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All questions of 2015 to 2011 for UPSC CSE Exam

Turkey is located between__:
  • a)
    Black Sea and Caspian Sea
  • b)
    Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea
  • c)
    Gulf of Suez and Mediterranean Sea
  • d)
    Gulf of Aqaba and Dead Sea
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Meera Singh answered
The correct option is B.
Southwestern Asia (that part west of the Bosporus is included with Europe), bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Georgia, and bordering the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and Syria.

An increase in the bank rate generally indicates that the ? 
  • a)
    Market rate of interest is likely to fall
  • b)
    Central bank is no longer making loans to commercial banks
  • c)
    Central bank is following an easy money policy
  • d)
    Central bank is following a tight money policy
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Ankit Kumar answered
Correct Answer:- D( Central ban is following a tight money policy)

Bank rate is the interest rate of the RBI for long- term lending to its clients. Higher bank rate indicates the RBI following a tight money policy.

Tight monetary policy= when RBI raises the rates to decrease liquidity.

Which one of the following is the process involved in photosynthesis?
  • a)
    Potential energy is released to form free energy
  • b)
    Free energy is converted into potential energy and stored
  • c)
    Food is oxidized to release carbon dioxide and water
  • d)
    Oxygen is taken, and carbon dioxide and water vapour are given out
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Process Involved in Photosynthesis

The correct answer is option B - Free energy is converted into potential energy and stored.

Photosynthesis is a process in which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy in the form of glucose. This process involves several steps, which can be divided into two stages:

1. Light-dependent reactions
2. Light-independent reactions

Light-dependent reactions

These reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts and require light energy to proceed. The energy from light is absorbed by chlorophyll and other pigments, which then transfer the energy to other molecules in the thylakoid membrane. This process generates ATP and NADPH, which are used in the second stage of photosynthesis.

Light-independent reactions

These reactions occur in the stroma of the chloroplasts and do not require light energy to proceed. In this stage, carbon dioxide is fixed into glucose using ATP and NADPH generated in the first stage. This process is also called the Calvin cycle.

The process of photosynthesis can be summarized as follows:

- Light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll and other pigments in the thylakoid membrane.
- This energy is transferred to other molecules in the thylakoid membrane, generating ATP and NADPH.
- Carbon dioxide is fixed into glucose using ATP and NADPH in the stroma of the chloroplasts.

In summary, photosynthesis involves the conversion of light energy into chemical energy, which is stored in the form of glucose. This process is essential for the survival of plants and other organisms that depend on them for food.

Consider the following languages :
1. Gujarati
2. Kannada
3. Telugu
Which of the above has/have been declared as 'Classical Language / Languages' by the Government?
  • 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?

Mira Sharma answered
Tamil was the first Classical Language of India. The government declared Tamil (in 2004), Sanskrit (in 2005). These two languages are undoubtedly parental sources for many languages belonging to the Indo-European family and the Dravidian family of linguistic groups. Later the government declared Kannada and Telugu (in 2008) as classical languages of India.In 2013, Malayalam was also given status of classical language. In 2014, Odiya was also given the status of Classical language.
With this the following six languages are included in the list of Classical Languages:
  1. Tamil (since 2004)
  2. Sanskrit (since 2005)
  3. Telugu (since 2008)
  4. Kannada (Since 2008)
  5. Malayalam (since 2013)
  6. Odiya (since 2014)

The main objective of the 12th Five-Year Plan is __:
  • a)
    inclusive growth and poverty reductions
  • b)
    inclusive and sustainable growth
  • c)
    sustainable and inclusive growth to reduce unemployment
  • d)
    faster, sustainable and more inclusive growth
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Aditya Kumar answered
12th Five Year Plan 2012-17 as per the draft document released by the Planning Commission aims at a growth rate of 8%. This is the revised rate when compared to the initial approach paper. Other targets of the Twelfth Five Year Plan in different sectors are listed below.
Vision of 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17)
Twelfth Five Year Plan focuses on Growth – Growth which is
1. Faster
2. Inclusive
3. Sustainable

Consider the following statements
1. Union Territories are not represented in the Rajya Sabha.
2. It is within the preview of Chief Election commissioner to adjudicate election disputes.
​3. According to the Constitution of India, the Parliament consists of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha only.
Q. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 Only
  • b)
    2 & 3
  • c)
    1 & 3 
  • d)
    None
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Lohit Matani answered
Under the Constitution, the parliament of India consists of three parts
  1. The President
  2. The Council of States (Rajya Sabha)
  3. The House of People (Lok Sabha)
  4. Composition of two houses -> Composition of Rajya Sabha -> 2. Representation of Union Terrirotiries.
  5. .Out of the seven union territories, only two (Delhi and Pondicherry) have representation in Rajya Sabha. The Population of other five union territories are too small to have any representative in Rajya Sabha

Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area?
1. Global warming
2. Fragmentation of habitat
3. Invasion of alien species
4. Promotion of vegetarianism
Q. Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
  • a)
    1,2 & 3
  • b)
    2 & 3 
  • c)
    1 & 4
  • d)
    1, 2 , 3 and 4
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Priya Menon answered
  • Five main threats to biodiversityare commonly recognized in the programmes of work of the Convention: invasive alien species, climate change, nutrient loading and pollution, habitat change, and overexploitation. Unless we successfully mitigate the impacts of these direct drivers of change on biodiversity, they will contribute to the loss of biodiversity components, negatively affect ecosystem integrity and hamper aspirations towards sustainable use.
  • In discussing threats to biodiversityit is important to keep in mind that, behind these direct drivers of biodiversity loss, there are a number of indirect drivers that interact in complex ways to cause human-induced changes in biodiversity. They include demographic, economic, socio-political, cultural, religious, scientific and technological factors, which influence human activities that directly impact on biodiversity.
  • Indicators for trends in nutrient loadingand invasive alien species have been identified under the focal area addressed here, and are described below. Information on habitat change is provided by the indicator trends in extent ofselected biomes, ecosystems Overexploitation is discussed under the focal area on sustainable use While there is no single indicator of the impacts of climate change on biodiversity, a number of indicators, including those on trends in extent of selected biomes, ecosystems and habitats (particularly applied to coral reefs, polar ice and glaciers, and certain types of forests and drylands), abundance and distribution of selected species and incidence of human induced ecosystem failure, can serve to derive trends where specific data are available. Because small, fragmented ecosystems are more affected by changes in temperature and humidity than large contiguous ecosystems with a more balanced micro-climate, trends in connectivity/fragmentation of ecosystems provide an indicator of the vulnerability of ecosystems to climate change.

In the South Atlantic and South Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the reason?
  • a)
    Inter Tropical Convergence Zone seldom occurs 
  • b)
    Sea Surface temperature are low
  • c)
    Coriolis force is too weak
  • d)
    Absence of land in those regions
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Abhishek Menon answered
Tropical cyclones originate and intensify over warm tropical oceans. The conditions favourable for the formation and intensification of tropical storms are: (i) Large sea surface with temperature higher than 27° C; (ii) Presence of the Coriolis force; (iii) Small variations in the vertical wind speed; (iv) A preexisting weak- low-pressure area or low-levelcyclonic circulation; (v) Upper divergence above the sea level system.
The most proximate reasons for the lack of activity in the South Atlantic are sea surface temperatures that tend to run a shade cooler than ideal for tropical cyclone formation even in the southern summer, climatologically high values of vertical wind shear across that basin throughout the year, and a lack of pre-existing centers of rotation (vorticity) in that area.

Consider the following crops :
1. Cotton  
2. Groundnut
3. Rice
4. Wheat
Which of th ese are Kharif crops?  
  • a)
    1 and 4
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1, 2 and 3
  • d)
    2, 3 and 4
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Kharif crop (June to September) eg :- Paddy (rice), maize, groundnut , cotton , soyabean ,bazra etc.
Rabi crop ( October to March) eg :- wheat, gram ,pea , mustard, linseed etc.

A particular State in India has the following characteristics:
1. It is located on the same latitude which passes through northern Rajasthan.
2. It has over 80% of its area under forest cover.
3. Over 12% of forest cover constitutes Protected Area Network in this State.
​Q. Which one among the following States has all the above characteristics?
  • a)
    Arunachal Pradesh
  • b)
    Assam
  • c)
    Himachal Pradesh
  • d)
    Uttarakhand
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Poonam Reddy answered
As per the State of Indian Forests Report 2011, in Arunachal Pradesh, the recorded forest area is 61.55% of its Geographical area. The protected areas here constitute 11.68% area of the state. The total forest cover of Arunachal Pradesh is 68,019 km², which is 81.22% of its area. So the correct answer is Arunachal Pradesh.

What is difference between asteroids and comets?
1. Asteroids are small rocky plane-toids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material.
2. Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and mercury.
​3. Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 and 2 only.
  • b)
    1 and 3 only.
  • c)
    3 only.
  • d)
    1,2 and 3.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Sabith Mankada answered
Short-period comets such as Halley's are perturbed from the so-called Kuiper belt out beyond the orbit of Neptune and pass through the inner solar system once or twice in a human lifetime. Long-period comets come from the Oort Cloud, which rings the outer reaches of the solar system and pass near the sun once every hundreds or thousands of years.. option 1 and 3 are correct

Which of the following kingdoms were associated with the life of Buddha?
1. Avanti
2. Gandhara
3. Kosala
4. Magadha
Select the correct answer using the code given below
  • a)
    1,2 and 3
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1, 3 and 4
  • d)
    3 and 4 only
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Gauri Chavan answered
Buddha traveled to Rajagaha, capital of Magadha, to visit King Bimbisara. During this visit, Sariputta and Maudgalyayana were converted by Assaji, one of the first five disciples. Buddha belonged to Shakya clan whose capital was Kapilavastu, and who were later annexed by the growing Kingdom of Kosala during the Buddha's lifetime 

 Consider the following organisms :
1. Agaricus
2. Nostoc
3. Spirogyra
Which of the above is/are used as biofertilizer/ biofertilizers?
  • a)
    1 and 2
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    2 and 3
  • d)
    3 only
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Mira Sharma answered
Agaricus:  Agaricus is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with possibly over 300 members worldwide.
Nostoc:- Bioinoculants are the microbial preparations that enhance the uptake of nutrients by plants from the soil, increase the avaliability of the nutrients and stimulate plant growth.
There are two types of organisms which are used as inoculants: symbiotic organisms (such as Rhizobium, Synorhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, Nostoc, Anabaena, etc.) and non-symbiotic organisms (such as Azotobacter, Azospirilum, Beijerinckia, etc.)
Spirogyra: Spirogyra is a genus of filamentous green algae of the order Zygnematales, named for the helical or spiral arrangement of the chloroplasts that is diagnostic of the genus. 

Contour Bunding is a method of soil conservation used in ?
  • a)
    Desert margins, liable to strong wind action
  • b)
    Low flat plains, close to stream courses, liable to flooding
  • c)
    Scrublands, liable to spread of weed growth
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Amit Sharma answered
Contour bunding (or contour bundling), involves the placement of lines of stones along the natural rises of a landscape. It helps to capture and hold rainfall before it can become runoff, which reduces soil erosion and retards overall water loss

La Nina is suspected to have caused recent floods in Australia. How is La Nina different from EI Nino?
1. La Nina is characterized by un-usually cold ocean temperature in equatorial Indian ocean whereas EI Nino is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperature in the equatorial pacific ocean.
2. EI Nino has adverse effect on south-west monsoon of India, but La Nina has no effect on monsoon climate.
​Q. 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?

La Niña is a coupled ocean-atmosphere phenomenon that is the counterpart of El Niño as part of the broader El Niño-Southern Oscillation climate pattern. During a period of La Niña, the sea surface temperature across the equatorial Eastern Central Pacific Ocean will be lower than normal by 3–5 °C. In the United States, an episode of La Niña is defined as a period of at least 5 months of La Niña conditions. The name La Niña originates from Spanish, meaning "the girl," analogous to El Niño meaning "the boy."
La Niña, sometimes informally called "anti-El Niño", is the opposite of El Niño, where the latter corresponds instead to a higher sea surface temperature by a deviation of at least 0.5 °C, and its effects are often the reverse of those of El Niño. El Niño is famous due to its potentially catastrophic impact on the weather along both the Chilean, Peruvian and Australian coasts, among others. La Niña is often preceded by a strong El Niño. For India, an El Niño is often a cause for concern because of its adverse impact on the southwest monsoon; this happened in 2009. A La Niña, on the other hand, is often beneficial for the monsoon, especially in the latter half. The La Niña that appeared in the Pacific in 2010 probably helped 2010's south-west monsoon end on a favourable note.

In addition to fingerprint scanning, which of the following can be used in the biometric identification of a person?
1. Iris scanning
2. Retinal scanning
3. Voice recognition
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?

Meera Menon answered
  • A device can also use a person’s eyes for biometric identification. This is called a retinal scan. A retinal scan uses the unique patterns caused by blood vessels in the eye to run a match.
  • Another method that uses the eye for a biometric match is iris scanning. In iris scanning, it is a picture of the eye that is taken, which can then be quickly compared to a previous picture taken and stored in the database.
  • In addition to physiological data, biometric identification can also be done via behavioral methods. When enrolled, a behavioral characteristic, such as a voice, is captured and stored in the device. The voice can then be matched when the person speaks into the device again.

Consider the following statements: Chlorofluorocarbons, known as ozone depleting substances, are used
1. in the production of plastic foams
2. in the production of tubeless tyres
3. in cleaning certain electronic components
​4. as pressurizing agents in aerosol cans
Q. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1,2 and 3 only
  • b)
    4 Only
  • c)
    1,3 & 4 Only   
  • d)
    1,2,3 & 4
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Valor Academy answered
  • Chlorofluorocarbons, known as ozone-depleting substances, are used in the production of plastic foams, in cleaning electronic components, and as pressurizing agents in aerosol cans.
  • Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are nontoxic, nonflammable chemicals containing atoms of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine.
    - They are used in the manufacture of aerosol sprays, blowing agents for foams and packing materials, solvents, and as refrigerants.

​The distribution of powers between the Centre and the States in the Indian Constitution is based on the scheme provided in the:
  • a)
    Morley-Minto Reforms, 1909
  • b)
    Montagu-Chelmsford Act, 1919
  • c)
    Government of India Act, 1935
  • d)
    Indian Independence Act, 1947
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Government of India Act, 1935
As far as legislative powers are concerned, the constitution of India follows a system that is similar to the Canadian Constitution, but Indian Constitution has a more elaborate Concurrent List which was a result of following the Australian Constitution. The scheme of division of legislative powers is almost same as in the Government of India Act 1935. Then, if we talk about the distribution of the taxing power and revenues under the Indian Constitution, we find that it follows the scheme of 1935 act, which was actually based upon the experiences of 65 years since the times of Lord Mayo. Correct answer is C.

What is the difference between a CFL and an LED lamp?
a) To produce light, a CFL uses mercury vapour and phosphor while an LED lamp uses semiconductor material.
b) The average life span of a CFL is much longer than that of an LED lamp.
c) A CFL is less energy-efficient as compared to an LED lamp.
​Q. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 only.
  • b)
    2 and 3 only.
  • c)
    1 and 3 only.
  • d)
    1, 2and 3.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Rahul Mehta answered
Until recently, most homes used incandescent light bulbs. Incandescent bulbs emit light by generating heat. Unfortunately 90% of the power required to provide the desired brightness is emitted in heat rather than visible light. For this reason, incandescent bulbs are gradually being phased out, and in the United States will be banned entirely by 2014. CFLs have been touted enthusiastically in the past decade, but LEDs are beginning to surpass them because they require as little as half the power and last 10 times longer than a CFL. The table below contrasts the three technologies.

Among the following organisms, which one does not belong to the class of other three?
  • a)
    Crab
  • b)
    Mite
  • c)
    Scorpion
  • d)
    Spider
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Alok Verma answered
Ticks and mites are in Phylum Arhtropoda but their class is not insecta but A rachnida. Thus, Ticks and mites are actually Arachnids.
Scorpiones also fall within the class Arachnida. Spider make the largest order of arachnids. Crab is a crustacean.

Mycorrhizal biotechnology has been used in rehabilitating degraded sites because mycorrhiza enables the plants to?
1. Resist drought and increase absorptive area
2. Tolerate extremes of ph
3. Resist disease infestation
Select the correct answer using the codes 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?

Eesha Bhat answered
All three options are correct.
Option-1:- Re-introduction of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi into agricultural soils has been shown to increase crop yields in nutrient poor soils, increase yields for agricultural plants that have large requirement for nutrients and water, and restore structure and fertility to degraded soils. The resulting soil structure allows air and water movement into the soil, encouraging root growth and distribution, allows intra-aggregate organic matter to be slowly decomposed by microbes and converted into plant-available nutrients, and makes the soil less susceptible to wind and water erosion.
Option-2:- Anthropogenic deposition increases the possibility of phosphorus (P) limiting productivity in forest ecosystems. Moreover, inorganic P availability is largely controlled by soil pH and biogeochemical theory suggests that forests with acidic soils (i.e., <pH5) are particularly vulnerable to P limitation. Results from previous studies in these systems are mixed with evidence both for and against P limitation. Shifts in mycorrhizal colonization and community structure help temperate forest ecosystems overcome an underlying P limitation by accessing mineral and organic P sources that are otherwise unavailable for direct plant uptake
Option-3:- Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) enhance plant growth through increased nutrient uptake, stress tolerance and disease resistance. As an integral part of the root system, they interact with other microorganisms in soil and result in increased root exudation approaching about 25% of the plant dry matter production. Roots support a multitude of microorganisms that, in concert, can have profound influence on growth and survival of the plant. VAM fungi can alter the root exudation pattern, enhance chitinolytic activity and alter photosynthetic/respiratory deficiencies. VAM-positive plants are known to exhibit varied resistance towards soil-borne and foliar pathogens. The known interactions include a number of mechanisms, such as exclusion of the pathogen, lignification of plant cell walls, changed phosphate nutrition resulting in altered exudation by roots, and formation of inhibitory low molecular weight compounds.

Annie Besant was: 
1. Responsible for starting the Home Rule Movement
2. The founder of the Theosophical Society
3. Once the President of the Indian National Congress
Select the correct statement / statements using the codes 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?

Rahul Mehta answered
  • Annie Besant has become the head of the Theosophical Society, based in Adyar, Madras.  It was a eligious movement, founded by the Russian Madame Blavatsky, and not Besant herself.
  • Theosophy preached a mixture of social reform, cultivation of occult practices, and celebration of ancient Hindu wisdom that predatedWestern civilization. The first and third statements are correct, you must know that the INC Session of 1917 was headed by Annie Besant at Calcutta. 

Consider the following pairs : Tribes State  
1. Limbo (Limbu)   : Sikkim  
2. Karbi                  : Himachal Pradesh  
3. Dongaria             : Kondh Odisha  
4. Bonda                 : Tamil Nadu
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?   
  • a)
    1 and 3 only
  • b)
    2 and 4 only
  • c)
    1, 3 and 4 only
  • d)
    1,2,3 and 4
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Abhijeet Kumar answered
  • The Limboo people also known as Subba, Yakthungba, Limboo and Tshong of Sikkim are the ethnic minority tribal community who have their distinct identity as one of the indigenous inhabitants of Sikkim having own script, culture, food habits, attire, customs, traditions, religion and
  • Karbi Tribes are mainly dominated in the Karbi Anglong districtof Assam. Some are also found in North Cochar Hills, Nagaon, Golaghat, Kamrup, Jorhat, Sonitpur and Lakhimpur districts of Assam and in the bordering states of Nagaland and Meghalaya.
  • Bondas live in the remote Bonda hills. The landscape is quite inspiring with steep roads to climb up the green hill slopes and amazing jungles that seem to go for ever. The Bondas are national tribe of people approximately 5000 in number, living in the confined hill regions to the Malkangiri district of southwestern most Orissa, near to the confluence to the three states of Orissa, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh. The Bonda are scheduled tribe of India and are also known as Remo.
  • Dongaria are indigeneous tribal group in Orissa.

Microbial fuel cells are considered a source of sustainable energy. Why?
1. They use living organisms as catalysts to generate electricity from certain substrates.
2. They use a variety of inorganic materials as substrates.
3. They can be installed in waste water treatment plants to cleanse water and produce electricity.
​Q. Which of the following 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?

Aniket Nair answered
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a form of sustainable energy generation that uses living organisms as catalysts to produce electricity. They have several advantages over traditional forms of energy generation, such as being environmentally friendly and having low operating costs. The correct statements regarding MFCs are:

1. They use living organisms as catalysts to generate electricity from certain substrates.
MFCs use microorganisms such as bacteria to oxidize organic matter and produce electrons. These electrons are then transferred to an electrode, creating an electrical current. MFCs can use a variety of substrates, including wastewater, organic waste, and even human urine.

2. They use a variety of inorganic materials as substrates.
This statement is incorrect. MFCs use organic matter as a substrate, not inorganic materials.

3. They can be installed in wastewater treatment plants to cleanse water and produce electricity.
MFCs can be integrated into wastewater treatment plants to clean the water and generate electricity at the same time. This is an important advantage of MFCs, as it allows for sustainable energy generation while also treating waste.

In conclusion, MFCs are a promising source of sustainable energy that use living organisms as catalysts to generate electricity. They can use a variety of organic substrates and can be integrated into wastewater treatment plants to produce electricity and clean water at the same time.

With reference to consumers’ rights/ privileges under the provisions of law in India, which of the following statements is/arc correct?
1. Consumers are empowered to take samples for food testing.
2. When a consumer files a complaint in any consumer forum, no fee is required to be paid.
3. In case of death of a consumer, his/her legal heir can file a complaint in the consumer forum on his / her behalf. Q. Select the correct answer using the codes given below
  • a)
    1 Only
  • b)
    2 & 3 Only
  • c)
    1 & 3 Only
  • d)
    1,2 & 3
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

In general, the consumer rights in India are listed below:
  • The right to be protected from all kind of hazardous goods and services
  • The right to be fully informed about the performance and quality of all goods and services
  • The right to free choice of goods and services
  • The right to be heard in all decision-making processes related to consumer interests
  • The right to seek redressal, whenever consumer rights have been infringed
  • The right to complete consumer education

Consider the following rivers:
1. Barak
2. Lohit
3. Subansiri
Which of the above flows / flow through Arunachal Pradesh?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Mira Sharma answered
⇒ The Barak is an important river in Manipur and Mizoram. The barak river, the head stream of Meghna rises in the hills in Manipur.
⇒  Lohit River is a river in Arunachal Pradesh in India. It is a tributary to the Brahmaputra River. The Subansiri River is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River in the states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

India is regarded as a country with “Demographic Dividend’’. This is due to?
  • a)
    Its high population in the age group below 15 years.
  • b)
    Its high population in the age group of 15-64 years.
  • c)
    Its high population in the age group above 65 years.
  • d)
    Its high total population.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Upasana Menon answered
A rich cultural heritage and diversity. It is known for its ancient traditions, historical monuments, and various forms of art and literature. India has a long and complex history, with influences from various civilizations and empires over the centuries.

One of the most prominent aspects of Indian culture is its religious diversity. Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Islam are some of the major religions practiced in the country. Each religion has its own unique rituals, customs, and festivals, contributing to the colorful tapestry of Indian culture.

Indian cuisine is also renowned worldwide for its flavors and variety. Each region of India has its own distinct culinary traditions, with dishes ranging from spicy curries to sweet desserts. Indian spices, such as turmeric, cumin, and cardamom, are widely used and add a distinct taste to the food.

Indian classical music and dance forms, such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Hindustani classical music, are highly revered and considered integral parts of Indian culture. These art forms have evolved over centuries and continue to be practiced and celebrated today.

Literature has also played a significant role in shaping Indian culture. Ancient epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as works by renowned poets and writers like Rabindranath Tagore and R.K. Narayan, have had a profound impact on Indian society and continue to be cherished.

India's architectural heritage is another testament to its rich cultural history. The country is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, and Ellora Caves. These architectural marvels showcase the intricate craftsmanship and artistic prowess of ancient Indian civilizations.

Overall, India's cultural heritage is a reflection of its diverse history, religious beliefs, artistic expressions, and culinary traditions. It is this cultural richness that makes India a fascinating and vibrant country.

Which of the following can be said to be essentially the parts of Inclusive Governance?
1. Permitting the Non-Banking Financial Companies to do banking
2. Establishing effective District Planning Committees in all the districts
3. Increasing the government spending on public health
​4. Strengthening the Mid-day Meal Scheme
Q. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    3 and 4 only
  • c)
    2,3 and 4 only
  • d)
    1,2,3 & 4
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Amit Sharma answered
  • Kindly pay attention to statement 2. You must be aware that in last few years, Government has strengthened the district as the unit of planning in almost all Centrally sponsored programmes. Government has also consciously structured the flagship programmes in a manner that strengthens decentralized management through local institutions.
  • In the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and the National Rural Health Mission, District level Plans are being prepared and funded. In the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme, village panchayat level plans are prepared and aggregated at the District level as a District Plan and funds released to executing agencies which happen to be largely the panchayats. Similarly in the urban areas, under JNNURM, 63 cities have evolved medium term development plans for the cities and have been supported with Central Government funds.
  • Each district planning committee has a crucial role in building a thoughtful vision for its district through a participative and inclusive process. This is a correct statement. Option 3 & 4 are also correct. Correct answer is 2,3 & 4 only.

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