Ancient Indian Inscriptions
The Edicts of Ashoka were primarily written in the Prakrit language using the Brahmi script, making statement 1 correct. The Prayaga Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar Inscription), composed by Harisena, details the conquests of Samudragupta, not Chandragupta I, so statement 2 is incorrect. The Hathigumpha inscription provides information about the Chedi dynasty of Kalinga, making statement 3 correct. Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 3 only, corresponding to option C.
Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles
The Right to Education was added as a Fundamental Right by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002, making statement 1 correct. The concept of 'Due Process of Law' is not explicitly mentioned in Article 21; it is implied through judicial interpretation, so statement 2 is incorrect. Fundamental Rights are generally available against state actions, but some rights, like those under Article 17 (abolition of untouchability), are available against private individuals as well, making statement 3 correct. Hence, correct statements are 1 and 3 only, option D.
Digital Rupee (e-₹)
The Digital Rupee introduced by the RBI is a legal tender and interchangeable one-to-one with fiat currency, so statement 1 is correct. It does not bear interest like bank deposits; it is a digital form of currency without interest, making statement 2 incorrect. It can be transacted through digital wallets and not solely through the banking intermediary system, so statement 3 is incorrect. Thus, only statement 1 is correct, option A.
Drainage Systems of Indian Subcontinent
The Indus River originates in Tibet near Lake Mansarovar and flows through the Ladakh region in India, making statement 1 correct. The Teesta River is a tributary of the Brahmaputra, originating in Sikkim, so statement 2 is correct. The Barak River flows through Manipur and Mizoram and is a tributary of the Meghna River system, making statement 3 correct. Therefore, all three statements are correct, option D.
Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs)
ESAs are notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, making statement 1 correct. The Kasturirangan Committee recommended bringing about 37% of the Western Ghats under ESA category, so statement 2 is correct. Within ESAs, not all commercial and human activities are strictly prohibited; certain regulated activities are allowed, making statement 3 incorrect. Hence, correct statements are 1 and 2 only, option A.
