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.
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.
*****
