1.

I. A placer deposit is a magmatic rock.

II. Rare earth elements are commercially mined from placer deposits.

Which of the above statements is/are true?.

(a) Only I

(b) Only II

(c) Both I & II

(d) Neither I nor II

2.

Alloxan is banned in a lot of countries for usage in food. Why is Alloxan used in foods?.

(a) To enhance taste

(b) To preserve foods 

(c) To bleach foods 

(d) To add flavour   

3.

Carbohydrate fermentation leads to production of

(a) Methane, Carbon-dioxide and Hydrogen

(b) Carbon-dioxide and Hydrogen

(c) Methane and Hydrogen

(d) Methane, Carbon-monoxide and Hydrogen

4.

Consider the following statements about Public Tech Platform for Frictionless Credit:

1. This platform has been launched by C-DAC.

2. It will have open architecture, open Application Programming Interfaces, and standards, to which all financial sector players can connect in a ‘plug and play’ model.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

5.

Consider the following. 

1.tellurium

2.chromium

3.aluminium

4.cadmium

5.zinc

Which of these are present in solar photovoltaic wastes?     

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 

(c) 2, 3, 4 and 5

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

6.

I. It arises when tax paid on inward Supplies is higher than tax payable on outward supplies.

II. It is a revenue loss for the government.

Which of the above statements is/are true w.r.t. “Inverted Duty Structure”?.

(a) Only I

(b) Only II

(c) Both I & II

(d) Neither I nor II

7.

Consider the following statements in respect of Trade Related Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC):

1. TRAFFIC is a bureau under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

2. The mission of TRAFFIC is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

8.

Cope’s Rule is related to

(a) Economics

(b) Electronics

(c) Earthquake measurement

(d) Evolution

9.

Consider the following statements w.r.t. Red Panda:

1. Singalila National Park is its habitat.

2. It is listed as endangered in IUCN Red List.

3. It is the state animal of Sikkim.

4. It is herbivorous.

How many of these statements is/are correct?

(a) Only three

(b) Only two

(c) Only one

(d) All the four

10.

Which of the following Articles of Indian Constitution speaks for Free Legal Aid?.

1. 39A

2. 14

3. 22(1)

4. 38

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only 

(b) 2, 3, and 4 only 

(c) 1 and 2 only 

(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

11.

Consider the following statements w.r.t. agreement on Rupee-Dirham Settlement System:

1. The agreement covers all current account transactions and capital account transactions. 

2. It will enable exporters and importers to invoice and pay in their respective domestic currencies.

Which among the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

12.

Consider the following statements:

1. He developed a mathematical concept called the partition function.

2. 1729 is known as the Hardy–Ramanujan number.

3. National Mathematics Day is celebrated every year on November 22, to honor his birth anniversary.

4. He is well known for his infinite series for pi.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct w.r.t. famous mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan? 

(a) 1 and 2 only 

(b) 2, 3, and 4 only 

(c) 1, 2 and 4 only 

(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

13.

Rocket nicknamed ''naughty boy'' is

(a) RLV-TD

(b) SSLV

(c) PSLV

(d) GSLV

14.

Consider the following statements. 

1. It emerged sometime in the 5th century BC.

2. Solanki school is of nagara style of architecture.

Which of these statements are correct w.r.t. Nagara style of temple architecture?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

15.

Consider the following statements:

I. Defamation

II. Decency

III. Dissent

The Reasonable Restrictions under Article 19 (2) of the Constitution include

(a) Both II & III

(b) Both I & III

(c) Both I & II

(d) II only

16.

I. It is integrated with MIRV technology.

II. It is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile.

Which of the above statements is/are true w.r.t. Agni-5 missile?.

(a) Only I

(b) Only II

(c) Both I & II

(d) Neither I nor II

17.

Tosa Inu, Cane Corso and Sarplaninac seen in news refer to

(a) invasive fishes

(b) artificial sweetners

(c) foods made of sea weeds 

(d) dog breeds

18.

Who was credited with popularizing the device of cooling water using saltpetre?.

 (a) Humayun

 (b) Akbar

 (c) Jahangir

 (d) Shah Jahan

19.

The New Collective Quantified Goal in news refer to the context of

(a) Finacial security of gig workers

(b) Reversal of NPS Scheme

(c) Climate finance

(d) Disarmament

20.

I. It limited the fiscal deficit to 3% of the GDP.

II. It allowed for deviations from fiscal deficit and revenue targets on grounds of national security, calamity, etc.

Which of the above statements is/are true w.r.t. Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003?.

(a) Only I

(b) Only II

(c) Both I & II

(d) Neither I nor II

21.

Consider the following. 

1. lead

2. chromium

3. mercury

4. cadmium

5. asbestos

Which of these are present in colors used during Holi?     

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 

(c) 2, 3, 4 and 5

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

22.

I.  It is situated at an altitude of 13,700 feet in Kashmir.

II. It will provide a new alignment on the axis towards the Line of Control.

Which of the above statements is/are true w.r.t. Sela Tunnel?.

(a) Only I

(b) Only II

(c) Both I & II

(d) Neither I nor II

23.

W.r.t. medieval Indian history, consider the following statements:

1. Mihira Bhoja of the Gurajara-Pratihara dynasty expanded the rule by conquering regions in Deccan and Malwa.

2. Tripartite struggle over the region of Kannauj was fought between the Rashtrakutas, Gurjara- Pratiharas and the Palas. 

3. Tamralipti served as a primary port of Gurjara- Pratiharas for maintaining trade relations with Java and Sumatra.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

24.

With reference to Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), consider the following statements:

1. It is a free trade agreement signed between USA and NATO member countries.

2. All the countries of CPTPP are members of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation.

3. United Kingdom became the first European nation to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?.

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

25.

1. Tinsukia - Assam

2. Paya - Arunachal Pradesh   

3. Telia Nala - Uttarkhand 

Identify the correct pair(s)

(a) 1 and 2 only 

(b) 2 and 3 only  

(c) 1 and 3 only  

(d) 1, 2 and 3

1.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/india-first-indigenous-fast-breeder-reactor-kalpakkam-nuclear-9212492/

B   

2.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/this-is-why-maida-is-called-the-white-poison/photostory/102473541.cms

C  

3.

Carbohydrate fermentation leads to production of carbon-dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen. These are used by archaea (bacteria-like microbes in the rumen) to produce methane, which the animal expels either as gas or in the dung.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/in-gujarat-harnessing-the-value-of-dung-to-boost-farmers-income-9206961/ 

B   

4.

Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) is the premier R&D organization of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) for carrying out R&D in IT, Electronics and associated areas.

https://www.financialexpress.com/business/sme-rbi-launches-public-tech-platform-to-boost-msmes-access-to-credit-3244446/

https://www.thehindu.com/business/frictionless-credit-the-secret-to-your-loan-on-the-go/article67554884.ece

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a pilot programme for ‘Public Tech Platform for Frictionless Credit’.

Public Tech Platform

• It is a digital platform created by RBI’s subsidiary — Reserve Bank Innovation Hub — which will enable seamless flow of necessary information to lenders.
• Aim- To help in disbursing ‘frictionless’ credit.
• Pillars-
• The problem of adverse selection (that results from the asymmetry of information from either the borrower or lender),
• Measurement of exposure risk
• Assessment of default risk (the probability that the borrower may default in repayment). 
• Features - It will have open architecture, open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), and standards, to which all financial sector players can connect in a ‘plug and play’ model.
• It would collect data required to sanction and disburse loans which could include Aadhaar e-KYC, Aadhaar e-signing, PAN validation, etc.
• With the participation of banks, the platform would extend its focus also towards dairy loans, MSME loans (without collateral), personal loans and home loans.

The platform itself is not a lending or credit issuing facility. It will only collate or compile data from various agencies and present it to lenders operating through the platform.

Advantages

• Simplification- It simplifies the integration of vital financial data through open Application Program Interface.
• Scalability- It ensures that credit or other financial instruments are extended to a larger set of borrowers with good credit history.
• World Bank pointed out that improved access to information provides the basis for fact-based and quick credit assessments.
• Productive investment- The borrowers too would benefit by the resulting lower cost of accessing capital, which would translate into productive investment spending.  
• Cost effective- This platform reduces the multiple visits to bank to avail formal credit and costs associated with it.
• RBI survey indicated that processing of farm loans took 2 to 4 weeks and costs about 6% of the loan’s total value.
• Improves Efficiency- It centralizes potential borrowers information on a unified platform streamlines processes.
• Seamless- The participation of banks, NBFCs, fintech firms, and start-ups in this platform aligns with the dedication to seamless credit and payment solutions.
• Foster innovation- The ''plug and play'' model encourages innovation, driving the lending sector towards greater accessibility, cost reduction and efficiency.
• Improves credit accessibility- It can leverage the contemporary advances in digitisation of information and ensures that small-ticket loans are made available in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• In 2021, NABARD economist observed that ‘even among well-developed regions, only a fifth of the more than 12.5 crore small and marginal farmers have access to institutional credit.

During G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting, RBI showcased the Digital Kisan Credit Card and Digital Dairy Journey.

Challenges in implementation

• Not everyone may have Aadhaar or PAN.
• Property related documents may not be available, especially in tier-3 and below cities and slums.
• Compiling relevant data could also pose a challenge.

B  

5.

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/waste/india-faces-stiff-challenge-with-management-of-187-200-tonnes-of-solar-pv-waste-91317

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/india-solar-waste-new-study-9225154/  

D   

6.

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/govt-notifies-indian-potash-as-canalising-agency-for-urea-import/article66653696.ece

An inverted duty structure arises when the taxes on output or final product is lower than the taxes on inputs, creating an inverse accumulation of input tax credit which in most cases has to be refunded.

Inverted duty structure has implied a stream of revenue outflow for the government prompting the government to relook the duty structure.

Problems with the current inverted duty structure under GST

The inverted duty structure is causing several administrative problems in our GST system.

Taxpayers will have accumulated credits in the form of refund claims with the tax Department.

The inverted duty structure is a revenue loss for the government as it has to refund the tax already paid (in inputs).

Under GST, the inverted duty structure is identified for goods and not for services. Or in other words, there is recognition for ‘input good’ and not for ‘input services.’

C 

7.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu-tops-illegal-trade-in-shark-body-parts/article67951816.ece

Trade-Related Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC):

·        TRAFFIC is a leading non-governmental organization working globally on trade in wild animals and plants in the context of both biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. 

·        It was established in 1976 with its headquarters in Cambridge, UK.

·        It is a joint initiative by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

·        The major aim of TRAFFIC is to ensure that trade in wild flora and fauna is not a threat to the conservation of Nature.

United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP):

·        UNEP is established on 5th June 1972 with its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya as per the result of the Stockholm conference on the environment.

·        The mission of UNEP is to care environment by encouraging nations to take up conservation initiatives and encouraging partnerships of countries to conserve the environment.

·        UNEP works on six important areas for conservation of nature namely as follows,

·        Climate change,

·        Ecosystem management,

·        Disaster management,

·        Environmental governance,

·        Sustainable production and Consumption and 

·        Hazardous / Harmful substances.

B 

8.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/why-big-animals-got-smaller-even-before-climate-change-9116023/

D

9.

https://www.wwfindia.org/about_wwf/priority_species/red_panda/about_red_panda/

• Red Pandas usually live in chilly, cold, mountainous mixed deciduous and coniferous forests of the eastern Himalayas.
• Habitat: In the eastern part of the Himalayas, this type of suitable habitat is available only in the Singalila and Neora Valley national parks in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal.
• Red Panda belongs to the order Carnivora as per the taxonomic classification, but they have adapted to a vegetarian diet.
• There are only two different panda species in the world, the Giant Pandas and the Red Pandas. 

Conservation Status:-

• Red Pandas
• IUCN Red List: Endangered
• CITES: Appendix I
• Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule I
• Giant Pandas
• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
• CITES: Appendix I
• India is home to both the (sub) species:
• Himalayan red panda (Ailurus fulgens)
• They are present in Sikkim, Darjeeling-Kalimpong districts of West Bengal, Nepal, Bhutan and Southern Tibet.
• Chinese red panda (Ailurus styani)
• They are distributed in southeastern Tibet, Northern Myanmar and the Sichuan and Yunan provinces of China.
• The zygomatic (cheekbone) breadth and skull size of the Chinese Red Panda are larger than the Himalayan Red Panda.
• The facial colour of the Chinese Red Panda is redder than the Himalayan Red Panda.
•  In the Chinese Red Panda, tail rings are more prominent, with dark rings being darker red and the pale rings being whitish than the Himalayan Red Panda.

Singalila National Park:-

• Singalila National Park is located on the Singalila Ridge at an altitude of more than 7000 feet above sea level, in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
• It is well known for the trekking route to Sandakphu that runs through it.
• The Singalila area in Darjeeling was purchased by the British Government from Sikkim Durbar in 1882.
• It was notified as a Reserve Forest under the Indian Forest Act of 1878.
• It was notified as a National Park in 1992 and was also officially opened up for tourism.

Neora Valley National Park:- 

• It is situated in the Kalimpong District of West Bengal.
• One of the richest biological zones in entire Eastern India
• Neora Valley National Park is the Natural Habitat of Red panda
• It borders Sikkim and Bhutan.
• Flora: rhododendron, bamboo, oak, ferns, sal, etc.
• Fauna: Indian leopard, Red panda, Sloth bear, Asiatic golden cat, goral, sambar deer etc.

A

10.

Article 39 A of the Constitution of India says that the State shall secure that the legal system promotes justice on a basis of equal opportunity, and shall provide free legal aid, in any way, to ensure that every individual is provided justice irrespective of the economic or social differences. Articles 14 and 22(1) also make it obligatory for the State to ensure equality before law and a legal system which gives justice to all its subjects. Legal aid strives to ensure that constitutional pledge is fulfilled in its letter and spirit and equal justice is made available to the poor, downtrodden and weaker sections of the society.

Article 38(1) states that the state shall promote the welfare of the people by securing and protecting the social order, including justice.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/justice-gavai-sc-legal-services-committee-chairman-aid-india-nalsa-9095489/

A

11.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/good-friday-jesus-christ-significance-origin-9240703/

https://indianexpress.com/article/business/banking-and-finance/reserve-bank-nudges-banks-settle-uae-trades-rupee-dirham-8902476/

 Rupee-Dirham Agreement

·   The MoU on establishing a framework for the use of local currencies for transactions between India and the UAE. This MoU aims to put in place a Local Currency Settlement System (LCSS) to promote the use of INR (Indian Rupee) and AED (UAE Dirham) bilateral. 

·   The creation of the LCSS would enable exporters and importers to invoice and pay in their respective domestic currencies.

·   Further, the MoU covers all current account transactions and permitted capital account transactions.

Benefits

·   Optimise Transaction Costs: The use of local currencies would optimise transaction costs and settlement time for transactions, including for remittances from Indians residing in UAE.

·   Reduces Dependence on Dollar: The move towards permitting payments in the Indian rupee and the UAE dirham is aimed at promoting their use bilaterally, thus reducing the dependence on a third country’s currency such as the U.S. dollar as an intermediary for settling transactions. 

·   Development of a Rupee-Dirham Foreign Exchange Market: An immediate beneficial consequence of the establishment of the settlement mechanism would be the development of a rupee-dirham foreign exchange market that would help in pricing the two currencies independent of their exchange rates with other currencies such as the dollar and the euro. 

·   Hedge Exchange Rate Risks: Indian and Emirati businesses would not need to factor in exchange rate risks when quoting to supply goods or services to buyers in the other country, improving the ease of doing business and boosting trade.

·   Promote Internationalisation of Rupee: The India-UAE local currency settlement system could also potentially serve as a precursor for other bilateral currency accords which could act as an important first step for the internationalisation of the rupee. 

·   Investments in Indian Markets: Emirati businesses may see remunerative avenues to deploy the potential rupee flows in case they opt to receive payments in the Indian currency. This may result in stepped up investment by UAE-based firms. 

·   Serve as Currency Entrepot: UAE may emerge as a currency entrepôt. This will enable Indian businesses to deal with suppliers from other countries e.g. Russia, to use the West Asian country and dirham as a gateway for such transactions.

B     

12.

1729 is the sum of the cubes of 10 and 9. Cube of 10 is 1000 and the cube of 9 is 729. Both the cubes, therefore, add up to 1729.

1729 is also the sum of the cubes of 12 and 1. Cube of 12 is 1728 and the cube of 1 is 1. Both the cubes, therefore, add up to 1729.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/national-mathematics-day-srinivasa-ramanujan-9079116/

C  

13.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/gslv-rocket-naughty-boy-why-9166963/

D   

14.

It emerged sometime in the 5th century AD.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/nagara-style-ayodhya-ram-temple-9118010/

Nagara style of temple architecture:

·     Emerged sometime in the 5th century CE, during the late Gupta period, in Northern India. 

·     Seen in juxtaposition with the Dravidian style of southern India, which too emerged in the same period. 

·     Nagara and Dravida may be called ‘Styles’, but they cover vast areas and time spans. 

·     Different sub-schools emerged in western, central and eastern parts of the country. 

Features of Nagara Temple Architecture 

·     Panchayatana style of temple making: Consisting of subsidiary shrines laid out in a crucified ground plan with respect to the principal shrine. 

·     Garbha-Griha (sanctum sanctorum): Idol of the deity is placed and is most sacred part of the temple. Images of the river goddesses, Ganga and Yamuna, are placed outside the garbhagriha. 

·     Assembly halls or mandaps, in front of the principal shrine.

·     Unlike Dravida temples, water tanks or reservoirs are not present in the temple premises.

·     Built on upraised platforms. 

·     Shikharas: These are human-made representations of the natural and cosmological order, as imagined in Hindu tradition.

· Depending on the period and geography, there is a large variation in what a shikhara looks like, or how it is used in a temple’s design.

· Types of Shikharas: 

·         Latina or rekha-prasad: Square at the base and the walls curve inward to a point on the top.

·         Phamsana: Broader base and were shorter in height than the Latina ones; Slope upwards on a straight line.

·         Valabhi: Rectangular base with the roof rising into vaulted chambers;  Emerged in the Gupta heartland. 

·         Bhumija: Miniature spires, in horizontal and vertical rows; Created a grid-like effect on each face.

·     Amalaka (horizontal fluted disc): At the vertical end of the shikhara. 

·     Kalash: In spherical shape on top. 

·     Vertical planes: 

· Triratha temples.

· Later, pancharatha, saptaratha and even navaratha temples came into existence.

· Used as different panels to make narrative sculptures.

·     Covered Ambulatory passageway (Pradakshina-path): Around the sanctum sanctorum. 

·     Temple premises did not have elaborate boundary walls or gateways.

Regional schools of Nagara Style 

Central India/ Khajuraho school or Chandela School

·     Chandelas in the centre of India around 1000 AD created this style of temple construction known as the Khajuraho School or Chandela School.

·     It is made of sandstone.

·     Generally north or east facing.

·     These are relatively modest-looking shrines each having four pillars that support a small mandapa which looks like a simple square porch-like extension before an equally small room that serves as the garbhagriha.

·     This temple is in the panchayatana style.

·     The presence of this curving latina or rekha-prasada type of shikhara also makes it clear that this is an early example of a classic nagara style of temple.

·     Examples: Khajuraho, Kandariya Mahadeo temple, in Madhya Pradesh

Kandariya Mahadeo temple, Khajuraho

Western India/Solanki Style

There are two schools that developed in Gujarat & Rajasthan these are Solanki school in Gujarat and Jain Temples in Mount Abu.

Gujarat School

·     The stone used to build the temples ranges in colour and type with sandstone being the most common construction material employed.

·     Presence of a hundred-square-metre rectangular pond(suryakund). 

·     A huge ornamental arch-torana leads one to the sabha mandapa (the assembly hall) which is open on all sides.

·     Example: Sun temple, Modhera, Gujarat

Rajasthan School

·     Use of white marble.

·     The walls of the central small shrine are devoid of carving and are left plain as the temple faces the east.

·     The ornamental detail spreads over the minutely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars, and panels.

·     Example: Dilwara Temple, Mount Abu

East India Temple Architecture

There are three schools that developed in east India these are Assam, Bengal and Odisha School.

Assam School of Temple Architecture

·     It appears that terracotta was the main medium of construction. The temple consists of four chambers:

·     garbhagriha and,

·     three mandapas locally called Calanta, Pancaratna and Natamandira.

·     The style that came with the migration of the Tais from Upper Burma mixed with the dominant Pala style of Bengal and led to the creation of the Ahom style in and around Guwahati.

Bengal School of Temple Architecture

·     Bengal witnessed a temple building spree from the late 15th century.

·     Temple architecture in Bengal got inspired from the double-roofed (dochala) or four-roofed (chauchala) structure of thatched huts in villages, which housed local deities.

·     Dochala (two-roofed style)

·     Chauchala (four-roofed style)

·     Temples were usually built on a square platform.

·     Interior of the temples were relatively plain, but the outer walls of these temples were decorated with paintings, ornamental tiles or terracotta tablets.

·     In the Bishnupur group of temples in Bankura district of West Bengal, such decorations reached a high degree of excellence.

·     This style also incorporated elements of the dome and multilobe arch of Islamic architecture.

·     Elements of Bengal Temple architecture were adopted outside Bengal as well. 

Odisha School of Temple Architecture

·     The style consists of three distinct types of temples: Rekha Deula, Pidha Deula and Khakhara Deula.

·     The former two are associated with Vishnu, Surya and Shiva temples while the third is mainly with Chamunda and Durga temples.

·     Also known as Kalinga School

·     The main architectural features of Odisha temples are classified in three orders, i.e., rekhapida, pidhadeul and khakra.

·     The Architecture, basically a temple is made in two parts, a tower and a hall.

·     The tower is called deula and hall is called Jagmohan.

·     The walls of both the deula and the Jagmohan are lavishly sculpted with architectural motifs and a profusion of figures.

·     The most repeated form is the horseshoe shape, which has come from the earliest times, starting with the large windows of the chaitya-grihas. It is dual or deula which makes three distinct types of temples in Kalinga Architecture.

·     These temples usually have boundary walls.

Jagannath Puri, Odisha 

Temple Architecture in Hills

There are two schools that developed in Himalayan region of India these are Kumaon,Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir School.

Kumaon School

·     The central tower is surrounded by four smaller towers on each side.

·     The main entrance is located at the front of the central tower, while several other entrances are located at each of its sides.

·     These entrances are all decorated with intricate carvings depicting various scenes from mythology.

·     The main entrance faces east

·     The main temple complex includes four large halls or mandapas.

·     Jageshwar in Almora, Uttarakhand 

Himachal School

·     Wooden buildings

·     It looks like a hut, with an intricately carved wooden entrance, interior and ceiling.

·     Laksna Devi Mandir, Himachal Pradesh

Kashmir School of Temple Architecture

·     Wooden buildings with pitched roofs.

·     The main garbhagriha and shikhara are made in a rekha-prasada or latina style, the mandapa is of an older form of wooden architecture.

·     Pandrethan temple is built on a plinth built in the middle of a tank.

·     The temple is moderately ornamented.

·     Pandrethan temple or Pani Mandir, Badami bagh, Srinagar

B 

15.

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-fact-check-unit-that-is-unconstitutional/article67555398.ece

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/govt-fact-check-unit-notification-supreme-court-stayed-9228742/

Reasonable Restrictions under Article 19 (2) of the Constitution

The reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) are meant to balance the right to freedom of speech and expression with the larger interests of society. Following reasonable restrictions are mentioned in Article 19 (2) of the Constitution:

·  Sovereignty and Integrity of India: Restrictions can be imposed to prevent activities that may undermine the sovereignty and integrity of the country.

·  Security of the State: Restrictions can be imposed to prevent activities that threaten the security of the state.

·  Friendly Relations with Foreign States: Speech or expression that may harm India''s relations with other countries can be restricted.

·  Public Order: Restrictions can be imposed to prevent activities that may disrupt public order.

·  Decency and Morality: Speech or expression that goes against the accepted standards of decency and morality can be restricted.

·  Contempt of Court: Restrictions can be imposed to prevent contempt of court, which includes actions that disrespect or obstruct the functioning of the judiciary.

·  Defamation: Restrictions can be imposed to prevent defamation, which involves making false statements that harm the reputation of an individual.

·  Incitement to Offense: Speech or expression that directly leads to the commission of an offence can be restricted.

C 

16.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/iccc-integrated-farm-data-dashboard-for-customised-solutions-9235150/

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/one-missile-many-weapons-what-makes-the-latest-agni-v-special-9208831/ 

C  

17.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/high-courts-circular-ban-23-dog-breeds-9228627/

D   

18.

https://www.thehindu.com/children/how-the-kulfi-originated/article66746444.ece#:~:text=Saltpetre%2C%20a%20form%20of%20salt,Himalayan%20ice%20to%20warmer%20areas.

Science and Technology

·                     The Madrasas continued to be concerned principally with Muslim theology and its vast literature. In great learning centres like Varanasi, astrology was taught and there was no institution in India, as noted by the French traveller Bernier, to the standards of colleges and universities in Europe. This made the imparting of scientific subjects almost impossible. Attention was, however, given to mathematics and astronomy. Akbar’s court poet Faizi translated Bhaskaracharya’s famous work on mathematics, Lilavati. Despite the presence of Europeans, there was no influence of them on the Indian society during the Mughal period.

·                     The method of water-lift based on pin- drum gearing known as Persian wheel had been introduced during Babur’s time. A complicated system of water lift by a series of gear-wheels had been installed in Fatehpur Sikri. Akbar was also credited with popularizing the device of cooling water using saltpetre. He is also the first known person in the world to have devised the ‘ship''s camel’, a barge on which the ship is built to make it easier for the ship to be carried to the sea. Some mechanical devices like the screw for tightening, manually driven belt -drill for cutting diamonds were in use. Agricultural tools continued to be the same, made entirely of wood. In metallurgy, the inability to produce cast iron remained an obvious drawback. As Irfan Habib observed, ‘India’s backwardness in technology was obvious when the matchlock remained the most common weapon in Indian armies. In Europe the flintlock had long come into use. Indians continued to use the expensive bronze cannon, long after these had become obsolete in Europe. This was because of India’s inability to make cast iron even in the seventeenth century.

Architecture

·                     Architectural progress during the Mughals is a landmark in world art. Mughal buildings were noted for the massive structures decorated with bulbous domes, splendorous minarets, cupolas in the four corners, elaborate designs, and pietra dura (pictorial mosaic work). The mosques built during the time of Babur and Humayun are not of much architectural significance. The Sur dynasty left behind a few spectacular specimens in the form of the Purana Qila at Delhi, and the tombs of Sher Shah and Islam Shah at Sasaram in Bihar. The Purana Qila with a raised citadel and the tombs on a terraced platform surrounded by large tanks were novel features.

·                     During Akbar’s reign, Humayun’s tomb was enclosed with gardens and placed on a raised platform. Built by Indian artisans and designed by Persian architects it set a pattern to be followed in the future. The Agra fort built with red sandstone is a specimen where Rajput architectural styles were also incorporated. The new capital city of Akbar Fatehpur Sikri enclosed within its walls several inspiring buildings. The magnificent gateway to Fatehpur Sikri, the Buland Darwaza, built by Akbar with red sandstone and marble is considered to be a perfect architectural achievement. The mausoleum of Akbar at Sikandra near Agra started by Akbar and completed by Jahangir includes some Buddhist architectural elements. The tomb of Itimad-ud-daula, father of Nurjahan, built by Jahangir was the first Mughal building built completely with white marble.

·                     Mughal architecture reached its apex during the reign of Shah Jahan. The Taj Mahal is a marble structure on an elevated platform, the bulbous dome in the centre rising on a recessed gateway with four cupolas around the dome and with four free-standing minarets at each of its corners is a monument of universal fame. The Red Fort in Delhi, encompassed by magnificent buildings like Diwan-i Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Moti Mahal and Hira Mahal reflect the architectural skills of the times of Shah Jahan. The Moti Masjid inside the Agra Fort made exclusively of marble, the Jama Masjid in Delhi, with its lofty gateway, series of domes and tall and slender minarets are the two significant mosques built by Shah Jahan. He also established a new township, Shah jahanabad (present-day Old Delhi) where Red Fort and Jama Masjid are located. Aurangzeb’s reign witnessed the construction of Badshahi mosque in Lahore and the marble tomb of Rabia ud daurani, known as Bibi-ka-maqbara (Tomb of the Lady) at Aurangabad.

·                     The Shalimar Gardens of Jahangir and Shah Jahan are showpieces of Indian horticulture. Apart from the many massive structures, the Mughals contributed many civil works of public utility, the greatest of them being the bridge over the Gomati river at Jaunpur. The most impressive feat is the West Yamuna Canal which provided water to Delhi.

·                     Mughal architecture influenced even temple construction in different parts of the country. The temple of Govind Dev at Vrindavan near Mathura and Bir Singh’s temple of Chaturbhuj at Orchchaa (Madhya Pradesh) display Mughal influence.

Paintings

·                     The Mughals achieved international recognition in the field of painting. Mughal miniatures are an important part of the museums of the world. Ancient Indian painting traditions kept alive in provinces like Malwa and Gujarat along with the central Asian influences created a deep impact in the world of painting. The masters of miniature painting, Abdu’s Samad and Mir Sayyid Ali, who had come to India from Central Asia along with Humayun inspired Indian painters. The primary objective of painting was to illustrate literary works. The Persian text of Mahabharata and Akbar Namah were illustrated with paintings by various painters. Daswant and Basawan were famous painters of Akbar’s court. European painting was introduced in Akbar’s court by Portuguese priests. During Jahangir’s time portrait painting and the painting of animals had developed. Mansur was a great name in this field. The great Dutch painter Rembrandt was influenced by Mughal miniatures. While Shah Jahan continued the tradition of painting, Aurangzeb’s indifference to painting led to dispersal of the painters to different parts of the country and thereby led to promotion of painting in the provinces.

Music and Dance

·                     According to Ain -i-Akbari, Tansen of Gwalior, credited with composing of many ragas, was patronised by Akbar along with 35 other musicians. Jahangir and Shah Jahan were patrons of music. Though there is a popular misconception that Aurangzeb was against music, a large number of books on Indian classical music were written during his regime. His queens, princes and nobles continued to patronise music. The later Mughal Muhammad Shah was instrumental in inspiring important developments in the field of music. Paintings in Babur Namah and Padshah Namah depict woman dancing to the accompaniment of musical instruments.

Literature

·                     Persian, Sanskrit and regional languages developed during the Mughal rule. Persian was the language of administration in Mughal Empire and the Deccan states. It influenced even the Rajput states where Persian words were used in administration. Abul Fazal patronised by Akbar compiled the history of Akbar in Akbar Nama and described Mughal administration in his work Ain-i-Akbari. The Ain-i-Akbari is commendable for its interest in science, statistics, geography and culture. Akbar Namah was emulated by Abdul Hamid Lahori and Muhammad Waris in their joint work Padshah Nama, a biography of Shah Jahan. Later Muhammad Kazim in his Alamgir Nama, a work on the reign of the first decade of Aurangzeb, followed the same pattern. Babur’s autobiography written in Chaghatai Turkish was translated into Persian by Abdur Rahim Khan-e- Khanan. Dabistan is an impartial account of the beliefs and works of different religions. Persian literature was enriched by translations of Sanskrit works. The Mahabharata was translated under the supervision of Abul Faizi, brother of Abul Fazal and a court poet of Akbar. The translation of Upanishads by Dara Shukoh, entitled Sirr-I-Akbar (the Great Secret), is a landmark. The Masnawis of Abul Faizi, Utbi and Naziri enriched Persian Poetry in India.

·                     The Sanskrit works produced during the Mughal rule are impressive. Sanskrit literature of this period is noted for the kavyas and historical poetry. Rajavalipataka, a kavya, written by Prajna bhatta which completed the history of Kashmir belonged to reign of Akbar. Graeco-Arabic learning was transmitted to India through Persian works in the form of Sanskrit translations. Akbar’s astronomer Nilakantha wrote the Tajika Neelakanthi, an astrological treatise. Shah Jahan’s court poet Jaganatha Panditha wrote the monumental Rasagangadhara.

·                     The greatest contribution in the field of literature during the Mughal rule was the development of Urdu as a common language of communication for people speaking different dialects. Regional languages acquired stability and maturity and some of the finest lyrical poetry was produced during this period. Abdur Rahim Khan-e- Khanan composed Bhakti poetry with a blend of Persian ideas of life and human relations in the Brij form of Hindi. Tulsidas who wrote in Awadhi, the Hindi dialect spoken in the eastern Uttar Pradesh, was very popular for his devotional ideals. Marathi literature had an upsurge due to the literary contribution of Eknath, Tukaram, Ramdas and Mukteshwar during this period. Eknath questioned the superiority of Sanskrit over other languages. The verses of Tukaram kindled monotheism. Mukteshwar composed Ramayana and Mahabharata in literary Marathi.

·                     Krishnadevaraya, the Vijayanagar ruler, through his Amuktamalyada (an epic poem on the Tamil woman poet, Andal) and his court Poet Allasani Peddana with his Manu Charitra were the leading beacons of Telugu literature during this period. Malayalam which had separated from Tamil as a language received a separate literary identity during this period. Ramayana and Mahabharata were composed in Malayalam. In Assamese language the tradition of Bhakti poetry was emulated by Shankara Deva who initiated a new literary tradition. Assamese literary works were produced in the fields of astronomy, arithmetic, and treatment of elephants and horses. Ramayana and Mahabharata were also retold in the Assamese language. The Chaitanya cult which portrayed the love of Krishna and Radha in poetic verses promoted Bengali literature. The Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs compiled by Guru Arjun in which the verses of the Sikh Gurus as well as Shaikh Farid and other monotheists are a landmark in the evolution of Punjabi language.

·                     During this period Tamil literature was dominated by Saivite and Vaishnavite literature. Kumaraguruparar, a great Saiva poet, is said to have visited Varanasi in the late seventeenth century. He composed important literary works such as Meenakshiammai Pillai Tamil and Neethineri Vilakkam. Thayumanavar wrote highly devotional verses with compassion for all humanity and he formulated a sanmarga that tried to bridge differences between the various Saivite sects. The Christian missionaries like Roberto de Nobili and Constantine Joseph Beschi contributed much to Tamil language.

The empire the Mughals built at the national level made an everlasting impact on India as they knit the fragments into a single political unit, well aided by an effective central administration. Multiple identities also got synthesized in the process leading to the evolution of a unique culture that is Indian.

B

19.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/climate-finance-developed-countries-9234185/

C  

20.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/budget-faqs/what-is-frbm-act-and-why-is-it-always-discussed-around-the-budget/articleshow/62495427.cms?from=mdr

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/three-ways-to-deal-with-the-high-govt-debt-9144329/ 

C      

21.

https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/holi-2024-all-about-harmful-effects-of-chemical-colours-on-your-health-124031900648_1.html

d     

22.

https://indianexpress.com/article/what-is/narendra-modi-to-inaugurate-strategic-sela-tunnel-arunachal-visit-9202793/

https://www.indiandefensenews.in/2020/06/what-is-difference-between-loc-and-lac.html

D    

23.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-politics/rajputs-gurjars-haryana-bjp-history-caste-of-mihir-bhoj-8857474/

C

24.

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/to-beat-china-india-must-engage-with-apec-9039924/

·  Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership is an 11-nation Indo-Pacific free-trade bloc.

·  Its members are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.

·  Britain will be the first new member since the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) was created in 2018, and the first European country in the bloc.

·  The bloc, which is home to 500 million people, will be worth 15% of global GDP once the UK joins.

 The UK sees this as a boost for its economic growth and geopolitical relations.

·  The UK expects growth of £1.8 billion ($2.23 billion) each year over the long-term.

·  The UK also believes membership will give it a role in setting regional trade rules over the coming decades. It could mean the UK and other members preventing China’s future accession to the bloc.

·  Membership will eventually ensure zero-tariff trade across a range of import and export sectors, with greater UK access to Mexico, Canada and Japan for dairy exports, and a boost to Britain’s automotive and alcohol industries, particularly through the export of spirits to Malaysia.

B 

25.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/asi-protected-monuments-untraceable-missing-8359347/

Some of the missing monuments include:

 the Guns of Emperor Sher Shah, Tinsukia (Assam); the Ruins of Copper Temple, Paya, Lohit (Arunachal Pradesh); Kos Minar, Mujesar, Faridabad (Haryana); Kutumbari Temple, Dwarahat, Almora (Uttarakhand); Rock Inscription, Satna (Madhya Pradesh); Old European Tomb, Pune (Maharashtra); 12th Century Temple, Baran (Rajasthan); and Telia Nala Buddhist ruins, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh).

A