20th October 2026

Explanation - The Alpine forests are found all along the Himalaya at altitude ranging between 2500m to 3500m. Valley of Flowers National Park - At 3352 to 3658 meters above sea level. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. Namdapha National Park has a very wide altitudinal variation – from 200m to 4,500m in the snow-capped mountain. Thus, it doesn‘t lie completely in the temperate alpine zone.

Explanation - It was established in the year of 1969 by the Government of India to promote research in social sciences in the country on the recommendation of Prof. V. K. R. V. Rao Committee. It is an autonomous organisation funded by the Ministry of Education. Functions — It provides grants for projects, fellowships, international collaboration, capacity building, surveys, publications etc., to promote research in social sciences in India. The Council aims to — Review the progress of social science research and give advice to its users; Sponsor social science research programmes and projects and administer grants to institutions and individuals for research in social sciences.

Explanation - It is a quasi-judicial institution set up in 1941 and specialises in dealing with appeals under the Direct Taxes Acts. It adjudicates appeals made under the Income Tax Act of 1961. Initial Structure: It was started in 1941 with six Members constituting three Benches – one each at Delhi, Kolkata (Calcutta), and Mumbai (Bombay). Present Structure: It presently has 63 Benches at 27 different cities. Nodal Ministry: It functions under the Ministry of Law and Justice. Composition of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal — President: The President of the ITAT constitutes a bench from among the members of the ITAT. Member: Each bench has an accountant member and a judicial member. Special Bench: In some cases, a special bench with three or more members may be constituted to dispose of income tax appeals. Functions of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal — Hearing Appeal: It hears appeals concerning orders passed by the income-tax authorities. Dispute Resolution: ITAT serves as the final fact-finding body in tax disputes, offering both taxpayers and the income tax authorities a convenient platform to resolve disputes. It is the second forum to hear income-tax appeals after the Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) ITAT functions under the regional High Court’s jurisdiction and must adhere to the rules of the same. ITAT is subordinate to both the region’s High Court and the Indian Supreme Court. The orders passed by the ITAT are final. An appeal lies to the High Court only if a substantial question of law arises for determination.

Explanation - The doctrine of separation of powers divides governmental functions among the legislature, executive and judiciary to prevent excessive concentration of authority. Legislature: Makes laws and holds the executive accountable. Executive: Implements laws and administers government policies. Judiciary: Interprets laws, adjudicates disputes and reviews the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions. Although the Constitution does not establish a rigid separation of powers, it distributes functions among the three organs and provides mechanisms for checks and balances. The Supreme Court has recognised separation of powers as part of the basic structure doctrine, meaning that Parliament cannot amend the Constitution to destroy this foundational principle. The doctrine preserves institutional independence while allowing each organ to perform its constitutionally assigned role.

Explanation - Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-in) was established in January 2004. It comes under the aegis of Union Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. The main function of CERT-In is to provide early security warning and effective incident response. It operates on 24 x 7 basis and is actively engaging its users with early warning alerts and advisories. It is aimed at catering to the needs of critical sectors, defence, banks, law enforcement & judiciary and e-governance project owners. In the Information Technology (Amendment) Act 2008, CERT-In has been designated to serve as the national agency to perform the functions in the area of cyber security.