[DAY 15] 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES for UPSC Prelims 2024 – POLITY, CURRENT AFFAIRS & CSAT TEST SERIES!

Solution (b)

Solution (c)

Solution (a)

Mayo’s Resolution:

• Mayo’s Resolution initiated financial decentralization which authorized the provincial governments to resort to local taxation to balance their budgets.
• This was done in context of transfer of certain departments of administration, such as medical services, education and roads.

Solution (a)

Vernacular Press Act (1878):

• The Vernacular Press Act (VPA) was designed to better control’ the vernacular press and effectively punish and repress seditious writing.
• The provisions of the Act included the following:
  • The district magistrate was empowered to call upon the printer and publisher of any vernacular newspaper to enter into a bond with the Government undertaking, not to disaffection against the Government or antipathy between persons of different religions, caste, race through published material; the printer and publisher could also be required to deposit security which could be forfeited if the regulation were contravened, and press equipment could be seized if the offence re-occurred.
  • The magistrate’s action was final and no appeal could be made in a court of law.
  • A vernacular newspaper could get an exemption from the operation of the Act by submitting proofs to a government censor.

Solution (b)

Solution (b)

Solution (b)

Delhi Durbar 1911 Darbar was held to commemorate the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary as Emperor and Empress of India. The Darbar brought back the pomp and show of the Mughals once again in Delhi. The King and the Queen attired in the coronation robes with thousands of diamonds and precious gems appeared in the Jharokha of the red fort to give Darshan to 5 Lakh Indian people who gathered to greet the sovereign couple.

The Congress passed a resolution condemning the pomp and show of this Darbar at the cost of the poor Indians. In this Darbar, the King declared that Capital of India will be transferred from Calcutta to Delhi. It was also declared the Partition of Bengal is cancelled. East and West Bengal were joined and new provinces of Bihar, Orissa and Assam were formed.

Do you know?

• There were three Delhi Durbars – 1877, 1903 and 1911.

Solution (a)

The 31st Session of the Congress was held at Lucknow in 1916.

• It was presided over by the Ambica Charan Majumdar who was a prominent lawyer and was actively associated with the Congress since its birth, finally readmitted the Extremists led by Tilak to the Congress fold.
• After a lapse of about 10 years both the Moderates and Extremists were united again which was a good sign for the national movement. In his address the President declared ‘If the United Congress was buried at Surat it is reborn at Lucknow in the garden of Wajid Ali Shah.
• After nearly 10 years of painful separation and wanderings through the wilderness of misunderstandings the brother had at first met brothers’.
• In this session the Congress and the Muslim League came closer to each other and they signed the historic Lucknow Pact. While the League agreed to present joint constitutional demands with the Congress to the Government, the Congress accepted the Muslim League’s position on separate electorates. Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a leader of extremists.

Do you know?

• Despite being a controversial decision (Lucknow Pact), the acceptance of the principle of separate electorates represented a serious desire to allay minority fears of majority domination.
• There was a large amount of enthusiasm generated among the people by this reunion. Even the Government decided to placate the nationalists by declaring its intention to grant self-government to Indians, as contained in Montagu’s August 1917 declaration.

Solution (a)

• Tilak, the main Extremist leader, was tried in 1909 for sedition for what he had written in 1908 in his Kesari about a bomb thrown by Bengal revolutionaries in Muzaffarpur, resulting in the death of two innocent European women. Tilak had written: “This, no doubt, will inspire many with hatred against the people belonging to the party of rebels. It is not possible to cause British rule to disappear from this country by such monstrous deeds. But rulers who exercise unrestricted power must always remember that there is also a limit to the patience of humanity many newspapers had warned the government that if they resorted to Russian methods, then Indians too will be compelled to imitate the Russian methods.”
• In another article, Tilak wrote that the real means of stopping the bombs consisted in making a beginning towards the grant of rights of ‘Swarajya’ to the people. Tilak was again arrested; judged guilty, and sentenced to six years ‘transportation and a fine of Rs 1,000. He was sent to
• Mandalay (Burma) jail for six years. (Hence option (a) is correct)
• In 1899, Savarkar and his brother established a clandestine organization called Mitra Mela, which later merged with Abhinav Bharat in 1904, drawing inspiration from Mazzini’s ‘Young Italy’ movement. This union led to the emergence of Nasik, Poona, and Bombay as hubs for the production of explosives. In 1909, Anant Lakshman Kanhere, a member of Abhinav Bharat, assassinated A.M.T. Jackson, the well-known indologist and Collector of Nasik.
• In North America, the Ghadr was organized by Lala Hardayal, Ramchandra, Bhawan Singh, Kartar Singh Saraba, Barkatullah, Bhai Parmanand. The Ghadr Programme Assassinate officials Publish revolutionary literature work among Indian troops abroad and raise funds bring about a simultaneous revolt in all colonies of Britain.
• Attempt to bring about an armed revolt in India on February21, 1915 amidst favourable conditions created by the outbreak of First World War and the Komagata Maru incident (September1914). The plan was foiled due to treachery.
• Defence of India Act, 1915 passed primarily to deal with the Ghadrites.

Solution (d)

Lord Curzon’s tenure (1899-1905):

• Appointment of Police Commission (1902) – Lord Curzon appointed the Police Commission, led by Sir Andrew Frazer, to conduct a comprehensive review of police administration in India.
• Appointment of Universities Commission (1902) – Another significant step was the establishment of the Universities Commission in 1902, which led to the passing of the Indian Universities Act in 1904. This act aimed to reform and modernizes the Indian university system. (Hence 4 is correct)
• Establishment of Department of Commerce and Industry – Lord Curzon set up the Department of Commerce and Industry to promote economic development and trade within India.
• Calcutta Corporation Act (1899) – Lord Curzon introduced the Calcutta Corporation Act in 1899, which brought about administrative reforms in the governance of Calcutta (now Kolkata) and aimed to improve the city’s infrastructure and services. (Hence 1 is correct)
• Ancient Monuments Preservation Act (1904) – To safeguard India’s rich cultural heritage, Lord Curzon enacted the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act in 1904. This legislation aimed to protect and preserve historically significant monuments and sites across the country. (Hence 3 is correct)
• Partition of Bengal (1905) – One of the most controversial and significant events during Lord Curzon’s tenure were the partition of Bengal in 1905. The decision to divide Bengal was met with widespread protests and opposition, primarily from the Indian National Congress and Bengali intellectuals. (Hence 2 is correct)
• Curzon-Kitchener controversy – Lord Curzon had a contentious relationship with Field Marshal Lord Kitchener, particularly regarding military policies and reforms. This led to disagreements and controversies between the two influential figures during Curzon’s administration.
• Young husband’s Mission to Tibet (1904) – In 1904, Lord Curzon dispatched an expedition led by Colonel Francis Young husband to Tibet. The mission aimed to establish British influence in the region and resolve the growing tensions between the British and Tibetan authorities.

Solution (b)

• During the First World War, the Jugantar party made arrangements to smuggle German arms and ammunition into India through sympathizers and revolutionaries abroad. (Hence option (b) is correct)
• Jatin, the leader of Jugantar, assigned Rashbehari Bose the responsibility of organizing activities in Upper India as part of the “German Plot” or “Zimmerman Plan,” with the aim of inciting a nationwide insurrection.
• To finance their activities, the Jugantar party conducted a series of dacoities, known as taxicab dacoities and boat dacoities, as part of the Indo-German conspiracy.
• The plan involved organizing a guerrilla force to initiate an uprising in the country, including the seizure of Fort William and a mutiny by armed forces.
• Unfortunately, the plot was betrayed by a traitor, and the police became aware that Bagha Jatin was waiting in Balasore for the delivery of German arms.
• The police located Jatin and his associates, leading to a gunfight where the revolutionaries were either killed or arrested.
• The German plot ultimately failed due to the events that unfolded.
• Bagha Jatin, a heroic figure, was shot and died in Balasore on the Orissa coast in September 1915.
• The resounding call of Bagha Jatin was, “We shall die to awaken the nation,” reflecting his unwavering dedication to the cause.

Solution (c)

• During the First World War (1914–19), the British Empire formed an alliance with France, Russia, the United States, Italy, and Japan against Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Turkey. This period witnessed the growth and development of Indian nationalism, which responded to British participation in the war in three different ways:
• The Moderates, who were a faction within the Indian nationalist movement, believed it was their duty to support the British Empire in the war. They saw it as a matter of loyalty and obligation to the ruling power. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• The Extremists, including prominent leader Tilak, who had been released from imprisonment in June 1914, also supported the war efforts. However, their support was based on a mistaken belief that India’s loyalty and contribution to the war would be recognized by Britain and that in return, India would be granted self-government as a gesture of gratitude. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
• The revolutionaries, on the other hand, viewed the war as an opportunity to wage a direct war against British rule and liberate their country. They saw the chaos and disruption caused by the global conflict as a chance to challenge and overthrow the British colonial authorities. (Hence statement 3 is correct)
• Unfortunately, the Indian supporters of British war efforts failed to perceive the true motives of the imperialist powers involved in the conflict. They were unaware that the imperialist countries were primarily fighting to safeguard their own colonies and markets, rather than seeking to grant independence or self-government to their colonies. The nationalist hopes for self-rule as a reward for their loyalty during the war went unfulfilled, leading to further disillusionment and discontent among the Indian nationalist movement.

Solution (b)

• Extremist Demand for Nagpur Session: The Extremist faction within the Congress wanted the 1907 session to be held in Nagpur, located in the Central Provinces. They also proposed that either Bal Gangadhar Tilak or Lajpat Rai should serve as the session’s president. Additionally, they sought to reaffirm resolutions regarding swadeshi (domestic production and boycott of foreign goods), boycott, and national education.
• Moderate Preference for Surat Session: The Moderate faction, on the other hand, favored Surat as the venue for the session. Their intention was to prevent Tilak from assuming the presidency, as per the convention that a leader from the host province could not hold that position. Since Surat was located in Tilak’s home province of Bombay, the Moderates aimed to exclude him. They advocated for Rashbehari Ghosh to be the session’s president and aimed to eliminate the resolutions on swadeshi, boycott, and national education. (Hence statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect)
• Irreconcilable Positions: Both the Extremists and Moderates took inflexible positions, refusing to compromise. This lack of flexibility and willingness to find common ground made a split within the Congress inevitable. (Hence statement 3 is correct)
• Dominance of the Moderates: As a result of the split, the Congress became predominantly controlled by the Moderate faction. They wasted no time in restating the Congress’ commitment to achieving self-government within the British Empire and emphasized their dedication to employing constitutional methods alone to accomplish this objective.
• Congress Split at Surat: The Congress split occurred in December 1907 at the Surat session, marked by the irreconcilable differences between the Extremists and Moderates regarding session venue, presidential candidacy, and the retention of certain resolutions.

Solution (d)

• The Justice Party, also known as the South Indian Liberal Federation, was a political party in the Madras presidency. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• It was founded on November 20, 1916, in Madras by Dr. C Natesa Mudaliar and co-founded by T.M Nair, P Tyagaraya Chetty, and Alamelu Manga Tayarammal.
• The party’s establishment was a result of a series of non-Brahmin conferences and meetings held in the presidency. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
• During the late 19th and early 20th century, a communal division between Brahmins and non-Brahmins emerged in the Madras presidency.
• This division was primarily caused by caste prejudices and the disproportionate representation of Brahmins in government jobs.
• The foundation of the Justice Party was the culmination of various efforts to create an organization that would represent the interests of the non-Brahmin community in Madras.
• The formation of the Justice Party is considered a significant event that marked the beginning of the Dravidian movement. (Hence statement 3 is correct)

Solution (b)

The Servants of India Society

• Establishment and Objectives: The Servants of India Society was founded in 1905 by Gopal Krishna Gokhale, a prominent liberal leader associated with the Indian National Congress. He received assistance from M.G. Ranade in setting up the society. The primary goal of this organization was to train national missionaries who would dedicate themselves to serving India. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect)
• They aimed to promote the true interests of the Indian people through constitutional means and prepare a group of selfless workers who would religiously devote their lives to the country’s cause. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
• Publication of Hitavada: In 1911, the society initiated the publication of a newspaper called This newspaper served as a platform to present and advocate the views of the society to a wider audience. It played a significant role in projecting the society’s perspectives and engaging with societal issues. (Hence statement 3 is correct)
• Apathy towards Political Activities: The Servants of India Society consciously chose to distance itself from direct involvement in political activities and organizations like the Indian National Congress. While they aimed to promote the welfare and interests of the Indian people, they pursued their objectives through non-political means. This decision set the society apart from the more overtly political movements of the time.
• Leadership Transition: After the demise of Gopal Krishna Gokhale in 1915, Srinivasa Shastri assumed the role of the society’s president. Under his leadership, the society continued its work and activities. Despite a diminished influence compared to its earlier years, the society has continued to operate in various parts of India.
• Educational Initiatives: The Servants of India Society has remained active, although its reach has decreased over time. One of its significant areas of work has been in the field of education. The society has established ashram-style schools for tribal girls and balwadis (pre-school centers) in multiple locations. By focusing on education, particularly for marginalized communities, the society strives to contribute to the upliftment and betterment of society.

Solution (a)

• The Swadeshi Movement originated as a response to the British decision to partition Bengal.
• The British government publicly announced the partition of Bengal in December 1903.
• The partition aimed to create two provinces: Bengal, consisting of Western Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, and Eastern Bengal and Assam.
• Calcutta remained the capital of West Bengal, while Dacca became the capital of Eastern Bengal. (Hence statement 2 is incorrect)
• The official reason provided for the partition was that Bengal, with its population of 78 million (about a quarter of British India’s population), had become too large to administer effectively. It was also argued that the partition would aid in the development of Assam under direct government control. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• However, the true motive behind the partition plan was believed to be the British desire to weaken Bengal, which was seen as the center of Indian nationalism.
• The British aimed to achieve this by dividing the Bengalis into two administrations based on language and religion.
• Linguistically, the partition would reduce Bengalis to a minority in Bengal itself, with Bengal proper having 17 million Bengalis and 37 million Hindi and Oriya speakers.
• Religiously, the western half of Bengal would have a Hindu majority (42 million out of a total of 54 million), while the eastern half would have a Muslim majority (18 million out of a total of 31 million).
• Lord Curzon, the viceroy at the time, tried to win over the Muslims by suggesting that Dacca could become the capital of the new Muslim-majority province.
• Curzon argued that this would provide Muslims with a sense of unity similar to the days of old Muslim rulers.
• The government’s actions indicated its strategy of supporting Muslim communalists to counter the Congress and the national movement. (Hence statement 3 is correct)

Solution (b)

Alipore conspiracy case

• The entire Anushilan group, including the Ghosh brothers Aurobindo and Barindra, was arrested and faced trial in the Alipore conspiracy case, also known as the Manicktolla Bomb conspiracy or Muraripukur conspiracy. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
• The Ghosh brothers were charged with “Conspiracy” or “waging war against the King,” which was considered equivalent to high treason and punishable by hanging.
• Chittaranjan Das defended Aurobindo during the trial, and Aurobindo was eventually acquitted due to the judge finding the evidence against him weak.
• Barindra Ghosh, the head of the secret society of revolutionaries, and Ullaskar Dutt, the bomb-maker, initially received the death penalty, but it was later commuted to life imprisonment.
• During the trial, Narendra Gosain, who turned approver and Crown witness, was killed by two co-accused, Satyendranath Bose and Kanailal Dutta, while in jail. (Hence statement 3 is correct)
• In subsequent incidents, a public prosecutor and a deputy superintendent of police were assassinated in Calcutta in February 1909 and February 1910, respectively.
• The Barrah dacoity in 1908, organized by Dacca Anushilan under Pulin Das, aimed to raise funds for revolutionary activities.
• Rashbehari Bose and Sachin Sanyal carried out a bomb attack on Viceroy Hardinge during his official entry into the new capital of Delhi in December 1912, injuring but not killing him.
• The Delhi Conspiracy trial followed the assassination attempt, resulting in the conviction and execution of Basant Kumar Biswas, Amir Chand, and Avadh Behari.
• Rashbehari Bose, believed to be the mastermind behind the plan, managed to escape arrest by disguising himself.
• The western Anushilan Samiti gained a strong leader in Jatindranath Mukherjee, also known as Bagha Jatin, and transformed into the Jugantar or Yugantar.
• Jatindranath Mukherjee revitalized connections between the central organization in Calcutta and other regions in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
• During Viceroy Hardinge’s official entry into Delhi, a notable bomb attack took place in Chandni Chowk. The incident involved revolutionaries Rashbehari Bose and Sachin Sanyal. While the attack targeted Viceroy Hardinge, it resulted in his injury rather than his death. The Chandni Chowk bomb attack occurred in December 1912 and was a significant event within the context of the revolutionary activities of that time. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect)

Solution (a)

• Shyamji Krishnavarma established ‘India House’(Indian Home Rule Society) in London as a hub for Indian students, along with a scholarship program and the publication of ‘The Indian Sociologist’ journal. Notable revolutionaries like Savarkar and Hardayal became members of India House. In 1909, Madanlal Dhingra, associated with this group, assassinated Curzon-Wyllie, a bureaucrat of the India Office. Due to increasing danger, London became an unsafe place for revolutionaries, especially after Savarkar’s extradition and life imprisonment in the Nasik conspiracy case. As a result, new centers emerged in Paris and Geneva, where Madam Bhikaji Cama, a Parsi revolutionary, had connections with French socialists and published ‘Bande Mataram.’ Ajit Singh also operated from these locations. With the deteriorating Anglo-German relations after 1909, Virendranath Chattopadhyaya chose Berlin as his base. (Hence pair 1 is incorrectly matched)
• In 1915, the Berlin Committee for Indian Independence was founded by Virendranath Chattopadhyay, Bhupendranath Dutta, Lala Hardayal, and others, with support from the German foreign office through the ‘Zimmerman Plan’. The objective of these revolutionaries was to rally Indian settlers abroad and encourage them to send volunteers and arms to India, with the aim of inciting rebellion among Indian troops and even organizing an armed invasion of British India in order to achieve liberation. (Hence pair 2 is incorrectly matched)
• In North America, the Ghadr was organised by Lala Hardayal, Ramchandra, Bhawan Singh, Kartar Singh Saraba, Barkatullah, and Bhai Parmanand. (Hence pair 3 is correctly matched)

Solution (b)

• The Self-Respect Movement was initiated by E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker, also known as Periyar, in Tamil Nadu, India. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• The movement aimed to fight against social inequality and discrimination based on caste, religion, and gender. It had nothing to do with the legislature and jobs. (Hence statement 2 is incorrect)
• It advocated for equal rights and opportunities for all individuals, irrespective of their social background.
• The movement promoted self-respect and self-empowerment among marginalized communities, especially non-Brahmins.
• It emphasized the importance of education, rational thinking, and social reform.
• The Self-Respect Movement challenged the traditional Brahminical dominance in society and criticized oppressive customs and practices.
• It called for the eradication of untouchability, the abolition of caste-based discrimination, and the promotion of social justice.
• The movement encouraged inter-caste marriages and rejected superstitious beliefs and rituals.
• Periyar’s speeches, writings, and public rallies played a significant role in mobilizing people and spreading awareness about the movement’s objectives.
• The Self-Respect Movement had a lasting impact on the social and political landscape of Tamil Nadu, inspiring further movements and reforms in the region.
• The movement had a significant impact not only in Tamil Nadu but also in countries such as Malaysia and Singapore. (Hence statement 3 is correct)

Solution (c)

Bala Gangadahar Tilak

• Bala Gangadahar Tilak, affectionately known as Lokmanya and the ‘Uncrowned King of India,’ played a pivotal role in popularizing patriotism and expanding the reach of the Congress movement.
• Tilak collaborated with Agarkar to plan the establishment of affordable educational institutions. In 1890, they founded the Poona New English School. Additionally, Tilak was involved in forming the Deccan Educational Society and laying the foundation of Fergusson College in Poona.
• Tilak was the first nationalist leader to actively engage with the masses. He initiated the formation of akharas (training centers), lathi clubs, and anti-cow-killing societies. Festivals like Shivaji and Ganpati were initiated to instill a spirit of national service. Tilak also launched two newspapers, ‘The Maharatta’ (English) and ‘Kesari’ (Marathi), to promote his ideas.
• Tilak openly advocated for Swaraj (self-rule) and famously declared, “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it.” Through his efforts and those of his associates, the Indian National Congress passed a resolution in Calcutta (1906) demanding Self-Government, Boycott, and National Education.
• The British Anglo-Indian bureaucracy labeled Tilak as a seditionist, and Sir Valentine Chirol referred to him as the ‘Father of Unrest in India.’ Tilak sued Chirol for defamation and traveled to England for the case. Although he lost the case, it opened his eyes to the true nature of British rule in India. Tilak authored two books: “The Arctic Home in the Vedas” and “Gita Rahasya.”

Solution (b)

• India is the world’s second-largest consumer and the world’s largest importer of vegetable oil. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• India is one of the largest producers of oilseedsin the world.
• India produces-rapeseeds, soybean, peanut, groundnut, copra, cottonseeds and sunflower seeds.
• In terms of volumes, palm oil, soya bean oil, and mustard oil are the three largest consumed edible oils in India. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Palm oil (Crude + Refined) constitutes roughly 62% of the total edible oils imported and is imported mainly from Indonesia and Malaysia.
• Soyabean oil (22%) is imported from Argentina and Brazil.
• Sunflower oil (15%) is imported mainly from Ukraine and Russia.

Solution (b)

• Bhoj Wetland is a Ramsar site (2002) located in Madhya Pradesh. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• It consists of two contiguous human-made reservoirs. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• It has two lakes, Upper Lake, also called Bhojtal, and Lower Lake or Chhota Talaab.
• It was first conceived by King Paramara Raja Bhoj in 1005-1055 CE. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• He built the lake by raising an earthen dam across the Kolans.
• The Lower Lake was built much later in 1794 by Chhote Khan, a minister to Nawab Hayath Mohammad Khan.
• Bhadbhada Dam was built on the southeast corner of Bhojtal in 1965.

Solution (c)

• Nipah Virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus with its natural host being fruit bats. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• A zoonotic virus is transmitted from animals to humans.
• Its incubation period is 4 to 14 days with a fatality rate of 40% to 75%.
• The incubation period is the interval from infection to the onset of symptoms.
• Human infections range from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory infection (mild, severe), and fatal encephalitis.
• Infected people initially develop symptoms including fever, headaches, myalgia (muscle pain), vomiting, and sore throat.
• This can be followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis.
• It is listed as a priority diseasefor the WHO Research and Development Blueprint. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• There are currently no drugs or vaccines specific to treat this infection. Hence statement 3 is correct.

Solution (b)

• The Northern Sea Route (NSR) connects the eastern and western regions of the Arctic Ocean. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• It passes through four seas of the Arctic Ocean.
• It is the shortest shipping route connecting Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• The route between Europe and Asia is just 13,000 km long, compared to the 21,000 km covered by the Suez Canal route, which reduces the travel duration from one month to less than two weeks.
• The route starts at the boundary between the Barents and Kara seas (Kara Strait) and concludes at the Bering Strait (Provideniya Bay).

Solution (d)

Morocco is the only African country with coastal exposure to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It lies directly across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain. Its national language is Arabic. It has a Mediterranean climate, with mild wet winters and hot dry summers. It has Algeria to the east and southeast, Western Sahara to the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north. Hence option d is correct.

Solution (b)

• Recorded Forest Area (RFA) refers to lands that are recorded as forests, regardless of their official classification or ownership. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• It includes notified forests and unclassed forests. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
• Unclassed forests are forests not officially categorized.
• Over half of the Northeast region is categorized as RFA. Hence statement 3 is correct.

Solution (a)

• Battery storage or battery energy storage systems (BESS) are devices that enable energy from renewables to be stored and then released when the power is needed most. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Viability Gap Finance means a grant to support projects that are economically justified but not financially viable. Viability Gap Funding is provided as a grant one-time or deferred to make a project commercially viable.
• The Scheme for Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for the development of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) envisages the development of 4,000 MWh of BESS projects by 2030-31. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
• It provides financial support up to 40% of the capital cost will be supported in the form of Viability Gap Funding (VGF). The entire viability gap funding (VGF) will be borne by the Central Government.
• The VGF shall be disbursed in 5 tranches linked with the various stages of implementation of BESS projects.
• To ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach the consumers, a minimum of 85% of the BESS project capacity will be made available to Distribution Companies (Discoms).

Solution (d)

The East Asia Summit (EAS) is the Indo-Pacific’s premier forum for strategic dialogue. It is the only leader-led forum at which all key Indo-Pacific partners meet to discuss political, security, and economic challenges facing the region and has an important role to play in advancing closer regional cooperation. It comprises eighteen participating countries including ten ASEAN Member States (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) and Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation and the United States of America. Hence option d is correct.

Solution (a)

• The Malaviya Mission is a teachers’ training programme by the University Grants Commission. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• It aims to improve the capacity building of faculty members in higher educational institutions (HEIs). Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
• It improves the quality of teachers’ training, builds leadership skills in teachers, and helps realize the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP).
• It will ensure continuous professional development and help in building capacities of 15 lakh teachers of HEIs through 111 Malaviya Mission Centers (formerly known as Human Resource Development Centers (HRDCs)). The capacity building under the Mission will be mapped to the credit framework to ensure career progression pathways for educators.
• The themes identified for the course curriculum for Capacity building of Faculty Members in HEIs include – Multidisciplinary Education, Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), Academic Leadership, Research and Development, Skill Development, and Student Diversity among others.

Solution (b)

The passage talks about atrocities on writers, media and journalism by autocratic leaders, due to the might of the pen. Thus, option B. is the most logical inference. Options A and D deviate from the context of the passage. Option C is contrary to what is stated in the passage. Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Solution (c)

Explanation: Let the number of 25 p, 10 p and 5 p coins be x, 2x, 3x respectively.

Then, sum of their values = Rs((25x/100) +(10 *2x/100)+(5 * 3x/100))= Rs.60x 100

60x/100= 30

x =(30 x 100)/60= 50. 100

Hence, the number of 5 p coins = (3 x 50) = 150.

Solution (b)

Let the number of families residing in the society be ‘n’

Therefore the number of sweet box exchanged = n(n-1)

= n(n-1) = 2450

n = 50

Solution (a)

From the given data

p < 36 < s (i)

q < 34 < r (ii)

p < 30 < q (iii)

r < 40 < s (iv)

From eq. (ii) and (iv), we get 34 < r < 40

So, only possibility is r = 37 Thus, from eq. (iv) we get s = 43

Again, combining (ii) and (iii), we get 30 < q < 34 So only possibility is q = 31

Therefore, from eq. (iii), we get p = 29 Thus, the difference between p and s is 14. Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.

Solution (d)

Males – A, B, C, D, E

Females – X, Y, Z

Total number of committees formed = AY, AZ, BX, BY, BZ, CX, CY, CZ, DX, DY, DZ, EX, EY, EZ = 14.

Solution (c)

• The Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) is fiat money backed by a government

through its central bank in a virtual form. Hence statement 1 is correct.

• It combines the power of blockchain with the logistics of distributed ledger technology (DLT), where data can be synchronized across multiple locationswithout the need for centralized storage. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Just like paper currency, each unit is uniquely identifiable to prevent counterfeiting. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• It is a liability of the central bank just as physical currency is.
• It’s a digital bearer instrument that can be stored, transferred, and transmitted by all kinds of digital payment systems and services.