Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Although Buddhism tried to mitigate the evils resulting from the new material life in the sixth century B.C., it also tried to consolidate the changes in the social and economic life of the people. 
• The rule that debtors were not permitted to be members of the sangha naturally helped the moneylenders and richer sections of society from whose clutches the debtors could not be saved. Hence statement 1 is correct
• Similarly, the rule that slaves could not join the sangha helped the slave owners. Hence statement 2 is correct
• Thus the rules and teachings of Gautama Buddha took full account of the new changes in the material life and strengthened them ideologically.

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• Although the Buddhist monks had renounced the world and repeatedly criticized the greedy Brahmanas, in several ways they resembled the Brahmanas. 
• Both of them did not participate directly in production and lived on the alms and gifts given by the society. 
• Both of them emphasized the virtues of family obligations. Hence statement 1 is correct
• Protecting private property and respecting political authority. (Hence statements 2 and 3 are correct)
• Both of them supported social order based on classes; for the Buddhist monks, the varna was based on action and attributes but for brahmanas, it was based on birth. Hence statement 4 is correct.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Jainism recognized the existence of the gods but placed them lower than the Jina. Hence statement 1 is correct
• It did not condemn the varna system, as Buddhism did. Hence statement 2 is correct
• According to Mahavira, a person born in a high or lower varna is a consequence of the sins or the virtues acquired by him in the previous birth. Mahavira looks for human values even in a chandala. Hence statement 3 is correct

• In his opinion, through pure and meritorious life members of the lower castes can attain liberation. Jainism mainly aims at the attainment of freedom from worldly bonds. 

• No ritual is required to acquire such liberation. It can be obtained through the right knowledge, right faith and right action. Hence statement 4 is incorrect

• These three are considered to be the Three Jewels or Triratna of Jainism.
• Jainism prohibited the practice of war and even agriculture for its followers because both involve the killing of living beings. 
• Eventually, the Jains mainly confined themselves to trade and mercantile activities.

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• Jains adopted the Prakrit language of the common people to preach their doctrines. Hence statement 1 is incorrect
• Their religious literature was written in Ardhamagadhi, and the texts were finally compiled in the sixth century A.D. in Gujarat at a place called Valabhi, a great centre of education. Hence statement 2 is incorrect
• The adoption of Prakrit by the Jains helped the growth of this language and its literature. Many regional languages developed out of Prakrit languages, particularly Shauraseni, out of which grew the Marathi language. Hence statement 3 is correct
• They contributed to the growth of Kannada (and not Tamil), in which they wrote extensively. Hence statement 4 is incorrect
• The Jainas composed the earliest important works in Apabhramsha and prepared its first grammar.
• The Jaina literature contains epics, Puranas, novels and drama. 
• A large portion of the Jaina writing is still in the form of manuscripts, which have not been published and which are found in the Jaina shrines of Gujarat and Rajasthan. 
• In early medieval times, the Jainas also made good use of Sanskrit and wrote many texts in it.

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• The most important idea in Jainism is that the entire world is animated: even stones, rocks and water have life. Non-injury to living beings, especially to humans, animals, plants and insects, is central to Jain philosophy.
• The principle of ahimsa, emphasised within Jainism, has left its mark on Indian thinking as a whole. 
• According to Jain teachings, the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through karma. 
• Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of karma. This can be achieved only by renouncing the world; therefore, monastic existence is a necessary condition of salvation. (Hence option a is correct)
• Jaina monks and nuns took five vows: to abstain from killing, stealing and lying; to observe celibacy; and to abstain from possessing property.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The Buddha’s foster mother, Mahapajapati Gotami was the first woman to be ordained as a bhikkhuni. Hence statement 1 is correct
• Many women who entered the sangha became teachers of dhamma and went on to become theris, or respected women who had attained liberation. (Hence statements 2 and 3 are correct)
• Therigatha is a unique Buddhist text, part of the Sutta Pitaka, and is a collection of verses composed by bhikkhunis. It provides an insight into women’s social and spiritual experiences. Hence statement 4 is incorrect

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• The tradition of erecting stupas may have been pre-Buddhist, but they came to be associated with Buddhism. Since they contained relics regarded as sacred, the entire stupa came to be venerated as an emblem of both the Buddha and Buddhism. Hence statement 1 is correct 
• According to a Buddhist text known as the Ashokavadana, Asoka distributed portions of the Buddha’s relics to every important town and ordered the construction of stupas over them. Hence statement 3 is correct
• By the second century BCE a number of stupas, including those at Bharhut, Sanchi and Sarnath had been built. Hence statement 2 is incorrect

Solution (b)

Explanation:

Buddhacharita’, a biography of the Buddha, and ‘Saundarananda’, a Sanskrit kavya were composed by Asvaghosha. He enjoyed the patronage of the Kushans. Hence option b is correct.

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• Makkhali Gosala was from the tradition of the Ajivikas. Hence statement 1 is correct
• They have often been described as fatalists. Those who believe that everything is predetermined. Pleasure and pain, measured out as it were, cannot be altered in the course of samsara (transmigration). It can neither be lessened nor increased. The fool and wise alike will take their course and make an end of sorrow. Hence statement 2 is correct
• Ajita Kesakambalin belonged to the tradition of the Lokayatas, usually described as materialists. Hence statement 3 is incorrect
• A human being is made up of the four elements. When he dies the earthy in him returns to the earth, the fluid to water, the heat to fire, the windy to air, and his senses pass into space. The talk of gifts is a doctrine of fools, an empty lie. Fools and wise alike are cut off and perish. They do not survive after death.
• Texts from these traditions have not survived, so we know about them only from the works of other traditions.

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• Manimekalai was composed by Chithalai Chathanar. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• It is a sequel to Silappadikaram. 
• The author aimed to propagate Buddhism in South India as the work espouses the values of Buddhism over other religions of the time.
• Silappadikaram was composed by Ilango Adigal. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
• The story revolves around an anklet. The name means the tale of an anklet. 
• Author Ilango Adikal is supposed to be an ascetic prince and the younger brother of Cheran King Senguttuvan. 
• A chief character is Kannagi, who seeks revenge on the Pandya kingdom for her husband who was wrongly put to death. The poem gives a lot of insight into contemporary Tamil society, polity, values, and social life of the people.
• Thirukkural was composed by Thiruvalluvar.
• It is the first Dravidian work for ethics. 
• It comprises of 1330 couplets. It discusses epics, love, polity, and governance.
• It has been translated into many languages including foreign languages. 
• Tolkappiyam was composed by Tolkappiyar. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
• It is the oldest extant Tamil work to date. It is dated between 4th and 5th century CE. 
• It offers information on social life, human psychology, and political and economic conditions during the Sangam Age. It also discusses Tamil grammar.

Solution (d)

Explanation:

Uttaramerur Inscription, dated around 920 A.D. in the reign of Parantaka Chola [907-955 A.D.], is an outstanding document in the history of India. It is a veritable written constitution of the village assembly that functioned 1,000 years ago, The inscription gives astonishing details about the constitution of wards, the qualification of candidates standing for elections, the disqualification norms, the mode of election, the constitution of committees with elected members, the functions of those committees, the power to remove the wrongdoer, etc. Hence option d is correct.

Solution (d)

Explanation:

The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang came to India during the reign of Harshavardhana. Hiuen Tsang travelled to India between 629 and 644 CE. He wrote the Si-Yu-Ki and is commonly referred to as the “Prince of Travelers”. He won Harsha’s friendship and left a vivid description of Kannauj’s beauty, majesty, and prosperity. He provided a detailed account of a grand assembly that took place at Kannauj in 643 CE. attended by representatives of Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism. He travelled to Kashmir under the reign of Durlabhvardhana, where he spent about two years studying Hindu and Sanskrit scriptures. Hence option d is correct.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

The Prayag Prashasti, or the Allahabad Pillar Inscription, was composed by Harisena, who was a court poet and minister of the Gupta emperor Samudragupta. This inscription is a eulogy that details the conquests and achievements of Samudragupta, highlighting his military prowess, diplomatic skills, and patronage of the arts and culture. Hence option c is correct.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Kalidasa was a Classical Sanskrit author who is often considered ancient India’s greatest poet and playwright. His plays and poetry are primarily based on Hindu Puranas and philosophy. 
• Chandragupta II (Gupta period) had nine jewels or navaratnas. These nine eminent people were from various fields of art, literature, and science. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• This included the great Sanskrit poet Kalidasa, the Sanskrit scholar Harisena, the lexicographer Amarasimha, and the physician Dhanvantari. 
• The play MalavikaAgnimitra of Kalidasa is about King Agnimitra, son of Pushyamitra. Pushyamitra took the kingship of northern India from the Mauryan king Brihadratha about 185 B.C. and established the Shunga Dynasty which held power for more than a century. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Kalidasa had written two long epic poems, the Kumarasambhava (Birth of Kumara) and the Raghuvamsha (Dynasty of Raghu). 
• The Kumarasambhava is concerned with the events that lead to the marriage of the god Shiva and Parvati. Hence statement 3 is correct.

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• The Bhakti movement sought to bring religious reforms to all sections of society by adopting the method of devotion to achieve salvation. 
• The Bhakti movement indeed believed in the concept of freedom from the cycle of life and death. To attain salvation (freedom from the cycle of life and death, they advocated personal devotion and surrendering oneself to God. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• They were against the elaborate religious rituals and sacrifices associated with traditional Hinduism.
• The Bhakti movement was critical of Buddhism and Jainism and this also led to a fight for royal patronage. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• The Bhakti literature such as Tirmumrai and Nalayira Divyaprabandam consists of hymns that articulate their criticism towards Jainism and Buddhism. 
• Bhakti literature includes the writings of the Alvars and Nayanars. 
• Alvars were ardent followers of Vaishnavism. They wrote Naalayira Divya Prabandham which is a collection of 4,000 Tamil verses in praise of Vishnu. 
• On the other hand, Navanars were ardent followers of Shaivism. They wrote Thirumurawhich is a collection of songs or hymns in praise of Shiva. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Ravikirti was the court poet of King Pulakesin Il of the Chalukya Dynasty. Hence option c is correct.
• Pulakeshin Il was the most famous ruler of the Chalukya dynasty who reigned from 610 to 642 CE.
• The most notable military achievement of Pulakeshin Il was his victory over the powerful emperor Harshavardhana, who ruled over much of Northern India.
• The famous Aihole inscription written in classical Sanskrit was composed by Ravikirti.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Harsha was a patron of both art and education. He was an author and wrote three Sanskrit plays, Nagananda, Ratnavali, and Priyadarshika. Hence option c is correct.
• Kādambari is a romantic novel in Sanskrit. It was substantially composed by Bāṇabhaṭṭa in the first half of the 7th century CE, who did not survive to see it through to completion. The novel was completed by Banabhatta’s son Bhushanabhatta, according to the plan laid out by his late father.

Solution (a) 

Explanation:

Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by Universal laws. Jainism does not support belief in the creator deity. According to Jain doctrine, the universe and its constituents (soul, matter, space, time and motion) have always existed. The first Jain Tirthankara was Rishabnatha. Mahavira was the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara. Jainism did not condemn the concept of the varna system. Jainism believes in the theory of Karma. 

Both the idea of reincarnation and the universal soul are accepted in Jainism. Jainism rejects the idea of a creator god. The universe and all of its elements, including soul, matter, space, time, and motion, have existed forever, in accordance with Jain theology. To break free from the circle of karma and reach salvation, Jainism teaches that one must lead a life of extreme austerity and penance. Jainism holds to the “theory of Karma” and the “transmigration of the soul.”

 Anekantavada: Stresses that there are many different facets to the ultimate truth and reality, or the “theory of plurality.” Syadavada: Literally, means the procedure of analysing various probability. Five Doctrines Of Jainism: Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Aparigraha, Brahmacharya.Hence correct answer is option A.

Solution (b)

Explanation:

The core principle of Jainism revolves around non violence with no other religion placing as great an emphasis on this value. Jains hold the belief that souls inhabit plants, animals, and even certain non-living entities such as air and water, similar to humans. The doctrine of non-violence encompasses refraining from causing harm to humans, plants, animals, and the natural world. Hence correct answer is option B.

Solution (a) 

Explanation:

• Both Mahavira and Buddha believed that only those who left their homes could attain true knowledge. And they formed sanghas or groups of those who left their homes.The rules for Buddhist sanghas were written down in the Vinaya Pitaka. All men could join the sanghas, but children had to take permission from their parents. 
• Also, slaves had to be permitted by their owners and women by their husbands. Even debtors had to take permissions from their creditors, and the royal workers from the king.Men and women in the sanghas led simple lives, meditated, and begged for food. So, they were also called bhikkus (beggars) and bhikkunis.

They taught others, helped one another, and had meetings to settle quarrels within the sangha.People from all parts of society, including brahmins, kshatriyas, vaishyas, and shudras joined those sanghas. Many also wrote down the teachings of the Buddha, while others composed beautiful poems. Hence correct answer is option A.

Solution (b)

Explanation:

Context: The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, a sacred pilgrimage, will be held in Prayagraj from 13th January to 26th February 2025.

Kumbh Mela is the largest peaceful congregation of pilgrims on earth, during which participants bathe or take a dip in a sacred river. It takes place at 4 different places as below:

Hence option b is correct.

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2070943

 Solution (c)

Explanation:

Context: The Centre launched an initiative, called Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR), to support research in universities, especially central and state public universities.

• The Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) Initiative is an initiative of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). Hence statement 1 is correct.
• ANRF has been established with the ANRF 2023 Act. It aims to seed, grow, and promote research and development (R&D) and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout India’s universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories.
• ANRF will act as an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research in the country as per recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP).
• It cultivates research excellence in central and state public universities by fostering collaborations with top-tier institutions. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Its objectives are:

• Stimulate scientific innovation in institutions with limited research, in a mentorship mode by leveraging the knowledge and expertise of top-ranking institutions.
• Support internationally competitive research with substantial impact and outcome.
• Foster successful and productive collaborative networks between diverse institutions.
• Propel the advancement of institutions by (i) upscaling and building advanced research infrastructure and capabilities, (ii) enhancing the quality of research and (iii) facilitating infusion of best practices and research culture.

Source: https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Nov/14/centre-launches-initiative-to-support-research-innovation-in-varsities 

https://anrfonline.in/ANRF/PAIR?HomePage=New#:~:text=PAIR%20Program%20has%20been%20designed,a%20hub%20and%20spoke%20framework

Solution (b)

Explanation:

Context: High temperatures and reduced salinity in Sambhar Lake may have created conditions conducive to avian botulism, resulting in the mass deaths of migratory birds in Rajasthan.

• Avian Botulism is caused by the ingestion of a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which leads to paralysis and can be fatal for birds. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• These bacterial spores are widespread in wetland sediments and are found in most wetland habitats.
• Conditions like high temperatures, low oxygen levels, and an abundance of organic nutrients may contribute to outbreaks among birds. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• There are seven types of botulism toxins (A-G). Wild birds are affected by type C and type E.
• It is widespread in invertebrates such as insects, molluscs, and crustaceans, as well as in many vertebrates, including healthy birds. Hence statement 3 is correct.

Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/extreme-weather-may-have-triggered-avian-botulism-leading-to-600-bird-deaths-in-rajasthan

 Solution (d)

Explanation:

Context: The Chhattisgarh government notified the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla in the state as India’s 56th tiger reserve.

• Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve is the third-largest tiger reserve in India. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• It is spread over a total area of 2,829.387 sq km.
• It is the fourth tiger reserve in Chhattisgarh after Achanakmar, Indravati, and Udanti Sitanadi. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• It is spread across four districts, Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur (MCB), Korea, Surajpur, and Balrampur in the northern tribal Sarguja region of Chhattisgarh.
• It falls between Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh and Palamau Tiger Reserve in Jharkhand. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• It is adjacent to Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve, also in MP.
• The reserve comprises a wide range of wildlife species (apart from tigers) such as elephants, sloth bears, vultures, peacocks, wolves, leopards, otters, chitals, jackals, nilgai, bison, hyenas, langurs, cobras, etc.
• The reserve is also rich in flora — comprising sal, saja, dhavda, kusum, etc.

Image Source: https://ntca.gov.in/tiger-reserves/#tiger-reserves-2 

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/chhattisgarhs-newest-tiger-reserve-9684697/ 

https://ntca.gov.in/tiger-reserves/#tiger-reserves-2

Solution (b)

Explanation:

Context: A team of botanists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) has identified Dicliptera srisailamica, a flowering plant found in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

• Dicliptera srisailamica is a flowering plant found in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• It was found in rare patches along stream banks and rocky edges near waterfalls. 
• It is named after the temple town of Srisailam. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Belonging to the Acanthaceae family, Dicliptera srisailamica adds to the diversity of this plant family, which is represented globally by 223 known species. In India, the Dicliptera genus includes 27 species, eight of which are endemic to the country. Andhra Pradesh alone is home to seven recorded species of Dicliptera, contributing significantly to the flora of the Eastern Ghats. 
• It is an erect herb, reaching up to 90 cm, with four-angled stems covered in fine, deflexed hairs when young. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• Its leaves are ovate, with prominent veins and smooth margins.
• The plant blooms with small, pink, bi-lipped flowers arranged in clusters, commonly seen from October to January.

Source: https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2024/Nov/15/new-flowering-plant-species-discovered-in-eastern-ghats-of-andhra-telangana

Solution (b)

Explanation:

Context: The annual meeting of the Joint Electromagnetic Board (JEMB), a subcommittee of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) featured the launch of the AI-enabled e-Tarang System, which will enable automated, efficient planning and management of Defence Spectrum, as well as support development of newer technologies in higher frequency bands.

• AI-enabled e-Tarang System was launched by the Ministry of Defence. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• It is a unique software, developed in collaboration with Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N).
• It will improve planning for the interference-free operation of defence equipment. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• It will enable automated, efficient planning and management of the Defence Spectrum, as well as support the development of newer technologies in higher frequency bands.
• It is set to support rapid decision-making, thereby allowing seamless integration of newer technologies critical for modern defence applications.

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2073259

Solution (c)

Explanation:

Context: National Press Day is celebrated every year on November 16th, honouring the essential role of a free and responsible press in our society.

• The Press Council of India was set up based on the recommendations of the First Press Commission under the chairmanship of Justice J.R Mudholkar. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• It was first set up in 1966 by the parliament.
• Its primary function is to check the media practice and to keep an eye on the freedom of the press.
• It is a statutory, quasi-judicial body that acts as a watchdog of the press in India. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
• The present council functions under the Press Council Act of 1978.
• It adjudicates the complaints either against the Press for violation of journalistic ethics or by the Press for interference with its freedom.
• It consists of a Chairman and 28 other members.
• Its Chairman is nominated by a committee consisting of the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, the Speaker of Lok Sabha, and one representative of the council member. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• The Chairman, by convention, has been a retired judge of the Supreme Court.
• The term of the Chairman and the members of the Council is 3 years.

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=153422&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1

Solution (a)

Explanation:

Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday retained the State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs).

• Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) are banks that are considered ‘Too Big to Fail’ (TBTF) within the domestic economy. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• These banks are classified based on the potential economic disruption if they fail. 
• They are subjected to additional regulatory measures like capital buffers, stress tests, and recovery and resolution planning to enhance their resilience and ability to withstand financial shocks. 
• This is due to their size, complexity, and interconnections with the financial system. Hence statement 2 is correct.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/business/domestic-systemically-important-banks-d-sibs-banks-big-fail-9667745/

 Solution (a)

Explanation:

Context: A new study says scientists have discovered a “black hole triple” in space for the first time.

1. A Black Hole includes a singular black hole whereas a Black Hole Triple System includes one central black hole and two stars. Hence statement 1 is correct.
2. A Black Hole is found across the universe whereas the Black Hole Triple System is found about 8,000 light years away in the constellation Cygnus. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/first-black-hole-triple-system-discovered-what-does-it-mean-9649210/

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Context: The union government informed Kerala that the Wayanad landslides of July 30 cannot be declared a national calamity, and expressed the view that sufficient funds are available with the state for relief operations.

• In India, the Disaster Management Act of 2005, defines a disaster as a “catastrophe, mishap, calamity or grave occurrence” arising from natural or man-made causes that result in substantial loss of life, destruction of property, or damage to the environment. Currently, 12 disasters are classified as Notified Disaster in India. They are cyclones, droughts, earthquakes, fires, floods, tsunamis, hailstorms, landslides, avalanches, cloud bursts, pest attacks and frost, and cold waves. Hence option c is correct.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/thiruvananthapuram/kerala-has-enough-funds-cant-declare-wayanad-landslides-a-national-calamity-centre-9670538/

Solution (d)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect. According to the passage, the Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is the first leader to visit Russia since Russia recognised the two border regions of Ukraine as that since Nawaz Sharif’s 1999 visit, Imran Khan is the first PM to visit Russia. Nowhere is it mentioned in the passage that who was the first ever Pakistani Prime Minister to visit Russia. 

Statement 2 is incorrect. The passage mentions that the meeting was scheduled before the current ongoing crisis. The agenda of the meeting is not mentioned anywhere in the passage. Therefore, just because the meeting happened during Russia-Ukraine conflict, it would be incorrect to infer that Imran Khan was invited to discuss the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

Option (a) is incorrect. The central message of the passage is related to the erosion of the Indian culture. Refer to the line: “India’s elite occupy a limited space; it is emotionally Hindi and intellectually English.” It talks about only the elite sections of Indian society, and their dual-language traits. This answer option on the other hand talks about Indians in general. It also talks about foreign languages in general, and not just English, which is kind of an extrapolation. Moreover, the author quotes these instances to lend support to the core idea of the passage – loss of language and erosion of culture. Based on the above analysis, this answer option is incorrect. 

Option (b) is incorrect. This answer option is incorrect as it establishes a comparison with ANY illiterate section of society. The passage only makes a reference to the half-literate Americans.     

Option (c) is correct. The line “…affiliation and knowledge of one’s mother tongue is linked with an appreciation of one culture…” provides the reason as to why the loss of language has also resulted in the erosion of the Indian culture. The author quotes the examples of Americans, Indian middle class, Indian elites etc. to lend credence to the core idea – loss of language and erosion of culture. This answer option best captures the essence of this passage. 

Option (d) is incorrect. Refer to the first line of the passage: “There is no parallel to India of a nation whose middle class is trained to think and approach life in a foreign language, one they have not mastered.” The author only intends to say that Indian middle class has not mastered foreign language, yet it thinks and approaches life in a foreign language. It does not mean that they are forgetting local dialects. Language and dialects are different things. Dialect is a specific kind of language spoken by a defined group or region. So, you see that language is a broader term, and dialect comes under its shade. Language plays the role of a parent, and different dialects are stemming from it.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

Average of the marks scored by all students in subject C = {(58 + 67 + 72 + 82 + 64 + 75)/6}% of 90 = (418/6) × (90/100) = 62.7 = 63 (approx)

Solution (a)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct. Refer to the first line of the passage: “Mountains are a conservative force, often protecting within their defiles indigenous cultures against the fierce modernizing ideologies that have too often plagued the flatlands.” The author quotes the example of Stalinist regime to explain that new cultural currents influence the plain areas. Mountains act as a shield from the influence of these cultural currents. Thus, they help in protecting native cultures.  

Statement 2 is incorrect. Refer to the lines: “I saw few signs of collectivization. These mountains that declare Central Europe’s rear door were defined more by wood and natural stone dwellings than by concrete and scrap iron, favorite material elements of Romanian communism.” The author intends to say that those regions that were affected by waves of cultural currents also witnessed a change in the way houses were constructed. On the other hand, the mountainous regions that maintained their native culture continued to use the locally available construction materials like wood and stone. Thus, we see that the culture of a region is manifesting in tangible aspects of life like construction of houses. Therefore, it would be incorrect to say that the culture of a region manifests only in abstract and non-tangible aspects of life.

Solution (b)

Explanation:

Each question can be answered in five ways, i.e. each of the four options and option to not attempt the question.

So, Number of ways of attempting each question = 5 

And so, total number of ways of attempting 20 questions = 520 

Hence, option (b) is correct.