UPSC Preparation

Which one of the following is not a feature of Indian federalism? (a) There is an independent judiciary in India. (b) Powers have been clearly divided between the Centre and the States. (c) The federating units have been given unequal representation in the Rajya Sabha. (d) It is the result of an agreement among the federating units. Solution:  (d) It is the result of an agreement among the federating units. The phrase ‘Union of States’ has been preferred to ‘Federation of States’ for two reasons: one, the Indian Federation is not the result of an agreement among the states like the American Federation; and two, the states have no right to secede from the federation. The federation is an Union because it is indestructible. The country is an integral whole and divided into different states only for the convenience of administration. India is a indestructible union of destructible states.

Out of the following statements, choose the one that brings out the principle underlying the Cabinet form of Government: (a) An arrangement for minimizing the criticism against the Government whose responsibilities are complex and hard to carry out to the satisfaction of all. (b) A mechanism for speeding up the activities of the Government whose responsibilities are increasing day by day. (c) A mechanism of parliamentary democracy for ensuring collective responsibility of the Government to the people. (d) A device for strengthening the hands of the head of the Government whose hold over the people is in a state of decline. Solution:  (c) A mechanism of parliamentary democracy for ensuring collective responsibility of the Government to the people. Cabinet form of Government means parlimentary form of government. Cabinet form of Government does not mean Cabinet.

Which of the following is geographically closest to Great Nicobar ? (a) Sumatra (b) Borneo (c) Java (d) Sri Lanka Solution:  (a) Sumatra

97) Which of the following are envisaged by the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India? Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour Abolition of untouchability Protection of the interests of minorities Prohibition of employment of children in factories and mines Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 4 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Solution: (c) 1 and 4 only Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour comes under Right  against Exploitation . Abolition of untouchability comes under Right to Equality Protection of the interests of minorities   comes under Right to  freedom of Religion Prohibition of employment of children in factories and mines  comes under Right  against  Exploitation . Protection of the interests of minorities comes under Cultural and Educational Rights    comes under Cultural and Educational Rights

96) Which of the following are not necessarily the consequences of the proclamation of the President’s rule in a State? Dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly Removal of the Council of Ministers in the State Dissolution of the local bodies Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Solution:  (b) 1 and 3 only When the President’s Rule is imposed in a state, the President dismisses the state council of ministers headed by the chief minister. The President can either suspend or dissolve the Legislative assembly, so 1 is not necessarily the consequence of proclamation.

Recently there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to which one of the following sites ? (a) Corbett National Park (b) Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary (c) Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (d) Sariska National Park Solution:  (b) Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary

94) Consider the following statements : Tax revenue as a percent of GDP of India has steadily increased in the last decade. Fiscal deficit as a percent of GDP of India has steadily increased in the last decade. 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) Neither 1 nor 2

93) With reference to Indian freedom struggle, consider the following events : Mutiny in Royal Indian Navy Quit India Movement launched Second Round Table Conference What is the correct chronological sequence of the above events ? (a) 1-2-3 (b) 2-1-3 (c) 3-2-1 (d) 3-1-2 Solution: (c) 3-2-1: Second Round Conference happened in 1931, Quit India Movement in 1942 and Mutiny in Royal Indian Navy in 1946.

In India, Judicial Review implies (a) the power of the Judiciary to pronounce upon the constitutionality of laws and executive orders. (b) the power of the Judiciary to question the wisdom of the laws enacted by the Legislatures. (c) the power of the Judiciary to review all the legislative enactments before they are assented to by the President. (d) the power of the Judiciary to review its own judgements given earlier in similar or different cases. Solution: (a) the power of the Judiciary to pronounce upon the constitutionality of laws and executive orders. Judicial Review refers to the power of the judiciary to interpret the constitution and to declare any such law or order of the legislature and executive void, if it finds them in conflict the Constitution of India. It is provided for explicitly in Article 13 and implicitly in Article 32.

In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply ? (a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger. (b) It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and now it is impossible to prevent its extinction. (c) It is endemic to a particular region of India. (d) Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context. Solution: (a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger. Schedule I animals under the Wildlife Act enjoy the highest protection in India. Since tiger is also covered in Schedule I, option A is correct. www.envfor.nic.in/legis/wildlife/wildlife2s1.pdf

90) Consider the following statements : The Election Commission of India is a five-member body. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 3 only Solution: (d) 3 only Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties. Presently Election Commission is a three member body, one CEC and two other ECs. Statement 2:  ECI decides this schedule. Statement 3:  Splits, mergers and alliances have frequently disrupted the compositions of political parties. This has led to a number of disputes over which section of a divided party gets to keep the party symbol, and how to classify the resulting parties in terms of national and state parties. The Election Commission has t

What is the aim of the programme `Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’? (a) Achieving 100% literacy by promoting collaboration between voluntary organizations and government’s education system and local communities. (b) Connecting institutions of higher education with local communities to address development challenges through appropriate technologies. (c) Strengthening India’s scientific research institutions in order to make India a scientific and technological power. (d) Developing human capital by allocating special funds for health care and education of rural and urban poor, and organizing skill development programmes and vocational training for them. Solution:  (b) Connecting institutions of higher education with local communities to address development challenges through appropriate technologies. MHRD has launched a programme called Unnat Bharat Abhiyan with an aim to connect institutions of higher education, including Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (

88) What is the purpose of Vidyanjali Yojana’? To enable the famous foreign educational institutions to open their campuses in India. To increase the quality of education provided in government schools by taking help from the private sector and the community. To encourage voluntary monetary contributions from private individuals and organizations so as to improve the infrastructure facilities for primary and secondary schools. Select the correct answer using the code given below : (a) 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only Solution:  (a) 2 only Vidyanjali is a school volunteer programme and an initiative of the Ministry of Human Resource Development of India to boost community and private sector participation in government schools, launched by Smriti Irani. Under the programme, volunteers, including NRIs, retired teachers, government officials, defence personnel, professionals will offer their services for co-scholastic activities for children from class I to VIII. It is the project launch

What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)’ project? (a) To detect neutrinos (b) To detect gravitational waves (c) To detect the effectiveness of missile defence system (d) To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems Solution:  (b) To detect gravitational waves eLISA’s primary objective is the detection and examination of gravitational waves emitted by the super-massive black holes that reside in the centres of many galaxies. In addition, eLISA will measure the signals of thousands of compact binary star systems in the Milky Way. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_Interferometer_Space_Antenna

Right to vote and to be elected in India is a (a) Fundamental Right (b) Natural Right (c) Constitutional Right (d) Legal Right Solution: (d) Legal Right There is dispute whether the answer should be C or D. Case for Option C: Logically the answer seems to be C because Article 326 of constitution grants adult suffrage which implies the right to vote. Moreover, a democratic constitution loses its essence if it does not provide for a right to vote as a constitutional right. It is true that Representation of People’s Act also provides for a Right to Vote, but they may be considered qualifications (conditions) on the Right to Vote already granted by the constitution in A326. An analogy can be Child Labour Act or Bonded labour prohibition Act where these fundamental rights are separately enforced by law. So, the case for Option C looks strong. Case for  Option D: But, the Supreme Court is the final interpreter of the constitution and its view will prevail notwithstanding all arguments. The S

85) In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents? Service providers Data centres Body corporate Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Solution: (d) 1, 2 and 3 The CERT Rules also impose an obligation on service providers, intermediaries, data centres and body corporates to report cyber incidents within a reasonable time so that CERT-In may have scope for timely action.

What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India? (a) India’s trade with African countries will enormously increase. (b) India’s relations with oil-producing Arab countries will be strengthened. (c) India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. (d) Pakistan will facilitate and protect the installation of a gas pipeline between Iraq and India. Solution: (c) India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. The port will make way for India to bypass Pakistan in transporting goods to Afghanistan using a sea-land route. At present, Pakistan does not allow India to transport through its territory to Afghanistan.

83) Consider the following statements: India has ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) of WTO. TFA is a part of WTO’s Bali Ministerial Package of 2013. TFA came into force in January 2016. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Solution: (a) 1 and 2 only India has ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) of WTO.  It came in force in February 2017.

‘Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA)’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of negotiations held between India and (a) European Union (b) Gulf Cooperation Council (c) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (d) Shanghai Cooperation Organization Solution: (a) European Union https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India–European_Union_relations#History

81) What is/are the most likely advantages of implementing ‘Goods and Services Tax (GST)’? It will replace multiple taxes collected by multiple authorities and will thus create a single market in India. It will drastically reduce the ‘Current Account Deficit’ of India and will enable it to increase its foreign exchange reserves. It will enormously increase the growth and size of economy of India and will enable it to overtake China in the near future. 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 The aim of GST is to  replace multiple taxes collected by multiple authorities and  create a single market in India. It may reduce the fiscal deficit in the long-run and may place CAD favourably due to better foreign investment climate owing to an improved tax structure. But, the word ‘drastically’ is extreme and so the statement is incorrect.

The term ‘M-STrIPES’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of (a) Captive breeding of Wild Fauna (b) Maintenance of Tiger Reserves (c) Indigenous Satellite Navigation System (d) Security of National Highways Solution:  (b) Maintenance of Tiger Reserves The android-based monitoring software M-STrIPES will be used across all the Tiger Reserves of the country.

79) Consider the following statements: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) helps in promoting  financial inclusion in the country. NPCI has launched RuPay, a card payment scheme. 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:  (c) Both 1 and 2 NPCI is an umbrella organization for all retail payments system in India. Thus, an important objective of NPCI is to facilitate an affordable payment mechanism to benefit the common man across the country and help financial inclusion. Rupay is a domestic card payment network that provides an alternative to international card schemes. It was introduced by NPCI. http://www.npci.org.in/aboutus.aspx

What is the application of  Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Technology? (a) Production of biolarvicides (b) Manufacture of biodegradable plastics (c) Reproductive cloning of animals (d) Production of organisms free of diseases Solution: (c) Reproductive cloning of animals Justification: Somatic cell cloning is a technique in which the nucleus (DNA) of a somatic cell is transferred for the generation of a new individual, genetically identical to the somatic cell donor. https://www.sciencedaily.com/terms/somatic_cell_nuclear_transfer.htm

77) Which of the following has/have occurred in India after its liberalization of economic policies in 1991? Share of agriculture in GDP increased enormously. Share of India’s exports in world trade increased. FDI inflows increased. India’s foreign exchange reserves increased enormously. Select the correct answer using the codes given below : (a) 1 and 4 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Solution:  (b) 2, 3 and 4 only   Share of agriculture in GDP  has reduced post-1991. Statement 2, 3 and 4: These happened on account of liberalization of the current as well capital account.  Due to globalization exports have picked up due to increased completion and productivity. Also, FDI inflows have increased due to liberalization. From the time when India could have defaulted BoP in 1991, we have reached a situation today where forex reserves are over $350 billion!

In the election for Lok Sabha or State Assembly, the winning candidate must get at least 50 percent of the votes polled, to be declared elected. According to the provisions laid down in the Constitution of India, in Lok Sabha, the Speaker’s post goes to the majority party and the Deputy Speaker’s to the Opposition. 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) Neither 1 nor 2 India follows the First past the post system, where majority of votes is sufficient to get elected, even if it is less than 50% of the total votes polled. Speaker and Deputy speaker are elected by the house. This is a convention (not constitutional provision) that usually Speaker’s post goes to the majority party and the Deputy Speaker’s to the Opposition.

75) Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples? Arasavalli Amarakantak Omkareshwar 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 Arasavalli Sun Temple is a 7th-century AD Sun Temple at Arasavalli in Andhra Pradesh.  Arasavalli is an outgrowth of Srikakulam municipality in Srikakulam district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located in Srikakulam mandal of Srikakulam revenue division.  Amarkantak is a pilgrim town and a Nagar Panchayat in Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Amarkantak region is a unique natural heritage area and is the meeting point of the Vindhya and the Satpura Ranges, with the Maikal Hills being the fulcrum. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amarkantak\ Omkareshwar is a temple dedicated to God Shiva. Omkareshwar is a Hindu temple dedicated to God Shiva. It is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. It is on an island called Mandhata or Shivapuri in

74) Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) are used to create digital display in many devices. What are the advantages of OLED displays over Liquid Crystal displays? OLED displays can be fabricated on flexible plastic substrates. Roll-up displays embedded in clothing can be made using OLEDs. Transparent displays are possible using OLEDs. Select the correct answer using the code given below (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None of the above statements is correct Solution: (c) 1, 2 and 3 A major advantage of OLED over LCD is that it is lightweight and has flexible plastic substrates. OLED displays can be fabricated on flexible plastic substrates, leading to the possible fabrication of flexible organic light-emitting diodes for other new applications, such as roll-up displays embedded in fabrics or clothing. If a substrate like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can be used, the displays may be produced inexpensively. Furthermore, plastic substrates are shatter-resistant, unlik

Consider the following pairs: Commonly used / consumed materials and Unwanted or controversial chemicals likely to be found in them Lipstick                                 Lead Soft drinks                             Brominated vegetable oils Chinese fast food               Monosodium glutamate Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Solution: (d) 1, 2 and 3

Consider the following statements: The nation-wide ‘Soil Health Card Scheme’ aims at expanding the cultivable area under irrigation. enabling the banks to assess the quantum of loans to be granted to farmers on the basis of soil quality. checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Solution: ( b) 3 only Soil Health card (SHC) aims to checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands. It is a printed report card issued to farmers in once in three years indicating the status of his soil in terms of 12 parameters. It is also accompanied by an advice on the various fertilizers and other soil amendments he is suppose to make. So, only 3 is correct. Statement 2: This can be an outcome of the scheme and complement it, but it is not an aim or a central feature of the scheme. http://www.arthapedia.in/index.php?title=Soil_Health_Card_(SHC)

71. Which of the following practices can help in water conservation in agriculture? ‎ ‎ 1. Reduced or zero tillage of the land ‎ ‎ 2. Applying gypsum before irrigating the field ‎ ‎ 3. Allowing crop residue to remain in the field ‎ 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 Solution:  ‎ (d) 1, 2 and 3 Reduced or Zero tillage of land,  Applying gypsum before irrigating the field  ‎ and  Allowing crop residue to remain in the field help in  ‎ water conservation in agriculture Tillage is the agricultural preparation of soil by mechanical agitation of various types, such as digging, stirring, and overturning. No-till farming (also called zero tillage or direct drilling) is a way of growing crops or pasture from year to year without disturbing the soil through tillage. Zero tillage helps in soil moisture conservation. Statement 2: An infiltration problem often occurs in farms if the irrigation water doe

          Traditions                                     Communities Chaliha Sahib Festival     —            Sindhis Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra       —            Gonds Wari-Warkari                   —            Santhals Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched ? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) None of the above Solution: (a) 1 only Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra is a festival of Gharwali and kumauoni people in Uttarakhand. Wari Warkari or Varkari (Pandharpur Wari) is a Maharashtrian festival celebrated by Marathas.

The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at (a) Ajanta (b) Badami (c) Bagh (d)  Ellora Solution:  (a) Ajanta  painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous

68) Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region. 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) 2 only IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region. The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, commonly known as IONS, are a series of biennial meetings among the littoral states of the Indian Ocean region. It provides a forum to increase maritime security cooperation, providing a forum for discussion of regional maritime issues and promote friendly relationships among the member nations https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Ocean_Naval_Symposium

If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the following is the best place to visit? (a) Bhitarkanika Mangroves (b) Chambal River (c) Pulicat Lake (d) Deepor Beel Solution: (b) Chambal River http://www.wwfindia.org/indian_gharial.cfm Gharials can be naturally found in National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary. The gharial is one of three crocodilians native to India, the other two being the mugger crocodile and the saltwater crocodile. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mugger_crocodile#Distribution_and_habitat https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saltwater_crocodile#Distribution_and_habitat

66) With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)’ sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting Indian monsoon, which of the following statements is/are correct? IOD phenomenon is characterised by a difference in sea surface temperature between tropical Western Indian Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean. An IOD phenomenon can influence an El Nino’s impact on the monsoon. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Solution:  (b) 2 only Statement 1:  The IOD, also known as the Indian Niño, is an irregular oscillation of sea-surface temperatures in which the western Indian Ocean becomes alternately warmer and then colder than the eastern part of the Indian ocean (not tropical eastern pacific ocean). Statement 2:   IOD has a much more significant effect on the rainfall patterns in south-east Australia than the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the Pacific Ocean as shown in several recent studies. http://www

65) Consider the following statements: Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group of countries. The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons. 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:  (b) 2 only Statement 1:  The Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (CCAC) was launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and six countries—Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Mexico, Sweden, and the United States—in 2012. Statement 2:  The Coalition’s initial focus is on methane, black carbon, and HFCs. So correct. http://www.ccacoalition.org/en/content/about-us

Which of the following statements best describes the term ‘Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets (S4A)’, recently seen in the news? (a) It is a procedure for considering ecological costs of developmental schemes formulated by the Government. (b) It is a scheme of RBI for reworking the financial structure of big corporate entities facing genuine difficulties. (c) It is a disinvestment plan of the Government regarding Central Public Sector Undertakings. (d) It is an important provision in ‘The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code’ recently implemented by the Government. Solution:  (b) It is a scheme of RBI for reworking the financial structure of big corporate entities facing genuine difficulties. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued guidelines called Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets (S4A) as an optional framework to manage bad loans. Under this scheme, large ticket loans are restructured by separating a sustainable loan from an unsustainable loan. Th

63) Consider the following in respect of ‘National Career Service’: National Career Service is an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India. National Career Service has been launched in a Mission Mode to improve the employment opportunities to uneducated youth of the country. 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) 2 only Statement 1: It is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Labor and Employment. Statement 2: It is a National ICT based portal developed primarily to connect the opportunities with the aspirations of youth. This portal facilitates registration of job seekers, job providers, skill providers, career counsellors, etc. http://www.labour.nic.in/national-career-servicencs

In the context of Indian history, the principle of `Dyarchy (diarchy)’ refers to (a) Division of the central legislature into two houses. (b) Introduction of double government i.e., Central and State governments. (c) Having two sets of rulers; one in London and another in Delhi. (d) Division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories. Solution:  (d) Division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories. Subjects were divided into Reserved subjects and Transferred subjects.

61) With reference to ‘National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)’, which of the statements given below is/are correct? Under NSQF, a learner can acquire the certification for competency only through formal learning. An outcome expected from the implementation of NSQF is the mobility between vocational and general education. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Solution: (b) 2 only The National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) is a competency-based framework that organizes all qualifications according to a series of levels of knowledge, skills and aptitude. These levels, graded from one to ten, are defined in terms of learning outcomes which the learner must possess regardless of whether they are obtained through formal, non-formal or informal learning. Mobility between vocational and general education by alignment of degrees with NSQF Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), allowing transition from non-

60) With reference to the role of UN-Habitat in the United Nations programme working towards a better urban future, which of the statements is/are correct? UN-Habitat has been mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities to provide adequate shelter for all. Its partners are either governments or local urban authorities only. UN-Habitat contributes to the overall objective of the United Nations system to reduce poverty and to promote access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 only Solution:  (b) 1 and 3 only

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for (a) Measuring oxygen levels in blood (b) Computing oxygen levels in forest ecosystems (c) Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystems (d) Assessing oxygen levels in high altitude regions Solution:  (c) Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystems Biochemical Oxygen Demand or Biological Oxygen Demand, is a measurement of the amount of dissolved oxygen (DO) that is used by aerobic microorganisms when decomposing organic matter in water. It is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed (i.e., demanded) by aerobic biological organisms to break down organic material present in a given water sample at certain temperature over a specific time period. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biochemical_oxygen_demand

In India, the Himalayas are spread over five States only. Western Ghats are spread over five States only. Pulicat Lake is spread over two States only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 and 3 only Solution:  (b) 3 only Statement 1: Himalayas are spread over almost all the Northern and north-eastern Indian states. Statement 1 is wrong. Statement 2: Western Ghats traverse the States of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat (6 states). Statement 3: Pulicat Lake (second largest brackish water lake in India)straddles the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu states (2 states).

For election to the Lok Sabha, a nomination paper can be filed by (a) anyone residing in India. (b) a resident of the constituency from which the election is to be contested. (c) any citizen of India whose name appears in the electoral roll of a constituency. (d) any citizen of India. Solution: (c) any citizen of India whose name appears in the electoral roll of a constituency.

The Global Infrastructure Facility is a/an (a) ASEAN initiative to upgrade infrastructure in Asia and financed by credit from the Asian Development Bank. (b) World Bank collaboration that facilitates the preparation and structuring of complex infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to enable mobilization of private sector and institutional investor capital. (c) Collaboration among the major banks of the world working with the OECD and focused on expanding the set of infrastructure projects that have the potential   to mobilize private investment. (d) UNCTAD funded initiative that seeks to finance and facilitate infrastructure development in the world. Solution:  (b) World Bank collaboration that facilitates the preparation and structuring of complex infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to enable mobilization of private sector and institutional investor capital. http://www.globalinfrafacility.org/what-is-the-gif

55) With reference to ‘National Investment and Infrastructure Fund’, which of the following statements is/are correct? It is an organ of NITI Aayog. It has a corpus of Rs. 4, 00,000 crore at present. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Solution:  (d) Neither 1 nor 2 NIIF Ltd is a fund manager that seeks to create long-term value for domestic and international investors seeking investment in India infrastructure. http://arthapedia.in/index.php%3Ftitle%3DNational_Investment_and_Infrastructure_Fund_(NIIF)

54) Mediterranean Sea has a border of which of the following countries? Jordan Iraq Lebanon Syria Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 3 and 4 only Solution:  (c) 3 and 4 only Mediterranean Sea has a border with Lebanon and Syria https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mediterranean_Relief.jpg

53) With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary, but existed forever in a latent form. 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: (b) 2 only Sautrantika and Sammitiya  are sects of Buddhism not Jainism Statement 2:  While, like all Buddhists, the Sarvastivadins consider everything empirical to be impermanent, they maintain that the dharma factors are eternally existing realities. The dharmas are thought to function momentarily, producing the empirical phenomena of the world, which is illusory, but to exist outside the empirical world.

52) With reference to ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’, which of the following statements is/are correct? It is an initiative of the European Union. It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets. It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). 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 Solution:  (a) 1 and 2 only Statement 1: The GCCA was established by the European Union (EU) in 2007 to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with developing countries, in particular least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing States (SIDS). Statement 2: By fostering effective dialogue and cooperation on climate change, the Alliance helps to ensure that poor developing countries most vulnerable to climate change increase their capacities to adapt to t

(a) Kakinada (b) Motupalli (c) Machilipatnam (Masulipatnam) (d) Nelluru Solution: (b) Motupalli

50) The Parliament of India exercises control over the functions of the Council of Ministers through Adjournment motion Question hour Supplementary questions 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:  (d) 1, 2 and 3   Matters of urgent importance can be raised in Adjournment motion.   MPs hold the executive accountable by asking questions, and supplementary questions.

If you travel by road from Kohima to Kottayam, what is the minimum number of States within India through which you can travel, including the origin and the destination? (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 8 (d) 9 Solution:  (b) 7 Need to cross Nagaland (origin), Assam, WB, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and then through either Tamilnadu to Kerala (Kottayam), or through AP to Karnataka to Kerala: 7 states either way.

In the context of India, which one of the following is the correct relationship between Rights and Duties? (a) Rights are correlative with Duties. (b) Rights are personal and hence independent of society and Duties. (c) Rights, not Duties, are important for the advancement of the personality of the citizen. (d) Duties, not Rights, are important for the stability of the State. Solution:  (a) Rights are correlative with Duties. Though rights are correlative with duties Indian constitution has not made a direct link that if you perform your duty only you can enjoy a certain right. however there is a link between them both. some duties are enforced indirectly, For e.g. you can’t enjoy your Right to a clean environment if others do not perform their duty of protecting and conserving the environment.

The mind of the makers of the Constitution of India is reflected in which of the following? (a) The Preamble (b) The Fundamental Rights (c) The Directive Principles of State Policy (d) The Fundamental Duties Solution: (a) The Preamble

Which one of the following objectives is not embodied in the Preamble to the Constitution of India? (a) Liberty of thought (b) Economic liberty (c) Liberty of expression (d) Liberty of belief Solution: (b) Economic liberty Preamble states that “We, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens: JUSTICE, Social, Economic and Political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all; FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation; IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION”. As it can be seen above “LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship” is only provided for not Economic liberty

2) With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct? 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. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron. 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 Justification: Statement 2: The Indus valley people knew the use of copper, bronze, silver and gold but not iron. It was in the invention on iron that allowed the civilization to push deeper into the gangetic delta by clearing the thick vegetation. So, 2 is wrong.   Statement 1: The Ramayana mentions Kshatriyas went to combat on the c