Ans: D

Exp:

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: Jallikattu is an age-old event celebrated mostly in the state of Tamil Nadu as part of Pongal celebrations. In the age-old practice, a bull is released into a crowd of people, and participants of the event try to grab the large hump on the bull’s back, attempting to bring the bull to stop. 

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: The Supreme Court allowed Maharashtra to hold bullock cart races in the state till the pendency of the matter before the Constitutional Bench of the apex court. The bullock-cart races are a matter of sentiment in rural areas as it is an employment generation initiative, the minister said. The races were banned in 2011 and the State government in 2017 enacted legislation to restart the races. But, the Bombay High Court stayed the legislation. 

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: The ‘Kambala’ race, held in Karnataka between November and March, involves a pair of buffaloes tied to a plough and anchored by one person. They are made to run in parallel muddy tracks in a competition in which the fastest team wins.

Ans: A

Exp:

The Marine Commando Force (MARCOs) which was formed in 1987 are among the country’s mighty commando forces, including the National Security Guard, Garud, Para commandos, Force One, and others. The MARCOs or Marine Commando Force of the Indian Navy comprise the toughest soldiers who undergo rigorous training to conduct swift and stealthy responses. ‘The few The fearless’ is the MARCOs’ motto. During the late 1980s, MARCOS executed a significant operation known as ‘Operation Pawan’ amidst the Sri Lankan Civil War. Their pivotal involvement in seizing key territories held by the LTTE played a crucial role in the restoration of peace in the region.

Ans: D

Exp:

The government on Friday approved “Prithvi Vigyan”, an overarching initiative comprising five on-going sub-schemes related to earth sciences, over a five-year period from 2021-26.  The Union Cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the proposal of the Ministry of Earth Sciences to club the sub-schemes. The schemes are:

• Atmosphere and Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems and Services

• Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology

• Polar Science and Cryosphere Research

• Seismology and Geosciences

• Research, Education, Training and Outreach.

The objectives of the overarching “PRITHVI” scheme include augmentation and sustenance of long-term observations of the atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere and solid earth to record vital signs of the earth system and change, development of modelling systems for understanding and predicting weather, ocean and climate hazards, and understanding the science of climate change.

Ans: C

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct: The Ministry of Education launched the ‘Prerana’, an experiential learning programme, which will operate from the vernacular school. The programme is rooted in nine value-based themes — Swabhiman and Vinay, Shaurya and Sahas, Parishram and Samarpan, Karuna and Sewa, Vividhta and Ekta, Satyanishtha and Shuchita, Navachar and Jigyasa, Shraddha and Vishwas, and Swatantrata and Kartavya. The curriculum of Prerana has been prepared by IIT Gandhinagar.

Statement 2 is correct: It is a weekly residential programme that will host 20 students from across the country on a rotational basis in the town of Mehsana district. The day-wise programme schedule will feature yoga, mindfulness, and meditation sessions, followed by experiential learning, thematic sessions, and hands-on interesting learning activities. Evening activities will include visits to ancient and heritage sites, inspirational film screenings, mission life creative activities, talent shows, etc., ensuring a holistic learning approach. Apart from this, students will engage in diverse activities, embracing indigenous knowledge systems, and the latest state-of-the-art technologies, and learning from inspirational personalities.

Ans: C

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is a statutory body constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1988 under the administrative control of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways NHAI has been set up as a Central Authority to develop, maintain and manage the National Highways entrusted to it by the Government of India. The authority, however, became operational in February 1995.

Statement 2 is correct: The Authority consists of a full time Chairman, and not more than five full time Members and four part time Members who are appointed by the Central Government. NHAI has technical, Finance, Administrative, and Vigilance Wings at its Headquarters. Project implementation Units (PIUs) headed by a Project Director and supported by various technical and accounts officers have been set up at various sites to oversee the timely completion of the projects.