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Answer: (C)
Statement 1 is incorrect: Section 3(1)(c) of the FRA, 2006 grants the right of ownership, access to collect, use, and dispose of Minor Forest Produce (MFP). However, timber is strictly excluded from the definition of Minor Forest Produce under the Act. (MFP includes bamboo, cane, honey, wax, medicinal plants, leaves, etc.).
Statement 2 is incorrect: The Act provides for the conversion of forest villages, old habitations, unsurveyed villages, and other villages in forests into revenue villages [Section 3(1)(h)], NOT the other way around. The objective is to bring forest settlements into mainstream administration so dwellers can access basic public amenities.
Statement 3 is correct: Section 3(1)(i) explicitly recognizes the right to protect, regenerate, conserve, or manage any community forest resource which forest dwellers have been traditionally protecting and conserving for sustainable use.
Therefore option C is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is incorrect: Section 3(1)(c) of the FRA, 2006 grants the right of ownership, access to collect, use, and dispose of Minor Forest Produce (MFP). However, timber is strictly excluded from the definition of Minor Forest Produce under the Act. (MFP includes bamboo, cane, honey, wax, medicinal plants, leaves, etc.).
Statement 2 is incorrect: The Act provides for the conversion of forest villages, old habitations, unsurveyed villages, and other villages in forests into revenue villages [Section 3(1)(h)], NOT the other way around. The objective is to bring forest settlements into mainstream administration so dwellers can access basic public amenities.
Statement 3 is correct: Section 3(1)(i) explicitly recognizes the right to protect, regenerate, conserve, or manage any community forest resource which forest dwellers have been traditionally protecting and conserving for sustainable use.
Therefore option C is the correct answer.
Consider the following statements about the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):
Statement I: GRAP is a set of emergency measures implemented to control air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) based on the severity of air quality.
Statement II: Under GRAP, restrictions on construction activities, vehicle use and industrial operations may be imposed depending on the prevailing Air Quality Index (AQI) and pollution levels.
Which of the following information supports/supports the above statements?
1. GRAP classifies air pollution into different stages and prescribes progressively stricter measures as air quality deteriorates.
2. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) oversees the implementation of GRAP in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas.
3. GRAP is implemented only when the AQI reaches the ‘Severe’ category, and no preventive measures are prescribed at lower pollution levels.
Statement I: GRAP is a set of emergency measures implemented to control air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) based on the severity of air quality.
Statement II: Under GRAP, restrictions on construction activities, vehicle use and industrial operations may be imposed depending on the prevailing Air Quality Index (AQI) and pollution levels.
Which of the following information supports/supports the above statements?
1. GRAP classifies air pollution into different stages and prescribes progressively stricter measures as air quality deteriorates.
2. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) oversees the implementation of GRAP in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas.
3. GRAP is implemented only when the AQI reaches the ‘Severe’ category, and no preventive measures are prescribed at lower pollution levels.
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Answer: (A)
GRAP prescribes progressively stricter measures across different stages of air pollution, based on the severity of air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR). Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) oversees the implementation of GRAP in the NCR and adjoining areas. Measures may include restrictions on construction activities, vehicle use and industrial operations. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
GRAP measures are not restricted to the ‘Severe’ AQI category. Actions are prescribed across multiple stages, including lower pollution levels, to prevent further deterioration in air quality. Hence, Statement 3 is incorrect.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer.
GRAP prescribes progressively stricter measures across different stages of air pollution, based on the severity of air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR). Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) oversees the implementation of GRAP in the NCR and adjoining areas. Measures may include restrictions on construction activities, vehicle use and industrial operations. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
GRAP measures are not restricted to the ‘Severe’ AQI category. Actions are prescribed across multiple stages, including lower pollution levels, to prevent further deterioration in air quality. Hence, Statement 3 is incorrect.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer.
Consider the following statements regarding Digital Signatures:
1. A digital signature is a scanned image of a handwritten signature embedded in an electronic file.
2. It relies on an asymmetric cryptosystem involving a private key for signing and a public key for verification.
3. Any alteration made to the document after signing renders the digital signature invalid.
1. A digital signature is a scanned image of a handwritten signature embedded in an electronic file.
2. It relies on an asymmetric cryptosystem involving a private key for signing and a public key for verification.
3. Any alteration made to the document after signing renders the digital signature invalid.
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Answer: (B)
Statement 1 is incorrect: A scanned image of a handwritten signature is not the same as a digital signature. A scanned signature is simply an image embedded in an electronic document and does not, by itself, provide cryptographic verification of the signer's
identity or the integrity of the document.
○ A digital signature, in contrast, uses cryptographic techniques to authenticate electronic records and detect unauthorised alterations.
Statement 2 is correct: A digital signature uses an asymmetric cryptosystem, which involves a pair of mathematically related keys:
○ Private key: Used by the signer to create the digital signature.
○ Public key: Used by the recipient to verify the digital signature.
○ Under Section 2(1)(f) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, an asymmetric cryptosystem involves a private key for creating a digital signature and a public key for verifying it. Section 2(1)(p) defines a digital signature.
Statement 3 is correct: A digital signature helps ensure the integrity of an electronic record. During verification, the cryptographic system checks whether the signature corresponds to the signed content. If the originally signed content is altered without authorisation, verification will ordinarily fail, indicating possible tampering.
○ Ex: if a digitally signed electronic document containing a payment amount of ₹10,000 is modified to show ₹50,000, the original digital signature will ordinarily fail verification against the altered content.
Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is incorrect: A scanned image of a handwritten signature is not the same as a digital signature. A scanned signature is simply an image embedded in an electronic document and does not, by itself, provide cryptographic verification of the signer's
identity or the integrity of the document.
○ A digital signature, in contrast, uses cryptographic techniques to authenticate electronic records and detect unauthorised alterations.
Statement 2 is correct: A digital signature uses an asymmetric cryptosystem, which involves a pair of mathematically related keys:
○ Private key: Used by the signer to create the digital signature.
○ Public key: Used by the recipient to verify the digital signature.
○ Under Section 2(1)(f) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, an asymmetric cryptosystem involves a private key for creating a digital signature and a public key for verifying it. Section 2(1)(p) defines a digital signature.
Statement 3 is correct: A digital signature helps ensure the integrity of an electronic record. During verification, the cryptographic system checks whether the signature corresponds to the signed content. If the originally signed content is altered without authorisation, verification will ordinarily fail, indicating possible tampering.
○ Ex: if a digitally signed electronic document containing a payment amount of ₹10,000 is modified to show ₹50,000, the original digital signature will ordinarily fail verification against the altered content.
Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
As of August 2026, the portal had recorded over 31.89 crore registrations, reflecting its extensive coverage of India's unorganised workforce.
Important for UPSC: Indian Economy → Social Security → Unorganised Workers → Labour Welfare → Gig Economy → Digital Governance → Universal Account Number.
Important for UPSC: Indian Economy → Social Security → Unorganised Workers → Labour Welfare → Gig Economy → Digital Governance → Universal Account Number.
Consider the following statements:
1. Yamuna river originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Bandarpunch Range.
2. Hindon and Chambal are left-bank tributaries of Yamuna.
3. Okhla Bird Sanctuary is located on the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh.
1. Yamuna river originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Bandarpunch Range.
2. Hindon and Chambal are left-bank tributaries of Yamuna.
3. Okhla Bird Sanctuary is located on the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh.
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Answer: (C)
Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Yamuna originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Bandarpunch Range of Uttarakhand.
Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The Hindon is a left-bank tributary, whereas the Chambal is a right-bank tributary of the Yamuna.
Statement 3 is CORRECT: Okhla Bird Sanctuary is located on the Yamuna River near Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Yamuna originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Bandarpunch Range of Uttarakhand.
Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The Hindon is a left-bank tributary, whereas the Chambal is a right-bank tributary of the Yamuna.
Statement 3 is CORRECT: Okhla Bird Sanctuary is located on the Yamuna River near Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer.
With reference to Article 371 and Ladakh, consider the following statements:
1. Article 371A provides special provisions for Nagaland, including safeguards concerning customary law and ownership and transfer of land and its resources.
2. The demand for constitutional safeguards in Ladakh has included protections for land, employment and cultural identity.
3. Ladakh is currently covered by a special provision under Article 371 of the Constitution.
1. Article 371A provides special provisions for Nagaland, including safeguards concerning customary law and ownership and transfer of land and its resources.
2. The demand for constitutional safeguards in Ladakh has included protections for land, employment and cultural identity.
3. Ladakh is currently covered by a special provision under Article 371 of the Constitution.
Answer: (A)
Statement 1 is correct: Article 371A grants special status to the state of Nagaland. It specifies that no Act of Parliament shall apply to Nagaland in respect of religious or social practices, Nagas customary law and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law, and ownership and transfer of land and its resources, unless the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland so decides by a resolution.
Statement 2 is correct: Local political and social groups in Ladakh (such as the Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance) have continuously demanded constitutional safeguards—specifically inclusion under the Sixth Schedule or special provisions similar to Article 371—to protect their land, statehood, public employment (job reservations), and distinct tribal cultural identity.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Ladakh is currently governed as a Union Territory without a legislature under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. It is not currently covered under Article 371 or its sub-articles (371A–371J). Constitutional safeguards under Article 371 or the Sixth Schedule remain a major demand rather than an existing provision for Ladakh.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is correct: Article 371A grants special status to the state of Nagaland. It specifies that no Act of Parliament shall apply to Nagaland in respect of religious or social practices, Nagas customary law and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law, and ownership and transfer of land and its resources, unless the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland so decides by a resolution.
Statement 2 is correct: Local political and social groups in Ladakh (such as the Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Alliance) have continuously demanded constitutional safeguards—specifically inclusion under the Sixth Schedule or special provisions similar to Article 371—to protect their land, statehood, public employment (job reservations), and distinct tribal cultural identity.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Ladakh is currently governed as a Union Territory without a legislature under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. It is not currently covered under Article 371 or its sub-articles (371A–371J). Constitutional safeguards under Article 371 or the Sixth Schedule remain a major demand rather than an existing provision for Ladakh.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer.
Consider the following statements regarding the 'Kashi Tamil Sangamam':
1. It was launched as part of the broader 'Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat' initiative to celebrate and rediscover the age-old civilisational ties between Tamil Nadu and Varanasi.
2. The Ministry of Culture serves as the designated single nodal ministry responsible for organizing and implementing the initiative.
3. IIT Madras and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) serve as the key implementing and coordinating institutions for the event.
1. It was launched as part of the broader 'Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat' initiative to celebrate and rediscover the age-old civilisational ties between Tamil Nadu and Varanasi.
2. The Ministry of Culture serves as the designated single nodal ministry responsible for organizing and implementing the initiative.
3. IIT Madras and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) serve as the key implementing and coordinating institutions for the event.
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Answer: (C)
Statement 1 is CORRECT: Kashi Tamil Sangamam was conceptualized under the overarching spirit of the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' initiative by the Government of India.
○ Its core aim is to rediscover, celebrate, and strengthen the centuries-old cultural, spiritual, educational, and economic ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi (Varanasi).
Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The primary nodal ministry responsible for planning, organizing, and executing the Kashi Tamil Sangamam is the Ministry of Education, Government of India (specifically through the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) cell at AICTE).
○ Supporting Ministries: While the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Railways, and Ministry of Information & Broadcasting are key collaborating stakeholders, the Ministry of Culture is not the single or lead nodal ministry.
Statement 3 is CORRECT: IIT Madras and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) have served as key implementing institutions for earlier editions of Kashi Tamil Sangamam, facilitating academic exchanges and cultural interactions between Tamil Nadu and Kashi. The implementing arrangements may vary by edition.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is CORRECT: Kashi Tamil Sangamam was conceptualized under the overarching spirit of the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' initiative by the Government of India.
○ Its core aim is to rediscover, celebrate, and strengthen the centuries-old cultural, spiritual, educational, and economic ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi (Varanasi).
Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The primary nodal ministry responsible for planning, organizing, and executing the Kashi Tamil Sangamam is the Ministry of Education, Government of India (specifically through the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) cell at AICTE).
○ Supporting Ministries: While the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Railways, and Ministry of Information & Broadcasting are key collaborating stakeholders, the Ministry of Culture is not the single or lead nodal ministry.
Statement 3 is CORRECT: IIT Madras and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) have served as key implementing institutions for earlier editions of Kashi Tamil Sangamam, facilitating academic exchanges and cultural interactions between Tamil Nadu and Kashi. The implementing arrangements may vary by edition.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer.
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