Monday, 8 August 2016

CSP 2016 Question paper and Key with explanation D series

Civil Services Preliminary Exam, 2016 [ D-Series]
1. With reference to “stand up India scheme”, which of the following statements is/are correct?
       1. Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and women             
           Entrepreneurs
       2. It provides for refinance through SIDBI
Select the correct answer using the code given below
a.    1 only
b.    2 only
c.    Both 1 & 2
d.    Neither 1, nor 2
                                         
Ans. c. Both the statements are correct. The “Stand up India Scheme” is primarily intended to promote entrepreneurship among Scheduled Castes, Schedule Tribes and women and will involve loans ranging from Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 1 crore. Refinance is arranged through SIDBI, with an initial corpus of Rs.10,000 crores.

2. The FAO accords the status of “Globally important agricultural heritage system [GIAHS]” to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative?
   1. To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial
       support to the local communities of identified GIAHS so as to greatly enhance their
       agricultural productivity
  2. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their
      associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of
      local communities
  3. To provide geographical indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce
       in such identified GIAHS.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
a.    1 and 3 only
b.    2 only
c.    2 and 3 only 
d.    1, 2 and 3
Ans. b. The FAO believes that persistence of millions of hectares under traditional farming is living proof of a successful indigenous agricultural strategy and constitutes a tribute to the “creativity” of small farmers throughout the developing world. In recognition of this fundamental fact, since 2002 FAO implements a global initiative on dynamic conservation and adaptive management of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage systems (GIAHS) aiming to identify and ensure global recognition of the importance of these unique traditional agricultural systems for food security and sustainable development. The other two issues are not in the domain of this scheme.
3. Which of the following is/are tributary/tributaries of Brahmaputra?
      1. Dibang
      2. Kameng
      3. Lohit
Select the correct answer using the code given below
a.    1 only
b.    2 and 3 only
c.    1 and 3 only 
d.    1, 2 and 3
Ans. d. The left bank tributaries of River Brahmaputra are Dibang River, Lohit River, Dhansiri River, Kolong River and the right bank tributaries are Kameng River, Manas River, Raidak River, Jaldhaka River, Teesta River, Subansiri River.

4. The term core banking solutions is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following statements best describes/describe this term?
    1. It is a networking of banks branches which enables customers to operate their
        accounts from any branch of the bank on its network regardless of where they
        open their accounts
    2. It is an effort to increase RBI’s control over commercial banks through
        computerisaton
    3. It is a detailed procedure by which a bank huge non-performing assets is taken
       over by another bank
Select the correct answer using the code given below
a.    1 only
b.    2 and 3 only
c.    1 and 3 only 
d.    1, 2 and 3
Ans. a. Core Banking Solution (CBS) is networking of branches, which enables Customers to operate their accounts, and avail banking services from any branch of the Bank on CBS network, regardless of where he maintains his account. The customer is no more the customer of a Branch, but that of bank. This makes the conduct of transactions very easy for the customers and optimizes the work load of the bank.

5. Consider the following pairs

Terms sometimes seen in the news
their origin
1
Annnex-1countries
Cartagena protocol
2
Certified emissions reductions
Nagoya protocol
3
Clean development mechanism
Kyoto protocol
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
a.    1 and 2 only
b.    2 and 3 only
c.    3 only 
d.    1, 2 and 3
Ans. c. The Annex-1 countries are related to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and not that of Cartagena Protocol. The UNFCCC is an international environmental treaty negotiated at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro from 3 to 14 June 1992, then entered into force on 21 March 1994. The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity is an international agreement on biosafety as a supplement to the Convention on Biological Diversity effective since 2003. The Nagoya Protocol is related to accessing of Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity is a 2010 supplementary agreement to the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Hence, only statement 3 is correct.
                                          
6. In the context of the developments in bioinformatics, the term “transcriptome” sometimes seen in the news, refers to
        a. A range of enzymes used in genome editing
        b. The full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism
        c. The description of the mechanism of gene expression     
        d. A mechanism after genetic mutations taking place in the cells
Ans. b. A transcriptome is the full range of messenger RNA, or mRNA, molecules expressed by an organism. The term "transcriptome" can also be used to describe the array of mRNA transcripts produced in a particular cell or tissue type. You know that mRNA is produced on a template of DNA and then transported to plasma/ribosomes for making the proteins required by the cell/organisms.

7. “Mission Indradanush” launched by the government of India pertains to
        a. Immunization of children and pregnant women
        b. Construction smart cities across the country
        c. India’s own search for the earthlike planets in outer space
        d. New educational policy

8. Which of the following best describes/describe the aim of “Green Indian Mission” of government of India?
        1. Incorporating environmental benefits and costs into the union and state budgets
            and thereby implementing the green accounting
        2. Launching the 2nd green revolution to enhance agricultural output so as to
            ensure food security to one and all  in future
       3. Restoring and enhancing forest cover and responding to climate change by a
           combination of adaptation and mitigation measures
Select the correct answer using the code given below
a.    1 only
b.    2 and 3 only
c.    3 only 
d.    1, 2 and 3
Ans. c. Green India Mission (GIM) has been initiated by the Ministry of Environment & Forest as one of the eight missions under National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) The mission has been approved by the Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change on 22nd February 2011 and an amount of Rs.200 crores have been allocated in the budget for the preparatory activities in the year 2011-12 in the union budget for the year 2011-12. Total Mission cost is Rs.46,000 crore over ten years starting from the year 2012-13, coinciding with the 12th and 13th Five year Plan Period. The Mission aims to increase forest and tree cover on five million hectare area and to improve quality of forest cover on another five million hectare area as well as to improve ecosystems services, forest based livelihood income of about three million households and to enhance annual CO2 sequestration. 

9. With reference to pre-packaged items in India, it is mandatory to the manufacturer to put which of the following information on the main label, as per the food safety and standards (packaging and labeling) regulations, 2011?
      1. List of ingredients including additives
      2. Nutrition information
      3. Recommendations, if any, made by the medical profession about the possibility of
      allergic reactions
     4. Vegetarian/non-vegetarian
Select the correct answer using the code given below
a.    1, 2 and 3
b.    2, 3 and 4
c.    1, 2 and 4
d.    1 and 4 only

10. “Project Loon”, sometimes seen in the news, is related to
          a. Waste Management technology
          b. Wireless communication technology
          c. Solar power production technology
          d. Water conservation technology
Ans. b. Project Loon is a Research and Development project project being developed by X (formerly Google X) with the mission of providing Internet access to rural and remote areas. 

11. “Net metering” is sometimes seen in the news in the context of promoting the
        a. Production and use of solar energy by the households/consumers
        b. Use of piped natural gas in the kitchens of households
        c. Installation of CNG kits in motor cars
        d. Installation of water meters in urban households
Ans. a. Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid. For example, if a residential customer has a PV system on the home's rooftop, it may generate more electricity than the home uses during daylight hours.
 12. Indian is ranking in the “Ease of doing business index” is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following has declared that ranking?
     a. Organization for economic cooperation and development [OECD]
     b. World economic Forum
     c. World Bank
     d. World Trade Organization [WTO]
Ans. c. The ease of doing business index is prepared by World Bank Group. The index ranks economies from 1 to 189, with first place being the best. A high ranking means that the regulatory environment is conducive to business operation. The index averages the country’s percentile rankings on 10 topics covered in the World Bank’s Doing Business.

13. Banjaras during the mediaeval period of Indian history were generally
         a. Agriculturists
         b. Warriors
         c. Weavers
         d. Traders
Ans. d. Banjaras were petty traders who used to carry their goods on animals back and used to move in big caravans. Peddlers with pack animals, they sold their goods from house to house. They played a crucial role in the medieval Indian economy by carrying logic quantities of grain from countryside to towns as well as to distant destinations and portal towns for exporting overseas.

14. Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka?
          a. Georg Buhler
          b. James Prinsep
          c. Max Muller
          d. William Jones

15. With reference to the “Gram Nyayalayas Act”, which of the following statements is/are correct?
      1. As per the act, Gram Nyayalayas can here only civil cases and not criminal cases
      2. The act allows local social activists as mediators/re-conciliators
Select the correct answer using the code given below
a.    1 only
b.    2 only
c.    Both 1 & 2
d.    Neither 1, nor 2
Ans. d. Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 is an Act of Parliament of India   enacted for establishment of Gram Nyayalayas or village courts for speedy and easy access to justice system in the rural areas of India. The Act came into force from 2 October 2009. The Gram Nyayalayas have both civil and criminal jurisdiction over the offences and nature of suits specified in the First, Second and third schedule of the Act. The Act has not given any role to local social activists as mediators/re-conciliators in dispensing justice.

16. With reference to the “transpacific partnership”, consider the following statements
       1. It is an agreement among the Pacific Rim countries except China and Russia
       2. It is a strategic alliance for the purpose of maritime security only
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.    1 only
b.    2 only
c.    Both 1 & 2
d.    Neither 1, nor 2

Ans. a. Statement 1 only is correct. The TPP aim to "promote economic growth; support the creation and retention of jobs; enhance innovation, productivity and competitiveness; raise living standards; reduce poverty in the signatories' countries; and promote transparency, good governance, and enhanced labor and environmental protections. It has also contains measures to lower trade barriers, such as tariffs,,  and establish an investor-state dispute settlement mechanism

17. Consider the following statements
       The India-Africa summit
1.    held in 2005 was the 3rd such summit
2.    was actually initiated by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.    1 only
b.    2 only
c.    Both 1 & 2
d.    Neither 1, nor 2
Ans. a.  The first India-Africa Summit was held from April 4 to April 8, 2008 in New Delhi, India. It was the first such meeting between the heads of state and government of India and 14 countries of Africa chosen by the African Union. Second summit was held at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2011. The third summit in a rotation basis was held in New Delhi, during 26-30 October 2015. There is no link to JL Nehru in this matter.

18. What is/are the purpose/purposes of the “marginal cost of funds based lending rate” [MCLR] announced by RBI?
        1. These guidelines help improve the transparency in the methodology followed by
            banks for determining interest rates on advances
        2. These guidelines help ensure availability of bank credit at interest rates which
            are fair to the borrowers as allows the banks
Select the correct answer using the code given below
a.    1 only
b.    2 only
c.    Both 1 & 2
d.    Neither 1, nor 2
Ans. c. The RBI has issued new guidelines for setting lending rate (on loans) by commercial banks under the name Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR). It will replace the existing base rate system from April 2016 onwards. The chief aim of RBI in bringing base rate system in July 2010 was to ensure that banks can not lend below a certain benchmark and changes in interest rate policy is effectively transmitted to the bank customers. This has not achieved success as different banks adopted different methods in calculating the cost of the funds and delayed the transmission of rate cut made by RBI. In order to arrest these tendencies and to effectively pass on the benefits of the benevolent monetary policy changes to customers, the RBI has brought in MCLR. Under, MCLR, the RBI has given the method of calculating the cost of funds. Hence, both the statements are correct.

19. What is/are unique about “Kharai Camel”, a breed found in India?
         1. It is capable of swimming up to 3 km in seawater
         2. It survives by grazing on mangroves
         3. It lives in the wild and can’t be domesticated
Select the correct answer using the code given below
a.    1 and 2 only
b.    3 only
c.    1 and 3 only
d.    1, 2 and 3
Ans. a. Kharai Camel or Swimming Camels are found only in Gujarat’s Bhuj area. It has been recently recognized as a separate breed (one among nine such breeds found in India) of camel for better conservation. This camel is adapted to the extreme climate of Ran of Kachh where shallow seas and high salinity is prevalent. Kharai Camel can live in both coastal and dry ecosystems. It grazes on saline / mangrove trees and is tolerant to high saline water. It can swim up to three kilometers into the sea in search of mangroves, their primary food. The camel is distinct from other camels because of its rounded back, long and thin legs and small feet. It can be domesticated. This can be inferred from the fact that the two breeders, Adam Abdreman Jat from Abdasa and Amand Varindh Jat from Bhachau in Kutch, were felicitated for their work with these camels LIFE Network and National Biodiversity Authority in 2012. 

20. Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange coloured fruit pulp. In which part of India has it been discovered?
    a. Andaman Islands
    b. Annamalai forests
    c. Maikala  Hills      
    d. Tropical rainforests of north-east
Ans. a. Scientists at the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have discovered a new species of banana from a remote tropical rain forest on the Little Andaman islands. The new species, Musa indandamanensis,  is about 11 metres high, whereas as the usual banana species is about three to four metres high. The fruit lux of the new species is about one metres, which is thrice the size of regular species.
21. Which one of the following is the best description of “INS Astradharini”, that was in the news recently?
        a. Amphibious warfare ship
        b. Nuclear powered submarine
        c. Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
        d. Nuclear powered aircraft carrier
Ans. c. INS Astradharini ("Weapon-holder") is an indigenously designed and built torpedo launch and recovery vessel. It has been commissioned to Navy Service on 6 October 2015 at the Naval Base in Visakhapatnam, Eastern Naval Command.
                                                                                                                            
22. What is “Greased Lighting 10” [GL-10], which was recently in News?
        a. Electric plane tested by NASA
        b. Solar powered 2 seater aircraft designed by Japan
        c. Space Observatory launched by China
        d. Reusable racket designed by ISRO
Ans. a. GL 10 is a battery-powered plane that has 10 engines and can take off like a helicopter and flies efficiently like an aircraft. That is a concept being developed by NASA researchers called Greased Lightning or GL-10.

23. With reference to “Initiative for nutritional security through intensive millets promotion”, which of the following statements is/are true?
        1. This initiative aims to demonstrate the improved production and post a harvest
            technologies, and to demonstrate value addition techniques in an integrated   
            manner, the cluster approach.
        2. Poor, small, marginal and tribal farmers have larger stake in the scheme
        3. An important objective of the scheme is to encourage farmers of commercial
           crops to shift to millet cultivation by offering them free kits of critical inputs of
            nutrients and micro-irrigation equipment
Select the correct answer using the code given below
a.    1 only
b.    2 and 3 only
c.    1 and 2 only 
d.    1, 2 and 3

24. The “Swadeshi” and “boycott” were adopted as methods of struggle per the 1st time during the
      a. Agitation against the partition Bengal
      b. Home rule movement
      c. Non-cooperation movement
      d. Visit of Simon commission to India

25. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements
          1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism
          2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment
          3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on
              their path to it
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.    1 only
b.    2 and 3 only
c.    2 only
d.    1, 2 and 3
Ans. b. The concept of Boddhisattva is central to Mahayana, but not Hinayana sect of Buddhism. In Mahayana Buddhism, bodhisattva is the Sanskrit term for anyone who, motivated by great compassion, has generated bodhicitta, which is a spontaneous wish to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings. The other two statements are correct.
26. “Doctors without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontiers)”, often in the news, is
        a. A division of World health organization
        b. A non-governmental international organization
        c. An intergovernmental agency sponsored by European Union
        d. A specialised agency of United Nations
Ans. b. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) (pronounced  or Doctors Without Borders, is an international humanitarian aid and non-governmental organization (NGO) and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, best known for its projects in war-torn regions and developing countries facing endemic diseases. 

27. With reference to initiative called “the economics of ecosystems and biodiversity (TEEB)”, which the following statement is/are correct?
        1. It is an initiative hosted by UNEP, IMF and World economic Forum
        2. It is a global initiative that focuses on drying attention to the economic benefits of
           Biodiversity
        3. It presents an approach that can help decision makers recognise, demonstrate
            and capture the value of ecosystems and biodiversity
Select the correct answer using the code given below
a.    1 and 2 only
b.    3 only
c.    2 and 3 only 
d.    1, 2 and 3
Ans. c. The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) is a study led by Pavan Sukhdev. It is an international initiative to draw attention to the global economic benefits of biodiversity. Its objective is to highlight the growing cost of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation and to draw together expertise from the fields of science, economics and policy to enable practical actions. TEEB aims to assess, communicate and mainstream the urgency of actions through its five deliverables—D0: science and economic foundations, policy costs and costs of inaction, D1: policy opportunities for national and international policy-makers, D2: decision support for local administrators, D3: business risks, opportunities and metrics and D4: citizen and consumer ownership.

28. With reference to “red sanders”, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements
       1. It is a tree species found in a part of South India
       2. It is among the most important trees in the tropical rainforest areas of South India
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.    1 only
b.    2 only
c.    Both 1 & 2
d.    Neither 1, nor 2
Ans. a. It lives in the Sheshachala range of Eastern Ghats mostly in Chittoor, Kadapa and Kurnool districts of Andhra Pradesh. It is representative of dry deciduous forest, not that of evergreen rain forests.                                     

29.  Which of the following statements is/are correct?
       Proper design and effective implementation of UN-REDD+ programme can
       Significantly contribute to
1.    protection of biodiversity
2.    resilience of forest ecosystems
3.    Poverty reduction
Select the correct answer using the code given below
a.    1 and 2 only
b.    3 only
c.    2 and 3 only 
d.    1, 2 and 3

30. What is “greenhouse gas protocol”?
       a. It is an international accounting tool for government and business leaders
           to understand, quantify and manage greenhouse gas emissions
       b. It is an initiative of the United Nations to offer financial incentives to developing
          countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adopt eco-friendly
          technologies
       c. It is an intergovernmental agreement ratified by all the member countries of the
            United Nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to specify levels by the
            year 2022
       d. It is one of the multilateral REDD+ initiative’s hosted by the World Bank

31. With reference to “financial stability and development council”, consider the following statements
       1. It is an organ of NITI Aayog
       2. It is headed by the union Finance Minister
       3. It monitors macro- Prudential supervision of the economy
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.    1 and 2 only
b.    3 only
c.    2 and 3 only 
d.    1, 2 and 3
Ans. c. The Chairman of the Council is the Finance Minister and its members include the heads of financial sector Regulators (RBI, SEBI, PFRDA, IRDA & FMC {now with SEBI}) Finance Secretary and/or Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, and Chief Economic Adviser. The Council can invite experts to its meeting if required. The FSDC Secretariat is in the Department of Economic Affairs. The council will act as a co-ordination agency between the various financial sector regulators- the RBI, SEBI, IRDA and the PFRDA. This Council would monitor macro-prudential supervision of the economy, including the functioning of large financial conglomerates, and address inter-regulatory coordination issues.

32. With reference to “agenda 21”, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements.
         1. It is a global action plan for sustainable development
         2. It originated in the World summit on sustainable development held in
            Johannesburg in 2002
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.    1 only
b.    2 only
c.    Both 1 & 2
d.    Neither 1, nor 2
Ans. a. Agenda 21 is a non-binding, voluntarily implemented action plan of the United Nations with regard to sustainable development. It is a product of the Earth Summit (UN Conference on Environment and Development) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992.    

33. Satya Shodhak Samaj organized
        a. A movement for up-liftment of tribals in Bihar
        b. A temple entry movement in Gujarat
        c. Anti-Caste movement in Maharashtra
        d. A peasant movement in Punjab
Ans. c. Satyashodhak Samaj is a society established by Jyotirao Phule in Maharasthra in1873, with the ideals of human well-being in broader aspects, human happiness, unity, equality, and easy religious principles and rituals. It was started as a group whose main aim was to liberate the social Shudra and untouchable castes from exploitation and oppression. He condemned caste hierarchy and the privileged status of priests in it. He openly condemned the inequality in the religious books, orthodox nature of religion, exploitation of masses by the means of it, blind and misleading rituals, and hypocrisy in the prevalent religion.

34. Which of the following statements is/are correct?
          Viruses can infect 
1.    Bacteria
2.    Fungi
3.    Plants
Select the correct answer using the code given below
a.    1 and 2 only
b.    3 only
c.    1 and 3 only 
d.    1, 2 and 3
Ans. d. Virus infects all living beings and uses the host for their reproduction. The types of virusus that infect bacteria are called bacteriophages. The viruses that infect Fungi are called as “Mycoviruses” (ancient Greek mykes: fungus and Latin virus). Majority of mycoviruses have double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and some of them have single-stranded RNA (+ssRNA) as their genomes/genetic material. The viruses infect both plants and animals.

35. The term “base erosion and profit shifting” is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
     a. Mining operation by multinational companies in resource rich but backward areas
     b. Curbing the tax evasion by multinational companies
     c. Exploitation of gentle resources of the country by the multinational companies
     d. Lack of consideration of Environmental costs in the planning and implementation
          of developmental projects
Ans. b. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has released guidelines for fixing or taxing the MNCs who are shifting their profits to low or nil tax locations by tax evasive designs.

36. Recently, India’s 1st “national investment and manufacturing Zone” was proposed to set up in
    a. Andhra Pradesh
    b. Gujarat
    c. Maharashtra
    d. Uttar Pradesh
Ans. a. Exp: Andhra Pradesh is set to house India’s first national investment and manufacturing zone. The NIMZ will comprise a special purpose vehicle and a developer, along with the state and the central governments as stakeholders.


37. What is/are the purpose/purposes of “District mineral foundations” in India?
        1. Promoting mineral exploitation activities in mineral rich districts
        2. Protecting the interests of the persons affected by mining operations
        3. Authorising state governments to issue licenses for mineral exploration
Select the correct answer using the code given below
a.    1 and 2 only
b.    2 only
c.    1 and 3 only 
d.    1, 2 and 3
Ans. b. District Mineral Foundations are statutory bodies in India established by the State Governments by notification. They derive their legal status from section 9B of Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 as amended on 26 March 2015 as Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015. This amendment came into force from 12 January 2015. The objective of District Mineral Foundation is to work for the interest of the benefit of the persons and areas affected mining related operations in such manner as may be prescribed by the State Government.
38. “SWAYAM”, an initiative of the government of India, aims at
         a. Promoting the self-help groups in rural areas
         b. Providing financial and technical assistance to young start-up entrepreneurs
         c. Promoting the education and health of adolescent girls
         d. Providing affordable and quality education to the citizens for free
Ans. d. SWAYAM or Study Webs of Active –Learning for Young Aspiring Minds programme of Ministry of Human Resource Development , GOI. Under the scheme, professors of centrally funded institutions like IITs, IIMs, central universities will offer online courses to citizens of India. All courses would be offered free of cost under this programme however fees would be levied in case learner requires certificate.

39. The Montague- Chelmsford proposals were related to
        a. Social reforms
        b. Educational reforms
        c. Reforms in police administration
        d. Constitutional reforms

40. What is/are common to the 2 historical places known as Ajantha and Mahabalipuram?
         1. Both were built in the same period
         2. Both belong to the same religious denomination
         3. Both have rock cut monuments
Select the correct answer using the code given below
a.    1 and 2 only
b.    3 the only
c.    1 and 3 only
d.    none of the statements given  above is correct
Ans. b. The Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra are about 30 rock cut Buddhist cave monuments which date from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 or 650 CE. They have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983. Mahabalipuram was the second capital Pallavas. The monuments were carved out of rock in the 7th and 8th centuries: rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air rock reliefs such as the famous Descent of the Ganges, Penance of Arjun, and the shore temple, with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Lord Shiva. The group of monuments at Mahabalipuram has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hence, they were built in different times and do not belong to same religion. The only common point in them is that both of them have rock cut monuments.

41. With reference to “bit coins”, sometimes seen in news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
       1. Bitcoins are tracked by the central banks of the countries
       2. Anyone with a bitcoin address can send and receive bit coins from anyone else
           with a bitcoin address
       3. Online payments can be sent without either side knowing the identity of the other
Select the correct answer using the code given below
a.    1 and 2 only
b.    2 and 3 only
c.    3 only
d.    1, 2 and 3
Ans. b. They are payments in paper currency, bitcoins and they are not under the formal monetary system. Hence, they are not controlled by Central Banks.

42. Consider the following statements
      1. New development bank has been set up by APEC
      2. The headquarters of new development bank is Shanghai
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.    1 only
b.    2 only
c.    Both 1 & 2
d.    Neither 1, nor 2
Ans. b. NDB has been started by BRICS countries and its HQ is Shangai.    

43. “Gadgil committee report” and “Kasturi rangan committee report”, sometimes seen in the news, are related to
    a. Constitutional reforms
    b. Ganga action plan
    c. Linking of rivers
    d. Protection of Western Ghats

44. Consider the following
       1. Calcutta unitarian committee
       2. Tabernacle of new dispensation
       3. Indian reform Association
Keshab Chandra Sen is associated with the establishment of which of the above?
a.    1 and 3 only
b.    2 and 3 only
c.    3 only
d.    1, 2 and 3
Ans. b. Raja Ram Mohan Roy, not Keshab Chandra Sen was associated with Calcutta Unitarian Committee

45. Which of the following is not a member of Gulf cooperation Council?
        a. Iran
        b. Saudi Arabia
        c. Oman
        d. Kuwait
46. What is/are the purpose/purposes of government’s “sovereign gold bond scheme” and “gold monetisation scheme”?
       1. To bring the ideal gold lying with Indian households
       2. To promote FDI in the gold and jewellery sector
       3. To reduce India’s dependence on gold imports
Select the correct answer using the code given below
a.    1 only
b.    2 and 3 only
c.    1 and 3 only
d.    1, 2 and 3
47. “Belt and road initiative” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of
     a. African union
     b. Brazil
     c. European Union
     d. China
48. Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana is aimed at
          a. Bringing the small entrepreneurs into formal financial system
          b. Providing loans to poor farmers for cultivating particular crops
          c. Providing pensions to old and destitute persons
          d. Funding voluntary organisations involved in the promotion of skill
              Development and employment generation

49. In which of the following regions of India are shale gas resources found?
             1. Cambey basin
             2. Cauvery Basin
             3. Krishna-Godavari basin
Select the correct answer using the code given below
a.    1 and 2 only
b.    3 only
c.    2 and 3 only
d.    1, 2 and 3

50. “Global financial stability report” is prepared by the
        a. European Central bank
        b. International monetary fund
        c. International bank for Reconstruction and development
        d. Organisation for cooperation and economic development

51. Regarding “Atal pension Yojana”, which of the following statements is/are correct?
         1. It is a minimum guaranteed pension scheme mainly targeted at unorganised
             sector workers
         2. Only one member of a family can join the scheme
         3. Same amount of pension is guaranteed for the spouse for life after subscribers
            Death
Select the correct answer using the code given below
a.    1 only
b.    2 and 3 only
c.    1 and 3 only
d.    1, 2 and 3
Ans. a. Atal Pension Yojana (APY) is open to all bank account holders who are not members of any statutory social security scheme. The minimum age of joining APY is 18 years and maximum age is 40 years. Therefore, minimum period of contribution by the subscriber under APY would be 20 years or more. No specification of family members. In case of death of subscriber pension would be available to the spouse and on the death of both of them (subscriber and spouse), the pension corpus would be returned to his nominee.
52. The term “regional comprehensive economic partnership” often appears in the news in news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as
        a. G 20
        b. ASEAN
        c. SCO
        d. SAARC
53. On which of the following can you find the bureau of energy agency label?
          1. Ceiling fans
          2. Electric geysers
          3. Tubular fluorescent lamps
Select the correct answer using the code given below
a.    1 and 2 only
b.    3 only
c.    2 and 3 only
d.    1, 2 and 3
Ans. d. The Bureau initiated the Standards & Labeling programme for equipment and appliances in 2006to provide the consumer an informed choice about the energy saving and thereby the cost saving potential of the relevant marketed product. The scheme is invoked for 21 equipment/appliances, i.e. Room Air Conditioners, Tubular Fluorescent Tube Lights, Frost Free Refrigerators, Distribution Transformers, Induction Motors, Direct Cool Refrigerator, electric storage type geyser, Ceiling fans, Color TVs, Agricultural pump sets, LPG stoves, Washing machine, Laptops, ballast, floor standing ACs, office automation products, Diesel Generating sets & Diesel pumpsets. Of which the first 4 products have been notified under mandatory labeling from 7th January, 2010. The other appliances are presently under voluntary labeling phase. The energy efficiency labeling programs under BEE are intended to reduce the energy consumption of appliance without diminishing the services it provides to consumers. The most recent additions to the list of labeled products are variable capacity AC's and LED lamps

54. Indian is an important member of the “International thermonuclear experimental Reactor”. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?
           a. It can use thorium in place of uranium for power generation
           b. It can obtain a global role in satellite navigation
           c. It can drastically improve the efficiency of its fission reactors in power
               Generation
           d. It can build fusion reactors for power generation
Ans. d. A mega international nuclear fusion research & engineering project, ITER is currently building the world’s largest experimental tokamak nuclear fusion reactor. A tokamak is a device that uses a magnetic field to confine plasma (fourth state of matter) in the shape of a torus. The ITER project aims to make the long-awaited transition from experimental studies of plasma physics to full-scale electricity-producing fusion power plants. It is seen as a method for electricity production from fusion energy — one for the future. The most vital aim is to produce at least 10 times more thermal energy than that required to operate it. This energy could be converted into electricity in future power-producing reactors scientists.

55. In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs

Term
Description
1
Eripatti
Land, revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank
2
Taniyurs
Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins
3
Ghatikas
Colleges generally attached  to the temples
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
a.    1 and 2 only
b.    3 only
c.    2 and 3
d.    1 and 3
Ans. a. Taniyurs- during the Chola regime Taniyurs developed out of major Brahmadeyas and temple settlements and came to include several hamlets and revenue villages.
Eripatti -A special category of land, eripatti or tank land was known only in south India. The revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank.
Ghatika: The Ghatikas were the most important educational institutions in South India during ancient times and the most important Ghatika of the Pallavas was located in Kanchipuram. Inscriptions reveal that many of these kings looked after this institution with great care. It was well-known as an important educational centre even in the 4th century A.D and an epigraph of a Kadamba king (of ancient Karnataka) records that his ancestors, a scholar named Mayura Sharman, along with his teacher Vira Sharman came to this institution from faraway Goa. Ghatikas were separate from temples and therefore the statement 3 is not correct.

56. Consider the following statements
         1. The International solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations climate
            Change conference in 2015
         2. The alliance include all the member countries of the United Nations
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.    1 only
b.    2 only
c.    Both 1 & 2
d.    Neither 1, nor 2
Ans. a. The International solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations climate Change conference in 2015, at the instance of Indian PM, Shri. Narendra Modi. The members are the sunshine countries, comprising all major countries which come either completely or partly between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricon. He has coined a term for them as "suryaputra," or "sons of the sun". The alliance is also called International Agency for Solar Policy and Application (IASPA)     

57. “European stability mechanism” sometimes seen in the news, is an
          a. Agency created by the EU to deal with the impact of millions of refugees  
              arriving from the Middle East
          b. Agency of EU that provides financial assistance to Eurozone countries
          c. Agency of EU to deal with all the bilateral and multilateral agreements on trade
          d. Agency of EU to deal with the conflicts arising among the member countries

58. Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantageous of practising drip irrigation?
        1. Reduction in weed
        2. Reduction in soil salinity
        3. Reduction in soil erosion
Select the correct answer using the code given below
a.    1 and 2 only
b.    3 only
c.    1 and 3 only
d.    none of the above is an advantage of practising drip irrigation
Ans.c.  The drip irrigation, as against flood irrigation, makes the water available only to the plant and therefore the weeds grown otherwise in flood irrigation get reduced. Since the water is delivered by way of drops at the base of the plant, there is no run-off of water and hence, no soil erosion. But, the drip irrigation has no role whatsoever in either reducing or increasing soil salinity. 

59. Regarding “Digilocker”, sometimes seen in news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
        1. It is a digital locker system offered by government under Digital India
            Programme
        2. It allows you to access your e-documents irrespective of your physical location
Select the answer using the code given below
a.    1 only
b.    2 only
c.    Both 1 & 2
d.    Neither 1, nor 2
Ans. c. DigiLocker is one of the key initiatives under the Digital India Programme. Digi-Locker is a "digital locker" service launched by the GOI in February 2015 to provide a secure dedicated personal electronic space for storing the documents of resident Indian citizens. The storage space of 1GB is linked to the Unique Identification Authority of India/ Aadhaar number of the user. The space can be utilized for storing personal documents like University certificates, PAN cards, voter ID cards, etc., and the URIs/ Uniform Resource Identifier of the e-documents issued by various issuer departments. There is also an associated facility for e-signing documents.           

60. Recently, linking of which of the following rivers was undertaken?
          a. Cauvery and Tungabhadra
          b. Godavari and Krishna
          c. Mahanadi and Sone
          d. Narmada and Tapti

61. In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of air quality index?
         1. Carbon dioxide
         2. Carbon monoxide
         3. Nitrogen dioxide
         4. Sulphur dioxide
         5. Methane
Select the answer using the code given below
a.    1, 2 and 3 only
b.    2, 3 and 4 only
c.    1, 4 and 5 only
d.    1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

62. With reference to “Astrosat”, the astronomical Observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
        1. Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar
            Observatory into space
        2. Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of
            the earth
Select the answer using the code given below
a.    1 only
b.    2 only
c.    Both 1 & 2
d.    Neither 1, nor 2
Ans. d. Astrosat is India's first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory, launched on a PSLV-XL on 28 September 2015 for detailed understanding of our universe. It is designed to observe the universe in the Visible, Ultraviolet, low and high energy X-ray regions of the electromagnetic spectrum simultaneously with the help of its five payloads. The ASTROSAT spacecraft has a launch mass of 1650 multi wavelength space observatory including 868 kg of payload mass. Other space agencies have wavelength space observatory. Astrostat is not the first of its kind, but certainly the best all-rounder in the world currently.        

63. With reference to the economic history of Medieval India, the term “Araghatta” refers to
        a. Bonded labour
        b. Land grants made to military officers
        c. Waterwheel used in the irrigation of land
        d. Waste land converted to cultivated land

64. With reference to the cultural history of India, the managing of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales by the profession of who of the following?
       a. Shramana
       b. Parivraajaka
       c. Agrahaarika
       d. Maagadha

65. Recently, for the 1st time in our country, which of the following states has declared butterfly as “State butterfly”?
       a. Arunachal  Pradesh
       b. Himachal Pradesh
       c. Karnataka
       d. Maharashtra
Ans. d. Maharashtra has become the first State in the country to have a 'State butterfly.' The BJP-led government has declared the Blue Mormon (Papilio polymnestor) as the State butterfly. The decision was taken at a meeting of the State Wildlife Board in Mumbai on Monday.

66. Consider the following statements
        The Mangalyan launched by ISRO
1.    it is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
2.    made India the 2nd country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
3.    made India the only country to have successful in making it spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very 1st attempt
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.    1 only
b.    2 and 3 only
c.    1 and 3 only 
d.    1, 2 and 3
Ans. c. ISRO is the fourth space agency to reach Mars, after the Soviet space program, NASA, and the European Space Agency.

67. What was the main reason for the split in the Indian National Congress at Surat in 1907?
     a. Introduction of communalism into Indian politics by Lord Minto
     b. Extremists lack of faith in the capacity of the moderates to negotiate with
         the British Government
     c. Foundation of Muslim League
     d. Aurobindo Ghosh’s inability to be elected as the President of Indian National 
         Congress

68. The plan of Sir Stafford Cripps envisaged that after Second World War
        a. Indian should be granted complete independence
     b. Indian should be partitioned into 2 before granting independence
     c. Indian should be made a republic with the condition that she will join the
        Commonwealth
     d. Indian should be given dominion status

69. Consider the following pairs

Famous place
Region
1
Bodhgaya
Baghelkhand
2
Khajuraho
Bundelkhand
3
Shirdi
Vidharba
4
Nasik
Malwa
5
Tirupati
Rayalaseema
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
a.    1, 2 and 4
b.    2, 3, 4and 5
c.    2 and 5 only
d.    1, 3 4 and 5

70. The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate on any item in the State list in the national interest with a resolution to that effect is passed by the
       a. Lok Sabha by a simple majority of its total membership
       b. Lok Sabha by a majority of not less than two thirds of its total membership
       c. Rajya Sabha by a simple majority of its total membership
       d. Rajya Sabha by a majority of not less than two thirds of its members
           present and voting

71. Recently, which of the following states had explored the possibility of constructing an artificially inland port to be connected to see by a long navigation channel?
         a. Andhra Pradesh
         b. Chhattisgarh
         c. Karnataka
         d. Rajasthan
Ans. d. The Rajasthan government is exploring ways to develop an artificial inland port in Jalore by bringing in Arabian Sea water into Rajasthan through Gujarat. The navigation channel would be at least 300 metre wide and about 25 metre deep. It would start from the tip of Lakhpat at Kori Creek in Arabian Sea, run through the Rann of Kutch and join Sanchore, 135 km from district headquarters of Jalore. Geological studies suggested that there are no solid rocks and it is largely a marshy land. The cost for the study is estimated to be Rs 1.19 crore. If implemented, the canal would open another way for transportation to landlocked Rajasthan and open up opportunities in the Thar Desert region.

72. With reference to the agreement at the UNFCCC meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct?
        1. The agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go
            into effect in 2017
        2. The agreement aims to limit greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in
            average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2°C or
            even 1.5°C above preindustrial levels
       3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global
           warming and committed to donate $ 1000 billion a year from 2020 12 developing
           countries to cope with climate change
Select the answer using the code given below
a.    1 and 3 only
b.    2 only
c.    2 and 3 only
d.    1, 2 and 3

73. Consider the following statements
         1. The sustainable development goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global 
              think tank called “club of Rome”
         2. The sustainable development goals have to be achieved by 2030
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a.    1 only
b.    2 only
c.    Both 1 & 2
d.    Neither 1, nor 2
Ans. b. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), officially known as transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are an intergovernmental set of aspiration Goals with 169 targets. The Goals are contained in paragraph 54 United Nations Resolution A/RES/70/1 of 25 September 2015. The history of the SDGs can be traced to 1972 when governments met under the auspices of the United Nations Human and Environment Conference, to consider the rights of the human family to a healthy and productive environment, and not the Club of Rome which is a global think tank that deals with a variety of international political issues. The stated objectives of the club are “to act as a global catalyst for change through the identification and analysis of the crucial problems facing humanity.
74. A recent movie titled The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the biography of
        a. S. Ramanujan
        b. S. Chandrasekhar
        c. S.N. Bose
        d. C.V. Raman

75. Consider the following statements
        1. The minimum age prescribed for any person to be member of panchayat is 25
             Years
        2. A panchayat reconstituted after premature dissolution continues only for the
            remainder period
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a.    1 only
b.    2 only
c.    Both 1 & 2
d.    Neither 1, nor 2
Ans. b. The contestant shall be registered voter in the relevant Panchayat and shall not be aged less than 21 years. The age limit of 25 years is set for contesting Lok Sabha and State assemblies.

76. Which of the following statements is/are correct?
         1. A bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its prorogation
         2. A bill pending in the Rajya Sabha which has not been passed by the Lok Sabha
             shall not lapse on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a.    1 only
b.    2 only
c.    Both 1 & 2
d.    Neither 1, nor 2
Ans. b. Only pending motions lapse on prorogation of            LS, but not the pending bills. Since, RS is a permanent chamber and the bill has not been touched by LS, it will survive, disregarding the dissolution of LS. 

77. Which of the following is/are the indicator/indicators used by IFPRI to compute the global hunger index report?
         1. Undernourishment
         2. Child stunting
         3. Child mortality
Select the answer using the code given below
a.    1 and 3 only
b.    2 and 3 only
c.    1, 2 and 3
d.    1 and 3 only

78. There has been a persistent deficit budget year after year. Which action/actions of the following can be taken by the government to reduce the deficit?
          1. Reducing revenue expenditure
          2. Introducing new welfare schemes
          3. Rationalising subsidies
          4. Reducing import duty
Select the answer using the code given below
a.    1 only
b.    2 and 3 only
c.    1 and 3 only
d.    1, 2, 3 and  4
Ans. c. In order the reduce the deficit, the Government can either reduce the expenditure/cut down the schemes or rationalize the subsidies or increase the taxes. Reducing the revenue expenditure and rationalizing subsidies are cost cutting measures and hence reduce the deficits. Introducing new welfare schemes, increases the deficit and reducing taxes of import duty, will cut down the government revenue and therefore raise the deficits further.  

79. The establishment of “payment banks” is being allowed in India to promote financial inclusion. Which of the following statements is/are correct in this context?
        1. Mobile telephone companies and supermarket chains that are owned and
            Controlled by residents are eligible to be promoters of payment banks
        2. Payment banks can issue both credit and debit cards
        3. Payment banks cannot undertake lending activities
Select the answer using the code given below
a.    1 and 2 only
b.    1 and 3 only
c.    2 only
d.    1, 2 and 3
Ans.b. Payment banks are differentiated banks meant for specific purpose. They can issue only debit cards but not credit cards. They can accept deposits but they can’t lend.

80. With reference to Li-fi, recently in the news which of the following statements is/are correct?
         1. It uses light as a medium for high-speed data transmission
         2. It is wireless technology and the several times faster than Wi-Fi
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a.    1 only
b.    2 only
c.    Both 1 & 2
d.    Neither 1, nor 2

81. The term “Intended Nationally Determined Contributions” is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
        a. Pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refuges from the war
           affected Middle East
        b. Plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate
            Change
        c. Capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of Asian 
            Infrastructure Investment bank
        d. Plan of action outlined by the countries of the World regarding sustainable
            Development goals
82. Which of the following is a purpose of “UDAY”, a scheme of the government?
        a. Providing technical and financial assistance to start-up entrepreneurs in the field
            of renewable sources of energy
        b. Providing electricity to the every household in the country by 2018
        c. Replacing the coal-based power plants with a natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind
           and tidal power plants over a period of time
        d. Providing for financial turnaround and revival of power distribution  
            companies

83. With reference to “IFC Masala Bonds”, sometimes seen in the news which of the following statements is/are correct?
        1. The International Finance Corporation, which offers these bonds is an arm of the
            World Bank.
        2. There are rupee denominated bonds and are a source of debt financing per
            Public and private sector
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a.    1only
b.    2 only
c.    Both 1 & 2
d.    Neither 1, nor 2

84. Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva, the ruler of Vijayanagar, consider the following statements
       1. The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land
       2. Private owners of workshops paid and industries tax
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.    1only
b.    2 only
c.    Both 1 & 2
d.    Neither 1, nor 2
Ans. c. Land revenue was the chief source of income. Land was divided into four categories for purposes of assessment, wet land, dry land, orchards and Land revenue could be paid in cash or kind @ one sixth of the produce. The rates varied according to the type of the crops, soil, method of irrigation, etc. Besides land tax, many professional taxes were also imposed. There were on shopkeepers, farm servants, workmen, posters, shoemakers, musicians, prostitutes etc. There was also a tax on property. Grazing and house taxes were also imposed. Commercial taxes consisted of levies, duties and customs on manufactured articles of trade were also levied. Private owners of workshops paid an industries tax.

85. Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the founder of Sunga dynasty?
          a. Swapnavasavadatta
          b. Malavikagnimitra
          c. Meghadoota
          d. Ratnavali
Ans. b. The “malavikagnimitram” is the first paly written by Kalidasa and it is  based on some events of the reign of Pushyamitra Shunga. It is a love story of Agnimitra, the Shunga Emperer of Vidhisa and Malavika, hand-maiden of his chief queen. When the queen discovers her husband's passion for this girl, she becomes infuriated and has Mālavikā imprisoned, but as fate would have it, in the end she is discovered to be of royal birth and is accepted as one of his queens. The play contains an account of the Rajasuya sacrifice performed by Pushyamitra Shunga and an elaborate exposition of a theory on music and acting. “Swapnavasavadatta” was a play written by Bhasa. The theme of the drama is drawn from the romantic narratives about the Vatsa king Udayana and Vasavadatta, the daughter of Pradyota, the ruler of Avanti, which were current in the poet's time and which seem to have captivated popular imagination.  The megadooth was written by Kalidasa and Ratnavali by Harsha.

86. In the context of which of the following do you sometimes find the terms ‘amber box’, blue box and the green box in the news?
         a. WTO affairs
         b. SAARC affairs
         c. UNFCCC affairs
         d. India-EU negotiations on FTA

87. Which of the following is/are included in the capital budget of the government of India?
        1. Expenditure on acquisition of assets like roads, buildings, machinery etc.
        2. Loans received from foreign governments
        3. Loans and advances granted to the states and union territories
Select the answer using the code given below
a.    1 only
b.    2 and 3 only
c.    1 and 3 only
d.    1, 2 and 3
Ans. d. All three are items of capital account.

88. What is/are the importance/ importances of the United Nations Convention to combat desertification?
        1. It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programs and
            supportive international partnerships
        2. It had a special/particular focus on South Asia and North Africa regions, and its
         Secretariat facilitates the allocation of major portion of financial resources to these
          Regions
       3. It is committed to bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local
          People in combating desertification
Select the answer using the code given below
a.    1 only
b.    2 and 3 only
c.    1 and 3 only
d.    1, 2 and 3
Ans. c. The convention aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive international partnerships. It is committed to a bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in combating desertification and land degradation.

89. Recently, which one of the following currencies has been proposed to be added to the basket of IMF’s SDR?
         a. Rouble
         b. Rand                                                                           
         c. Indian rupee
         d. Renminbi
Ans.d. It is another term for Yuan. Renminbi is the system of currency of the People's Republic of China, introduced in 1948.
90. With reference to the International monetary and financial committee (IMFC), consider the following statements
      1. IMFC discusses matters of concern affecting global economy, and advice the
          International monetary fund on the direction of its work
      2. The World bank participates as an observer in IMFC’s meetings
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.    1only
b.    2 only
c.    Both 1 & 2
d.    Neither 1, nor 2

91. “Rashtriya Garima Abhiyan” is a national campaign to
        a. Rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable   
            sources of livelihood
        b. Release the sex workers from their practice and provide them it alternative
            sources of livelihood
        c. Eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual
            scavengers
        d. Release the bonded labourers from their bondage and rehabilitate them

92. With reference to the cultural history of mideval India, consider the following statements
          1. Siddhars (Sittars) of the Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned
              Idolatry
          2. Lingayats Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the
              Caste hierarchy
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.    1only
b.    2 only
c.    Both 1 & 2
d.    Neither 1, nor 2

93. Which of the following best describes the of term ‘import cover’, sometimes seen in the news?
        a. It is the ratio of value of imports to the grass domestic product of a country
        b. It is a total value of imports of a country in a year
        c. It is the ratio between the value of exports and that of imports between 2
            Countries
        d. It is the number of months of imports that could be paid for by a country’s    
            International reserves
Ans. d. As the name suggests, the “import cover” refers the quantum of imports can be paid by using amounts from international reserves.

94. Consider the following pairs

Community sometimes mentioned in the news
In the affairs of
1
Kurds
Bangladesh
2
Madhesi
Nepal
3
Rohingya
Myanmar
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
a.    1 and 2 only
b.    2 only
c.    2 and 3
d.    3 only
Ans.c. Kurds inhabit a mountainous region straddling the borders of Turkey, Iraq, Syria, Iran and Armenia. They make up the fourth-largest ethnic group in the Middle East. Madhesis, are people of Indian origin in Nepal, mostly living in terai region. Rohginya Muslims are a minority in Buddhist dominated Myanmar.  

95. With reference to “Organisation for Prohibition of chemical weapons (OPCW)”, consider the following statements
        1. It is an organization of European Union in working relation with NATO and WHO
        2. It monitors chemical industry to prevent new weapons from emerging
        3. It provides assistance and protection to states/parties against chemical weapon
            Threats
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.    1only
b.    2 and 3 only
c.    1 and 3 only 
d.    1, 2 and 3
Ans.c. The IMFC advises and reports to the IMF Board of Governors on the supervision and management of the international monetary and financial system, including on responses to unfolding events that may disrupt the system. It also considers proposals by the Executive Board to amend the Articles of Agreement and advises on any other matters that may be referred to it by the Board of Governors. Although the IMFC has no formal decision-making powers, in practice, it has become a key instrument for providing strategic direction to the work and policies of the Fund.

96. With reference to “Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana”, consider the following statements
         1. Under this scheme, farmers will have to pay a uniform premium of 2% per any
             crop they cultivate in any season of the year
         2. The scheme covers post-harvest losses arising out of cyclones and the
             Unseasonal rains
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.    1only
b.    2 only
c.    Both 1 & 2
d.    Neither 1, nor 2

97. In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the great Indian hornbill in its natural habitat?
         a. Sand deserts of North-West India
         b. Higher Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir
         c. Salt marshes of western Gujarat
         d. Western Ghats

98. Which of the following are the key features of “national Ganga river basin authority” (NGRBA)?
        1. River basin is the unit of planning and management
        2. It spearheads the River conservation of forests at national level
        3. One of the chief ministers of the states through which the Ganga flows becomes
            the chairman of NGRBA on rotation basis
Select the answer using the code given below
a.    1 and 2 only
b.    2 and 3 only
c.    1 and 3 only
d.    1, 2 and 3
99. Why does the government of India promote the use of “neem coated urea” in agriculture?
      a. Release of neem oil in the soil increases nitrogen fixation by the soil
          microorganisms
      b. Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil
      c. Nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas, is not at all released into atmosphere
          by crop fields
      d. It is a combination of weedicide and a fertilizer for particular crops

100. Consider the following statements
         1. The Chief Secretary in a state is appointed by Governor of that State
         2. The Chief Secretary in a state has a fixed tenure
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.    1only
b.    2 only
c.    Both 1 & 2
d.    Neither 1, nor 2
Ans. The Chief Secretary is head of secretariat and he/she is appointed by the CM and there is no fixed tenure in the said position.
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