Explanation:

Matching ports to states:
– A. Paradeep (Paradip) — Odisha (major port on the Odisha coast, Jagatsinghpur district) → A-3
– B. Tuticorin (Thoothukudi / V.O. Chidambaranar Port) — Tamil Nadu → B-1
– C. Kakinada — Andhra Pradesh (east coast, Godavari region) → C-4
– D. Alappuzha (Alleppey) — Kerala → D-2
Therefore, the correct code is A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2.

Explanation:

Assertion (A) is true: Buland Darwaza, the grand gateway at Fatehpur Sikri, was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Akbar.

Reason (R) is false: it was not built to commemorate the birth of his son Jahangir; rather, it commemorated Akbar’s victory in the Gujarat campaign (1572–73). Jahangir’s birth (as Prince Salim) is associated with Akbar’s reverence for Sheikh Salim Chishti and the development of Fatehpur Sikri, but not specifically with the Buland Darwaza. Therefore, (A) is true but (R) is false.

Explanation:

Meghaduta and Raghuvamsam (Raghuvamsha) are canonical works of Kalidasa—a lyric poem and a mahakavya (epic) respectively. Shringar Shatak (Shringara Shataka), however, is attributed to Bhartrhari, not Kalidasa.

Hence, Only 3 is not by Kalidasa.

Explanation:

Assertion (A) is true: In India, PIL has evolved as a key judicial tool to enforce constitutional and legal norms, ensure governmental accountability, and remedy systemic rights violations—functions central to maintaining the rule of law. The Supreme Court has explicitly linked PIL to ensuring observance of the rule of law and constitutional governance (e.g., Balwant Singh Chaufal, 2010).

Reason (R) is true: PIL broadened locus standi and adopted flexible procedures (including epistolary jurisdiction and continuing mandamus), thereby giving effective access to justice to socially and economically weaker sections who otherwise could not approach courts (e.g., Hussainara Khatoon on undertrials; Bandhua Mukti Morcha on bonded labour; S.P. Gupta on relaxed standing). This aligns with Article 39A’s mandate of equal justice and free legal aid.

R correctly explains A: Effective access to justice for all—especially the marginalized—is a core component of the rule of law. By enabling such access and facilitating enforcement of rights against state inaction or illegality, PIL becomes essential to realizing the rule of law in the Indian context.

Explanation:

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), formed in 1981, includes six members: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Thus, Bahrain (1) and Qatar (4) are members. Iran (2) and Iraq (3) are not members of the GCC.

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The stratospheric ozone layer (about 15–35 km altitude) absorbs virtually all UV‑C and most UV‑B radiation from the Sun, thereby shielding Earth’s surface and living organisms from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Statement 2 is correct: Ozone depletion is linked to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs, once in the stratosphere, are photolyzed by UV light, releasing chlorine radicals that catalytically destroy ozone (e.g., Cl + O3 → ClO + O2), contributing to phenomena like the Antarctic ozone hole. This understanding underpins the Montreal Protocol restricting CFCs.

Therefore, both statements are correct.

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Atal Tunnel (about 9.02 km) is not the world’s longest highway tunnel. The Lærdal Tunnel in Norway (about 24.5 km) is longer. Atal Tunnel’s distinction is being the world’s longest highway tunnel at high altitude (above 10,000 ft), not overall.

Statement 2 is correct: The tunnel passes under Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh and is built in the eastern Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas.

Hence, only statement 2 is correct.
– Option 1 (Only 2): Correct.

Explanation:

A gas is lighter than air if its molar mass (or density at the same conditions) is less than that of air (~29 g/mol; density ~1.225 g/L at STP).
– Hydrogen chloride (HCl): Molar mass ≈ 36.5 g/mol; density ≈ 1.49 g/L. Heavier than air → not lighter.
– Sulfur dioxide (SO2): Molar mass ≈ 64 g/mol; density ≈ 2.93 g/L. Heavier than air → not lighter.
– Helium (He): Molar mass ≈ 4 g/mol; density ≈ 0.1785 g/L. Much lighter than air → lighter.
Thus, only Helium is lighter than air.

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) presents/submits its reports to the Lok Sabha (through the Speaker). These reports are then laid on the Table of the Rajya Sabha, but the primary submission is to the Lok Sabha.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The PAC has 22 members—15 from the Lok Sabha and 7 from the Rajya Sabha. It does not have 15 members from the Rajya Sabha.

Therefore, only Statement 1 is correct.

Explanation:

Chronological order:
1) Cripps Mission (March–April 1942)
2) Wavell Plan (announced 14 June 1945)
3) Shimla Conference (June–July 1945) — convened to discuss the Wavell Plan
4) Cabinet Mission (March–June 1946)

Therefore, the correct sequence is 1, 4, 3, 2.