Solution (a)

The Varman dynasty (350-650) was the first historical dynasty of the Kamarupa kingdom. It was established by Pushyavarman, a contemporary of Samudragupta. The earlier Varmans were subordinates of the Gupta Empire, but as the power of the Guptas waned, Mahendravarman (470-494) performed two horse sacrifices and status of Kamarupa as Independent state remained umimpaired.

The 7th and 8th century extent of Kamarupa kingdom, located on the eastern region of the Indian subcontinent, what is today modern-day Assam, Bengal and Bhutan. Kamarupa at its height covered the entire Brahmaputra Valley, North Bengal, Bhutan and northern part of Bangladesh, and at times portions of West Bengal and Bihar.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/the-viharas-minaret/article30880903.ece

Solution (a)

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve – Maharashtra

Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary – Karnataka

Pench National Park – Madhya Pradesh

Solution (b)

The northern river terrapin (Batagur baska) is a species of riverine turtle native to Southeast Asia. It is classified Critically Endangered by the IUCN and considered extinct in much of its former range.

The species is currently found in Bangladesh (in the Sundarbans), Cambodia, India (parts- West Bengal & Odisha), Indonesia and Malaysia. It is regionally extinct in Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/monsoon-in-sunderbans-likely-to-get-longer-warn-climate-experts/article30890907.ece

Solution (a)

The Financial Secrecy Index (FSI) is a qualitative scoring of financial secrecy indicators, weighted by the economic flows of each country. It is brought out by the Tax Justice Network.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/making-the-super-rich-pay-their-fair-share/article30897602.ece

Solution (d)

Tharu Community

• The Tharu people are an ethnic group indigenous to the southern foothills of the Himalayas; most of the Tharu people live in the Nepal Terai.
• The word ‘thāru’ is thought to be derived from sthavir meaning follower of Theravada Buddhism.
• Some Tharu groups also live in the Indian Terai, foremost in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
• The Tharus are recognized as an official nationality by the Government of Nepal. The Government of India recognizes the Tharu people as a scheduled tribe.