(c) 1 and 3 only are correct
An Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) is an area that requires special protection and attention because of its unique biodiversity and ecosystem.
The National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) of the MoEFCC mandates the declaration of ESAs.
While the 10 km rule is a general guideline, the extent of ESAs can vary based on ecological significance. (Statement 2 is incorrect)
The state government prepares a Zonal Master Plan (ZMP) for each ESA, which includes a Tourism Master Plan.
Activities like commercial mining and major hydroelectric projects are prohibited within ESAs to protect the environment.

(b) Only two statements are correct
The Gadgil Committee indeed recommended declaring the entire Western Ghats as an ESA, while the Kasturirangan Committee proposed a more balanced approach, emphasizing sustainable development. However, the idea of a Western Ghats Ecology Authority was primarily proposed by the Gadgil Committee. (Statement 3 is incorrect)

(a) Only one statements is incorrect (2nd)
AFSPA was issued by way of four ordinances in 1947. The ordinances were replaced by an Act in 1948 and the present law effective in the Northeast was introduced in 1958. It was known initially as the Armed Forces (Assam and Manipur) Special Powers Act, 1958.
After the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland came into being, the Act was adapted to apply to these States as well.
The AFSPA was indeed first enacted in 1958 to address insurgency in the Naga Hills. In 1951, the Naga National Council (NNC) reported that it conducted a “free and fair plebiscite” in which about 99 per cent of Nagas voted for a ‘Free Sovereign Naga Nation.
The declaration of an area as “disturbed” under AFSPA requires the concurrence of the Central Government.
The Jeevan Reddy Committee recommended the repeal of AFSPA and suggested incorporating its provisions into the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

(b) Only two statements are correct (1st and 2nd)
The nominal effective exchange rate (NEER) is an unadjusted weighted average rate at which one country’s currency exchanges for a basket of multiple foreign currencies. The nominal exchange rate is the amount of domestic currency needed to purchase foreign currency. If a domestic currency increases against a basket of other currencies inside a floating exchange rate regime, NEER is said to appreciate. If the domestic currency falls against the basket, the NEER depreciates. (Statement 1 is correct)
The Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) is the weighted average of a country’s currency in relation to an index or basket of other major currencies. The weights are determined by comparing the relative trade balance of a country’s currency against that of each country in the index. An increase in a nation’s REER is an indication that its exports are becoming more expensive and its imports are becoming cheaper. This results in losing its trade competitiveness. (Statement 2 is incorrect)
REER remains in sync with the inflationary trends—the upward biases in REER due to inflation was recently seen in India. An increase in domestic inflation relative to inflation in other countries is likely to cause an increasing divergence between NEER and REER. The increasing difference between trends of NEER and REER in recent times was due to India’s domestic inflation being higher relative to the six major currencies considered. (Statement 3 is correct)

(d) Mahendravarman I
Mahendravarman I, a Pallava emperor who ruled from 600 to 630 CE, was a multifaceted figure revered for his diverse accomplishments. His reign ushered in a golden age for art, architecture, and literature, earning him numerous titles that reflected his multifaceted personality and achievements.
The inscription at Mandagapattu mentions Mahendravarman I with numerous titles such as Vichitrachitta (curious-minded), Chitrakarapuli (tiger among artists), Chaityakari (temple builder), which show his interest in art activities.