Indian Governance and Policy

Daman and Diu is indeed a Union Territory of India, located on the west coast. It was a Portuguese colony until 1961 when it was annexed by India and administered as a single UT until 1987, when Goa achieved statehood. Daman and Diu remained as a Union Territory. Note: As of 2020, Daman and Diu merged with Dadra and Nagar Haveli to form a single UT.

The Attorney General of India is the highest law officer, while the Solicitor General is the second-highest. The Solicitor General assists the Attorney General and is subordinate in the constitutional hierarchy.

The Planning Commission of India was chaired by the Prime Minister of India. The commission was responsible for formulating Five-Year Plans and economic development strategies. The Prime Minister served as its ex-officio chairman, reflecting the importance of economic planning in national governance. Note: The Planning Commission was replaced by NITI Aayog in 2015.

The JSY (Janani Suraksha Yojana) - referred to as Yasodha Scheme in this question - provides ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) with cash assistance for each institutional delivery. The correct honorarium amount was Rs. 3500 per delivery. The JSY focuses on promoting institutional deliveries among poor pregnant women to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.

True - The SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Secretariat is indeed permanently located in Kathmandu, Nepal. It was established in 1987 and has remained there since the organization's founding in 1985.

Pledge raising in charity marathons refers to participants asking friends, family, and colleagues to donate money to a charitable cause in support of their run. It is not about personal improvement pledges or asking others to take pledges.

The new series Rs.100 banknote depicts the Himalaya Mountains on the reverse side, representing India's natural heritage and geographical diversity. This scenic design highlights one of India's most iconic mountain ranges. Other options depict different themes found on various currency denominations.

Bengaluru has the highest number of public sector undertakings and government organizations in India, including major organizations like HAL, BEL, BHEL, ISRO, and many others. The city is known as the 'Public Sector Capital' of India.

Punjab does have a Chief Minister - the statement is false. Chandigarh is a Union Territory that serves as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana, but Punjab has its own state government headed by a CM.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad refused the Bharat Ratna in 1992 (posthumously), becoming the first recipient to decline the honor. He was India's first Education Minister and a prominent freedom fighter. C. Rajagopalachari accepted it, Govind Ballabh Pant received it posthumously, and Pandurang Vaman Kane accepted it in 1964.

Giani Zail Singh was indeed Chief Minister of Punjab (1972-1977) and later served as President of India (1982-1987). However, he never served as Union Home Minister - that cabinet position was held by others like Zail Singh's contemporaries such as G. S. Dhillon and later leaders.

TATA Consultancy Services (TCS) is headquartered in Mumbai, India. It is India's largest IT services company and was founded in 1968. Chennai, New Delhi, and Pune are major IT hubs in India but not TCS's headquarters location.

Under Indian Railways' Tatkal scheme, passengers must carry original proof of identity during travel. This rule was introduced to prevent touting and ensure tickets are used by the bonafide passengers who booked them.

Shashi Tharoor did serve as Under-Secretary-General at the United Nations, making Statement I correct. Statement II is incorrect because he has never been India's Foreign Minister - he has been a Minister of State and currently serves as an MP. Since only I is correct, option A is the right answer.