Q1. With reference to Operation RAGEPILL, recently seen in the news, consider the following statements:
- It was conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau to intercept an international Captagon trafficking network.
- It led to India’s first-ever seizure of Captagon.
- The seized consignment was intended for West Asian markets, including Saudi Arabia.
How many of the above statements are correct?
A) Only one
B) Only two
C) All three
D) None
Q1. (C)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Operation RAGEPILL was an intelligence-driven operation launched by the NCB to dismantle a transnational syndicate trafficking Captagon through India.
- Statement 2 is correct: The operation resulted in India’s first recorded seizure of Captagon, a synthetic stimulant historically linked to fenethylline.
- Statement 3 is correct: Investigations revealed that the contraband was intended for Saudi Arabia and other West Asian destinations, where Captagon abuse is a major concern.
Q2. With reference to the composition of the Supreme Court of India, consider the following statements:
- The Constitution has fixed the exact number of Supreme Court judges.
- Parliament is empowered to increase the number of Supreme Court judges by law.
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
Q2. (B)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect: Article 124(1) does not specify the exact number of judges. It only states that the Supreme Court shall consist of the Chief Justice of India and such number of judges as Parliament may by law prescribe.
- Statement 2 is correct: Parliament determines and can revise the number of judges through legislation such as the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.
Q3. With reference to the recent Ebola outbreak in Africa, consider the following statements:
- The outbreak was caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus strain.
- The World Health Organization declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
- WHO classified the outbreak as a pandemic and recommended closure of international borders.
How many of the above statements are correct?
A) Only one
B) Only two
C) All three
D) None
Q3. (B)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: The outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, a rare strain first identified in Uganda in 2007.
- Statement 2 is correct: WHO designated the event as a PHEIC under the International Health Regulations (2005).
- Statement 3 is incorrect: WHO clearly stated that the outbreak does not meet pandemic criteria and advised against indiscriminate border closures.
Q4. The Anaimangalam (Leiden) Copper Plates are important primarily because they provide evidence regarding:
- Chola administration and land grants.
- India’s maritime links with Southeast Asia.
- Religious pluralism under the Cholas.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Q4. (D)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: The plates contain detailed records of land grants, paddy allocations, and revenue arrangements.
- Statement 2 is correct: They refer to a Buddhist monastery linked to Java/Srivijaya, demonstrating maritime and cultural connections.
- Statement 3 is correct: A Shaivite Chola king patronized a Buddhist institution, illustrating religious tolerance and ecumenical statecraft.
Q5. Which Chola ruler is credited with initiating the land grant recorded in the Leiden Copper Plates?
A) Karikala Chola
B) Raja Raja Chola I
C) Rajadhiraja Chola I
D) Vijayalaya Chola
Q5. (B)
Explanation:
- Raja Raja Chola I initiated the grant of land and paddy to the Chulamanivarma Vihara at Nagapattinam.
- Rajendra Chola I subsequently recorded and implemented the grant in the larger copper plate charter.
- Later, Kulottunga Chola I added further grants.
