1. With reference to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), consider the following statements
1. It is conducted by the Election Commission of India under the powers granted by Article 324 of the Constitution.
2. It involves inclusion of new voters and deletion of duplicates or deceased persons from the rolls.
3. It is explicitly mentioned and defined under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: ECI announces phase 2 of Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in 12 States
Bihar was covered in Phase 1 of the SIR; Phase 2 includes 12 States/UTs like UP, WB, TN, Kerala, Gujarat, etc.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR):
- The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is a strategic exercise by the Election Commission of India (ECI) aimed at thoroughly updating, verifying and correcting the voter lists across India.
- The objective is to include every eligible citizen (18+ years) and to remove duplicates, deceased persons, ineligible entries and correct errors like wrong names or addresses. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- It is not simply a summary revision but combines features of a full enumeration (intensive revision) and summary updates, hence the nomenclature “Special Intensive
Legal Framework
The legal and constitutional basis for SIR is critical for understanding its authority and challenges:
- Article 324 (1): Grants the ECI superintendence, direction and control of elections to Parliament and State Legislatures. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Article 326: Guarantees adult suffrage to all citizens aged 18+ for elections to Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
- Representation of the People Act, 1950, Section 16 and 19: Sets out criteria for voter eligibility (citizen, 18+, ordinary resident). Section 21(3) empowers the ECI to order special roll revision.
- Registration of Electors Rules, 1960: Specifies procedures for enrolment, revision, etc. Some legal commentators note that the term “Special Intensive Revision” itself is not explicitly present in the Rulebook, raising questions of nomenclature and procedural clarity. Hence statement 3 is Incorrect.
| PYQ REFERENCE: Q. Consider the following statements: (2020) 1. According to the Constitution of India a person who is eligible to vote can be made a minister in a State for six months even if he/she is not a member of the Legislature of that State. 2. According to the Representation of People Act, 1951, a person convicted of a criminal offense and sentenced to imprisonment for five years is permanently disqualified from contesting an election even after his release from prison. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
2. Consider the following statements:
Statement I: The Bay of Bengal sees much higher frequency and intensity than the Arabian Sea.
Statement II: The Bay of Bengal’s sea surface temperature is typically lower than the Arabian Sea, providing more heat energy.
Statement III: The Bay of Bengal has higher atmospheric moisture content compared to the Arabian Sea.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
(b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
(c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
(d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
Answer: (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
Explanation:
In NEWS: Cyclone Montha red alert across Andhra Pradesh , Odisha thousands evacuated
Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal:
- Cyclones are intense low-pressure systems characterized by strong winds spiraling towards the center (eye). In the North Indian Ocean, they occur mainly in:
- Bay of Bengal (BoB)
- Arabian Sea (AS)
- But the Bay of Bengal sees much higher frequency and intensity than the Arabian Sea. Hence statement I is correct.
Why Bay of Bengal sees more Cyclones than Arabian Sea
1. Warmer Sea Surface Temperatures (SST)
- The Bay of Bengal’s sea surface temperature is typically higher than the Arabian Sea, providing more heat energy for cyclones to form and intensify.
- BoB has SST > 28°C — ideal for cyclone formation. Hence statement II is incorrect.
2. High Humidity & Moisture Availability
- The Bay of Bengal has higher atmospheric moisture content compared to the Arabian Sea. example: Large inflow from rivers (Ganga, Brahmaputra) warms surface waters.
- The Arabian Sea receives a significant amount of dry air from desert countries in the Arabian Peninsula, which disrupts and weakens developing cyclones. Hence statement III is correct and explains statement I.
3. Favorable Wind Shear
- Low vertical wind shear helps cyclone development.
4. Remnants of Typhoons from the Pacific
- Many Pacific typhoons cross over and regenerate in BoB.
5. Geographical Shape
- The funnel shape of Bay amplifies storm surge intensity.
6. Low Salinity & High Evaporation
- Enhances convection and energy buildup.
Seasonal Pattern
- Pre-monsoon: April–May (e.g., Cyclone Amphan, 2020)
- Post-monsoon: October–December (most intense & frequent)
- Monsoon season (June–Sept): Rare due to unfavorable wind shear.
Classification by IMD (India Meteorological Department)
| Category | Wind Speed (km/h) |
| Low Pressure | <31 |
| Depression | 31–49 |
| Deep Depression | 50–61 |
| Cyclonic Storm | 62–88 |
| Severe Cyclonic Storm | 89–117 |
| Very Severe Cyclonic Storm | 118–165 |
| Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm | 166–220 |
| Super Cyclone | >221 |
| PYQ REFERENCE: Q. Consider the following statements: (2020) 1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only. 2. Only some cyclones develop an eye. 3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10ºC lesser than that of the surroundings. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1 and 3 only |
3. Which among the following steps can be taken by the government at the time of an economic recession?
1. Increasing government spending
2. Lowering interest rates
3. Implementing tax cuts
4. Decreasing money supply
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 only
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Top economist warns: These 2 states could tip America into recession while another one is in danger zone
Recession:
- A recession is a nationwide economic slowdown, measured by factors such as industrial production, employment and income.
- A recession typically involves the overall output in an economy contracting for at least two consecutive quarters, along with job losses and reduction in overall demand.
- During a recession, businesses may sell fewer products, leading to layoffs and decreased wages. As a result, consumers tend to save their money rather than spend it, further dampening their contribution to the economy. This domino effect creates financial hardships that can affect the entire world.
- Governments respond to these recessions by altering fiscal policies to boost economic growth. The following are some measures policymakers may implement to deal with a recession:
- Increasing government spending
- Lowering interest rates
- Implementing tax cuts
- Increasing money supply. Hence 4 is incorrect.
| PYQ REFERENCE: Q. Which among the following steps is most likely to be taken at the time of an economic recession? (a) Cut in tax rates accompanied by increase in interest rate (b) Increase in expenditure on public projects (c) Increase in tax rates accompanied by reduction of interest rate (d) Reduction of expenditure on public project |
4. Which among the following statements is/are correct regarding ‘North – South Carbon Market’?
1. It refers to the trading of carbon credits between developed and developing countries to offset their greenhouse gas emissions.
2. The concept of North–South carbon trade is based on the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) under international climate agreements.
3. India is developing a domestic Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) aimed at regulating and incentivizing emission reductions.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
In NEWS: A Start For North and South Carbon market
North–South Carbon Market:
1. The term North–South Carbon Market refers to the trading of carbon credits between developed (Global North) and developing (Global South) countries.
2. Developed countries often purchase carbon credits from developing nations to offset their greenhouse gas emissions. Hence statement 1 is correct.
3. The concept of North–South carbon trade is based on the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) under international climate agreements. Hence statement 2 is correct.
4. The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol (1997) was the first structured North–South carbon trading mechanism.
5. Under the Paris Agreement (Article 6), countries can exchange Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) — a new form of North–South carbon cooperation.
6. The North–South carbon market allows the flow of finance, investment, and clean technology from developed to developing countries.
7. The mechanism aims to make climate mitigation cost-effective by allowing emission reductions where it is cheaper to achieve them.
8. Critics describe such carbon trade as “carbon colonialism”, as it allows developed countries to continue emitting while shifting mitigation responsibility to poorer nations.
9. India is developing its domestic Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), which may in future link with international carbon markets. Hence statement 1 is correct.
| PYQ REFERENCE: Q. Consider the following statements: (2023) Statement-I: Carbon markets are likely to be one of the most widespread tools in the fight against climate change. Statement-II: Carbon markets transfer resources from the private sector to the State. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-I Statement-II explains (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-1 (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct |
5. With reference to the “Central Information Commission”, Consider the following statements.
1. The Commission includes one Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and not more than ten Information Commissioners (IC).
2. The person appointed as the CIC/IC must be a Member of Parliament or Member of the Legislature of any State or Union Territory.
3. For appointment to the CIC/IC, the Committee consists of the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and one Union Cabinet Minister to be nominated by the Prime Minister.
4. The CIC shall not have any fixed tenure, S/he holds the office during the pleasure of the President.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 4
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) 3 only
Answer: (b) 1 and 3
Explanation:
In NEWS: CIC appointments in ‘two or three’ weeks, Centre tells top court
Central Information Commission:
How is the Central Information Commission constituted?
- Central Information Commission to be constituted by the Central Government through a Gazette Notification.
- The Commission includes 1 Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and not more than 10 Information Commissioners (IC) who will be appointed by the President of India. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Oath of Office will be administered by the President of India according to the form set out in the First Schedule.
- The Commission shall have its Headquarters in Delhi. Other offices may be established in other parts of the country with the approval of the Central Government.
- The Commission will exercise its powers without being subjected to directions by any other authority.
What is the eligibility criteria and what is the process of appointment of CIC/IC?
- Candidates for CIC/IC must be persons of eminence in public life with wide knowledge and experience in law, science and technology, social service, management, journalism, mass media or administration and governance.
- CIC/IC shall not be a Member of Parliament or Member of the Legislature of any State or Union Territory. He shall not hold any other office of profit or connected with any political party or carrying on any business or pursuing any profession. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
- The Appointment Committee includes the Prime Minister (Chair), Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and one Union Cabinet Minister to be nominated by the Prime Minister. Hence statement 3 is correct.
What is the term of office and other service conditions of CIC?
- CIC shall be appointed for a term of 5 years from date on which he enters upon his office or till he attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. Hence statement 4 is incorrect.
(the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) does not hold office “during the pleasure of the President”; the CIC has a fixed term and cannot be removed at the President’s will)
- CIC is not eligible for reappointment.
- Salary will be the same as that of the Chief Election Commissioner. This will not be varied to the disadvantage of the CIC during service.
| PYQ REFERENCE: Q. The Central Information Commission was established under which Act? (2021) (a) Right to Information Act, 2005 (b) Freedom of Information Act, 2002 (c) Transparency in Government Act, 2006 (d) Public Disclosure Act, 2004 |
6. With reference to Indian Cultural history, Which among the following statements are correct regarding the Dogri language?
1. Dogri is a Western Pahari Indo-Aryan language spoken mainly in the Jammu region of Jammu & Kashmir and neighbouring areas.
2. Dogri is one of the 22 scheduled languages of India which is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution through the 71st Amendment Act.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: Is the Dogri language losing resonance in India?
Dogri language:
- Dogri is a Western Pahari Indo-Aryan language spoken mainly in the Jammu region of Jammu & Kashmir and neighbouring areas. Hence statement 1 is correct.
Constitutional status:
- Included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution in 2003 via 92nd Amendment Act. Hence, one of the 22 scheduled languages of India. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
Cultural & Linguistic Significance
- Represents the identity of the Dogra community.
- Rich oral literature — folk songs, bhajans, riddles, proverbs, and heroic ballads.
- Important works by poets like Padma Sachdev, Dinanath Nadim, and Narayan Dutt Shastri.
- Serves as a bridge between northern Hindi dialects and Pahari languages.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2024) Q. The Constitution (71st Amendment) Act, 1992 amends the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution to include which of the following languages? 1. Konkani 2. Manipuri 3. Nepali 4. Maithilis Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1, 2 and 4 (c) 1,3 and 4 (d) 2.3 and 4 |
7. Which among the following abide to the core elements of Constitutional Morality?
1. Supremacy of the Constitution and law over arbitrary actions
2. Protection of individual rights and equality before law
3. Promotes unity, tolerance, and respect for diversity
4. Powers of all organs are derived from and limited by the Constitution
5. Respect for roles and limitations of constitutional bodies
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Explanation:
In NEWS: The contours of constitutional morality
Constitutional Morality:
- Constitutional morality refers to the adherence to the core principles, values, and spirit of the Constitution while exercising power and performing duties in public life.
- It requires that citizens and institutions act in harmony with constitutional ideals — such as liberty, equality, fraternity, and justice — even when they conflict with popular opinion or social norms.
- The term was first popularized by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
- It implies governing according to the Constitution, not merely by law or majority will.
- It demands respect for the rule of law, protection of fundamental rights, independence of institutions, and checks and balances.
- It guides how State functionaries, legislature, and citizens should behave in a constitutional democracy.
Core Elements of Constitutional Morality:
1. Rule of Law: Supremacy of the Constitution and law over arbitrary actions
2. Liberty & Equality: Protection of individual rights and equality before law
3. Fraternity: Promotes unity, tolerance, and respect for diversity
4. Constitutional Supremacy: Powers of all organs are derived from and limited by the Constitution
5. Institutional Integrity: Respect for roles and limitations of constitutional bodies
6. Accountability & Transparency: Ensuring democratic responsibility in governance
Hence all the statements are correct.
| PYQ REFERENCE: Q. Which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India have a bearing on Education? 1. Directive Principles of State Policy 2. Rural and Urban Local Bodies 3. Fifth Schedule 4. Sixth Schedule 5. Seventh Schedule Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3, 4 and 5 only (c) 1, 2 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 |
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-contours-of-constitutional-morality/article70205715.ece
8. The World Heritage Outlook is released by:
(a) UNEP
(b) UNDP
(c) UNESCO
(d) IUCN
Answer: (d) IUCN
Explanation:
In NEWS: Why has IUCN red-flagged the Western Ghats?
World Heritage Outlook 4 Report (2025)
- The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) released its World Heritage Outlook 4 Report in 2025. Hence option (d) is correct.
- It assesses the conservation status of over 200 natural and mixed World Heritage Sites across the world.
- The report classifies sites into four categories — “Good”, “Good with some concerns”, “Significant concern”, and “Critical”.
- The percentage of sites with a positive conservation outlook has declined for the first time since 2014 — from 63% (2014–2020) to 57% (2025).
India-specific Findings
- The Western Ghats, Manas National Park (Assam), and Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal) have been placed in the “Significant Concern” category.
- Khangchendzonga National Park (Sikkim) is rated as “Good”, while Kaziranga, Keoladeo, Nanda Devi & Valley of Flowers, and Great Himalayan National Park are categorised as “Good with Some Concerns.”
9. The term ‘UDISE Plus’, recently seen in the news in the context of
(a) It is a comprehensive database for school education in India
(b) It provides skills that give employability to women
(c) It bringing all pulse crops under crop insurance scheme with low premium
(d) It is a village which sustains its Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, ensures solid and liquid waste management and is visually clean
Answer: (a) It is a comprehensive database for school education in India
Explanation:
In NEWS: 340 Tripura Schools with 6,492 Students Run by Single Teacher: UDISE+ 2024–25 Report
About UDISE Plus
- Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE Plus) is one of the largest Management Information Systems initiated by Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, on school education and was launched in 2018-2019 to speed up data entry, reduce errors, improve data quality and ease its verification. Hence option (a) is correct.
- UDISE Plus is an application to collect the school details about factors related to a school and its resources.
- UDISE Plus is an updated and improved version of UDISE, which was initiated in 2012-13 by the Ministry of Education.
- UDISE Plus covers more than 49 million schools, more than 9.5 million teachers and more than 265 million children.
- It helps measure the education parameters from classes 1 to 12 in government and private schools across India.
10. Which of the following leaf modifications occur (s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss?
1. Hard and waxy leaves
2. Tiny leaves
3. Thorns instead of leaves
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
In desert areas, plants modify their leaves to minimize water loss due to high temperature and low humidity:
- Hard and waxy leaves reduce transpiration by forming a waterproof layer (cuticle).
- Tiny leaves decrease the surface area for water loss.
- Thorns instead of leaves (as in cacti) completely prevent transpiration through leaves.
Hence, all three modifications help in conserving water.