{"id":2883,"date":"2026-02-04T12:21:32","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T12:21:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/?p=2883"},"modified":"2026-02-04T12:21:33","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T12:21:33","slug":"daily-current-affairs-04-02-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/daily-current-affairs-04-02-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS \u2013 04.02.2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. With reference to the United Nations Commission for Social Development (CSocD), 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\">1. It is one of the functional commissions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3 wp-block-paragraph\">2. All the members of the UN General Assembly are members of this commission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Its members serve for a term of four years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5 wp-block-paragraph\">4. It serves as an intergovernmental advisory body on global social development issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6 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-7 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-8 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 1, 3 and 4 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-10 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 2, 3 and 4 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-11 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 4 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-12 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-13 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> India highlights Rights-Based, Inclusive and People-Centric development approach at the 64th session of the UN Commission for social development being held at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, USA<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-14 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>UN Commission for social development:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-15\">\n<li>The <strong>Commission for Social Development (CSocD)<\/strong> is one of the <strong>eight functional commissions<\/strong> of the <strong>United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)<\/strong>. <strong>Hence statement 1is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It serves as a key <strong>intergovernmental advisory body<\/strong> on global social development issues. <strong>Hence statement 4 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>It was established on<\/strong> <strong>16 February 1946<\/strong> by ECOSOC.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It was originally called the <em>Social Commission<\/em>; renamed in <strong>1966<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is headquartered in New York, USA.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CSocD convenes <strong>annually<\/strong> at the <strong>UN Headquarters in New York<\/strong>, typically in <strong>February<\/strong> for about <strong>two weeks<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-16 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Membership &amp; Structure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-17\">\n<li><strong>Members:<\/strong> <strong>46 Member States<\/strong>, elected by ECOSOC with equitable geographic representation. <strong>Hence statement 2 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Members serve <strong>four-year terms<\/strong>. <strong>Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Commission elects a <strong>Bureau<\/strong> (Chair + Vice-Chairs) to guide its work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-18 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Functions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-19\">\n<li>CSocD\u2019s core role is to <strong>advise and assist<\/strong> ECOSOC on <strong>social development policies<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It focuses especially on issues not covered by specialised agencies and supports the implementation of global social development commitments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After the <strong>World Summit for Social Development (Copenhagen, 1995)<\/strong>, CSocD became the principal UN body for following up on the <strong>Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action<\/strong>, which emphasizes <em>people-centered development<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>During sessions, Member States, civil society, and other stakeholders discuss thematic social development priorities, adopt resolutions, and issue policy recommendations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Since 1995, the Commission has taken up <strong>priority themes<\/strong> each year, reflecting current global social challenges \u2014 e.g., poverty eradication, social integration, housing, and social protection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-20 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Its mandate includes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-21\">\n<li><strong>Improving international understanding of social development<\/strong> through sharing of information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Identifying emerging issues<\/strong> affecting global social progress.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Advising on social policies<\/strong> designed to promote welfare and reduce inequality.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Recommending measures<\/strong> to ECOSOC to enhance social development outcomes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#ccdce7\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2022)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. With reference to the &#8220;United Nations Credentials Committee&#8221;, consider the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br>1. It is a committee set up by the UN Security Council and works under its supervision. <br>2. It traditionally meets in March, June and September every year. <br>3. It assesses the credentials of all UN members before submitting a report to the General Assembly for approval. <br><br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/strong> <br><br><strong>(a) 3 only<\/strong> <br>(b) 1 and 3 <br>(c) 2 and 3 <br>(d) 1 and 2<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-22 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#000dfe\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2222911&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2222911&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-23 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. With reference to Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-24 wp-block-paragraph\">I. APIs are the components of a medicine that produce the intended therapeutic effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-25 wp-block-paragraph\">II. In the Financial Year 2024-25, China accounted for more than 70% of India\u2019s API imports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-26 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-27 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) I only\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-28 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) II only\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-29 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Both I and II\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-30 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-31 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) Both I and II<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-32 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-33 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>India\u2019s dependence on imported APIs<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-34 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>India\u2019s dependence on imported APIs:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-35\">\n<li>India is a global leader in generic medicines, but import-dependent for bulk drugs\/APIs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the Financial Year 2024-25, India imported 200 categories of APIs, bulk drugs, and drug intermediates worth approximately USD 4.35 billion, as per HSN (Harmonised System of Nomenclature) based import data.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>China accounted for about 73.7% of these imports.<\/strong> <strong>Hence statement II is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Therapeutic segments with high imports dependence include antibiotics, anti-fungal, anti-amoebic, gastrointestinal disorders, antidiabetic, endocrine and hormonal disorders, cardiovascular, oncology, female infertility, contraception, neurology\/substance use disorders and essential amino acid deficiency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Potential risks related to import of APIs arising from geopolitical uncertainties include <strong>Single-Source vulnerability, Price volatility and predatory pricing.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-36 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient:<\/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>An Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) is the<strong> biologically active component of a medicine <\/strong>that produces the intended therapeutic effect. <strong>Hence statement I is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Without the API, a medicine has no curative or preventive value.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>APIs are combined with excipients (inactive substances) to make finished dosage forms like tablets, capsules, syrups, injections.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Example:<\/strong><ul><li>Paracetamol \u2192 API<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tablet coating, binders \u2192 Excipients<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"940\" height=\"627\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-6.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2885\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-6.png 940w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-6-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-6-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#a5ecce\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE:<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? (2019)<\/strong> <br><br>1. Genetic predisposition of some people <br>2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases <br>3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming <br>4. Multiple chronic diseases in some people <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below.<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 2\u00a0 <br><strong>(b) 2 and 3 only<\/strong> <br>(c) 1, 3 and 4\u00a0 <br>(d) 2, 3 and 4<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-38 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0400ff\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2222528&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2222528&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-39 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. How many of the following are the hydropower projects in operation between India and Bhutan?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-40 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Chukha Hydroelectric Project<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-41 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Kurichhu Hydroelectric Project<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-42 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Ratle Hydroelectric Project<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-43 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Basochhu Hydroelectric Project<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-44 wp-block-paragraph\">5. Tala Hydroelectric Project<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-45 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-46 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Only two\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-47 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Only three\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-48 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Only four\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-49 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Only five<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-50 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) Only four<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-51 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-52 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>India and Bhutan to Strengthen Cooperation in the Power Sector<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-53 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Indo\u2013Bhutan hydropower cooperation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-54\">\n<li>Indo\u2013Bhutan hydropower cooperation dates back to 1961, with a formal hydroelectric power cooperation agreement signed in 2006.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Projects are developed mainly under the Inter-Governmental model and Joint Venture \/ PPP models.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-55 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Strategic Importance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-56 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>For Bhutan:<\/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>Major source of national revenue<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supports economic development<\/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>For India:<\/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>Access to clean, renewable electricity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthens regional energy security<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deepens neighbourhood diplomacy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-60 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Major India\u2013Bhutan Hydropower Projects<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-61 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Commissioned Projects<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-62\">\n<li><strong>Chukha Hydroelectric Project<\/strong> \u2013 <em>336 MW<\/em><ul><li>First Indo-Bhutan hydropower project<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Laid the foundation of cooperation (operational since the 1980s)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kurichhu Hydroelectric Project<\/strong> \u2013 <em>60 MW<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Basochhu Hydroelectric Project<\/strong> \u2013 <em>64 MW<\/em><ul><li>Phase I: 24 MW<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Phase II: 40 MW<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tala Hydroelectric Project<\/strong> \u2013 <em>1,020 MW<\/em><ul><li>One of the largest projects<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Major contributor to Bhutan\u2019s revenue through power exports<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/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>Hence only four are correct. Ratle is built on River Chenab.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-64 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Under Construction \/ Advanced Stage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-65\">\n<li><strong>Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project<\/strong> \u2013 <em>1,200 MW<\/em>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Emphasis on early commissioning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project<\/strong> \u2013 <em>1,020 MW<\/em>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Focus on commercial optimisation of power output<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project<\/strong> \u2013 <em>720 MW<\/em>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strengthens Bhutan\u2019s export capacity to India<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-66 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Proposed \/ Planned Projects<\/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><strong>Sankosh Hydropower Project<\/strong> \u2013 <em>~2,560 MW<\/em> (largest proposed)<ul><li>Discussed as part of future cooperation roadmap<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strategic for long-term energy security<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#b3d9f1\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2024)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Recently, the term \u201cpumped-storage hydropower\u201d is actually and appropriately discussed in the context of which one of the following?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Irrigation of terraced crop fields <br>(b) Lift irrigation of cereal crops <br>(c) <strong>Long duration energy storage<\/strong> <br>(d) Rainwater harvesting system<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-68 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0008ff\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2222533&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2222533&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-69 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Consider the following statements with respect to Bankia\/Bankei Rice:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-70 wp-block-paragraph\">1. It is a traditional indigenous red rice variety cultivated in the wetland fringes of Chilika Lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-71 wp-block-paragraph\">2. It is flood &#8211; tolerant and performs well under erratic monsoon and climate variability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-72 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Its tall crop structure supports fish breeding and bird habitats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-73 wp-block-paragraph\">4. It is known for its high glycaemic index.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-74 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How many of the statements given above are correct?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-75 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-76 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-77 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Only three\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-78 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) All the four<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-79 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) Only three<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-80 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-81 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> Promoting Chilika red rice can help enhance food and livelihood security around India\u2019s first Ramsar Site<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-82 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chilika Red Rice (Bankia\/Bankei Rice)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-83\">\n<li>It is a <strong>traditional indigenous red rice variety<\/strong> cultivated in the wetland fringes of <strong>Chilika Lake, Odisha<\/strong> (India\u2019s <strong>first Ramsar site<\/strong>). <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-84 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Agro-ecological features:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-85\">\n<li><strong>Flood- and waterlogging-tolerant<\/strong>; suited to wetland ecosystems<ul><li>Grown largely <strong>without chemical fertilisers or pesticides<\/strong><\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Performs well under <strong>erratic monsoon and climate variability<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-86 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nutritional value:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-87\">\n<li>Rich in <strong>dietary fibre, iron, folic acid, minerals and antioxidants (anthocyanins)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Low glycaemic index<\/strong> \u2192 beneficial for diabetics. <strong>Hence statement 4 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ecological significance:<\/strong><ul><li>Tall crop structure supports <strong>fish breeding and bird habitats Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Encourages <strong>biodiversity-friendly agriculture<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Represents <strong>\u201cwise use\u201d<\/strong> of wetlands under Ramsar principles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-88 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Livelihood importance:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-89\">\n<li>Cultivated by <strong>small and marginal farmers<\/strong> around Chilika (e.g., Mangalajodi region)<ul><li>Enhances <strong>food security + supplementary income<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Preserves <strong>traditional knowledge systems<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#f2ee9978\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2022)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. &#8220;System of Rice Intensification&#8221; of cultivation, in which alternate wetting and drying of rice fields is practised, results in :<\/strong> <br><br>1. Reduced seed requirement <br>2. Reduced methane production <br>3. Reduced electricity consumption <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below:<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 2 only <br>(b) 2 and 3 only <br>(c) 1 and 3 only <br><strong>(d) 1, 2 and 3<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-90 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#000dff\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/water\/world-wetlands-day-2026-promoting-chilika-red-rice-can-help-enhance-food-and-livelihood-security-around-indias-first-ramsar-site\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/water\/world-wetlands-day-2026-promoting-chilika-red-rice-can-help-enhance-food-and-livelihood-security-around-indias-first-ramsar-site<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-91 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. Which among the following statements is\/are correct with respect to Crafoord Prize:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-92 wp-block-paragraph\">1. The Crafoord Prize is awarded by the United Nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-93 wp-block-paragraph\">2. The prize recognises scientific fields not covered under the Nobel Prizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-94 wp-block-paragraph\">3. In 2026, the Crafoord Prize in Geosciences was awarded to Veerabhadran Ramanathan for his contributions to climate science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-95 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-96 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-97 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-98 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-99 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1 and 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-100 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-101 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-102 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Ramanathan was awarded the 2026 Crafoord Prize in Geosciences by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, often called the \u201cNobel Prize for Earth sciences.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-103 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Crafoord Prize in Geosciences 2026:<\/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>The Crafoord Prize is awarded by the <strong>Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It was <strong>established in 1980<\/strong> through a donation by Holger Crafoord and Anna-Greta Crafoord.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The prize<strong> recognises scientific fields not covered under the Nobel Prizes. Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Geosciences is one of the disciplines covered under the Crafoord Prize.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Crafoord Prize in Geosciences is often referred to as the \u201cNobel of Geosciences\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The prize is not awarded in all fields every year; <strong>disciplines are covered on a rotational basis.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other fields included under the Crafoord Prize are Astronomy, Mathematics, Biosciences (with emphasis on ecology), and Polyarthritis (rheumatoid arthritis).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>In 2026, the Crafoord Prize in Geosciences was awarded to Veerabhadran Ramanathan. Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He was awarded for his pioneering contributions to climate science, particularly for demonstrating the <strong>strong greenhouse effects of trace gases such as CFCs.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>His research also highlighted the<strong> role of aerosols and atmospheric brown clouds in influencing global and regional climate systems.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#e4edf0\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2021)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Consider the following statements in respect of the Laureus World Sports Award which was instituted in the year 2000:<\/strong> <br><br>1. American golfer Tiger Woods was the first winner of this award. <br>2. The award was received mostly by \u2018Formula One\u2019 players so far. <br>3. Roger Federer received this award maximum number of times compared to others. <br><br><strong>Which of the above statements are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 2 only <br>(b) 2 and 3 only <br><strong>(c) 1 and 3 only<\/strong> <br>(d) 1, 2 and 3<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-105 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0004ff\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/timesofindia.indiatimes.com\/etimes\/trending\/who-is-81-year-old-veerabhadran-ramanathan-the-indian-scientist-whos-won-the-nobel-of-geosciences\/articleshow\/127869282.cms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/timesofindia.indiatimes.com\/etimes\/trending\/who-is-81-year-old-veerabhadran-ramanathan-the-indian-scientist-whos-won-the-nobel-of-geosciences\/articleshow\/127869282.cms<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-106 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. Consider the following statements with respect to the National List of Essential Medicines in India:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-107 wp-block-paragraph\">1. It is published by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemical &amp; Fertilizers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-108 wp-block-paragraph\">2. The list has undergone four revisions since its inception in 1996.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-109 wp-block-paragraph\">3. A medicine needs prior license or approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) before inclusion in the list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-110 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-111 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-112 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-113 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-114 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-115 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-116 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-117 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Non-inclusion of cancer medication under price control<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-118 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-119\">\n<li>The National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) is a dynamic list of drugs published by the <strong>Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)<\/strong> that identifies medicines essential for the priority healthcare needs of India&#8217;s population. <strong>Hence statement 1 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>India first published its NLEM in 1996,<\/strong> and it has been periodically revised to reflect changing disease patterns, new evidence, and treatment needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Subsequent revisions occurred in 2003, 2011, 2015, and most recently in 2022.<\/strong> <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-120 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The main objectives of NLEM are to:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-121\">\n<li>Identify medicines that address priority public health needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promote rational use of medicines in clinical practice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure affordable access to essential drugs for all sections of society.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Guide procurement and supply in public healthcare systems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Serve as a basis for pricing policy and regulation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-122 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>To be included in the NLEM, a medicine must:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-123\">\n<li>Be useful in treating diseases that are a public health problem in India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be <strong>licensed\/approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrate proven efficacy and safety profiles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be cost-effective compared to other therapeutic alternatives.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-124 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#0004fa\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2222520&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2222520&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-125 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7. With reference to Periyar Tiger Reserve, consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-126 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) is a protected area located in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-127 wp-block-paragraph\">2. It was established as a Tiger Reserve in 1978 under Project Tiger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-128 wp-block-paragraph\">3. It acts as an important watershed for Kerala and Tamil Nadu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-129 wp-block-paragraph\">4. It is designated as a Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO\u2019s Man and Biosphere Programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-130 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-131 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1, 2 and 4 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-132 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-133 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-134 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-135 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-136 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-137 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Conserve or perish &#8211; Periyar Tiger Reserve has rewritten Indian conservation by turning poachers into protectors and conflict into coexistence<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-138 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Periyar Tiger Reserve:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-139\">\n<li><strong>Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR)<\/strong> is a protected area located in the <strong>Western Ghats<\/strong> of <strong>Kerala<\/strong>. <strong>Hence statement 1 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It was established as a <strong>Tiger Reserve in 1978<\/strong> under <strong>Project Tiger<\/strong>. <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The reserve is named after the <strong>Periyar River<\/strong>, which flows through the region.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is centred around the <strong>Periyar Lake<\/strong>, an artificial reservoir created by the <strong>Mullaperiyar Dam<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Periyar Tiger Reserve lies in the <strong>Cardamom Hills<\/strong> and forms part of the <strong>Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is one of the <strong>most well-managed tiger reserves in India<\/strong>, known for strong community participation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-140 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ecological Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-141\">\n<li>Dominant vegetation type: <strong>Tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also includes:<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moist deciduous forests<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grasslands<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Acts as an important <strong>watershed<\/strong> for Kerala and Tamil Nadu. <strong>Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-142 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fauna (Important Species)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-143\">\n<li><strong>Tiger<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Asian Elephant<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leopard<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gaur<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sambar<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nilgiri langur<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lion-tailed macaque<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-144 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conservation &amp; Governance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-145\">\n<li>Managed by the <strong>Kerala Forest Department<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Known for <strong>eco-development programmes<\/strong> involving local communities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promotes <strong>voluntary relocation<\/strong> and livelihood-based conservation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Part of the <strong>Western Ghats UNESCO World Heritage region<\/strong> (serial site).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-146 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Note: It is not separately designated as a Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO\u2019s Man and Biosphere Programme. Hence statement 4 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#c0f0dc\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2020)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Which of the following Protected Areas are located in Cauvery basin?<\/strong> <br><br>1. Nagarhole National Park <br>2. Papikonda National Park <br>3. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve <br>4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below:<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 2 only <br>(b) 3 and 4 only <br><strong>(c) 1, 3 and 4 only<\/strong> <br>(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-147 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2200ff\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/wildlife-biodiversity\/conserve-or-perish\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/wildlife-biodiversity\/conserve-or-perish<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-148 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8 With reference to the National Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI), consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-149 wp-block-paragraph\">1. The National Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) is a performance assessment framework for Gram Panchayats in India which is prepared and released by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-150 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Tripura topped the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 at the national level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-151 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-152 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-153 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-154 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Both 1 and 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-155 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Neither 1 nor 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-156 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-157 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-158 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Tripura Tops National Panchayat Advancement Index<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-159 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>National Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI):<\/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>The <strong>National Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI)<\/strong> is a performance assessment framework for <strong>Gram Panchayats<\/strong> in India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is prepared and released by the <strong>Ministry of Panchayati Raj<\/strong>. <strong>Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PAI measures the <strong>quality of grassroots governance<\/strong> and effectiveness of Panchayati Raj Institutions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The index evaluates Gram Panchayats on parameters such as <strong>transparency, decentralised planning, service delivery and accountability<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>PAI 2.0<\/strong> is the upgraded version of the Panchayat performance assessment framework.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PAI 2.0 relies on <strong>digitally submitted and verified data<\/strong> from Gram Panchayats.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The index covers <strong>nearly 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats<\/strong> across the country.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PAI is a <strong>ranking and benchmarking tool<\/strong>, not a funding or grant-disbursement mechanism.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gram Panchayats are the <strong>basic units of rural local self-government<\/strong> under <strong>Part IX of the Constitution<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PAI supports the objectives of the <strong>73rd Constitutional Amendment Act<\/strong> by strengthening decentralised governance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The index promotes <strong>competitive federalism at the grassroots level<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PAI is <strong>not a constitutional body<\/strong> and <strong>not a statutory authority<\/strong>.<\/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>PAI 2.0 \u2013 2023\u201324 Highlights:<\/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><strong>Tripura topped the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0<\/strong> at the national level. <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All <strong>1,176 Gram Panchayats in Tripura<\/strong> achieved <strong>100% data submission and verification<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Jugal Kishore Nagar Village Committee<\/strong> from <strong>Sepahijala district, Tripura<\/strong>, ranked <strong>first nationally<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>South Nalchar Gram Panchayat<\/strong> and <strong>Chesrimai Gram Panchayat<\/strong>, both from Sepahijala district, ranked among the <strong>top five<\/strong> nationally.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The clustering of top-ranked Panchayats indicates <strong>systemic governance efficiency<\/strong>, not isolated performance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#d9e9f3\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2015)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. The fundamental object of Panchayati Raj system is to ensure which among the following?<\/strong> <br><br>1. People\u2019s participation in development <br>2. Political accountability <br>3. Democratic decentralisation <br>4. Financial mobilisation <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below:<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1, 2 and 3 only <br>(b) 2 and 4 only<br><strong>(c) 1 and 3 only<\/strong> <br>(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-163 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#2600ff\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gktoday.in\/tripura-tops-national-panchayat-advancement-index\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.gktoday.in\/tripura-tops-national-panchayat-advancement-index\/<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-164 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>9. With reference to the suspension of Members of Parliament (MPs), consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-165 wp-block-paragraph\">I. The presiding officer is vested with the authority to suspend the Members of the Parliament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-166 wp-block-paragraph\">II. A suspended Member of Parliament is barred from participating in the proceedings of the House for a specified period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-167 wp-block-paragraph\">III. A suspended Member loses his\/her Membership of the Parliament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-168 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above are correct?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-169 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) I and III only\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-170 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) I and II only\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-171 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) I, II and III\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-172 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) II and III only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-173 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) I and II only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-174 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-175 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Parliament Budget Session Day 5 Highlights: Eight Opposition Lok Sabha MPs suspended for &#8216;creating ruckus&#8217;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-176 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Suspension of Members of Parliament (MPs)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-177\">\n<li><strong>Suspension<\/strong> is a disciplinary action by which an MP is <strong>barred from participating in the proceedings of the House<\/strong> for a specified period due to <strong>disorderly conduct<\/strong>. <strong>Hence statement II is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-178 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Authority to Suspend<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-179\">\n<li><strong>Presiding Officer<\/strong>:<ul><li><strong>Lok Sabha:<\/strong> Speaker<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Rajya Sabha:<\/strong> Chairman (Vice-President of India) <strong>Hence statement I is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-180 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rules Governing Suspension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-181 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Lok Sabha<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-182\">\n<li><strong>Rule 373:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Speaker may direct an MP to withdraw for the <strong>remainder of the day<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rule 374:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For <strong>grave disorder<\/strong>, MP can be suspended for <strong>up to 5 sittings or the remainder of the session<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rule 374A:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Automatic suspension of an MP for <strong>five sittings or the remainder of the session<\/strong>, without a vote, for grave disorder.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-183 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rajya Sabha<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-184\">\n<li><strong>Rule 255:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The chairman may direct an MP to withdraw for the <strong>rest of the day<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rule 256:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>MP can be suspended for a period <strong>not exceeding the remainder of the session<\/strong> (requires a motion).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-185 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Grounds for Suspension:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-186\">\n<li>Persistent disruption of proceedings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wilful obstruction of business<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disregard of authority of the Chair<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grave disorderly conduct<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-187 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rights During Suspension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-188\">\n<li>Suspended MP<ul><li>Cannot participate in debates<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Cannot vote<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cannot sit in the House<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suspension <strong>does not disqualify<\/strong> the MP or affect membership. <strong>Hence statement III is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\" style=\"background-color:#a7effa\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE:<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Consider the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br>I. If any question arises as to whether a Member of the House of the People has become subject to disqualification under the 10th Schedule,the President\u2019s decision in accordance with the opinion of the Council of Union Ministers shall be final.\u00a0\u00a0 <br>II. There is no mention of the word \u2018political party\u2019 in the Constitution of India.\u00a0 \u00a0 <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>(a) I only\u00a0\u00a0 <br>(b) II only\u00a0\u00a0 <br>(c) Both I and II\u00a0\u00a0 <br><strong>(d) Neither I nor II\u00a0<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-189 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#4c00ff\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/parliament-budget-session-lok-sabha-rajya-sabha-the-hindu-live-updates-february-3-2026\/article70586034.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/parliament-budget-session-lok-sabha-rajya-sabha-the-hindu-live-updates-february-3-2026\/article70586034.ece<\/strong><\/a><strong><u><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-190 wp-block-paragraph\"><a><\/a><strong>10. With reference to ancient India (600\u2013322 BC), 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>Territorial region&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>River flowing in the region&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>I. Asmaka&nbsp;<\/td><td>Godavari&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>II. Kamboja&nbsp;<\/td><td>Vipas&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>III. Avanti&nbsp;<\/td><td>Mahanadi&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>IV. Kosala&nbsp;<\/td><td>Sarayu&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-191 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-192 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Only one\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-193 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Only two\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-194 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Only three\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-195 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) All the four\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-196 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-197 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-198\">\n<li><strong>Asmaka<\/strong> (Assaka or Ashmaka) was located in the Deccan region, on the banks of the Godavari. <strong>Pair 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kamboja<\/strong> was located in the north-west (around Afghanistan \/ Gandhara region). Vipas (Beas) flows in the Punjab region, not associated with Kamboja. <strong>Pair 2 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Avanti<\/strong> was centred around Ujjain, associated mainly with the Narmada (and Shipra). Mahanadi flows in eastern India (Odisha\u2013Chhattisgarh). <strong>Pair 3 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kosala<\/strong> (capital: Ayodhya) lay along the Sarayu river. <strong>Pair 4 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"940\" height=\"763\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-5.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2884\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-5.png 940w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-5-300x244.png 300w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-5-768x623.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With reference to the United Nations Commission for Social Development (CSocD), consider the following statements: 1. It is one [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1359,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,68,71,41,25,26,33,11,42],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2883","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-daily-current-affairs","category-good-morning-test","category-gs-1","category-gs-2","category-gs-3","category-gs-4","category-prelims","category-prelims-current-affairs-gmt"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2883","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2883"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2883\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2886,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2883\/revisions\/2886"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1359"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2883"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2883"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2883"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}