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All questions of 2016 for UPSC CSE Exam

‘SWAYAM’, an initative of the Government of India, aims at
  • a)
    Promoting the Self Help Groups in rural areas
  • b)
    Providing financial and technical assistance to young start-up entrepreneurs
  • c)
    Promoting the education and health of adolescent girls
  • d)
    Providing affordable and quality education to the citizens for free
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Rahul Mehta answered
Study Webs of ActiveLearning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM), is a Web portal where Massive Open On-line Courses (MOOCs) will be available on all kinds of subjects. SWAYAM is the Indian electronic e-education platform which proposes to offer courses from the high school stage to Post-Graduate stage in an interactive electronic platform. The IT platform for SWAYAM is going to be built and is expected to be operationalized by 31st March 2016 with a capacity to host nearly 2,000 courses.

India’s ranking in the ‘Ease of Doing Business Index’ is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following has declared that ranking?
  • a)
    Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
  • b)
    World Economic Forum
  • c)
    World Bank
  • d)
    World Trade Organization (WTO)
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Alok Verma answered
World bank's Ease of doing business report, India's position has improved from 142 to 130. This is on account of ease of starting a business, dealing with construction permit and getting electricity permits. Now, companies can get connected to the grid and get on with their business, 14 days sooner than before. The number of days it takes to start a new business has gone up marginally from last year, from 28.4 to 29
Credit is one area where India performs poorly and needs to improve. Access to credit and ease of paying taxes has worsened, according to the World Bank’s Doing Business Report 2016.

Consider the following pairs:
Terms sometimes seen in the news their origin
1. Annex-I Countries: Cartagena Protocol
2. Certified Emissions Reductions: Nagoya Protocol
3. Clean Development Mechanism: Kyoto Protocol
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    3 only
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Hiral Dasgupta answered
The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), created multilaterally under the UNFCCC is one of the mitigation instruments under the Kyoto Protocol.
The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), defined in Article 12 of the Protocol, allows a country with an emission-reduction or emission-limitation commitment under the Kyoto Protocol (Annex B Party) to implement an emissionreduction project in developing countries. Such projects can earn saleable certified emission reduction (CER) credits, each equivalent to one tonne of CO2, which can be counted towards meeting Kyoto targets.
Annex-I countries are parties to Kyoto protocol.

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?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Ankit Kumar answered
(Correct Answer:- A)

12 other Pacific Rim countries have signed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement which covers about 40 per cent of the world economy.
(These 12 countries are: Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Canada, United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Australia and New Zealand).

The agreement, one of the most ambitious Free Trade Agreements ever signed, aims at slashing tariffs on most goods traded between these countries, and the creation, over time, of a unified market like in Europe.

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?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Alok Verma answered
The incumbent to the post of Chief Secretary is chosen by and appointed by the Chief Minister and the Ministers of the State. The trend is that the Chief Minister consults the Union Government regarding the appointment of the Chief Secretary but, this consultation is not obligatory. There is no fixed tenure for the post of Chief Secretary. Administrative reform commission in 1969 had recommended that a Chief secretary should have a minimum tenure of three to four years.

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
  • a)
    1, 2 and 3 only
  • b)
    2, 3 and 4 Only
  • c)
    1, 4 and 5 Only
  • d)
    1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Kritika Roy answered
Calculation of Air Quality Index in Cities

Atmospheric gases that are considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index in cities are as follows:

1. Carbon monoxide
2. Nitrogen dioxide
3. Sulphur dioxide

Explanation:

• Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measure used to report the quality of air in a particular area. It is calculated based on the concentrations of various air pollutants.

• In India, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is responsible for monitoring the ambient air quality of cities and calculating the AQI.

• The CPCB considers eight pollutants for calculating the AQI, namely: PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb.

• Out of these eight pollutants, three are atmospheric gases: carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulphur dioxide (SO2).

• Carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) are also important atmospheric gases, but they are not considered in calculating the AQI.

Therefore, the correct answer to the given question is option B, i.e., 2, 3, and 4 only.

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?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 Only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Vijayanagara rulers followed an oppressive taxation policy. The prosperity of the empire can be explained through their taxation principles in the following lines. They collected variety of taxes ranging on the nature of lands.
The villages were classified into eight types for tax purpose. They were:
1)The brahmadeya villages
2) The devadana villages
3) The mathapura villages
4) The sarvamanya villages
5) The kodagi lands
6) Rakta-kodagal lands
7) Guttagi lands
8) The rest of the villages or lands.
The first four types prevailed prior to the Vijayanagar times. Private owners also paid industries taxes. Merchant guilds were empowered to levy taxes on goods manufactured, sold or transported

Which of the following statements is/are correct? Viruses can infect
1. Bacteria
2. Fungi
3. Plants
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    3 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Neha Joshi answered
Viruses are too small to be seen by the naked eye. They can't multiply on their own, so they have to invade a 'host' cell and take over its machinery in order to be able to make more virus particles.Virus infects all of the given organisms (Bacteria, Fungi and Plant).
Mycoviruses are viruses that infect fungi. The majority of mycoviruses have doublestranded RNA (dsRNA) genomes.
Many different viruses can infect plants. Certain crops are well known to be affected by virus diseases including geraniums, roses, Easter lilies, dahlias, gladiolus, and tulips. The Virus that Infects Bacteria. Coliphage T4 is a virus that looks like an alien landing pod. With its six legs, the bacteriophage attaches to the surface of the much larger bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli). Once attached, the bacteriophage injects DNA into the bacterium.

Satya Shodhak Samaj organized
  • a)
    a movement for upliftment of tribals in Bihar
  • b)
    a temple-entry movement in Gujarat
  • c)
    an anti-caste movement in Maharashtra
  • d)
    A peasant movement in Punjab
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Prerna Rane answered
Overview of Satya Shodhak Samaj
Satya Shodhak Samaj, founded in 1873 by Jyotirao Phule in Maharashtra, is primarily known for its anti-caste movement. Its main objective was to promote social equality and fight against the oppressive caste system prevalent in Indian society.
Key Objectives of Satya Shodhak Samaj
- Social Justice: The organization aimed to uplift the marginalized sections of society, particularly those from lower castes.
- Education: It emphasized the importance of education as a means of empowerment, advocating for the education of women and the oppressed.
- Critique of Caste: The Samaj challenged the prevailing norms of Brahminical supremacy, seeking to dismantle the caste hierarchy that restricted social mobility.
Impact on Society
- Awareness: The movement raised awareness about social injustices and inspired many to question the rigid caste system.
- Community Building: It encouraged the formation of communities among the oppressed, fostering solidarity and collective action.
- Legacy: Satya Shodhak Samaj laid the groundwork for future social reform movements in India, influencing leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Satya Shodhak Samaj's significance lies in its role as an anti-caste movement in Maharashtra, advocating for the rights and upliftment of the oppressed. By challenging the caste system, it contributed significantly to the broader struggle for social justice in India, making option 'C' the correct answer.

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.
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Varun Sharma answered
Capital Budget of the Government of India

The capital budget of the Government of India includes expenditures and receipts related to long-term investment projects and capital assets. It focuses on the acquisition of assets like roads, buildings, machinery, etc., as well as loans received from foreign governments and loans and advances granted to the States and Union Territories. Let's discuss each of these components in detail:

1. Expenditure on acquisition of assets like roads, buildings, machinery, etc:
- The capital budget includes expenses incurred by the government for the acquisition of physical assets such as infrastructure, buildings, machinery, equipment, etc.
- These expenditures are typically of a long-term nature and contribute to the development and expansion of the country's infrastructure.
- Examples of such expenditure include the construction of new roads, bridges, airports, railways, hospitals, schools, and other public infrastructure projects.

2. Loans received from foreign governments:
- The Government of India may also raise capital by obtaining loans from foreign governments.
- These loans are utilized for various development projects and initiatives.
- They provide additional funds to supplement the domestic resources available for investment in infrastructure and other sectors.
- The loans are typically repaid over a specified period of time, along with interest.

3. Loans and advances granted to the States and Union Territories:
- The capital budget also includes loans and advances granted by the central government to the States and Union Territories.
- These loans are provided to support the development activities undertaken by the States and Union Territories.
- The funds are utilized by the respective governments for infrastructure development, social welfare programs, education, healthcare, etc.
- The repayment of these loans is typically governed by agreed-upon terms and conditions.

Conclusion:
In summary, the capital budget of the Government of India includes expenditures on the acquisition of assets like roads, buildings, machinery, etc., loans received from foreign governments, and loans and advances granted to the States and Union Territories. These components play a crucial role in promoting economic development, improving infrastructure, and supporting the growth of the country.

Consider the following statements:
1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the ‘Club of Rome’.
2. The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030.
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
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Statement 1 is not correct: The ‘Club of Rome’ is a global think tank is a global think tank which in its 1972 book “Limits to Growth” talked about sustainability; however they didn't propose Sustainable Development Goals. As per the resolution of UN General Assembly in September, 2015 the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been adopted by 193 member nations.
Statement 2 is correct: These developmental schemes are mostly addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which are targeted to be achieved by 2030.

In the context of which of the following do you sometimes find the terms ‘amber box, blue box and green box’ in the news? 
  • a)
    WTO affairs
  • b)
    SAARC affairs
  • c)
    UNFCCC affairs
  • d)
    India-EU negotiations on FTA
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Ghosh answered
Firstly, the terms 'amber box, blue box, and green box' are often found in the news in the context of WTO affairs.

World Trade Organization (WTO) Affairs:
The WTO is an international organization that deals with the global rules of trade between nations. It provides a framework for negotiating trade agreements and resolving disputes between member countries. The terms 'amber box, blue box, and green box' are related to the classification of domestic support measures for agriculture in the WTO agreements.

Amber Box:
- The amber box refers to domestic support measures that are considered to distort trade and production. These measures include price supports, input subsidies, and other forms of support that have the potential to distort agricultural markets.
- Countries are required to limit the amount of support provided under the amber box category to avoid distorting trade.

Blue Box:
- The blue box refers to domestic support measures that are considered to have a minimal trade-distorting effect. These measures include certain types of payments that are tied to production limits or constraints.
- These measures are allowed under certain conditions in the WTO agreements.

Green Box:
- The green box refers to domestic support measures that are considered to have no or minimal trade-distorting effects and are therefore allowed without any limits.
- These measures include government payments that are not tied to production levels, as well as certain types of environmental and rural development programs.
In conclusion, the terms 'amber box, blue box, and green box' are important concepts in the WTO agreements, particularly in the context of domestic support measures for agriculture. Understanding these classifications is crucial for countries to comply with their WTO obligations and ensure fair trade practices in the global agricultural sector.

‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to
  • a)
    Immunization of children and pregnant women
  • b)
    Construction of smart cities across the country
  • c)
    India’ own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space
  • d)
    New Educational policy
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Nilesh Patel answered
Mission Indradhanush: It was launched by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on 25th Dec 2014. The objective is to ensure that all children under the age of two years as well as pregnant women are fully immunized with seven vaccine preventable diseases. By 2020, provide vaccination to all children who are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated against:
Diptheria,
Pertussis (Whooping cough) Tetanus,
Tuberculosis,
Polio,
Measles and
Hepatitis B.
The aim is to reach atleast 90% vaccination. At present the immunisation is around 65%.

What is ‘Greenhouse Gas Protocol?
  • a)
    It is an international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify and manage greenhouse gas emissions
  • b)
    It is an initiative of the United Nations to offer financial incentives to developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adopt eco-friendly technologies
  • c)
    It is an inter-governments agreement ratified by all the member countries of the United Nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to specified levels by the year 2022
  • d)
    It is one of the multilateral REDD-initiatives hosted by the World Bank
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepak Verma answered
Greenhouse Gas Protocol:
- Definition:
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol is an international accounting tool developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). It is designed to help government and business leaders understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions.
- Purpose:
The main purpose of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol is to provide a standardized framework for organizations to measure and report their greenhouse gas emissions. By using this tool, businesses can identify opportunities to reduce emissions, set targets for emission reductions, and track progress over time.
- Scope:
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol covers three scopes of emissions:
- Scope 1: Direct emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the organization (e.g., emissions from fuel combustion).
- Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, heat, or steam.
- Scope 3: Indirect emissions that occur in the organization's value chain (e.g., emissions from transportation or waste disposal).
- Benefits:
By using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, organizations can gain a better understanding of their carbon footprint, which can lead to cost savings, improved efficiency, and enhanced reputation. It also helps businesses comply with regulations, respond to stakeholder demands, and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
- Global Impact:
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol has been widely adopted by businesses, governments, and organizations around the world as a leading standard for greenhouse gas accounting. It helps to promote transparency, consistency, and credibility in reporting emissions data, which is essential for tackling climate change on a global scale.

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 orbits the Mars in its very first attempt.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Avantika Bose answered
The correct answer is option 'C' - 1 and 3 only.

Explanation:
1. The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission:
This statement is correct. The Mangalyaan, launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 2013, is indeed also known as the Mars Orbiter Mission. It was India's first interplanetary mission and aimed to study Mars' surface features, morphology, mineralogy, and atmosphere.

2. Made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after the USA:
This statement is incorrect. While the Mangalyaan successfully reached the Mars orbit, it did not make India the second country to do so. In fact, the Mangalyaan made India the fourth country to reach Mars' orbit, after the United States, the Soviet Union, and the European Space Agency. However, it is worth noting that the Mangalyaan was the first successful Mars mission by any country in its first attempt, which leads us to the next statement.

3. Made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt:
This statement is correct. The Mangalyaan's successful insertion into Mars' orbit on its first attempt made India the first and only country to achieve this feat. This is a significant achievement, as many previous Mars missions by other countries had experienced failures or required multiple attempts to successfully enter Mars' orbit.

In conclusion, out of the given statements, statement 1 and statement 3 are correct. The Mangalyaan is also known as the Mars Orbiter Mission, and India became the only country to successfully put a spacecraft into Mars' orbit in its first attempt.

Community sometimes mentioned in the news in the affairs of
1. Kurd : Bangladesh
2. Madhesi : Nepal
3. Rohingya : Myanmar
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
  • a)
    1 and 2
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    2 and 3
  • d)
    3 only
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Alok Verma answered
The Madhesi also referred to as Teraibasi Nepali are an indigenous ethnic group of Nepalese people who are natives of the Madhesh plains of Southern Nepal in Terai belt of South Asia.
Between 25 and 35 million Kurds inhabit a mountainous region straddling the borders of Turkey, Iraq, Syria, Iran and Armenia. They make up the fourth-largest ethnic group in the Middle East, but they have never obtained a permanent nation state.
The Rohingya are an ethnic Muslim minority in the majority Buddhist Myanmar. Many of their enemies refuse to acknowledge that the Rohingya are an ethnically distinct group. They claim instead that the Rohingya are Bengali and that their presence in Myanmar is the result of illegal immigration (more on that later). The Rohingya, for their part, claim to be pre-colonial residents of Myanmar’s Rakhine state, the Middle East Institute explains, with the earliest known appearance of the term Rohingya in 1799

What is/are unique about ‘Kharai camel’ a breed found in India?
1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometers in seawater.
2. It survives by grazing on mangrows.
3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated.
Selected 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
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Diya Singh answered
The Kharai camel grazes on mangroves and is tolerant to saline water. It is found only in Gujarat’s coastal areas. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometers into the sea in search of mangroves. 3rd statement is incorrect. It can be domesticed. Given the breed’s ability to survive both on land and sea, the Kharai camel is one of the most preferred choices of graziers in the arid coastal region of Kachchh. People consume its milk, while male calves are sold for economic returns.

Recently, which one of the following currencies has been proposed to be added to the basket of IMF’s SDR?
  • a)
    Rouble
  • b)
    Rand
  • c)
    Indian Rupee
  • d)
    Renminbi
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund decided to include the Chinese currency, the renminbi (yuan), into its basket of currencies that make up the IMF’s Special Drawing Right (SDR). The decision was taken during the IMF’s five-yearly review of the basket of currencies.
SDRs are artificial currency created to augment international liquidity. It is neither a currency nor a claim on IMF rather it supplements the existing reserves of member countries of IMF. To be included as SDR a currency must be freely usable, widely used and widely traded. U.S. dollar, the euro, British pound and the Japanese yen form the SDR basket. IMF has decided to include Yuan in the SDR basket with effect from October 1, 2016. The respective weights of the U.S. dollar, euro, Chinese renminbi, Japanese yen, and pound sterling are 41.73 percent, 30.93 percent, 10.92 percent, 8.33 percent.

Which one of the following is a purpose of ‘UDAY’, a scheme of the Government?
  • a)
    Providing technical and financial assistance to start-up entrepreneurs in the field or renewable source of energy.
  • b)
    Providing electricity to every household in the country by 2018
  • c)
    Replacing the coal-based power plants with natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind and tidal power plants over a period of time.
  • d)
    Providing for financial turnaround and revival of power distribution companies
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Disha Desai answered
The Union Cabinet had given its approval to a new scheme moved by the Ministry of Power - Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojna or UDAY. UDAY provides for the financial turnaround and revival of Power Distribution companies (DISCOMs), and importantly also ensures a sustainable permanent solution to the problem. Under UDAY, state governments will take over 75 per cent of the debt held by their discoms as of September 30, 2015. Half the debt will be taken over in 2015-16 and 25 per cent in 2016-17. The balance 25 per cent of the debt is to be serviced through state government-guaranteed bonds issued by the discoms.

In the context of the developments in bioinformatics, the term ‘transcriptome’, sometimes seen in the news, refer to
  • a)
    A range of enzymes used in genome editing
  • b)
    the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism
  • c)
    the description of the mechanism of gene expression
  • d)
    A mechanism of genetic mutation taking place in cells
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Shounak Malik answered
The human genome is made up of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), along, winding molecule that contains the instructions needed to build and maintain cells. These instructions are spelled out in the form of 'base pairs of four different chemicals, organised into 20,000 to 25,000 genes.  For instructions to be carried out, DNA must be 'read' and transcribed in other words, copied - into RNA (ribonucleic acid). These gene readouts are called transcripts, and a transcriptome is a collection of all the gene readouts present in a cell. A transcriptome is the full range of messenger RNA, or mRNA, molecules expressed by an organism. The term 'transcriptome' can also be used to describe the array of mRNA transcripts produced in a particular cell or tissue type. In contrast with the genome, which is characterised by its stability, transcriptome actively changes. In fact, an organism's transcriptome varies depending on many factors, including stage of development and environmental conditions.

With reference to the economic history of medieval India the term ‘Araghatta’ refers to
  • a)
    bonded labour
  • b)
    Land grants made to military officers
  • c)
    Waterwheel used in the irrigation of land
  • d)
    Wasteland converted to cultivated land
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Anjali Kumar answered
The 'ara-ghatta' originates from the blend of the words "ara" which means talked and "ghatta" which means pot. There is confirmation to contend that this arrangement of lifting water from open wells was presumably designed in the India of the past.

Consider the following statements:
1. The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015.
2. The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

India and France have launched an International Solar Alliance to boost solar energy in developing countries.
The initiative was launched at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris. It will be a common platform for cooperation among solar resource rich countries lying fully or practically between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.
It will not duplicate or replicate the efforts that others (like International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP), International Energy Agency (IEA), Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21), United Nations bodies, bilateral organizations etc.) are currently engaged in, but will establish networks and develop synergies with them.

What is/are common to the two historical places known as 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.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    1 and 3 only
  • c)
    3 only 
  • d)
    None of the statements given above is correct
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Kavya Dey answered
The Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra, a World Heritage Site, are 30 rock-cut cave Buddhist temples carved into the sheer vertical side of a gorge near a waterfall-fed pool located in the hills of the Sahyadri mountains. Guntapalle is a rock-cut cave site near Eluru. The other important site where rock-cut stupas have been excavated is Anakapalle near Vishakhapatanam.
The Pallavas were one of the ancient South Indian dynasties that were active in the Andhra region from the second century CE onwards and moved south to settle in Tamil Nadu. Their early buildings, it is generally assumed, were rockcut, while the later ones were structural. The tradition of rock-cut cave continued in the Deccan and they are found not only in Maharashtra but also in Karnataka, mainly at Badami and Aihole, executed under the patronage of the Chalukyas; in Andhra Pradesh in the area of Vijayawada; and in Tamil Nadu, mainly at Mahabalipuram, under the patronage of the Pallavas.

With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment.
3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    2 only
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Rounak Kapoor answered
Explanation:

The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Mahayana sect of Buddhism, not Hinayana. Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect. The correct statements are:

2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment.
This statement is correct. Bodhisattva is a being who is motivated by great compassion and seeks to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.

3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it.
This statement is also correct. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation until all sentient beings have been liberated from suffering.

Therefore, the correct answer is option B - 2 and 3 only.

Why does the Government of India promote the use of ‘Neem-coated Urea’ in agriculture?
  • a)
    Release of Neem oil in the soil increases nitrogen fixation by the soil microorganisms
  • b)
    Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil
  • c)
    Nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas, is not at all released into atmosphere by crop fields
  • d)
    It is a combination of a weedicide and a fertilizer for particular crops​
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Anjali Tiwari answered
Urea is an important supplier of nitrogen, which is necessary for the development of plants. But only 30-40 per cent of nitrogen present in the urea is utilised by crops. The rest gets degraded.
When ordinary urea is applied, it gets converted to ammonium carbamate. Some of this gets converted to ammonia gas in what is called ammonia volatilisation.
About 8-10 per cent nitrogen is lost during volatilization. The rest of the ammonium carbamate undergoes chemical transformation and nitrates are formed. Some of these are absorbed by the plants. The rest are either leached into the underground water or are denitrified to gaseous nitrogen and nitrous oxide under anaerobic conditions (absence of oxygen). Neem has properties that check nitrogen loss at each stage. It slows down the process of nitrate formation and hence excess nitrate is not available for denitrification.
When farmers use this urea, the slow release of nitrogen helps the fertility of the soil. Therefore, there will be more yield to the extent of 15-20%. Also, the higher usage of neem-coated urea would check diversion of urea for industrial use. Neem coated urea also works as insecticide.

Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of Sunga dynasty?
  • a)
    Swapnavasavadatta
  • b)
    Malavikagnimitra
  • c)
    Meghadoota
  • d)
    Ratnavali
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Prerna Sharma answered
Kalidasa is the most distinguished dramatist and his treatment of the rasa of love in all its possible manifestations in the three plays Malavikagnimitra (Malavika and Agnimitra), Vikramorvasiya (Vikram and Urvasi) and Abhigyana Shakuntala (the recognition of Shakuntala) is unparalleled. He is the poet of love and beauty, and believes in the affirmation of life, the joy of which lies in pure, sacred and ever-widening love

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?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Ruchi Mehta answered
The minimum age for contesting elections to panchayats is 21 years.
In case of dissolution of Panchayats before expiry of its term, it is mandatory to hold elections within 6 months of its dissolution. Every Panchayat shall continue for full term of 5 years. However, a Panchayat reconstituted after premature dissolution shall continue for only the reminder of the period. If the period is less than 6 months then it is not mandatory to held the elections.

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
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 Only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Ashutosh Saha answered
ASTROSAT is India’s first dedicated multi wavelength space observatory. ASTROSAT will observe universe in the optical, Ultraviolet, low and high energy X-ray regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. India’s observatory will be the fourth in space, after the Hubble(USA), Russia’s Spektr R and Suzaku of Japan.
ASTROSAT with a lift-off mass of about 1513 kg was launched into a 650 km orbit inclined at an angle of 6 deg to the equator by PSLV-C30. ASTROSAT will observe universe in the optical, Ultraviolet, low and high energy X-ray regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, whereas most other scientific satellites are capable of 

With reference to an initiative called ‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is 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
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    3 Only
  • c)
    2 and 3 only
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

The initiative on 'The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity' (TEEB) is an important partner in implementing the CBD programme of work on incentive measures, and in particular its work on valuation. This major international initiative, funded by the European Commission, Germany, United Kingdom, Norway, the Netherlands and Sweden, and managed by the United Nations Environment Programme as part of its Green Economy Initiative (GEI), seeks to draw attention to the global economic benefits of biodiversity, to highlight the growing costs of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation, and to draw together expertise from the fields of science, economics and policy to enable practical actions moving forward.
Members of the TEEB Advisory Board include the Executive Director of UNEP, the Executive Secretary of the CBD and the Director General of IUCN, amongst others.

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:
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    1 and 3 only
  • c)
    2 only
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

In August 2015, Reserve Bank of India granted 'in-principle' approval to 11 applicants to start payments banks. These include Reliance Industries, Airtel M Commerce Services, Tech Mahindra, Vodafone mpesa, Aditya Birla Nuvo, Department of Posts, Cholamandalam Distribution Services, Fino PayTech, PayTm, National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL) and Sun Pharma. They can issue debit cards but not credit cards.FDI of 74% is allowed in these banks.

What is/are the purpose/purposes of Government’s ‘Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme’ and Gold Monetization Scheme?
1. To bring the idle gold lying with India households into the economy
2. To promote FDI in the gold and jewellery sector
3. To reduce India’s dependence on gold imports
Select the correct answer using the code given below
  • a)
    1 Only
  • b)
    2 and 3 Only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Rajdeep Rane answered
The government had launched three ambitious schemes to reduce the physical demand for gold and fish out 20,000 tonnes of the precious metal worth $800 billion lying idle with households. PM launched the maiden sovereign gold bond, gold monetisation and the Indian gold coin scheme. The main objectives of the schemes is to reduce India's gold imports and bring all the gold lying idle with individuals and households.

Belt and road Initiative’ is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of
  • a)
    African Union
  • b)
    Brazil
  • c)
    European union
  • d)
    China
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

It is a developmental strategy and framework, unveiled by Chinese leader Xi Jinping in September and October 2013 in announcements revealing the SREB (Silk Road Economic Belt) and MSR (Maritime Silk Road), respectively.
The “belt and road” run through the continents of Asia, Europe and Africa.
It focuses on connectivity and cooperation among countries primarily in Eurasia, which consists of two main components, the land-based SREB and oceangoing MSR and it is known as “One Belt One Road”(OBOR).
The “belt and road” would be serviced by a network of roads, high-speed railways, fibre-optic lines, transcontinental submarine optical cable projects, and satellite information passageways.

Banjaras during the medieval period of Indian history were generally
  • a)
    Agriculturists
  • b)
    Warriors
  • c)
    Weavers
  • d)
    Traders
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Kaavya Ahuja answered
There were many kinds of traders in medieval period these included the Banjaras .They were the most important trader nomads. Their caravan was called tanda. Sultan Alauddin Khalji used the Banjaras to transport grain to the city markets. Emperor Jahangir wrote in his memoirs that the Banjaras carried grain on their bullocks from different areas and sold it in towns.

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?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Sanaya Basak answered
The New Development Bank (NDB) BRICS group of nations comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa . To begin with, the bank will start operating with $50 billion in initial capital with the five BRICS contributing $10 billion each. According to the pact, the capital of the bank will be divided equally among the five participating nations and initially it will focus on infrastructure projects member countries. The headquarters of the bank will be located in Shanghai, China.
Eminent banker Kundapur Vaman Kamath was appointed as first President New Development Bank (NDB) of BRICS nations.
The Bank shall mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries, complementing the existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development
Unlike the World Bank, which assigns votes based on capital share, in the New Development Bank each participant country will be assigned one vote, and none of the countries will have veto power.

'Project Loon', sometimes seen in the news, is related to
  • a)
    Waste management technology
  • b)
    Wireless communication technology
  • c)
    Solar power production technology
  • d)
    Water conservation technology.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Anshul Singh answered
Project Loon is a research and development project being developed by Google X with the mission of providing Internet access to rural and remote areas. The project uses high-altitude balloons placed in the stratosphere at an altitude of about 18 km (11 mi) to create an aerial wireless network with up to 4G-LTE speeds.
By partnering with Telecommunications companies to share cellular spectrum Google is trying to enable people to connect to the balloon network directly from their phones and other LTE-enabled devices. Microsoft is planning to use unused TV spectrum to provide internet access in remote areas.

‘Gadgil Committee Report’ and ‘Kasturirangan Committee Report’, sometimes seen in the news, are related to
  • a)
    Constitutional reforms
  • b)
    Ganga Action Plan
  • c)
    Linking of rivers
  • d)
    Protection of Western Ghats
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Anoushka Nair answered
The Kasturirangan panel was set up to study the Gadgil committee report on the Western Ghats. The Kasturirangan report seeks to bring just 37% of the Western Ghats under the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) zones — down from the 64% suggested by the Gadgil report.
Recommended prohibition on development and commercial activities like mining, thermal power plants, polluting industries and large housing plans in Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) zones.

In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs:
Term Description
1. Eripatti : Land, revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank
2. Taniyurs : Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins
3. Ghatikas : Colleges generally attached to the temples
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
  • a)
    1 and 2
  • b)
    3 only
  • c)
    2 and 3
  • d)
    1 and 3
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Poulomi Kumar answered
Taniyur, is a large village under Chola administrative division.
Eripatti was a special category of land known in South india. This land was donated by individuals, revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank.
Land grants and generous donations were given to educational institutions like Ghatikas and Mathas. Mathas were residential schools for early education in Pallava kingdoms.

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