(b) The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is a regional organization that was established to promote political and social stability amid rising tensions among the Asia-Pacific’s post-colonial states.
The motto of ASEAN is “One Vision, One Identity, One Community”.
8th August is observed as ASEAN Day.
The ASEAN Summit is the supreme policy-making body of ASEAN.
It comprises the heads of state or government of each member state.
Accordingly, the Chairmanship of ASEAN rotates annually, based on the alphabetical order of the English names of ASEAN member states.

(b) As you travel from Bikaner to Konark by the shortest distance, you will encounter different types of vegetation along the way. The first type of vegetation you will come across is the desert vegetation. This is because Bikaner is located in the Thar Desert region, which is known for its arid climate and sparse vegetation.
Continuing on the journey, you will then pass through areas with tropical thorny vegetation. This type of vegetation is characterized by thorny shrubs and trees that can withstand dry and arid conditions.
Moving further, you will encounter moist deciduous vegetation. This type of vegetation is found in areas with a moderate amount of rainfall and consist of trees that shed their leaves during the dry season.
Finally, as you near the destination, you may encounter mangrove vegetation. Mangroves are commonly found in coastal areas and are adapted to survive in saline and waterlogged conditions.

(c) Microfinance is a way in which loans, credit, insurance, access to savings accounts, and money transfers are provided to small business owners and entrepreneurs in underdeveloped parts of India.
Microfinance is a form of financial service which provides small loans and other financial services to poor and low-income households, hence it is an economic tool designed to promote financial inclusion which enables the poor and low-income households to come out of poverty, increase their income levels and improve overall living standards.
The beneficiaries of microfinance are those who do not have access to traditional financial resources.
Interest rates on microloans are generally higher than that on a traditional personal loan as the amount of the loan is small. Hence statement 3 is not correct.
Features of microfinance:
• The borrowers are generally from low-income backgrounds. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Loans availed under microfinance are usually of small amounts, i.e., microloans. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• The loan tenure is short.
• Microfinance loans do not require any collateral. Hence statement 3 is not correct.
• These loans are usually repaid at higher frequencies.
• The purpose of most microfinance loans is income generation.
• The end result of microloans should be to have its recipients outgrow smaller loans and be ready for traditional bank loans.

(c) (a) Correct: The PAC’s primary function is to examine the government’s financial accounts.
(b) Correct: 15 members are indeed elected by the Lok Sabha.
(d) Correct: The Speaker has the authority to decide on membership in other committees if someone is elected to the PAC.
(c) Incorrect: The Chairperson of the PAC is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, not elected by the committee members.

(c) (a) Incorrect: Article 21A guarantees free and compulsory education for children between 6 and 14 years old.
(b) Incorrect: Article 26 allows religious denominations to manage their own affairs in matters of religion, but it’s not absolute power. Reasonable restrictions can be imposed.
(d) Incorrect: Parliament can empower other courts through legislation to issue writs within their jurisdiction. This power is used for writs like Habeas Corpus (produced in court) or Mandamus (perform a public duty).