UPSC Preparation

The term ‘Digital Single Market Strategy’ seen in the news refers to (a) ASEAN (b) BRICS (c) EU (d) G20 Solution: C Explanation : The Digital Single Market is part of the Digital Agenda for Europe 2020 program of the EU, an initiative of Europe 2020 proposed strategy. The three said “pillars” of the European Commission strategy are: Access to online products and services Conditions for digital networks and services to grow and thrive Growth of the European digital economy

Consider the following statements: With reference to the Constitution of India, the Directive Principles of State Policy constitute limitations upon legislative function. executive function. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Solution: D The fundamental rights constitute limitations upon state action.  Any  legislative or executive action that infringes on the fundamental rights can be declared as null and void by the courts.  Directive Principles of State Policy are non justiciable in nature. They are enabling features of the constitution and not restrictive on executive and legislative action.  Any individual cannot approach the court of law for their implementation of Directive Principles nor that any action of the government is violative of the  Directive Principles of State Policy.

Local self-government can be best explained as an exercise in (a) Federalism (b) Democratic decentralisation (c) Administrative delegation (d) Direct democracy Solution: B Option B: Decentralization and grass roots empowerment are the core guiding principles of local self-government.  73rd and 74thconstitutional amendment ushered in the era of democratic decentralization in India. Gram Panchayats can sanction sanitation welfare projects on their own. Administrative delegation corresponds to executive delegation for the convenience of administration. Local self-government bodies are political entities that are elected directly (or indirectly) by people and managed by their representatives. Direct democracy involves people's direct involvement in policy and decision  making. Tools such as referendum, initiative, recall are used in direct democracy. 

The Trade Disputes Act of 1929 provided for (a) the participation of workers in the management of industries. (b) arbitrary powers to the management to quell industrial disputes. (c) an intervention by the British Court in the event of a trade dispute. (d) a system of tribunals and a ban on strikes. Solution: D Explanation: Before India's independence ie 1947, The Trade Disputes Act, 1929 was used to settle industrial disputes.  Tribunals: The main object of the 1929 Act was to make provisions for establishment of Courts of Inquiry and Boards of Conciliation. This was carried out with a view to investigate and settle trade disputes. Strikes: The Act prohibited strikes or lock-outs without notice in public utility services; it also made any strike or lock-out illegal which had any object other than the furtherance of a trade dispute within the trade or industry.

In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation technique? It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation. 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 Solution: C Explanation : Bioremediation is a waste management technique which involves the use of naturally occurring organisms to remove or neutralize pollutants from a contaminated site.  By Bioremediation hazardous substances in the environment are broken down into either less toxic or non toxic substances by stimulating growth of microorganisms and degrade the target pollutants. Bio-remediation is a gradual process. H

13) Who among the following was/were associated with the introduction of Ryotwari Settlement in India during the British rule? Lord Cornwallis Alexander Read Thomas Munro Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Solution: C Land revenue used to be collected from each individual cultivator by government agents. This was the principle action in Ryotwari. During British rule, in order to maximize revenue and bypass the intermediates, the British government introduced  Ryotwari Settlement in India . The Ryotwari system was devised and designed in the 18th century by Capt. Alexander Read and Thomas Munro. It was later introduced by Thomas Munro when he was governor (1820–27) of Madras. Zamindari System was introduced by Cornwallis in 1793 through Permanent Settlement Act.   Moreover, ryotwari settlement regime  was introduced in India to overcome the deficiencies of zamindari system. 

12) With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements: It is a song and dance performance. Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance. It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3. (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 only Solution:  (b) 1 and 3 only   “Sankirtana: Ritual singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur” nominated from India is among the 14 elements inscribed on the Representative List of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity Explanation : Sankirtana, as the name suggests is singing, dancing with drums. The people narrate the lives and deeds of Krishna through ritual singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur. So, both 1 and 3 are correct. Not just cymbsls drums are also used in the performance and so statement 2 is incorrect.

11) Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)? It decides the RBI’s benchmark interest rates. It is a 12-member body including the Governor of RBI and is reconstituted every year. It functions under the chairmanship of the Union Finance Minister. Select the correct answer using the code given below : (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 2 and 3 only Solution: A  It was one of the most significant reform in India’s monetary policy framework post independence. Explanation : Statement 1:  Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)  decides the repo rates, CRR, SLR etc. It replaced the earlier system where the RBI governor made the decision.    Statement 2:  It consists of six members (RBI Governor, Deputy  Governor  RBI, One RBI officer and three members nominated by the government), and they hold office for a period of four years. Statement 3:  The Governor of the RBI is the ex-officio Chairperson of  Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) .

10) Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Smart India Hackathon 2017? It is a centrally sponsored scheme for developing every city of our country into Smart Cities in a decade. It is an initiative to identify new digital technology innovations for solving the many problems faced by our country. It is a programme aimed at making all the financial transactions in our country completely digital in a decade. Select the correct answer using the code given below : (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 2 and 3 only Solution: B Explanation: Statement 1 and 3: There are no such provisions. Statement 2: It was a digital product development competition where  teams of thousands of technology students exhibited   'out of the box thinking' and  put forward dgital solutions for various  problems posted by different central govt. ministries/ departments. 

Which of the following gives ‘Global Gender Gap Index’ ranking to the countries of the world? (a) World Economic Forum (b) UN Human Rights Council (c) UN Women (d) World Health Organization Solution: A The Global Gender Gap Report 2017. The Global Gender Gap Index was first introduced by the World Economic Forum in 2006 as a framework for capturing the magnitude of gender-based discrimination.  The Global Gender Gap Report benchmarks 144 countries on their progress towards gender parity across four thematic dimensions Economic Participation and Opportunity,  Educational Attainment,  Health and Survival, and  Political Empowerment

Which principle among the following was added to the Directive Principles of State Policy by the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution? (a) Equal pay for equal work for both men and women (b) Participation of workers in the management of industries (c) Right to work, education and public assistance (d) Securing living wage and human conditions of work to workers Solution: B NEW DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 added four new Directive Principles to  the original list.  They require the State: 1. To secure opportunities for healthy development of children (Article 39). 2. To promote equal justice and to provide free legal aid to the poor (Article  39 A). 3. To take steps to secure the participation of workers in the management of  industries (Article 43 A). 4. To protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wild life (Article 48 A). The 44th Amendment Act of 1978 added one more Directive Principle,  which requires the State to minimise inequalities in

One of the implications of equality in society is the absence of (a) Privileges (b) Restraints (c) Competition (d) Ideology Solution: A Explanation:  Right to  equality  Articles 14 :  Equality before law and equal protection of laws Article 18 : Abolition of titles except military and academic Indian Constitution does not believe in absolute freedom. The constitution has made provision for differentiated equality. Rights as well as freedom has been conceived as a positive concept. Hence the weaker section and vulnerable elements in the society have been protected by special provisions. However these provisions are not in contravention to the philosophy of Right to Equality. Further reading :  Indian Polity

Consider the following statements in respect of Trade Related Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC): 1. TRAFFIC is a bureau under United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). 2. The mission of TRAFFIC is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Solution: B Explanation : Statement 1: TRAFFIC  is a NGO, not a bureau under UNEP. So, 1 is wrong. Statement 2: It is working globally all round the clock. It works on Wildlife trade monitoring network.  It specializes in investigating and analysing wildlife trade trends, patterns, impacts and drives to provide the leading knowledge base on trade in wild animals and plants.

Which one of the following statements is correct? (a) Rights are claims of the State against the citizens. (b) Rights are privileges which are incorporated in the Constitution of a State. (c) Rights are claims of the citizens against the State. (d) Rights are privileges of a few citizens against the many. Solution:  Rights are claims of the citizens against the State. Rights protect the individual from oppression by the state and society. Most of the rights in Indian constitution  are negative in character, i.e prohibiting the state from performing a certain thing. Examples: Right against exploitation, Right against discrimination, etc

The FAO accords the status of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)’ to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative? To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified   GIAHS so as to  greatly enhance their agricultural productivity To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapers, agricultural biodiversity and    knowledge systems of the local communities 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 Solution:(b) 2 only Reasons:  To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapers, agricultural biodiversity and    knowledge systems of the local communities To safeguard and support the world

3. Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to (a) Certifying the skills acquired by construction workers through traditional channels. (b) Enrolling the persons in Universities for distance learning programmes. (c) Reserving some skilled jobs to rural and urban poor in some public sector undertakings. (d) Certifying the skills acquired by trainees under the National Skill Development Programme. Answer : Certifying the skills acquired by construction workers through traditional channels.

2) With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them. 2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron. 3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this animal. 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 Solution: (a) 1 only

1)  With reference to the Parliament of India, consider the following statements: A private member’s bill is a bill presented by a Member of Parliament who is not elected but only nominated by the President of India. Recently, a private member’s bill has been passed in the Parliament of India for the first time in its history. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Solution: D Explanation : Statement 1: Private Member’s Bill is introduced by any member who is not a Minister. Any bill introduced by a Minister is called as a public bill. Statement 2: Approximately 15 private member’s bills have been passed till date.

Is colonial mentality hindering India's success?      The past is inextricably linked with our present and feeds into our future. The importance of history cannot be overstated. It creates a framework and construct which translate into our culture and social practice.     The British colonized India and established a semi-hegemonic, semi-authorization, semi-democratic type of rule. They did not rely solely on force to rule India. Doctrines such as ‘white man’s burden’ civilizing mission, benevolent despotism where used to legitimize their rule. When India was subjugated by British, India was stagnant and retrogressive practices (sati, thugie, untouchably, etc) were rampant. The British capitalized upon these weaknesses in our country and portrayed us as barbaric and uncivilized.     The British systematically spread the image of India as backward society and portrayed themselves as ‘supreme ‘based upon racial supremacy. “History of India” by James Mill structured Indian hi

The aim of totalitarian education has never been to instill convictions but to destroy the capacity to form any.                                                                                   —Hannah Arendt