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The correct answer is Privatization of public sector units.

Key Points

• The New Economic Policy (NEP) was launched in July 1991 to pull the Indian economy out of a severe Balance of Payments (BoP) crisis and high Inflation. The policy categorized reforms into two groups: Stabilization Measures and Structural Reform Measures.
• Structural Reform Measures are long-term policies aimed at improving the efficiency of the economy and increasing international competitiveness by removing rigidities in various sectors. Privatization of public sector units is a core structural reform that involves reducing the role of the government in business and encouraging private ownership. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• Devaluation of the rupee was a short-term Stabilization Measure undertaken in 1991 (specifically on July 1 and July 3) to boost exports and discourage imports, thereby improving the Foreign Exchange Reserves. It is not classified as a structural reform. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• A Cut in subsidies is a part of Fiscal Policy stabilization aimed at reducing the Fiscal Deficit. While it was a necessary step during the 1991 crisis to achieve macroeconomic stability, it falls under stabilization measures rather than long-term structural changes. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• The 1991 policy actually focused on the removal or reduction of export duties and import tariffs to promote trade Liberalization. The imposition of export duty would contradict the goals of Globalization and trade expansion. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.

Additional Information

• Liberalization: This structural reform involved the abolition of Industrial Licensing for most industries, except for a strategic few like Defense equipment, Industrial explosives, and Hazardous chemicals. It also included Financial Sector Reforms where the role of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) shifted from a regulator to a facilitator.
• Privatization: It refers to the withdrawal of the state from ownership or management of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). This was achieved through Disinvestment (selling a part of the equity of PSUs to the public) and Strategic Sale (transfer of management control).
• Globalization: This involves the integration of the national economy with the global economy. Key steps included the reduction of Customs Duties, removal of Quantitative Restrictions (QRs) on imports, and allowing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in various sectors.
• Economic Context of 1991: The reforms were initiated under the leadership of Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and then Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. The crisis was so severe that India had to mortgage its Gold reserves to the Bank of England and the Union Bank of Switzerland to secure loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

Important Points

• LPG Model: The 1991 reforms are popularly known as the LPG Model (Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization). This model marked a shift from the Nehruvian Socialist model to a Market-oriented economy.
• Tax Reforms: As part of the structural reforms, Direct Tax rates (Income tax and Corporate tax) were reduced to encourage voluntary compliance and increase revenue. Indirect Tax structures were also simplified, eventually leading towards the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework years later.
• Foreign Exchange Reforms: To resolve the BoP crisis, the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA), 1973 was eventually replaced by the more liberal Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.
• Navratnas and Maharatnas: To improve the performance of PSUs, the government granted greater administrative and financial autonomy to certain profit-making companies, categorizing them as Maharatnas, Navratnas, and Miniratnas.

The correct answer is 1906.

Key Points

• The All India Muslim League was founded on 30^th December 1906 in Dacca (now Dhaka, Bangladesh).
• The foundation meeting took place at the Shahbagh Palace under the leadership of Nawab Khwaja Salimullah.
• The primary objective of the Muslim League was to protect the political and religious rights of Muslims in British India.
• The Simla Deputation of 1906, led by Aga Khan III, played a significant role in the formation of the league.
• The first honorary president of the All India Muslim League was Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk, with Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk as one of its founding members.

Additional Information

• Simla Deputation (1906):
• It was a delegation of prominent Muslim leaders led by Aga Khan III that met Lord Minto, the Viceroy of India, at Simla in 1906.
• The deputation demanded separate electorates for Muslims to ensure their political representation.
• This deputation laid the foundation for the formation of the All India Muslim League.
• Partition of Bengal (1905):
• Introduced by Lord Curzon, the partition divided Bengal into Hindu-majority and Muslim-majority regions.
• This move intensified communal sentiments and highlighted the need for a political platform for Muslims.
• Objectives of the Muslim League:
• To promote loyalty to the British government among Muslims.
• To safeguard the political and religious rights of Muslims.
• To prevent hostility between Muslims and other communities in India.
• Significance of the Muslim League:
• The Muslim League became the primary platform for articulating Muslim political aspirations in British India.
• It played a pivotal role in the demand for a separate Muslim state, which ultimately led to the creation of Pakistan in 1947.

The correct answer is Western Ghats and Arabian Sea.

Key Points

• The Western Coastal Plains of India are situated between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea.
• They are narrower compared to the Eastern Coastal Plains, with an average width ranging from 50 to 100 km.
• The plains extend from Gujarat in the north to Kerala in the south, covering the states of Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka in between.
• These plains are divided into three distinct sections: the Konkan Coast (Maharashtra and Goa), the Kanara Coast (Karnataka), and the Malabar Coast (Kerala).
• The region is known for its fertile soil, lagoons, backwaters, and estuaries, which support agriculture, fishing, and tourism.

Additional Information

• Western Ghats:
• A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the eight "hottest hotspots" of biological diversity globally.
• It is a continuous mountain range running parallel to the western coast of India.
• The Western Ghats play a crucial role in influencing the monsoon climate in India.
• Arabian Sea:
• Part of the northern Indian Ocean, bounded by India to the east, Pakistan and Iran to the north, and the Arabian Peninsula to the west.
• It is a major route for maritime trade and has significant economic importance.
• Backwaters of Kerala:
• A network of interconnected lakes, rivers, and canals along the Malabar Coast.
• Famous for houseboat tourism and traditional fishing practices.
• Economic Significance:
• The Western Coastal Plains are important for agriculture, with crops like rice and coconut grown extensively.
• Fishing is a major occupation along the coast due to the proximity to the Arabian Sea.
• The region also supports industries like shipbuilding and tourism.

The correct answer is 1921.

Key Points

• The Harappa site, one of the key settlements of the Indus Valley Civilisation, was discovered in 1921 during an archaeological survey.
• It is located in present-day Punjab, Pakistan, near the Ravi River.
• The discovery was led by Rai Bahadur Daya Ram Sahni, under the supervision of Sir John Marshall, Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India.
• Harappa was one of the major urban centers of the Indus Valley Civilisation, along with Mohenjo-Daro, Dholavira, and others.
• The site revealed extensive evidence of advanced urban planning, including grid layouts, drainage systems, and fortified structures.

Additional Information

• Indus Valley Civilisation:
• It flourished approximately between 3300 BCE and 1300 BCE in the northwestern regions of South Asia.
• It is considered one of the world's earliest urban civilisations, alongside Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt.
• Key sites include Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Dholavira, Kalibangan, and Lothal.
• Urban Planning and Architecture:
• Harappa showcased advanced urban planning with well-laid streets, brick houses, and efficient drainage systems.
• Granaries and storage facilities were discovered, indicating a well-organized economic system.
• Artifacts and Writing:
• Artifacts such as seals, pottery, ornaments, and tools were unearthed during excavations.
• The Indus script remains undeciphered, adding a layer of mystery to the civilisation.
• Contributions to Archaeology:
• The discovery of Harappa in 1921 marked the beginning of modern archaeological studies of the Indus Valley Civilisation.
• Subsequent discoveries enriched our understanding of early urban societies in South Asia.

The correct answer is Liberalization of the economy.

Key Points

• The New Economic Policy (NEP) was launched in 1991 under the leadership of Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to address a severe Balance of Payments (BoP) crisis.
• Liberalization refers to the removal of government-imposed restrictions on social, political, or economic policies to allow private players to operate more freely.
• A core component was the abolition of the License Raj, which required businesses to obtain numerous licenses and clearances before starting or expanding operations.
• The reforms encouraged Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by allowing foreign companies to invest in various sectors of the Indian economy, thereby increasing global competitiveness.
• Economic liberalization led to a significant increase in the GDP growth rate, shifting it from the so-called 'Hindu Rate of Growth' to over 7-8 percent in subsequent decades.
• It facilitated the growth of the Service Sector, especially in Information Technology (IT) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), making India a global hub for services.

 Additional Information

• LPG Framework:
• Privatization: Involves the transfer of ownership, management, or control of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to the private sector to improve efficiency.
• Globalization: Refers to the integration of the domestic economy with the world economy through trade, capital flows, and the movement of people.
• Goods and Services Tax (GST):
• Implemented on July 1, 2017, this is a comprehensive indirect tax intended to create a One Nation, One Tax system, but it is a much later reform compared to the 1991 shifts.
• Infrastructure Development:
• The expansion of metro rail networks and the establishment of new ports (e.g., through the Sagarmala Project) are sectoral physical developments rather than broad systemic economic reforms.

The correct answer is Odissi

Key Points

• Odissi, also known as Orissi, is one of the eight classical dance forms of India.
• It originates from the state of Odisha, in eastern India.
• Odissi dance pays great importance to Lord Jagannath who is considered to be the god of the universe and is worshipped by the people of Orissa.

Additional Information

Manipuri :

• Manipuri is an ancient classical dance form that originated in the northeastern state of Manipur in India.
• Performed as a dance drama, its central themes are the love stories of Krishna and Radha.
• The chief instruments used are the drum and the flute.

Sattriya :

• Sattriya originated in Sattra, a monastery, as a part of the neo-Vaishnavite movement started by Srimanta Sankardev in Assam, in the 15^th Century.
• Sattriya was given the status of classical dance in the year 2000 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
• Guru Jatin Goswami and Sharodi Saikia are prominent performers of this dance form.

Mohiniyattam :

• Mohiniattam or Mohiniyattam is an Indian classical dance form that evolved in the state of Kerala.
• Mohiniyattam's roots, like all classical Indian dances, are in the Natya Shastra.
• The Mohiniyattam Dance Dress is an off-white plain saree, embellished with a gold-laced or bright golden-colored brocade, embroidered on the borders.

Positive outcomes of Swadeshi Movement:

• The social base of the movement expanded to include certain sections of the zamindari, the students, the women, and the lower middle classes in cities and towns. Hence, option A is correct.
• In this national Movement, diverse ideas became visible. Eg.
• From conservative moderation to political extremism.
• From revolutionary activities to incipient socialism.
• From petitions and prayers to passive resistance and non-cooperation emerged during the Swadeshi Movement.
• Hence, option B is correct.
• The richness of the movement was not confined to the political sphere, but it also encompassed art, literature, science, and industry. Hence, option C is correct. Eg. Rabindranath Tagore’s Geetanjali novel got the Nobel Prize in literature. Hence, option C is correct.
• People now had learned to take bold political positions and participate in new forms of political work.
• The swadeshi campaign undermined the hegemony of colonial ideas and institutions.
• The future struggles got help from this experience gained.
• However, the Swadeshi Movement failed to create an effective organization or a party structure. It was the limitation of this movement. Because there were a lot of skirmishes on the internal matters of the party. Eg. The Surat split of 1907 was an ill effect of it. Hence, option D is not correct.

The Correct answer is Sixth Schedule.

Key Points

• The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution contains provisions for the administration of tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
• This schedule provides for the formation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and Regional Councils to safeguard the rights and culture of the tribal communities.
• The councils have the power to make laws, regulate land, and manage resources in the tribal areas.
• Under the Sixth Schedule, the tribal areas are categorized as ‘autonomous districts’ that function under the jurisdiction of the respective state governments but enjoy a degree of autonomy.
• The councils are empowered to establish courts for administration of justice in tribal areas.
• The Sixth Schedule aims to protect the distinct identity and traditions of tribal communities while promoting their development.
• It provides for the appointment of a Governor as the authority to oversee the implementation of the provisions in the tribal areas.
• This schedule is considered a significant constitutional mechanism for safeguarding the interests of tribal populations.

Additional Information

• Fourth Schedule
• The Fourth Schedule of the Constitution deals with the allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) to the states and union territories.
• The distribution of seats is based on the population of each state or union territory.
• First Schedule
• The First Schedule of the Indian Constitution lists the names of the States and Union Territories along with their respective territorial extent.
• It provides the details of the geographical boundaries of states and union territories.
• Third Schedule
• The Third Schedule contains the Forms of Oaths and Affirmations for various constitutional posts such as the President, Vice President, Ministers, Members of Parliament, Judges, etc.
• It ensures adherence to constitutional responsibilities by individuals holding key positions.

The correct answer is Dadabhai Naoroji.

Key Points

• Dadabhai Naoroji is popularly referred to as the "Grand Old Man of India" for his significant contributions to India's independence movement and his role as a political leader.
• He was the first Indian to be elected to the British Parliament in 1892 as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Finsbury Central, where he advocated for Indian rights and reforms.
• Naoroji is known for his pioneering work on the "Drain Theory," where he highlighted how British policies were draining India's wealth to Britain.
• He was one of the founding members of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885 and served as its president three times (1886, 1893, and 1906).
• He authored the book "Poverty and Un-British Rule in India," which detailed the economic exploitation of India by the British.

Additional Information

• Anandha Charlu
• Anandha Charlu was a prominent freedom fighter and a founding member of the Indian National Congress.
• He played a significant role in promoting the Swadeshi movement and nationalistic ideals during the early phase of India's independence struggle.
• However, he is not referred to as the "Grand Old Man of India."
• EV Ramsamy
• EV Ramsamy, also known as Periyar, was a prominent social reformer from Tamil Nadu.
• He is known for his strong stance against caste discrimination and his efforts to promote social equality and rational thinking.
• Periyar is not associated with the title of "Grand Old Man of India."
• Badruddin Tyabji
• Badruddin Tyabji was the first Muslim president of the Indian National Congress, serving in 1887.
• He was a lawyer and a social reformer, known for his efforts to promote Hindu-Muslim unity during the freedom struggle.
• Although he made significant contributions, the title "Grand Old Man of India" is not attributed to him.
• Main Theme: The Title "Grand Old Man of India"
• The title "Grand Old Man of India" is bestowed upon individuals who have made remarkable contributions to India's political, social, or economic progress.
• Dadabhai Naoroji earned this title due to his pivotal role in shaping India's independence movement and advocating for its economic and political rights on an international stage.

Mainly 60.2% of the area of the Rajasthan state has an inland drainage system. Classification of Drainage System of Rajasthan:

• Rivers of Bay of Bengal Drainage System
• Rivers of Arabian Sea Drainage System
• Rivers of Inland Drainage System

Important Points

Rivers of Arabian Sea Drainage System are as follows:

• Sabarmati River originates near Padrara near Kumbhalgarh.
• Tributaries- Hathmati, Meshwa, Betrak, Majam, Baval
• Mahi River originates from the Hills of Ammoru near Mhow (M.P.).
• Tributaries- Som, Jakham, Anas, Erau

Thus, we can conclude that the river Sabarmati drains in the Arabian Sea.

Additional Information

• Rivers that drain into the Bay of Bengal
• Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri on the west and the Ganga and Brahmaputra on the north.
• The Gambhir River is an ephemeral (seasonal) river in India that originates in Rajasthan state and confluences with the Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh state. Important tributaries of the Gambhir are Banganga, Sesa, Kher, and Parbati.
• Banganga River Basin extends over parts of Alwar, Jaipur, Dausa, Sawai Madhopur, and Bharatpur Districts.
• It originates in the Aravali hills, near Arnasar and Bairath in Jaipur District. It flows towards the south up to the village of Ghat, then east through partly hilly and partly plain terrain.
• The total length of the river is 240 km.
• The main tributaries are Gumti Nalla and Suri River, joining the river on its right bank, and Sanwan and Palasan Rivers, meeting the river on its left bank.
• It has an internal drainage system.
• The Kothari River rises from the Aravalli hills near Devgarh in the Rajsamand district. It flows through the tehsils (districts) of Raipur, Mandal, Bhilwara, and Kotri and ultimately joins the river Banas at Nandrai in Kotri tehsil.