💥UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (April Batch) + Access XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF

Type: Prelims Only

  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    Why Pots are integral to understanding Culture?

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Potteries in Ancient India

    Why in the News?

    This newscard is an excerpt and extension of the original article published in the Indian Express.

    Why Pots are integral to understanding Culture?

    Types of Potteries in Ancient India:

    1. Neolithic Age (10000 BCE): Pottery in this period was handmade, with rough, unglazed surfaces. Later, the footwheel was introduced, making pottery shaping more refined. Materials like clay, mica, and sand were used.
    2. Chalcolithic Age (4500-2000 BCE): The main pottery types during this era were Black-and-Red Ware, Black-on-Red Ware, and Ochre Colored Pottery (OCP). These were seen in cultures like Ahar-Banas and Jorwe, often featuring geometric designs.
    3. Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1500 BCE): Pottery was wheel-thrown, with both polished and unpolished varieties. Common pottery types included Black-and-Red Ware and Painted Grey Ware, adorned with geometric patterns and depictions of animals and plants.
    4. Vedic Era (1500-500 BCE): During this period, Painted Grey Ware (PGW) became prominent, characterized by fine grey pottery with black geometric patterns. Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) emerged, glossy and associated with the elite for its fine finish.
    5. Mauryan and Gupta Periods: The Mauryan period continued the use of NBPW, while the Gupta period introduced redware pottery. The Kushana period added red polished ware with stamped designs.

    Rise in Mercantile Activities and Evolution of Pottery Styles:

    • The Vedic period saw the emergence of Painted Grey Ware (PGW), often linked with the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
    • With the rise of Buddhism, Jainism, and urbanization, NBPW emerged during the Mahajanapada period.
    • Glazed porcelain was introduced around 1000 AD through trade with China and Muslim traders, significantly influencing India’s pottery tradition.

    How Pots are integral to understanding Culture?

    • Material Culture: Pottery is a direct reflection of daily life and technological expertise. It reveals how ancient societies lived, worked, and expressed their culture through artistic and functional objects.
    • Socio-Economic Indicators: The types of pottery indicate economic status. Luxury pottery like NBPW was reserved for the elite, while more common pottery suggests the everyday life of the broader society.
    • Cultural and Religious Practices: Pottery had significant ritualistic and symbolic importance, used in religious ceremonies and burial rituals. Specific pots represented deities or were filled with sacred items like coconuts, bananas, and flowers.
    • Technological and Artistic Development: The evolution of pottery-making, from handmade to wheel-thrown pottery, marks the increasing technological and artistic sophistication of ancient civilizations, highlighting advancements in both craftsmanship and creativity.
    • Chronological Understanding: Pottery helps date ancient sites, providing key insights into the timeline of cultural and technological progress. It allows historians to map out the development of civilizations and better understand their historical context.
  • Freedom of Speech – Defamation, Sedition, etc.

    India ranked 24th out of 33 countries in Free Speech Index

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Free Speech Index

    Why in the News?

    A global survey by The Future of Free Speech, a US -based think tank, has ranked India 24th out of 33 countries in terms of support for free speech.

    The right to freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, allowing citizens to express their opinions freely. This right includes various forms of expression like speech, writing, art, and digital media, RTI, and even the right not to speak. However, it is subject to reasonable restrictions as outlined in Article 19(2), including security, public order, and decency.

    About the Free Speech Index

    • The Future of Free Speech, an independent U.S.-based think tank released this report titled ‘Who in the World Supports Free Speech?’.
    • It evaluates public attitudes towards free speech across 33 countries, highlighting trends, regional variations, and challenges to freedom of expression worldwide.
    • It emphasized the decline in support for protecting controversial speech, despite strong abstract support for free speech in many countries.

    India’s Ranking:

    • India is ranked 24th out of 33 countries in the 2024 Global Free Speech Index, with a score of 62.6.
    • While Indians generally consider free speech important, 37% of respondents support restrictions on criticizing government policies, which is the highest percentage among the surveyed countries.
    • India is an exception to the general trend, as public support for free speech does not align with actual protections, pointing to increasing government restrictions on expression.

    Global Highlights:

    • Norway (87.9) and Denmark (87.0) lead the rankings, demonstrating strong commitment to free speech and dissent.
    • Indonesia (56.8), Malaysia (55.4), and Pakistan (57.0) showed the biggest improvements, although they still ranked lower on the scale.
    • Several democratic nations, including the US, Israel, and Japan, have seen a decline in free speech support since 2021.
    • Countries like Hungary (85.5) and Venezuela (81.8) scored high, indicating a disconnect between government-imposed restrictions and public attitudes towards free speech.

    PYQ:

    [UPSC 2014] What do you understand by the concept of “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.

    [2018] Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement?

    (a) Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution.
    (b) Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV.
    (c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III.
    (d) Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment to the Constitution.

     

  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Anniversary of the Muzhara Movement

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Muzhara Movement

    Why in the News?

    On March 19, the anniversary of the Muzhara movement is observed, marking a significant chapter in Punjab’s agrarian struggles.

    About Muzhara Movement

    • Muzharas were farmers who worked the land but had no ownership rights.
      • They were part of a larger class of landless peasants in Punjab, facing oppressive feudal systems.
    • The biswedars (landlords), who took one-third of the produce, controlled the land.
      • This system led to economic exploitation, with a significant portion of the produce and profits going to the feudal landlords and, ultimately, the British colonial rulers.
    • The muzharas were seeking ownership of the land they had tilled for generations, asserting their right to the land in opposition to both the feudal and colonial systems.
    • In March 1949, when the biswedars tried to reclaim land from the muzharas, Kishangarh village became the epicentre of the struggle.
    • A violent standoff between the muzharas and the Patiala police ensued, which resulted in the death of a police officer on March 17.
    • The army intervened on March 19, leading to four muzharas being killed in the ensuing confrontation.

    Other Contemporary Peasant’s Movements

    Details
    Champaran Satyagraha (1917)
    • Led by Mahatma Gandhi in Bihar against the tinkathia system, where peasants were forced to grow indigo on part of their land.
    • Resulted in the Champaran Agrarian Act (1918), which abolished oppressive practices.
    Kheda Satyagraha (1918)
    • Organized in Gujarat after crop failures when the government refused to remit land revenue.
    • Gandhi and Sardar Patel supported peasants in withholding revenue payments until demands were met.
    Bardoli Satyagraha (1928)
    • Led by Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat against a 30% hike in land revenue.
    • The movement succeeded, and Patel earned the title “Sardar” for his leadership.
    Tebhaga Movement (1946-47)
    • Initiated by the Kisan Sabha in Bengal, demanding a two-thirds share of produce for tenants instead of the customary half.
    • Despite being suppressed violently, it highlighted peasant rights.
    Telangana Movement (1946-51)
    • A communist-led peasant guerrilla struggle in Andhra Pradesh against feudal landlords and the Nizam’s oppressive regime.
    • Achieved redistribution of land and improved

     

    PYQ:

    [UPSC 2013] The demand for the Tebhaga Peasant Movement in Bengal was for:

    (a) the reduction of the share of the landlords from one-half of the crop to one-third,

    (b) the grant of ownership of land to peasants as they were the actual cultivators of the land,

    (c) the uprooting of Zamindari system and the end of serfdom,

    (d) writing off all peasant debts

     

  • Appointment of Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Comptroller and Auditor General

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court has decided to examine a plea challenging the current process of appointing the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).

    About Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG):

    Details
    Role and Importance
    • Established under Article 148 of the Indian Constitution.
    • Ensures efficient and lawful use of public funds.
    • Audits financial accounts of Consolidated Fund of India, state funds, and public sector undertakings.
    • Acts as a watchdog over government financial expenditure.
    • Plays a critical role in maintaining financial accountability in governance.
    Appointment and Term
    • Appointed by the President of India under a warrant.
    • Serves a 6-year term or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
    • Must take an oath to uphold the Constitution and perform duties impartially.
    • Removal can only occur for misbehaviour or incapacity, through a special majority in both Houses of Parliament.
    Independence of the CAG
    • Independence from the government: Ineligible for any government office after leaving office.
    • Salary and Expenses: Equal to a Supreme Court judge, with expenses charged to the Consolidated Fund of India.
    • No Ministerial Representation: No minister can represent the CAG or assume responsibility for their actions.

     

    Issues with the Appointment of the CAG

    The current process for appointing the CAG is seen as problematic due to the centralized control by the Union government.

    • The CAG is appointed by the President on the advice of the government, raising concerns about potential executive influence over a key independent body.
    • Critics argue that this process compromises the CAG’s independence and calls for a neutral selection committee involving the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and Chief Justice of India.
    • This would ensure that the CAG is appointed transparently and impartially, free from political interference.
    • Historically, the lack of clear guidelines in Article 148 regarding the CAG’s appointment has allowed executive interference, much like the early years of judicial appointments.

    Supreme Court interventions have already reformed appointment processes for bodies like the Election Commission and Central Vigilance Commission, and similar reforms for the CAG are necessary to protect its autonomy.

    [UPSC 2012] In India, other than ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and for intended purpose, what is the importance of the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)?
    1. CAG exercises exchequer control on behalf of the Parliament when the President of India declares national emergency/financial emergency.
    2. CAG reports on the execution of projects or programmes by the ministries are discussed by the Public Accounts Committee.
    3. CAG reports are available to the Parliamentary Committees.
    4. While dealing with the audit and accounting of government companies, CAG has certain judicial powers for prosecuting those who violate the law. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    (a) 1, 3 and 4 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

  • Banking Sector Reforms

    Sarthi and Pravaah Systems of RBI

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Sarthi and Pravaah Systems of RBI

    Why in the News?  

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was recently awarded the prestigious Digital Transformation Award 2025 by Central Banking, a recognition of its groundbreaking digital initiatives, Sarthi and Pravaah.

    About Sarthi System

    • The Sarthi system was launched in January 2023 by the RBI with the goal of digitizing all internal workflows within the organization.
    • This initiative aimed to reduce the reliance on paper-based processes and enhance operational efficiency across the RBI.
    • Key features include:
      • It can securely store and share documents among the 13,500 employees spread across 40+ locations.
      • It also improves record management and provides enhanced data analysis capabilities through reports and dashboards.
      • Additionally, Sarthi automates internal processes such as task tracking, approvals, and document management, streamlining operations and improving collaboration between departments.
      • To ensure that employees are proficient in using the system, an online training platform, called Sarthi Pathshala, was launched alongside in-person training.
      • Sarthi Mitras, who are designated experts within RBI offices, assist colleagues in navigating and resolving issues related to the system.

    About Pravaah System

    • Building on the success of Sarthi, the RBI introduced the Pravaah system in May 2024.
    • Its primary purpose is to facilitate external users in submitting regulatory applications digitally to the RBI.
    • This platform has greatly enhanced the efficiency and transparency of the application submission process.
    • Key features include:
      • It integrates seamlessly with the Sarthi database, enabling smooth processing of regulatory documents.
      • It supports more than 70 different regulatory applications, significantly improving the speed and accuracy of submissions.
      • It is equipped with centralized cybersecurity measures and digital tracking capabilities, which provide real-time monitoring of applications for both applicants and RBI managers.
      • It has contributed to an 80% increase in monthly applications, marking a significant achievement in reducing delays associated with traditional, paper-based systems and streamlining the overall process.

    PYQ:

    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements in respect of the digital rupee:

    1. It is a sovereign currency issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in alignment with its monetary policy.

    2. It appears as a liability on the RBI’s balance sheet. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None

     

  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Miller-Urey Hypothesis

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Miller-Urey Hypothesis

    Why in the News?

    A recent study led by Stanford University chemist Richard Zare has introduced a novel perspective on the origins of life on Earth, providing an alternative to the well-known Miller-Urey hypothesis.

    Miller-Urey Hypothesis

    About the Miller-Urey Hypothesis

    • The Miller-Urey hypothesis emerged from an experiment conducted in 1952 by chemists Stanley Miller and Harold Urey.
      • It sought to simulate the conditions of early Earth to understand how life could have originated.
    • They used a mixture of water, methane, ammonia, and hydrogen, gases believed to be present in the early Earth’s atmosphere.
    • The setup also included an electric spark to simulate lightning, which they hypothesized could have played a role in the formation of organic compounds.
    • Results: The experiment successfully demonstrated that organic molecules, like amino acids, essential for life, could form when an electrical spark (simulating lightning) was applied to the gas mixture.
    • Impact and Debate:
      • The experiment was a landmark in understanding life’s chemical origins.
      • However, over time, critics argued that real lightning would have been rare and mostly occurred over open ocean, where organic compounds would have been quickly dispersed.
      • This led to the questioning of lightning as the primary trigger for life’s origins.

    Life on Earth and the Role of ‘Microlightning’ in Water Droplets

    • The Stanford study shows that when water droplets divide, they develop opposing electrical charges—larger droplets become positively charged, and smaller droplets become negatively charged.
    • When these oppositely charged droplets come close together, tiny sparks (termed micro-lightning) can leap between them, mimicking the electrical phenomena that occur in thunderstorms.
    • Experimental Evidence:
      • In the experiment, when water sprays were mixed with nitrogen, methane, carbon dioxide, and ammonia, they produced organic compounds like glycine and uracil, similar to those in the Miller-Urey experiment.
      • Microlightning from water sprays can therefore generate organic compounds, providing a plausible and common natural process for the origin of life.
    • These microlightning events could have been far more common and accessible than lightning strikes, offering an alternative mechanism for the generation of life-building organic molecules.

    PYQ:


    [UPSC 2012] Which one of the following sets of elements was primarily responsible for the origin of life on the Earth?

    (a) Hydrogen, Oxygen, Sodium

    (b) Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen

    (c) Oxygen, Calcium, Phosphorus

    (d) Carbon, Sodium, Phosphorus

     

  • Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY)

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY)

    Why in the News?

    Recently a White House official has proposed expelling Canada from the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. This comes as Donald Trump pressures Canada, even suggesting it could be transformed into the 51st U.S. state.

    About the Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY):

    • The FVEY is a global intelligence-sharing network comprising 5 Anglosphere countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the United States.
    • Established in 1946 following the UKUSA Agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom, it is one of the most secretive and influential alliances in global intelligence and security.
    • The alliance primarily focuses on sharing intelligence, especially signals intelligence (SIGINT), and collaborates on security matters like counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and geopolitical monitoring.
    • It plays a pivotal role in global surveillance programs, such as ECHELON, and is a key player in shaping international intelligence policy.
    • Members of the FVEY:
      1. Australia: Plays a key role in monitoring the Asia-Pacific region and contributes to SIGINT and cybersecurity efforts.
      2. Canada: Contributes significantly to global communications intelligence, focusing on networks and signals intelligence.
      3. New Zealand: Has a relatively reserved role but provides valuable intelligence, particularly in the Pacific region.
      4. United Kingdom: Works closely with the United States and is instrumental in intelligence gathering across Europe and the Middle East.
      5. United States: The largest contributor of intelligence, particularly in global SIGINT, and leads the alliance in intelligence operations.
    • Mandate:
      • The Five Eyes primarily focuses on intelligence sharing, especially signals intelligence (intercepted communications, satellite data, etc.), but has expanded to include human intelligence (HUMINT), geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), and cybersecurity.
      • The alliance works on global surveillance programs, collecting data on adversarial governments, counterterrorism efforts, and counterintelligence operations.
      • A key principle of the alliance is the “no third-party rule,” meaning intelligence shared among member countries is not passed on to non-member states without permission.

    PYQ:

    [2020] “Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times Discuss.”

     

  • Trade Sector Updates – Falling Exports, TIES, MEIS, Foreign Trade Policy, etc.

    India’s goods Trade Deficit at a 42-month low 

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Economic Impact of Trade Deficit

    Why in the News?

    India’s goods trade deficit has dropped to a 42-month low of $14.05 billion in February 2025, driven by reduced imports of gold, silver, and crude oil, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

    Key Insights from February 2025 Trade Data

    • Exports: Goods exports amounted to $36.9 billion in February 2025.
    • Imports: Merchandise imports fell to a 22-month low of $50.9 billion, primarily due to lower demand for gold, silver, and crude oil.
    • Gold and Silver Imports: The value stood at $2.7 billion, the lowest since June 2024.
    • Crude and Petroleum Imports: Reduced to $11.89 billion, marking the lowest level since July 2023.
    • On a year-on-year basis, exports dipped by 10.84% in February 2025, partially due to the base year effect of a leap month.
      • However, imports shrank by 16.3% compared to February 2024.

    Impact of Lower Trade Deficit on India’s Economy

    • Stronger Currency: A lower trade deficit reduces demand for foreign currencies, leading to an appreciation of the Indian Rupee. This makes imports cheaper, benefiting consumers and businesses.
    • Improved Current Account Balance: The lower trade deficit positively impacts India’s balance of payments, reducing dependence on external borrowing or foreign investments, and contributing to financial stability.
    • Boost to Domestic Production: A decrease in imports encourages local manufacturing and reduces reliance on foreign products, stimulating economic growth and creating jobs.
    • Growth in Exports: The reduced deficit reflects a higher level of exports, improving India’s foreign exchange reserves and supporting industrial output.
    • Reduced Inflation: With fewer imports, particularly of essential goods like crude oil and gold, prices of imported goods stabilize, helping reduce inflationary pressures in the economy.
    • Better Fiscal Health: A lower trade deficit leads to less reliance on external financing, helping the government maintain fiscal stability and potentially improve credit ratings.
    • Positive Investor Sentiment: A smaller trade deficit enhances investor confidence, attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI), boosting economic development.
    • Focus on Self-Reliance: Reduced imports drive self-reliance, encouraging domestic production, and decreasing dependency on imports for essential goods and services.

    PYQ:

    [2020] With reference to the international trade of India at present, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. India’s merchandise exports are less than its merchandise imports.

    2. India’s imports of iron and steel, chemicals, fertilisers and machinery have decreased in recent years.

    3. India’s exports of services are more than its imports of services.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    World’s first ‘Supersolid’ created from Light

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Supersolid

    Why in the News?

    In a groundbreaking achievement, Italian researchers have successfully transformed light into a supersolid for the first time in history.

    About Supersolid

    • A supersolid is a rare state of matter that behaves like both a solid and a liquid at the same time.
    • While it maintains a rigid structure, similar to a solid, it can also flow like a liquid without any internal friction.
    • How was a supersolid created?
      • Researchers made a supersolid by combining light and matter.
      • They used polaritons (a mix of light and particle pairs called excitons) to create this new state of matter.
      • When these polaritons reach their lowest energy, they form the supersolid that behaves like both a solid and a liquid.
    • Features of a Supersolid:
      • Dual Nature: A supersolid is solid in structure but can also flow like a liquid.
      • Quantum Coherence: The particles inside a supersolid work together in a special way because of quantum mechanics, creating unique behaviors.
      • Zero Viscosity: It moves without any resistance, just like a superfluid, meaning it can flow freely even though it’s solid.
      • Temperature Dependency: Supersolids only form at extremely low temperatures (close to absolute zero, or -273.15°C).

    Applications of Supersolids

    • Quantum Computing: Supersolids could help improve the performance of quantum computers, making them more stable.
    • Superconductors: They might be used to create materials that allow zero-resistance electricity, improving energy transmission.
    • Frictionless Lubricants: Supersolids could lead to frictionless lubricants, making machinery work more efficiently and last longer.
    • Fundamental Physics: Studying supersolids helps us understand quantum physics and how particles behave under extreme conditions.
    • Material Science: Supersolids could help create new materials for advanced technology, including computers, sensors, and energy storage.
  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    Six sites added to India’s tentative list by UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: UNESCO World Heritage List.

    Why in the News?

    The Union Minister of Culture and Tourism has announced the addition of six sites to India’s tentative UNESCO World Heritage List.

    About the Sites

    Details
    Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs (Telangana)

    • Located in Mudumal region, Nalgonda district, Telangana.
    • Dates back to 1000 BCE to 500 BCE, associated with Iron Age.
    • Famous for menhirs, large upright stones used for burial or ceremonial purposes.
    • Provides insight into ancient South Indian megalithic cultures.
    Palace-Fortresses of the Bundelas (Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh)

    • Located in Bundelkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
    • Built by Bundela Rajputs from 16th to 18th centuries.
    • Known for a mix of Rajput, Mughal, and Hindu architectural styles.
    • Key sites include Orchha Fort, Datia Palace, and Chanderi Fort.
    Kanger Valley National Park (Chhattisgarh)
    • Located in Bastar district, Chhattisgarh.
    • Covers 200 km², known for dense forests, caves, and waterfalls.
    • Home to species like tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and bison.
    • Famous for Kanger Dhara waterfall and Bailadila Range of hills.
    Ashokan Edict Sites (Multiple States)
    • Spread across India: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Karnataka.
    • Created by Emperor Ashoka during 3rd century BCE.
    • Focuses on moral conduct, non-violence, and promoting Buddhism.
    • Key sites include Sanchi, Lumbini, Kalinga, and Kandahar.
    Chausath Yogini Temples (Multiple States)

    • Found in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Orissa.
    • Built during the 8th to 12th centuries CE, associated with Tantric Hinduism.
    • Temples dedicated to 64 Yoginis, with notable sites in Khajuraho and Bhilsa.
    Gupta Temples in North India (Multiple States)

    • Located in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana.
    • Built during 4th to 6th centuries CE during the Gupta Empire.
    • Characterized by Nagara-style architecture.
    • Notable examples: Deogarh Temple, Dasavatara Temple, etc.

     

    PYQ:

    [2024] Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO:

    1. Shantiniketan

    2. Rani-ki-Vav

    3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas

    4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya

    How many of the above properties were included in 2023?

    (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four