Explanation : 

Correctly Matched Geographical Pairs

Pair 1: Anatolia and Turkey

The Anatolia – Turkey pair is correctly matched, with Anatolia being a significant region in western Asia that constitutes the larger part of what is known today as Turkey.

Pair 2: Amhara and Ethiopia

Amhara – Ethiopia: This pair is also correctly matched. Amhara is one of the regions of Ethiopia and is located in the north-central part of the country.

Incorrectly Matched Geographical Pairs

Pair 3: Cabo Delgado and Spain

Cabo Delgado – Spain: This pair is incorrectly matched. Cabo Delgado is not in Spain; it is actually a province located in the northern part of Mozambique.

Pair 4: Catalonia and Italy

Catalonia – Italy: This pair is incorrectly matched. Catalonia is not in Italy; it is an autonomous community located in northeastern Spain.

Therefore, only two pairs (Anatolia – Turkey and Amhara – Ethiopia) are correctly matched.

Explanation : 

Sangam-Era Poets and Social Stratification

During the Sangam era, poets were cognizant of the social stratification known as varna. They referenced Arashar (monarchs), Vaishiyar (merchants), and Velalar (agriculturists). Brahmanas are also mentioned, with some having strong ties to royal courts and enjoying the patronage of the elite. However, the rigid four-tier varna system did not significantly influence ancient Tamil society. Contrary to the prevalent varna system, the ancient Tamil society was not significantly impacted by the rigid four-tier structure. Similarly, the jati system, which is a sub-categorization within the varna, did not play a role in this society. Therefore, the observation that the jati system was non-influential stands true.

Explanation : 

Chad – Chinese Military Base

Contrary to some reports, there is no evidence that China has set up a permanent military base in Chad. While China has indeed expanded its military presence globally, including establishing a base in Djibouti, no such development has been confirmed in Chad.

Guinea – Military Suspension of Constitution

It is true that the military in Guinea suspended the constitution and overthrew the government in September 2021. This coup led to the detention of President Alpha Condé and the establishment of military rule.

Lebanon – Economic Crisis

Lebanon is indeed experiencing a prolonged economic depression. The nation’s economy is in crisis, with a significant devaluation of the Lebanese pound, leading to hyperinflation and widespread financial hardship.

Tunisia – Presidential Actions

In Tunisia, the president did indeed suspend the parliament and dismiss the prime minister in July 2021. This controversial move has been debated as either a step toward resolving the country’s issues or as an undemocratic power grab.

In conclusion, of the four cases analyzed, three are accurate representations of the events (Guinea, Lebanon, and Tunisia), while the statement regarding Chad is not substantiated. Thus, only three pairs are correctly matched.

Explanation : 

Historical Records and Dynastic Associations

Based on historical records, Nanuka (also known as Nannuka or Nannuk) is indeed associated with the Chandela dynasty. He is considered the founder of the Chandela dynasty in central India.

Jayashakti is not correctly matched with the Parmara dynasty. He was a ruler from the Chandela dynasty.

Gurjara-Pratihara and Paramara Dynasties

Nagabhata II is correctly matched with the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty. He was a prominent ruler of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, known for defending his kingdom against the Arab invasions from the west.

Bhoja is not correctly matched with the Rashtrakuta dynasty. Bhoja was a king of the Paramara dynasty that ruled in the region of Malwa in central India. He is known for his patronage of the arts, literature, and architecture.

Therefore, out of the four pairs, only two pairs are correctly matched:
1. Nanuka – Chandela
3. Nagabhata II – Gurjara-Pratihara

The correct answer is: Only two pairs

Explanation : 

Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands Dispute

Senkaku Islands, known as the Diaoyu Islands in China, are a group of uninhabited islands located in the East China Sea. They are the center of a long-standing territorial dispute between China and Japan. “China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in East China Sea.”

Background and Context of the Dispute

The Senkaku Islands are strategically located and are thought to be rich in natural resources, including potential oil and gas reserves. The islands are currently administered by Japan, but both China and Taiwan claim sovereignty over them. The dispute over the islands has historical roots and has been a source of tension between Japan and China for decades.

Significance of the Dispute

The significance of the dispute lies not only in the potential resources but also in the strategic control of the surrounding sea lanes, which are some of the busiest in the world. The islands are also important for national pride and domestic politics in both countries.

Misconceptions and Clarifications

The islands are not artificial; they are naturally formed. There is no permanent American military base on the islands, and the United States has not taken an official position on the sovereignty of the islands. While the U.S. is a key ally of Japan and is bound by treaty to defend Japanese territory, it has remained neutral on the sovereignty issue while recognizing Japan’s administrative control.

Current State of Affairs

The tensions over the islands have led to diplomatic standoffs, protests, and occasional confrontations at sea. Both countries have increased their maritime patrols and nationalist sentiments often flare up when incidents occur near the islands. The dispute remains a sensitive and complex issue in Sino-Japanese relations.

Explanation : 

Ashoka’s Major Rock Edicts and Their Locations

The correct answer to the matching of the sites of Ashoka’s major rock edicts and their locations is b) Only two pairs.

Correctly Matched Pairs

Dhauli in Odisha is known for its rock edicts and is correctly matched as such. Similarly, the Erragudi rock edicts are indeed located in Andhra Pradesh, making this pair another correct match.

Incorrectly Matched Pairs

However, the pair Jaugada – Madhya Pradesh is incorrect, as Jaugada is actually situated in Odisha. The pair Kalsi – Karnataka is also incorrect because Kalsi is found in Uttarakhand, not Karnataka.

Thus, the answer is b) Only two pairs.

Explanation : 

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which was adopted in 1982 and came into force in 1994, is the international agreement that defines the rights and responsibilities of nations with respect to their use of the world’s oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources.

Key Provisions of UNCLOS

1. A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from baselines determined in accordance with the convention.
2. Ships of all states, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea.
3. The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured.

Therefore, all three statements given above are correct, and the correct answer is: 1, 2, and 3.

Explanation : 

Attine Ants and Their Fungiculture Practices

Certain species of ants, particularly those in the tribe Attini, are well known for their remarkable ability to cultivate fungi. These ants engage in a mutualistic relationship with the fungi, which is often referred to as “fungiculture.”

Mutualistic Relationship Between Ants and Fungi

The attine ants, which include the leafcutter ants (genus Atta) and other related genera, actively collect plant material, such as leaves, flowers, and twigs, and bring these back to their nests. They then use this plant material to create a substrate on which they cultivate fungal gardens. The fungi break down the plant material, making the nutrients more accessible to the ants. In return, the ants provide the fungi with a stable environment, protection from pests and competitors, and a constant supply of growth substrate.

Advanced Agriculture and Symbiosis in Nature

This mutualistic relationship is quite sophisticated. The ants have evolved special behaviors and structures to manage their fungal gardens, including the use of antibiotics to control bacterial growth and the removal of unwanted fungi species. The fungi also evolve in concert with the ants, often becoming so specialized that they cannot survive outside of the ant-fungus mutualism.

The cultivation of fungi by these ants is a clear example of an advanced form of animal agriculture and is one of the most complex examples of symbiosis in nature. It is a fascinating demonstration of how two different species can evolve together to form a highly interdependent and efficient system.

Explanation : 

Labour Bureau’s Role

The Labour Bureau, an attached office of the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India, is responsible for compiling information on industrial disputes, closures, retrenchments, and lay-offs in factories employing workers. The Labour Bureau collects, compiles, and disseminates a wide range of statistics related to labor, such as employment and unemployment, wages, industrial relations, working conditions, and other aspects of labor welfare.

The Labour Bureau conducts various surveys and publishes reports that provide insights into the state of labor in the country. These reports are essential for policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders who are interested in understanding and addressing labor issues in India.

Comparison with Other Government Offices

Central Statistics Office (CSO)

The CSO is responsible for the coordination of statistical activities in India and for evolving and maintaining statistical standards. It deals with macroeconomic data like national income, GDP, and economic censuses.

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)

The DPIIT functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and is responsible for the formulation and implementation of promotional and developmental measures for the growth of the industrial sector in India. It is not directly involved in labor statistics.

National Technical Manpower Information System (NTMIS)

The NTMIS was designed to collect and disseminate data on technical manpower in the country. It is not specifically focused on industrial disputes or labor issues.

Therefore, the correct answer is the Labour Bureau, which is the primary agency for compiling information on industrial disputes, closures, retrenchments, and lay-offs in India.

Explanation : 

Reservoirs and Their Corresponding Indian States

The pairs given are reservoirs matched with Indian states. Let’s examine each pair to see if they are correctly matched:

Ghataprabha – Incorrect Match

The Ghataprabha River is actually a tributary of the Krishna River and the Ghataprabha Reservoir is located in the state of Karnataka, not Telangana. This pair is not correctly matched.

Gandhi Sagar – Correct Match

The Gandhi Sagar Dam is built on the Chambal River and is indeed located in Madhya Pradesh. This pair is correctly matched.

Indira Sagar – Incorrect Match

The Indira Sagar Dam is on the Narmada River, and it is situated in Madhya Pradesh, not Andhra Pradesh. This pair is not correctly matched.

Maithon – Incorrect Match

The Maithon Dam is built on the Barakar River and is located in Jharkhand, near the border with West Bengal, not in Chhattisgarh. This pair is not correctly matched.

Out of the four pairs, three are not correctly matched (pairs 1, 3, and 4). Therefore, the correct answer is: Only three pairs