{"id":2893,"date":"2026-02-06T06:02:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-06T06:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/?p=2893"},"modified":"2026-02-06T06:04:24","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T06:04:24","slug":"daily-current-affairs-05-02-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/daily-current-affairs-05-02-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS \u2013 05.02.2026"},"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 President\u2019s rule 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-2 wp-block-paragraph\">I. The President&#8217;s rule can be extended up to 3 years, with approval every six months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3 wp-block-paragraph\">II. The proclamation of President\u2019s rule in a State leads to dissolution of local bodies in a state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4 wp-block-paragraph\">III. The revocation of the President&#8217;s rule requires parliamentary approval within one month of revocation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above are<em> not<\/em> correct?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) I and II only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) II and III only\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) I and III only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) I, II and III<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-10 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) II and III only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-11 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-12 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> President\u2019s rule ends in Manipur; CM sworn in<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-13 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>President\u2019s Rule:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-14\">\n<li>President\u2019s Rule (Article 356) in India is the suspension of a state government, placing it under direct central control following a constitutional machinery failure, often leaving the legislative assembly suspended rather than immediately dissolved.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-15 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Grounds for Imposition<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-16 wp-block-paragraph\">President\u2019s Rule may be imposed when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-17\">\n<li>No party\/coalition able to form government.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Loss of majority by ruling government.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Breakdown of coalition.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Failure to follow constitutional provisions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Law and order collapse.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Election impossibility (war, disaster, etc.).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Governor reports constitutional breakdown.<\/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>Constitutional Basis: <\/strong>Invoked under <strong>Article 356<\/strong> when state governance cannot proceed according to the Constitution, or under <strong>Article 365<\/strong> if a state fails to comply with central directions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-19 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Suspension of State Functions: <\/strong>The President assumes all or some executive powers of the state. The Governor acts on behalf of the Union government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-20 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Legislative Assembly Status:<\/strong> The state legislature is usually <strong>either dissolved or suspended<\/strong> (suspended animation), allowing for potential revival if a new government can be formed without fresh elections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-21 wp-block-paragraph\">Dissolution of the local bodies, not necessarily the consequences of the proclamation of the President\u2019s rule in a State. <strong>Hence statement II is incorrect. (PYQ)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-22 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Parliamentary Control: <\/strong>Parliament passes the state budget and makes laws for the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-23 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Duration and Extension:<\/strong> Initial approval holds for six months. It can be<strong> extended up to 3 years, with approval every six months<\/strong>, subject to checks. <strong>Hence statement I is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-24 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Recent Example: <\/strong>President&#8217;s Rule was imposed in Manipur on Feb 13, 2025, due to ethnic violence, with the Assembly suspended, before being revoked in Feb 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-25 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Revocation: <\/strong>President&#8217;s Rule can be<strong> revoked by the President at any time<\/strong> via a subsequent proclamation, which does not require parliamentary approval. <strong>Hence statement III 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:#edb66878\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2017)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Which of the following are not necessarily the consequences of the proclamation of the President\u2019s rule in a State?<\/strong> <br><br>1. Dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly <br>2. Removal of the Council of Ministers in the State<br>3. Dissolution of the local bodies <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the code below:<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 2 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-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-26 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#1a00c3\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/manipur\/yumnam-khemchand-singh-takes-oath-as-manipur-chief-minister\/article70591809.ece#google_vignette\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/manipur\/yumnam-khemchand-singh-takes-oath-as-manipur-chief-minister\/article70591809.ece#google_vignette<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-27 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Which of the following objectives are included under the PRITHvi VIgyan Scheme?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-28 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Development of modelling systems for weather and climate prediction<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-29 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Exploration of polar and high seas regions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-30 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Development of technologies for sustainable ocean resource utilization<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-31 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Management of forest biodiversity<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-32 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-33 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1, 2 and 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-34 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 1, 2 and 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-35 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 1, 3 and 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-36 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 2, 3 and 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-37 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-38 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-39 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> PARLIAMENT QUESTION<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-40 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>PRITHvi VIgyan:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-41\">\n<li>The PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI) scheme is an overarching Indian government initiative by the <strong>Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)<\/strong>, aimed at holistic Earth system understanding for societal benefit, combining five sub-schemes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The key feature of the PRITHVI scheme is to holistically address all the five components of the earth system namely<strong> atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, cryosphere and biosphere<\/strong> to improve the understanding of the Earth System Sciences and to provide reliable services for the country.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These services include weather forecasts (<strong>both on land and in the Oceans<\/strong>) and warnings for various natural disasters like tropical cyclones, storm surge, floods, heat waves, thunderstorm and lightning; alerts for Tsunamis and monitoring of earthquakes, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-42 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sub-Schemes:<\/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><strong>ACROSS: <\/strong>Atmosphere &amp; Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems &amp; Services (Now merged with Mission Mausam).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>O-SMART: <\/strong>Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>PACER: <\/strong>Polar Science and Cryosphere Research.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SAGE:<\/strong> Seismology and Geosciences.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>REACHOUT: <\/strong>Research, Education, Training and Outreach.<\/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>The main objectives of PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI) Scheme are:<\/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 augment and sustain long-term observations of the atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere and solid earth to record the vital signs of the Earth System and change.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To undertake <strong>R&amp;D <\/strong>in the field of atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere and solid earth and set up the required infrastructure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To develop <strong>modelling systems<\/strong> for predicting weather, ocean and climate hazards and<strong> understanding the science of climate change. Hence 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To monitor <strong>earthquake activity <\/strong>and undertake seismic hazard assessment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To <strong>explore polar and high seas regions<\/strong> of the Earth towards discovery of new phenomena and resources. <strong>Hence 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To develop technology for exploration and sustainable harnessing of oceanic resources for societal applications. <strong>Hence 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To translate knowledge and insights from Earth systems science into services for societal, environmental and economic benefits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support various R &amp;D activities in the thrust areas of different components of Earth System Sciences.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Develop <strong>skilled and trained manpower in Earth Sciences.<\/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:#b9f6dd\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2025)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is\/are correct in respect of GAGAN?<\/strong> <br><br>I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity.\u00a0 <br>II. It will allow more uniform and high quality air traffic management.\u00a0 <br>III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation.\u00a0 <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below.\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>(a) I, II and III\u00a0<br>(b) I only\u00a0 <br>(c) II and III only\u00a0 <br><strong>(d) I and II only<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-46 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#1a00c3\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2223585&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2223585&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-47 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Which of the following organisations has been designated as the India Centre for BRICS Industrial Competencies?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-48 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) NITI Aayog<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-49 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) National Productivity Council<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-50 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Invest India<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-51 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) National Skill Development Corporation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-52 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) National Productivity Council<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-53 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-54 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>India Joins BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies to Support Manufacturing and MSMEs<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-55 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-56\">\n<li>The BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC) is a multilateral platform <strong>launched in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)<\/strong> to enhance the competitiveness of manufacturing companies and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the BRICS and BRICS Plus nations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>It empowers manufacturing companies to embrace digital innovation, driving their ability to innovate, expand, and scale across the BRICS region and beyond.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-57 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>India and BCIC:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-58\">\n<li>India has joined the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC) to provide integrated support services to manufacturing companies and MSMEs across BRICS countries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The event marking India\u2019s participation was organised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in New Delhi.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The National Productivity Council (NPC) <\/strong>has been designated as the India Centre for BRICS Industrial Competencies. <strong>Hence option (b) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>NPC will lead India\u2019s engagement with BCIC and focus on:<\/strong><ul><li>Capacity building<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Productivity enhancement<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Adoption of advanced manufacturing practices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-59 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The National Productivity Council (NPC):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-60\">\n<li>The National Productivity Council (NPC) is an <strong>autonomous, multipartite, non-profit organization established in 1958 by the Ministry of Industry<\/strong> (now the Ministry of Commerce and Industry).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It serves as a think tank to promote &#8220;productivity culture&#8221; and efficiency across the Indian economy.<\/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:#c6d6e6\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2019)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. The Service Area Approach was implemented under the purview of<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Integrated Rural Development Programme <br><strong>(b) Lead Bank Scheme<\/strong> <br>(c) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme <br>(d) National Skill Development Mission<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-61 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#1a00c3\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsonair.gov.in\/india-joins-brics-centre-for-industrial-competencies-to-support-manufacturing-and-msmes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.newsonair.gov.in\/india-joins-brics-centre-for-industrial-competencies-to-support-manufacturing-and-msmes\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-62 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Consider the following statements with respect to Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2025:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-63 wp-block-paragraph\">I. The Swachhata Pakhwada Awards are an annual initiative of the Ministry of Jal Shakti.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-64 wp-block-paragraph\">II. The Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) secured the First Prize in 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-65 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-66 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) I only\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-67 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) II only\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-68 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Both I and I\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-69 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-70 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (d) Neither I nor II<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-71 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-72 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> Paradip Port Authority Wins First Prize at Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-73 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Swachhata Pakhwada Awards:<\/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>The Swachhata Pakhwada Awards are an annual initiative of the<strong> Ministry of Ports,Shipping and Waterways<\/strong>, evaluating ports and maritime institutions across the country. <strong>Hence statement I is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Organizations are rated based on innovative activities, <strong>mass mobilization<\/strong> (Jan Bhagidari),<strong> green initiatives<\/strong> (such as Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam), and the <strong>welfare of sanitation workers<\/strong> (Safai Mitra Suraksha).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Paradip Port Authority (PPA):<\/strong> Won the First Prize at the 2025 awards for its excellence in cleanliness, sustainability, and community participation. <strong>Hence statement II is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA): <\/strong>Secured the First Prize in 2024, improving from its third-place finish in 2023.<\/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>Major Initiatives by Paradip Port<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-76 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Jan Bhagidari (Public Participation)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-77\">\n<li>Cleanliness drives in: Schools, Heritage sites, Temples, Beaches, Ponds and Port premises.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-78 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Initiative<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-79\">\n<li>Plantation drives to create green zones.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Around 40,000 saplings planted at Paradip Sea Beach.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-80 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Safai Mitra Suraksha<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-81\">\n<li>Welfare and safety initiatives for sanitation workers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-82 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#1a00c3\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2222852&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2222852&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-83 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. Consider the following statements with reference to Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-84 wp-block-paragraph\">I. SFDR carries an oxidizer onboard instead of taking oxygen from the atmosphere<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-85 wp-block-paragraph\">II. India becomes the first country to successfully test the SFDR technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-86 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-87 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) I only\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-88 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) II only\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-89 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Both I and I\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-90 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-91 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (d) Neither I nor II<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-92 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-93 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>DRDO demonstrates SFDR technology, India joins elite missile capability club. This achievement places India in an elite group of nations, including the USA, Russia, France, China, and Turkey\u2014that have mastered ramjet-powered missile technology. <strong>Hence statement II is incorrect<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-94 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-95\">\n<li>Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) is a missile propulsion system being developed by India\u2019s <strong>Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The technology aims to power future long-range air-to-air missiles and can also be applied to surface-to-air missiles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SFDR uses a <strong>solid-fuelled air-breathing ramjet engine, which takes oxygen from the atmosphere instead of carrying oxidizer onboard. Hence statement I is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The system includes:<\/strong><ul><li>Thrust-modulated ducted rocket<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Nozzle-less missile booster<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hot gas flow controller for thrust modulation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-96 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Advantages over Conventional Rocket Propulsion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-97\">\n<li>Greater range and endurance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Better no-escape zone (important in air-to-air combat).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improved speed control through thrust modulation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Higher efficiency at supersonic speeds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased payload capacity.<\/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:#a9f4f3\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2023)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Consider the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br>1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocketpowered only in the initial phase of flight. <br>2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile. <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 only <br>(b) 2 only <br>(c) Both 1 and 2 <br><strong>(d) Neither 1 nor 2<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-98 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#1a00c3\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/drdo-demonstrates-sfdr-technology-india-joins-elite-missile-capability-club\/article70588373.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/drdo-demonstrates-sfdr-technology-india-joins-elite-missile-capability-club\/article70588373.ece<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-99 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. With reference to India&#8217;s blue economy, consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-100 wp-block-paragraph\">1. The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) has launched the first open-sea Marine Fish Farming and Seaweed Cultivation project in the Andaman Sea focusing on deep-water seaweed cultivation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-101 wp-block-paragraph\">2. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has initiated the Seaweed Mission to make seaweed cultivation remunerative, eco-friendly and sustainable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-102 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the government has established a Multipurpose Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu and a Seaweed Brood Bank in Daman and Diu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-103 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-104 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Only one<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-105 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Only two<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-106 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) All three<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-107 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) None<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-108 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) All three<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-109 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-110 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>PARLIAMENT QUESTION<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-111 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Progress under Blue Economy In India:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-112\">\n<li>The Government of India is promoting seaweed cultivation, along with marine fish farming, as a key component for developing the Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands as a hub for the Blue Economy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Council for Scientific and Industrial Research\u2019s (CSIR) -Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI)<\/strong> has undertaken the project <strong>\u2018Prefeasibility studies and establishment of pilot-scale farming of commercial seaweeds in Andaman coast\u2019.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It has conducted a comprehensive analysis of 25 different locations in order to identify the most optimal sites for seaweed farming.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Further, <strong>National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), an autonomous institute under Ministry of Earth Sciences has launched the first-ever open-sea Marine Fish Farming and Seaweed Cultivation project in the Andaman Sea<\/strong> focussing on deep-water seaweed cultivation. <strong>Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In addition, <strong>CSIR has initiated the Seaweed Mission<\/strong> to generate knowledge and innovations that will help make seaweed cultivation a remunerative, eco-friendly, sustainable, and scalable form of agriculture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Under the<strong> Seaweed mission <\/strong>implemented by CSIR, more than 800 self-help groups (SHGs) in Tamil Nadu have adopted <strong>Kappaphycus cultivation<\/strong> as means of their livelihood. <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Government has taken specific initiatives to scale up seaweed production to achieve the target of 1.12 million tonnes by 2030, <strong>primarily under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Government has made significant investments to promote the seaweed sector, including an allocation of \u20b9194.09 crore for <strong>key infrastructure projects such as the establishment of a Multipurpose Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu and a Seaweed Brood Bank in Daman and Diu. Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In addition, <strong>Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute\u2019s (CMFRI) Mandapam centre has been identified as the Centre of Excellence for seaweed cultivation and as the Nodal Institute for the establishment of the Nucleus Breeding Centre (NBC)<\/strong> by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It has been launched to support research, improved farming practices and seed bank development, with the potential to benefit over 20,000 farmers and generate more than 5,000 employment opportunities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-113 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#1a00c3\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2223594&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2223594&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-114 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7. With reference to the Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha, consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-115 wp-block-paragraph\">1. The exposition of Devnimori Relics at Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo marked their first public veneration outside India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-116 wp-block-paragraph\">2. The Devnimori archaeological site is located in the present-day state of Gujarat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-117 wp-block-paragraph\">3. India has earlier organised expositions of Kapilavastu and Sarnath relics in Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-118 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-119 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Only one<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-120 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Only two<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-121 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) All three<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-122 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) None<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-123 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) All three<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-124 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-125 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha arrive in Sri Lanka with full state honours<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-126\">\n<li>T<strong>he Exposition of the Holy Devnimori Relics was inaugurated in 4th February, 2026 at the revered Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong>The arrival and exposition of the Holy Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha <strong>in Sri Lanka<\/strong> mark a moment of profound spiritual, cultural, and civilisational significance, further strengthening the enduring bonds between India and Sri Lanka rooted in their shared Buddhist heritage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The arrival of the Sacred Relics coincided with <strong>Sri Lanka\u2019s 78th Independence Day<\/strong>, adding special significance to the event. <strong>This Exposition represents the first public veneration of the Devnimori Relics outside India. Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Two exhibitions titled <strong>\u201cUnearthing the Sacred Piprahwa\u201d<\/strong> and \u201c<strong>Sacred Relic and Cultural Engagement of Contemporary India\u201d <\/strong>were also inaugurated at the Gangaramaya Temple as part of the exposition.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Earlier,<strong> India had organised expositions of the Kapilavastu Relics in 2012 and the Sarnath Relics in 2018 in Sri Lanka. Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The site is variously dated to the 3rd century or 4th century CE, or circa 400 CE. <strong>Its location was associated with trade routes and caravans in the area of Gujarat.<\/strong> <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Site excavations have yielded Buddhist artifacts dated prior to 8th-century in the lowest layer, <strong>mixed Buddhist and Hindu artwork from the Gurjara-Pratihara period in the middle<\/strong>, topped by Muslim glazed ware attributed to the 14th century.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-127 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Major Archaeological Discoveries at Devnimori<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-128\">\n<li>Remains of a Buddhist Stupa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>S<strong>tructural foundations of monastic complexes (Vihara)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brick-built architectural elements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>stone sculptures and architectural fragmentsThese discoveries indicate a well-planned religious establishment.<\/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:#dee9f7bd\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2023)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements :<\/strong> <br><br>1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin. <br>2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics. <br>3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition. <br><br><strong>How many of the statements given above are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Only one <br><strong>(b) Only two<\/strong> <br>(c) All three <br>(d) None<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-129 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#1a00c3\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2223547&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2223547&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-130 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8. With reference to cheetahs, consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-131 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Asiatic cheetahs are found only in the central plateau of Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-132 wp-block-paragraph\">2. The African cheetah is genomically closest to prehistoric cheetahs discovered in Saudi Arabia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-133 wp-block-paragraph\">3. No evidence of surviving Asiatic cheetahs exists in India today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-134 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above are<em> not<\/em> correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-135 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-136 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-137 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-138 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) None of the above<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-139 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (d) None of the above<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-140 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-141 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: Could the near-extinct Asiatic cheetah rewild Saudi Arabia?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-142\">\n<li><strong>Asiatic cheetahs<\/strong> (<em>Acinonyx jubatus venaticus<\/em>) are the critically endangered subspecies of cheetah.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Only <strong>around 50 individuals remain in the wild<\/strong>, all in <strong>Iran<\/strong>, mainly in the <strong>central plateau<\/strong>. They are extinct in India and elsewhere in their former range. <strong>Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scientists discovered <strong>naturally mummified cheetahs and skeletal remains<\/strong> in caves of Saudi Arabia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The remains, unearthed from the <strong>Lauga cave network in the Arar area of northern Saudi Arabia, <\/strong>dated back to 4,223 years ago and some to just over a century ago, giving scientists a valuable opportunity to understand the evolutionary history of cheetahs in their former range<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Genomic sequencing<\/strong> revealed the presence of two subspecies: Asiatic cheetah and <strong>north-western African cheetah.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prehistoric Saudi cheetahs were <strong>genomically closest to the North-western African subspecies. Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cheetahs <strong>became extinct in India in 1952<\/strong> due to <strong>hunting and habitat loss<\/strong>. No evidence of surviving<strong> Asiatic cheetahs exists in India today. Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India has reintroduced <strong>African cheetahs<\/strong> under <strong>Project Cheetah<\/strong>, not Asiatic cheetahs.<\/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:#ffeaaf\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2012)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Consider the following:<\/strong> <br><br>1. Black-necked crane <br>2. Cheetah <br>3. Flying squirrel <br>4. Snow leopard <br><br><strong>Which of the above are naturally found in India?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1, 2 and 3 only <br><strong>(b) 1, 3 and 4 only<\/strong> <br>(c) 2 and 4 only <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-143 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#1a00c3\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/energy-and-environment\/could-the-near-extinct-asiatic-cheetah-rewild-saudi-arabia\/article70569736.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/energy-and-environment\/could-the-near-extinct-asiatic-cheetah-rewild-saudi-arabia\/article70569736.ece<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-144 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>9. Mt Aconcagua is located in<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-145 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Congo<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-146 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Brazil<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-147 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Argentina<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-148 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Canada<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-149 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) Argentina<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-150 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-151 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Raksha Mantri flags-off NIM-JIM&amp;WS joint expedition to Argentina\u2019s Mt Aconcagua. The joint expedition is being undertaken by the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), Uttarkashi and Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering &amp; Winter Sports (JIM&amp;WS), Pahalgam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-152 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mt Aconcagua:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-153\">\n<li>It is located in <strong>Argentina<\/strong>, near the border with Chile in South America.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The mountain at 6,961 metres stands as the highest peak of South America and the highest mountain outside Asia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aconcagua is the <strong>highest mountain in the Andes mountain range.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aconcagua is part of the Seven Summits \u2014 the highest mountains on each continent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The mountain lies within the Aconcagua Provincial Park.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The mountain was formed mainly<strong> due to the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate.<\/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:#bef2647d\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2025)<\/strong> <br><br><strong>Q. Consider the following countries:<\/strong> <br><br>I. Bolivia\u00a0 <br>II. Brazil\u00a0 <br>III. Colombia\u00a0\u00a0<br>IV. Ecuador\u00a0 <br>V. Paraguay\u00a0 <br>VI. Venezuela\u00a0 <br><br><strong>Andes mountains pass through how many of the above countries?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Only two\u00a0\u00a0 <br>(b) Only three\u00a0\u00a0 <br><strong>(c) Only four\u00a0 <\/strong>\u00a0<br>(d) Only five<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-154 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#1a00c3\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2223636&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2223636&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-155 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>10. Ashokan inscriptions suggest that the Pradeshika&#8217;, Rajuka&#8217; and Yukta&#8217; were important officers at the <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-156 wp-block-paragraph\">\u00a0(a) village-level administration\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-157 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) district-level administration\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-158 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) provincial administration\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-159 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) level of the central administration\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-160 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) district-level administration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-161 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-162\">\n<li>Ashokan inscriptions, particularly the <strong>third rock edict, indicate that the Pradeshika, Rajuka, and Yukta were important officers at the district-level administration. Hence option (b) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pradeshika:<\/strong> The overall head of the district, responsible for administration, law, and order.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rajuka: <\/strong>Rural administrators in charge of land measurement, boundary-fixing, and judicial functions, similar to modern district collectors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Yukta: <\/strong>Subordinate officials assisting with accounts, records, and secretarial work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With reference to President\u2019s rule in India, consider the following statements: I. The President&#8217;s rule can be extended up [&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":[68,71,41,25,26,33,11,42],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2893","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","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\/2893","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=2893"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2893\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2895,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2893\/revisions\/2895"}],"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=2893"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2893"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2893"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}