Polymer banknotes are currency notes made from a durable, thin plastic material, usually polypropylene, instead of traditional cotton-based banknote paper.
Important for UPSC: Indian Economy → Currency Management → RBI → Polymer Banknotes → Counterfeit Currency → Currency Printing → Sustainable Materials.
Important for UPSC: Indian Economy → Currency Management → RBI → Polymer Banknotes → Counterfeit Currency → Currency Printing → Sustainable Materials.
Consider the following statements regarding the National Commission for Women (NCW):
1. The Central Government is legally required to consult the NCW on all major policy matters affecting women.
2. At least one member of the Commission must belong to the Scheduled Castes (SC) and at least one to the Scheduled Tribes (ST).
3. The Commission submits its annual reports directly to the Supreme Court of India for judicial review.
1. The Central Government is legally required to consult the NCW on all major policy matters affecting women.
2. At least one member of the Commission must belong to the Scheduled Castes (SC) and at least one to the Scheduled Tribes (ST).
3. The Commission submits its annual reports directly to the Supreme Court of India for judicial review.
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Answer: (A)
Statement 1 is correct: The Central Government is legally required to consult the NCW on all major policy matters affecting women under Section 16 of the NCW Act, 1990.
Statement 2 is correct: The law mandates that at least one member must be from the Scheduled Castes (SC) and one from the Scheduled Tribes (ST).
Statement 3 is incorrect: The NCW submits its annual reports to the Central Government (which lays them before Parliament), not to the Supreme Court.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is correct: The Central Government is legally required to consult the NCW on all major policy matters affecting women under Section 16 of the NCW Act, 1990.
Statement 2 is correct: The law mandates that at least one member must be from the Scheduled Castes (SC) and one from the Scheduled Tribes (ST).
Statement 3 is incorrect: The NCW submits its annual reports to the Central Government (which lays them before Parliament), not to the Supreme Court.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer.
With reference to Kazakhstan, consider the following statements:
1. Kazakhstan is a landlocked country.
2. Kazakhstan is bordered by the Caspian Sea in the west.
3. Kazakhstan shares its borders with China and Mongolia.
1. Kazakhstan is a landlocked country.
2. Kazakhstan is bordered by the Caspian Sea in the west.
3. Kazakhstan shares its borders with China and Mongolia.
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Answer: (A)
Statement 1 is correct: Kazakhstan is universally classified as a landlocked country (in fact, it is the world's largest landlocked country) because it does not have direct access to the world ocean.
Statement 2 is correct: Kazakhstan is bounded by the Caspian Sea to its west.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Kazakhstan does not share a border with Mongolia. Although they are geographically very close, they are separated by a narrow stretch of land where the borders of Russia and China meet in the Altai region.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is correct: Kazakhstan is universally classified as a landlocked country (in fact, it is the world's largest landlocked country) because it does not have direct access to the world ocean.
Statement 2 is correct: Kazakhstan is bounded by the Caspian Sea to its west.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Kazakhstan does not share a border with Mongolia. Although they are geographically very close, they are separated by a narrow stretch of land where the borders of Russia and China meet in the Altai region.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer.
Consider the following statements regarding the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU Scheme):
1. It is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at strengthening India’s vocational training ecosystem.
2. It seeks to introduce industry-aligned long-term and short-term courses, particularly in new and emerging sectors.
3. It is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is the nodal ministry for the scheme.
1. It is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at strengthening India’s vocational training ecosystem.
2. It seeks to introduce industry-aligned long-term and short-term courses, particularly in new and emerging sectors.
3. It is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is the nodal ministry for the scheme.
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Answer: (C)
Statement 1 is Incorrect: The PM-SETU Scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (not a Central Sector Scheme). The total financial outlay of ₹60,000 crore over 5 years is shared between the Central Government (₹30,000 crore / 50%), State Governments (₹20,000
crore / 33.3%), and Industry partners (₹10,000 crore / 16.7%).
Statement 2 is Correct: The scheme aims to introduce industry-aligned long-term and short-term courses, new-age trades, modular curricula, and training in emerging sectors such as AI, Cyber Security, Robotics, Green Hydrogen, EV technology, and Semiconductors.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The scheme is implemented under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) as the sole nodal ministry. It is not jointly implemented with the Ministry of Commerce.
Therefore, Option C is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is Incorrect: The PM-SETU Scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (not a Central Sector Scheme). The total financial outlay of ₹60,000 crore over 5 years is shared between the Central Government (₹30,000 crore / 50%), State Governments (₹20,000
crore / 33.3%), and Industry partners (₹10,000 crore / 16.7%).
Statement 2 is Correct: The scheme aims to introduce industry-aligned long-term and short-term courses, new-age trades, modular curricula, and training in emerging sectors such as AI, Cyber Security, Robotics, Green Hydrogen, EV technology, and Semiconductors.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The scheme is implemented under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) as the sole nodal ministry. It is not jointly implemented with the Ministry of Commerce.
Therefore, Option C is the correct answer.
Consider the following statements regarding the Kamchatka Peninsula:
1. It forms a part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
2. It is bounded by the Bering Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk.
3. The “Volcanoes of Kamchatka” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
1. It forms a part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
2. It is bounded by the Bering Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk.
3. The “Volcanoes of Kamchatka” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Answer: (D)
Statement 1 is correct: The Kamchatka Peninsula is located in the Russian Far East and is one of the most intensely active volcanic regions in the world, forming a key segment of the Pacific "Ring of Fire" due to the subduction of the Pacific Plate.
Statement 2 is correct: Geographically, the peninsula is bounded by the Sea of Okhotsk to the west, and the Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea to the east.
Statement 3 is correct: The "Volcanoes of Kamchatka" is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its exceptional concentration of active volcanoes, diverse volcanic types, and associated hydrothermal features.
Therefore, Option D is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is correct: The Kamchatka Peninsula is located in the Russian Far East and is one of the most intensely active volcanic regions in the world, forming a key segment of the Pacific "Ring of Fire" due to the subduction of the Pacific Plate.
Statement 2 is correct: Geographically, the peninsula is bounded by the Sea of Okhotsk to the west, and the Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea to the east.
Statement 3 is correct: The "Volcanoes of Kamchatka" is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its exceptional concentration of active volcanoes, diverse volcanic types, and associated hydrothermal features.
Therefore, Option D is the correct answer.
Assertion (A): The PUFFINS mission can contribute to understanding the role of interstellar dust in the formation and evolution of stars and planets.
Reason (R): The mission investigates the composition, structure and magnetic alignment of interstellar dust grains using ultraviolet starlight polarisation.
Reason (R): The mission investigates the composition, structure and magnetic alignment of interstellar dust grains using ultraviolet starlight polarisation.
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Answer: (A)
Interstellar dust plays an important role in processes associated with star and planet formation. Studying its properties helps scientists understand the physical conditions within the interstellar medium. Hence, Assertion (A) is correct.
PUFFINS uses ultraviolet spectropolarimetry to investigate the composition, structure and magnetic alignment of interstellar dust grains. These observations help scientists understand dust properties and their influence on the interstellar environment. Hence, Reason (R) is correct.
Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A) because investigating interstellar dust properties helps scientists understand its role in the formation and evolution of stars and planets.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
Interstellar dust plays an important role in processes associated with star and planet formation. Studying its properties helps scientists understand the physical conditions within the interstellar medium. Hence, Assertion (A) is correct.
PUFFINS uses ultraviolet spectropolarimetry to investigate the composition, structure and magnetic alignment of interstellar dust grains. These observations help scientists understand dust properties and their influence on the interstellar environment. Hence, Reason (R) is correct.
Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A) because investigating interstellar dust properties helps scientists understand its role in the formation and evolution of stars and planets.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
Ms. X is an Indian-origin individual residing abroad who holds foreign citizenship, while Mr. Y is an Indian citizen residing outside India. Both wish to invest in India, acquire immovable property and understand their respective rights under Indian law.
In this context, consider the following statements:
1. Ms. X is not permitted to acquire agricultural land, a farmhouse or plantation property in India under the OCI framework, whereas Mr. Y may acquire immovable property in India subject to the applicable laws and regulations.
2. Ms. X requires a special permit from the government to undertake research, missionary, mountaineering, or journalistic activities in India, whereas Mr. Y requires no such prior permit.
3. Both Ms. X and Mr. Y are granted lifelong multiple-entry visas for visiting India without needing to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) for any duration of stay.
In this context, consider the following statements:
1. Ms. X is not permitted to acquire agricultural land, a farmhouse or plantation property in India under the OCI framework, whereas Mr. Y may acquire immovable property in India subject to the applicable laws and regulations.
2. Ms. X requires a special permit from the government to undertake research, missionary, mountaineering, or journalistic activities in India, whereas Mr. Y requires no such prior permit.
3. Both Ms. X and Mr. Y are granted lifelong multiple-entry visas for visiting India without needing to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) for any duration of stay.
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Answer: (A)
Statement 1 is CORRECT: OCI cardholders are generally prohibited from acquiring agricultural land, farmhouses and plantation properties in India. NRIs may acquire residential and commercial immovable property, subject to applicable laws; agricultural
land, farmhouses and plantation properties are generally excluded from the general permission.
Statement 2 is CORRECT: Under the Ministry of Home Affairs notification dated 4 March 2021, OCI cardholders require a special permit for specified activities, including research, missionary work, mountaineering and journalism. NRIs are Indian citizens and do not require such permission merely on account of their NRI status.
Statement 3 is INCORRECT: OCI cardholders receive a lifelong, multiple-entry visa to visit India and are generally exempt from FRRO registration regardless of the duration of their stay. However, NRIs are Indian citizens and do not require a visa to enter India. Therefore, the statement that both are granted lifelong multiple-entry visas is incorrect.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is CORRECT: OCI cardholders are generally prohibited from acquiring agricultural land, farmhouses and plantation properties in India. NRIs may acquire residential and commercial immovable property, subject to applicable laws; agricultural
land, farmhouses and plantation properties are generally excluded from the general permission.
Statement 2 is CORRECT: Under the Ministry of Home Affairs notification dated 4 March 2021, OCI cardholders require a special permit for specified activities, including research, missionary work, mountaineering and journalism. NRIs are Indian citizens and do not require such permission merely on account of their NRI status.
Statement 3 is INCORRECT: OCI cardholders receive a lifelong, multiple-entry visa to visit India and are generally exempt from FRRO registration regardless of the duration of their stay. However, NRIs are Indian citizens and do not require a visa to enter India. Therefore, the statement that both are granted lifelong multiple-entry visas is incorrect.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer.