71st BPSC Answer Key

71st BPSC Answer Key

This 71st BPSC Answer Key has been carefully prepared with a strong emphasis on accuracy and authenticity. Every single question and option has been thoroughly checked and verified from highly reliable and standard sources, including government publications, authentic textbooks, and subject-matter expert reviews.

Aspirants can therefore rely on this answer key for self-evaluation, learning, and exam preparation with confidence, knowing that the solutions have been prepared with the highest level of authenticity, precision, and academic integrity.

This explanation has been prepared with reference to Booklet Series–G. Therefore, wherever the options (A), (B), (C), or (D) are mentioned in the explanation, they correspond specifically to Series–G.

Series E	Series F	Series G	Series H	Remarks/Explanations
51—C	81—C	1—C	26—C	To offer personalised mentoring for lagging students to reach grade-level competencies. Mission Daksh in Bihar is specifically designed to provide personalized mentoring, remedial teaching, and structured support to students who are falling behind in their learning outcomes. The objective is to ensure that such students achieve grade-level competencies, particularly in foundational skills like literacy and numeracy. It is not about enrollment expansion or teacher vocational training.
52—C	82—C	2—C	27—C	International market expansion schemes The YUVA framework under Bihar Startup Policy 2022 focuses on: Y: Youth – nurturing entrepreneurial talent. U: Uniform policy and support ecosystem. V: Vibrancy – promoting innovation and education-linked entrepreneurship. A: Assistance – financial and non-financial support, regulatory ease. “International market expansion schemes” is not included as a formal component under this framework.
53—D	83—D	3—D	28—D	More than one of the above (A) is incorrect → Bihar’s per capita GSDP at current prices grew by around 14.5% in 2023-24 compared to the previous year. (B) is correct → The tertiary sector share in GSVA (constant prices) was 58.6% in 2023-24, showing Bihar’s service-sector dominance. (C) is correct → GFCF was 4.6% of GSDP in 2023-24, indicating relatively low investment compared to national levels.
54—A	84—A	4—A	29—A	1 and 2 are correct (1) Correct → The young population share (0–19 years) is projected to decline sharply by 2041 due to fertility transition. (2) Correct → Bihar’s demographic dividend will peak around 2041, later than many other states because of its relatively young population base. (3) Incorrect → While the elderly population in Bihar will rise, it will increase less sharply compared to the all-India average (since Bihar remains younger demographically for longer).
55—B	85—B	5—B	30—B	The majority of women are self-employed, often serving as helpers in household enterprises. PLFS data shows that women in Bihar are overwhelmingly engaged in self-employment, mostly in household enterprises, unpaid work, or agricultural activities. Formal, regular wage jobs (A) are extremely limited among women. Secondary sector (C) also employs very few women in Bihar.
56—D	86—D	6—D	31—D	President after consultation with the Speaker of the House of the People Article 98 of the Constitution provides for a Secretariat of each House of Parliament. Recruitment of its staff is made by the President after consultation with the Speaker (for Lok Sabha) and the Chairman (for Rajya Sabha).
57—B	87—B	7—C	32—A	He gives advice to the President on legal matters The Attorney General of India (AGI) is the highest law officer of the country (Article 76). wrong → He has the right of audience in all courts in India. wrong → He can participate in parliamentary proceedings, but cannot vote. correct → His primary duty is to advise the President on legal matters and perform assigned functions. wrong → He is not a whole-time government servant; he can practice privately with restrictions.
58—A	88—C	8—A	33—B	1 and 4 are correct Protection of wildlife → Concurrent List (both Centre & States legislate). Income on agriculture → State List (Union cannot tax agricultural income). Tax on electricity consumption or sale → State List. Price control → Concurrent List.
59—C	89—A	9—B	34—C	Only 2 and 4 Gandhian Principles (Art. 40, 43, 46, etc.) focus on Panchayati Raj, cottage industries, prohibition, education, and village economy. (1) Organization of Panchayats → Gandhian. (2) Uniform Civil Code (Art. 44) → Liberal/Intellectual principle, not Gandhian. (3) Promotion of cottage industry → Gandhian. (4) Right to work → Socialist principle.
60—C	90—A	10—B	35—C	Administration of scheduled areas — 6th schedule 4th Schedule → Allocation of seats in Rajya Sabha ✔️ 5th Schedule → Administration of Scheduled Areas & Tribes ✔️ 6th Schedule → Autonomous councils in tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura. 3rd Schedule → Oaths ✔️ 7th Schedule → Union/State/Concurrent Lists ✔️
61—B	91—B	11—B	36—B	Only 2 is correct Formation of Ministries/Departments is not the PM’s independent decision with Cabinet Secretary → It is done by the President on PM’s advice. So (1) is wrong. Allocation of portfolios is indeed done by President on advice of PM → (2) is correct.
62—A	92—C	12—A	37—B	Business in the legislature shall be transacted only in official language of the state or in Hindi or in English. Correct → As per Article 210, State Legislature business can be in official language, Hindi, or English. Wrong → Legislature cannot discuss conduct of judges except in case of impeachment. Wrong → Advocate General can participate but cannot vote. Wrong → Validity of proceedings cannot be questioned for irregularities (Art. 212).
63—A	93—C	13—A	38—B	1 and 2 are correct Restrictions must be reasonable and balance individual rights vs. social interest. (1) True → Interest of general public is main criterion. (2) True → Reasonableness must consider social values and needs. (3) False → Directive Principles are not to be bypassed; they help in interpretation. (4) False → Collective good is often greater than individual interest.
64—C	94—A	14—B	39—C	Parliament by Act Article 280: Finance Commission is constituted by President every 5 years. Qualifications of members are determined by Parliament by law.
65—D	95—D	15—D	40—D	Only 4 (1) Correct → Summoning = calling the House. (2) Correct → Prorogation ends a session. (3) Correct → Dissolution ends Lok Sabha (not Rajya Sabha). (4) Wrong → Prorogation is done by President (for Parliament) or Governor (for State), not leader of the House.
66—D	96—D	16—D	41—D	Finance Commission constituted by the Governor The 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992) created a three-tier Panchayati Raj system. Article 243-I: A State Finance Commission, constituted by the Governor every 5 years, reviews the financial position of Panchayats and recommends principles for sharing revenues between State and Panchayats. Neither CM, nor District Council, nor Block Committee has this constitutional authority.
67—C	97—C	17—C	42—C	Both 1 and 2 are correct The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India Mission) is aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing, exports, and resilience of industries. It also provides Production Linked Incentives (PLI) to attract foreign investment into domestic production.
68—D	98—D	18—D	43—D	To enable people to participate in development administration The Panchayati Raj system was introduced to promote grassroots democracy. It enables people to directly participate in decision-making and development administration, not just in elections. Increasing agriculture or employment are indirect outcomes, but not the main constitutional purpose.
69—B	99—B	19—C	44—A	It is different from the No-confidence motion Censure Motion:- A motion to disapprove a policy or action of the Government. It is different from a No-confidence Motion because it targets a specific policy/minister, not the entire Council of Ministers. In a censure motion, reasons must be mentioned, unlike a no-confidence motion. Hence, the correct feature is that it is different from no-confidence motion.
70—C	100—A	20—B	45—C	Protection of fundamental rights Centre–State disputes → Only Supreme Court (Original jurisdiction). Dispute among States → Only Supreme Court. Violation of Constitution (other than FRs) → Generally Supreme Court (e.g., Art. 131). Protection of Fundamental Rights → Both Supreme Court (Art. 32) and High Court (Art. 226).
71—B	121—B	21—C	46—A	Lala Lajpat Rai The Safety-valve theory suggested that the Indian National Congress was formed by the British (esp. Hume) as a “safety-valve” to let off nationalist steam and prevent revolution. This idea was popularized by Lala Lajpat Rai, who accused the Moderates of being too soft and serving as a controlled outlet. Tilak and Pal opposed moderates strongly, but the exact phrase “safety-valve” was first used by Lala Lajpat Rai.
72—C	122—A	22—B	47—C	Lord Hardinge On 23rd December 1912, during the state entry of Lord Hardinge (Viceroy 1910–1916) into Delhi, a bomb was thrown at him by Indian revolutionaries (Rashbehari Bose & Basanta Kumar Biswas were involved). Hardinge was injured but survived; this incident became a major revolutionary event.
73—C	123—A	23—B	48—C	Har Dayal Lala Har Dayal, an Indian nationalist and revolutionary, went to the USA and became a Professor of Indian Philosophy at Stanford University (California) in 1911. Later, he played a leading role in organizing the Ghadar Party to mobilize Indians abroad for independence. Other names (Sohan Singh Bhakna, Virendranath Chattopadhyay, Shyamji Krishna Verma) were active revolutionaries, but not linked with this post.
74—D	124—D	24—D	49—D	Theodore Beck The Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College, founded by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, later became Aligarh Muslim University. Theodore Beck (Principal 1883–1899) played a major role in promoting separatist and communal tendencies among Muslims, aligning with colonial policies of “divide and rule.” Dunlop Smith and Morris were officials but not linked with this role; Lord Minto came later (early 20th century).
75—B	125—B	25—C	50—A	Mahatma Gandhi Young India was a nationalist weekly paper associated with Mahatma Gandhi, started in 1919. Gandhi used it to spread ideas of Satyagraha, Non-cooperation, Hindu–Muslim unity, and self-reliance. Annie Besant had started New India. Tilak was linked with Kesari and Mahratta. Abul Kalam Azad had started Al-Hilal.
76—C	126—A	26—B	101—C	Simon Commission Simon Commission (1927) was appointed to review the working of the Government of India Act 1919. It had all British members (no Indian representation), which led to massive protests across India. This united Congress, Muslim League, and other political groups against it → “Simon Go Back” movement. Welby Commission (finance), Cripps Mission (1942), and Cabinet Mission (1946) did include Indians in varying forms.
77—D	127—D	27—D	102—D	Subhash Chandra Bose The Indian National Army (INA) was initially formed by Mohan Singh with Japanese support, later reorganized by Rash Behari Bose. But it was Subhash Chandra Bose who took full command in 1943, renamed it the Azad Hind Fauj, and gave the stirring slogan “Chalo Delhi”. Shah Nawaz Khan was an INA commander but not the originator of the cry.
78—B	128—B	28—C	103—A	Mahatma Gandhi This line was spoken by Mahatma Gandhi on 8th August 1942, during the launch of the Quit India Movement. It reflected his call for “Do or Die”, urging Indians to either achieve complete independence or sacrifice in the struggle. Nehru and Azad were leaders in the movement, but the specific words are attributed to Gandhi.
79—B	129—B	29—C	104—A	M.A. Jinnah In 1942, while Congress gave the slogan “Quit India,” the Muslim League under M.A. Jinnah gave the counter-slogan “Divide and Quit”, demanding partition before the British left. This showed the League’s insistence on creating Pakistan. Nehru, Ansari, and Iqbal never used this phrase.
80—C	130—C	30—C	105—C	Indian Independence Act, 1947 The legal instrument that formally created two separate dominions — India and Pakistan — and set the date for transfer of authority was the Indian Independence Act, 1947. The Act (passed by the UK Parliament) provided for the partition of British India into two dominions, dealt with princely states and with division of assets, and fixed the dates for British withdrawal. Earlier Government of India Acts (1919, 1935) expanded provincial autonomy and reformed administration but did not provide for partition into two independent dominions.
81—B	131—B	31—C	106—A	Annie Besant The All-India Home Rule movement (1916–18) was led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant (Tilak concentrated mainly in the west; Besant organized an All-India League from Madras). Historical records of the Home Rule movement and regional histories of Bihar record that Annie Besant travelled to Patna/Bihar in 1918 to give impetus to Home Rule League activities there (dates cited in regional accounts: visits on 18 April and 25 July 1918). Her tours in 1917–18 were explicitly intended to strengthen Home Rule organisations across provinces outside Tilak’s strongholds.
82—A	132—C	32—A	107—B	Indian Government and Gandhiji When Gandhi conducted the Champaran enquiry (1917), the colonial administration — confronted by the evidence Gandhi had gathered — decided to appoint a Government (Lieutenant-Governor’s) Committee of Inquiry to examine agrarian conditions in Champaran. The government invited Gandhi to serve on that committee, and he accepted; thus the committee was constituted by the government with Gandhi’s agreement to participate. The enquiry later led to the Champaran Agrarian Act (1918) and concrete relief measures for the ryots. In short, the Champaran Agrarian/Inquiry Committee was appointed by the provincial authorities and Gandhi agreed to serve on it — i.e., it was appointed with Gandhi’s concurrence. (Indian Culture)
83—B	133—B	33—C	108—A	Sahajanand Saraswati The organised Kisan (peasant) movement in Bihar in the late 1920s and 1930s was built around the Bihar Provincial Kisan Sabha, founded in 1929. The most prominent leader associated with initiating the Kisan Sabha movement in Bihar and later with the All-India Kisan Sabha (formed 1936) was Swami (Shri) Sahajanand Saraswati. He mobilised tenant-farmers against zamindari oppression and was the first president of the All-India Kisan Sabha; historiography of peasant movements in India identifies Sahajanand as the principal Bihar Kisan leader.
84—A	134—A	34—A	109—A	Raghunath Singh of Gorakhari as the person murdered while hoisting the national flag within the jurisdiction of Bikram Police Station.
85—C	135—C	35—C	110—C	Shri Krishna Sinha (Sri Babu) headed Bihar’s first Congress provincial government. Under the Government of India Act, 1935, he became Premier after the 1937 elections, served until the 1939 wartime resignations, resumed leadership post-war, and on independence became Bihar’s first Chief Minister.
86—B	136—B	36—C	111—A	Answer: 3 4 2 1 Karnasuvarna → The capital of King Shashanka (7th century), located in present-day Murshidabad district, West Bengal. Pragjyotish → Ancient name of region corresponding to modern Assam. Girnar → A mountain in present-day Gujarat, famous for Ashokan inscriptions and Junagadh rock edict. Pratishthan (Paithan) → Capital of the Satavahanas, in present-day Maharashtra. Correct matching: a → 3, b → 4, c → 2, d → 1
87—B	137—B	37—C	112—A	Gargi Ghosha, Apala, Vishvavara → Female seers (rishikas) of Rigveda, credited with hymns. Gargi → A woman philosopher of later Vedic age, mentioned in Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (not Rigvedic).
88—A	138—C	38—A	113—B	Answer: 3 4 2 1 Chola Gangam Lake → Built by Rajendra I (Chola ruler, after conquest of Ganga region). Appointment of Dharma Mahamatra → By Ashoka to propagate Dhamma. Assembly at Prayag → Great religious assembly organized by Harshavardhana. Sudarshan Lake → Originally Mauryan (Chandragupta), later repaired by Rudradaman, but associated with Chandragupta Maurya.
89—C	139—A	39—B	114—C	Bahlol Lodi Alauddin Khilji → 1296–1316 (20 years). Bahlol Lodi → 1451–1489 (38 years). Muhammad bin Tughluq → 1325–1351 (26 years). Balban → 1266–1287 (21 years). Thus, Bahlol Lodi ruled the longest (38 years).
90—A	140—C	40—A	115—B	2-1-4-3 Maurya (322–185 BCE) → First. Shunga (185–73 BCE) → After Mauryas. Kanva (73–28 BCE) → After Shungas. Kushana (1st–3rd century CE) → Later. Correct order: Maurya → Shunga → Kanva → Kushana
91—C	141—A	41—B	116—C	Sahitya Lahari Geetavali, Vinay Patrika, Kavitawali → Works of Tulsidas. Sahitya Lahari → Not authored by Tulsidas (different writer).
92—A	142—C	42—A	117—B	4 1 3 2 Kabuli Bagh Mosque (Panipat) → Built by Babur after First Battle of Panipat (1526). Adhai Din Ka Jhopra (Ajmer) → Built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak (converted from Sanskrit college). Allahabad Fort → Constructed by Akbar (1583). Itmad-ud-Daulah Mausoleum (Agra) → Built by Nur Jahan for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg during Jahangir’s reign.
93—A	143—C	43—A	118—B	James Augustus Hicky — Calcutta Chronicle James Augustus Hicky → Known as the founder of India’s first newspaper Hicky’s Bengal Gazette (1780), not Calcutta Chronicle. Ramaswamy Naicker (Periyar) → Associated with Justice Party and later Self-Respect Movement. Dayananda Saraswati → Authored Satyarth Prakash (1875). Jyotirao Phule → Founded Satyashodhak Samaj (1873). Thus, the incorrect match is Hicky — Calcutta Chronicle.
94—B	144—B	44—C	119—A	3 1 4 2 Babar → Father of Humayun and Kamran → match with Kamran (3). Akbar → Father of Salim (later Jahangir) → match with Salim (1). Shah Jahan → Father of Dara Shukoh, Aurangzeb, Shah Shuja, Murad → match with Murad (4). Jahangir (Salim) → Father of Khusrau → match with Khusrau (2).
95—D	145—D	45—D	120—D	Fourth First Buddhist Council (483 BCE) → At Rajgriha (Rajgir, Bihar). Second Council (383 BCE) → At Vaishali (Bihar). Third Council (c. 250 BCE) → At Pataliputra (Patna, Bihar). Fourth Council (72 CE, Kanishka) → At Kundalvana, Kashmir. So, the Fourth Council was not in Bihar.
96—B	146—B	46—C	121—A	Only 2 and 3 Tripuri session of INC (1939, not 1938) → Bose was elected Congress President at Haripura (1938) and again at Tripuri (1939). So, statement 1 is partly wrong (year mentioned is 1938, but session was 1939). He escaped from house arrest in January 1941, disguised and reached abroad → Correct. On 21 October 1943, he proclaimed the Provisional Government of Free India (Azad Hind) in Singapore → Correct.
97—B	147—B	47—C	122—A	Kautilya Nagarjuna → Renowned Buddhist philosopher, associated with Mahayana, linked to Nalanda. Sheelbhadra → Buddhist teacher of Nalanda. Shantirakshit → Eminent Buddhist scholar of Nalanda, later invited to Tibet. Kautilya (Chanakya) → Ancient Mauryan minister, long before Nalanda (which was established in 5th century CE). He was not connected with Nalanda.
98—B	148—B	48—C	123—A	3-1-2-4 Battle of Wandiwash (1760) – English defeated French. Death sentence to Raja Nand Kumar (1775) – By Supreme Court under Warren Hastings. Treaty of Salbai (1782) – Between British and Marathas. Death of Tipu Sultan (1799) – Fourth Anglo-Mysore War. Correct order → 3 (1760), 1 (1775), 2 (1782), 4 (1799).
99—A	149—C	49—A	124—B	Bihar Bandhu The Bihar Herald was an English weekly newspaper published from Patna in 1873 by Sachidanand Sinha from Patna. It was founded and edited by Sachidanand Sinha, who later became a prominent nationalist, lawyer, and the first President of the Constituent Assembly of India. The newspaper served as an important medium to spread nationalist ideas, political awareness, and criticism of British policies in Bihar during the late 19th century. Bihar Bandhu → First newspaper published in Bihar (1872) from Patna, started by Girishchandra Ghosh. Akhbar-e-Bihar, Patna Harkara, Bihar Herald → Later publications.
100—D	150—D	50—D	125—D	4 1 2 3 Champaran Satyagraha (1917): Gandhi’s first satyagraha in India, but Dr. Rajendra Prasad actively supported and organized it in Bihar → (a → 4). Azad Dasta: During the Quit India Movement (1942), a militant group called Azad Dasta was formed in Bihar under the leadership of Jayaprakash Narayan (JP). So this must be matched with JP, not Shyam Narayan Singh → (b → 1). Individual Satyagraha (1940 in Bihar): In Bihar, Shyam Narayan Singh is especially noted as the first individual satyagrahi → (c → 2). Kisan Sabha (Bihar): Founded in 1929 under Sahajanand Saraswati, a peasant leader → (d → 3). 👉 Correct matching becomes: a – 4, b – 1, c – 2, d – 3
131—A	101—C	51—A	81—B	1.0 pH value of 0.1N HCl solution HCl is a strong acid, so it ionizes completely. Normality = Molarity for monoprotic acids like HCl. pH = –log[H⁺] = –log(0.1) = 1. Ans.
132—A	102—C	52—A	82—B	Europium doped strontium aluminate SrAl₂O₄:Eu Night glowing pigment The most common long-lasting phosphorescent material is Europium-doped strontium aluminate. It absorbs light energy and releases it slowly, producing glow in the dark.
133—A	103—C	53—A	83—B	Indium tin oxide Smart film material Smart films (electrochromic or PDLC) require transparent conductive coatings. Indium tin oxide (ITO) is the standard transparent conductor used.
134—A	104—C	54—A	84—B	Platinum Metal compound for carcinoma treatment Chemotherapy often uses cisplatin, a platinum-based compound, for cancer (including carcinoma).
135—B	105—B	55—C	85—A	Levonorgestrel Compound in contraceptive pills Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progestogen widely used in birth control pills.
136—D	106—D	56—D	86—D	All of above Galvanization = coating with zinc. Oils can react with zinc → toxic compounds, spoil quality, and cause corrosion. So, all reasons are valid.
137—C	107—A	57—B	87—C	Tetraethyllead Historically, Tetraethyllead (TEL) was added to petrol to increase octane number and prevent knocking. Although now phased out due to toxicity, it’s the correct answer.
138—C	108—A	58—B	88—C	PHBV is a biodegradable polymer used as a substitute for plastics. Correct expansion: Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate).
139—D	109—D	59—D	89—D	Endocrine glands Hormones are secreted by: Sebaceous glands → Exocrine glands secreting oily sebum onto skin/hair, not hormones. Exocrine glands → Secrete enzymes, mucus, sweat, saliva, etc., through ducts; not hormones. Reproductive glands → They produce gametes, but hormones like estrogen/testosterone come under endocrine function. Endocrine glands → Ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into blood (pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, etc.).
140—D	110—D	60—D	90—D	Endoparasitism Interaction between herpes simplex virus and human: Parasitism → One benefits, other is harmed (general term). Endosymbiosis → Both benefit (mutualism), e.g., gut bacteria. Symbiosis → Broad term, includes mutualism/commensalism/parasitism. Endoparasitism → Parasite lives inside the host body. Herpes virus lives inside human cells, harming the host → Endoparasitism.
141—C	111—A	61—B	91—C	Answer: IgM ✅ IgG → Most abundant, secondary immune response. IgM → First antibody produced after infection, effective in agglutination. IgA → In mucosal immunity. IgE → In allergic reactions. The first class of immunoglobulin produced by the body during a new infection is Immunoglobulin M (IgM). IgM antibodies rise quickly to provide initial protection by clumping (agglutinating) pathogens like bacteria, allowing other immune cells to be recruited. After this initial response, the body switches to producing Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, which provide longer-term protection.
142—A	112—A	62—A	92—A	Lipids and proteins in varying combinations which are specific to each species, cell type and organelle Biological membranes composition:- Membranes are lipid bilayers with embedded proteins (fluid mosaic model). Composition varies with species, cell type, organelle. Not only lipids, not only proteins.
143—A	113—C	63—A	93—B	Answer: UAA Non-sense codon: UAA, UAG, UGA → Stop codons (nonsense). UUU → Codes for phenylalanine. AUG → Start codon (methionine). UGC → Codes for cysteine.
144—C	114—A	64—B	94—C	Endangered Species in danger of extinction: Vulnerable → At high risk but not immediate danger. Endangered → Species in imminent danger of extinction. Rare → Low population but not necessarily at risk. Extinct → No living memb
145—A	115—C	65—A	95—B	Sugarcane Kharif crop: Sugarcane → Grown throughout year (long duration, tropical). Gram, Barley, Wheat → Rabi crops (winter season). Kharif crops are sown with monsoon (June–July), harvested in Oct–Nov. Sugarcane is considered a Kharif crop (though also annual in nature).
146—A	116—C	66—A	96—B	Transport of water and dissolved minerals Function of Xylem in plants: Xylem → Conducts water and dissolved minerals from roots to aerial parts. Phloem → Conducts food (sugars, amino acids). Oxygen/gas not transported by xylem.
147—A	117—A	67—A	97—A	Engler and Prantl First to use vascular tissues for classification: Engler & Prantl → Classified plants on evolutionary principles, used vascular tissues (cryptogams vs phanerogams). Bentham & Hooker → Based on natural classification. AP de Candolle → Earlier natural classification, not vascular focus. More than one is wrong because only Engler & Prantl first emphasized vascular tissues as basis.
148—B	118—B	68—B	98—B	Mesocarp Mango is a drupe fruit with three layers of pericarp: Epicarp → Outer skin (not eaten). Mesocarp → Fleshy, edible part (the pulp). Endocarp → Hard stone enclosing the seed. Thus, the edible portion is mesocarp.
149—A	119—C	69—A	99—B	16th September The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer was designated by the UN in 1994. It commemorates the signing of the Montreal Protocol (1987) on ozone-depleting substances. Celebrated every year on 16th September.
150—D	120—D	70—D	100—D	Increased mineral absorption and diseases protection In mycorrhizal association, the advantage of plant is: Mycorrhiza = Symbiotic association of fungus + plant roots. Fungus helps in: Increased mineral absorption (especially phosphorus). Protection against soil pathogens. Plant provides carbohydrates (food) to fungus. Thus, main plant benefit = nutrient absorption + disease resistance.
101—B	1—B	71—C	51—A	France & Germany The Maginot Line was a defensive fortification built by France in the 1930s. It stretched along France–Germany border to prevent German invasion. Failed in WWII when Germans bypassed it via Belgium.
102—A	2—C	72—A	52—B	The Persian Gulf to Gulf of Oman Strait of Hormuz connects: One of the world’s most strategic waterways. Connects Persian Gulf → Gulf of Oman → Arabian Sea. Important for global oil transport.
103—B	3—B	73—C	53—A	New York “Ground Zero” refers to the site of the World Trade Center in New York, destroyed during 9/11 terrorist attacks (2001). Now rebuilt with memorials.
104—A	4—C	74—A	54—B	Isthmus of Panama Isthmus of Panama (connects North & South America, separates Pacific & Atlantic). Called “Devil’s Neck” due to extreme difficulty in crossing before Panama Canal was built.
105—A	5—C	75—A	55—B	Shifting Agriculture Ladang refers to: “Ladang” = Local term in Indonesia & Malaysia. Refers to Shifting Agriculture (slash-and-burn cultivation). Similar to “Jhum” in Northeast India.
106—B	6—B	76—C	56—A	Majuli Island Largest river island in the world: Majuli Island in Assam (on Brahmaputra river). Recognized as world’s largest river island by Guinness World Records. Famous for Satras (Vaishnavite monasteries).
107—C	7—A	77—B	57—C	Godavari river basin The second largest river basin of India is: First largest = Ganga basin. Second largest = Godavari basin (also called Dakshin Ganga). Area ≈ 3.12 lakh sq. km.
108—D	8—D	78—D	58—D	Devprayag Confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi: Five Prayags in Uttarakhand: Vishnuprayag → Alaknanda + Dhauliganga Nandaprayag → Alaknanda + Nandakini Karnaprayag → Alaknanda + Pindar Rudraprayag → Alaknanda + Mandakini Devprayag → Alaknanda + Bhagirathi (forms Ganga)
109—D	9—D	79—D	59—D	Narcondam and Barren Two volcanic islands in Indian Territory: India has two active volcanic islands in Andaman & Nicobar: Barren Island → Only active volcano in India. Narcondam Island → Dormant volcanic island.
110—D	10—D	80—D	60—D	Scissors The art of crafting scissors in Meerut has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. These handmade metal scissors have been crafted in the city for centuries, and Meerut is known as India’s only scissor cluster.
111—A	11—C	81—A	61—B	Shimla The Temperate Forest Research Centre (TFRC) is one of the centers under the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun. It is located in Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) and focuses on research related to temperate forest ecosystems, silviculture, and management.
112—C	12—A	82—B	62—C	Madhya Pradesh Kanha National Park is located in Madhya Pradesh. It was established in 1955 and later became part of Project Tiger (1973). Famous for Barasingha (swamp deer), also known as the “jewel of Kanha.”
113—B	13—B	83—C	63—A	Lake Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, located in Manipur. Famous for phumdis (floating biomass of vegetation and soil). The Keibul Lamjao National Park (last natural habitat of Sangai deer) is located on a phumdi of this lake.
114—A	14—A	84—A	64—A	Valmiki National Park Project Tiger (1973) is a major wildlife conservation initiative. In Bihar, only Valmiki National Park (West Champaran) is included under Project Tiger. Other sanctuaries like Bhimbandh or Udaypur are not included.
115—B	15—B	85—C	65—A	Bull The state animal of Bihar is the Gaur, also known as the Indian Bison, which is locally referred to as a type of bull. It was chosen for its strength and significance in the region’s ecosystem and culture. None of the other options—Cow, Buffalo, or Horse—are designated as Bihar’s state animal.
116—D	16—D	86—D	66—D	2014 Ancient Nalanda University (5th century CE) was one of the oldest universities in the world. It was revived by the Nalanda University Act, 2010. The university was formally re-established in 2014 at Rajgir, Bihar, with support from East Asian countries.
117—A	17—C	87—A	67—B	Kaimur District The Karmanasa River rises from the northern slopes of the Kaimur Range near Sarodag in Bihar’s Kaimur district, at an elevation of about 350 metres. From its source, it moves north-west across the Mirzapur plains, then serves as a natural boundary between Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, before merging with the Ganga near Chausa—the historic site of the Battle of Chausa.
118—C	18—A	88—B	68—C	95 Bihar is the principal pyrite-producing state in India. Multiple mineral surveys and competitive-exam reference sources report that Bihar accounts for about 95% of India’s pyrite resources (most deposits occur in the Rohtas/Vidhyan belt and Sone valley).
119—B	19—B	89—C	69—A	Jamui district Geological Survey / Ministry data show that primary gold ore resources in Bihar are concentrated in the Sono area of Jamui district (also some resources in Gaya and Nalanda have been reported). Official inventories and PIB releases identify Jamui as the principal district for gold deposits.
120—A	20—C	90—A	70—B	Subtropical Monsoon According to Köppen classification and Indian Met data, the majority of Bihar falls in the humid subtropical / subtropical monsoon climate category (hot summers, wet monsoon, mild–dry winters; classified as Cwa in Köppen). Only some southeastern pockets show tropical savanna traits.
121—B	21—B	91—C	71—A	200 Newtons When an object moves with constant velocity, net force = 0 (Newton’s 1st law). That means the applied horizontal force is exactly balanced by friction (opposite in direction). Therefore the frictional force equals the applied force in magnitude: 200 N. (“Marginal friction” here means kinetic/friction force opposing motion.)
122—D	22—D	92—D	72—D	14000 Newtons. (400/20)×7
123—C	23—A	93—B	73—C	250×3.6×10⁶ = 9×10⁸𝐉
124—A	24—C	94—A	74—B	Steel Speed of sound increases with the stiffness (elastic modulus) of the medium and generally is highest in solids, lower in liquids, and lowest in gases. Among the given options, steel (a solid) has much higher sound speed (several km/s) than water or air. Therefore sound speed is maximum in steel.
125—B	25—B	95—C	75—A	The principle of conservation of energy is not violated As a body falls, its gravitational potential energy (PE) decreases while its kinetic energy (KE) increases. The total mechanical energy (PE + KE) of the system remains constant in absence of non-conservative forces (neglecting air resistance). Hence the decrease in potential energy is exactly converted into kinetic energy: energy conservation is not violated. (So the correct interpretation is that conservation of energy still holds.)
126—C	26—A	96—B	76—C	2100 Joule Work done = force × distance (when force and displacement are in same direction). W = 140 N × 15 m = 2100 J.
127—D	27—D	97—D	77—D	Infinity A plane mirror is effectively a spherical mirror of infinite radius of curvature. Focal length for a spherical mirror is f=R/2f=R/2. For a plane mirror R=∞
128—B	28—B	98—C	78—A	𝐈𝐑² 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚 𝐚𝐫𝐞: 𝐏 = 𝐈²𝐑 & 𝐕² = 𝐏𝐑
129—C	29—A	99—B	79—C	Increases very high A short circuit implies a very low resistance path across the supply; by Ohm’s law I=V/R, the current increases enormously when R is very small. Hence the current becomes very large.
130—A	30—C	100—A	80—B	Fuse A fuse is a protective device that melts (opens the circuit) under excessive current, thereby protecting electrical equipment from overcurrent/short-circuit damage and reducing risk of shock/fire. (Other devices like RCDs/ELCBs protect against earth leakage specifically, but among the options provided, fuse is correct.)
1—C	31—A	101—B	126—C	STETHOSCOPE Microscope, telescope and periscope are optical instruments that use lenses/prisms to observe distant or small objects. A stethoscope is an acoustic instrument used to listen to internal body sounds. It differs in physical principle (sound vs. light). Answer: (B)
2—A	32—C	102—A	127—B	OMEFPA SPRING → UNUFRC the letter shifts alternate as +2, −2, +3, −3, +4, −4. Applying the same pattern to MOBILE: M (+2) → O O (−2) → M B (+3) → E I (−3) → F L (+4) → P E (−4) → A So MOBILE → OMEFPA
3—D	33—D	103—D	128—D	Father-in-law “My son’s wife’s daughter” is the (typically biological) daughter of the son’s wife — i.e., the son’s daughter; the mother of that girl would usually be the son’s wife herself. If Rita is that mother, Rita is the son’s wife (Mukesh’s daughter-in-law). Therefore Mukesh is Rita’s father-in-law.
4—A	34—C	104—A	129—B	EAST Start facing North. He turns right → now faces East. Then goes right again (i.e. turns right from East) → now faces South. Then goes to left (i.e. turns left from South) → now faces East.
5—B	35—B	105—C	130—A	Mohinder Compare the four names lexicographically (dictionary order): Mahendra (Ma-h-e…) Mahinder (Ma-h-i…) Mohender (Mo-h-e…) Mohinder (Mo-h-i…) All starting with “Mah…” come before those starting with “Moh…”. Among the “Moh…” pair, Mohender (…e…) comes before Mohinder (…i…). So the last (greatest) in alphabetical order is Mohinder.
6—D	36—D	106—D	131—D	16th Total students = 39. Joginder is 17th from the last, so his rank from the front = 39−17+1=23rd39 – 17 + 1 = 23rd. Nitin is 7 ranks ahead of Joginder (i.e. better position), so Nitin’s rank from the front = 23−7=16th23 – 7 = 16th.
7—A	37—C	107—A	132—B	77 The problem statement as given is garbled: “If + means x, x means,+ means + and – means, then 175–25÷5+20×3+10 equals to:” Because the mapping line is unclear/punctuated oddly, there are multiple plausible interpretations of which symbol is to be replaced by which. A common interpretation of such puzzles is: + means × × means + ÷ means − − means ÷ Using that mapping, the original expression 175 − 25 ÷ 5 + 20 × 3 + 10 becomes (substituting operators one-by-one): 175 ÷ 25 + 5 × 20 – 3 × 10 Evaluate with normal precedence (×, ÷ before +, −): 175 ÷ 25 = 7 5 × 20 = 100 3 × 10 = 30 So result = 7+100–30= 77
8—D	38—D	108—D	133—D	9, 50 Let Rahul’s present age = R. Given: in 4 years Rahul will be 31 → R+4=31⇒R=27R + 4 = 31 \Rightarrow R = 27. Seema is one-third of Rahul → Seema = 27/3=927/3 = 9. “Laxmi was twice as old as Rahul four years ago” → Laxmi’s age 4 years ago = 2×(R−4)=2×23=462 \times (R – 4) = 2 \times 23 = 46. So present Laxmi = 46+4=5046 + 4 = 50. So present ages: Seema = 9, Laxmi = 50.
9—B	39—B	109—C	134—A	35 Missing number in the 3×3 grid Grid: 28 20 7 84 ? 12 45 25 9
10—D	40—D	110—D	135—D	8@7$%6 From the provided mappings: R → 8 A → $ I → % N → 6 From MORE → 7#8@ gives: M → 7 O → # R → 8 (consistent) E → @ So REMAIN → R E M A I N → 8 @ 7 $ % 6
11—B	41—B	111—B	136—B	5 Bihar players won in the 38th National Junior Athletics Championship 2025. I found details about Bihar’s medal tally in the 38th National Games 2025, where Bihar won 5 bronze medals. (1 Gold, 6 Silver and 5 Bronze)
12—C	42—C	112—C	137—C	Araria, Purnea, Kishanganj, Katihar Official government sources (PIB, etc.) confirm that the Kosi Mechi Intra-State Link Project is expected to benefit these districts in Bihar: Araria, Purnea, Kishanganj, and Katihar. (Press Information Bureau)
13—D	43—D	113—D	138—D	More than one of the above Classical Languages of India (as of October 2024) By October 2024, 11 Indian languages have been officially recognized as Classical Languages by the Ministry of Culture. This designation is given to languages with a rich antiquity, extensive body of early literature, and profound cultural heritage. The status provides special academic benefits, including dedicated research funding and the establishment of Centres of Excellence for their study. List of Classical Languages and Year of Declaration: Tamil – 2004 Sanskrit – 2005 Kannada – 2008 Telugu – 2008 Malayalam – 2013 Odia – 2014 Marathi – 2024 Bengali – 2024 Assamese – 2024 Pali – 2024 Prakrit – 2024
14—C	44—C	114—C	139—C	BirdLife International Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) globally are identified by BirdLife International. Recognition of such sites is done by BirdLife (and its national partners). UNESCO designates World Heritage Sites or Biosphere Reserves, etc., but the IBA program is a BirdLife International (and local bird conservation partner) initiative. I did not find a credible source that lists multiple organisations for Nagi Bird Sanctuary’s IBA status; the standard is BirdLife International.
15—B	45—B	115—B	140—B	Madhubani National Panchayati Raj Day (NPRD) is celebrated annually on April 24, commemorating the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1993) that constitutionalized Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). The 2025 (16th NPRD) main event was a national program with PM Narendra Modi addressing Gram Sabhas and PRIs from Lohna Uttar Gram Panchayat, Jhanjharpur Block, Madhubani district, Bihar, in collaboration with the Bihar government. This included conferring Special Category National Panchayat Awards 2025. PIB, Indian Express, AffairsCloud, and Wikipedia confirm Madhubani as the central venue, with nationwide Gram Sabhas. No sources indicate Patna, Gaya, or multiple Bihar locations as primary; events were decentralized, but the flagship was in Madhubani.
16—A	46—A	116—A	141—A	To detect and map water on the Moon’s surface The Lunar Trailblazer mission is a NASA mission whose aim is to map and detect water on the Moon, particularly water in shadows at the lunar poles. Its instruments are designed for remote sensing of water/hydroxyl compounds and to characterize lunar environments. It does not aim to build a full 3D model of the entire Moon nor deploy rovers (based on documented objectives). So the primary objective is to detect and map water on the Moon’s surface.
17—C	47—C	117—C	142—C	The white minority group in South Africa “Afrikaners” are a white minority ethnic group in South Africa, descended mainly from Dutch, French, and German settlers, speaking Afrikaans. They are not indigenous tribal communities, nor Indo-African descent in the U.S., etc.
18—B	48—B	118—B	143—B	Rajon ki Baoli Recent news reports say that a 16th-century stepwell “Rajon ki Baoli” was conserved by ASI in collaboration with World Monuments Fund India. Agrasen ki Baoli is earlier and in Delhi, not exactly the same project. Chauki Bavdi I did not find credible confirmation for that being the one conserved in 2025 in that collaboration.
19—B	49—B	119—B	144—B	Eric Adams News reports state that Eric Adams, mayor of New York City, proclaimed April 14, 2025 as “Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Day” in the city.
20—C	50—C	120—C	145—C	United By Music The official slogan of the Eurovision Song Contest since 2024 is “United by Music”. Earlier slogans have varied from year to year, but “United by Music” is now the permanent slogan (as adopted recently).
21—D	51—D	121—D	146—D	More than one of the above SLV-F15 carried the NVS-02 satellite. (Bihar Sports) It also marked a milestone: It was ISRO’s 100th launch from Sriharikota orbital launch site (since many past GSLV, PSLV and others have launched from there). I need to double-check if it was the 100th or 101st. In news reports, it’s stated that GSLV-F15 was the 100th rocket launch from Sriharikota.
22—B	52—B	122—B	147—B	Its theme was: Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet The 18th G20 Summit is scheduled to be held in Brazil, but not necessarily in Rio de Janeiro (I believe Brasília or some other city is hosting). The official theme announced is “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet”. (Wikipedia) I didn’t find credible confirmation that the Rio de Janeiro Declaration emphasized the taxation of billionaires. That part seems speculative or not officially confirmed.
23—C	53—C	123—C	148—C	Calls on developed countries to provide at least $300 billion annually to developing nations by 2035 COP29 (29th UNFCCC Conference of Parties), held November 11-22, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan (first “Finance COP”), concluded with the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance: developed countries to provide at least $300 billion annually to developing nations by 2035 for mitigation/adaptation (up from $100B/year post-2020). It operationalized the loss/damage fund, adopted Paris Agreement Article 6 carbon markets, and advanced Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) but deadlocked on fossil fuel phase-out/Mitigation Work Programme. No global fossil ban by 2030; $500B not agreed; $300B by 2035 confirmed.
24—C	54—C	124—C	149—C	International Booker Prize Han Kang, awarded Nobel Prize in Literature 2024, is the author of The Vegetarian. That novel previously won the Man Booker International Prize (which is different from “International Booker Prize” if that term is intended as the same). The term “Pen America Literary Awards” and “Pulitzer Prize” are not associated with The Vegetarian. The exact name is “Man Booker International Prize” (in 2016). The choice “International Booker Prize” might be confusing shorthand but generally, The Vegetarian won the Man Booker International.
25—B	55—B	125—B	150—B	Yala Glacier Nepal’s Yala Glacier (Langtang Valley, HKH region) was declared “dead” on May 12, 2025, during ICIMOD’s high-altitude ceremony—the first in Asia (third globally after Iceland’s Okjökull 2019, Mexico’s Ayoloco 2021). Shrunk 66% (retreated 784m) since 1970s due to warming (65% faster melt since 2000s), it no longer moves/flows, projected to vanish by 2040. Memorial plaques (English/Nepali/Tibetan) by authors Manjushree Thapa/Andri Snær Magnason note 426 ppm CO2 (May 2025).
26—A	56—A	126—A	1—A	72 years The UNDP’s 2025 Human Development Report (“A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of AI”) ranks India 130th (HDI 0.685, up from 0.676/133rd in 2022), in medium category. Life expectancy rose from 58.6 years (1990) to 72 years (2023)—highest ever, reflecting post-pandemic recovery via health investments. Other gains: schooling (mean 6.9→13 expected years), GNI/capita ($2,167→$9,046 PPP).
27—B	57—B	127—B	2—B	Paris AI Action Summit was held on 10-11 February 2025 at the Grand Palais, Paris, France.
28—B	58—B	128—B	3—B	Poor Things At the 96th Oscars (held in 2024), Emma Stone won Best Actress in a Leading Role for the film Poor Things. She did not win that for La La Land (which was earlier) or The Favourite. (Magsaysay Award Foundation)
29—C	59—C	129—C	4—C	Kutch Express The 70th National Film Awards, announced on August 16, 2024, and presented on October 8, 2024, honored films from 2022. The Gujarati film Kutch Express, directed by Viral Shah and produced by Soul Sutra LLP, won the Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social, and Environmental Values. This award recognizes its portrayal of cultural identity, personal resilience, and social themes, including women’s empowerment and community bonds in rural Gujarat. Manasi Parekh also won Best Actress for her lead role in the film
30—D	60—D	130—D	5—D	More than one of the above The Ramon Magsaysay Award, Asia’s premier honor often called the “Nobel Prize of Asia,” was established in 1957 by the Rockefeller Brothers Fund to recognize exceptional leadership and service in Asia. For 2024 (announced August 31, 2024, and presented November 2024), five recipients were selected from Bhutan, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. These included Karma Phuntsho (Bhutan, for cultural preservation and modern alignment), Hayao Miyazaki (Japan, Studio Ghibli co-founder, for artistic humanism), Rural Doctors Movement (Thailand, for rural healthcare equity), Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong (Vietnam, for disability rights), and Farwiza Farhan (Indonesia, Emergent Leadership for environmental and social justice). The awards, administered by the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF), emphasize “indomitable spirit” addressing urgent challenges. Official RMAF announcements, Wikipedia, and reports from RVA, Sanskriti IAS, and Manila Bulletin list these exact recipients; no others match the options. Since both Phuntsho, Karma (variant of Karma Phuntsho) and Rural Doctors Movement, along with Miyazaki Hayao, were honored, multiple apply.
31—D	61—D	131—D	6—D	More than one of the above Akashteer (meaning “Sky Arrow”) is an indigenous, AI-enabled, fully automated Air Defence Control and Reporting System (ADCRS) developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in collaboration with DRDO and ISRO, inducted by the Indian Army in 2024 under Project Akashteer (₹1,982 crore contract, March 2023). It integrates surveillance assets like 3D tactical radars, low-level lightweight radars, communication nodes, and command units into a mobile, vehicle-based network for real-time situational awareness, threat detection, tracking, and engagement of aerial threats (drones, missiles, aircraft). Statement is true: It forms the core of the Army Air Defence (AAD) system, enhancing Corps of Army Air Defence capabilities. Statement is true: It seamlessly integrates with India’s broader C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) framework, connecting to IAF’s IACCS and Navy’s Trigun for joint operations via the Joint Air Defence Centre (JADC). Statement is true: It enables a strategic shift from passive defense (manual monitoring) to proactive retaliation through automation, decentralized engagement authority, sensor fusion, and quick response, averting friendly fire and handling complex threats (e.g., foiled Pakistani drones in Operation Sindoor, May 2025).
32—D	62—D	132—D	7—D	More than one of the above Arjun Main Battle Tank is indigenous, developed by DRDO in India. (Magsaysay Award Foundation) ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System) is also developed indigenously in India. (Magsaysay Award Foundation) F-35 Lightning II is a U.S.-made fighter; not part of India’s indigenous system. Thus, more than one (both Arjun MBT and ATAGS) are part of the indigenous ecosystem.
33—B	63—B	133—B	8—B	January 27 Holocaust Memorial Day is globally observed on 27 January, to mark the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. (Magsaysay Award Foundation)
34—B	64—B	134—B	9—B	Heart Lamp In 2025 the International Booker Prize was awarded to Banu Mushtaq for Heart Lamp. (Magsaysay Award Foundation)
35—A	65—A	135—A	10—A	Jhelum Indus Waters Treaty gives exclusive rights to India over the three eastern rivers: Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. The river Jhelum is one of the western rivers, allocated mostly to Pakistan (though India has certain usage rights under treaty). So Jhelum is not among the eastern rivers.
36—A	66—A	136—A	11—A	1 and 2 The Capability Poverty Measure (CPM), introduced by UNDP in the 1990s Human Development Reports (e.g., 1997), extends Amartya Sen’s capability approach beyond income, focusing on deprivations in basic human capabilities for developing countries. It complements the Human Development Index (HDI) by measuring “human poverty” via three dimensions: health/nourishment, education/knowledge, and access to basic services. Statement 1 is correct: Child malnutrition (underweight children under 5) proxies health/nourishment deprivation (~30-33% weight). Statement 2 is correct: Female illiteracy rate (>15 years) reflects education/knowledge deprivation, emphasizing gender inequality. Statement 3 is incorrect: CPM uses female illiteracy, not male, to highlight women’s empowerment gaps; male literacy is in HDI but not CPM’s poverty focus. Statement 4 is correct: Lack of safe water access is a key indicator in the living standards dimension.
37—C	67—C	137—C	12—C	Basmati rice From Indian trade data for that period, petroleum products, iron & steel are among top export commodities. Basmati Rice is not among the top ten in that specific period (though an important export, it does not figure among the top ten for April-September 2024-25 per trade reports). Source
38—C	68—C	138—C	13—C	The maximum tree cover has been found in the State of Maharashtra followed by Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR 2023) published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: “The total forest and tree cover of the country is 15% of the geographical area of the country.” Incorrect. According to ISFR 2023, forest and tree cover together account for 24.62% of India’s geographical area (not 15%). Specifically: Forest cover: 21.71% Tree cover: 2.91% “Top three states having largest recorded forest area (RFA) are Jharkhand, Andaman & Nicobar and Manipur.” Incorrect. Recorded Forest Area (RFA) refers to land legally notified as forest, irrespective of canopy cover. The states with the largest RFA are: Madhya Pradesh Arunachal Pradesh Chhattisgarh Jharkhand, Andaman & Nicobar, and Manipur are not in the top three. “The maximum tree cover has been found in the State of Maharashtra followed by Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.” Correct. ISFR 2023 states that Maharashtra has the highest tree cover in India, followed by Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. This matches the official data.
39—B	69—B	139—B	14—B	Ireland According to global trade in services data, Ireland has a very high services export share (especially in IT, financial and digital services). India is large but behind Ireland in some segments. Russia and Indonesia do not have greater share than India in global services export.
40—D	70—D	140—D	15—D	None of the above The U-WIN (Universal Immunisation Witness) platform of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare is designed to support immunisation delivery and records. Official descriptions and MoHFW/partner documentation state that U-WIN issues QR-based e-vaccination certificates and is integrated to facilitate creation/management of digital health identifiers (ABHA/Ayushman Bharat Health Account) for children and parents where applicable; the portal and allied materials are also available in multiple Indian languages (11 Indian languages on the U-WIN website for guiding both citizens and front-line workers regarding key features and utilization of U-WIN such as registration, appointment booking, national immunization schedule etc.). Source: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
41—B	71—B	141—B	16—B	National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) The National Urban Innovation Stack (NUIS) digital blueprint was prepared under the aegis of the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs in collaboration with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) (NIUA is repeatedly named in official MoHUA/NIUA documentation as the partner/implementing body for the NUIS/Digital Blueprint). While other agencies (MoEIT, line ministries, etc.) participate in urban digital initiatives, the specific joint-development attribution in official releases is to NIUA. (Nudm)
42—A	72—A	142—A	17—A	Rajasthan The Bharatmala Pariyojana dashboard / government release of project-wise/state-wise progress (official Bharatmala / NHAI/Bharatmala data released to the public) shows the kilometers of road constructed by state up to 31-Oct-2024. Rajasthan had the largest constructed length among states at that cut-off date, ahead of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. (Official project progress tables list Rajasthan on top for constructed km as of that date.) (Press Information Bureau)
43—B	73—B	143—B	18—B	Reserve Bank of India and NABARD Government statements describing the Kisan Rin Portal explicitly say that earlier the manual claim process for Interest Subvention / Prompt Repayment Incentive involved submitting claims to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and NABARD; the KRP was introduced to streamline and digitalise these claim processes. Official press material and PIB releases identify RBI and NABARD as the earlier recipients of manual claims. (Press Information Bureau)
44—A	74—A	144—A	19—A	Increased to around USD 640 billion as of the end of December 2024. Economic Survey / official data record India’s foreign exchange reserves at around USD 640.3 billion at end-December 2024 (the survey and related releases cite ~USD 640.3 bn). Official commentary around that period described India’s reserves as among the world’s largest (reports cited “fourth-largest”), not “seventh”. India’s current-account position for FY24 showed a CAD of about USD 23.2 billion (close to USD 24 bn) but describing the reserves’ movement as “decreased caused by a BoP deficit of around USD 24 billion” is an oversimplification and not how official releases characterised the change (official releases show CAD figures and describe reserve moderation but do not attribute the entire reserve change solely to a BoP deficit of USD 24 bn).
45—D	75—D	145—D	20—D	More than one of the above The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (NITI Aayog / NFHS-5 based table) lists state/UT headcounts. States/UTs with very low MPI headcounts include Jammu & Kashmir (UT) and Himachal Pradesh, both below 6% in the NFHS-5 (2019–21) based MPI estimates; Uttar Pradesh’s MPI share is much higher. Therefore both Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh recorded <6% multidimensionally poor.
46—C	76—C	146—C	21—C	a→2, b→1, c→4, d→3 PAT (Perform, Achieve and Trade) is the market-based mechanism aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions in energy-intensive industries — this matches (2). (IEA) MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes) was announced/introduced in the Union Budget 2023-24 as a Budget/Union initiative — matches (1). (Press Information Bureau) LIFE (Lifestyle for Environment) was introduced by the Prime Minister at COP26 (Glasgow, Nov 2021) as an international mass-movement concept — matches (4). (MyGov.in) NCAP (National Clean Air Programme) was launched in 2019 as a national-level time-bound strategy for air quality improvement — matches (3). (Maharashtra Pollution Control Board)
47—A	77—A	147—A	22—A	There is greater increase in LFPR of rural females as compared to urban females since 2021-22. PLFS 2023-24 documented a noticeable rise in female labour force participation concentrated in rural areas; analyses and official notes show a larger increase in rural female LFPR compared with urban female LFPR since 2021-22 (PLFS highlights a stronger rural rise). (The India Forum) Correct. The claim that “among the 36 states and UTs, 90% states have a WPR below the national average of 43.7%” is not supported directly by the PLFS headline numbers and is a misleading aggregate statement; official PLFS tables do not present that exact 90%/43.7 formulation as a headline finding. (PLFS gives state-wise WPRs but does not summarise them in that particular ratio in the official release.) (Press Information Bureau) PLFS / related analysis indicates that the share of female workers in agriculture has not decreased significantly from 2017-18 to 2023-24; in several rural metrics female agricultural participation remained high and in some series rose — i.e., there is no clear PLFS finding that female share in agriculture “decreased significantly.”
48—C	78—C	148—C	23—C	Atal Innovation Mission STIP-2020 explicitly recommended measures such as “One Nation, One Subscription” (central negotiations for journal subscriptions) and proposed frameworks such as Research & Innovation Excellence Frameworks (RIEF). Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), however, was created earlier (launched in 2016) and is not an outcome of STIP-2020; it predates the 2020 policy.
49—B	79—B	149—B	24—B	27.3%, 30.1%. Official government data (Ministry of MSME citing MoSPI statistics) record the share of MSME Gross Value Added (GVA) in all-India GDP as about 27.3% in 2020–21 and about 30.1% in 2022–23 — i.e., an increase from ~27.3% to ~30.1%. This matches option (B). (Press Information Bureau)
50—A	80—A	150—A	25—A	only statement (1) is correct. Authoritative sector analysis and industry reports indicate a large concentration of India’s cement capacity in a relatively small number of states (the commonly cited figure in industry sources is ~85–87% of capacity concentrated across states such as Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh/Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, etc.). Thus statement (1) — high concentration in a few major states (examples: Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh among others) — is essentially correct. (Infomerics) Largest producer claim: India is not the largest producer of cement globally; China is the largest producer and India is the second-largest producer. So (2) is false. (IBEF) Location near ports vs raw material: Cement plants are typically located close to raw material sources (limestone quarries) rather than far from raw materials and near ports — proximity to limestone is a primary factor in siting plants; hence statement (3) is incorrect.