Explanation

• The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution contains provisions for the administration of tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
• It allows these states for the creation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and Regional Councils to provide legislative, executive, judicial, and financial powers.
• These councils promote decentralized governance and protect the autonomy of the tribes.
• Currently, there are 10 such autonomous councils within the four states mentioned.
• These councils have the authority to manage land, forests, water, village administration, and more.

Explanation

• a is correct – "Vela carli" recently seen in the news is a crab. It is an endemic freshwater crab found only in the forests and streams of the Central Western Ghats.
• It was discovered from the tree holes in the forests of the Silent Valley National Park.
• The dual-sex condition (both male and female at the same time) was observed in three crabs found here.
• The bodies of the crabs displayed male reproductive structures, while other parts showcased female features, including gonopores.

Explanation

• Statement 1 is correct – They were instituted in 1954, they are announced on the eve of Republic Day (January 26)
• Statement 2 is incorrect – These awards consist of three tiers, not two:
  • Padma Vibhushan: For exceptional and distinguished service (second-highest civilian award).
  • Padma Bhushan: For distinguished service of a high order (third-highest civilian award).
  • Padma Shri: They were instituted in 1954, they are announced on the eve of Republic Day (January 26).

Explanation

• Statement 1 is correct – The Green Credit Programme (GCP) was introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in 2023.
• It is designed to incentivize environmental actions, with ICFRE (Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education) acting as the administrator for individuals, industries, and local bodies
• Statement 2 is incorrect – The GCP is designed as a voluntary, market-based mechanism aimed at encouraging environmental actions, rather than a mandatory obligation.
• Statement 3 is correct – The rules for the program were issued by the central government under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Explanation

• All the given four are west flowing rivers.
• Sabarmati: Originates in the Aravalli Range of Rajasthan and flows through Gujarat into the Gulf of Khambhat (Arabian Sea).
• Sharavati: Originates in the Shimoga district of Karnataka and flows west to join the Arabian Sea; it is famous for the Jog Falls.
• Periyar: The longest river in Kerala, it originates in the Western Ghats and flows westwards before draining into the Arabian Sea.
• Zuari: One of the two major rivers in Goa (alongside the Mandovi), it originates in the Western Ghats and flows westwards into the Arabian Sea.