Explanation : 

Correct Answer – a. Only one

Explanation : 

Correct Answer – a. Only one (Official Answer)

Jhelum River and Wular Lake

Jhelum River passes through Wular Lake: This statement is correct. Wular Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, and it is situated in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The Jhelum River flows through this lake, making it an important part of the river’s drainage system.

Krishna River and Kolleru Lake

Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru Lake: This statement is incorrect. Kolleru Lake is a freshwater lake in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is fed by two rivers: the Budameru River and the Tammileru River. Although the Krishna River does not directly feed Kolleru Lake, it does have a connection with the lake through the Budameru River, which is a tributary of the Krishna River.

Gandak River and Kanwar Lake

Meandering of Gandak River formed Kanwar Lake: This statement is correct. Kanwar Lake, also known as Kabar Taal, is a freshwater oxbow lake in the Indian state of Bihar. It was formed due to the meandering of the Gandak River, which changed its course and left behind an abandoned channel that eventually turned into the lake.

According to UPSC, this option is incorrect.

Explanation : 

Correct Answer – b. Only two

Statement 2 – The Home Guard of India is a volunteer force tasked to be an auxiliary to the Indian police.

Statement 3 – Fifteen Border Wing Home Guards (BWHG) Battalions have been raised in the border States viz. Punjab (6 Bns.), Rajasthan ( 4 Bns.), Gujarat (2 Bns.) and one each Battalion for Meghalaya, Tripura and West Bengal to serve as an auxiliary to Border Security Force for preventing infiltration on the international border/coastal areas, guarding of VA/VPs and lines of communication in vulnerable area at the time of external aggression.

Statement 1 – State have their own act,Acts and Rules – Home Guards Department, Government of Himachal Pradesh

Explanation : 

Correct Answer – c. All three

Understanding Green Hydrogen

Green hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced through the electrolysis of water using electricity generated from renewable sources like solar, wind, or hydroelectric power. This process results in zero greenhouse gas emissions, making green hydrogen an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.

1. Direct Use as Fuel for Internal Combustion

Green hydrogen can be used directly as a fuel in internal combustion engines. This means that it can be burned in these engines, similar to natural gas. While not as common as hydrogen fuel cells for vehicles, this method provides an alternative option for utilizing green hydrogen.

2. Blending with Natural Gas for Heat or Power Generation

Another use of green hydrogen is blending it with natural gas to create a fuel mixture known as hythane. This hythane blend can then be used for heat or power generation, providing a cleaner energy source compared to using natural gas alone.

3. Fueling Vehicles with Hydrogen Fuel Cells

One of the most prominent uses of green hydrogen is in fuel cells for vehicles. Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, with water being the only byproduct. This makes it an environmentally friendly energy source for powering electric vehicles.

Explanation : 

Correct Answer – c. All three

An accelerometer is a device that measures acceleration, playing a crucial role in different technologies. Let’s explore its applications in three distinct actions:

Detection of car crash/collision which results in the deployment of airbags almost instantaneously.

Accelerometers are crucial in this scenario. They are used to detect sudden changes in a vehicle’s velocity. A rapid deceleration, indicative of a collision, triggers the accelerometer, which in turn signals the airbag system to deploy the airbags. This is a safety mechanism designed to protect the occupants in the event of a crash.

Detection of accidental free fall of a laptop towards the ground which results in the immediate turning off the hard drive.

An accelerometer is needed to detect the sudden change in acceleration due to free fall, allowing the laptop to protect the hard drive.

Detection of the tilt of the smart-phone which results in the rotation of display between portrait and landscape mode.

This action also utilizes an accelerometer. Smartphones contain accelerometers to sense the orientation of the device. When you tilt your phone, the accelerometer detects this change and the software adjusts the display from portrait to landscape mode or vice versa, based on the orientation.

Explanation : 

Correct Answer – b. Only two

Janani Suraksha Yojana

Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a safe motherhood intervention under the National Health Mission. It is being implemented with the objective of reducing maternal and neonatal mortality by promoting institutional delivery among poor pregnant women. The scheme, launched on 12 April 2005 by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, is under implementation in all states and Union Territories (UTs), with a special focus on Low Performing States (LPS).

JSY is a centrally sponsored scheme, which integrates cash assistance with delivery and post-delivery care. The Yojana has identified Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) as an effective link between the government and pregnant women.

Source – 97827133331523438951.pdf (nhm.gov.in)

Explanation : 

Correct Answer – d. None (Official Answer)

Source – Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) | OHCHR

A/RES/73/195 (undocs.org)

Explanation : 

Correct Answer : a. archaeological excavations

Notable Archaeologists and Historians in British Colonial India

Alexander Rea, A. H. Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess, and Walter Elliot were notable archaeologists and historians associated with archaeological excavations in India during the British colonial period. Their work significantly contributed to the understanding of India’s rich history, culture, and heritage.

Alexander Rea

Alexander Rea (1860-1922) was a British archaeologist who worked as the Superintendent of the Archaeological Survey of India. He was responsible for the excavation and conservation of many ancient sites in South India, including the famous Chalukyan temples at Aihole and the Pallava monuments at Mahabalipuram.

A. H. Longhurst

A. H. Longhurst (1870-1953) was another British archaeologist who served as the Superintendent of the Archaeological Survey of India. He conducted extensive research and excavations in various parts of India, including the Ajanta and Ellora caves, the temples at Madurai, and the ancient city of Vijayanagara.

Robert Sewell

Robert Sewell (1845-1925) was a British civil servant and historian who worked extensively on the history of South India. He is best known for his book “A Forgotten Empire: Vijayanagar,” which provides a detailed account of the Vijayanagara Empire based on the available inscriptions and archaeological evidence.

James Burgess

James Burgess (1832-1916) was a Scottish archaeologist, and he served as the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India. He is known for his work on the cave temples of Western India, including the Ajanta, Ellora, and Elephanta caves. He also published several books and articles on Indian architecture, history, and archaeology.

Walter Elliot

Walter Elliot (1803-1887) was a Scottish civil servant, ethnologist, and archaeologist who worked in British India. He is known for his collection of ancient artifacts, coins, and inscriptions from various parts of India. He also conducted archaeological excavations at the Amaravati Stupa and other sites in South India.

These individuals played a crucial role in unearthing and documenting India’s rich historical and cultural heritage during the colonial period, which has contributed significantly to our understanding of Indian history.

Explanation : 

Correct Answer -> c. All three

Carbon capture and sequestration

1. Spreading finely ground basalt rock on farmlands extensively: This process, known as enhanced weathering, involves spreading crushed rocks that are rich in minerals like basalt on farmlands. The minerals in the rocks react with carbon dioxide in the air and form stable compounds, thereby capturing and storing the carbon dioxide.
See this -> Enhanced Weathering: crushed rocks spread on farmland can capture billions of tons of CO2/year – Energy Post

2. Increasing the alkalinity of oceans by adding lime: This method involves adding alkaline materials, such as lime, to the ocean to increase its capacity to absorb and store carbon dioxide. This process can help counteract ocean acidification and promote the formation of stable carbonate minerals, which can store carbon dioxide for long periods.

3. Capturing carbon dioxide released by various industries and pumping it into abandoned subterranean mines in the form of carbonated waters: This process, known as carbon capture and storage (CCS), involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources, such as power plants, and injecting the captured gas into underground geological formations, such as abandoned mines or saline aquifers, for long-term storage.

Explanation :

Correct Answer – d. None

Tata Mundra Ultra Mega Power Plant, Gujarat

Located near the coast in Gujarat, the Tata Mundra Ultra Mega Power Plant is a notable example of a coal-based thermal power plant that utilizes seawater for cooling. This strategic use of seawater helps in mitigating the freshwater usage issue common in thermal power plants.

Singrauli Super Thermal Power Plant, Madhya Pradesh

In contrast, the Singrauli Super Thermal Power Plant in Madhya Pradesh exemplifies a plant situated in a water-stressed district. The region’s water scarcity has historically posed challenges for the plant, emphasizing the complex interplay between energy generation and environmental sustainability.

Privately Owned Coal-Based Power Plants

A prime example of privately owned coal-based thermal power in India is the Adani Power Plant in Mundra, Gujarat. Operated by Adani Power, a leading private company, this plant is part of a larger network of coal-based power plants across India, showcasing the role of private enterprises in the country’s energy sector.