#Geography

Q1. Consider the following pairs:

Island/LocationAssociated Water Body/Region
1. Mayun (Perim) IslandBab el-Mandeb Strait
2. Hanish IslandsRed Sea
3. Socotra IslandGulf of Aden

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Answer: (b)

Explanation

  1. Context: The Houthi takeover of Mayun Island and Hanish Islands has brought Yemen’s offshore geography and maritime position into focus.
  2. Mayun (Perim) Island is strategically located inside the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, dividing the waterway into two channels. Hence, pair 1 is correct.
  3. The Hanish Islands are a group of volcanic islands located in the southern Red Sea between Yemen and Eritrea. Hence, pair 2 is correct.
  4. Socotra Island is located in the Arabian Sea, although it belongs politically to Yemen. Hence, pair 3 is incorrect.

Therefore, only two pairs are correctly matched. Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.



#Miscellaneous

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram:

  1. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas associated with Lord Shiva in Hindu tradition.
  2. Its long outer corridor is considered one of the longest temple corridors in India.
  3. The temple architecture was primarily developed under the Chola rulers.

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

Answer: (a)

Explanation

  1. Context: The Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram was showcased as a cultural symbol during the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, highlighting India’s civilisational heritage before international leaders.
  2. The temple at Rameswaram is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is traditionally counted among the 12 Jyotirlingas. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  3. The temple is famous for its massive outer corridors, supported by more than 1,200 carved stone pillars, making it one of the longest temple corridors in India. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  4. Although the temple has contributions from several rulers, including the Sethupathi rulers of Ramanathapuram and rulers from Sri Lanka, it is not primarily a Chola architectural creation. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
  5. The temple represents the interaction of religion, maritime geography and South Indian architectural traditions.

Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct. Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.



#Miscellaneous

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding Acharya Vinoba Bhave:

  1. He was the first individual to be selected by Mahatma Gandhi for the Individual Satyagraha movement in 1940.
  2. During his imprisonment in Dhulia Jail in 1932, he delivered discourses on the Bhagavad Gita, which were later published as Gita Pravachane.
  3. The Bhoodan Movement, initiated by him in 1951, was based on voluntary donation of land by landowners for distribution among landless people.

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

Answer: (d)

Explanation

  1. Context: The Prime Minister recently paid tribute to Acharya Vinoba Bhave on his birth anniversary, recalling his contribution to equality, service and empowerment of marginalised sections through initiatives such as the Bhoodan Movement.
  2. Mahatma Gandhi selected Vinoba Bhave as the first Individual Satyagrahi in 1940 during the Individual Satyagraha movement against British rule. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  3. During his imprisonment in Dhulia Jail in 1932, Vinoba delivered discourses on the Bhagavad Gita, which were later compiled as Gita Pravachane, an important literary contribution. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  4. The Bhoodan Movement began in 1951 when Vinoba Bhave appealed to landowners for voluntary land donations to help landless people, beginning from Pochampalli in Telangana. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Therefore, all three statements are correct. Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.



#Polity

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR):

  1. NCPCR is a statutory body established under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005.
  2. It functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
  3. It has the power to directly punish private entities for violation of child rights.

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

Answer: (a)

Explanation

  1. Context: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) recently summoned Meta officials over allegations relating to Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM) appearing through advertisements on Instagram platforms.
  2. NCPCR was established in March 2007 under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005 and is a statutory body. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  3. It functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD). Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  4. NCPCR has quasi-judicial powers and can conduct inquiries, summon persons, demand documents and recommend action, but it does not directly punish offenders or pass executable decrees. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
  5. Important distinction:
  6. Statutory body → Created through legislation (NCPCR under CPCR Act, 2005).
  7. Constitutional body → Created directly by the Constitution (e.g., Election Commission, UPSC).

Therefore, statements 1 and 2 are correct. Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.



#Environment

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding hyena species:

  1. The spotted hyena belongs to the family Hyaenidae.
  2. Hyenas are more closely related evolutionarily to cats than to dogs.
  3. All species of hyenas are exclusively scavengers and do not actively hunt prey.

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

Answer: (a)

Explanation

  1. Context: The recent discussion on spotted hyenas has highlighted that these animals are not merely scavengers but highly skilled predators with complex social systems.
  2. Spotted hyenas belong to the family Hyaenidae, which includes four living species: spotted hyena, striped hyena, brown hyena and aardwolf. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  3. Despite their dog-like appearance, hyenas are evolutionarily closer to cats and other feliform carnivores than to dogs. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  4. Spotted hyenas are active hunters and kill a significant proportion of their own prey; they possess powerful jaws capable of crushing bones. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Therefore, statements 1 and 2 are correct. Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.