Category: Current Issues

The relationship between New Delhi and Riyadh has been improving steadily. Saudi Arabia is a critical partner, and India is not wasting any opportunity to engage Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the country’s de facto ruler, and next in line to be King.

Prince Mohammed visited New Delhi over the weekend for the G20 Leaders’ Summit, where he, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden, announced the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, a massive infrastructure project that would connect India to Europe via West Asia, and could rival China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

MBS stayed back after the Summit for a State Visit, and co-chaired with Modi the first meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council. The two sides signed eight agreements, including on upgrading their hydrocarbon energy partnership to a comprehensive energy partnership for renewable, petroleum and strategic reserves, and to create a joint task force for $100 billion in Saudi investment. They also discussed the possibility of trading in local currencies, and expediting negotiations for a free trade agreement between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council of which Saudi Arabia is a member.

History

The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1947, and Indian government officials say they have always enjoyed cordial and friendly relations that reflect their socio-cultural and economic ties going back centuries.

Coral reefs occupy less than 1 per cent of the ocean floor …
… yet they are home to more than 25 per cent of marine life.
Human activity and a warming planet are rapidly degrading these precious and fragile ecosystems.

Coral Reefs:
Coral reefs are diverse and intricate marine ecosystems formed by colonies of tiny living organisms called coral polyps. These polyps are related to sea anemones and jellyfish and are primarily found in warm, shallow waters in both tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Coral reefs are often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea” due to their incredible biodiversity and importance to marine life.

**Structure of Coral Reefs:**
Coral reefs are built over time through a process called calcification, in which corals secrete a calcium carbonate exoskeleton around their soft bodies. This forms the foundation of the reef structure. As new generations of corals grow on top of the existing ones, the reef expands vertically. The result is a complex three-dimensional structure with nooks, crannies, and intricate formations that provide habitat, shelter, and feeding grounds for countless marine species.

**Biodiversity of Coral Reefs:**
Coral reefs are one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth. They are home to an estimated 25% of all marine species, despite covering only 0.1% of the ocean floor. These ecosystems support a wide array of life including fish, mollusks, crustaceans, sea turtles, sharks, and a multitude of invertebrates. The intricate relationships between various species within the reef create a delicate balance that is crucial for the survival of these ecosystems.

**Coral Symbiosis:**
Coral reefs have a unique relationship with single-celled algae called zooxanthellae. These algae live inside the coral polyps and provide them with nutrients through photosynthesis. In return, the corals offer protection and a stable environment for the algae. This symbiotic relationship is the foundation for the vibrant colors that coral reefs are known for.

**Coral Bleaching:**
Coral bleaching is a phenomenon that occurs when corals become stressed due to changes in their environment, such as increased water temperatures, pollution, or changes in salinity. When stressed, corals expel the zooxanthellae, causing them to turn white or pale. This is why it’s called “bleaching.”

**Causes of Coral Bleaching:**

1. **Rising Sea Temperatures:** The primary driver of coral bleaching is rising ocean temperatures, which can be attributed to climate change. When water temperatures rise beyond what the corals can tolerate, they expel their zooxanthellae.

2. **Pollution and Runoff:** Chemical pollutants from agriculture, industry, and coastal development can stress corals and contribute to bleaching.

3. **Ocean Acidification:** As the ocean absorbs more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, it becomes more acidic. This can hinder the ability of corals to build their calcium carbonate skeletons.

4. **Natural Phenomena:** Certain natural events like El Niño and La Niña can lead to abnormal sea temperature fluctuations, causing widespread bleaching events.

**Impacts of Coral Bleaching:**

1. **Loss of Biodiversity:** Bleached corals are more vulnerable to disease, predation, and mortality. This can lead to a significant loss of biodiversity within the reef ecosystem.

2. **Economic Impact:** Coral reefs contribute immensely to local economies through tourism, fishing, and shoreline protection. Bleaching events can disrupt these industries.

3. **Climate Regulation:** Coral reefs play a vital role in carbon and nitrogen cycling, making them important in global climate regulation.

**Mitigation and Conservation:**

1. **Reducing Carbon Emissions:** Addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial in preventing further coral bleaching.

2. **Marine Protected Areas (MPAs):** Establishing and effectively managing marine protected areas can help preserve and protect coral reef ecosystems.

3. **Reducing Pollution:** Implementing measures to reduce pollution from agricultural runoff, coastal development, and industrial activities can mitigate stress on coral reefs.

4. **Research and Restoration:** Continued research into coral biology and ecosystem dynamics, along with active restoration efforts, can help rehabilitate damaged reefs.

Coral reefs are complex and vital marine ecosystems that support a rich diversity of life. Coral bleaching, driven primarily by rising sea temperatures, poses a significant threat to these ecosystems. Conservation efforts and global action to combat climate change are essential in preserving these invaluable natural wonders for future generations.

Project Tiger is a conservation program launched in India in 1973 to save the endangered tiger. The project was initiated by the Government of India and is currently implemented by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Project Tiger has been a major success, helping to increase the tiger population in India from 1,827 in 1972 to 3,167 in 2022. The project has also helped to protect tiger habitat and reduce poaching.
The project is divided into 53 tiger reserves, which cover an area of over 75,000 square kilometers. Each tiger reserve has a core area, where human activity is restricted, and a buffer area, where human activity is allowed but regulated.
The project has a number of components, including:

Anti-poaching measures: These include patrolling, habitat improvement, and community outreach.

Habitat management: This includes forest protection, regeneration, and management of prey populations.

Research and monitoring: This includes scientific research on tigers and their habitat, as well as monitoring of the tiger population.

Public awareness: This includes education and outreach programs to raise awareness of the importance of tiger conservation.

Project Tiger has been a major success, but there are still challenges to be addressed. These include:

Human-tiger conflict: This is a major issue, as tigers sometimes prey on livestock or enter human settlements.

Habitat loss: The tiger’s habitat is being lost due to deforestation, development, and climate change.

Poaching: Poaching is still a threat to tigers, although it has been reduced in recent years.

Despite these challenges, Project Tiger remains a success story. The project has helped to save the tiger from extinction and has raised awareness of the importance of tiger conservation. The project is also a model for tiger conservation in other parts of the world.
On the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger, it is important to celebrate the successes of the project and to recommit to the conservation of tigers. The project has shown that it is possible to save endangered species, but it is important to continue the work to ensure the long-term survival of tigers.
Here are some additional details about Project Tiger:

The project is funded by the Government of India and by international donors.

The project is managed by the NTCA, which is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The project has been recognized by the United Nations as a model for tiger conservation.

Project Tiger has won numerous awards, including the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini National Environment Award and the UN Environment Programme’s Global 500 Roll of Honour.

The 50th anniversary of Project Tiger is a time to celebrate the successes of the project and to recommit to the conservation of tigers. The project has shown that it is possible to save endangered species, but it is important to continue the work to ensure the long-term survival of tigers.

The Group of Twenty (G20) is an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 countries – Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, United Kingdom and United States and the European Union.

The G20 members represent around 85% of the global GDP, over 75% of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.

The G20 was founded in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis as a forum for the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss global economic and financial issues. It was upgraded to the level of Heads of State/Government in the wake of the global economic and financial crisis of 2007, and, in 2009, was designated the “premier forum for international economic cooperation”.

What is the G20 Summit?

The G20 Summit is held annually, under the leadership of a rotating Presidency.

How does the G20 work?

The G20 Presidency steers the G20 agenda for one year and hosts the Summit. The G20 consists of two parallel tracks: the Finance Track and the Sherpa Track. Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors lead the Finance Track, while Sherpas lead the Sherpa Track.

The Finance Track is led by Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of the member countries. Within the two tracks, there are thematically oriented working groups in which representatives from the relevant ministries of the members as well as from invited/guest countries and various international organisations participate.

The G20 process from the Sherpa Track is coordinated by the Sherpas of member countries, who are personal emissaries of the Leaders. The Sherpa Track oversees inputs from 13 Working Groups, 2 Initiatives – Research Innovation Initiative Gathering (RIIG) and G20 Empower, and various Engagement Groups, all of whom meet throughout the year and develop their Issue Notes and Outcome Documents in parallel. These substantive discussions then feed consensus-based recommendations to the Sherpa Meetings. The outcome document of the Sherpa-level meetings eventually forms the basis of the Leaders’ Declaration, which will be debated and signed (after and if consensus is reached) at the final New Delhi Summit in September next year by the Leaders of all G20 member countries.

In addition, there are Engagement Groups which bring together civil societies, parliamentarians, think tanks, women, youth, labour, businesses and researchers of the G20 countries. The Startup20 Engagement Group will be established under India’s G20 Presidency for the first time, recognising the role of startups in driving innovation that responds to a rapidly changing global scenario. Active consultation with the Engagement Groups forms an integral part of India’s “inclusive ambitious, decisive, and action-oriented”, G20 approach, as outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Bali Summit this year.

India’s G -20 Presidency 

India holds the Presidency of the G20 from December 1, 2022 to November 30, 2023. The 43 Heads of Delegations- the largest ever in G20-will be participating in the final New Delhi Summit in September next year.

The G20 Logo draws inspiration from the vibrant colours of India’s national flag – saffron, white and green, and blue. It juxtaposes planet Earth with the lotus, India’s national flower that reflects growth amid challenges. The Earth reflects India’s pro-planet approach to life, one in perfect harmony with nature. Below the G20 logo is “Bharat”, written in the Devanagari script.

The theme of India’s G20 Presidency – “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth · One Family · One Future” – is drawn from the ancient Sanskrit text of the Maha Upanishad. Essentially, the theme affirms the value of all life – human, animal, plant, and microorganisms – and their interconnectedness on the planet Earth and in the wider universe. The theme also spotlights LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), with its associated, environmentally sustainable and responsible choices, both at the level of individual lifestyles as well as national development, leading to globally transformative actions resulting in a cleaner, greener and bluer future.

For India, the G20 Presidency also marks the beginning of “Amritkaal”, the 25-year period beginning from the 75th anniversary of its independence on 15 August 2022, leading up to the centenary of its independence, towards a futuristic, prosperous, inclusive and developed society, distinguished by a human-centric approach at its core.

A new working group on Disaster Risk Reduction will be established under India’s Presidency to encourage collective work by the G20, undertake multi-disciplinary research and exchange best practices on disaster risk reduction.

India’s special invitee guest countries are Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain and UAE.

G-20’s invited international organisations are UN, IMF, World Bank, WHO, WTO, ILO, FSB, OECD, AU Chair, NEPAD Chair, ASEAN Chair, ADB, ISA and CDRI.

G20 meetings will not be limited only to New Delhi or other metropolises. Drawing inspiration from its G20 Presidency theme of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’-“One Earth One Family One Future, as well as the Prime Minister’s vision of an ‘all of government” approach, India will host over 200 meetings in over 50 cities across 32 different workstreams, and would have the opportunity to offer G20 delegates and guests a glimpse of India’s rich cultural heritage and provide them with a unique Indian experience.

What are India’s G20 Priorities?

Here are some of the specific initiatives that India is undertaking under its G20 presidency:

Green Development, Climate Finance & LiFE

The opportunity to lead G20 comes at a time of compounding existential threat, with the COVID-19 pandemic having exposed the fragilities of our systems under the cascading impacts of climate change. In this regard, climate change is a key priority for India’s presidential Presidency, with a particular focus towards not only climate finance and technology, but also ensuring just energy transitions for developing nations across the world.

Understanding that the issue of climate change cuts across industry, society, and sectors, India offers the world LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) -a behaviour-based movement that draws from our nation’s rich, ancient sustainable traditions to nudge consumers, and in-turn markets, to adopt environmentally-conscious practices. This ties closely with India’s G20 theme: ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘One Earth. One Family. One Future.

Accelerated, Inclusive & Resilient Growth 

An accelerated, resilient and inclusive growth is a cornerstone for sustainable development. During its G20 Presidency, India aims to focus on areas that have the potential to bring structural transformation. This includes an ambition to accelerate integration of MSMEs in global trade, bring in the spirit of trade for growth, promote labour rights and secure labour welfare, address global skills gap, and build inclusive agricultural value chains and food systems etc.

Accelerating progress on SDGs

India’s G20 Presidency collides with the crucial midpoint of the 2030 Agenda. As such, India acknowledges the detrimental impact of COVID-19, which changed the current decade of action into a decade of recovery. In line with this perspective, India wants to focus on recommitting G20’s efforts to achieving the targets laid out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Technological Transformation & Digital Public Infrastructure

As G20 Presidency, India can foreground its belief in a human-centric approach to technology, and facilitate greater knowledge-sharing in priority areas like digital public infrastructure, financial inclusion, and tech-enabled development in sectors ranging from agriculture to education

 Multilateral Institutions for the 21^st century

India’s G20 priority will be to continue pressing for reformed multilateralism that creates more accountable, inclusive just, equitable and representative multipolar international system that is fit for addressing the challenges in the 21^st century.

Women-led development

India hopes to use the G20 forum to highlight inclusive growth and development, with women empowerment and representation being at the core of India’s G20 deliberations. This includes a focus on bringing women to the fore, and in leading positions, in order to boost socio-economic development and achievement of SDGs.

 

 

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is has launched the Chandrayaan-3 on July 14, 2023.

Chandrayaan-3 is India’s third lunar mission.

It is a follow-on to the unsuccessful 2019 lunar mission – Chandrayaan-2.

It will demonstrate India’s end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface.

Objective –The mission’s main objectives are:

• 1. To demonstrate safe and soft landing on the lunar surface
  2. To demonstrate rover roving on the moon and
  3. To conduct in-situ (on-site) scientific experiments.

It also aims to develop and demonstrate new technologies required for interplanetary missions.

The success of the emission will make Chandrayaan-3, the world’s first mission to soft-land near the lunar South Pole and India, fourth country to soft-land on the moon.

Working of the Mission

Chandrayaan-3 will be launched by LVM3from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Modules –Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft is a composite of three modules.

• 1. A Propulsion module (PM): Life – 3-6 months
  2. An indigenous Lander module (LM) – Vikram
  3. A Rover – Pragyan

Timeframe –India’s Chandrayaan missions take a month to reach the moon.

Slingshot Manoeuvre –The Chandrayaan-3, like Chandrayaan-2, will take a rather long interesting route to the Moon.

It will circle the Earth 5-6 times, then sling off to the Moon.

This manoeuvre uses Earth’s gravity to impart velocity to the spacecraft thereby reducing the fuel used.

This reduces the need to carry enormous amount of fuel thereby reducing the heaviness of the rocket.

Lunar Orbit –The module enters lunar orbit and the reverse will happen.

Loop-by-loop the spacecraft will get closer to the moon until it reaches a circular path 100 km above the moon’s surface before the lander separates.

On the Moon – The lander will soft land at a specified lunar site (lunar South Pole) and deploy the rover.

The rover will explore the lunar terrain for 14 Earth days(1 lunar day) and will carry out in-situ chemical analysis of the lunar surface.

Payloads carried by Chandrayaaan-3

Propulsion Modulepayload: It has one scientific payload – Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE), which will be operated post separation of the lander module.

SHAPE isto study the spectral and Polari metric measurements of Earth from the lunar orbit and also will look for smaller planets that might be habitable in the reflected light.

Lander Module payloads:

1. ChaSTE(Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment) – To measure the thermal conductivity and temperature;
2. ILSA(Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity) – For measuring the seismicity around the landing site;
3. LP (LangmuirProbe) – To estimate the plasma density and its variations.

Rover payloads:Has 2 payloads for deriving the elemental composition in the vicinity of landing site.

1. Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS)
2. Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS)

Difference between Chandrayaan-3 and Chandrayaan-2

ISRO has designed Chandrayaan-3 with a failure-based approach.

Based on lessons learned from Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3 was upgraded such as –

• 1. The lander incorporates enhanced features to ensure a successful landing by overcoming obstacles.
  2. The rover is equipped with hazard detection and avoidance systems, ensuring a safe traversal of the moon’s surface.

Orbiter –Chandrayaan-3 will not carry an orbiter but it will use data from the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter.

Landing site –The site is at around 70 degree S near the Southern pole of the moon.

It has been fed with high resolution picturescaptured by the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter and does not depend only on pictures clicked during descent to determine landing.

The landing area has also been expandedfrom a patch of 500mx500m to a broad 4kmx2.4km area.

Weight –Due to the modifications made for a safe landing, the weight of the payload is slightly more than the previous mission.

More fuel –Travel longer distances to the landing site or an alternate landing site, if needed.

Significance of the Chandrayaan-3 mission

It represents ISRO’s commitment to pushing boundaries and expanding our understanding of the moon and beyond.

ISRO aims to mitigate risks and ensure a successful mission, by taking a failure-based approach in its design.

The mission’s success will further solidify India’s position as a prominent player in the realm of space exploration.

It has enormous promise for the future of space travel and interplanetary missions.

The data from this is likely to benefit NASA’s Artemis program, as India has signed NASA’s Artemis Accord.

Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3)

Launch Vehicle Mark-III(LVM3), is a three-stage medium-lift launch vehicle developed by ISRO.

Earlier known as ‘GSLV Mk-III’, it is the most powerful rocket in the ISRO’s stable.

The 3-stages includes two solid boosters (S200), the core liquid fuel-based stage (L110), and the cryogenic upper stage (C25) which uses cryogenic engine (CE20).

It can carry a payload of up to 8,000 kilograms to a low-Earth orbit (LEO) and about 4,000 kilograms of payload to a geostationary transfer orbit (GTO).

LVM-3 was used also in launching Chandrayaan-2.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Sunday conducted the Civil Services Prelims exam 2023. The exam was conducted in two sessions — forenoon from 9:30 am to 11:30 am and afternoon from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

If we talk about difficulty level, Overall GS Paper 1 was difficult than last year’s paper. So we can expect this year’s cut off to go down a little. As published by UPSC, last year’s cut off was 88.22 for UR. This year it is expected to be in the range of 81-86.

This Year UPSC has surprised by ensuring the oft cited ‘elimination method’ used by candidates to arrive at an answer.

Although the solution has been prepared with utmost care, it is subject to 6-8% of errors. This is an unofficial Answer key.

Solved Paper GS-01

Q.1 Consider the following statements with reference to India:

1. According to the ‘Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006’, the ‘medium enterprises’ are those with investments in plant and machinery between Rs. 15 crore and Rs. 25 crore.

2. All bank loans to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises qualify under the priority sector.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: B

Explaination:

Option 1 is incorrect: The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (M/o MSMEs) has issued a Gazette notification to facilitate the implementation of the revised definition and criteria for MSMEs in the country.

After a span of 14 years since the enactment of the MSME Development Act in 2006, a revision in the MSME definition was announced as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat package on May 13, 2020. According to this announcement, the definition of Micro manufacturing and services units was revised to an investment of Rs. 1 Crore and a turnover of Rs. 5 Crore. The limit for small units was increased to an investment of Rs. 10 Crore and a turnover of Rs. 50 Crore. Similarly, the limit for medium units was raised to an investment of Rs. 20 Crore and a turnover of Rs. 100 Crore. Subsequently, on June 1, 2020, the Government of India decided to further revise the definition of MSMEs, setting the investment for medium Enterprises at Rs. 50 Crore and the turnover at Rs. 250 Crore.

Option 2 is correct: The government has taken various measures to facilitate credit accessibility for MSMEs. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), some of the steps taken by the RBI to enhance credit flow to the MSME sector include:

Priority Sector Lending Guidelines: In accordance with the “Priority Sector Lending (PSL) – Targets and Classification” Master Direction dated September 4, 2020, all bank loans provided to MSMEs that meet the prescribed conditions qualify for classification under priority sector lending.

 

Q.2 With reference to Central Bank digital currencies, consider the following statements:

1. It is possible to make payments in a digital currency without using US dollar or SWIFT system.

2. A digital currency can be distributed with a condition programmed into it such as a time-frame for spending it.

With of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

 

Ans: C

Explaination:

Statement 1 is accurate: it is possible to make payments in a digital currency without using US dollar or SWIFT system. There are a number of digital currencies that are not pegged to the US dollar and do not use SWIFT for transactions. Some examples of these currencies include:

• Bitcoin
• Ethereum
• Litecoin
• Ripple
• Stellar

These currencies can be used to make payments directly between two parties without the need for a third party, such as a bank or financial institution. Transactions can be processed quickly and cheaply, and there is no need to worry about government interference or censorship.

In addition to these cryptocurrencies, there are also a number of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) that are being developed. CBDCs are digital versions of fiat currencies, such as the US dollar or the euro. They are issued and regulated by central banks, and they can be used to make payments just like traditional currencies.

The use of digital currencies is growing rapidly, and it is likely that they will become even more popular in the future. This is because digital currencies offer a number of advantages over traditional currencies, such as speed, cost, and security.

Statement 2 is accurate: a digital currency can be distributed with a condition programmed into it such as a time-frame for spending it. This is known as a “time-limited currency”. Time-limited currencies can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:

To encourage saving: Time-limited currencies can be used to encourage people to save their money. For example, a government could issue a time-limited currency that can only be spent in the future. This would give people an incentive to save their money, rather than spend it immediately.

To target specific groups: Time-limited currencies can be targeted at specific groups of people. For example, a government could issue a time-limited currency to low-income families. This would help to ensure that these families have access to money, even if they are unable to save.

To control inflation: Time-limited currencies can be used to control inflation. For example, a government could issue a time-limited currency that loses its value over time. This would discourage people from holding onto their money, and it would help to keep prices stable.

 

Q.3 In the context of finance, the term ‘beta’ refers to

a) the process of simultaneous buying and selling of an asset from different platforms

b) an investment strategy of a portfolio manager to balance risk versus reward

c) a type of systemic risk that arises where perfect hedging is not possible

d) a numeric value that measures the fluctuations of a stock to changes in the overall stock market

Correct Option: (d)

Beta is a numeric value that measures the fluctuations of a stock to changes in the overall stock market. Beta measures the responsiveness of a stock’s price to changes in the overall stock market. On comparison of the benchmark index for e.g. NSE Nifty to a particular stock returns, a pattern develops that shows the stock’s openness to the market risk.This helps the investor to decide whether he wants to go for the riskier stock that is highly correlated with the market (beta above 1), or with a less volatile one (beta below 1).

 

Q.4 Consider the following statements:

1.  The Self-Help Group (SHG) programme was originally initiated by the State Bank of India by providing microcredit to the financially deprived.

2. In an SHG, all members of a group take responsibility for a loan that an individual member takes.

3. The Regional Rural Banks and Scheduled Commercial Banks support SHGs.

How many of the above statements are correct

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

Correct Option: (b)

Option 1 is incorrect: The Self-Help Group (SHG) programme was not originally initiated by the State Bank of India (SBI). It was actually initiated by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in 1992. In 1970, IlabenBhat, founder member of ‘SEWA’(Self Employed Women’s Association) in Ahmadabad, had developed a concept of ‘women and micro-finance’. The Annapurna MahilaMandal’ in Maharashtra and ‘Working Women’s Forum’ in Tamilnadu and many National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)-sponsored groups have followed the path laid down by ‘SEWA’. The SHG-Bank Linkage Programme, as it is officially known, aims to provide financial services to poor rural households through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). SHGs are groups of 10-20 people who come together to save money and access credit. The programme has been very successful, and it has helped millions of poor people in India to improve their livelihoods. Option 2 is correct.

Option 3 is correct:The Indian micro finance sector has seen tremendous growth in the last few years. GOI has taken initiatives to widen the reach of RRBs all over India, especially in rural areas where commercial banks and other financial institution are beyond the reach of rural poor. Micro financing is one of the distinctive functional areas of RRBs.

The two important models of microfinance involving credit linkages with banks in India are

• SHG – Bank Linkage Model: This model involves the SHGs financed directly by the banks viz., CBs (Public Sector and Private Sector), RRBs and Cooperative Banks.
• MFI – Bank Linkage Model: This model covers financing of Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) by banking agencies for on-lending to SHGs and other small borrowers.

 

Q.5 Consider the following statements:

Statement-I:

India’s public sector health care system largely focuses on curative care with limited preventive, promotive and rehabilitative care.

Statement-II:

Under India’s decentralized approach to health care delivery, the States are primarily responsible for organizing health services.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

a] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

b] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

c] Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

d] Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Correct Option: (b)

Option 1 is correct: The main goal of India’s healthcare system is to enhance the overall health status of the population through coordinated policy measures across all sectors. It aims to expand preventive, promotive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative services delivered by the public health sector, with a strong emphasis on ensuring quality healthcare.

Option 2 is correct: All Indian citizens have access to free outpatient and inpatient healthcare services at government facilities. The responsibility for organizing health services lies primarily with the states, following India’s decentralized approach to healthcare delivery. However, due to significant shortages of staff and supplies in government facilities, many households opt for care from private providers and pay for services out-of-pocket. To address this, the government recently launched the tax-funded National Health Protection Scheme (Ayushman Bharat-PradhanMantri Jan ArogyaYojana or PM-JAY). This scheme enables low-income individuals to receive cashless secondary and tertiary care at private healthcare facilities. Additionally, there are specific health insurance arrangements available for certain population groups, such as government employees and factory workers. While private voluntary insurance is also an option, its adoption remains limited.

 

Q.6 Consider the following statements:

Statement-I:

According to the United Nations’ ‘World Water Development Report, 2022’, India extracts more than quarter of the world’s groundwater withdrawal each year.

Statement-II:

India needs to extract more than a quarter of the World’s groundwater each year to satisfy the drinking water and sanitation needs of almost 18% of world’s population living in its territory.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

a] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

b] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

c] Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

d] Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Correct Option: (c)

Option 1 is correct. According to the United Nations’ ‘World Water Development Report, 2022’, India extracts more than quarter of the world’s groundwater withdrawal each year. This is a major concern, as groundwater is a finite resource that is being depleted at an alarming rate. India is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, and this reliance on groundwater is putting a strain on the country’s water resources.

Option 2 is incorrect. India does not need to extract so much groundwater. In fact, the over-extraction of groundwater is a major problem in India, and it is having a number of negative impacts on the country.

 

Q.7 Consider the following statements:

1. According to the Constitution of India, the Central Government has a duty to protect States from internal disturbances.

2. The Constitution of India exempts the States from providing legal counsel to a person being held for preventive detention.

3. According to the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002, confession of the accused before the police cannot be used as evidence.

How many of the above statements are correct?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

Correct Option: (a)

According to Article 355 of the Constitution of India, it is the duty of the Union to protect each State from external aggression and internal disturbances. Furthermore, the Union is also responsible for ensuring that the government of each State functions in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Constitution.

The Constitution of India does not exempt the States from providing legal counsel to an individual who is held under preventive detention.

 

Q.8 Which one of the following countries has been suffering from decades of civil strife and food shortages and was in news in the recent past for its very severe famine?

a] Angola

b] Costa Rice

c] Ecuador

d] Somalia

 Correct Option: (d)

East Africa is currently experiencing the most severe drought in many decades, resulting in the devastation of crops and the unaffordable prices of food for many people. In Somalia alone, out of a total population of 16 million, there is a potential risk of famine for 7 million individuals within the next two months if urgent action is not taken to increase aid and address the rapidly escalating requirements.

 

Q.9 Consider the following statements:

1. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.

2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Option: (c)

India’s Biological Diversity Act (BDA) 2002, is in close synergy with the Nagoya Protocol and aims to implement provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

The Nagoya Protocol sought to ensure commercial and research utilisation of genetic resources led to sharing its benefits with the government and the community that conserved such resources.

The main function of the BMC is to prepare People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) in consultation with local people. The Register shall contain comprehensive information on availability and knowledge of local biological resources, their medicinal or any other use or any other traditional knowledge associated with them.

 

Q.10 Consider the following statements in respect of election to the President of India:

1. The members nominated to either House of the Parliament or the Legislative Assemblies of States are also eligible to be included in the Electoral College.

2. Higher the number of elective Assembly seats, higher is the value of vote of each MLA of that State.

3. The value of vote of each MLA of Madhya Pradesh is greater than that of Kerala.

4. The value of vote of each MLA of Puducherry is higher than that of Arunachal Pradesh because the ratio of total population to total number of elective seats in Puducherry is greater as compared to Arunachal Pradesh.

How many of the above statements are correct?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) Only three

d) All four

 

Correct Option: (c)

As per Article 54 of the Constitution, the President of India is elected by the Members of an Electoral College consisting of (a) the elected members of both Houses of Parliament, and (b) the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of all States [including National Capital Territory of Delhi and the Union Territory of Puducherry]. The Members nominated to either House of Parliament or the Legislative Assemblies of States, including NCT of Delhi and Union Territory of Puducherry, are not eligible to be included in the Electoral College.

The value of vote of one MLA is equal to that of the population of that state divided by the total number of assembly seats. Number of seats to Assembly are inversely proportional to the value of vote of 1 MLA

The value of vote of each MLA of Madhya Pradesh is 131 which is less than that of Kerala where it is 152.

Among smaller states, the vote value of each MLA of Sikkim is 7, followed by Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram (8 each), Nagaland (9), Meghalaya (17), Manipur (18) and Goa (20). The vote value of an MLA of the Union Territory of Puducherry is 16.

 

Q.11 Consider the following countries:

1. Bulgaria

2. Czech Republic

3. Hungary

4. Latvia

5. Lithuania

5. Romania

How many of the above-mentioned countries share a land border the Ukraine?

a]Only two

b] Only three

c] Only four

d] Only five

Correct Option: (a)

 

Q.12 With reference to the Earth’s atmosphere, which one of the following statements is correct?

a] The total amount of insolation received at the equator is roughly about 10 times of that received at the poles.

b] Infrared rays constitute roughly two-thirds of insolation.

c] Infrared waves are largely absorbed by water vapour that is concentrated in the lower atmosphere.

d] Infrared waves are a part of visible spectrum of electromagnetic waves of solar radiation.

Correct Option: (c)

Statement 1 is incorrect: The amount of insolation received at the equator is not roughly about 10 times of that received at the poles. In fact, the difference in insolation between the equator and the poles is not that great. The equator receives about 1400 watts per square meter of insolation, while the poles receive about 1200 watts per square meter. This is a difference of about 15%.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Approximately half of solar radiation occurs at the longer wavelengths of the near infrared.

Statement 3 is correct: Infrared waves are largely absorbed by water vapor that is concentrated in the lower atmosphere. Water vapor is a greenhouse gas, which means that it absorbs infrared radiation and traps heat in the atmosphere. This is why the Earth’s atmosphere is warmer than it would be without water vapor. The absorption of infrared radiation by water vapor is one of the main factors that regulates the Earth’s climate. Without water vapor, the Earth would be much colder.

Statement 4 is incorrect: The visible spectrum is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye. It ranges from about 380 to 700 nanometers. Infrared waves have wavelengths that are longer than visible light, ranging from about 700 nanometers to 1 millimeter. Therefore, infrared waves are not a part of the visible spectrum.

 

Q.13 Consider the following statements:

Statements-I:

The soil in tropical rain forests is rich in nutrients.

Statements-II:

The high temperature and moisture of tropical rain forests cause dead organic matter in the soil to decompose quickly.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

a] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

b] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

c] Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

d] Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Correct Option: (d)

Statement-I is incorrect: The soil in tropical rainforests is not rich in nutrients. In fact, it is often quite poor in nutrients. This is because the high rainfall and warm temperatures in tropical rainforests cause the soil to be leached of nutrients. The rain washes away the nutrients in the soil, and the warm temperatures speed up the decomposition of organic matter, which also releases nutrients into the soil. However, these nutrients are quickly washed away by the rain.

The high temperature and moisture of tropical rain forests cause dead organic matter in the soil to decompose quickly. This is because the heat speeds up the activity of the decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, which break down the organic matter. The moisture helps to keep the decomposers moist and active.

 

Q.14 Consider the following statements:

Statements-I:

The temperature contrast between continents and oceans is greater during summer than in winter.

Statements-II:

The specific heat of water is more than that of land surface.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

a] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

b] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

c] Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

d] Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Correct Option: (a)

During summer, land surfaces tend to heat up more quickly and to higher temperatures than ocean surfaces due to differences in heat absorption and heat capacity.

The temperature of land rises rapidly as compared to sea because of specific heat of land is five times less than that of sea water. Thus, the air above the land become hot and light so rises up so because of pressure drops over land.

 

Q.15 Consider the following statements:

1. In a seismograph, P waves are recorded earlier than S waves.

2. In P waves, the individual particles vibrate to and fro in the direction of wave propagation whereas in S waves, the particles vibrate up and down at right angles to the direction of wave propagation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Option: (c)

P waves are recorded earlier than S waves in a seismograph. This is because P waves travel faster than S waves. P waves are compressional waves, which means that the particles in the medium move back and forth in the same direction as the wave is traveling. S waves are shear waves, which means that the particles in the medium move up and down or side to side perpendicular to the direction of the wave is traveling.

P waves, also known as primary waves, are compressional waves. The particles in the medium move back and forth in the same direction that the wave is traveling. S waves, also known as secondary waves, are shear waves. The particles in the medium move up and down or side to side, perpendicular to the direction that the wave is traveling.

P waves can travel through solids, liquids, and gases. S waves can only travel through solids. This is because S waves require a medium that can support shear stress. Fluids cannot support shear stress, so S waves cannot travel through them.

 

Q.16 With reference to coal-based thermal power plants in India, consider the following statements:

1. None of them uses seawater.

2. None of them is set up in water-stressed district.

3. None of them is privately owned.

How many of the above statements are correct?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

Correct Option: (d)

 Some coal plants in India use seawater. This is because seawater is more abundant than freshwater in India, and it is also less expensive to use. Seawater can be used to cool the boilers in coal plants, which helps to prevent them from overheating.

In 2015, the Indian government issued a notification that required all new coal plants to use seawater for cooling. This notification was issued in an effort to reduce the impact of coal plants on freshwater resources.

A large number of coal plants in India are located in water stressed districts. According to a study by the World Resources Institute, 40% of India’s thermal power plants are located in areas facing high water stress. This is a problem because coal plants use a lot of water for cooling. Scarce water is already hampering electricity generation in these regions, and the problem is only going to get worse as climate change and increased demands from other sectors put a strain on water resources.

Some of the water stressed districts in India that have a high concentration of coal plants include:

• Nagpur and Chandrapur in Maharashtra
• Raichur in Karnataka
• Korba and Raigarh in Chhattisgarh
• Barmer and Baran in Rajasthan
• Khammam and Kothagudem in Telangana

 

Q.17 “Wolbachia method’ is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following?

a] Controlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes

b] Converting crop residues into packing materia

c] Producing biodegradable plastics

d] Producing biochar from thermo-chemical conversion of biomass

Correct Option: (a)

Explanation:

Wolbachia, which are highly prevalent bacteria, naturally occur in around 50 percent of insect species, including certain mosquitoes, fruit flies, moths, dragonflies, and butterflies. The innovative Wolbachia method developed by the World Mosquito Program is assisting communities worldwide in preventing the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases. This approach is effective in regions where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are present, and it complements other techniques while demonstrating promising prospects for long-term success.

Q.18 Consider the following activities:

1. Spreading finely ground basalt rock on farmlands extensively

2. Increasing the alkalinity of oceans by adding lime

3. Capturing carbon dioxide released by various industries and pumping it into abandoned subterranean mines in the form of carbonated waters

How many of the above activities are often considered and discussed for carbon capture and sequestration?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

 Correct Option: (c)

All three of the activities mentioned are being considered and discussed for carbon capture and sequestration.

Spreading finely ground basalt rock on farmlands extensively is a natural way to capture carbon dioxide. Basalt rock contains a mineral called olivine, which reacts with carbon dioxide to form a new mineral called calcium carbonate. This reaction takes place over time, and the calcium carbonate can then be stored in the soil.

Increasing the alkalinity of oceans by adding lime is another natural way to capture carbon dioxide. When lime is added to the ocean, it reacts with carbon dioxide to form bicarbonate ions. These bicarbonate ions can then be absorbed by marine organisms, which helps to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Capturing carbon dioxide released by various industries and pumping it into abandoned subterranean mines in the form of carbonated waters is a more technical way to capture carbon dioxide. This process involves using special equipment to capture the carbon dioxide from industrial emissions. The carbon dioxide is then compressed and pumped into underground storage facilities.

 

Q.19. ‘Aerial metagenomics’ best refers to which one of the following situations?

a] Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go

b] Understanding the genetic makeup of avian species of a habitat

c] Using air-borne devices to collect blood samples from moving animals

d] Sending drones to inaccessible areas to collect plant and animal samples from land surfaces and water bodies

 Correct Option: (a)

Explanation:

Aerial metagenomics involves the collection and analysis of genetic material, particularly DNA, from the air in a specific habitat or environment. It aims to capture and study the genetic material present in airborne particles such as microorganisms, pollen, fungal spores, and other biological components.

 

Q. 20 ‘Microsatellite DNA’ is used in the case of which one of the following?

a] Studying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna

b] Stimulating ‘stem cells’ to transform into diverse functional tissues

c] Promoting clonal propagation of horticultural plants

d] Assessing the efficacy of drugs by conducting series of drug trials in a population

 Correct Option: (a)

Explanation:

Microsatellite DNA is used in the case of studying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna.

Microsatellites are short, repetitive sequences of DNA that are found throughout the genome. They are highly variable, and this makes them useful for studying evolutionary relationships. By comparing the microsatellites of different species, scientists can determine how closely related they are. This information can be used to create evolutionary trees, which show the relationships between different species.

Microsatellites are also used in other areas of research, such as population genetics and forensics. However, they are most commonly used for studying evolutionary relationships.

Q.21 With reference to the Indian History, Alexander Rea, A. H. Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess and Walter Elliot were associated with

a] archaeological excavations

b] establishment of English Press in Colonial India]

c] establishment of Churches in Princely States

d] construction of railways in Colonial India

 Correct Option: (a)

Explanation:

Names of archaeologist who worked mainly in South British India.

 

Q.22 consider the following pairs:

State                 Well known for

1. Besnagar : Shaivite cave shrine

2. Bhaja : Buddhist cave shrine

3. Sittanavasal : Jain cave shrine

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

Correct Option: (b)

Explanation:

Besnagar is a village in Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is well known for the Besnagar Heliodorus pillar, a 12-meter-high sandstone pillar erected in the 2nd century BCE by Heliodorus, a Greek ambassador from the Indo-Greek kingdom of Bactria to the Shunga emperor Bhagabhadra. The pillar is inscribed with a bilingual Greek-Prakrit inscription that records Heliodorus’s journey to India to worship the Hindu god Vishnu.

Bhaja is a village in Pune district of Maharashtra, India. It is well known for the Bhaja Caves, a group of 10 rock-cut caves dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 2nd century CE. The caves are notable for their intricate carvings of Hindu and Buddhist deities and figures.

Sittanavasal is a village in Pudukottai district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is well known for the Sittanavasal Caves, a group of 10 rock-cut caves dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 2nd century CE. The caves are notable for their intricate carvings of Jain deities and figures.

 

Q.23 Consider the following statements:

Statement-I:

7th August is declared as the National Handloom Day.

Statement-II:

It was in 1905 that the Swadeshi Movement was launched on the same day.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

a] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

b] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

c] Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

d] Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

 Correct Option: (a)

Explanation:

In 2015, the Government of India decided to designate the 7th August every year, as the National Handloom Day.

August 7 was designated to celebrate National Handloom Day to memorialize the ‘Swadeshi’ Movement.

An official declaration began in Calcutta Town Hall to boycott foreign goods in favour of Indian-made items on August 7, 1905.

 

Q.24 Consider the following statements in respect of the National Flag of India according to the Flag Code of India, 2002:

Statement-I:

One of the standard sizes of the National Flag of India is 600 mm * 400 mm.

Statement-II:

The ratio of the length to the height (width) of the Flag shall be 3:2.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

a] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

b] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

c] Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

d] Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

 Correct Option: (d)

Explanation:

The standard sizes of the National Flag shall be as follows:

• Flag Size No 1 – Dimensions in mm = 6300 x 4200
• Flag Size No 2 – Dimensions in mm = 3600 x 2400
• Flag Size No 3 – Dimensions in mm = 2700 x 1800
• Flag Size No 4 – Dimensions in mm = 1800 x 1200
• Flag Size No 5 – Dimensions in mm = 1350 x 900
• Flag Size No 6 – Dimensions in mm = 900 x 600
• Flag Size No 7 – Dimensions in mm = 450 x 300
•  Flag Size No 8 – Dimensions in mm = 225 x 150
• Flag Size No 9 – Dimensions in mm = 150 x 100

The ratio of width of the flag to its length is two to three.

 

Q.25 Consider the following statements in respect of the Constitution Day:

Statement-I:

The Constitution Day is celebrated on 26th November every year to promote constitutional values among citizens.

Statement-II:

On 26th November, 1949, the constituent Assembly of India set up a Drafting Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar to prepare a Draft Constitution of India.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

a] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

b] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

c] Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

d] Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

 Correct Option: (d)

Explanation:

Constitution Day also known as ‘Samvidhan Divas’, is celebrated in our country on 26th November every year to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India.

On 26th November 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution of India, which came into effect from 26th January 1950.

 

Q.26 Consider the following statements:

Statement – I:

Switzerland is one of the leading exporters of gold in terms of value.

Statement – II:

Switzerland has the second largest gold reserves in the world.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

a] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

b] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

c] Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

d] Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

 Correct Option: (c)

Explanation:

In 2021, Switzerland emerged as the world’s largest exporter of gold, with total exports reaching $86.7 billion. Additionally, gold stood out as the most exported product from Switzerland during that year. The United States has maintained its leading position in terms of gold reserves for several years. Gold constitutes 79% of the USA’s foreign reserves, with only Venezuela (82.4%) and Portugal (80.1%) surpassing this percentage. The USA’s gold reserve nearly equals the combined stock of the top three countries following it. Germany and Italy follow the USA in terms of gold reserves.

 

Q. 27 Consider the following statements:

Statement-I:

Recently, the United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU) have launched the Trade and technology council.

Statement-II:

The USA and the EU claim that through this they are trying to bring technological progress and physical productivity under their control.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

a] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

b] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

c] Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

d] Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

 Correct Option: (b)

Explanation:

the United States and the European Union launched the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) on June 15, 2021. The TTC is a forum for the two sides to coordinate their approaches to key global trade, economic, and technology issues. It is composed of ten working groups, each focusing on a specific policy area. The working groups are:

• Artificial intelligence
• Biotechnology
• Cybersecurity
• Data governance
• Export controls
• Foreign investment screening
• Global supply chains
• Innovation
• Privacy
• Standards

The TTC is a significant development in the U.S.-EU relationship. It reflects the shared commitment of the two sides to working together to address the challenges and opportunities posed by new technologies. The TTC is also a sign of the growing importance of technology in the global economy.

The TTC has already made some progress. In its first year, the TTC has worked on a number of issues, including:

• Developing a common approach to artificial intelligence
• Promoting cooperation on cybersecurity
• Working to ensure that global supply chains are secure and resilient
• Addressing the challenges posed by foreign investment screening

The TTC is a work in progress, but it has the potential to be a valuable tool for the U.S. and the EU to work together to shape the future of technology.

 

Q.28 Consider the following statement:

Statement – I:

India accounts for 3.2% of global export of goods.

Statement-II:

Many local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India’s ‘Production-linked Incentive’ scheme.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

a] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

b] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

c] Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

d] Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

 Correct Option: (d)

Explanation:

As per the WTO data released in 2022, India’s share in global exports for merchandise was 1.9 % and in global imports was 4.1 %. India’s share in global exports was 3.5 % and imports was 3.2 %.

 

Q. 29 Consider the following statements:

1. The ‘Stability and Growth Pact’ of the European Union is a treaty that Limits the levels of budgetary deficit of the countries of the European Union.

2. Makes the countries of the European Union to share their infrastructure facilities.

3. Enables the countries of the European Union to share their technologies.

How many of the above statements are correct?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

 Correct Option: (a)

Explanation:

Stability and Growth Pact

The Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) is a set of rules designed to ensure that countries in the European Union pursue sound public finances and coordinate their fiscal policies.

The Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) is a set of fiscal rules designed to prevent countries in the EU from spending beyond their means.

 

Q.30 Consider the following statements:

1. Recently, all the countries of the United Nations have adopted the first-ever compact for international migration, the ‘Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM)’.

2. The objective and commitments stated in the GCM are binding on the UN member countries.

3. The GCM address internal migration or internally displaced people also in its objectives and commitments.

How many of the above statements are correct?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

 Correct Option: (a)

Explanation:

The Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) is a treaty that limits the levels of budgetary deficit of the countries of the European Union. It was established in 1997 to ensure that countries in the EU do not spend beyond their means. The SGP sets a limit of 3% of GDP for government deficits and 60% of GDP for national debt. Countries that exceed these limits can be subject to fines.

The SGP does not require countries to share their infrastructure facilities or technologies. These are matters that are decided by individual countries.

Some of the key provisions of the Stability and Growth Pact:

• Member states must keep their budget deficits below 3% of GDP.
•  Member states must keep their public debt below 60% of GDP.
• Member states must avoid excessive government borrowing.
• Member states must coordinate their fiscal policies.

 

Q.31 Considder the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojana:

1.It is a safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments.

2. Its objective is reduce maternal and neonatal mortality among poor pregnant women.

3. It aims to promote institutional delivery among poor pregnant women.

4. Its objective includes providing public health facilities to sick infants up one year of age.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

 Correct Option: (b)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a safe motherhood intervention implemented under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).

Statement 2 is correct: The JSY aims to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by promoting institutional delivery among economically disadvantaged pregnant women.

Statement 3 is correct: The JSY is a demand promotion and conditional cash transfer scheme designed to encourage institutional delivery.

Statement 4 is incorrect: The Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK) has been launched with the objective of eliminating out-of-pocket expenses for pregnant women and sick infants seeking treatment at public health institutions.

The entitlements provided by JSSK for pregnant women and sick infants up to one year of age are operational in all states, leading to a significant reduction in out-of-pocket expenditures.

 

Q.32 Consider the following statements in the context of intervention being undertaken under Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy:

1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant women.

2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of child birth.

3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents.

4. It addresses non-nutritional causes of anemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

 Correct Option: (c)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect:Prophylactic Iron Folic Acid Supplementation to all six beneficiaries age group – pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant women.

Statement 2 is correct:It runs a campaign for promotion and monitoring of delayed clamping of the umbilical cord for at least 3 minutes (or until cord pulsations cease) for newborns across all health facilities will be carried out for improving the infant’s iron reserves up to 6 months after birth. Simultaneously, all birth attendants should make an effort to ensure early initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth.

Statement 3 is correct:Bi-annual mass deworming for children in the age groups between 1-19 years is carried out on designated dates – 10th February and 10th August every year under National Deworming Day (NDD) programme.

Statement 4 is correct:It addressing non-nutritional causes of anemia in endemic pockets, with special focus on malaria, haemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.

 

Q.33 Consider the following statements:

1. Carbon fibres are used in the manufacture of components used in automobiles and aircrafts.

2. Carbon fibres once used cannot be recycled.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

 Correct Option: (a)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Carbon fiber-reinforced composite materials are used to make aircraft and spacecraft parts, racing car bodies, golf club shafts, bicycle frames, fishing rods, automobile springs, sailboat masts, and many other components where light weight and high strength are needed.

Carbon Fiber Increases Fuel Efficiency: Using carbon fiber composites to build an airplane reduces its weight by up to 20%, versus the weight of a traditional aluminum plane.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Carbon fibre waste can be recycled using four types of technologies.

 

Q.34 Consider the following action:

1. Detection of car crash/collision which results in the deployment of airbags almost instantaneously.

2. Detection of accidental free fall of a laptop towards the ground which results in the immediate turning off the hard drive.

3. Detection of the tilt of the smart-phone which results in the rotation of display between portrait and landscape mode.

In how many of the above actions is the function of accelerometer required?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

 Correct Option: (c)

Explanation:

The accelerometer sensor measures constant (gravity), time varying (vibrations) and quasi static (tilt) acceleration forces, which affect the device on the three axes (x, y and z) in meter per second squared (m/s2).

The accelerometer is a built-in component for measuring the acceleration of any mobile device. Motions like swinging, tilting, rotating, shaking is detected using accelerometer. The value of XYZ is used to calculate and detect the motions.

 

Q.35 Which reference to the role of biofilter in Recirculating Aquaculture System, consider the following statement

1. Biofilters provide waste treatment by removing uneaten fish feed.

2. Biofilters convert ammonia present in fish waste in nitrate.

3. Biofilters increase phosphorus as nutrient for fish in water.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

 Correct Option: (c)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct:The use of biofilters to removal of contaminants from wastewater and waste gases is being developed.

Statement 2 is correct:Ammonia is removed from an aquarium system through the use of a biofilter. The biofilter provides a substrate on which nitrifying bacteria grow. These nitrifying bacteria consume ammonia and produce nitrite, which is also toxic to fish.

Statement 3 is incorrect: biofilters do not increase phosphorus as a nutrient for fish in water. In fact, biofilters can help to remove phosphorus from water, which can help to reduce the potential for eutrophication.

 

Q. 36 Consider the following pairs:

Object in space           Description

1.  Cepheids                            Giant clouds of dust and gas in space

2. Nebulae Stars                  which brighten and dim periodically

3. Pulsars                                  Neutron stars that, are formed when massive stars run out of fuel and collaspe

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

 Correct Option: (a)

Explanation:

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: Cepheids are stars that brighten and dim periodically.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: A nebula is a giant cloud of dust and gas in space.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: A neutron star forms when the core of a massive star runs out of fuel and collapses. This process triggers a shock wave that propels the remaining star material in a supernova explosion. Neutron stars typically have a mass greater than our Sun packed into a compact ball roughly the size of a city. However, if the mass exceeds a certain threshold, the star collapses into a black hole. Pulsars are rotating neutron stars that emit regular pulses of radiation at intervals ranging from milliseconds to seconds. They possess strong magnetic fields that direct particle jets along their two magnetic poles. These accelerated particles generate intense beams of light.

 

Q. 37 Which one of the following countries has its own Satellite Navigation System?

a] Australia

b] Canada

c] Israel

d] Japan

 Correct Option: (d)

Explanation:

Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS)is a regional GNSS owned by the Government of Japan and operated by QZS System Service Inc. (QSS). QZSS complements GPS to improve coverage in East Asia and Oceania. Japan declared the official start of QZSS services in 2018 with 4 operational satellites, and plans to expand the constellation to 7 satellites by 2023 for autonomous capability.

 

Q. 38 Consider the following statements:

1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powred only in the initial phase of flight.

2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahmMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a] 1 only

b] 2 only

c] Both 1 and 2

d] Neither 1 nor 2

 Correct Option: (d)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect:Cruise missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while ballistic missiles are rocket-powered only in the initialphase of flight.

Statement 2 is incorrect:Agni-V is an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 km.

 

Q.39 Consider the following statements regarding mercury pollution:

1. Gold mining activity is a source of mercury pollution in the world.

2. Coal-based thermal power plants cause mercury pollution

3. There is no known safe level of exposure to mercury

How many of the above statements are correct?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

 Correct Option: (c)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Gold mining is recognized as one of the most environmentally destructive industries worldwide. It has the potential to displace communities, contaminate drinking water sources, harm workers, and devastate pristine environments. Gold mining operations release mercury and cyanide into water and land, posing serious health risks to both humans and ecosystems.

Statement 2 is correct: Mercury emitted by coal-fired power plants can be deposited back to the earth’s surface through precipitation, such as rain, mist, or chemical reactions.

Statement 3 is correct: Mercury is an extremely toxic element, and there is no known safe level of exposure. Ideally, both children and adults should have no traces of mercury in their bodies as it provides no physiological benefits and only poses risks to health.

 

Q. 40 With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements:

1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion.

2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation.

3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles.

How many of the above statements are correct?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

 Correct Option: (c)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct:Hydrogen can also serve as fuel for internal combustion engines. However, unlike FCEVs, these produce tailpipe emissions and are less efficient.Hydrogen engines burn hydrogen in an internal combustion engine, in just the same way gasoline is used in an engine.

Statement 2 is correct:Hydrogen blends of up to 5 percent in the natural gas stream are generally safe.

Statement 3 is correct:Cars that run on this clean energy have a hydrogen tank that connects to the fuel cell, where the electricity that powers the engine is generated. Fuel cell electric vehicles(FCEVs) signify a revolution in the energy and transport sector towards using fuel with a carbon-neutral footprint.

 

Q. 41 With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements:

1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards Act and Rules of the Central Government.

2. The role of the Home Guards is tow serve as an auxiliary force to the police in maintenance of the internal security

3. To present infiltration on the international border/coastal areas, the Border Wings Home Guards Battalions have been raised in some States.

How many of the above statements are correct?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

 Correct Option: (b)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Delhi Home Guards were established under the Bombay Home Guards Act of 1947, which was later extended to the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi in 1959. The Delhi Home Guards Rules were formulated in the same year.

Statement 2 is correct: The Home Guards serve as a supplementary force to the police and play a crucial role in maintaining internal security. They assist the community during emergencies such as air raids, fires, cyclones, earthquakes, epidemics, and contribute to the upkeep of essential services. They also promote communal harmony, aid the administration in safeguarding vulnerable sections of society, participate in socio-economic and welfare activities, and perform Civil Defence duties.

Statement 3 is correct: Fifteen Border Wing Home Guards (BWHG) Battalions have been established in border states, namely Punjab (6 Bns.), Rajasthan (4 Bns.), Gujarat (2 Bns.), and one each for Meghalaya, Tripura, and West Bengal. These battalions serve as auxiliary units to the Border Security Force (BSF) and assist in preventing infiltration along the international border and coastal areas. They are responsible for safeguarding vital points, vulnerable areas, and communication lines during external aggression.

 

Q. 42 With reference to India, consider the following pairs:

Action                                                                          The Act under which it is covered

1. Unauthorized wearing of police or military uniforms-       The Official Secrets Act, 1923

2. Knowingly misleading or otherwise interfering with a police officer or military officer when engaged in their duties-                       The Indian Evidence Act, 1872

3. Celebratory gunfire which can endanger the personal safety of others-                                        The Arms (Amendment) Act, 2019

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

 Correct Option: (b) (doubtful)

Explanation:

In India, the unauthorized wearing of police or military uniforms is covered under Section 171 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). This section deals with the offense of impersonation and states that anyone who fraudulently personates another person, including a public servant, can be punished with imprisonment or a fine, or both. Wearing police or military uniforms without proper authorization can be considered a form of impersonation and can be prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched:Under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, No person in the vicinity of any prohibited place shall obstruct, knowingly mislead or otherwise interfere with or impede, any police officer, or any member.

Pair 3 is correctly matched:It seeks to decrease the number of licensed firearms allowed per person and increase penalties for certain offences under the Act.

 

Q. 43 Consider the following pairs:

 Regions often mentioned in news             Reason for being in news

1. North Kivu and Ituri                             War between Armenia and Azerbaijan

2. Nagorno-Karabakh                         Insurgency in Mozambique

3. Kherson and aporizhzhia             Dispute between Israel and Lebanon

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

 Correct Option: (d)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: North Kivu and Ituri are provinces of Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is an ethnic and territorial conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, inhabited mostly by ethnic Armenians, and seven surrounding districts, inhabited mostly by Azerbaijanis until their expulsion during the 1990s during a period of Armenian occupation.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Russia unilaterally declared its annexation of areas in and around four Ukrainian oblasts – Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, andZaporizhzhia.

 

Q.44 Consider the following statements:

Statement-I:

Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States.

Statement-II:

The ‘Arab Peach Initiative’ mediated by Saudi Arabia was signed by Israel and Arab League.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

a] Both statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

b] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

c] Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.

d] Statement¬-I- is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.

 Correct Option: (b)

Explanation:

Both the statement is correct

Saudi Arabia, as the main broker of the peace plan, has an obvious stake in its success.

While they remain proponents of resolving the conflict with Israel through negotiations, they have also made it clear that such resolution will depend on Israel’s response to the peace plan.

 

Q.45 Consider the following pairs with regard to sports awards.

1. Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award–  For the most spectacular and outstanding performance by a sportsperson over period of last four years

2. Arjuna Award–   For the lifetime achievement by a sportperson

3. Dronocharya Award-  To honour eminent coaches who have successfully trained sportsperson or teams

4. Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar-  To recognize the contribution made by sportspersons even after their retirement

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) Only three

d) All four

 Correct Option: (b)

Explanation:

Arjuna Award:

It was instituted in 1961 by the Government of India to recognise outstanding achievement in national sports events.

It is given for good performance over a period of previous four years and showing qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and a sense of discipline.

The award carries a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh, a bronze statue of Arjuna and a scroll of honour.

Dronacharya Award:

It was instituted in 1985 by the Government of India to recognise excellence in sports coaching.

It is given to coaches for doing outstanding and meritorious work on a consistent basis and enabling sportspersons to excel in international events.

It carries a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh, a bronze statue of Dronacharya and a scroll of honour.

Dhyan Chand Award:

It was instituted in the year 2002 and comprises a Dhyan Chand statuette, a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, a certificate and a ceremonial dress.

It is givento honour sportspersons who have contributed to sports by their performance and continue to contribute to promotion of sports events after their retirement.

 

Q. 46 Consider the following statements in respect of the 44th Chess Olympiad, 2022

1. It was the first time that Chess Olympaid was held in India.

2. The official mascot was named ‘Thambi’.

3. The trophy for the winning team in the open section is the Vera Menchik Cup.

4. The trophy for the winning team in the women’s section is the Hamilton-Russell Cup.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) All four

 Correct Option: (b)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The 44th Chess Olympiad was an international team chess event organised by the FédérationInternationale des Échecs (FIDE) in Chennai, India from 28 July to 10 August 2022. This was the first Chess Olympiad to take place in India.

Statement 2 is correct: The Official Mascot of 44th Chess Olympiad is ‘Thambi’. The word ‘Thambi’ in Tamil language means – little or younger brother.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The trophy for the winning team in the Open section is the Hamilton-Russel Cup.

Statement 4 is incorrect: The trophy for the winning team in the women’s section is the Vera Menchik Cup.

 

Q. 47 Consider the following pairs:

 Area of conflict in news          Country where it is located

1. Donbas                                                Syria

2. Kachin                                                  Ethiopia

3. Tigray                                                  North Yemen

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

 Correct Option: (d)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Donbas or Donbass is a historical, cultural, and economic region in eastern Ukraine. However, parts of the Donbas are currently occupied by Russia as a result of the Russo-Ukrainian War.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Kachin State is not the northernmost state. It is located in northern Myanmar. The state has been experiencing conflict with Kachin insurgents fighting against the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Armed Forces) since 1961, with only one major ceasefire that lasted from 1994 to 2011, totaling 17 years.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The Tigray Region is not the northernmost regional state. It is located in the northern part of Ethiopia. The armed conflict in the region occurred from November 3, 2020, to November 3, 2022, involving the Ethiopian federal government and Eritrea on one side, and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) on the other.

 

Q.48 In the recent years Chad, Guinea, Mali and Sudan caught the international attention for which one of the following reason common to all the them?

a] Discovery of rich deposits of rare earth elements

b] Establishment of Chinese military bases

c] Southward expansion of Sahara Desert

d] Successful coups

 Correct Option: (d)

Explanation:

The recent spate of coups in Chad, Guinea, Mali and Sudan has sparked a flurry of media attention and concern.

These four nations that have recently experienced military coups form a broken line that stretches across the wide bulge of Africa, from Guinea on the west coast to Sudan in the east.

 

Q. 49 Consider the following heavy industries:

1. Fertilizer plants

2. Oil refineries

3. Steel Plants

Green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in decarbonizing how many of the above industries?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

 Correct Option: (c)

Explanation:

All the above industries can be decarbonized with the help of Green hydrogen. Green hydrogen is expected to play a prominent role in decarbonisingheavy industries, including oil refineries, steel mills and fertiliser plants.

Green hydrogen is produced by breaking down water in an electrolyser using only renewable energy, resulting in no carbon emissions.

The hydrogen can then be combined with nitrogen to make green ammonia, avoiding hydrocarbons in the process. Green ammonia is used to store energy and make fertilisers. Green hydrogen could become an alternative to coal in steel mills and fossil fuels in long-haul transport like shipping and trucking.

 

Q. 50 Consider the following statements about G-20:

1. The G-20 group was originally established as platform for the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss the international economic and financial issues.

2. Digital public infrastructure is one of India’s G-20 priorities.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a] 1 only

b] 2 only

c] Both 1 and 2

d] Neither 1 nor 2

 Correct Option: (c)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The G20 forum was established in 1999 by the finance ministers and central bank governors of seven countries – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the U.K., and the U.S. The forum initially dealt with matters related to macroeconomics, but over the years, its agenda has expanded to cover issues relating to trade, climate change, sustainable development, health, agriculture.

Statement 2 is correct: G20 India has put forth six agenda priorities for the G20 dialogue in 2023 which include –

• Green Development, Climate Finance &LiFE
• Accelerated, Inclusive & Resilient Growth
• Accelerating progress on SDGs
• Technological Transformation &Digital Public Infrastructure
• Multilateral Institutions for the 21st century
• Women-led development

 

Q. 51 Consider the following statements:

1. Jhelum River passes through Wular Lake.

2. Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru Lake.

3. Meandering of Gandak River formed Kanwar Lake.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

 Correct Option: (b)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Jhelum River originates from a deep spring at Vernag, in the western Jammu and Kashmir union territory. It flows northwestward from the northern slope of the Pir Panjal Range through the Vale of Kashmir to Wular Lake at Srinagar, where its flow is controlled.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Kolleru Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in India, located in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is situated between the Krishna and Godavari deltas. The lake receives water directly from the seasonal Budameru and Tammileru streams.

Statement 3 is correct: Kanwar Lake is located 22 km northwest of Begusarai town. It is a residual oxbow lake formed due to the meandering of the Gandak River, a tributary of the Ganga, in the geological past.

 

Q. 52 Consider the following pairs:

        Port                                  Well known as

1. Kamarajar Port : First major port in India registered as a company

2. Mundra Port : Largest privately owned port in India

3. Visakhapatnam Port : Largest container port in India

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

a) Only one pair

b) Only two pair

c) All three pair

d) None

 Correct Option: (b)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Kamarajar Port, located on the Coromandel Coast about 24 km north of Chennai Port, Chennai, it is the 12th major port of India, and the first port in India which is a public company.

Statement 2 is correct: Mundra Port is the India’s first private port and largest container port, located on the northern shores of the Gulf of Kutch near Mundra, Kutch district, Gujarat.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) Known as NhavaSheva, JNPT is the largest container port in India (not Vishakhapatnam) and one of the most essential subcontinents harbours on the Western coast.

 

Q. 53 Consider the following trees:

1. Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)

2. Mahua (Madhuca indica)

3. Teak (Tectona grandis)

How many of the above are deciduous trees?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

 Correct Option: (b)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Jackfruit are evergreen tree that are native to India and Malaysia, that have spread to Sri Lanka, China, South-east Asia and to tropical Africa. They are cultivated for the large fruits that can vary in shape and size, and for timber.

Statement 2 is correct: Mahua is a medium-sized deciduous tree, which grows to a height of 16-20 m.

Statement 3 is correct: teak, (genus Tectonagrandis), large deciduous tree of the family Verbenaceae, or its wood, one of the most valuable timbers. Teak has been widely used in India for more than 2,000 years.

 

Q. 54 Consider the following statements:

1. India has more arable area than China.

2. The proportion of irrigated area is more in India as compared to China.

3. The average productivity per – hectare in Indian agriculture is higher than that in China.

How many of the above statements are correct?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

 Correct Option: (a)

Explanation:

Only statement 2 is correct.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, India has 156 million hectares of arable land, while China has 120 million hectares. This means that India has more arable land than China.

However, the proportion of irrigated area is higher in China than in India. According to the World Bank, 48% of China’s arable land is irrigated, while only 41% of India’s arable land is irrigated. This means that China is able to produce more food from its arable land than India.

Finally, the average productivity per hectare in Indian agriculture is lower than that in China. According to the World Bank, the average yield of rice in India is 4.3 tons per hectare, while the average yield of rice in China is 6.5 tons per hectare. This means that Chinese farmers are able to produce more rice from each hectare of land than Indian farmers.

 

Q. 55 Which one of the following is the best example of repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to present-day extensive marshland?

a] Bhitarkanika Mangroves

b] Marakkanam Salt Pans

c] Naupada Swamp

d] Rann of Kutch

 Correct Option: (d)

Explanation:

The Rann of Kutch is a large salt marsh located in the Thar Desert in Gujarat, India. It is formed by the repeated falls in sea level, which has caused the area to become a vast expanse of salt flats and mudflats. The Rann of Kutch is home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, wild asses, and desert foxes. It is also a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful scenery and unique ecosystem.

The other options are not correct because they are not formed by repeated falls in sea level. The Bhitarkanika Mangroves are a coastal mangrove forest located in Odisha, India. The Marakkanam Salt Pans are a series of salt pans located in Tamil Nadu, India. The Naupada Swamp is a freshwater swamp located in Maharashtra, India.

 

Q. 56 Ilmenite and rutile, abundantly available in certain coastal tracts of India, are rich sources of which one of the following?

a] Aluminium

b] Copper

c] Iron

d] Titanium

 

Correct Option: (d)

Explanation:

Ilmenite (FeO. TiO2) and rutile (TiO2) are the two chief minerals of Titanium

 

Q. 57 About three-fourths world’s cobalt, a metal required for the manufacture of batteries for electric motor vehicles, is produced by:

a] Argentina

b] Botswana

c] the Democratic Republic of the Congo

d] Kazakhstan

 Correct Option: (c)

Explanation:

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the leader among the world’s top cobalt-producing countries, accounting for more than 70% of global output.

 

Q. 58 Which one of the following is a part of the Congo Basin?

a] Cameroon

b] Nigeria

c] South Sudan

d] Uganda

 Correct Option: (a)

Explanation:

The Congo Basin spans across six countries—Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

 

Q. 59 Consider the following statements:

1. Amarkantak Hills are at the confluence of Vindhya and Sahyadri Ranges.

2. Biligirirangan Hills constitute the easternmost part of Satpura Range.

3. Seshachalam Hills constitute the southernmost part of Western Ghats.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

 Correct Option: (d)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Amarkantak region is a unique natural heritage area and is the meeting point of the Vindhya and the Satpura Ranges.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Biligirirangana Hills is a hill range situated in south-western Karnataka, at its border with Tamil Nadu (Erode District) in South India.The Satpura Range is a range of hills in central India which rises in eastern Gujarat running east through the border of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and ends in Chhattisgarh.

Statement 3 is incorrect:Seshachalam Hills are part of the Eastern Ghats in southern Andhra Pradesh. These ranges are predominantly present in Tirupati district of the Rayalaseema region in Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

Q. 60 With reference to India’s projects on connectivity, consider the following statements:

1. East-West Corridor under Golden Quadrilateral Project connects Dibrugarh and Surat.

2. Trilateral Highway connects Moreh in Manipur and Chiang Mai in Thailand via Myanmar.

3. Bangladesh – China -India – Myanmar Economic Corridor connects Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh with Kunming in China.

How many of the above statements are correct?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

 Correct Option: (d)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: The East-West Corridor runs through Porbandar-Rajkot-Samakhiali-Radhanpur (in Gujarat) to Bongaigaon-Nalbari-Bijni-Guwahati-Nagaon-Dabaka-Silchar in Assam.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway (IMT Highway) is a highway under upgrade as part of India’s Look East policy. It will connect Moreh (Manipur), India, with Mae Sot, Thailand, via Myanmar.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The BCIM corridor proposes to link Kunming in China’s Yunnan province with Kolkata, passing through nodes such as Mandalay in Myanmar and Dhaka in Bangladesh before reaching Kolkata.

 

Q. 61 Consider the following statements:

Statement-I:

Interest income from the deposits in Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) distributed to their investors is exempted from tax, but the dividend is taxable.

Statement-II:

InvITs are recognized as borrowers under the “Secuntization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest-Act, 2002:

 Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

a] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

b] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

c] Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

d] Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

 Correct Option: (d)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Dividend and interest income from InvITs is taxable as per the slab rate of the investor.

Statement 2 is correct: In a statement issued on 11th February 2021, the Finance Ministry announced its intention to introduce amendments to several acts, including the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act (SCRA) of 1956, the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act of 2002, and the Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act of 1993. These amendments are aimed at facilitating greater funding for infrastructure and real estate sectors by allowing infrastructure investment trusts (InvITs) and real estate investment trusts (REITs) to easily access debt financing from investors, including foreign portfolio investors (FPIs). The inclusion of InvITs and REITs as borrowers under the SARFAESI Act provides lenders with statutory enforcement options, which were previously limited, thus removing a constraint for bankers to lend directly at the trust level.

 

Q. 62 Consider the following statements

Statement-I:

In the post-pandemic recent past, many Central Banks worldwide had carried out interest rate hikes.

Statement-II:

Central Banks generally assume that they have the ability to counteract the rising consumer prices via monetary policy means.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

a] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

b] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

c] Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

d] Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

 

Correct Option: (a)

Explanation:

Statement-I is correct because many central banks around the world have raised interest rates in an effort to combat inflation. The US Federal Reserve, for example, has raised interest rates by 75 basis points since March 2022. The Bank of England has raised interest rates by 0.25% four times since December 2021. And the European Central Bank is expected to raise interest rates for the first time in 11 years in July 2022.

Statement-II is also correct because central banks have the ability to influence the cost of borrowing money. When interest rates are raised, it becomes more expensive for businesses and consumers to borrow money. This can lead to a slowdown in economic activity, which can help to bring down inflation.

 

Q. 63 Consider the following statements:

Statement-I:

Carbon markets are likely to be one of the most widespread tools in the fight against climate change

Statement-II:

Carbon markets transfer resources from the private sector to the State.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

a] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

b] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

c] Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

d] Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

 Correct Option: (c) (doubtful)

Explanation:

Option 1 is correct:Carbon markets are a very important tool to reach global climate goals, particularly in the short and medium term. They mobilize resources and reduce costs to give countries and company the space to smooth the low-carbon transition and be able to achieve the goal of net zero emissions in the most effective way possible. Carbon markets incentivize climate action by enabling parties to trade carbon credits generated by the reduction or removal of GHGs from the atmosphere, such as by switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy or enhancing or conserving carbon stocks in ecosystems such as a forest.

Carbon markets are perhaps one of the most effective mechanisms available to encourage decarbonization of all kinds. Put simply, these markets put a price on carbon to incentivize businesses to reduce their carbon emissions where it is most financially feasible, and act now to manage the negative effects they can’t eliminate.

Option 2 is incorrect: Carbon markets transfer resources are mostly from the private sector to the private

 

Q. 64 Which one of the following activities of the Reserve Bank of India is considered to be part of ‘sterilization’?

a] Conducting ‘Open Market Operations’

b] Oversight of settlement and payment systems

c] Debt and cash management for the Central and State Governments

d] Regulating the functions of Non-banking Financial Institutions

 Correct Option: (a)

Explanation:

Operation a is correct: Sterilization typically takes the form of an open market operation, where a central bank sells or purchases government bonds in the open market equal to the amount of foreign currency it buys or sells on the foreign exchange market. This helps to keep the domestic currency supply unchanged. The purpose of the open market operation is to counterbalance or sterilize the impact of the intervention on the monetary base.

Sterilization is a monetary action undertaken by a central bank to mitigate the impact of capital inflows and outflows on the money supply. It often involves buying or selling financial assets as a means of offsetting the effects of foreign exchange interventions.

 

Q. 65 Consider the following markets:

1. Government Bond Market

2. Call Money Market

3. Treasury Bill Market

4. Stock Market

How many of the above are included in capital markets?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) All four

 Correct Option: (b)

Explanation:

Only the government bond market and the stock market are included in capital markets. The call money market and the treasury bill market are money markets.

A capital market is a financial market in which long-term debt or equity-backed securities are bought and sold, in contrast to a money market where short-term debt is bought and sold. Capital markets channel the wealth of savers to those who can put it to long-term productive use, such as companies or governments making long-term investments.

The government bond market is a capital market because it is where government bonds are bought and sold. Government bonds are long-term debt instruments that are issued by governments to raise money. The stock market is a capital market because it is where stocks are bought and sold. Stocks are equity-backed securities that represent ownership in a company.

The call money market is a money market because it is where short-term loans are made and repaid. The treasury bill market is a money market because it is where treasury bills are bought and sold. Treasury bills are short-term debt instruments that are issued by the government.

 

Q. 66 Which one of the following best describes the concept of ‘Small Farmer Large Field’?

a] Resettlement of a large number of people, uprooted from their countries due to war, by giving them a large cultivable land which they cultivate collectively and share the produce

b] Many marginal farmers in an area organize themselves into groups and synchronize and harmonize selected agricultural operations

c] Many marginal farmers in_ an area together make a contract with a corporate body are surrender their land to the corporate body of a fixed term for which the 6.onDorate body makes a payment of agreed amount to the farmers

d] A company extends loans, technical knowledge and material inputs to a number of small farmers in an area so that they produce the agricultural commodity required by the company for its manufacturing process and commercial production

 Correct Option: (b)

Explanation:

“Small Farmers Large Field (SFLF)” is a collective action model to overcome the disadvantages faced by millions of small and marginal farmers due to diseconomies of scale and lack of bargaining power in the supply chain.

This model is participatory and flexible and allows small farmers to benefit from achieving economies of scale by organizing themselves into groups and synchronizing and harmonizing selected operations.

 

Q. 67 Consider the following statements:

1. The Government of India provides Minimum Support Price for niger (Guizotia abyssinica) seeds.

2. Niger is cultivated as a Kharif crop.

3. Some tribal people in India use niger seed oil for cooking.

How many of the above statements are correct?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

 Correct Option: (c)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Government announces minimum support prices (MSPs) for 22 mandated crops.

• Cereals (7) – paddy, wheat, barley, jowar, bajra, maize and ragi
• Pulses (5) – gram, arhar/tur, moong, urad and lentil
• Oilseeds (8) – groundnut, rapeseed/mustard, toria, soyabean, sunflower seed, sesamum, safflower seed and niger seed
• Raw cotton
• Raw jute
• Copra
• De-husked coconut
• Sugarcane (Fair and remunerative price)
• Virginia flu cured (VFC) tobacco

Statement 2 is Correct: In India, niger is grown on an area of 2.61 lakh ha mainly during kharif. However, in Odisha it is a rabi crop.

Statement 3 is correct: The tribal population uses niger seed oil for cooking.

 

Q. 68 Consider the investments in the following assets:

1. Brand recognition

2. Inventory

3. Intellectual property

4. Mailing list of clients

How many of the above intangible investments?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) All four

Correct Option: (c)

Explanation:

Only 3 statements are correct

An intangible asset is an identifiable non-monetary asset, without physical substance, held for use in the production or supply of goods or services, for rental to others, or for administrative purposes.

(Some intangible assets may be contained in or on a physical substance such as a compact disk (in the case of computer software), legal documentation (in the case of a licence or patent) or film (in the case of motion pictures). The cost of the physical substance containing the intangible assets is usually not significant.)

Some examples of intangible assets include brand recognition, goodwill, and intellectual property (patents, domain names, confidential information, inventions, names, and the like).

A tangible asset is an asset that has physical substance. Examples include inventory, a building, rolling stock, manufacturing equipment or machinery, and office furniture. There are two types of tangible assets: inventory and fixed assets.

 

Q. 69 Consider the following:

1. Demographic performance

2. Forest and ecology

3. Governance reforms

4. Stable government

5. Tax and fiscal efforts

For the horizontal tax devolution, the Fifteenth Finance Commission used how many of the above as criteria other than population area and income distance?

a] Only two

b] Only three

c] Only four

d] All five

 Correct Option: (b)

Explanation:

The Fifteenth Finance Commission (XVFC)’s ToR was unique and wide ranging in many ways. The Commission was asked to recommend performance incentives for States in many areas like power sector, adoption of DBT, solid waste management etc.Another unique ToR was to recommend funding mechanism for defence and internal security.

Horizontal devolution:

Based on principles of need, equity and performance, overall devolution formula is as follows:

On horizontal devolution, while 15th FC agreed that the Census 2011 population data better represents the present need of States, to be fair to, as well as reward, the States which have done better on the demographic front, XVFC has assigned a 12.5 per cent weight to the demographic performance criterion.

 

Q. 70 Consider the following infrastructure sectors:

1. Affordable housing

2. Mass rapid transport

3. Health rare

4. Renewable energy

On how many of the above does UNOPS Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) initiative focus for its investments?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) All four

 Correct Option: (d)

Explanation:

The UNOPS Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) initiative focuses on all four of the infrastructure sectors mentioned: affordable housing, mass rapid transport, health care, and renewable energy.

The S3i initiative was launched in 2018 with the goal of mobilizing private investment in sustainable infrastructure projects in developing countries. The initiative provides technical assistance to governments and private sector partners to develop and implement bankable projects. The S3i initiative has already supported a number of successful projects, including:

• A project to develop a new mass rapid transit system in Jakarta, Indonesia.
• A project to build a new hospital in Malawi.
• A project to install solar panels on schools in Kenya.

The S3i initiative is a valuable tool for mobilizing private investment in sustainable infrastructure projects. The initiative has the potential to make a significant contribution to the development of developing countries.

Additional details about the S3i initiative’s focus on each of the four infrastructure sectors:

Affordable housing: The S3i initiative supports projects that develop affordable housing for low-income households. These projects can include the construction of new housing units, the rehabilitation of existing housing units, or the provision of subsidies to help low-income households afford housing.

Mass rapid transport: The S3i initiative supports projects that develop mass rapid transit systems. These systems can include light rail, metro, or bus rapid transit. Mass rapid transit systems can help to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in cities.

Health care: The S3i initiative supports projects that build or rehabilitate hospitals and clinics. These projects can also provide training and equipment to health care workers.

Renewable energy: The S3i initiative supports projects that develop renewable energy projects, such as solar, wind, and hydro power. Renewable energy projects can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy security.

The S3i initiative is a valuable tool for mobilizing private investment in sustainable infrastructure projects. The initiative has the potential to make a significant contribution to the development of developing countries.

 

Q. 71 Consider the following statements:

Statement-I:

India, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for most of its electricity production.

Statement-II:

Uranium, enriched to the extent of at least 60%, is required for the production of electricity.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

a] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

b] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

c] Statement-I is correct Statement-II is incorrect

d] Statement-I is incorrect Statement-II is correct

 Correct Option: (c)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Coal is the most important and abundant fossil fuel in India. It accounts for 55% of the country’s energy need. The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) has identified a total of 3,50,438 tonne (t) in situ U3O8 (2,97,170t U) uranium deposits in in forty four (44) uranium deposits in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Uranium enriched to at least 60% is not typically required for the production of electricity. The enrichment level necessary for electricity generation in nuclear power plants is much lower. Most commercial nuclear reactors use uranium fuel enriched to around 3% to 5% of the isotope uranium-235 (U-235), with the remaining uranium consisting mostly of the non-fissile isotope uranium-238 (U-238). This level of enrichment is sufficient for sustained nuclear fission reactions that release energy in the form of heat, which is then used to generate electricity.

 

Q. 72 Consider the following statements:

Statement-I:

Marsupials are not naturally found in India.

Statement-II:

Marsupials can thrive only in montane grasslands with no predators.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

a] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

b] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-H is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

c] Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

d] Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

 Correct Option: (c)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Marsupials are not naturally found in India. Marsupials are any members of the mammalian infraclass Marsupialia. All extant marsupials are endemic to Australasia, Wallacea and the Americas.

Statement 2 is incorrect: It is not accurate to say that Marsupials can only thrive in montane grasslands with no predators. Marsupials are a diverse group of mammals that occupy a range of habitats, including forests, woodlands, shrublands, and even deserts. Australia, which is home to the majority of marsupial species, has various ecosystems where marsupials thrive. For example, kangaroos and wallabies are well adapted to open grasslands and savannas, where they can graze on vegetation. However, other marsupials like koalas inhabit forested areas and feed on eucalyptus leaves. Some species, such as the sugar glider, are arboreal and live in trees.

 

Q. 73 Invasive Species Specialist Group’ (that develops Global Invasive Species Database) belongs to which one of the following organizations?

a] The International Union for Conservation of Nature

b] The United Nations Environment Programme

c] The United Nations World Commission for Environment and Development

d] The World Wide Fund for Nature

 Correct Option: (a)

Explanation:

Option a is correct: The Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) is a global network of scientific and policy experts on invasive species, organized under the auspices of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).  It was developed between 1998 and 2000 as part of the global initiative on invasive species led by the erstwhile Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP).

 

Q. 74 Consider the following fauna:

1. Lion-tailed Macaque

2. Malabar Civet

3. Sambar Deer

How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

 Correct Option: (b)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Lion-tailed macaque is diurnal, meaning it is active exclusively in daylight hours. When they’re active, they will spend half the day foraging, and the other half will be spent resting or finding new areas to forage.[4] Unlike other macaques, it typically avoids humans when possible. In group behavior, the lion-tailed macaque is much like other macaques, living in hierarchical groups of usually 10 to 20 members, which usually consist of few males, typically 1-3, and many females.

Statement 2 is correct: The Malabar civet is considered nocturnal and so elusive that little is known about its biology and ecology apart from habitat use.The Malabar Civet is a critically endangered species found in the Western Ghats of India. It is a solitary and secretive animal that inhabits dense tropical forests and is known for its distinctive black or dark brown fur with large white spots. It has a long body, a pointed snout, and a long tail. Being primarily nocturnal, the Malabar Civet has adaptations such as excellent night vision and acute senses that allow it to navigate and hunt in low-light conditions. It feeds on a variety of small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, and other vegetation.

Statement 3 is correct: Sambar are nocturnal or crepuscular. During the day, Sambar Deer typically seek shade and rest in dense vegetation or near water bodies to avoid the heat. As the evening approaches, they become more active and start foraging for food, such as grasses, leaves, shoots, fruits, and other plant materials. They may continue their activities into the night, making them partially nocturnal. The Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor) is a large deer species found in various parts of South and Southeast Asia, including India. While Sambar Deer are primarily crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk, their activity patterns can vary depending on factors such as habitat, climate, and predation risk.

 

Q. 75 Which of the following organisms perform waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the distance to a source of their food?

a] Butterflies

b] Dragonflies

c] Honeybees

d] Wasps

 

Correct Option: (c)

Explanation:

Option a is correct: Waggle dance is a term used in beekeeping and ethology for a particular figure-eight dance of the honey bee. By performing this dance, successful foragers can share information about the direction and distance to patches of flowers yielding nectar and pollen, to water sources, or to new nest-site locations with other members of the colony.

The waggle dance and the round dance are two forms of dance behaviour that are part of a continuous transition. As the distance between the resource and the hive increases, the round dance transforms into variations of a transitional dance, which, when communicating resources at even greater distances, becomes the waggle dance.

 

Q. 76 Consider the following statements:

1. Some mushrooms have medicinal properties.

2. Some mushrooms have psycho-active properties.

3. Some mushrooms have insecticidal properties.

4. Some mushrooms have bioluminescent properties.

How many of the above statements are correct?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) Only three

d) All four

 Correct Option: (d)

Explanation:

All four statements are correct.

Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including cancer, arthritis, and depression. Some of the most well-known medicinal mushrooms include reishi, chaga, and lion’s mane.

Psychoactive mushrooms contain compounds that can alter consciousness and produce hallucinations. These mushrooms have been used for centuries in religious and spiritual ceremonies, and they are currently being investigated for their potential therapeutic benefits. Some of the most well-known psychoactive mushrooms include psilocybin mushrooms and LSD.

Insecticidal mushrooms produce compounds that can kill insects. These compounds are being investigated for their potential use as pesticides. Some of the most well-known insecticidal mushrooms include cordyceps and shiitake.

Bioluminescent mushrooms produce their own light. This light is produced by a chemical reaction that takes place in the mushroom’s cells. Bioluminescent mushrooms are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, oceans, and deserts.

 

Q. 77 Consider the following statements regarding the Indian squirrels:

1. They build nests by making burrows in the ground.

2. They store their food materials like nuts and seeds in the ground.

3. They are omnivorous.

 How many of the above statements are correct?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

 Correct Option: (c)

Explanation:

The Indian palm squirrel or three-striped palm squirrel (Funambuluspalmarum) is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae (includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels (including chipmunks and prairie dogs, among others), and flying squirrels.)found naturally in India (south of the Vindhyas) and Sri Lanka.

Nesting mostly in self-dug burrows underground, but also make dens in rocky outcroppings and in cavities at the bottom of trees.Ground squirrels nest on the ground, digging burrows, a system of tunnels underground, to live in. They hibernate during the winter in these underground burrows.

Tree squirrels hide away in nests or dens in trees and food to keep warm during the winter.  Most tree squirrel nests are called dreys, which are made up of clumped-together collections of leaves, twigs, bark, moss, and other compressed materials.

They are usually very protective of their food sources, often guarding and defending them from birds and other squirrels. Unlike some other species of squirrel, Indian palm squirrel do not hibernate.

Indian palm squirrels are omnivores. They feed mainly on nuts and fruits but will also eat seeds, insects, small mammals and reptiles, eggs, and even sometimes chicks of birds.

 

Q. 78 Consider the following statements:

1. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature above the boiling point of water.

2. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature below the freezing point of water.

3. Some microorganisms can grow in highly acidic environments with a pH below 3.

 How many of the above statements are correct?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

 Correct Option: (c)

Explanation:

Microbes isolated from the vents achieve optimal growth at temperatures higher than 100 °C. Noteworthy examples are Pyrobolus and Pyrodictium, archaea that grow at 105 °C and survive autoclaving. Both the thermophiles and the hyperthermophiles require specialized heat-stable enzymes that are resistant to denaturation and unfolding.Archaebacteria (Thermophiles) are ancient forms of bacteria found in hot water springs and deep-sea hydrothermal vents. They are able to survive in high temperatures (which far exceed 100°C) because their bodies have adapted to such environmental conditions.

Microbial growth or metabolic activity has been reported in permafrost bacteria at −10°C (11) and in the antarcticcryptoendolithic microbial community at temperatures between −5 and −10°C (7, 28), and the temperature limit of bacterial growth in frozen food is generally considered to be −8°C (9). In arctic and antarctic lichens, photosynthetic activity has been observed in a similar temperature range (12) and, more recently, at −17°C (23).

Microorganisms that grow optimally at pH less than 5.55 are called acidophiles. For example, the sulfur-oxidizing Sulfolobus spp. isolated from sulfur mud fields and hot springs in Yellowstone National Park are extreme acidophiles. These archaea survive at pH values of 2.5–3.5. Species of the archaean genus Ferroplasma live in acid mine drainage at pH values of 0–2.9.

 

Q. 79 Which one of the following makes a tool with a stick to scrape insects from a hole in a tree or a log of wood?

a] Fishing cat

b] Orangutan

c] OtterSloth bear

d] Sloth bear

 Correct Option: (b)

Explanation:

Orangutans are among the most intelligent primates. They have human-like long-term memory, routinely use a variety of sophisticated tools in the wild and construct elaborate sleeping nests each night from foliage and branches

 

Q. 80 Consider the following:

1. Aerosols

2. Foam agents

3. Fire retardants

4. Lubricants

In the making of how many of the above are hydrofluorocarbons used?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) Only three

d) All four

 Correct Option: (d)

Explanation:

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are greenhouse gases (GHGs) that find widespread use in various applications, including refrigeration, air-conditioning (AC), building insulation, fire extinguishing systems, and aerosols. HFCs are entirely synthetic and not naturally occurring. They are primarily manufactured for specific purposes such as refrigeration, air-conditioning, insulation foams, and aerosol propellants. While they are also used to a lesser extent as solvents and for fire protection, the majority of HFCs are contained within equipment. Emissions of HFCs occur as a result of factors like equipment wear, inadequate maintenance, or leakage at the end of a product’s lifespan.

 

Q. 81 In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located?

a] Andhra

b] Gandhara

c] Kalinga

d] Magadha

 Correct Option: (a)

Explanation:

Dhanyakataka located near the present day Amaravati in Andhra was the capital of Satavahana kings (1st century BCE – 3rd AD).

Even though the traditional accounts of the Buddha’s visit to Andhra Pradesh are discounted, the literary evidence, as recorded by the Chinese travellerHiuen-Tsang, shows that Buddhism entered Andhradesa by circa 400 B.C. It was only during the reign of Asoka that the Buddhist establishment at Dhanyakataka (today’s Dharanikota) attained great recognition.

Dhanyakataka grew as the focal point of Buddhism in Andhradesa. Its importance grew further when it became the capital of the Satavahanas. The Satavahana expansion over coastal Andhra and the shift of the capital to Dhanyakataka

 

Q. 82 With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements:

1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.

2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics.

3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

 Correct Option: (b)

Explanation:

The concept of stupas predates Buddhism, as suggested by archaeologists who have identified early forms of stupas, including megaliths, in prehistoric origins such as the Indus Valley. Stupas may have originated as pre-Buddhist tumuli, which served as burial mounds for sramanas who were buried in a seated position known as chaitya.

At its most basic form, a stupa is a burial mound made of earth and faced with stone. In Buddhism, early stupas contained fragments of the Buddha’s ashes, leading to their association with his physical remains. The addition of the Buddha’s ashes activated the stupa, imbuing it with the energy of the Buddha himself.

Before Buddhism, great teachers were buried in mounds, sometimes in a seated, meditative posture, while others were cremated. These mounds symbolized a person in meditation, much like the Buddha when he attained Enlightenment and gained knowledge of the Four Noble Truths. The dome shape of the stupa came to represent this seated meditation posture.

Stupas in Buddhism are commemorative monuments that typically enshrine sacred relics associated with the Buddha or other revered individuals. Originally, Buddhist stupas were constructed to house the earthly remains of the historical Buddha and his followers and are commonly found at sites considered sacred in Buddhism.

In recent archaeological findings, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) unearthed two miniature votive stupas carved from stone, dating back 1200 years. These stupas were discovered near the Sarai Tila mound within the grounds of the “Nalanda Mahavihara,” a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Nalanda district, Bihar state, India. The stone stupas depict Buddha figures.

Starting from the 7th century CE in India, small terracotta stupas gained popularity as votive offerings. Devout pilgrims visiting various sacred sites and temples across Asia would either purchase or create their own miniature votive stupas as offerings.

 

Q. 83 With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as

a] capital cities

b] ports

c] centres of iron-and-steel making

d] Shrines of Jain Tirthankaras

 Correct Option: (b)

Explanation:

Muziris (Muchiri) (chera) ,Korkai (pandaya) and the discoveries at Arikamedu, Poompuhar, (chola) Kodumanal, among other sites, provide evidence of the Tamils’ international trade activities. They all are important ports of sangam period.

 

Q. 84 Which one of the following explains the practice of ‘Vattakirutal’ as mentioned in Sangam poems?

a] Kings employing women bodyguards

b] Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters

c] Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals

d] A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death

 Correct Option: (d)

Explanation:

Sangam poems are pervaded with warrior ethics. One such is the practice of “Vattakirutal” where the defeated king committed ritual suicide by straving to death and in this he was accompanied by those who were close to him.

 

Q. 85 Consider the following dynasties:

1. Hoysala

2. Gahadavala

3. Kakatiya

4. Yadava

How many of the above dynasties established their kingdoms in early eighth century AD?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) All three

d) None

 Correct Option: (d)

Explanation:

The Hoysala Empire was a powerful Kannadiga dynasty that originated from the Indian subcontinent and ruled over most of present-day Karnataka between the 10th and 14th centuries.

The Gahadavala dynasty, also known as the Gahadavalas of Kannauj, was a Rajput dynasty that governed parts of present-day Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in India during the 11th and 12th centuries. Their capital was situated in Banaras (now Varanasi) in the Gangetic plains, and they briefly held control over Kannauj as well.

The Kakatiya dynasty was a Telugu dynasty that held sway over a significant portion of the eastern Deccan region in present-day India from the 12th to the 14th centuries. Their dominion encompassed much of present-day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, along with parts of eastern Karnataka, northern Tamil Nadu, and southern Odisha.

The Yadavas of Devagiri were a medieval Indian dynasty that, at its zenith, governed a kingdom spanning from the Narmada River in the north to the Tungabhadra River in the south, covering the western part of the Deccan region. Their realm included present-day Maharashtra, North Karnataka, and parts of Madhya Pradesh, with Devagiri serving as their capital.

 

Q. 86 With reference to ancient Indian History, consider the following parts:

          Literary work                                       Author

1. Devichandragupta : Bilhana

2. Hammira-Mahakavya : Nayachandra Suri

3. Milinda-panha : Nagarjuna

4. Nitivakyamrita : Somadeva Suri

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

a) Only one

b) Only two

c) only three

d) All four

 Correct Option: (b)

Explanation:

Devi-Chandraguptam, also known as Devi-Chandragupta, is an Indian Sanskrit-language political drama attributed to Vishakhadeva, who is commonly identified with Vishakhadatta.

Hammira Mahakavya is a 15th-century Indian Sanskrit epic poem written by the Jain scholar Nayachandra Suri.

The Milindapañha is a Buddhist text that is believed to have been written between 100 BC and 200 AD. It claims to document a dialogue between the Indian Buddhist sage Nagasena and the Indo-Greek king Menander I of Bactria, who ruled in the 2nd century BC in present-day Sialkot.

 

Q. 87 “Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious cects.”

The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of which one of the following religious sects of ancients India?

a] Buddhism

b] Jainism

c] Shaivism

d] Vaishnavism

 

Correct Option: (b)

Explanation:

The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of the Jain religious sect of ancient India.

 

Q. 88 Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra River and a canal-cum-aqueduct several kilometres long from the river to the capital city?

a] Devaraya I

b] Mallikarjuna

c] Vira Vijaya

d] Virupaksha

 Correct Option: (a)

Explanation:

In 1410, he had a barrage built across the Tungabhadra River and commissioned a 24-kilometer-long aqueduct from the river to the capital.

Nuniz’s account details the projects undertaken by Deva Raya I that brought prosperity to the Kingdom.

 

Q. 89 Who among the following rulers of medieval Gujarat surrendered Diu to Portuguese?

a] Ahmad Shah

b] Mahmud Begarha

c] Bahadur Shah

d] Muhammad Shah

 Correct Option: (c)

Explanation:

In the early 16th century, the Sultan of Gujarat, Bahadur Shah, faced significant pressure when his kingdom was invaded by the second Mughal Emperor Humayun.

At that critical moment, he chose to maintain a conciliatory relationship with the Portuguese, who had arrived in India towards the end of the 15th century and were a vibrant and ambitious naval power at the time.

In 1534, the Shah signed the Treaty of Bassein with the Portuguese, relinquishing Diu to them, along with other territories of his empire such as Vasai and the islands that now comprise Mumbai. The Portuguese acquired Daman from the Shah in 1559.

 

Q. 90 By which one of the following Acts was the Governor General of bengal designated as the Governor General of India?

a] The Regulating Act

b] The Pitt’s India Act

c] The Charter Act of 1793

d] The Charter Act of 1833

 Correct Option: (d)

Explanation:

The correct answer is d. The Charter Act of 1833.

The Charter Act of 1833 was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom which renewed the charter of the British East India Company, and continued the company’s administration of India for another 20 years. The Act also made the Governor-General of Bengal the Governor-General of India, and vested in him all civil and military powers.

The other options are incorrect because:

The Regulating Act of 1773 was an Act of the Parliament of Great Britain which established the framework for the administration of the British East India Company’s territories in India. The Act did not designate the Governor-General of Bengal as the Governor-General of India.

The Pitt’s India Act of 1784 was an Act of the Parliament of Great Britain which established a Board of Control to oversee the affairs of the British East India Company. The Act did not designate the Governor-General of Bengal as the Governor-General of India.

The Charter Act of 1793 was an Act of the Parliament of Great Britain which renewed the charter of the British East India Company for another 20 years. The Act did not designate the Governor-General of Bengal as the Governor-General of India.

 

Q. 91 In essence, what does ‘Due Process of Law’ means?

a] The principle of natural Justice

b] The procedure established by law

c] Fair application of law

d] Equality before law

 Correct Option: (c)

Explanation:

The correct answer is c. Fair application of law.

Due process of law is the legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights that are owed to a person. This includes the right to be treated fairly and the right to a fair trial. Due process is a fundamental principle of justice, and it is essential to the protection of individual rights.

The other options are incorrect because:

The principle of natural justice is a legal principle that requires that all parties to a dispute be given a fair hearing. This is not the same as due process, which is a broader concept that includes the right to a fair trial.

The procedure established by law is the process that must be followed in order to deprive a person of their life, liberty, or property. This is not the same as due process, which is a broader concept that includes the right to a fair trial.

Equality before law is the principle that all people are equal before the law, regardless of their race, religion, or social status. This is not the same as due process, which is a broader concept that includes the right to a fair trial.

 

Q. 92 Consider the following statements:

 Statement-I:

In India, prisons are managed by State Governments with their own rules and regulations for the day-to-day administration of prisons.

Statement-II:

In India, prisons are governed by the Prisons Act, 1894 which expressly kept the subject of prisons in the control of Provincial Governments.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

a] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

b] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

c] Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

d] Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

 Correct Option: (a)

Explanation:

Prisons Act, 1894 makes it expressly clear that States would have general and specific control over prisons in India.

It is also important to note that the Subject of Prisons is mentioned as Entry 4 in List II in Seventh Schedule.

 

Q. 93 Which one of the following statements best reflects the Chief purpose of the ‘Constitution’ of a country?

a] It determines the objective for the making of necessary laws.

b] It enables the creation of political offices and a government.

c] It defines and limits the powers of government.

d] It secures social justice, social equality and social security.

 Correct Option: (c)

Explanation:

The chief objective of the Constitution is to establish a limited government i.e. a government which does not have the right to encroach in all spheres of a citizen’s life.

 

Q. 94 In India, which one of the following Constitutional Amendments was widely believed to be enacted to overcome the judicial interpretations of the Fundamental Rights?

a] 1st Amendment

b] 42nd Amendment

c] 44th Amendment

d] 86th Amendment

 Correct Option: (a) (doubtful)

Explanation:

The 1st Amendment to the Constitution of India was passed in 1951. It made a number of changes to the Fundamental Rights provisions of the Constitution, including:

• Providing means to restrict freedom of speech and expression,
• Validating zamindari abolition laws, and
• Clarifying that the right to equality does not bar the enactment of laws which provide “special consideration” for weaker sections of society.

The 1st Amendment was passed in response to a number of judicial decisions that had interpreted the Fundamental Rights provisions in a way that was seen as being too restrictive. The amendment was an attempt by the government to assert its authority and to ensure that the Fundamental Rights provisions were not used to challenge the government’s policies.

The 1st Amendment was challenged in the Supreme Court, but the Court upheld the amendment in Shankari Prasad v. Union of India. The Court held that the amendment was valid because it did not alter the basic structure of the Constitution.

So, while the 1st Amendment was passed to overcome the judicial interpretations of the Fundamental Rights, it was not the only amendment that was passed for this purpose. The 42nd Amendment was also passed with the same goal in mind.

 

Q. 95 Consider the following organization/bodies in India:

1. The National Commission for Backward Classes

2. The National Human Rights Commission

3. The National Law Commission

5. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission

How many of the above are constitutional bodies?

a] Only one

b] Only two

c] Only three

c] All four

 Correct Option: (a)

Explanation:

The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) was initially constituted by the Central Government through the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993 (27 of 1993) on April 2, 1993. Since then, the Commission has been reconstituted seven times until 2016.

Currently, the Commission has been granted Constitutional Status and established through “The Constitution (One Hundred and Second Amendment) Act, 2018” dated August 11, 2018. Article 338B has been inserted, creating a Commission for socially and educationally backward classes, known as the National Commission for Backward Classes.

The National Human Rights Commission is a statutory body established by the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

The National Law Commission is neither established by the Constitution nor by a statute. It is formed based on the directive of the Union Law Ministry.

The National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission has been established by the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.

 

Q. 96 Consider the following statements:

1. If the election of the President of India is declared void by the Supreme Court of India, all acts done by him/her in the performance of duties of his/her office of President before the date of decision become invalid.

2. Election for the post of the President of India can be postponed on the ground that some legislative Assemblies have been dissolved and elections are yet to take place.

3. When a Bill is presented to the President of India, the Constitution prescribes time limits within which he/she has to declare his/her assent.

How many of the above statements are correct?

a] Only one

b] Only two

c] All three

d] None

 Correct Option: (d)

Explanation:

Article 71 of the Constitution states that Matters relating to, or connected with, the election of a president or Vice President

All doubts and disputes arising out of or in connection with the election of a president or vice President shall be inquired into and decided by the Supreme court whose decision shall be final

If the election of a person as President or Vice President is declared void by the Supreme court, acts done by him in the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of the office of President or Vice President, as the case may be, on or before the date of the decision of the Supreme Court shall not be invalidated by reason of that declaration

Subject to the provisions of this constitution, Parliament may by law regulate any matter relating to or connected with the election of a President or Vice President

The election of a person as President or Vice President shall not be called in question on the ground of the existence of any vacancy for whatever reason among the members of the electoral college electing him.

 

Q.97 With reference to Finance Bill and Money Bill in the Indian Parliament, consider the following statements:

1. When the Lok Sabha transmits Finance Bill to the Rajya Sabha, it can amend or reject the Bill.

2. When the Lok Sabha transmits Money Bill to the Rajya Sabha, it cannot amend or reject the Bill, it can only make recommendations.

3. In the case of disagreement between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, there is not joint sitting for Money Bill, but a joint sitting becomes necessary for Finance Bill.

How many of the above statements are correct?

a] Only one

b] Only two

c] All three

d] None

 Correct Option: (c)

Explanation:

Only Statement 2 is correct.

A Money Bill is a type of legislative bill that deals with financial matters, such as taxation, borrowing, and expenditure. The Constitution of India defines a Money Bill in Article 110. A Money Bill can be introduced in either House of Parliament, but it must be passed by the Lok Sabha (House of the People). The Rajya Sabha (Council of States) can only make recommendations on a Money Bill, and the Lok Sabha is not bound by these recommendations.

A Finance Bill is a type of Money Bill that is introduced in the Lok Sabha every year as part of the Union Budget. The Finance Bill contains provisions for the imposition of taxes, the borrowing of money, and the expenditure of money by the Government of India. The Finance Bill is passed by the Lok Sabha and is then sent to the Rajya Sabha for consideration. The Rajya Sabha can only make recommendations on the Finance Bill, and the Lok Sabha is not bound by these recommendations.

In the case of disagreement between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on a Money Bill, the Lok Sabha can call a joint sitting of Parliament. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides over the joint sitting, and the Money Bill is passed if it is supported by a majority of the members present and voting in the joint sitting.

In the case of disagreement between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on a Finance Bill, there is no provision for a joint sitting of Parliament. The Finance Bill is passed by the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha is bound by the decision of the Lok Sabha.

 

Q. 98 Consider the following statements:

Once the Central Government notifies an area as a ‘Community Reserve’

1. The Chief Wildlife Warden of the State becomes the governing authority of such forest.

2. Hunting is not allowed in such area.

3. People of such area are allowed to collect non-timber forest produce

4. People of such area are allowed traditional agricultural practices

How many of the above statements are correct?

a] Only one

b] Only two

c] Only three

d] All four

 Correct Option: (c)

Explanation:

Only 3 Statements are correct.

A community reserve is a type of protected area that is managed by a community of people. The community is responsible for the protection of the wildlife and the forest resources in the reserve. The Chief Wildlife Warden of the State is the overall governing authority of the reserve, but the community has a say in how the reserve is managed.

Hunting is not allowed in a community reserve. This is to protect the wildlife in the reserve. People of the community are allowed to collect non-timber forest produce, such as fruits, nuts, and honey. This is to help the community to earn a livelihood. People of the community are also allowed to practice traditional agricultural practices, such as shifting cultivation. This is to help the community to meet their food needs.

Statement 1 is correct because the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State is the governing authority of a community reserve. The community also has a say in how the reserve is managed.

Statement 4 is incorrect because traditional agricultural practices that harm the environment are not allowed in a community reserve. Such as slash and burn methods.

 

Q. 99 With reference to ‘Scheduled Areas’ in India, consider the following statements:

1. Within a State, the notification of an area as Scheduled Area takes place through an Order of the President.

2. The largest administrative unit forming the Scheduled Area is the District and the lowest is the cluster of villages in the Block.

3. The Chief Ministers of the concerned States are required to submit annual reports to the Union Home Ministry on the administration of Scheduled Areas in the States.

How many of the above statements are correct?

a] Only one

b] Only two

c] All three

d] None

 Correct Option: (b)

Explanation:

Within a State, the notification of an area as a Scheduled Area takes place through an Order of the President: This means that the President of India has the authority to declare certain areas within a state as Scheduled Areas. The notification is made through an official order issued by the President.

The largest administrative unit forming the Scheduled Area is the District, and the lowest is the cluster of villages in the Block: Scheduled Areas are administered at different levels of governance. The district is the largest administrative unit within a Scheduled Area, and it consists of several blocks or tehsils. The lowest administrative unit within the Scheduled Area is the cluster of villages, which is typically grouped together in a block.

The Chief Ministers of the concerned States are required to submit annual reports to the Union Home Ministry on the administration of Scheduled Areas in the States: This statement is incorrect. The responsibility for submitting annual reports on the administration of Scheduled Areas lies with the Governors of the respective states, not the Chief Ministers. The reports are submitted to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, not the Union Home Ministry. The purpose of these reports is to assess the progress and implementation of various developmental programs and initiatives in the Scheduled Areas.

 

Q. 100 Consider the following statements:

Statement-I:

The Supreme Court of India has held in some judgements that the reservation policies made under Article 16(4) of the Constitution of India would be limited by Article 335 for maintenance of efficiency of administration.

Statement-II:

Article 335 of the Constitution of India defines the term ‘efficiency of administration’.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

a] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

b] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

c] Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

d] Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

 Correct Option: (c)

Explanation:

Statement-I states that the Supreme Court of India has held in some judgments that the reservation policies made under Article 16(4) of the Constitution of India would be limited by Article 335 for maintenance of efficiency of administration. This statement is correct, as the Supreme Court has indeed recognized that while providing reservations, the efficiency of administration should also be taken into consideration.

However, Statement-II claims that Article 335 of the Constitution of India defines the term ‘efficiency of administration.’ This statement is incorrect. Article 335 does not define the term ‘efficiency of administration.’ It only states that the claims of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes should be considered in the context of the maintenance of efficiency of administration.

Therefore, the correct answer is that Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.