The correct answer is option 3 i.e 6th Century BCE.

• The second urbanization in the Ganga Valley took place during the 6th century BCE to 4th century BCE. This period marked a significant development in urbanization in the region, particularly with the rise of cities and the establishment of major centers of trade, administration, and culture.
• This phase is also closely associated with the rise of important kingdoms and states, such as the Magadha Empire, which played a crucial role in the political and cultural evolution of the Ganga Valley.

The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Meghalaya.

• Meghalaya is the state in India that receives the highest average annual rainfall. In particular, the town of Mawsynram in Meghalaya holds the record for the highest annual rainfall in the world.
• Mawsynram receives an average annual rainfall of about 467 inches (11,871 mm) due to its location on the windward side of the Khasi Hills, where it is heavily influenced by the monsoon winds.

The correct answer is option 3 i.e. Narasa Nayaka.

The Tuluva dynasty of the Vijayanagar Empire was founded by Narasa Nayaka, also known as Narasa Nayaka or Narasanayaka, in the late 15th century. He was a powerful military commander and regent who served under the Saluva rulers. After consolidating power, Narasa Nayaka established the Tuluva dynasty. His son, Krishna Deva Raya, later became one of the most renowned rulers of the Vijayanagar Empire, bringing it to its peak of prosperity and cultural achievement.

The correct answer is option 3 i.e. Lokmanya Tilak.

Lokmanya Tilak started the Shivaji Utsav in 1895 to inspire the common people and develop nationalism among them. The festival began on Fort Raigad and by 1905 it spread to Japan. Tilak used the festival to promote nationalist ideas through songs and speeches. 

The Maratha ruler had previously used the Shivaji festivals to encourage national sentiment. When the British banned political assemblies, Tilak used the festivals to make people aware of their freedom and inspire them to fight against the British.

The correct answer is option 4 i.e. Dadabhai Naoroji.

The East India Association in London was founded by Dadabhai Naoroji in 1866. Naoroji, an influential Indian leader and reformer, established the association to promote and safeguard the interests of Indians living in Britain and to address issues related to British policies in India. The East India Association played a crucial role in advocating for Indian representation and raising awareness about Indian issues in the British Parliament, paving the way for future political and social reforms.

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Tippani.

Tippani is a vibrant folk dance from the state of Gujarat, India. Traditionally performed by women, this dance involves rhythmic movements using long sticks called "tippanis" to beat the ground. The dance originated among laborers to ease the monotony of their work and is often accompanied by folk songs and traditional music. Tippani is especially popular during festivals and community celebrations, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and spirited traditions of Gujarat.

The correct answer is option 3 i.e. WHO.

The World Health Organisation recently published the 2024 edition of the Global Tuberculosis Report. The report provides an up-to-date assessment of TB Epidemics and treatment of the disease at the Global Level. The Report acknowledged the tremendous progress India has made in closing the gap of missed TB cases since 2015. The report also stated that 8.2 million people were newly diagnosed with TB in 2023.

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. 854.73 metric tonnes.

On Dhanteras, October 29, 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the successful transport of 102 tonnes of gold from the Bank of England to secure storage in India. This move aims to strengthen India's gold reserves amid global tensions. As of the latest report, the RBI's total gold holdings are 854.73 metric tonnes, with a rising share in foreign exchange reserves. The RBI's strategy reflects the importance of gold as a stable asset against economic uncertainties and geopolitical risks.

The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Rajesh Kumar Singh.

Rajesh Kumar Singh, a distinguished 1989-batch IAS officer from Kerala, has officially taken charge as Defence Secretary at South Block, succeeding Giridhar Aramane. To honour fallen soldiers, he began his tenure by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. Previously, Singh served as the Officer on Special Duty and held significant roles, including Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, where he promoted industrial growth and policy reforms, and Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying.

The correct answer is option 4 i.e. Jammu and Kashmir.

• The Salal Hydroelectric Power Station is located near the village of Salal in the Reasi district of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated on the Chenab River, which is one of the major rivers in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent.
• The installed capacity of the Salal Hydroelectric Power Station is 690 megawatts (MW). This capacity is distributed across several units.