Answer: (a)
The Ramapo Fault is a significant geological feature located within the Appalachian Mountains. This fault extends approximately 185 miles (300 kilometers) through New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania in the United States. It is considered a major fault line in the region and has the potential to produce earthquakes, although it has been relatively quiet in recent history. The fault’s presence underscores the dynamic geological activity that has shaped the landscape of the Appalachian region over millions of years.

Answer: (c)
Statement 4 is not correct.
Rakhigarhi
• The ancient site of Rakhi-Khas and Rakhi-Shahpur are collectively known as Rakhigarhi, located on the right bank of the now dried up Palaeo-channel of Drishadvati.
• It is located in the Ghaggar-Hakra River plain in the Hissar district of Haryana.
• Total seven mounds are located here.
• The site has yielded various stages of Harappan culture and is by far one of the largest Harappan sites in India.
• The site shows the sequential development of the Indus culture in the now dried up Saraswati basin.
Major findings at Rakhigarhi

• Findings confirm both early and mature Harappan phases and include 4,600-year-old human skeletons, fortification and bricks.
• Digging so far reveals a well-planned city with 1.92 m wide roads, a bit wider than in Kalibangan.
• The pottery is similar to Kalibangan and Banawali.
• Pits surrounded by walls have been found, which are thought to be for sacrificial or some religious ceremonies.
• There are brick-lined drains to handle sewage from the houses.
• Terracotta statues, weights, bronze artefacts, comb, copper fish hooks, needles and terracotta seals have also been found.
• A bronze vessel has been found which is decorated with gold and silver.
• A granary belonging to the mature Harappan phase has been found here.
• Fire altars structures were revealed in Rakhigarhi.

Answer: (a)
Only statement 1 is correct.
• Retail Direct Scheme was rolled out in November 2021, giving access to individual investors to maintain gilt accounts with RBI and invest in government securities.
• Using this app, investors can buy central and state government bonds as well as Treasury bills.
• It enables investors to buy securities in primary auctions as well as buy/sell securities through the Negotiated Dealing System-Order Matching system (NDS-OM) platform.
• A Gilt Account can be compared with a bank account, except that the account is debited or credited with treasury bills or government securities instead of money.
• Under the scheme, small investors can buy or sell government securities (G-Secs), or bonds, directly without an intermediary like a mutual fund.
• However, the same tax rules apply to income from G-Secs.
• The minimum amount for a bid is ₹10,000 and in multiples of ₹10,000 thereafter.
• Payments may be made through Net banking or the UPI platform.

Answer: (d)
The Kanaganahalli excavation opened up many marvels. For example, an ‘abandoned well’ in the eyes of local villagers turned out to be the magnificent Maha Stupa, which was referred to as Adholoka Maha Chaitya (the Great Stupa of the netherworlds) in the inscriptions and, more significantly, the stone-portrait of Emperor Ashoka, surrounded by his queens and female attendants. While the Stupa is believed to be one of the largest of its time, the stone-portrait is considered to be the only surviving image of the Mauryan Emperor which had the inscription ‘Raya Asoko’ in Brahmi on it. This image of Ashoka is currently in one of the tin sheds. It was only six months ago that this historically significant find got a glass cover.

Answer: (a)
• The use of copper slag in cement and concrete provides potential environmental as well as economic benefits for all related industries.
• Particularly in areas where a considerable amount of copper slag is produced. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Production of cold asphalt mix does not require high investment in equipment.
• This makes it economically relatively pollution-free (no objectionable fumes or odors).
• Cold asphalt mixes can be used both for initial construction (100% virgin mixes) and for recycling of asphalt pavements. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• Geotextiles are mostly used in road construction, especially to fill gaps between the roads to improve soil structure.
• Geotextile makes poor soil more beneficial for use and then easy to build in difficult places also.
• It helps to prevent the erosion of soil but allows the water to drain off. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• Portland cement and hot asphalt mix are the major CO2 emitters.
• Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) is a combination of approximately 95% stone, sand, or gravel bound together by asphalt cement, a product of crude oil. Hence, statements 4 and 5 are incorrect.