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

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.