1.

1. Urea has 46% nitrogen content

2. Though most crops use nitrate as source of nitrogen, a few crops such as Paddy prefer Ammonical form over nitrate.

3. Once nitrate reaches underground water, it is most difficult to remove.

4. Nitrate causes blue baby syndrome.

Choose the incorrect statement/(s).

(a) 3 and 4 Only

(b) 2 and 3 Only

(c) 1 and 2 Only

(d) None of these

2.

Consider the following statements:

1. The theosophical society opposed religious conversions.

2. The theosophical society favoured the study of comparative religion and philosophy.

3. The theosophical society supported the belief in occult mysticism.

Which of the statements given above are correct?.

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 1 and 2

(c) 2 and 3

(d) 1 and 3

3.

1. Uranium deposits can be found in the Dharwar rocks of India.

2. Thorium deposits have been found in the Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

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

4.

Which of the following is/are the harmful effect of carbon monoxide?.

1. It causes damage to the Red Blood cells.

2. It reduces the effective transport of Carbon Dioxide.

3. It reduces the effective transport of Oxygen.

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c)  3 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

5.

1. Equator receives comparatively less insolation than the tropics.

2. In winter, the middle and higher latitudes receive less radiation than in summer.

3. In the same latitude the insolation is more over the continent than over the oceans.

Which of these is/are FALSE?.

(a) 1 & 3

(b) Only 3

(c) Only 2

(d) None of these

6.

1. Their conditions of service and tenure of The Chairperson and the members of the Commission are determined by the Parliament.

2. The President is vested with the powers to regulate the procedure of the Commission. 

3. The Commission, while investigating any matter or inquiring into any complaint, has all the powers of a civil court. 

How many of the above statements is/are correct w.r.t. National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)? 

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

7.

Which of the following pairs of an animal and a plant represents endangered organisms in India?

(a) Lysionotus namchoomii & Red-headed vulture

(b) Bentinckia nicobarica & Black buck

(c) Bentinckia nicobarica & Red-headed vulture

(d) Lysionotus namchoomii & Black buck

8.

Which is the first discovered edict of Emperor Ashoka to have his name as Asoka in contrast to all other inscriptions discovered earlier that had either Devanampiye or Piyadasi or both to refer to him?.

(a) Maski Edict

(b) Bahapur Edict

(c) Gujjara Edict

(d) Bairat Edict

9.

How many of the following statements is/are true w.r.t. light-emitting diodes (LEDs)?

I. A diode allows current to flow in only one direction using a p-n junction.

II. Red and green LEDs were created after the creation of blue LEDs.

III. One major issue with LED is the mercury pollution.

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All the three

(d) None of these

10.

The functional jurisdiction of UPSC extends to

1. Reservation of appointments in favour of backward classes.

2. Assisting the states in matters of joint recruitments.

3. Classification of services and cadre management.

(a) 2 and 3 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3

(c) 2 only

(d) 1 and 2 only

11.

1) The January isotherm taken as a basis for dividing India into tropical and subtropical zones is 15°C.

2) The Isotherm Line, which divides the India North-South into almost two equal parts in January is 20°C.

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

12.

W.r.t. the 26th Amendment to the constitution, consider the following.

1. It Repealed Articles 291 and 362.

2. It took away the privy purse granted to the Rulers of the erstwhile Indian States

(a) Only 1 is correct

(b) Only 2 is correct

(c) Both 1 & 2 are correct.

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 is correct

13.

What was upavasatha in the Buddhist order?

(a) It was the resting place of the Buddhist monks in caves or viharas during rainy period.

(b) It was an act of confession of Buddhist monks when they assembled every fortnight on the evenings of full and new moons.

(c) It was an act of fasting for a specified period of time by Buddhist monks as a punishment for the offences committed by them in their conduct.

(d) It was the vow taken by the newly admitted monk into the Buddhist order.

14.

Which of the following is/are true about ‘Holocene Extinction’ ?

(a) It was the fifth great extinction.

(b) It was solely limited to islands

(c) Both (a) & (b) are correct.

(d) Neither (a) nor (b) is correct.

15.

Which of the following is/are the deers found in India?.

1. Mouse Deer

2. Hog Deer

3. Eld’s Deer

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c)  3 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

16.

It is the oldest artificial port and the second most important port of the country. It is not much suitable for large ships because of the shallow waters near the coast. Name the port referred here.

(a) Mumbai port

(b) Deendayal port

(c) Chennai port

(d) Ennore port

17.

Match the following

Answer codes

18.

1. It was dropped on Hiroshima in 1945.

2. It works through a combination of fission and fusion together.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct w.r.t. Hydrogen Bomb? 

(a) Only 1

(b) Both 1 & 2

(c) Only 2 

(d) Neither 1 Nor 2 

19.

Anabaena is present in the root pockets of

(a) Musa plant

(b) Gossypium

(c) Cycas

(d) Azolla

20.

Green Muffler is a technique of reducing

(a) Air Pollution

(b) Soil Pollution

(c) Noise Pollution

(d) Water Pollution

21.

1. The Strait of Malacca lies between Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, linking the Indian Ocean with the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

2. The straits namely the Sunda and the Lombok are in the Red Sea.

Which of these statements are correct?

(a) Only 1
 

(b) Only 2
 

(c) Both 1 and 2
 

(d). Neither 1 nor 2

22.

As per Section 3 of The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003, Fiscal policy statements to be laid before Parliament are

(I) the Medium - term Fiscal Policy Statement

(II) the Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement

(III) the Macro - economic Framework Statement

(IV) the Medium - term Expenditure Framework Statement

Consider the following.

1. Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement sets a three-year rolling target for prescribed fiscal indicators. 

2. Macro-Economic Framework Settlement contains explicit contingent liabilities.

 3. Medium Term Fiscal Policy Statement contains evaluation of how the current policies of Central Government are in conformity with the fiscal management principles. 

4. Medium Term Expenditure Framework Statement contains assessment of growth prospects of the economy. 

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

(a) All four

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) None of these

23.

“CITES removes India from negative list for export of Red Sanders”. Headline News in recent times. Consider the following statements in this context.

1. India was under Review of Significant Trade process for Red Sanders since 2020.

2. The removal of Red Sanders from RST process from India was conditional.

3. The CITES Standing Committee has now decided to place India in Category 2 from Category 3.

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

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All the three

(d) None of these

24.

Which of the following is/are true w.r.t. “anti-profiteering provision under GST”?.

(a) Any reduction in GST rate or benefit of input tax credit should be passed on to the end consumer and not retained by the business.

(b) Anti-profiteering complaints is handled by National Anti-Profiteering Authority.

(c) Both (a) and (b)

(d) Neither (a) nor (b)

25.

1. Samannaphala Sutta makes a reference to Ajatashatru of Magadha meeting Gautama Buddha.

2. The Bhagavati Sutra is a Buddhist text

Which of the above statement is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

26.

Which animals are transgenic?

1. Animals with foreign DNA in some cells

2. Animals with foreign DNA in all cells

3. Animals with foreign RNA in all cells

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 2 only

(d) 1 and 2 only

27.

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

(1) It was Lord Hastings who abolished Censorship.

(2) The Bengal Gazette was started as a weekly during the tenure of Lord Wellesley.

(3) JS Buckingham started the Calcutta journal during the tenure of Lord Hastings.

(a) 3 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 2 and 3

28.

Consider the following statements:

1. Mamulanar of the Sangam age has referred to a Mauryan expedition against a Tamil chieftain.

2. The term Nadukal mentioned in the Sangam literature was an item of export in Indo-Roman trade as evidenced by the remanats at Arikamedu.

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

29.

The Election Commission of India is responsible for holding elections to

1. State Legislative councils

2. Office of President

3. Office of Vice-President

(a) 2 and 3 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3

(c) 1 only

(d) 1 and 2 only

30.

The text of the document called Mahzar, by which Akbar assumed the role of supreme arbiter in the matters of religion is found in

(a) Nizamuddin''s Tabaqat-I-Akbari

(b)  Arif Quandahari''s Tarikh-I-Alfi

(c) Abul Fazl''s Akbarnama 

(d) Badauni''s Muntakahab-ut-Tawarikh

31.

Consider the following.

1. Most aerosols are found in the lower troposphere.

2. Aerosols have a cooling effect on Earth''s climate.

Which of these is/are true?.

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(c) Both 1 & 2

(d) Neither 1 Nor 2

32.

Granville Austin describes the following as “Conscience of the Constitution”.

(a) Preamble and Fundamental Rights

(b) Preamble, Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy

(c) Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties

(d) Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy

33.

1. 2nd Schedule

2. 3rd Schedule

3. 5th Schedule

4. 4th Schedule

Which of the above Schedules of the Constitution can be amended by a simple majority of the Parliament?.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(c) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

34.

1. The horse latitudes are regions located at about 30 degrees north and south of the equator.

2. The horse latitudes are characterized by calm winds and little precipitation.

Which of these statements are correct?

(a) Only 1
 

(b) Only 2
 

(c) Both 1 and 2
 

(d). Neither 1 nor 2

35.

1. It is a squared building.

2. It was built by Qutb ud-Din Aibak.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct w.r.t. Gol Gumbaz?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

36.

1. Methane makes up far less of the atmosphere than carbon dioxide.

2. Clearing of the rain forests greatly reduces the methane content of the atmosphere.

3. Water vapor is a good absorber of Earth''s outgoing radiation.

Which of the statements is/are correct?

(a) Only 2 and 3 are correct

(b) Only 1 and 3 are correct

(c) Only 1 is correct

(d) All are correct

37.

1. A thicker layer of ozone would be harmful.

2. Radio Transmission is possible due to Mesosphere.

3. 1° C is higher than 1° F by a factor of 1.8.

4. The atmosphere reaches its coldest temperature of around -900C in the mesosphere.

Choose the incorrect statement/(s) using the codes below

(a) 3 and 4 Only

(b) 2 and 3 Only

(c) 1 and 2 Only

(d) 2 Only

38.

1. Salts of sorbic acid

2. Salts of propanoic acid

3. Sugar

4. Sodium Bisulfite

How many of the above are used as Food preservatives?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All the four

39.

1. Electrons are not made of quarks.

2. Protons and Neutrons are made up of quarks.

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

40.

Consider the following statements.

1. Gymnosperms and angiosperms both have seeds.

2. Gymnosperms are wind pollinated.

3. Gymnosperms succeeded angiosperms on the Earth.

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

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All the three

(d) None of these

41.

The pyramid which cannot be inverted in a stable ecosystem is that of

(a) Energy

(b) Numbers

(c) Biomass

(d) Both (a) and (b)

42.

How many of the following statements is/are true about Magnetars?

1) They are different from neutron stars.

2) They produce gamma-ray bursts.

3) The X-ray bursts from the magnetar were detected by Astrosat.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All the three

(d) None of these

43.

Consider the following statements:

1. The President can promulgate an ordinance only when both the Houses of Parliament are not in session. 

2. The decision of the President to issue an ordinance can be questioned in a court of law. 

Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

44.

1. There was a complete disunity among Hindu and Muslim peasants.

2. Hem Chandra Kar was one of the prominent leaders of the rebellious ryots.

3. Christian Missionaries extended active support to Indigo ryots.

Which of the statements given above are correct regarding of the Indigo Revolt (1859-60)?.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 2 only

(d) 1 only

45.

Which one of the following statements is/are wrong?

(1) Dharmapala established Somapura Mahavihara.

(2) Haribhadra was the spiritual preceptor of Dharmapala.

(3) Agama Shastra was written by Gaudapada.

(4) Ramacharitam is a biography of a later Pala ruler Ramapala.

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only 

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

46.

What is menat by “Momentum investing”?.

(a) It refers to a style of investing wherein investors purchase assets such as stocks or bonds that are consistently rising in price while selling assets whose prices are falling.

(b) It refers to a style of investing wherein investors buy assets when they are selling at low prices, such as during times of a financial crisis, as assets could be found selling at prices well below their intrinsic value. 

(c) It refers to a style of investing that cannot generate high returns that comfortably beat the benchmark indices.

(d) It refers to a style of investing that can cause a sustainable rise or fall in prices.

47.

In relation to Article 20 of the Constitution of India, which of the below statements is/are correct?

1. It prohibits retrospective criminal legislation.

2. The protection against self-incrimination extends to both criminal and civil proceedings.

3. It provides immunity from double jeopardy including Prosecution for an offence.

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 3

(c)  3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

48.

Consider the following statements.

(i) Once it has been liquefied, the methane takes up much less space.

(ii) LNG spills require bio-remediation of soil.

Which of the above is / are true w.r.t. LNG?.

(a)  Only (i)

(b)  Only (ii) 

(c)  Both (i) and (ii) 

(d)  Neither (i) nor (ii)

49.

1.   India permits dual citizenship under specific circumstances.

2.   India is a ''coming together'' federation.

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

50.

With reference to the Cabinet Mission, consider the following statements:

1. Its objective was to obtain an agreement with the Indian leaders as to the framing of a constitution for India.

2. It proposed the creation of a full-fledged Pakistan.

3. It proposed a three-tier federation for India.

Which of the above given statements is/are correct?.

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) 1 and 3 only

1.

With 46% N content, Urea is the most popular Nitrogenous fertilizer around the world. When Urea is applied to soil, it is first hydrolysed (i.e. broken by water)  into Ammonical form (Ammonium Ion i.e. NH4+) and then to nitrite (NO2-), followed by to nitrate (NO3-) forms by the process called nitrification. Here, we note that most crops use nitrate as source of nitrogen (A few crops such as Paddy prefer Ammonical form over nitrate.). Thus nitrification process is necessary for making nitrogen available to plants. However, if the process of nitrification is too rapid; nitrogen will escape to atmosphere and plants will not be able to recover it from Urea efficiently. Generally, the plants are able to recover a fraction of all Urea N  and this fraction is known as Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE). This NUE stands anywhere between 30 to 50%. Thus, two third of Urea Nitrogen escapes from the soil and is not used by the plants. Further, faster conversion of nitrate into Urea also results in accumulation of nitrates in soil / underground water. Once nitrate reaches underground water, it is most difficult to remove; and causes diseases such as blue baby syndrome. This implies that there is a need to regulate the urea hydrolysis and nitrification. This is done by some chemical / natural agents which are called Nitrification inhibitors. However, most of the nitrification inhibitors are costly chemicals (examples nitrapyrin, dicyandiamide and ammonium thiosulphate ) beyond reach of Indian farmers. Coating Urea with Neem oil or Neem cake has been proved to be an effective natural alternative to these chemicals. It has been scientifically established that Neem oil serves as an effective inhibitor if coated on Urea.  Thus, the benefits are as follows: Neem coating leads to more gradual release of urea, helping plants gain more nutrient and resulting in higher yields. Lower underground water contamination due to leaching of urea. Neem serves as a natural insecticide Collection of neem seeds is needed for manufacturing of neem coated urea. This would generate employments in rural areas. Neem-coating will help check heavily subsidized urea’s pilferage to chemical industry and other uses such as making of adulterated milk.

D

2.

• The Theosophical Society :
• Theosophy is the wisdom underlying all religions when they are stripped of accretions and superstitions.
• The Theosophical Society was founded by Madame Blavatsky and Col. Olcott in 1875 in New York.
• It was only in 1879, that this ideology gained its roots in Indian culture and society. 
• It was crystallised in the Madras Presidency with its headquarters in Adayar. 
• The movement was popularised by Annie Besant in India.
• Theosophy was based on three principles :
• Universal brotherhood.
• The study of comparative religion and philosophy.
• Investigations into the natural laws which seek to understand the unexplained mystic laws.
• The Society accepted the Hindu beliefs in reincarnation, Karma and drew inspi­ration from the philosophy of the Upanishads and Samkhya, Yoga, and Vedanta Schools of thought.
• The movement aimed at the quest of Hindu spiritual wisdom through Western enlightenment.
• The movement revived and strengthened faith in the ancient doctrines and philosophies of the Hindus.
• Apart from the philosophical and spiritual discourse, which the Society carried on, its valuable contribution to the Hindu awakening came from its literary and research activities.
• Hindu scriptures were published and translated.
• The Society encouraged reforms and framed educational schemes to work them out.

A  

3.

Uranium deposits occur in the Dharwar rocks. Geographically, uranium ores are known to occur in several locations along the Singbhum Copper belt. It is also found in Udaipur, Alwarand Jhunjhunu districts of Rajasthan, Durg district of Chhattisgarh, Bhandara district of Maharashtra andKullu district of Himachal Pradesh.

Thorium is mainly obtained from monazite in the beach sands along the coast of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. World‘s richest monazite deposits occur in Palakkad and Kollam districts of Kerala, near Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and Mahanadi river delta in Odisha.

C 

4.

The Red blood cells have a strong affinity for carbon monoxide and in the presence of carbon monoxide, they do not rapidly bind with oxygen. This reduces the transport and delivery of oxygen to the organs. It also reduces the transport of carbon dioxide but the harm is mainly caused by ineffective oxygen supply. It does not cause any damage to Red blood cells and cannot increase the transport of carbon dioxide.

C 

5.

The Equator receives less insolation than the tropics because of the presence of clouds. At the same latitudes the insolation is more over the continent than oceans because clouds over the ocean reflect back the sunlight.

Insolation over continents and oceans at the same latitude

Insolation refers to the amount of solar radiation that reaches a specific area. It plays a significant role in determining the climate and weather patterns of a region. In this context, we are comparing the insolation over continents and oceans at the same latitude.

1. Oceans are cloudier:

- Oceans have a higher potential to be cloudier compared to continents. This is because water bodies have higher evaporation rates, leading to increased moisture content in the atmosphere.

- The presence of clouds can significantly affect the amount of solar radiation reaching the surface. Clouds can reflect or absorb solar radiation, reducing the amount that reaches the surface.

- Therefore, due to the higher likelihood of cloud cover over oceans, the insolation is generally lower compared to continents at the same latitude.

2. Continents have varied relief:

- Continents are characterized by varied relief features such as mountains, plateaus, and plains. These relief features can influence the distribution of solar radiation.

- Mountains, for example, can intercept the path of incoming solar radiation, causing shadows and reducing the amount of insolation reaching the surface. This phenomenon is known as the orographic effect.

- In contrast, plains and low-lying areas tend to receive more direct solar radiation as there are no significant barriers to block or divert the incoming solar radiation.

- Therefore, the varied relief of continents can lead to differences in the distribution of insolation at the same latitude compared to oceans.

D

6.

· The 89th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003, bifurcated the combined National Commission for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) into two separate bodies, namely, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (under Article 338) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (under Article 338-A).

· The separate National Commission for Scheduled Castes came into existence in 2004. It consists of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and three other members. They are appointed by the President, by warrant under his hand and seal. Their conditions of service and tenure of office are also determined by the President.

· The Commission is vested with the power to regulate its own procedure.

· The Commission, while investigating any matter or inquiring into any complaint, has all the powers of a civil court.

A

7.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/jawaharlal-nehru-tropical-botanic-garden-and-research-institute-to-set-up-biorepository-for-andaman-flora/article67881261.ece

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/new-species-of-epiphytic-plant-discovered-in-arunachal-pradesh/article67497622.ece

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/two-critically-endangered-four-vulnerable-and-two-endangered-species-found-during-bird-survey-at-corbett-tiger-reserve-in-nainital/article67197809.ece

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/central-government-sanctions-129-crore-to-andhra-university-for-conservation-of-30-endangered-south-indian-plant-species/article68020773.ece

https://www.india.com/travel/articles/10-endangered-animals-in-india-that-you-should-see-before-they-vanish-3241001/

B 

8.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/maski-that-unmasked-the-mysterious-devanampiye-and-established-him-as-emperor-ashoka/article67562033.ece

A

9.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/light-emitting-diode-physics-haitz-law-explained/article67743616.ece 

https://www.epa.gov/mercury/what-are-connections-between-mercury-and-cfls

A

10.

The following matters are kept outside the functional jurisdiction of the UPSC. In other words, the UPSC is not consulted on the following matters:

·      While making reservations of appointments or posts in favor of any backward class of citizens.

·      While taking into consideration the claims of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in making appointments to services and posts.

·      With regard to the selections for chairmanship or membership of commissions or tribunals, posts of the highest diplomatic nature and a bulk of group C and group D services.

·      With regard to the selection for temporary or officiating appointment to a post if the person appointed is not likely to hold the post for more than a year.

UPSC assists the states (if requested by two or more states to do so) in framing and operating schemes of joint recruitment for any services for which candidates possessing special qualifications are required.

C 

11.

• The Isotherm Line,  which divides the India North-South into almost two equal parts in January is 20°C. 
• Isotherms are the lines that connect points of equal temperature on weather maps, so at every point along a given isotherm, the temperature values are the same.
• Isotherms help to visualize and to interpret the horizontal temperature distribution of an area by showing the patterns of temperature on a weather or oceanography map.
• Constructing the map of isotherms is an elementary step in the temperature data analysis, and the process, in general, is known as contouring.
• It can even be done for other parameters like barometric pressure (isobars), dew point temperature (isodrosotherms), geopotential height (isohypses), wind speed (isotachs), and salinity (isohalines). Isotherms are always smooth, labeled with the values, and mostly parallel to each other. 
• The isotherm of 20°C runs roughly parallel to the Tropic of Cancer.

C    

12.

Sardar’s efforts for the constitutional guarantee of the privy purse met with a lot of opposition and in 1971, through the 26th Amendment to the constitution, Articles 291 and 362 were repealed with effect from December 28, 1971 and with the introduction of Art 363A, the provision of the privy purse granted to the Rulers of the erstwhile Indian States and certain personal privileges granted to them had been taken away.

C

13.

On the new-moon and full-moon uposatha, in monasteries where there are four or more bhikkhus, the local Sangha will recite the Patimokkha. Before the recitation starts, the monks will confess any violations of the disciplinary rules to another monk or to the Sangha.

B 

14.

The ongoing extinction of the Earth''s flora and fauna due to human activities is termed as holocene extinction.

The main difference between the “Sixth Extinction” and the previous five extinctions is that the sixth extinction occurs faster. While all extinctions throughout Earth’s history have had varying causes and impacts, the current sixth extinction event, also known as the Holocene Extinction or Anthropocene Extinction, is characterized by its accelerated pace. This extinction event is primarily driven by human activities, such as habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, overexploitation of natural resources, and the introduction of invasive species. It is affecting a wide range of organisms, including both plants and animals, across various ecosystems worldwide. While island ecosystems can be particularly vulnerable to extinction, the sixth extinction is not solely limited to islands but is a global phenomenon.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/anthropocene-epoch-declaration-unlikely-soon-but-the-idea-lives-on-explained/article67964371.ece

D   

15.

https://www.tigersafariindia.co.uk/types-of-deer-species-where-to-find-in-india/

A 

16.

·  Ennore Port is located on the Coromandel Coast about 18 km north of Chennai Port, Chennai. It is the first port in India which is a public company. Ennore port is located on the east coast of the Indian peninsula known as the Coromandel Coast in the Bay of Bengal and is situated 2.6 km north of the Ennore Creek.

·  Deendayal Port (previously called Kandla port) is situated in the Kandla Creek and is 90 kms from the mouth of the Gulf Of Kachch in Gujarat. It is a protected natural harbour. It is recognized as one of the major ports in India. It was constructed in the 1950s as the chief seaport serving western India, after the partition of India from Pakistan left the port of Karachi in Pakistan. Deendayal Port is hub for major imports like petroleum, chemicals and iron also export grains, salt and textiles. It remains India’s biggest state-owned cargo handler by volume, but it has steadily lost market share to privately owned Mundra Port (India’s largest private port) 60km to the southwest.

·  The Mumbai Port, also known as the Bombay Port, is found in Maharashtra and is a natural harbor. It holds the title of India’s largest and one of its oldest ports. This bustling port is the busiest in India, responsible for managing roughly one-fifth of the country’s total exports. In the harbor, you’ll also find an island called Jawahar Dweep, equipped with four jetties for handling crude and petroleum products. Moreover, the Mumbai Port boasts three dock facilities: Prince’s, Victoria, and Indira.

C 

17.

Match the following

Answer codes

i. Rotterdam convention – Pesticides and industrial chemicals

ii.Stockholm convention – production and use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs)

iii.Cartagena protocol – “living modified organism” (LMO)

iv. Vienna convention – Protection of the Ozone Layer

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters was adopted on 25 June 1998 in the Danish city of Aarhus (Århus) at the Fourth Environment for Europe Ministerial Conference. It entered into force on 30 October 2001. The Aarhus Convention is created to empower the role of citizens and civil society organisations in environmental matters and is founded on the principles of participative democracy.

The Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction of 1997, known informally as the Ottawa Treaty, the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, or often simply the Mine Ban Treaty, aims at eliminating anti-personnel landmines (APLs) around the world.

a

18.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/the-science-behind-a-nuclear-bomb-8878006/

C   

19.

Azolla forms a symbiotic relationship with the nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Anabaena. The small aquatic fern is its home, providing shelter and nutrients in specialized structures known as root pockets. This connection is advantageous to both parties – Azolla obtains fixed nitrogen from Anabaena, while the cyanobacterium gains a safe environment and nutrient supply within the root pockets of the fern.

D 

20.

Green Muffler is a technique of reducing noise pollution by planting 4-6 rows of plants around the populated areas or noisy places like along roadsides, industrial areas, societies near highways, etc. These dense trees reduce noise pollution as they filter out the noise and obstruct it from reaching the citizens.

C

21.

The straits namely the Sunda and the Lombok are in the Indian Ocean. Sunda lies between the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra and links the Java Sea with the Indian Ocean. The strait is shallow and narrow, has heavy tidal waves, drilling platforms and tiny islands, all of which do not make it attractive for movement of large oil tankers. Lombok lies between the islands of Bali and Lombok, and is a possible alternative route to the Malacca Strait, but using it adds 1,600 km and over three days to journey time.

A

22.

1. Medium Term Fiscal Policy Statement sets a three-year rolling target for prescribed fiscal indicators. 

2. Medium Term Expenditure Framework Statement contains explicit contingent liabilities.

3. Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement contains evaluation of how the current policies of Central Government are in conformity with the fiscal management principles. 

4. Macro-Economic Framework Settlement contains assessment of growth prospects of the economy. 

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/what-is-medium-term-fiscal-policy-statement/articleshow/56737837.cms?from=mdr

https://www.business-standard.com/about/what-is-medium-term-expenditure-framework-statement

https://www.business-standard.com/about/what-is-fiscal-policy-strategy-statement

https://www.business-standard.com/about/what-is-macro-economic-framework-statement

D 

23.

India was under Review of Significant Trade process for Red Sanders since 2004.

The removal of Red Sanders from RST process from India was unconditional.

The CITES Standing Committee has now decided to place India in Category 1 from Category 2.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1976624#:~:text=The%20Minister%20said%20India%20was,farmers%20who%20grow%20Red%20Sanders.

Red Sanders

Red sanders, classified as endangered by the IUCN, CITES (Appendix II), and Wildlife Protection Act (Schedule IV), are native to a specific region within the Eastern Ghats and are known for their unique flora. It is referred to as ‘the pride of Eastern Ghats’. These trees have a slow growth rate, taking 25 to 40 years to mature, and they display remarkable resistance to droughts.

The Red Sanders heartwood is valued for its wavy grain. Besides its use in furniture, the red dye (called ‘santalin’) extracted from the wood serves as a colouring agent for textiles, medicine, and food.

CITES

· CITES is an international agreement aimed to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species.

· Currently there are 184 Parties to CITES.

· It entered into force in 1975 and India became the 25th party, a state that voluntarily agrees to be bound by the Convention, in 1976.

· Although CITES is legally binding on States it is generally not self-executing.

· This means that it cannot be fully implemented until specific domestic measures have been adopted for that purpose.

· It is therefore essential that CITES Parties have legislation in place allowing them to implement and enforce all aspects of the Convention.

CITES National Legislation Programme:

· National laws must fulfill all these minimum requirements under CITES National Legislation programme:

· Designate a Management Authority and a Scientific Authority.

· Prohibit trade violating the Convention.

· Penalize such illicit trade.

· Confiscate illegally traded or possessed specimens.

After consulting the concerned Party, the CITES Secretariat assesses the national legislation concerning these criteria and categorizes it into one of three categories:

· Category 1: Legislation generally meeting CITES implementation requirements.

· Category 2: Legislation generally not meeting all CITES implementation requirements.

· Category 3: Legislation generally not meeting CITES implementation requirements.

D

24.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/setback-for-hul-nestle-patanjali-and-others-as-hc-upholds-anti-profiteering-provisions-under-gst/articleshow/107220027.cms?from=mdr

The erstwhile National Anti-Profiteering Authority (NAA) was initially constituted on 28th November, 2017 under section ‘7’ (2) of central Goods and Service Tax (GST) Act, 2017. In 45th GST council meeting it was decided to explore possibility of transferring all cases to Competition Commission of India (CCI).

The Ministry of Finance vide Notification No. 23/2022-C.T. dated 23.11.2022 in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of Section 171 of the Central Good and Service Act, 2017 empowered the Competition Commission of India, established under Section 7(1) of the Competition Act, 2002 to examine whether input tax credits availed by any registered person or the reduction in the tax rate have actually resulted in a commensurate reduction in the price of the goods or services or both supplied by him. Aforementioned notification came into force with effect from 1st day of December, 2022.

A  

25.

The Bhagavati Sutra, aur Vyakhyaprajnapti, is the fifth of the 12 Jain Agamas reported to have been published by Mahavira. Sudharmaswami of the Vtmbara school of Jainism is reported to have composed the Vyakhya Prajnapti, which is written in Jain Prakrit. It is the canon''s largest work, containing 36,000 questions that Mahavira is supposed to have answered. The replies cover a wide range of topics, from dogma to ascetic norms.

A  

26.

In order to produce transgenic genetic alteration is introduced in the ovum or fetus level or the entire DNA of all the cells changes rather than affecting DNA in some cells. RNA alteration does not produce transgenic animals.

C

27.

The first newspaper to be printed in both the Indian subcontinent and Asia was the weekly newspaper Bengal Gazette started by James Augustus Hicky. The paper was published for two years, I.e., between 1780 and 1782, before the East India Company seized the newspaper''s types and printing press. Because he was a strong critic of Governor General Warren Hastings'' administration.

Hickey began publication for the newspaper on 29 January 1780 after printing a prospectus announcing the fact that he will print newspapers. One must realise that the idea of printing a newspaper in India had been floating around for more than 12 years before Hickey took it upon him to execute the idea of printing.

Hicky''s Bengal Gazette was known for its sarcastic and provocative writing style. Unlike many newspapers of its time, the newspaper discussed taboo topics proto-class consciousness, arguing for the rights of the poor and the right to taxation with representation

·        Times of India – founded in 1838

·        Kesari – founded in 1881

·        Bengal gazette – founded in 1779

·        The Hindu – founded in 1878

https://cmsadmin.amritmahotsav.nic.in/district-reopsitory-detail.htm?10986

·      One of the important events during the tenure of Lord Hastings was abolition of Censorship. This was basically because of his dislike towards “unnecessary” imposition of restrictions on Press. But as a precaution, he issued some guidelines prohibiting company’s policies in the newspapers.

·      The result was that many fresh newspapers came up. India’s first Vernacular newspapers Samachar Darpan was started in 1818. However, some scholars note that “Bengal Gazetti” was published even prior to this Vernacular magazine by Ganga Kishore Bhattacharya.

·      Then in 1818 only “Calcutta Journal” was started by J S Buckingham.

·      3 years later Raja Ram Mohun Roy started national press in India. He published “Sambad Kaumudi” in 1821. This was one of the pre-reformist publications that had actively campaigned for “Abolition of Sati“.

·      There was a growing public outcry for Sati and it “inspired” Lord William Bentinck to abolish “Practice of Sati” in 1829.

·      However, this liberal policy of Lord Hastings could not continue further. The successors of Lord Hastings took harsh actions against the press people.

C  

28.

The term Nadukal mentioned in the Sangam literature means memorial stone.

Manulanar was a Brahmin caste member. Mamulanar has written about the Ganges'' destruction of the Pataliputra. Manulanar was a poet of the Sangam age who has referred to a Mauryan expedition against a Tamil chieftain The fire of Patalipura in the first century CE, on the other hand, was not mentioned. Mamulanar lived no later than the 1st century BCE, according to these findings. Some have concluded that the Podiyil hill, which adjoins the Tirunelveli and Madurai districts (Tamil Nadu) to the west, was the farthest limit of the Mauryan invasion in the south, based on references to Mauryas in Sangam literature (in five Sangam poems, three by Mamulanar).

A 

29.

The elections for the President and Vice President of India, the Rajya Sabha (council of states) and Lok Sabha (house of the people), State Legislative Assemblies (including Union territories of Delhi and Puducherry), and State Legislative Councils are conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

B 

30.

With the Mahzar Nama, Akbar pounced upon the dominance of the intolerant orthodox and allowed free development of a genuine religious spirit. Mahzar Nama was actually an idea of the father of Abul Fazal and Faizi , set that the authority of the King was higher than that of a Mujtahid (doctor of the faith) and if there is a variance, the emperor’s decision should be binding on the Muslims of India. With this edict, Akbar’s judgment was set above every legal and religious authority, so it was the promulgation of the doctrine of Imperial infallibility.

C

31.

Aerosols have a cooling effect on Earth''s climate when they scatter solar radiation because some of the scattered light is reflected back into space. Major volcanic eruptions that inject large quantities of aerosols into the stratosphere, such as that of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991, can noticeably reduce average global surface temperatures for some time afterward.

C 

32.

Kesavananda Bharti v. State of Kerala: The fundamental rights and directive principles constitute the “conscience of the constitution” there is no antithesis between the fundamental rights and directive principles and one supplements the other.

D

33.

A number of provisions in the Constitution can be amended by a simple majority of the two Houses of Parliament outside the scope of Article 368. These provisions include: 

• Admission or establishment of new states. 
• Formation of new states and alteration of areas, boundaries or names of existing states. 
• Abolition or creation of legislative councils in states. 
• Second Schedule-emoluments, allowances, privileges and so on of the president, the governors, the Speakers, judges, etc. 
• Quorum in Parliament. 
• Salaries and allowances of the members of Parliament. 
• Rules of procedure in Parliament. 
• Privileges of the Parliament, its members and its committees. 
• Use of English language in Parliament. 
• Number of puisne judges in the Supreme Court. 
• Conferment of more jurisdiction on the Supreme Court. 
• Use of official language. 
• Citizenship-acquisition and termination. 
• Elections to Parliament and state legislatures. 
• Delimitation of constituencies. 
• Union territories. 
• Fifth Schedule-administration of scheduled areas and scheduled tribes. 

·        Sixth Schedule-administration of tribal areas.

D  

34.

These diverging winds are the result of an area of high pressure, which is characterized by calm winds, sunny skies and little or no precipitation.

C

35.

Gol Gumbaz: Bijapur (modern Vijayapura) was the capital of the Adil Shahi dynasty during1480-1686. It is famous for its magnificent buildings and dargahs. Gol Gumbaz (round dome) is the mausoleum of the seventh ruler of the dynasty Mohammad Adil Shah (1627-1656). Mohammad Adi Shah commissioned the mausoleum in his lifetime. Built of dark grey basalt and decorated plaster, the exterior of Gol Gumbaz is simple but beautiful. On the four corners of the bare walls are four doomed octagonal towers. Each tower has seven storeys and each storey has several windows which give the structure a striking look. The dome is the second largest in the world after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The huge chamber of 135 ft each wall and 178 ft high contain an elevated platform on which five cenotaphs are placed. Those are of Muhammad Adil Shah, his wife Arus Bibi, a daughter, a grandson and his favourite mistress Rambha.

The structure is known for its acoustics, as a whisper on one side of the dome can be heard clearly on the other side, over 100 feet away.

·        Gol Gumbaz is situated in Bijapur, Karnataka.

·        Gol Gumbaz built by Mohammad Adil Shah is the largest masonry dome in the world.

Adil Shahis of Bijapur (1490 AD-1686 AD)

·        It was founded by Yusuf Adil Shah.

·        It was annexed by Aurangzeb.

·        Mohammed Adil Shah was the seventh ruler of Bijapur.

·        The greatest ruler of the kingdom was Ibrahim Adil Shah.

·        He introduced Dakini in place of the Persian language.

·        Adil Shahis belonged to the Bahamani Kingdom.

Bahamani Kingdom

·        The Bahamani kingdom of Deccan was founded by Hasan Gangu.

·        The capital was Gulbarga.

·        Hasan Gangu took the title of Alauddin Hasan Bahaman Shah and became the first king of Bahaman in 1347 AD.

C S

36.

Methane is a colorless, odorless gas that’s produced both by nature (such as in wetlands when plants decompose underwater) and in industry (for example, natural gas is mostly made of methane). It is widely regarded as the second most important greenhouse gas, after carbon dioxide (CO2). However, methane is about 200 times less abundant in the atmosphere and lasts there for only about a decade on average—while CO2 can last for centuries. To put it another way: methane does its damage quickly but soon fades away, while CO2 traps a smaller amount of heat consistently, decade after decade.

Termites eat wood and produce methane as a result of the breakdown of cellulose in their digestive tracts. They are thought to be responsible for 11% of the methane in the atmosphere (some estimates are as high as 20% - 40%). The clearing of the rain forests greatly impacts termite populations and in turn the methane content of the atmosphere. When a patch of rain forest is cleared, termite populations explode due to the ample food source that is left behind. Water vapor can vary from 4% in the steamy tropics to nearly nonexistent in the cold dry regions of the Antarctic. Water vapor is a good absorber of Earth''s outgoing radiation and thus is considered a greenhouse gas. When water vapor is converted to a liquid during condensation, clouds are formed.

B 

37.

Radio Transmission is possible due to Ionosphere.

The thickness of the ozone layer generally varies with the seasons and other geographical factors. According to reports, the ozone layer is approximately 20 to 30 kilometres above Earth, which is about 3 mm in thickness or about 300 Dobson Units. Every year, 16th of September is observed as the World Ozone Day. The ozone layer plays a very significant role both by protecting the planet earth and the lives existing on it. Therefore, we all should protect the ozone layer by limiting the use of CFCs – Chlorofluorocarbons, Chlorine, pesticides, nitrous oxide, halo-carbons and other harmful gases and help in the restoration of the Ozone layer.

Negative effects of thickening of Ozone layer

·  Climate change: Ozone is a greenhouse gas, and a thicker ozone layer could contribute to warming of the Earth''s atmosphere. This could potentially exacerbate climate change and its associated impacts, such as rising global temperatures and changing weather patterns.

·  Interference with atmospheric processes: Changes in the ozone layer thickness could disrupt atmospheric processes, such as the formation of weather patterns and the circulation of air masses. This could have unpredictable effects on regional and global climate systems.

https://www.vedantu.com/question-answer/degrees-celsius-will-be-equal-to-1-degree-class-7-maths-cbse-5fe0df5dc4ebda49e13b1ae5

https://scied.ucar.edu/learning-zone/atmosphere/mesosphere#:~:text=The%20mesosphere%20is%20a%20layer,with%20height%20throughout%20the%20mesosphere.

D

38.

Food preservatives prevent spoilage of food due to microbial growth. The most commonly used preservatives include table salt, sugar, vegetable oils and sodium benzoate, C6H5COONa. Sodium benzoate is used in limited quantities and is metabolised in the body. Salts of sorbic acid and propanoic acid are also used as preservatives.

·        The most common chemicals used to inhibit the growth of microorganisms are salts and edible oils. As a result, they are referred to as preservatives.

·        To prevent microbes from attacking pickles, we add salt or acid preservatives.

·        These are also used to prevent spoilage in jams and squashes. 

·        Common preservatives include sodium benzoate and sodium metabisulphite. 

·        Sodium benzoate is used as a food preservative because of its anti-fungal properties. This chemical compound enters each cell and balances the pH of the food, effectively increasing the acidity of the food and assisting in food preservation.

·        Many pharmaceutical formulations contain sodium metabisulphite as an antioxidant. It is widely used as a preservative and disinfectant in food.

D

39.

An electron cannot be composed of quarks because quarks are affected by the strong nuclear force whereas an electron is not. They are in a separate "family" of particles known as LEPTONS.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/massive-neutron-stars-quark-matter-open-problem/article68128512.ece

 C 

40.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/understanding-of-earths-flowering-plants-blossoms-in-genome-study/article68105084.ece

 Gymnosperms preceded angiosperms on the Earth.

A    

41.

Ø Pyramids of energy show the relative amount of energy available at each trophic level. his pyramid is always upright because of the loss of energy as each level consumes the lower one.

Ø A pyramid of biomass illustrates the relative amount of living organic matter at each trophic level.

A pyramid of numbers shows the relative number of individual organisms at each trophic level in an ecosystem.

A

42.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/huge-energetic-flare-from-magnetic-neutron-star-detected/article68105064.ece

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1990198

C  

43.

The ordinance-making power is the most important legislative power of the President. It has been vested in him to deal with unforeseen or urgent matters. But, the exercise of this power is subject to the following four limitations: 

· He can promulgate an ordinance only when both the Houses of Parliament are not in session or when either of the two Houses of Parliament is not in session. An ordinance can also be issued when only one House is in session because a law can be passed by both the Houses and not by one House alone. 

· He can make an ordinance only when he is satisfied that the circumstances exist that render it necessary for him to take immediate action. In Cooper case, (1970), the Supreme Court held that the President‟s satisfaction can be questioned in a court on the ground of malafide. This means that the decision of the President to issue an ordinance can be questioned in a court on the ground that the President has prorogued one House or both Houses of Parliament deliberately with a view to promulgate an ordinance on a controversial subject, so as to bypass the parliamentary decision and thereby circumventing the authority of the Parliament. 

· His ordinance-making power is coextensive as regards all matters except duration, with the law-making powers of the Parliament. 

· Every ordinance issued by the President during the recess of Parliament must be laid before both the Houses of Parliament when it reassembles. 

A 

44.

It was a result of both the major religious groups of farmers in Bengal, notably a farmer Haji Molla of Nischindipur said that he would rather beg than sow indigo. The farmers were in no possession of any type of arms and had no proper organization and discipline. Hem Chandra Kar was one of the prominent leaders of the rebellious ryots.

The key objective of the Indigo Revolt of 1859-60 was to stop the forced cultivation of indigo by European planters, who oppressed the peasants. The Revolt was a success because by 1860, most of the indigo factories were shut down and the ryots won the freedom to sow the crop of their choice in their fields.

Hindu-Muslim-Christian unity – Hindus and Muslims fought shoulder – to shoulder, whereas missionaries extended active support to the ryots.

B  

45.

Sashanka, the Gauda ruler, believed to have ruled between 590 and 625 CE, is considered the first prominent king of ancient Bengal. After the fall of the Gauda kingdom, there was no central authority, which led to recurring wars between petty chieftains. So, in 750 CE, a group of chiefs met and decided on a “Kshatriya chief ” named Gopala to be their ruler. There is a story that Gopala was elected because of his ability to kill a “demoness” that had killed those who were previously elected like him. Though Gopala did not have royal antecedents, he succeeded in acquiring a kingdom. Gopala’s political authority was soon recognised by several independent chiefs. His original kingdom was in Vanga or East Bengal.

Pala Rulers

Gopala I was succeeded by his son Dharmapala (770–815 CE) who made the Pala kingdom a force to reckon with. Bengal and Bihar were directly ruled by him. Kanauj was ruled by his nominee. The rulers of the Punjab, Rajaputana, Malwa and Berar accepted his suzerainty. He assumed titles like Paramesvara, Parambhattaraka and Maharajadhiraja.

Dharmapala proved to be a great patron of Buddhism. He founded the Vikaramasila monastery in Bhagalpur district in Bihar, which developed into a great centre of Buddhist learning and culture. He built a grand vihara at Somapura in modern Paharapura (present-day Bangladesh). Dharmapala also built a monastery at Odantapuri in Bihar. He patronised Harisbhadra, a Buddhist writer.

Dharmapala’s son Devapala extended Pala control eastwards up to Kamarupa (Assam). He defeated Amoghavarsha, the Rashtrakuta ruler, by allying with all the states that regarded the Rashtrakutas as their common enemy. Devapala was also a great patron of Buddhism. He granted five villages to Balaputradeva, the king of the Sailendra dynasty of Suvarnadipa (Sumatra), to maintain a monastery built by him at Nalanda. Nalanda continued to flourish as the chief seat of Buddhist learning even during the Pala reign.

Devapala was succeeded by Vigramapala, who abdicated his throne after ruling for a few years and went to lead an ascetic life. Narayanapala, son of Vigramapala, was also a man of pacific and religious disposition. The Rashtrakutas and the Pratiharas took advantage of Narayanapala’s disposition and defeated the Palas. The rise of the Pratiharas in Jalore under Mihira Bhoja and the advance of the Rashtrakutas into Pala territories inevitably brought about the decline of the Palas. The petty chiefs, who formerly owed allegiance to the Palas, also started asserting their independence.

The slide of the Pala dynasty was accelerated during the rule of his three successors – Rajyapala, Gopala III and Vigramapala II. The fortunes of the dynasty, however, were revived by Mahipala I, son of Vigramapala II. The most important event of his period was the invasion of northern India by Rajendra Chola sometime between 1020 and 1025 CE. However, the advance of the Cholas beyond the Ganges was checked by Mahipala I.

After 15 years of Mahipala’s rule, four insignificant rulers followed. Ramapala was the last ruler who tried to recover the lost glory of the dynasty. He ruled for about 53 years and after his death, the presence of Pala dynasty was confined to only a portion of Magadha (Bihar) and continued to exist only for a short period. Vijayasena of the Sena dynasty who had become powerful by then in northern Bengal expelled the last ruler Madanapala (1130–1150 CE) from Bengal and established his dynastic rule.

Religion - The Palas were great patrons of Mahayana Buddhism. The Buddhist philosopher Haribhadra was the spiritual preceptor of Dharmapala, the founder of the Pala kingdom. Bengal remained one of the few places where Buddhist monasteries continued to exist. The kingdom as well as Buddhism soon suffered decline because of large-scale conversion of merchants and artisans to Islam.

Art and Architecture - Two artists of this period were Dhiman and his son Vitapala. They were great painters, sculptors and bronze statue makers. The Pala school of sculptural art was influenced by the Gupta art. Mahipala I constructed and repaired several sacred structures at Saranath, Nalanda and Bodh Gaya. Gopala founded the famous monastery at Odantapura (Bihar). Dharmapala established the Vikramashila and the Somapura Mahaviharas (Bangladesh).

Literature - The prominent Buddhist scholars of Vikramashila and Nalanda universities were Atisha, Saraha, Tilopa, Dansheel, Dansree, Jinamitra, Muktimitra, Padmanava, Virachan and Silabhadra. The notable Pala texts on philosophy include Agama Shastra by Gaudapada, and Nyaya Kundali by Sridhar Bhatta. Many texts on medicine were compiled by Chakrapani Datta, Sureshwar Gadadhara Vaidya and Jimutavahana. The Palas also patronised Sanskrit scholars. Many Buddhist tantric works were authored and translated into Sanskrit. The original tantric works comprise a varied group of Indian and Tibetan texts. The “Mahipalageet” (songs on Mahipala), a set of folk songs, are still popular in the rural areas of Bengal. Sandhyakar Nandi’s epic Ramacharitam, a biography of a later Pala ruler Ramapala, describes how forest chiefs were brought into their alliance through lavish gifts.

D 

46.

https://www.thehindu.com/specials/text-and-context/the-logic-behind-momentum-investing/article67724617.ece

A   

47.

According to Article 20(1), No person can be convicted except for the violation of an offence under the law prevalent at the time of commission of the act charged as an offence. It prohibits retrospective legislation only for Criminal laws. Any retrospective increase in the penalty (or) the punishment for an offence provided is valid for civil and tax laws and not for criminal laws.

Article 20(3) prohibits the compulsion to give self-incriminating evidence only in criminal proceedings and not for civil proceedings. An accused cannot be compelled to be a witness against himself/herself.

Article 20(2) states that No person shall be prosecuted and punished for same offence more than once which means that, this article provides immunity from double jeopardy not only against Punishment for an offence but also against Prosecution.

B 

48.

Unlike crude oil and crude-derived liquid fuels, LNG spills do not require any remediation of soil, groundwater or surface waters because it evaporates immediately and dissipates quickly into the atmosphere.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/what-is-liquified-natural-gas-impact-climate-8397534/

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/small-scale-lng-vijaipur-fuel-energy-9221867/

A 

49.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/migrate/can-indians-have-dual-citizenship-heres-the-fine-print/articleshow/100406075.cms?from=mdr

A   

50.

https://iasgoogle.com/editorial/the-cabinet-mission-1946

D