[DAY 58] 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES for UPSC Prelims 2025 – ECONOMICS, CURRENT AFFAIRS & CSAT TEST SERIES!

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• • Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2020 to provide medium to long-term debt financing for investment in viable projects for post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets. The ‘BHARAT’ campaign was initiated under this scheme to encourage banks and lending institutions to expedite the mobilization of loans for agricultural infrastructure projects, thereby accelerating rural and agricultural transformation. (Option (a) is correct)

• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) scheme aims to enhance irrigation coverage and improve water use efficiency in agriculture. It focuses on expanding cultivable areas under assured irrigation, improving on-farm water use efficiency, and introducing sustainable water conservation practices.

• Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) seeks to alleviate rural poverty by promoting diversified and gainful self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities. It focuses on organizing rural poor households into self-help groups and enhancing their capacities and livelihoods.

• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) scheme aims to provide pucca houses with basic amenities to all houseless households and those living in kutcha and dilapidated houses in rural areas. 

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), launched in 2016, replaced the existing National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) and the Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS). The objective was to provide a more comprehensive and farmer-friendly crop insurance scheme. (Statement 1 is correct)
• The operational guidelines of PMFBY allow states to set up their own insurance companies to implement the scheme. This provision enables states to have greater control and flexibility in the execution of crop insurance policies, tailoring them to the specific needs of their farmers. (Statement 2 is correct)

The Weather Information Network and Data System (WINDS) is an initiative under PMFBY. It involves the establishment of a network of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and Automatic Rain-Gauges (ARG) to collect hyper-local weather data. This data supports accurate crop yield estimation and risk assessment, enhancing the effectiveness of the insurance scheme. (Statement 3 is correct)

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), popularly known as UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), was launched as a key component of the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) in 2016. The scheme aims to enhance regional air connectivity and make air travel affordable for the masses. (Statement 1 is correct)
• While the UDAN scheme does provide financial support to airlines in the form of Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to make operations on regional routes financially viable, it also offers additional incentives. These include various concessions from airport operators, such as waivers on landing and parking charges, and support from state governments, like reductions in taxes and provision of essential utilities at subsidized rates. Therefore, support under the scheme is not limited to VGF alone. (Statement 2 is incorrect)

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The Scheme of Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) formerly known as Shramik Vidyapeeth was a unique creation of Government of India is being implemented through NGOs in the country since 1967. 
• The scheme was renamed as Jan Shikshan Sansthan in 2000. JSS scheme was transferred from Ministry of Education (erstwhile Ministry of Human Resource Development) to Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship in July, 2018.
• The mandate of the scheme is to provide vocational skills in non-formal mode to non-literate, neo-literates, persons with rudimentary level of education upto 8th and school drop-outs upto 12th standard in the age group of 15-45 years. The priority groups are women, SC, ST, minorities and other backward sections of the society. (Option (c) is correct)

JSSs are reaching to the unreached areas to cater the needs of the poorest of the poor. They work at the door step of the beneficiaries with a minimum infrastructure and resources.

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• The Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme is a sub-scheme under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework. It was launched by the Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence, to promote innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies. (Statement 1 is correct)
• The ADITI scheme aims to support the development and acceleration of innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies, particularly those in the nascent stages of research and development within the country. (Statement 2 is correct)
• The ADITI scheme was launched by the Ministry of Defence, specifically under the Department of Defence Production (DDP), not by the Ministry of Commerce. (Statement 3 is incorrect)

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• The Central Silk Board (CSB) is a statutory body established in 1948 by an Act of Parliament. (Statement 1 is correct)
• The CSB functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. (Statement 2 is incorrect)
• The headquarters of the Central Silk Board is located in Bengaluru (Bangalore), Karnataka. (Statement 3 is incorrect)

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• • Ministry of Home Affairs primarily handles internal security, border management, and disaster response.
  • Ministry of Finance oversees economic policies, government expenditure, and financial regulations.
  • MeitY launched the Aadhaar Good Governance portal to streamline the approval process for Aadhaar authentication requests, aiming to enhance ease of living and service accessibility for citizens. (Option (c) is correct)

• Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment focuses on welfare, social justice, and empowerment of marginalized communities.

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• PMMSY aims to bring about the Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector in India. (Statement 1 is correct)
• PMMSY is being implemented in all States and Union Territories, not just the coastal ones, for a period of five years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25. (Statement 2 is incorrect)

PMMSY is designed to address critical gaps in fish production and productivity, quality, technology, post-harvest infrastructure and management, modernization and strengthening of the value chain, traceability, establishing a robust fisheries management framework, and fishers’ welfare. (Statement 3 is correct)

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• Financial inclusion aims to ensure access to affordable financial services, such as banking, insurance, and credit, particularly for underserved populations. PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Stand-Up India, and MUDRA Scheme are schemes focused on financial inclusion.
• Digital literacy refers to the ability to use digital technologies effectively for accessing information, communication, and e-governance. PM Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) and Digital India Programme focus on digital literacy.
• Goods export refers to selling domestic products to international markets to boost foreign exchange earnings. Schemes like Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) and Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) scheme are designed to enhance goods exports.
• The SWAYATT initiative (Startups, Women, and Youth Advantage Through e-Transactions) is launched by the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to promote inclusivity in public procurement. The initiative seeks to bring startups, women entrepreneurs, and youth-led businesses into government procurement, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and accessibility.
• Key Features:
  • Provides equal opportunities for MSMEs, startups, and women-led businesses.
  • Reduces entry barriers for small enterprises in public procurement.
  • Enhances transparency and efficiency through digital transactions on GeM (Government e-Marketplace).

Under SWAYATT, a special Startup Runway was created on GeM to help startups showcase innovative products and services to government buyers. (Option (d) is correct)

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA) is an initiative by the Government of India to modernize land survey processes in urban areas. Its primary objective is to create and update land records, ensuring accurate and reliable documentation of land ownership in urban settings. (Statement 1 is correct)
• The Survey of India serves as the technical partner for the NAKSHA program. It is responsible for conducting aerial surveys and providing orthorectified imagery through third-party vendors to state and Union Territory governments. (Statement 2 is correct)
• One of the key objectives of the NAKSHA program is to enhance urban planning efficiency. By providing accurate geospatial data and updated land records, the program aims to improve urban planning processes, leading to better city development and reduced land-related disputes. (Statement 3 is correct)

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• The PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme, launched on June 1, 2020, aims to provide collateral-free working capital loans to street vendors. Initially, vendors can avail loans up to ₹10,000 for a tenure of one year. Upon timely repayment, they become eligible for higher loan amounts of ₹20,000 and ₹50,000 in subsequent tranches. This initiative supports street vendors in resuming and expanding their businesses post the COVID-19 pandemic. (Statement 1 is correct)
• The PM SVANidhi scheme set an initial target to cover 50 lakh street vendors. As of October 2023, the scheme not only achieved but surpassed this target, benefiting over 50 lakh street vendors. Specifically, more than 65.75 lakh loans amounting to over ₹8,600 crore were disbursed, indicating the scheme’s success in reaching and exceeding its intended coverage. (Statement 2 is incorrect)

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• • The Solar City Programme encourages rooftop solar installations and aims to make cities energy self-sufficient.
  • The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is aimed at improving irrigation efficiency through micro-irrigation techniques (e.g., drip and sprinkler irrigation).
  • Mission Amrit Sarovar was launched on April 24, 2022, with an aim to conserve water resources by rejuvenating 75 water bodies in each district across India. As of January 2025, over 68,000 water bodies have been constructed or rejuvenated, surpassing the initial target. It is a convergence-based initiative, utilizing funds from schemes like MGNREGA, PMKSY, and local bodies. (Option (c) is correct)

• The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) aims at urban infrastructure development, particularly in areas like wastewater treatment, sewerage, and drinking water supply. 

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• • PM-AASHA was launched in 2018 to ensure remunerative prices to farmers through procurement and price support schemes. The Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) is a component of PM-AASHA, designed to support farmers of perishable crops when market prices fall below a certain level. It is activated upon request by State or UT governments, ensuring that farmers do not have to sell at distress prices. (Option (a) is correct)

• PMFBY is a crop insurance scheme that provides financial protection to farmers against crop losses due to natural calamities like floods, droughts, and pests.

• PM-KISAN is a direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme, where eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 per year in three installments.

e-NAM is an online trading platform that connects agricultural markets across India, allowing farmers to sell their produce at competitive prices.

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) is a flagship housing scheme launched in 2015 to provide “Housing for All” in urban areas by 2022 (later extended). It has four verticals:
  • Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS)
  • Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC)
  • In-Situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR)
  • Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP)
• Under BLC, financial assistance is given to individual beneficiaries to construct or enhance their own houses on their existing land. The central government provides up to ₹1.5 lakh per beneficiary for construction.

In-Situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR) aims to rehabilitate slum dwellers by using land as a resource in collaboration with private developers. It ensures that slum residents are provided formal housing with better living conditions. (Option (d) is correct)

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• PM-AJAY is specifically meant for Scheduled Castes (SC) and does not include Scheduled Tribes (ST). The scheme aims to enhance socio-economic development in SC-dominated areas, but it does not explicitly target ST communities. (Statement 1 is incorrect)
• One of the core objectives of PM-AJAY is to improve infrastructure and basic services in SC-majority villages, ensuring better access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. (Statement 2 is correct)

PM-AJAY has provisions to increase educational access for SC students, including the development of residential schools and hostels. The scheme supports literacy programs and ensures higher enrollment of SC students in quality educational institutions. (Statement 3 is correct)

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• ​The Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL JAL) is a central sector scheme launched by the Government of India on December 25, 2019, aimed at improving groundwater management through community participation in identified water-stressed areas. The scheme is being implemented over a period of five years (2020-2025) in select regions across seven states:​
  • Gujarat
  • Haryana
  • Karnataka
  • Madhya Pradesh
  • Maharashtra
  • Rajasthan
  • Uttar Pradesh
• These states have been selected based on their critical groundwater situations and the need for sustainable water management practices. (Option (d) is correct)

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• PM-SYM is specifically designed for unorganized workers such as street vendors, rickshaw pullers, construction workers, and similar occupations. Retail traders are covered under a different scheme called the National Pension Scheme for Traders and Self-Employed Persons (NPS-Traders). (Statement 1 is incorrect)
• PM-SYM is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme where both the subscriber and the government make contributions. (Statement 2 is correct)
• Subscribers receive a minimum assured pension of Rs. 3,000 per month after attaining the age of 60 years. (Statement 3 is correct)

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• • The Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research (MAHIR) aims to facilitate indigenous research, development, and demonstration of emerging technologies in the power sector. Launched jointly by the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, MAHIR seeks to identify and develop technologies to bolster India’s energy infrastructure and make the nation a manufacturing hub for advanced power technologies. (Option (a) is correct)

• Agricultural initiatives like the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) focus on promoting sustainable farming practices and climate-resilient agriculture.

• Healthcare initiatives like the National Health Mission (NHM) is aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure and services across India.

• Defence research organizations like the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) are responsible for developing advanced defence technologies.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The Government of Andhra Pradesh introduced the ‘Mana Mitra’ initiative to streamline the delivery of citizen services via WhatsApp. 
• This platform allows residents to access 161 government services by simply sending a message on WhatsApp, making interactions with government departments more efficient and user-friendly. 

Services include obtaining certificates, paying bills, and booking services, all accessible through the designated WhatsApp number. (Option (c) is correct)

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• PMAAGY is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented during the period 2021-22 to 2025-26. The scheme aims to transform villages with significant tribal populations into model villages through integrated socio-economic development. (Statement 1 is correct)
• While the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is the nodal agency responsible for the overall coordination and monitoring of PMAAGY, the actual implementation is conducted by the State/UT Governments. (Statement 2 is incorrect)

Solution (c)

Context:

• Recently, UNESCO has added manuscripts of the Bhagavad Gita and Bharata’s Natyashastra to the Memory of the World (MoW) Register in 2025. In this context UPSC can ask about the names of texts added in the register.

Explanation:

• The MoW Programme was launched by UNESCO in 1992 with the goal of preserving global documentary heritage and preventing what it called “collective amnesia.” It aims to safeguard rare documents, including manuscripts, oral traditions, audio-visual content, and archive materials, of global and universal value. According to UNESCO, this documentary heritage should be preserved, protected, and permanently accessible to all, while respecting cultural practices. The MoW Register serves as a global compendium of such heritage, and is updated biennially (every two years).
• India has made 13 contributions, including two joint submissions:
  • Rig Veda (added in 2005),
  • Works of Abhinavagupta, the Shaivite philosopher (added in 2023),
  • Archives of the Non-Aligned Movement’s first summit in Belgrade, 1961 (joint submission),
  • Dutch East India Company archives (joint submission).
• In 2025, two new Indian manuscripts were added, both preserved at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Pune:
  • Natyashastra by Bharata Muni

Bhagavad Gita, attributed to Vyasa. Hence, option c is the correct answer.

Solution (c)

Context:

• Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) recently identified a new species of beetle named, Clinidium lalitae, from the Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. In this context, a question can be asked by UPSC about the sanctuary.

Explanation:

• Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh. Situated at an elevation range of 1,200 to 3,000 meters above sea level, it spans an area of approximately 337 sq.km. It contains 20 percent of the floral and faunal species in India. Rivers like Pange, Sipu, Karing, and Subansiri flow through the sanctuary. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

The sanctuary is home to the Apatani tribe, known for their unique customs, traditions, and handicrafts. It has a stunning spectrum of subtropical and alpine forests like silver fir trees, ferns, orchids, bamboo, and rhododendron. Pleioblastus simone is a bamboo variety only found in Talley Valley. It is also home to several medicinal plants and herbs used by the local tribes for traditional medicine. Hence, statements 2 and 3 are correct.

Solution (a)

Context:

• The Trump administration’s recent policy changes to end animal testing are garnering support from animal rights groups like PETA. In this context, a question can be asked by UPSC about PETA.

Explanation:

• People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is a nongovernmental organization (NGO) committed to ending abusive treatment of animals in business and society and promoting consideration of animal interests in everyday decision-making and general policies and practices. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

• It is the largest animal rights organization in the world. It was founded in 1980 by Ingrid Newkirk and Alex Pacheco, who were influenced by Australian ethicist Peter Singer’s book Animal Liberation (1975). Initially recognized for exposing cruelty in research laboratories, PETA has grown into a global entity with over nine million members and considerable annual expenditures. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

PETA is based in Norfolk, Virginia, United States, with entities worldwide. It opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview, and focuses on the four areas in which the largest numbers of animals suffer the most intensely for the longest periods of time: in laboratories, in the food industry, in the clothing trade, and in the entertainment business. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Solution (c)

Context:

• Two people are believed to have died from a rare and incurable brain disease called Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) within just a few months of each other in the United States. In this context, UPSC can ask a question about the disease.

Explanation:

It is a rare brain disorder that leads to dementia. It belongs to a group of human and animal diseases known as prion disorders, also known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Symptoms of CJD can be similar to those of Alzheimer’s disease. But CJD usually gets worse much faster and leads to death. All types of CJD are serious but are very rare. About 1 to 2 cases of CJD are diagnosed per million people around the world each year. The disease most often affects older adults. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Solution (b)

Context:

• Tension prevailed near the buffer zone in Manipur’s Thangjing Hill range, which separates Kuki and Meitei inhabited areas in Churachandpur district, recently. In this context, a question can be asked by UPSC about the hill.

Explanation:

• Thangjing Hill (also called Thangching Hill and Thangting Hill), is a mountain peak in the Indian state of Manipur. It is in the Churachandpur district, to the west of Moirang. The north-south-running mountain range on which it sits is also called Thangjing range or Thangjing Hills. The range forms part of the western border of the Imphal Valley. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

It is believed by Manipuris to be the abode of Thangching, the ancestral deity of Moirang. It is considered a sacred site by the Meitei community, who traditionally visit it throughout the Manipur month of ‘Sajibu’ which generally falls in April. In the Meitei cosmology, the “body” of Manipur is represented with various natural features of the land, including the Thangjing hill as its right leg. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Solution (d)

Context:

• Since the outbreak of civil war on April 15, 2023, between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Tuti Island has been devastated by violence and occupation. In this context, a question about the location of the island can be asked by UPSC.

Explanation:

• • Tuti Island, located at the confluence of the Blue and White Nile rivers in Khartoum, Sudan, is one of the city’s oldest settlements, known for its lush greenery and agriculture.

• The island spans 8 square kilometres and was traditionally dependent on farming and fishing, earning the nickname “Khartoum’s garden.” It holds deep cultural significance for the Mahas community, who settled there in the 15th century, making the island a symbol of indigenous identity and sustainability in the region. As per UN estimates, the war has displaced 13 million people, killed tens of thousands, and pushed 100,000 into famine conditions in Khartoum alone. Hence, option d is the correct answer.

Solution (d)

Context:

• The Arunachal Pradesh government recently allocated Rs 269.97 Crore for the construction of the Etalin Hydroelectric Project in Dibang Valley. In this context, a question about the project can be asked by UPSC.

Explanation:

• Etalin Hydroelectric Project is a 3,097 MW hydropower project planned in the Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh. It is one of the largest hydropower projects proposed in the country in terms of installed capacity. EHEP is proposed to be developed as a combination of two run-of-the-river schemes. The project proposes the construction of two concrete gravity dams, 101.5 metres and 80 metres high, on the Dri and Tangon rivers, which are tributaries of the Dibang river. The project area falls under the “richest bio-geographical province of the Himalayan zone” and “one of the mega biodiversity hotspots of the world.” Hence, option d is the correct answer.

Solution (b)

Context:

• Global Maritime piracy and armed robbery incidents have seen a noticeable increase in the first three months of 2025, according to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB). In this context, IMB becomes important from the perspective of UPSC.

Explanation:

• International Maritime Bureau (IMB) is a specialised division of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). It serves as a platform for cooperation and information sharing among various stakeholders, including governments, shipping companies, and law enforcement agencies. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

• The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) is a non-profit-making organisation, established in 1981, to act as a focal point in the fight against all types of maritime fraud, malpractice, and piracy. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

• Through its expertise and extensive network, the IMB offers mediation and arbitration services, helping parties involved in maritime disputes to reach amicable settlements and avoid costly legal proceedings. It actively engages in advocacy and awareness campaigns to promote best practices in maritime security and trade facilitation. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Solution (c)

Context:

• A tourist shikara overturned in Srinagar’s iconic Dal Lake recently as strong winds lashed parts of Jammu and Kashmir, sending four people, including a tourist family and a boatman, into the water. In this context, a question can be asked by UPSC about the Dal Lake.

Explanation:

• Dal Lake is a mid-altitude urban lake located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. It is surrounded by the Pir Panjal mountains. It is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel.” It is one of the world’s largest natural lakes. The lake covers an area of 18 sq.km. and is part of a natural wetland which covers 21.1 sq.km., including its floating gardens. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.

It is also known as the Lake of Flowers. The shoreline of the lake, which is about 15.5 kilometres (9.6 mi), is encompassed by a boulevard lined with Mughal-era gardens, parks, houseboats, and hotels. It has an average depth of almost 5 ft and a maximum depth of 20 ft. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Solution (c)

Context:

• Amid a slow uptake of the PM Vidyalaxmi scheme, public sector banks (PSBs) recently raised several concerns regarding its implementation. In this context, a question can be asked by UPSC about the scheme.

Explanation:

• PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme to provide financial support to meritorious students in their pursuit of higher education. The scheme targets students who have secured admission to any of India’s top 860 Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs), both private and government, as ranked by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). Students who receive any other Central/State Government Scholarship, interest subvention plan, or fee reimbursement are not eligible for benefits under the PM Vidyalakshmi scheme. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

There is no upper limit on the amount of education loan you can get under the PM Vidyalakshmi scheme. It will depend on course fees and other fees charged by the QHEI and other associated expenses like mess, hostel fees, other refundable and non-refundable fees of the institution, the cost of a reasonable-quality laptop, and a reasonable amount of living expenses required by the student during the course period. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Solution (a)

Explanation:

Time from 12 P.M. on Friday to 2 P.M. on the following Friday = 7 days + 2 hours = 170 hours.

Time that the watch gained in 170 hours = 2 + 4 + (48/60) = 34/5 minutes

Now, the watch gains (34/5) minutes in 170 hours

∴ The watch gains 1 minute in 170 / (34/5) hours

∴ The watch gains 2 minutes in (170 × 5 × 2)/ 34 = 50 hours

Hence the watch will show correct time after 50 hours or 2 days and 2 hours.

Hence, the watch was correct on Friday + 2 days and 2 hours = Sunday 2 p.m.

Hence, he reached Gwalior at 2 P.M. on Sunday.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Solution (b)

Explanation:

Let the time taken by her to cover the journey (wherein she reaches the office on time) be x minutes.

When Dipti runs at 30 kmph, she takes (x + 17) minutes.

So, Distance = 30(x + 17)/60 km

When she runs at 40 kmph, she takes (x + 5) minutes.

So, Distance = 40(x + 5)/60 km

Distance is the same in both the cases.

So, 30(x + 17)/60 = 40(x + 5)/60

Or 30x + 510 = 40x + 200

Or 310 = 10x

Or x = 31 minutes

Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.

Solution (c) 

Explanation:

Option (a) is incorrect: The given option is not correct because what people should do for better regulation of circadian rhythm is not the main theme of the passage. This could be a rational inference but not the crux, because the passage focuses on light and its importance for sleep and circadian rhythm as seen in the lines “Light plays a central role in regulating circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock that signals when to be alert and when to rest.”.  

Option (b) is incorrect: The line “Light also affects the production of melatonin, an essential sleep promoting hormone”, shows that melatonin helps in sleep. The connection of melatonin with circadian rhythm is not a part of the passage. Moreover, the passage focuses more on light and its importance for sleep and circadian rhythm. Hence, this is not the best crux of the passage. 

Option (c) is correct: The given option best captures the essence as it mentions the central theme of the passage which is the importance of light. The lines “Light plays a central role in regulating circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock that signals when to be alert and when to rest. Light also affects the production of melatonin, an essential sleep-promoting hormone.  …. Learning about the complex links between light and sleep allows you to set up your bedroom to be more conducive to consistent, high quality sleep.”, show that light regulates sleep and circadian rhythm. Hence, this is the best crux of the passage. 

Option (d) is incorrect: The context of nightlife culture and dark light is not a part of the passage. The main theme of the passage is how light affects sleep and circadian rhythm. Therefore, this option is beyond the scope of the passage and is not the correct crux.  

Solution (d) 

Explanation:

Option (a) is incorrect: As per the passage, “Interactive systems are more than just functional.” So, we need to keep in mind some other things too, not just the functional requirements. It does not mean that functional requirements can be ignored. So, the given option is not the correct crux of the passage. Option (b) is incorrect: The statement, though true, covers only a minor aspect of the topic that the passage is discussing. So, this is not the best crux of the passage. 

Option (c) is incorrect: The context of multi-tasking is used in a limited context in the passage in describing the various types of users. Hence, this is not the best crux of the passage. 

Option (d) is correct: The lines from the passage “To create successful user experiences, we need to know how humans think and feel. But there is more to thought than just rational, conscious deliberation” and “As designers, it will also help to understand human error and how emotion affects our interactions”, support the given statement. So, this option best captures the essence of the passage and is the best crux.  

Solution (c)

Explanation:

According to the question, among the girls, Tanu is at 4th position from the beginning and 6th position from the end.

So, Total number of girls = (6 + 4) – 1 = 9

Among the boys, Atul is at 7th position from the beginning and 24th position from the end.

So, Total number of boys = (24 + 7) – 1 = 30

So, Total number of children = 30 + 9 = 39

Hence, option (c) is the right answer.