1.

1. manufacturing of soap

2. pesticide

3. germination of paddy seeds

Which of the above statements is/are the uses of Cannabis? 

(a) 1 and 2 only 

(b) 2 and 3 only  

(c) 1 and 3 only  

(d) 1, 2 and 3

2.

I.  It is on the Uhl River.

II. Himachal Pradesh and Punjab are disputing over its ownership.

Which of the above statements is/are true w.r.t. Shanan hydropower project?.

(a) Only I

(b) Only II

(c) Both I & II

(d) Neither I nor II

3.

1. National Disaster Response Force

2. National Disaster Relief Fund

3. State Disaster Management Authority

Which of the above is/are provided under 2005 Disaster Management Act? 

(a) 1 and 2 only 

(b) 2 only  

(c) 1 and 3 only  

(d) 1, 2 and 3

4.

Consider the following statements regarding the devaluation of the currency:

1. It occurs when the government officially reduces the value of a country’s currency in a fixed exchange rate system.

2. It leads to a decline in the purchasing power of the people.

3. It generally leads to a decrease in exports.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) 1 and 3

(d) 1, 2 and 3

5.

1. Consider the following statements regarding the causes of Demand-Pull inflation:

1. It occurs when there is an increase in money supply.

2. It occurs when the government increases tax.

3. It occurs when there is a rise in government spending.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

6.

Identify the correct statement(s) w.r.t. the Chabahar port.

1. It is situated in Sistan and Baluchistan Province, on the Makran coast.

2. India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia by developing Chabahar Port.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

7.

With reference to exchange traded funds, consider the following statements: 

1. They have higher liquidity than mutual funds.

2. They are often more tax-efficient compared to mutual funds.

Which of these statements is/are correct?

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

8.

Consider the following statements regarding Somnath temple:

1. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.

2. Somnath temple was razed by Ulugh Khan, governor of Muhammed Bin Tughlaq.

3. Gandhi proposed that the temple’s funding should come from the public, leading to the creation of a Trust under K M Munshi.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?  

(a) 1 and 2 only 

(b) 1 and 3 only  

(c) 2 and 3 only 

(d) 1, 2 and 3

9.

1. Its gestation period is 93 days.

2. It hunts more during the night.

3. It is the only cat without retractable claws.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct w.r.t. Cheetah?

(a) Only 1 statement

(b) Only 2 statements

(c) All the 3 statements

(d) None of the statements

10.

Consider the following statements w.r.t. Guru Teg Bahadur.

1. He founded Anandpur Sahib.

2. He is the sixth Guru of Sikhs.

3. He was executed under the orders of Aurangzeb.

4. He composed the Adi Granth.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 3

(b) 2, 3 and 4

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

11.

Which of the following is/are not true?

1. Chandrayaan-3 mission was aimed at soft landing on moon’s south pole which is the unique feature of Chandrayaan-3’s landing in comparison to other nation’s lunar missions.

2. The mission life of the Lander and Rover of Chandrayaan-3 is one sidereal day.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

12.

Which of the following is/are true w.r.t. Great Indian Bustards?

1. They lack frontal vision.

2. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has categorised them as ''critically endangered''.

Which of these is/are true?.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

13.

1. INS Visakhapatnam

2. INS Mormugao

3. INS Imphal

4. INS Surat

The ships of Project 15B include

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only 

(b) 1, 2, 3, and 4

(c) 3 and 4 only 

(d) None of these

14.

Which of the following is/are correct w.r.t. “Article 226 of the Indian Constitution”?

1. It provides a two-week time limit for HCs to consider an application for the vacation of an interim order.

2. It is a fundamental right.

3. It is enshrined under Part V of the Constitution of India.

4. It gives the High Court discretionary power.

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 

(c) 2, 3 and 4

(d) 1, 3 and 4

15.

“Niamtre” in news refer to

(a) Handicraft product

(b) Tribal Religion

(c) Hills of Eastern Himalyas

(d) Tributary of Teesta

16.

Which of the following are not the effects of Parathyroid hormone ? 

1. Stimulates the process of bone resorption

2. Decreases Ca2+ level in blood

3. Reabsorption of Ca2+ by renal tubules

4. Decreases the absorption of Ca2+ from digested food

5. Increases metabolism of carbohydrates. 

Select the correct answer.

(a) (1) and (3) only

(b) (2), (4) and (5) only 

(c) (1) and (5) only

(d) (2) and (3) only

17.

Consider the following statements:

1. If the inflation is too high, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to buy government securities.

2. Sticky inflation refers to sustained increases in wages and prices on certain consumer goods that usually don''t change frequently or drastically.

3. Core inflation is a measure of inflation arrived at by removing the prices of food and fuel.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one 

(b) Only two 

(c) All three 

(d) None

18.

Where is “Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary”?.

(a) Assam

(b) Odisha

(c) Arunachal Pradesh

(d) Rajasthan

19.

With reference to Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), consider the following statements:

1. It was launched in 2019 by India at the United Nations Climate Action Summit.

2. It is an intergovernmental organization with headquarters based in Gurugram. 

3. There is an obligation on the part of members to make financial contributions to CDRI.

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

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

20.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a process designed to mitigate the emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) generated from industrial processes and the burning of fossil fuels, particularly in power plants.

1. to produce synthetic fuels

2. to accelerate the growth of algae

3. to produce dry ice

The uses of captured carbon is/are

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

21.

Which of the following pair of organelles does not contain DNA?

(a) Nuclear envelope and Mitochondria.

(b) Mitochondria and Lysosomes

(c) Chloroplast and Vacuoles.

(d) Lysosomes and Vacuoles

22.

I. It is required to meet at least four times in a year.

II. The quorum for its meeting is four members.

Which of the above statements is/are true w.r.t. rate-setting panel of the RBI?.

(a) Only I

(b) Only II 

(c) Both I & II

(d) Neither I nor II

23.

If nominal GDP growth in a particular year is 14% and inflation is 4%, then the real GDP growth will be

(a) 5%

(b) 10%

(c) 9%

(d) Cannot be said with certainty as many other factors are involved in calculation of GDP.

24.

Which of the following is/are true w.r.t. CEC and Other ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023?

1. The CEC and ECs will be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of a Selection Committee comprising the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister, Chief Justice of India and the Leader of Opposition/leader of the largest opposition party in Lok Sabha.

2. A Search Committee headed by the Home Minister will propose a panel of names to the Selection Committee.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

25.

With reference to the Sudarshan Setu, consider the following statements. 

1. It is in the Gulf of Kutch.

2. It is constructed as a part of National Highway 51.

Which of these statements are incorrect?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

1.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/bhang-holi-tradition-india-9230479/

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/holi-bhang-uses-cannabis-medicine-9232220/

D  

2.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/punjab-himachal-dispute-over-the-shanan-hydropower-project-9195344/

·  The Shanan hydropower project (on the Uhl River, a tributary of the Beas River) is a 110 MW power project located in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, India. It was commissioned in 1932.

·  It is the first hydroelectric power project of India in megawatt capacity.

·  The British-era 110-MW hydel project, situated at Jogindernagar in Mandi district, was leased to Punjab in 1925. The lease agreement was signed between the then ruler of Mandi, Raja Joginder Bahadur, and Col BC Batty, a British representative and Chief Engineer of Punjab. The 99-year-old lease came to an end on March 2 2024.

·  In the past few years, Himachal has contended that the project should stay with it once the lease ends.

C    

3.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/himachal-rains-how-is-disaster-relief-funded-in-india-8935424/

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/karnataka-govt-sc-ndrf-drought-water-crisis-9231843/

D    

4.

·  Currency devaluation refers to the downward adjustment to a country’s value of money relative to a foreign currency or standard.

·  The negative implications of devaluation include fostering uncertainty within the global markets and creating tension between other competing countries.

·  Devaluation can result in an increase in the prices of products and services over time. The increase in the price of imports causes consumers to purchase their goods from domestic industries. The amount of the price increases, however, is dependent on the competition of supply and aggregate demand.

·  It occurs when the government officially increases the exchange rate in a fixed exchange rate system.

·  It leads to decline in purchasing power of people as in general when currency loses value it costs more money.

·  It is generally used as a monetary policy tool to increase exports.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/indicators/independence-day-how-the-rupee-went-from-less-than-4-a-dollar-in-1947-to-83-today/articleshow/102718768.cms?from=mdr

A     

5.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/explainspeaking-greedflation-inflation-india-explained-8687194/

 ● It occurs when there is an increase in money supply.

● Government policies like tax reduction give consumers a higher discretionary income for spending on goods and services.

● Government spending increases demand for certain products. If this outpaces supply, it causes demand-pull inflation.

● Inflation is a general rise in the price of goods in an economy. Demand-pull inflation causes upward pressure on prices due to shortages in supply, a condition that economists describe as “too many dollars chasing too few goods.” An increase in aggregate demand can also lead to this type of inflation.

● In Keynesian economics, an increase in aggregate demand may be caused by a rise in employment, as companies need to hire more people to increase their output. A tight labor market means higher wages, which translates into greater demand.

● When aggregate demand surpasses available supply, higher prices are the result. This is demand-pull inflation.

Five primary causes of demand-pull inflation:

• A growing economy: When consumers feel confident, they spend more and take on more debt. This leads to a steady increase in demand, which means higher prices.

• Increasing export demand: A sudden rise in exports forces an undervaluation of the currencies involved.

• Government spending: When the government spends more freely, prices go up.

• Inflation expectations: Companies may increase their prices in expectation of inflation in the near future.

• More money in the system: An expansion of the money supply with too few goods to buy makes prices increase.

B  

6.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/history-of-iran-chabahar-port-india-9117732/

C  

7.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/bhang-holi-tradition-india-9230479/

https://iasgoogle.com/editorial/exchange-traded-funds-etfs

C   

8.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-history/somnath-history-nehru-opposed-rajendra-prasad-9115946/

Gujarat''s Somnath Temple:

• This Shiva temple was desecrated six times.
• Mahmud of Ghazni raided this temple in 1024 and broke the jyotirlinga of the temple while plundering it. He took a valuable booty worth 20 million dinars. The second time, Somnath temple was razed by Ulugh Khan, governor of Delhi Sultan Alauddin Khilji in 1299. The third destruction was done by Zafar Khan in 1395. He founded Gujarat Sultanate after demolishing the Somnath temple.
• In 1451, the Sultan of Gujarat Mahmud Begada destroyed it. The Somnath was attacked by the Portuguese in 1546. Aurangzeb did the sixth and final destruction of the temple in 1665. According to the Sufi schola of Alauddin Khilji''s reign, Amir Khusrau, the statue of Somnath (Shiva) was taken to Delhi, where it was thrown to be trampled under the feet of Muslims.

Series of destruction and reconstruction started:

• The first Mughal calamity came in A.D. 1025 when Mahmud of Gazni invaded Saurashtra and destroyed the temple of Somnath. King Bhoj was the ruler at that time. The temple was reconstructed somewhere around A. D. 1050. An inscription mentions Siyaka II coming to Prabhasa and performing a Swarna Tula ceremony in A.D. 1045.
• The fifth reconstruction of the temple was done in around A.D. 1150 under the rule of Kumarapala, the then emperor of Gurjaradesha. It was not a mere reconstruction of the temple but of the whole town. It was extended by adding a strong fort-wall to the north and south of the temple. Bhava Brihaspati placed gold pinnacles on the temple. A courtroom for kings, a reservoir for pure water and buildings for priests to live in were constructed along with the temple. In 1297, Alaf Khan, a general of the Khilji rulers of Delhi marched to Kathiyawar and destroyed the ancient fame of the temple. The reconstruction was undertaken by the Chudasama ruler, Mahipaldeva.

B  

9.

It hunts more during the day.

https://cheetah.org/learn/about-cheetahs/#Specialized%20Conservation%20Needs

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/cheetahs-born-in-kuno-challenges-survival-9143959/

Asiatic Cheetah

o   Fastest land mammal: It is the fastest land mammal and the only cat without retractable claws — the grip helps it accelerate faster than any sports car (0-100 km/hr in 3 seconds). 

o   Physical features: Cheetahs have a relatively small, rounded head in proportion to their body size. 

o   Camouflage: The most recognizable feature of a cheetah is its coat, which is adorned with a pattern of round or oval-shaped spots, known as rosettes. These spots serve as camouflage in their natural habitats.

o   Extinctions from India: In 1952, the cheetah was officially declared extinct from India

o   Lifespan: Cheetahs in the wild (both male and female combined) have an average age span of 10 – 12 years. 

o   Gestation: The gestation (pregnancy) period for the cheetah is 93 days.

o   IUCN status: The asiatic cheetah is listed as Critically Endangered species by the IUCN Red List surviving only in Iran. 

B        

10.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-history/guru-teg-bahadur-life-death-martyrdom-9072060/

Sikh Gurus

• The era of the ten gurus of Sikhism spans from the birth of Nanak Dev in 1469, through the life of Guru Gobind Singh.
• At the time of Guru Gobind Singh’s death in 1708, he passed the title of Guru to the Sikh scripture, Guru Granth.

1. Guru Nanak Dev - Guru from 1469 to 1539

• Guru Nanak Dev, first of the 10 gurus, founded the Sikh faith, introducing the concept of one God.
• He started the institution of Guru Ka Langar. Langar is the term in the Sikh religion refers to the common kitchen where food is served to everyone without any discrimination.
• He emphasized the equality of women and rejected the path of renunciation and he rejected the authority of the Vedas.
• He was the contemporary of Mughal emperor - Babur.

2.  Guru Angad Dev - Guru from 1539 to 1552

• Guru Angad Dev, second of the 10 gurus, invented and introduced the Gurmukhi (written form of Punjabi) script.
• He compiled the writings of Nanak Dev in Guru Granth Sahib in Gurmukhi Script.
• Popularized and expanded the institution of Guru ka Langar which was started by Guru Nanak Dev.

3. Guru Amardas Sahib - Guru from 1552 to 1574

• Guru Amardas introduced the Anand Karaj marriage ceremony for the Sikhs, replacing the Hindu form.
• He established Manji & Piri system of religious missions for men and women respectively.
• He strengthened the tradition of Guru Ka Langar.
• He also completely abolished amongst the Sikhs, the custom of Sati and purdah system.
• He was the contemporary of Mughal emperor - Akbar.

4.  Guru Ram Das - Guru from 1574 to 1581

• Guru Ram Das, fourth of the 10 gurus, founded the city of Amritsar.
• He started the construction of the famous Golden Temple at Amritsar, the holy city of the Sikhs.
• He requested the Muslim Sufi, Mian Mir to lay the cornerstone of the Harmandir Sahib.

5. Guru Arjan Dev - Guru from 1581 to 1606

• He compiled the Adi Granth, the scriptures of the Sikhs.
• He completed construction of Sri Darbar Sahib also known as Golden Temple in Amritsar.
• He founded the town of Tarn Taran Sahib near Goindwal Sahib.
• He became the first great martyr in Sikh history when Emperor Jahangir ordered his execution. Thus, he was hailed as Shaheedan-de-Sartaj (The crown of martyrs).

6. Guru Har Gobind Sahib - Guru from 1606 to 1644

• He was the son of Guru Arjan Dev and was known as a "soldier saint”.
• He organised a small army and became the first Guru to take up arms to defend the faith.
• He waged wars against Mughal rulers Jahangir and Shah Jahan.

7. Guru Har Rai Sahib - Guru from 1644 to 1661

• Though he was a man of peace, he never disbanded the armed sikh warriors who were earlier maintained by Guru Har Gobind.
• He gave shelter to Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Mughal Ruler Shah Jahan, who was later persecuted by Aurangazeb.
• He cautiously avoided conflict with Emperor Aurangzeb and devoted his efforts to missionary work.

8. Guru Har Krishan Sahib - Guru from 1661 to 1664

• Guru Har Krishan was the youngest of the Gurus. He was installed as Guru at the age of five.
• He was contemporary of Aurangazeb and summoned to Delhi by him under framed charges of anti-Islamic blasphemy.

9. Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib - Guru from 1665 to 1675

• He established the town of Anandpur.
• He opposed the forced conversion of the Hindu Kashmiri Pandits by Mughal ruler Aurangazeb and he was consequently persecuted for this.

10. Guru Gobind Singh Sahib - Guru from 1675 to 1708

• He became Guru after the martyrdom of his father Guru Tegh Bahadur.
• He created the Khalsa in 1699, changing the Sikhs into a saint-soldier order for protecting themselves.
• Last Sikh Guru in human form and he passed the Guruship of the Sikhs to the Guru Granth Sahib.

Guru Granth Sahib

• Guru Granth Sahib (also known as the Adi Granth) is the scripture of the Sikhs.
• The Granth was written in Gurmukhi script and it contains the actual words and verses as uttered by the Sikh Gurus.
• It is considered the Supreme Spiritual Authority and Head of the Sikh religion, rather than any living person.

A  

11.

The mission life of the Lander and Rover of Chandrayaan-3 is one lunar day.

 SOLAR DAY (follow the sun) - All of us knows Solar day, it is the ordinary 24-hours day format. Solar day is the time it takes for the earth to rotate on its axis and return the sun to the same spot it was the day before, and it lasts 24 hours before earth reach the same spot where it started.

Solar day is the day format most commonly use by many people, because it is much easier to count and compute than the other day format.

SIDEREAL DAY (follow the stars) - The sidereal day is the time it takes for the earth to complete a rotation on its own axis and return the fixed stars to the same spot it was before. A sidereal day lasts for 23 hours 56 minutes 4.091 seconds, so sidereal day is 4 minutes shorter than a solar day.

So the sidereal say is 4 minutes faster than usual 24 hour day format. This means that a same star appear last night will appear 4 minutes earlier every night. Sidereal day/time is a time system use by the astronomers use to locate celestial objects like stars/constellations and planets. by using sidereal time it is possible to easily point a telescope to the proper coordinates in the night sky.

LUNAR DAY (follow the moon) - lunar day is the time it takes for earth to rotate on its own axis from an exact point under the moon to the same point under the moon. A lunar day lasts for 24 hours and 50 minutes. The lunar day is 50 minutes longer than a solar day because the moon revolves around the Earth in the same direction that the Earth rotates around its axis, it takes the Earth an extra 50 minutes to catch up to the moon.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission is the second attempt of the Indian Space Research Organisation after the Chandrayaan-2 to demonstrate the capability of India in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface. The Lander Module of Chandrayaan-3 carrying the Lander, Vikram and Rover, Pragyan, made the historic soft landing on the surface of the Lunar South Pole on August 23, 2023. Thus, India became the first nation to soft-land on the surface of the Lunar south pole and overall the fourth to do a soft landing anywhere on the Earth’s natural satellite. Indian Space Research Organisation launched the Chandrayaan-3 Mission by using the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (LVM3) on 14th July 2023 from Sriharikota.

With the objective to demonstrate the ability to soft landing and roving as well as to carry out experiments on the lunar surface, the Chandrayaan 3 Mission aims to strengthen India''s prowess in space discovery and innovation. Continuing the success of its predecessors (Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2), the Mission has brought India into the exclusive elite space club.

What is the Chandrayaan 3 Mission?

The Chandrayaan 3 Mission was launched using the LVM3 rocket system. LVM3 is the new launch vehicle of ISRO with the capability to place the modules into the GTO (Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit) in a cost-effective manner. It is a three-stage launch vehicle with two solid strap stages and one core liquid stage. The Launcher, LVM3 M4, placed the integrated Modules in an Elliptic Parking Orbit of size approx. 170 x 36500 km (a GTO).

Objectives of Chandrayaan 3 Mission

One of the many goals of the Mission is to look for water ice that could support future human life on the Moon and also for supplying propellants for spacecraft in future interplanetary missions. The objectives of the Chandrayaan-3 mission are:

• Safe and Soft Landing on the Lunar Surface by the Lander
• Roving on the Moon by the Rover
• In-situ scientific experiments by the Rover

Parts of the Chandrayaan 3 Mission

The Chandrayaan-3 Mission consists of two modules - The propulsion module (PM) and the Lander module (LM). The total mass of both the modules is 3900 kg (Propulsion Module-2148 kg, and Lander Module-1752 kg, including Rover-26 kg).

Propulsion Module

The propulsion module carried the lander and rover configuration till the 100 km lunar orbit. Other than carrying the Lander Module, it also has a scientific payload called Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE).

• The SHAPE payload will conduct novel spectro-polarimetric studies of Earth from lunar orbit. It will look for smaller planets that could be habitable in the reflected light.

Lander Module

The Lander Module consists of a Lander (Vikram) and a Rover (Pragyan). The Lander Module made the soft landing using the Automatic Landing Sequence (ALS), where the Lander started its engine (thrusters) and maneuvered the speed and direction of the Module as well as the position of the landing site.

After the historic touchdown, the Rover inside it ramped down on the lunar surface to carry out in-situ chemical analysis of the lunar surface during its mission life.

• The total lifespan of the Mission (Lander and Rover) is lunar day (14 Earth days).
• Both the Lander and the Rover have scientific payloads to carry out experiments on the lunar surface.
• The objectives of scientific payloads planned on the Chandrayaan-3 Lander Module and Rover are provided below:

Timeline of the Chandrayaan 3 Mission

• Launched: July 14, 2023
• Inserted into Lunar Orbit: August 05
• Separation of the Lander Module from the Propulsion Module: August 17
• First Deboosting: August 18
• Deboosting is the slowing down of the spacecraft in an orbit where the Perilune (closest point to the Moon) is 30 km, and the farthest point (the Apolune) is 100 km from the landing site in the South Polar Region.
• It is required for the proper landing as the speed needed to land is much less than the lander.
• Second Deboosting on August 20
• Soft landing on August 23
• The targeted site on the Moon was around 70 degrees South near the Southern pole of the Moon.
• If the Lander had missed the target of the commencement of the soft landing, It would have to wait for 1 month.
• It landed at around 69.36°S and 32.34°E (between Manzinus C and Simpelius N craters).
• Rover started its exploration on August 24

What differentiates Chandrayaan 3 from Chandrayaan 2?

Chandrayaan-2 failed in the final phase of its mission in 2019 because it could not achieve a soft landing. The main issue for the crash was that the five thrusters on the lander developed a higher velocity than expected. Also, the lander had to take pictures to fix the landing site. All of this made the accumulated errors. Learning from previous experiences, the ISRO had incorporated some advancements to achieve success this time, which are as follows:

“Failure-based design” instead of the "Success-based design":

• The failure-based design means that if everything, including sensors and electronics, had failed, Vikram would still have made the soft landing.
•  This was done by identifying and rectifying all the probable scenarios that could go wrong.
• These included failure of electronics, engine failure, unable to reach the landing spot, sensor failure, algorithm failure, velocity higher than required, etc.

Increase in the landing area:

• The target area of Chandrayaan-3 was kept at 4km x 2.4km area instead of 500m x 500m targeted by Chandrayaan-2 so that the Lander had more options to choose the best target site on its own.

More fuel to Lander:

• It was kept to facilitate the Lander to travel longer distances to the landing site and, if needed, to the alternate landing site.

Help from Chandrayaan-2 orbiter:

• The Chandrayaan-3 mission does not carry an orbiter; it is using the high-resolution images from the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter.

More robust integrated craft:

• The weight of the payload of Chandrayaan-3 had been kept more than the Chandrayaan-2, with the Lander having most of the extra weight for successful landing.
• The number of thrusters had decreased from five to four with no central thrusters.
• The legs of the Lander were made sturdier to ensure that they could land even at a higher velocity.
• Use of additional solar panels to ensure power generation after a soft landing regardless of the weather on the Moon.

Chandrayaan-3 vs Luna-25

Luna-25, Russia''s first lunar mission since 1976, has recently crashed in an attempt to get into the landing orbit. It was targeted to land at the South Pole of the Moon, of particular interest to researchers believing that the polar craters might contain frozen water in their rocks. There are some differences between the Chandrayaan-3 and the Luna-25, which are as follows:

Significance of the Chandrayaan 3 Mission

India''s Chandrayaan-3 mission aims to continue the nation''s lunar exploration efforts and build on the achievements of previous missions like Chandrayaan-1 and 2. The undertaking holds significance for multiple reasons:

Future lunar exploration:

• The Mission can play a vital role in India''s quest to establish a human presence on the moon.
• The collaboration with JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) for their Lunar Polar Exploration mission (LUPEX) or Chandrayaan-4, etc., will be benefited by the success of this Mission.

Advancing space education:

• The Mission will work towards advancing space education and scientific temper in India.
• It can serve as an inspiration for the scientific community as well as future generations of space enthusiasts.

Lunar Surface Exploration:

• Chandrayaan-2 rеvеаlеd moon details like landscapе, minеrals, and watеr.
• Chandrayaan-3''s landеr and rovеr are studying rocks and soil to understand moon history, possibly revealing asteroid impacts that caused surface changes.
• Focusing on thе moon''s south polе, Chandrayaan-3 aims to find minеrals, undеrground fеaturеs, and watеr, promising frеsh insights into moon gеology and resources.

Scientific Discoveries:

• Chandrayaan-3 carriеs tools to study moonquakes and undеrground hеat.  Sеismomеtеrs on its surfacе show thе moon''s interior and thеrmal probеs uncovеr crust movеmеnts, aiding our knowledge of thе moon.
• It will strengthen India''s grasp of lunar gеology, rеsourcеs, and surroundings, deepening insights about cеlеstial bodiеs.
• The Mission sееks to undеrstand sеismicity and thеrmal traits, еnlightеning us about thе moon''s intеrior workings and broadеr cosmic undеrstanding.

Boosting private investment:

• India''s field-tech sector is on investors'' radars with historic growth of private rocket launches and satellite deployments by 2022.
• The accomplishment of the Chandrayaan trio should drive investor confidence higher and attract more private investment in aerospace technology projects.

Job creation:

• India’s booming aerospace technology sector has already created hundreds of jobs.
• Successful lunar missions and subsequent programs are poised to create additional high-tech business opportunities, both directly and indirectly.

Nurturing startups:

• The success of Chandrayaan-3 could be a technology showcase, boosting India’s goodwill in the global space community.
• This could attract joint ventures and business opportunities for Indian companies and startups to develop and develop space systems for the global market.

Strengthening international reputation:

• Successful completion of Chandrayaan-3 will make India the fourth country to land on the moon, earn global recognition and lead to the cost-effective adoption of spacecraft manufactured by Indian companies and proof of its reliability.
• This achievement could lead to useful international cooperation.

Strategic Positioning:

• The success of Chandrayaan-3 could position India as an important player in the international space race, potentially matching China’s influence. With Russia facing economic sanctions, it is an opportunity for India to strengthen its position. 
• Together with Artemis Accords, it will enhance India''s ever-increasing space footprints.

Overall, Chandrayaan-3’s success will signal India''s emergence as a space leader, unlocking major economic benefits through investments, commercial contracts, jobs, and strategic positioning for the country.

Way Forward

As India continues to advance its space program through missions like Chandrayaan-3, it is imperative to chart the way forward strategically. While the moon presents new economic and technological possibilities, sustaining progress requires farsighted policies and practices.

• Lunar Economy Vision: This mission aligns with the global goal of a "lunar еconomy". Countries like the US, India, Russia, and China еnvision longer lunar prеsеncе, fostering economic benefits as well as space exploration development.
• Prospects for Dееp Spacе missions: Lunar gravity and atmosphеrе open doors for low-cost space launches in absence. The ability to use lunar resources for rocket propеllant could rеvolutionizе Thе interplanetary missions.
• Navigating orbital uncertainty: ISRO collaborates with the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) to ensure safe navigation, considering the risk of collision risk while orbiting the spacecraft. Sustainablе practices arе pivotal for thе еvolving cislunar and lunar еnvironmеnt.
• Advancing Spacе Policiеs: India''s robust spacе policiеs, including thе Indian Spacе Policy (2023), stimulate private investments in spacе vеnturеs. Initiatives like the Anusandhan National Research Foundation encourage research and innovation.
• Transition to Sustainability: Prеvious missions wеrе financially еxtravagant, еnеrgy-intеnsivе, and prеcarious, with a nеarly 50% failurе ratе. In contrast, prеsеnt lunar missions leverage advanced technologies, matеrials, and safety protocols, ensuring higher success rates and cost-efficiency.

Chandrayaan-3 signifies a key milestone in global lunar exploration efforts, aligned with establishing a sustainable lunar presence driven by economic and technological incentives. India must seize this opportunity to advance scientifically, technologically and strategically by nurturing talent, enabling private participation and realizing possibilities for national growth.

B

12.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/great-indian-bustards-protection-cea-regulations-violate-sc-rules-pose-threat-to-endangered-species-petitioners-8482894/

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/supreme-court-conservation-great-indian-bustard-9234896/

C   

13.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/ins-imphal-commission-indian-navy-explained-significance-9082936/

D  

14.

It is a constitutional right.

It is enshrined under Part VI of the Constitution of India.

Article 32 and Article 226

·      Article 32 is a fundamental right, but Article 226 is a constitutional right.

·      Article 32 can be suspended if the President declares an emergency, however, Article 226 cannot be suspended even during an emergency.

·      Article 32 has a limited reach since it only applies when a fundamental right has been violated. Article 226 on the other hand, has a greater reach since it applies not only to violations of fundamental rights but also to violations of legal rights.

·      Under Article 32, the Supreme Court has the authority to issue writs across India. As a result, the Supreme Court’s territorial jurisdiction is broader and expanded. Article 226, on the other hand, allows the High Court to issue a writ exclusively in its own local jurisdiction. As a result, the territorial authority of High Courts is narrower and limited.

·      Since Article 32 is a basic right, the Supreme Court cannot dismiss it. However, Article 226 gives the High Court discretionary power, which means it is up to the High Court to decide whether or not to issue a writ.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/supreme-court-2018-ruling-grant-of-stay-order-9187581/

D  

15.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/meghalaya-new-state-anthem-controversy-jaintia-9134637/

· Deep within the hills of Meghalaya, India, resides the Pnars. They are a vibrant sub-tribe of the larger Khasi people. They describe themselves as the “Ki Khun Hynűiew Trep,” meaning “Children of the Seven Huts.” They proudly claim the West and East Jaintia Hills districts as their own land. Their unique language, Pnar, echoes closely with the dialect of their Austro-Asiatic lineage.

· Matrilineal traditions bind their society, ensuring ancestral wisdom and property flows through generations of Pnar daughters. Ancient customs and the deep respect for nature thrives amidst the beauty of Meghalaya’s hills and valleys through this tribe.

· The Pnar tribe’s ancient religion is called Niamtre. According to the tribal beliefs, Niamtre was sent by God and was not created by humans.

B

16.

Parathyroid hormone increases blood calcium level by stimulating bone resorption, promoting absorption of calcium from GI tract and promoting reabsorption of calcium from renal tubules.

It increases Ca2+ level in the blood.

It promotes the formation of calcitriol which increases the absorption of Ca2+ from digested food.

It has no role in the regulation of metabolism of carbohydrates.

B

17.

If the inflation is too high, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to reduce the money supply in the economy to control inflation. Thus, RBI sells the government securities so as to suck the excess of money supply from the economy and to control the inflation.

The Reserve Bank of India intervenes in the currency market to support the rupee as a weak domestic unit can increase a country’s import bill. There are a variety of methods by which RBI intervenes. It can intervene directly in the currency market by buying and selling dollars. If RBI wishes to prop up rupee value, then it can sell dollar and when it needs to bring down rupee value, it can buy dollars.

When the US raises its domestic interest rates, this tends to make India less attractive for the currency trade. As a result, some of the money may be expected to move out of the Indian markets and flow back to the US, therefore decreasing the value of India’s currency against the US dollar. Thus, if interest rates in the USA or European Union were to fall, the value of rupee against the dollar increases and that is likely to induce RBI to buy dollars.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/india-sticky-inflation-causes-consequences-8454047/

B  

18.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/reroute-railway-track-running-through-assam-gibbon-sanctuary-suggest-scientists/article67247555.ece

A      

19.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2023/Jun/28/cabinet-approves-agreement-between-india-and-coalition-for-disaster-resilient-infrastructure-2589415.html

Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)

· The CDRI was launched by the Prime Minister of India during the United Nations Climate Action Summit on the 23rd September, 2019, at New York. 

· It is a global partnership of National Governments, UN agencies and programmes, multilateral development banks and financing mechanisms, the private sector, academic and knowledge institutions.

· It aims to promote the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks, thereby ensuring sustainable development.

Members:

· Since its launch, thirty-one (31) Countries, six (06) International Organisations and two (02) private sector organisations have joined as members of CDRI.  Members: 22 countries and 7 organisations.

· The CDRI Secretariat is based in New Delhi, India.

· CDRI has been expanding its membership consistently by attracting a wide variety of economically advanced countries, developing countries, and countries that are most vulnerable to climate change and disasters.

Functions: 

· CDRI promotes rapid development of resilient infrastructure to respond to the Sustainable Development Goals’ imperatives of expanding universal access to basic services, enabling prosperity and decent work.

· Thematic Areas: Governance and Policy, Risk Identification and Estimation, Standards and Certification, Capacity building, Innovation & Emerging Technology, Recovery and Reconstruction, Finance and Community based approaches.

A 

20.

https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2019/11/13/20839531/climate-change-industry-co2-carbon-capture-utilization-storage-ccu

D  

21.

1.

Mitochondria are considered the powerhouse of the cell.

They contain their own mitochondrial DNA whereas lysosomes do not.

Mitochondrial DNA help in the synthesis of enzymes required for pathways of energy synthesis.

2.

Chloroplast contains their DNA whereas vacuole lacks DNA.

Chloroplast DNA contains genes that are required for their activity and photosynthesis.

3.

The nuclear envelope is the bi-lipid membrane that surrounds the nucleus.

It protects the genetic material present inside the nucleus.

Mitochondria contain their own mitochondrial DNA.

D

22.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/rbi-monetary-policy-repo-rate-change-mpc-9144616/

Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)

The Monetary Policy Committee sets India''s benchmark interest rate. Meetings occur at least quarterly, and decisions are published afterward. The committee has six members: three from the Reserve Bank of India and three appointed by the government. A "silent period" for utmost confidentiality surrounds rate decisions. The committee, chaired by the RBI governor, decides by majority, with the governor''s casting vote in ties. Their mandate is to maintain 4% annual inflation until March 31, 2026, with a 2-6% tolerance range.

History and Formation of MPC

• Prior to the creation of the committee, the Reserve Bank of India''s Governor made all significant interest rate decisions on his own.
• The MPC was founded under the Reserve Bank of India Act of 1934 to increase transparency and accountability in India''s monetary policymaking.
• The MPC meets at least four times a year, and following each meeting, the monetary policy is published, with each member declaring their position.
• The Urjit Patel Committee was the first to suggest forming a five-member Monetary Policy Committee.
• Following that, the government recommended the formation of a seven-member commission.
• The Monetary Policy Department (MPD) of the Reserve Bank aids the MPC in policy development.
• On June 27, 2016, the Monetary Policy Committee was established.
• The Financial Markets Operations Department (FMOD) implements monetary policy through daily liquidity management operations.

Need of Monetary Policy

• Monetary policy refers to the central bank''s approach to using monetary tools within its competence to achieve the Act''s objectives.
• Regarding monetary policy, the RBI''s major purpose is to preserve price stability while seeking growth.
• Price stability is a necessary condition for long-term expansion.
• The updated RBI Act of 1934 further states that the Indian government, in collaboration with the Reserve Bank, sets the inflation objective (4 percent + 2%) every five years.

Objectives of Monetary Policy Committee

• According to the Chakravarty Committee''s recommendations, price stability, economic growth, equity, social justice, and supporting the establishment of new financial enterprises are all vital aspects of India''s monetary policy.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) aims to keep inflation tolerable while the Indian government strives to boost the country''s GDP growth rate.
• To meet the country’s inflation target and achieve its major objectives, the Monetary Policy Committee estimates the necessary policy interest rate.
• The Reserve Bank lends overnight liquidity to banks against the collateral of government and other approved assets at a repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF).

Members of Monetary Policy Committee

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) comprises six members, including:

• Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI): The Governor of the RBI is the ex-officio chairperson of the MPC.
• Deputy Governor of the RBI: One of the Deputy Governors of the RBI is a member of the MPC.
• Two External Members: The government appoints two external members to the MPC. These members are experts in the field of economics, finance, or monetary policy.
• Executive Director of the RBI: The Executive Director of the RBI is also a member of the MPC.
• Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs: The Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, is a non-voting member of the MPC.

Selection of members and tenure of office in MPC

• A Search-cum-Selection Committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, with the RBI Governor and Economic Affairs Secretary as members, as well as three experts in economics, banking, finance, or monetary policy, will choose the government''s nominees to the MPC.
• MPC members will be appointed for a four-year term and will not be eligible for reappointment.

Criteria Used to Make Decisions

• Decisions will be made by a majority vote, with each member having one vote.
• The governor of the Reserve Bank of India will chair the committee.
• Conversely, the governor will not have veto power over the other panel members but will be able to cast a tie-breaking vote in the event of a tie.

C      

23.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/interim-budget-2024-six-key-takeaways-9138579/

The nominal GDP growth rate — the rate at which GDP grows, inclusive of inflation — is possibly the most important data mentioned in the Budget since it forms the base for all other calculations. For instance, the fiscal deficit (read borrowings) targets are set as a percentage of (nominal) GDP. So if the nominal GDP is small, the amount of money that the government can borrow is also smaller.

B   

24.

https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/big-boost-to-centre-supreme-court-upholds-ec-appointments-says-wont-stay-new-law-422333-2024-03-21

https://thewire.in/government/arun-goels-resignation-what-is-the-established-law-on-the-appointment-of-election-commissioners

A Search Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary will propose a panel of names to the Selection Committee.

D    

25.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/indias-longest-cable-stayed-bridge-opens-today-9179327/

D