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41. The Ghadr (Ghadar) was a

The Ghadr (Ghadar) was a

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revolutionary association of Indians with headquarters at San Francisco

nationalist organization operating from Singapore

militant organization with headquarters at Berlin

communist movement for India's freedom with headquarters at Tashkent

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The Ghadr (Ghadar) Party was a revolutionary organization formed by Indians in the United States and Canada in the early 20th century with the aim of liberating India from British rule. Its headquarters were located in San Francisco, USA.

– The Ghadar Party was primarily composed of Punjabi Sikhs.
– It advocated armed revolution against British rule in India.
– Its newspaper, ‘The Ghadar’, was published in multiple languages and disseminated revolutionary ideas.

The party was founded in 1913 by Lala Hardayal and others. While based primarily in North America, it had members and sympathizers in various parts of the world, including other parts of Asia and Europe, and attempted to coordinate activities with other nationalist groups.

42. With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the

With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs:

Famous work of sculpture	Site
1. A grand image of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below	Ajanta
2. A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boar incarnation) of Vishnu, as he rescues Goddess Earth from the deep and chaotic waters, sculpted on rock	Mount Abu
3. “Arjuna’s Penance”/”Descent of Ganga” sculpted on the surface of huge boulders	Mamallapuram

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

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1 and 2 only

3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

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Pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched. The famous sculpture of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana with celestial musicians and sorrowful followers is located in Cave 26 at Ajanta. The large rock relief depicting “Arjuna’s Penance” or the “Descent of Ganga” is a prominent sculpture at Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram). Pair 2 is incorrectly matched; the iconic huge image of Varaha Avatar rescuing Goddess Earth is found at the Udaigiri Caves in Madhya Pradesh, not Mount Abu.

– Ajanta Caves (Maharashtra) are famous for Buddhist rock-cut caves with paintings and sculptures.
– Mamallapuram (Tamil Nadu) is known for its Pallava period rock-cut architecture and sculptures, including the famous Descent of Ganga panel.
– Udaigiri Caves (Madhya Pradesh) are known for Gupta period sculptures, including the large Varaha relief. Mount Abu is famous for Jain Dilwara Temples.

These sites represent significant achievements in ancient and medieval Indian art and architecture, showcasing diverse religious themes (Buddhist, Hindu, Jain) and artistic styles across different dynasties and regions. Ajanta and Mamallapuram are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

43. Chaitra 1 of the national calendar based on the Saka Era corresponds t

Chaitra 1 of the national calendar based on the Saka Era corresponds to which one of the following dates of the Gregorian calendar in a normal year of 365 days?

22nd March (or 21st March)

15th May (or 16th May)

31st March (or 30th March)

21st April (or 20th April)

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The Indian National Calendar, based on the Saka Era, was adopted in 1957. Its civil year starts on Chaitra 1. In a normal year with 365 days, Chaitra 1 of the Saka Calendar falls on the 22nd of March in the Gregorian calendar. In a Gregorian leap year, Chaitra 1 falls on the 21st of March. The option correctly provides both possibilities.

– The Indian National Calendar uses the Saka Era, with the epoch year being 78 CE.
– The calendar was adopted on March 22, 1957 (which was Chaitra 1, 1879 Saka).
– The months follow the tropical zodiac.
– The starting day of the year (Chaitra 1) aligns closely with the vernal equinox.

The Saka Calendar is used alongside the Gregorian calendar in official contexts in India, such as in the Gazette of India, news broadcasts by All India Radio, and calendars issued by the Government of India.

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44. With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following st

With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements:

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1. Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama.
2. It is a centuries-old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam.
3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

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Statements 1 and 2 regarding Sattriya dance are correct. Sattriya is recognized as one of the classical dance forms of India, originating in the Sattras (monasteries) of Assam. It is a holistic art form combining music, dance, and elements of drama, part of the Vaishnavite Bhakti movement initiated by Srimanta Sankardeva in the 15th century. Statement 3 is incorrect because the devotional songs used in Sattriya are primarily compositions by Srimanta Sankardeva and Madhavadeva, not Tulsidas, Kabir, or Mirabai, who belong to different devotional traditions and regions.

– Sattriya is a major classical dance form of India from Assam.
– It combines dance (Nritta), expressional dance (Nritya), and dramatic elements (Natya).
– It developed within the Vaishnavite monasteries (Sattras) founded by Srimanta Sankardeva.
– The musical compositions (Borgeet) and plays (Ankia Naats) form the basis of its repertoire.

Sattriya was recognized as a classical dance form by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2000. It has two main streams: Gayan-Bhayanar Nach (suited for males) and Kewaliyar Nach (suited for females), though both are now performed by all genders.

45. The 1929 Session of Indian National Congress is of significance in the

The 1929 Session of Indian National Congress is of significance in the history of the Freedom Movement because the

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attainment of Self-Government was declared as the objective of the Congress

attainment of Poorna Swaraj was adopted as the goal of the Congress

Non-Cooperation Movement was launched

decision to participate in the Round Table Conference in London was taken

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The 1929 Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress, presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru, is highly significant because it was there that the Congress adopted ‘Poorna Swaraj’ (complete independence) as its ultimate goal. A resolution was passed declaring that the aim of the Congress was the attainment of Poorna Swaraj.

– The session was held in Lahore in 1929.
– Jawaharlal Nehru was the president of the session.
– The Declaration of Poorna Swaraj was passed.
– January 26, 1930, was designated as the first Poorna Swaraj Day.

Prior to 1929, the demand was often for ‘Swaraj’ or self-government within the British Empire. The Lahore session marked a radical shift in the stance of the Indian National Congress, demanding complete separation from British rule.

46. The Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 lasted until

The Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 lasted until

the First World War when Indian troops were needed by the British and the partition was ended

King George V abrogated Curzon's Act at the Royal Durbar in Delhi in 1911

Gandhiji launched his Civil Disobedience Movement

the Partition of India in 1947 when East Bengal became East Pakistan

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The Partition of Bengal, enacted by Lord Curzon in 1905, did not last until the First World War or the Partition of India in 1947. It was annulled in 1911. The annulment was announced by King George V at the Delhi Durbar on December 12, 1911, in response to widespread protests and the Swadeshi movement.

– The Partition of Bengal was implemented in 1905 by Lord Curzon.
– It led to significant political unrest and the launch of the Swadeshi movement.
– The partition was revoked in 1911.
– The decision to annul was announced at the Delhi Durbar.

Upon annulment, Bengal was reunified, but new provincial boundaries were created; Bihar and Orissa were separated from Bengal, and Assam became a separate province. The capital of British India was also shifted from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911.

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47. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of a food chain?

Which one of the following is the correct sequence of a food chain?

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Diatoms-Crustaceans-Herrings

Crustaceans-Diatoms-Herrings

Diatoms-Herrings-Crustaceans

Crustaceans-Herrings-Diatoms

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In a typical aquatic food chain involving these organisms, diatoms are producers (phytoplankton), which form the base of the food chain by converting sunlight into energy. Crustaceans (like zooplankton) are primary consumers that feed on diatoms. Herrings are fish that feed on crustaceans, acting as secondary consumers. Therefore, the correct sequence is Diatoms -> Crustaceans -> Herrings.

– Food chains illustrate the flow of energy through an ecosystem.
– The sequence starts with producers, followed by consumers at different trophic levels.
– Diatoms (phytoplankton) are producers.
– Crustaceans (zooplankton) are primary consumers.
– Herrings (fish) are secondary consumers.

Other organisms might be involved in this food web, and herrings can also consume small fish, placing them at a higher trophic level in different food chains. However, the sequence provided in option A represents a valid and common food chain pathway.

48. Consider the following statements regarding ‘Earth Hour’ : 1. It is

Consider the following statements regarding ‘Earth Hour’ :

1. It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO.
2. It is a movement in which the participants switch off the lights for one hour on a certain day every year.
3. It is a movement to raise the awareness about the climate change and the need to save the planet.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 and 3 only

2 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

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Statements 2 and 3 about Earth Hour are correct. Earth Hour is indeed a movement where participants switch off lights for one hour on a specific day annually, and its purpose is to raise awareness about climate change and environmental issues. Statement 1 is incorrect as Earth Hour is an initiative of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), not UNEP and UNESCO.

– Earth Hour is a global environmental movement.
– It is organized by WWF and involves switching off non-essential lights and electrical appliances for one hour.
– The goal is to encourage individuals, communities, and businesses to take action for the environment and demonstrate commitment to the planet.

Earth Hour started in Sydney, Australia, in 2007 and has since grown into one of the world’s largest grassroots movements for the environment, involving millions of people in over 190 countries and territories.

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49. Consider the following international agreements : 1. The Internation

Consider the following international agreements :

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1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
3. The World Heritage Convention

Which of the above has/have a bearing on the biodiversity?

1 and 2 only

3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

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All three international agreements listed have a direct bearing on biodiversity. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture focuses on conserving and sustainably using plant diversity crucial for food security. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification addresses land degradation, which is a major driver of biodiversity loss. The World Heritage Convention protects natural sites, including those recognized for their outstanding biodiversity.

– ITPGRFA aims to ensure conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources.
– UNCCD works to combat desertification, land degradation, and drought, thus protecting habitats.
– The World Heritage Convention identifies and protects sites of universal value, including critical natural habitats and ecosystems.

Biodiversity is fundamental to ecosystem function and human well-being. International agreements play a crucial role in fostering global cooperation for conservation, sustainable use, and equitable sharing of benefits from biodiversity and its components.

50. Consider the following pairs : National Highway Cities connected

Consider the following pairs :

National Highway	Cities connected
1. NH 4	: Chennai and Hyderabad
2. NH 6	: Mumbai and Kolkata
3. NH 15	: Ahmedabad and Jodhpur

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

1 and 2 only

3 only

1, 2 and 3

None

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Based on the historical National Highway numbering system (prior to the renumbering), none of the provided pairs are correctly matched. Old NH 4 connected Mumbai and Chennai, not Chennai and Hyderabad. Old NH 6 connected Hazira (near Surat) and Kolkata, not strictly Mumbai and Kolkata. Old NH 15 connected Pathankot (Punjab) to Samakhiali (Gujarat) and did not pass through Ahmedabad or Jodhpur.

– Old NH 4: Mumbai – Pune – Bangalore – Chennai.
– Old NH 6: Hazira – Dhule – Nagpur – Raipur – Sambalpur – Kolkata.
– Old NH 15: Pathankot – … – Bikaner – … – Samakhiali.

India’s National Highway network has undergone significant renumbering since 2010. Under the new system, NH numbers and routes are entirely different from the old system. For example, the new NH 4 runs from Krishnagiri (TN) to Belagavi (KA). This question likely refers to the old numbering scheme, as the city pairs align more with those routes, albeit incorrectly matched.

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