7th January 2026

Explanation - Section 15 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) defines a terrorist act as one carried out with intent to threaten India's unity, integrity, security, economic security, or sovereignty, or to strike terror among people. The provision lists methods such as bombs, explosives, firearms, or inflammable substances, and also adds a broader clause—"or any other means". The prosecution argued that an alleged "chakka jam" (road blockade) planned by the accused could fall under "any other means", even if it did not involve conventional weapons, because of its intended impact and consequences. The Court rejected the defence argument that "any other means" must be narrowly interpreted to include only other violent means (Statement 4 is incorrect). The Court held that sustained choking of arterial roads and systemic disruption of civic life can amount to calibrated acts threatening India's unity and integrity, thus prima facie falling within the ambit of a terrorist act (Statement 2 is correct). Under Section 43D(5) of the UAPA, bail is barred if accusations appear prima facie true (Statement 3 is correct). Statement 1 is incorrect because the definition is not "solely" by the use of weapons; it includes "any other means" likely to cause death or injuries or damage property, etc.

Explanation - Alaska Purchase (1867) — The United States purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million, adding about 1.5 million sq km to US territory. Alaska became a US state in 1959. Louisiana Purchase (1803) — In 1803, under President Thomas Jefferson, the US bought over 2 million sq km of land from France for $15 million, dramatically expanding the nation westward. Danish West Indies (1917) — In 1917, the US purchased the Danish West Indies from Denmark. The islands were renamed the US Virgin Islands, becoming a permanent US territory.

Explanation - Rice is a tropical crop and the staple food for the majority of the Indian population. Growing Season — It is primarily a Kharif crop, grown during the southwest monsoon season (June to October) but it can also be cultivated in Rabi and summer seasons under assured irrigation. Required Climatic Conditions for Rice Crop — Rice is grown under varying conditions in India from 8°N to 30°N latitude. The average annual rainfall required for rice is 150 cm. Temperature: Between 25°C and 35°C. Soil: It can be grown on a variety of soils including silts, loams and gravels and can tolerate acidic as well as alkaline soils. The crop requires standing water during most of its growing season. Major Rice Producing states — It is most commonly cultivated in states such as West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Odisha, and Assam. Statement 3 is incorrect because while Punjab and Haryana are major producers, it is due to irrigation, not "favourable dry climatic conditions" (rice needs wet conditions), and Rajasthan is not a predominant rice-growing state in the same league due to its aridity being a constraint, not a favourable condition without massive irrigation, and the phrasing suggests the dry climate itself is favourable for the crop which is naturally a wet crop.

Explanation - Suryastra Rocket System is India's first indigenous universal multi-calibre rocket launcher system. Key Features of Suryastra Rocket System — It is an advanced long-range rocket launcher system. Range: It is capable of executing precision surface-to-surface striking targets at ranges of 150 and 300 kilometers. Multi-target Capability: It is designed to engage multiple targets simultaneously at varying ranges. Precision: It achieves a high degree of accuracy with a circular error probable (CEP) of less than five metres during trials. The same launcher is also capable of firing loitering munitions up to a range of 100 km. Technology used: The system is based on Elbit Systems' PULS (Precise & Universal Launching System) launcher technology. It is equipped with a modern fire control system that integrates GPS, inertial navigation, and digital ballistic computation. Developed by — It is developed by Pune-based NIBE Limited in collaboration with Israel's Elbit Systems (Not DRDO, making Statement 4 incorrect).

Explanation - C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein made by the liver. The level of CRP increases when there is inflammation in the body. A CRP test measures the level of CRP in blood. By measuring the levels of CRP in blood, a CRP test can tell the health care provider about the inflammation of the body. High CRP levels may mean an acute or chronic health condition, such as — Infections from bacteria or viruses (not always bacterial, can be viral or non-infectious, making Statement 2 incorrect). Inflammatory bowel disease, disorders of the intestines that include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and vasculitis. Lung diseases, such as asthma. Smoking and exposure to environmental toxins such as polluted air and hazardous waste can also cause high CRP levels.