"Kudus" refers to:
A. Decorative arch-shaped dormer windows carved above pilasters and niches in Dravidian temples.
B. Mythical lion-like creatures carved along the base of temple walls.
C. Subsidiary shrines dedicated to attendant deities around the main sanctum.
D. Decorative niches meant for housing deity sculptures.
A. Decorative arch-shaped dormer windows carved above pilasters and niches in Dravidian temples.
B. Mythical lion-like creatures carved along the base of temple walls.
C. Subsidiary shrines dedicated to attendant deities around the main sanctum.
D. Decorative niches meant for housing deity sculptures.
Learn Beyond the Poll !
The detailed explanation for yesterday's question is available in the link below
https://www.clearias.com/hindu-temple-architecture-cholas/
The detailed explanation for yesterday's question is available in the link below
https://www.clearias.com/hindu-temple-architecture-cholas/
ClearIAS
Hindu Temple Architecture: Cholas
Chola Temple Architecture is an important part of Dravidian temple architecture. Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture.
Q. No. 1
Which of the following pairs of ocean currents is/are correctly matched?
1. Gulf Stream – Warm current
2. Labrador Current – Cold current
3. Kuroshio Current – Cold current
Select the correct answer using the code below:
Which of the following pairs of ocean currents is/are correctly matched?
1. Gulf Stream – Warm current
2. Labrador Current – Cold current
3. Kuroshio Current – Cold current
Select the correct answer using the code below:
Q No. 2
The Benguela Current is best described as:
A. A warm current flowing along the east coast of Africa.
B. A cold current flowing northward along the southwest coast of Africa.
C. A warm current in the Indian Ocean.
D. A cold current flowing along the west coast of South America.
The Benguela Current is best described as:
A. A warm current flowing along the east coast of Africa.
B. A cold current flowing northward along the southwest coast of Africa.
C. A warm current in the Indian Ocean.
D. A cold current flowing along the west coast of South America.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is reviving its long-pending proposal to introduce polymer banknotes primarily because they offer greater durability, improved security, and lower long-term costs.
Polymer currency notes are banknotes made from a special biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) polymer substrate, instead of the traditional cotton-based paper used in Indian currency. They are often referred to as plastic notes, but they are made of a specially engineered polymer designed exclusively for banknotes.
Polymer notes were first introduced by Australia in 1988 and are now used in over 60 countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Singapore, Vietnam, Mexico, and Romania.
Polymer currency notes are banknotes made from a special biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) polymer substrate, instead of the traditional cotton-based paper used in Indian currency. They are often referred to as plastic notes, but they are made of a specially engineered polymer designed exclusively for banknotes.
Polymer notes were first introduced by Australia in 1988 and are now used in over 60 countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Singapore, Vietnam, Mexico, and Romania.
India successfully conducted the user trial of the Agni-4 Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha, under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC). The test validated all operational and technical parameters, reaffirming the missile's reliability and operational readiness. Developed as part of India's strategic missile programme, the nuclear-capable Agni-4 has a strike range of around 4,000 km, significantly enhancing India's credible minimum deterrence and long-range precision strike capability. The successful launch marks another milestone in strengthening India's strategic defence preparedness
Learn Beyond the Poll !
The detailed explanation for the question is available in the link below
https://www.clearias.com/ocean-currents/
The detailed explanation for the question is available in the link below
https://www.clearias.com/ocean-currents/
ClearIAS
Ocean Currents – Shortcut method by to learn faster
Here is a shortcut method to remember all the names, location and type (warm or cold) of all major ocean currents. Learn smart; learn faster.
Bengaluru-based Astrobase Space Technologies has unveiled “Everest,” an 80-tonne-class, 800 kN Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) rocket engine, developed and manufactured in India. The engine uses liquid oxygen (LOX) and methane as propellants and is designed with reusability in mind.
The FFSC cycle is among the most advanced rocket propulsion technologies, offering high efficiency and making it well suited for reusable launch vehicles. Astrobase plans to use the engine for a reusable two-stage orbital launch vehicle capable of carrying multi-tonne payloads to Low Earth Orbit.
The company has already conducted sub-scale hot-fire testing and turbopump trials, while full-scale engine testing is the next major milestone. Astrobase is also developing a 21.5-acre testing facility in Andhra Pradesh, strengthening India's private rocket-engine testing infrastructure.
The FFSC cycle is among the most advanced rocket propulsion technologies, offering high efficiency and making it well suited for reusable launch vehicles. Astrobase plans to use the engine for a reusable two-stage orbital launch vehicle capable of carrying multi-tonne payloads to Low Earth Orbit.
The company has already conducted sub-scale hot-fire testing and turbopump trials, while full-scale engine testing is the next major milestone. Astrobase is also developing a 21.5-acre testing facility in Andhra Pradesh, strengthening India's private rocket-engine testing infrastructure.
On 7 August 2026, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, committing to stronger military cooperation and collective deterrence.
A key provision treats an armed attack on one member as an attack on all three, creating a NATO-like mutual defence framework.
For India, the development is significant because Pakistan's deeper strategic integration with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye could strengthen Islamabad's diplomatic and defence position. At the same time, India's strong strategic and economic relations with Saudi Arabia provide an important counterbalance. The development also reinforces the need for India to maintain strategic autonomy, strong Gulf partnerships and close monitoring of Pakistan–Türkiye defence cooperation.
A key provision treats an armed attack on one member as an attack on all three, creating a NATO-like mutual defence framework.
For India, the development is significant because Pakistan's deeper strategic integration with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye could strengthen Islamabad's diplomatic and defence position. At the same time, India's strong strategic and economic relations with Saudi Arabia provide an important counterbalance. The development also reinforces the need for India to maintain strategic autonomy, strong Gulf partnerships and close monitoring of Pakistan–Türkiye defence cooperation.
The Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, passed by the Rajya Sabha, seeks to establish a National Tribunals Commission (NTC) to oversee India’s national tribunals.
A tribunal is a specialised quasi-judicial body that handles specific disputes, such as administrative matters, company law, taxation, environmental issues and armed forces cases.
The proposed NTC will oversee appointments, administration, performance monitoring, complaints and infrastructure of tribunals. It aims to reduce the influence of individual government ministries and strengthen judicial independence and efficiency.
A tribunal is a specialised quasi-judicial body that handles specific disputes, such as administrative matters, company law, taxation, environmental issues and armed forces cases.
The proposed NTC will oversee appointments, administration, performance monitoring, complaints and infrastructure of tribunals. It aims to reduce the influence of individual government ministries and strengthen judicial independence and efficiency.