Explanation : 

Correct Answer: b. Only two

1. As the Finance Bill is a type of money bill, It (like the money bills) cannot be either rejected or amended by the Rajya Sabha.(Incorrect)

2. When the Lok Sabha transmits a Money Bill to the Rajya Sabha, it cannot amend or reject the Bill; it can only make recommendations. (Correct)

3. In the case of disagreement between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, there is no joint sitting for a Money Bill, but a joint sitting becomes necessary for a Finance Bill. (Correct)

Parliament (Part-III) (drishtiias.com)

Explanation : 

Correct Answer – b. Only Two
Statement 1 –
Scheduled Areas.—(1) In this Constitution, the expression “Scheduled Areas” means such areas as the President may by order declare to be Scheduled Areas.
Source – S5.pdf (mea.gov.in)

Statement 2 – The largest administrative unit forming the Scheduled Area is the District, while the lowest is the cluster of villages in the Block.

Statement 3 – Para 3 of the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution lays down that “the Governor of each State having Scheduled Areas therein shall annually, or whenever so required by the President, make a report to the president regarding the administration of the Scheduled Areas in that State and the executive power of the union shall extend to the giving of directions to the State as to the Administration of the said areas”.
Source – S5.pdf (mea.gov.in)

Explanation : 

UPSC cancelled this question

Correct Answer: b. 42nd Amendment

On 31 July 1980, in its judgement on Minerva Mills v. Union of India, the Supreme Court declared two provisions of the 42nd Amendment as unconstitutional which prevent any constitutional amendment from being “called in question in any Court on any ground” and accord precedence to the Directive Principles of State Policy over the Fundamental Rights of individuals respectively.

Forty-second Amendment of the Constitution of India – Wikipedia

Explanation : 

Correct Answer: a. The principle of natural Justice

Due Process of Law

encompasses the principles of natural justice, ensuring that individuals are treated fairly, impartially, and without bias by the government. It requires that legal procedures be followed when dealing with individuals, safeguarding their rights and ensuring they have an opportunity to be heard.

Due Process of Law vs Procedure Established by Law – UPSC OWL

Explanation :

Correct Answer: b. Only two

Analysis of Literary Works and Authors

1. Devichandraguptam – Bilhana

This pair is incorrectly matched. “Devichandraguptam” is not a known work of Bilhana. Bilhana is famous for his work “Vikramankadevacharita,” which describes the life of the Chalukya king Vikramaditya VI.

2. Hammira-Mahakavya – Nayachandra Suri

This pair is correctly matched. Nayachandra Suri wrote the “Hammira Mahakavya,” which is an epic poem in Prakrit language celebrating the life of Hammira, a ruler of the Chauhan dynasty of Ranthambore.

3. Milinda-panha – Nagarjuna

This pair is incorrectly matched. “Milinda-panha” (Questions of Milinda) is a Buddhist text that documents a dialogue between the Indo-Greek king Menander (Milinda) and the Buddhist monk Nagasena. Nagarjuna, a major Buddhist philosopher, did not write this text.

4. Nitivakyamrita – Somadeva Suri

This pair is correctly matched. Somadeva Suri, a Jain monk and scholar, wrote “Nitivakyamrita,” which is a work on ethics and morality in Jainism.

Based on the analysis, only two of the pairs are correctly matched:

• Hammira-Mahakavya : Nayachandra Suri
• Nitivakyamrita : Somadeva Suri

Therefore, the correct answer is: b. Only two

Explanation : 

Correct Answer: c. Only three

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and their Applications

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are commonly used in various applications as replacements for ozone-depleting substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Let’s examine each of the given items:

Aerosols

HFCs are used as propellants in aerosol sprays, such as in some air fresheners, deodorants, and cleaning products.

Foam Agents

HFCs are used as blowing agents in the production of certain foams, including those used for insulation and packaging.

Fire Retardants

Some fire suppression systems and fire extinguishers use HFCs as the extinguishing agent.

Lubricants: HFCs are not typically used as lubricants. Lubricants are usually made from mineral oils, synthetic oils, or greases.

Therefore, hydrofluorocarbons are used in the making of three out of the four items listed: aerosols, foam agents, and fire retardants.

The correct answer is: c. Only three.

Explanation : 

Correct Answer – b. Only two

Indian squirrels

Indian squirrels belong to the family Sciuridae and are native to the Indian subcontinent. They are small to medium-sized mammals known for their agility, bushy tails, and strong hind legs. There are several species of squirrels found in India, such as the Indian palm squirrel, Malabar giant squirrel, and Himalayan striped squirrel. Here is a detailed explanation of the given statements:

1. Indian squirrels build nests in trees: Indian squirrels are arboreal creatures, which means they spend most of their lives in trees. They build their nests, called dreys, in tree branches. Dreys are made from twigs, leaves, and other plant materials, providing a warm and safe place for squirrels to rest, sleep, and raise their young. They do not make burrows in the ground like some other mammals, such as rabbits or ground squirrels.

2. Nuts are their main food source throughout the year, particularly when they are hunkering down for winter.  These creatures store them by burying them underground so they can retrieve them later when it turns to winter.

3. Indian squirrels are omnivorous: As mentioned earlier, Indian squirrels have a diverse diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter. This makes them omnivorous creatures. Their diet primarily consists of fruits, nuts, seeds, and flowers, but they also consume insects, small birds, and eggs when available. This adaptability in their diet allows them to thrive in various habitats, from dense forests to urban areas.

Explanation : 

Correct Answer: c. Only three

UNOPS S3i is an initiative that aims to promote sustainable infrastructure development and investment in emerging markets. It is a part of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and focuses on developing large-scale infrastructure projects in affordable housing, renewable energy, and health infrastructure. UNOPS S3i works with governments, investors, and builders to create socially responsible and commercially viable infrastructure projects that can make a positive impact on local communities.

WANTED – Partnership Proposals (unops.org)

Explanation : 

Correct Answer – 2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

Carbon Markets and Climate Change

Statement-I: Carbon markets are indeed expected to play a significant role in the fight against climate change. They provide a mechanism for countries and companies to trade carbon emissions allowances, incentivizing lower-emission activities and investments.

Statement-II: Carbon market facilitate the trading of carbon allowances between various entities, including private companies, governments, and individuals. The primary goal of carbon markets is to reduce overall emissions, not to generate revenue for the state.

Explanation : 

Correct answer : b. Only two

Capital Markets

Capital markets are financial markets where long-term debt or equity-backed securities are bought and sold. They facilitate the raising of capital by connecting investors with businesses or governments that need funds.

Government Bond Market

This is a part of the capital market as government bonds are long-term debt securities issued by the government to raise funds.

Call Money Market

This is not a part of the capital market as call money is short-term finance, usually for one day, used by banks and financial institutions. It is a part of the money market, not the capital market.

Treasury Bill Market

This is not a part of the capital market as treasury bills are short-term debt securities issued by the government with a maturity of less than one year. They are a part of the money market.

Stock Market

This is a part of the capital market as stocks represent equity ownership in a company, and their issuance and trading facilitate the raising of long-term capital for businesses.

Therefore, out of the four markets mentioned, only two (Government Bond Market and Stock Market) are included in capital markets. So the correct answer is: b. Only two