RAS 2021 Prelims — Previous Year Questions with Answers

Ruma Devi is a renowned Rajasthani social entrepreneur from Barmer who works in handicrafts and women's empowerment, providing employment to thousands of rural women through Gramin Vikas Evam Chetna Sansthan. She received the Nari Shakti Puraskar from the President of India in 2018. However, she was brought up in the village of Rawatsar (Barmer district), not Jasrapur (Khetri). Statement (b) about her upbringing in Jasrapur (Khetri) is therefore the incorrect statement, while the other three statements about her field, award, and impact on women's employment are correct.

Bakhnaji, Sant Das Ji, Jagannath Das and Madho Das were prominent disciples of Sant Dadu Dayal, the founder of the Dadu Panth in Rajasthan during the sixteenth century. Dadu Panth had fifty-two principal disciples known as the Bavan Stambh, among whom these saints were notable figures who spread the nirguna bhakti tradition across Rajasthan and beyond. The other options - Laldasi sect founded by Lal Das, Jasnathi sect founded by Jasnath Ji, and Ramsnehi sect founded by Swami Ramcharan - had different lineages of disciples.

Anekantavada (the doctrine of manifold aspects of reality) and Syadvada (the doctrine of conditional predication or 'maybe') are two foundational philosophical doctrines of Jainism. Anekantavada holds that reality has multiple aspects, while Syadvada is the linguistic expression of this through seven-fold predication (saptabhangi). Sarvastivada is a school of early Buddhism holding that all dharmas exist in past, present and future. Sunyavada (the doctrine of emptiness) is associated with Madhyamika Buddhism founded by Nagarjuna. Hence only (i) and (iv) relate to Jainism.

'Aanau' (or 'Aanu') is a social custom in Rajasthan where the bride is sent to her in-laws' house for the second time after marriage. The first time the bride goes to her in-laws' home is called 'Gauna' or 'Muklawa', and the subsequent visit is called 'Aanau'.

The Howrah Conspiracy case (1910) involved Jatindranath Mukherjee (Bagha Jatin), the revolutionary leader of Jugantar. The Lahore Conspiracy case (1929) involved Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru and others associated with the HSRA. The Delhi Conspiracy case (1912) related to the Delhi-Lahore bombing on Lord Hardinge involved Master Amir Chand and Bhai Balmukund. The Alipore Conspiracy case (1908) involved Aurobindo Ghosh and Barindra Kumar Ghosh after the Muzaffarpur bombing. Hence A-(iii), B-(iv), C-(i), D-(ii) is the correct matching.

Kandukuri Veeresalingam Pantulu, a Telugu social reformer often called the 'father of Telugu Renaissance', founded the Rajamundri Social Reform Association in 1871 to promote widow remarriage in Andhra region. He performed the first widow remarriage in the Telugu region in 1881 and dedicated his life to fighting against caste discrimination, dowry, and the prohibition of widow remarriage. He was deeply influenced by Brahmo Samaj ideals. The other figures listed are not associated with the founding of this particular reform association.

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) was established in Bangalore in 1909 through the philanthropic vision and efforts of Jamshedji Nusserwanji Tata, the founder of the Tata group. The proposal began in 1898, but the institute was formally established in 1909 with a generous endowment by Tata, supplemented by contributions from the Maharaja of Mysore who donated land, and the Government of India. IISc has since become India's premier institution for advanced scientific and technological research and was the first scientific research institute of its kind in India.

The official RPSC final answer key for Prelims 2021 marks Question 9 as response 1. In this item's option order, response 1 is Rama Devi. Therefore, the correct answer is Rama Devi, not Anjana Devi Chaudhary.

In Jain iconography, each Tirthankara is identified by a distinctive cognizance or symbol (lanchhan). Parshvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankara, has the snake (sarpa) as his symbol, often shown with a multi-hooded cobra canopy. Adinath (Rishabhanatha), the first Tirthankara, has the bull (vrishabha) as his symbol. Mahavira, the twenty-fourth Tirthankara, has the lion (simha) as his symbol. Shantinath, the sixteenth Tirthankara, has the deer (mriga) as his symbol. Hence the correct matching is A-(iii) Snake, B-(i) Bull, C-(ii) Lion, D-(iv) Deer.

The official RPSC final answer key for the 2021 preliminary examination marks question 11 as response 4. In this row's option set, response 4 is Teeja Manji Temple. Therefore option D is the official answer; Kunj Bihari Temple, Mahamandir and Ghanshyamji Temple are not the selected response for this PYQ.

The famous Parkham Yaksha sculpture, inscribed with the name 'Manibhadra', was found at Parkham village near Mathura. It dates to the Mauryan period (3rd century BCE) and is one of the earliest free-standing stone sculptures in India.

Kanaklata Barua, a seventeen-year-old freedom fighter from Assam, led a procession of unarmed villagers attempting to hoist the Indian national flag at the Gohpur police station in the Tezpur subdivision of Darrang district during the Quit India Movement on 20 September 1942. She was shot dead by police while carrying the flag and is remembered as one of the youngest martyrs of the movement. Her memorial stands at Gohpur. Sonitpur, Midnapur and Korapur saw other revolutionary actions but were not the site of Kanaklata's martyrdom.

In Sanskrit ancient agricultural terminology: Vrihi refers to rice (a paddy variety), Mudga refers to mung bean (green gram), Yava refers to barley (or grain in a wider sense, sometimes used for millet), and Ikshu refers to sugarcane. Hence the matching is A-(ii) Rice, B-(iii) Mung bean, C-(iv) Millet/grain, D-(i) Sugarcane. These terms are found in the Vedic and post-Vedic Sanskrit literature including the Atharvaveda and Charaka Samhita, demonstrating early Indian knowledge of cultivated crops. Option (d) gives this exact matching as per the official answer key.

The Varika Vishnuvardhan Victory Pillar (Vijaya Stambha) located at Bayana Fort in Bharatpur district of Rajasthan dates to the Gupta period, specifically the fifth century CE. The pillar inscription commemorates the military victory of Vishnuvardhana, a chief or feudatory of the Varika clan, and is one of the important Gupta-period epigraphic records found in Rajasthan. The inscription is in Sanskrit and reflects the political and cultural conditions of the Gupta era. The pillar is therefore not from the Mauryan, Sultanate or Mughal periods.

The Ahar civilization (also called Banas culture), centred around the Banas valley in southeastern Rajasthan circa 3000-1500 BCE, was characterised by knowledge of copper smelting (statement A correct), with metal work being a key economic activity (statement C correct), and produced distinctive black-and-red ware pottery often decorated with white geometric designs (statement D correct). Statement B is incorrect because rice was indeed known to the Aharians, with archaeological evidence of rice cultivation found at the Ahar site. Therefore A, C and D are correct, making option (a) the right choice.

The Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI) was established at Karaikudi in Tamil Nadu in 1953 through the joint efforts of the philanthropist Dr Alagappa Chettiar, eminent scientist Dr Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar (the architect of CSIR laboratories), and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. CECRI functions under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and is one of India's premier research institutes dedicated to electrochemistry. It was inaugurated by Pandit Nehru and has since contributed significantly to research in batteries, corrosion science, and electrochemical materials.

In Rajasthani traditional jewellery, 'Toti' is an ornament worn on the ears. It is a small ear ornament traditionally worn by women in various communities of Rajasthan. Different Rajasthani ear ornaments include karanphool, jhumka, bali, and toti, each having distinctive shapes and styles. Other Rajasthani ornaments include nathani for the nose, kankan and chuda for the hand, kandora and tagri for the waist. Hence Toti is specifically associated with the ears among the given options, making (d) the correct answer.

The Battle of Gagron was fought in 1519 CE between Rana Sanga of Mewar and Mahmud Khilji II of Malwa, in which Rana Sanga emerged victorious. The Battle of Sarangpur took place in 1437 CE between Mahmud Khilji of Malwa and Rana Kumbha of Mewar. The Battle of Summel (Sumel-Giri) was fought in 1544 CE between Sher Shah Suri and Maldeo Rathore of Marwar. The Battle of Saheba (Sahiba) occurred in 1541-42 CE between Maldeo of Marwar and Rao Jaitsi of Bikaner. Hence A-(i), B-(iii), C-(ii), D-(iv).

The 'Vedic Yantralaya' printing press was established at Ajmer in Rajasthan. This press was set up by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj, who used Ajmer as one of his important centres for propagating Vedic teachings and reformist ideas. Ajmer became a major hub of Arya Samaj activities and Sanskrit-Hindi publishing in northern India. The Vedic Yantralaya specifically catered to publishing Vedic literature and Arya Samaj texts, contributing to the dissemination of Dayanand's reformist message across Rajasthan and other regions.

Statement 1 is correct - Krishnadevaraya, the great Vijayanagara ruler (1509-1529), authored the Telugu literary classic Amuktamalyada, a poem on the life of the Tamil saint Andal. Statement 2 is correct - he was honoured with the title Andhra Bhoja due to his patronage of Telugu literature and erudition. Statement 3 is incorrect because Allasani Peddana, one of the eight legendary court poets (Ashtadiggajas), was well versed in Sanskrit and Telugu, not Tamil. Hence only statements 1 and 2 are true, making option (c) correct.

The Rajasthani Bhasha, Sahitya and Sanskriti Akademi is located at Bikaner. It was established in 1983 by the Government of Rajasthan to promote the Rajasthani language, literature and culture. The Akademi conducts research, publishes books, organises seminars and confers literary awards in Rajasthani language. Bikaner has historically been a major centre of Rajasthani literary and cultural activity, which is why the Akademi was established there. The other options - Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur - host other state-level cultural and literary bodies but not this particular Akademi.

The newspaper Mazharul-Saroor is keyed in this RAS Prelims question to Bharatpur, 1849. Therefore option (A), Bharatpur, 1849, is the stored and exam-key answer. The earlier Ajmer, 1840 explanation was inconsistent with the options and should not be used.

Among the given sequences, the correct chronological sequence of Chief Justices of India is: H.L. Dattu (28 Sept 2014 - 2 Dec 2015), T.S. Thakur (3 Dec 2015 - 3 Jan 2017), and Jagdish Singh Khehar (4 Jan 2017 - 27 Aug 2017). Option (a) is wrong because S.R. Das preceded B.P. Sinha. Option (b) is wrong because H.L. Dattu came after S.H. Kapadia, and K.G. Balakrishnan came before Kapadia. Option (c) is wrong because Deepak Misra preceded Ranjan Gogoi, who preceded N.V. Ramana. Hence (d) is the correctly ordered sequence.

Article 169(1) provides that Parliament may by law create or abolish a State Legislative Council if the State Legislative Assembly passes the required special-majority resolution. The word "may" makes the Assembly resolution a precondition for parliamentary action, not a binding command to the Union Government to initiate legislation. The resolution is not a Bill requiring reservation by the Governor for the President. Among the given options, the constitutionally correct statement is therefore option (b): it does not impose an obligation on the Union Government to take action for initiating legislation in Parliament.

Under Article 323 of the Constitution of India, the State Public Service Commission presents its annual report on the work done by it to the Governor of the State. The Governor then causes the report, together with a memorandum explaining the cases where advice of the Commission was not accepted with reasons, to be laid before the State Legislature. Hence the Rajasthan Public Service Commission submits its annual report to the Governor of Rajasthan, not to the President of India, the Speaker, or the Chief Secretary, making option (c) correct.

The Citizen's Charter is a document that represents a systematic effort to focus a public organisation's commitments toward citizens or clients. DARPG lists expected elements such as the vision and mission statements, details of business transacted, details of clients, services for each client group, grievance-redress access, and expectations from clients. Inspection of the agency's work is not in that basic list. The RPSC final key selects the response that maps to option (d) in this row, so option (d) is the non-basic element.

Under Section 21 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, as amended by Act 19 of 2019 with effect from 2 August 2019, the Chairperson of a State Human Rights Commission may be a person who has been a Chief Justice or a Judge of a High Court. Among the listed choices, Chief Justice of High Court is therefore an eligible category, while the administrative, police, and social-activist options do not satisfy the statutory judicial qualification. Hence option (b) is correct.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, under Articles 148-151 of the Constitution, has the duty to ensure not only the legality of expenditure (legal audit) but also its propriety, economy, efficiency and effectiveness (propriety audit). This duty arises because the CAG must uphold the Constitution and the laws made by Parliament in the field of financial administration, ensuring that public funds are used appropriately. Hence both the Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion, making option (b) the right choice.

The Drafting Committee had 7 members chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Statements (A), (B) and (C) about the Rajasthan Lokayukta are correct: the Lokayukta is appointed by the Governor and is responsible to the Legislative Assembly; his jurisdiction extends over Ministers, MLAs and senior civil servants; he considers cases of corruption and maladministration. Statement (D) is incorrect - the Lokayukta's mandate is not confined merely to investigating allegations but also covers grievances against public functionaries. The Rajasthan Lokayukta and Up-Lokayuktas Act, 1973 governs its functioning. Hence (A), (B) and (C) are correct, making option (c) the right answer.

Article 103 of the Constitution of India provides that if any question arises as to whether a member of either House of Parliament has become subject to any disqualification mentioned in Article 102(1), the question shall be referred to the President for decision. The President, before giving any decision, shall obtain the opinion of the Election Commission of India and shall act according to such opinion. Hence the Election Commission's opinion is binding on the President in such matters, making option (b) correct.

The 99th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2014, which sought to establish the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) for the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts, was struck down as unconstitutional by a five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court in October 2015 in the case of Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association v. Union of India. The Court held that the NJAC violated the basic structure doctrine, particularly the independence of the judiciary, and restored the collegium system. Hence option (c) is correct.

Statement (i) is incorrect: the State Election Commission, Rajasthan was constituted in July 1994 under Article 243K of the Constitution. Statement (ii) is correct in the source used for this question: the Commission has a Secretary who is also the Chief Electoral Officer for the State. Hence only (ii) is correct, making option (b) the answer.

The case of Vishakha and Others v. State of Rajasthan and Others (1997) is a landmark Supreme Court judgment that laid down guidelines (the Vishakha Guidelines) for the prevention of sexual harassment of women at the workplace. The case originated from the gang rape of Bhanwari Devi, a saathin worker in Rajasthan. The guidelines later formed the basis for the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. Hence the case is specifically related to prevention of sexual harassment at the workplace, making option (d) correct.

Gurumukh Nihal Singh was the first Governor of Rajasthan (1956-1962), appointed on 25 October 1956 after the States Reorganisation Act abolished the Rajpramukh system. Before him, Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur served as the Rajpramukh (1949-1956).

Fundamental Duties were incorporated into the Constitution of India through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976, on the recommendation of the Sardar Swaran Singh Committee. The committee was constituted in 1976 by the Indira Gandhi government to recommend constitutional changes during the Emergency. Originally, ten Fundamental Duties were added as Article 51A in Part IVA; an eleventh duty (regarding education of children) was added by the 86th Amendment in 2002. The Swaran Singh Committee specifically recommended these duties as obligations of citizens. Hence option (a) is correct.

Among the Directive Principles of State Policy: Article 39(d) provides that there is equal pay for equal work for both men and women - this is correctly matched in option (d). Article 39A (not 42) provides for equal justice and free legal aid. Article 48 (not 43) deals with organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry. Article 40 (not 41) provides for organisation of village Panchayats. Hence options (a), (b) and (c) have incorrect article numbers, while option (d) correctly matches Article 39 with equal pay for equal work.

The quote 'A Constitution, like a machine, is a lifeless thing. It acquires life because of the men who control it and India needs today nothing more than a set of honest men who will have the interest of the country before them' was made by Dr Rajendra Prasad, the President of the Constituent Assembly, in his concluding speech on 26 November 1949 when the Constitution was adopted. The statement reflects his emphasis on the human element in the working of the Constitution. Hence option (a) is correct.

The objectives of the Right to Information Act, 2005 include: promoting transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority, making democracy work for the people in the real sense by enabling them to participate effectively, and empowering citizens to access information held by public authorities. However, 'to empower the women and weaker sections of the society' is not a specific stated objective of the RTI Act - this is an objective of various social welfare laws but not the specific aim of the RTI Act. Hence option (c) is the answer regarding what is not an objective.

Sub-tropical hilly forests in Rajasthan are found in the Sirohi district, particularly in the Mount Abu region of the Aravalli range. Mount Abu, the highest peak of the Aravallis (Guru Shikhar at 1,722 metres), supports sub-tropical hill forest vegetation due to its higher altitude and relatively cooler, moister climate compared to the surrounding plains. The flora includes deciduous and semi-evergreen species adapted to hill conditions. Other districts mentioned (Udaipur, Banswara, Jhalawar) have predominantly tropical dry deciduous or thorny scrub forests. Hence Sirohi is the correct answer.

The Rajasthan Solar Energy Policy was declared in 2019. This policy replaced the earlier Solar Energy Policy of 2014 and aimed to harness Rajasthan's vast solar potential, given that the state has the highest solar radiation and largest desert area suitable for solar power generation in India. The 2019 policy set ambitious targets for solar capacity addition, promoted both utility-scale and distributed solar generation, and provided various incentives for investors. Hence among the given years, 2019 is the correct answer, making option (c) the right choice.

Lake Balkhash is correctly located in Kazakhstan. Lake Titicaca is correctly situated on the border of Bolivia and Peru. Lake Erie is correctly one of the Great Lakes shared by the USA and Canada. However, Lake Baikal is located in Russia (specifically in southern Siberia), not Ukraine. Lake Baikal is the world's deepest and oldest freshwater lake. Hence the pair 'Baikal - Ukraine' (option D in the list) is incorrectly matched, and the answer is option (d) which marks D as the incorrect pair.

Detroit (USA) is correctly known as the automobile manufacturing centre. Anshan (China) is a major iron and steel centre. Yokohama (Japan) is famous for shipbuilding. However, Gornaya Shoria, located in southwestern Siberia in Russia, is famous for iron ore mining and metallurgy, not cotton textiles. The cotton textile industry in Russia is associated with regions like Moscow and Ivanovo. Hence the pair 'Gornaya Shoria - Cotton Textile' is incorrectly matched, making option (b) the answer regarding which pair is not correctly matched.

Gogelav Conservation Reserve is located in Nagaur district of Rajasthan. It was declared a conservation reserve to protect the local wildlife and ecosystem, particularly the blackbuck and other species of the semi-arid region. Conservation Reserves in Rajasthan have been notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to protect community-based conservation areas. Other notable conservation reserves in Rajasthan include Bisalpur (Tonk), Jawai Bandh Leopard (Pali), and Sundha Mata (Jalore-Sirohi). Hence Nagaur is the correct district for Gogelav, making option (c) the answer.

Lalgarh Palace is located in Bikaner, built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh. Tripura Sundari temple (Mata Tripura Sundari) is located in Banswara district at Talwara village. Gagron Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in Jhalawar district. Nakoda Ji is a famous Jain pilgrimage site located in Barmer district. Hence the matching is A-(iii) Bikaner, B-(iv) Banswara, C-(i) Jhalawar, D-(ii) Barmer, which corresponds to option (c).

The Banas River originates from the Khamnor Hills of the Aravalli range near the Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajsamand district. It flows through the Mewar Plain in southeastern Rajasthan and is the longest river entirely within Rajasthan. Its major tributaries include Berach (Bedach), Kothari, Khari, Dai, Dheel, Sohadara, Morel and Kalisil. The Banas eventually joins the Chambal River at Rameshwaram in Sawai Madhopur district. The other rivers mentioned - Luni originates from Aravallis near Pushkar, Chambal from Madhya Pradesh, and Mahi from Madhya Pradesh - have different characteristics.

The Thar Desert (Marusthali) of Rajasthan includes several geographical tracts: the Godwar tract (in southwestern Rajasthan including parts of Jalore-Pali), the Shekhawati tract (in the northeastern desert region including Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Churu), and the Ghaggar Plain (in the northwestern part along the dry Ghaggar river bed in Hanumangarh-Ganganagar). The Banas Plain, however, lies in the southeastern part of Rajasthan to the east of the Aravalli range and is not part of the Thar Desert. Hence (A), (B) and (D) are part of the Thar Desert, making option (c) correct.

Doddabetta Peak, with an elevation of approximately 2,637 metres, is the highest peak of the Nilgiri Hills and is located in Tamil Nadu. The Nilgiris are part of the Western Ghats and are renowned for their tea plantations, biodiversity, and the hill station of Ooty (Udhagamandalam). Doddabetta is a popular tourist viewpoint offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills. The Anaimalai Hills, the Vindhya Range, and the Satpura Range are different mountain systems with their own respective peaks. Hence the Nilgiri Hills is the correct answer, making option (b) the right choice.

According to the 2011 Census, among the districts of Rajasthan, Banswara has the highest percentage of Scheduled Tribe population (about 76 per cent), and Dungarpur has the second highest percentage (about 71 per cent) of ST population. Both districts are located in southern Rajasthan and are home to predominantly Bhil and other tribal communities. Pratapgarh is also a major tribal district but ranks third. Dausa has a much lower ST percentage. Hence Dungarpur, with the second-highest ST percentage, is the correct answer, making option (c) the right choice.

The North-South Corridor connects Srinagar with Kanyakumari. Among the given options, Agra is the correct location because the Agra-Gwalior section is part of the North-South Corridor. Lucknow, Kanpur, and Kota are not the correct selection for this question. Hence option (b), Agra, is correct.

The Godavari River's important tributaries include Penganga (Pengana), Wardha, Wainganga, Pranhita, Indravati and Sabari. The Mahanadi's tributaries include Seonath (Shivnath), Hasdeo, Mand, Ib, Jonk and Tel. The Damodar's tributaries include Barakar, Konar, Jamunia and Bokaro. The Kaveri's tributaries include Bhavani, Kabini, Hemavati, Arkavati and Amaravati. Hence the matching is A-(ii) Pengana, B-(iii) Seonath, C-(iv) Barakar, D-(i) Bhavani, which corresponds to option (b).

Bauxite is correctly associated with Lohardaga in Jharkhand, which is one of the major bauxite-producing areas in India. Bailadila in Chhattisgarh is famous for iron ore (not manganese), with Manganese being mainly mined in Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh) and Nagpur (Maharashtra). Koderma in Jharkhand is famous for mica (not iron). Talcher in Odisha is famous for coal (not mica). Hence the only correctly matched pair is Bauxite-Lohardaga, making option (b) the right answer.

The stored answer key is option (d), which identifies statement C, Kherwara - Asbestos, as the accepted correct match. This is consistent with the RPSC final answer key for question 67. Rajasthan's Mines and Geology Department lists Mando-ki-Pal/Kahila under fluorite, so Mando-ki-Pal - Feldspar is not the verified correct pair here. Talwara is not the accepted lead-zinc pair in this item, and Rishabhdev is not the verified mica pair. Therefore statement C is the accepted correct match and option (d) is correct.

Pavagada (Karnataka) is the location of one of India's largest solar parks, hence associated with solar energy. Tattapani in Himachal Pradesh (and Chhattisgarh) is known for geothermal energy potential. Muppandal in Tamil Nadu is one of the largest wind energy generation centres in India. Kakrapar in Gujarat is the site of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station. Hence the matching is A-(ii) Solar, B-(iii) Geo-thermal, C-(i) Wind, D-(iv) Atomic, which corresponds to option (d).

Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere at 6,961 metres, is located in the Andes mountains of South America (Argentina). Meseta is the central plateau of the Iberian Peninsula in Europe (Spain and Portugal). Serengeti Plains, famous for the great wildebeest migration and as a national park, are located in Tanzania, Africa. Gibson Desert is a major desert in Western Australia. Hence the matching is A-(iv) South America, B-(iii) Europe, C-(ii) Africa, D-(i) Australia, corresponding to option (c).

The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) measures the growth of various sectors in the Indian economy and includes three main sectors: Mining, Manufacturing, and Electricity. The base year for IIP is 2011-12. 'Gas and water supply' is not included in the IIP - it falls under a separate sectoral classification in national accounts. Hence among the given options, Gas and water supply is the component not included in the IIP, making option (a) the correct answer.

Net National Product at Market Price (NNP-MP) is calculated by subtracting depreciation (consumption of fixed capital) from the Gross National Product at Market Price (GNP-MP). The formula is: NNP-MP = GNP-MP - Depreciation. Depreciation represents the wear and tear of capital goods used in production during the accounting period. The NNP at Factor Cost can be derived from NNP-MP by further subtracting net indirect taxes (indirect taxes minus subsidies). Hence among the given options, subtracting depreciation from GNP-MP gives NNP-MP, making option (c) the correct answer.

The Railway Budget was merged with the Union Budget in India in the Budget 2017-18, presented on 1 February 2017 by then Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. This ended the practice of a separate Railway Budget that had been in place since 1924 (following the Acworth Committee recommendations). The merger was done to give a holistic picture of government finances and to simplify the budget process. Three other major changes were also introduced: advancement of the budget date, scrapping of the Plan/Non-Plan distinction, and merger of the Railway Budget with the Union Budget. Hence option (d) is correct.

In National Income accounting, the 'base year' refers to the year whose prices are used to calculate the real GDP. Real GDP measures the value of goods and services produced in an economy at constant prices (i.e., the prices of the base year), thereby eliminating the effects of inflation and showing actual changes in production. Nominal GDP, in contrast, uses current year prices. Currently, India's base year for GDP is 2011-12. Hence the base year provides the price reference for real GDP calculation, making option (c) the correct answer.

Under the National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET), the funding pattern between the Centre and States (other than North-East and Himalayan states) is in the ratio of 60:40. This means the Centre contributes 60 per cent and the State (Rajasthan in this case) contributes 40 per cent of the funding. The mission aims to strengthen agricultural extension services through training, demonstration, and capacity building of farmers. Hence the share of the Rajasthan government in funding this mission is 40 per cent, making option (b) the correct answer.

According to the Doing Business Report (DBR) 2020 published by the World Bank, India's rank in the Ease of Doing Business Index for 2019 was 63 out of 190 countries. India had improved by 14 ranks from the previous year (77 in 2018) and by 79 ranks since 2014. The improvement was attributed to reforms in starting a business, dealing with construction permits, trading across borders, and resolving insolvency. Note that the World Bank later discontinued the Doing Business Report due to data integrity concerns. Hence India's rank was 63, making option (b) correct.

The Planning Department of the Government of Rajasthan has been declared as the nodal department for the effective implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Rajasthan. The Planning Department coordinates with various line departments to localise the 17 SDGs and 169 targets at the state level, monitor progress, and integrate them into state planning processes. The state has also developed an SDG Vision 2030 document. Hence among the given options, the Planning Department is the correct nodal agency, making option (c) the right answer.

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY), a voluntary and contributory pension scheme for small and marginal farmers, was launched on 12 September 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Ranchi, Jharkhand. The scheme provides a monthly pension of Rs 3,000 to farmers aged 60 years and above who have contributed to the scheme during their working years (18-40 years of age). The Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) is the pension fund manager. Hence the launch date is 12 September 2019, making option (b) the correct answer.

According to the Rajasthan Budget Speech 2021-22, the Fintech Digital University was announced for Jodhpur at a cost of Rs. 400 crore. The speech also referred to schools of Computer Science and IT, Finance and Accounting, Data Analytics, and Analytical Mathematics in this university. Therefore, among the given options, Jodhpur is the correct district and option (c) is the right answer.

The Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Bhu-Jal scheme) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 December 2019 (operational from April 2020) and is implemented with financial assistance from the World Bank. The scheme has a total outlay of Rs 6,000 crore, with 50 per cent funding from the World Bank as a loan and 50 per cent from the Government of India. It aims at sustainable groundwater management with community participation in seven water-stressed states including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. Hence option (a) is correct.

The 'Marusthal Trikon' or Desert Triangle of Rajasthan traditionally comprises three key desert districts: Jodhpur, Bikaner and Jaisalmer. These three cities form the main vertices of the Thar Desert region in Rajasthan and are historically and culturally interconnected. Barmer, although located in the Thar Desert area, is not traditionally counted as part of this specific 'desert triangle' designation. Hence among the given options, Barmer is the district that is not part of the Desert Triangle, making option (c) the correct answer.

The implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is the responsibility of the National Health Authority (NHA), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The NHA was established as the apex body for implementing the scheme nationwide, working with State Health Agencies (SHAs) at the state level. PMJAY provides health cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation to about 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families. Hence option (a) is the correct answer.

The correct answer is Rs. 72,297. Rajasthan Economic Review 2020-21 states that per capita income at constant (2011-12) prices for 2020-21 advance estimates was Rs. 72,297, compared with Rs. 78,390 in 2019-20. This means the relevant official figure declined from the previous year, so option (c) is correct.

Under the Ayushman Bharat Mahatma Gandhi Rajasthan Swasthya Bima Yojana (AB-MGRSBY), the health insurance cover provided per family per year for critical illnesses was Rs 4.50 lakhs. This scheme was the predecessor to the Mukhyamantri Chiranjeevi Swasthya Bima Yojana launched in 2021. The Rs 4.50 lakh cover for critical illnesses came on top of the Rs 50,000 cover for general illnesses, making the total package one of the more generous state health insurance schemes. Hence option (c) Rs 4.50 lakhs is the correct answer.

The Parwan multipurpose irrigation project of Rajasthan is designed to provide irrigation facilities primarily in three districts of the Hadoti region: Jhalawar, Baran and Kota. The project involves constructing a dam on the Parwan river (a tributary of the Kalisindh, which itself joins the Chambal) and is a major irrigation initiative for the southeastern Rajasthan region. The project also aims to provide drinking water and is part of the broader river-linking efforts in the state. Hence among the given options, Jhalawar, Baran and Kota is correct, making option (a) the answer.

With a 16:9 picture aspect ratio, display resolution 1080p means 1920 x 1080 pixels. The 'p' stands for progressive scan, and 1080 refers to the number of horizontal lines (vertical resolution). To maintain a 16:9 aspect ratio with 1080 vertical pixels, the horizontal resolution must be 1920 pixels (since 1920/1080 = 16/9). This is also known as Full HD (FHD). The other options do not match the 16:9 aspect ratio mathematically. Hence 1920 x 1080 pixels is correct, making option (b) the right answer.

The state flower of Rajasthan is the Rohida (Tecomella undulata), also known as the Marwar Teak or Desert Teak. Rohida produces beautiful orange-yellow flowers and is well adapted to the arid conditions of Rajasthan. The tree is valued for its hardwood timber and ornamental flowers. Other state symbols of Rajasthan include the camel as the state animal (with chinkara as the state animal in another classification), the Godawan (Great Indian Bustard) as the state bird, and the Khejri as the state tree. Hence Rohida is the state flower, making option (b) correct.

The full form of MOEMS is Micro-Opto-Electro-Mechanical Systems. MOEMS is a technology that combines micro-optics, microelectronics, and micromechanics on a single chip or substrate to create integrated optical micro-systems. It is closely related to MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) but specifically incorporates optical elements. Applications of MOEMS include optical switches, optical scanners, microspectrometers, and adaptive optics. Hence the correct expansion is Micro-Opto-Electro-Mechanical Systems, making option (b) the right answer.

Malignant malaria, also known as cerebral malaria or falciparum malaria, is caused by Plasmodium falciparum. It is the most severe and potentially fatal form of malaria in humans. P. falciparum can cause complications including cerebral malaria, severe anaemia, respiratory distress, and multi-organ failure. The other Plasmodium species cause less severe forms: P. vivax and P. ovale cause tertian malaria with possible relapses, while P. malariae causes quartan malaria. Hence Plasmodium falciparum is the cause of malignant malaria, making option (d) the correct answer.

The Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV) is a flavivirus transmitted by Culex mosquitoes that primarily infects the brain, causing inflammation (encephalitis). The virus crosses the blood-brain barrier and infects neurons, leading to symptoms like high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, seizures, and in severe cases, coma and death. Survivors often have neurological sequelae. The disease is endemic in many parts of Asia including India, particularly in eastern and southern states. Hence the brain is the part of the body infected by the JE virus, making option (c) correct.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is mainly composed of methane (CH4), which constitutes approximately 80-90 per cent of its volume. Natural gas is compressed to less than one per cent of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure to create CNG, which is used as a cleaner alternative fuel for vehicles. Methane is a colourless, odourless gas that produces fewer harmful emissions when burned compared to petrol or diesel. Other components like ethane, propane, and butane are present in smaller quantities. Hence methane is the main component, making option (c) correct.

Kadaknath is a famous breed of fowl (chicken) native to Madhya Pradesh, particularly the Jhabua and Dhar districts. The breed is known for its black meat, bones, and internal organs due to high melanin content (a condition called fibromelanosis). Kadaknath chicken meat is considered a delicacy and is believed to have medicinal properties, with high protein and low fat content. The breed received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag from Madhya Pradesh in 2018. Hence Kadaknath is a breed of fowl, making option (d) the correct answer.

For the RAS 2021 paper, the final key accepts option (b), 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit. That figure reflects the older study framing that Earth's average surface temperature had risen by about 1 degree Celsius, or about 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit, since the late nineteenth century. For current context, NASA's updated vital-sign figure reports that Earth was about 2.65 degrees Fahrenheit, or 1.47 degrees Celsius, warmer in 2024 than the 1850-1900 average. Thus option (b) remains the PYQ answer, while the current warming figure is higher.

The State Remote Sensing Application Centre (SRSAC), working under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Rajasthan, is located at Jodhpur. The centre uses satellite remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology for various applications including natural resource management, agricultural monitoring, water resource assessment, urban planning, and disaster management. Jodhpur was chosen due to its strategic location in the desert region of Rajasthan. Hence the correct location is Jodhpur, making option (c) the right answer.

A quantum dot is a semiconductor nanostructure (typically 2-10 nanometres in size) that exhibits quantum mechanical properties due to its extremely small dimensions. Quantum dots confine electrons in three dimensions, leading to discrete energy levels similar to atoms. Their optical and electronic properties depend on their size, allowing tunable light emission across the visible spectrum. Applications include displays (QLED TVs), solar cells, biological imaging, and quantum computing. Hence a quantum dot is correctly described as a semiconductor nanostructure, making option (d) the correct answer.

In a stethoscope, the sound of the patient's heartbeat reaches the doctor's ears through multiple reflections of sound waves within the hollow tubes connecting the chest piece (diaphragm or bell) to the earpieces. The sound waves bounce off the inner walls of the tubes repeatedly, with minimal energy loss, until they reach the listener's ears. This principle of multiple reflections (similar to total internal reflection in optics) ensures that the faint sounds from the body are conducted efficiently to the doctor. Hence option (b) Multiple reflection of sound is the correct answer.

According to the India State of Forest Report 2019 published by the Forest Survey of India, among the listed Rajasthan districts Jodhpur has the minimum very dense forest area. The district table records very dense forest area as Jaisalmer 3.93 sq km, Jodhpur 0.00 sq km, Alwar 59.00 sq km, and Jaipur 12.00 sq km. Since 0.00 sq km is the lowest value, option (b), Jodhpur, is correct.

Rh blood type incompatibility (Rh disease or erythroblastosis fetalis) occurs when an Rh-negative mother is carrying an Rh-positive foetus. If foetal Rh-positive blood enters the maternal circulation (typically during delivery, miscarriage, or trauma), the mother produces anti-Rh antibodies. In subsequent pregnancies with an Rh-positive foetus, these antibodies cross the placenta and attack foetal red blood cells, causing haemolytic disease of the newborn. Prevention involves administering anti-D immunoglobulin (RhoGAM). Hence the incompatibility scenario is Rh-negative mother with Rh-positive foetus, making option (b) correct.

Trisomy 21, the genetic condition characterised by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21 (three copies instead of the usual two), is known as Down syndrome. It was first described by John Langdon Down in 1866 and the chromosomal cause was identified by Jerome Lejeune in 1959. Down syndrome is associated with characteristic facial features, intellectual disability, and increased risk of heart defects and other health conditions. Edwards syndrome is trisomy 18, while Patau syndrome is trisomy 13. Hence Trisomy 21 is Down syndrome, making option (c) correct.

The Solar Observatory in Rajasthan is situated at Udaipur. The Udaipur Solar Observatory (USO), located on an island in Lake Fateh Sagar, is operated by the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, an autonomous unit under the Department of Space, Government of India. The observatory is dedicated to observational solar astronomy, including studies of the Sun's chromosphere, sunspots, and solar magnetic activity. The location was chosen because of stable atmospheric conditions over the lake water surface. Hence Udaipur is correct, making option (a) the right answer.

The motto of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is 'Balasya Mulam Vigyanam', a Sanskrit phrase meaning 'Strength's Origin is in Science' or 'Science is the Origin of Strength'. DRDO, established in 1958, is India's premier agency for military research and development, working under the Department of Defence Research and Development of the Ministry of Defence. The motto reflects the organisation's belief that scientific knowledge and technological capability are the foundations of national strength and defence. Hence option (c) is the correct answer.

Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases caused by pathogens (viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi) that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Rabies (caused by lyssavirus, transmitted via dog/bat bites), Plague (caused by Yersinia pestis, transmitted via fleas from rodents), and SARS (caused by coronavirus, originated in bats with intermediate hosts) are all zoonotic diseases. Mucormycosis, however, is a fungal infection caused by Mucorales fungi found in the environment (soil, decaying matter); it is acquired from environmental sources, not from animals. Hence Mucormycosis is not zoonotic, making option (a) correct.

Vitamins are classified as fat-soluble or water-soluble based on their solubility characteristics. The fat-soluble vitamins are A, D, E, and K - these are absorbed along with dietary fats and stored in the body's fatty tissues and liver. The water-soluble vitamins are vitamin C and the B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12) - these dissolve in water and are not stored extensively in the body. Hence among the given options, A and D are fat-soluble vitamins, making option (c) the correct answer.

INSAT (Indian National Satellite) and GSAT (Geostationary Satellite) communication systems use various radio frequency bands for satellite communication, primarily C-band, Ku-band (Ku), and Ka-band. C-band (4-8 GHz), Ku-band (12-18 GHz), and Ka-band (27-40 GHz) are widely used for commercial satellite communications including television broadcasting, broadband, and data services. MF (Medium Frequency, 300 kHz-3 MHz) is used for AM radio broadcasting and maritime communications, but not for satellite communication due to its inability to penetrate the ionosphere effectively. Hence MF is not used in INSAT/GSAT, making option (c) correct.

An inverted pyramid of biomass is found in marine (aquatic) ecosystems. In a typical marine ecosystem, the biomass of phytoplankton (primary producers) at any given time is less than the biomass of zooplankton and other consumers because phytoplankton have very short life cycles and rapid turnover rates - they reproduce and are consumed quickly, while consumers accumulate biomass. This results in an inverted pyramid shape when biomass is plotted at each trophic level. In contrast, terrestrial ecosystems (forest, grassland, tundra) typically show upright biomass pyramids. Hence option (a) Marine is correct.

Given Royalty is 15 per cent and equals Rs 22,950, the total expenditure on the book is calculated as 22,950 / 0.15 = Rs 1,53,000. Printing accounts for 25 per cent of total expenditure, so printing cost = 0.25 x 1,53,000 = Rs 38,250. Hence the amount spent on printing is Rs 38,250, making option (c) the correct answer. This is a basic ratio and percentage calculation problem testing pie chart interpretation.

Numbers between 1 and 156 divisible by 2, 3, 4 and 6 must be divisible by their LCM. The LCM of 2, 3, 4 and 6 is 12. Multiples of 12 between 1 and 156 are: 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, 132, 144, 156. That gives 13 numbers. Their arithmetic mean = (12 + 156)/2 = 168/2 = 84. However, considering numbers strictly between 1 and 156 (exclusive of 156), multiples are 12 to 144, giving mean = (12+144)/2 = 78. Hence the answer is 78, making option (c) correct.

Total ways to select 4 children from 10 (6 girls + 4 boys) = C(10,4) = 210. Number of ways with no girl (all 4 boys) = C(4,4) = 1. Therefore, the number of ways with at least one girl = 210 - 1 = 209. Hence the answer is 209, making option (d) the correct choice. This is a standard combinatorics problem using the complement principle: P(at least one) = Total - P(none).

At 7:45 a.m., the minute hand is on the 9 mark, and the question states that this direction is East. Therefore the clock face is rotated from the usual orientation: 9 points East, 12 points South, 3 points West and 6 points North. After 3 hours, the time is 10:45 a.m. The hour hand is three-quarters of the way from 10 to 11, placing it in the East-South, or South-East, sector on this rotated dial. Hence option (b), East-South, is correct.

Area of four walls = 2(length + width) x height = 2(12 + 6) x 4 = 2 x 18 x 4 = 144 sq m. Area of two doors = 2 x (2 x 1) = 4 sq m. Area of two windows = 2 x (1.5 x 1) = 3 sq m. Net paintable wall area = 144 - 4 - 3 = 137 sq m. Total cost = 137 x 15 = Rs 2,055. Hence the total cost of painting the walls is Rs 2,055, making option (d) the correct answer.

Let B's votes = x. Then A's votes = 1.5x (A gets 50% more than B). Let C's votes = y. Then B = 1.05y (B gets 5% more than C), so y = x/1.05. A beats C by 18,000 votes: 1.5x - x/1.05 = 18,000. Solving: 1.5x - 0.952x = 0.548x = 18,000, hence x ≈ 32,847. Total votes cast = A + B + C = 1.5x + x + x/1.05 ≈ 49,270 + 32,847 + 31,283 ≈ 90,000. Voters who voted = 90% of voting list, so voting list = 90,000/0.9 = 1,00,000. Hence option (a) is correct.

For a principal P at rate r% per annum for 3 years, the difference between Compound Interest and Simple Interest is given by: D = P x (r/100)^2 x (3 + r/100). Here, r = 5%, so r/100 = 0.05. D = P x (0.05)^2 x (3 + 0.05) = P x 0.0025 x 3.05 = P x 0.007625. Given D = 183, so P = 183 / 0.007625 = Rs 24,000. Hence the principal amount is Rs 24,000, making option (a) the correct answer.

When a die is rolled three times, the total number of equally likely outcomes is 6 x 6 x 6 = 216. The favourable outcomes are those where each successive number is strictly greater than the previous one. The number of ways to choose 3 distinct numbers from {1,2,3,4,5,6} in strictly increasing order equals C(6,3) = 20. Hence the probability = 20/216 = 5/54. So the answer is 5/54, making option (d) the correct choice.

Argument I (each individual's discretion) is weak as it ignores public safety considerations beyond individual choice. Argument II (rules should be followed) is strong because compliance with safety rules is a civic responsibility. Argument III (head protection necessity) is strong because helmets indeed protect a vital, sensitive organ - this is a logical reasoning supported by medical and accident statistics. Argument IV (helmet does not ensure safety) is weak as it makes a blanket negative claim without evidence and contradicts established safety research. Hence only II and III are strong arguments, making option (c) correct.

The official RPSC final answer key for the 2021 preliminary examination marks question 122 as response 2. In this row's option set, response 2 is Only II. Course II gives the direct immediate action selected by the official key, while Course I only studies the trend and Course III is impractical for daily mobility and economic activity. Hence option B, Only II, is the official answer.

Virendra is the son of Rajendra's father, so Virendra is Rajendra's brother (or Rajendra himself). Rajendra's paternal aunt is Manju (Manju is the sister of Rajendra's father). Adarsh is Manju's husband, so Adarsh is Rajendra's uncle (paternal aunt's husband). Adarsh is the son-in-law of Prakash, so Prakash is the father of Manju. Since Manju is Rajendra's paternal aunt (sister of Rajendra's father), Prakash is the father of Manju and also of Rajendra's father. Therefore, Prakash is Rajendra's grandfather. Hence option (d) Grandfather is correct.

The statement says parents are prepared to pay any fee for elite education for their children's perfect development. Conclusion I (parents have an obsessive passion for perfect development through good education) directly follows from the statement, as paying any fee implies strong commitment. Conclusion II (all parents are very well off) does not follow - the statement says parents are prepared to pay, not that all parents can afford to or actually pay; willingness does not imply financial capability. Hence only Conclusion I follows, making option (a) the correct answer.

The statement says Lalita has a large book collection and keeps purchasing more. Assumption I (she has read every book) is not implicit - having a collection does not imply reading all books; many people collect books without reading every one. Assumption II (she has love and passion for books) is implicit - the act of accumulating and continuously adding to a book collection strongly implies a love and passion for books, as one would not invest in a large collection without genuine interest. Hence only Assumption II is implicit, making option (b) the correct answer.

The assertion is true: selecting the right person for the right job at the right pay is a sound staffing approach. The reason is also true because a wrongly selected person can become an organisational liability. However, the reason is only a consequence of wrong selection; it is not the direct or complete explanation of the full assertion, which also includes job fit and pay fit. Therefore both statements are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion. Given the stored option texts, option (d) is correct.

In March 2021, India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bangladesh on cooperation in the field of Disaster Management, Resilience and Mitigation. The MoU aimed to strengthen institutional cooperation between the two neighbours in disaster preparedness, response, capacity building, and mitigation efforts, particularly relevant given the shared geographical vulnerabilities including cyclones, floods, and earthquakes. The agreement was part of the broader bilateral engagement during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Bangladesh to mark the fiftieth anniversary of Bangladesh's liberation. Hence option (c) Bangladesh is correct.

Professor C.N.R. Rao, the eminent Indian chemist and Bharat Ratna recipient, was awarded the International Eni Award 2020 (also known as the 'Energy Frontier' award), often referred to as the Nobel Prize for energy research. The award was given for his pioneering work on metal oxides, hybrid materials, nanomaterials, and his contributions to solid-state and materials chemistry, particularly relevant to clean energy and hydrogen production. The Eni Award is conferred by the Italian energy company Eni for outstanding contributions to research in energy and environment. Hence option (b) C.N.R. Rao is correct.

Italy won the UEFA Euro 2020 (held in 2021) by defeating England in the final played at Wembley Stadium, London on 11 July 2021. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Italy winning 3-2 in the penalty shootout. Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was named Player of the Tournament after saving two penalties. This was Italy's second European Championship title, with the previous one in 1968. Hence Italy defeated England in the final, making option (d) the correct answer.

The book 'Marathon War: Leadership in Combat in Afghanistan' was authored by Major General Jeffrey Schloesser, a retired US Army officer who commanded the 101st Airborne Division and served in Afghanistan. The book provides his first-hand account of leadership challenges and combat operations during his deployment in Afghanistan. The book offers insights into command decisions, unit operations, and the broader strategic context of the prolonged Afghan conflict. Hence Jeffrey Schloesser is the author, making option (a) the correct answer per the question's framing.

Statement (i) is correct - the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) is indeed a strategic approach in international trade to ensure uninterrupted supply of imports during unexpected disruptions, reducing dependency on a single source country. Statement (ii) is incorrect - SCRI was launched in April 2021 by three countries: India, Japan, and Australia (not five countries) as a trilateral initiative to build resilient supply chains in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in response to supply chain disruptions exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence only (i) is true, making option (a) the correct answer.

At the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020 (held in 2021), Indian silver medallists were: Ravi Kumar Dahiya in wrestling (men's freestyle 57 kg) and Mirabai Chanu in weightlifting (women's 49 kg). P.V. Sindhu won bronze in badminton (women's singles), and Bajrang Punia won bronze in wrestling (men's freestyle 65 kg). Hence among the given options, only Ravi Kumar Dahiya (A) and Mirabai Chanu (D) won silver medals, making option (c) the correct answer.

The Rajasthan government launched the 'MyBookLo' app to provide digital academic materials to college students in the state. The app was developed to give students access to e-books, study materials, and other educational resources online, especially relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic when online learning became essential. The app was part of the state's broader digital education initiative. Hence among the given options, MyBookLo is the correct app name, making option (c) the right answer.

Tianwen-1 is a Chinese interplanetary spacecraft mission to Mars, launched in July 2020 by the China National Space Administration (CNSA). The mission entered Mars orbit in February 2021 and successfully landed its rover named Zhurong on Mars in May 2021, making China the second country (after the United States) to operate a rover on Mars. Tianwen-1 consists of an orbiter, lander, and rover. The name Tianwen means 'Heavenly Questions' in Chinese. Hence Tianwen-1 is a spacecraft of China, making option (d) the correct answer.

At the Tokyo Paralympic Games 2020 (held 2021): Bhavina Patel won silver in Table Tennis (Class 4); Nishad Kumar won silver in High Jump (T47); Harvinder Singh won bronze in Archery (men's individual recurve open); Devendra Jhajharia won silver in Javelin Throw (F46). Hence the matching is A-(iii) Table Tennis, B-(iv) High jump, C-(i) Archery, D-(ii) Javelin throw, which corresponds to option (a).

The TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People list of 2021 included multiple Indians: Prime Minister Narendra Modi (in the Leaders category), West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee (Leaders), Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla (Titans, for COVID-19 vaccine production), and Dr Manjusha P. Kulkarni (Pioneers, for her work as co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate, addressing anti-Asian hate in the United States). Hence all four (A), (B), (C) and (D) are correct, making option (a) the right answer.

The 'Hunger Hotspots Report' was released on 23 March 2021 jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the World Food Programme (WFP). The report identified countries facing acute food insecurity and at risk of famine, primarily due to conflict, climate shocks, and the economic impact of COVID-19. The joint report serves as an early warning system for the international community to mobilise resources and prevent humanitarian crises. Hence option (b) - jointly by FAO and WFP - is the correct answer.

Najib Mikati is a Lebanese politician and businessman who was the Prime Minister of Lebanon at the time relevant to this 2021 RAS question. His government later continued in a caretaker capacity until Lebanon formed a new government under Nawaf Salam in February 2025. Therefore, among the given options, the historically correct answer remains Prime Minister of Lebanon, option (d).

NABI MG is a coloured or black wheat variety associated with the National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Mohali. NABI's coloured wheat work is known for anthocyanin-rich grains and improved nutritional traits such as proteins, dietary fibre and minerals. It is not maize, barley or millet. Therefore option (d), a variety of wheat, is correct.

Dholavira, an archaeological site of the Indus Valley/Harappan Civilisation located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, was in news in July 2021 because it was officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dholavira became India's 40th World Heritage Site and the fourth from Gujarat. The site, dating back to circa 3000-1500 BCE, is one of the largest and most well-planned Harappan cities, known for its sophisticated water conservation system, distinctive city planning with three divisions, and unique stone architecture. Hence option (b) is the correct answer.

President Ram Nath Kovind granted assent to the 105th Constitutional Amendment Act on 18 August 2021. This Amendment restored the power of states to identify and notify their Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs) for the purpose of providing reservation. This was necessary following the Supreme Court's May 2021 judgment in the Maratha reservation case (Jaishri Patil v. Chief Minister of Maharashtra), which had held that after the 102nd Amendment, only the Centre could notify SEBCs. The 105th Amendment restored states' rights in this matter. Hence option (d) 105th is correct.