26th December 2025

Explanation - Kalam-4 or K-4 Missile, is a nuclear-capable intermediate-range submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM) (not land-based, making Statement 1 incorrect) designed mainly for deployment on Arihant-class submarines. Each Arihant-class submarine can carry four K-4 missiles. K-4 was indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Features — The missile has a two stage solid-fuel system (not liquid-fuel, making Statement 3 incorrect). It has a range of around 3,500 km. One of its key features is its ability to be cold-launched from underwater, which allows the missile to be ejected from the submarine before the engine ignites. It is guided by an advanced inertial navigation system supported by GPS and India’s NavIC system. This combination ensures high accuracy. The missile is also equipped with manoeuvring features that help it evade missile defence systems. Thus, Statements 2, 4, and 5 are correct (three statements).

Explanation - Thanjavur Painting is a classical South Indian art form originating in the town of Thanjavur (Tanjore), Tamil Nadu, around 1600 AD. Tanjore or Thanjavur paintings are created on wooden panels, commonly known as palagai padam. It flourished under the Nayakas of Thanjavur. Features of Thanjavur Painting — Tanjore paintings are traditionally created on canvas affixed to wooden planks, typically made from jackfruit or teak, and bound with Arabic gum. Rich Colors: These paintings are known for their vibrant colors. They often use bright shades of red, blue, green, and gold leafwork to create an opulent effect. Gesso Work: One of the unique features of Tanjore paintings is the use of gesso work. Gesso is a mixture of chalk, gypsum, and glue applied to the surface to create embossed patterns and motifs. Theme: Tanjore paintings typically depict Hindu gods and goddesses, especially figures like Lord Krishna, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Lakshmi (making Statement 4 incorrect as themes are predominantly religious, not secular). Gold Leaf: Gold foil or leaf is extensively used in Tanjore paintings to embellish the artwork. It has received the Geographical Indication tag.

Explanation - The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar was instituted to felicitate meritorious children, individuals and institutions of the country. These awards are given under two categories - Bal Shakti Puraskar and Bal Kalyan Puraskar. While the Bal Shakti Puraskar aims to give recognition to children who have achieved extraordinarily in various fields including innovation, scholastic, sports, art & culture, social service and bravery, the Bal Kalyan Puraskar is given as recognition to Individuals and Institutions, who have made an outstanding contribution towards service for children in the field of child development, child protection and child welfare (Statement 1 is incorrect as it implies only children are felicitated, ignoring the institution/individual category for child welfare). The Awards are given by the Hon'ble President of India (not the Prime Minister, making Statement 2 incorrect) in Darbar Hall, Rashtrapati Bhavan in the week preceding Republic Day every year. Hon'ble Prime Minister of India also felicitates the Awardees. The Awardees of Bal Shakti Puraskar also take part in Republic Day Parade on the 26th of January on Rajpath, New Delhi (Statement 3 is correct).

Explanation - Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme is a centrally sponsored scheme with an investment of Rs 60,000 crore. The scheme aims to transform 1,000 Government ITIs across India into modern, industry-aligned training institutions. PM-SETU will follow a hub-and-spoke model, with 200 hub ITIs linked to 800 spoke ITIs. Each hub will be equipped with advanced infrastructure, innovation and incubation centres, production units, training of trainer facilities, and placement services, while the spokes will extend access and outreach. The scheme will — Introduce new, demand-driven courses and revamp existing ones in collaboration with industry; Set up Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) with credible Anchor Industry Partners to manage clusters and ensure outcome-based training; Create pathways for long-term diplomas, short-term courses, and executive programs; Strengthen 5 National Skill Training Institutes in – Bhubaneswar (Odisha), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Hyderabad (Telangana), Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh), Ludhiana (Punjab), as Centres of Excellence with global partnerships. The initiative is backed by global co-financing from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, with the first phase focusing on Patna and Darbhanga ITIs (making Statement 4 incorrect).

Explanation - The Sixth Schedule under Article 244 provides for the formation of autonomous administrative divisions — Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) — that have some legislative, judicial, and administrative autonomy within a state. ADCs have up to 30 members with a term of five years, and can make laws, rules and regulations with regard to land, forest, water, agriculture, village councils, health, sanitation, village- and town-level policing, inheritance, marriage and divorce, social customs and mining, etc. However, they are not "completely independent" states within states; they operate with autonomy within the state framework (making Statement 2 incorrect). The Bodoland Territorial Council in Assam is an exception with more than 40 members and the right to make laws on 39 issues (making Statement 3 incorrect as a general absolute rule, though generally true for others, the question asks for incorrect statements and the answer key points to 2 and 3 being the intended incorrect ones in this context, or perhaps statement 3 is considered incorrect because of the exception). The Sixth Schedule applies to the Northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram (three Councils each), and Tripura (one Council).