Answer: (B)
The Chambal River originates in the Janapav Hills (elevation approx. 854m) of the
Vindhya Range, located near Mhow in the Indore district of Madhya Pradesh.
Statement 1 is Correct
The river flows in a north–northeast direction, not westward. It joins the Yamuna River at
Etawah in Uttar Pradesh, rather than directly merging with the Ganges. Although the
Yamuna is a tributary of the Ganges, the Chambal is technically a tributary of the
Yamuna.Statement 2 is Incorrect
The river flows through exactly three states:Madhya Pradesh (Source and major flow),
Rajasthan (Flows through the southeastern part and forms the border) and Uttar
Pradesh (Confluence with the Yamuna).Statement 3 is Correct.
Therefore , option B is the correct answer.

With reference to the nominated members of Parliament in India, consider the following
statements:
1. They are nominated for having special knowledge or practical experience in literature,
arts, science, sports and social service.
2. Nominated members cannot vote in the election of the President and Vice-President.

Answer: (C)
Nominated members of the Rajya Sabha are appointed by the President of India under Article
80 of the Constitution. A maximum of 12 members can be nominated to the Rajya Sabha.
Article 80(3) explicitly lists only four fields: Literature, Science, Art, and Social Service.
While sportspersons like Sachin Tendulkar or P.T. Usha have been nominated, they are
categorized under "Art" or "Social Service." The Constitution does not list "sports" as a
standalone category for nomination. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
They enjoy most of the rights and privileges of elected members, including participating in
debates and voting on ordinary legislation. However, they do not vote in the election of the
President of India, since they are not part of the Electoral College, but they are entitled to
vote in the election of the Vice-President, as members of both Houses of Parliament
participate in that process. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect. Therefore, option C is the
correct answer.

With reference to the legal procedure in India, consider the following statements:
1. In Police custody, the accused is under the Magistrate and kept in jail.
2. In Judicial custody, the accused is kept in a police lock-up and can be interrogated
without prior court permission.

Answer: (D)
In Police Custody, the accused is held at a police station under the physical control of the
police for investigation. The description provided (Magistrate's authority and jail) actually
describes Judicial Custody. Hence statement 1 is Incorrect.
In Judicial Custody, the accused is lodged in jail, and the police must obtain prior court
permission to interrogate them. The description provided (police lock-up and free
interrogation) actually describes Police Custody. Hence statement 2 is Incorrect.
Therefore option D is the correct answer.

Consider the following statements regarding the Women’s Reservation Bill, 2023:
1. It provides 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha, State Legislative
Assemblies, and the Rajya Sabha.
2. The Women’s Reservation Bill introduces rotation of reserved constituencies.

Answer: (B)
The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (106th Constitutional Amendment Act) provides
reservation for women in the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the Legislative
Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. It does not provide reservation in the
Rajya Sabha or the State Legislative Councils. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
The Act specifically includes a provision for the rotation of seats reserved for women. These
reserved seats will be rotated after every subsequent delimitation exercise as determined
by Parliament. Hence, statement 2 is correct. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

Assertion (A): Parliament can modify the orders of the Delimitation Commission before they
come into force.
Reason (R): The Delimitation Commission is created by a law enacted by Parliament.

Answer: (C)
Parliament cannot modify the orders of the Delimitation Commission at any stage. Once the Commission finalizes and publishes its orders in the Gazette, they acquire the force of law automatically and come into effect as specified. These orders are neither subject to parliamentary modification nor open to judicial review, ensuring independence in the delimitation process. Hence assertion is incorrect.
The Delimitation Commission is a statutory body created through a law enacted by Parliament (Delimitation Commission Act). However, being created by Parliament does not imply that Parliament can control or alter its decisions, as the Commission is deliberately given independent and final authority. Hence the reason is correct.
Therefore option C is the correct answer.

With reference to Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), consider the following
statements:
1. NDC is a non-binding climate action plan to cut emissions and adapt to climate
impacts.
2. Countries need to update their NDCs every five years as required by the Paris
agreement.

Answer: (C)
Under the Paris Agreement (COP21), the specific targets (e.g., a $45\%$ reduction in emissions intensity) set by a country within its NDC are not legally binding at the international level. There are no international legal penalties if a country fails to meet its specific goals. The system relies on "name and shame," domestic accountability, and international pressure. However, countries are legally obligated to prepare, communicate, and maintain these NDCs. Hence statement 1 is correct.
The Paris Agreement requires each party to communicate a Nationally Determined Contribution every five years. Furthermore, according to the "Principle of Progression," each successive NDC must represent a progression beyond the country’s previous NDC and reflect its highest possible ambition. Hence statement 2 is Incorrect.
Therefore, Option C is the correct answer.

With reference to the Elephanta Caves, consider the following statements:
1. The caves are primarily dedicated to the Mahayana sect of Buddhism.
2. The Caves were primarily built under the Kalachuri dynasty.
3. They are carved out of solid basalt rock.

Answer: (B)
While there are remains of Buddhist stupas and two small caves on the eastern hill of the island, the Elephanta Caves are primarily Hindu caves dedicated to the Shaivite tradition (Lord Shiva). Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
Although later dynasties like the Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas contributed to or controlled the site, historical and numismatic evidence (finding of silver coins of King Krishnaraja) strongly attributes the primary construction of the main caves to the Kalachuri dynasty in the mid-6th century CE. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Like many other Western Indian rock-cut sites (such as Ajanta and Ellora), Elephanta is carved into the solid basalt rock of the Deccan Traps. This volcanic rock allowed for the creation of massive halls and intricate high-relief sculptures. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

Its a dense, rapidly spinning neutron star that acts as a cosmic lighthouse, emitting steady
beams of radiation from its poles. They are so predictable that they serve as the universe's
most accurate natural timekeepers, helping scientists test the laws of physics. They are
formed from the collapsed remains of massive stars, concentrating immense magnetic and
gravitational forces into a sphere only a few kilometers wide.