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The central highlands of the Indian peninsula are composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks.

Key Points 

• Baghelkhand is one of the igneous rock plateaus that make up the Central Highlands.
• A tableland made up of ancient crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks is known as the Peninsular plateau.
• It belongs to the oldest landmass because it was created by the fracturing and drifting of the Gondwana region.
• The plateau contains rounded hills and wide, shallow valleys.
• The Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau are the two main sections of Peninsular plateau.
• The Central Highlands are a significant portion of the Malwa plateau and are located on the Peninsular plateau to the north of the Narmada river.

Additional Information

• Towards the west, the Central Highlands are wider; in the east, they are narrower.
• Locally, this plateau's eastern extensions are referred to as the Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand.
• The further extension to the east, drained by the Damodar river, is the Chotanagpur plateau.
• South of the Narmada River is a triangle-shaped continent known as the Deccan Plateau.
• The Deccan Plateau rises slightly eastward and is taller in the west. Northeastern residents refer to the Meghalaya, Karbi-Anglong, and North Cachar Hills as extensions of the Plateau.
• It is divided from the Chotanagpur Plateau by a fault. The Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia Hills are three notable hill ranges that stretch from the west to the east.

Therefore, the central highlands of the Indian peninsula are composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks.

The correct answer is Lahore.

Key Points

• Maharaja Man Singh I, the ruler of Amber (Jaipur), is credited with introducing the art of Meenakari (enamel work) to Rajasthan.
• He brought skilled artisans from Lahore to Jaipur during his reign in the late 16^th century.
• Meenakari was traditionally used to decorate jewelry and other objects, combining vibrant colors with intricate designs.
• The art form flourished under royal patronage and became an integral part of Jaipur's rich artistic heritage.
• Jaipur is now globally renowned for its exquisite Meenakari work, especially in jewelry making.

Additional Information

• Meenakari
• It is the art of decorating metal surfaces with intricate designs using colored enamel.
• The technique involves fusing powdered colored glass onto metal surfaces through intense heat.
• Gold is traditionally used as the base metal for Meenakari due to its compatibility with the enamel, though silver and copper are also used.
• It is often combined with Kundan and Jadau jewelry to create elaborate designs.
• Historical Context
• Maharaja Man Singh I ruled Amber (now Jaipur) from 1589 to 1614 during the Mughal era.
• He was a trusted general of Emperor Akbar and established a strong cultural and artistic influence in his kingdom.
• The introduction of Meenakari to Jaipur reflects the fusion of Mughal and Rajput art traditions.
• Jaipur as an Artistic Hub
• Jaipur is often referred to as the "Pink City" and has been a center for craftsmanship and artistry since its foundation in 1727.
• It is especially famous for its jewelry-making traditions, including Meenakari, Kundan, and Jadau techniques.
• The city attracts artisans and patrons from across the world for its distinctive artistic heritage.
• Modern Relevance
• Meenakari jewelry and artifacts are highly sought after in domestic and international markets.
• The art form is protected and promoted as part of India’s cultural heritage.
• Efforts are being made to train new generations of artisans to preserve this traditional craft.

The correct answer is 151^st.

In News

• India ranks 151^st in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, showing a slight improvement from 159^th in 2024.

Key Points

• India ranks 151^st in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, improving from 159^th in 2024.
• The report highlights significant threats to press freedom in India, including financial instability among media outlets.
• Many media outlets in India have shut down due to economic hardship, further limiting press freedom.

Additional Information

• World Press Freedom Index
• The World Press Freedom Index is compiled by Reporters Without Borders, evaluating the press freedom situation in 180 countries.
• It measures the degree of freedom available to journalists in each country and the dangers they face in reporting the news.
• Press Freedom Threats
• Press freedom faces significant challenges globally, including economic pressures, violence against journalists, and government censorship.

The correct answer is Tripura.

Key Points

• Clouded leopard National Park is located in Tripura.
• The park is located in the Sipahijola wildlife sanctuary in Tripura.
• An area of about 5.08 square km is covered by the park.
• Primate monkeys are commonly found here.
• The park was established in 2007.

Additional Information

• Tripura forest development and plantation corporation limited govern the park.
• The weather of the area is temperate for the most part of the year.
• An artificial Lake is also present here.
• The beauties of mother nature can be best realized at this place.
• For the betterment of wildlife and biodiversity, national parks are established.
• Hunting, grazing, cultivation activities are prohibited here.

The correct answer is 2 i.e. Quit India Movement.​

 Key Points

Quit India Movement:

• The failure of the Cripps Mission and the fear of an imminent Japanese invasion of India led Mahatma Gandhi to begin his battle for the British to leave India.
• Mahatma Gandhi believed that an interim government could be made only after the British left India and the Hindu-Muslim problem sorted out.
• Detail of the movement:
• The All India Congress Committee gathered at Bombay on 8 August 1942 and passed the famous Quit India Resolution.
• On the same day, Gandhi gave his call of ‘do or die’.
• On 8^th and 9^th August 1942, the government seized all the prominent leaders of the Congress.
• For once, this pre-prepared action of the government left the Indian people without leadership.
• Mahatma Gandhi was held in prison at Poona.
• Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Abul Kalam Azad, and other leaders were detained in the Ahmednagar Fort.
• At this time, leadership was provided by Ram Manohar Lohia, Achyuta, and S.M. Joshi.
• The role of Jayaprakash Narain in this movement was significant.

Additional Information

The reach of the Movement:

• A large number of students also left their schools and colleges to join the movement.
• The youth of the nation also participated in this movement with patriotism.
• Strikes, demonstrations and public meetings were organized in various towns and cities.
• Slowly the movement spread in the rural areas.
• In 1943, as the movement gained further momentum, there were armed attacks on government buildings in Madras and Bengal.
• In 1944 Mahatma Gandhi was released from jail. Quit India Movement was the final attempt for the country’s freedom.
• The British Government ordered for 538 rounds of firing. Nearly 60,229 persons were jailed. At least 7,000 people were killed.
• This movement paved the way for India’s freedom. It moved among Indians the feelings of bravery, enthusiasm, and sacrifice.

The correct answer is 97

Key Points 

• The main source of salt water is the ocean.
• All oceans and seas have salty water.
• More than 97% of the Earth’s water is found in the oceans and is too salty for human use.
• Don Juan Pond is the saltiest among all seas and oceans.
• A dead sea in Israel has a salinity of 340 grams/liter of water.
• Swimmers can float in the dead sea because the increased salt content makes it dense.
• The seawater collected in shallow beds dug in the sand is allowed to dry in the sun and the salt remains on the ground is collected for commercial purposes.
• All waters in nature contain dissolved mineral salts.
• Salinity is the amount of salt in grams present in 1000 grams of water.
• The average salinity of the oceans is 35 parts per thousand.

The correct answer is Shaktikanta Das

In News

• Shaktikanta Das, former RBI governor, appointed as 'Principal Secretary-2' to PM Narendra Modi.

Key Points

• His appointment is "co-terminus" with the PM's term or until further orders.
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved his appointment.
• Shaktikanta Das served as RBI governor for six years before stepping down in December 2024.
• Sanjay Malhotra succeeded him as the 26^th governor of RBI.
• Das is a 1980-batch IAS officer from the Tamil Nadu cadre.
• He holds a master's degree in history from St. Stephen's College, Delhi, and a postgraduate degree in public administration from the University of Birmingham.
• He was the Economic Affairs Secretary during India's 2016 demonetization.
• Played a key role in implementing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on July 1, 2017.
• As RBI governor, he helped navigate India's economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• His tenure was extended for three years in 2021.
• He has also served as Secretary of the Department of Revenue and Department of Economic Affairs.
• Post-retirement, he was appointed as Member of the 15^th Finance Commission and G20 Sherpa of India.

The correct answer is Lord Canning.

Key Points

• After the 1857 revolt, the Company rule was abolished and India came under the direct control of the British crown.
• The post of Governor-General of India was renamed by the Viceroy of India after the Government of India Act of 1858.
• The first Viceroy of India was Lord Canning.
• He was the Viceroy from 1857 to 1862.
• He established three universities in Calcutta, Bombay and Madras in 1857.

 Thus, we can say that Lord canning was the first Viceroy of India after the enactment of the Government of India Act of 1858.

Additional Information

• Lord Dalhousie was the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856.
• Lord Irwin was the Viceroy of India from 1926 to 1931.

The correct answer is Sikkim

Key Points

• Sakewa is a religious festival celebrated by the Kirat Khambu Rai community of Sikkim.
• It is also known as the Bhoomi puja or Chandi puja (worship of mother earth).
• The festival begins on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Baisakh, which usually falls in April/May.
• Other festivals celebrated in Sikkim: Maghe Sankranti, Sonam Lochar, Losar, Ramnawami (Chaite Dasain), Sakewa, Saga Dawa, Pang Lhabsol, Tamu Lochar.

Additional Information List of a religious festival in a different state in India:

Correct Answer Balloon Mortgage

Key Points In this type of loan, borrowers make low payments for a certain period of time and then pay off the remaining balance in one large lump sum, or "balloon" payment, at the end of the loan term.

Initial Low Payments:

• Balloon loans typically have lower initial payments compared to traditional loans.
• This is because these payments are primarily based on the interest of the loan, not the principal.

Lump Sum Payment:

• The defining feature of a balloon loan is the large "balloon" payment due at the end of the loan term.
• This payment covers the remaining principal of the loan.

Short Term:

• Balloon loans usually have shorter terms than traditional installment loans.
• The term is often 5 to 7 years, but the balloon payment is based on what the balance would be after a longer term, often 30 years.

Risk of Default:

• There is a higher risk of default with balloon loans.
• If borrowers cannot make the large balloon payment at the end of the term, they may need to refinance the loan, sell the asset, or default on the loan.

Common in Real Estate:

• Balloon loans are often used in real estate transactions, particularly for commercial properties or short-term real estate investments.
• They can also be used for personal loans and auto loans.