2018

Kodaikanal Lake, also known as Kodai Lake is a manmade lake located in the Kodaikanal city in Dindigul district in Tamil Nadu, India.

Sir Vere Henry Levinge, the then Collector of Madurai, was instrumental in creating the lake in 1863, amidst the Kodaikanal town which was developed by the British and early missionaries from the USA.


Conservation Agriculture is a set of practices aimed at minimizing soil disturbance, maintaining permanent soil cover, and adopting crop rotations or intercropping.


Avoiding monoculture practices: This does not directly fall under Conservation Agriculture. Monoculture refers to the cultivation of a single crop over a wide area.

Adopting minimum tillage: Minimum or no tillage is one of the key principles of Conservation Agriculture, as it reduces soil disturbance.

Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops: This is not a part of Conservation Agriculture. Plantation crops like tea, coffee, or rubber can be cultivated using conservation agriculture practices.

Using crop residues to cover the soil surface: Maintaining soil cover with crop residues or mulches is a crucial component of Conservation Agriculture.

Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations: Crop rotations and intercropping are recommended practices under Conservation Agriculture to improve soil fertility and reduce pest and disease incidence.

Therefore, the correct options that fall under Conservation Agriculture are 2, 4, and 5.

* Carbon fertilization is the increased rate of photosynthesis in plants due to the higher concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

* During Photosynthesis plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere, along with water and sunlight, to produce sugars (glucose) that provide energy for growth. This process releases oxygen (O₂) as a byproduct.

* The concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere is currently at its highest level in millions of years, primarily due to human activities such as fossil fuel combustion and deforestation.

* Many plants respond to higher CO₂ levels with an increased rate of photosynthesis, enabling them to produce more sugars, which can lead to faster growth and higher biomass production.

The correct statement is 3 only.

Statement 1 is incorrect. Under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act of 2015, state governments conduct auctions for non-coal mine licenses.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Both Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand have gold deposits and ongoing mining activities.

Statement 3 is correct. Rajasthan is known for its rich iron ore deposits and mining.


Statement 1 is correct: The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, commonly known as the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, introduces the concept of Critical Wildlife Habitat (CWH). These are areas within National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries that must be kept inviolate to ensure wildlife protection. CWHs can only be declared based on scientific evidence and after completing the due process of rehabilitation and resettlement of affected communities.


Statement 2 is correct: In 2015, the Baiga tribal community in Madhya Pradesh became the first to be granted Habitat Rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. This recognition allowed them to continue living within the Kanha Tiger Reserve while accessing forest resources for their bonafide livelihood needs.

Statement 3 is incorrect: According to the Forest Rights Act, 2006, it is the respective State governments that have the authority to declare and vest Habitat Rights for Primitive Tribal Groups and pre-agricultural communities over critical wildlife habitats, after obtaining consent from the tribal communities and establishing measures for their resettlement and rehabilitation.

Hence, correct answer is option (a) 1 and 2 only.

Pair 1 is correct: Chapchar Kut is a harvest festival celebrated in Mizoram.

Pair 2 is correct: Khongjom Parba is a ballad commemorating the Battle of Khongjom, which took place in Manipur.

Pair 3 is incorrect: Thang-Ta is a martial art form that originated in Manipur, not Sikkim.

So, only options 1 and 2 are correct.

Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, a French traveller and gem merchant, extensively documented his travels to India in the 17th century. He wrote about various aspects of Indian society, culture, and economy, including detailed descriptions of diamond mines and the diamond trade in India. Tavernier's writings provided valuable insights into the diamond industry of India during his time.

Francois Bernier (1625–1688): A French physician and traveler who visited India during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb

Jean de Thévenot (1633–1667): A French traveler who visited India in the 17th century.

Abbe Barthelemy Carre (17th Century): A French traveler and envoy who visited India in the late 17th century.


Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11, otherwise known as DMH - 11, is a genetically modified hybrid variety of the mustard species Brassica juncea.

Statement 1 is incorrect. The GM mustard developed in India does not have the property of pest-resistance. It has been genetically modified for hybridization and increased yield, not for pest-resistance.

Statement 2 is correct. The GM mustard has been developed with genes that allow it to cross-pollinate, leading to hybridization and increased yield.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The GM mustard was developed by scientists at Delhi University's Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP), not by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.

So, only statement 2 is correct.


Statement 1 is Correct: Coral reefs primarily thrive in warm, shallow, clear tropical waters between 30°N and 30°S latitudes, where sea surface temperatures typically remain between 20°C and 30°C.

Statement 2 is Correct: These three countries account for over 40% of the world's coral reef area, with Indonesia holding approximately 18%, Australia 17%, and the Philippines 9%.

Statement 3 is Correct: While rainforests have a higher number of species, coral reefs have greater phyletic diversity, hosting 32 of the 34 recognized animal phyla compared to only about 9 phyla found in tropical rainforests.

The International Labour Organization's Conventions 138 and 182 are both related to child labour.

Convention No. 138 is the Minimum Age Convention. It requires member countries to set a minimum age for employment and work towards the elimination of child labour.

Convention No. 182 deals with the Worst Forms of Child Labour. It calls for the prohibition and elimination of the most severe forms of child labour, such as slavery, forced labour, and trafficking.

These conventions are considered fundamental by the ILO, meaning all member states must respect, promote, and work towards their aims regardless of ratification.

Plants in arid environments have evolved adaptive features to minimize water loss through transpiration:


- Hard and waxy leaves have a thick cuticle and fewer stomata, reducing water loss by limiting evaporation. - Tiny leaves have a smaller surface area, which decreases the area exposed to transpiration. - Thorns, though primarily modified branches for protection, can also replace leaves in some desert plants (e.g., cacti), further reducing transpiration by limiting leaf surface area.

Therefore, the correct answer is option (d) 1, 2 and 3.

The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) was established in response to the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) 2012, also known as Rio+20, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Rio+20 conference aimed to reaffirm global commitment to sustainable development and highlight the importance of transitioning to green economies i.e. economic systems that promote environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and economic growth.

PAGE was launched as a collaborative initiative to support countries in developing policies and strategies for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and directions of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, not the Ministry of Rural Development or the Ministry of Agriculture. It provides the framework for the accreditation of certification bodies and standards for organic production.

Statement 2 is correct: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP. APEDA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry responsible for the export promotion of agricultural products.

Statement 3 is correct: In 2016, Sikkim became India's first fully organic state, having successfully converted all its cultivable land to organic farming practices.

Therefore, the correct answer is 2 and 3 only.

Statement 1 is correct: Wood's Dispatch advocated for a Grant-in-aid system to support private schools alongside government schools. This aimed to expand educational opportunities even with limited government resources.

Statement 2 is correct: The Dispatch recommended establishing universities in major cities like Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras. These universities would follow the model of the University of London.

Statement 3 is incorrect: While Wood's Dispatch acknowledged the importance of vernacular languages in primary education, it did not recommend English as the medium of instruction at all levels.

The Dispatch proposed a tiered system - Primary schools - Vernacular languages - Secondary schools - Both English and vernacular languages - Colleges - Primarily English

So, statements 1 and 2 are true, while statement 3 is not entirely accurate.

* THAAD is a missile defense system developed by the United States to intercept and destroy short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase of flight.

* It is designed to defend against threats both within and outside the Earth's atmosphere, providing protection against potential missile attacks.

* THAAD has been deployed by the United States military and has also been sold to allied countries such as South Korea and Saudi Arabia.

Statement 1 (Incorrect): Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri were primarily constructed using red sandstone, not white marble. While the structures might incorporate some decorative elements with white marble inlay, red sandstone is the dominant material.

Statement 2 (Incorrect): Bara Imambara in Lucknow is primarily constructed using brick with stucco plaster, not red sandstone and marble. Rumi Darwaza, on the other hand, is built mainly with bricks and lime plaster.

The equalization levy on online advertisement services offered by non-resident entities is introduced as a separate tax under the Finance Act, not as a part of the Income Tax Act.

Non-resident entities cannot claim a tax credit in their home country under the "Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements" because the equalization levy is not an income tax. It is a separate tax levied on specified services provided by non-residents to residents.

Hence, option A is the correct answer.

Note: The Indian government has abolished the 6% Equalization Levy on online advertisements, with effective from April 1, 2025.

Puthukkuli shawls: These embroidered textiles are a traditional craft of the Toda people in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu.

Sujni embroidery: This embroidery style originates from the Bhusura village in Bihar, not Maharashtra.

Uppada Jamdani saris: Uppada Jamdani saris are known for their diaphanous silk and are native to Uppada in Andhra Pradesh, not Karnataka.


Statement 1 is incorrect. GACSA was launched in 2014 at the UN Climate Summit in New York, not at the Paris Climate Summit in 2015.

Statement 2 is correct. GACSA is a voluntary partnership, and membership does not create any legally binding obligations for its members.

Statement 3 is incorrect. GACSA was launched by the Netherlands and several other countries, but India was not among the founding members or instrumental in its creation.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Sand mining does not decrease salinity. In coastal and estuarine regions, excessive sand mining can lead to saltwater intrusion from the sea into the river system, which actually increases the salinity of the river water.

Statement 2 is Correct: River sand acts as a natural filter for water percolating through the riverbed. Removing this sand layer reduces the filtration capacity, allowing pollutants, heavy metals, and contaminants to seep more easily into the underlying groundwater aquifers.

Statement 3 is Correct: Heavy sand mining causes riverbed incision (deepening of the river channel). As the riverbed drops, the surrounding groundwater drains into the deepened channel to maintain hydrological equilibrium, leading to a significant lowering of the water table in the adjacent areas.

Statement 1 is incorrect. The govt has been infusing large amounts in seven public sector banks through recapitalisation bonds but this has not been steady as statement 1 says.

Statement 2 is correct. To put the public sector banks in order, the merger of associate banks with the parent State Bank of India has been affected. For example, the merger of SBI associate banks will result in the creation of a stronger merger entity.

Hence, option C is the correct answer.

The chronological order of the events is as follows:

1. Dinabandhu Mitra wrote Neeldarpan (1858-59): This play, which depicted the oppression of indigo farmers by British planters, was published in 1858-59. 2. Satyendranath Tagore cleared the ICS (1863): He became the first Indian to succeed in the Indian Civil Service (ICS) examination in 1863. The examination was conducted by the Civil Service Commissioners in London. 3. Swami Dayanand established Arya Samaj (1875): This Vedic reform movement was founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in Bombay in 1875. 4. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote Anandmath (1882): This famous Bengali novel, set against the backdrop of the Sannyasi Rebellion and containing the song 'Vande Mataram', was published in 1882.

Therefore, the writing of Neeldarpan is the earliest event among the choices provided.

In the middle of the 18th century (c. 1750s), Bengal was the most prosperous province of the Mughal Empire and the primary base for the English East India Company's trade. The staple commodities exported from Bengal were:

- Cotton and Silk: Bengal was world-renowned for its high-quality textiles, including fine muslins and silk fabrics, which were the most sought-after Indian exports in European and Asian markets. - Saltpetre: This was a strategic commodity used as a key ingredient in the manufacture of gunpowder. Bengal was the primary source of saltpetre for European powers during the frequent wars of the 18th century. - Opium: Bengal was a major producer of opium, which the East India Company exported primarily to China and Southeast Asia. While the Company's formal monopoly was established in 1773, it was already a staple export item by the mid-18th century.

Note on other options: During this period, India was a 'sink' for precious metals; therefore, copper, silver, and gold (Option C) were typically imported into India as bullion to pay for Indian goods, rather than being exported.

Statement 1 is incorrect: High organic matter content in soil actually increases its water-holding capacity. Organic matter helps to bind soil particles together, creating pore spaces that can hold water. It acts like a sponge, absorbing and retaining moisture effectively.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Soil plays a crucial role in the sulphur cycle. Soil contains various forms of sulfur compounds, including sulfates, which are essential nutrients for plant growth. Microorganisms in the soil participate in the transformation of sulfur compounds through processes like mineralization and immobilization.

Statement 3 is correct: Excessive or improper irrigation practices can lead to the salinization of agricultural lands. When irrigation water contains high levels of dissolved salts, and there is inadequate drainage, these salts can accumulate in the soil over time, leading to soil salinization. This can adversely affect crop growth and productivity.

Therefore, among the given statements, only statement 3 is correct.

Statement 1 is correct. PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) is primarily used to launch Earth observation/monitoring satellites, while GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) is designed to launch communication satellites into geosynchronous transfer orbits.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Satellites launched by PSLV are typically placed in polar or sun-synchronous orbits, which are not geosynchronous. These satellites appear to move across the sky as viewed from a particular location on Earth.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The GSLV Mk III is a three-stage launch vehicle, not a four-stage one. The first stage uses solid rocket motors, the second stage uses liquid rocket engines, and the third stage uses a cryogenic rocket engine.


The Rule of Law Index is published annually by the World Justice Project (WJP), an independent, multidisciplinary organization. It measures how the rule of law is experienced and perceived in countries worldwide based on eight primary factors: Constraints on Government Powers, Absence of Corruption, Open Government, Fundamental Rights, Order and Security, Regulatory Enforcement, Civil Justice, and Criminal Justice. The index relies on data from household and expert surveys to provide a comprehensive picture of the rule of law in practice.

The main aim of the colonisation of India by the Britishers was the economic exploitation of India. The commercialisation of Agriculture was an outcome of colonial exploitation. Various cash crops such as Indigo, Tea, and Cotton were forced on Indian farmers to meet the needs for raw materials for the Industrial Revolution in England.

On the other hand, the Handicraft of India was ruined thus exports decreased. Ruralisation of India led to a decrease in factories in the 19th century.

GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a satellite-based navigation system that provides geolocation and time information to a GPS receiver anywhere on or near the Earth. It has a wide range of applications.

Statement 1 is correct. GPS is used in mobile phones for various purposes such as location tracking, navigation, and location-based services.

Statement 2 is correct. GPS is used in banking operations for ATM location services and for time-stamping transactions, which is crucial for maintaining accurate records.

Statement 3 is correct. GPS is used for time-stamping power system measurements, which is vital for grid stability and synchronization. Therefore, GPS technology can be used in all the three areas mentioned.

Statement 1 is correct: The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly shall vacate their office if they cease to be a member of the Assembly. This is explicitly provided under Article 179 of the Indian Constitution.

Statement 2 is incorrect: It is incorrect to say that the Speaker vacates office immediately upon the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly.

When the Assembly is dissolved, the Speaker does not vacate office immediately. Instead, the Speaker continues in office until the newly elected Assembly convenes for the first time and elects a new Speaker. This ensures continuity in the legislative process and prevents a vacuum in constitutional functions. So, only the first statement is correct.

Lala Lajpat Rai was a prolific nationalist leader and writer who authored biographies of Giuseppe Mazzini, Giuseppe Garibaldi, Shivaji, and Shrikrishna to inspire the Indian youth with ideals of patriotism and self-sacrifice. He stayed in the United States from 1914 to 1920, during which time he founded the Indian Home Rule League of America in New York (1917) and wrote 'Young India'. Following his return to India, he was elected to the Central Legislative Assembly in 1923 as a member of the Swaraj Party. It is a common historical distinction that while Lala Lajpat Rai was a prominent member of the Assembly, Vithalbhai Patel was the first Indian to be elected as its President (Speaker) in 1925.