India Skills 2021
India Skills 2021 India Skills 2021 operates under the NSDC of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The World Skills India expert group is responsible for creating Team India that participates in the World Skills competition. In 2021, the NSDC is organizing more than fifty skill competitions. It includes welding, cyber security, painting, floristry, additive manufacturing, patisserie and others. It also included Abilympics. Abilympics is skill demonstrations by physically disabled persons. It is the country’s biggest skill competition. The winners of India Skills 2021 will participate in the World Skills competition. The World Skills competition is to be held in Shanghai, China in 2022. The winners will compete against 1500 participants from 60 different countries. The World Skills competition is called “Olympics of Skills”. The aim is to provide opportunity and platform to the emerging professionals to exhibit their skills. It facilitates cooperation among industries, governments and academicians. It helps the youths earn international recognition and reputation. It acts as a secretariat to the World Skills India and India Skills expert team. It creates and establishes linkages among different stakeholders participating in the competition. Red Sanders The species, Pterocarpus santalinus, is an Indian endemic tree species, with a restricted geographical range in the Eastern Ghats. The species is endemic to a distinct tract of forests in Andhra Pradesh. Red Sanders usually grow in the rocky, degraded and fallow lands with Red Soil and hot and dry climate. Red Sanders, known for their rich hue and therapeutic properties, are high in demand across Asia, particularly in China and Japan, for use in cosmetics and medicinal products as well as for making furniture, woodcraft and musical instruments. The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) categorised the Red Sanders (or Red Sandalwood) again into the ‘endangered’ category in its Red List. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
India Maldives Relations
India Maldives Relations Maldives is an important member of SAARC. It is strategically located along major sea lanes in the Indian Ocean. A significant portion of world trade takes place through the Indian Ocean. All the energy supplies coming from Gulf nations pass through this area. Geo-Strategic Importance of Maldives to India: Located at the southern and northern parts of this island chain lies the two important sea lanes of communication (SLOCs). These SLOCs are critical for maritime trade flow between the Gulf of Aden and Gulf of Hormuz in West Asia and the Strait of Malacca in Southeast Asia. These are of vital importance for India since nearly 50% of India’s external trade and 80% of her energy imports transit these westward SLOCs in the Arabian Sea. Net Security Provider in the Indian Ocean Region: Maldives plays a major role in India’s ambition towards Net Security Provider in the Indian Ocean Region. India continuously aims to promote an ever-expanding area of peace and stability around it. Areas of Cooperation: Security Cooperation: Through the decades, India has rushed emergency assistance to the Maldives. Operation Cactus: In 1988, when armed mercenaries attempted a coup against President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, India sent paratroopers and Navy vessels and restored the legitimate leadership under Operation Cactus. Disaster Management: The 2004 tsunami and the drinking water crisis in Male a decade later were other occasions when India rushed assistance. At the peak of the continuing COVID-19 disruption, the Maldives has been the biggest beneficiary of the Covid-19 assistance given by India among its all of India’s neighbouring countries. When the world supply chains were blocked because of the pandemic, India continued to provide crucial commodities to the Maldives under Mission SAGAR. People To People Contact: Maldivian people attend educational institutions and uses the health care facilities in India. Tourism is the mainstay of Maldivian economy. The country is now a major tourist destination for some Indians and a job destination for others. Read GS Full Notes Issues in India- Maldives Relation: Political Instability: India’s major concern has been the impact of political instability in the neighbourhood on its security and development. Radicalisation: In the past decade or so, the number of Maldivians drawn towards terrorist groups like the Islamic State (IS) and Pakistan-based madrassas and jihadist groups has been increasing. China Angle: China’s strategic footprint in India’s neighbourhood has increased. The Maldives has emerged as an important ‘pearl’ in China’s “String of Pearls” construct in South Asia. Given the Maldives’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean, there are speculations about China trying to develop strategic bases in the archipelago. In 2014, an agreement with GMR(Indian Company) to built an airport in Mali was withdrawn by the Maldivian government. Way Forward: With India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, India can play a major role in the development of Maldives. However, for adherence to strategic comfort in relations, Maldives on its part should abide by its India First policy. UPSC Prelims Mock Test Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey.Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. CONTACT US
UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice Test 1
Check All Mains Questions “Indian constitution has components that ensure its dynamic nature and that it changes with the needs of time.” Critically analyse (10 Marks) “Efficacy in the functioning of parliament has decreased over years.” Explain and suggest solutions. (10 Marks) What is meant by Parliamentary privileges? Comment on the factors that necessitate them (10 Marks) “The basic structure doctrine is the most important contribution of the judiciary in maintaining the sanctity of the Indian constitution.” Comment. (10 Marks) Analyse the progress made by Panchayati Raj institutions in the direction of democratic decentralisation and grass-root level development. (10 Marks) “The state legislative councils are dilatory chambers that do nothing but prolongs passage of bills and increase legislative expenses.” Critically analyse. (10 Marks) “Indian constitution was created borrowing ideas from a multitude of sources giving it unique characters that suit the unique nature of Indian society.” Analyse (15 Marks) “Though Indian federalism is also called bargaining federalism, often the centre holds disproportionate powers, making it a pseudo federalism”. Analyse (15 Marks) “The basis of Indian polity is a fine balance between legislature, executive and judiciary which is not a clearly delineated line, but created through cautious restraint and mutual respect between them”. Analyse (15 Marks) Compare and contrast presidential and parliamentary systems.Do you think it was right on the part of constitutional makers in choosing parliamentary system for India.?(15 Marks) Answer Key 1 . “Indian constitution has components that ensure its dynamic nature and that it changes with the needs of time”.Critically analyze (10 Marks) Answer: Indian Constitution is a living document that has provisions to change according to the needs of the people and time. Amendments to the Constitution: As per the Article 368, Constitution can be amended through simple or special majority to meet the needs of people. The recent amendments made by providing reservations to Economically Weaker Sections, constitutional backing to the National Commission for Backward Classes etc. can be attributed to the same. Similarly, 42nd Amendment Act has included provisions for secularism, socialism etc. as vision for the nature of India. Supreme Court through judicial review has enlarged the scope of judiciary. It gave verdicts that the decisions taken by Speaker in the Anti defection law is subject to judicial review. In addition, SC evolved the basic structure doctrine and put a brake on the unlimited amending power of the Parliament. The Directive Principles of State Policy are added as non justiciable feature considering the incapacity of the state post independence. Still, government has enacted progressive legislations to achieve the same. Thus, it can be mentioned that the Constitution has principles which allow for expanding in the future and it has to be adapted to the changes that may take place in human affairs. 2. “Efficacy in the functioning of parliament has decreased over years”Explain and suggest solutions. (10 Marks) Answer : As the deliberative and representative assembly, Parliament’s role in developing India has been crucial. But over several decades there has been a decline in the effectiveness of the Parliament as an institution of accountability and oversight.The instruments of accountability, the Parliament uses such as the committee system, motion on the floor etc have become increasingly dysfunctional. The declining standards of debates, decorum and discipline are very much evident. The nexus between politicians and business groups also degrades the parliamentary process. The decline of Parliament has taken an unprecedented rise due to the following- Decline in number of sittings in Indian Parliament. According to the analysis of PRS Legislative Research (PRS), against the average 127 days of sitting in the 1950s, Lok Sabha met only 74 times in 2012. Likewise, Rajya Sabha on an average meets 93 days a year in the 1950s. But it has reduced to merely 74 days in 2012 Decline in number of hours per sitting in Indian Parliament. The fifth Lok Sabha recorded an average sitting of 7 hours 38 minutes; the 7th Lok Sabha recorded an average sitting of 7 hours 9 minutes per sitting. In the 12th Lok Sabha, the average hour per sitting was only 6 hours 30 minutes. Decline in the duration of budget session in Indian Parliament. In 2006 Lok Sabha, more than 40% of bills were passed without even an hour of debate. In the year 2012, both Houses met for only 35 days but the irony is that 92 percent of budgetary proposals were put to vote without any discussion. Decline in the attendance of the Parliamentarians in Indian Parliament. As per the PSR report, during the 11th and 12th sessions of the fourteenth Lok Sabha, more than 75 percent members were below the median point of 16 or more days of attendance. The number of MPs whose attendance ranged from 0–5 days increased in the 12th session. Decrease in the number of questions answered in Indian Parliament. In 2009 session of Lok Sabha, out of 1100 questions admitted for question hour, only 266 were called in the house while rest could not be raised due to the paucity of time. Similarly, in 2012 only 144 questions in Lok Sabha and 157 questions in Rajya Sabha being answered orally, while others were left for written answers due to the paucity of time as a result of frequent disruptions. Declining standards of debates in Indian Parliament. The declining standards of debates in Parliament and the manner in which parliamentarians conduct themselves, forgetting that there is a huge difference between a fight on the floor of the house and a fight on the streets are pointers towards the lack of ability or merit in the parliamentarians. It is very much evident with the speech of our ex-President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee when he expressed his worry over declining debates and standards of Indian Parliament. For any strong democracy, it is very important Parliament function more efficiently and great issues should be discussed. 3. What is meant by Parliamentary privileges.? Comment on the factors that necessitate them (10 Marks) Answer : Parliamentary privileges are special rights, immunities, exceptions enjoyed by the members of the two houses of Parliament and their committees originally envisaged by the
NASA-ISRO NISAR Mission
NASA-ISRO NISAR Mission NASA and ISRO are collaborating on developing a satellite called NISAR, which will detect movements of the planet’s surface as small as 0.4 inches over areas about half the size of a tennis court. The satellite will be launched in 2022 from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, India, into a near-polar orbit and will scan the globe every 12 days over the course of its three-year mission of imaging the Earth’s land, ice sheets and sea ice to give an “unprecedented” view of the planet. NISAR It’s an SUV-sized satellite that is being jointly developed by the space agencies of the US and India. The partnership agreement was signed between NASA and ISRO. NASA will provide one of the radars for the satellite, a high-rate communication subsystem for science data, GPS receivers and a payload data subsystem. ISRO, on the other hand, will provide the spacecraft bus, the second type of radar (called the S-band radar), the launch vehicle and associated launch services. NISAR is an all-weather satellite that’s going to give us an unprecedented ability to look at how Earth’s surface is changing. NISAR will be equipped with the largest reflector antenna ever launched by NASA and its primary goals include tracking subtle changes in the Earth’s surface, spotting warning signs of imminent volcanic eruptions, helping to monitor groundwater supplies and tracking the rate at which ice sheets are melting. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. JOIN NOW
State of India’s Livelihood (SOIL) Report 2021
State of India’s Livelihood (SOIL) Report 2021: FPOs The State of India’s Livelihood (SOIL) Report 2021 has stated that just 1-5 % of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) have received funding under central government schemes introduced to promote them in the last seven years. Access Development Services, a national livelihoods support organisation has prepared the SOIL report. It has analysed only Farmer Producer Companies (FPC — FPOs registered under The Companies Act, 2013) since they make up a large majority of the organisations started in recent years. The concept of ‘Farmer Producer Organisations (FPO)’ consists of collectivization of producers especially small and marginal farmers so as to form an effective alliance to collectively address many challenges of agriculture such as improved access to investment, technology, inputs, and markets. The average farm size declined from 2.3 hectares (ha) in 1970-71 to 1.08 ha in 2015-16. The share of small and marginal farmers increased from 70% in 1980-81 to 86% in 2015-16. FPOs can help farmers compete with large corporate entrepreneurs. Social capital will develop in the form of FPOs, as it may lead to improved gender relations and decision-making of women farmers in FPOs. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. JOIN NOW
Assam Meghalaya border dispute
Assam Meghalaya border dispute Assam and Meghalaya share an 885-km-long border. Meghalaya was carved out of Assam under the Assam Reorganisation Act, 1971, a law that it challenged, leading to disputes. As of now, there are 12 points of dispute along their borders. These include the areas of Upper Tarabari, Gazang reserve forest, Hahim, Langpih, Borduar, Boklapara, Nongwah, Matamur, Khanapara-Pilangkata, Deshdemoreah Block I and Block II, Khanduli and Retacherra. The states of the Northeast were largely carved out of Assam, which has border disputes with several states. Assam’s border disputes with Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland are pending in the Supreme Court. Assam’s border disputes with Meghalaya and Mizoram are currently in the phase of resolution through negotiations. Read India Maldives Relations The border dispute with Mizoram recently turned violent, leading to intervention from the Centre. A major point of contention between Assam and Meghalaya is the district of Langpih in West Garo Hills bordering the Kamrup district of Assam. Langpih was part of the Kamrup district during the British colonial period but post-Independence, it became part of the Garo Hills and Meghalaya. Assam considers it to be part of the Mikir Hills in Assam. Meghalaya has questioned Blocks I and II of the Mikir Hills -now Karbi Anglong region – being part of Assam. Meghalaya says these were parts of erstwhile United Khasi and Jaintia Hills districts. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. JOIN NOW
Hate Speech
Hate Speech The growing incidence of hate speeches, especially those targeting minorities, in combination with the judicial ambiguity has provided an opportunity to chart legislative reforms. Hate speech is neither defined in the Indian legal framework nor can it be easily reduced to a standard definition due to the myriad forms it can take. The Supreme Court, in Pravasi Bhalai Sangathan v. Union of India (2014), described hate speech as “an effort to marginalise individuals based on their membership in a group” and one that “seeks to delegitimize group members in the eyes of the majority, reducing their social standing and acceptance within society.” The Indian Penal Code illegally uses speeches that are intended to promote enmity or prejudice the maintenance of harmony between different classes. Specifically, sections of the IPC, such as 153A, which penalises promotion of enmity between different groups. 153B, which punishes imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration. 505, which punishes rumours and news intended to promote communal enmity. 295A, which criminalises insults to the religious beliefs of a class by words with deliberate or malicious intention. Amish Devgan v. Union of India (2020), the Supreme Court held that “hate speech has no redeeming or legitimate purpose other than hatred towards a particular group”. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. Click here
Nari Shakti Puraskar
Nari Shakti Puraskar The President of India confers the Nari Shakti Puraskar on the International Women’s Day (8th March), annually. The Nari Shakti Puraskar carries a cash award of Rs.2 Lakh and a certificate for individuals and institutions. The Ministry of Women and Child Development announces these national level awards for individuals/ groups/ Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs)/ institutions etc. Initiated in the year 1999, it is the highest Civilian Honour for Women in India, To showcase the Government’s commitment towards women with the aim of strengthening their position in the society. It will also provide an opportunity to Young Indians to understand the contribution of women in building society and the nation. As per the Guidelines, any individual of at least 25 years of age and institutions having worked in the relevant field for at least 5 years are eligible to apply. The awards are given: For encouraging women to participate in decision making roles. Women’s skill development in traditional and non-traditional sectors. Facilitating basic amenities for rural women. Promoting women in non-traditional sectors like science and technology, sports, art, culture concretely. For the significant work towards safety and security, health and wellness, education, life skills, respect and dignity of women etc. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey.Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. contact us
India-Myanmar Relations
India-Myanmar Relations India shares a nearly 1600 km long terrestrial border with Myanmar and an extended maritime border also. It shares an international boundary with the Indian states of Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh. Besides, geographical proximity, the two also share ethnic, religious, and linguistic commonalities. The relations between the two neighbours have witnessed many highs and lows. Indian leaders also maintained close relations with it during the liberation struggle which was led by Aung San. India established diplomatic ties with Myanmar in 1948 after it gained independence. The ties however deteriorated after the overthrow of Democracy in Myanmar in 1962 as India condemned the military coup. Importance of Myanmar: Gateway to the East: Myanmar is that the only ASEAN member that shares its borders with India and thus provides an opportunity for deepening ties with south-east Asian nations under the design East and Act East policies. Regional Cooperation: Myanmar may be a key component of India s ambitions at bridging South Asia and South-East Asia through BIMSTEC which brings together 21% of the world’s population and features a combined GDP of nearly $2.5 trillion. BIMSTEC also offers an alternate to SAARC which has been held back thanks to strains in Indo- Pakistan ties. Security in North East: Cooperation with Myanmar is crucial for controlling insurgency in North-Eastern states. Besides, the porous borders provide fertile grounds for gangland that’s human trafficking, drugs peddling and smuggling of arms and ammunition. These are often checked only with the collaborative effort between India and Myanmar. Energy security: Myanmar has rich reserves of oil and natural gas. Since India imports nearly 80% of its fuel, Myanmar is important for India. Myanmar is potentially an important partner in the energy sector as future offshore gas finds can be piped to India. India currently has a JWG on Oil and Gas and JSC & JWG on Power cooperation. Food security: Import of pulses and beans from Myanmar is significant in making sure food security in India. Counterbalancing China: India must increase its presence in Myanmar so on the counter the growing Chinese dominance within the region. Myanmar thus has strategic significance for India. Economic Relations India is Burma’s 4th largest trading partner after Thailand, China, and Singapore. The bilateral trade stands at approximately US $1.6 billion in 2017-18. The agriculture sector dominates the bilateral trade which comprises mostly of pulses and beans imports to India. India is additionally the tenth largest investor in Myanmar. India has substantial investments in Myanmar’s oil and gas sector. Infrastructure and Connectivity Kaladan multi-modal Highway: It connects Kolkata with Sittwe via sea and Sittwe with Myanmar via Kaladan river, thereby reducing transit time and costs. Also under construction is that the India-Myanmar Thailand Trilateral Highway that connects Guwahati in India with Mandalay and Yangoon in Myanmar and eventually culminates in Thailand. Disaster relief: India has also assisted Myanmar in humanitarian relief operations following natural calamities like Cyclone Mora (2017), Komen (2015), etc aside from monetary support in rehabilitation and reconstruction. Defence cooperation The two neighbours also conducted joint Army exercises called IMBAX since 2017 and are conducting joint maritime patrols since 2013. Indian and Myanmar troops carried out jointly Operation Sunrise and Operation Sunrise 2 in 2019 in their respective territories to destroy several insurgent camps. In 2020, India gifted the Myanmar navy its first-ever submarine, a kilo class (INS Sindhuvir) attack submarine which has been refurbished and modernised by Hindustan Shipyard Limited. Energy Cooperation In the context of energy security, India proposed to construct a petroleum refinery in Thanlyn region near Yangon. It would involve an investment of about $ 6 billion. India also provides power from Moreh in Manipur to Myanmar. Rohingya Issue India showed diplomatic fine balancing by abstaining from voting against Myanmar during the Bali declaration and also condemned the terrorist attacks in Rakhine district led by ARSA. Practice Prelims Mock Questions India Myanmar Relations Challenges Rohingya Influx India hosts nearly 40,000 Rohingya Muslims who are denied citizenship in Myanmar and who sought refuge in India so as to flee religious persecution. But India faces a tremendous burden on its resources on account of refugees and also apprehends a security threat from radicalized Rohingya youth. As a result, India pushes for the repatriation of refugees back to Myanmar. China factor: Growing Chinese presence Myanmar agreed to be a neighbourhood of the Belt and Road Initiative and has also welcomed Chinese investments in various infrastructure projects including port projects like Kyaukpyu port. This has made India apprehensive as a growing Chinese presence in India’s neighbourhood spells strategic concerns. Under the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China is funding and developing many big projects in Myanmar that can be used as military bases in the future. China has its own designs and wants to use Myanmar as another base in its ‘string of pearl’ strategy against India. Insurgency: The north eastern insurgency group often uses Myanmar as the hiding place. Also the Free Movement Regime causes the influx of new insurgents from the Myanmar Region. Military Coup in Myanmar – China’s role and impact on India foreign policy Recently, Myanmar’s military seized power of the Southeast Asian country in a coup– the third time in the nation’s history since its independence from British rule in 1948 In a television address, the army announced that power had been handed to the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and that it was declaring a national state of emergency for one year. The country’s civilian leader Suu Kyi and several state ministers are being detained in the capital Naypyidaw. The move comes after months of increasing friction between the civilian government and the powerful military, known as the Tatmadaw, over alleged election irregularities. The two bodies have attempted to share power since the 2015 elections, Myanmar’s first openly contested poll since the end of military rule. That power-sharing relationship now appears to be over following the coup. 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UPSC Prelims Mock Test 2 – History
UPSC Prelims Mock Test 2 – History Check All Prelims Mock Questions 1. Which of the following statements about the Indica of Megasthenes is/are not true?1.It refers that the imperial palace is primarily made up of stones and marbles.2.It refers that there was a huge network of spy system prevalent in the Mauryan country.3.It described the castes of Indian society according to their professions often mingling caste with the occupation.Select the correct answer using the codes given below:(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) 1 and 3(d) 2 and 3 2. Consider the following statements regarding Sher Shah Sur’s administration:1.Sher Shah’s empire was divided into sarkars where chief Shiqdar and chief Munsif had charges of the administration in each sarkar.2.Each sarkar was divided into several parganas.Which of the following statements is/are correct?(a)1 only(b)2 only(c)Both 1 and 2(d)Neither 1 nor 2 3. Consider the following statements regarding Rashtriya Gokul Mission(RGM):1.It aims at developing and conserving indigenous breeds through selective breeding and genetic upgradation.2.The RGM is managed by the Department of Animal Health and Husbandry.3.RGM provides for the rehabilitation of cattle past their reproductive or useful ageSelect the correct answer using the code given below.(a)2 only(b)1 and 2 only(c)1 and 3 only(d)1,2 and 3 4. With reference to the Stone Age, consider the following statements:1.The availability of vast grasslands during the Paleolithic period aided in the development of animal rearing practises.2.Early stone age tools developed during this period was completely absent in the southern parts of India.Which of the above statements is/are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2 5.Which of the following States has declared endangered Indus river dolphins as ‘State aquatic animal’?(a) Jammu and Kashmir(b) Haryana(c) Punjab(d) Himachal Pradesh 6.Consider the following statements: 1.A settled pattern of life emerged in the later Vedic phase unlike the early Vedic period.2.Painted Grey Ware is a significant type of pottery associated with the later Vedic period.3.Assemblies which were in existence during the Rig Vedic period became less significant during this period.Select the correct answer using the code given below:(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1,2 and 3 7. Consider the following statements about ‘Know My India Programme’.1.The programme aims to promote oneness, fraternity and national integration among the victims of terrorism from the state of Jammu and Kashmir.2.Know My India Programme is a joint initiative of the Indian Army and the Central Reserve Police Force.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2 8.Who among the following headed judicial department under Mughals during the medieval period?(a) Qazi(b) Mir Bakhshi(c) Mir Saman(d) Diwan 9. Consider the following statements about Jainism:1. Jain doctrines believe that every living being has a soul.2. Jainas followed image worship from initial period itself unlike Buddhism.3. It believes that the world is created and destroyed by God.Which of the above statements is/are correct?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1 only 10.Consider the following statements:1. Harappan people used metals and alloys like copper, bronze in their everyday lives.2. The northernmost Harappan site discovered so far is Kalibangan.Which of the above statements is/are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2 11. Which of the following statements is/are true regarding the Mauryan Administration?1.The Mauryan empire was divided into four Provinces.2.The council of ministers at the provincial level acted as a check on the local governor.Select the correct answer using the codes given below.(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2 12. Consider the following statements in the context of RBI’s rationalised framework for External Commercial Borrowing:1.Under the new framework, all entities eligible to receive FDI are permitted to raise ECBs up to USD one billion per financial year under the automatic route.2.The Minimum Average Maturity Period for all ECBs has been set at 5 years, irrespective of the amount of borrowing.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2 13.Consider the following statements regarding the Akbar’s relation with the Rajputs:1.Akbar married Rajput princesses, and gave religious freedom to his Hindu wives, and gave an honoured place to their parents and relations in the nobility.2.Akbar never gave formal acknowledgement to Rajput rulers3.Akbar’s rule was generally marked by changing the approach towards dealing with (a) 1 only(b) 1 and 2 only(c) 2 and 3 only.(d) All the above 14.Consider the following statements with reference to Cultural Heritage Youth Leadership Programme:1.The programme is aimed at creating awareness of Indian culture and heritage amongst the youth to promote, understand and develop a fondness for India’s rich cultural heritage.2.The programme focuses on less privileged children residing in backward areas.3.The programme is implemented by the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training.Which of the statements given above are correct?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3 15.Consider the following statements regarding the Lomas Rishi Caves:1.It is located in Aravalli hills near Rajasthan.2.It was dedicated to the Ajivika sect by King Ashoka.3.It shows a clear influence of wooden architecture on rock-cut architecture.Which of the above statements is/are Rajputs relation with whom the not true? relationship became sour during (a) 1 only the end of his rule. (b) 2 only Which of the following statements is/are (c) 2 and 3 correct? (d) 1 and 3 16. Which of the following is/are the possible advantages of Minimum Support Price?1.It assures a remunerative and stable price environment for farmers.2.MSP incentivize the cultivators to adopt modern technology.3.It helps in raising the productivity and overall grain production in line with the emerging demand patterns.Select the correct answer using the code given below:(a) 1 and 3 only(b) 1 and 2 only(c) 1 only(d) 1,2 and 3 17. Which of the following most appropriately represents the term ‘Upasikas’ with regard to the religious development in ancient India?(a) Buddhist text which contains teachings of the Buddha and its disciples.(b) Followers and lay members of Buddhism who adhere to its principles.(c) Prayer hall arranged for Buddhist monks and nuns.(d) Followers and lay members of
