Previous Year Questions
UPSC Prelims 2016 — GS Paper I
Consider the following statements:
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.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A bill pending in the Lok Sabha does not lapse on prorogation; it lapses only on dissolution. A bill pending in the Rajya Sabha which has not been passed by the Lok Sabha does not lapse on dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
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 correct answer using the code given below.
The Global Hunger Index by IFPRI uses four indicators: proportion of undernourished in the population, child stunting, child wasting, and child mortality.
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. Rationalizing subsidies
4. Reducing import duty
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Reducing revenue expenditure and rationalizing subsidies help reduce fiscal deficit. Introducing new welfare schemes increases expenditure, and reducing import duty decreases revenue — both worsen the deficit.
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 cards and debit cards.
3. Payment Banks cannot undertake lending activities.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Mobile telephone companies and supermarket chains owned by residents can promote Payment Banks. Payment Banks can issue debit cards but NOT credit cards. They cannot undertake lending activities.
With reference to LiFi, recently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It uses light as the medium for high-speed data transmission.
2. It is a wireless technology and is several times faster than WiFi.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
LiFi (Light Fidelity) uses visible light communication for data transmission. It is wireless and can be significantly faster than WiFi, potentially reaching speeds of over 100 Gbps.
The term Intended Nationally Determined Contributions is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
INDCs refer to climate action plans submitted by countries under the UNFCCC Paris Agreement framework to combat climate change. Each country outlines its post-2020 climate actions.
UDAY, a scheme of the Government of India, is launched to
UDAY (Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana) was launched in November 2015 for the financial turnaround and revival of power distribution companies (DISCOMs).
With reference to IFC Masala Bonds, sometimes seen in the news, which of the statements given below is/are correct?
1. The International Finance Corporation, which offers these bonds, is an arm of the World Bank.
2. They are the rupee-denominated bonds and are a source of debt financing for the public and private sector.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
IFC is a member of the World Bank Group. Masala Bonds are rupee-denominated bonds issued outside India and serve as debt financing instruments for both public and private sectors.
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 an industries tax.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Under Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagar, the tax rate on land was fixed based on the quality of the land and private workshop owners paid an industries tax.
Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of Sunga dynasty?
Malavikagnimitra, written by Kalidasa, tells the love story of Agnimitra (son of Pushyamitra Sunga, the founder of the Sunga dynasty) and Malavika.
In the context of which of the following do you sometimes find the terms Amber Box, Blue Box and Green Box in the news?
Amber Box, Blue Box and Green Box are terms used in WTO agriculture negotiations relating to domestic support and subsidies.
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 correct answer using the code given below.
Capital budget includes all three: capital expenditure on assets, capital receipts like loans from foreign governments, and loans and advances to States and UTs.
With reference to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It has a special/particular focus on South Asia and North Africa region.
2. It is the only legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management.
3. It promotes partnership approach for encouraging cooperation among all levels of government, communities and the private sector.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
UNCCD has a special focus on Africa (not South Asia). It is the only legally binding agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management and promotes partnership approaches.
Recently, which one of the following currencies has been proposed to be added to the basket of IMF SDR (Special Drawing Rights)?
In November 2015, the IMF decided to include the Chinese Renminbi (Yuan) in the SDR basket alongside the US Dollar, Euro, British Pound, and Japanese Yen, effective October 2016.
With reference to the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), consider the following statements:
1. IMFC discusses matters of concern affecting the global economy and advises the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the direction of its work.
2. The World Bank participates as observer in IMFC meetings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
IMFC advises and reports to the IMF Board of Governors on the supervision and management of the international monetary and financial system. The World Bank participates as an observer.
Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan is a national campaign to
Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan is a national campaign to eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate manual scavengers.
With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements:
1. Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry.
2. Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Both statements are correct. The Siddhas of the Tamil region were monotheistic and opposed idolatry. The Lingayats questioned rebirth and rejected caste hierarchy.
The term Import Cover, sometimes seen in the news, refers to
Import cover refers to the number of months of imports that can be financed by a country foreign exchange reserves. It is an indicator of the adequacy of foreign exchange reserves.
Consider the following in respect of Indian economy:
1. Bank rate
2. Open market operations
3. Public debt
4. Public revenue
Which of the above is/are component/components of Monetary Policy?
Bank rate and open market operations are components of monetary policy used by the RBI. Public debt and public revenue are components of fiscal policy, not monetary policy.
With reference to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), consider the following statements:
1. It is an organization of the European Union in working relation with NATO and WHO.
2. It monitors the chemical industry to prevent new weapons from emerging.
3. It provides assistance and protection to States (Parties) against chemical weapons threats.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
OPCW is an independent international organization (not an EU body). It monitors the chemical industry to prevent new weapons and provides assistance and protection to States Parties against chemical weapons threats.
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 cent for any crop they cultivate in any season of the year.
2. This scheme covers post-harvest losses arising out of cyclones and unseasonal rains.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Premium rates vary: Kharif 2%, Rabi 1.5%, and commercial/horticultural crops 5%. The scheme does cover post-harvest losses due to cyclones and unseasonal rains for up to 14 days.
In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the Great Indian Hornbill in its natural habitat?
The Great Indian Hornbill is found in the Western Ghats and the forests of northeast India. It inhabits wet evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.
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 efforts at the 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 correct answer using the code given below.
NGRBA used river basin as the unit of planning and management, and it spearheaded river conservation efforts nationally. The PM was the Chairman, not a rotating Chief Minister.
Why does the Government of India promote the use of Neem-coated Urea in agriculture?
Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil, ensuring that nutrients are available to plants for a longer duration. This improves nitrogen use efficiency.
Consider the following statements:
1. The Chief Secretary in a State is appointed by the Governor of that State.
2. The Chief Secretary in a State has a fixed tenure.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Chief Secretary is effectively chosen by the Chief Minister, though the appointment is formally in the name of the Governor. There is no fixed tenure for the Chief Secretary.
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.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Stand Up India facilitates bank loans between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore to at least one SC/ST borrower and one woman borrower per bank branch. SIDBI provides refinance support.
With reference to the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) initiative of FAO, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The initiative aims at providing modern technology to traditional agricultural systems.
2. It identifies and safeguards eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, biodiversity and knowledge systems.
3. It provides for granting Geographical Indication (GI) status to agricultural produce.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
GIAHS identifies and safeguards eco-friendly traditional farm practices along with their associated landscapes, biodiversity and knowledge systems. It does not provide modern technology or grant GI status.
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.
All three — Dibang, Kameng and Lohit — are tributaries of the Brahmaputra in northeast India.
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 a bank 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 control over commercial banks through computerization.
3. It is a detailed procedure by which a bank with huge non-performing assets is taken over by another bank.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Core Banking Solutions refers to the networking of bank branches which enables customers to operate accounts from any branch, regardless of where the account was opened. CORE stands for Centralized Online Real-time Exchange.
Consider the following pairs:
Term — Protocol
1. Annex-I Countries — Cartagena Protocol
2. Certified Emission Reductions — Nagoya Protocol
3. Clean Development Mechanism — Kyoto Protocol
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Clean Development Mechanism is associated with the Kyoto Protocol. Annex-I Countries is a UNFCCC term (not Cartagena Protocol). Certified Emission Reductions are part of the Kyoto Protocol CDM (not Nagoya Protocol).
The term Transcriptome, sometimes seen in the news, refers to
A transcriptome is the full range of messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules expressed by an organism. It represents the set of all RNA molecules produced in one cell or a population of cells.
Mission Indradhanush launched by the Government of India pertains to
Mission Indradhanush was launched in December 2014 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to achieve full immunization coverage for all children under 2 years and pregnant women.
With reference to the National Mission on Green India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. One of its aims is to pursue green national accounts for India.
2. One of its aims is to launch the second green revolution to enhance agriculture production.
3. One of its aims is to restore and enhance forest cover and respond to climate change.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
The National Mission for a Green India focuses on restoring and enhancing forest cover and responding to climate change. Green national accounts and second green revolution are not its aims.
Which of the following is/are mandatory information on the label of pre-packaged food items in India?
1. List of ingredients including additives
2. Nutrition information
3. Recommendations, if any, made by medical professional
4. Vegetarian/non-vegetarian
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Under FSSAI regulations, pre-packaged food must display list of ingredients, nutrition information, and vegetarian/non-vegetarian mark. Medical recommendations are not mandatory.
Project Loon, sometimes seen in the news, is related to
Project Loon was a research project by Google (Alphabet) that used high-altitude balloons to create an aerial wireless network for extending internet connectivity to rural and remote areas.
Net metering is sometimes seen in the news in the context of promoting the
Net metering is a billing mechanism for solar energy that allows consumers who generate their own electricity from solar power to feed excess electricity back to the grid.
India ranking in the Ease of Doing Business Index is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following has released that ranking?
The Ease of Doing Business Index is published by the World Bank as part of its annual Doing Business report.
Banjaras during the medieval period of Indian history were generally
Banjaras were a community of traders and transporters during the medieval period. They carried goods in caravans using bullocks and were important for long-distance trade.
Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka?
James Prinsep, a British antiquary and colonial administrator, was the first to decipher the Brahmi script in 1837, enabling the reading of Ashokan edicts and inscriptions.
With reference to the Gram Nyayalaya Act, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. As per the Act, Gram Nyayalayas can hear only civil cases and not criminal cases.
2. The Act allows local social activists as mediators/reconciliators.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Gram Nyayalayas can hear both civil and criminal cases (statement 1 is wrong). The Act does allow local social activists as mediators/reconciliators (statement 2 is correct).
With reference to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, consider the following statements:
1. It is an agreement among all 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?
TPP did not include all Pacific Rim countries — notable exclusions include China, Russia, India and several others. It was a comprehensive trade agreement, not limited to maritime security.
Consider the following statements regarding the India-Africa Forum Summit:
1. The summit held in 2015 marked the third edition of IAFS.
2. The IAFS mechanism was instituted under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The India-Africa Forum Summit held in New Delhi in 2015 was the third edition. The IAFS mechanism was started in 2008, not under Nehru in 1951.
With reference to Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR), which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It aims to improve transparency in the methodology followed by banks for determining the interest rates on advances.
2. It aims to ensure availability of bank credit at interest rates which are fair to borrowers as well as banks.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
MCLR was introduced by RBI in 2016 to improve transparency in interest rate setting methodology and to ensure fair interest rates for both borrowers and banks.
Which of the following are unique features of the Kharai camel found in India?
1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater.
2. It grazes on mangroves.
3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Kharai camels of Kutch, Gujarat can swim in seawater and graze on mangroves. However, they are domesticated by the Jat and Rabari communities, so statement 3 is incorrect.
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?
Musa indandamanensis, a new species of banana, was discovered in the Andaman Islands. It grows up to 11 metres and has bright orange-coloured fruit pulp.
Which of the following best describes the term INS Astradharini, recently seen in the news?
INS Astradharini is a torpedo launch and recovery vessel commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2015 for testing torpedoes and underwater weapons.
What is Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10), recently in the news?
Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10) is an electric-powered, 10-engine remotely piloted aircraft tested by NASA that can take off vertically like a helicopter and fly efficiently like an airplane.
With reference to the Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. This initiative aims to demonstrate the improved production and post-harvest technologies, and to demonstrate the value addition techniques, with a cluster approach.
2. Small, marginal and tribal farmers have a larger stake in this scheme.
3. One of the objectives of the initiative is to encourage and assist farmers in shifting to millet cultivation by offering them free kits of critical inputs.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
The initiative demonstrates improved production and post-harvest technologies with a cluster approach and small, marginal and tribal farmers have a larger stake. Free kits were not a stated objective.
The Swadeshi and Boycott were adopted as methods of struggle for the first time during the
Swadeshi and Boycott movements were first adopted during the agitation against the Partition of Bengal in 1905.
With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to the 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?
The Bodhisattva concept is central to Mahayana Buddhism (not Hinayana). A Bodhisattva is a compassionate being on the way to enlightenment who delays their own salvation to help all sentient beings.
Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres), often in the news, is
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is an international non-governmental humanitarian medical organization founded in France in 1971. It won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999.
With reference to an initiative called The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB), which of the following statements 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 drawing attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity.
3. It presents an approach that can help decision-makers recognize, demonstrate and capture the value of ecosystems and biodiversity.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
TEEB is hosted by UNEP (not IMF or WEF). It focuses on drawing attention to economic benefits of biodiversity and helps decision-makers recognize and capture the value of ecosystems.
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 one of the most important trees in the tropical rain forest areas of South India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) is found in parts of South India, particularly in the Seshachalam Hills of Andhra Pradesh. It grows in dry deciduous forests, not tropical rain forests.
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.
UN-REDD+ Programme can contribute to protection of biodiversity, resilience of forest ecosystems, and poverty reduction through sustainable forest management and conservation in developing countries.
What is Greenhouse Gas Protocol?
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol is an international accounting tool that provides standards, guidance, tools and training for business and government to measure and manage greenhouse gas emissions.
With reference to the 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.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
FSDC is headed by the Union Finance Minister and monitors macro-prudential supervision of the economy. It is not an organ of NITI Aayog.
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?
Agenda 21 is a global action plan for sustainable development, adopted at the UN Conference on Environment and Development (Earth Summit) in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, not at the 2002 Johannesburg summit.
The Satya Shodhak Samaj organized
Satya Shodhak Samaj (Truth-Seekers Society) was founded by Jyotirao Phule in 1873 in Maharashtra. It organized an anti-caste movement aimed at the liberation of lower castes.
Viruses can infect
1. Bacteria
2. Fungi
3. Plants
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Viruses can infect all three. Bacteriophages infect bacteria, mycoviruses infect fungi, and numerous plant viruses like TMV infect plants.
The term Base Erosion and Profit Shifting is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) refers to tax planning strategies by multinational enterprises that exploit gaps in tax rules to artificially shift profits to low or no-tax locations. It is an OECD/G20 initiative.
Recently, India first National Investment and Manufacturing Zone was proposed to be set up in
India first National Investment and Manufacturing Zone (NIMZ) was proposed in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh as part of the National Manufacturing Policy.
What is/are the purpose/purposes of District Mineral Foundation in India?
1. Promoting mineral exploration activities in mineral-rich districts
2. Protecting the interests of the persons affected by mining operations
3. Authorizing the State Governments to issue licenses for mineral exploration
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
District Mineral Foundations were established under the Mines and Minerals Act (amended 2015) to work for the interest and benefit of persons affected by mining-related operations.
SWAYAM, an initiative of the Government of India, aims at
SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds) is a MOOC platform launched by the Ministry of Education to provide free quality education to all citizens.
The Montague-Chelmsford Proposals were related to
The Montague-Chelmsford Reforms (1919) were constitutional reforms that introduced dyarchy in provinces and expanded legislative councils. They became the Government of India Act, 1919.
Consider the following pairs:
Famous place — Region
1. Bodhgaya — Baghelkhand
2. Khajuraho — Bundelkhand
3. Shirdi — Vidarbha
4. Nasik (Nashik) — Malwa
5. Tirupati — Rayalaseema
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
Khajuraho is in Bundelkhand (MP) and Tirupati is in Rayalaseema (AP). Bodhgaya is in Magadh (not Baghelkhand), Shirdi is in Ahmednagar (not Vidarbha), Nashik is not in Malwa.
With reference to Bitcoins, sometimes seen in the 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 Bitcoins 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.
Bitcoins are decentralized and not tracked by Central Banks. Anyone with a Bitcoin address can transact with anyone else, and transactions can be pseudonymous.
Consider the following statements:
1. New Development Bank has been set up by APEC.
2. The headquarters of New Development Bank is in Shanghai.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The New Development Bank was set up by BRICS nations (not APEC) in 2014. Its headquarters is in Shanghai, China.
The Gadgil Committee and Kasturirangan Committee Reports, sometimes seen in the news, are related to
Both the Gadgil Committee (2011) and Kasturirangan Committee (2013) reports dealt with the protection and conservation of the Western Ghats, recommending ecologically sensitive zones.
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?
Keshab Chandra Sen established the Tabernacle of New Dispensation (Naba Bidhan) and the Indian Reform Association. The Calcutta Unitarian Committee was associated with Rammohun Roy.
Recently, for the first time in our country, which of the following States has declared a particular butterfly as State Butterfly?
Maharashtra was the first Indian state to declare a State Butterfly — the Blue Mormon (Papilio polymnestor) in 2015.
Global Financial Stability Report is prepared by the
The Global Financial Stability Report (GFSR) is published semi-annually by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
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?
Eripatti was tank land whose revenue maintained the village tank (correct). Ghatikas were colleges attached to temples (correct). Taniyurs were distinct revenue units under the Cholas, not villages donated to Brahmins.
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 the greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2 degrees Celsius or even 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries cope with climate change.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
The Paris Agreement entered into force in 2016, not 2017. The temperature goal of 2C or 1.5C is correct. The financial commitment was $100 billion (not $1000 billion) per year.
With reference to the International Solar Alliance, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015.
2. It includes all the member countries of the United Nations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The International Solar Alliance was launched at COP21 in Paris in November 2015 by India and France. It does not include all UN member countries — it focuses on countries between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.
European Stability Mechanism, sometimes seen in the news, is an
The European Stability Mechanism (ESM) is an intergovernmental organization that provides financial assistance to eurozone member states experiencing or threatened by severe financing problems.
Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of practicing 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.
Drip irrigation reduces weed growth (water is targeted to plant roots, not to surrounding areas) and reduces soil erosion. However, it can increase soil salinity due to salt accumulation near drip emitters.
Regarding DigiLocker, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a digital locker system offered by the Government under the Digital India Programme.
2. It allows you to access your e-documents irrespective of your physical location.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
DigiLocker is a digital document storage facility offered under the Digital India Programme. It allows citizens to access their authentic documents anytime, anywhere.
Recently, linking of which of the following rivers was undertaken?
The Godavari-Krishna river linking was undertaken through the Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme in Andhra Pradesh, initiated in 2015.
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 correct answer using the code given below.
India Air Quality Index considers PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb. Carbon dioxide and methane are not included in AQI calculation.
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 correct answer using the code given below.
Several other countries (Japan, EU) have also launched space observatories. Astrosat weighs about 1515 kg and was placed in a 650 km orbit (not 2000 kg at 1650 km). Both statements are incorrect.
With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term Araghatta refers to
Araghatta refers to a waterwheel or Persian wheel used for irrigation of land in medieval India.
With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of who of the following?
Magadha (also called Suta or Magadha-Suta) were professional bards in ancient India whose role was to memorize and recite chronicles, dynastic histories, and epic tales.
Which of the following is not a member of Gulf Cooperation Council?
The Gulf Cooperation Council consists of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE. Iran is not a member.
What is/are the purpose/purposes of the Government Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme and Gold Monetization Scheme?
1. To bring the idle gold lying with Indian households into the economy
2. To promote FDI in the gold and jewelry sector
3. To reduce India dependence on gold imports
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
The schemes aim to bring idle household gold into the economy and reduce India dependence on gold imports. Promoting FDI in the gold sector is not a stated purpose.
Consider the following statements: The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO
1. is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
2. made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
3. made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Mangalyaan is also called Mars Orbiter Mission. India became the first country to succeed in its maiden attempt to orbit Mars. India was not the second — USA, Russia, and ESA had orbiters before India.
What was the main reason for the split in the Indian National Congress at Surat in 1907?
The Surat Split of 1907 was mainly caused by the Extremists lack of faith in the Moderates capacity to negotiate with the British.
The plan of Sir Stafford Cripps envisaged that after the Second World War
The Cripps Mission (1942) proposed that India would be given Dominion status with the right to secede from the Commonwealth after the war.
The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate on any item in the State List in the national interest if a resolution to that effect is passed by the
Under Article 249, Parliament can legislate on a State List item in national interest if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its members present and voting.
Belt and Road Initiative is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by China in 2013, including the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.
Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana is aimed at
MUDRA Yojana aims to bring small entrepreneurs and micro enterprises into the formal financial system by providing them access to institutional finance.
In which of the following regions of India are shale gas resources found?
1. Cambay Basin
2. Cauvery Basin
3. Krishna-Godavari Basin
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Shale gas resources in India are found in all three basins — Cambay Basin (Gujarat), Cauvery Basin (Tamil Nadu), and Krishna-Godavari Basin (Andhra Pradesh).
Regarding Atal Pension Yojana, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a minimum guaranteed pension scheme mainly targeted at unorganized 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 the subscriber death.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
APY provides a minimum guaranteed pension to unorganized sector workers. After the subscriber death, the same pension is guaranteed to the spouse. More than one family member can join.
The term Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as
RCEP is an ASEAN-centred free trade agreement between the 10 ASEAN member states and their FTA partners (Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand).
On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label?
1. Ceiling fans
2. Electric geysers
3. Tubular fluorescent lamps
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Star Label can be found on all three — ceiling fans, electric geysers, and tubular fluorescent lamps.
Consider the following pairs:
Common features of Ajanta and Mahabalipuram:
1. Both were built in the same period.
2. Both belong to the same religious denomination.
3. Both have rock-cut monuments.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Both Ajanta and Mahabalipuram have rock-cut monuments. They were not built in the same period (Ajanta spans 2nd century BCE to 6th century CE; Mahabalipuram is 7th century CE). Ajanta is Buddhist while Mahabalipuram is Hindu.
Consider the following statements:
1. The minimum age prescribed for any person to be a member of Panchayat is 25 years.
2. A Panchayat reconstituted after premature dissolution continues only for the remainder period.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The minimum age for Panchayat membership is 21 years, not 25 (statement 1 is wrong). A Panchayat reconstituted after premature dissolution continues only for the remainder of the original five-year term (statement 2 is correct).
Consider the following statements about the Sustainable Development Goals:
1. The SDGs were intended to be achieved by 2030.
2. They are not legally binding.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted in 2015 are targeted for achievement by 2030. They are not legally binding — countries are expected to take ownership and establish national frameworks.
The Man Who Knew Infinity is the biography of
The Man Who Knew Infinity is the biography of Srinivasa Ramanujan, the mathematical genius from India, written by Robert Kanigel. A movie based on the book was released in 2015.
Recently, which of the following States has explored the possibility of constructing an artificial inland port to be connected to the sea by a long navigational channel?
Rajasthan explored the possibility of constructing an artificial inland port near Jodhpur to be connected to the Gujarat coast through a long navigational channel to boost trade.
Communities sometimes mentioned in the news:
1. Kurd — Bangladesh
2. Madhesi — Nepal
3. Rohingya — Myanmar
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Madhesi are from Nepal (Terai region) and Rohingya are from Myanmar. Kurds are from Turkey, Iraq, Syria, and Iran — not Bangladesh.
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