Correct Answer: Option (a) 1 only

Explanation:

Asiatic Lion ✅

• Naturally found only in India, mainly in Gir National Park.

Double-humped Camel ❌

• Native to Central Asia (Mongolia, China); also found in Ladakh but not exclusive to India.

One-horned Rhinoceros ❌

• Found in India and Nepal (e.g., Assam and Terai region), so not limited to India.

Core Insight: Only Asiatic lion is exclusive to India; camel and rhino have wider natural distribution.

Correct Answer: Option (a)

Explanation:

• 21st June = Summer Solstice (Northern Hemisphere)
• → Sun’s rays fall vertically over Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N)

Arctic Circle ✅

• → Experiences Midnight Sun → Sun does not set below the horizon

Antarctic Circle ❌

• → Experiences polar night (sun does not rise)

Equator / Tropic of Capricorn ❌

• → Overhead sun occurs during equinox (Equator) and Dec solstice (Capricorn)

Core Insight: On 21 June, Northern Hemisphere tilts toward the Sun—leading to midnight sun at the Arctic Circle.

Correct Answer: Option (a)

Explanation:

Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is located in the Western Ghats (Kerala–Tamil Nadu region).

It includes:

• → Neyyar, Peppara, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries
• → Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
• It is a biodiversity hotspot with rich flora and fauna and a key genetic reservoir of plants.

Core Insight: Agasthyamala BR comprises Neyyar–Peppara–Shendurney WLS and Kalakad Mundanthurai TR in the southern Western Ghats.

Correct Answer: Option (c) World Economic Forum

Explanation:

Global Competitiveness Report is published by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

It assesses countries on factors like institutions, infrastructure, macroeconomic stability, and innovation.

Other reports:

→ IMF: World Economic Outlook (WEO), Global Financial Stability Report (GFSR)

→ UNCTAD: World Investment Report

→ World Bank: Ease of Doing Business, World Development Report

Core Insight: Global Competitiveness Report is a key WEF publication—important to distinguish from IMF, World Bank, and UNCTAD reports.

Correct Answer: Option (a) 1 and 2 only

• Statement 1 ✅ The East India Company lost its trade monopoly in India, except for tea trade and trade with China.
• Statement 2 ✅ The Act asserted the sovereignty of the British Crown over Company’s Indian territories.
• Statement 3 ❌ Control over Indian revenues was established earlier by the Pitt’s India Act 1784, not by the 1813 Act

Core Insight: Charter Act 1813 ended EIC’s trade monopoly (except tea & China) and affirmed Crown sovereignty, but revenue control came earlier under Pitt’s India Act (1784).