Answer: (b)
Statement 2 is not correct. 1 and 3 are correct.
Agnibaan SOrTeD (Suborbital Tech Demonstrator)
• Agnibaan SOrTeD is a single-stage launch vehicle powered by IIT-Madras’s in-house facility Agnikul’s patented Agnilet semi-cryogenic engine.
• In contrast to traditional sounding rockets, Agnibaan SOrTeD’s vertical take-off and precise trajectory enable orchestrated maneuvers during flight.
Distinct Features of Agnibaan:
• Customizability: The rocket offers custom launch configurations, either single or two-stage launches.
• Dimensions: Standing at 18 meters and weighing 14,000 kg, Agnibaan SOrTeD is a powerful presence.
• Payload Capacity: With a capacity for payloads of up to 100 kg, it can reach altitudes of 700 km in five different Lower Earth Orbits (LEOs).
• Engine Configuration: The first stage can house up to seven Agnilet engines, powered by Liquid Oxygen and Kerosene, dependent on the mission’s requirements.
• Launch Pedestal ‘Dhanush’: AgniKul’s built ‘Dhanush’ supports the rocket’s mobility across configurations, ensuring compatibility with multiple launch ports.
• Agnilet Engine: Agnilet engine, a 3D-printed, single-piece, 6 kN semi-cryogenic marvel, drives Agnibaan’s propulsion. The engine employs a novel blend of liquid kerosene and supercold liquid oxygen as propellants.

Answer: (a)
Phanigiri village derived its name from the shape of the hillock, which appears to be like a snake hood.
The word Phani in Sanskrit means snake and Giri means hillock.
Studies suggest that the village had a vibrant life from 1000 BC to 18th century AD.
Phanigiri is believed to be one of the important Buddhist monasteries strategically located on the hilltop, on the ancient trade route (Dakshinapatha) connecting the west and the east coast of the Deccan.
Various stages of earlier excavations here discovered Mahastupa, apsidal Chaityagrihas, Votive stupas, pillared congregation halls, Viharas, platforms with staircases at various levels, octagonal stupa chaitya, 24-pillared mandapam, circular Chaitya.
Cultural materials included terracotta beads, semi-precious beads, iron objects, Brahmi label inscriptions and holy relic casket.

Answer: (a)
Only statement 2 is correct.
Indian Independence Committee (IIC)/ Berlin Committee (1914)
• The Indian Independence Committee (IIC) was formed in Germany in 1914 during World War I.
• It originated as the Berlin Committee but was later renamed to reflect its broader objectives.
• Comprised Indian students and political activists residing in Germany, including Virendranath Chattopadhyaya, Chempakaraman Pillai, Dr Jnanendra Das Gupta, and Abinash Bhattacharya.
• It aimed to exploit the hostilities of World War I to weaken British colonial rule in India.
• Played a pivotal role in the Hindu–German Conspiracy, which sought to incite rebellion against British rule.
• Emerged from the India House in England, established in 1905 by Shyamji Krishna Varma.
• India House provided support to Indian students, promoted nationalistic work, and served as a platform for anti-colonial opinions.
• The Berlin Committee was formed, which later evolved into the Indian Independence Committee.
• The IIC outlined its goals, including seeking German support in terms of funding, arms, military training, and propaganda activities.
• Sent missions to various locations, including the Middle East and Kabul, Afghanistan, to rally support against British interests, involving individuals such as Dr. Dhiren Sarkar, N.S. Marathe, and Champak Raman Pillai.
• The IIC’s activities were part of the larger Hindu–German Conspiracy, which aimed to incite rebellion against British rule in India.
• It established the Provisional Government of India in Kabul in 1916, with prominent leaders such as Raja Mahendra Pratap, Barkatullah, and Har Dayal.

Answer: (b)
Option (b) correctly identifies a total solar eclipse. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon moves directly between the Sun and Earth, completely obscuring the Sun’s disk from view. This alignment causes the Moon’s shadow to fall onto the Earth’s surface, creating a narrow region of darkness known as the umbra. Within the umbra, observers experience the complete blocking of sunlight, resulting in a period of darkness during the day.
Total solar eclipses are relatively rare events because they require precise alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth. The Moon’s orbit around the Earth is slightly inclined relative to the Earth’s orbit around the Sun, so perfect alignment only occurs periodically. As a result, total solar eclipses can only be observed from specific locations on Earth along the path of totality, making them highly sought-after astronomical phenomena.
During a total solar eclipse, observers within the path of totality witness breathtaking sights such as the solar corona, the Sun’s outer atmosphere, glowing around the darkened silhouette of the Moon. This phenomenon offers scientists and astronomers valuable opportunities to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere and phenomena such as solar flares and prominences.
In contrast to a total solar eclipse, partial solar eclipses occur when the alignment between the Sun, Moon, and Earth is imperfect, causing only a portion of the Sun to be obscured. Annular solar eclipses, on the other hand, occur when the Moon is too far from the Earth to completely cover the Sun’s disk, resulting in the appearance of a bright ring or “ring of fire” around the Moon’s silhouette.
Overall, total solar eclipses are captivating celestial events that offer unique opportunities for scientific research and awe-inspiring experiences for observers lucky enough to witness them within the path of totality.

Answer: (a)
Project Akashteer
• The Akashteer Project is an initiative designed to automate air defence control and reporting processes by digitising the entire process.
• It is developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) as part of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
• It seeks to induct Akashteer Command and Control Systems
• By integrating radar and communication systems at all levels into a unified network, ‘Akashteer’ aims to deliver an unprecedented level of situational awareness and control.
• This will enable swift engagement of hostile targets, significantly reduce the risk of fratricide, and ensure the safety of friendly aircraft in contested airspace.