UPPSC pre 2025 solved with mindmap and Tricks

150.

With reference to Municipalities, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1.The eligible age to be a member of a municipality is 25 years.

2.One-third of the total number of seats to be filled by direct election in the municipalities are reserved for women.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Both 1 and 2

(b) Only 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer

✅ (b) Only 2

Detailed Explanation

🔹 Statement 1:

The minimum age to contest municipal elections in India is 21 years, not 25 years.

Hence, this statement is incorrect.

🔹 Statement 2:

As per the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, not less than one-third of the total seats in every municipality (including those for SC/ST) are reserved for women.

Therefore, this statement is correct.

Memory Trick 🧠

🧩 “municipality - 21 to Contest, 33 to Represent”

21 years → minimum age to contest municipal elections

33% → seats reserved for women

149.

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):

Assertion (A): Babur wrote Tuzuk-i-Babri in Chagatai Turki.

Reason (R): Turki was the official language of the Mughal court.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

(b) (A) is true, but (R) is false

(c) (A) is false, but (R) is true

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

Correct Answer

✅ (b) (A) is true, but (R) is false

Detailed Explanation

🔹 Assertion (A):

Babur wrote Tuzuk-i-Babri (also called Baburnama) in Chagatai Turki, which was his mother tongue.

✔️ True

🔹 Reason (R):

The statement that Turki was the official language of the Mughal court is incorrect.

The official court language of the Mughal Empire was Persian, not Turki.

➡️ Babur wrote in Turki out of personal preference, not because it was the official court language.

Memory Trick 🧠

🧠 “Babur wrote from heart, not from court.”

Heart language → Turki

Court language → Persian

148.

Which of the following releases the Global Financial Stability Report?

1.International Monetary Fund

2.World Economic Forum

3.World Bank

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) Only 3

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer

✅ (d) Only 1

Detailed Explanation

🔹 Statement 1: International Monetary Fund (IMF)

✔️ Correct.

The Global Financial Stability Report (GFSR) is published twice a year by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

It assesses global financial system vulnerabilities, risks, and resilience.

Fund should be invested at stable place.

🔹 Statement 2: World Economic Forum (WEF)

❌ Incorrect.

The World Economic Forum publishes the Global Risks Report, not the Global Financial Stability Report.

Economy should have less risk.

🔹 Statement 3: World Bank

❌ Incorrect.

The World Bank publishes reports like the World Development Report, not the Global Financial Stability Report.

Bank talks about development.

147.

Which of the following resigned from the Viceroy’s Executive Council after the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919)?

Chettur Sankaran Nair

Ishwari Prasad

Muhammad Shafi

Iqbal Narain Guru

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 2 and 3

(b) 3 and 4

(c) Only 4

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer

✅ (d) Only 1

Detailed Explanation

🔹 1. Chettur Sankaran Nair — CORRECT

He was a member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council and resigned in protest against the Jallianwala Bagh massacre (1919).

His resignation was a strong moral protest against British brutality and suppression of civil liberties.

146.

Which of the following pairs is/are NOT correctly matched?

(Dam – River)

Baglihar Dam — Chenab

Pandoh Dam — Ravi

Srisailam Dam — Tungabhadra

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) Only 3

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer

✅ (b) 2 and 3

Detailed Explanation

🔹 1. Baglihar Dam – Chenab

✔️ Correct match

Baglihar Dam is built on the Chenab River in Jammu & Kashmir.

Bag me li thi haar (necklace) aur Chain (chenab)   woh Dam per bhul gayi.

🔹 2. Pandoh Dam – Ravi

❌ Incorrect

Pandoh Dam is actually built on the Beas River, not the Ravi.

It diverts water from Beas to the

Sutlej basin.

Pan kha rahe hain 20 (Beas) log pandohDam per baithkar. 

🔹 3. Srisailam Dam – Tungabhadra

❌ Incorrect

Srisailam Dam is built on the Krishna River, not the Tungabhadra.

(Tungabhadra itself is a tributary of the Krishna.)

Sri Krishna ka temple Dam per hai.

145.

With reference to Uttar Pradesh, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Uttar Pradesh is the leading producer of potato in the country.

2. Government of India has approved the establishment of South Asia Regional Centre of the International Potato Center at Aligarh.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer

✅ (d) Only 1

Detailed Explanation

🔹 Statement 1: Uttar Pradesh is the leading producer of potato

✔️ Correct.

Uttar Pradesh consistently ranks first in potato production in India, contributing the highest share nationally due to its fertile alluvial soil and extensive cultivation in districts like 

Agra, 

Farrukhabad, 

Kannauj, and 

Aligarh.

🔹 Statement 2: Establishment of South Asia Regional Centre of International Potato Center at Aligarh

❌ Incorrect.

The Government of India has approved establishing the International Potato Centre's (CIP) South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) not in Aligarh, but in Singna, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, a major potato-producing area.

144.

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):

Assertion (A): Consumers can bargain below the Maximum Retail Price (MRP).

Reason (R): MRP is the price that a seller must charge from the buyer.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

(b) (A) is true, but (R) is false

(c) (A) is false, but (R) is true

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

Correct Answer

✅ (b) (A) is true, but (R) is false

Detailed Explanation

🔹 Assertion (A):

Consumers can bargain below the Maximum Retail Price (MRP).

✔️ This is true. MRP is only the maximum price that can be charged — sellers are legally allowed to sell at any price below MRP.

🔹 Reason (R):

The statement says that MRP is the price that a seller must charge.

❌ This is incorrect because:

MRP is not a fixed price

It is the upper limit, not the compulsory selling price

Therefore, while the assertion is correct, the reason is incorrect.

143.

Which of the following pairs is/are NOT correctly matched?

(City — River)

Budapest — Danube

Cologne — Rhine

New Orleans — Missouri

Hyderabad — Paleru

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 1, 2 and 3

(b) Only 2, 3 and 4

(c) Only 3 and 4

(d) Only 1 and 2

Correct Answer

✅ (c) Only 3 and 4

Detailed Explanation

🔹 1. Budapest – Danube

✔️ Correct. Budapest is located on the banks of the Danube River in Hungary.

Buddha Kahate the Hungry ko Dan do.

🔹 2. Cologne – Rhine

✔️ Correct. Cologne is a major city on the Rhine River in Germany.

Coal [col] - Rhine River- RUHR coalfield 

🔹 3. New Orleans – Missouri

❌ Incorrect.

New Orleans (USA) is located on the Mississippi River, not the Missouri River.

New [young] or lean log miss nahi karte mississipi river dekhna.

🔹 4. Hyderabad – Paleru

❌ Incorrect.

Hyderabad is situated on the Musi River, not the Paleru River.

Hyderabad mein mausi rahti hai.

142.

With reference to Delhi Government’s Bio-decomposer and Spray Programme, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1.The bio-decomposer solution is provided free of cost to farmers to help convert crop stubble into manure.

2.The bio-decomposer solution is prepared using a mixture of several fungi.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer

✅ (b) Both 1 and 2

Detailed Explanation

🔹 Statement 1:

The Delhi Government provides bio-decomposer solution free of cost to farmers to manage crop stubble without burning.

This helps in reducing air pollution and improving soil fertility.

✔️ Correct

🔹 Statement 2:

The bio-decomposer solution is developed using multiple strains of fungi that accelerate the decomposition of crop residue into organic manure within 15–20 days.

✔️ Correct

Memory Trick

🧠 “FREE + FUNGI = BIO-DECOMPOSER”

FREE → Provided free to farmers

FUNGI → Multiple fungi break stubble fast

👉 Remember: Bio-decomposer = Free + Fungi

141.

Match List – I with List – II and choose the correct answer using the code given below the lists.

List – I (Schedule)

A. 7th Schedule

B. 8th Schedule

C. 9th Schedule

D. 10th Schedule

List – II (Subject)

1.Languages

2.Disqualification on ground of defection

3.Union, State and Concurrent lists

4.Validation of certain Acts/Regulations

Code:

(a) A–3, B–1, C–2, D–4

(b) A–2, B–3, C–4, D–1

(c) A–3, B–1, C–4, D–2

(d) A–4, B–2, C–1, D–3

Correct Answer

✅ (c) A–3, B–1, C–4, D–2

Detailed Explanation

🔹 A. 7th Schedule → Union, State and Concurrent Lists (3)

The Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution divides subjects into Union, State, and Concurrent Lists.

🔹 B. 8th Schedule → Languages (1)

The Eighth Schedule lists the officially recognized languages of India.

🔹 C. 9th Schedule → Validation of certain Acts (4)

The Ninth Schedule protects certain laws from judicial review, even if they violate fundamental rights.

🔹 D. 10th Schedule → Disqualification on ground of defection (2)

The Tenth Schedule deals with anti-defection provisions.

Trick to memorize schedules of Indian Constitution

140.

Which of the following events took place in the year 1911?

1.Partition of Bengal revoked.

2.Transfer of capital from Calcutta to Delhi.

3.Lucknow Pact between Congress and Muslim League.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) Only 3

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer

✅ (a) 1 and 2

Detailed Explanation

🔹 Statement 1: Partition of Bengal revoked — TRUE

The Partition of Bengal (1905) was annulled in 1911 by the British government due to widespread opposition and the Swadeshi movement.

This was announced during the Delhi Durbar of 1911.

🔹 Statement 2: Transfer of capital from Calcutta to Delhi — TRUE

In 1911, the British Government decided to shift the capital from Calcutta to Delhi.

The decision was officially announced at the same Delhi Durbar.

🔹 Statement 3: Lucknow Pact — FALSE

The Lucknow Pact between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League was signed in 1916, not 1911.

Memory Trick 🧠

📌 “1911 = Two Big Shifts”

Bengal Partition cancelled

Capital shifted to Delhi

Method to memorize numbers 

139.

Match List–I (Pulitzer Prize Categories) with List–II (Awardee in 2025) and select the correct answer using the code given below:

List – I (Category)

A. Fiction

B. Music

C. Biography

D. Drama

List – II (Awardee in 2025)

Jason Roberts

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins

Susie Ibarra

Percival Everett

Code:

(a) A–3, B–4, C–2, D–1

(b) A–4, B–3, C–2, D–1

(c) A–4, B–3, C–1, D–2

(d) A–3, B–4, C–1, D–2

Correct Answer

✅ (c) A–4, B–3, C–1, D–2

Detailed Explanation

Pulitzer winners - remember the current year winner.

Basics of Pulitzer Prize 

Pulitzer Prizes were established by Joseph Pulitzer, a Hungarian-American newspaper publisher, through his will, with the first awards given in 1917 at Columbia University, which administers them to recognize excellence in U.S. journalism, literature, and music, fulfilling his vision for an informed public. 

1. 23 annual awards given by Columbia University in New York city.

2. It is awarded in 23 categories across Journalism, Books, Drama, and Music.

3. Started in 1917.

4. It is a American award but non- Americans can win it.

🔹 A. Fiction – Percival Everett (4)

Percival Everett won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (2025) for his novel, making this match correct.

🔹 B. Music – Susie Ibarra (3)

Susie Ibarra received the Pulitzer Prize for Music, recognizing her contemporary and experimental musical compositions.

🔹 C. Biography – Jason Roberts (1)

Jason Roberts won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography for his work on historical biography.

🔹 D. Drama – Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (2)

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, known for his impactful theatrical works.

138.

Which of the following pairs is/are NOT correctly matched?

(Biosphere Reserve — State)

Nokrek — Manipur

Manas — Assam

Agasthyamalai — Kerala

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) Only 3

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer

✅ (d) Only 1

Detailed Explanation

🔹 1. Nokrek – Manipur ❌ (Incorrect)

Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is located in Meghalaya, not Manipur.

It is part of the Garo Hills and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

🔹 2. Manas – Assam ✅ (Correct)

Manas Biosphere Reserve lies in Assam, along the Bhutan border.

It is also a World Heritage Site and a Tiger Reserve.

🔹 3. Agasthyamalai – Kerala ✅ (Correct)

Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve lies mainly in Kerala (with extension into Tamil Nadu).

Hence, associating it with Kerala is correct.

Trick to memorize important geographical location

137.

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):

Assertion (A): Public Interest Litigation in India is essential for the rule of law.

Reason (R): Public Interest Litigation provides effective access to justice to socially and economically weaker sections.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

(b) (A) is true, but (R) is false

(c) (A) is false, but (R) is true

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

Correct Answer

✅ (d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

Detailed Explanation

Assertion (A):

Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is essential for the rule of law because it ensures that constitutional rights are protected, especially when the affected individuals cannot approach courts themselves.

Reason (R):

Public Interest Litigation allows socially and economically weaker sections to seek justice through public-spirited individuals or organizations.

This broadens access to justice and strengthens the rule of law by holding authorities accountable.

➡️ Since PIL enables access to justice, and access to justice is a core pillar of the rule of law, the reason correctly explains the assertion.

PIL = power for ignored lives

PIL enable access to justice which is a core for rule of law. 

Ignored lives means socially and economically weaker section.

136.

Which of the following countries is/are NOT a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)?

1.Bahrain

2.Iran

3.Iraq

4.Qatar

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 2 and 3

(b) Only 3

(c) 3 and 4

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer

✅ (a) 2 and 3

Detailed Explanation

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a political and economic alliance formed in 1981. It includes six Arab Gulf countries:

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

🇶🇦 Qatar

🇰🇼 Kuwait

🇧🇭 Bahrain

🇴🇲 Oman

135.

Which of the following pairs is/are NOT correctly matched? 

Pass - state/UT

1.Lipulekh - Ladakh

2.Nathu La - Sikkim

3.Bomdila - Arunachal Pradesh 

4.Shipki La - Himachal Pradesh 

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 1, 2 and 3

(c) Only 2, 3 and 4

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer

✅ (d) Only 1

Detailed Explanation

🔹 1. Lipulekh – Ladakh ❌

Lipulekh Pass is not in Ladakh.

It is located in Uttarakhand, near the tri-junction of India–Nepal–Tibet.

➡️ Hence, this pair is incorrect.

🔹 2. Nathu La – Sikkim ✅

Nathu La is a high-altitude mountain pass connecting Sikkim (India) with Tibet (China).

This pair is correct.

🔹 3. Bomdila – Arunachal Pradesh ✅

Bomdila is located in Arunachal Pradesh, near the India–China border.

This pairing is correct.

🔹 4. Shipki La – Himachal Pradesh ✅

Shipki La lies in Himachal Pradesh, on the India–Tibet border.

This match is also correct.

134.

With reference to “Carrying Capacity of Environment”, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1.The rate of resource extraction should remain above the rate of resource generation.

2.Generation of waste should remain within the absorption capacity of the environment.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer

✅ (a) Only 2

Detailed Explanation

🔹 Statement 1:

“The rate of resource extraction should remain above the rate of resource generation.”

❌ Incorrect.

For sustainability, the rate of resource extraction must NOT exceed the rate of regeneration.

If extraction is faster than natural regeneration, resources get depleted, violating the concept of carrying capacity.

🔹 Statement 2:

“Generation of waste should remain within the absorption capacity of the environment.”

✅ Correct.

The environment has a limited ability to absorb and decompose waste.

When waste generation exceeds this capacity, pollution and ecological imbalance occur.

Nature carrying capacity has 2 limit Take less , Throw 

133.

Which of the following is/are NOT a cold ocean current?

1.Agulhas Current

2.Brazil Current

3.Humboldt Current

4.California Current

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 3

(b) 2 and 3

(c) 3 and 4

(d) 1 and 2

Correct Answer

✅ (d) 1 and 2

Detailed Explanation

Agulhas Current (1)

The Agulhas Current flows along the southeast coast of Africa. It is a warm ocean current, carrying warm tropical water southward 🌊🔥.

Hence, it is not a cold current.

Brazil Current (2)

The Brazil Current flows along the eastern coast of South America. It is also a warm current, transporting warm water southward 🌊🔥.

So, it is not a cold current.

Humboldt (Peru) Current (3)

This is a cold current flowing along the western coast of South America. It causes upwelling and supports rich fisheries ❄️🐟.

California Current (4)

This is also a cold current flowing southward along the western coast of North America ❄️🌊.

Brazil aag ugal(aghulas) raha hae kyunki waha warm ocean current hae aur California mae toh paer(peru) jam jaate hae kyunki waha cold ocean current hae.

 

132.

Match List–I with List–II and select the correct answer using the code given below:

List – I (Disciple)

A. Kabir

B. Amir Khusrau

C. Surdas

D. Mardana

List – II (Guru)

1.Guru Nanak Dev

2.Swami Ramananda

3.Nizamuddin Auliya

4.Vallabhacharya

Code:

(a) A–3, B–2, C–4, D–1

(b) A–2, B–3, C–4, D–1

(c) A–3, B–2, C–1, D–4

(d) A–2, B–3, C–1, D–4

Correct Answer

✅ (b) A–2, B–3, C–4, D–1

Detailed Explanation 

🔹 A. Kabir → Swami Ramananda (2)

Kabir was a disciple of Swami Ramananda, a Bhakti saint who preached devotion beyond caste and ritualism. 🕉️

Kabir ram ki bhakti karte the aur anand mae rahte.

🔹 B. Amir Khusrau → Nizamuddin Auliya (3)

Amir Khusrau was the devoted disciple of Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya, contributing immensely to Indo-Persian culture and music 🎶

Amir log Nizamuddin railway station par namaz padhte hae.

🔹 C. Surdas → Vallabhacharya (4)

Surdas was a prominent disciple of Vallabhacharya, founder of the Pushtimarg sect devoted to Lord Krishna 🦚

Kya badhiya sur hae valla ye toh bhajan gaa sakte hae.

🔹 D. Mardana → Guru Nanak Dev (1)

Bhai Mardana was a lifelong companion and disciple of Guru Nanak Dev, accompanying him on his spiritual journeys 🎵

Mardo ke mard the Guru Nanak isliye Mardna unke chaeley ban gaye.

131.

With reference to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. The World Bank and International Monetary Fund were set up together and are popularly known as the Bretton Woods Twins.

2.The headquarters of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank are located at Washington D.C. and New York respectively.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer

✅ (d) Only 1

Detailed Explanation 

🔹 Statement 1:

✔️ Correct

The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were established in 1944 during the Bretton Woods Conference (USA).

Because of this, they are famously known as the “Bretton Woods Twins” 🌍💰.

🔹 Statement 2:

❌ Incorrect

The headquarters of BOTH the IMF and the World Bank are located in Washington D.C., USA.

Bretton woods twins 1944 se Washington D.C mae rahte hae.

130.

With reference to the Indian Ocean, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1.It was called Erythraean Sea by the Ancient Greeks.

2.It is spread on both sides of the Equator.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer

✅ (b) Both 1 and 2

Detailed Explanation 

🔹 Statement 1: “It was called the Erythraean Sea by the Ancient Greeks.”

✅ Correct

Ancient Greek and Roman geographers referred to the Indian Ocean and adjoining seas as the Erythraean Sea.

The famous ancient text Periplus of the Erythraean Sea describes trade routes across the Indian Ocean.

🧭 Hence, Statement 1 is true.

🔹 Statement 2: “It is spread on the either side of the equator.”

✅ Correct

The Indian Ocean extends across the Equator, covering both:

Northern Hemisphere (Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal)

Southern Hemisphere (south of the equator towards Antarctica)

🌍 Therefore, Statement 2 is also true.

Indian Ocean = Erythraean Sea + Both sides of equator 

129.

Who among the following introduced the concept of entitlements in food security?

1.M. S. Swaminathan

2.Atul Pranay

3.Samli Srikant

4.Amartya Sen

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 3 and 4

(c) Only 4

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer

✅ (c) Only 4

Detailed Explanation

The concept of “entitlement” in food security was introduced by Amartya Sen, a Nobel Prize–winning economist.

Amartya Sen explained that famines occur not due to lack of food availability, but because people lack the economic and social entitlement to access food.

His famous work “Poverty and Famines” (1981) introduced the Entitlement Approach, which shifted the understanding of hunger from production failure to distribution and access failure.

Sen = sense of entitlement in food security 

128.

Consider the following events and arrange them in the correct chronological order:

1.Acquisition of Awadh by the British

2.Ilbert Bill Controversy

3.Indigo Revolt

4.Second Anglo-Afghan War

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1, 3, 4, 2

(b) 3, 1, 4, 2

(c) 3, 1, 2, 4

(d) 1, 3, 2, 4

Correct Answer

✅ (a) 1, 3, 4, 2

Detailed Explanation

Let us arrange each event chronologically:

1️⃣ Acquisition of Awadh – 1856

Awadh was annexed by the British under Lord Dalhousie using the Doctrine of Lapse–like justification of misgovernance.

This event became one of the major causes of the Revolt of 1857.

2️⃣ Indigo Revolt – 1859–1860

Peasants in Bengal revolted against European planters forcing them to grow indigo under exploitative conditions.

It was one of the earliest organised peasant movements in colonial India.

3️⃣ Second Anglo-Afghan War – 1878–1880

Fought between the British Indian Empire and Afghanistan to counter Russian influence in Central Asia.

4️⃣ Ilbert Bill Controversy – 1883

Proposed allowing Indian judges to try European offenders.

Faced strong opposition from the British community, leading to its dilution.

Anglo Afghan war mind map

127.

Which of the following pairs is/are NOT correctly matched?

National Voters’ Day — 25 January

Constitution Day (India) — 27 January

Human Rights Day (World) — 29 January

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) Only 3

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer

✅ (b) 2 and 3

Detailed Explanation (With Reasons for Dates)

1. National Voters’ Day – 25 January ✔️

Why 25 January?

The Election Commission of India was established on 25 January 1950.

To mark this historic event and encourage voter participation, National Voters’ Day is celebrated every year on 25 January.

✔️ Hence, this pair is correct.

2. Constitution Day (India) – 27 January ❌

Correct date: 26 November

Why 26 November?

On 26 November 1949, the Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly.

Therefore, 27 January is incorrect.

3. Human Rights Day (World) – 29 January ❌

Correct date: 10 December

Why 10 December?

On 10 December 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.

Hence, 29 January is incorrect.

How to remember important days

126.

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).

Assertion (A): Voices of men and women are different.

Reason (R): Length and thickness of vocal cord is different in men and women.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

(b) (A) is true, but (R) is false

(c) (A) is false, but (R) is true

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

Correct Answer

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

Detailed Explanation

The assertion is correct because men and women generally have different voice pitches.

This difference occurs due to biological variation in the vocal cords.

The reason is also correct because:

Men usually have longer and thicker vocal cords, which vibrate more slowly and produce a deeper voice.

Women have shorter and thinner vocal cords, producing a higher-pitched voice.

Thus, the difference in length and thickness of vocal cords directly explains the difference in voices, making the reason the correct explanation of the assertion.

Memory Trick

“Thick cord → Thick (deep) voice”

Men = thicker vocal cords = deeper voice

Women = thinner vocal cords = sharper voice

125.

Operation Brahma was launched by India in March 2025 to provide humanitarian aid to which of the following countries?

1.Bangladesh

2.Myanmar

3.Sri Lanka

4.Malaysia

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Only 1 and 3

(c) Only 2 and 4

(d) Only 1

✅ Correct Answer:

(a) Only 2

There was a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in mynamar that is why India started operation Brahma.

Memory Trick

“Brahma → Burma → Myanmar”

(Old name Burma helps you instantly recall Myanmar.)

124*.

With reference to the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), consider the following statements:

1.It was developed and introduced in 2010.

2.It measures extreme poverty and includes those living on less than one dollar per day.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

✅ Correct Answer:

(d) Only 1

📘 Detailed Explanation (Exam-Oriented)

Statement 1: “It was developed and introduced in 2010.” — Correct ✅

The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) was developed by:

Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI)

In collaboration with UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)

It was first introduced in the Human Development Report (HDR) 2010.

✅ Therefore, Statement 1 is correct.

Statement 2: “It measures extreme poverty and includes those living on less than one dollar per day.” — Incorrect ❌

This statement confuses income-based poverty with multidimensional poverty.

The MPI does NOT measure poverty only by income or dollar-per-day criteria.

Instead, MPI measures multiple deprivations across three dimensions:

Health (nutrition, child mortality)

Education (years of schooling, school attendance)

Standard of Living (cooking fuel, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, housing, assets)

👉 The “$1/day” or “$1.90/day” criterion belongs to the World Bank’s international poverty line, not MPI.

✅ Therefore, Statement 2 is incorrect.

🧠 Memory Trick 

👉 “MPI = Many Problems Index”

M = Multiple deprivations

P = Poverty beyond money

I = Indicators (health, education, living standard)

📌 So remember:

MPI ≠ Money poverty

MPI = Life-quality poverty

MDP = multi Dimensional poverty index

D = Dus (2010) + UNDP (OPHI) + Dimension (SHE)

123.

Match List–I with List–II and choose the correct answer using the code given below.

List – I (Finance Commission)

A. Eleventh

B. Twelfth

C. Thirteenth

D. Fourteenth

List – II (Chairman)

Dr. C. Rangarajan

Dr. Y. V. Reddy

Prof. A. M. Khusro

Dr. Vijay L. Kelkar

Code:

(a) 3 – 1 – 4 – 2

(b) 3 – 2 – 1 – 4

(c) 2 – 3 – 4 – 1

(d) 1 – 3 – 2 – 4

✅ Correct Answer: (a) 3 – 1 – 4 – 2

🔍 Explanation 

A. Eleventh Finance Commission → Prof. A. M. Khusro (3)

Served as Chairman of the 11th Finance Commission (2000–2005).

B. Twelfth Finance Commission → Dr. C. Rangarajan (1)

Headed the 12th Finance Commission (2005–2010).

Former RBI Governor and noted economist.

C. Thirteenth Finance Commission → Dr. Vijay L. Kelkar (4)

Chaired the 13th Finance Commission (2010–2015).

Known for major fiscal consolidation recommendations.

D. Fourteenth Finance Commission → Dr. Y. V. Reddy (2)

Headed the 14th Finance Commission (2015–2020).

Recommended increase in states’ share to 42%.

🧠 Memory Trick (Easy & Reliable)

👉 “K – R – K – R” Pattern

Khusro → Rangarajan → Kelkar → Reddy

(11th → 12th → 13th → 14th)

Or remember by initials:

A → C → V → Y (Alphabet flow helps recall sequence)

✅ Final Answer:

(a) 3 – 1 – 4 – 2

122.

Arrange the following programmes in the correct chronological order and select the correct answer from the code given below:

Food for Work Programme

Community Development Programme

Training for Rural Youth for Self Employment (TRYSEM)

Drought Prone Area Programme

Code:

(a) 4, 2, 3, 1

(b) 2, 4, 3, 1

(c) 2, 4, 1, 3

(d) 4, 2, 1, 3

✅ Correct Answer:

(c) 2, 4, 1, 3

🔍 Explanation (Chronological Order with Years)

1️⃣ Community Development Programme – 1952

Launched as India’s first major rural development initiative focusing on holistic village development.

2️⃣ Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP) – 1973

Introduced to mitigate the adverse effects of recurring droughts in vulnerable regions.

3️⃣ Food for Work Programme – 1977

Launched to provide employment during lean agricultural seasons in exchange for food grains.

4️⃣ Training for Rural Youth for Self Employment (TRYSEM) – 1979

Focused on skill development and self-employment for rural youth.

🧠 Memory Trick (Easy & Effective)

👉 “Community Develops During Food Training”

Breakdown:

Community → Community Development Programme

Develops → Drought Prone Area Programme

Food → Food for Work

Training → TRYSEM

121

Global Wage Report 2024–25 was released by which of the following organisations?

1.International Labour Organisation

2.World Bank

3.International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) Only 3

(d) Only 1

✅ Correct Answer:

(d) Only 1

🔍 Explanation 

The Global Wage Report is a flagship publication of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

It analyses global wage trends, wage inequality, real wage growth, and labour market conditions across countries.

International Labour Organization (ILO) → ✅ Publishes the Global Wage Report

World Bank → Publishes reports like World Development Report, not the Global Wage Report

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) → Part of the World Bank Group; focuses on development financing, not wage reports

Hence, only statement 1 is correct.

🧠 Memory Trick (Quick Recall)

👉 “Wage = Work = Workers = ILO”

If the topic is wages, labour, employment → think ILO.

Wage vs salary 

Wage is paid for time work example hourly or daily it's usually variable amount and given for task.

Salary is fixed and regular.

120.

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).

Assertion (A):

The Himalayas form the source of several large perennial rivers.

Reason (R):

The higher ranges of the Himalayas are snow-covered throughout the year.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

(b) (A) is true, but (R) is false

(c) (A) is false, but (R) is true

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

✅ Correct Answer: (d)

Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

🔍 Explanation (Concept-Based and Clear)

Assertion (A) is TRUE

The Himalayas give rise to major perennial rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, Indus, Brahmaputra, etc. These rivers flow throughout the year.

Reason (R) is TRUE

The higher Himalayan ranges remain snow-covered throughout the year. 

Continuous melting of snow and glaciers feeds these rivers even during dry seasons.

Why (R) correctly explains (A):

Because the presence of permanent snow and glaciers ensures a continuous water supply, Himalayan rivers do not dry up — hence they are perennial.

119*.

Arrange the following conquests of Alauddin Khalji in the correct chronological order and select the correct answer from the code given below.

1.Ranthambore

2.Jaisalmer

3.Warangal

4.Chittor

Code:

(a) 1, 2, 3, 4

(b) 2, 1, 3, 4

(c) 2, 1, 4, 3

(d) 1, 2, 4, 3

✅ Correct Answer:

(c) 2, 1, 4, 3

🔍 Explanation 

1️⃣ Jaisalmer (1299)

Alauddin Khalji first attacked Jaisalmer, an important trading centre in Rajasthan. It fell early during his western expansion.

2️⃣ Ranthambore (1301)

Next, Alauddin conquered Ranthambore, one of the strongest Rajput forts, after defeating Hammir Deva.

3️⃣ Chittor (1303)

The famous siege of Chittor followed, leading to its capture after fierce resistance under Rana Ratan Singh.

4️⃣ Warangal (1310)

Finally, Alauddin sent Malik Kafur to the Deccan. Warangal, the capital of the Kakatiya kingdom, was subdued and made a tributary state.

🧠 Memory Trick

👉 “ Alauddin and Jai Ran 2 C (see) War”

Jai → Jaisalmer (1299)

Ran → Ranthambore (1301)

C → Chittor (1303)

2  - two year difference 

War → Warangal (1310)

Think of Alauddin moving from Rajasthan to the Deccan.

118.

Which of the following prepared the Annual Groundwater Quality Report 2024?

1.Central Pollution Control Board

2.Central Water Commission

3.Central Groundwater Board

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) Only 3

(d) Only 1

✅ Correct Answer: (c) Only 3

🔍 Detailed Explanation

The Annual Groundwater Quality Report 2024 is prepared and released by the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB).

Why only CGWB?

Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) functions under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

It is the nodal technical agency responsible for:

Groundwater assessment

Monitoring groundwater quality and quantity

Publishing national groundwater status reports

❌ Why other options are incorrect:

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

→ Focuses on air, water (surface), and industrial pollution, not groundwater-specific national assessments.

Central Water Commission (CWC)

→ Deals mainly with surface water resources, rivers, irrigation, floods, and dams.

When the matter comes to pollution of surface water then Centre pollution control board.

Hence, only CGWB prepares the Annual Groundwater Quality Report.

🧠 Memory Trick 

“C-G-W-B = Central Ground Water Boss"

117.

Match List–I with List–II and select the correct answer using the code given below.

List – I (Ruler)

A. Mahendravarman I

B. Kadungon

C. Amoghavarsha I

D. Rajaraja I

List – II (Dynasty)

Rashtrakuta

Pallava

Chola

Pandya

Correct Answer:

(c) 2 – 4 – 1 – 3

Explanation (Step-by-Step and Conceptually Clear)

A. Mahendravarman I → Pallava Dynasty

Mahendravarman I was an important ruler of the Pallava dynasty. He is remembered for initiating rock-cut temple architecture and for his contributions to art and literature in South India.

B. Kadungon → Pandya Dynasty

Kadungon revived the Pandya dynasty after the decline caused by the Kalabhra interregnum. He is regarded as the founder of the later Pandya line.

C. Amoghavarsha I → Rashtrakuta Dynasty

Amoghavarsha I was one of the greatest rulers of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. He was a patron of learning and authored the famous Kannada work Kavirajamarga.

D. Rajaraja I → Chola Dynasty

Rajaraja I was a powerful ruler of the Chola dynasty, known for administrative reforms and for building the Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur.

116.

Consider the following election reforms in India and arrange them in the correct chronological order starting from the earliest to the latest:

Voter Photo Identity Card (EPIC)

Electronic Voting Machine (EVM)

Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT)

NOTA (None of the Above)

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 2, 1, 3, 4

(b) 1, 2, 3, 4

(c) 1, 2, 4, 3

(d) 2, 1, 4, 3

✅ Correct Answer: (d) 2, 1, 4, 3

🔍 Detailed Explanation (Chronological Order)

Let us arrange each reform year-wise:

1️⃣ Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) – 1982 / 2004

First used experimentally in 1982 (Kerala by-election)

Legally and nationwide implemented from 2004 Lok Sabha elections

✔️ Earliest among the four

2️⃣ Voter Photo Identity Card (EPIC) – 1993–1995

Introduced under T.N. Seshan (CEC)

Aim: Curb impersonation and electoral fraud

✔️ Came after EVMs

3️⃣ NOTA (None of the Above) – 2013

Introduced following Supreme Court judgment (PUCL vs Union of India, 2013)

Allows voters to reject all candidates

4️⃣ VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) – 2013–2019

Introduced to enhance transparency of EVMs

First used in 2013 (Nagaland bye-poll)

Mandatory in all constituencies by 2019 Lok Sabha elections

🧠 Memory Trick (Easy & Exam-Friendly)

👉 “E-V-N-V” = Early Voters Need Verification

E → EVM

V → Voter ID

N → NOTA

V → VVPAT

👉 Order = 2 → 1 → 4 → 3

115.

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).

Assertion (A):

Evaporation of sweat from human skin dissipates body heat.

Reason (R):

High humidity on a hot day increases discomfort.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

(b) (A) is true, but (R) is false.

(c) (A) is false, but (R) is true.

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

✅ Correct Answer: (a)

🔍 Detailed Explanation

Assertion (A): TRUE

Sweat evaporates from the skin by absorbing latent heat from the body, thereby cooling it.

This is the basic thermoregulation mechanism of the human body.

Reason (R): TRUE

When humidity is high, the air already contains a large amount of water vapour.

This reduces the rate of evaporation, making the body feel hotter and uncomfortable.

Why (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A):

Assertion explains how cooling happens.

Reason explains why cooling becomes less effective in humid conditions.

So, the reason does not explain the assertion — it only describes a related phenomenon.

🧠 Memory Trick (Exam-Friendly)

👉 “Evaporation cools — Humidity blocks.”

Cooling happens due to evaporation 

Humidity prevents evaporation

114.

Adi Karmyogi Beta Version – A Responsive Governance Initiative” was launched by which of the following ministries in June 2025?

Ministry of AYUSH

Ministry of Women and Child Development

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

Ministry of Tribal Affairs

Select the correct answer using the code below:

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2 and 3

(c) Only 4

(d) Only 1

✅ Correct Answer: (c) Only 4

🔍 Detailed Explanation

Adi Karmyogi (Beta Version) is a capacity-building and governance initiative specifically designed for tribal communities and frontline tribal functionaries.

It was launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) in June 2025 with the following objectives:

To strengthen administrative capacity at the grassroots level in tribal areas

To improve service delivery and responsiveness of governance

To empower tribal officials and institutions through digital and skill-based training

Hence, the correct ministry is Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

113.

Sustainable development should take place without damaging the environment, and development in the present time should not compromise the needs of future generations.

Reason (R):

Agenda 21 was signed by world leaders in 1995.

✅ Correct Answer: (b) — (A) is true, but (R) is false

🔍 Detailed Explanation

Assertion (A) – TRUE ✔️

This statement correctly defines sustainable development.

The most accepted definition comes from the Brundtland Commission Report (1987):

“Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

So, protecting the environment while pursuing development is the core idea of sustainable development.

Reason (R) – FALSE ❌

Agenda 21 was not signed in 1995.

✔️ Correct fact:

Agenda 21 was adopted in 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Rio Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Therefore, the reason statement is factually incorrect, even though it talks about a related concept.

🧠 Memory Trick (Strong & Exam-Friendly)

👉 “SUSTAIN = SAVE FUTURE”

SUSTAIN → Development without destroying nature

SAVE FUTURE → Think of future generations

👉 Agenda 21 = Rio + 1992

Remember: “Rio 92 → Agenda 21”

(If you see 1995 → ❌ Wrong!)

112.

With reference to Brazil, which of the following statements is/are correct?

The equatorial rainforests of Brazil are called ‘Selvas’.

The dark black colour fertile land here is called ‘Terra Roxa’.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

Answer:

✅ Option (b) – Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

Statement 1 – Correct ✅

The equatorial evergreen forests of the Amazon Basin in Brazil are locally known as Selvas.

These forests are:

Dense

Multi-layered

Found in hot and wet equatorial climate

👉 Hence, Statement 1 is correct.

Statement 2 – Correct ✅

Terra Roxa refers to dark, fertile soil found mainly in southern and south-eastern Brazil.

It is derived from weathered basaltic lava.

Highly suitable for coffee cultivation.

👉 Hence, Statement 2 is also correct.

111.

Consider the following Committees relating to poverty and arrange their formation in correct chronological order:

Lakdawala Committee

Rangarajan Committee

Tendulkar Committee

Dandekar and Rath Committee

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 4, 1, 2, 3

(b) 1, 4, 2, 3

(c) 1, 4, 3, 2

(d) 4, 1, 3, 2

Answer:

✅ Option (d) – 4, 1, 3, 2

Explanation:

To answer this, you must recall the timeline of poverty estimation in India.

1️⃣ Dandekar and Rath Committee (1971)

First systematic attempt to estimate poverty in India.

Used calorie intake norms as the basis.

Marked the beginning of scientific poverty estimation.

2️⃣ Lakdawala Committee (1993)

Retained calorie-based poverty line.

Introduced state-specific poverty lines.

Continued the traditional consumption-based approach.

3️⃣ Tendulkar Committee (2009)

Shifted away from pure calorie norms.

Included health, education, and other basic needs.

Recommended uniform poverty line basket for rural and urban areas.

4️⃣ Rangarajan Committee (2014)

Revised poverty estimation again.

Used higher nutritional norms and broader expenditure basket.

Resulted in higher poverty estimates than Tendulkar.

110

Which of the following districts of Uttar Pradesh shares its boundary with only one other district of Uttar Pradesh?

Lalitpur

Saharanpur

Sonbhadra

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 2 and 3

(c) All 1, 2 and 3

(d) Only 1

Answer:

✅ Option (d) – Only 1

Explanation:

Lalitpur ✅

Shares an internal boundary only with Jhansi district (Uttar Pradesh).

On the remaining sides, it borders Madhya Pradesh.

Hence, only one UP neighbour → Correct.

Saharanpur ❌

Shares boundaries with multiple UP districts such as Muzaffarnagar and Shamli.

Also borders Uttarakhand and Haryana.

Hence, more than one UP neighbour → Incorrect.

Sonbhadra ❌

Shares boundaries with several UP districts (e.g., Mirzapur, Chandauli).

Also borders Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar.

Hence, more than one UP neighbour → Incorrect.

109.

As per the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, which of the following districts in Uttar Pradesh had forest cover of more than 20% of their total geographical area?

Bahraich

Chandauli

Shravasti

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) Only 3

(d) Only 1

Answer:

✅ Option (b) – 2 and 3

Explanation:

Bahraich ❌

Although it contains forested areas near the Terai belt and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary,

its forest cover is below 20% of the district’s total area as per ISFR 2023.

Chandauli ✅

Located in south-eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Includes forested tracts of the Vindhyan range and forest divisions like Naugarh.

Its forest cover exceeds 20% of the district’s total geographical area.

Shravasti ✅

A Terai district along the India–Nepal border.

Contains dense forests and protected areas linked with the Terai Arc Landscape.

Has well above 20% forest cover, among the highest in Uttar Pradesh.

👉 Therefore, the correct districts are Chandauli and Shravasti.

108.

Who among the following Indian novelists and journalists is/are part of the five-member jury for the 2026 International Booker Prize?

Natasha Brown

Kiran Desai

Nilanjana S. Roy

Rajni Chauhan

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 2 and 3

(b) Only 3

(c) 3 and 4

(d) Only 1

Answer:

✅ Option (b) – Only 3

Explanation:

Natasha Brown ❌

She is a British novelist, not Indian.

Hence, she does not qualify under “Indian novelists and journalists”.

Kiran Desai ❌

An acclaimed Indian novelist and Booker Prize winner (2006).

However, she is not a member of the 2026 International Booker Prize jury.

Nilanjana S. Roy ✅

An Indian literary critic, editor, and journalist.

She is officially appointed as a jury member for the 2026 International Booker Prize.

Rajni Chauhan ❌

Not part of the International Booker Prize jury.

👉 Therefore, only Nilanjana S. Roy is the correct answer.

107.

The Appiko Movement is associated with which of the following Indian States?

Uttarakhand

Uttar Pradesh

Kerala

Karnataka

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 3 and 4

(c) Only 4

(d) Only 1

Answer:

✅ Option (c) – Only 4

Explanation:

The Appiko Movement was a forest conservation movement.

It started in 1983 in the Western Ghats region of Karnataka, especially in Uttara Kannada district.

The movement involved villagers hugging trees to prevent commercial logging.

It was inspired by the Chipko Movement, but was regionally specific to Karnataka.

Now check the options:

Uttarakhand ❌

Associated with the Chipko Movement, not Appiko.

Uttar Pradesh ❌

No historical linkage with Appiko.

Kerala ❌

Western Ghats present, but Appiko did not originate here.

Karnataka ✅

Correct and only correct answer.

106.

With reference to the Joint Sitting of Parliament, which of the following statements is/are correct?

Article 109 of the Constitution of India provides for the Joint Sitting of Parliament.

A Joint Sitting of Parliament may be called to pass a Constitution Amendment Bill.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Both 1 and 2

(b) Only 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

Answer:

✅ Option (c) – Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation:

Statement 1 – Incorrect ❌

Joint Sitting of Parliament is provided under Article 108, not Article 109.

👉 Statement 1 is incorrect.

Statement 2 – Incorrect ❌

A Joint Sitting CANNOT be used for a Constitution Amendment Bill.

Constitution Amendment Bills are governed by Article 368.

They require:

Separate passage in each House

Special majority

There is no provision for resolving deadlock through Joint Sitting for Constitutional Amendments.

👉 Joint Sitting is allowed only for Ordinary Bills, not Constitutional Amendments.

105

Match List–I with List–II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists.

List – I (Governor-General / Viceroy)

A. Lord Dalhousie

B. Lord Curzon

C. Lord William Bentinck

D. Lord Cornwallis

List – II (Important Contribution / Work)

Permanent Settlement of Bengal

Prohibition of Practice of Sati

Partition of Bengal

Doctrine of Lapse

Code:

(a) A–4, B–3, C–1, D–2

(b) A–3, B–4, C–1, D–2

(c) A–3, B–4, C–2, D–1

(d) A–4, B–3, C–2, D–1

Answer:

✅ Option (d)

Explanation:

Lord Dalhousie → Doctrine of Lapse

Used to annex Indian states where rulers died without a natural heir.

Major cause of resentment leading to the Revolt of 1857.

Lord Curzon → Partition of Bengal (1905)

Bengal was divided on administrative grounds, but seen as divide-and-rule.

Triggered the Swadeshi Movement.

Lord William Bentinck → Prohibition of Sati (1829)

Abolished the inhuman practice of Sati.

A major social reform, supported by Raja Ram Mohan Roy.

Lord Cornwallis → Permanent Settlement of Bengal (1793)

Fixed land revenue permanently with zamindars.

Introduced zamindari system in Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha.

104.

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).

Assertion (A):

Generally, an alloy of lead and tin is used as a material for the fuse wire.

Reason (R):

An alloy of lead and tin has a higher melting point than copper and aluminium.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

(b) (A) is true, but (R) is false

(c) (A) is false, but (R) is true

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

Answer:

✅ Option (b)

Explanation:

Assertion (A): TRUE ✅

Fuse wires are designed to melt quickly when excess current flows.

An alloy of lead and tin is commonly used because it has:

Low melting point

Adequate resistance

This ensures the circuit breaks safely during overload or short circuit.

👉 Therefore, Assertion is correct.

Reason (R): FALSE ❌

The alloy of lead and tin does NOT have a higher melting point.

In fact:

Lead–tin alloy → LOW melting point

Copper and aluminium → HIGH melting point

That is exactly why copper or aluminium are NOT used as fuse wires.

103.

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).

Assertion (A):

In the Himalayan mountains, different types of vegetation are found.

Reason (R):

In the Himalayas, there are variations in climate with change in altitude.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

(b) (A) is true, but (R) is false

(c) (A) is false, but (R) is true

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

Answer:

✅ Option (d)

Explanation:

Assertion (A): True ✅

The Himalayan region shows vertical zonation of vegetation.

As we move from foothills to higher altitudes, vegetation changes from:

Tropical forests

Temperate forests

Coniferous forests

Alpine meadows

Tundra-type vegetation

👉 Hence, different types of vegetation are found.

Reason (R): True ✅

Altitude affects climate:

Temperature decreases with height

Rainfall and snowfall patterns change

Soil and moisture conditions vary

These climatic variations directly influence types of vegetation.

👉 Hence, Reason is correct.

Link between (A) and (R):

Variation in climate with altitude is the main cause of diverse vegetation in the Himalayas.

Therefore, Reason correctly explains the Assertion.

102.

Match List–I with List–II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists.

List – I (Padma Vibhushan – Fields 2025)

A. Trade and Industry

B. Literature and Education

C. Medicine

D. Art

List – II (Awardee – 2025)

Shri Lakshminarayana Subramaniam

Shri Osamu Suzuki

Shri M. T. Vasudevan Nair

Shri D. Nageshwar Reddy

Code:

(a) A–3, B–2, C–1, D–4

(b) A–2, B–3, C–1, D–4

(c) A–2, B–3, C–4, D–1

(d) A–3, B–2, C–4, D–1

Answer:

✅ Option (c)

Explanation:

Trade and Industry → Shri Osamu Suzuki

Former global head of Suzuki Motor Corporation.

Played a transformative role in India’s automobile industry.

Literature and Education → Shri M. T. Vasudevan Nair

Legendary Malayalam writer, Jnanpith Awardee.

Major contribution to Indian literature.

Medicine → Shri D. Nageshwar Reddy

World-renowned gastroenterologist.

Pioneer of advanced endoscopic procedures in India.

Art → Shri Lakshminarayana Subramaniam

Internationally acclaimed violin maestro.

Major contribution to Indian classical music.

101.

Which of the following archaeological sites related to the Indus Valley Civilization are situated in present-day Uttar Pradesh?

Mandi

Rakhigarhi

Hulas

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 1 and 3

(c) Only 3

(d) Only 1

Answer:

✅ Option (b) – 1 and 3

Explanation:

Mandi 🏺

Located in Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh.

It is an Indus Valley (Harappan) related site, showing cultural traits of the Harappan civilization in the Upper Ganga–Yamuna Doab region.

Rakhigarhi ❌

Located in Hisar district, Haryana.

It is one of the largest Harappan sites, but NOT in Uttar Pradesh.

Hulas 🏺

Located in Saharanpur district, Uttar Pradesh.

It is an Indus Valley Civilization site, particularly important for understanding the eastern extent of Harappan influence.

👉 Therefore, the correct sites in Uttar Pradesh are Mandi and Hulas.

100.

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).

Assertion (A):

Directive Principles are important for economic, social and political functions in a Modern Democratic State.

Reason (R):

The core objective of Directive Principles is to establish economic and social democracy.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

(b) (A) is true, but (R) is false

(c) (A) is false, but (R) is true

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

Answer:

✅ Option (d)

Explanation:

Assertion (A): TRUE ✅

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) guide the State in:

Economic functions → equitable distribution of resources, welfare state

Social functions → social justice, welfare, upliftment of weaker sections

Political functions → shaping policies consistent with constitutional ideals

Though non-justiciable, DPSPs are fundamental in governance (Article 37).

👉 Hence, Assertion is correct.

Reason (R): TRUE ✅

The main objective of DPSPs is clearly stated:

To establish economic democracy (reduce inequality, welfare orientation)

To establish social democracy (justice, dignity, equal opportunity)

This objective was inspired by:

Irish Constitution

Socialist principles embedded in the Indian Constitution

👉 Hence, Reason is also correct.

Link between (A) and (R):

DPSPs are important because they aim to establish economic and social democracy.

That objective explains why they influence economic, social and political functions of the State.

👉 Therefore, (R) correctly explains (A).

99.

Arrange the following electromagnetic radiations in decreasing order of their frequencies.

Gamma rays

Ultraviolet rays

Radio waves

X-rays

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1, 4, 3, 2

(b) 1, 4, 2, 3

(c) 4, 1, 2, 3

(d) 4, 1, 3, 2

Answer:

✅ Option (b) – 1, 4, 2, 3

Explanation:

In the electromagnetic spectrum, frequency decreases as we move from high-energy radiation to low-energy radiation.

The correct frequency order (highest → lowest) is:

Gamma rays → X-rays → Ultraviolet rays → Radio waves

Gamma rays have the highest frequency and energy.

X-rays come next, slightly lower than gamma rays.

Ultraviolet rays have lower frequency than X-rays.

Radio waves have the lowest frequency among all EM waves.

Thus, the decreasing order of frequency is:

1 → 4 → 2 → 3

98.

With reference to the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar announced in June 2025, which of the following statements is/are correct?

Yuva Puraskar was announced in 23 Indian languages.

There is no Yuva Puraskar in Dogri this year.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

Answer:

✅ Option (b) – Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

Statement 1 – Correct ✅

The Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2025 was announced for 23 Indian languages.

Although the Eighth Schedule has 22 languages, Sahitya Akademi operates with 24 recognised languages, and awards may vary year to year.

In 2025, awards were announced in 23 languages, not all 24.

👉 Hence, Statement 1 is correct.

Statement 2 – Correct ✅

In the June 2025 list, Dogri language did NOT have a Yuva Puraskar awardee.

This does not mean Dogri is excluded permanently.

It only means no suitable work / awardee was selected in Dogri for that year.

👉 Hence, Statement 2 is also correct.

Final Conclusion 🧠

Statement 1 ✅

Statement 2 ✅

✔️ Correct answer: Both 1 and 2

97.

With reference to the International Solar Alliance (ISA), which of the following statements is/are correct?

It is the first treaty-based inter-governmental organisation headquartered in India with 38 member countries.

World Solar Bank and One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) initiative were initiated under it.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

Answer:

✅ Option (a) – Only 2

Explanation:

Statement 1 ❌ Incorrect

It is correct that ISA is the first treaty-based inter-governmental organisation headquartered in India (HQ: Gurugram, Haryana).

BUT the number of member countries is NOT 38.

ISA has well over 100 signatory countries today.

Since the statement gives wrong factual data (38 members), the entire statement becomes incorrect.

👉 UPSC rule: If one part of a statement is wrong → whole statement is wrong.

Statement 2 ✅ Correct

One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) is a flagship initiative promoted through the ISA framework.

World Solar Bank has been proposed under ISA to:

Mobilise low-cost finance

Support solar projects in developing countries

👉 Hence, Statement 2 is correct

96.

Match List–I with List–II and choose the correct answer using the code given below the lists.

List – I (Iron-ore Mines)

A. Gurumahisani

B. Bailadila

C. Noamundi

D. Kudremukh

List – II (State)

Jharkhand

Karnataka

Odisha

Chhattisgarh

Code:

(a) A–3, B–4, C–2, D–1

(b) A–4, B–3, C–2, D–1

(c) A–4, B–3, C–1, D–2

(d) A–3, B–4, C–1, D–2

Answer:

✅ Option (d)

Explanation:

Gurumahisani

Located in Odisha, mainly in the Mayurbhanj district.

One of the oldest iron-ore mining areas of India.

Bailadila

Located in Chhattisgarh, specifically the Dantewada (Bastar) region.

Famous for high-grade hematite iron ore and large-scale exports.

Noamundi

Located in Jharkhand, in the Singhbhum iron-ore belt.

One of the most important iron-ore mining centres of eastern India.

Kudremukh

Located in Karnataka, in the Western Ghats.

Known for magnetite iron ore and the historic slurry pipeline project.

Thus, the correct matching is:

A–3, B–4, C–1, D–2

95.

Which of the following countries is/are NOT a member of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Co-operation (BIMSTEC)?

Thailand

Nepal

Bhutan

Indonesia

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 2 and 3

(b) 1 and 4

(c) Only 4

(d) Only 1

Answer:

✅ Option (c) – Only 4

Explanation:

BIMSTEC has 7 members 🌊

Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan

Thailand 🇹🇭

Founding member of BIMSTEC. ✔️

Nepal 🇳🇵

Became a member in 2004. ✔️

Bhutan 🇧🇹

Became a member in 2004. ✔️

Indonesia 🇮🇩

NOT a BIMSTEC member. ❌

It is part of ASEAN, not the Bay of Bengal regional grouping.

👉 Therefore, only Indonesia is not a member.

94.

Which of the following Department prepares the National Indicator Framework (NIF) Progress Report related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Uttar Pradesh?

Department of Finance

Department of Education

Department of Planning

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 1 and 3

(c) Only 3

(d) Only 1

Answer:

✅ Option (c) – Only 3

Explanation:

The National Indicator Framework (NIF) is used to monitor and track SDG progress through indicators and data analysis. 📊

In Uttar Pradesh, SDG monitoring, indicator mapping, and progress reporting are handled by the Department of Planning.

This is because:

SDGs require inter-departmental coordination.

Planning Department acts as the nodal department for policy planning, monitoring, and evaluation.

Finance Department focuses on budgeting and expenditure. 💰

Education Department deals only with sector-specific implementation. 🎓

👉 Hence, only the Department of Planning prepares the NIF Progress Report.

Memory Trick 🧠

“SDG = Plan, not Pay, not Teach”

Plan → Department of Planning ✔️

Pay → Finance ❌

Teach → Education ❌

Difference between NIF and SDG India Index

1️⃣ National Indicator Framework (NIF)

What it is:

A technical measurement framework. 📊

Lists indicators to measure progress on each SDG target.

Who prepares it:

MoSPI (Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation) at the national level.

Used by States (like UP) for detailed progress reports.

Purpose:

Tracking, monitoring, and data collection.

Helps departments know what to measure.

Nature:

Input + process + outcome indicators.

Very detailed and statistical.

2️⃣ SDG India Index

What it is:

A ranking and performance index. 🏆

Compares States and UTs on SDG performance.

Who prepares it:

NITI Aayog (with UN agencies).

Purpose:

Comparison, ranking, and competition.

Shows who is doing better or worse.

Nature:

Composite scores and categories like

Achiever, Front Runner, Performer, Aspirant.

Core Difference in One Breath 💨

NIF asks: “What and how should we measure?”

SDG India Index asks: “Who is performing better?”

Memory Trick 🧠

“NIF = Numbers Inside Files”

Detailed indicators

Raw data

Monitoring tool

“SDG Index = State Dashboard”

Rankings

Scores

Comparison tool

👉 NIF = Measurement

👉 SDG India Index = Ranking

One-line Exam Recall ✍️

“NIF provides indicators for SDG measurement, while SDG India Index ranks States/UTs based on SDG performance.”

93.

Which of the following languages is/are NOT included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution?

Nepali

Dogri

Bodo

Bhojpuri

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 3 and 4

(c) Only 4

(d) Only 1

Answer:

✅ Option (c) – Only 4

Explanation:

Nepali 🏔️

Included in the Eighth Schedule.

Added by the 71st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.

Dogri 🐕

Included in the Eighth Schedule.

Added by the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003.

Bodo 🌾

Included in the Eighth Schedule.

Added by the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003.

Bhojpuri 🎭

NOT included in the Eighth Schedule.

Despite large speakers, it has no constitutional recognition yet.

👉 Therefore, only Bhojpuri (Statement 4) is not included.

92.

Which one of the following books is NOT written by Kalidas?

Meghaduta

Raghuvamsam

Shringar Shatak

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) Only 3

(d) Only 1

Answer:

✅ Option (c) – Only 3

Explanation:

Meghaduta 📜

Written by Kalidas.

A lyrical poem (kāvya) based on viraha (separation).

Raghuvamsam 👑

Written by Kalidas.

Epic poem describing the lineage of the Raghu dynasty (including Rama).

Shringar Shatak ❤️

NOT written by Kalidas.

Authored by Bhartṛhari.

Part of his famous Shatakatrayi (Shringar, Niti, Vairagya).

👉 Therefore, Only statement 3 is incorrect with respect to Kalidas.

91.

Arrange the following events in correct chronological order and select the correct answer from the code given below:

Battle of Kannauj

Battle of Daurah

Battle of Samugarh

Battle of Chausa

Code:

(a) 2, 4, 3, 1

(b) 4, 2, 3, 1

(c) 4, 2, 1, 3

(d) 2, 4, 1, 3

Answer:

✅ Option (d) – 2, 4, 1, 3

Explanation:

Battle of Daurah (1528) 🗡️

Fought by Babur against the Afghan chiefs allied with Rana Sanga.

Occurred soon after the Battle of Khanwa.

Hence, earliest among the given battles.

Battle of Chausa (1539) 🌊

Fought between Sher Shah Suri and Humayun near the Ganga.

Sher Shah decisively defeated Humayun.

Battle of Kannauj / Bilgram (1540) 👑

Again fought between Sher Shah Suri and Humayun.

Final blow to Humayun’s rule → establishment of Sur Empire.

Battle of Samugarh (1658) ⚔️

Fought during the Mughal War of Succession.

Aurangzeb defeated Dara Shikoh.

Latest among the four.

Chronological flow:

1528 → 1539 → 1540 → 1658

➡️ 2 → 4 → 1 → 3

Memory Trick 🧠

“D → C → K → S”

Daurah → Dawn of Mughal consolidation

Chausa → Collapse of Humayun

Kannauj → Khatma of Mughal rule (temporarily)

Samugarh → Succession war settled

👉 Think: “Dawn → Collapse → Khatma → Succession”

90.

Match List-I with List-II and choose the correct answer using the code given below the lists.

List-I (Port)

A. Paradeep

B. Tuticorin

C. Kakinada

D. Alappuzha

List-II (State)

Tamil Nadu

Kerala

Odisha

Andhra Pradesh

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4

(b) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4

(c) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2

(d) A-1, B-3, C-4, D-2

✅ Answer

(c) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2

🧠 Explanation

Paradeep port is located in Odisha.

Tuticorin port is located in Tamil Nadu.

Kakinada port is located in Andhra Pradesh.

Alappuzha port is located in Kerala.

89.

With reference to Ecosystem, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1️⃣ Green plants in a terrestrial ecosystem capture about 1% of the energy of the sunlight that falls on their leaves.

2️⃣ Around 10% of organic matter reaches the next higher level of consumers.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

✅ Answer

(b) Both 1 and 2

🧠 Explanation

Statement 1 is correct.

In terrestrial ecosystems, green plants convert only about 1% of incident solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis. Most solar energy is reflected, transmitted, or lost as heat.

Statement 2 is correct.

According to the 10% law of energy transfer, only about 10% of energy or organic matter is passed from one trophic level to the next higher level. The rest is lost in respiration, metabolism, and heat.

Therefore, both statements are correct.

🧩 Memory Trick

🧠 “1% enters, 10% moves up.”

1% → Sunlight captured by plants

10% → Energy transferred to next trophic level

88.

With reference to Isotopes, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1️⃣ Atoms with identical atomic numbers but different atomic mass numbers are known as isotopes.

2️⃣ Protium, Deuterium and Tritium are isotopes of carbon.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

✅ Answer

(d) Only 1

🧠 Explanation

Statement 1 is correct.

Isotopes are atoms of the same element having the same atomic number but different mass numbers, due to different numbers of neutrons.

Statement 2 is incorrect.

Protium, Deuterium and Tritium are isotopes of Hydrogen, not carbon.

Carbon’s isotopes are Carbon-12, Carbon-13 and Carbon-14.

Therefore, only Statement 1 is correct.

🧩 Memory Trick

🧠 “PDT = Hydrogen Family”

Protium

Deuterium

Tritium

87.

Match List-I with List-II and choose the correct answer using the code given below the lists.

List-I (Refinery)

A. Nayara

B. Manali

C. Numaligarh

D. Tatipaka

List-II (State)

Assam

Gujarat

Andhra Pradesh

Tamil Nadu

Select the correct code:

(a) A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1

(b) A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1

(c) A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3

(d) A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3

✅ Answer

(c) A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3

🧠 Explanation

✔ A. Nayara Refinery → Gujarat

Owned and operated by Nayara Energy.

Located at Vadinar in Devbhumi Dwarka district, Gujarat. 

✔ B. Manali Refinery → Tamil Nadu

Operated by Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd.

Located in Manali, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. 

✔ C. Numaligarh Refinery → Assam

Located in Numaligarh, Golaghat district, Assam. 

✔ D. Tatipaka Refinery → Andhra Pradesh

Located in Tatipaka, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. 

86.

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).

Assertion (A):

India’s success is critical for the global success of Sustainable Development Goals.

Reason (R):

India accounts for nearly one-sixth of the total world population.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

(b) (A) is true, but (R) is false

(c) (A) is false, but (R) is true

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

✅ Correct Answer

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

🧠 Explanation

✔ Assertion (A): True

India’s success is indeed critical for the global success of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) because SDGs are population-weighted goals:

Poverty reduction

Health

Education

Nutrition

Gender equality

Sanitation

Global achievement depends on how many people experience improvement, not just how many countries perform well.

✔ Reason (R): True

India accounts for nearly one-sixth of the world’s population.

This is a decisive factor in global SDG calculations.

85.

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).

Assertion (A):

The interior part of Australia is desert and semi-desert.

Reason (R):

Northern Australia is situated in the temperate zone.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

(b) (A) is true, but (R) is false

(c) (A) is false, but (R) is true

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

✅ Answer

(b) (A) is true, but (R) is false

🧠 Explanation

✔ Assertion (A): True

The interior of Australia is dominated by:

Great Victoria Desert

Great Sandy Desert

Gibson Desert

Simpson Desert

This region lies under the influence of:

Subtropical high-pressure belt

Continentality (distance from oceans)

Rain-shadow effect from the Great Dividing Range

Hence, the interior is desert and semi-desert in nature.

So, Assertion (A) is correct.

❌ Reason (R): False

Northern Australia does NOT lie in the temperate zone.

Northern Australia lies in the tropical zone, close to the Tropic of Capricorn.

It experiences:

Tropical monsoon climate

Seasonal rainfall (wet and dry seasons)

Temperate climate is found mainly in:

Southern Australia

South-eastern and south-western coastal regions

So, Reason (R) is incorrect.

🔍 Linking A and R

Since Reason (R) itself is false, it cannot explain Assertion (A).

Therefore, the correct option is:

👉 (b) (A) is true, but (R) is false

🧩 Memory Trick

🧠 “Australia: Hot heart, Tropical head, Temperate feet”

Interior (heart) → hot → desert

North (head) → tropical, not temperate

South (feet) → temperate climate

84.

Consider the following elements found in a typical 70 kg man and arrange them in the correct increasing order.

1️⃣ Sodium

2️⃣ Potassium

3️⃣ Copper

4️⃣ Iron

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 4, 3, 1, 2

(b) 3, 4, 1, 2

(c) 3, 4, 2, 1

(d) 4, 3, 2, 1

✅ Answer

(b) 3, 4, 1, 2

🧠 Explanation

This question tests relative abundance of elements in the human body, not their chemical importance.

In a typical 70 kg adult human:

Copper is a trace element.

It is present in very small amounts (only a few milligrams).

Iron is more than copper but still limited.

It is mainly found in haemoglobin and muscles (a few grams).

Sodium is a major electrolyte.

It is present in extracellular fluids in large quantity.

Potassium is the most abundant intracellular cation.

It is present in even higher amount than sodium.

So, increasing order (least → most):

Copper < Iron < Sodium < Potassium

83.

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).

Assertion (A):

The concept of National Integration involves political, economic, social, cultural and psychological dimensions and inter-relation between them.

Reason (R):

The National Integration Council was constituted in 1961 on the principle of “Unity in Diversity”.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

(b) (A) is true, but (R) is false

(c) (A) is false, but (R) is true

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

✅ Answer

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

🧠 Explanation

Assertion (A) is true.

National Integration is a multidimensional concept.

It includes political unity, economic equality, social harmony, cultural coexistence, and psychological belonging.

These dimensions are inter-related, not isolated.

Reason (R) is also true.

The National Integration Council (NIC) was constituted in 1961 to promote national unity and address challenges like communalism, regionalism, and separatism.

Its functioning reflects the broader Indian idea of Unity in Diversity.

However, (R) does NOT explain (A).

(A) explains the conceptual nature of National Integration.

(R) talks about an institutional mechanism created to promote it.

So, both are correct individually, but the Reason does not logically explain the Assertion.

🧩 Memory Trick

🧠 “Concept vs Committee”

Assertion → What National Integration IS (idea, dimensions)

Reason → What government DID (NIC in 1961)

👉 Action does not explain definition.

82.

With reference to Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Income (MISHTI), which of the following statements is/are correct?

1️⃣ It was initiated in 2019.

2️⃣ It aims to restore mangrove forests.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

✅ Answer

(a) Only 2

🧠 Explanation

✔️ Statement 1 is incorrect.

MISHTI was not initiated in 2019. It was launched on 5 June 2023 as part of the Union Budget 2023-24 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). It is a recent initiative focused on coastal restoration and livelihoods, not something started in 2019. �

Press Information Bureau +1

✔️ Statement 2 is correct.

The core aim of MISHTI is to restore and expand mangrove forests along India’s coastline through afforestation and reforestation, enhancing coastal resilience, biodiversity, and community livelihoods. This objective is confirmed in official MoEFCC operational guidelines. �

Press Information Bureau +1

So only Statement 2 is correct.

🧩 Memory Trick

🧠 “MISHTI 2023 → Restore Mangroves, not old 2019.”

Mangrove Initiative → Launched in 2023

Focus → Restore Mangroves

81

Joint special forces exercise ‘KHANJAR-XII’ was held in March 2025 between India and which of the following countries?

1️⃣ Russia

2️⃣ Turkmenistan

3️⃣ Kyrgyzstan

4️⃣ Mongolia

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 2 and 3

(b) Only 3

(c) 3 and 4

(d) Only 1

✅ Answer

(b) Only 3

🧠 Explanation

Exercise KHANJAR is a bilateral joint special forces exercise.

It is conducted only between India and Kyrgyzstan.

KHANJAR-XII (12th edition) was held in March 2025.

The exercise focuses on:

Counter-terrorism operations

Special forces interoperability

Operations in high-altitude and urban terrain

Russia, Turkmenistan, and Mongolia conduct other exercises with India, but not KHANJAR.

Therefore:

Statement 3 (Kyrgyzstan) is correct

All others are incorrect

Hence, Only 3.

80.

Match the Mughal Emperor in List-I with the city where the tomb is located in List-II:

List-I (Emperor)

A. Babur

B. Humayun

C. Jahangir

D. Shah Jahan

List-II (City where tomb is located)

Agra

Lahore

Delhi

Kabul

Select the correct code.

🧠 Verified Answers (authoritative sources)

Let’s match each emperor with the verified location of their tomb, using web-checked authoritative information:

📌 Babur

Founder of the Mughal Empire

Initially buried in Agra, but reburied in Kabul as per his wishes.

👉 Final tomb location: Bagh-e Babur, Kabul (Afghanistan) �

Wikipedia +1

📌 Humayun

His tomb is the famous Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

👉 Tomb located in Delhi (India) �

Wikipedia +1

📌 Jahangir

His mausoleum is in Shahdara Bagh, Lahore (Pakistan).

👉 Tomb located in Lahore �

Wikipedia

📌 Shah Jahan

He is buried in the Taj Mahal complex in Agra, alongside Mumtaz Mahal.

👉 Tomb located in Agra (India) �

79.

Which of the following Railway Zone – Headquarters pairs is/are correctly matched?

1️⃣ Northern Railway — New Delhi

2️⃣ North Eastern Railway — Gorakhpur

3️⃣ South Eastern Railway — Cuttack

Select the correct answer using the code below:

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 2 and 3

(c) Only 3

(d) Only 1

✅ Correct Answer

(a) Only 1 and 2 ✔️

🧠 Explanation

Let us verify each pair carefully (UPSC loves railway HQ traps 🚨):

🔹 Pair 1: Northern Railway — New Delhi

✅ Correct

Northern Railway headquarters is at New Delhi.

🔹 Pair 2: North Eastern Railway — Gorakhpur

✅ Correct

North Eastern Railway HQ is Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh).

🔹 Pair 3: South Eastern Railway — Cuttack

❌ Incorrect

South Eastern Railway HQ is Kolkata (Garden Reach), not Cuttack.

78

With reference to acids and bases, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1️⃣ Acidic solutions have pH more than 7.

2️⃣ Basic solutions have pH less than 7.

Select the correct answer from the code below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

✅ Correct Answer

(c) Neither 1 nor 2 ✔️

🧠 Explanation

Let us recall the standard pH scale 📏:

pH = 7 → Neutral (pure water)

pH < 7 → Acidic

pH > 7 → Basic (Alkaline)

Now check each statement:

🔹 Statement 1: Acidic solutions have pH more than 7

❌ Incorrect

👉 Acids always have pH less than 7, not more.

🔹 Statement 2: Basic solutions have pH less than 7

❌ Incorrect

👉 Bases always have pH more than 7.

📌 Since both statements are wrong, the correct answer is:

👉 Neither 1 nor 2

🧩 Memory Trick

🧠 “Acid goes DOWN, Base goes UP.” ⬇️⬆️

Acid → pH below 7

Base → pH above 7

Or even shorter for exam hall ✍️:

“A–D, B–U”

Acid → Down

Base → Up

77.

Pushkar Kumbh Mela 2025 was held in May 2025 in which of the following State(s)?

1️⃣ Rajasthan

2️⃣ Uttar Pradesh

3️⃣ Uttarakhand

Select the correct answer using the code below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) Only 3

(d) Only 1

✅ Correct Answer

(c) Only 3 ✔️

🧠 Explanation

Pushkar Kumbh Mela ≠ Pushkar (Rajasthan) ❌

👉 This is the most common trap in exams.

The Pushkar Kumbh Mela is held at Keshav Prayag,

where Alaknanda River meets Saraswati (mythical) near Mana village, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand ✅

It is a Vaishnava Kumbh, organised once every 12 years, based on Brihaspati (Jupiter) entering Karka Rashi (Cancer).

May 2025 Kumbh was officially organised by Uttarakhand Government, not Rajasthan or Uttar Pradesh.

So:

Rajasthan ❌

Uttar Pradesh ❌

Uttarakhand ✅

👉 Hence, Only 3 is correct.

🧩 Memory Trick

🧠 “Pushkar naam se dhokha, par Kumbh gaya Pahaadon mein.” 🏔️

Pushkar word → Tempts you towards Rajasthan ❌

Kumbh logic + rivers + mountains → Uttarakhand ✅

📌 Exam mantra:

“Pushkar Kumbh = Vaishnav + Himalaya + Uttarakhand”

76.

With reference to the Vice-President of India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

The Vice-President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

The Vice-President is a member of the Rajya Sabha.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Both 1 and 2

(b) Only 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

✅ Correct Answer

(d) Only 1

✅ Explanation

Statement 1 is correct.

The Vice-President of India functions as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

He presides over its sittings but does not vote except in the case of a tie.

Statement 2 is incorrect.

The Vice-President is not a member of the Rajya Sabha.

He only presides over it in an ex-officio capacity and does not represent any State or Union Territory.

Therefore, only Statement 1 is correct, making option (d) the correct answer.

🧠 Memory Trick

“Vice-President = Chair, not Member.”

Chair → Ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha

Not Member → No seat, no normal vote

One-line recall in exam:

“VP chairs the House, but doesn’t belong to it.”

75.

With reference to silver articles, which of the following statements is/are correct?

Silver articles turn black after some time when exposed to air.

It happens due to coating of silver sulphide.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

✅ Correct Answer

(b) Both 1 and 2

✅ Explanation

Statement 1 is correct.

Silver articles gradually turn black when exposed to air over time. This process is known as tarnishing.

Statement 2 is correct.

Tarnishing occurs because silver reacts with sulphur compounds (mainly hydrogen sulphide) present in air, forming a black coating of silver sulphide (Ag₂S) on the surface.

Since both statements are correct, the correct answer is option (b).

🧠 Memory Trick

“Silver + Sulphur = Sad Black.”

Silver meets sulphur in air

Forms silver sulphide

Colour turns black

Say it once → reaction, reason, and result all get locked.

74.

With reference to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

The tenure of Panchayati Raj Institutions shall be of five years.

In Panchayati Raj Institutions, out of the seats reserved, one-fourth of the seats shall be reserved for women belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

✅ Correct Answer

(d) Only 1

✅ Explanation

Statement 1 is correct.

Panchayati Raj Institutions have a fixed tenure of five years as provided under Part IX of the Constitution.

Elections must be held before the expiry of this term or within six months in case of dissolution.

Statement 2 is incorrect.

The Constitution mandates that not less than one-third (1/3) of the total seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes shall be reserved for women belonging to SC/ST, not one-fourth (1/4).

Hence, the fraction mentioned in the statement is wrong.

Therefore, only Statement 1 is correct, making option (d) the correct answer.

🧠 Memory Trick

“Panchayat = 5 years, Women = one-third rule.”

Lock it like this:

5 years → fixed tenure

1/3 → women reservation everywhere in PRIs

If you see 1/4, reject immediately.

73.

Which of the following Ramsar wetland sites is/are NOT situated in Uttar Pradesh?

Sarsai Nawar Jheel

Samaspur Bird Sanctuary

Rudrasagar Lake

Sultanpur National Park

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 3

(b) 2 and 3

(c) 3 and 4

(d) 1 and 2

✅ Correct Answer

(c) 3 and 4

✅ Explanation

Sarsai Nawar Jheel (1) is located in Uttar Pradesh and is a recognised Ramsar site.

Samaspur Bird Sanctuary (2) is also located in Uttar Pradesh and is a Ramsar site.

Rudrasagar Lake (3) is located in Tripura, not in Uttar Pradesh.

Sultanpur National Park (4) is located in Haryana, not in Uttar Pradesh.

Hence, Rudrasagar Lake and Sultanpur National Park are NOT situated in Uttar Pradesh, making option (c) correct.

🧠 Memory Trick

“UP ke Ramsar = Sarsa–Sama, bahar wale = Rudra–Sultan.”

Break it naturally:

Sarsa → Sarsai Nawar → Uttar Pradesh

Sama → Samaspur → Uttar Pradesh

Rudra → Rudrasagar → Tripura (NOT UP)

Sultan → Sultanpur → Haryana (NOT UP)

One-line exam recall:

“UP has Sarsa–Sama, not Rudra–Sultan.”

72.

Match List–I with List–II and choose the correct answer using the code given below the lists.

List–I (Coal Field)

A. Appalachian

B. Lancashire

C. Ruhr

D. Kuzbass

List–II (Country)

England

Germany

Russia

United States of America

Code:

A B C D

(a) 4 1 2 3

(b) 1 4 2 3

(c) 1 4 3 2

(d) 4 1 3 2

✅ Correct Answer

(a) 4 1 2 3

Explanation

Appalachian (A) is located in the United States of America → 4

Lancashire (B) coalfield is in England → 1

Ruhr (C) coalfield is in Germany → 2

Kuzbass (D) coalfield is in Russia → 3

Hence, the correct matching is:

A–4, B–1, C–2, D–3, which corresponds to option (a).

🧠 Memory Trick

“ALRK travels West to East.”

Read it slowly:

Appalachian → America

Lancashire → London side (England)

Ruhr → Rhine land (Germany)

Kuzbass ➡️  khatarnak Russia

Or in one punch line:

“America–England–Germany–Russia = Appalachian–Lancashire–Ruhr–Kuzbass.”

71

Consider the following sources of world water supply and arrange them in descending order.

Oceans

Rivers

Polar ice and glaciers

Groundwater

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1, 3, 4, 2

(b) 1, 2, 3, 4

(c) 1, 2, 4, 3

(d) 1, 4, 3, 2

✅ Correct Answer

(a) 1, 3, 4, 2

✅ Explanation

Oceans (1) contain the largest share of Earth’s water (about 97%).

Hence, they come first.

Polar ice and glaciers (3) store the largest portion of freshwater on Earth.

They come after oceans.

Groundwater (4) is the next largest freshwater reserve, much more than rivers and lakes.

Rivers (2) contain a very small fraction of total water despite being most visible and usable.

Descending order (largest → smallest):

Oceans → Polar ice & glaciers → Groundwater → Rivers

Therefore, option (a) is correct.

70

The Gobi Desert is spread across which of the following countries?

Mongolia

China

Russia

Kazakhstan

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 1, 2 and 3

(c) Only 1, 2 and 4

(d) Only 1

✅ Correct Answer

(a) Only 1 and 2

✅ Explanation

The Gobi Desert is a cold desert located in East Asia.

It extends across:

Southern Mongolia, and

Northern China.

Now evaluate each option:

Mongolia (1) ✅

A large portion of the Gobi lies in southern Mongolia.

China (2) ✅

The desert extends into Inner Mongolia and northern China.

Russia (3) ❌

Russia has cold regions and steppes, but no part of the Gobi Desert lies in Russia.

Kazakhstan (4) ❌

Kazakhstan has deserts like Betpak-Dala, but not the Gobi.

Hence, only Mongolia and China are correct.

🧠 Memory Trick

“GO-BI = GO between.”

GO → Mongolia

BI → Beijing-side (China)

Think like this:

Gobi GOes between Mongolia and China — nowhere else.

69.

With reference to the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748), which of the following statements is/are correct?

The First Carnatic War ended.

Madras was returned to the British.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

✅ Correct Answer

(b) Both 1 and 2

✅ Explanation

Statement 1 is correct.

The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748) formally ended the War of Austrian Succession in Europe, and its Indian extension, the First Carnatic War, also came to an end as a consequence.

Statement 2 is correct.

During the First Carnatic War, the French captured Madras (1746).

Under the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, Madras was restored to the British, while the French received Louisbourg in North America in exchange.

Since both statements are correct, option (b) is the correct answer.

🧠 Memory Trick

“AIX = EXIT war, Madras BACK.”

Aix-la-Chapelle → EXIT from First Carnatic War

Madras → went BACK to the British

Say it once:

“Aix = exit war, Madras back.”

68.

Given below are two statements. One is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).

Assertion (A): Investment in human capital yields returns in the future.

Reason (R): Education and health make people more productive.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

(b) (A) is true, but (R) is false

(c) (A) is false, but (R) is true

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

✅ Correct Answer

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

✅ Explanation

Assertion (A) is true.

Human capital formation refers to investment in education, health, and skills, which enhances an individual’s earning capacity over time.

Hence, such investment generates future economic returns in the form of higher income and growth.

Reason (R) is true.

Education improves skills and knowledge, while health improves physical and mental efficiency.

Together, they increase labour productivity.

Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A) because higher productivity is the mechanism through which investment in human capital yields future returns.

Therefore, option (d) is correct.

🧠 Memory Trick

“Healthy + Educated = Higher Productivity = Higher Returns.”

67

Match List–I with List–II and select the correct answer from the code given below.

List–I (State)

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Rajasthan

C. Nagaland

D. Madhya Pradesh

List–II (Highest Peak)

Dhupgarh

Doddabetta

Guru Shikhar

Saramati

Code:

A B C D

(a) 2 3 1 4

(b) 3 2 1 4

(c) 3 2 4 1

(d) 2 3 4 1

✅ Correct Answer

(d) 2 3 4 1

✅ Explanation

Tamil Nadu → Doddabetta

Doddabetta is the highest peak of Tamil Nadu, located in the Nilgiri Hills.

Rajasthan → Guru Shikhar

Guru Shikhar is the highest peak of Rajasthan, located in the Aravalli Range near Mount Abu.

Nagaland → Saramati

Saramati is the highest peak of Nagaland, located on the India–Myanmar border.

Madhya Pradesh → Dhupgarh

Dhupgarh is the highest peak of Madhya Pradesh, located in the Satpura Range near Pachmarhi.

Thus, the correct matching is A–2, B–3, C–4, D–1, making option (d) correct.

66.

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

Dolphins and whales breathe through blowholes.

Earthworms breathe through their skin.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

✅ Correct Answer

(b) Both 1 and 2

✅ Explanation

Statement 1 is correct.

Dolphins and whales are mammals, not fish.

They respire using lungs, and air enters through blowholes located on the top of their heads.

Statement 2 is correct.

Earthworms do not have lungs or gills.

They respire through their moist skin, where oxygen diffuses directly into the blood.

Since both statements are correct, the correct option is (b).

🧠 Memory Trick

“BIG mammals BLOW, small worms SKIN.”

Whales & dolphins → Blowholes

Earthworms → Skin breathing

Say it once → both concepts lock together.

65.

BHARATPOL”, an online portal for International Police Co-operation, has been developed by which of the following?

Central Bureau of Investigation

Research and Analysis Wing

Intelligence Bureau

Enforcement Directorate

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 2 and 3

(b) Only 3

(c) 3 and 4

(d) Only 1

✅ Correct Answer

(d) Only 1

✅ Explanation

BHARATPOL is an online portal created to strengthen international police cooperation, especially for:

Red Corner Notices

Mutual Legal Assistance

Coordination with INTERPOL

In India, all INTERPOL-related coordination is handled by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which functions as India’s National Central Bureau (NCB) for INTERPOL.

Now check each option:

Central Bureau of Investigation (1) ✅

Correct. CBI developed BHARATPOL as India’s INTERPOL interface.

Research and Analysis Wing (2) ❌

RAW deals with external intelligence, not police cooperation platforms.

Intelligence Bureau (3) ❌

IB handles internal intelligence, not international policing portals.

Enforcement Directorate (4) ❌

ED deals with economic offences and money laundering, not INTERPOL coordination.

Hence, only statement 1 is correct, making option (d) the correct answer.

🧠 Memory Trick

“POL = Police, so think CBI, not spies.”

BHARAT + POL → Police portal

Police + INTERPOL in India = CBI

If it sounds like intelligence or money, reject RAW, IB, ED immediately.

One-line exam recall:

“INTERPOL ka Indian gate = CBI.”

This locks the answer even under pressure.

64.

Match List–I with List–II and choose the correct answer using the code given below the lists.

List–I (Committees of Constituent Assembly)

A. Union Constitution Committee

B. Rules of Procedure Committee

C. Drafting Committee

D. Fundamental Rights Sub-committee

List–II (Chairman of Committees)

Dr. Rajendra Prasad

J. B. Kripalani

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

Jawaharlal Nehru

Code:

A B C D

(a) 2 1 3 4

(b) 4 1 3 2

(c) 1 4 3 2

(d) 1 2 3 4

✅ Correct Answer

(b) 4 1 3 2

✅ Explanation

Union Constitution Committee (A) was chaired by Jawaharlal Nehru.

This committee dealt with the structure and distribution of powers of the Union.

Rules of Procedure Committee (B) was chaired by Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

It framed the procedural rules for the functioning of the Constituent Assembly.

Drafting Committee (C) was chaired by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

He played the central role in drafting the Constitution of India.

Fundamental Rights Sub-committee (D) was chaired by J. B. Kripalani.

This sub-committee worked under the Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights.

Thus, the correct matching is:

A–4, B–1, C–3, D–2, which corresponds to option (b).

63.

Given below are two statements. One is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).

Assertion (A): Buland Darwaja was constructed at Fatehpur Sikri by the Mughal emperor Akbar.

Reason (R): Akbar built this monument to commemorate the birth of his son Jahangir.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

(b) (A) is true, but (R) is false

(c) (A) is false, but (R) is true

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

✅ Correct Answer

(b) (A) is true, but (R) is false

✅ Explanation

Assertion (A) is true.

Buland Darwaja was constructed by Emperor Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri.

Reason (R) is false.

Buland Darwaja was not built to commemorate the birth of Jahangir.

It was constructed to celebrate Akbar’s victory over Gujarat (1573).

Since the assertion is correct but the reason is incorrect, option (b) is the correct answer.

🧠 Memory Trick

“BULAND = BIG WIN.”

Buland Darwaja → built for a military victory

Victory = Gujarat

62.

Who among the following had won the International Booker Prize in 2025?

Banu Mushtaq

Deepa Bhasthi

Sanjay Chauhan

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) Only 3

(d) Only 1

✅ Correct Answer

(a) 1 and 2

✅ Explanation

The International Booker Prize is awarded jointly to:

the author, and

the translator.

In 2025, the prize was awarded to:

Banu Mushtaq (author), and

Deepa Bhasthi (translator).

Sanjay Chauhan is not associated with the 2025 International Booker Prize.

Hence, 1 and 2 are correct.

🧠 Memory Trick

“BOOKER goes in PAIR — Writer + Translator.”

So remember:

Banu Mushtaq → Writer

Deepa Bhasthi → Translator

61.

Suez Canal connects which of the following?

Atlantic Ocean

Red Sea

Mediterranean Sea

Indian Ocean

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 3

(b) 2 and 3

(c) 3 and 4

(d) 1 and 2

✅ Correct Answer

(b) 2 and 3

✅ Explanation

The Suez Canal is an artificial sea-level canal in Egypt.

It directly connects:

the Mediterranean Sea in the north, and

the Red Sea in the south.

It does not directly connect the Atlantic Ocean or the Indian Ocean.

Atlantic is connected to the Mediterranean only via the Strait of Gibraltar.

🧠 Memory Trick

“SUEZ = RED meets MED.”

Say it like a rhyme in your head:

RED → Red Sea

MED → Mediterranean Sea

👉 Suez is the meeting point where RED meets MED.

60.

Which of the following districts is/are part of the Devipatan Division in Uttar Pradesh?

Basti

Bahraich

Balrampur

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 2 and 3

(c) Only 3

(d) Only 1

✅ Correct Answer

(b) Only 2 and 3

✅ Explanation

Devipatan Division (Uttar Pradesh) consists of the following districts:

Bahraich

Balrampur

Gonda

Shravasti

Now check each statement:

Basti (1) ❌

Basti district is part of the Basti Division, not Devipatan Division.

Bahraich (2) ✅

Bahraich district is a core district of the Devipatan Division.

Balrampur (3) ✅

Balrampur district is also part of the Devipatan Division.

Hence, only 2 and 3 are correct, making option (b) the correct answer.

59.

Which of the following pairs is/are NOT correctly matched?

Lactic acid – Curd

Tartaric acid – Grapes

Acetic acid – Potato

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) Only 3

(d) Only 1

✅ Correct Answer

(c) Only 3

✅ Explanation

Pair 1: Lactic acid – Curd

This pair is correct.

Lactic acid is produced during the fermentation of milk to form curd.

Pair 2: Tartaric acid – Grapes

This pair is correct.

Tartaric acid naturally occurs in grapes and related products like wine.

Pair 3: Acetic acid – Potato

This pair is incorrect.

Acetic acid is commonly found in vinegar, not in potatoes.

Potatoes mainly contain starch and small amounts of organic acids, but not acetic acid.

Hence, only pair 3 is not correctly matched, making option (c) correct.

🧠 Memory Trick

“Curd cries LACTIC, Grapes taste TART, Vinegar smells ACETIC.”

So remember:

Curd → Lactic

Grapes → Tartaric

Acetic → Vinegar (NOT potato)

58. Consider the tenure of the following Presidents of India and arrange them in the correct chronological order, starting from the earliest to the last.

Neelam Sanjiva Reddy

K. R. Narayanan

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

R. Venkataraman

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1, 4, 2, 3

(b) 4, 1, 2, 3

(c) 4, 1, 3, 2

(d) 1, 4, 3, 2

✅ Correct Answer

(a) 1, 4, 2, 3

✅ Explanation

Neelam Sanjiva Reddy (1)

Served as President from 1977 to 1982.

He is the earliest among the four.

R. Venkataraman (4)

Served as President from 1987 to 1992.

His tenure comes after Neelam Sanjiva Reddy.

K. R. Narayanan (2)

Served as President from 1997 to 2002.

He was the first Dalit President of India.

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (3)

Served as President from 2002 to 2007.

He is the last among the four in chronological order.

Final chronological order (earliest → latest):

Neelam Sanjiva Reddy → R. Venkataraman → K. R. Narayanan → A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

Hence, option (a) is correct.

57. Which of the following is/are NOT a dimension of food security?

1. Availability

2. Accessibility

3. Affordability

4. Accountability

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2, 3 and 4

(c) Only 4

(d) Only 1

---

✅ Correct Answer

(c) Only 4

---

✅ Explanation

Availability (1) is a core dimension of food security.

It refers to the physical presence of sufficient food, through production, imports, or buffer stocks.

Accessibility (2) is also a core dimension.

It means people must be able to reach food physically and socially, without discrimination.

Affordability (3) is a core dimension as well.

It refers to the economic capacity of people to purchase food without compromising other basic needs.

Accountability (4) is NOT a recognised dimension of food security.

56.Arrange the following saints in the correct chronological order and select the correct answer from the code given below.

1. Nanak

2. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

3. Namdev

4. Kabir

Code:

(a) 3, 4, 2, 1

(b) 3, 4, 1, 2

(c) 4, 3, 1, 2

(d) 4, 3, 2, 1

---

✅ Correct Answer

(b) 3, 4, 1, 2

---

✅ Explanation

Namdev (3)

Lived in the late 13th to early 14th century.

He was one of the earliest Bhakti saints, associated with the Varkari tradition of Maharashtra.

Kabir (4)

Belonged to the 15th century.

He strongly criticised ritualism and caste and preached nirguna bhakti.

Guru Nanak (1)

Lived during the late 15th to early 16th century.

He founded Sikhism and emphasised devotion to one God, equality, and ethical living.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (2)

Belonged to the early 16th century.

He popularised Vaishnav bhakti and congregational singing (kirtan) in eastern India.

Final chronological order (earliest → latest):

Namdev → Kabir → Nanak → Chaitanya

Hence, the correct option is (b).

---

🧠 Memory Trick

“Name came first, words cut deep, Guru followed, Chaitanya danced last.”

Break it clearly:

Name → Namdev (earliest)

Words cut → Kabir’s dohas

Guru → Guru Nanak

Dance → Chaitanya’s kirtan

55.With reference to the Human Development Index (HDI), which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. The UNDP published its first Human Development Report in 1990, which had a Human Development Index.

2. The first team that developed the Human Development Index was led by Mahbub-ul-Haq and S. Priesner.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

---

✅ Correct Answer

(d) Only 1

---

✅ Explanation

Statement 1 is correct.

The first Human Development Report (HDR) was published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 1990.

The Human Development Index (HDI) was introduced in this report as a composite measure of health, education, and income.

Statement 2 is incorrect.

The HDI was conceptualised and led by Mahbub-ul-Haq.

Amartya Sen provided key intellectual inputs to the HDI framework.

S. Priesner was not the co-leader or co-developer of the HDI.

Hence, the statement is factually wrong.

Since only Statement 1 is correct, option (d) is the correct answer.

---

🧠 Memory Trick

“HDI = Haq’s idea, Sen’s sense.”

1990 → First HDR

Mahbub-ul-Haq → Lead architect

Amartya Sen → Conceptual influence

54.Who among the following were the members of the Fazl Ali Commission?

1. K. T. Shah

2. K. M. Panikkar

3. P. Sitaramaiyah

4. H. N. Kunzru

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 3

(b) 2 and 3

(c) 2 and 4

(d) 1 and 2

---

✅ Correct Answer

(c) 2 and 4

---

✅ Explanation

The Fazl Ali Commission was appointed in 1953 to examine the question of reorganisation of states on linguistic basis.

The commission had three members:

Fazl Ali – Chairman

K. M. Panikkar – Member

H. N. Kunzru – Member

Now verify each statement:

K. T. Shah (1) ❌

He was a Constituent Assembly member, not part of the Fazl Ali Commission.

K. M. Panikkar (2) ✅

He was a member of the Fazl Ali Commission.

P. Sitaramaiyah (3) ❌

He was a historian and freedom fighter, not a commission member.

H. N. Kunzru (4) ✅

He was a member of the Fazl Ali Commission.

Hence, the correct answer is 2 and 4, i.e. option (c).

---

🧠 Memory Trick

“FAZAL ran the Commission with PAN and KUN.”

Break it clearly:

PAN → Panikkar

KUN → Kunzru

Chairman always remembered separately → Fazl Ali

So remember:

> Fazl Ali + Panikkar + Kunzru

Refer - fazal ali Commission 

53.Given below are two statements. One is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).

Assertion (A): Food security is necessary even in surplus food production years.

Reason (R): Starvation can still occur due to unequal distribution and lack of accessibility.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

(b) (A) is true, but (R) is false

(c) (A) is false, but (R) is true

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

---

✅ Correct Answer

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

---

✅ Explanation

Assertion (A) is true.

Food security does not depend only on total food production.

Even in years of surplus production, people may not get food due to economic, social, or physical barriers.

Hence, food security measures remain necessary.

Reason (R) is true.

Starvation and hunger can occur because of:

Unequal distribution of food

Poverty and lack of purchasing power

Poor access to markets and public distribution

Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A) because food security is concerned with availability, accessibility, and affordability, not just production.

Therefore, option (d) is correct.

---

🧠 Memory Trick

“Surplus doesn’t stop starvation.”

Production ≠ Access

Food may exist, but people may still not reach it.

52.Consider the following events and arrange them in the correct chronological order.

1. Cripps Mission

2. Cabinet Mission

3. Shimla Conference

4. Wavell Plan

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1, 4, 3, 2

(b) 4, 1, 3, 2

(c) 4, 1, 2, 3

(d) 1, 4, 2, 3

---

✅ Correct Answer

(a) 1, 4, 3, 2

---

✅ Explanation

Cripps Mission (1942)

The Cripps Mission was sent to India in March 1942 during World War II to secure Indian cooperation.

It offered dominion status after the war, but was rejected by Indian leaders.

👉 This is the earliest event among the four.

Wavell Plan (1945)

Announced in June 1945 by Viceroy Lord Wavell.

It proposed reconstitution of the Viceroy’s Executive Council, with equal representation of caste Hindus and Muslims.

Shimla Conference (1945)

Held in June–July 1945 at Shimla to discuss the Wavell Plan.

It failed mainly due to disagreement between the Congress and the Muslim League over representation.

Cabinet Mission (1946)

Arrived in India in March 1946.

It proposed a plan for transfer of power and a constituent assembly, making it the latest event.

Final chronological order:

Cripps Mission (1942) → Wavell Plan (1945) → Shimla Conference (1945) → Cabinet Mission (1946)

Hence, option (a) is correct.

---

🧠 Memory Trick

“Cripps promised → Wavell planned → Shimla failed → Cabinet decided.”

(1942 → 1945 → 1945 → 1946)

51.Arrange the following States of India in the ascending order on the basis of their area and select the correct answer from the code given below.

1. Haryana

2. Himachal Pradesh

3. Punjab

4. Uttarakhand

Code:

(a) 1, 3, 2, 4

(b) 3, 1, 2, 4

(c) 3, 1, 4, 2

(d) 1, 3, 4, 2

---

✅ Correct Answer

(d) 1, 3, 4, 2

---

✅ Explanation (with exact areas)

Haryana (1)

Area ≈ 44,212 sq km

👉 Smallest among the four.

Punjab (3)

Area ≈ 50,362 sq km

👉 Larger than Haryana, smaller than Uttarakhand.

Uttarakhand (4)

Area ≈ 53,483 sq km

👉 Hill state, larger than Punjab.

Himachal Pradesh (2)

Area ≈ 55,673 sq km

👉 Largest among the four.

Ascending order (smallest → largest):

Haryana → Punjab → Uttarakhand → Himachal Pradesh

Hence, the correct sequence is 1, 3, 4, 2, i.e. option (d).

---

🧠 Memory Trick 

“Plains small, Hills big – Height increases Area”

Break it logically (UPSC-friendly):

Haryana → pure plains → smallest

Punjab → plains + rivers → slightly bigger

Uttarakhand → hills begin → bigger

Himachal Pradesh → deep Himalayas → biggest

One-line recall:

> “From flat Haryana to high Himachal, area keeps increasing.”

50. Which of the following statements with reference to blood is/are correct?

1. Blood is composed of plasma and different types of cells.

2. The presence of haemoglobin makes blood appear red.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

---

✅ Correct Answer

(b) Both 1 and 2

---

✅ Explanation

Statement 1 is correct.

Blood is a connective tissue composed of:

Plasma (liquid part), and

Formed elements, i.e. different types of cells:

Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

White Blood Cells (WBCs)

Platelets

Statement 2 is correct.

Blood appears red due to haemoglobin, an iron-containing protein present in RBCs.

Haemoglobin binds oxygen and gives blood its characteristic red colour.

Since both statements are correct, option (b) is the correct answer.

---

🧠 Memory Tricks (Simple, Exam-Oriented)

🔹 Statement 1 – Composition of Blood

“Blood = Liquid + Living”

Liquid → Plasma

Living → Cells (RBC, WBC, Platelets)

---

🔹 Statement 2 – Colour of Blood

“Hb = Hero of Blood colour”

Hb (Haemoglobin)

Iron-based protein

Makes blood red

49.With reference to the Jnanpith Award, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. The 58th Jnanpith Award was conferred upon Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Ji.

2. The 1st Jnanpith Award was given in 1965.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

---

✅ Correct Answer

(b) Both 1 and 2

---

✅ Explanation

Statement 1 is correct.

The 58th Jnanpith Award (for the year 2023) was conferred upon Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Ji (along with Gulzar). The award ceremony took place in May 2025. 

Statement 2 is correct.

The first Jnanpith Award was given in 1965 to the Malayalam poet G. Sankara Kurup for his work Odakkuzhal. 

Since both statements are true, the correct option is (b) Both 1 and 2.

48.Consider the formation of the following States of India and arrange them in the correct chronological order, starting from the earliest to the last.

1. Punjab

2. Arunachal Pradesh

3. Nagaland

4. Sikkim

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 3, 2, 4, 1

(b) 3, 1, 4, 2

(c) 3, 4, 1, 2

(d) 2, 3, 4, 1

---

✅ Correct Answer

(b) 3, 1, 4, 2

---

✅ Clear, Unambiguous Explanation (with exact years)

Nagaland (3)

Became a full-fledged State on 1 December 1963 under the State of Nagaland Act, 1962.

👉 Earliest among the four.

Punjab (1)

Present-day Punjab was formed on 1 November 1966 after reorganisation under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, when Haryana was carved out.

👉 This is the relevant “formation” date for UPSC chronology questions.

Sikkim (4)

Became the 22nd State of India on 16 May 1975 through the 36th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1975.

👉 Earlier a protectorate, not a state.

Arunachal Pradesh (2)

Became a full-fledged State on 20 February 1987 under the State of Arunachal Pradesh Act, 1986.

👉 Last among the four.

✅ Final chronological order (earliest → latest):

Nagaland (1963) → Punjab (1966) → Sikkim (1975) → Arunachal Pradesh (1987)

Hence, option (b) is correct.

47.Match List–I with List–II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists.

List–I (Writer)

A. Trivikrama Bhatta

B. Somdev

C. Jaidev

D. Kshemendra

List–II (Book)

1. Gita Govinda

2. Brihatkathamanjari

3. Nal Champu

4. Katha Sarit Sagar

Code:

A B C D

(a) 3 4 1 2

(b) 4 3 1 2

(c) 4 3 2 1

(d) 3 4 2 1

---

✅ Correct Answer

(a) 3 4 1 2

---

✅  Explanation

A. Trivikrama Bhatta → Nal Champu (3)

Trivikrama Bhatta was a Sanskrit scholar and poet, best known for “Nal Champu”, a champu kavya (mixture of prose and verse) based on the story of Nala–Damayanti.

B. Somdev → Katha Sarit Sagar (4)

Somdev authored “Katha Sarit Sagar”, a famous Sanskrit compilation of stories derived from the Brihatkatha tradition.

C. Jaidev → Gita Govinda (1)

Jaidev (Jayadeva) composed “Gita Govinda”, a lyrical Sanskrit work centred on Radha–Krishna bhakti, especially associated with Odisha.

D. Kshemendra → Brihatkathamanjari (2)

Kshemendra authored “Brihatkathamanjari”, an abridged Sanskrit version of the Brihatkatha narrative tradition.

All four pairs are correctly matched as per option (a).

---

🧠 Memory Tricks (Separate, Exam-Oriented)

🔹 Trivikrama Bhatta – Nal Champu

“Tri = Tale of Two lovers (Nala–Damayanti)”

Champu style

Romantic epic → Nal Champu

🔹 Somdev – Katha Sarit Sagar

“Som = Sea (Sagar) of Stories”

Story collection

Somdev → Katha Sarit Sagar

🔹 Jaidev – Gita Govinda

“Jai Radha–Krishna”

Bhakti poetry

Devotional song → Gita Govinda

🔹 Kshemendra – Brihatkathamanjari

“Kshetra = Short version”

Abridged retelling

→ Brihatkathamanjari

46.“Swavalambini”, a women entrepreneurship programme for the North-East, is launched by which of the following ministries?

1. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

2. Ministry of Women and Child Development

3. Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) Only 3

(d) Only 1

---

✅ Correct Answer

(d) Only 1

---

✅ Explanation

Statement 1 is correct.

Swavalambini is a women entrepreneurship development programme launched by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

It is implemented through National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), with a special focus on the North-Eastern States.

🧠 Memory Tricks (Separate, Exam-Oriented)

🔹 Swavalambini → Ministry

“Skill se Swavalamban”

Swavalambini = Self-reliance

Self-reliance comes from Skills + Entrepreneurship

Therefore → Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

🔹 North-East Focus

“NE = Nurture Entrepreneurs”

Special focus on North-Eastern women

Skill + Enterprise + Local livelihood

45. Which of the following pairs is/are NOT correctly matched?

1. International Ozone Day – 16 September

2. World Environment Day – 5 June

3. World Wildlife Day – 22 March

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 3

(b) 2 and 3

(c) Only 3

(d) Only 1

---

✅ Correct Answer

(c) Only 3

---

✅ Clear, Unambiguous Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched.

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is observed on 16 September every year.

It commemorates the signing of the Montreal Protocol (1987).

Pair 2 is correctly matched.

World Environment Day is observed on 5 June every year.

It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972.

Pair 3 is NOT correctly matched.

World Wildlife Day is observed on 3 March, not 22 March.

22 March is World Water Day, which is a common UPSC trap.

Therefore, only Pair 3 is incorrect, making option (c) the correct answer.

44.With reference to the ozone layer, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Ozone layer shields the surface of the Earth from the ultraviolet radiations from the Sun.

2. Ozone depletion has been linked to the chlorofluorocarbons.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

---

✅ Correct Answer

(b) Both 1 and 2

---

✅  Explanation

Statement 1 is correct.

The ozone layer, located mainly in the stratosphere, absorbs most of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

This prevents damage to human health (skin cancer, cataracts) and protects plants, marine life, and ecosystems.

Statement 2 is correct.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) release chlorine atoms in the stratosphere.

These chlorine atoms destroy ozone (O₃) molecules catalytically, leading to ozone depletion, especially observed over Antarctica (ozone hole).

Since both statements are factually correct, the correct option is (b).

---

🧠 Memory Tricks (Exam-Oriented, Separate)

🔹 Statement 1 – Ozone Protection

“Ozone = UV Guard”

Ozone sits up in the stratosphere

Stops UV-B before it reaches Earth

Think: Umbrella between Sun ☀️ and Earth 🌍

🔹 Statement 2 – Cause of Depletion

“CFC = Chlorine For Cutting ozone”

CFCs → Chlorine released

One chlorine atom destroys thousands of ozone molecules

Linked to ozone hole over Antarctica

43.

Which of the following is/are Financial Committee(s) of Parliament in India?

1. Public Accounts Committee

2. Estimates Committee

3. Committee on Public Undertakings

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 2 and 3

(c) All 1, 2 and 3

(d) Only 1

---

✅ Correct Answer

(c) All 1, 2 and 3

---

✅ Explanation (clear, precise, UPSC-oriented)

In the Indian Parliament, there are three Financial Committees, whose primary function is to ensure financial accountability and parliamentary control over public expenditure.

🔹 1. Public Accounts Committee (PAC) ✅

Examines:

Appropriation Accounts

Finance Accounts

CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) reports

Ensures that:

Money granted by Parliament is spent for the approved purpose.

Focus: Post-expenditure audit.

✔ Hence, it is a Financial Committee.

---

🔹 2. Estimates Committee (EC) ✅

Examines:

Budget estimates

Economy, efficiency, and administrative reform in expenditure.

Suggests:

How to reduce expenditure

How to improve efficiency

Focus: Pre-expenditure scrutiny.

✔ Hence, it is a Financial Committee.

---

🔹 3. Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU) ✅

Examines:

Reports and accounts of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)

CAG reports related to PSUs.

Ensures:

PSUs function efficiently and accountably.

Focus: Financial performance of PSUs.

✔ Hence, it is also a Financial Committee.

---

📌 Final Verification

All three committees:

Deal directly with public finance

Strengthen financial control of Parliament

👉 Therefore, all 1, 2 and 3 are Financial Committees.

---

🧠 Memory Trick (exam-oriented, separate & logical)

🔑 “PEC = Parliament’s Expense Check”

P → Public Accounts Committee → Past spending check

E → Estimates Committee → Expenditure planning check

C → Committee on Public Undertakings → Company (PSU) finance check

👉 If a committee checks money, it belongs to PEC.

42.

Match List–I with List–II and select the correct answer using the code given below:

List–I (Sustainable Development Goals)

A. Goal 1

B. Goal 3

C. Goal 4

D. Goal 6

List–II (Area of Goal)

1. Clean water and sanitation

2. Quality education

3. To end poverty in all forms

4. Good health and well-being

---

✅ Correct Answer

Option (c)

That is:

A (Goal 1) → 3 (End poverty in all forms)

B (Goal 3) → 4 (Good health and well-being)

C (Goal 4) → 2 (Quality education)

D (Goal 6) → 1 (Clean water and sanitation)

---

✅ Explanation (fact-checked, no ambiguity)

Let us verify each Sustainable Development Goal from official UN sources:

🔹 Goal 1 → To end poverty in all its forms everywhere

SDG 1 is explicitly defined as “No Poverty”.

It focuses on eradication of extreme poverty, social protection, and economic inclusion.

✔ Correct match: Goal 1 → Area 3

---

🔹 Goal 3 → Good health and well-being

SDG 3 aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

Covers maternal health, child mortality, diseases, and universal health coverage.

✔ Correct match: Goal 3 → Area 4

---

🔹 Goal 4 → Quality education

SDG 4 focuses on inclusive and equitable quality education.

Emphasises lifelong learning opportunities.

✔ Correct match: Goal 4 → Area 2

---

🔹 Goal 6 → Clean water and sanitation

SDG 6 aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

✔ Correct match: Goal 6 → Area 1

---

🧠 Memory Tricks (separate, exam-oriented)

Goal 1 – Poverty

👉 “1st fight = Poverty first”

Goal 3 – Health

👉 “3 sounds like ‘Free’ → Free from disease”

Goal 4 – Education

👉 “4 years = basic education cycle”

Goal 6 – Water

👉 “6 litres minimum water rule”

Trick for SDG

41.Consider the following revolts and arrange them in the correct chronological order:

1. Pabna

2. Indigo

3. Kuka

4. Sanyasi

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 4, 3, 2, 1

(b) 3, 4, 2, 1

(c) 3, 4, 1, 2

(d) 4, 2, 3, 1

---

✅ Correct Answer

(d) 4, 2, 3, 1

That is:

Sanyasi → Indigo → Kuka → Pabna

---

✅ Explanation (chronology rechecked and verified)

Let us verify each revolt with exact years, then arrange them chronologically.

---

🔹 4. Sanyasi Revolt — Late 18th century (c. 1763–1800)

Occurred mainly in Bengal and Bihar.

Led by Sanyasis and Fakirs.

Triggered by:

Bengal Famine of 1770

Oppressive revenue policies of the East India Company.

This is the earliest among the given revolts.

📌 Hence, Sanyasi Revolt comes first.

---

🔹 2. Indigo Revolt — 1859–1860

Took place in Bengal.

Peasants revolted against European indigo planters.

Protested against:

Forced indigo cultivation.

Exploitative contracts (Tinkathia system).

Widely supported by Indian intelligentsia and press.

📌 Comes after Sanyasi Revolt.

---

🔹 3. Kuka (Namdhari) Movement — 1860s–1872

Originated in Punjab.

Led by Baba Ram Singh.

Religious-cum-political movement against British rule.

Suppressed brutally in 1872.

📌 Comes after Indigo Revolt.

---

🔹 1. Pabna Agrarian Revolt — 1873–1876

Occurred in Pabna district (Bengal Presidency).

Peasants protested against:

Illegal rent enhancement by zamindars.

Notably legal and peaceful in nature.

Reflected growing agrarian consciousness.

📌 This is the latest revolt among the four.

---

🧠 Final Chronological Order

Sanyasi (4) → Indigo (2) → Kuka (3) → Pabna (1)

✔ Matches option (d).

---

🧠 Memory Tricks (separate, exam-oriented)

🔹 Sanyasi Revolt

👉 “Saints suffered first”

(Sanyasis reacted earliest to Company exploitation after famine)

---

🔹 Indigo Revolt

👉 “Blue before Bhakti”

(Indigo peasants rose before religious Kuka movement)

---

🔹 Kuka Movement

👉 “K for Kaur, K for Khalsa”

(Kuka = Sikh reform movement after Indigo)

---

🔹 Pabna Revolt

👉 “Pabna = Peasants with Paper”

(Late, legal, rent-related agrarian movement)

40.

As per the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme of Uttar Pradesh, Moonj products are associated with which of the following districts?

Amethi

Sultanpur

Sant Kabir Nagar

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 3

(b) 2 and 3

(c) Only 3

(d) 1 and 2

Correct Answer:

✅ (d) 1 and 2

Explanation

Under the ODOP (One District One Product) scheme of Uttar Pradesh,

Moonj is officially associated with:

Amethi

Sultanpur

Sant Kabir Nagar is not associated with Moonj under the ODOP list.

Hence, the correct combination is 1 and 2.

39.

Consider the following and arrange them in correct chronological order.

Jawahar Rojgar Yojana

Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas

Integrated Rural Development Programme

National Rural Employment Programme

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 3, 4, 1, 2

(b) 4, 3, 1, 2

(c) 4, 3, 2, 1

(d) 3, 4, 2, 1

✅ Correct Answer: (d) 3, 4, 2, 1

Explanation:

IRDP – 1978

NREP – 1980

DWCRA – 1982

JRY – 1989

38.

Which among the following words were inserted in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment?

Socialist

Secular

Sovereign

Republic

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 3

(b) 2 and 3

(c) 3 and 4

(d) 1 and 2

✅ Correct Answer: (d) 1 and 2

Explanation:

The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 inserted “Socialist” and “Secular” into the Preamble.

“Republic” and “Sovereign” were already present.

37.

Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana comes under which of the following?

Ministry of Corporate Affairs

Ministry of Rural Development

Ministry of Finance

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) Only 3

(d) Only 1

✅ Correct Answer:

(c) Only 3

Explanation:

Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) is implemented by the Ministry of Finance through the Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA).

It does not come under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs or Rural Development.

36.

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).

Assertion (A): The territories of the Sultanate could be broadly divided into two parts – the Khalisa and the Jagirs.

Reason (R): The Jagirs comprised of the land under the control of the State.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

(b) (A) is true, but (R) is false

(c) (A) is false, but (R) is true

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

✅ Correct Answer:

(b) (A) is true, but (R) is false

Explanation:

Assertion (A) is true.

The Delhi Sultanate divided its territory into Khalisa (crown land) and Jagir (land assigned to nobles in lieu of salary).

Reason (R) is false.

Jagirs were not lands under direct state control. They were assigned to nobles (iqtadars) who collected revenue for their maintenance and military obligations. The Khalisa, not the Jagir, was under direct state control.

35.

With reference to hydroelectricity in North India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

There are huge possibilities of hydroelectricity in the Himalayan region.

Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar cannot utilise this potential because the Himalayas are situated to their north.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer:

(b) Both 1 and 2

Detailed Explanation:

Statement 1: Correct

The Himalayan region has steep slopes and perennial rivers, making it highly suitable for hydroelectric power generation.

Statement 2: Correct

Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are located in the Indo-Gangetic plains. The Himalayan rivers flow through these regions but the steep gradient needed for hydropower exists in the Himalayan region itself, not in these plains.

34.

With reference to lichens, which of the following statements is/are correct?

Lichens are good indicators of air pollution.

Lichens grow well in polluted areas.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer:

(d) Only 1

Detailed Explanation:

Statement 1: Correct

Lichens are very sensitive to air pollution, especially sulfur dioxide, and hence are used as bio-indicators of air quality.

Statement 2: Incorrect

Lichens do not grow well in polluted environments; they disappear when air pollution increases.

Memory Trick:

“Lichens vanish in pollution.” 🧠

33.

Match List–I with List–II and choose the correct answer using the code given below.

List – I (Lok Sabha)

A. 11th Lok Sabha

B. 12th Lok Sabha

C. 14th Lok Sabha

D. 17th Lok Sabha

List – II (Speaker)

Om Birla

P. A. Sangma

Somnath Chatterjee

G. M. C. Balayogi

Code:

(a) A–2, B–4, C–3, D–1

(b) A–3, B–2, C–4, D–1

(c) A–4, B–2, C–3, D–1

(d) A–2, B–3, C–4, D–1

Correct Answer:

(b) A–3, B–2, C–4, D–1

Detailed Explanation:

A. 11th Lok Sabha – P. A. Sangma

P. A. Sangma served as the Speaker of the 11th Lok Sabha (1996–1998).

B. 12th Lok Sabha – G. M. C. Balayogi

G. M. C. Balayogi was the Speaker of the 12th Lok Sabha (1998–1999).

C. 14th Lok Sabha – Somnath Chatterjee

Somnath Chatterjee served as Speaker from 2004 to 2009 during the 14th Lok Sabha.

D. 17th Lok Sabha – Om Birla

Om Birla is the Speaker of the 17th Lok Sabha (since 2019).

32.

Consider the following events and arrange them in correct chronological order:

Poona Pact

End of Civil Disobedience Movement

Gandhi–Irwin Pact

Second Round Table Conference

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 3, 4, 2, 1

(b) 4, 3, 2, 1

(c) 4, 3, 1, 2

(d) 3, 4, 1, 2

Correct Answer:

(d) 3, 4, 1, 2

Detailed Explanation:

Gandhi–Irwin Pact (1931) → Agreement between Gandhiji and Lord Irwin before Second Round Table Conference.

Second Round Table Conference (1931) → Held in London; Gandhi represented INC.

Poona Pact (1932) → Agreement between B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi on separate electorates.

End of Civil Disobedience Movement (1934) → Official withdrawal of the movement.

31.

With reference to ‘Operation Olivia’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

It is an initiative of Indian Coast Guard to protect Olive Ridley turtles.

It is carried out during the nesting season along the Odisha coast.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer:

(b) Both 1 and 2

Detailed Explanation:

Statement 1: Correct

Operation Olivia is carried out by the Indian Coast Guard to protect Olive Ridley turtles.

Statement 2: Correct

The operation is conducted during the nesting season along Odisha’s coast to prevent turtle deaths due to fishing activities.

Memory Trick:

“Olivia = Olive Ridley + Odisha + Ocean patrol.” 🧠

30.

Which of the following enzymes is/are released in the stomach for digestion of proteins?

Chymotrypsin

Trypsin

Pepsin

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2 and 3

(c) Only 3

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer:

(c) Only 3

Detailed Explanation:

Chymotrypsin – Released by pancreas, acts in small intestine ❌

Trypsin – Released by pancreas, acts in small intestine ❌

Pepsin – Secreted in stomach for protein digestion ✔️

Memory Trick:

“Pepsin = Stomach protein enzyme.” 🧠

29.

Which of the following pairs of Part of Indian Constitution and its subject is/are NOT correctly matched?

Part IV A – Fundamental Duties

Part VI – The States

Part XI – The Municipalities

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) Only 3

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer:

(c) Only 3

Detailed Explanation:

Statement 1: Part IV-A – Fundamental Duties ✔️

Correctly matches (added by 42nd Constitutional Amendment).

Statement 2: Part VI – The States ✔️

Correctly deals with state governments.

Statement 3: Part XI – The Municipalities ❌

Incorrect. Municipalities are covered under Part IX-A, not Part XI.

28.

Which of the following Programmes / Schemes is/are NOT included in meeting the objectives of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020?

ULLAS

DIKSHA

Bharat Nirman Programme

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 1 and 3

(c) Only 3

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer:

(c) Only 3

Detailed Explanation:

Statement 1: ULLAS – Correct

ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) is aligned with NEP 2020 goals of adult education and lifelong learning.

Statement 2: DIKSHA – Correct

DIKSHA is a digital platform for teachers and students launched to support NEP 2020 implementation.

Statement 3: Bharat Nirman Programme – Incorrect

Bharat Nirman was an infrastructure-focused programme (roads, housing, irrigation) and not part of NEP 2020.

Memory Trick:

“NEP = Education tools (ULLAS, DIKSHA), not roads (Bharat Nirman)” 🧠

27.

Iron Dome missile defence system belongs to which of the following countries?

France

United States

Israel

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) Only 3

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer:

(c) Only 3

Detailed Explanation:

The Iron Dome is an Israeli missile defence system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to intercept short-range rockets and artillery.

Memory Trick:

“Iron Dome = Israel’s shield.” 🧠

26.

Four Buddhist Councils were held at the following places. Arrange them in correct chronological order.

Vaishali

Rajagriha

Kundalvana

Pataliputra

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1, 2, 4, 3

(b) 2, 1, 4, 3

(c) 2, 1, 3, 4

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4

Correct Answer:

(b) 2, 1, 4, 3

Detailed Explanation:

First Buddhist Council – Rajagriha (after Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana)

Second Buddhist Council – Vaishali

Third Buddhist Council – Pataliputra (under Ashoka)

Fourth Buddhist Council – Kundalvana (Kanishka)

25.

Which of the following rivers fall into the Arabian Sea?

Periyar

Pennar

Palar

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 1

(b) 2 and 3

(c) Only 3

(d) 1 and 2

Correct Answer:

(a) Only 1

Detailed Explanation:

Periyar – Flows into the Arabian Sea ✔️

Pennar – Flows into the Bay of Bengal ❌

Palar – Flows into the Bay of Bengal ❌

24.

Which among the following is/are NOT a social indicator of poverty?

Illiteracy

Safe drinking water

Job opportunities

Size of the house

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 3 and 4

(c) Only 4

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer:

(c) Only 4

Detailed Explanation:

Statement 1: Illiteracy – Correct

Illiteracy is a social indicator of poverty, as lack of education reflects poor human development.

Statement 2: Safe drinking water – Correct

Access to safe drinking water is a key social indicator used in poverty measurement.

Statement 3: Job opportunities – Correct

Availability of employment is a social–economic indicator linked with poverty levels.

Statement 4: Size of the house – Incorrect

Size of the house is a physical asset indicator, not a standard social indicator of poverty.

Memory Trick:

“Social indicators = Education, Water, Work — not house size.” 🧠

23.

Consider the following wars and arrange them in correct chronological order:

First Anglo–Mysore War

Second Anglo–French War

First Anglo–Sikh War

First Anglo–Afghan War

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 2, 1, 4, 3

(b) 1, 2, 4, 3

(c) 1, 2, 3, 4

(d) 2, 1, 3, 4

Correct Answer:

(a) 2, 1, 4, 3

Explanation:

Second Anglo–French War → 1749–1754

First Anglo–Mysore War → 1767–1769

First Anglo–Afghan War → 1839–1842

First Anglo–Sikh War → 1845–1846

22.

With reference to Public Accounts Committee, which of the following statements is/are correct?

Public Accounts Committee submits its report to the Lok Sabha.

Public Accounts Committee consists of 15 members from the Rajya Sabha.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Both 1 and 2

(b) Only 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer:

(d) Only 1

Explanation:

Statement 1: Correct

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) submits its report to the Lok Sabha.

Statement 2: Incorrect

PAC has 22 members total:

15 from Lok Sabha

7 from Rajya Sabha

Hence, not 15 from Rajya Sabha.

21.

With reference to earthworms, which of the following statements is/are correct?

Earthworms improve soil fertility and are known as farmers’ friends.

Earthworm has two pairs of hearts.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer:

(d) Only 1

Explanation:

Statement 1: Correct

Earthworms improve soil aeration and fertility and are called “friends of farmers.”

Statement 2: Incorrect

Earthworms have five pairs of hearts (aortic arches), not two.

20.

Which of the following gases is/are lighter than air?

Hydrogen chloride

Sulphur dioxide

Helium

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) Only 3

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer:

(c) Only 3

Explanation:

Hydrogen chloride (HCl) → Heavier than air ❌

Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) → Heavier than air ❌

Helium (He) → Much lighter than air ✔️

Only helium rises upward in air.

19.

Which of the following pairs is/are NOT correctly matched?

Bushman – Kalahari Desert

Eskimo – Northern Canada

Pygmy – Congo Basin

Masai – West Africa

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 1, 2 and 3

(b) Only 3 and 4

(c) Only 4

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer:

(c) Only 4

Detailed Explanation:

Statement 1: Bushman – Kalahari Desert

Correct ✔️

The Bushmen (San people) traditionally inhabit the Kalahari Desert region of Southern Africa.

Statement 2: Eskimo – Northern Canada

Correct ✔️

Eskimos (Inuit) live in the Arctic regions, mainly in Northern Canada, Greenland, and Alaska.

Statement 3: Pygmy – Congo Basin

Correct ✔️

Pygmy tribes are native to the Congo Basin in Central Africa.

Statement 4: Masai – West Africa

Incorrect ❌

The Masai (Maasai) tribe lives in East Africa, mainly Kenya and Tanzania, not West Africa.

Memory Trick:

“Bushman–Desert, Eskimo–Ice, Pygmy–Forest, Masai–East Africa.” 🧠

18.

With reference to Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE), which of the following statements is/are correct?

It was launched in June 2022.

Its idea was proposed at COP-25 in Madrid.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer:

(d) Only 1

Detailed Explanation:

Statement 1: Correct

The LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) movement was launched in June 2022 by India.

Statement 2: Incorrect

The concept was proposed at COP26 (Glasgow, 2021), not COP25.

Memory Trick:

“LiFE = 2022 launch, COP26 idea.” 🧠

17.

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).

Assertion (A): India is the second largest mobile gaming market in the world.

Reason (R): There are more than 950 million internet users in India.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

(b) (A) is true, but (R) is false

(c) (A) is false, but (R) is true

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

✅ Correct Answer:

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

Detailed Explanation:

Assertion (A): True

India is the second-largest mobile gaming market in the world in terms of number of users. This is supported by industry reports and digital economy data.

Reason (R): True

India has over 950 million internet users, providing a massive user base for mobile gaming platforms.

Link between A and R:

A large internet-using population directly increases mobile gaming adoption. Hence, the reason correctly explains the assertion.

Memory Trick:

“More internet users → Bigger gaming market.” 🧠

16.

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).

Assertion (A): India has a Parliamentary system of Government.

Reason (R): In India, the executive is responsible to the legislature.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

(b) (A) is true, but (R) is false

(c) (A) is false, but (R) is true

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

Correct Answer:

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

Detailed Explanation:

Assertion (A): True

India follows a Parliamentary system of government, as adopted from the British model under the Constitution of India.

Reason (R): True

In a parliamentary system, the executive (Council of Ministers) is collectively responsible to the legislature (Parliament).

This responsibility is the core feature that distinguishes a parliamentary system from a presidential system.

Why (R) explains (A):

Because the executive is accountable to the legislature, India is said to follow a parliamentary form of government. Hence, the reason correctly explains the assertion.

Memory Trick:

“Parliamentary = Executive answers to Legislature.” 🧠

15.

Consider the following and arrange them in the correct chronological order:

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)

Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM)

Jal Jeevan Mission

National Urban Housing and Habitat Policy

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 2, 4, 1, 3

(b) 2, 4, 3, 1

(c) 4, 2, 1, 3

(d) 4, 2, 3, 1

Correct Answer:

(a) 2, 4, 1, 3

Detailed Explanation:

1. Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) – 2005

Major urban reform mission launched during UPA period.

2. National Urban Housing and Habitat Policy – 2007

Focused on affordable housing and urban development.

3. Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) – 2015

Aimed at water supply, sewerage, and urban infrastructure.

4. Jal Jeevan Mission – 2019

Focused on providing tap water connections to every rural household 🚰.

14.

With reference to the New Pamban Bridge, which of the following statements is/are correct?

It was constructed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, which is a ‘Navratna’ public sector unit under the Ministry of Railways.

It is India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer:

(b) Both 1 and 2

Detailed Explanation:

Statement 1: Correct

The New Pamban Bridge has been constructed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Railways 🚆.

Statement 2: Correct

It is India’s first vertical lift sea bridge, allowing ships to pass underneath by lifting the central span 🌊⚙️.

13.

Match List–I with List–II and choose the correct answer using the code given below:

List – I (State)

A. Maharashtra

B. Karnataka

C. Bihar

D. Tamil Nadu

List – II (Number of seats in Rajya Sabha)

16

18

19

12

Code:

(a) 2 1 3 4

(b) 1 2 4 3

(c) 2 4 3 1

(d) 3 4 1 2

Correct Answer:

(d) 3 4 1 2

Detailed Explanation:

A. Maharashtra – 19 seats (3)

Maharashtra has 19 Rajya Sabha seats, the second highest after Uttar Pradesh.

B. Karnataka – 12 seats (4)

Karnataka sends 12 members to the Rajya Sabha.

C. Bihar – 16 seats (1)

Bihar has 16 Rajya Sabha seats.

D. Tamil Nadu – 18 seats (2)

Tamil Nadu is represented by 18 members in the Rajya Sabha.

12.

Arrange the following in chronological order of their rule and select the correct answer from the code given below:

Bajirao I

Balaji Bajirao

Balaji Vishwanath

Madhav Rao I

Code:

(a) 1, 3, 2, 4

(b) 3, 1, 2, 4

(c) 3, 1, 4, 2

(d) 1, 3, 4, 2

Correct Answer:

(b) 3, 1, 2, 4

Detailed Explanation:

1. Balaji Vishwanath (1713–1720)

He was the first powerful Peshwa of the Maratha Empire and laid the foundation of Peshwa dominance.

2. Bajirao I (1720–1740)

Son of Balaji Vishwanath, he expanded the Maratha Empire aggressively across India ⚔️.

3. Balaji Bajirao (Nanasaheb) (1740–1761)

Son of Bajirao I, he ruled during the peak of Maratha power but also during the Third Battle of Panipat.

4. Madhav Rao I (1761–1772)

He revived Maratha power after the setback of the Third Battle of Panipat.

11.

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).

Assertion (A): Poverty line differs across time and countries.

Reason (R): The basic needs of people vary across regions and over time.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

(b) (A) is true, but (R) is false

(c) (A) is false, but (R) is true

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

Correct Answer:

(d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

Detailed Explanation:

Assertion (A): True

The poverty line is not fixed across time or countries. It changes due to inflation, economic growth, living standards, and national priorities.

Reason (R): True

Basic needs such as food, clothing, housing, education, and healthcare differ across regions and change over time.

Because these needs vary, the minimum income required to meet them also changes, leading to different poverty lines.

Link Between A and R:

Since basic needs vary across societies and periods, the poverty line naturally changes. Hence, the reason correctly explains the assertion.

10.

Match List–I with List–II and choose the correct answer using the code given below:

List – I (Nuclear Power Plant)

A. Kudankulam

B. Kakrapar

C. Kaiga

D. Rawatbhata

List – II (State)

Karnataka

Tamil Nadu

Rajasthan

Gujarat

Code:

(a) 4 2 1 3

(b) 2 4 1 3

(c) 2 4 3 1

(d) 4 2 3 1

Correct Answer:

(b) 2 4 1 3

Detailed Explanation:

A. Kudankulam – Tamil Nadu (2)

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is located in Tamil Nadu 🌊.

It is India’s largest nuclear power station.

B. Kakrapar – Gujarat (4)

Kakrapar Atomic Power Station is in Gujarat 🌞, near the Tapi River.

C. Kaiga – Karnataka (1)

Kaiga Nuclear Power Station lies in Karnataka, in the Western Ghats 🌳.

D. Rawatbhata – Rajasthan (3)

Rawatbhata Nuclear Power Plant is located in Rajasthan, near Kota 🔥

9.

Match List–I with List–II and select the correct answer from the code given below:

List – I (National Park / Wildlife Sanctuary)

A. Dachigam

B. Keoladeo

C. Kanha

D. Periyar

List – II (State / Union Territory)

Madhya Pradesh

Rajasthan

Kerala

Jammu and Kashmir

Code:

(a) 4 2 3 1

(b) 2 4 3 1

(c) 2 4 1 3

(d) 4 2 1 3

Correct Answer:

(d) 4 2 1 3

Detailed Explanation:

A. Dachigam – Jammu and Kashmir (4)

Dachigam National Park is located near Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir 🏔️.

It is famous for the Hangul (Kashmir stag).

B. Keoladeo – Rajasthan (2)

Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) is in Rajasthan 🐦.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

C. Kanha – Madhya Pradesh (1)

Kanha National Park is situated in Madhya Pradesh 🌲.

It is one of India’s largest tiger reserves.

D. Periyar – Kerala (3)

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Kerala 🌿, in the Western Ghats region.

8.

With reference to ‘Atal Tunnel’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

This tunnel is the world’s longest highway tunnel.

This tunnel is built in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer:

(a) Only 2

Detailed Explanation:

Statement 1: Incorrect

Atal Tunnel is not the world’s longest highway tunnel 🚫.

It is the world’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet altitude, which is a different claim.

Statement 2: Correct

Atal Tunnel is constructed under the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas 🏔️, connecting Manali to Lahaul–Spiti.

7.

Which of the following two are the major constituents of Biogas?

Methane

Butane

Carbon dioxide

Carbon monoxide

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 3

(b) 2 and 3

(c) 3 and 4

(d) 1 and 2

Correct Answer:

(a) 1 and 3

Detailed Explanation:

Statement 1: Methane – Correct

Biogas mainly contains methane (CH₄), which is the combustible component 🔥.

It forms about 55–70% of biogas.

Statement 2: Butane – Incorrect

Butane is a component of LPG, not biogas ❌.

It is not produced during anaerobic digestion.

Statement 3: Carbon dioxide – Correct

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the second major component of biogas 🌫️.

It makes up around 30–45% of the gas mixture.

Statement 4: Carbon monoxide – Incorrect

Carbon monoxide is not a normal constituent of biogas ❌.

It forms mainly during incomplete combustion, not digestion.

Memory Trick:

“Biogas = Methane + CO₂ → Energy + Air” 🧠

6.

Match List–I with List–II and select the correct answer using the code given below:

List – I (Mission)

A. Chandrayaan-3

B. Aditya L1

C. INSAT-3DS

D. RLV-LEX-01

List – II (Date of Launch)

02 September 2023

17 February 2024

14 July 2023

02 April 2023

Code:

(a) A-1, B-3, C-4, D-2

(b) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2

(c) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4

(d) A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4

Correct Answer:

(c) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4

Detailed Explanation:

A. Chandrayaan-3 – 14 July 2023 (Correct)

Chandrayaan-3 was launched on 14 July 2023 using LVM-3 🚀.

Its goal was a successful soft landing on the Moon 🌕.

B. Aditya-L1 – 02 September 2023 (Correct)

Aditya-L1, India’s first solar mission ☀️, was launched on 2 September 2023.

C. INSAT-3DS – 17 February 2024 (Correct)

INSAT-3DS is a meteorological satellite 🌦️ launched on 17 February 2024 to improve weather forecasting.

D. RLV-LEX-01 – 02 April 2023 (Correct)

RLV-LEX-01 (Reusable Launch Vehicle – Landing Experiment) was successfully conducted on 2 April 2023 🛫.

5.

With reference to Baking Soda, which of the following statements is/are correct?

It is Sodium hydrogen carbonate.

It is used in fire extinguishers.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer:

(b) Both 1 and 2

Detailed Explanation:

Statement 1: Correct

Baking soda is sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO₃) 🧪.

It is a mild base used in cooking, cleaning, and medicine.

Statement 2: Correct

Baking soda releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) when heated 🔥.

This CO₂ helps in putting out fires, so it is used in fire extinguishers 🚒.

Memory Trick:

“Baking soda = NaHCO₃ = CO₂ maker = Fire stopper”

4.

With reference to creation of new All India Service, which of the following statements is/are correct?

In the national interest, the Rajya Sabha can pass a resolution for creation of new All India Service.

The resolution for creation of new All India Service must be passed by the Rajya Sabha by two-third majority of the total members of the house.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer:

(d) Only 1

Detailed Explanation:

Statement 1: Correct

The Constitution (Article 312) allows the Rajya Sabha to create a new All India Service 🏛️ if it is necessary in national interest.

This power lies only with the Rajya Sabha.

Statement 2: Incorrect

The resolution must be passed by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting,

not by two-thirds of the total membership ❌.

Hence, the statement is factually wrong.

Memory Trick:

**“All India Service = Rajya Sabha + 2/3 present, not total.

3.

With reference to Global Environment Facility, which of the following statements is/are correct?

It was established in 1991.

Only the developed countries are donors to it.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 2

(b) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer:

(d) Only 1

Detailed Explanation:

Statement 1: It was established in 1991 – Correct

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) was launched in 1991 🌍.

It supports global environmental projects related to climate, biodiversity, ozone, etc.

Statement 2: Only the developed countries are donors – Incorrect

GEF funding mainly comes from developed countries 💰,

but some emerging and developing countries also contribute voluntarily 🌱.

So, it is not limited only to developed countries.

2.

Which of the following sites were obtained by the British East India Company under the Treaty of Sugauli in 1816?

Kathmandu

Shimla

Ranikhet

Nainital

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2, 3 and 4

(c) Only 3 and 4

(d) Only 1

Correct Answer:

(b) 2, 3 and 4

Detailed Explanation:

Statement 1: Kathmandu – Incorrect

Kathmandu remained the capital of Nepal. Under the Treaty of Sugauli (1816), Nepal accepted a British Resident at Kathmandu but did not cede the city itself.

Statement 2: Shimla – Correct

Shimla was part of the territory ceded by Nepal to the British after the Anglo-Nepalese War. It later developed as a British hill station.

Statement 3: Ranikhet – Correct

Ranikhet was part of the Kumaon region, which was ceded by Nepal to the British under the Treaty of Sugauli.

Statement 4: Nainital – Correct

Nainital also formed part of the ceded Kumaon–Garhwal region transferred to the British East India Company after the treaty.

1.

Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched?

(Coal Producing Area – State)

Maolong – Arunachal Pradesh

Raniganj – West Bengal

Ramgarh – Jharkhand

Talcher – Odisha

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 1, 2 and 3

(c) Only 2, 3 and 4

(d) Only 1 and 2

Correct Answer

✅ (c) Only 2, 3 and 4

Detailed Explanation

🔹 1. Maolong – Arunachal Pradesh ❌

This pair is incorrect.

There is no coalfield named “Maolong” in Arunachal Pradesh.

The major coalfields of Arunachal Pradesh are Namchik–Namphuk, not Maolong.

🔹 2. Raniganj – West Bengal ✅

Raniganj Coalfield is located in West Bengal and is one of the oldest coalfields in India.

🔹 3. Ramgarh – Jharkhand ✅

Ramgarh Coalfield is situated in Jharkhand, part of the Damodar Valley coalfields.

🔹 4. Talcher – Odisha ✅

Talcher Coalfield is located in Odisha and is one of the largest coalfields in the country.