Answer: A
Explanation:
● The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) is an annual citizen-led survey that
provides reliable estimates of children’s schooling and learning levels in rural
India.
● Schooling status is recorded for children in the age group 3 to 16, and children in
the age group 5 to 16 are tested for their ability to read simple text and do basic
arithmetic.
● This format of ‘Basic’ ASER was conducted every year for ten years, from 2005 till
2014 in almost all rural districts of India.
● Thereafter, an alternate-year cycle was introduced in which the ‘basic’ ASER
alternated with a survey focusing on a different age group of children and a
different set of domains.
Where is ASER conducted?
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Unlike most other large-scale learning assessments, ASER
is a household-based rather than school-based survey.
● This design enables all children to be included – those who have never been to
school or have dropped out; those who are in government schools, private schools,
religious or other types of schools; as well as those who are absent from school on the
day of the assessment.
Who conducts the survey?
● Statement 2 is incorrect: The ASER survey is coordinated by the ASER Centre and
facilitated by the Pratham network.
▪️ Pratham is one of the largest non-governmental organisations in India. It
works towards the provision of quality education to the underprivileged
children.
▪️ ASER Centre is Pratham's autonomous research and assessment unit.
● Around 30,000 volunteers from local partner organisations in each district conduct the survey.
What is the geographical coverage of ASER?
● Statement 3 is correct: ASER is a rural survey. Urban areas are not covered. ASER usually attempts to reach every rural district of the country.
Explanation:
● The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) is an annual citizen-led survey that
provides reliable estimates of children’s schooling and learning levels in rural
India.
● Schooling status is recorded for children in the age group 3 to 16, and children in
the age group 5 to 16 are tested for their ability to read simple text and do basic
arithmetic.
● This format of ‘Basic’ ASER was conducted every year for ten years, from 2005 till
2014 in almost all rural districts of India.
● Thereafter, an alternate-year cycle was introduced in which the ‘basic’ ASER
alternated with a survey focusing on a different age group of children and a
different set of domains.
Where is ASER conducted?
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Unlike most other large-scale learning assessments, ASER
is a household-based rather than school-based survey.
● This design enables all children to be included – those who have never been to
school or have dropped out; those who are in government schools, private schools,
religious or other types of schools; as well as those who are absent from school on the
day of the assessment.
Who conducts the survey?
● Statement 2 is incorrect: The ASER survey is coordinated by the ASER Centre and
facilitated by the Pratham network.
▪️ Pratham is one of the largest non-governmental organisations in India. It
works towards the provision of quality education to the underprivileged
children.
▪️ ASER Centre is Pratham's autonomous research and assessment unit.
● Around 30,000 volunteers from local partner organisations in each district conduct the survey.
What is the geographical coverage of ASER?
● Statement 3 is correct: ASER is a rural survey. Urban areas are not covered. ASER usually attempts to reach every rural district of the country.
4. Consider the following statements about the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM).
1. It creates a unified national market for agricultural commodities.
2. It is implemented by the Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC).
3. It comes under the aegis of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
1. It creates a unified national market for agricultural commodities.
2. It is implemented by the Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC).
3. It comes under the aegis of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
9%
A. Only one
44%
B. Only two
46%
C. All the three
1%
D. None of the above
Answer: C
Soln:
National Agriculture Market (e-NAM):
● National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) is a pan-India electronic trading portal which
networks the existing Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) mandis to create a
unified national market for agricultural commodities. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● It provides the farmers access to nationwide markets, with prices commensurate with the
quality of their produce.
● Launched in 2016, e-NAM is completely funded by the Central Government and is
implemented by Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC), under the aegis of
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. Hence, statements 2 and 3 are correct.
● e-NAM portal enables farmers to trade their produce through their nearby e-NAM mandis and facilitate traders to bid online from any location.
● The e-NAM portal provides single window services for all APMC related information and services such as commodity arrivals, quality & prices and buy & sell offers, etc.
Soln:
National Agriculture Market (e-NAM):
● National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) is a pan-India electronic trading portal which
networks the existing Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) mandis to create a
unified national market for agricultural commodities. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
● It provides the farmers access to nationwide markets, with prices commensurate with the
quality of their produce.
● Launched in 2016, e-NAM is completely funded by the Central Government and is
implemented by Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC), under the aegis of
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. Hence, statements 2 and 3 are correct.
● e-NAM portal enables farmers to trade their produce through their nearby e-NAM mandis and facilitate traders to bid online from any location.
● The e-NAM portal provides single window services for all APMC related information and services such as commodity arrivals, quality & prices and buy & sell offers, etc.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
3%
A. Only one
32%
B. Only two
64%
C. All the three
1%
D. None of the above
5. Consider the following statements.
1. Treasury bills have a maturity of less than one year.
2. Dated or long-term securities are issued for a period above 1 year and up to 40 years.
3. Proceeds of the Green bonds are utilised for environmentally sustainable projects
1. Treasury bills have a maturity of less than one year.
2. Dated or long-term securities are issued for a period above 1 year and up to 40 years.
3. Proceeds of the Green bonds are utilised for environmentally sustainable projects
Answer: C
Soln:
Government bonds:
● Government bonds or government securities (G-Secs) are normally categorised into two —
Treasury Bills and dated or long-term securities.
○ Treasury Bills have a maturity of less than one year and they do not carry
coupon rates. These are issued at a discount, while redeemed at face value.
Hence, statement 1 is correct.
○ At the same time, dated or long-term securities are issued for a period above 1
year and up to 40 years. These bonds carry coupon rates and are tradable in the
securities market. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
● SGrB is one form of dated security. It will have a tenor and interest rate.
● Money raised through SGrB is part of overall government borrowing.
Sovereign Green Bonds:
● Green bonds are bonds issued by any sovereign entity, inter-governmental groups or
alliances and corporates with the aim that the proceeds of the bonds are utilised for
projects classified as environmentally sustainable. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
● When these bonds carry guarantees related to the repayment of principal and
payment of interest by the sovereign or the government, they are called sovereign
green bonds (SGrB).
How are the projects for green bonds selected?
● According to the framework for SgrBs issued by the Government of India, a project is
classified “green” on the basis of four key principles.
● These include:
○ encouraging energy efficiency in resource utilisation,
○ reducing carbon emissions and greenhouse gases,
○ promoting climate resilience and/or
○ improving natural ecosystems and biodiversity.
Where will the proceeds go?
● The government will use the proceeds raised from SGrBs to finance or refinance
expenditure (in parts or whole) for various green projects, including in renewable energy, clean transportation, energy efficiency, climate change adaptation, sustainable
water and waste management, pollution and prevention control and green buildings.
Soln:
Government bonds:
● Government bonds or government securities (G-Secs) are normally categorised into two —
Treasury Bills and dated or long-term securities.
○ Treasury Bills have a maturity of less than one year and they do not carry
coupon rates. These are issued at a discount, while redeemed at face value.
Hence, statement 1 is correct.
○ At the same time, dated or long-term securities are issued for a period above 1
year and up to 40 years. These bonds carry coupon rates and are tradable in the
securities market. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
● SGrB is one form of dated security. It will have a tenor and interest rate.
● Money raised through SGrB is part of overall government borrowing.
Sovereign Green Bonds:
● Green bonds are bonds issued by any sovereign entity, inter-governmental groups or
alliances and corporates with the aim that the proceeds of the bonds are utilised for
projects classified as environmentally sustainable. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
● When these bonds carry guarantees related to the repayment of principal and
payment of interest by the sovereign or the government, they are called sovereign
green bonds (SGrB).
How are the projects for green bonds selected?
● According to the framework for SgrBs issued by the Government of India, a project is
classified “green” on the basis of four key principles.
● These include:
○ encouraging energy efficiency in resource utilisation,
○ reducing carbon emissions and greenhouse gases,
○ promoting climate resilience and/or
○ improving natural ecosystems and biodiversity.
Where will the proceeds go?
● The government will use the proceeds raised from SGrBs to finance or refinance
expenditure (in parts or whole) for various green projects, including in renewable energy, clean transportation, energy efficiency, climate change adaptation, sustainable
water and waste management, pollution and prevention control and green buildings.
How to become IAS/IPS officers?
Join us for an insightful seminar by Mr.Israel Jebasingh, former IAS officer and renowned UPSC mentor, as he shares expert insights on cracking the IAS/IPS exams. Learn about preparation strategies, exam patterns, and the journey of a civil servant.
📅 Date: February 15, 2025
🕥 Time: 10:30am
📍 Venue: Officer IAS Academy, Chennai
Register Now: https://forms.gle/kUmgydt8gE1xR3Ce6
Parents are also welcome to attend and understand the challenges and opportunities in the UPSC journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable guidance from one of the best in the field!
Thank you.
Join us for an insightful seminar by Mr.Israel Jebasingh, former IAS officer and renowned UPSC mentor, as he shares expert insights on cracking the IAS/IPS exams. Learn about preparation strategies, exam patterns, and the journey of a civil servant.
📅 Date: February 15, 2025
🕥 Time: 10:30am
📍 Venue: Officer IAS Academy, Chennai
Register Now: https://forms.gle/kUmgydt8gE1xR3Ce6
Parents are also welcome to attend and understand the challenges and opportunities in the UPSC journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable guidance from one of the best in the field!
Thank you.
1. Indravati National Park, recently seen in news, is present in which of the following states?
choose the correct answer
Anonymous Quiz
17%
A. Uttarakhand
24%
B. Maharashtra
7%
C. Tamil nadu
51%
D. Chattisgarh
Answer: D
Soln:
● Indravati National Park is a national park located in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh
state of India. Hence, option D is correct.
● It is home to one of the last populations of rare wild buffalo. Indravati National Park is the
finest and most famous wildlife park of Chhattisgarh.
● It is one among the two project tiger sites in Chhattisgarh along with Udanti-sitanadi.
● The park derives its name from the Indravati River, which flows from east to west and
forms the northern boundary of the reserve with the Indian state of Maharashtra.
● With a total area of approximately 2799.08 sq. kms, Indravati attained the status of a
national park in 1981 and a tiger reserve in 1983 under the famous Project Tiger
initiative.
Soln:
● Indravati National Park is a national park located in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh
state of India. Hence, option D is correct.
● It is home to one of the last populations of rare wild buffalo. Indravati National Park is the
finest and most famous wildlife park of Chhattisgarh.
● It is one among the two project tiger sites in Chhattisgarh along with Udanti-sitanadi.
● The park derives its name from the Indravati River, which flows from east to west and
forms the northern boundary of the reserve with the Indian state of Maharashtra.
● With a total area of approximately 2799.08 sq. kms, Indravati attained the status of a
national park in 1981 and a tiger reserve in 1983 under the famous Project Tiger
initiative.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
9%
A. 1 only
52%
B. 2 only
34%
C. Both 1 and 2
6%
D. Neither 1 nor 2
2. Consider the following statements about the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
1. It was created under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for
strengthening tiger conservation.
2. Addressing livelihood interests of local people in areas surrounding Tiger Reserves is one
of the objectives of this authority.
1. It was created under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for
strengthening tiger conservation.
2. Addressing livelihood interests of local people in areas surrounding Tiger Reserves is one
of the objectives of this authority.
3. Su-57 and F 35 Lightning II, recently seen in news, refers to which of the following?
Answer: B
Soln:
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA):
● The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was established in 2005 as a statutory
body under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 for strengthening tiger conservation.
Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
● The Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change acts as the Chairperson of
NTCA.
● The objectives of NTCA are:
1. Providing statutory authority to Project Tiger so that compliance of its
directives becomes legal;
2. Fostering accountability of Center-State in management of Tiger Reserves;
3. Providing for an oversight by Parliament;
4. Addressing livelihood interests of local people in areas surrounding Tiger
Reserves. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Soln:
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA):
● The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was established in 2005 as a statutory
body under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 for strengthening tiger conservation.
Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
● The Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change acts as the Chairperson of
NTCA.
● The objectives of NTCA are:
1. Providing statutory authority to Project Tiger so that compliance of its
directives becomes legal;
2. Fostering accountability of Center-State in management of Tiger Reserves;
3. Providing for an oversight by Parliament;
4. Addressing livelihood interests of local people in areas surrounding Tiger
Reserves. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
choose the correct answer
Anonymous Quiz
70%
A. Fifth generation Fighter Jets.
9%
B. High Speed Railway systems.c
19%
C. Intercontinental Ballistic missile systems.
2%
D. Energy efficient passenger Jets.
4. Consider the following statements about Mohiniyattam
1) It is a classical dance form originating from the state of Kerala.
2) It follows the Lasya style described in Natya Shastra.
1) It is a classical dance form originating from the state of Kerala.
2) It follows the Lasya style described in Natya Shastra.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
23%
A. 1 only
8%
B. 2 only
69%
C. Both 1 and 2
0%
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: A
● Two of the most advanced fifth-generation fighter jets in the world – Russia’s Su-57
and the United States’ F-35 Lightning II will debut at this edition of Aero India 2025.
● This marks the first time that these state-of-the-art fighter jets will be presented together
and provides an unprecedented opportunity to compare Eastern and Western military
aviation technologies.
● Two of the most advanced fifth-generation fighter jets in the world – Russia’s Su-57
and the United States’ F-35 Lightning II will debut at this edition of Aero India 2025.
● This marks the first time that these state-of-the-art fighter jets will be presented together
and provides an unprecedented opportunity to compare Eastern and Western military
aviation technologies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Anonymous Quiz
56%
A. 1 only
9%
B. 2 only
33%
C. Both 1 and 2
2%
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C
Explanation
● Statement 1 is correct: Mohiniyattam is a classical dance form originating from the state
of Kerala.
● It is traditionally a solo dance performed by women after extensive training.
● The dance gets its name from Mohini – the female enchantress avatar of the Hindu deity
Vishnu.
● The roots of Mohiniyattam are in the Natya Shastra (the ancient Hindu Sanskrit text on
performance arts)
● Statement 2 is correct: It follows the Lasya style described in Natya Shastra, ie, a dance
which is delicate and feminine.
● It comprises delicate footsteps, undulating body movements, and subtle yet poignant
facial expressions.
● Mohiniyattam emotes a play through dancing and singing, where the language of the song
texts is Manipravala, a mixture of Malayalam and Sanskrit.
● The musical instruments usually used in Mohiniyattam are Mridangam or Madhalam (barrel drum), Idakka (hourglass drum), flute, Veena, and Kuzhitalam (cymbals).
Explanation
● Statement 1 is correct: Mohiniyattam is a classical dance form originating from the state
of Kerala.
● It is traditionally a solo dance performed by women after extensive training.
● The dance gets its name from Mohini – the female enchantress avatar of the Hindu deity
Vishnu.
● The roots of Mohiniyattam are in the Natya Shastra (the ancient Hindu Sanskrit text on
performance arts)
● Statement 2 is correct: It follows the Lasya style described in Natya Shastra, ie, a dance
which is delicate and feminine.
● It comprises delicate footsteps, undulating body movements, and subtle yet poignant
facial expressions.
● Mohiniyattam emotes a play through dancing and singing, where the language of the song
texts is Manipravala, a mixture of Malayalam and Sanskrit.
● The musical instruments usually used in Mohiniyattam are Mridangam or Madhalam (barrel drum), Idakka (hourglass drum), flute, Veena, and Kuzhitalam (cymbals).