The question asks for the number of districts in which India conducted Civil Defence mock drills on May 7, 2025, to enhance emergency preparedness. This is a factual question related to current events and government initiatives.
B) 244 is the correct number of districts where the Civil Defence mock drills were conducted on May 7, 2025.
The question asks to identify the class of the Indian Naval ship 'Tavasya', which is expected to be launched in 2025. This requires knowledge of current and upcoming naval projects of the Indian Navy.
Correct Option: C) Stealth frigate — The Indian Naval ship 'Tavasya' is part of Project 17A, which involves the construction of stealth frigates. These frigates incorporate advanced stealth features, improved weaponry, and sensors. The first ship of this class, INS Nilgiri, was launched in 2019, and subsequent ships, including 'Tavasya', are scheduled for launch and commissioning in the coming years, with 'Tavasya' specifically mentioned for a 2025 launch.
The question asks for the minimum age to contest Panchayat elections as per Article 243F of the Indian Constitution. This requires knowledge of the constitutional provisions related to Panchayati Raj institutions.
D) 21 years is the correct answer. Article 243F(1)(a) explicitly states that a person who has attained the age of twenty-one years shall be qualified to be chosen as a member of a Panchayat.
The question asks to identify the committee that recommended the simplification of direct taxes in post-liberalization India as part of revenue consolidation. This requires knowledge of various committees and their specific recommendations related to economic reforms in India.
C) Kelkar Committee — The Task Force on Direct Taxes, headed by Dr. Vijay Kelkar, submitted its report in 2002. It made comprehensive recommendations for simplifying and rationalizing direct taxes (like income tax and corporate tax) to broaden the tax base, improve compliance, and enhance revenue collection, which aligns perfectly with the objective of revenue consolidation in post-liberalization India.
The question asks about the reason for Samudragupta's selection as king by his father, Chandragupta I, according to the Eran stone inscription. This requires knowledge of historical sources related to the Gupta dynasty.
C) Devotion, righteous behaviour and bravery. The Eran stone inscription and other contemporary records, such as the Allahabad Pillar inscription, indicate that Samudragupta was chosen by his father, Chandragupta I, because of his outstanding qualities, including his devotion, righteous conduct, and immense bravery, which made him worthy of ruling the kingdom. This choice was made despite the presence of other eligible princes.
The question asks about the state that tops the Fiscal Health Index 2025, as published by NITI Aayog. This requires knowledge of recent reports and rankings related to state finances in India.
Correct Option: C) Odisha has been recognized for its robust fiscal management and often tops or ranks very high in indices assessing state fiscal health, including those that might be projected for the near future like 2025.
The question asks to identify the Act that first granted Indian members of the Legislative Council the right to discuss budgetary matters. We need to recall the key provisions of the various Indian Councils Acts and Government of India Acts.
B) Indian Councils Act, 1892 - This Act for the first time allowed the members of the Legislative Councils to discuss the annual financial statement (budget) and also to ask questions on matters of public interest. However, they were not allowed to vote on the budget or ask supplementary questions.
The question asks to identify the founder of the Servants of India Society, an organization dedicated to national education and social reform. This requires knowledge of prominent Indian social reformers and their contributions during the British Raj.
C) Gopal Krishna Gokhale founded the Servants of India Society in 1905. Its primary objectives were to train Indians to dedicate their lives to the cause of the country in a religious spirit of devotion, and to promote national education and social reform.
The question asks to identify the military department during Alauddin Khilji's reign. This requires knowledge of the administrative structure of the Delhi Sultanate, specifically the functions of various 'Diwans' (departments).
Alauddin Khilji was known for his significant military reforms, including the maintenance of a large standing army, branding of horses (Dagh system), and descriptive rolls of soldiers (Chehra). To manage this vast military apparatus, a dedicated department was essential.
The Diwan-i-Arz was the department of the military. It was headed by the Ariz-i-Mumalik, who was responsible for recruiting, equipping, and paying the army, as well as maintaining its discipline and organization. Alauddin Khilji strengthened this department considerably to manage his powerful army.
The question asks for the establishment year of the Bank of Madras, which was one of the three Presidency Banks in British India. This requires knowledge of historical facts related to banking in India.
Correct Option: A) 1843 is the correct year for the establishment of the Bank of Madras.