The correct answer is (A) Soil erosion.

Explanation:
The loss of valuable nutrients and fertility in India is primarily caused by soil erosion. Soil erosion occurs when the top layer of fertile soil is removed by natural forces like wind and water or by human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable agricultural practices. This topsoil contains essential nutrients required for plant growth, and its loss directly impacts soil fertility.

While land degradation (option B) is a broader term that includes soil erosion, the specific reason for the loss of nutrients and fertility is soil erosion. Waterlogging (option C) and air pollution (option D) do not directly cause the loss of soil nutrients on a large scale. Hence, the correct answer is (A) Soil erosion.

The correct answer is (C) Both (A) and (B).

Explanation:
Land degradation in India occurs on a large scale due to multiple factors, with inadequate soil conservation measures and overgrazing being two of the most significant contributors.

1. Inadequate soil conservation measures: Poor implementation of soil conservation techniques, deforestation, and unsustainable agricultural practices lead to soil erosion, loss of fertility, and degradation of land.

2. Overgrazing: Excessive grazing by livestock reduces vegetation cover, which exposes the soil to erosion by wind and water. This is a major issue in arid and semi-arid regions of India.

Both these factors together contribute significantly to land degradation in India. Hence, the correct answer is (C) Both (A) and (B).

The correct answer is: (A) Both are correct.

Explanation:
Statement 1: Land degradation refers to the decline in the quality and productivity of land. It is caused by factors such as soil erosion (the removal of the top fertile layer of soil by wind or water) and waterlogging (excess water in the soil, which reduces its fertility). Hence, this statement is correct.

Statement 2: Deforestation, or the removal of trees and vegetation, exposes the soil to wind and water, making it more prone to soil erosion. Without tree roots to hold the soil together, it becomes loose and easily eroded. Therefore, this statement is also correct.

Thus, both statements are correct.

The correct answer is: (D) 1959

Explanation:
The ‘Declaration of the Rights of the Child’ was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on November 20, 1959. This declaration outlined the rights of children to protection, education, healthcare, and well-being, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children’s rights globally. It was a significant step in recognizing and promoting the welfare of children worldwide.

The correct answer is (A) 1, 2 and 4.

Explanation:
1. Statement 1: Distributive public policy is indeed referred to as “Patronage Policy” because it involves the allocation of resources or benefits to specific groups or individuals, often as a form of support or encouragement. This statement is correct.

2. Statement 2: Distributive policies are designed to benefit specific segments of society, such as farmers, students, or businesses, rather than the entire population. This statement is correct.

3. Statement 3: This statement is incorrect because distributive public policy is not primarily concerned with the regulation and control of goods and services. That is more characteristic of regulatory policies, not distributive policies.

4. Statement 4: Distributive policies typically require little administrative discretion because they are straightforward in their implementation, often involving direct allocation of resources or benefits. This statement is correct.

Thus, the correct combination of statements is 1, 2, and 4, making option (A) the right answer.

The correct answer is:(C) Freedom from Detention

Explanation:
Article 19 of the Indian Constitution guarantees certain fundamental rights to citizens, often referred to as the “six freedoms.” These include:

1. Freedom of speech and expression.
2. Freedom to assemble peacefully without arms.
3. Freedom to form associations or unions.
4. Freedom to move freely throughout the territory of India.
5. Freedom to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India.
6. Freedom to practice any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade, or business.

“Freedom from Detention” is not mentioned under Article 19. Instead, protection against arbitrary detention is covered under Article 22, which deals with protection in cases of arrest and detention. Hence, the correct answer is (C).

The correct answer is (A) 2 and 3.

Explanation:
1. Statement 1: Correct. The Nine-Judge Constitutional Bench that declared the ‘Right to Privacy’ as a Fundamental Right was indeed headed by Justice J.S. Khehar.
2. Statement 2: Incorrect. The Supreme Court of India gave this historic judgment on August 24, 2017, not 2018.
3. Statement 3: Incorrect. Justice J.S. Khehar was the 44th Chief Justice of India, not the 42nd.
4. Statement 4: Correct. Justice J.S. Khehar was appointed as the Chief Justice of India in 2017.

Thus, statements 2 and 3 are incorrect, making option (A) the correct choice.

The correct answer is: (A) 1,8,65,95

Explanation:

1. First Amendment (1951): This amendment included provisions for the protection of certain rights of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
2. Eighth Amendment (1989): This amendment involved the reservation of seats for SCs and STs in local bodies.
3. Sixty-fifth Amendment (1990): This established a multi-member National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
4. Ninety-fifth Amendment (2009): This extended the reservation for SCs and STs in local bodies.

The correct answer is: (D) Articles 15, 16, 19, 29 and 30

Explanation:
The Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution are available to both citizens and foreigners, but some rights are exclusively available to Indian citizens. The rights that are not available to foreigners include:

1. Article 15: Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
2. Article 16: Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment.
3. Article 19: Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech, etc. (e.g., freedom of speech and expression, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession).
4. Article 29: Protection of interests of minorities (right to conserve their culture, language, or script).
5. Article 30: Right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions.

These rights are specifically reserved for Indian citizens and are not extended to foreigners residing in India.

The correct answer is (C) 1, 2 and 3.

Explanation:
Public policy refers to the principles and actions adopted by a government to address societal issues.

1. General or Specific: Correct. Public policies can be general (broad guidelines) or specific (targeted measures for particular issues).
2. Broad or Narrow: Correct. Policies can have a wide scope (broad) or focus on a specific area (narrow).
3. Positive or Negative: Correct. Policies can be positive (promoting certain actions) or negative (prohibiting certain actions).
4. Rational or Irrational: Incorrect. Public policies are typically based on rational decision-making processes, even if they may sometimes appear flawed. The term “irrational” is not commonly used in the context of public policy.

Thus, the correct answer is 1, 2, and 3.