Ministers:
• Article 75(1A) was added to limit the size of the Council of Ministers, including the Prime Minister, to 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha.
• In states, the size of the Council of Ministers is similarly limited to 15% of the total strength of the Legislative Assembly under Article 164(1A).
• Disqualification of Defectors:
• The Amendment also strengthened the anti-defection law by disqualifying defectors from ministerial positions.
• Purpose:
• To curb the practice of excessively large Councils of Ministers, which burdened the exchequer and compromised governance efficiency.

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

• The Goldman Environmental Prize for the Asia region in 2024 was awarded to Alok Shukla, a forest and tribal rights activist from India. Hence, option 2 is correct.
• He led a successful community campaign that saved 445,000 acres of biodiversity-rich forests in the Hasdeo Aranya region of Chhattisgarh from 21 planned coal mines.
• In July 2022, the government canceled these proposed coal mines, preserving the ecological integrity of the area.
• The Hasdeo Aranya forests are known as the "lungs of Chhattisgarh," harboring rich biodiversity, including endangered species, and supporting the livelihoods of Indigenous communities.

The Goldman Environmental Prize:

• The Goldman Environmental Prize, often referred to as the "Green Nobel," honors grassroots environmental heroes from the world's six inhabited continental regions.
• Established in 1989 by Richard and Rhoda Goldman, the prize recognizes individuals for sustained and significant efforts to protect and enhance the natural environment, often at great personal risk.
• Alok Shukla's achievement underscores the impact of community-led environmental activism in safeguarding natural resources and Indigenous rights.

The correct answer is Option 3.

Key Points

• Queen Victoria officially became the Empress of India in 1877 under the Royal Titles Act of 1876. Hence, option 3 is correct.
• Purpose of the Act:
• The Royal Titles Act was passed to reflect the British Crown's authority over India after the British government took direct control of India following the 1857 Revolt.
• It was introduced by Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli to consolidate British imperial dominance.
• Proclamation:
• The formal proclamation of Queen Victoria as "Empress of India" took place during the Delhi Durbar on January 1, 1877.
• Title:
• The title "Empress of India" was meant to emphasize Britain's supremacy over the Indian subcontinent.
• In Latin, the title was "Imperatrix Indiae".
• Impact:
• This move strengthened Queen Victoria's symbolic control over India and marked the formalization of India as part of the British Empire.

The correct answer is Option 1.

Key Points

Displacement Reaction:

• In this reaction, copper (Cu) displaces silver (Ag) from the silver nitrate solution. Hence, option 1 is correct.
• A more reactive metal (Copper) displaces a less reactive metal (Silver) from its compound.
• When copper metal is placed in an aqueous solution of silver nitrate (AgNO₃), the following reaction occurs:

           Cu (s) + 2AgNO₃(aq) → Cu(NO₃)₂(aq)+2Ag (s)

• Copper metal turns bluish as copper nitrate (Cu(NO₃)₂) forms in the solution.
• Silver metal appears as shiny crystals deposited on the surface of the copper.

The correct answer is Option 4.

Key Points

• The Andes extend along the western coast of South America, spanning seven countries. Hence, option 4 is correct.
• The Andes stretch through seven countries in South America:
• Venezuela
• Colombia
• Ecuador
• Peru
• Bolivia
• Chile
• Argentina
• Orientation:
• The Andes run north to south along the western edge of the continent, parallel to the Pacific Ocean.
• Length:
• The Andes is the longest mountain range in the world, spanning approximately 7,000 kilometers (4,300 miles).
• Highest Peak:
• The highest peak in the Andes is Mount Aconcagua (6,961 meters) in Argentina.
• Significance:
• The Andes are known for their diverse ecosystems, including mountains, high plateaus, volcanoes, and rainforests.
• They influence the climate and geography of the region and are home to the Altiplano Plateau, the Amazon basin, and ancient Incan heritage sites like Machu Picchu.

The correct answer is Option 3.

Key Points

• The Constitution of India does not specify any time limit within which a Governor must return an ordinary bill to the State Legislature for reconsideration. Hence, option 3 is correct.
• Governor’s Role in Bill Assent (Article 200):
• When a State Legislature passes an ordinary bill, the Governor has the following options:
• a) Give assent to the bill.
• b) Withhold assent to the bill.
• c) Return the bill for reconsideration to the State Legislature (except for Money Bills).
• d) Reserve the bill for the President’s consideration.
• No Time Frame:
• The Constitution does not prescribe any specific time frame for the Governor to act on the bill.
• This often leads to delays, as the Governor may sit on the bill indefinitely, causing controversies regarding the misuse of power.
• Returning for Reconsideration:
• If the Governor returns the bill for reconsideration, the State Legislature can:
• Repass the bill with or without amendments.
• If the bill is sent back to the Governor again, the Governor is bound to give assent to the bill.

The correct answer is Option 4.

Key Points

• Arti, an 18-year-old from Bahraich district in Uttar Pradesh, is currently a pink e-rickshaw driver. She provides safe transportation for women in her community, challenging traditional gender roles and inspiring other young girls to pursue their dreams. Hence, option 4 is correct.
• Her dedication and impact were recognized in May 2024 when she received the Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award from King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.
• Arti's journey began with her participation in Project Lehar, an initiative by the Aga Khan Foundation in partnership with Prince’s Trust International. This program offers vocational training, entrepreneurship, and life skills courses for girls and young women from low-income backgrounds in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
• Through Project Lehar, Arti was introduced to the Pink E-Rickshaw scheme, a government initiative aimed at empowering women by providing them with e-rickshaws to enhance their mobility and economic independence. She became one of the first female e-rickshaw drivers in her district, breaking societal barriers and setting an example for others.
• Her story is a testament to the transformative power of determination and the positive impact of initiatives focused on women's empowerment.

The correct answer is Option 3.

Key Points

• Decomposition is the natural process where microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and other decomposers break down organic matter (dead plants, animals, and waste) into simpler substances. Hence, option 3 is correct.
• Stages of Decomposition:
• Fragmentation: Breakdown of organic material into smaller pieces.
• Leaching: Water-soluble nutrients are released.
• Catabolism: Microbes break complex organic matter into simpler compounds using enzymes.
• Humification: Formation of humus (a dark organic substance).
• Mineralization: Release of inorganic nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon dioxide.
• Microorganisms Involved:
• Bacteria: Primary decomposers in the early stages.
• Fungi: Important in breaking down complex organic matter like cellulose and lignin.
• Actinomycetes: Break down tough, woody materials.

The correct answer is Option 1.

Key Points

• The "Bombay Plan" (1944) was formulated by a group of prominent Indian industrialists and capitalists who played a key role in envisioning India's post-independence economic development.
• The plan emphasized the importance of state intervention and investment in infrastructure to boost economic growth.
• The key architects of the Bombay Plan were:
• J.R.D. Tata (Tata Group)
• G.D. Birla (Birla Group)
• Sir Ardeshir Dalal (Administrator and Industrialist)
• Lala Shri Ram (DCM Group)
• Kasturbhai Lalbhai (Textile Industrialist)
• Purshottamdas Thakurdas (Businessman and Banker)
• A.D. Shroff (Economist and Industrialist)
• John Mathai (Economist, later India’s Finance Minister). Hence, option 1 is correct.
• Key Features of the Bombay Plan:
• State-led Industrialization: Focus on large-scale public investment in industries and infrastructure.
• Mixed Economy: A combination of state and private sector participation.
• Focus on Basic Industries: Investment in steel, power, and transport to lay the foundation for economic growth.
• Social Welfare: Emphasis on poverty alleviation and equitable distribution of resources.
• Planned Economic Development: Proposed a systematic 15-year plan to accelerate growth.

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

• In June 2024, China became the first country to successfully return soil samples from the far side of the Moon. Hence, option 2 is correct.
• The Chang'e 6 mission collected approximately 2 kilograms of lunar material from the Moon's far side and safely brought it back to Earth.
• Key Highlights of the Chang'e 6 Mission:
• Landing Site: The Chang'e 6 lander touched down in the southern part of the Apollo crater, located within the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the Moon's far side.
• Sample Collection: Utilizing a robotic scoop and drill, the mission gathered lunar soil and rock samples, aiming to enhance our understanding of the Moon's composition and geological history.
• Return to Earth: The collected samples were safely returned to Earth, landing in China's Inner Mongolia region on June 25, 2024.